Chapter 38 - Coronation Day

Days in the imperial palace gradually becoming so calm and peaceful. The green tea b***h had been removed.

Wen Qian had married a week ago and the Imperial harem had been dismissed. Even though it was hardly objected by the ministers, especially Lin Hui Yin's father, but no one can really go against the emperor.

Wen Qian's father looks calm on the outside but once he conveyed the news to his new wife, she went outraged. She forced her way to Wen Qian's new house and wanted Wen Qian to give her some of the gifts from the emperor that Wen Qian received.

However, once she arrived there with her annoying and pampered son, they were kicked out by the guards. She tried to make a scene by saying out loud how ungrateful Wen Qian for throwing out her family. However, instead of gaining sympathy from the crowd, both mother and son pair were glared at and swore after Wen Qian calmly told the crowd how she was abused before her stepmother sold her to the emperor.

She mentioned sold because every concubine's family will receive compensation for giving up their daughter or relative to the emperor. And Wen Qian's stepmother did that because she wanted to find the money for her son's gambling debts.

Once Wen Qian stated the facts including the proof and naming a few witnesses from the gambling house, the mother and son pair had to run for their lives as the crowd started to throw things towards them. When she returned home, she hoped that she could complain to Minister Wen but she was forced to shut her mouth.

Minister Wen got the feeling that the emperor intentionally did this to them because he knew about what his wife did to Wen Qian. He can't do anything as Wen Qian's mansion and property were included in the imperial edict and can never be changed the ownership. But his foolish wife insisted him to ask the emperor to take back the imperial edict and give them some of the money too.

Wen Qian is having a great new life with her newlywed husband. They're living a lovey-dovey life. Wen Qian's husband is so caring and loving person. The same goes for her parents-in-law. She feels truly grateful to the emperor for letting her meet such good people.

There is also another lovely couple that could barely be apart from each other even though one of them is busy with his training and the other one has to serve his master. But that didn't stop Huang Fei Hong from meeting his lover.

Before this, if he got leisure time, he'll stay at the training ground, practicing his sword or combat skills. But now, as soon as the training is done, he'll rush to Zhongcui palace to kidnap someone.

Xiu Ying being an understanding master, never forbid his servant to be 'kidnapped by the great general. Sometimes when Fei Hong was a little bit busy, he even asked Jing Yi why the kidnapper was late.

"Haihh.. These two. Can't they just get married? Isn't it easier to live together rather than keep running here and there, right?" Xiu Ying asked the guy beside him.

Zhang Wei was in a daze. He didn't hear anything Xiu Ying said.

"Zhang Wei?" Xiu Ying pats his arm, jerked him out of the trance.

"Huh?" He startled.

"Are you alright? Why is it seems like this lately you always in a daze? Is there anything you worried about?" Xiu Ying asked in concern.

Zhang Wei smiles stiffly. He can't say that he's actually thinking when he can officially claim Xiu Ying as his. He wants to do it! Badly!

"No- Nothing Ying-er." He gently caressing Xiu Ying's cheek.

Xiu Ying squinted. He didn't believe it was nothing. Zhang Wei usually clings to him and his mind always focusing on him. But now, something distracting him. It must be something important.

Looking at Xiu Ying's eyes, Zhang Wei knows his love didn't buy his words. But what can he say?!

He's too conscious of Xiu Ying. When Xiu Ying smiles at him, his heart goes wild. When Xiu Ying called his name with his sweet voice, it makes his mind goes blank. When Xiu Ying hugs him and snuggles on his chest, his little brother waking up even if it's in the middle of the day.

If it's not because he treasures Xiu Ying like his own life and doesn't want to hurt him, Xiu Ying already carries his child at this time.

Zhang Wei fakes a cough. "Ying-er... You do know that I love you so much?"

Xiu Ying blushes. He nods.

He holds both Xiu Ying's hands. "I only need you in my life and not others. So... would you be my empress? Stay by my side for your life. Would you?"

Xiu Ying bites his lips. He looked down, thinking hard. Zhang Wei waits for the answer patiently.

After a minute of deep thinking, Xiu Ying lifts his head and a beautiful smile on his face. He nods repeatedly.

"Can you say it? I want to hear you say it." Zhang Wei demanded.

Xiu Ying's lips curved. "Alright. I'll be your empress. I'll stay by your side, not just in this lifetime but also in other lifetimes."

In a blink of an eye, Xiu Ying has been pulled onto Zhang Wei's lap. They look into each other's eyes. Xiu Ying takes the initiative to lower down his head until his lips meet the other lips.

The soft kisses slowly turn passionate. Breathe getting heavier. Xiu Ying gasps when a hand kneading his butt cheeks. Tongues tangling and battling for dominance but in the end, the winner is always the emperor.

Xiu Ying clenching on the emperor's robe. He's out of breath. His lips starting to feel numb. It's been a few minutes but the emperor had no intention of stopping.

Xiu Ying keeps tapping on Zhang Wei's shoulder only then the lusty man slowed down and stopped the kiss. He buried his nose on Xiu Ying's neck, inhaling his scent.

He quickly changed the topic to distract his mind. "Hmm... about the date for the coronation day, I'll ask for your father's opinion but I suggest in one or two weeks."

Xiu Ying tilts his head, "That soon?"

Zhang Wei pinches his cheek. "Up to me, I want to do it tomorrow but there are so many things that need to be prepared and I want to make it a proper and a grand one. I want to tell the whole world you're my empress."

Xiu Ying blushes. "Hmm. Then I just follow whatever you and father decide."

......

Two weeks had passed and all preparation is done. Zhang Wei and Lord Li Shizen decided to hold the coronation in two weeks. Zhang Wei wanted to do it in one week but after the fortune-teller told them that the most proper and propitious date to hold the coronation according to the astrological book is in two weeks, Zhang Wei can only agree. He also doesn't want anything to happen on an important day.

The news of Xiu Ying's coronation as the empress are being accepted with an open heart by all citizen. They knew how humble and kind Li's family is. Lord Li and Madam Feng are well-known for their generous heart, helping those who were in need.

Most people also had met the 'new' Xiu Ying. The beautiful ger that his beauty is unbeatable and also his graceful manner and wide knowledge in medicine. Having a smart empress will be a big benefit to the whole nation.

However, not everyone can accept this matter and this only refers to the ministers that wanted to pair up their daughter or relatives with the emperor. After the dismissal of the imperial harem, those ministers thought the emperor will only accept one wife and they hoped to give their daughter to him but no one expected the emperor already had someone in mind. Moreover, the person was the son of the Prime Minister that they hate so much!

All those ministers thought of one thing, 'Just accept for now and handle it later on!'

Pretended like he doesn't know what those sleazebags thinking, Zhang Wei proceeds with the preparation. Those small fries are nothing to him and he'll do anything to protect his loved one.

The empress robe for Xiu Ying has been sent to him. The imperial palace has been decorated with red silk all over, looking beautiful and grand. Xiu Ying asked the eunuch to keep repeating the ceremonial process to avoid any mistakes happen.

Xiu Ying has to get up as early as five in the morning. Taking a long bath. The warm water is mixed with milk and essential oil, waking up Xiu Ying's sleepy eyes and relaxing his nerves.

After the bath, it takes 30 minutes to fully dry his long hair. Jing Yi together with two female servants helps Xiu Ying to get ready. One of the female servants helps with his makeup, a light one. Just to give a more radiant complexion. The other female servant helps him with his hair, tying it up and put on the Fengguan, the phoenix crown, headdress for the empress.

Xiu Ying feels like a big stone was put on his head. The headdress is too heavy! Luckily he just needs to wear it on official occasions only.

After done with the makeup and hair, Xiu Ying stands straight and spreads out his arms, letting Jing Yi putting on the five layers of the robe. The whole process takes about two and a half hours. Xiu Ying only had a drink and a steamed bun for breakfast. His nerves won't let him eat too much or else he's gonna throw up in the main hall.

The ceremony starts at sì hours (9-10am). Xiu Ying will offer prayers at the temple before heading towards the main hall in the imperial palace. He was accompanied by a few eunuchs and monks only.

Meanwhile, at the main hall, the imperial court enters the main hall in order of seniority. After all the ministers and officers have entered the main hall, Zhang Wei followed by Empress Dowager and the princess entered.

From the temple, Xiu Ying riding the sedan chair, heading towards the main hall. On this kind of occasion, citizens are allowed to enter the palace and witness the ceremony. When Xiu Ying gets off of the sedan chair, the crowd gaped. They couldn't remove their eyes from the future empress.

It feels like Xiu Ying is walking in slow motion. Their awe-ing voices could be heard even from inside the main hall, making a certain man drinking vinegar.

When Xiu Ying reached in front of the main hall, the eunuch announced his arrival. He gracefully walking towards the imperial dragon throne, with eyes on the ground all the time. Finally, the enthronement edict is readout.

Zhang Wei reached out his hand and Xiu Ying grabs it. Now, they're standing side by side on the throne. The crowds start to chant.

"Long live the emperor! Long live the Empress!"

"Long live the emperor! Long live the Empress!"

"Long live the emperor! Long live the Empress!"

Walking down the throne hand-in-hand, both of them walking out of the main hall to meet the citizen outside. All of them immediately kowtowing and chanted the same thing.

They feel happy with the empress chosen by the emperor. They look good together and the empress also came from a good family.

Those citizens who came are allowed to have a feast prepared by the imperial kitchen. The ministers together with the royal couple having a banquet in the main hall. Servants coming out one by one, serving various kinds of meals.

The ministers approaching the emperor and the empress, sending the congratulatory. However, they can only say a few words before the emperor sending glares to them for trying to strike up a conversation with his beloved.

Empress Dowager Wu Jiaying and Princess Wu Xiaoqing feel happy when Zhang Wei decided to choose Xiu Ying as the mother of the nation. Right now, they're busy talking with Madam Feng who also came to watch her youngest child crowned as the empress.

The banquet drags until nighttime. Around chén hours (8pm), fireworks have light up and various performances are being presented. It was such a lively and cheerful event and all the citizens are high-spirited.

Xiu Ying's eyes focusing on the fireworks but Zhang Wei is staring at him instead. They barely let go of each other's hands. The truth is, Zhang Wei is the one who won't let go of Xiu Ying's hand.

The ministers keep offering wine to him but he can't accept all of them. He needs to stay sober.. For the most important event after this.