However, this was, after all, a royal marriage alliance. The procession parading through the streets was already considered quite unconventional; the sort of boisterous games and playful teasing common in ordinary folk weddings were naturally out of the question.
The requisite dignity and solemnity had to be maintained.
The sound of gongs and drums arose. The Crown Prince dismounted his horse and first signaled for the sedan chair, carried by thirty-six bearers, to halt and be set down.
Immediately, he took a few steps forward and bowed, saying, "I, Ji Chenglang, thank the Earl of North Border and his wife for your esteemed affection, allowing me to welcome your daughter into the sedan chair."
The Earl of North Border and his wife were not present, but the thanks still needed to be given, and the ceremonial procedures still had to be followed.
