Fortunately, with Mu Changxi constantly holding her hand, her heart felt somewhat steadier.
Perhaps it was because the bridal veil obscured her vision, but Song Chaoyu found her hearing becoming exceptionally keen.
She could hear the congratulatory voices of many people around her. However, most of those voices were filled with superficial gaiety, with few offering genuine well wishes.
She also heard someone sigh softly beside them, "Alas—what a pity for this fine Song family daughter. From now on, she will be confined to the Chang Wang Manor, a tomb for the living. Guarding it for a lifetime, one wonders how she will endure her days."
Indeed, in the eyes of many, the Chang Wang Manor was even less desirable than a tomb for the living.
But Song Chaoyu knew that this was something she had yearned for in her previous life.
How could she have ever imagined that she would one day stand shoulder to shoulder with her Hanxi gege?
A wedding in an ordinary family would involve three bows. Mu Changxi, being His Highness the Chang Wang, was naturally different from others.
They too would perform three bows, but not the customary ones of commoners.
"First bow, to the Emperor's boundless grace—"
Mu Changxi did not need to kneel. His attendant, Xiao Ruiz, holding the jade crown personally bestowed by the Emperor when enfeoffing him as Chang Wang, bowed towards the direction of the imperial palace.
"Second bow, to the grace of Heaven and Earth—"
They did not need to change direction, merely continuing to bow towards the imperial palace.
"Third bow, to the kindness of parents—"
The parents referred to here were naturally Mu Changxi's parents. Although Song Yuan was also Song Chaoyu's father, he did not possess the status to sit alongside the Emperor and Empress, and thus should not be present to receive their bows.
They still bowed three times towards the imperial palace.
"The rites are complete—"
Only then were the three bows concluded. When Song Chaoyu was helped to her feet, she felt a fine sheen of perspiration on her forehead.
"Escort them to the bridal chamber—"
As the shouts rang out, the surrounding guests began to clap or cheer.
Song Chaoyu let out a deep sigh, thinking she could finally rest for a moment.
Though it was said they were being escorted to the bridal chamber, in reality, only Song Chaoyu returned to the chamber alone.
Mu Changxi still had to remain outside, entertaining the guests with drinks and merriment.
To be honest, Song Chaoyu didn't even know what the Chang Wang Manor truly looked like.
With An Momo, Tiaohong, and Qiuhua supporting her, she could only fix her gaze on the ground, wondering in her heart: why did the path from the main hall to the sleeping quarters seem so long?
This was not a mere illusion caused by the bridal veil; it was undoubtedly the reality.
When she was at the Song residence, even the walk from the main hall to their furthest chamber, the Huashu Yuan, had never felt this long!
Just as Song Chaoyu was about to ask when they would finally arrive, An Momo's footsteps finally halted.
She opened the chamber door and whispered to Song Chaoyu, "After Wangfei enters, she must sit alone for a while. Remember not to move about carelessly, and absolutely do not lift the bridal veil. You must wait until Wangye arrives."
In truth, this was the part of the entire wedding ceremony that Song Chaoyu feared the most.
It wasn't for any other reason than that she had witnessed many of the capital's wedding customs and had not had a very pleasant experience at the Ning Wang Manor last time.
She could only hope that there wouldn't be too many unruly people today.
As she thought this, Song Chaoyu heard her stomach rumble with hunger.
She felt a bit embarrassed, and those beside her naturally heard it.
An Momo helped Song Chaoyu into the room. Though they had only spent a day together, she had somehow grown quite fond of Song Chaoyu.
So, she quietly instructed Tiaohong, "Go and find some food for your Wangfei. Remember to be discreet and make sure no one else finds out!"
Tiaohong acknowledged the instruction and left. Song Chaoyu then sat on the bridal bed.
The bridal bed was not very comfortable to sit on because it was strewn with lotus seeds, peanuts, and red dates, symbolizing "early birth of noble children." Sitting on it was rather prickly. She wondered if, when it was time for bed, another layer would be spread, or if these items would be cleared away.
Even now, sitting alone in the chamber, Song Chaoyu had to sit up straight, without any hint of relaxation.
"A'yu!"
Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded at Song Chaoyu's door.
It was Hu Xiaoye!
Song Chaoyu's face lit up with joy.
She couldn't remove her bridal veil, but as she heard Hu Xiaoye's footsteps approaching her, she joyfully whispered, "Why have you come?"
Now in the capital, Hu Xiaoye was considered Song Chaoyu's close confidante.
She smiled and leaned closer, placing a candy into Song Chaoyu's palm. "You know I love sneaking into people's bridal chambers the most! Today is your wedding, so of course I had to come. Mother said you must not have eaten anything since morning, so she sent me to have you hold a candy; perhaps you won't feel so hungry!"
The candy had likely been held in Hu Xiaoye's palm for a while, and it still carried the warmth of her hand, making Song Chaoyu's heart feel warm.
Hu Xiaoye sat on a chair in front of Song Chaoyu, accompanying her.
And because Hu Xiaoye was there, Song Chaoyu finally felt that time was not passing so slowly.
When the boisterous sounds of men were heard from outside, Hu Xiaoye stood up and playfully said, "Oh dear, the bridal chamber pranksters have arrived!"
Song Chaoyu's slightly relaxed mood immediately tensed up again.
The first voice she heard was that of Ning Wang Mu Hansu.
He seemed to have had a bit to drink, his voice now quite loud. "Oh my, it's finally Chang Wang's turn! Today, we must definitely play some pranks in his bridal chamber and see his new bride!"
The scene of the bridal chamber pranks during Ning Wang and Song Yanjiao's wedding, Song Chaoyu recalled it now and felt embarrassed.
She didn't believe Ning Wang was merely seeking amusement. He probably wished to see Chang Wang experience the same embarrassment as him on his wedding day, or even greater embarrassment, for his own satisfaction.
"No, no, no!"
But soon, someone, emboldened by alcohol, retorted to Mu Hansu, "His Highness the Chang Wang cannot be compared to Your Highness the Ning Wang. As for his bridal chamber, we should have had enough fun. Otherwise, if the Emperor and Empress blame us tomorrow, we won't be able to bear the consequences!"
This statement sounded like it was coming to Mu Changxi's aid, but Song Chaoyu felt that the speaker was subtly implying Mu Changxi's poor health with malicious intent.
As expected, upon hearing this, most of the people outside burst into laughter.
Then, the chamber door was pushed open with a creak.
Hu Xiaoye stood up without a word and positioned herself in front of Song Chaoyu, glaring at the group entering. "You are not allowed to bully the Chang Wang Fei!"