At the break of dawn, the people in Han Prince Mansion began to bustle with activity.
Zhao Yao, as the groom, did not need to wake up early. The wedding was to be held in the evening, and he would go to the Xiao Family to escort the Princess in the late afternoon.
Though there was no need to rise at dawn, Zhao Yao was still awakened at dawn’s light. He didn’t need to escort the Princess in the morning but had to entertain the guests who came for the joyous banquet.
All the court ministers would be present. Even if not for Zhao Yao’s sake, they had to e for the sake of Prince Chu and Prince Wei.
Besides the civil and military officials, many shop owners or shopkeepers from the capital, as well as many wealthy merchants from other places, came to celebrate.
Fortunately, the Han Prince Mansion was spacious enough to acmodate the guests who came to offer their congratulations.
Prince Chu and Prince Wei were in charge of receiving the guests, making those who attended the wedding banquet feel quite honored and surprised.
Perhaps because of the marriage of Prince Han, the entire capital turned lively and festive, and the mon people were also very happy.
Zhao Yao, this Lord of Han, had a significant reputation among the mon people, who admired him greatly. Now seeing him marry, they sincerely felt joy for him.
Prince Chu and Prince Wei arranged for people to scatter joy candies and celebration money at the entrance of the Han Prince Mansion. Everyone who came to congratulate Prince Han’s marriage could receive joy money and joy candies.
The mon people came to offer their genuine congratulations to Zhao Yao at the entrance of the Han Prince Mansion, not just for the joy candies and celebration money.
In the past, when princes like Prince Chu and Prince Wei got married, no moner dared to e to the entrance to celebrate. Only when Zhao Yao married did the mon people dare to offer their congratulations, because they knew that Prince Han would not drive them away.
The entrance of the Han Prince Mansion was even more festive and lively than inside the mansion.
At this moment, the palace was also filled with joy.
The people in the palace knew that the Emperor wanted to use Prince Han’s marriage to ward off misfortune and also sought some festivity and joy, especially given the many unfortunate events that had happened recently.
The Emperor decreed a month’s bonus for the palace attendants, followed by Empress Xie, and other consorts also giving rewards.
Lady Liang, Prince Han’s mother, naturally had to reward too.
The entire palace was overflowing with jubilation. The palace attendants were very thankful for Prince Han’s marriage, which brought them rewards.
At the entrance of the Imperial Study, Sun Doudou bowed his head, counting the reward money he had just received with an air of meek contentment.
Sun Kui, upon seeing his disciple’s money-counting, looked amused and tapped his head: "Look at how money-crazy you appear."
"Master, this is reward money." Sun Doudou quickly pocketed the reward money.
"Didn’t Prince Han reward you money before?"
"This is a reward from His Majesty."
"Hasn’t His Majesty rewarded you money before?"
"This is different, this is the reward for Prince Han’s marriage, unlike other occasions." Sun Doudou whispered, "Even when the deprecated Crown Prince married, His Majesty didn’t reward money."
Sun Kui sternly replied, "His Majesty rewarded us for the sake of joyous celebration."
"On the surface, yes, but in fact, it’s because His Majesty is happy about Prince Han’s marriage. Others may not see it, but I do." Sun Doudou thought to himself, seeing His Majesty’s efforts to support Prince Han, "It’s not easy for His Majesty, who also has to quietly be happy for Prince Han."
Sun Kui glared at Sun Doudou, warningly said, "Just keep it to yourself, don’t speak it out."
"Master, I was only speaking to you," Sun Doudou laughed and said, "I’m happy for Prince Han’s marriage too." He felt a sense of pride, as if watching a son grow up and start a family. Of course, he couldn’t say that to his master.
"By the way, Prince Han sent joy candies and wedding wines over, you can indulge after your shifts but don’t get drunk."
Upon hearing this, Sun Doudou’s eyes lit up and he internally cheered "Long live Prince Han."
"Master, the Han Prince Mansion must be very lively now."
"With Prince Chu and Lord Wei present, it’s bound to be lively."
"I wish I could go see it."
Sun Kui playfully kicked Sun Doudou’s buttocks, "Focus on your duties." With that, he turned and entered the Imperial Study.
The luncheon at the Han Prince Mansion began, with Zhao Yao, this Lord of Han, going from table to table toasting. The guests knew he was to be wed that evening, so they refrained from making him drink excessively. They reserved their fervor for the evening banquet to truly douse him in drinks.
After the luncheon ended, a stage was set up in the Han Prince Mansion with performances of opera, acrobatics, storytelling, singing, and dancing...
Although Zhao Yao did not get drunk, he still felt a bit tired and took a brief nap. Upon waking, he groomed and dressed anew, then led the procession to escort his Princess.
The streets of the capital were lined with throngs of citizens, all eager to witness Prince Han’s wedding procession.
When the Prince of Han appeared on horseback, the moners loudly congratulated him.
Seated on his horse, Zhao Yao continuously waved at the people lining the streets.
"Prince Han, may you be happy!"
"Prince Han, congratulations on your marriage."
"Prince Han, you look wonderful today."
"Prince Han, wishing you and the Princess Han a long and happy life together, and many children soon."
"Long live Prince Han, long long live!"
No one knows who initially shouted that phrase, but soon everyone was chanting "Long live Prince Han, long long live," taking Zhao Yao by surprise.
Oh my, what’s going on, how did it escalate to them chanting ’long live’ for him?
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