Yin Huan gazed at her reflection in the mirror—skin like congealed cream, celestial grace and jade-like beauty, adorned with pearls and jade. The ornate headdress worth millions rested heavily on her head, yet her spine remained straight, the dangling hairpins regulating her posture.
Fortunately, she had studied classical dance since childhood, mastering elegance with effortless poise.
Graceful as a lily, divinely enchanting.
“This should captivate President Bo in no time!”
“Enchant him utterly!”
They had a wedding group chat. Shi Xu scanned the messages, “President Bo is asking about our progress. They’re arriving soon and want me to take photos.”
“Don’t send him any.”
Yin Huan picked up a red fan from the table, covering her face.
“Take other shots to tempt him, tease President Bo a little,” Shi Xu suggested with a mischievous grin.
She photographed the ornate headdress, the hem of the gown, the pearl hairpins, the earrings—but never Yin Huan’s face.
Yin Huan chuckled at Bo Xun’s restless messages in the group.
Bo Xun privately sent her a selfie.
He was also dressed in red groom’s attire. They planned to wear these outfits at home to pay respects to the elders, perform a simple ceremony of bowing to heaven and earth, then change into Western wedding attire at the hotel for the formal reception.
With her makeup perfected, Yin Huan sat by the red bridal bed, behind which the characters for “early birth of noble sons” were displayed. She fanned herself lightly with the fan while chatting with friends.
Firecrackers echoed from downstairs the villa. Yin Miaomiao spotted the wedding cars arriving from the window, with other vehicles parked at the entrance.
“They’re here, the groom’s here!”
“Get ready—President Bo looks incredibly handsome today! Unbelievably dashing!”
Yin Huan raised her fan to shield her face, sitting with dignified composure.
As agreed for a civilized bridal escort, Yin Huan’s bedroom door was opened generously. Si Tu distributed red envelopes.
The photographer entered first. Bo Xun, breathing heavily and visibly nervous, stepped inside.
The little girl who once chased him in a white princess dress, vowing to marry him, had now obtained their marriage certificate yesterday. Today, they were holding their wedding. From this day forward, they would be united as one—Yin Huan could never escape his grasp again.
Bo Xun’s heart raced like a frantic deer, though he maintained a calm facade. He approached and placed the red silk ribbon into Yin Huan’s hand, while the master of ceremonies recited traditional verses.
“Huanhuan, I’ve come to marry you.”
Yin Huan slowly lowered the fan, revealing a face of breathtaking beauty, a subtle smile gracing her lips.
Bo Xun’s breath hitched under her radiant, captivating gaze, swallowing unconsciously.
So this was how stunning Huanhuan looked in the ornate headdress and robes—red suited her exquisitely.
Holding the red silk ribbon, they descended together.
The family elders sat at the center of the main hall, against a backdrop of a golden double happiness character on a red wall. Their parents flanked either side.
The host stood nearby and began the rites: “The wedding commences. All present, be seated and await the formal ceremony.”
Yin Huan and Bo Xun stood at the hall’s center, holding the red silk ribbon. Yin Huan covered her cheeks with the red fan in her right hand.
Classical music filled the hall as the host’s voice rose solemnly.
“First bow, for destiny’s blessing.”
“Second bow, for joyful union.”
“Third bow, for united hearts.”
Holding the ribbon, they faced the main entrance and bowed three times slightly.
Host: “Bow to the elders.”
Turning toward their families, they bowed as directed.
“First bow: gratitude for nurturing.”
“Second bow: wishes for peace and success.”
“Third bow: repayment of parental devotion.”
After bowing, Yin Huan looked up to see her grandfather forcing his sickly body to sit upright on the ceremonial seat, his frail, wrinkled face breaking into a gentle smile.
Her nose tingled with emotion, eyes misting over as her vision blurred instantly. She raised her fan to cover her face.
The officiant announced: “The couple now bows to each other.”
Bo Xun and Yin Huan turned sideways to face one another.
“First bow: to unite in matrimony.”
“Second bow: to remain forever of one heart.”
“Third bow: to respect each other as honored guests.”
They bowed three more times.
The officiant smiled warmly: “The threefold bowing ceremony is complete. We respectfully invite the newlyweds to take their seats.”
Bo Xun led Yin Huan to the prepared seats and helped her sit down.
He leaned close, voice dropping to a whisper, “Darling, you’re crying…”
“I’m not.”
Yin Huan ignored him, keeping her face hidden behind the fan.
Bo Xun sighed inwardly. They were in the middle of their wedding ceremony – why was she being so stubborn about not letting him see?
Two wedding company staff approached from behind, presenting them with two small red embroidered pouches.
The officiant’s voice rang out once more: “By heaven’s decree and earth’s union, following parental wishes and the couple’s own desires. Groom Bo Xun and bride Yin Huan have today performed the grand matrimonial rites, becoming husband and wife, uniting as one family. Holding your hands, we shall grow old together – may this blessed union last as long as heaven and earth endure.”
With this, the traditional Chinese wedding ceremony concluded.
Yin Huan fanned herself lightly when Bo Xun suddenly leaned in. “This isn’t how I remember it from the materials.”
“What’s different?”
Since their wedding had been arranged hastily, there had been no rehearsal. They’d only received a presentation to review, expected to simply follow the officiant’s directions on the day.
“They didn’t say the part about escorting the newlyweds to the bridal chamber!” Bo Xun grinned mischievously.
“Bo Xun! You!” Yin Huan swatted his shoulder with her fan. “Have you no shame?”
With so many elders present, how could he mention the bridal chamber?
He actually had the nerve to say it out loud.
“You’re smiling! Finally smiling!” Bo Xun chuckled despite being hit. “Don’t cry anymore, I promise I’ll treat you well.”
“Hmph!”
The Young Mistress turned her head away with a proud pout.
“Hmph?” Bo Xun mimicked her. “You’re just too adorable.”
Adorable enough to devour.
Their schedule remained busy, so after resting seated for just a few minutes, they proceeded to take photographs.
After the photo session, Bo Xun carried her out piggyback.
“Ah, walk faster! This outfit is digging into me.”
The embroidery and pearls on her dress were all genuine.
Obedient to his wife’s words, Bo Xun immediately quickened his pace and carried her to the waiting car.
Serving as chauffeur today was Bo Xun’s assistant, Zhou Fu.
Once in the car, Yin Huan touched the phoenix crown on her head and realized with dismay – she should have taken it off.
Not only was this artifact incredibly valuable, it was also heavy.
She glanced repeatedly at Bo Xun.
“Darling, you seem to have something to say.”
“Do you know how to remove the phoenix crown?”
Bo Xun began examining it carefully. Yin Huan’s hair accessories were complex – hairpins, pearl hairpins with dangling pendants, and finally the phoenix crown itself.
Worried about his rough handling, Yin Huan cautioned, “Be careful! This is an artifact! Worth millions.”
Bo Xun’s movements immediately became more delicate. “Is my wife planning to keep it?”
“Yes! I’ll preserve it for our daughter to wear at her wedding someday.”
Future daughter, your father will be extra careful.
After removing the phoenix crown, Bo Xun cradled it protectively in his arms.
When they reached the hotel and others opened the car door, they witnessed an interesting contrast: a relaxed bride stepping out lightly with her fan, and a solemn-faced groom carefully emerging while holding the phoenix crown.
It wasn’t that Bo Xun lacked the millions to replace it – rather, this object was priceless, having survived for centuries.
“Move aside, move aside.”
Bo Xun carried the phoenix crown through the crowd.
Yin Huan was taken away by two bridesmaids.
She needed to change into her wedding dress.
Getting married was truly troublesome, so exhausting.
If there was a next time, she thought just getting the marriage certificate would be enough.
There would be no need to hold a wedding ceremony.