On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

The chill of winter finally dissipated completely in a few drizzling spring rains. The warm spring breeze swept across the earth, melting the last bit of snow and awakening the life that had been dormant all winter.

On the banks of the Wei River outside Chang'an City, weeping willows sprout new green leaves, and wildflowers bloom in scattered spots.

However, amidst this vibrant springtime, the atmosphere of preparedness in the empire's northern border did not ease with the warmer weather; on the contrary, it grew increasingly tense, much like the rapidly growing vegetation.

On this day, the weather was fine and the sky was clear.

The Jingji Grand Camp, the most important military fortress guarding the capital, was transformed from its usual somber and silent state into a festive yet even more solemn and enthusiastic atmosphere.

Inside and outside the camp, banners fluttered, and soldiers in bright armor stood in neat square formations, their spears and halberds gleaming coldly in the sunlight.

The air was thick with the distinctive smell of leather, steel, and dust, along with a silent, suppressed fervor. All the soldiers' eyes were fixed eagerly on the direction of the gate, craning their necks in anticipation.

At the third quarter of Chen hour, the crisp and melodious sound of whips grew louder as the royal procession slowly appeared at the end of the official road.

A majestic procession and elite imperial cavalry surrounded the magnificent phoenix palanquin at its center.

The carriage came to a smooth stop outside the main camp gate. A host of high-ranking generals, led by Minister of War Zhou Qing and the military governor of the capital region, who had been waiting there for some time, immediately stepped forward and knelt on one knee in unison. The clanging of their armor resounded throughout the surrounding area.

"Your Majesty, we respectfully welcome your presence! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The curtains of the imperial carriage were gently lifted by two eunuchs.

The first to step forward was Prince Regent Lin Zhen.

Today, instead of wearing his princely attire, he donned a well-fitting black outfit embroidered with gold python patterns, covered by light armor, with a long sword at his waist. This made him appear even more upright and imposing, exuding both the nobility of a prince and the composure and competence of someone who had been through many battles.

After he got out of the car, he did not immediately move aside, but turned around and very naturally and carefully reached his hand into the car.

A slender, delicate hand gently rested on Lin Zhen's wrist.

Then, Murong Yan bowed and gracefully stepped down from the phoenix carriage.

She still wore the same dress that had become her signature nightgown—the Phoenix Descends to Earth dress.

However, unlike when she was in the palace, perhaps to fit the environment of the military camp and to show that she shared weal and woe with the soldiers, the black and gold shawl she wore was simpler and neater in style, less elegant than in the palace and more solemn.

At this moment, the spring sunshine poured down without reservation, clearly illuminating every detail of the robe.

The Phoenix Descends to Earth dress, made of the deep black Suzhou brocade, has golden cotton velvet woven into it. Under the bright sunlight, the velvet is no longer a restrained undercurrent, but transforms into visible, tiny, and dazzling golden starlight, flowing quietly on the dark background, giving the entire fabric a unique texture that is both profound and magnificent.

The exquisite craftsmanship of Suzhou brocade ensures that this cotton nightgown is extremely light and breathable. Even in the warmer spring weather, wearing this large-skirted garment will not feel particularly heavy or stuffy.

On the skirt, a giant phoenix, embroidered with the finest gold thread and exquisite craftsmanship, covers the entire garment and shines brilliantly in the sunlight.

With her head held high, exuding an aura of dominance over the world, her wings spread wide, covering her magnificent bell sleeves. The gold tassels at the cuffs swayed gently with her steps, reflecting glittering light. Her phoenix tail was perfectly connected to the five-zhang-long Suzhou brocade trailing tail.

At this moment, the long train, untouched by any palace servants, stretched behind her, trailing across the rough, dusty sandy ground inside the military camp gate.

The luxurious dark gold brocade immediately became stained with obvious dust upon contact with the grayish-yellow soil. The hem of the skirt was caught on small stones and withered grass roots on the ground, creating more natural wrinkles and messy trails.

From where she got off the vehicle to where she was standing now, the train trail stretched out behind her in a long and conspicuous line, forming a stark and symbolic contrast with the neat and immaculate formation of the soldiers around her.

The emperor's noble majesty clashed and mingled directly with the rough dust of the battlefield. This unadorned, natural disorder did not diminish her authority; on the contrary, it added an indescribable, real, and powerful sense of approachability and awe to tens of thousands of soldiers.

The black jade thumb ring on her left thumb gleamed with a warm and profound luster in the sunlight.

"Rise, my lords." Murong Yan's gaze swept over the mass of kneeling generals before her. Her voice was clear and melodious, not loud, yet it reached everyone's ears with an innate and awe-inspiring authority.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" the generals responded in unison, standing up but still bowing their heads slightly to show their respect.

Minister of War Zhou Qing stepped forward, bowed, and said, "All the soldiers of the capital camp are now in formation. Please inspect them, Your Majesty!"

Murong Yan nodded slightly, her gaze fixed on the distant, imposing, and orderly military formation that stretched as far as the eye could see. Under the sunlight, countless suits of armor and weapons reflected a chilling light.

She took a deep breath; the air was filled with the masculine scent of steel and men's sweat.

She turned her head to look at Lin Zhen beside her, her lips slightly upturned, revealing a faint smile that carried trust and inquiry. Her voice softened a little as she whispered, "Husband, do you think this military formation is still impressive?"

Lin Zhen met her gaze, his eyes full of admiration and determination. He lowered his voice and replied, "With His Majesty's personal presence, the soldiers are fighting bravely, morale is high, and the army is naturally invincible."

He took a slight step forward, adopting a subtly protective stance, and added in a steady voice, "With such a formidable army, what is there to fear in conquering the northern deserts?"

Murong Yan's smile deepened, and she nodded. She turned back to the generals, her face regaining its imperial grace and majesty, and said loudly, "Thank you, Minister Zhou, and all the generals. Please lead the way."

"I will obey your orders!"

Surrounded by high-ranking generals such as Zhou Qing, Murong Yan and Lin Zhen walked side by side towards the command platform.

The five-zhang-long, jet-gold trail of her robes stretched across the sandy ground behind her, leaving a clear and distinctive mark in its wake. The soldiers lined up on both sides held their breath, their eyes burning with fervor as they followed their empress.

They saw that Her Majesty was not riding in a palanquin, but walking on foot; they saw her magnificent, otherworldly dress being dragged along in the dust without any regard for her appearance.

They also saw the regent prince, who was like a god of war in their hearts, always protecting His Majesty, and the unspoken understanding and deep affection between the couple.

All of this greatly boosted morale.

Upon ascending the towering command platform, a breathtaking view unfolds.

Below the stage stood a massive square formation of tens of thousands of elite soldiers, completely silent except for the sound of battle flags fluttering in the spring breeze.

An invisible, immense sense of power washed over me.

Murong Yan walked to the front of the stage, and Lin Zhen stood slightly behind her.

Her gaze slowly swept over the countless young, resolute faces below the stage, faces filled with admiration and loyalty.

A spring breeze swept by, ruffling the hair at her temples, and also stirring her wide, dark gold sleeves and flowing train.

She did not immediately deliver a lengthy address, but remained silent for a moment, as if sensing the overwhelming military might and allowing the soldiers to see their monarch more clearly.

Then she spoke, her voice carrying through her inner strength, echoing clearly across the vast training ground:

"Soldiers of Daqian!"

Just five words, calm and powerful, instantly captured everyone's attention.

"I have come here today not to see the flowers in full bloom, nor to listen to flattery."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried a resonant quality, striking a chord in everyone's heart.

"I have come to see you, to see the unyielding spirit of my Great Qian Dynasty, and to see the Great Wall of my nation!"

She paused slightly, a sharp glint flashing in her phoenix eyes:

"Now, spring has returned to the earth, and all things are reviving. But some people do not want us to live in peace! The jackals of the northern desert have sharpened their claws and teeth, eyeing the prosperity of our Great Qian, attempting to trample on our land and abduct our wives and children! They have even colluded with traitors and rebels, attempting to shake our foundations! Tell me, can we agree to this?"

"No! No! No!" Tens of thousands of people roared in unison, their voices like a tsunami, soaring into the sky and shaking the flags on the command platform.