The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage novel · Chapter 22 of 24

Chapter 22: The Wedding

The Emperor read the yellow paper by the light of one lantern, in a litter hung with yellow silk, outside the Tang gate at midnight.

It took him a long time.

When he finished, he folded it into thirds and put it inside his sleeve.

"My son wrote this," he said.

"Yes, Majesty."

"Four years ago. About a girl of fourteen."

"Yes."

He coughed, long and wet.

"I have been a bad father," said the Emperor. "I thought a boy who smiled so much could not be rotten."

Shuyao said nothing.

"I will be in the hall tomorrow, behind the screen," he said. "I will hear what you have to say. Do it plainly."

"I will, Majesty."

"And girl."

"Majesty?"

"Wear the red," said the Emperor. "Let them think they have won."

At dawn the Hall of Supreme Harmony was red from the doors to the throne.

Red banners, red carpets, red lanterns hung in rows, and five hundred officials in their best robes standing in ranks.

Shuyao walked up the center in a bridal gown with a crimson veil, between her father and brother.

Zhengyu's jaw was still purple.

The drum rolled nine times.

← Chapter 21 · All chapters · Chapter 23 →

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