vstars Chapter 86 Worship
Chapter 86 Worship
Inside the hall, red candles flickered, filling the air with splendor. Su Wan'er, dressed in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, moved gracefully towards the front of the hall, supported by her maid, Huan'er. The exquisitely embroidered skirt swayed gently with her steps, as if whispering of her current triumph.
Murong Yi stood tall and straight in the hall, his eyes fixed on Su Wan'er. His eyes were filled with joy and doting affection, as if everything around him had vanished and only the person in front of him was clearly visible.
The Empress Dowager sat on her high seat. Although she disliked all of this, she could only force a smile for the sake of the occasion. The smile was tinged with helplessness and bitterness, making her seem out of place in the festive atmosphere.
Lin Qianqian sat quietly on the right side of the hall, her face calm, like a statue, though the slightly clenched hem of her dress betrayed a hint of turmoil in her heart. She watched the newlyweds approach step by step, her expressionless gaze deep and unfathomable, her emotions unreadable.
Xiao Die stood guard beside Lin Qianqian, glancing at her mistress every now and then, her brows furrowed, her eyes filled with resentment and anger. Her gaze was like a sharp arrow, piercing the newlyweds as if to burn two holes in them.
As the master of ceremonies shouted, "First bow to Heaven and Earth—", Murong Yi and Su Wan'er both bowed. Murong Yi's movements were devout and solemn, while Su Wan'er lowered her head slightly, and the faint smile on her lips became more obvious at the moment of the ceremony.
As the master of ceremonies' authoritative and resounding voice rang out again, "Second bow to the venerable parents—", Murong Yi and Su Wan'er slowly turned to face the direction where the Empress Dowager was seated. Murong Yi stood steadily, his face respectful, bowing deeply, strands of hair gently falling across his forehead with his movement. Su Wan'er, on the other hand, lifted her skirt slightly, bent her knees slightly, and performed a graceful curtsy. Her eyes inadvertently met the Empress Dowager's gaze, which contained a hint of displeasure. After a brief moment of panic, she quickly regained her composure, a stubborn smile still faintly appearing at the corner of her mouth.
The master of ceremonies then called out, "Husband and wife bow to each other!" Murong Yi straightened up, gazing tenderly into Su Wan'er's eyes. He slowly stepped forward, clasped his hands in front of him, and bowed. Su Wan'er also raised her head, meeting Murong Yi's loving gaze. A blush rose on her cheeks, as if she were infected by this intense love, and she too gracefully bowed. Their figures, illuminated by the red candlelight, resembled a breathtaking painting, but to onlookers, this painting held a different meaning.
"The ceremony is complete—" the master of ceremonies drawled, his voice echoing throughout the hall. In an instant, drums and music resounded, joyous and boisterous, the lively sounds seeming to lift the roof off the hall. "To the bridal chamber—" With this shout, maids and servants escorted Su Wan'er slowly toward the bridal chamber.
Su Wan'er moved with light, graceful steps, the pearls and jade on her phoenix crown clinking together, producing a clear and melodious sound, as if playing a symphony leading to "happiness" for her. Surrounded by people, her figure was graceful, like the moon surrounded by stars, as she stepped towards the bridal chamber that symbolized her new life with Murong Yi.
Murong Yi watched her departing figure, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. Then, amidst the congratulations of the crowd, she turned to greet the guests who had come to offer their congratulations.
Lin Qianqian sat upright at her seat, her face as calm and serene as a still pool, a faint smile playing on her lips, as if everything before her was nothing more than an insignificant dream. However, within her heart, a turbulent storm was churning within her.
The grievances, disappointments, and resentments that I thought I had buried deep in my heart broke through the dam of reason like a surging tide.
She watched the departing figures of the newlyweds, her thoughts a jumble of memories, the past rushing through her mind. Yet she had to maintain her composure, for she knew that as the Ninth Prince's consort, the face of the royal family and the overall situation of the Prince's mansion weighed heavily on her seemingly delicate shoulders, allowing her no room for composure.