The mountain has trees, the trees have branches; one by one, three great marriages (above)

  I see you, with a thousand pieces of gold in the Jade Hall, swift horses and chariots chasing the fragrant dust.

  The sons of Chang'an ask each other, a piece of jade has fallen but its beauty remains.

  In August of autumn, he was ordered by Emperor Xianzong to take charge of all matters related to the emperor's marriage.

  On the day of Ren Chen, Chang Le Shao Fu and Zong Zheng asked for the name at the Xuan Ping Hou Fu. The Marquis ordered eight ladies-in-waiting to accompany the girl out of the south-facing gate. Those who saw her said that she had a slender figure, a face like ice jade, and was thought to be an immortal among mortals. Upon returning, they reported, saying: "The daughter of Xuan Ping Hou has a gentle and elegant appearance, is well-versed in etiquette and propriety, has the virtue of a mother, and the beauty of a secluded maiden. She should inherit the heavenly blessing and serve the ancestral temple."

  The Empress Dowager was delighted and ordered the Grand Master of Ceremonies, Sun Shu Tong, and the Imperial Historian, Sima Yu, to proceed with the ceremony of announcing the event to the ancestral temple of Gaozu with a grand sacrifice. She personally performed the divination ritual and said: "The omens encountered are those of gold and water, which symbolize the king's virtue; the hexagrams encountered signify that the father and mother have obtained their proper positions. This is what is called an auspicious omen for prosperity and strength."

  Xu Wu, Chang Le Shao Fu Lv Feng, Zong Zheng Liu Li Na Ji.

  In the ninth year of the reign, with 20,000 catties of gold, twelve fine horses, deerskin, jade discs and silk, he paid tribute to the Emperor, unprecedented since ancient times. In one day, it shook the whole Chang'an.

  Innumerable gold ingots filled the Hou Mansion's warehouses to bursting, and had to be piled up in the main hall. That year, Zhang Huan was only seven years old, and happened to pass by the hall, where he was dazzled by the glittering light of the gold.

  "Does my father plan to sell gold?" He rolled around in the pile of gold.

  "Of course not." Qīnguǒ, the imperial eunuch, dug him out of the pile of gold with a mixture of anger and amusement. "That is the betrothal gift for His Majesty's empress."

  "Betrothal gift, what is it? And which empress?"

  "It's just you, sister." Chi Guo poked him with a mixture of frustration and helplessness, and unconsciously let out another sigh. Being the empress should be a good thing, shouldn't it? Why did the elderly mention this grand wedding with a hint of faint sadness in their eyes after the initial excitement?

  "It's said that something like this has happened." Zhang Wan thought for a moment, then remembered. He crawled out of the pile of gold and headed towards the inner courtyard, shouting loudly, "Sister, sister!"

  He saw his mother and sister's footprints in the courtyard, ran up to Zhang Yan's arms, "Sister, I saw a lot of gold outside, they said it was Uncle's betrothal gift to you, is Emperor Uncle going to buy our family with gold?"

  The servants under the pavilion covered their mouths and smiled secretly. Lu Yuan's face changed as he scolded, "Yan'er, don't talk nonsense."

  Zhang Yan lowered her head and glanced at her brother, narrowing her eyes slightly. She stretched out her hand and pinched his soft face with force, scolding him bluntly, "What do you think your sister is?"

  "Ow," Zhang Yan's face contorted in pain as he shook his head and begged for mercy, "Sister, I won't dare again."

  "Big sister," he paused for a moment, then couldn't help but ask out of curiosity, "Don't you want to go outside and take a look?"

  Zhang Yan smiled and shook her head, "No need."

  In the year of yi chou, with a pair of living geese, I invite you to come next winter on the tenth month of ren yin.

  In the tenth month of winter in the fourth year, it is auspicious to get married, receive gifts, make engagements, and hold ceremonies. It is also a good time to travel, pray for blessings, and increase wealth.

  This day was the very day when the Emperor would welcome his new Empress.

  Eight female attendants helped Zhang Yan put on the newly made queen's ceremonial dress, with dark blue on top and light blue on bottom, deep collar and wide sleeves. Although her figure was slightly insufficient, it made her appear more delicate and slender, fitting perfectly without a wrinkle. Zhang Yan turned around, her beautiful face composed in solemnity, unexpectedly also revealing a dignified air.

  Fu Mu combed the young empress's hair with a white jade comb, and couldn't help but praise her. "Your Majesty's hair is truly good."

  Zhang Yan smiled slightly.

  As usual, a false hairpiece was to be used for the empress's grand wedding, but Zhang Yan's hair was extremely black. The amount of hair was also abundant, and after weighing it for a while, Fu Mu ordered someone to ask Ru Yuan, the head of the inner chamber, whether to remove the false one. Ru Yuan entered the inner chamber, looked at it, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "If not needed, then don't use it."

  She combed her hair into a bun and applied it to the top of her head, adding a dragon and phoenix pearl crown, with a golden hairpin inserted on top, shaking her head, trembling like pearls.

  "Huh," Fum took the white jade hairpin from her hand and turned around to see Zhang Yan's ears, which were perfectly shaped, with a small mole on the upper part of her left ear, its color bright and vivid. "Hasn't Your Ladyship had your ears pierced?" she asked softly, slightly surprised.

  Zhang Yan nodded slightly, "Mm." She said softly, "I'm afraid of pain, so I haven't worn it all along."

  Since crossing over to the Han Palace from her previous life, she had always felt a sense of dread towards ear-piercing. She spent seven years gradually settling down in this time and space, finding what her heart desired. The blood that was about to fall during that ear-piercing incident many years ago became a symbol of fear in her heart, afraid of experiencing it again and losing herself once more in an unknown time and space.

  The experience of leaving everything in the past was too painful for her, and she didn't have the courage to try again.

  "There's no new bride who doesn't wear a hairpin." Fu Mu smiled and comforted her, "It won't hurt much, it'll be over in an instant."

  Zhang Yan glanced at her and said lightly, "I said no, so it's no."

  That one glance brought out a faint sternness, and Fu Mu suddenly fell silent. Only then did he realize that this little empress who had just turned thirteen was not as gentle and easy to bully as she seemed despite her tender age.

  "The sky is already late, you guys hurry up with your makeup." Lu Yuan lifted the curtain and came in, frowning, "On the day of the grand wedding, how can we see blood? If we don't wear hairpins, then so be it. Who else dares to say that the Empress's words are not acceptable?"

  Everyone fell silent, and then hurriedly tidied up, using a fine thread moistened with water to remove the fine sweat from the girl's face, applied a thin layer of peach blossom powder, and then applied rouge. Finally, she used a eyebrow pencil to draw the most elegant long eyebrows.

  Zhang Yan turned around, and everyone took a deep breath.

  The imperial concubine's ceremonial robe trailed on the ground, her feet were not visible. The young girl's face was heavily made up, no longer showing the innocence of a thirteen-year-old, majestic and elegant, radiant with light that made people dare not look directly at her.

  "Princess," the family member hastily came to report, "Prime Minister Cao is representing His Majesty to personally welcome you, and the Empress's sedan chair will soon arrive at the Hou Mansion."

  Lu Yuan came back to his senses and ordered loudly, "Quickly, send Yan Niang to the ancestral temple."

  Xuanping Marquis Zhang Jue wore a high crown and a majestic belt, dressed in a dark robe, standing on top of the Zhang family ancestral temple. He looked at his eldest daughter standing in front of him, feeling both pain and relief. He exhorted her, "Be respectful and cautious, day and night do not disobey orders!" His voice was solemn.

  Zhang Yan bowed and said, "I accept."

  Lu Yuan helped her with her clothes and hair, and also advised her, "Be diligent and respectful, day and night, do not disobey the palace rules!"

  He bowed again and said, "I promise."

  On the tenth day of the tenth month, Renyin, an edict was issued to Chancellor Xiang, Grandee Yaofu, and Minister of Rites. The Junior Superintendent of the Household of the Heir Apparent went to welcome the Empress at the residence of Marquis Xuanping.

  In the grand hall, after the ceremony of presenting the imperial seal, Chancellor Cao Shen held the imperial edict and read it aloud: "The empress's honor is equal to that of the emperor, she serves Heaven and Earth, assists in the ancestral temple, and governs the world as a mother. Therefore, there were the prosperous dynasties of Xia, Shang, and Zhou. The mothers of these two dynasties had inner virtues. The Long Autumn Palace was empty, the central palace was vacant, now we have the daughter of Marquis Xuanping, Lady Wei, who is virtuous and gentle, with a demeanor like that of a mountain and a river, shining brightly. All officials discussed this and agreed it was proper. Divination by milfoil and tortoise shell was performed, and the result was favorable. The relevant officials presented their discussion. It is fitting to proclaim her as empress, to face the people. Then, the emperor sent the Grand Marshal, Shi, with a ceremonial axe, holding the imperial seal and ribbon, assisted by the Minister of Rites, to establish Lady Wei as empress. After she took her position, she respectfully followed the ancestral rituals, was solemn and cautious in her actions, did not disobey my orders, and forever received heavenly blessings."

  Ta Wei Zhou Bu presented the imperial seal and ribbon to the Empress. The Central Attendant, Ta Pu, knelt down to receive it, then passed it on to a female official. A white-robed female official held the red ribbon and jade seal, presenting them before the Empress, kneeling as she tied them around Zhang Yan's waist with a leather belt. She retreated again. Then the Empress performed six bows, three kneels, and three salutes, saying "Your servant humbly accepts the decree, wishing the Emperor ten thousand years." After thanking the grace, the Yellow Gate drummed and blew three times. The Empress ascended to her position, turned around, and from the hall above, all officials and family members knelt down to pay their respects to the Empress, congratulating her on her new joy for ten thousand years.

  Zhang Ao held his daughter's hand and sent her to get on the imperial carriage, smiling and bidding her farewell. Zhang Yan took a last look at her old home before getting on the carriage. The curtain was lifted up. The welcoming officials mounted their horses. The Weiwei army shouted "Bi". The common people retreated, and the long imperial procession started moving towards the majestic Weiyang Palace.

  The Xuanping Marquis's estate suddenly lit up lanterns, large pieces of light, illuminating the vast estate in the twilight, making it as bright as day.

  Confucius said: "When a daughter is married into another family, for three nights, the candles are not extinguished, thinking of the separation."

  The wheels rumbling and rolling, Lu Yuan cried and fell into Zhang Jiao's arms, finally forgetting the resentment in her heart. Zhang Jiao held her and wiped away her tears, smiling to comfort her, "What are you crying about? Ah Yan has just entered the Weiyang Palace, with your status, going to the palace to see her is nothing unusual." But he secretly turned his face away, his eyes were also red-rimmed.

  As the sun set in the west, Xiang Guo Cao Can rode a sorrel horse to lead the way. He passed by Shangguan Front Street and turned onto Zhangtai Street, then went straight to Weiyang East Gate. The short eight hundred paces of road were guarded by four li long street led by Gao Liang Hou Lü Yan, with southern army soldiers holding spears to escort. The spearheads shone brightly in the cold light. In the middle of the road, forty palace maids held lanterns to lead the way. The ink carriage was like a painting, with black lacquer and a spacious interior like a room. The large flag on the back of the carriage fluttered in the winter wind. Occasionally, the curtain would move and reveal a corner of Xiao Huanghou's clothes, but her face could not be seen.

  In the fourth year of Emperor Hui of Han, I, Zhang Yan, decided to marry my uncle Liu Ying. I knew that from then on, this life would be full of thorns, and I might not be able to be intimate with him for the rest of my life. But what's the difference? Just for the sake of his outstretched finger touching mine, bringing a slight coolness, I could stake my entire youth and courage on an unknown future.

  I want to make a bet with you, can my love break through the wall of morality in his heart.

  The world, what is this thing?

  Since they don't dare to stop this wedding today, I won't let them gossip about me in the future.

  Gaoliang Hou looked up at the fluttering pennant, accompanied by the clear ringing of bells. As the ink carriage passed in front of him and entered the East Gate of Weiyang Palace, he stretched out his hand as if to grasp a wisp of fragrance that would forever linger on his fingertips. He slowly recalled the young girl who had cried tears of joy twice when they met, her frail shoulders unable to bear anything, yet showing extraordinary courage for the one she loved. When he finally attained the title of Hou and wanted to go back to find her, she had already left Chang'an. He always thought there would be a chance to tell her about his affection for her, but years went by with them passing each other by.

  In the south there are tall trees, where one cannot rest. In the Han state there is a wandering girl, whose thoughts cannot be sought. My little child will return home, and I'll speak to him about feeding his horse.

  The queen's carriage drove from the East Gate of the Imperial City, passing through the Tianlu Pavilion and the Shiqiu Pavilion, and finally stopped in front of the Weiyang Front Hall. The palace maid lifted the curtain and set up a stool, Zhang Yan bowed her back to support the palace maid's hand and got off the carriage, looking up at the majestic pepper house hall, and him standing in front of the temple gate.

  It was the first time she saw Liu Ying again after leaving Chang'an in May last year.

  I am not counting character divider line

  The information about the Western Han is indeed lacking, and this section of the grand wedding ceremony refers to "Han Xian Zhang Huanghou Wai Zhuan I & II" by a person from the Eastern Jin Dynasty, "Li Song Huanghou Yi" by Cai Zhi of the Eastern Han Dynasty, as well as "Hanshu Wang Mang Zhuan" and "Xiaoping Huanghou Zhuan".

  In fact, the rituals of the Han Dynasty were clearly divided. For example, when a new emperor ascended to the throne, there were separate rituals for ascending to the imperial throne and ascending to the heavenly throne. Similarly, marrying a man who was an emperor as his wife and becoming an empress were two different rituals. I got stuck on the order of these two rituals for a while.

  The Empress Dowager ascended to the throne in this manner: The Empress initially took her position at the Zhangde Hall, where the Grand Commandant held a ceremonial axe and presented the imperial seal and ribbon. The Emperor sat on his throne with all officials standing by his side. The Empress faced north, while the Grand Commandant stood under the canopy, facing east, and the Minister of Rites and the Chamberlain for the Imperial Clan faced west. After the Minister of Rites finished reading the proclamation, the Empress bowed and referred to herself as a humble servant. The Grand Commandant then presented her with the imperial seal and ribbon, which she accepted on bended knees. She then handed it over to the Chief Eunuch, who in turn passed it to the Imperial Concubine, who also received it on bended knees and then gave it back to the Empress. The Empress bowed again and referred to herself as a humble servant. This concluded with three rounds of drumming and blowing of horns by the Yellow Door Guards. After the drumming ended, the officials exited in order. Upon ascending to the throne, the Empress issued a general amnesty throughout the empire. Her rank was equivalent to that of a king, and her ceremonial attire included a red belt and a jade seal.

  This enthronement ceremony of the empress was attended by the emperor in person, but Empress Song was promoted to empress from the position of meiren, not newly married as empress like Zhang Yan. In terms of time and nature, Wang Mang's daughter, Empress Xiaoping, should be closer to the coronation ceremony of Emperor Hui's time.

  Next spring, Taizong sent Dajiang Gong, Da Sima Feng, Zuo Jiangjun Jian, You Jiangjun Zhen Yan, and Guanglu Dafu Xin to escort the imperial carriage and welcome the Empress at the residence of Duke Anhan. Gong, Feng, and Xin presented the Empress with the imperial seal and ribbon, and she boarded the carriage, proclaiming a warning to clear the way. At the right time, they arrived at the Yanshou Gate of the Weiyang Palace and entered the front hall. The officials took their positions and performed the rituals, and a general amnesty was declared throughout the empire.

  So it should be that the imperial seal was bestowed on the empress before she boarded the carriage. Only then would the welcoming procession have the qualification to be called a "Jing Biao".

  Alright, I've been overthinking things.

  Then, I want to talk about Lü Bu.

  I wrote this character simply because for a long time, I liked the poem "Han Guang". There are various interpretations of it in the Book of Songs, none of which can be considered authoritative. I just wanted to write about my own understanding of this poem. A woodcutter was fond of a courtesan by the Han River; they may have met several times, and although the courtesan might not know his name, she found him somewhat familiar, and each time they passed by each other, they could exchange nods in greeting.

  Then she got married. He fed the horse to its heart's content, so that on the second day of the wedding, her welcoming team would look more dignified, and her marriage process could be a little happier.

  This is also a very gentle emotion.

  Sorry for the last one, I wanted to write a bit more today. Was struck by that heavenly short essay (although I was also involved in it and didn't write much). So I stopped at this tangled point.

  Tomorrow, strive to refuel and write again tomorrow.

  So in the end, raise your hand, pink ticket?