Rebirth of Fa Wei Lan : Volume 2

Chapter 25: Blue Jade, Red Jade

When the carriage reached the large golden gate, I was greeted by a long line of palace guards. Days earlier, Elder Wang had told me before I enter the Wang Family, I will have to go to the palace for the royal blessing. Because of Wang Feng position, his wedding have to be blessed by the Emperor and his Empress. Although Elder Wang and Mistress Wang carefully taught me proper palace etiquette, I still felt nervous.

Several maids helped me down the carriage before one guide me through the opened court. Through the red veil, I could see officials on both sides. Wang Feng was standing in the front right, just below the seat of emperor and empress. Standing tall and regally, Feng was in a deep red robe with his hair held by the phoenix stick.

Even with the loud beating of my heart, I was careful with each step I take. When I saw Feng's opened hand, the maid placed my hand onto his. I couldn't see his expression because of the veil, but because his hand tightly held mine, I was no longer afraid.

"Fa Wei Lan" The Emperor spoke with a smile on his face. "It's a shame that no one can see the bride's face. I, myself, am curious how much you've grown since 2 years ago"

"Fa Wei Lan greets his majesty." I let go of Feng's hand and stepped forward to curtsy like Mistress Wang had taught me. "Fa Wei Lan greets her majesty"

Their soft, pleased laughter relieved me.

"Wang Feng, why don't you lift the veil of your bride?" The Emperor asked with a hint of teasing.

"No" Wang Feng answered simply with his usual calm tone.

From the officials perspective...

While the officials were stunned by Wang Feng brazen attitude, they did not say anything. It was no secret that the Emperor favor the young man – sometimes even more than his own sons and grandsons.

"Don't be so stingy General" The Emperor laughed as if he didn't mind Feng's attitude.

"Your majesty should stop teasing Wang Feng" The empress spoke up with a smile. "Didn't you prepare gifts for the bride?"

"Yes" The Emperor chuckled before saying. "Fa Wei Lan, as I promised you 2 years ago, I will personally send you off with a gift."

At the lift his hand, the eunuch behind him immediately  gave the golden dragon scroll. To everyone surprised, the emperor read it himself instead of having one of the officials do it.

"Fa Wei Lan, daughter of the Fa family, full of grace and beauty, today - on the first full moon of Winter, you will be bestowed the title of a princess - 1st rank and will marry General Wang Feng. Princess Fa Wei Lan, along with this title, the royal family will send you off with 2000 gold teals, 2000 silver plates, 2000 silk fabric, 2000 water pearls, 2000 100 years ginseng, and 2000 precious stones and jewels."

Everyone was stunned silence. No one had expected a girl with no noble background to be suddenly promoted as a 1st rank princess - equal to the crown princess. The bridal gift given to her was beyond generous. Even the emperor's daughters weren't given such treatments. Many officials had assumed that it was because the Emperor favored the young General - only a few knew the truth was the emperor favored the girl's grandfather Fa He Long.

On the other hand, Wang Feng didn't have any reaction to the announcement or the gift. He hadn't expected any less of what was being announced. His Lan deserves, as far as he knows, the best.

"Princess Wei Lan" The empress suddenly spoke. "My gift isn't as grand as his majesty, but I'm sure you will like it"

Everyone, again, was surprised. No one had expected that the empress had prepared a gift. When a eunuch from behind the empress stepped forward, everyone saw the gold tray in his hands. With a nod from the empress, the eunuch head toward the bride. When he held out the tray, everyone could see the 2 round jade bracelet.

"Help the princess put them on"

The empress had instructed one of the eunuchs, but to everyone surprised, Wang Feng personally took the jade bracelets and slid them on his bride - one on each wrist. On her right wrist was a ruby red color. On her left wrist was a deep blue jade. Both jades were crafted simply but elegantly. Both were made exactly alike with the only difference is color.

"I hope the little phoenix has found her wind" The emperor voice was surprisingly gentle.

Everyone watched in silent as the bride carefully went to her knees. The jades on her wrist made a soft yet beautiful sound as it touched the marble floor. Her head bowed against her hand as she expressed her wordless gratitude to the emperor and the queen. They were transfixed by the sight of a young woman in red and her graceful bow. Even without seeing her face, everyone was mesmerized.

"Gold, silver, silk, pearl, and jade..." Her voice echoed softly through the silent court. "True happiness is your majesty's blessing... thank you..."

It was all the bride said, but the emperor and empress were both touched. To many people in the court, it had been rare it was to see any young girl to show such grace or to say such words. And yet, before them, a girl barely pass 18, showing aptitude and manners beyond any young women in the palace.

"Princess Fa Wei Lan, General Wang Feng" The empress spoke with a soft laughter. "May your life together be stronger than gold and brighter than the moon. Congratulation"

The general help his bride to her feet and held her hand tight. After receiving the royal blessing, Wang Feng took his bride home.