amaotonovel Chapter 178 Two Couples Pay Their Respects
Chapter 178 Two Couples Pay Their Respects
The main hall was solemn and dignified. The Empress Dowager sat on the magnificent phoenix throne, dressed in gorgeous robes and wearing a phoenix crown. Although the years had left their mark on her face, they had also given her a dignified and imposing presence. Her gaze was calm yet profound, revealing the wisdom gained from experiencing the world.
The Emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, his bright yellow dragon robe exuding supreme nobility. The dragon pattern embroidered with gold thread seemed to come alive, shimmering with the light and shadow, displaying royal majesty. His face was calm, and his eyes revealed the air of someone who would rule the world.
The Empress sat next to the Emperor, wearing a phoenix hairpin and an exquisite phoenix robe. Her demeanor was graceful and elegant, and her every move exuded grace and poise. A perfectly timed smile played on her lips, displaying both the majesty of an empress and the gentleness and approachability of a woman.
Today is the day for newlyweds to pay their respects to their husbands. The two couples waited outside the hall early in the morning, and only entered the hall respectfully when summoned.
Zhao Xiong and Su Yao'er were like two complete strangers, each walking expressionlessly along different paths towards the main hall. Their cold expressions made it seem as if there was an insurmountable chasm between them, showing no trace of acquaintance.
Murong Che, on the other hand, had a solemn expression, yet he managed to remain calm and composed as he gracefully approached, each step seemingly carrying a heavy burden of worries, which he concealed beneath his composed exterior.
Xue Xiang glanced at Murong Che furtively, feeling as if a heavy boulder was pressing on her heart; the feeling was indescribably painful. Yet, she gritted her teeth, forcing a slightly bitter smile from the corner of her mouth, and silently followed Murong Che's steps towards the main hall. Even her retreating figure conveyed a sense of helplessness and heartache.
Zhao Xiong bowed respectfully and said loudly, "Your subject greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, wishing Your Majesty longevity and abundant blessings. You greet Your Majesty the Empress, wishing Your Majesty boundless grace and majesty. You greet Your Majesty the Emperor, long live the Emperor!" His voice was steady and powerful, his face full of sincerity and respect, and his eyes were lowered, showing the obedience of a subject.
Su Yao'er quickly bowed gracefully and said in a sweet voice, "This humble woman greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, praying that Your Majesty will be joyful, auspicious, blessed with boundless fortune, and virtuous throughout the world. Greetings to Your Majesty the Empress, may Your Majesty's beauty remain forever, and may your virtuous reputation spread throughout the land. Greetings to Your Majesty the Emperor, may Your Majesty enjoy good health, may your empire be forever secure, and may your reign be prosperous and long-lasting." Her eyes were lowered, her expression gentle, carrying just the right amount of humility and obedience.
Seeing this, the Empress Dowager quickly raised her hand slightly and said with a smile, "Get up, thank you for your kindness." Her smile was full of benevolence.
Murong Che stepped forward, his expression cold and stern, as if his face were covered by a layer of frost, showing no emotion whatsoever. He bowed steadily with both hands, his tone calm yet respectful, and said, "Your subject greets Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty good health and longevity. Your younger brother greets Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty's empire to be forever secure and your holy might to spread far and wide. Greetings to Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty's life to be smooth and prosperous, and blessings upon the harem."
Xue Xiang quickly and respectfully bowed, her face full of humility and caution. She said softly, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to Your Majesty the Empress Dowager. May Your Majesty always be happy, enjoy family bliss, be free from worries year after year, and have boundless blessings. I pay my respects to His Majesty the Emperor. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress! Long live the Empress!" After speaking, she remained bowing, quietly awaiting a response, her eyes revealing a hint of nervousness and awe.
The Empress Dowager's smiling face froze slightly, and the gentle smile in her eyes also froze for a moment. Her gaze involuntarily fell on Xue Xiang, as if she wanted to see through her, scrutinizing her closely.
I felt that Xue Xiang seemed different from usual today. The expression in her eyes and the demeanor in her every move exuded a different feeling.
The Empress Dowager frowned slightly, lost in thought, and subconsciously exchanged a glance with the Emperor, as if communicating her doubts with her eyes.
After a moment, the Empress Dowager came to her senses and quickly waved her hand with a smile, saying in a gentle voice, "Please get up, there's no need for such formalities."
His words were as loving as ever, but deep in his eyes, a trace of lingering contemplation remained.
The Empress Dowager looked at the two couples with a smile, first turning her gaze to Zhao Xiong and Su Yao'er, and said kindly, "You two, standing here today, will support each other and share joys and sorrows from now on. The most important thing in marriage is mutual understanding. In this palace and in this world, you must cherish each other and live a harmonious and beautiful life. Don't waste this wonderful marriage."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiong and Su Yao'er bowed respectfully. Zhao Xiong smiled and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty. I will certainly follow your teachings."
Su Yao'er nodded slightly and gently echoed, "Your Majesty's kindness is etched in my heart. I wish Your Majesty all the best and that you always be smiling."
After saying this, the Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction, then turned her gaze to Murong Che and Xue Xiang, her eyes filled with concern and helplessness. She slowly said, "Che'er, you two are the same. Husbands and wives should be considerate of each other and bear with each other when things happen. In the future, you should work together to fulfill your duties for the royal family and for the world. I hope you can love each other and stay together for a long time, so as not to betray this fate."
Murong Che and Xue Xiang also hurriedly bowed, and Murong Che replied with a serious expression, "Your subject understands."
Xue Xiang respectfully said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your blessing. I will surely support the Prince and walk hand in hand with him. I also hope that Your Majesty will take good care of your health and stay young forever."
After hearing this, the Empress Dowager had some doubts, but she didn't say much, only nodding with satisfaction.
At this moment, the Emperor slightly raised his hand, a smile of satisfaction on his face, and said loudly, "Today is a day of consecutive happy events, truly a joyous occasion, and a very auspicious omen. I believe that with everyone's concerted efforts, our Ling Kingdom will surely enjoy favorable weather and abundant harvests, and will prosper and flourish in the future. Please don't be shy, take your seats quickly."
After speaking, his gaze swept over everyone, his eyes filled with anticipation for the future and the lofty ambitions of an emperor.
Then, the Ninth Prince Murong Yi, with his tall and straight figure, walked slowly with steady steps. Beside him, Lin Qianqian and Su Wan'er stood gracefully on either side, and the three of them were quite eye-catching in the hall.
Upon approaching, Murong Yi first straightened his robes, then bowed respectfully with a solemn yet dignified expression. Though his demeanor was dignified, he could not hide the subtle joy welling up in his eyes. He said in a loud and respectful voice, "Your subject greets the Empress Dowager, and your younger brother greets the Emperor and his sister-in-law."
Lin Qianqian and Su Wan'er exchanged a glance, and as if by unspoken agreement, they both gracefully bowed, their soft voices ringing out in unison: "Your Majesty, we pay our respects to the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress."
His words revealed humility and obedience, and his obedient demeanor seemed to blend seamlessly with the solemn atmosphere of the hall.
Upon seeing this, the Emperor's lips curled up slightly, revealing a refined and gentle smile. His eyes were full of tenderness as he waved his hand gently and said, "Get up, all of you!" His voice carried a warmth that was as gentle as a spring breeze.
The Empress Dowager's gaze immediately fell on Lin Qianqian, her eyes instantly filled with concern and affection, and a kind smile bloomed on her face. She beckoned to Lin Qianqian and said, "Qianqian, come here quickly."
Lin Qianqian understood immediately. She pursed her lips slightly, a sweet smile curving her lips, and took light steps to walk slowly to the Empress Dowager's side.
The Empress Dowager took Lin Qianqian's hand, patted it gently, and said with eyes full of tenderness, "Qianqian, you are pregnant, you don't need to perform such a grand ceremony, you must take care of your health."
Lin Qianqian quickly curtsied, her face beaming with a cheerful smile, and replied crisply, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. But how can I skimp on the formalities? The rules cannot be broken. It is my honor to pay my respects to you. Even though I am pregnant, I must let you know how much I respect you."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager nodded with satisfaction, stroked her cheek, and grew even more fond of this imperial daughter-in-law.
Seeing the Empress Dowager's obvious favoritism towards Lin Qianqian, Su Wan'er's anger flared up instantly. She gritted her teeth, thinking bitterly, "That old woman is so biased! Does she think only Lin Qianqian is pregnant? You'll be surprised later. Let's see how you react then."
Yet she maintained a magnanimous and composed demeanor, a faint smile on her lips, as if she didn't care about anything at all. However, the slightly clenched hem of her clothes betrayed her true emotions.
Murong Yi stepped forward, his face beaming with barely suppressed joy, and respectfully addressed the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, saying, "Mother, I have come today with good news to share with you all." He then looked at everyone with expectant eyes.
The Empress Dowager was slightly taken aback, her eyes filled with doubt. Then she raised an eyebrow and teased, "Oh? What good news could be better than Qianqian's pregnancy?"
Murong Yi's smile deepened, her eyes gleaming with pride, and she announced loudly, "Mother, Imperial Brother, Wan'er... she's pregnant too!"
As soon as she said that, everyone's eyes were drawn to Su Wan'er as if by magic.
Su Wan'er's lips curled up slightly, revealing a smug smile. She tilted her head back slightly, her gaze sweeping over everyone, her eyes filled with the joy of victory.
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's eyes widened in disbelief. She leaned forward slightly and asked cautiously, "What? Is it true?" Her gaze was fixed on Su Wan'er, as if trying to discern the truth from her.
Murong Yi nodded quickly and replied with certainty, "Absolutely true."
Lin Qianqian chimed in with a smile, "It's true, Mother! Wan'er is pregnant too! This is such a joyous occasion!"
The Empress Dowager then came to her senses, and her face instantly blossomed into a smile of surprise and joy. That smile seemed to dispel all the gloom in the hall, and her eyes were full of happiness. She said repeatedly, "Oh my, this is truly a great joy! Quickly, come here to me." She beckoned Su Wan'er to come forward.
Hearing the Empress Dowager's greeting, Su Wan'er felt even more smug, but she still tried to suppress it and make herself look dignified and generous. She walked slowly and gracefully toward the Empress Dowager, her back view seemingly exuding a sense of triumph.
The Empress Dowager quickly reached out and held Su Wan'er's hand tightly, her face full of relief and her eyes filled with deep concern. She said softly, "Good, now that you are pregnant, you must be more careful. Your body is very precious now. Don't overwork yourself. You must take good care of yourself and the baby in your womb."
Su Wan'er bowed slightly, a perfectly timed smile on her face, and obediently replied, "Your Majesty is right. I will certainly follow Your Majesty's teachings, take good care of my health, and live up to Your Majesty's care. I only hope to successfully give the royal family another child."
As she spoke, the Empress Dowager's smile deepened. She held Lin Qianqian's hand with her left hand and Su Wan'er's hand with her right, as if she were protecting two priceless treasures, her eyes full of love and expectation.
Upon seeing this, the Emperor was overjoyed, his face beaming with happiness. He proclaimed, "Today is truly a double celebration! This is an auspicious omen for my Ling Kingdom. May my Ling Kingdom prosper and flourish in the future!"
A burst of laughter and joy filled the air, and everyone's face was beaming with happiness. The entire hall was filled with this intense joy, and the atmosphere was like the brightest sunshine in spring, warmly enveloping everyone.