Cai Ji sat on four sets of horse-drawn carriages with carved red sandalwood, dressed in pure clothes, tied with hair, and covered with brocade. This is a typical Han Dynasty aristocratic bride attire. It is different from the popular and purple wedding dresses of later generations, as well as the pure white wedding dresses of the West. The wedding dresses of the Han Dynasty were mainly dark and silky. The black and red is the Xuan, and the red and yellow are the Xuan. To put it bluntly, black has a little red in it, and red has a little yellow in it. The pure clothes worn by Cai Ji are black dark clothes with a red edge, and a vermilion dust cover called "幜" is draped outside.

Complementing Cai Ji's dignified appearance are the maids in silk clothes and the glittering honor guards. The silk robe was the clothing of the women's sacrifice in this era, and it was made of raw silk dyed with black color. At first, Cai Ji thought that the engagement was too weird (dear, extremely out of the patrol ~~~ or filming "My Wife is a Big Guy"~~~), and wanted the maid to change into colorful clothes. But Huang Zhen and others insisted on acting according to etiquette. Cai Ji, who couldn't resist these old masters, had to accept this arrangement. As for the glittering gold on the guards, it comes from the brass armor they wear. In addition to decoration, this move is also to build momentum for the future issuance of Donglai five baht. Imagine that even the guards around Cai Ji can use brass as armor, so why worry about using brass to cast money. In addition, the carriage was also surrounded by Guo Jia, Tai Shici and other civil and military bureaucrats of Caifu, as well as many guests who came to Longkou to watch the ceremony. Among them, Zhen Yao, Wang Han and others are naturally indispensable.

"Cai Yuanjun really keeps the pen! It's a pity that Brother Zhengjie is not there, but he loves to join in the fun. Wang Han looked around at the surrounding crowd of costumes and sighed sincerely.

"Zhengjie already likes the dragon to see the head but not the end, maybe it is not necessarily in the crowd at the moment." Zhen Yao shook the folding fan and half-jokingly. However, when he saw Sima Xin beside him, who was ignoring his surroundings and only staring at the front, his heart couldn't help but sink. Zhen Yao is actually not familiar with Sima Xin. It was only because the eldest brother asked him to bring this person to Donglai Zhang to see that Zhen Yao walked with him. However, after these days of contact, Zhen Yao sensitively realized that although the young man in front of him was not publicized, he was by no means a businessman. In fact, judging by some of Sima Xin's behaviors. Zhen Yao felt that he was much more knowledgeable than Wang Han, who sold horses.

Who is this young man? Zhen Yao couldn't help but become interested in Sima Xin's identity. It is undeniable that every guest standing here at this moment has its own purpose. They are either attached to Cai Ji or have business dealings with Donglai. Or optimistic about Cao Cai's marriage. Including Zhen Yao himself, too. Zhen Yao's sister married Yuan Shao's second son Yuan Xi as his wife, originally in order to find a strong backstage for the Zhen family. But Yuan Shao's act of proclaiming himself emperor disrupted the wishful thinking of the Zhen family in Zhongshan. Yuan Shao's domination of the world can certainly bring glory and wealth to the Zhen family. But things are impermanent. No one can guarantee that Yuan Shao will win the world. What's more, Yuan Shao turned his back on the emperor and became the emperor. has already committed the taboo of the world's corporal forest. As the saying goes, one cannot hang from a tree. In order to leave a way back for the Zhen family, Zhen Yao, who is a concubine, took on the heavy responsibility of leaving a way back for the Zhen family.

If Sima Xin also had a similar purpose, then he should have more contact with the core figures of Donglai after coming to Longkou, and strive to make a good impression in front of Cai Ji. But Sima Xin didn't do that. From the beginning to the end, he was like a bystander, neither befriending the Donglai bureaucrats nor discussing business with the merchants. So what was the purpose of his coming to Longkou? Is it just for the excitement?

Just as Zhen Yao was secretly speculating about Sima Xin's intentions, a cloud of dust suddenly rose between heaven and earth. It wasn't long before a cavalry squad appeared on the horizon. Flag booth. A large cart drawn by four war horses is particularly dazzling. But the four sides of the frame were draped in silk drapery, and the roof and pillars were painted with lacquer paintings. In terms of gorgeous Cheng dù is not inferior to Cai Ji's frame.

Cao Pi sat in this carriage. Wearing a knight's suit, a dark shirt. Silk drapery, white silk single clothes, red clothes. The leather belt is worn with a silk color, a mountain jade and a Zhu group ribbon, and a seven-star long sword. With such a new son-in-law, it is naturally impossible for him to ride into the city alone. But while sitting in the middle of the seat, Cao Pi still secretly looked at the scene outside the car through the gap between the drapes. I saw the pennant fluttering outside Longkou City on the opposite side, and there were crowds of people. Against the backdrop of a handful of maids in Xuanyi, Cai Ji's car and the "golden armor" guards are particularly eye-catching. Cao Pi had never seen such a dazzling battle, although he couldn't see Cai Ji's face clearly from a distance, but he also sincerely felt that the woman in the car really looked like a Nine Heavens Xuannu descending to earth.

Compared with the curious Cao Pi, Cao Chun and Liu Ye, who were the wedding envoys, were taken aback by the formation under Longkou City. Cao Chun saw Cai Ji sitting at the gate of the city in person, and his face changed on the spot, pointing to the car driver opposite and saying softly, "What is Cai Anzhen's intention!" ”

In contrast, Liu Ye's reaction was much calmer. After the initial surprise, he immediately figured out the intentions of Cai Ji's side. But now it is Cao Cao who has a request for help, for the sake of the overall situation, Liu Ye and others have to pinch their noses to accept this "small action" of the other party. So Liu Ye immediately patted Cao Chun's shoulder and reassured: "Zihe General doesn't need to panic. Cai Yuanjun is bringing the army and civilians to welcome the son. ”

Because Liu Xie's edict appointing Cai Ji as the Marquis of Qi is still on Liu Ye's body, Liu Ye still calls Cai Ji an envoy at this time. Although Cao Chun felt that Cai Ji's approach was inconsistent with etiquette, he thought that it was just an engagement, so he put down the dissatisfaction in his heart. Turning to the horse's head, he said, "I'll go and let Gongzi prepare early." ”

In this way, Liu Ye, Cao Chun and his entourage ignored Cai Ji's violation of etiquette, and escorted Cao Pi's car to the front of Longkou City generously. As a bride, Cai Ji naturally couldn't get out of the car to greet her, so Chen Xudong and Huang Zhen, the former ministers of Lu, came forward to greet Liu Ye and Cao Chun, and abbot with them to accept the ceremony.

The so-called gift of conscription is a dowry gift from a man to a woman. Once the woman accepts the dowry, it means that the marriage contract has been signed between the two parties. As for the specific date of marriage, we can discuss it slowly. Since Cai Ji and Cao Pi were originally political marriages, Cai Ji's side would not care about the amount of dowry like ordinary people. And Cao Cao also prepared a large number of dowry gifts to give Cai Ji enough face.

As the salute was announced, Cao Pi slowly stepped out of the carriage, followed by He Yan who was holding the gift letter. It is said that this gift letter is also exquisite, and it is one foot and two inches long. It symbolizes the twelfth month of the year; The width is one inch and two minutes, representing the twelve hours of a day, and the sandalwood is two minutes thick, symbolizing the two instruments, and the cover is three points thick. Symbolizing the three talents, the width of the letter is eight points, symbolizing eight sections.

Cai Ji sat in the car and watched Cao Pi present the profound letter to Chen Xudong, who represented his elders. She vaguely remembered the night banquet in Sikong Mansion. Cao Pi sat next to Cao Ang with a quiet appearance. At that time, she just sighed that Cao Cao took his son who was less than ten years old to the battlefield. But he never thought that one day he would marry Emperor Wei Wendi. When Cai Ji was laughing at herself, she looked at her little husband carefully. found that although Cao Pi was childish, he had not taken off. But his gestures are also quite calm. It can be seen that there has been rigorous training beforehand. It is said that the children of the poor are in charge of the family at an early age. In fact, the son of a family in troubled times is called a real precocious.

Chen Xudong accepted the gift letter on behalf of Cai Ji, which was considered to have completed the gift of recruitment, and it also meant that Cai Ji and Cao Pi had officially made a marriage contract. Seeing that his biggest task had been completed, Liu Ye first secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and then took out the Han Emperor from his arms and announced in a loud voice: "Cao Pi, Cai Ji takes the order." ”

Cai Ji had long known that Liu Ye would bring the will of the Han Emperor, and immediately got out of the car with a pious attitude and accepted the canonization of the Han Emperor with Cao Pi. For the title of Marquis of Qi promised by Emperor Han, Cai Ji's retainers and staff had been looking forward to it for a long time. Therefore, when Cai Ji received the holy decree from Liu Ye, the scene suddenly erupted in a thunderous cheer. Cao Pi, who was used to seeing big scenes, couldn't help but pause.

took advantage of Cao Pi's distraction. Cai Ji took advantage of the situation to take the other party's sleeve and walked towards his car. In a daze, Cao Pi followed Cai Ji into the carriage, and it was only at this time that he realized that he was half a head shorter than the other party. Cai Ji didn't have the time to care about who was tall and who was short. What she had to do was to let the guests present see that she had brought Cao Pi into the carriage. Fortunately, with Cao Pi's cooperation, this qiē looks very natural. Of course, Cao Chun, who was blushing behind him, was not among them.

The horse-drawn carriage drove through the bustling street market all the way to the newly renovated Qihou Mansion. People along the way offered flowers and blessings to the newlyweds on the bus. Cao Pi sat side by side with Cai Ji, although he tried to keep his eyes from squinting. But the sky full of petals still caught the corner of his eye. In his eyes, every qiē in the dragon's mouth is like a fairyland depicted in the mural, and even Cai Ji, who is sitting next to him, is a little unreal. Cao Pi carefully concealed his thoughts and tried not to be alarmed. Because he is Cao Cao's son and is here on behalf of Sikong Mansion, he must not be underestimated!

In fact, not only Cao Pi, but also Cao Chun and Liu Ye were also stunned by the prosperity of Longkou. Except for Ruoyang back then, Liu Ye still doesn't remember that there is a city that can be as full of pavilions as Longkou in front of him. As for Xu Du, who is known as the Beijing Master, compared with it, it is even more different. Cao Chun previously felt that Cai Ji was too arrogant, and he dared to play tricks on Sikong Mansion. At this moment, he had to admit that at least in terms of financial resources, Cai Ji did have the strength to be commensurate with the lord as an ally. However, Cao Chun and Liu Ye soon realized that a qiē on the long street was nothing. The banquet of the Qihou Mansion is the real Yaochi grand event.

The delicacies at the banquet were sumptuous and delicious, and the wine in the cup was comparable to the liquid of elixir. With the melodious sound of silk and bamboo, every guest present believed in their hearts that with Cai Ji's financial resources and Cao Cao's military strength, they would be invincible in the world, even if they were as strong as Yuan Shao, they would not be their opponents. As for how the Cao and Cai families will get along after Yuan Shao is killed, it is not a matter for everyone to consider now. The general trend of the world is changing rapidly, and if you can stand on the right team for a while, you can stand for a while.

Therefore, although there was a small gap during the day, everyone at the banquet was happy. But seeing that Liu Ye and Guo Jia were talking happily about changing cups, Cao Chun and Tai Shici were fighting bowl after bowl, and He Yan and You Heng were arguing with wide eyes. In contrast, Cao Pi, who was sitting in the chairman, was much more restrained, not only did he not drink much, but he even ate very little vegetables and fruits. Cai Ji remembered that Cao Pi loved to eat grapes, but as a result, the grape flute on the dining table in front of him did not move. (It's not that grape purple is the color of Wei~~~)

As if feeling Cao Pi's restraint, Cai Ji put down the wine bottle and took the initiative to ask, "Can the dishes suit the child's appetite?" ”

Of course, Cao Pi didn't want to drink and eat, but he was afraid that he would drink too much and eat too much. So he hurriedly replied, "The food is very palatable. ”

A polite and indignant answer. It is true that Cao Pi has always wanted to be natural and decent. But Cai Ji could still feel the nervousness of the boy next to him. Although he knew that some estrangements could not be eliminated in one or two sentences, Cai Ji still comforted him in a loud voice, "If it comes, it will be safe." If Childe is unwell, you don't need to be polite, just ask. ”

Cao Pi looked up at Cai Ji, but finally didn't say anything. Cai Ji didn't force himself to be with him, anyway, as long as the Cao Cai family alliance for one day, they would have to be tied together for a day. Even being close to each other like this is not a bad thing.

The feast begins in the west and continues to the willow tops of the moon. Seeing that the night was dark and the guests present were also drunk, Cai Ji immediately announced the end of the banquet and withdrew from the hall with Cao Pi. Since Cai Ji and Cao Pi have not officially married, the two have to live separately for the time being. For this reason, Cai Ji specially let people vacate a separate courtyard for Cao Pi to live alone. As for Cao Chun and Liu Ye, the envoys who sent their relatives temporarily lived in the post house in the city.

Just when a group of guests left the Hou Mansion in an ox cart and a horse-drawn carriage, Cai Ji led Lily of the Valley to send Cao Pi and He Yan all the way to their residence. He Yan seemed to have drunk a lot at the banquet, and his originally fair face was flushed with pink at this time. Cao Pi was much more sober in comparison, and he always followed Cai Ji silently. Although the crescent moon is hidden by flowing clouds, the palace lamps hanging on the promenade still illuminate the night road. Cai Ji stood under the plaque with the words Tianyi Pavilion in the book, and introduced to Cao Pi, "This is Tianyi Pavilion, and the son will live in this courtyard temporarily." ”

But just as Cao Pi wanted to thank Cai Ji, a burst of shouts suddenly sounded behind them - "Go to the water!" ”

Cai Ji and Cao Pi both followed the prestige, only to see a cloud of orange-red light in the southeast direction rapidly spreading towards the Hou Mansion, and the fierce leap was obviously not an ordinary residential light. Seeing this, everyone's drunkenness was immediately thrown out of the clouds. Lily of the valley couldn't help but exclaim, "It's the Yamen!" Yamen fire also! ”

Compared with the panicked Lily of the Valley, Cai Ji quickly regained his composure after the initial stunned. In her opinion, if the fire in the yamen broke out, it was natural that there were officials to extinguish the fire. I can't afford to mess up with this. Tonight, most of the civil and military staff in the city attended the banquet in the Hou Mansion, and only one group of officials remained on duty in the Yamen. Is this strange fire a product of dry weather? Or arson? What's the point of burning an empty shell?

Under the confusion, Cai Ji's mind suddenly flashed, and his eyes shifted from the raging fire to the group of attendants behind him. These attendants were supposed to stay in Tianyi Pavilion to take care of Cao Pi's daily life, but the sudden fire made many of them panic. Suddenly, a special figure came into Cai Ji's line of sight. (To be continued)