148: Chapter 56 The Grand Wedding of the Emperor and Empress

May 11th, the first year of Yongan, Jinling City.

This was a day destined to be recorded in history.

Before dawn, the entire city of Jinling had already awakened.

The plane trees along the streets were draped with red silk and colorful lanterns, every household had posted large red "Double Happiness" characters on their doors, and even the city walls were adorned with colorful flags.

The commoners had donned their festive best, supporting the old and leading the young as they flocked toward the Imperial Palace, eager to catch a glimpse of this unprecedented grand ceremony.

Li Ling stood before the bronze mirror in the Imperial Study, allowing the palace maids to dress him in the bright red wedding attire.

The dragon robe was bright yellow, but the wedding attire was bright red, embroidered with golden threads depicting dragons and phoenixes—a symbol of harmony—with every stitch crafted by the finest embroiderers of Suzhou and Hangzhou.

The jade belt at his waist was inlaid with twelve gemstones, shimmering brilliantly under the candlelight.

He looked down at his outfit and couldn't help but mutter internally, "System, do you think I look like a braised crab dressed like this?"

The System's voice rang in his mind, clearly gloating, "Host, this is your big day; it's impossible to be too festive. Besides, you're used to wearing military uniforms, so a change of style is nice for a change. However, I must remind you that the wedding ceremony will be long, so don't go crying about being hungry halfway through."

"Am I the kind of person who lacks discipline?" Li Ling retorted righteously, only for his stomach to let out a traitorous growl.

The System: "...Host, did you not eat breakfast?"

"I was busy preparing for the wedding; where would I find the time to eat?" Li Ling rubbed his stomach. "Alright, alright, let's hurry up. It would sound terrible if word got out that I got married on an empty stomach."

The palace maids covered their mouths to giggle and quickened their pace.

Half an hour later, Li Ling was finally fully dressed. He stood before the bronze mirror, looking at the figure in the red wedding attire with a golden crown on his head, and suddenly felt a sense of surreal detachment, as if a lifetime had passed.

Three years ago, he was just a down-on-his-luck traveler who had just transmigrated, needing the System's help even to suppress bandits.

Three years later, he had become the most powerful warlord in Qingxia, commanding an army of 500,000, possessing the world's most powerful fleet, and was about to marry the love of his life, with whom he had grown up.

"System," he murmured internally.

"Yes?"

"Do you think this is what they call 'the peak of life'?"

The System was silent for two seconds before saying, "Host, you haven't reached the peak of your life yet. Once you unify the country and establish a new nation, that will be the true peak. Today is just a small comma; there is a whole sentence of excitement ahead."

Li Ling smiled. "When did you become so eloquent?"

"The System has always been eloquent; it's just that the Host usually doesn't want to listen."

"Cut it out, you're just in a good mood today."

"The Host is correct; the System is indeed in a good mood today."

Li Ling shook his head and stopped bickering with the System. He took a deep breath, turned, and walked out of the Imperial Study toward Taihe Hall.

Inside Taihe Hall, the guests were already seated.

The civil and military officials were arranged according to their rank; the military generals wore armor, while the civil officials wore court dress, all of them beaming with joy and radiating festive cheer.

Envoys from various countries sat in the designated viewing area. Ambassador Hermann of the German Empire was grinning from ear to ear, Ambassador Smith of Meijian Country had a complex expression, Ambassador Johnson of Britain was expressionless, while the French and Russian envoys were whispering to each other, exchanging views.

Retired Emperor Li Zhenshan sat in the seat of honor, wearing a brand-new dragon-patterned robe, his graying hair combed meticulously, his face creased into a smile like a blooming chrysanthemum.

Beside him sat Empress Dowager Wang, dressed in a bright red phoenix robe, wearing a phoenix crown adorned with pearls and emeralds, her eyes filled with love and pride.

When Li Ling walked into Taihe Hall, everyone's gaze focused on him.

He walked with composure, each step landing on the red carpet with a steady sound.

The jade pendant at his waist swayed gently, refracting colorful light under the sunlight.

Behind him, the horns of the honor guard sounded, drums and music played in unison, and the entire Taihe Hall was immersed in a festive atmosphere.

"The auspicious hour has arrived!" Minister of Rites Shen Zhibai announced loudly, "Please bring the bride into the hall!"

The hall doors slowly opened, and Empress Su Wanqing, supported by two palace maids, walked in slowly.

She wore a bright red phoenix robe, a nine-phoenix crown, and a beaded veil that covered her face, revealing only her smiling eyes.

Her long train trailed behind her, sweeping across the white marble floor like a flowing red cloud.

Her steps were steady, but her fingers, clutching the hem of her dress, trembled slightly, betraying her inner excitement.

Li Ling watched her approach step by step, an indescribable emotion welling up in his heart.

He remembered his childhood.

Back then, he was just a naive boy, and she was the little girl from Uncle Su's house next door, wearing two pigtails and following him around all day.

When he fell from a tree, she applied medicine for him; when he was bullied, she stood up for him; when he was sick with a fever, she secretly brought him food.

Back then, he made a promise—that he would marry her when he grew up.

Now, he had fulfilled that promise.

Empress Su Wanqing walked up to him and stood still, the two of them less than a meter apart.

Behind the beaded veil, her eyes sparkled as if they were filled with the entire starry sky.

"Brother Ling," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly, "I have waited for this day for too many years."

Li Ling reached out and gently lifted her beaded veil.

A delicate and dignified face was revealed, with exquisite makeup, picturesque features, and a gentle smile at the corners of her lips.

Her eyes were slightly red, and tears welled up, but they never fell.

"Wanqing, I am here." Li Ling held her hands. "From today on, you are my wife. Forever."

Empress Su Wanqing could no longer hold back her tears, but her smile was more radiant than ever.

"The ceremony is complete!" Minister of Rites Shen Zhibai announced loudly. "His Majesty and the Empress are joined as husband and wife, united in heart forever!"

The civil and military officials all knelt in unison, shouting, "Long live His Majesty! Long live the Empress!"

The drums and music sounded again, the ceremonial cannons fired in unison, and the entire Taihe Hall was immersed in laughter and joy.

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

Hundreds of tables were set up in Taihe Hall, extending from inside the hall to the square outside.

The dishes were sumptuous, the wine exquisite, and the guests exchanged toasts and chatted happily.

Li Ling, accompanied by Empress Su Wanqing, went from table to table to toast, offering polite words and drinking a cup of wine at each table.

"Congratulations! His Majesty and the Empress are a match made in heaven!" An old general said, holding a wine cup, his face flushed red.

"Many thanks!" Li Ling drained his cup in one gulp, the wine sliding down his throat with a fiery burn.

"Young Master Li, I wish you and your wife a long and happy life together!" A merchant raised his glass.

"I accept your auspicious words!" Li Ling drank another cup.

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

Empress Su Wanqing held his arm and whispered, "Brother Ling, stop drinking. If you keep drinking, you won't be able to enter the bridal chamber tonight."

"It's fine, my tolerance is good." Li Ling hiccuped. "Besides, I'm happy today; what does a few extra cups matter?"

The System said eerily in his mind, "Host, you have already drunk twenty-seven cups. Based on your alcohol tolerance, three more cups and you'll be lying under the table."

"Shut up!" Li Ling retorted internally, then continued to carry his wine cup toward the next table.

When he reached the table of Ambassador Hermann, the German Envoy, Hermann stood up, holding his wine cup with a beaming smile. "Young Master Li, congratulations! His Majesty, our Emperor, has entrusted me to convey his congratulations, wishing you and your wife happiness and fulfillment!"

"Many thanks, Ambassador Hermann, and many thanks to His Majesty, your Emperor." Li Ling clinked glasses with him. "Please convey to His Majesty, your Emperor, that I keep his friendship close to my heart."

Hermann lowered his voice, "Young Master Li, His Majesty, our Emperor, also asked me to tell you—the German Empire will always be your strongest backing."

Li Ling's heart stirred, but he remained calm on the surface. "I understand. Many thanks for your country's kindness."

After finishing the rounds, Li Ling finally returned to the main table. He sat down heavily, exhaled a long breath, and felt as if his bones were about to fall apart.

"I'm exhausted." He leaned back against the chair, closing his eyes. "This is more tiring than fighting a naval battle."

Empress Su Wanqing chuckled beside him. "Brother Ling, stop talking and drink some tea to sober up."

She held a cup of warm tea and brought it to his lips. Li Ling took a sip from her hand, the clear tea sliding down his throat and dispelling some of the alcohol's effects.

Empress Su Wanqing sat beside him, dressed in her bright red phoenix robe, a serene smile on her face, occasionally helping Li Ling pick up food, pouring tea, and wiping his sweat, her movements soft and natural.

Nearby, Emily, the Princess, and Imperial Concubine Hui were all sitting at the same table, their expressions varied.

Emily watched Empress Su Wanqing's happy appearance, her eyes filled with both envy and blessings.

Although she also liked Li Ling, Empress Su Wanqing was his "white moonlight," and she knew from the start that she could not compete.

She only hoped that in the future, Li Ling would treat her a little better; that would be enough.

The Princess wore a smile, dignified and proper.

She was of royal descent and had received the strictest etiquette education since childhood; in public, she was always elegant and proper.

But a complex emotion would occasionally flash in her eyes—she had married Li Ling and was a legitimate wife, but today's protagonist was Empress Su Wanqing, not her.

Imperial Concubine Hui was the newest addition, sitting at the very edge of the table, quietly drinking tea, her gaze occasionally sweeping over Li Ling with curiosity and scrutiny.

Li Ling sensed this subtle atmosphere and quickly lowered his head to drink tea, pretending he hadn't noticed anything.

"System," he murmured internally. "Do you think my backyard is about to catch fire?"

The System's voice was clearly gloating, "Host, your sixth sense is accurate. Four women are sitting at one table; they appear harmonious on the surface, but they are all calculating in their hearts."

"Empress Su Wanqing is your legitimate wife, triumphant; the Princess is a royal pawn, unfathomable; Emily is the only daughter of a Meijian Country conglomerate, eyeing her prize; Imperial Concubine Hui is the new arrival, still observing. Whichever room you return to tonight, you will offend the other three."

Li Ling's head throbbed. "Then I won't go back tonight; I'll just sleep in the Imperial Study."

"Host, are you sure? If you don't return to the bridal chamber on your wedding night, what will the officials discuss tomorrow? They will say His Majesty is afraid of his wife, or that His Majesty is impotent."

"...Then I will return to the bridal chamber."

"Whose bridal chamber will you return to?"

Li Ling was completely speechless. He felt that he had dug a huge pit for himself and was now jumping right into it.

[part:gemini-3.5-flash]

The wedding banquet lasted until late at night before the guests finally began to disperse. By the time Li Ling sent off the last wave of guests, it was already midnight. Standing on the steps of Taihe Hall, the night breeze blew against his face, dispersing some of his drunkenness.

"Your Majesty, it is time to head to the bridal chamber," a eunuch reminded him from the side.

Li Ling took a deep breath and turned to walk toward Empress Su Wanqing's palace.

Inside the palace, red candles burned brightly, filled with a festive atmosphere. Empress Su Wanqing had already removed her phoenix crown and pearl veil, changed into a light pink nightgown, and sat by the bed waiting for him.

"Brother Ling, you're here." She stood up, a gentle smile on her face.

Li Ling walked over and sat down beside her. "Wanqing, are you tired today?"

"I'm not tired," Empress Su Wanqing shook her head. "Today is the happiest day of my life."

Li Ling held her hand, their fingers interlocking. "Wanqing, I have fulfilled my promise. I have married you."

Empress Su Wanqing leaned against his shoulder and said softly, "Brother Ling, do you remember that time when we were kids? You fell from a tree, and I helped apply medicine for you. You were grimacing in pain but still stubbornly insisted it didn't hurt. Back then, I thought, 'Who would ever marry this fool in the future?'"

"And then?"

"Later, I realized that although this fool was clumsy, he had a kind heart." Empress Su Wanqing looked up into his eyes. "He would stand up to protect me when others bullied me, make me laugh when I was unhappy, and secretly bring me food when I was sick. At that moment, I thought, 'I must marry him when I grow up.'"

Li Ling felt a warmth in his heart and leaned down to gently kiss her forehead. "Wanqing, thank you. Thank you for being willing to marry me."

Empress Su Wanqing smiled, a very sweet smile. "Brother Ling, you don't have to thank me. Being able to marry you is the greatest fortune of my life."

The two embraced for a long time, and then Li Ling blew out the red candles.

The night was deep, and the moonlight spilled through the window lattices, casting a silver-white layer onto the blue brick floor.

The next morning, when Li Ling woke up, he found that Empress Su Wanqing was no longer by his side. He sat up, rubbing his throbbing temples, as the drunkenness from last night had not completely faded.

"Brother Ling, you're awake?" Empress Su Wanqing walked in carrying a steaming bowl of hangover soup. "Drink this quickly, it will help sober you up."

Li Ling took the bowl and had a sip. It was sweet and sour, very effective for sobering up. He set the bowl down and took Empress Su Wanqing's hand. "Wanqing, did you sleep well last night?"

"Very well," Empress Su Wanqing blushed. "Brother Ling, you should get up quickly. There is still an early morning court session today, so don't be late."

"Morning court?" Li Ling froze for a moment, then remembered—today was the second day of his marriage. According to the rules, he had to take the Empress to pay respects to the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager, and then receive the congratulations of all the officials.

"Right, morning court." He sighed, throwing off the covers to get out of bed. "Being the Emperor is really not easy. I can't even sleep in on the second day of my marriage."

Empress Su Wanqing helped him dress neatly, and then the two of them headed to Taihe Hall together.

Inside Taihe Hall, the civil and military officials were already lined up waiting. Seeing Li Ling and Empress Su Wanqing walk in, they all knelt down and shouted, "Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live! Long live the Empress, long live, long live!"

Li Ling raised his hand to signal, "You may rise, my ministers."

He sat on the dragon throne, with Empress Su Wanqing sitting on the phoenix throne beside him. The officials came forward one by one to present gifts and congratulations. Li Ling responded to each one, but in his mind, he was planning something else.

"System," he called out silently in his mind.

"Hmm?"

"How is the situation in the north?"

"Satellite reconnaissance shows that Warlord Yan Xishan is reinforcing the city defenses of Taiyuan, and Yuan Shikai is also deploying troops to prepare for the Northern Expedition. Although Zhang Zuolin has made no obvious moves, his troops are gathering toward Liaoxi, clearly preparing as well."

"It seems they have all smelled the scent of war." Li Ling sneered. "Just as well, it saves me the trouble of seeking them out one by one."

"When does the host plan to deploy the troops?"

"When I finish dealing with the matters in my backyard." Li Ling glanced at Empress Su Wanqing beside him, and then at the Princess, Emily, and Imperial Concubine Hui standing below the dais. "Tonight, I need to have a good talk with them."

That night, Li Ling did not go to Empress Su Wanqing's palace, but instead went to the Princess's courtyard.

The Princess was reading under the lamp. Seeing him walk in, she was somewhat surprised. "Husband, why are you here? Shouldn't you be accompanying the Empress tonight?"

"I came to see you." Li Ling sat down opposite her. "Your Highness, I know you might feel a bit down."

The Princess put down her book, remained silent for a moment, and then said, "Husband, I am not an unreasonable person. The Empress is your first wife, and you grew up together; your affection for each other is different. Although I am a consort, I am a latecomer after all. I will not fight for your favor, nor will I make trouble out of nothing."

"I know." Li Ling held her hand. "I was just afraid you would feel that I neglected you."

The Princess smiled slightly. "Husband does not need to worry. When I married you, I knew you were no ordinary person. You have your great tasks to do, and I will not hold you back. Besides..." She paused, her cheeks turning slightly red. "Husband treats me very well too, and I am very content."

Li Ling felt a warmth in his heart and gently kissed her forehead. "Your Highness, thank you. You are a good wife and a good consort."

The Princess's ears flushed completely red as she said softly, "Husband, tonight... please stay."

Li Ling hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Outside the window, the moonlight was like water, spilling onto the bluestone path in the courtyard.

The next night, Li Ling went to Emily's courtyard.

Emily was playing the piano—which she had brought from Meijian Country, and Li Ling had specially hired people to build a piano room for her. The music was melodious, drifting through the night like a flowing stream.

"Emily." Li Ling stood at the door and knocked on the frame.

The music stopped, and Emily turned her head. Seeing him, a pleasantly surprised smile appeared on her face. "Li Ling? Why are you here?"

"I came to see you." Li Ling walked in and sat down beside her. "You play very well."

"Really?" Emily's eyes sparkled. "Then shall I play another song for you?"

"Alright."

Emily turned around, her fingers flying across the keys as fluent notes flowed from the piano. Li Ling leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes and listening to the moving melody, feeling his entire body relax.

When the song ended, Emily turned her head and looked at him expectantly. "How was it?"

"Very good." Li Ling opened his eyes. "Emily, I have something to tell you."

"What is it?"

"I know your feelings for me." Li Ling looked at her seriously. "I like you too. But right now, I am still in a period of war and cannot give you an official status. Can you wait for me?"

Emily was silent for a moment, then smiled. "Li Ling, I will wait for you. No matter how long it takes, I will wait. In any case, my father has already agreed to my choice, so I am in no hurry."

Li Ling held her hand. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Emily leaned against his shoulder. "Just remember what you promised me."

On the third night, Li Ling went to Imperial Concubine Hui's courtyard.

Imperial Concubine Hui lived in a quiet side courtyard filled with orchids, the air permeating with a faint fragrance. She was reviewing account books under the lamp—as the daughter of a major southern financial group, she had been trained with excellent business skills since childhood and was recently helping Li Ling manage the military expenditure accounts.

"Miss Lin, not asleep yet?" Li Ling knocked and entered.

Imperial Concubine Hui looked up and smiled slightly upon seeing him. "Your Majesty is here. Please sit."

Li Ling sat down opposite her and looked at the account book on the table. "What are you busy with?"

"I am checking the military expenditures." Imperial Concubine Hui closed the account book. "Your Majesty, I have something I would like to discuss with you."

"Go ahead."

"My family plans to open a bank in Jinling, specifically to provide financial services for the military and merchants." Imperial Concubine Hui said seriously. "If Your Majesty permits, I can allocate a portion of this bank's profits to support the Northern Expedition."

Li Ling's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Of course it's true." Imperial Concubine Hui smiled. "I married Your Majesty to help you. If I can't be of help, then my role as a consort would be too useless."

Li Ling held her hand. "Miss Lin, you are too polite. I am very grateful that you can help me this way. As for that bank, go ahead and do it freely; I will support you fully."

Imperial Concubine Hui nodded. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

On the fourth night, Li Ling received a letter from the German Princess.

The letter was written in English, with elegant and neat handwriting. The German Princess said in the letter that she had heard the news of Li Ling's grand wedding and was happy for him. She said she looked forward to coming to the Qingxia Kingdom next spring to meet with Li Ling. At the end of the letter, she drew a small smiley face.

Looking at that smiley face, Li Ling couldn't help but smile.

"System," he called out silently in his mind.

"Hmm?"

"Tell me, now that I've handled the matters of the four women, can I fight the war with peace of mind?"

"Host, have you forgotten there is still a German Princess? She is coming next spring. When the time comes, you will have to handle a fifth one."

Li Ling's smile froze. "...Can't you just let me be happy for a moment?"

"The System is just telling the truth."

"Alright, alright, I get it." Li Ling folded the letter and put it away. "Four women, plus another one makes five. I'll take my time and handle them one by one."

Late at night, he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, calculating his next plans in his mind.

The Northern Warlords were watching like tigers stalking their prey, the foreign powers were making covert moves, the System would trouble him from time to time, and there was a bunch of women in the backyard waiting for him to coax. He had too many things to do, too many battles to fight, and too many responsibilities to shoulder.

But for some reason, he did not feel tired. Instead, he felt an unprecedented sense of fulfillment.

"System," he said softly.

"Hmm?"

"I am ready."

"What is the host ready for?"

"Ready to fight a real war." Li Ling closed his eyes. "Not minor bandit suppression campaigns, nor skirmishes at sea, but a real war that will decide the fate of this country. I want everyone on this land to live a peaceful life."

Outside the window, the night was deep, but the eastern sky had already begun to turn the color of a fish's belly.