Chapter 1076 - 1078: Coronation and Grand Wedding (5)
Zheng An Gate had arrived, and the Dragon Carriage came to a halt as the sounds of silk and bamboo rose. Nangong Yi covered Cai Wei’s head again and whispered, "Soon we will step down to receive the greetings of the ministers; you need not be nervous, just hold my hand."
Under the head covering, Cai Wei smiled radiantly. She certainly wouldn’t be nervous; not just before these few ministers, but even in the face of thousands of troops, she wouldn’t feel tense at all. However, it was a rare thing for a man to show such empathy, so she agreed readily and said, "Understood."
The solemn music eventually stopped, and outside the Dragon Carriage, Yang Yong’s chanting started: "The Emperor, Empress Dowager, please arrive."
The eunuchs’ voices also followed: "The Emperor, Empress Dowager have arrived, ministers present greetings."
Outside Zheng An Gate, officials of second rank and above were standing. Hearing the eunuchs’ command, they all knelt on the green bricks, facing the direction of the Dragon Carriage and loudly kowtowed: "Your servants congratulate the Emperor, Empress Dowager, wishing the Emperor and Empress Dowager a hundred years of blissful union, may Your Majesty’s reign be prolonged!"
Nangong Yi took Cai Wei’s hand and slowly descended from the Dragon Drive, stepping onto the white jade steps.
Under the noonday sun, the couple, standing tall and straight, made all else in the world lose its luster. Although the Empress was covered with the Rosy Clouds, her exquisite figure, standing by the towering Emperor, matched him so well. The shades of bright yellow and deep red were dazzling, releasing a captivating brilliance.
"All ministers rise!"
Nangong Yi said in a deep voice, his tone filled with the inherent steadiness and authority of a ruler!
"Thank you, Emperor, thank you, Empress Dowager!"