Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1170 - 166: Prince Han’s Wedding (Part 3)

As dawn broke, the Han Prince Mansion stirred with bustling activity.

Zhao Yao, the groom-to-be, had the luxury of a late start. The main ceremony was scheduled for the evening, with his departure to the Xiao Family to formally escort the Princess set for late afternoon.

Despite the reprieve from an early start, dawn’s light still roused Zhao Yao. His morning duties weren't escorting the bride, but rather playing host to the multitude of guests arriving for the celebratory banquet.

The attendance list read like a who's who of the court, with all ministers expected to be present. Their presence was assured, not solely for Zhao Yao's personal standing, but out of respect for Prince Chu and Prince Wei.

Beyond the esteemed civil and military officials, the celebratory gathering also attracted numerous proprietors and shopkeepers from the capital, alongside wealthy merchants drawn from distant locales.

Thankfully, the Han Prince Mansion boasted ample grounds, more than sufficient to comfortably house the throngs of well-wishers.

The honored task of receiving these guests fell to Prince Chu and Prince Wei, an arrangement that undoubtedly elevated the sense of occasion and surprise for those in attendance.

It seemed the impending marriage of Prince Han had cast a spell of festivity over the entire capital, bringing a palpable sense of joy even to the common folk.

Zhao Yao, the esteemed Lord Han, held a considerable reputation among the populace, who regarded him with profound admiration. Witnessing his wedding, they felt a genuine shared happiness for him.

Prince Chu and Prince Wei had orchestrated the distribution of celebratory candies and monetary gifts at the mansion's entrance. Every individual arriving to extend congratulations to Prince Han’s wedding would receive a portion of these joyous tokens.

The common people flocked to the gates of the Han Prince Mansion, their presence a testament to their sincere well-wishes for Zhao Yao, extending far beyond the allure of freebies.

In bygone eras, during the weddings of princes like Prince Chu and Prince Wei, commoners would never dare approach to offer congratulations. It was only with Prince Han's wedding that the populace felt emboldened to celebrate openly, secure in the knowledge that Prince Han would not turn them away.

The scene at the entrance of the Han Prince Mansion was, in fact, more vibrant and jubilant than the festivities unfolding within its walls.

Meanwhile, within the palace walls, an atmosphere of shared joy also prevailed.

It was understood by those within the palace that the Emperor intended for Prince Han’s wedding to serve as a beacon of good fortune, a welcome splash of festivity amidst a recent spate of unfortunate events.

In response, the Emperor issued a decree for a month's bonus for all palace attendants. Empress Xie and the various consorts followed suit with their own generous rewards.

Lady Liang, Prince Han’s mother, naturally also partake in this wave of generosity,Bestowing her own rewards.

The entire palace seemed bathed in jubilation, with attendants expressing deep gratitude towards Prince Han’s wedding for the unexpected windfalls.

At the threshold of the Imperial Study, Sun Doudou bowed his head, meticulously counting the newly acquired reward money with an air of quiet satisfaction.

Sun Kui, observing his disciple’s engrossed counting, chuckled and playfully tapped his head. "Look at you, practically glued to that money. It's quite a sight."

"Master, this is reward money," Sun Doudou quickly replied, tucking the coins away.

"Didn't Prince Han already give you money before?"

"This is a reward from His Majesty, Master."

"And His Majesty hasn't rewarded you before?"

"This feels different, Master. This is specifically for Prince Han's wedding, not like other times," Sun Doudou confided in a lower tone, adding, "Even when the former Crown Prince had his wedding, His Majesty didn't issue such rewards."

Sun Kui’s tone turned stern. "His Majesty is rewarding us to share in the celebratory spirit."

"On the surface, yes, Master. But in truth, it's because His Majesty is genuinely happy about Prince Han's marriage. Others might miss it, but I see it clearly." Sun Doudou mused inwardly, observing the Emperor's efforts to support Prince Han. "It can't be easy for His Majesty, having to secretly rejoice for Prince Han like this."

Sun Kui shot Sun Doudou a warning glare. "Keep such thoughts to yourself. Don't utter them aloud."

"Master, I was only speaking to you," Sun Doudou chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "I am happy for Prince Han's marriage as well." He felt a sense of paternal pride, akin to watching one's own son start a family, though he wisely kept this sentiment to himself.

"On another note, Prince Han sent over some joy candies and wedding wine. You can enjoy them after your shift, but make sure not to overindulge."

The mention of these treats caused Sun Doudou's eyes to gleam, and he silently cheered, "Long live Prince Han."

"Master, the Han Prince Mansion must be incredibly lively right now."

"With Prince Chu and Lord Wei overseeing things, it's bound to be quite the spectacle."

"I truly wish I could go witness it myself."

Sun Kui playfully nudged Sun Doudou’s posterior with his foot. "Stay focused on your duties." With that, he turned and entered the Imperial Study.

The luncheon hosted by the Han Prince Mansion commenced, with Zhao Yao, the Lord of Han, making his rounds toasting guests at each table. Aware of his impending wedding that evening, the attendees thoughtfully moderated their drinking, reserving their true celebratory fervor for the evening banquet where they planned to thoroughly toast him.

Once the luncheon concluded, a stage was erected within the Han Prince Mansion grounds, offering a variety of entertainment including opera, acrobatics, storytelling, singing, and dancing...

Although Zhao Yao managed to avoid excessive drinking, a sense of weariness settled upon him, prompting him to take a short respite with a nap. Upon awakening, he meticulously refreshed his appearance and attire before leading the grand procession to escort his Princess.

The thoroughfares of the capital city teemed with vast crowds of citizens, all gathered with anticipation to witness the wedding procession of Prince Han.

As the Prince of Han made his appearance atop his steed, the assembled commoners erupted in loud congratulations.

From his horseback vantage point, Zhao Yao continually acknowledged the cheering throngs lining the streets with waves.

"Prince Han, may your happiness be boundless!"

"Prince Han, we offer our heartiest congratulations on your marriage."

"Prince Han, you appear exceptionally radiant today."

"Prince Han, we wish you and the Princess Han a lifetime of joy together, and may your union be blessed with many children soon."

"Long live Prince Han, long long live!"

The origin of this particular acclamation remains unknown, but swiftly, the entire multitude joined in chanting "Long live Prince Han, long long live," an unexpected turn of events that caught Zhao Yao completely by surprise.

Good heavens, what is unfolding here? How did it transpire that they are now chanting 'long live' for me?