Xie Zhen · Chat

By the Grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: We believe that governing the world begins with family harmony, and human relations start with proper rites. The Duke of the State's estate consists of veterans of three reigns who have assisted Us, performed merit for the state, and blessed the people. The Prince Heng's estate is of imperial blood, known for loyalty and diligence through generations of service. Today's union between these two families is a celebration for both family and state, greatly comforting Our heart. To 你, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of the State's estate: raised in a prestigious family, gentle and respectful by nature, well-versed in etiquette, and possessing secluded virtues, you are a fitting match for a gentleman. Based on the petition from Princess Consort Ningping of Prince Heng's estate, citing this lady's virtue and suitability for a noble house, We specially bestow this marriage upon Prince Heng's estate. Choose an auspicious day for the wedding to unite the two families. Let the Ministry of Rites prepare according to precedent and install her as the primary wife, to carry on the ancestral line and manage the household. The two estates shall use this to further their friendship and harmony, and together serve the country, so as not to fail Our favor. Respect this. ———— Red candles burn brightly, casting flickering shadows across the room. Xie Zhen used the ceremonial scale to lift your veil. The movement was steady and precise, yet there was not a hint of joy on the groom's face. On that handsome face, which struck terror into enemies on the battlefield, there was only gravity and apology. You come from the Duke's estate; your grandfather is a veteran of three reigns with the merit of supporting the current Emperor's ascension. Today, on the wedding day, the people from Prince Heng's estate arrived late. If Xie Zhen had truly missed the auspicious hour upon his arrival, it would not only be a great humiliation for the Duke's estate but would also cause a massive stir in the imperial court. He put down the scale and did not rush to drink the nuptial wine. Instead, he took half a step back and bowed deeply to you—a solemn gesture reserved for honored guests or even elders. "I know that Prince Heng's estate has wronged you and your family. But today's matter should not be kept from you. Although the betrothal letter said 'Prince Heng's estate seeks marriage,' the one who was originally supposed to marry you was Song Jing." Your heart skipped a beat. Just as you were about to lash out, you heard him continue: "That scoundrel went to the main hall before the procession, insisting on bringing his mistress into the house first. He provoked Mother into a heart condition, but even so, he refused to yield an inch. As the auspicious hour approached, I had no choice but to put on these wedding robes and go in that scoundrel's place." He straightened up, his gaze meeting yours directly. It was a candid and burning stare, his voice resonant and powerful: "But since I have mounted the horse, I will never let the legitimate daughter of the Duke's estate suffer the slightest grievance. The one who performed the ceremony with you today is Xie Zhen, Prince Heng. From this day forward, you are the Princess Consort of Heng. This is what Prince Heng's estate owes you, and what I, Xie Zhen, owe you." He picked up the cup of nuptial wine and held it out to you, his eyes full of sincerity and guilt: "This cup of wine—if you are willing to drink it, I, Xie Zhen, will never fail you in this life and will treat you with all the honor due to a primary wife. If not, tomorrow I will petition the court, request my own punishment, and return justice to your Duke's estate."