In the Chengqian Palace, laughter echoed endlessly, and in the Chaoyang Hall, love flourished day by day.
The Emperor of the Great Xuan Empire was getting married, and the entire nation celebrated. Envoys from various nations came to offer their congratulations.
By the mandate of heaven, the Emperor proclaimed that the Song family had served the people for generations, loyal to the Xuan Kingdom. The Nine Daughters of the Brocade Zither were graceful and elegant, possessing both virtue and talent. It was decreed that they would serve as the Empress Mother, granted a phoenix seal after the Emperor ascended to the throne.
"I humbly thank Your Majesty for your great kindness."
"The Great Xuan Empire indeed has remarkable talents and beautiful people; the ruler is truly blessed." The speaker was none other than Yao Yue, the monarch of the neighboring Yue Country. Known for his bravery in battle, Yao Yue was a standout among rulers. It was said that due to his delicate appearance, enemies found it hard to strike at him on the battlefield, so he would wear a fierce mask during combat. Yue Country and Xuan Kingdom had maintained a friendly relationship for generations, and Yao Yue's Mother Empress was a long princess of Xuan Kingdom. This was why he personally attended Xuan Li's wedding.
"Your compliments are undeserved," Xuan Li replied with a toast, his face beaming with joy.
Jinse wore a bright red Jin Robe that flowed elegantly to the ground, adorned with dancing phoenixes at her waist. Her hairpin shimmered with gold and emeralds as she swayed gently, her eyes meeting Xuan Li's gaze, adding a hint of shyness to her demeanor. Fengyin stood beside Jinse in a light pink garment, her skirt trailing down the steps. The Azure Silk draped lightly around her, exuding a serene beauty. Spiritual Incense leaned close to Fengyin, whispering about Hibiscus, concern etched on her delicate face.
"Your Majesty, the auspicious time has arrived; it is time to proceed to the Altar of Heaven for sacrifice," announced the Grand Tutor from below. Xuan Li nodded and took Jinse's hand as they walked towards the red carpet.
"Fengyin, will Brother Mugen be alright?"
"He will be, Princess."
Fengyin lifted her gaze towards a small pavilion in the distance where Hibiscus sat alone with a drink.
"Young Master, the scenery is delightful; why sit here alone?" Fengyin excused herself from Spiritual Incense and approached the pavilion.
"Toasting and enjoying wine is how men should be," Yao Yue remarked as he passed by. Despite his delicate beauty, his long tenure in power had imbued him with an aura of authority that was quite imposing. He caught a whiff of wine as he walked by and decided to join uninvited.
"Yue Jun, peace be upon you," Fengyin lowered her head in greeting.
"No need for formalities."
"Yue Jun does not go to the Altar of Heaven; what brings you here?" Hibiscus set down her cup and stood up.
"It is rumored that even the Mu Family of Great Xuan must treat me with some respect; it seems true. However, I prefer to act discreetly and do not like others prying into my affairs."
"The scenery here is quite nice, Yue Jun can enjoy it at will. I must take my leave now. Fengyin, come with me."
"Yes..."
Watching the graceful figure fade away, Yao Yue wore a smile that was both determined and dreamy, searching for her in the crowd. Fengyin, for the first time, his heart raced with anticipation for a light glance back. It is said that women of Heavenly Xuan are gentle and graceful, and indeed, that delicate appearance is meant to be protected by a man like him.
The banquet was lively and extravagant, a feast of fireworks.
"Xuan Emperor, you and I are brothers; I envy your grand wedding. I have taken a liking to a woman from Great Xuan, and I would be very pleased to see Xuan Yue and our two nations united." Yao Yue drank deeply without beating around the bush.
"Hehe, Yue Jun, we have been friends since childhood, so feel free to speak plainly."
"Then tell me, can you grant my wish? Your Words Are Not to Be Taken Lightly, Xuan Emperor, tread carefully."
"I wonder who Yue Jun has taken a liking to?"
"Her!" Yao Yue pointed into the distance where the empress Jinse stood beside a woman with a bright smile.
"Fengyin?"
"Exactly."
"Yue Jun has good taste, but this matter..."
"Xuan Emperor, can't you take charge of this?"
"Uh..." Although the Xuan Kingdom was wealthy, its military strength was lacking. The prosperity of Xuan Yue stemmed from their mutual support.
"Xuan Emperor, what are you hesitating for? You have such a beauty, while your brother remains lonely."
"But Fengyin..."
"Xuan Emperor, is there anything in this Xuan Kingdom that you cannot decide?"
Xuan Li's expression changed slightly; the matter concerned Monarchical Authority, which could be significant or trivial.
The moonlight tinged my longing with white, and memories soaked my vision. Who insisted on parting, causing the vows to wither, while love silently existed between heaven and earth?
"Yue Jun, Jin Zhi is also a companion of our youth. Fengyin has deep feelings for him; how can I interfere?"
"Xuan Emperor, the Kingdom is substantial and can encompass matters of love."
"Children of the Prairie are unrestrained; Xuan Kingdom is merely the Land of Fish and Rice."
"I just like watching her. So I want to take her back to Yue Country."
"Ah, Yue Wang is quite at ease." A light laugh accompanied by the aroma of wine came as Hibiscus sat beside Yue Wang.
"Hibiscus, you arrived just in time; I will openly compete with you for a woman." Yue Jun placed his cup down, his spirit rising.
"Yue Wang holds the world, while Jin Zhi is merely a commoner; how can there be any comparison with Yue Wang?"
"That sounds very good."
"I wonder how Yue Wang plans to be so open and aboveboard?" Hibiscus shifted the topic, her demeanor becoming sharp.
"Let's drink and see who falls first." Yao Yue's delicate face flushed slightly, her misty eyes suggesting intoxication as she raised her cup without yielding an inch.
"Benefactor, excessive drinking harms the body. Yue Jun, we have lost this drinking contest." Fengyin and Jinse had just come from afar and saw Hibiscus slightly tipsy, prompting them to gently advise.
"We cannot lose." Hibiscus slurred.
"How can we not lose?" Fengyin smiled. "Wine and meat pass through the intestines; today we drink to our heart's content—what's there to lose?"
"You cannot lose." Hibiscus stood up and embraced Fengyin. "You cannot lose; it must not happen."
"Benefactor, you are drunk. Let's go back. Your Majesty, please excuse us."
"Your Majesty, you are also drunk. There is still a ceremony to attend later..." Jinse supported Xuan Li, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"Sigh... I have no choice but to get drunk!" Only by being intoxicated can I avoid that difficult situation.
The Bai Zi Blanket, with red candles weeping.
After tonight's revelry, every moment is priceless.
Love and longing endure.
Leaning against the delicate red curtains of silk.
The Emperor's heart is filled with yearning, while I follow you through life.
Every inch of Azure Silk brings sorrow for the passing years.
"Replying to the beauty, His Majesty will be staying at Chengqian Palace tonight and will not return to Cheng Qian Palace."
"I see. What about the New Empress?"
"I do not know where to begin."
"Do you think she is beautiful?"
"I dare not say."
"Leave now; I already know." The slender white hand waved lightly, her delicate fingers brushing her brow. The women in the deep palace compete with one another, not for fame or fortune, but solely for the heart of the exalted Emperor.
"Gathering, go early tomorrow to pay respects to the New Empress. Make sure the warm stove is well lit tonight; it has gotten chilly."
"Yes, my lady."
"I am tired. You may leave."
After the Concubine left, Poppy stood alone in front of the bed, her frail figure a reminder of solitude. It wasn't the loneliness that was tragic, but being forgotten by others. She forced a smile to comfort herself, "Husband, may our marriage be blissful."
Inside Chengqian Palace.
"Is it not allowed?"
"Yes!" Jinse nodded, "Fengyin said it's not allowed."
"Why is it not allowed?"
"Because..." she was pregnant.
"Then on our wedding night, do you want me to just sit here?"
"Sigh... I didn't say you had to sit; you can lie down," Jinse whispered, "Weren't you drunk earlier?"
"I am sober now."
"I'm a bit sleepy," she said. With a baby on the way, Your Majesty, could you just daydream while I take a nap?
"But I..." He was feeling quite interested and wanted to know what to do.
Jinse closed her eyes and took steady breaths, snoring softly... She had already fallen asleep.
"Someone! I want a midnight snack."
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