Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

The crowds around them surged like a tide, crowding along the sides of the road, their faces filled with joy and blessings. Everyone cheered and applauded excitedly, warmly welcoming the woman who was about to enter the palace and become the honored Queen.

The curtains of the sedan chair were slightly ajar, swaying gently in the breeze, revealing the figure of a beautiful woman within. She was dressed in a vibrant red dress, meticulously embroidered with lifelike phoenixes and vibrant peonies. The phoenix spread its wings and the peony blossomed brilliantly, as if to convey a message of good fortune, prosperity, and wealth.

She wore a shimmering, intricately crafted headdress, adorned with dazzling gemstones, gleaming with a dazzling light. Although her face was completely obscured by a red veil, a pair of eyes, as bright as stars, could still be glimpsed through the narrow slit. A hint of shyness shone in them, as crystal clear as dewdrops on morning petals; yet they also held a rich happiness, like the warm spring sun, warming the heart.

Finally, the bridal procession arrived before the magnificent Hall of Supreme Harmony. The Master of Ceremonies announced the ceremony's official commencement. Suddenly, the roar of bells and drums resounded, resounding majestically and resonantly through the heavens. Melodious music followed, like the gurgling of flowing water, lingering in everyone's heart. Everyone present rose to their feet, their eyes fixed with reverence and anticipation on the newlyweds who would soon spend their lives together.

Shin Jin-guk walked upright, his steps steady and composed, toward his bride. His gaze was firm and gentle, filled with love and affection. As he reached her, he gently extended his hands and carefully lifted the red veil, a symbol of mystery and beauty. In that moment, time seemed to freeze. Their gazes met in mid-air, each gazing intently at the other, their gazes fixed on nothing but their own. In that instant, it was as if the entire universe had stopped, pausing only for the two of them.

Her beauty was breathtaking, her graceful and graceful face like a lotus emerging from the water, fresh and refined. Her eyebrows were as dark as distant black, her eyes were like autumn water, her smile was as beautiful as a flower, her eyes were full of smiles, and the corners of her mouth were slightly raised, a contented and sweet curve hanging on them. Witnessed by all, that pure and flawless love was perfectly interpreted, like a timeless painting, forever frozen in this sacred moment.

Then, in accordance with the time-honored, ancient, and mysterious custom, the two began the solemn and dignified ritual of "three bows and nine kowtows." Dressed in magnificent attire, they slowly moved to the center of the venue. First, they stood facing east, their bodies erect like pine trees, their hands clasped together, and bowed deeply and reverently toward the boundless sky and vast earth. This bow, imbued with awe for the miraculous power of nature, seemed to express their deep respect and admiration for all creation.

Then, the two slowly turned and faced west. There hung a massive portrait of their ancestor, the figures vivid and lifelike, as if benevolently gazing upon the present. They bowed deeply and respectfully before the portrait, their movements gentle and slow, expressing their deep remembrance and boundless remembrance of their ancestors. In that moment, time seemed to freeze, and the air was filled with a deep reverence.

Finally, the two stood facing each other, their eyes meeting, a spark of love igniting. They gazed at each other, their eyes filled with deep affection and determination. Then, they knelt together, solemnly pledging an eternal, lifelong bond. Each kneeling was accompanied by the resounding, stirring sound of bells and drums, a sound that seemed to echo from ancient times, piercing the heart and stirring the soul. And every time they raised their heads, thunderous cheers echoed around them, rising in wave after wave, reaching the heavens and bringing the entire ceremony to a climax.

With the conclusion of the "Three Bows and Nine Kowtows" ceremony, the grand banquet officially commenced within the Forbidden City's palaces. Across the table, exquisitely laid out, were a plethora of mouth-watering delicacies. Among them were fresh shark's fin from the Jiangnan water towns, delicate and melt-in-your-mouth; and sweet fruits from the Western Regions, vibrant and alluring, exuding captivating aromas. Furthermore, expertly prepared delicacies from land and sea, each dish was like a work of art, not only visually appealing but also imbued with the auspicious meaning of prosperity and wealth.

At the banquet, guests took their seats and indulged in the rare delicacies. As they savored the delicacies, they exchanged heartfelt greetings, laughter and chatter echoed in the atmosphere, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere yet retaining a solemn and elegant atmosphere. During breaks in the feast, a group of court musicians and dancers took the stage, presenting a dazzling visual and auditory feast. Some musicians gently played zithers, producing melodious tunes that soothed the heart like flowing mountain streams; others played melodious sheng and xiao instruments, their notes dancing through the air, weaving into beautiful symphonies. Meanwhile, dancers, clad in magnificent attire, danced gracefully, their movements as ethereal and graceful as those of fairies descending from the heavens, captivating the audience. These spectacular performances undoubtedly added a touch of dazzling artistic brilliance to the lavish banquet, enveloping all present in an atmosphere of joy and peace, from which they could hardly escape.

As night slowly descended like a black velvet curtain, the inky blue sky suddenly and without warning burst into a dazzling display of fireworks. The dazzling multicolored light instantly illuminated the entire sky, like flowers blooming in the night sky, or like countless glittering pearls scattered by fairies. These dazzling fireworks were a show meticulously designed specifically for the newlyweds.

They blossomed freely in the air, changing endlessly like a dream. Some streaked across the dark night sky like meteors, trailing long, dazzling trails in their wake; others blossomed gracefully like snow-white lotus flowers, their petals layered one upon another in a breathtaking beauty; and still others cleverly formed the four glittering golden characters "百年好合" (A Happy Marriage for a Hundred Years), gleaming and striking, clearly expressing the most sincere and beautiful wishes of everyone present for the newlyweds.

For a moment, the entire capital was deeply transfixed by this magnificent spectacle. People in the streets and alleys stopped their hurried pace and looked up, their faces filled with wonder and ecstasy. They whispered to each other, admiring the scene, completely lost in the dreamlike beauty.

Moonlight, like water, quietly streams across an exquisite courtyard deep within the Forbidden City. Far from the clamor of daytime celebrations, only the gentle rustle of the curtains and the occasional lingering sound of distant stringed instruments create a tranquil prelude to the night. Tonight, for a young couple who have never met before, promises to be a night of extraordinary significance—they will meet face to face for the first time, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Inside the bridal chamber, flickering candlelight cast a warm yellow light, adding a touch of softness and warmth to the room. A spacious wedding bed dominated the room, covered with a brocade quilt embroidered with a pattern of mandarin ducks playing in the water. A small, delicate dressing box sat beside it. Everything seemed perfectly organized, yet somehow still possessed a touch of everyday charm. The faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility.

Light footsteps outside the door interrupted the brief silence. With a touch of nervousness and anticipation, the young Emperor Shen Zhenguo slowly pushed open the door and stepped into this equally unfamiliar space. His heartbeat raced uncontrollably, as he imagined his future wife over and over again. Finally, he spotted the figure sitting on the edge of the bed, her back to the door, a slender silhouette visible only to him. Her raven hair was tied into an intricate bun with golden hairpins, and she wore a red wedding gown, standing out even in the dim candlelight.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his fluctuating emotions, and then spoke in the most gentle tone: "Madam, it's our first meeting, please take care of me." Although his voice was soft, it was loud enough for the girl on the other side of the room to hear.

She trembled slightly at the words, clearly startled by the sudden voice. But she quickly regained her composure and turned to face him. Although the veil obscured her features, he could still sense the complex emotions emanating from those clear eyes—curiosity, nervousness, and even a hint of shyness.

Shin Jin-guk slowly stepped forward, a surge of emotion he had never felt before. He gently extended his hands and carefully lifted a corner of the veil, revealing the bride's face. At that moment, time seemed to stand still. She had snow-white skin, delicate features, and especially those expressive eyes, which seemed to contain a sea of ​​stars and were unforgettable.

Their gazes met in mid-air like two bolts of lightning, instantly igniting countless brilliant sparks. Though silent, their words were worth more than a thousand words. Shen Zhenguo looked up and saw a gentle and virtuous woman standing before him. Her otherworldly demeanor seemed to have stepped out of a painting. She had a graceful figure, a face as rosy as a peach, eyebrows as dark as distant black, and eyes as clear as autumn water. Her long, lustrous, black hair fell gently over her shoulders, swaying in the breeze, adding a touch of graceful beauty to her.

Her eyes, as she looked at Shen Zhenguo, were filled with curiosity and anticipation. In her eyes, Shen Zhenguo was the man who would become her husband. His gaze was firm and sincere, revealing a reassuring strength; his stature, as tall as a mountain, gave people a sense of security. Although they had never met before, or even spoken a word, in that brief moment of eye contact, a strange sense of closeness arose, as if they had known each other for years.

"I...I'm glad to meet you." Shen Zhenguo stammered, his words a little nervous and shy, seeming a little clumsy. But it was this clumsiness that revealed his sincere feelings deep in his heart without reservation.

Hearing his words, she couldn't help but smile and nodded slightly. In that instant, a faint blush crept across her snow-white cheeks, as delicate and charming as a peach blossom in full bloom in spring. She gently opened her cherry-red lips and whispered, "Me too." Those four simple words, like the sound of nature, lingered in Shen Zhenguo's ears, sending ripples through his heart.