bayedsolid Chapter 701 My Family 19
Chapter 701 My Family 19
On the ninth day of the eleventh month of the second year of Anzhao.
The shock and chaos of yesterday had not yet completely dissipated from the Tang residence; the air still carried the heavy sighs of Du Feiqin and the silent smell of tobacco from Tang Wencheng.
As dawn broke, the servants in the mansion moved about quietly, as if afraid of disturbing something.
In this subtle silence, outside the vermilion gates of the Tang mansion, the clanging of armor plates suddenly resounded in unison, like the clashing of metal.
The old servant guarding the gate hurriedly opened the door, only to find that the street in front of the mansion was already quiet and orderly, with two teams of Imperial Guards, dressed in bright armor and with ceremonial swords hanging at their waists, standing on both sides in the most standard guarding posture.
There was one person standing among them.
Gu Ting.
He was no longer dressed in the casual clothes he usually wore when he came to the mansion, but instead put on a full set of formal court attire—a first-rank imperial robe with a crane motif, a jade belt around his waist, and a gold-plated crown with openwork horns.
The morning light shone on him, and the crimson color, symbolizing his high rank, burned like a flame. The usual calm and resolute expression between his brows now revealed an unprecedented solemnity and... an indescribable determination.
This imposing aura was even greater than when he first visited as the top scholar, making it almost suffocating.
What is most terrifying is that he was not holding a visiting card or a gift, but instead—holding a scroll aloft!
The scroll was made of bright yellow silk, with jade scrolls at both ends decorated with auspicious clouds and cranes, and gold thread inlaid along the edges. In the dim winter sunlight, the faint gold-woven pattern of "May the Emperor live ten thousand years" was clearly visible on the bright yellow background, and an invisible and terrifying royal majesty instantly enveloped the entire gate of the Tang Mansion.
Upon hearing the news, Du Feiqin and Tang Wencheng rushed to the front hall, just in time to see Gu Ting entering the mansion under the protection of the Imperial Guards.
The shock on their faces froze. Du Feiqin subconsciously clenched the handkerchief in her hand, while Tang Wencheng even forgot to put down his pipe. His pupils suddenly contracted as he stared intently at the bright yellow imperial edict.
Tang Yunlian rushed over upon hearing the commotion, standing a few steps behind her parents. Looking at Gu Ting's attire and the imperial edict in his hand, her heart felt like it was about to jump out of her throat.
Surprise, trepidation, disbelief... a whole host of emotions overwhelmed him in an instant.
Gu Ting's gaze swept across the hall, finally landing on Tang Wencheng and his wife.
Without the slightest hesitation, he strode forward and stopped about three steps in front of the two men.
He turned slightly to face the direction of the Eastern Imperial Palace, took a deep breath, and declared in an extremely solemn and resounding voice, as if he were in a temple:
"Tang Wencheng and Du Feiqin, receive the imperial decree—"
These four words resounded like thunder in the hall!
Tang Wencheng suddenly snapped out of his daze, grabbed the still somewhat bewildered Du Feiqin, and almost instinctively lifted his robe to kneel down in respect.
However, Gu Ting's next move stunned everyone—
He did not lower the arm holding the imperial edict, nor did he wait for the Tang couple to finish their kneeling ceremony. Instead, after reading "Receive the edict," he suddenly handed the bright yellow scroll, which symbolized supreme imperial power, to Tang Yunlian beside him!
His voice remained loud and clear, his gaze piercing and penetrating.
"His Majesty has decreed: A special marriage of gold and jade is bestowed upon the deeply affectionate couple, Gu Yunlian. The Minister of Personnel and Chancellor, Gu Ting, is hereby ordered to formally betroth Tang Yunlian, the Heir Apparent of the Prince of Changle, as 'Lord Gu.' This is to demonstrate the Imperial Family's benevolence and compassion for this perfect match. So be it—"
'Lord Gu's Family'!
This unprecedented and highly creative form of address exploded in Tang Wencheng and Du Feiqin's ears like a thunderclap! This was far more than a simple marriage! It was a complete crushing of conventional norms!
A request for imperial decree! A royal decree to grant marriage! A lawful and aboveboard "betrothal"!
The Imperial Guards stood in rows on either side, their cold iron armor highlighting the suffocating silence in the hall.
After reading the key points, Gu Ting slowly handed the imperial edict to Tang Yunlian, who was completely stunned and trembling slightly.
The heavy, bright yellow silk satin landed in Tang Yunlian's palm, as if it weighed a ton.
Only then did Gu Ting shed the intimidating official air of a prime minister, regaining some of his usual composure. He bowed deeply to the still-shaken Tang Wencheng and Du Feiqin, his movements respectful and slow.
"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, I, Gu Ting, here today by imperial decree to present betrothal gifts and propose to marry your son, Tang Yunlian, as my 'Qingjun'. From this day forward, Yunlian will be the only person I, Gu Ting, will spend my life with. Yunlian and I will share honor and disgrace, life and death, and never leave each other."
His voice was firm and powerful, each word like a chisel striking the heart: "Heaven and earth bear witness, the sage's heart is the witness, this love and this promise are unwavering even unto death! The betrothal gifts will arrive shortly, everything will be of the highest standard, and Yunlian will not be wronged. Please rest assured, elders, I, Gu Ting, will bear all the rumors, the harsh winds and frosts...!"
This resounding declaration was not a plea, but an announcement, a promise, and a declaration backed by the highest power of the entire empire and the entire future of individuals!
Tang Wencheng's hand froze completely; the sparks in the pipe flickered and eventually went out silently.
He looked at his son, who was holding the imperial edict high and whose lips were trembling with excitement, and then at the young man in front of him who was the prime minister of the court, with the imperial guards clearing the way, and who was openly declaring his demand to marry his son with the imperial edict. The shock and shock he felt eventually turned into an indescribable dizziness.
He opened his mouth, but found that he couldn't utter a single word.
Dufy's tears flowed uncontrollably without warning.
Yesterday I was still worried that my son's deep affection would lead to a short life, and that his high-ranking and powerful partner would not be able to withstand the pressure from society.
Today, Gu Ting shattered her worries in the most decisive and unquestionable way!
He brought in the highest imperial power, revealed his sharpest identity, and with the most solemn attitude, blocked all possibilities of slander, criticism, and obstruction on this path!
This courage, this sense of responsibility, this determination to openly confront the world for Lian'er... all her doubts and worries turned into scalding tears and... a sense of relief and bittersweetness that felt like the dust had settled.
She could only cover her mouth tightly, her shoulders trembling violently, unsure whether she was feeling sorrow or joy.
...two months later...
Tang Yunlian has now become one of the most captivating focal points in Kangdu City.
The wedding of Prime Minister Gu Ting to Tang Yunlian, the "Lord of the Gu Family," was unfolded right under everyone's noses in a way that could not be discussed publicly but was talked about by countless people in private.
The meticulousness of the wedding preparations, the grandeur of the process, and the high standards followed exceeded many people's expectations.
The marriage certificate was personally signed and stamped with the emperor's private seal, serving as a silent endorsement.
On the wedding day, Gu Ting personally led the ceremonial procession of the Prime Minister's residence. Although the procession was not as noisy and bustling as a wedding procession, it was still of a very high standard. The horses were fine and the saddles were carved. The procession was majestic. The guards of the residence led the way, followed by court music (not festive drum music, but solemn and elegant music).
The groom, Gu Ting, wore a specially tailored wedding suit. The crimson fabric was woven not with mandarin ducks, but with a subtle pattern of pine and crane symbolizing nobility and resilience. His handsome face showed a rare gentleness and determination.
He dismounted and personally entered the Tang residence, each step under the scrutiny of countless prying, shocked, and speculative gazes.
Tang Yunlian, also dressed in brand-new finery and appearing as the groom, walked step by step towards his elder brother Gu, accompanied by his family.
There was no red veil, no bride; two equally tall and handsome men stood side by side in the hall, as the officiant announced the ceremony with a slightly tense yet exceptionally solemn tone:
"Worship the heavens and the earth—!"
"Second worship high hall——!"
When the chant "Husband and wife bow to each other" rang out, Gu Ting and Tang Yunlian stood facing each other and bowed deeply to one another.
At that moment, the entire hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, and all eyes were fixed on them. It wasn't a mockery, but rather an overwhelming sense of awe.
Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice, casting a golden halo over their silhouettes. Their fearless and unwavering determination to stay together overwhelmed all the noise, appearing sacred and solemn.
"The ceremony is complete! Send them to the mansion!"
As the final words "sent to the mansion" echoed in the hall, long-suppressed whispers spread like a tide among the guests and servants watching from outside the mansion.
"My God...it's really true..."
"It's an imperial decree bestowing this marriage upon us! Who would dare to gossip?"
"Prime Minister Gu... truly..."
"Shh! Keep your voice down, are you out of your mind! Even the Emperor has agreed..."
"Young Master Tang is so fortunate to have such a high-ranking official as Prime Minister Gu..."
"Only two..."
"Watch your mouth! Watch your mouth! Discussing the Prime Minister's wedding, which was even bestowed by imperial decree, how many heads do you have?"
"..."
Behind this ultimate splendor, in the teahouses and taverns of the capital, and in the backyards of secluded mansions, there were countless whispers, with people exchanging exclamations of amazement, incomprehension, envy, disdain, and even bewilderment.
Everyone was talking about it in private. Some were shocked that the pinnacle of power could break down barriers in this way; others marveled at the two men's courage in disregarding worldly conventions; but most, with the emperor's tacit approval (or even explicit endorsement), could only swallow all their inappropriate remarks.
That wedding became the biggest topic of conversation in the entire city of Kangdu, a topic that was both tacitly known and deeply taboo.
No one dared to publicly criticize it.
Because it was the Prime Minister's wedding, a wedding approved by the Emperor.
To discuss it? That's tantamount to questioning imperial authority, tantamount to... disobeying an imperial decree!
Those disdainful and calculating glances that might have been directed at Tang Yunlian vanished completely in the face of Gu Ting's powerful declaration and the emperor's golden seal.
Yun Chu stood in the shadows under the corridor, watching her brother's figure disappear into the distance, surrounded by a crowd, and merge into the light that represented the direction of Gu Ting's residence.
She gently stroked the cold wood of the window frame, and a relieved yet infinitely gratified smile finally appeared on her face.
That gentle touch was like the moonlight that finally brought a peaceful harbor after protecting family members through a long storm.
The tenth year of Anzhao.
Yun Chu passed away.