Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 296 Inheritance of the Throne: The New Emperor's Wedding

In the Hall of Supreme Harmony of the Nanzhao Kingdom's royal palace, morning light streamed through the enormous stained-glass windows, bathing everything inside in a golden hue. Golden dragons coiled among the carved beams and painted rafters, lifelike and seemingly poised to take flight at any moment. The floor, paved with smooth white marble, reflected the solemn furnishings within.

On this day, the atmosphere inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony was solemn and dignified. Civil and military officials, dressed in their court robes, stood in neat rows, their official tablets gleaming coldly in the morning light. All eyes were focused on the hall, awaiting the arrival of a momentous occasion.

Xiao Jingchuan, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, slowly ascended the dragon throne. His steps were steady, yet his eyes betrayed a hint of weariness that was difficult to conceal. Years of toil had turned his temples gray, but his posture remained upright, exuding the majesty of a monarch.

"Summon Crown Prince Xiao Nanyi to the Hall!" As the eunuch's shrill voice rang out, Xiao Nanyi, dressed in the crown prince's robe, steadily entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony. He was handsome, with a firm gaze, and exuded confidence and composure in every gesture.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty!" Xiao Nanyi bowed respectfully.

Looking at his son, Xiao Jingchuan's eyes were full of satisfaction: "Yi'er, today, in front of all the civil and military officials, I entrust the kingdom of Nanzhao to you."

Xiao Nanyi was startled and bowed again: "Your subject will certainly live up to Father's expectations!"

Xiao Jingchuan slowly rose and picked up the Imperial Seal from the table behind him. The seal was carved from the finest He Shi Bi jade, crystal clear and exuding an ancient and mysterious aura. Engraved on the seal were eight seal characters: “Received the Mandate of Heaven, May Your Reign Be Long and Prosperous,” symbolizing supreme imperial power.

"This Imperial Seal represents the legitimacy of the Nanzhao Kingdom. From this day forward, you are the new ruler of the Nanzhao Kingdom. You must prioritize the well-being of the people and ensure the prosperity of our Nanzhao Kingdom," Xiao Jingchuan said.

Xiao Nanyi accepted the jade seal with both hands, feeling its heavy weight. He knew that this was not just a jade seal, but also a responsibility and a mission.

"Your subjects pay homage to the new emperor! Long live the Emperor!" All the civil and military officials knelt down in unison, their voices echoing throughout the hall.

Xiao Nanyi took a deep breath, walked onto the dragon throne, and sat down. At this moment, he officially became the emperor of the Nanzhao Kingdom.

"Rise, my beloved subjects!" Xiao Nanyi's voice was loud and clear.

Subsequently, the Minister of Rites stepped forward and read the abdication edict. The edict detailed the reasons for Xiao Jingchuan's abdication, as well as his high praise and earnest expectations for Xiao Nanyi.

After the imperial edict was read, Xiao Nanyi stood up and delivered his declaration of accession: "From this day forward, I assume the throne. I will uphold my father's legacy, prioritize the people, and strive to govern diligently, so that the people of Nanzhao may live a prosperous and peaceful life. I also hope that all my beloved ministers will continue to assist me as always, and together create a glorious future for Nanzhao!"

"We, your humble servants, will certainly do our utmost to assist Your Majesty!" the civil and military officials responded in unison.

After the ceremony, Xiao Nanyi went to the inner palace to visit Gu Liuli. Gu Liuli, dressed in a phoenix robe, sat gracefully in the hall, her eyes filled with satisfaction and pride.

"Yi'er, congratulations on becoming the new ruler of Nanzhao Kingdom," Gu Liuli said with a smile.

Xiao Nanyi walked to Gu Liuli's side and took her hand: "Mother, all of this is inseparable from your and Father's teachings. Your son will certainly not let you and Father down."

Gu Liuli gently stroked Xiao Nanyi's head: "Yi'er, I am at ease entrusting this country to you. But you must also remember that a ruler must have the world in his heart and treat the people kindly."

Xiao Nanyi nodded and said, "Your Majesty's teachings are etched in my mind."

Meanwhile, outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a large crowd of people had already gathered. When they learned of Xiao Nanyi's ascension to the throne, they cheered and knelt down to pay their respects.

"Long live the new emperor! Long live the Nanzhao Kingdom!" The shouts of the people rose and fell, echoing through the sky.

Amidst the cheers of the people, Xiao Nanyi ushered in his era. He knew that the road ahead was full of challenges, but he was confident and determined to lead the Nanzhao Kingdom to a more glorious future.

That evening, a grand celebratory banquet was held in the palace. The Hall of Supreme Harmony was brightly lit, and the tables were laden with fine wine and delicacies. Xiao Nanyi, along with Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan, attended the banquet to celebrate this momentous occasion with the civil and military officials.

At the banquet, singing and dancing filled the air, and laughter never ceased. Xiao Nanyi raised his glass to Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli, saying, "Father, Mother, I owe everything I have today to your upbringing and guidance. I toast you both, wishing you good health and longevity!"

Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli smiled, raised their glasses, and drank them down in one gulp. Looking at their son, their hearts were filled with happiness and contentment.

After the banquet, Xiao Nanyi went alone to the terrace of the Taihe Hall. Gazing at the twinkling stars, his mind was filled with countless thoughts. A new journey had begun, and he would face the challenges of the future with a fresh perspective, writing a new chapter for the Nanzhao Kingdom.

A gentle breeze blew by, carrying the fragrance of flowers from afar. Xiao Nanyi took a deep breath, a determined smile appearing on his face.

Since Xiao Nanyi ascended the throne, the Nanzhao Kingdom has flourished under his rule. The people live in peace and contentment, the court is efficient and orderly, and tributes come from all directions, presenting an image of a peaceful and prosperous era. With the situation stabilizing, Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan, who has abdicated, begin to focus their attention on Xiao Nanyi's marriage.

One day, Gu Liuli summoned Xiao Nanyi to the Jiaofang Palace. Inside, a warm brazier emitted a gentle warmth, and various exotic flowers and plants vied for attention, filling the air with a delicate fragrance. Gu Liuli, dressed in an elegant and gorgeous palace gown, smiled as she looked at her son.

"Yi'er, now that you've ascended the throne, it's time to consider your marriage," Gu Liuli said softly. "Miss Lin Wanqing is well-educated, gentle, and virtuous. What is your impression of her?"

Thinking of Lin Wanqing, Xiao Nanyi blushed involuntarily and said softly, "Mother, Miss Wanqing is indeed outstanding, and I have a good impression of her."

Seeing this, Gu Liuli understood and said with a smile, "In that case, I will arrange for the Ministry of Rites to prepare for your wedding."

Soon, the Ministry of Rites received the imperial decree and began intensive preparations for the wedding. The entire Nanzhao Kingdom's palace was immersed in a busy and joyful atmosphere. Craftsmen worked day and night to decorate the palace, making it look brand new. In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a huge wedding tent was erected, with red silk fluttering in the wind and golden lanterns hanging all around, exuding a festive atmosphere everywhere.

Inside the Lin residence, a flurry of activity unfolded. Lin Yu and his wife watched their daughter prepare to become Empress, feeling both gratified and reluctant to let her go. Lin Wanqing, meanwhile, was filled with anticipation, a mixture of shyness and joy in her heart.

On the day of the grand wedding, the entire capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom was brightly decorated and bustling with activity. Red lanterns hung along both sides of the streets, and people flocked to the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the new emperor and empress. Inside the palace, ceremonial music resounded, and bells and drums rang out, creating a lively yet solemn atmosphere.

Xiao Nanyi, dressed in a magnificent dragon robe and wearing a crown, stood dashingly before the Hall of Supreme Harmony. His eyes held both anticipation for the future and the joy of soon marrying his beloved.

The wedding procession set off from the palace in a grand procession towards the Lin residence. Within the procession, guards, clad in gleaming armor and wielding weapons, stood imposingly. The bridal sedan chair, carried by eight strong men, was lavishly decorated with gold and embroidered with auspicious dragon and phoenix patterns.

When the wedding procession arrived at the Lin residence, Lin Yu and his wife were already waiting at the gate. Xiao Nanyi dismounted and respectfully bowed to the couple. Lin Yu smiled and helped Xiao Nanyi up: "Your Majesty, it is an honor for the Lin family that you have come to marry Qing'er today."

Lin Wanqing, dressed in a phoenix coronet and wedding gown, slowly walked out of her boudoir with the help of her maids. Her wedding dress was made of the finest brocade, embroidered with various auspicious patterns, and the pearls and gems on her phoenix coronet were dazzling, making her look like a celestial being descended to earth.

The moment Xiao Nanyi saw Lin Wanqing, his eyes were filled with amazement and deep affection. He stepped forward, took Lin Wanqing's hand, and said softly, "Wanqing, I've come to pick you up."

Lin Wanqing blushed slightly and nodded. Afterwards, Xiao Nanyi helped Lin Wanqing into the bridal sedan chair, and the wedding procession returned to the palace in a grand procession.

Back at the palace, the wedding ceremony officially began. In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing stood side-by-side on the high platform. Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan sat in the main seats, their faces beaming with happiness.

Under the master of ceremonies' loud announcement, Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing first bowed to heaven and earth to express their gratitude for their protection; then they bowed to Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan to thank them for raising them.

"We bow to heaven and earth, a match made in heaven!"

"Bowing twice to our parents, we express our deepest gratitude and boundless blessings!"

"May the couple bow to each other, wishing for a long and happy marriage, and eternal unity of heart!"

With each call to "Greetings," Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing slowly bowed in greeting. The officials and common people below applauded, offering their sincerest blessings.

After the ceremony, everyone moved to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to attend the wedding banquet. Inside, the hall was brightly lit and filled with a sumptuous feast. Delicacies from land and sea, and all sorts of rare and exquisite dishes were on display, filling the air with their enticing aromas.

Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing toasted the guests in turn. Among those who came to offer their congratulations were not only the princes and ministers of the Nanzhao Kingdom, but also envoys from neighboring countries. They presented gifts to express their blessings to the new emperor and empress.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Empress! May the Nanzhao Kingdom prosper and enjoy lasting peace under Your Majesty and Empress's rule." The envoy from the neighboring country raised his wine cup and said with a smile.

"Thank you for your blessings, envoy." Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing responded with smiles, then drank their beverages in one gulp.

Throughout the wedding banquet, laughter and joy filled the air, and everyone was immersed in the happy atmosphere. Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing moved among the guests, receiving blessings from everyone, their faces always beaming with happiness.

After the wedding banquet, the guests gradually left. Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing returned to their bridal chamber, which was filled with various exquisite gifts and flowers. Xiao Nanyi gently lifted Lin Wanqing's red veil, and the two smiled at each other, their eyes filled with love.

"Wanqing, from today onwards, you are my wife, and I will protect you for the rest of my life," Xiao Nanyi said gently.

Lin Wanqing blushed and said softly, "Your Majesty, it is my blessing to be your wife. I will stay by your side and spend my life with you."

Outside the window, the moonlight, like water, spilled onto the glazed tiles of the palace, giving them a cool, clear glow.