On the winter solstice day of the sixth year of Kaibao, according to the new calendar of Kaibao, it is suitable for moving and getting married. And on this day, the royal family welcomed a new bride, and the protagonist of the marriage was the third son of the emperor and Duke of Jin Liu Xi.
Regarding Liu Xi's marriage, it has been delayed for almost a year. Emperor Liu had promised before that he would not object as long as his sister and brother-in-law had no objections. With Concubine Gao's help, a pair of cousins were finally brought together. The eldest daughter of Duke Huiguo Song Yanwo and the eldest princess Yongning, the seventeen-year-old daughter of the Song family became Liu Xi's official wife.
This wedding was very grand. The standards may not be as high as when Prince Liu Yang got married, but the scene was definitely better than when Liu Xu got married. As a child without a mother and few relatives, he can only understand the pain and suffering in his life.
When his nephew got married, An Guogong was so virtuous that he specially requested an order from Jiangnan to return to Xijing to attend the wedding ceremony. Emperor Liu also agreed to this.
The Duke's Mansion of the State of Jin was naturally decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, filled with distinguished guests and high officials. Emperor Liu had experienced such lively scenes countless times, but every time, he could not hide his joy and immersed himself in the joyful atmosphere. The only thing he regrets is probably that Queen Mother Li has gone and is no longer in that familiar position to accept the congratulations from the guests. Emperor Liu only has so many tender and emotional feelings when he thinks of his mother.
The winter solstice is the most important festival in the second half of the year. Both nobles and common people attach great importance to it. Therefore, the wedding banquet also has some special features, such as dumplings, which are still popular customs.
Liu Xi always looked casual and lazy on weekdays, but when it came to the most important event in his life, he was unusually reserved. According to the secret report from the fifth son Liu Yun, the fourth brother blushed and was so nervous that he trembled when he welcomed the bride... ...
Among the ladies present, the most beautiful one is probably Concubine Gao, and the Queen didn't even steal the limelight from him. After all these years, no matter how much unwillingness and care I put into getting my son married, I couldn't help but shed tears.
Of course, besides Liu Xi, the absolute protagonist must be Emperor Liu. No matter where he is, no matter what the occasion, wherever Emperor Liu is, he will always be the protagonist, and others will have to revolve around him.
There were quite a few people who took turns toasting to Emperor Liu. Even if they only tasted the wine briefly, they would have consumed half a kilo of royal wine.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty, on getting a wonderful daughter-in-law!" This time, the person who came to congratulate was Guo Wei, the head of the country and Duke of Xing.
The wine glasses clinked, Guo Wei's hand was half short, Emperor Liu drank half a drink, and Guo Wei drank it all in one gulp. There are quite a few women in Emperor Liu's harem, and there are certainly many kings, but there are also differences among them. Among the living people, the only ones with high status are Fu Gao and others.
Seeing Guo Wei bowing and Liu Yang sitting next to him, he immediately stood up and helped him sit down. The prince treated him with such courtesy, but it was a special gift. Old Guo Wei felt very grateful, but said it was inappropriate: "Your Highness, please don't do this, I don't dare to go beyond it!"
"Old Guozhang, he is both an elder and a meritorious figure, so he deserves it!" Liu Yang smiled slightly, and his smile was kind of friendly.
In response to Liu Yang's magnanimous performance, Emperor Liu's eyes flashed with approval and recognition. He waved his hand and said: "Today's wedding banquet does not talk about the differences between monarch and ministers, but only the friendship between relatives. The abbot does not need to be formal. Please sit down and accompany me. say something!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Prince!" Emperor Liu had already spoken, and Guo Wei no longer refused. With Liu Yang's support, he sat next to Emperor Liu.
Guo Wei is now sixty-five years old. Even though he has been recuperating for more than ten years, he looks wrinkled and weak, and he is no longer the same as before.
Noticing his gray hair, Emperor Liu couldn't help but sigh: "The emperor is getting older too!"
Guo Wei showed a smile: "After all, I am old and my strength is hard to support. I am now very old, with loose teeth and sleepless nights, and I am becoming more and more confused! However, I can see the prosperity of the Han Dynasty, the peace of the country and the peace of the people, and I can enjoy it in peace." After all, this life is not in vain!"
Hearing what he said, Emperor Liu laughed, and he knew from what Guo Wei said that although he was old, he was not confused at all. Looking at him, he said caringly: "The prince, please take care of your health! The man will be even more prosperous, and I look forward to sharing the prosperity with you and others!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Guo Wei smiled broadly, and the wrinkles on his face seemed to be jumping.
Emperor Liu "snatched" the wine jug from the envoy's hand, and poured wine for Guo Wei himself, while Guo Wei held the wine glass honorably. Emperor Liu said: "The king is old and it is inconvenient for him to drink too much. I will have a drink with you to show some friendship..."
"Yes!" Naturally, he listened to Emperor Liu.
When the monarch and his ministers were having an intimate conversation, Liu Yang was like a junior student, silently accompanying him. However, his attention was also attracted by the people at the tables next to him.
The results of Emperor Liu's unfurling efforts were already impressive. Men and women, old and young, occupied nine tables. Under the leadership of Liu Fang, Liu Yun and Liu Jia, the atmosphere was very lively.
Especially the two brothers Liu Fang and Liu Yun took the lead in the drinking competition. Liu Xu still behaved like an eldest brother, and would give words of dissuasion from time to time, but he was not as serious as usual.
On the other hand, his family of three were enjoying themselves sitting together. A flash of envy flashed in Liu Yang's eyes, especially when he looked at his cute little nephew Liu Wenyuan.
Now, Liu Yang has been married for two years, but the princess's belly has not moved at all, and the eldest brother is about to give birth to his second child. This is actually Liu Yang's hidden worry. He has worked hard on Princess Murong in the past two years, but with no results, it will inevitably lead to some speculation from the outside.
Liu Yang, on the other hand, behaved himself. Except for the crown princess, he did not favor any beauties in the East Palace. He also consulted the imperial doctor, but it was difficult to get a definite answer.
In view of this, the pressure on the crown prince was naturally the greatest. Murong had already taken the initiative to suggest to Liu Yang, hoping that he could have some concubines. After all, the continuation of the bloodline is a top priority.
While Liu Yang was in a daze, the groom, Liu Xi, was already preparing to enter the bridal chamber under the cheers of his relatives. It is also natural to have trouble in the wedding ceremony, but it is very restrained and cannot be overbearing. After expressing some blessings, that's all.
Of course, there is no need to detail Liu Xi’s joy in the bridal chamber. However, it is conceivable that after getting married, Liu Xi will be given a more substantial position and bear heavier responsibilities by Emperor Liu.
The next day, Emperor Liu and Empress Fu received tea from the bride in Chui Gong Hall. After the ceremony, Emperor Liu called Liu Xi aside and asked directly: "Where do you want to serve?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Xi, who was still immersed in the joy of the wedding, suddenly showed a flattering smile and said: "Dad, Taipu Temple is quite good..."
Emperor Liu's eyebrows suddenly raised: "Why, are you still getting used to it?"
Liu Xi said hehely: "Look, I just got married, am I going to give my son a long vacation?"
Seeing his attitude, Emperor Liu turned his head and stared at him seriously, which made Liu Xi feel a little uncomfortable. Then he said: "If you want to stay idle, I don't have any objection. Go ask your mother!"
Hearing what Emperor Liu said, Liu Xi suddenly looked bitter and said hurriedly: "I still obey your orders! Whatever you arrange will be done, even if you let me raise horses again, it doesn't matter!"
After so many years, I have watched Liu Xi grow up. He has been smart since he was a child, and he is by no means as simple as he appears. As far as Emperor Liu was concerned, such obscurity was a bit redundant.
After thinking for a while, Emperor Liu said directly: "I originally planned to tour the south, but due to various reasons, it was never possible. Liu Xu and Liu Fang traveled to the northwest for me, so you can also go to the south for me. .
By the way, take your bride on a trip. The two lakes are places where the Han Dynasty has developed vigorously over the years. Go and see how it has developed? And Lingnan! "
"Yes!" After hearing this order, Liu Xi also put away his playful smile and responded solemnly.
"The climate in the south is different from that of the Central Plains, and comfort is more difficult than that in the south of the Yangtze River. Pay attention to the soil and water, and bring an imperial doctor with you!" Emperor Liu couldn't help but warned: "Also, Miss Song is the apple of your aunt and uncle's eye, and so is Your cousin, don’t bully her!”
"How dare I..." Liu Xi responded.