Chapter 61: Marriage Proposal
The capital city, the imperial palace, the throne room.
In the magnificent palace, Emperor Tang Li Shiming, sitting on the dragon throne, had a sharp gaze. He glanced at the ministers with a satisfied smile on his face.
Today, he was in a particularly good mood because a hundred thousand foreign cavalrymen entered his territory, but were all defeated by his men within ten days, and Jie Li Khan was also captured alive. This achievement was enough to bring glory to him, Datang.
"Xuan Feiyun County Magistrate Shen Minghui, please come to the palace!" The eunuch's shrill voice echoed in the hall.
Shen Minghui, wearing court robes, walked steadily to the throne room. He faced Li Shiming and bowed deeply: "Your Majesty, I, Shen Minghui, kowtow to you. Long live the emperor."
Li Shiming nodded slightly, with approval in his eyes: "Shen Minghui, you captured Jie Li Khan and made great military achievements. I am very pleased. I want to reward you greatly. Is there anything you want?"
Shen Minghui raised his head, his eyes firm: "Your Majesty, I do not ask for gold, silver, or treasures, nor do I ask for high positions and generous salaries. I only hope that Your Majesty can grant me a marriage."
Li Shimin was slightly stunned, then smiled and said, "Oh? I wonder which lady could attract you so much?"
Shen Minghui took a deep breath, his voice firm but gentle: "Your Majesty, the person I like is the daughter of Lin Wenjian from Qingcheng Wenxuan School, her name is Lin Yuxi. She is smart, virtuous, gentle and kind, and is the perfect match for me. I am willing to use this military achievement in exchange for the grace of Your Majesty to grant me marriage."
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin asked curiously, "Oh, Qingcheng? How did Lord Shen meet this girl from the Lin family?"
Shen Minghui knew that the proposal would sooner or later arouse people's doubts, so he calmly sent out the answer he had already thought of, "Your Majesty, I was wandering around in my early years and had no one to rely on. I once passed by Qingcheng and was given a meal by Miss Lin. I fell in love with her and I hope Your Majesty will grant me your blessing."
"Lord Shen, your deep love and loyalty are admirable, but after so much time, do you know the current situation of the daughter of the Lin family? Is she engaged or married?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Minghui nodded slightly to show respect and said, "I dare not deceive your majesty. I am a good friend of Zhou Xuebin, the son of Qingcheng Academician Zhou Xuezheng. We have been in contact and know about the recent situation of Lin's daughter. That's why I know that Lin's daughter has no engagement yet."
Li Shiming smiled clearly, pondered for a moment, and then nodded slowly: "In this case, I will fulfill your wish. I will grant you a marriage with Lin Yuxi. May you grow old together and be together forever."
Shen Minghui was delighted when he heard this, and bowed deeply again: "I thank the Lord for his grace! Long live the Emperor!"
……
Hayashiya
After Shen Minghui proposed, the news that the emperor had issued an edict granting the marriage quickly reached Qingcheng.
The whole Lin family was in jubilation. When Lin Yuxi heard the news, she was surprised and happy.
"Master, who is this Shen Minghui? Why would he ask to marry our Xier?" Lu couldn't wait to ask when the people who came to announce the decree and congratulate him had left and only their family was left.
Lin Wenzhang glanced at his daughter, whose face was slightly red and shy, and then looked at his wife and son who were anxiously waiting for his reply. He sighed and said the news he had heard.
"This Shen Minghui was previously the magistrate of Feiyun County.
It is said that he was young and promising, with remarkable political achievements, and this time he made great contributions by capturing Jie Li Khan. The emperor was very pleased and promoted him three levels in a row, transferring him to the Ministry of Personnel as a fourth-rank minister. "
"Then why would they grant us a marriage?" Aren't there many ladies from noble families in Beijing? Why would they grant us a marriage in a small place like ours? Lin Yucheng asked in confusion.
"Shen Minghui explained that he was grateful to Yuxi for a meal and fell in love with her. He learned that Yuxi was still unmarried, so he wanted the emperor to grant him a marriage, a respectable one."
When everyone heard this, they all looked at their daughter (sister). Lin Yuxi felt a little embarrassed and blushed as she said, "I have given away so much porridge before, how could I remember this... Maybe it's really because of that meal."
Lin Wenjian pondered for a moment and said earnestly, "No matter what, this is a rare marriage. Xier, you should seize it."
Mrs. Lu held Lin Yuxi's hand and asked with concern: "Xi'er, what do you think about this marriage? If you don't want to, Dad and Mom will never force you."
Lin Yuxi blushed and said shyly, "It's all up to my parents."
In this way, Lin Yuxi and Shen Minghui's marriage was settled. In the following days, the Lin family began to get busy, making various preparations for the wedding. And Lin Yuxi's heart was full of expectations and longings for the future.
This is her wedding, her wedding with Shen Minghui!
It is a wedding exclusively for her and Shen Minghui!
On the other hand, Zhou Xuebin couldn't help but feel happy for his friend after learning that Shen Minghui proposed to marry Lin Yuxi. At least there are still lovers in this world who can finally get married.
He returned home silently, locked himself in his room, and recalled every moment he spent with his younger sister.
The time they spent together, the laughter, the days they spent together, all unfolded slowly in his mind like a picture scroll. Her smile, her eyes, her every move, all touched his heart.
Although he knew in his heart that his little sister only had a brotherly love for him, he still couldn't suppress his feelings for her.
His father is a man who values rules. If he knew that his son actually had feelings for the adopted daughter he had raised since childhood, he would definitely think that he was worse than a beast? A scum of the world, right?
But what can he do? He doesn't know where the love comes from, but it is so deep!
Zhou Xuebin smiled bitterly, picked up the bamboo flute beside the table, and continued to write about the sorrow in his heart. The melodious sound of the flute, like his inner voice, echoed in the silent room. Every note was filled with his longing and helplessness, and every melody was telling of his struggle and confusion.
"Brother, you're playing such sad music again..."
……
--split line--
The following time passed quickly, and Lu gave birth to another fat girl smoothly. Jiang Yu also married into the Lin family and lived happily with Lin Yucheng.
On this day, the sun was shining on the earth, the sky was as blue as a mirror, and the breeze was blowing gently, fluttering the festive red ribbons.
The day when Shen Minghui marries Lin Yuxi has finally arrived.
In the courtyard of the Shen family, there were lights and decorations, and the atmosphere was festive. There were bright couplets hanging at the gate, and colorful flowers were placed in the flower beds in the courtyard, emitting bursts of fragrance. Guests came to congratulate one after another, and laughter filled the whole courtyard.
Shen Minghui was wearing a red groom's suit, a golden crown on his head, and a handsome and elegant smile. Lin Yuxi was wearing an exquisite wedding dress, graceful and moving, like a fairy descending from the earth. She held a red hydrangea in her hand, and her face was filled with a happy smile.
"Bow to Heaven and Earth..." the high-pitched voice of the MC sounded. Shen Minghui and Lin Yuxi bowed respectfully, put their hands together, and saluted the sky and the earth, symbolizing that they celebrated with Heaven and Earth and shared joy with all things.
"Bow to your parents twice" the voice sounded again. They turned around and bowed to their parents and elders, expressing their gratitude for their parents' upbringing and respect for the elders' teachings.
"Husband and wife bow to each other..." The voice was low and solemn. Shen Minghui and Lin Yuxi stood face to face and bowed to each other, their eyes full of expectations for the future and commitment to each other.
At this time, the sounds of drums, gongs, and suona intertwined into one, making it very lively. However, Lin Yuxi and Shen Minghui only had their eyes on the people in front of them, and the corners of their mouths kept rising, an uncontrollable curve.
With the blessing of everyone, Shen Minghui and Lin Yuxi completed the three-bow ceremony and officially became husband and wife. Afterwards, they entered the bridal chamber hand in hand. The bridal chamber was decorated warmly and romantically, with red candles shining brightly and gorgeous bedding on the bed.
Shen Minghui gently lifted Lin Yuxi's veil, and they smiled at each other, their eyes full of love.
"My dear, that's great! Now you are finally my wife, married in a formal ceremony!" Shen Minghui held Lin Yuxi's hand and said solemnly.
Lin Yuxi nodded with a smile, "Well, husband, please give me more guidance for the rest of my life!"
As soon as the words fell, a mechanical sound rang in my mind...