The wedding

Sooner than later, the delegation reached the capital of Shangwei, Tianyu, where the palace stood in all its majestic splendor.

The palace buzzed with life as a large crowd of political figures, family, and friends gathered, accompanied by a troupe of musicians playing joyful tunes that filled the air. It was a sight to behold, its grandeur matching the significance of the occasion.

Among the dignitaries and noble guests, stood the symbol of stability that would be brought about by this union: Long Dahai, the seventh prince of Shangwei and the esteemed bridegroom.

In the midst of anticipation and expectant gazes, Long Dahai remained composed, ready to embrace the vows of matrimony and fulfill his duty with grace and honor. He carried himself with dignity befitting his royal lineage.

His raven-black hair was neatly styled, and he wore red wedding attire adorned with intricate embroidery, accentuating his regal bearing.

As the bridal party approached, paying their respects to Long Dahai, the music gradually stilled, and all eyes turned to the sedan.

The young soldier's heart pounded against his chest. From the ambush until now, he racked his brain to think about an explanation for the empty sedan. The possibilities swirled in his mind, each one more bewildering than the last.

Did Jeontu never plan on marrying someone to Shangwei for an alliance? Was this all a facade to provoke the Empire and incite war?

Or perhaps Prime Minister Han was acting alone? Surely, he loved his daughter too much to subject her to an arranged marriage with a foreign prince. Maybe he couldn't bear to see her marry someone from another country, so he hid her away somewhere safe.

Maybe the Young Han Miss had a secret admirer who had discovered the marriage arrangement and spirited her away. Or perhaps she had eloped with her secret lover, defying the expectations set upon her.

It was a puzzle tormenting his mind.

As the wedding nanny extended her hand into the curtain, the air seemed to freeze.

The soldier's breath caught in his throat as the unexpected happened. A pale hand emerged from the sedan. It was Han Aeng.

Nanny Na, who had raised her, brushed away tears, confirming the soldier's suspicion.

His mind raced to make sense of the situation, he considered how the sedan had been guarded round the clock, and the security measures were supposed to be foolproof. How had the Young Han Miss managed to get back into the sedan undetected?

And why did she leave?

Yet another thought tugged at the soldier's mind.

Could this be a calculated move to ensure Young Han Miss's safety? The attack a month ago was a reminder that there were hidden dangers lurking. Was the empty sedan meant to mislead any potential threats.

Alas, the young solider knew he would never find out the secret behind her sudden disappearance and magical appearance.

The festive atmosphere vibrant, charged with anticipation as wedding nanny placed Han Aeng's hands into Long Dahai's, and he accompanied her along the red mat to the family altar where the imperial family were waiting.

Long Dahai commanded attention effortlessly, his form tall and composed, with broad shoulders and a strong physique that spoke of discipline and strength. His features chiseled, with a strong jawline and a serene expression that exuded confidence and strength.

The ceremony began promptly as the guest gathered at the hall.

"May the couple pay homage to heaven and earth, pay respect to gods and ancestors."

"May the couple kowtow to pay homage to the groom's parents."

The couple gracefully performed the traditional act of kowtowing, first bowing in respect to heaven and earth, then to the groom's parents.

"May the couple kowtow to each other." The officiant's voice resonated through the venue.

In unison, Long Dahai and Han Aeng lowered themselves, symbolizing their union before the assembled witnesses.

With this act, they became an official couple, bound together in matrimony.

"The bride emanates composure, gentility, and elegance, while the groom stands tall, exuding pride and charisma. Their every movement carries an air of refinement and sophistication," the onlookers whispered in awe.

The pair appeared to be a perfect match, as if destined by the heavens themselves.

"His Highness is undeniably pleasing to the eye, and Her Highness... well, we'll soon discover her beauty once the veil is lifted," someone murmured playfully, eliciting a chuckle from the crowd.

Surround by spectators' admiring gazes and words of praise for the couple, Long Dahai discreetly clenched his hands, concealing the nervousness that tugged at him, while Han Aeng felt a slight chill run through her toes, a testament to her underlying anxiety.

After the ceremony, Han Aeng was led to the nuptial chamber, and everyone else to enjoy the banquet.

Long Dahai maintained his calm demeanor exchanged smiles and polite conversations, engaging in pleasantries with the guests.

But behind closed doors, among his closest friends and family, who earnestly hosted a 'groom harassment', the facade started to crack.

They held back no pity and teased him to their heart's content.

"Hey~" Gu Yunzhi nudged playfully, throwing his arm over Long Dahai's shoulder. "She seems really delicate, don't you think, Dahai? So tender, o' so fragile."

Lond Dahai turned a deaf hear to his taunt, taking a sip of liquor to quell lingering nervousness, accepting the bitterness to stay grounded.

Observing his friend's composed state, Gu Yunzhi's interest grew piqued. It was rare to see his best friend in such a state. Long Dahai was somewhat a collected individual who didn't make casual jokes with someone they just met, someone you could rely on when you needed something. Or someone you could run to when something goes wrong, probably had a backup plan for everything, type of calm and collected.

Yet the same unfazed and calm Long Dahai, had downed his third bottle of alcohol!

"Are you drinking to celebrate your wedding or because you want to black out?" Gu Yunzhi questioned, snatching the cup from Long Dahai's hands when he went for another serving.

"You're nervous, my dear bridegroom?" Sixth Prince, Long Bojing, questioned.

He and Young General Wu spent their time counseling Long Dahai for the marriage and mentally preparing him. While the results aren't very promising, it's the thought that counts.

"It shows?" Long Dahai's tone was hushed that only Gu Yunzhi and Long Bojing heard him.

He was nervous, maybe beyond his own explanation, however, Long Dahai's nerves were natural considering the circumstances.

Getting married wasn't something one could just prepare for by reading or studying the topic. Everyone he consulted had different answers; there was no clear-cut explanation nor promised result. This is how he concludes that marriage is tangible. No two couples will ever have the same experience; they are all unique in one way or form. Embracing the unknown was part of the journey.

"No…" Long Bojing glanced at Long Dahai's quivering hands, "Well, perhaps. The slightest, but you'll be fine."

Gu Yunzhi grinned. Walking his fingers along Long Dahai's arm, he whispered, "You can't be nervous, Mr Groom. You have to be the one taking the lead. I bet she's waiting for her husband now."

Annoyed, Long Dahai sternly cut in, throwing off Gu Yunzhi's hand and giving him a grimaced look. "I don't remember inviting you to my wedding."

"Big brother just because you got yourself a bride you don't need this childhood friend anymore?"

"Stop saying weird things to him," Long Bojing cut in. Taking Gu Yunzhi's arm off, he reassuringly advised, "Hai'er, listen to your brother. It all comes down to the importance of being gentle and patient. However, just trust your natural instinct. You know, we men are natural at this. Just give in to every temptation thrown your way. If you want to touch her, then do it -"

Long Dahai's eyes widened at his brother's words, his innocence only going so far in feigning ignorance. Still, he definitely was shy enough to not want to hear more. "Stop Ge! I prefer Yunzhi's advice more."

Gu Yunzhi laughed aloud, "Haha. I see the wedding nanny calling you over. Off you go, Mr Bridegroom."

Long Dahai acknowledged his friend's words with a nod. His quivering hands gradually settled as he headed to the nuptial chamber.

Watching his best friend leave, Gu Yunzhi tried to keep his lips shut but couldn't resist offering a final piece of advice, "She has a lot to learn. Be gentle to her, would you?"

Glancing back at his friend and brother who were immersed in laughter, Long Dahai wore a meaningful smile.

With that, he headed towards the bridal chamber where his wife awaited him.