~Bing Bing's POV~ It pained me, as I sat on the table surrounded by jolly men, unaware of my despair as they drunk joyful wine (Xi Jiu 喜酒*) until they could no longer stand. I sat their quietly, contrasting to the strangers that stuffed their faces. The banquet was 5-10 courses primarily made up of ingredients such as shark fins, abalones, lobsters, squabs, sea cucumbers, swift nests or fish roe in soup or as decoration on top of a dish to symbolize fertility, and plenty of local delicacies. I, for some reason felt a reason of dread with the first bow. "*The first bow to heaven and earth," As we both bowed towards our respected heads of the family, demonstrating filial piety*. I had no reason to feel sadness...It wasn't as if I was marrying an old hag, a spoiled brat like Orchid, or an ugly pig. But she was a sweet girl who was always shy, and it didn't hurt that she wasn't bad on the eyes. Tiny face, silky black hair, plump lips, thin figure, and pale skin were what was hidden under her meticulously embroidered scarlet veil. But of course, father wouldn't just set me up with such a beauty because he simply felt sorry for me, or he suddenly had some magical god sent revelation since that would only be the result of a miracle, or he spontaneously felt a change of heart. Afterall I was never his son, only a tool, only a pawn. She was the youngest daughter of a wealthy and high ranking official. Xiang Wen (香文) reminded me of her, of Harmony, with her diffident and demure personality. I felt sorry for to be wedded to me, but even though Yan ge always manage to permeate and wedge himself in my mind and heart, I know I will sooner or later, slowly but surely learn to love her. It can't be that bad right? It can't be bad, I already care for her as friend. "The second bow for obedience to the household," I smiled at that sadly "Husband and Wife bow to each other-" and the doors threw open at the section before we were suppose enter the bridal chambers (洞房 dong fang) as soldiers came pouring in. A messenger who I knew, who would always announce his Majesty's arrival as a dreaded prophecy left his lips. "*Under the orders of heaven, to accept the mandate of heaven*, under the Emperors Imperial orders to say the Ying Clan is accused of treason againsg his majesty and is under investigation!" At that everyone froze, it was as if everyone was frozen in time which only started to move once again when a gasp escaped my lips, horror, happiness, reminiscence, or sadness at the man wearing a simple white tang zhuang, that I knew far too well from our first encounter that could not hide his noble air and regal bearings, as he took light and eloquent steps inside. His eyes scanned the room for a face, my face. When he saw me gently hold onto Xiang Wen as she was practically blind as a result of the veil, he then narrowed his eyes as he took fast, but light and paced steps towards me... ~A/N~ Casting Angelababy as Xiang Wen
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* 一拜天地，二拜高堂，夫妻对拜， 送入洞房
* 奉天承运 皇帝诏曰
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*Mandate of Heaven is basically if stuff goes wrong, heaven is punishing you and you no longer have the rights to be Emperor, it also justify's rebellions as the winner has the mandate of heaven. Here is a short sliver for you guys!
