Nanling was decorated like a bride, as today was the New Year's Eve. Emperor had sealed the pen and waved his sleeves for all the consuls to take a week long vacation. Later at night there was a short ceremony and banquet at the palace.
Everyone just prayed as long as no one dies in the banquet hall the year would be good. The after effect of previous year when Yusheng had beheaded the duke was still in their hearts. As not to repeat such incident everyone one of high ranked invitees had selected most obedient one to follow them in tonight's banquet.
The day passed quickly and soon the palace gates were cramped with long lines of carriages. Guards and attendant were sweating and busy like bee. One after another the hall was starting to fill with people's buzzing sound.
The enunuch by the doors shouts with his shrill voice informing the people inside "Holy Emperor and Empress...Crown Prince and Lord of the valley...Junwang have arrived.."
Each seated lords or madams stood to greet and salute the royal family who appeared looking majestic. Emperor reaching above his jade stairs looks his subjects below and ushers them to take their seats.
A royal priest with his small group then enters and initiates the short praying ceremony for heaven and earth. The ceremony symbolized the wishes and hope to have a good year, after which the banquet started.
One after another toasted to the royal couple according to their ranks. The people below were curious as the royal priest and his group were standing upright as waiting for someone or something.
Soon the eunuch at the hall entrance informs of the arrival of the great sage of dragon temple. Everyone once again were on their feet's to welcome the holy sage.
Like his name the man enters the hall looking like an immortal. As if cheated on aging he appeared looking young and healthy unlike what one would expect of his current age. A special seat like Yusheng had been prepared near the royal couples to signify of his status and importance.
The man had a gentle and calming smile on his face. He looks at Yusheng and nods in his heart as if praising her then looks at his disciple with the look of "lucky you" before taking his seat.
His assistant was standing behind him with a covered tray. The great sage after some polite chat with the royal couple stands and looking at the mass below speaks "May the heavens blessings and protection be with you...this humble monk has come today to share a happy news to all of you and Nanling...
By the power bestowed upon me by the heavens...this humble monk had the honour of match making the birth characters of our crown prince and lord of the valley...and delighted to share that their characters matched with perfection...
It is a blessing to have been the part of this match making as only once in a hundred years we find such perfect matching...the crown prince and lord of the valley are blessed by heaven to be for each other...their union will bring great and prosperous changes for us all...
By the Mandate of Heaven this humble monk gladly informs that on the day of the coming double seventh festival...marriage ceremony between crown prince and lord of the valley is to be held..."
Everyone was suprised to learn that Yusheng was getting married not long after her coming of age ceremony. They immediately began to dawn and flatter while congratulating both the new and old couples.
Many envied Pei Jin for being able to catch the person with ease while the sour ones complained how an old cow was grazing on young grass. Even if given ten more lives no one would dare to reveal their real thoughts.
The royal couples happiness was clear for all with their glowing faces and stretched smile. Even the normally aloof and cold crown prince at this time had gentle look and what seemed like smile on his lips. Yusheng was aloof as if she was not the bride to be, as one cannot see the normal shy and blushing face found in girls when hearing of their marriage.
The banquet was very jovial with good foods and drinks. Funny acts by theatre actors made people laugh till they had tears in their eyes and after the grand firework the banquet was ended. Each of the person left the hall with happy and content heart.