While the Yue Mansion overflowed with emotion and celebration, the Imperial Palace was equally lively from the earliest hours.
Before sunrise had fully illuminated the capital, countless palace servants, ceremonial officials, guards, and attendants were already busy throughout the palace grounds.
Today was not merely a wedding.
Today was the wedding of the Crown Prince.
The future Emperor.
The future Crown Princess.
Every detail had to be perfect.
Within Tianyu Hall, palace attendants moved carefully as they assisted Xu Chen with his ceremonial attire.
The crimson wedding robes embroidered with golden dragons had finally been completed after months of painstaking craftsmanship.
Every thread reflected wealth, authority, and imperial dignity.
Even the most experienced attendants could not hide their admiration when Xu Chen emerged fully dressed.
The normally imposing Crown Prince appeared even more distinguished today.
Golden embroidery shimmered beneath the morning light.
His black hair was secured beneath an elaborate ceremonial crown.
His posture remained calm and upright.
His expression remained composed.
Yet everyone who knew him well could sense something different.
Today—
Xu Chen was genuinely happy.
Han Wei stood nearby watching everything with a faint smile.
After all these years serving beside Xu Chen, he had rarely seen the Crown Prince looking forward to something this much.
Several ceremonial officials entered the hall shortly afterward.
"Your Highness."
Xu Chen looked toward them.
"The procession is prepared."
Xu Chen nodded calmly.
"Good."
The officials exchanged brief glances.
One of them stepped forward carefully.
"Your Highness, according to established imperial customs, Your Highness may await the bride's arrival within the palace."
The hall became quiet.
Everyone understood what the official was suggesting.
Traditionally, a Crown Prince was not required to personally escort his bride from her family residence.
The wedding procession alone would suffice.
However—
Xu Chen had already made his decision.
"I know."
The official bowed respectfully.
"Then does Your Highness wish to proceed according to precedent?"
Xu Chen stood from his seat.
His answer came without hesitation.
"I will personally receive her."
The officials froze briefly.
Although surprised, nobody dared object.
After all—
Everyone knew how much importance the Crown Prince placed upon Yue Ning.
Han Wei almost smiled.
He had expected exactly this outcome.
Xu Chen adjusted his sleeve calmly.
"Prepare the procession."
The officials immediately bowed.
"This subject obeys."
Soon afterward, news spread rapidly throughout the palace.
The Crown Prince himself would lead the wedding procession to the Yue Mansion.
The announcement shocked many people.
Even the Emperor laughed after hearing it.
Inside Phoenix Hall, the Empress shook her head helplessly.
"Our son truly cannot wait."
The Emperor smiled.
"He has waited long enough already."
Meanwhile, outside the palace gates, preparations had reached completion.
The wedding procession stretched across an astonishing distance.
Rows of imperial guards stood proudly in ceremonial armor.
Banners embroidered with dragons fluttered gently in the morning breeze.
Musicians carrying drums, flutes, bells, and ceremonial instruments waited patiently for departure.
Dozens of attendants held elaborate ceremonial decorations.
And at the center—
Stood the bridal palanquin.
It was magnificent.
Crafted from rare woods and decorated with gold, jade, silk, and countless intricate carvings.
Golden phoenixes adorned every side.
Crimson silk curtains flowed elegantly from its frame.
Sunlight reflected beautifully across its polished surfaces.
Citizens gathering outside the palace could not hide their amazement.
Many had never witnessed such grandeur before.
The bridal palanquin alone seemed worthy of becoming a historical treasure.
As the final preparations concluded, Xu Chen emerged from the palace.
Instantly—
Everyone present knelt respectfully.
"This subject greets Your Highness!"
Xu Chen walked forward calmly.
The wedding robes made him appear exceptionally noble.
His presence alone drew attention from every direction.
Even experienced generals and ministers could not help feeling admiration.
Today, the Crown Prince truly looked like the future ruler of the empire.
Han Wei followed behind him.
Several imperial princes had also arrived to witness the departure.
Xu Zeyan smiled faintly.
"Elder Brother looks impatient."
Xu Zelin nodded.
"Very impatient."
Nearby, Xu Yue covered her mouth while laughing softly.
"If Sister Ning heard that, she would definitely tease him later."
The Emperor and Empress soon appeared as well.
Xu Chen immediately bowed respectfully.
"This son greets Imperial Father and Imperial Mother."
The Emperor approached before placing a hand upon his son's shoulder.
For a brief moment, he was not speaking as Emperor.
Only as a father.
"Bring her home."
Xu Chen's gaze softened slightly.
"Yes."
The Empress smiled warmly.
"Today begins a new chapter for both of you."
Xu Chen nodded.
"I understand."
Several moments later, ceremonial officials finally raised their voices.
"The auspicious hour has arrived!"
Immediately—
The entire atmosphere changed.
Drums began sounding throughout the palace grounds.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
The powerful rhythm echoed across the capital.
Trumpets followed.
Then bells.
Then countless ceremonial instruments joined together.
The wedding procession officially began.
Citizens lining nearby streets immediately erupted with excitement.
The palace gates opened slowly.
Rows of guards marched forward.
Ceremonial banners followed.
Musicians continued playing celebratory melodies.
The magnificent bridal palanquin advanced proudly at the center.
And at the front—
Riding a magnificent white horse decorated with crimson silk and golden ornaments—
Was Crown Prince Xu Chen.
Sunlight illuminated his wedding robes brilliantly.
His expression remained composed.
Yet everyone could see the determination within his eyes.
Today, he was not heading toward court.
Nor toward battle.
Nor toward political negotiations.
Today—
He was going to bring Yue Ning home.
The enormous procession gradually departed the Imperial Palace while drums echoed continuously throughout the capital.
Citizens gathered along every street.
Children ran excitedly beside their parents.
Merchants paused business to watch.
Nobles observed from decorated balconies.
Countless eyes followed the procession's advance.
And at the center of everyone's attention—
Xu Chen continued riding forward steadily.
Toward the Yue Mansion.
Toward Yue Ning.
Toward the woman who would soon become his wife.
Toward the beginning of a journey that had already spanned countless lifetimes.