Chapter 46 Jingyou Temple: Flower Viewing and Blessing Ceremony
Chapter 46 Jingyou Temple: Flower Viewing and Blessing Ceremony
Murong Yi took Su Wan'er's hand and personally escorted her back to the Su residence. Along the way, the two were reluctant to part, their affection overflowing, completely unaware of the strange looks they were being given.
Upon arriving at the gate of the Su residence, Murong Yi gently tidied Su Wan'er's hair and whispered a few words of advice. This intimate scene was witnessed by several passersby, who stopped and pointed at Murong Yi and Su Wan'er, their whispers gradually spreading.
Su Wan'er returned to the mansion, and before she could even go to her room to rest, her father was already waiting for her in the main hall with a furious expression. Upon seeing her enter, her father slammed his hand on the table, causing the teacups to tremble.
"Wan'er, do you have any sense of shame?! An unmarried girl, how can you be so intimate with a man, especially the Ninth Prince who is about to be married to you! Do you know what will happen to the reputation of the Su family if this gets out?"
Su Wan'er was filled with grievances, tears welling up in her eyes. She wanted to explain, but was too frightened to utter a sound by her father's rage.
This news spread like wildfire, quickly reaching the Empress Dowager's ears. Upon hearing it, the Empress Dowager immediately summoned Murong Yi to the palace. Before the Empress Dowager, Murong Yi stood respectfully with his head bowed.
The Empress Dowager glared at her and sternly rebuked her, "Yi'er, you are about to get married, yet you have done such an absurd thing! How can you do this to Miss Lin? She is a lady from a prestigious family, with outstanding talent. How can you be so entangled with other women? Where does that leave her?"
Murong Yi hurriedly knelt down to beg for forgiveness: "Mother, please forgive me. I have feelings for Miss Su that I cannot control myself. But I will handle this properly and will not let this matter affect my marriage with Miss Lin."
The Empress Dowager snorted coldly: "You had better do so, lest you disappoint me and ruin Miss Lin's reputation."
Murong Yi nodded obsequiously, but her heart was filled with worry and helplessness, and her hands unconsciously clenched.
Then, the Empress Dowager frowned slightly, her eyes filled with majesty and unquestionable authority. She gently raised her hand, straightened the magnificent brocade shawl that draped over her shoulders, and said slowly, "I have made thorough arrangements. Tomorrow, a flower-viewing and blessing ceremony will be held at Jingyou Temple. Jingyou Temple is serene and elegant, with the fragrance of incense wafting through the air and the courtyard full of blooming flowers. It is the perfect place for everyone to go and pray for blessings. It will also allow the dignitaries and noble ladies from all walks of life to experience the grace of our imperial family and the prosperous scene of peace."
As she spoke, the Empress Dowager's gaze slowly swept over Murong Yi, her displeasure palpable. "Yi'er, your marriage to Miss Lin is a matter of great importance to the royal family, concerning the stability of the court and the reputation of all parties. Miss Lin is virtuous, kind, and exceptionally talented. If she were to enter the royal family, she would surely become the empress. Yet you are entangled with Su Wan'er, a matter that has already become the talk of the town. Do you know your mistake?"
Murong Yi hurriedly knelt down, bowing his head deeply. "Mother, please forgive me. I know I was wrong. I was momentarily blinded by love and failed to keep to my duty." He silently swallowed his anger and gritted his teeth.
The Empress Dowager snorted lightly, "Hmph, don't think I don't know what you're thinking. You, Miss Lin, Su Wan'er, and others must attend this flower viewing and blessing ceremony. Miss Lin is about to become your princess, and she needs to show excellent demeanor and manners in front of everyone. As a prince, you must be even more careful in your words and actions, setting an example in every way. Don't act recklessly again and disappoint my expectations of you, and don't embarrass Miss Lin or damage the dignity of our royal family."
Fine beads of sweat appeared on Murong Yi's forehead. He respectfully replied, "Your subject will obey Your Majesty's decree and will certainly restrain himself during the prayer ceremony, working together with everyone to ensure the success of this grand event without any further mishaps."
The Empress Dowager nodded slightly, her expression softening somewhat, but the warning still felt like a thorn in her side. "Go, prepare well, and don't disappoint me."
Inside the Su residence, in the carved sandalwood hall, Su's father stood solemnly at the front, while Su Wan'er stood respectfully to his side with her head bowed. At this moment, Su Yao'er strode in from outside the hall, her chin slightly raised, her eyes revealing an air of arrogance.
Father Su's gaze swept over Su Wan'er with an authoritative air, and he said in a deep voice, "Wan'er, Yao'er, you must be well aware of the rules of the flower viewing and blessing ceremony at Jingyou Temple tomorrow. This ceremony is organized by the royal family, and many high-ranking officials and noble ladies will gather here. The etiquette is complicated and cannot be violated."
Su Wan'er kept it firmly in mind and replied softly, "Your daughter will follow Father's teachings and will certainly not be impolite at the prayer meeting."
Su Yao'er let out a soft snort and replied with a disdainful look, "Okay, I know!"
Inside the Prime Minister's residence, in the main hall supported by carved beams and pillars, Lin Zhenxuan stood with his hands behind his back, his expression solemn. Aunt Liu sat beside him, sitting demurely and listening attentively.
Lin Qianqian and Lin Yueyue stood in line in order of seniority. Lin Qianqian stood gracefully and composedly, while Lin Yueyue pouted, waved her fan, and stood there unwillingly.
Lin Zhenxuan's gaze slowly swept over the two of them, his voice steady and powerful: "Qianqian, Yueyue, this flower viewing and blessing ceremony at Jingyou Temple is a royal event, attracting attention from all sides. You must keep the rules and etiquette firmly in mind."
He spoke eloquently, “Upon entering the temple, one’s attire must be neat and dignified, without the slightest dishevelment or vulgarity. When walking, one should move with light, graceful steps, at a steady and gentle pace, displaying the elegance and composure of a well-bred lady. When encountering other guests, whether acquainted or not, one should greet them with a smile and a nod. If greetings are necessary, one should speak humbly and politely, never using sharp words or being arrogant. When praying for blessings, one’s heart must be sincere and one’s intentions genuine. After washing one’s hands, one should hold the incense with proper posture, light the incense, raise it to one’s eyebrows with both hands, bow slightly, silently make a good wish, and then carefully insert the incense into the incense burner in one smooth motion, with solemnity and reverence…”
Lin Qianqian nodded slightly, bowed respectfully and gently, and replied, "Father, rest assured, I will certainly abide by the rules and maintain proper decorum."
Lin Yueyue pouted and mumbled weakly, "Oh, oh, daughter understands!"
Lin Zhenxuan smiled slightly and nodded in satisfaction.
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