Chapter 118:
On the 21st of September, a good day for marriages.
Lingguang Hall was bustling with activity. The maids stood with their hands by their sides, frequently glancing at a particular spot, their faces breaking into smiles.
— The new emperor and empress were about to perform the wedding rites!
“Young Master, do you need my help?”
Lan Ting stood outside the screen, asking Jiang Juan. Jiang Juan didn’t answer immediately. After a while, he slowly walked out and complained to Lan Ting, “It’s such a hassle.”
Lan Ting smiled and said, “For wedding clothes, of course…”
Before she could finish her sentence, she saw him and instantly stopped talking.
Previously, Jiang Juan had worn red before.
At the crown prince’s enthronement ceremony and the coronation, Jiang Juan had worn bright red ceremonial robes or phoenix gowns, resplendent and intricate. He looked beautiful like a little phoenix, proud and passionate.
But at this moment, Jiang Juan was wearing wedding attire—a pomegranate-red satin, blazing with color, the intricate gold embroidery on the wedding cloak was exquisite and unique. At this moment, he was no longer a phoenix but a blooming begonia flower.
A dazzling, flourishing begonia flower.
Lan Ting stared at him for a long time and murmured, “Young Master, you look so beautiful.”
In the past, Jiang Juan had been pure like a fairy from the Jade Lake, as clear as a little bodhisattva on a lotus pedestal. But in this wedding attire, he truly appeared like the dawn of spring, in a completely different light.
Jiang Juan furrowed his brows, “What nonsense are you talking about?”
Lan Ting then came back to her senses, realizing that Jiang Juan wasn’t really angry with her but just feeling shy. Lan Ting couldn’t stop smiling as she guided Jiang Juan to sit in front of the mirror and picked up a comb.
“Young Master, according to custom, the women of the family should comb your hair, but since you have never married and Madam passed away early, so…”
Lan Ting said, “Today, I’ll have to trouble you. I’ll comb your hair for you.”
“What do you mean I don’t have a woman family,” Jiang Juan said seriously, “You are one, so it should be you doing it.”
Lan Ting was stunned for a moment, then smiled with her lips pressed together. She gently let the comb fall.
“One comb through to the top, and you’ll have no worries about wealth; two combs through to the top, and you’ll be free from illness and worries; three combs through to the end, and you’ll have a harmonious and respectful family.”
Lan Ting recited each phrase, and Jiang Juan’s long hair, cascading like a waterfall over his shoulders, was finally pinned up by Lan Ting. She then took the phoenix crown from the maid and placed it on Jiang Juan’s head.
“It’s so heavy.”
The tassels swayed constantly. Jiang Juan tried to tilt his head back, but Lan Ting hurriedly pressed him down, “Young Master, don’t move around.”
Unable to move his head, Jiang Juan used his fingers to adjust the tassels hanging over his forehead.
“Meow.”
With a “thud” sound, a cat jumped onto the vanity. It was a light brown cat with black stripes, resembling a chubby raccoon but with four ears.
Jiang Juan called out to it, “Tuanzi.”
The cat lived up to its name. This tabby cat, only three or four months old, had already become quite the chubby little piglet. Hearing its name, the tabby cat made a leap towards Jiang Juan’s embrace, but Lan Ting quickly stopped it.
“Don’t—! Don’t hold it!”
Lan Ting hurriedly intervened, and the chubby cat thudded into her arms. It took a while before Lan Ting could recover.
She disapproved and said to Jiang Juan, “Young Master, don’t hold it today. You’ll end up covered in cat fur.”
Lan Ting felt that the tabby cat shouldn’t be here at all. According to tradition, the bride and groom should not meet before the wedding. However, after Xue Fangli left, Jiang Juan said he was bored and insisted on having the cat brought to him for play.
“Cat fur won’t matter.”
Jiang Juan was unconcerned, so Lan Ting reminded him, “His Majesty doesn’t like cat fur.”
“Whether he likes it or not…”
As Jiang Juan was speaking, he suddenly remembered something and blinked at Lan Ting, “He dislikes many things, no need to worry about it. Lan Ting, make sure to take Tuanzi to the new room later.”
Lan Ting: “Huh?”
It was the wedding night. Lan Ting questioned, “Why bring the cat?”
Of course, to cause some trouble!
Xue Fangli wasn’t an ordinary person; Jiang Juan knew he’d be thoroughly bullied every time he ended up in Xue Fangli’s hands. It was clear that Xue Fangli wouldn’t spare him on their wedding night, and Jiang Juan was a bit apprehensive. Fortunately, Lan Ting had reminded him.
Jiang Juan answered, “To play with the cat?”
Lan Ting: “……..”
Playing with a cat on the wedding night?
Lan Ting wanted to say something but hesitated. Seeing this, Jiang Juan said seriously, “This is our little prince, the future crown prince. It’s only right that he’s present at our wedding, isn’t it?”
As for the future crown prince, it was just a cat. Lan Ting sighed and said, “Young Master, if you want a crown prince, maybe you should eat more dates and peanuts and try harder?”
That was no solution. Jiang Juan glanced at her and, as always, blamed Xue Fangli for everything. “What should I do? If there’s no crown prince, it’s still His Majesty’s lack of effort.”
Lan Ting sighed, “Young Master, His Majesty will find out.”
Jiang Juan shuddered and immediately shut his mouth, no longer daring to speak.
Soon, as the auspicious time arrived, the red veil was lowered.
“Young Master, let me help you.”
Lan Ting said softly, helping Jiang Juan as they walked out of the hall.
Jiang Juan knew that soon Xue Congyun would carry him to the sedan.
“Prince Jing, please…”
Before Jiang Juan could finish his sentence, Lan Ting was momentarily stunned. Jiang Juan didn’t notice anything amiss and didn’t see the gesture Lan Ting made to signal “shh.” Lan Ting just smiled and didn’t say anything as she helped Xue Congyun carry Jiang Juan.
Xue Congyun, usually quite mischievous, carried Jiang Juan steadily.
After a while, he hadn’t said a word. Jiang Juan, feeling awkward, poked his back, “Why are you so quiet?”
Xue Congyun didn’t respond.
Jiang Juan poked again, “Why are you so silent?”
Still no response from Xue Congyun.
Jiang Juan found it odd, and just then, the person carrying him burst into laughter, “Brother Juan, it’s me!”
Startled by the sudden voice, Jiang Juan was taken aback but then pleasantly surprised.
“Jiang Qingliang, is that you? You’re back?”
During this period, Jiang Juan had never expected Jiang Qingliang to come back.
“Yeah, Brother Juan, you’re getting married, how could I not come back?” Jiang Qingliang said with a laugh, “And it’s not just me.”
“Brother Juan.”
It was Gu Puwang’s voice.
Jiang Juan was delighted, “You’re back too.”
Gu Puwang smiled faintly, “Yes, we’re calling you Brother Juan now. Since you have no other brothers, we had to see you off to the bridal sedan.”
They had traveled a long way back to the capital, and Jiang Juan couldn’t help but feel moved.
Originally, Xue Congyun had mentioned that it was a pity Jiang Qingliang and Gu Puwang wouldn’t be able to make it for the wedding.
The border was far away, and the military discipline was strict. Jiang Qingliang’s return was fraught with hardship, and he would face punishment upon returning to the border. As for Gu Puwang, he was out investigating a case. To return to the capital early, he had to finish his work, which was no small matter. Gu Puwang was known for his love of sleep and had probably gone several nights without rest.
Jiang Juan thanked them earnestly, “Thank you both…”
Jiang Qingliang waved his hand, “No need to thank us.”
Gu Puwang nodded, “When you were unconscious, we couldn’t be of much help. Today, on your wedding day, we certainly can’t miss it.”
Jiang Juan couldn’t help but smile. However, he didn’t forget that someone was missing. He asked, “Where’s Xue Congyun?”
Jiang Qingliang’s expression stiffened slightly as he awkwardly replied, “He, uh, will be here shortly.”
Gu Puwang calmly added, “Yes, he asked us to come first. Brother uan, let me carry you.”
Jiang Juan responded, “Alright.”
Gu Puwang carried Jiang Juan out of Lingguang Hall and into the bridal sedan.
Just as Jiang Juan settled into the sedan, he heard Xue Congyun’s voice.
“Jiang Qingliang! Gu Puwang! You two bastards!”
Xue Congyun had arrived in a frantic rush, furious, “You two actually conspired to send me away and secretly carried Brother Juan yourself!”
Jiang Juan: “……..”
How could it be like this.
Xue Congyun continued to scold angrily, “Bastards! You’re both bastards!”
Jiang Qingliang retorted, “How did you brag in your letter? How unfortunate it was that we couldn’t return, and you had to carry Brother Juan up to the sedan alone. You were worried you couldn’t manage it.”
Gu Puwang calmly added, “We were just trying to relieve some burden for Prince Jing.”
Xue Congyun: “……..”
He gritted his teeth, fuming, and glared at Jiang Qingliang and Gu Puwang. He turned back to the sedan and began crying loudly.
“Brother Juan! Brother Juan——!”
Xue Congyun was sobbing like a distressed child, “Let me carry you for once. Come out, let me carry you. They’ve carried you, I want to carry you too!”
“Brother Juan!”
Jiang Juan: “…….”
He sighed, feeling quite fond of Xue Congyun despite his foolishness. Just as Jiang Juan was about to get up from the sedan, the gong sounded, and Chief Steward Wang’s sharp voice announced, “Lift the sedan—!”
Hearing this, Xue Congyun cried even louder.
“Brother Juan, woo woo woo!”
Jiang Juan: “……..”
No matter how loudly Xue Congyun cried, the time couldn’t be delayed. The sedan began to sway and was carried along, accompanied by the sound of gongs and drums, to another palace.
Upon arrival, firecrackers were set off.
Jiang Juan lifted the sedan curtain and reached out his hand.
The hand that reached out was pale and had distinct joints. Jiang Juan had held this hand many times before and had been brought to tears by it.
But Jiang Juan extended his hand.
Without hesitation, Jiang Juan extended his own hand.
Fingertips touched, and the other person firmly grasped Jiang Juan’s fingers, pulling him out of the sedan.
Jiang Juan’s vision was obscured, so he couldn’t see much, only catching glimpses of Xue Fangli’s wide sleeves that resembled red clouds and the trailing hem of his robe.
In the next moment, Jiang Juan was lifted off the ground horizontally.
Jiang Juan asked Xue Fangli, “Why aren’t you carrying me?”
Xue Fangli glanced at him and replied, “If I carry you, I won’t be able to see you.”
Jiang Juan smiled silently, his eyes curving into a gentle expression.
As they entered the main hall, Xue Fangli set Jiang Juan down, and they each held one end of a red silk.
The wedding didn’t have many attendees, but Prime Minister Gu, General Jiang, and Bai Xuechao were present, with Bai Xuechao even being given a seat of honor.
Chief Steward Wang, beaming with joy, announced, “Bow to heaven and earth!”
“Bow to your parents!”
“Bow to each other as husband and wife!”
“Enter the—bridal chamber!”
Red candles flickered, and light silk curtains fluttered.
Footsteps grew nearer.
Jiang Juan sat on the bridal bed, finding the phoenix crown too heavy and the red veil too bothersome. Despite several attempts to remove them, he resisted the urge.
When Xue Fangli entered, Jiang Juan remained seated quietly, appearing as obedient as a new bride.
The young man, adorned in vivid red, looked splendidly resplendent. On this day, his little Bodhisattva dressed him in bridal attire, becoming his new bride.
Xue Fangli gazed at him for a long time.
“Come on, hurry up, it’s so heavy.”
Impatient with the slow pace, Jiang Juan whispered his complaint. Xue Fangli raised his eyebrows slightly and then picked up the jade ruyi, approaching Jiang Juan with deliberate calmness.
In the next moment, beneath the soft red silk, a jade ruyi appeared.
Jiang Juan suddenly felt a bit shy, though he couldn’t quite explain why.
It wasn’t like he had never seen it before.
Jiang Juan mused to himself, but still couldn’t shake off his nervousness.
Xue Fangli watched Jiang Juan intently and slowly lifted the red veil.
Although Jiang Juan was urging him, as the red veil was actually lifted, Jiang Juan dropped his eyelashes nervously, unable to meet Xue Fangli’s gaze, with only the tassels hanging from his forehead swaying.
Xue Fangli smiled slightly and used the jade ruyi to gently lift Jiang Juan’s chin.
The jade was cool to the touch.
Xue Fangli exerted a slight pressure, raising Jiang Juan’s chin with the ruyi.
This was a delicate gesture, but done by him, it carried an unspoken pride. Xue Fangli lowered his eyes, letting his gaze linger on Jiang Juan.
The tassels swayed, and Jiang Juan’s eyelashes fluttered.
Thump, thump, thump.
He heard the pounding of his own heart.
“Why am I so fortunate to marry a wife like you?”
Xue Fangli’s voice was soft and tender.
Jiang Juan pretended to be calm and asked, “Someone like what?”
Xue Fangli raised his hand, letting the jade ruyi trace the contours of Jiang Juan’s brows and eyes before it rested on his lips, which sank slightly at the soft touch.
“A beautiful and delightful wife.”
Each word was pronounced slowly and heavily.
Although Jiang Juan should have been annoyed by the description of “beautiful and delightful,” he felt even shyer when he met Xue Fangli’s gaze.
The flickering firelight made Jiang Juan’s eyes glisten beneath his lashes, and his face, glowing in a rosy hue, was strikingly beautiful in contrast with the bridal attire, truly exquisite.
Xue Fangli looked at him and smiled, saying, “Wife, it’s time to drink the wedding wine.”
Jiang Juan nodded and, together with Xue Fangli, picked up the specially made wine cup—split gourd halves connected by a red string.
They exchanged a glance, and Jiang Juan lowered his head to drink the wedding wine.
It was quite bitter.
It tasted awful.
Jiang Juan furrowed his brow but finished the drink. He said to Xue Fangli, “This wine is really bad.”
“Are there no candied fruits?”
Although the wine was of the finest quality, Jiang Juan found it distasteful. Xue Fangli didn’t comment, only watched Jiang Juan’s lips stained with wine and said casually, “Come here.”
Jiang Juan assumed there were candied fruits nearby and moved toward Xue Fangli. Suddenly, a hand wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer. Xue Fangli pressed his forehead against Jiang Juan’s and spoke in a husky voice.
“There are no candied fruits.”
Jiang Juan widened his eyes. “You had me come over when there are no candied fruits?”
Xue Fangli’s tone was gentle and slow, “Apart from candied fruits, there’s another way.”
“If I kiss you hard enough, you won’t taste the wine.”
Jiang Juan was taken aback, and after a moment, he responded with a quiet “oh.” He bit his lip, glancing around, and said slowly, “Then hurry up and kiss me. This wine really is awful.”
Xue Fangli chuckled softly and leaned in to kiss Jiang Juan.
Time seemed to blur as Jiang Juan was gently laid on the bed. Xue Fangli raised his hand to draw aside the curtains, and the red silk layers fell one by one. He leaned down again, kissing Jiang Juan and pressing his hand firmly on Jiang Juan’s slender waist. Jiang Juan’s eyes fluttered.
The atmosphere was just right, and Xue Fangli began to loosen Jiang Juan’s clothes, but suddenly—“Ah!”
Jiang Juan was startled awake.
On the wedding bed lay a chubby cat resembling a little piglet. Xue Tuanzi looked at Jiang Juan with a puzzled expression, its plump paws holding down a mouse.
Jiang Juan was horrified. “A mouse! There’s a mouse!”
He almost jumped out of bed. Xue Tuanzi, curious, moved closer, giving the mouse a chance to escape. It leaped up and started darting around in a frenzy.
“Bang—” “Crash—”
In the chaotic room, the mouse almost jumped onto Jiang Juan. Terrified, he clung to Xue Fangli, hanging onto him. Xue Fangli had no choice but to hold him securely, his face darkened, and he said, “Someone.”
The beautiful night began with Xue Tuanzi bringing a mouse as an unexpected gift.
That night, the flowers were just right, and the moon was perfectly round.
That’s the end.
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