allonlinenovel Chapter 327 The Bride Also Comes to Toast
Chapter 327 The Bride Also Comes to Toast
The two slowly entered the bridal chamber, which was filled with a faint fragrance and flickering red candles, making the whole room exceptionally warm. Fuling, dressed in a brightly colored wedding gown, sat gracefully on the bed. Although her face was adorned with exquisite makeup, it exuded a unique serenity.
According to traditional wedding customs, the bride usually waits in the bridal chamber for the groom to finish toasting each table before the veil-lifting ceremony. However, Fuling did not follow this rule. She sat there quietly, as if it were all none of her business.
In fact, Fuling did this because the guests invited to the banquet today were not ordinary strangers, but relatives and friends from all walks of life with deep ties to the Gu family. Outside the spacious wedding hall, tables were set up with sumptuous feasts, and the guests were laughing and chatting in a harmonious atmosphere.
These guests included relatives of the Gu family, officials from Yuncheng City, and the mysterious and revered members of Medicine King Valley. To Fuling, these were not strangers, but familiar friends and family.
In this atmosphere, Fuling's initial nervousness gradually dissipated, replaced by a feeling of ease and comfort. She knew that these people genuinely wished her and her groom well, so she didn't need to be overly bound by traditional etiquette.
Fuling, dressed in a magnificent phoenix coronet and wedding gown, sat gracefully in the bridal chamber, like a fairy descended from heaven. Her phoenix coronet was inlaid with dazzling gemstones, and her wedding gown was embroidered with exquisite phoenix patterns; every stitch seemed to tell of her nobility and beauty. Song Ming stood to the side, holding a traditional Chinese ruyi scale brought by the maids—a tool used in traditional weddings to lift the bride's veil. He carefully picked up the scale and gently lifted a corner of Fuling's veil, as if unveiling a precious treasure. As the veil was lifted, Fuling's exquisite and stunning face gradually appeared before Song Ming's eyes. Her skin was as white as snow, and her face, sculpted like jade, had large, clear eyes like autumn water, and long eyelashes that trembled slightly, as light as butterfly wings. Her lips were painted with a light lipstick, and a shy smile played at the corners of her mouth. At this moment, Fuling gently raised her hand, her slender fingers trembling slightly, seemingly a little nervous. She slowly lifted the red veil from her head, as if unveiling a mysterious veil. When the veil was completely removed, the scene inside the bridal chamber came into Fuling's view. The room was decorated warmly and romantically, with flickering red candles and light dancing on the walls, adding an ambiguous atmosphere to the whole room.
Fuling's eyes held a hint of anticipation mixed with a touch of nervousness. She thought to herself that although today was her big day, this special circumstance saved her from the tedious waiting. However, facing the new life that was about to begin, she couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.
Then, Fuling slowly rose from her seat, her light steps like those of a dancing fairy. She walked gracefully to the exquisitely carved wardrobe. The wardrobe was extremely finely crafted, with various beautiful patterns carved on it, as if every detail contained endless stories and emotions.
Fuling gently pushed open the cabinet door, the hinges making a soft creaking sound, as if her journey was about to begin. The door slowly opened, releasing a delicate fragrance—the aroma of the toasting dress she had prepared beforehand.
The toasting dress lay quietly in the wardrobe, like a precious work of art. It was a bright red long dress, with delicate patterns embroidered on the hem. These patterns, like twinkling stars in the night sky, shimmered softly in the candlelight, dreamlike and enchanting.
Fuling carefully took out her toasting dress, afraid of wrinkling it. With the help of a maid, she skillfully put on the beautiful gown. The moment she put on the dress, it seemed as if the entire room was illuminated by her beauty.
Next, Fuling removed the phoenix crown from her head. Although the crown was magnificent, at this moment, she wanted to show her most authentic self. She gently combed her hair, completing a Ling She bun, a hairstyle that was both elegant and playful, perfectly highlighting her beauty and temperament.
Then, facing the bronze mirror, Fuling carefully adorned herself with gold hairpins and ornaments. Each hairpin shimmered with golden light, complementing her red toasting dress and making her look even more radiant. She meticulously adjusted her makeup, making her complexion appear rosier and her eyes filled with happiness.
Just then, Song Ming changed into the same toasting attire as Fu Ling. His red clothes were embroidered with exquisite patterns, echoing Fu Ling's attire, making them look like a match made in heaven. The golden crown on his head was removed, replaced by a more delicate purple-gold crown. This purple-gold crown not only lightened the weight on his head but also made him look even more handsome, dashing, and elegant.
After everything was prepared, Song Ming and Fu Ling walked lightly out of the bridal chamber. When she appeared in the wedding hall, the previously lively scene fell silent for a moment, followed by soft exclamations of admiration. Fu Ling smiled, nodded slightly to everyone, and then went with Song Ming to offer toasts.
At this moment, an official from Yuncheng City Government came over and chatted with Song Ming for a few words. Seeing Fuling approaching, the official quickly offered his congratulations. The two stood side by side, looking perfectly matched. Fuling showed no timidity whatsoever, truly displaying the demeanor of a woman from a distinguished family.
They first approached the table of the Gu family elders. Song Ming smiled and raised his wine glass, followed closely by Fu Ling, who held her glass with both hands, her movements elegant and dignified. She said softly, "Thank you all for coming today, elders. Let us toast you all." Her voice was clear and melodious, like a nightingale singing in a valley.
Seeing this, the elders smiled kindly and nodded in response. They raised their glasses, drank them down in one gulp, and offered words of blessing, such as "May you have a long and happy marriage" and "May you have a son soon."
Next, they arrived at Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen's table. Although this table was not of high seniority, the members held extremely high positions, and no one dared to be negligent. After Song Ming stood still, he took a deep breath and then solemnly said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, Empress, Princess Wen, Princess Qi, and Madam Wu, for attending my wedding. Also, thank you, elder brother and second sister."
These words surprised Gu Mochen, and he couldn't help but glance at Song Ming again. He knew that from childhood to adulthood, even now that he was the emperor, Song Ming had never shown him much respect. Yet today, Song Ming was thanking him so earnestly—this was the first time he had ever done so.
Gu Mochen sighed inwardly. It seemed that Song Ming truly cared for Fuling, which was why he valued this wedding so much. Even someone who didn't respect him as the emperor was being so polite today.
Since Song Ming was being so accommodating, Gu Mochen naturally couldn't spoil the fun. He smiled slightly, raised his glass, and said loudly, "Congratulations!" Ye Qingchen also smiled and echoed, "Yes, congratulations, Master Song! Congratulations, Fuling!" Seeing this, the others also raised their glasses and said in unison, "Congratulations!"
Then they arrived at the table of the Yuncheng city officials. Song Ming politely said, "I am deeply grateful for the presence of all of you gentlemen today." Fu Ling smiled and echoed his sentiment. The officials praised Fu Ling's beauty and generosity, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.