The Transmigrated Princess - Chapter 28.3

After being swathed in multiple layers, Gu Qing sat before the mirror, allowing others to work on her face. Madam Gu held a peachwood comb and recited, “First comb to the end, wealth without worry. Second comb to the end, free from illness and sorrow. Third comb to the end, blessed with fortune and longevity.”

Since Gu Qing and Xie Zhizhen were both women, Gu’s mother thoughtfully replaced “many children” with “abundant blessings,” wishing the couple a lifetime of happiness and togetherness.

As she spoke, tears welled up in Gu’s mother’s eyes. Though she knew the princess’s residence wasn’t far and visiting Gu Qing would be easy not to mention the deep bond the two had shared since childhood as a mother, seeing her daughter get married still stirred an inevitable sense of reluctance in her heart.

Gazing at her daughter in the mirror, Gu Mu noted the delicate yet spirited features her bright, jet-black eyes brimming with joy, lips tinted with red rouge curling slightly in a smile. The crimson wedding gown, embroidered with subtle golden threads that shimmered faintly, appeared understated at first glance. Yet Gu Mu knew that under sunlight, the lavish patterns would reveal themselves in all their splendor, leaving onlookers in awe.

Gu Qing seemed equally pleased. Admiring her reflection, she couldn’t help but muse narcissistically, this was the most beautiful she had ever looked in her life. She wondered how Zhenzhen would react upon seeing her.

Though the Gu family was marrying into royalty, after discussions between Gu Mu and Consort Shu, it was decided that the wedding ceremony would be held at the Gu residence, considering Gu Qing would later reside in the princess’s estate. The newlyweds would move there the following day.

Gu Qing wore a modified version of the traditional bridal attire tailored to allow her to ride unimpeded.

The journey from the Gu residence to the princess’s estate was a spectacle of gongs, drums, and unending revelry.

A royal wedding demanded grandeur, and the common folk marveled at the endless procession of betrothal gifts carried out from the Gu residence chest after chest, an unbroken line of opulence.

A woman jostling through the crowd, unable to see past the throng due to her short stature, asked in bewilderment, “Whose wedding is this? Such extravagance!”

A bystander shot her an incredulous look. “You don’t know?”

The imperial decree had been public for three days news of the royal marriage had spread far and wide.

The woman smiled apologetically. “I’ve only just returned to the capital. What’s happened?”

A nearby matron explained, “This is General Gu marrying into royalty none other than His Majesty’s most beloved, Princess Roujia. Naturally, the scale is grand.”

No sooner had she spoken than exclamations erupted. “His Majesty actually approved the marriage between the Second Miss Gu and Princess Roujia!”

“Of course! Rumor has it General Gu saved the emperor’s life, and this marriage is his reward.”

“Nonsense! I heard General Gu forced the emperor to write the decree himself during the Sixth Prince’s coup, only agreeing to send troops afterward.”

“Where did you hear such lies? I’ve long known His Majesty intended this match but hesitated because both are women. The rescue just gave him the perfect excuse.”

Amidst the gossip and wild theories about the imperial decree and the rescue, the crowd couldn’t help but marvel at the wealth on display from both households.

Of course, some disapproved of the union between two women. But what could they do? This was the emperor’s favorite daughter. Commoners might grumble in private, but none dared speak ill openly.

The people gaped at the hundred-odd chests the Gu family had prepared in just three days. Though the contents remained hidden, the gold-trimmed exteriors hinted at their staggering value.

If the groom’s gifts were this lavish, the princess’s dowry over a year in the making, would be even more extravagant. Each chest of jewels and silks could sustain an ordinary family for ten lifetimes.

And then there was the woman astride the red-maned steed her posture proud and unwavering, her fair skin glowing against the crimson robes, her lips curved in unmistakable delight.

Fetching Xie Zhizhen from the princess’s residence, it was a pity she was seated inside the palanquin, so Gu Qing couldn’t see her. But that did nothing to dampen her good mood.

Finally bringing Xie Zhizhen back to the Gu residence, Gu Qing extended her hand and bowed slightly. A delicate, fair hand clearly one that had known only comfort and luxury gently rested in her palm.

Sensing Xie Zhizhen’s nervousness, Gu Qing held her hand, as if to reassure her.

Don’t be afraid, I’m here.

The soft little hand in her grasp stirred something in Gu Qing’s heart, a satisfaction she had never felt before.

The emperor had been feeling increasingly unwell these past few days, but he insisted on attending Xie Zhizhen’s wedding today, making his stance abundantly clear.

Traditionally, the second bow during the ceremony was meant for both sets of parents. But with the emperor present, Gu Qing’s parents dared not sit beside him.

Instead, Consort Shu stood to the side, holding a set of exquisite robes, her eyes brimming with tears. She placed the robes solemnly beside the emperor’s seat. Gu Qing observed her demeanor and began to piece together the meaning.

Sure enough, Consort Shu soon explained, “This was my elder sister’s favorite set of robes in life. I thought that if her spirit watches over us, she would be happy to see Zhizhen’s wedding.”

A murmur of surprise rippled through the guests. A wedding was a joyous occasion, and joy was most averse to anything associated with “death,” even if it concerned the princess’s own birth mother.

The emperor remained silent, merely stroking the robes lightly, as if trying to feel the presence of the departed beauty. Anyone could see he was reminiscing about Noble Consort Xian, and for a moment, they couldn’t help but marvel at the depth of his affection for her.

Only Consort Shu, witnessing this scene, curled her lips into a mocking smile. But the sight of the emperor’s pallid complexion quickly lifted her spirits again.

The emperor’s actions tacitly endorsed Consort Shu’s gesture, and with his silent approval, who would dare say otherwise?

Only Xie Zhizhen, beneath her bridal veil, parted her lips, wanting to invite Consort Shu to sit beside the emperor.

Though Noble Consort Xian was her birth mother, it was Consort Shu who had raised her. Privately, Xie Zhizhen had always regarded Consort Shu and Noble Consort Xian as equals in her heart, if not slightly favoring Consort Shu.

Fortunately, Gu Qing noticed her movement in time and tightened her grip on Xie Zhizhen’s hand, signaling her to stay silent.

Having read the original novel, Gu Qing knew that in Consort Shu’s heart, Noble Consort Xian was the most important. If Xie Zhizhen were to seat Consort Shu in the place of honor now, it would only make her feel guilty, guilty for “stealing” her sister’s daughter.

Though Consort Shu and Noble Consort Xian were twin sisters, once they entered the palace, the emperor took precedence. By convention, a princess raised under her care should address her as “Imperial Mother,” following the emperor’s side of the family, rather than calling her “aunt” as her birth mother’s sister.

But Consort Shu believed that her sister had died giving birth to Xie Zhizhen, and no matter what, Xie Zhizhen must remember her mother. Thus, she never allowed Xie Zhizhen to call her “Imperial Mother,” insisting instead on “aunt.”

On another level, it was also her private refusal to acknowledge her relationship with the emperor, which was why she had Xie Zhizhen follow her mother’s side in terms of address.

Though Xie Zhizhen didn’t understand why Gu Qing stopped her, she trusted her unconditionally Gu Qing always had her reasons.

“The auspicious hour has arrived!”

Gu Qing released Xie Zhizhen’s hand, and each took hold of one end of the ceremonial red silk. In that moment, their hearts seemed as intertwined as the silk itself.

“Bow to heaven and earth!”

“Bow to the parents!”

“Bride and bride face each other and bow!”

“The ceremony is complete!”

The two finally arrived at Gu Qing’s chamber. Due to the wedding, the room had been adorned with red silk, and red double-happiness characters were pasted on the windows.

Though Xie Zhizhen had been escorted to the bridal chamber, Gu Qing still had to go out to entertain the guests. After helping Xie Zhizhen sit down, Gu Qing instructed Sujuan not to let Xie Zhizhen go hungry and to fetch her anything she wanted to eat before finally stepping out.

The emperor’s health had already been worn down by Xie Zhili’s slow-acting poison, and recently, his condition had worsened. Thus, after the ceremony, he left immediately.

As for Consort Shu, perhaps the sight of Noble Consort Xian’s ceremonial robes had stirred painful memories, she didn’t linger either, taking her sister’s garments back to the palace.

Fortunately, with the two highest-ranking figures gone, the other guests relaxed considerably.

Yin Lang, still somewhat cold, raised a cup to Gu Qing when she emerged. “Congratulations. After two years, you’ve finally won your beauty.”

Gu Qing’s lips curled as she accepted his blessing, only to be promptly dragged away by Xie Zhibai. “Alright, alright! Today’s your big day, you’ve got to drink more!”

A whole crowd of rough men took turns shamelessly plying Gu Qing with alcohol. But thinking of Xie Zhizhen waiting in the bridal chamber, she restrained herself, drinking only a few cups.

The group wasn’t satisfied. Wang Yong spoke up, “You brat, the youngest yet the first to marry! Shouldn’t you drink more?”

Someone nearby teased, “Hahaha, you just don’t get it! They grew up together, she’s had her marked for ages!”

Xie Zhibai, thoroughly drunk, could barely hold his cup steady. He leaned heavily on Gu Qing, who would’ve kicked him away if not for Xie Zhizhen’s sake.

“Gu Qing! You’d better take good care of my sister! I only have this one sister!”

His words were reckless in his drunken haze, but luckily, Yin Lang had been keeping an eye on him and smoothly added, “Your Highness, if the elder princesses heard you say that, they’d be heartbroken.”

Gu Qing chuckled lightly, understanding Xie Zhibai’s reluctance to part with Xie Zhizhen. “Don’t worry. If I ever treat Zhizhen poorly, you’re welcome to come to the princess’s manor and beat me up.”

Then, she glanced at Yin Lang and signaled, “The Ninth Prince is drunk. Help him retire for some proper rest.”

The emperor’s health was declining rapidly, and these were critical times. Though it was long known Xie Zhibai would inherit the throne, until he officially ascended, caution was paramount, no room for mistakes that could be exploited.

After making the rounds with the wine, Gu Qing finally returned to the bridal chamber to see Xie Zhizhen.

Upon entering, she first glanced at the fruit platter on the table. Noticing an apple missing, she knew Xie Zhizhen had eaten it at least she’d had something to fill her stomach.

Picking up the golden scale beside her, Gu Qing lifted Xie Zhizhen’s red veil. Beneath it, the woman’s snow-white skin glowed, her delicate smile radiant. Dressed in matching red bridal robes, she exuded a rare allure, a departure from her usual cool elegance.

The two locked eyes, each finding quiet joy reflected in the other’s gaze.

Gu Qing brought over the ceremonial wine. As they faced each other, arms entwined, the layers of their wedding attire brought them close so close that Gu Qing could catch the faint peach blossom fragrance on Xie Zhizhen, stronger now than ever before.

The nuptial cup was filled with peach blossom wine, Xie Zhi’s favorite. The aroma of the wine complemented her natural fragrance, and despite having drunk so much outside without getting intoxicated, Gu Qing felt as though she might be enchanted by this single cup of peach blossom wine.

After the couple drank from the nuptial cup, the elderly maid quickly handed over a pair of scissors. Gu Qing cut a lock of her own hair but then hesitated when it came to Xie Zhizhen’s raven tresses.

Xie Zhizhen seemed to sense her dilemma and, lifting a strand of her long hair, took the scissors from Gu Qing’s hand and snipped a section herself.

The two locks of hair were then entwined and tied into a knot, symbolizing the unity of the couple’s hearts.

Gu Qing picked up a nearby box and opened it. Holding the dark strands in her hand, Xie Zhizhen solemnly placed them inside the red box. Gu Qing closed the lid, marking the completion of the ritual.

The elderly maid led the other servants out, leaving the bridal chamber to the newlyweds.

Before they departed, Gu Qing asked them to bring in some food, as both she and Zhenzhen had gone hungry all day.

Once everyone had left, Gu Qing sat beside Xie Zhizhen. Though it wasn’t the first time they had sat together on a bed, she felt inexplicably nervous. Summoning her courage, she reached out and placed her hand over Xie Zhizhen’s.

The delicate touch of the woman’s hand sent Gu Qing’s heart fluttering.

Xie Zhizhen was also nervous, but seeing Gu Qing’s unease, she suddenly giggled.

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