Chapter 645 I Added to the Princess’s Dowry!
On the eighteenth day of the first month, the weather was clear and bright. A crimson carpet, embroidered with peonies, stretched from the main hall of Yuhua Palace all the way to the gates of Yue Wang Manor.
The Imperial Guards lined the route, and the main streets were sealed off. Fortunately, the Emperor had not ordered a full street clearance, so the people were allowed to watch the ceremony from behind the guards.
Countless citizens had risen before dawn, more excited than if it were their own daughters being married.
In the days leading up to the wedding, two incidents had stirred discussion throughout the court.
Mu Yunyao’s reputation had already spread far and wide—especially because of the embroidery techniques she had shared. Countless households had benefited from them, and the people were deeply grateful.
No one knew who had first come up with the idea, but after learning the route the bridal procession would take, they began sewing flowers from scraps of cloth, binding them with silk thread, and tying them onto the trees lining the road.
Others quickly followed suit. Soon, even the trees were not enough—some nearly came to blows just to claim a spot. The officials from Shuntian Prefecture had to intervene several times to maintain order.
One well-meaning official tried to persuade them, saying,
“Making these silk flowers takes time and effort, and wastes both cloth and money. There is truly no need to go this far.”
The people frowned, unwilling to concede.
“Nowadays, many households make embroidered goods. These flowers are made from leftover scraps and thread—it costs us nothing. And besides, we’ve all benefited from Princess Wenxian. Because of her embroidery techniques, our families can now eat their fill, even save a little.
Now that the Princess is getting married, we have no means to offer grand gifts. What’s wrong with tying a single silk flower? The Princess has always been kind—she would never disdain something we made with our own hands. Why are you trying to stop us? Does our sincerity not matter?”
The official was surrounded and questioned until his face flushed red. He could only stammer,
“I just… I only meant that earning money is not easy for you all. I didn’t want you to waste it…”
“Who says it’s a waste?” someone retorted loudly. “Even if it is, we’re willing! One day, when our children and grandchildren grow up, we can proudly tell them—we gave a gift to the Princess! We added to her dowry!”
With those words, the crowd erupted in agreement.
“Adding to the Princess’s dowry” quickly became the most talked-about spectacle in the capital.
Ling Wang had originally intended to use the situation to cause trouble for Yue Wang and Mu Yunyao. Instead, not only did he fail to smear them—he nearly angered himself to death.
Unable to decide how to handle things, the Prefect of Shuntian reported the matter to the Emperor.
After confirming that the silk flowers required no real expense, the Emperor did not intervene further and allowed the matter to continue.
But the excitement did not end there.
The people of Jingling refused to be outdone. After being denied permission by local officials, they hired ships at their own expense and sent congratulatory gifts all the way to the capital’s docks.
Seeing four ships loaded to the brim, their hulls riding dangerously low in the water, even seasoned boatmen sucked in sharp breaths.
“Xingshun Shipping Company has guts,” they muttered. “To carry this much cargo in winter, with floating ice on the river—it’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
The Emperor had only just finished handling the capital’s situation when Jingling’s gifts arrived as well.
Looking over the long list—filled with everything from cloth to daily goods, even children’s clothing—he could not help but laugh.
“Send this list to Yunyao. These are the people’s gifts to her. I will not interfere. Let her remember this kindness—and not forget her original intentions.”
When Mu Yunyao saw the list, she was momentarily stunned. A warm tide rose in her heart.
“I never imagined that one unthinking act on my part would bring such heartfelt remembrance from so many people… It makes me feel ashamed.”
Grand Princess Yide studied her expression and spoke gently,
“The people offer gifts to repay your kindness. If you feel unworthy, then do more good for them in return. Only then will this spark of goodwill continue to grow and burn without end.”
“Yes,” Mu Yunyao nodded seriously. “Please rest assured, Grandmother. I understand.”
“I know you do,” the Grand Princess said with a smile. “You have always known your limits.”
There were simply too many gifts from Jingling, too varied for Mu Yunyao to manage alone. She asked the Grand Princess for assistance with unloading the goods and coordinating with Niyun Workshop, Buxian Tower, and Yue Wang Manor.
Perishable items were prepared into dishes and distributed among the people of the capital.
As for Jingling, Mu Yunyao allocated two hundred thousand taels of silver. Part was entrusted to local officials for infrastructure and irrigation; the rest was used to purchase farming tools, oxen, and grain—some of which was used to host communal feasts.
When news of this spread, the people rejoiced.
Yet in the shadows, others began to speculate—
If she could casually give away two hundred thousand taels, just how profitable were Niyun Workshop and Buxian Tower?
On the day of the wedding, before dawn had even broken, Mu Yunyao was already awake, preparing herself.
Fortune matrons dressed her in her wedding robes and began combing her hair, smiling brightly as they recited blessings:
“One comb to the end—may wealth never depart.
Two combs to the end—may you be free from illness and sorrow.
Three combs to the end—may you be blessed with children and longevity.
Again to the end—may husband and wife live in harmony.
Two again—may you fly together like paired wings.
Three again—may your hearts remain forever united.
From beginning to end—may you be blessed with prosperity and honor.”
Standing beside Grand Princess Yide, Xu Yanhan’s eyes reddened.
Her daughter had grown from a frail newborn into a graceful young woman. Now she was to be married, stepping into a new life. How could she not feel moved?
“Yunyao…”
The Grand Princess sighed as well, unable to hide her reluctance.
Through the mirror, Mu Yunyao saw their expressions and quickly stood.
“Grandmother, Mother—I am getting married. My life will be peaceful and happy. You should be glad.”
Xu Yanhan wiped her eyes. “You’re right… we should be happy.”
The Grand Princess gently adjusted the phoenix hairpin in Mu Yunyao’s hair, her gaze filled with warmth.
“Sit down, child. We are only overwhelmed with joy.”
Mu Yunyao felt the same reluctance in her heart, but she dared not dwell on it, afraid of making them even more emotional.
Jin Lan entered briskly, smiling.
“Your Highness, Madam, Princess—the dowry has begun to be carried out.”
“Good.” The Grand Princess nodded. “Tell them to move quickly. Yunyao’s dowry is extensive—it will take time to settle everything. We must not delay the auspicious hour.”
“Yes.”
Outside, the streets were already packed with onlookers.
Suddenly, someone cried out—
“The dowry procession has begun!”
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