Extra 3-1: Story of marriage

The emperor had been in poor health recently, so Tao Sheng worked with the Imperial Hospital to develop music to help his health, which was officially approved by the hospital. She had been going to Xuanzheng Hall daily to play the zither for his recovery.

Today was the same.

But when Tao Sheng entered the palace, the emperor asked, “Why are you still here today?”

Tao Sheng was confused.

Yesterday, after she played, the emperor praised her and said having her by his side made him feel more at ease than having several princesses with him. Why did he change his mind overnight?

Tao Sheng wasn’t sure, but she thought maybe he was tired of seeing her so often and asked this out of politeness.

With years of experience handling such situations, she replied calmly, “The imperial physician said you’ve been getting better these past two days. I was planning to play fewer songs for you today.”

Seeing that Tao Sheng didn’t understand his intentions, the emperor clarified, “Yesterday, I heard from Prince Huan that you’re getting married, and the date is set. Marriage is a major event, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Since both of you hold important court positions, your marriage affects the court’s reputation too. If you’re preparing for a wedding, focus on it. Once you finish today’s performance, pay more attention to your wedding preparations. If you need any help, just let me know.”

The emperor had already given Ji Yanming many rewards for his wedding. His words this time made it clear that he wanted them to marry soon so that Ji Yanming could assist the King of Chu without worry.

The emperor urging the marriage was a sign of favor. As loyal subjects, both Ji Yanming and Tao Sheng should follow the emperor’s wishes, and this marriage would benefit both of them.

Tao Sheng assured the emperor, “I have my grandfather, mother, and several aunts helping with the preparations. Everything is almost ready. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.”

The emperor knew that her grandfather was Grand Master Luo, and that the Luo family was trustworthy. So, he felt confident that the wedding would be grand, and Tao Sheng had nothing to worry about.

The emperor said “good” three times in a row and smiled, clearly relieved. In his eyes, Tao Sheng had the best character. Not only was she aligned with Ji Yanming, but she also truly cared about the King of Chu.

With both of them supporting the King of Chu in the future, the emperor believed he wouldn’t have to worry even after his reign.

After receiving the emperor’s decree, Tao Sheng started going home more often to “prepare” for the wedding, although she became less punctual at work.

Time flew by, and soon it was the end of the month, with less than ten days until the wedding.

The purchase of silk fabrics for the dowry was entrusted to Zhang Xinyue’s father. Mr. Zhang had spent months carefully selecting the materials, and the final choices were made that morning.

Tao Sheng went with Zhang Xinyue to inspect the materials. When they returned, they saw a familiar figure outside the house—it was the King of Chu.

Tao Sheng was surprised. Although there had been recent reports of victories at the border, no one expected the King of Chu to return so soon.

When the King of Chu saw Tao Sheng, he looked tired and aggrieved. He had rushed back to the capital with the vanguard troops, traveling day and night.

However, when he went to the palace to report to his father, Gao Zhen told him the emperor had retired early due to exhaustion and suggested he return the next day.

The King of Chu went home, only to find that the princess had taken her concubines and children to escape the summer heat at the farm. Not knowing what else to do, he went to Ji Yanming’s house to discuss his expedition. But Ji Yanming was busy working overtime, preparing for his wedding, so he wasn’t home either.

Feeling frustrated, the King of Chu came to the Luo family to talk to Tao Sheng, only to find she was also out.

Just as he was about to leave, he finally saw Tao Sheng. She quickly invited him inside, offered him a seat, and made him some tea. “I didn’t expect Your Highness to return so soon.”

The King of Chu proudly responded, “It wasn’t difficult to deal with those small armies. I wanted to finish quickly so my father wouldn’t worry. And I couldn’t miss your wedding next month!”

He added that he considered himself the matchmaker for her and Ji Yanming. Although he had passed the role of official matchmaker to the princess, he still took pride in bringing them together.

Tao Sheng, always polite, asked about his journey. The King of Chu boasted that the war was easy for him, but also mentioned some difficulties. For instance, when their armies won a great victory on the eastern front, the armies of Chen and Zhao retreated so quickly that they couldn’t catch up to reclaim much loot.

Tao Sheng smiled and continued to praise him. The King of Chu, having recently tanned from his time in battle, blushed slightly under the praise.

He then mentioned how, although they had won, there were several challenges during the campaign. Tao Sheng listened as he shared these details.

_

Later that day, the King of Chu went to the Xuanzheng Hall. General Fu, who had also returned to the capital with him, was already there reporting to the emperor. Although they had planned to meet the emperor together, the King of Chu had to stay behind due to urgent business with the Minister of War.

The emperor waved to the King of Chu and said, “Thank you for your hard work on this expedition.”

The King of Chu replied, “It is my duty to serve the court and the people, so the hardship doesn’t matter.”

The emperor felt proud, seeing his son becoming more reliable. “Come, sit down and tell your father about the expedition.”

The King of Chu had practiced his speech at Tao Sheng’s place the day before, so he spoke more smoothly and dramatically.

As the emperor listened, he began to doubt.

At first, he thought the King of Chu seemed calmer after his return, but now it sounded like his son was still the same, and not very reliable.

General Fu, standing nearby, said approvingly, “Your Highness, the King of Chu, is brave and quick in battle. He swiftly took down three cities before the enemy could respond. He is truly a hero of the empire.” The word “quick” was emphasized.

In battles where one side has a big advantage, speed is key, and the King of Chu handled it well.

The emperor: …

In all his years, this was the first time the emperor realized his son might be a skilled general.

_

As usual, grooms are tested on their wedding day.

Tao Sheng woke up early to do her makeup. She didn’t even have time for breakfast and only ate a few bites of lotus cake^[1]refers to a small sweet cake made from lotus seeds..

Zhang Xinyue and Nian Sheng, on the other hand, were supposed to have time to eat, but they didn’t. Instead, they stood aside, looking serious and talking.

“I wonder if today’s people can challenge Lord Ji,” Zhang Xinyue said, worried. “They need to hold him off for at least an hour.”

“Don’t we have uncles and cousins at home?” Tao Sheng said. “And colleagues from the Imperial Music Bureau are here. It should be fine.”

But Tao Sheng underestimated their competitive spirit. Zhang Xinyue shook her head. “That’s not enough! Everyone has their own goals. Can they really give their best?”

Tao Sheng defended her side. “Our colleagues from the Imperial Music Bureau are upright and pure. They only care about music, so they won’t make things easy for anyone.”

Nian Sheng, holding his chin thoughtfully, added, “They don’t want to, but others, like family members who want promotions or money, definitely won’t want to offend my cousin.”

Their cousin was a powerful figure after all.

Tao Sheng: …

So why are you insisting that they challenge him?

Tao Sheng originally didn’t want a big wedding because she found it too troublesome.

However, Ji Yanming had a different opinion. “We’ve waited until our twenties to get married. Our families are excited for a big wedding. We can’t ignore the wishes of our elders and friends just because we find it troublesome.”

Tao Sheng agreed.

Especially since the emperor had given them special gifts, a simple wedding was no longer an option.

Tao Sheng thought that she hadn’t hosted any large gatherings over the years, so she could use the wedding as an opportunity to get everyone together for a fun time.

She never expected Zhang Xinyue and Nian Sheng to be so competitive.

The Luo family, being a scholarly family, had uncles and cousins who were well-versed in poetry and essays, so the written test would be easy for them.

Although Ji Yanming hadn’t studied in years, he was still the top scorer in the imperial exam. With help from Xie Huaian, he engaged in an interesting literary duel with the Luo family members.

Usually, the written test would be followed by a martial arts test, but since Tao Sheng was the Grand Master of Music, a test in music was added.

Grand Music Minister Gu personally tested Ji Yanming on music theory. Since Ji Yanming had been with Tao Sheng for many years, he knew a lot about music. Ji Yanming had also studied abroad and helped Tao Sheng with lesson plans before, so he answered the music theory questions easily.

Mr. Wei then brought out a music piece and said it was one of Tao Sheng’s favorite songs. If Ji Yanming wanted to marry her, he had to learn it, so he could play it whenever Tao Sheng wanted to relax after marriage.

Mr. Wei stood there firmly, as if he would not leave until Ji Yanming mastered the piece.

When Tao Sheng was editing music scores for the Ministry of Rites, Ji Yanming helped her play music and check her work, so this was not difficult for him.

King Huan stood nearby with a calm and impartial expression.

The King of Chu came over and asked him, “Why aren’t you joining in the fun?”

Normally, the people involved in the wedding procession would help the groom.

King Huan replied, “Both sides are important to me. I cannot take sides.”

Both Tao Sheng and Ji Yanming had served him before, so he didn’t want to favor one over the other.

If he favored one today, his reputation would suffer, and it would be hard to find trustworthy assistants in the future.

So, this was not allowed.

Although the King of Chu treated Tao Sheng like family, Ji Yanming had been his calligraphy teacher, and Tao Sheng was the emperor’s personal musician, so she was still considered the emperor’s person.

The King of Chu came to help Ji Yanming, but when he looked at the Luo family mansion, he suddenly felt like a protective father marrying off his daughter. He wanted to rush forward, but instead, he held back, keeping the situation balanced.

Tao Sheng listened to reports from Qing Xing and Liu Mian. Hearing the cheers from the crowd, she knew everyone was enjoying themselves, and she felt happy too.

During the final martial arts test, Ji Yanming’s chances for success rested on the King of Chu and Lord Ji. The Luo family was more focused on civil matters, with only a few of Tao Sheng’s relatives from her aunt’s side having any martial training, so they didn’t last long.

Lord Ji managed his time perfectly, taking exactly one hour from his arrival at the mansion to welcoming his bride.

Tao Sheng knew the route from Luo’s house to Ji’s house well, but it was her first time going there in such a grand way, carried in a sedan chair by eight people.

Tao Sheng had been to several weddings before, so she knew that after the bride entered the house and drank the wedding wine, there was not much left to do. However, the groom still had to go and entertain the guests and keep them company. 

“Good company” probably meant the guests should drink until they were satisfied, and it would be even better if a few of them got drunk. 

Whether in his past or present life, Ji Yanming’s drinking ability was only average.

Tao Sheng packed a few books in the box she brought along, thinking she could read when she got bored. However, when Qing Xing handed her a book, she realized she had no mood to read at all and was distracted, worried about the outside world.

Since I don’t feel like reading, I might as well do something else.

Tao Sheng styled her hair, took a shower, changed her clothes, and then sat under the lamp to weave her hair. 

This was a skill she had just learned from the Princess of Chu, and it was said to be a great way to pass time.

She had barely woven half a thread when Ji Yanming returned.

Tao Sheng stood up and asked, “Why are you back so early? Are they satisfied outside?”

“They should be satisfied,” Ji Yanming replied. “I tried to make them stay a few times, but they still insisted on leaving.”

Tiandong, who was nearby, couldn’t help but twitch his lips.

Although Ji Yanming sat there earlier, his heart had already flown away, his eyes constantly drifting towards the bridal chamber. He didn’t dare to drink too much or make jokes, so it was hard for him to speak freely, and he felt stifled. Why wouldn’t he go back? Staying would only cause trouble.

As Ji Yanming was leaving, the King of Chu specifically told him to make sure to send Ji Yanming back to his room, warning not to let him get drunk and lose his way back to the new house.

Now, the groom had finally returned to the bride. Tiandong realized he was unnecessary, so he followed Qing Xing and the others out, gently closing the door behind them.

Tao Sheng looked up at Ji Yanming.

Lord Ji rarely wore red, usually opting for darker casual clothes, but this bright red outfit suited him very well. 

Lord Ji had very fair skin, deep features, and sharp angles. He looked more mature than when they first met but was still extremely handsome. Although the wedding outfit made by the Inner Court was elaborate and grand, his presence outshone the clothes.

He leaned in close and asked in a deep voice, “What are you looking at?”

At this moment, there was nothing else to see but him.

Tao Sheng looked back into his eyes and said, “I’m looking at you.”

As soon as Tao Sheng spoke, she suddenly felt herself lifted into the air by Ji Yanming, his nose brushing against her neck.

This was the first time they had been so close despite knowing each other for years.

The people of the Great Zhou were civilized, but it was still a feudal society, and it was improper for unmarried couples to be too intimate before marriage.

Ji Yanming didn’t care much about these traditions, but he cared about Tao Sheng and didn’t want her to face criticism for her official duties.

Although there had been small gestures before, this was the first time they were truly close.

He had just come to greet her, and now he carried her to the bed.

Tao Sheng’s arms remained around his neck. She slowly raised her head and met his gaze.

His eyes held a heat that was different from usual, like a long-suppressed volcano waiting to erupt and take over.

Sure enough, in the next moment, his lips covered hers.