Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

Holding a wedding in winter requires courage and luck. Fortunately, the weather was on their side and it was sunny for several days in a row.

Arriving at the Zhang residence, the entire courtyard was filled with a festive red. The newlyweds walked through the gate, holding red silk ribbons. Huangfu Ling, guided by Douya, stepped over the brazier and slowly walked onto the red carpet. The guests outside the gate couldn't wait to squeeze into the Zhang residence.

The female guard beside the prince suddenly widened her eyes and shouted in surprise, "Is that Huangfu Ling?!" Upon hearing this, the prince couldn't help but cast his gaze into the distance. When he saw Huangfu Ling's figure, a look of astonishment instantly appeared on his face, and he murmured to himself, "She is so beautiful today!"

At this time, Yi Feiyu on the side looked at Zhang Jingwei not far away, and said with a smile: "After just a few months of not seeing you, Young Master Zhang has become much stronger." This attracted the attention of everyone around, and they looked at Zhang Jingwei. It was indeed as Yi Feiyu said, Young Master Zhang was now much more muscular than before.

Beta looked around curiously, muttering to himself, "This Zhang Mansion is truly magnificent! Look at these courtyards, pavilions, carved beams, and painted buildings. It's simply breathtaking."

Jiu'er, who was in the crowd, had a look of anxiety and anger on her face. She gritted her teeth and said bitterly, "That damn girl Yanran hasn't even arrived yet. We're about to miss the auspicious time for the wedding ceremony!"

As everyone was discussing the situation, Gao Jiong, dressed in a magnificent formal attire, slowly emerged from the main room. He had dressed with particular solemnity, appearing imposing and impressive. It turned out that he was to serve as the "Zan Li" (receiver of ceremony), presiding over the ceremony for the newlyweds. A "Zan Li" is similar to a modern wedding master of ceremonies, guiding the flow and rhythm of the ceremony.

Gao Jiong stood still, cleared his throat, and shouted, "Heaven has chosen you, and the newlyweds are here to receive you!" As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of magnificent music suddenly filled the air around the Zhang residence. Drums and music blared, string instruments played, and a joyful melody echoed in the air.

An official exclaimed in surprise, "Tianhua? This is Tianhua music?" An older official standing nearby frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "Sigh, I don't know how long it's been since I last heard Tianhua music..." The official who had spoken first shook his head and said gravely, "This is truly a violation of regulations." At this moment, an official from the Inspection Department interjected, "It's more than just a violation of regulations! Just look at this lavish wedding! How could a mere seventh-rank official possibly afford such a grand display? Are they treating the Hedong magistrate like a nobody?"

Just as everyone was discussing, a stern and imposing voice suddenly rang out: "Could you please keep your voices down a bit?" Upon hearing this, several officials' expressions suddenly tensed. They quickly turned around, respectfully saluted the speaker, and said in unison: "Imperial Censor Ouyang!"

The patrol officer did not restrain himself, but shouted loudly and righteously: "Tianhua music is the exclusive music of the royal family. A small official who has not yet officially taken office dares to enjoy it openly. He should be executed according to the law!" Before he finished speaking, Gao Fei's face in the crowd suddenly became gloomy. He turned around with great displeasure and stared at the patrol officer.

Seeing the situation was not good, the Imperial Censor quickly spoke up and said, "Alright, just keep your mouth shut! If you really keep arguing like this, you'll only bring yourself trouble!"

However, at this time, another person stood up to refute: "Tianhua Music was carefully composed by musicians from Jiangnan on the day of the wedding of His Majesty the Late Emperor and the Empress. But it was later adapted many times by people in the future, and today's Tianhua Music is no longer what it was originally. So, Mr. Jiucha, how can you talk about violating the rules?" This person was Liu Yanzhi.

"Hmph!" The patrol seemed to have smelled a hint of murderous intent and stopped pestering him.

In the main house.

Gao Jiong stood straight, clasped his hands together and raised them above his head, and said in a loud voice: "I bow to the heaven, earth, sun and moon, and the kindness of our ancestors, which we will all bear witness to in this life!" His voice was loud and solemn, as if he wanted the whole world to hear this oath.

Zhang Jingwei and Huangfu Ling, both holding red silk, faced the sky and earth outside the door and kowtowed gently.

Gao Jiong then shouted, "Second bow to the blessing of family, respecting the virtuous and the elderly, and wishing our parents a happy and prosperous life!" However, the seat in the hall where the elders should have sat to receive the newlyweds' kneeling homage was empty. Seeing this, Zhang Liu hurriedly turned around to look for the tablet of the master.

At this moment, Gao Jiong said, "Sixth Master, please take a seat!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Liu quickly waved his hands and said, "How can this be disgraceful? I'm just a servant! You absolutely cannot do this."

Zhang Jingwei quickly advised, "Sixth Uncle, please don't refuse. Please sit down. It would be bad if you delay the time."

Zhang Liu looked troubled and said hesitantly, "This...is really inappropriate."

Qian Ming, who was standing by, also stepped forward and urged, "Sixth Master, it's the Young Master's wedding day, and we can't afford to delay. Please take a seat quickly!"

Zhang Liu nodded helplessly and replied, "Well! Okay then." Then he slowly walked to the seat of honor and sat down.

Seeing that Zhang Liu was already in his place, Gao Jiong recited again in a loud voice: "Second bow to the blessings of family, respecting the virtuous and the elderly, and wishing both parents and children a long and healthy life!"

Zhang Jingwei and Huangfu Ling immediately turned around and kowtowed deeply to Zhang Liu who was sitting on the altar.

Looking at the newlyweds before him, Zhang Liu couldn't help but burst into tears. He stretched out his trembling hands, trying to help them up, muttering, "Okay, okay, hurry... get up..." Tears streamed down the wrinkles on his face, and he kept wiping them away with his long sleeves.

After Zhang Jingwei traveled here, he always treated Zhang Liu as his elder. To the original Zhang Jingwei, Zhang Liu was a loyal servant, but to the current Zhang Jingwei, Zhang Liu was worthy of this respect.

Gao Jiong, beaming with joy, shouted, "I bow three times to this heaven-sent marriage. May the two newlyweds live in harmony and respect each other like married couples!" As he finished speaking, Zhang Jingwei and Huangfu Ling stood facing each other and solemnly completed their final bow. Thus, this grand and solemn wedding ceremony finally came to a successful conclusion.

Gao Jiong announced with a smile, "The ceremony is over! Next, according to custom, the groom must kiss the bride!"

Hearing this, Zhang Jingwei, who was originally immersed in joy, was stunned. A look of surprise appeared on his face, and he was so shocked that he couldn't react in time: "Huh?!"

Gao Jiong burst into laughter upon seeing this, and quickly explained, "Haha, don't be offended, Brother Jingwei, it was just a joke!" Then, he waved his hand, motioning to Douya next to him, and said, "Take the wife to the bridal chamber and wait for a while!"

Douya nodded obediently upon hearing this, and carefully supported Huangfu Ling as they walked towards the back room. Seeing this, Zhang Jingwei also hurriedly tried to catch up.

However, at this moment, Gao Jiong reached out to stop him, and reminded him with a smile: "Brother Jingwei, wait a minute. It's still early, and there are many guests who need your attention! Don't neglect them all!"