From cute to empress

The world under the veil is a festive red. I can feel the hustle and bustle of people coming and going around me, and the faint fragrance of flowers in the air. It was found by Zhen Youcai specially for me. He said that the language of this flower is "happiness".

"Your Majesty, the auspicious time is almost here." The matchmaker's voice was soft and gentle with a smile, as if she was afraid of disturbing something.

I softly responded, but my heartbeat uncontrollably accelerated. Beneath the veil, I couldn't help but secretly exhale, trying to calm my nervousness.

"Don't be nervous, Your Majesty. The general is waiting anxiously outside!" The bridesmaid covered her mouth and chuckled. Everyone in the palace knew that our general treated Your Majesty with great care.

I couldn't help but laugh too. Yes, Zhen Youcai...

Before his thoughts could drift away, he heard a thunderous cheer of congratulations from outside: "Your Majesty, may the Empress live a thousand years—"

The ceremony has begun!

My palms began to sweat slightly, and Zhen Youcai's warm and dry big hands covered them again, tightly wrapping my cold hands through a thin layer of red silk.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here." His deep voice was filled with a smile, as reassuring as ever.

I took his hand in my own, the warmth of his palm transmitting through the red silk, completely dispelling all my anxiety and tension. Yes, what else do I have to fear? My hero, my love, is right beside me!

Following the high-pitched voices of the ceremonial officers, we walked through the elaborate ceremony, receiving the sincere blessings of the civil and military officials and civic leaders. I knew that from this day forward, I was not only Zhen Youcai's wife, but also the empress of this country. Together with him, I would shoulder the responsibility of protecting this land and its people.

"The ceremony is completed——"

As the ceremonial officer sang the final words, my heart leaped into my throat. The veil was slowly lifted, and the glaring sunlight made me blink uncomfortably. Then, I saw Zhen Youcai standing before me...

Today he was wearing a black dragon robe and a golden dragon belt I had personally embroidered for him, making him look even more handsome, taller, and more imposing. Meanwhile, I was wearing a phoenix crown and robe, the phoenix embroidered with gold thread so lifelike it looked as if it would take flight at any moment.

Our eyes met, the tenderness and affection in his eyes almost drowned me, and I couldn't help but blush on my cheeks.

"Mengmeng, you are so beautiful." He opened his thin lips slightly, with a barely perceptible tremor in his voice.

I lowered my head shyly, but he gently lifted my chin, forcing me to look him in the eye.

"From today on, you will be my wife and the mother of my children. We will walk through every day of the future together." His voice was low and firm, as if he was making a lifelong promise.

"Yeah." I nodded gently, but my eyes couldn't help but become moist.

We held hands and, under the guidance of the ceremonial officer, made a vow to be together forever in front of heaven and earth and the tablets of our ancestors.

"The ceremony is over! Husband and wife bow to each other!"

Zhen Youcai and I stood opposite each other, slowly bent down and saluted reverently.

"Send it to the bridal chamber—"

Amidst deafening cheers, I was taken to the bridal chamber.

As night fell and the guests dispersed, Zhen Youcai came to me, drunk.

"Mengmeng, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." He gently held me in his arms, with a hint of apology in his tone.

"It's okay, I'll wait for you." I snuggled in his arms, feeling his warmth and breath, my heart filled with happiness and satisfaction.

We raise our glasses together to express our most sincere gratitude to the bright moon in the sky and to all those who have supported and helped us.

"Mengmeng, we..." He put down his wine glass, his deep eyes locked with mine, and he seemed to be hesitant to speak.

I raised my head, met his gaze, and asked softly, "What's wrong?"

He took a deep breath and said slowly: "I think..."

"Mengmeng, let's go out. The people are waiting." His gentle voice brought me back to reality. Yes, today is our big day, and it is also a day of celebration for the entire country.

I nodded and let him hold my hand and walked out of the magnificent palace step by step.

The scene before us left Zhen Youcai and I slightly stunned. The wide palace road was packed with people. People spontaneously came from all directions, their faces filled with joy. They waved flowers and enthusiastically cheered our names.

"Long live the Emperor! Thousand years of life for the Empress!" The deafening voice resounded through the sky, as if it was going to overturn the sky.

My heart was overwhelmed with a sense of immense happiness. Once upon a time, I was just an ordinary girl, never imagining I would one day become a queen admired by all. It was fate that brought me into this world, where I met him, fought side by side, and ultimately ended up together.

"Mengmeng, look, they are all blessing us." Zhen Youcai turned his head, with an unconcealable smile in the corners of his eyes and eyebrows.

I smiled and nodded, a warm feeling welling up in my heart. We held hands, accepting the most sincere blessings from the people, and step by step towards the other side of happiness.

However, just as we were immersed in this joy, a guard hurried over, looking panicked. He knelt before Zhen Youcai, presented a letter with both hands, and said in a hurried voice: "Your Majesty, urgent news from the border!"

The sudden change brought the lively scene to a sudden silence, and everyone's attention was focused on the letter. I felt Zhen Youcai unconsciously tighten his grip on my hand, and a bad premonition came over me.

He took the letter and just glanced at it. The smile on his face disappeared completely, replaced by an unprecedented solemnity.

My heart sank suddenly, and an inexplicable uneasiness spread in my heart.

"Mengmeng, go back to the palace first..."

Before he finished speaking, I had already reached out and snatched the letter from his hand, unfolding it, my eyes quickly scanning the words. However, after just one glance, my face turned pale, my fingertips trembled slightly, and the letter almost slipped from my hands...