Daming: I am the Crown Prince

Zhu Yunhuan is getting married, which is a great joyous event. This is not only a great joyous event for the Zhu family, but also a great joyous event for the Ming Dynasty.

As soon as the sky brightened, Zhu Yunhuan left the Eastern Palace and came to the gate of the Eastern Palace in a crown and robes.

Many ministers had already arrived outside the gate of the East Palace. They were the so-called 'Eastern Palace Men'. These officials in official uniforms had been given titles by the East Palace, so naturally they all came here at this time.

Behind them, of course, were the musicians, playing various instruments and singing along the way.

Zhu Yunhuan looked at the queue and then sat on the carriage, which is also called "yu". The earth is like a carriage, carrying all living things, and thus it is used as a metaphor for territory and earth.

When he arrived outside the palace gate, Zhu Yunhuan changed to a carriage, an ivory and gold carriage. This kind of carriage was in line with Zhu Yunhuan's status, and even members of the royal family had to use such a carriage according to their status and could not use it at will.

The atmosphere in Prince Zhongshan's Palace was already extremely lively and solemn. Xu Huizu had already started the banquet, and under the guidance of a group of maids and others, Xu Miaojin also needed to complete the wedding ceremony.

Xu Qin ran over happily, "Dad, His Royal Highness Prince Qin is here."

Xu Huizu was stunned, then looked at Xu Miaojin, his mood suddenly became complicated. Not to mention that his father passed away early, even when his father was still alive, he was often on the battlefield or stationed outside, and he raised his brothers and sisters. Now that his sister is married, he must feel a little reluctant, which is also human nature.

Afterwards, he took Xu Miaojin to the ancestral temple, which was also treated more seriously.

Xu Huizu looked at the tablets of his parents and ancestors and said solemnly, "When you go to the palace, be diligent and careful, and be filial and respectful."

Xu Miaojin kowtowed and accepted the order. After leaving the ancestral temple, she was no longer just the daughter of the Xu family, she was the Crown Prince's Consort.

Xu Huizu changed into the clothes of a court official and hurried to the gate of the mansion. However, Xu Miaojin was already standing in front of her boudoir with Zhai Huachai, waiting to be taken out of the mansion.

Xu Huizu asked at the gate, "I dare to ask for a favor!"

Zhu Yunhuan replied solemnly, "Zhu Yunhuan will personally welcome her in compliance with the imperial decree."

Now they could enter the house, and Li Jinglong, Mei Shunchang and others followed Zhu Yunhuan with wild geese in their hands. After entering the mansion, Xu Huizu and others immediately knelt down, and Li Jinglong and others handed the wild geese to Zhu Yunhuan, who then handed them to Xu Huizu.

Speaking of complicated etiquette, the ancients had a series of elaborate etiquette. But no one thought it was complicated. The more solemn and serious the event, the more particular it was.

Zhu Yunhuan came to Xu Miaojin's boudoir and said with a smile, "Zhu Yunhuan is here to welcome you in person."

Xu Li immediately helped Xu Miaojing out of the house, and then watched Xu Huizu and others begin the final procession to see the bride off.

Xu Huizu said, "Be careful, be diligent day and night, and do not disobey orders."

Xu Li also spoke up, "Try your best. Your father and brother have taught you to follow their instructions. Be respectful."

The nurses took action and helped Xu Miaojin out of the house and took the sedan chair. As soon as they went out, they changed to a phoenix sedan chair.

Watching his aunt being carried away, Xu Qin asked, "When will aunt come back?"

return?

It's hard to say whether she will come back next time. Ordinary girls can return home after getting married. But for the Crown Prince's Consort, it's hard to say.

Countless people were looking eagerly outside the Zhongshan Palace, but the phoenix sedan chair had a curtain. Zhu Yunhuan gently opened the curtain, and Xu Miaojin got off the sedan chair. Zhu Yunhuan took Xu Miaojin's hand and carried the carriage.

The welcoming ceremony was almost complete, and Chang Sheng happily led the large army back to the palace.

Sitting in the car, Zhu Yunxun held Xu Miaojin's hand and asked, "Have you slept well these two days?"

Xu Miaojin replied softly, "I feel a little uneasy and often can't sleep."

"Then I'm better than you. I sleep soundly." Zhu Yunhuan said with a smile, "To be honest, I do snore a little, but I didn't realize it myself. Zhang Fusheng and the others probably covered it up for me. When I asked, they said my snoring was quiet."

It was a wedding, so she was a little nervous and happy. Now that Zhu Yunhuan was holding her hand, she felt a little shy.

The carriage entered the palace, and the two people changed to sedan chairs and returned to the East Palace.

Looking at the white jade phoenix jade wedding cup tied with colorful ropes, Xu Miaojin's face naturally became even redder. The next step is the most important "wedding ceremony" on the wedding day. This etiquette originated in the Zhou Dynasty and will gradually evolve into the wedding cup drinking.

Ordinary families would split a gourd into two scoops, and the bride and groom would each take one to drink from.

But it was different in the royal family. Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin's wedding was held according to the standards of an emperor and empress. Especially for Xu Miaojin, many of her treatments were the same as those of an empress.

Naturally, there was a governess to preside over the ceremony, and after Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin drank the wedding wine, everyone else naturally left quickly.

Zhu Yunhuan smiled and took off his crown and said, "Rest early, we will be busy tomorrow."

Xu Miaojin was naturally more nervous and shy, but she also knew what would happen next. Before she got married, the nanny had said a lot, because she was worried that these inexperienced men and women would not even know what the bridal chamber was.

Everything went smoothly, but Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin were also woken up early. They quickly got up, washed up, and had no time to feel the newlywed love and affection, as there were still many things to be done.

"Grandfather is a very kind person to his family, don't worry." Holding Xu Miaojin's hand, Zhu Yunhuan said confidently, "If it really doesn't work, don't you still have me? I have been a playboy since I was a child, and grandfather favors me, so he will definitely love me and my family as well."

Xu Miaojin smiled softly and said, "Your Highness, I am already a wife of the Zhu family. I should share your worries, how can I let you worry too much."

This time, the emperor held an audience, but not in the Fengtian Hall, but in the Jinshen Hall. Those who came to watch the ceremony were basically members of the royal family, and there were very few outsiders.

But now there are also some foreign ministers, such as Chang Lan, and Xu Huizu who is quite excited and happy.

"Xuan the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess come to the palace for an audience."

Zhu Yunhuan led Xu Miaojin's hand into the hall and knelt down at the worship seat. "Your Highness, I, Zhu Yunhuan, and my wife, Xu Miaojin, come to pay my respects to your grandfather, the Emperor."

Xu Miaojin also bowed respectfully, "Your humble servant Xu Miaojin pays respect to your grandfather, the Emperor!"

Old Zhu was laughing happily. His little Zhu pushed the cabbage over and said, "Grandson, Grand Consort, come forward."

Concubine Guo Ning came forward with a tray filled with dates and chestnuts, which was naturally a blessing. Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin knelt in front of the throne, and Zhu took the tray, "Yunhuan, it goes without saying that you are the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty, shouldering the heavy responsibility of the country. As the grandson's wife and the first lady of the royal family, you should cultivate women's virtues and continue the family line."

Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin immediately bowed politely, "Your Highness, I respectfully obey the instructions of your grandfather, the Emperor."

Old Zhu looked at his grandson and granddaughter-in-law with a smile and said, "Now that your grandmother and mother are no longer here, no one else can accept your courtesy."

Concubine Guo Ning brought another plate, which was filled with mashed dried meat with ginger and cinnamon, which was also called 腶修.

Xu Miaojin naturally took the tray. Everyone knew what the royal family was like. Theoretically, there was a crown princess, but Zhu Yunhuan would not let Lu participate in his wedding.

After receiving the tray, Princess Ningguo hurried forward. The tray contained sweet wine. This is called Lifei. The new bride pays respects to her parents-in-law and elders, and the elders entertain her with sweet wine to express their condolences and recognition to the new bride. In folk culture, this practice is called Lifu, and the process is actually the same.

Zhu Chong appeared on the stage and said, "Princess, Princess, help the Crown Princess wash her hands."

Princess Ningguo, Princess Anqing, Zhu Yourong, and Zhu Youling immediately stood up and led Xu Miaojin to the side hall next door. Even if Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin simply washed up in the morning, it was not enough.

In fact, this is also a check to prevent some newlyweds from being lazy and not doing their job properly.

Zhu Yunhuan was naturally taken to the side hall by Zhu Chong, as some things were unavoidable.

Zhu Yunhuan looked at the tub and said depressedly, "Second Uncle, there shouldn't be so many people staring at me just because I'm taking a bath, right?"

"Nephew, do you really think I want to stay here?" Zhu Chong also complained bitterly, but still said, "This is the order of your royal grandfather, who dares to neglect it. You should take a shower quickly so that I can go back and report."

Zhu Yunhuan resigned himself to his fate and began to untie his belt, complaining, "Do you really think I don't know? Many people were guarding the door to the palace last night. Forget it, it's no use saying it."

Zhu Chong chuckled. The rules on the side of the Crown Prince are more numerous. It is because the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess have different responsibilities, so they must be taken seriously. It is redundant to talk about shyness at this time. Since you enjoy the dignity brought by your status, some things are beyond your control.

After a simple bath, Zhu Yunhuan changed into his robes and entered the palace again. A small table had been prepared in the palace, filled with food and drinks.

The so-called washing and feeding is not just about cleaning, it also includes giving food.

Zhu Yunhuan ate a simple meal, and so did Xu Miaojin. However, they still had to eat as there were still many things to do next.

Old Zhu was so pleased that he said, "Tomorrow we will visit the temple, and all the clan members will accompany us."

Old Zhu stood up immediately, his expression more serious. "My family was originally from Huaixi, and our ancestors wandered around to make a living. Our ancestors left us very little money, only a copper bracelet. It was passed down to Empress Yu of the Xizu, then to my mother Empress Chun of the Renzu, then to my sister-in-law, the Princess of Nanchang, and later to my daughter-in-law, Chang."

Xu Miaojin had already knelt down, feeling a little terrified. Xu Huizu was extremely excited, looking at the tray in Old Zhu's hand.

Even though the tray contained only a rusty and broken copper bracelet, this bracelet was countless times more valuable than any jade bracelet carved with dragons and phoenixes.

Looking at Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin kneeling in front of him, Old Zhu said seriously, "Miaojin, remember this, you are the first wife of the royal family. You can only be called the eldest wife if you continue the royal family and inherit the incense. Back then, my mother, my sister-in-law, and my daughter-in-law were able to get this treasure from their elders only after they had children. I give it to you today, so you must not slack off!"

Xu Miaojin kowtowed respectfully, "I, your granddaughter-in-law, will obey the imperial edict of your grandfather, the Emperor."

Seeing Xu Miaojin taking the copper bracelet, Old Zhu smiled with relief and said, "The ceremony is over!"

The ceremony was over. Now it could only be considered that Old Zhu recognized this grandson's wife, and that the family recognized her. But to say that the ceremony was completely over, it was still a little short of being complete.

As the crown prince, Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin's wedding was divided into steps. Yesterday, on the wedding day, it was just the ceremony of the couple.

Today's congratulations have been recognized by the elders of the Zhu family and are recognized by family members.

Tomorrow we will go to various temples to offer sacrifices, which is also to announce to heaven and earth and ancestors. Completing these is also part of the ritual.

The day after tomorrow, all officials will come to pay their respects. After the ceremony is completed, it represents the approval of the people of the world. Once this ceremony is completed, the etiquette will be truly complete.

Although there were indeed quite a lot of things to do and the ceremony looked very complicated, neither Zhu Yunhuan nor Xu Miaojin had any complaints about it, as these were what they were supposed to do.

The court celebration was over, but Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin did not return to the Eastern Palace immediately.

As soon as Zhu Yunhuan arrived at Kunning Palace, Old Zhu arrived right after him. "I knew you were going to come here, so I'll take you around. I've been reluctant to move from Kunning Palace over the years, and I've come to see it from time to time, always wondering when your grandmother will be back."

Kunning Palace, as the queen's bedroom, has not changed much over the years and is still decorated the same as when Queen Ma was here.

Old Zhu looked at Zhu Yunhuan and said, "When I am gone, you can change this place however you want, as long as you feel comfortable. When I am here, Kunning Palace cannot be changed, but Qianqing Palace can be changed if you want."

Pointing to a jujube tree in front, Lao Zhu said sadly, "That was planted by your grandmother. She said your eldest brother liked to eat jujubes. The peach tree was also planted when Xiongying was born. Fortunately, he still ate a few of them. Now there are too many fruits and no one eats them."

"That's okay. I've been greedy since I was a kid, and I'm afraid my son won't be much better." Zhu Yunhuan said, "The previous generation planted trees for the next generation to enjoy the shade. If my eldest brother knew that all these fruit trees planted for him were for his nephew, he would definitely be generous."

Old Zhu immediately said, "Of course, your eldest brother is a very generous and open-minded person, and he is willing to give you good things."

Old Zhu sat on the stone bench and looked around. He must be reminiscing about the old days.

"I'll kowtow to you later, and then you can go to Fengxian Temple." Old Zhu said, "I'm happy today, so I won't go with you. I'll sit here for a while."

Zhu Yunhuan didn't say anything. He and Xu Miaojin kowtowed to the former bedroom of Empress Ma and left. They went to Fengxian Hall first. Even if they had to go there again tomorrow to offer sacrifices to the temple, the more courtesy, the less blame.

In fact, Old Zhu also has his own selfish motives. The Fengxian Hall is where the ancestors of the Zhu family are enshrined. Tomorrow he must first worship heaven and earth, and then he can go to the Fengxian Hall to worship.

Xu Miaojin asked softly, "Your Highness, should we go to the Xuwang Temple?"

The Xuwang Temple is dedicated to the parents of Empress Ma. In the imperial city of Yingtian Prefecture, Zhu Yuanzhang also built a temple specifically for his father-in-law and mother-in-law.

Zhu Yunhuan said, "Let's not go today, we can go tomorrow. Grandfather likes us to be filial, but he knows the difference. Zhu family members are Zhu family members, and we should worship our own ancestors first."

Xu Miaojin didn't say anything, the Crown Prince might not have any other intentions. But as the Crown Prince's Consort, Xu Miaojin should understand her current status, and naturally she should put the Zhu family first.

The reason is very simple, she is now the daughter-in-law of the Zhu family! (End of this chapter)