chsdbacks Chapter 122 Six Princesses
Chapter 122 Six Princesses
"The auspicious time has arrived, the wedding ceremony begins!"
The attendant, dressed in a brocade robe and holding a ceremonial plaque, spoke in a loud, clear voice.
Immediately afterwards, melodious ceremonial music began to play.
Uchiha Mitsunori, dressed in a red wedding robe embroidered with golden dragons, held Queen Sara's hand tightly with his left hand. Behind him followed five concubines. The seven of them walked slowly down the white marble steps to the rhythm of the music.
Bright red palace lanterns burned on both sides of the steps, their light reflecting off them and adding to the festive atmosphere.
The twelve vermilion palace gates opened one by one, led by attendants. Behind the gates were more than a thousand guests from various countries, including dignitaries from the ninja world, ninja leaders from various villages, and important officials from Loulan and the Land of Water.
Queen Sarah wore a jeweled headdress that shone brightly under the lights.
She wore a red wedding gown embroidered with gold threads and gemstones, her steps were elegant, and her eyes exuded confidence and nobility.
Behind her, Tsunade wore a magnificent white-gold silk wedding gown, with delicate peach blossom patterns embroidered in gold thread on the hem, which flowed like ripples on water as she walked.
Her signature long golden hair was carefully styled into a cloud-like bun, adorned with a white jade hairpin, with a few stray strands falling down her snow-white neck, further accentuating her snow-white skin.
Her full curves were perfectly outlined by the wedding dress, and every step she took exuded the unique charm of a mature woman, attracting the attention of the guests on both sides, who were filled with amazement.
Mikoto Uchiha walked beside Tsunade, wearing a deep purple wedding dress with dark gold vine patterns embroidered on the skirt, outlining her elegant figure. Her long hair was loosely tied up, adorned only with a simple pearl hairpin.
Her hands rested lightly in front of her, her gaze fixed on the steps beneath her feet, avoiding looking at the guests on either side. A faint melancholy lingered in her eyes, perhaps from thoughts of the departed Fugaku, or perhaps from a sense of uncertainty about the future.
But this melancholy adds a touch of maturity, making one feel a sense of pity for it.
Next, Huiyi Uzumaki came into view, dressed in a gorgeous pink wedding gown, the hem embroidered with blooming baby's breath, a shy smile on her face. Her fiery red hair, set against the red wedding dress, resembled a newly blossoming rose, radiating endless youth and vitality.
The person next to Huiyi is Xue Qianhui, with long, flowing black hair, skin as white as snow, a cool and aloof demeanor, long eyelashes like butterfly wings, and a calm and unwavering gaze.
She wore a blue and white wedding dress with ice crystal patterns embroidered on the skirt, looking like a fairy in the snow.
The last one is Uchiha Ami. She is wearing a light orange wedding dress with jasmine flowers embroidered on the skirt, which perfectly matches her lively personality.
Her smile was as sweet as honey, and her big eyes curved into crescent moons, making her as approachable as a little sister next door, which made people want to get closer to her.
Her eyes were full of joy, and she would steal glances at the three peaks in front of her every now and then, unable to stop smiling. She had finally married the person she had loved since childhood.
The wedding ceremony was simple yet solemn. Sanfeng and the six brides bowed to heaven and earth together before proceeding to the wedding banquet.
The wedding banquet was held in the open-air square of the royal palace, where dozens of round tables were neatly arranged and laden with delicacies and fine wines. Guests clinked glasses and toasted each other, the crisp sound of the wine clinking echoing throughout the room.
Mei Terumi pouted as she ate voraciously, her eyes filled with envy and dissatisfaction.
Because she is still a minor, Uchiha Mitsunori has not yet married her.
All six brides were stunning, causing most of the guests to steal glances at them, and their whispers were constant.
"Is that Lady Tsunade? Is she really thirty-eight years old?"
A former Kirigakure ninja stared wide-eyed, nearly dropping his sake cup, his eyes filled with disbelief. He had only ever heard of Tsunade's reputation, but had never seen her like this before.
"She doesn't look thirty-eight at all! People would believe she's twenty-four!"
A noblewoman standing nearby exclaimed in surprise, touching her cheeks marked by the passage of time, a hint of envy flashing in her eyes.
Despite being a noblewoman and well-maintained, she was far from being as beautiful as Tsunade.
A Konoha ninja approached, a hint of smugness in his voice: "You guys don't know, do you? Lady Tsunade is a master of medical ninjutsu. She can use chakra to adjust her physical appearance, transforming into many different ages, such as 16, 18, 21, etc. It's an enviable ability, and I'm even more envious of Lord Mitsunori for having such a wife!"
"Well said. As expected of one of the legendary Sannin, she possesses both strength and beauty. Who wouldn't be tempted by a woman like that?"
Upon hearing this, others immediately echoed, their gazes turning to Tsunade once more, filled with envy.
Tsunade held her wine glass, ignoring the surrounding chatter.
She took a small sip of her drink, glanced at Mikoto beside her, and noticed that she looked a little uncomfortable. She then quietly nudged her with her elbow and gave her a reassuring look.
Mikoto Uchiha sensed her goodwill and nodded slightly, her expression softening somewhat.
On the other side, several Konoha ninjas were gathered together, their eyes fixed on Uchiha Mikoto.
"That...is that Uchiha Mikoto? Isn't she Uchiha Fugaku's wife?"
A young Konoha ninja stared wide-eyed, muttering incredulously. He had joined the party relatively late and didn't know much about what had happened before.
His companion quickly reached out and pulled him aside, lowering his voice to stop him: "Shh! Keep your voice down! Chief Fugaku has been dead for over a year, and Lady Mikoto is now the daimyo's concubine. Be careful what you say! If she hears you, you'll be in big trouble!"
The man was startled and quickly covered his mouth, but couldn't help stealing glances at Mikoto, exclaiming in amazement, "But she looks even more beautiful than the rumors say, even younger than she did back then!"
Not far away, several Uchiha clansmen were gathered together, their expressions quite complicated.
Most of them were elders in the clan who had watched Mikoto grow up, and their feelings about her remarriage were indescribable.
One of the older Uchiha clan members stroked his beard: "Lady Mikoto has remarried... Come to think of it, I secretly had a crush on her when I was young."
His eyes were filled with emotion, carrying the regret of not being able to achieve his goal.
Another older clansman nodded, his face full of disdain: "Actually, this is a great thing for our Uchiha clan. The fact that the Daimyo married Lady Mikoto means that the Uchiha bloodline's position in the Land of Water will be even more secure in the future."
However, some Uchiha clan members still harbored resentment, frowning as they said, "But, Clan Head Fugaku has only been gone a short time, and Lady Mikoto has already remarried. Won't people think that our Uchiha clan is too heartless?"
Hearing this, the other person couldn't help but sigh, glancing at Mikoto with a complex expression, and said with emotion, "Times have changed. Fugaku is gone, and Mikoto deserves new happiness. Besides, she married Lord Mitsumine, someone who can protect her, and that's enough."
Just as everyone was discussing this, "Whoosh... Bang... Whoosh whoosh... Bang bang... Whoosh whoosh whoosh..."
Hundreds of fireworks suddenly shot into the sky, blooming with dazzling light in the night sky. Red, yellow, blue, and purple lights illuminated the night sky as if it were daytime.
The murmurs of the crowd were instantly drowned out by the deafening roar of the fireworks. Everyone looked up to admire the beautiful sight.
Uchiha Mitsunori, holding a wine glass, stood at the head of the wedding banquet, his gaze sweeping over the guests below before finally settling on the six brides who were slowly approaching.
His gaze paused for a moment when it swept over Uchiha Mikoto.
She was looking up at the fireworks, her lowered eyelashes casting faint shadows on her face, like a butterfly that might be startled and fly away at any moment.
A gentle look flashed in Uchiha Mitsunori's eyes as he raised his glass in a gesture of respect to her.
Mikoto Uchiha noticed his gaze, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly picked up the wine glass on the table and took a small sip.
The wedding banquet lasted until late at night, with the moon hanging high in the sky, its gentle light bathing the earth.
Most of the guests were already tipsy, and they gathered in twos and threes, reciting blessings in slurred but sincere voices.
Uchiha Sanfeng quietly left his seat during the toasting ceremony.
He walked through the brightly lit corridor, where palace lanterns on both sides cast a warm yellow glow, making his shadow long.
He tiptoed to Queen Sarah's room and gently pushed the door open.
The room was brightly lit, and a faint floral fragrance filled the air.
Queen Sarah had removed her crown and sat at her dressing table by the window. Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating her graceful figure.
She was wearing a pink nightgown, her long hair loosely draped over her shoulders, giving her a more feminine and less regal air.
Queen Sarah heard the door open, turned around, and a sly smile flashed in her eyes: "Tonight, after we drink the nuptial wine, you can go and keep the other sisters company!"
Uchiha Mitsunori walked to Queen Sara's side, hugged her tightly from behind, feeling the warmth of her body and the fragrance of her hair lingering around his nose.
He lowered his head and kissed her, whispering in her ear, "On our wedding night, you're so willing to give me up to another woman?"
Queen Sarah gently stroked his hands that were wrapped around her waist and softly replied, "We've been together for so long, one more night won't make a difference. The new sisters must be really looking forward to tonight, so let's leave it to them!"
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Mitsunori felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He knew that Queen Sara meant well and hoped that he could extend his love to all his sisters.
He tightened his arms around her, kissed her hair and red lips deeply, then released her and looked intently into her eyes.
"Sarah, thank you for your understanding and tolerance."
Queen Sarah smiled and nodded, picked up two cups of sake that had been prepared beforehand from the table, and handed him one.
The two intertwined their arms and drank from the same cup. The wine was sweet, but it couldn't compare to the sweetness in their hearts.
After a few rounds of drinks, Uchiha Mitsunori got up and left the room, walking slowly towards Tsunade's residence.
He stood outside the door, took a deep breath, and felt a little uneasy.
He knew Tsunade had a strong personality and usually took the initiative to make demands of him, but he wondered what she would be like today.
He carefully pushed open the door, only to see Tsunade sitting on the edge of the bed, wearing a golden nightgown, smiling at him with gentle eyes, without any of her usual domineering nature.
The two sat facing each other, with two cups of sake on the table, which Tsunade had prepared beforehand.
They each raised their glasses and slowly brought them to each other's lips, their movements perfectly synchronized.
Tsunade took a small sip of her drink, then set down the glass and said calmly, "I'll let you off the hook tonight. Go and keep the other sisters company!"
Uchiha Mitsunori was somewhat surprised. He had thought Tsunade would spare him, but he hadn't expected her to say something like that.
He put down his wine glass, leaned in, and hugged Tsunade tightly, his voice sincere: "Tsunade, I love you!"
Tsunade, however, seemed unappreciative of his embrace and forcefully pushed him away.
Her eyes held an undisguised tenderness as she playfully scolded, "You big pervert, stop being so mushy!"
Uchiha Mitsunori was pushed back a step by her, then realized what she meant and teased, "Looks like you guys planned this all along!"
Tsunade glared at him, but her eyes were full of tenderness: "So what if I am? We don't want you to show favoritism tonight and upset anyone. So, you can get lost now!"
Uchiha Mitsunori smiled awkwardly and touched his nose.
He had indeed wronged them by marrying six wives at once, and their understanding only made him feel more guilty. So when he turned to leave, his steps were lighter.
Next, he went to Uzumaki Megumi's room.
As soon as she pushed open the door, she heard Uzumaki Megumi's delighted voice: "Mimine, you're here so quickly!"
She was sitting on the edge of the bed with a happy, shy smile on her face.
Seeing her husband walk in, she quickly stood up, her eyes full of tenderness.
They looked at each other, their eyes filled with deep affection.
Uchiha Mitsunori stepped forward, took her hand in his, and felt the trembling in her palm.
A moment later, the two raised their cups of wine to toast each other, and the air was filled with a sweet atmosphere.
However, after drinking the nuptial wine, Uchiha Mitsumine hugged Uzumaki Megumi and kissed her, but she blushed and gently pushed him away, saying, "Mitsumine, you...you should go check on Mikoto and the others. I can manage on my own."
She was gentle by nature and always thought of others; even though she longed for him deeply, she didn't want to possess him alone.
Looking at her shy appearance, Uchiha Mitsunori felt a pang of pity.