117: Chapter 27 The Wedding Promise

The city of Jinling in the early morning was shrouded in a thin mist.

Li Ling stood before the window of the Imperial Study, gazing at the scenery outside, but his thoughts were on the evening ahead.

Today was the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the Lantern Festival, and also the day of his grand wedding with Empress Su Wanqing.

The enthronement ceremony had only taken place five days ago, and the grand wedding followed immediately after.

The entire city of Jinling was still immersed in the joy of the founding of the nation, and now with another joyous occasion to celebrate, the common people were overjoyed; every household hung lanterns and decorations, making it even livelier than the New Year.

"Your Majesty, it is time to change," the palace maids said as they walked in carrying the bright red wedding attire.

Li Ling turned around, opened his arms, and let the palace maids help him dress.

The wedding attire was bright red, embroidered with golden dragon and phoenix patterns, with white mink fur inlaid at the collar and cuffs, making it both festive and luxurious.

The crown on his head was specially made; it was lighter than the crown worn during the enthronement but equally exquisite.

After dressing, Li Ling stood before the bronze mirror, looking at his reflection.

The person in the mirror wore bright red wedding attire, a golden crown, a jade belt around his waist, and court boots on his feet.

A faint smile played on his face, and his eyes were filled with anticipation.

Today, he was going to marry his white moonlight.

"Your Majesty, it is time to go and welcome the bride," the eunuch urged from outside the door.

Li Ling took a deep breath and strode out of the Imperial Study.

The wedding procession set off from the palace in a grand manner, moving along the main thoroughfare of Jinling city toward the Su residence.

At the front of the procession were the cavalry clearing the way, followed by the musicians, then the porters carrying the betrothal gifts, and finally, Li Ling riding a tall horse.

Both sides of the street were packed with onlookers, who waved small flags in their hands and shouted, "Long live the Emperor!" and "Long live the Empress!"

Children ran behind the procession, shouting, "Look at the groom! Look at the groom!"

Li Ling rode on his horse, waving to the common people.

Upon arriving at the entrance of the Su residence, Empress Su Wanqing's father, Su Wenyuan, was already waiting there.

He was a refined scholar in his fifties, wearing brand-new court attire, with an expression of both pride and reluctance on his face.

"Your subject, Su Wenyuan, respectfully welcomes Your Majesty," he said, kneeling to pay his respects.

Li Ling quickly helped him up: "Father-in-law, there is no need for such formalities. From now on, we are one family."

Su Wenyuan's eyes were slightly red as he nodded: "It is my daughter's good fortune to be able to marry Your Majesty, and it is also the good fortune of our Su family."

"Father-in-law, you are too kind," Li Ling smiled. "It is my good fortune to be able to marry Empress Su Wanqing."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Ling entered the Su residence to welcome his bride.

Empress Su Wanqing sat in her boudoir, wearing a bright red phoenix robe and a phoenix coronet, with a red veil covering her face.

Her hands were tightly clutching the corner of her robe, her heart filled with both nervousness and excitement.

She had waited for this day for too many years.

Ever since she was a little girl, she had dreamed of one day marrying Li Ling.

Later, he changed; he became powerful, became unreachable, and so many outstanding women appeared by his side.

She thought she had no chance and that he had long forgotten the promise he made back then.

But he had not forgotten.

He had always remembered.

"Empress Su Wanqing," Li Ling's voice came from outside the door. "I have come to take you home."

Tears instantly fell from Empress Su Wanqing's eyes.

She stood up, supported by her maid, and walked out of the boudoir.

Li Ling stood at the doorway, looking at Empress Su Wanqing, who was covered by the red veil, and a warmth welled up in his heart.

He stepped forward, took her hand, and said softly, "Empress Su Wanqing, come home with me."

Empress Su Wanqing nodded and choked out, "Okay."

The two walked hand in hand out of the Su residence and sat in the bridal sedan chair.

The wedding procession turned around and headed toward the palace.

Along the way, the sounds of firecrackers, gongs, drums, and cheers rose one after another; the entire city of Jinling was immersed in celebration.

The bridal sedan chair stopped at the palace gate. Li Ling dismounted, walked to the sedan chair, lifted the curtain, and led Empress Su Wanqing out.

The two walked hand in hand through the palace gates and into the Taihe Hall.

Inside the Taihe Hall, civil and military officials were already lined up and waiting.

Retired Emperor Li Zhenshan and the Empress Dowager Wang sat at the head, with kind smiles on their faces.

Emily, Princess Zaiyi, and Imperial Concubine Hui (daughter of a large southern consortium) sat on one side, each with different expressions—Emily's eyes held envy, the princess's eyes were complex, and Imperial Concubine Hui's eyes held curiosity.

The Minister of the Ministry of Rites loudly proclaimed: "The auspicious time has arrived; the grand wedding ceremony begins!"

Drums and music sounded in unison, and the bell rang melodiously.

According to etiquette, Li Ling and Empress Su Wanqing first bowed to heaven and earth, then to their parents, and finally bowed to each other.

After the three bows, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites announced: "The ceremony is complete! His Majesty and the Empress are now husband and wife, united in heart forever!"

The civil and military officials shouted in unison: "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!"

Li Ling lifted Empress Su Wanqing's red veil, revealing her elegant and dignified face.

She wore light makeup today, making her even more beautiful than usual, with tears in her eyes and a smile on her lips.

"Empress Su Wanqing, you are truly beautiful today," Li Ling said softly.

Empress Su Wanqing lowered her head, her cheeks blushing: "Brother Ling, you are teasing me again."

"I am telling the truth," Li Ling said, holding her hand. "From now on, you are my Empress."

Empress Su Wanqing looked up at him: "Brother Ling, I will strive to be a good Empress."

"I believe in you," Li Ling smiled.

After the grand wedding ceremony, there was a magnificent wedding banquet.

Hundreds of banquet tables were set up in the Taihe Hall, where civil and military officials, foreign envoys, feudal princes from various regions, and representatives of the common people gathered together, exchanging toasts and chatting happily.

Li Ling, accompanied by Empress Su Wanqing, went from table to table to toast.

At each table, he had to say a few polite words and drink a cup of wine.

After dozens of tables, his face was as red as Guan Gong's, and he was staggering as he walked.

"Your Majesty, you cannot drink any more," the eunuch whispered a reminder. "You still have to enter the bridal chamber tonight."

Li Ling waved his hand: "It is fine; my tolerance for alcohol is very good."

As soon as he finished speaking, he hiccuped, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

Empress Su Wanqing supported him and said softly: "Brother Ling, stop drinking. If you keep drinking, you really won't be able to enter the bridal chamber tonight."

Li Ling chuckled and obediently followed her back to the main table.

The banquet lasted until late at night before the guests gradually dispersed.

Li Ling and Empress Su Wanqing, surrounded by palace maids, arrived at the bridal chamber—the Qianning Palace.

The Qianning Palace was the Empress's sleeping quarters, which Li Ling had ordered to be redecorated. The interior was elegantly furnished, with red candles burning brightly, creating a festive atmosphere.

The palace maids helped Empress Su Wanqing remove her phoenix coronet and change into her nightclothes, then they withdrew.

Li Ling sat by the bed, looking at Empress Su Wanqing, and smiled: "Empress Su Wanqing, do you remember when we were children? You said you would marry me when you grew up, and I said okay. We were young and naive then. Now, I have truly married you."

Empress Su Wanqing sat beside him, leaning on his shoulder: "Brother Ling, do you remember that time you climbed a tree and fell?"

"I remember," Li Ling nodded. "You helped me apply medicine, and it hurt so much that I was grimacing."

"You said back then that when you grew up, you would marry me to repay my kindness."

"Did I say that?" Li Ling feigned ignorance.

"You did!" Empress Su Wanqing lightly punched him. "If you dare to deny it, I will… I will…"

"You will what?"

"I will ignore you."

Li Ling laughed loudly and pulled her into his arms: "Empress Su Wanqing, rest assured, I, Li Ling, will never let you down in this lifetime."

Empress Su Wanqing leaned against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, tears welling up in her eyes: "Brother Ling, I believe in you. From beginning to end, I have always believed in you."

The two embraced for a while, then Li Ling suddenly released her and said solemnly: "Empress Su Wanqing, I have a question to ask you."

"What question?"

"Do you think that I am being too unserious as an Emperor? Joking with officials on the day of my enthronement, getting dead drunk at the wedding banquet, and now chatting with you about childhood memories in the bridal chamber. If this gets out, will it damage the royal dignity?"

Empress Su Wanqing chuckled: "Brother Ling, you were never serious to begin with. From the day you fell from the tree, I knew you were an unserious person. But it is precisely because you are so unserious that I like you. If you were as stiff and serious as those old pedants, I would not like you instead."

"Really?"

"Really."

Li Ling grinned and kissed her gently on the forehead.

The night grew deep, and the red candles flickered in the breeze, casting their shadows on the wall, overlapping together.

Outside the window, the moonlight was like water, spilling onto the palace walls and dyeing the entire palace silver-white.

Empress Su Wanqing leaned against Li Ling, listening to his heartbeat, and gradually drifted into a dream.

Li Ling held her, watching the moonlight outside the window, as an unprecedented sense of peace welled up in his heart.

He had transmigrated to this era eight years ago, and after experiencing countless battles and hardships, he had finally reached this day.

He had his own country, his own army, his own imperial court, and his own Empress.

But all of this was just the beginning.

Tomorrow, he would have to face even more challenges—the encirclement by foreign powers, the counterattacks of warlords, domestic construction, and the development of people's livelihoods... Every single matter required his personal attention, and not the slightest error could be made in any of them.

But he was not afraid.

Because he was not fighting alone.

He had Empress Su Wanqing, the Princess, Emily, Imperial Concubine Hui, and the German Princess.

He had Chief of Staff Zhang Wanshan, Lin Yongsheng, Deng Shichang, and countless loyal generals and soldiers.

He had the help of the system, the support of the Production Base, and the eyes of the Radar and satellites.

He had the entire Tang Country as his backing.

"System." He recited silently in his heart.

There was no response.

"System? Did you go to hang out with that singing and dancing system again?"

Still no response.

Li Ling sighed; this system was becoming increasingly unreliable.

In the past, at least it would pop up when he needed it, but now, other than lucky draws and giving out gift packages, he couldn't find it at all during normal times.

Forget it, no use thinking about it. Regardless of whether it's there or not, life goes on.

He closed his eyes and quickly fell asleep.

The next morning, when Li Ling woke up, he found that Empress Su Wanqing was no longer by his side.

He sat up and saw Empress Su Wanqing sitting in front of the vanity, combing her hair in the mirror.

She was wearing a pale pink nightgown, with her long hair draped over her shoulders, looking exceptionally gentle and beautiful in the morning light.

"Wanqing, why are you up so early?" Li Ling walked over, took the comb from her hand, and helped her comb her hair.

Empress Su Wanqing blushed, but she did not refuse: "Brother Ling, today we must go to pay our respects to the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager, we cannot be late."

"I know." Li Ling said while combing her hair, "After we pay our respects, I will take you to a place."

"What place?"

"It's a secret."

Empress Su Wanqing looked at him curiously but did not press him.

After paying their respects, Li Ling took Empress Su Wanqing to the Production Base outside the city.

The Production Base had now expanded several times over, with an underground space the size of dozens of football fields, divided into several areas: weapon production area, ammunition production area, equipment assembly area, raw material storage area, dock area, heavy industry area, research area... Each area had a large number of machines running, emitting a buzzing roar.

This was Empress Su Wanqing's first time here, and she watched in astonishment: "Brother Ling, this... what is this place?"

"The Production Base." Li Ling smiled, "Our weapons, ammunition, and warships are all produced here."

Empress Su Wanqing gasped. Although she knew Li Ling had many secrets, seeing this massive underground factory with her own eyes still left her stunned.

"Brother Ling, how... did all this come to be?"

"A secret channel." Li Ling did not tell the truth, nor could he, "Wanqing, don't ask so much. You just need to know that these things can protect our country and protect our people, that is enough."

Empress Su Wanqing nodded and did not ask further. She was a smart woman and knew that some things should not be asked.

Li Ling took her around the Production Base and introduced the functions of each area to her. Empress Su Wanqing listened with great interest, asking questions from time to time, which Li Ling answered one by one.

When they walked to the dock area, Empress Su Wanqing saw several huge warships under construction and couldn't help but exclaim: "These ships are so big!"

"These are Dreadnoughts." Li Ling pointed to the warships, "They are the trump card of our navy. With them, the warships of foreign powers will not dare to run wild in our waters."

Empress Su Wanqing looked at those giant ships, and a sense of pride welled up in her heart.

This was the man she loved; he could not only fight wars but also build such amazing things.

After visiting the Production Base, Li Ling took Empress Su Wanqing to the military camp outside the city.

Inside the military camp, soldiers were training. Some were practicing shooting, some were practicing combat, some were practicing tactical coordination, and some were practicing physical fitness. The sound of slogans, gunfire, and footsteps mixed together, playing a majestic march.

Empress Su Wanqing stood by the training ground, watching those soldiers, and a sense of respect welled up in her heart.

These people were all heroes who bled and sweated for the Tang Country.

"Wanqing, what do you think of them?" Li Ling asked.

"Very good." Empress Su Wanqing said sincerely, "With them here, the Tang Country has hope."

Li Ling smiled: "You are right. With them, the Tang Country has hope."

The two walked around the military camp and then returned to the imperial palace.

In the afternoon, Li Ling summoned the cabinet members to the Imperial Study to discuss the specific implementation plan for the first Five-Year Plan.

Zhang Zhidong, Princess Zaiyi, Imperial Concubine Hui, and others sat in the lower seats, with stacks of thick documents spread out in front of them.

"Everyone." Li Ling sat on the dragon throne and got straight to the point, "The goal of the first Five-Year Plan is: to vigorously develop heavy industry, military industry, education, transportation, and energy. Specifically, within five years, steel production will triple, coal production will double, oil production will go from zero to self-sufficiency, railway mileage will exceed five thousand kilometers, ten institutions of higher learning will be established, and fifty thousand professionals of various types will be trained."

Zhang Zhidong nodded: "Your Majesty, although these goals are arduous, they are not impossible. The key is to have sufficient funds and talent."

"Regarding funds, I have already arranged it." Li Ling looked at Imperial Concubine Hui, "Wanqing, you explain."

Imperial Concubine Hui stood up and opened the document in her hand: "Your Majesty, esteemed ministers. My family is willing to contribute five million taels of silver to support the first Five-Year Plan. In addition, I have also contacted several major merchant groups in the south, and they have pledged a total of ten million taels of silver. Added to the imperial court's fiscal revenue and the income from selling arms, the funding gap for the first Five-Year Plan has basically been filled."

Zhang Zhidong looked at Imperial Concubine Hui in surprise: "Miss Lin, your family is truly generous."

Imperial Concubine Hui smiled slightly: "Lord Zhang, you are too kind. The Tang Country is our country, and supporting national construction is the duty of every citizen."

Li Ling nodded with satisfaction: "Regarding talent, I have already arranged it. The German Empire will send a group of engineers and technicians to help us build factories and railways. In addition, I have also hired several oil experts from Meijian Country to help us explore and extract oil."

Princess Zaiyi asked: "Your Majesty, what about education?"

Li Ling said: "Education is a long-term plan and cannot be rushed. I plan to first establish a university in Jinling, called Qingxia University. Then, we will establish primary and secondary schools across the country to popularize basic education. In addition, we must send a group of international students to the German Empire and Britain/America to learn advanced technology."

Princess Zaiyi nodded: "Your Majesty has considered everything thoroughly."

The meeting lasted for an entire afternoon and did not end until evening.

Li Ling saw off the cabinet members and returned to the Imperial Study, collapsing into his chair.

"Exhausting." He rubbed his temples, "Being an emperor is really not a job for a human."

Empress Su Wanqing walked in carrying a bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup and smiled: "Your Majesty, have a bowl of soup. You've worked hard today."

Li Ling took the bowl and took a sip; the temperature was just right, sweet but not cloying.

"Wanqing, you are always the best to me." He said with emotion.

Empress Su Wanqing sat down beside him: "Brother Ling, don't work so hard in the future. Your health is important."

"I know." Li Ling held her hand, "Once the first Five-Year Plan is completed, I will be able to relax."

Empress Su Wanqing leaned on his shoulder and said softly: "Brother Ling, I will always be with you."

Outside the window, the sun was setting, dyeing the entire city of Jinling in golden red.

A new day was about to end.

And a new journey was just beginning.