FID – Chapter 838

Chapter 838: This Is the True Daughter of Heaven, Favored Above All

After sending off that group of guests, Grandma Liu looked worriedly at the few remaining invitations.

“We still haven’t sent invitations to many of our close friends. This won’t be enough. Doesn’t that mean we have to make more invitations? And if we add more invitations, the originally planned seats won’t be enough either. Then we’ll have to add more seats too?”

Oh, her head was spinning.

She couldn’t figure it out anymore, couldn’t figure it out!

When the Empress Dowager returned to the main hall, she was  almost pulling her hair out in frustration.

They were about the same age. Maybe the Empress Dowager was a few years younger, but Grandma Liu’s hair was jet black, her face rosy and smooth, showing no sign of age.

The Empress Dowager, on the other hand, already had hair white as frost on her head.

“Grandma, what are you so worried about that you look like this?” Liu Yusheng asked with a smile, stepping forward to gently smooth the tangled strands of the old lady’s hair and tuck them behind her ear.

“It’s the invitations. Originally, we prepared a full hundred invitations, all to be sent to the families we have connections with in the town and county. We thought a hundred would be enough, but look now — only this many are left, and many people still haven’t received theirs!”

Liu Yusheng smiled gently, “Grandma, you’re worried about having enough seats, right?”

“Yes. If we add too few, it might not be enough. But if we add too many, then we worry there won’t be enough guests to fill them.”

“Just host a buffet-style banquet; that’s the most practical,” the Empress Dowager said calmly. “Even if there are enough invitations, some people might come without one, and fixed seating arrangements will never be enough. A buffet-style banquet can avoid awkward situations.”

“Right, a buffet! If there’s leftover food, we can pack it up for the villagers to take home so nothing goes to waste!” Grandma Liu slapped her thigh. “We’ll have a buffet banquet!”

Pack leftovers? The Empress Dowager rubbed her forehead, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness.

 The Liu family, after all, were imperial relatives; packing up leftovers to give away—what kind of dignity is that? How could the royal face be preserved?

But never mind, there was no use explaining it to this headstrong woman.

That day, except for Liu Yusheng and the Empress Dowager taking it easy, and Liu Muqiu mostly staying in the inner courtyard because the wedding customs forbade meeting with Liu Zhiqiu, everyone else in the Liu family was running around busily.

The day passed by very quickly.

Before falling asleep, Liu Yusheng looked at the cool moonlight filtering into her room and thought of the person who still hadn’t returned.

She didn’t know exactly how far the southeast border was from Yunzhou, but she thought he must be extremely anxious.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have taken the direct route through Yunzhou from the border—he must be worried about missing the wedding banquet.

And she, even more so, worried about his safety.

She wondered if maybe tomorrow they would finally meet.

The same moonlight shimmered on the surface of the canal, glittering and reflecting the lights along both banks, as if the river carried the heavens and the mortal world together.

The man standing at the bow of the boat had hair dampened by the night dew and mist; his eyes gazed darkly and deeply toward the end of the canal.

Rushing all the way, he had instructed the passenger boat to travel at its fastest speed, yet they still hadn’t entered Yunzhou territory.

Shengsheng should already be in Xinghua Village, and since he hadn’t returned yet—did she miss him?

He missed her terribly.

He wished he could fly to her side immediately.

They had been apart for three months, and this was the first time since the wedding they had been separated for so long—it was even harder to bear than all previous farewells.

“Master, it’s late and the dew is heavy. Please come into the cabin and rest.”

The man glanced sideways, “How much longer until we reach Yunzhou?”

“I’ve asked; the captain said the earliest will be at the chen hour (7-9) tomorrow.”

It would be the chen hour after arriving in Yunzhou. It would still take at least two hours to get back to Xinghua Village. He’d return around noon, by which time the wedding banquet would already be underway.

Shengsheng would have to host the guests alone.

“Tell him to find a way—this speed isn’t enough. He must go faster.”

“Yes, Master.”

At dawn, light gradually brightened the horizon. Watching the sun slowly rise above the earth, the man who had not yet returned was burning with anxiety.

In the Liu family courtyard, the wedding banquet tables were already set. Although the auspicious time hadn’t arrived yet, every table was fully seated. The courtyard was filled with rich aromas; shadows moved busily in the kitchen, and the laughter that rang out was full of joy and celebration.

The guests seated at the tables whispered among themselves, talking about the grandeur of the wedding banquet. The tables extended from the courtyard outward, nearly filling the surrounding walkways.

They also talked about the distinguished guest who had yet to appear in the courtyard—

The current Empress Dowager.

There were those who knew about the grudges between the Empress Dowager and Feng Qingbai, the King of Nanling, but no one dared mention it on such an occasion.

With the royal family nearby, one wrong word could cost a head.

Who would dare speak recklessly?

As for Feng Qingbai not returning to Xinghua Village this time, those unaware were informed by those in the know of the reason.

“Years ago, rumors were everywhere that Xinghua Village was a blessed land. The King’s Princess Consort was even called the ‘Blessed Baby’ when she was young. It’s no wonder people believe it.”

“Exactly. Ever since the Princess Consort was born, the Liu family’s status has been rising steadily. Who would have thought that one day the blessed baby would become the King’s Consort, and that even the Empress Dowager would be invited?”

“That’s the true favored daughter of heaven, uniquely blessed.”

In the courtyard, in the inner yard, Liu Zhiqiu wore a wedding robe, full of vigor and pride.

“In half an hour, it’ll be the auspicious hour. Finally, I’m getting married! From now on, I can finally shut my grandparents and parents up. Hey, Qian Wanjin, listen carefully—if you dare cause trouble in my bridal chamber tonight, I’ll make sure your own wedding can’t even have a proper bridal chamber.”

Qian Wanjin sneered, “Back when Zhixia and Uncle Lan got married, you never missed a single event. Now it’s your turn and you don’t want others to play around? That’s just like government officials setting fire but forbidding the people to light lamps. I refuse to accept that.”

“Are you asking for a beating?”

“Today’s a joyous day—not the time for fighting; bad luck, you better save it. If you dare hit me today, I swear your wedding day will be thrown into chaos by Grandma chasing you around. Believe it or not?”

Liu Zhiqiu thought to himself, that was very likely.

If he dared start trouble, Grandma wouldn’t spare him, and his mother might even stew him first.

After waiting so many years for their old son to finally get married, they were causing trouble on the wedding day? He must be courting death.

“For the sake of Little White Lotus, I won’t hold it against you, but…” Liu Zhiqiu pulled a small medicine bottle out of his pocket and shook it, “this is something from Qinglian’s room. I don’t know what effect it’ll have if I scatter some near the bridal chamber, but you’re welcome to come and try. You’re very welcome.”

“Can you two be serious for once? What time is it, still messing around? Hurry up and get ready—the auspicious hour is coming soon.” Liu Zhixia appeared at the door, looking stern, making the two guys grind their teeth in frustration.

This guy’s getting better at putting on a show. Back when he got married, how flamboyant was he in the bridal chamber? Hypocritical!

In the inner courtyard chamber, Shi Xianrou, Fu Yuzheng, and Liu Yusheng were all there. They couldn’t help with the busy work, so they sat nearby chatting.

After Liu Muqiu was dressed, Grandma Liu combed her hair and then carried out a wooden box. It was an ordinary wooden box, natural wood color, no extra decorations, and a smooth surface.Chapter 838: This Is the True Daughter of Heaven, Favored Above All

After sending off that group of guests, Grandma Liu looked worriedly at the few remaining invitations.

“We still haven’t sent invitations to many of our close friends. This won’t be enough. Doesn’t that mean we have to make more invitations? And if we add more invitations, the originally planned seats won’t be enough either. Then we’ll have to add more seats too?”

Oh, her head was spinning.

She couldn’t figure it out anymore, couldn’t figure it out!

When the Empress Dowager returned to the main hall, she was  almost pulling her hair out in frustration.

They were about the same age. Maybe the Empress Dowager was a few years younger, but Grandma Liu’s hair was jet black, her face rosy and smooth, showing no sign of age.

The Empress Dowager, on the other hand, already had hair white as frost on her head.

“Grandma, what are you so worried about that you look like this?” Liu Yusheng asked with a smile, stepping forward to gently smooth the tangled strands of the old lady’s hair and tuck them behind her ear.

“It’s the invitations. Originally, we prepared a full hundred invitations, all to be sent to the families we have connections with in the town and county. We thought a hundred would be enough, but look now — only this many are left, and many people still haven’t received theirs!”

Liu Yusheng smiled gently, “Grandma, you’re worried about having enough seats, right?”

“Yes. If we add too few, it might not be enough. But if we add too many, then we worry there won’t be enough guests to fill them.”

“Just host a buffet-style banquet; that’s the most practical,” the Empress Dowager said calmly. “Even if there are enough invitations, some people might come without one, and fixed seating arrangements will never be enough. A buffet-style banquet can avoid awkward situations.”

“Right, a buffet! If there’s leftover food, we can pack it up for the villagers to take home so nothing goes to waste!” Grandma Liu slapped her thigh. “We’ll have a buffet banquet!”

Pack leftovers? The Empress Dowager rubbed her forehead, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness.

 The Liu family, after all, were imperial relatives; packing up leftovers to give away—what kind of dignity is that? How could the royal face be preserved?

But never mind, there was no use explaining it to this headstrong woman.

That day, except for Liu Yusheng and the Empress Dowager taking it easy, and Liu Muqiu mostly staying in the inner courtyard because the wedding customs forbade meeting with Liu Zhiqiu, everyone else in the Liu family was running around busily.

The day passed by very quickly.

Before falling asleep, Liu Yusheng looked at the cool moonlight filtering into her room and thought of the person who still hadn’t returned.

She didn’t know exactly how far the southeast border was from Yunzhou, but she thought he must be extremely anxious.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have taken the direct route through Yunzhou from the border—he must be worried about missing the wedding banquet.

And she, even more so, worried about his safety.

She wondered if maybe tomorrow they would finally meet.

The same moonlight shimmered on the surface of the canal, glittering and reflecting the lights along both banks, as if the river carried the heavens and the mortal world together.

The man standing at the bow of the boat had hair dampened by the night dew and mist; his eyes gazed darkly and deeply toward the end of the canal.

Rushing all the way, he had instructed the passenger boat to travel at its fastest speed, yet they still hadn’t entered Yunzhou territory.

Shengsheng should already be in Xinghua Village, and since he hadn’t returned yet—did she miss him?

He missed her terribly.

He wished he could fly to her side immediately.

They had been apart for three months, and this was the first time since the wedding they had been separated for so long—it was even harder to bear than all previous farewells.

“Master, it’s late and the dew is heavy. Please come into the cabin and rest.”

The man glanced sideways, “How much longer until we reach Yunzhou?”

“I’ve asked; the captain said the earliest will be at the chen hour (7-9) tomorrow.”

It would be the chen hour after arriving in Yunzhou. It would still take at least two hours to get back to Xinghua Village. He’d return around noon, by which time the wedding banquet would already be underway.

Shengsheng would have to host the guests alone.

“Tell him to find a way—this speed isn’t enough. He must go faster.”

“Yes, Master.”

At dawn, light gradually brightened the horizon. Watching the sun slowly rise above the earth, the man who had not yet returned was burning with anxiety.

In the Liu family courtyard, the wedding banquet tables were already set. Although the auspicious time hadn’t arrived yet, every table was fully seated. The courtyard was filled with rich aromas; shadows moved busily in the kitchen, and the laughter that rang out was full of joy and celebration.

The guests seated at the tables whispered among themselves, talking about the grandeur of the wedding banquet. The tables extended from the courtyard outward, nearly filling the surrounding walkways.

They also talked about the distinguished guest who had yet to appear in the courtyard—

The current Empress Dowager.

There were those who knew about the grudges between the Empress Dowager and Feng Qingbai, the King of Nanling, but no one dared mention it on such an occasion.

With the royal family nearby, one wrong word could cost a head.

Who would dare speak recklessly?

As for Feng Qingbai not returning to Xinghua Village this time, those unaware were informed by those in the know of the reason.

“Years ago, rumors were everywhere that Xinghua Village was a blessed land. The King’s Princess Consort was even called the ‘Blessed Baby’ when she was young. It’s no wonder people believe it.”

“Exactly. Ever since the Princess Consort was born, the Liu family’s status has been rising steadily. Who would have thought that one day the blessed baby would become the King’s Consort, and that even the Empress Dowager would be invited?”

“That’s the true favored daughter of heaven, uniquely blessed.”

In the courtyard, in the inner yard, Liu Zhiqiu wore a wedding robe, full of vigor and pride.

“In half an hour, it’ll be the auspicious hour. Finally, I’m getting married! From now on, I can finally shut my grandparents and parents up. Hey, Qian Wanjin, listen carefully—if you dare cause trouble in my bridal chamber tonight, I’ll make sure your own wedding can’t even have a proper bridal chamber.”

Qian Wanjin sneered, “Back when Zhixia and Uncle Lan got married, you never missed a single event. Now it’s your turn and you don’t want others to play around? That’s just like government officials setting fire but forbidding the people to light lamps. I refuse to accept that.”

“Are you asking for a beating?”

“Today’s a joyous day—not the time for fighting; bad luck, you better save it. If you dare hit me today, I swear your wedding day will be thrown into chaos by Grandma chasing you around. Believe it or not?”

Liu Zhiqiu thought to himself, that was very likely.

If he dared start trouble, Grandma wouldn’t spare him, and his mother might even stew him first.

After waiting so many years for their old son to finally get married, they were causing trouble on the wedding day? He must be courting death.

“For the sake of Little White Lotus, I won’t hold it against you, but…” Liu Zhiqiu pulled a small medicine bottle out of his pocket and shook it, “this is something from Qinglian’s room. I don’t know what effect it’ll have if I scatter some near the bridal chamber, but you’re welcome to come and try. You’re very welcome.”

“Can you two be serious for once? What time is it, still messing around? Hurry up and get ready—the auspicious hour is coming soon.” Liu Zhixia appeared at the door, looking stern, making the two guys grind their teeth in frustration.

This guy’s getting better at putting on a show. Back when he got married, how flamboyant was he in the bridal chamber? Hypocritical!

In the inner courtyard chamber, Shi Xianrou, Fu Yuzheng, and Liu Yusheng were all there. They couldn’t help with the busy work, so they sat nearby chatting.

After Liu Muqiu was dressed, Grandma Liu combed her hair and then carried out a wooden box. It was an ordinary wooden box, natural wood color, no extra decorations, and a smooth surface.