Fated Book 2 : The Crown Prince's Golden Consort

Two days later, Lu Xiaolian returned to Duke Wu Manor to prepare for the wedding. She had began sowing her wedding gown and the Lu family began to prepare her dowery.

The night before the wedding Lu Xiaolian finished having her bath and had already dismissed the servants. She was about to go to bed when she found a small wooden Box and two red letters next to the small wooden box on top of her bed. She picked it up one of the red letter to find that it was betrothedal letter. She could already tell who had written it, after staying with the Empress for so long and receiving so many secret letters from the Crown Prince all telling her funny stories. She could already identify his writing. As Lu Xiaolian read the letter she felt herself getting less nervous and her face heating up, whoever thought that the very strict Crown Prince had a very romantic side to write her a private betrothedal and wedding letter. Lu Xiaolian read through the letters and placing it on her heard smiled sweetly. She carefully rolled back the letter and placed it gently on her bed before picking up the small wooden box and opened it to find a Gold Phoenix hair pin. It looked like the work of an old Master, it was the most beautiful hairpin she had ever seen. The top was shaped like a phoenix and a dragon and had little little rubies adorning it and beautiful intricate designs. It had a word inscribed on it 'Eternal'. After admiring it Lu Xiaolian carefully placed in in it's box and placed both the box with her Phoenix head piece and the letters in the secret compartment of her box where she placed all of the other letters she had received from the Crown Prince and smiling softly she got into the bed and began to sleep.

.....The next day,

Duke Wu Manor, Lu Xiaolian's private rooms.

Lu Xiaolian had just finished getting dressed in her red wedding gown and all that remained was for Her hair to be decorated with the Gold Phoenix caronet signifying her position when her stepmother Ming Meiren quietly walked into the room she too was wearing a phoenix caronet although a silver one signifying her position as a princess of third rank.

"Xiaolian is a beautiful bride" Ming Meiren said as she Walked into the room and stood behind Lu Xiaolian.

"It's tradition in Wei Empire for the mother of the bride to comb and raise her daughter's hair one last time before she is married. Your mother is not around to do this for you but I watched you grow up and have long taken you as my daughter. It is truly an honour to be able to do this for you" Ming Meiren said and picked up the comb and began combing Lu Xiaolian hair then decorating it with the Phoenix caronet.

Soon she was done and taking a seat next to Lu Xiaolian rise up Lu Xiaolian's palms and placed it on hers and said softly

"Xiaolian, you should take good care of yourself and respect your husband. Remember that you always have the Lu family behind you no matter what. This is my gift to you" As she placed a Jade bangle on her wrist.

"Xiaolian will obey, thank you mother"Lu Xiaolian replied. Ming Meiren then placed the veil on her head and began leading her out of the courtyard and to the Entrance to the manor where her Elder brother Lu Xiaozu carried her on his back to the red Wedding Sudan. As soon as they got to the Bridal Sudan Lu Xiaolian was put down and she gently got into the Sedan and sat on the seat. The Bridal Sudan lead by Lu Xiaozu on a horse began the slow and steady journey to the Crown Prince Manor.

On Arrival the bridal Sudan was placed down and Lu Xiaolian was lead out by her brother to the entrance of the crow Prince Manor where she was handed over to the prince after the matchmaker mama announced that it was the Auspicious time.

Lu Xiaolian and The Crown Prince walked gently to the wedding alter and stood. The Emperor and Empress were already present together with her father and stepmother.

As soon as they arrived Lu Xiaolian the wedding officiator began to officiate the wedding ceremony.

"First bow to the Heavens and earth"

Lu Xiaolian and Zhongshan Huang both turned and bowed facing the east.

"Second bow to the ancestors"

Lu Xiaolian and Zhongshan Huang turned to the west and bowed.

"Third bow to the Parents"

Lu Xiaolian and Zhongshan Huang turned to where the Emperor, Empress and her father and stepmother sat and bowed.

"Last bow to Husband and wife"

Lu Xiaolian and Zhongshan Huang turned and facing euch other bowed.

The firecrackers were lite and the Drums and horns were blown in celebration. The Prince concubines lead be the Crown Princess consort walked up to Lu Xiaolian to welcome her a bless the union.starting with the crown princess Consort.

"Mingzhu welcomes Princess Xi'an to the family and wish the couple a peaceful marriage" Xu Mingzhu said

"Suyin welcomes Princess Xi'an and wishes Princess Xi'an and His highness the crown Prince longtivity" Jang Suyin said smiling.

Madam Yang Liu was about to kneel to pay her respects when Jang Suyin skillfully said

"Mei Mei should be careful not to hurt the imperial heir" which caused a stir in the public

"Oh, someone there get a seat for Madam Yang" Lu Xiaolian said.

"Liu'er doesn't dare" Yang Liu said softly.

"It is a crime to harm an Imperial heir, Mei Mei should take better care of herself" Lu Xiaolian said with a smile.

"Liu'er was wrong, Princess Xi'an is kind and Liu'er wishes the crown Prince and Princess Xi'an prosperity" Yang Liu said and was lead to away by her personal servant.

After making their greetings their greetings Lu Xiaolian was lead by the crown Prince to the bridal chamber.

A few hours later, Zhongshan Huang walked into the bridal chamber and took a seat on the bed. The matchmaker mama presented the nuptial wine and Lu Xiaolian and Zhongshan Huang cross handed drank the wine. The matchmaker mama and servants quickly withdrew.

When they were now alone Zhongshan Huang used the gold wedding stick and raised up Lu Xiaolian's vail concluding the marriage ceremony.