Chapter 550: This Is What You Asked For
Royal family weddings were always accompanied by intricate rituals and numerous formalities. The wedding of the Emperor was, unsurprisingly, even more grand.
Tsukiha Yaiba, as the prospective empress, arrived at the Yamato Palace, the royal residence, a day early to participate in the rehearsal. Yamato Palace served as the sleeping quarters of the royal family. By tradition, entry was strictly prohibited for anyone outside the royal lineage.
However, Emperor Akihito, to demonstrate his connection with the people, announced that the Yamato Palace would be opened to the public the day before the wedding. In addition to the core members of the Tsukiha Family and the other nine major financial conglomerates, access was granted to dozens of carefully selected media outlets.
Li Xiaofei, as Tsukiha Yaiba's personal bodyguard, was naturally permitted entry into the Yamato Palace. The proceedings were both tedious and dull. Li Xiaofei stood quietly to the side, observing everything in silence. Yet, he remained a focal point of attention.
First, his outstanding performance during the recent Martial Arts Arena battles had garnered significant recognition. He had single-handedly defeated numerous quasi-Saints from various financial conglomerates, displaying the strength of a Saint and cementing his status as a rising martial arts star.
Second, rumors had previously spread online suggesting that he was Tsukiha Yaiba's lover and was deeply infatuated with her. This made his presence at the rehearsal exceptionally noteworthy, as many sought clues from his expressions to verify these claims.
Li Xiaofei, however, maintained his composure throughout the matter. He followed all the proceedings like an emotionless automaton. Soon, the wedding rehearsal reached its final stage.
Tsukiha Yaiba and her entourage were guided by a priestess to the deepest part of the Yamato Palace, the Emperor's private chamber. Simply put, it was the room where the bridal chamber festivities would take place the following evening.
The private chamber was named Sun and Moon Palace. It was a Tang-style palace, square and symmetrical, exuding a solemn and majestic aura. The walls were adorned with gold leaf and shimmered with an opulent brilliance.
Furthermore, the palace walls were embedded with intricate formation patterns and enhanced by cutting-edge martial technology force fields. This was the Emperor's sleeping quarters. Sleep was when people were at their most vulnerable.
Even centuries ago, the infamous Cao thief[1] had coined the phrase, "I am best at killing in my dreams," to deter assassins from approaching him while he slept.