freenovelworld Chapter 502: Conferring of the Empress Title; Yue Shu Gives Birth to a Son
Chapter 502: Conferring of the Empress Title; Yue Shu Gives Birth to a Son
In June, the sun blazed down on the capital, but it was also the day that everyone was eagerly anticipating.
The Imperial Astronomical Bureau had chosen this auspicious day well in advance, saying that the timing, location, and people were all in harmony, making it the most suitable day to confer the title of Empress.
Throughout the entire capital city, from the east to the west, from the inner city to the outer city, every household hung up red silk ribbons.
The streets were lined with flowers, and even the most inconspicuous alley entrances were decorated with festive red paper.
Inside the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, everything was bustling with activity.
Su Wan sat in front of the dressing table, looking at herself in the bronze mirror, feeling extremely flustered.
"Sister Su, don't be nervous, take a deep breath." Chu Ruohan gently combed her long hair. "You've learned all the etiquette you need to know, and you've memorized all the rules of the palace. Today, just follow the steps."
Su Wan bit her lower lip. "Sister Ruohan, I still feel uneasy. With so many eyes watching, what if I make a mistake..."
"No, it won't happen." Chu Ruohan placed a delicate gold hairpin in her hair and smiled, "Look, over the past few months, haven't you mastered every aspect of etiquette better than the palace maids?"
"Besides, the Emperor dotes on you so much that even if something goes wrong, he won't make things difficult for you."
Even so, Su Wan's palms were still slightly sweaty.
She never imagined that one day she would become the empress, a position above all others. This feeling was both glorious and unsettling.
"Come, wear this." Chu Ruohan unfolded a magnificent crimson empress's gown, made of the finest Shu brocade, embroidered with golden dragons and phoenixes, which shimmered in the sunlight.
Su Wan stood up and let Chu Ruohan help her change her clothes.
Wearing the heavy gown made her feel even more that it was all unreal.
"Alright, put this on." Chu Ruohan carefully picked up the phoenix crown, which was specially made in the palace. The nine golden phoenixes were lifelike, and each eye was inlaid with the finest rubies, making it dazzling.
The phoenix crown on her head was so heavy that Su Wan felt her neck could hardly bear it.
"Why is it so heavy?" she couldn't help but frown.
Chu Ruohan chuckled, "This is the Empress's phoenix crown, how could it not be heavy? Just bear with it, after today, you don't need to wear it on ordinary days."
Just then, Gu Junze's voice came from outside the door: "It's almost time, we should set off."
Su Wan took a deep breath and stood up, holding onto Chu Ruohan's hand.
"Remember, stand tall and don't be intimidated," Chu Ruohan concluded. "You are destined to be an empress; you can't afford to lose your composure."
Su Wan nodded, trying to appear calm.
Outside the courtyard gate, a grand wedding procession had already been prepared.
Eight-bearer sedan chair, guarded in front and behind, with banners waving and drums beating loudly.
Gu Junze, dressed in a formal suit, stood beside the sedan chair. When he saw Su Wan come out, a hint of relief flashed in his eyes.
"Today, I am sending you off on your behalf on behalf of my brother. From this day forward, you will be the mother of the world, revered by all people."
Gu Junze's voice was deep and solemn, "Remember, no matter when or where, you must always remember your identity."
Su Wan curtsied and said, "Thank you, sworn brother."
Just as she was about to get into the sedan chair, she suddenly heard a series of hurried footsteps behind her.
"Madam! Madam!" A maid rushed over in a panic, her face full of anxiety. "Something terrible has happened! The Second Miss...she's going into labor!"
Chu Ruohan's expression changed. "What? Now?"
"Yes, Madam! The Second Miss was fine just now, but suddenly she started having stomach pains. Doctor Qian said she's about to give birth and told us to prepare hot water and clean cloths!"
Chu Ruohan was extremely anxious and almost turned to leave, but after looking at the wedding procession that was already ready and then at Su Wan, she could only suppress her anxiety.
"Tell Doctor Qian and Wang Zhaodi to take good care of the Second Miss. I... I'll be back after the ceremony," she said through gritted teeth.
Seeing this, Su Wan quickly said, "Sister Ruohan, why don't you go back and take care of Yueshu first? I'll stay here..."
"No!" Chu Ruohan interrupted her decisively, "Today is your big day, how can I be absent? Yue Shu has a doctor to take care of her, she'll be fine."
The Emperor entrusted Su Wan to her, and absolutely no mistakes could be made.
Even so, she couldn't hide the worry in her eyes.
Seeing this, Gu Junze said in a deep voice, "Time waits for no one, let's set off first."
Su Wan finally got into the sedan chair, and the procession headed towards the palace in a grand procession.
Inside the sedan chair, Su Wan peered through the gap in the curtain at the dense crowds lining both sides of the street, all craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the new empress.
Children rode on adults' shoulders, women stood on tiptoe, and even the rooftops were filled with people.
"Queen!"
"Long live the Empress!"
Cheers rose and fell, deafeningly loud.
Su Wan's heart was pounding even faster. She clenched her hands and told herself to stay calm.
Zhao Yunci had been waiting for a long time in front of the palace gates. He was dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe and wore a crown, looking majestic and handsome.
Upon seeing the wedding procession, a long-lost smile appeared on his face.
Su Wan got out of the sedan chair, and Zhao Yunci personally stepped forward to help her up.
"Wan'er, you are the most beautiful woman in the world today," he whispered, his eyes full of doting affection.
“Your Majesty…” Su Wan’s cheeks flushed slightly as she responded softly.
The ceremony was solemnly held in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where civil and military officials, envoys from various countries, and imperial concubines all gathered together.
The master of ceremonies loudly proclaimed the imperial edict: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees that Lady Su is of noble character and virtuous conduct, and is hereby appointed Empress, to serve as the mother of the nation. This is to be proclaimed to the world, and it is the will of Heaven. So be it!"
Su Wan received the golden book and seal, officially becoming the Empress of Daqi.
The entire hall knelt and bowed, saying, "Congratulations, Your Majesty the Empress! Long live the Empress!"
Chapter 256
After the investiture ceremony was completed, Su Wan officially became the Empress of Great Chu. Zhao Yunci took her hand and led her out of the Hall of Supreme Harmony amidst the kneeling obeisance of the officials.
Chu Ruohan didn't linger any longer and hurried back to her residence...
As soon as she stepped off the carriage, the gatekeeper ran up to her, his face beaming with joy: "Congratulations, Madam! The Second Miss has given birth!"
"She's given birth?" Chu Ruohan was taken aback. "So fast?"
She hurried into the mansion and bumped into Chu's mother, who was coming out of the delivery room.
Chu's mother was beaming with joy. When she saw her daughter return, she rushed forward to greet her.
"Ruohan, you're back? Don't worry, Yueshu gave birth. It was very quick, less than half an hour."
Chu's mother smiled and said, "It's a chubby boy, and both mother and child are safe."
Chu Ruohan breathed a sigh of relief, but was still somewhat incredulous: "Really that fast? I thought it would take forever like I did back then."
She still feels lingering fear when she recalls the harrowing experience of giving birth to Gu Qingchen.
"There aren't that many unexpected things." Mother Chu patted her hand. "Yue Shu is young and healthy, and with Dr. Qian taking care of her, everything will naturally go smoothly."
Chu Ruohan quickly asked, "How is she now? What about the baby?"
"Everything is fine. Dr. Qian said Yue Shu didn't lose much blood and will recover in a month or two with proper care. The baby is also healthy and has a loud cry."
Chu Ruohan was finally relieved and quickly walked towards the delivery room.
Pushing open the door, one could see Yingqing carefully feeding Chu Yueshu water.
Although Chu Yueshu's face was somewhat pale, she was in good spirits, holding a swaddled baby in her arms.