Xie Yao and Gu Changze turned around together and bowed toward the outside of the main hall.
“Second bow to the elders!”
Seated on the platform were the Emperor, the Empress, and the Empress Dowager, all of whom smiled and accepted the couple’s salute.
“Husband and wife, bow to each—”
Clatter!
Before the master of ceremonies could finish, a wine cup shattered somewhere among the guests below. Fragments scattered across the center of the hall, drawing everyone’s eyes there.
“How could you be so careless? Why aren’t you helping the young master away to change his clothes!” Chancellor Xiao shot a furious glare at the distraught and absent-minded Xiao Min, then turned and prepared to kneel before Emperor Xian to apologize.
The Emperor raised a hand, stopping him before he could bow, and signaled to the master of ceremonies. “Continue.”
A trace of coldness hid within Gu Changze’s smiling eyes, but he said nothing. He merely glanced at the master of ceremonies.
The master of ceremonies jolted back to his senses and quickly called out: “Husband and wife, bow to each other!”
Inside his sleeve, Xiao Min’s hand clenched tightly into a fist. His eyes were bloodshot, yet all he could do was watch as the pair on the platform bowed to one another.
Then the master of ceremonies finally declared: “The ceremony is complete!”
At once, congratulations erupted throughout the hall.
“The Crown Prince and Crown Princess are a perfect match in both talent and appearance. Truly a union made in heaven.”
“We congratulate Your Majesty and the Crown Prince.”
On the platform, the Emperor laughed heartily and exchanged a few cheerful remarks with the officials. The atmosphere was one of complete joy and celebration.
“Today is a day of great happiness for me. A banquet has been prepared at the Eastern Palace. All my ministers may enjoy themselves to their hearts’ content before returning home.”
Holding the red ceremonial sash in his hand, Gu Changze flicked his sleeve and stood tall and spirited, every inch the bearing of a future sovereign.
Someone below immediately joked: “They say happy occasions lift the spirit. Since Your Highness has taken a wife, this minister thinks your complexion looks much better than before.”
“Since Your Highness has fully recovered, you can’t just leave us behind after this.”
“Indeed. Your Highness must surely drink with us until none of us can return sober!”
“Take it easy, all of you. Don’t get His Highness drunk. How is he supposed to spend his wedding night in the bridal chamber then?”
The teasing remarks sent the entire hall into laughter. Beneath her red bridal veil, Xie Yao’s cheeks flushed rosy red. She gently bit her lip and gave the red wedding sash a small tug.
How could Gu Changze not know that she was embarrassed? Seeing this, he had no desire to continue bantering with them. After exchanging a few perfunctory words, he prepared to leave.
Just as the two reached the front of the main hall, their path was blocked.
Dressed in a black robe that clashed starkly with the hall’s festive atmosphere, Xiao Min stood there. His eyes filled with reluctance and anguish as they fixed on Xie Yao in her wedding attire.
“Young Master Xiao, you’ve had too much to drink. This servant will escort you away.” A servant stepped forward, only to be kicked aside by Xiao Min.
“Get out of my way.”
The lively music and dancing, both on and below the platform, stopped abruptly. Everyone looked at one another in bewilderment.
The Empress on the dais revealed an expression of eager anticipation, clearly enjoying the spectacle about to unfold. Gu Changze, however, keenly sensed that some people around them were already casting unfriendly looks toward Xie Yao. Without drawing attention, he stepped slightly in front of her, shielding her behind him.
“Today is a day of great joy for me. Young Master Xiao is welcome to share in that happiness, but do take care not to drink so much that you forget where you are.”
Xiao Min finally tore his gaze away from Xie Yao and fixed it on Gu Changze instead. Raising the wine cup in his hand, he spoke in a hoarse voice: “Crown Prince, on this joyous occasion, I arrived without presenting a gift. I ask only that Your Highness drain this cup as my congratulations.”
On a wedding day, one would ordinarily drink nü’er hong, a traditional celebratory wine. But the cup in Xiao Min’s hand contained a notoriously strong liquor. During his long recovery from illness, Gu Changze had scarcely touched alcohol. Even so, the smile on his face did not waver as he lifted his sleeve and accepted the cup from Xiao Min.
“The Crown Princess and I accept Young Master Xiao’s congratulations.” With those words, he tilted back his head and emptied the cup in a single draught.
Then Xiao Min offered him a second cup of wine. “In years past, I received guidance from Your Highness at the hunting grounds. Let this second cup be my thanks to Your Highness.”
Though he spoke words of gratitude, Xiao Min’s tone carried a distinct edge of resentment, almost as if he were gritting his teeth. Yet Gu Changze, known for his gentle and refined demeanor, accepted the second cup without the slightest hesitation.
“Young Master Xiao is my subject. As a prince of the imperial family, looking after my officials is only my duty.” He tilted his head back and swallowed the second cup in one go.
Xiao Min let out a cold laugh and immediately poured a third cup. “Yao… the Crown Princess and I have been friends for many years. For this third cup, I toast Your Highness. I entrust the Crown Princess to your care from this day forward.”
The Emperor on the dais had already begun to frown, while the guests below exchanged uneasy glances. At last, they heard the hostility hidden beneath what had seemed like words of “congratulation.”
“Young Master Xiao, those words are mistaken. The Crown Princess is my wife. It is only natural that I take care of my own wife.” He took the third cup of wine and, looking at the pain and coldness in Xiao Min’s eyes, let out a soft laugh.
“Young Master Xiao, rest assured. From this day forward, the Crown Princess and I will live together in harmony and mutual respect.” With those words, he raised the cup and was about to drink again.
Suddenly, a hand caught hold of him, and a gentle voice spoke up. “As husband and wife are one, since this toast is intended for His Highness, it makes no difference if I drink it on his behalf. We thank Young Master Xiao for his kindness.”
Xie Yao had seen this liquor before. Even her father could become drunk after only a few cups. Gu Changze had already downed two cups without changing expression, and she had long been worried about his health.
The moment her voice rang out, Xiao Min could no longer maintain the facade of composure. His handsome face twisted for an instant, and deep anguish welled up in his phoenix eyes.
“If the Crown Prince cannot even drink three cups of wine, then how can he protect the Crown Princess and ensure her happiness in the years to come?”
The hall fell silent.
On the platform, the two men faced each other like drawn blades. Clad in black, Xiao Min cut a striking figure. Without a smile, his handsome features carried an aloofness that kept others at a distance. Opposite him stood Gu Changze, tall and elegant, a faint smile on his lips. The innate nobility of imperial blood lent him an equally imposing presence. One hand enclosed Xie Yao’s, while the other settled around her slender waist.
His voice was gentle. “How could I bear to let Yaoyao tire herself?” With that, he guided the cup to his lips, Xie Yao’s hand still on it, and drained the wine in a single swallow.
“Three cups are enough. Young Master Xiao may enjoy the freedom of being alone tonight, but I have the Crown Princess to keep me company. Naturally, I cannot bear to leave her by herself.”
The words fell from his lips in an unmistakably cheerful tone. Then, before anyone could react, he swept Xie Yao up into his arms.
“Your Highness!” Xie Yao let out a startled cry and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
“You’ve been traveling and busy all day. There’s no need for the Crown Princess to walk the rest of the way. Though I may be frail from illness, I am still more than capable of protecting the Crown Princess.” With that, he casually dropped the remark and carried Xie Yao out of the hall.
The bright-red hems of their wedding robes intertwined as they crossed the grand hall and headed beneath the covered corridor. His steps grew faster and faster.
“The Crown Prince truly dotes on the Crown Princess.”
“Just look at him. He couldn’t even wait for the time it takes to walk a few steps. He’s in such a hurry.”
“Well, tonight is His Highness’s wedding night. Tell me, do you think he’ll be coming back after this?”
The ministers below laughed and teased good-naturedly. The Emperor raised a hand and ordered the banquet to be served. Only Xiao Min remained standing alone in the main hall. The gentle words Gu Changze had spoken moments earlier felt like knives to his eyes and heart. Jealousy and hatred filled his chest. He felt so numb that he could no longer even tell what heartbreak was supposed to feel like. His mind and heart were nothing but a vast emptiness.
Carrying Xie Yao in his arms, Gu Changze made his way to the rear courtyard. There, numerous matrons and palace maids had already been waiting. As he passed, they knelt one after another, offering their congratulations to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess on their wedding.
Through pavilions and towers, past waterside terraces and long covered walkways, Xie Yao nestled quietly in Gu Changze’s embrace. His steps were steady and sure. Listening to the rhythm of his heartbeat and the endless chorus of congratulations around them, she felt her own heart begin to race.
It was not yet time to lift the bridal veil. According to custom, Gu Changze was not supposed to accompany her back. Only a few attendants were in the bridal chamber, and when they saw him carry her inside, they were startled and quickly bowed. “This servant greets the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.”
Gu Changze carried Xie Yao to the couch and gently set her down, then instructed the attendants: “Bring some food.”
The palace maids filed out in orderly succession.
Soon, only the two of them remained in the room.
Xie Yao suddenly felt the weight on her head lighten as Gu Changze lifted the bridal veil slightly. Immediately, her vision was filled with festive shades of brilliant red.
Large red lanterns hung high overhead. Scarlet silk decorations stretched from outside the room all the way indoors. On the bridal bed were longans and peanuts, symbols of blessings for the newlyweds. On the table sat the ceremonial wedding wine and the balance rod used to lift the bridal veil.
In the hazy glow of the candlelight, the man before her, dressed in brilliant red wedding robes, lowered his head. A faint smile touched his picturesque features.
“There is still more than half an hour before the auspicious hour arrives. The matrons responsible for the wedding rituals will not come this early. I was afraid that after such a long day you would be unable to endure it, so I had someone prepare some refreshments to tide you over.”
Standing beneath the dim candlelight, he seemed refined and radiant, with clear eyes and elegant brows.
For a moment, Xie Yao was captivated by the sight of him. She stared blankly, then hurriedly lowered her gaze. “But, Your Highness… this is against protocol.”
It was against protocol for him to abandon the officials and escort her back himself. It was also against protocol to lift her veil and let her eat before the appointed auspicious hour.
“There is no need to concern yourself with protocol. You are my wife. In the Eastern Palace, there are no rules that can bind you.”
As Gu Changze looked at her incomparably beautiful profile, something stirred in his gaze.
Xie Yao’s complexion had always been fair, but today her wedding attire made her skin appear even more luminous, like polished jade, while her beauty rivaled blooming peach and plum blossoms.
In the warm, dim light, her dark hair flowed like clouds. Her downcast eyes were clear as autumn waters. Her delicate forehead and graceful brows enhanced her elegance, while the perfectly fitted wedding gown accentuated her slender figure. As she lightly bit her red lips, a faint blush emerged, and every glance from her expressive eyes carried an enchanting charm.
Gu Changze’s hand remained resting on her shoulder; through the thin fabric of her wedding gown, he could almost feel the satin-smooth texture of her skin. His gaze traced slowly down her profile—lingering on the red beauty mark at the side of her neck, the soft, creamy curve of her bosom, and finally her slender waist, small enough to be spanned by a single pair of hands.
The air in the room suddenly grew heavy and sultry; Gu Changze’s eyes darkened, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed hard. “Are you thirsty?”
Xie Yao noticed a huskiness in his voice. She felt a sudden warmth against her ear, and at his words, a genuine thirst rose in her throat; she nodded instinctively.
The weight lifted from her shoulder as Gu Changze quickly fetched a cup of tea from the table. His burning gaze never left her; Xie Yao felt a flush spreading across her body, and her hand trembled slightly as she reached for the cup. She drank the tea hurriedly. As she tilted her head back, her porcelain-smooth, snow-white neck was revealed; the movement caused her wedding gown to shift, disarraying her sash and exposing a glimpse of her snowy shoulder.
Gu Changze took the cup and set it aside. Before Xie Yao could catch her breath, a shadow fell over her; Gu Changze lowered his head, his dry hand gently brushing against the corner of her lips. “There seems to be a trace of water.”
His warm breath mingled with hers. Xie Yao watched as the handsome man lowered his head, his touch earnest as he brushed the corner of her mouth; a tingling sensation, like an electric shock, rippled through the spot he touched. Her body suddenly went limp, and she instinctively looked up at him. She found herself drowning in the dark, suppressed intensity of his gaze. For a moment, she was utterly captivated. It was unclear who leaned in first; a refined scent, carrying the faint aroma of wine, swept across her lips.
By the time Xie Yao regained her senses, Gu Changze had already wrapped his arm around her waist, pressing her back against the edge of the soft couch. His scorching hand caressed her waist, tracing the elegant curves of her figure. He nibbled gently at her lips before parting them with a sudden, urgent intensity, his mouth claiming hers.
The air in the room grew heavy with heat and passion. Xie Yao’s mind was in a whirl; swept up by his movements, she instinctively kissed him back. Her eyes grew misty with desire, and her chest rose and fell rapidly with her ragged breathing.
As her soft, warm body lay beneath him, Gu Changze caressed her with insatiable longing. When his fingertips brushed against the cool, intricate fasteners of her gown, the flush at the corners of his eyes deepened. He let out a soft, ragged breath and—reluctantly—moved his lips away from hers, trailing kisses down to her snow-white neck.
“Your Highness, the time has come; the officials are all waiting for you.”
Hurried footsteps outside the door snapped Xie Yao out of that haze of passion. Her hair was disheveled, and the bridal veil that had once rested upon her head was nowhere to be found; her lips were naturally flushed a deep crimson, and a rosy glow—as if from intoxication—had spread across her cheeks.
“Your Highness…” She gave Gu Changze a gentle, breathless push, but lacking the strength actually to move him, she only pulled him closer as they both tumbled onto the soft daybed.
His body was burning hot; Xie Yao’s hand trembled and recoiled the moment she touched him. As his kisses trailed down to the curve of her neck, she called out to him again, her voice quivering. “Your Highness…”
Gu Changze fought to suppress the surging passion within him as he lifted his head from the side of her neck. The dark, feverish red in his eyes startled Xie Yao; his voice was hoarse, and as he gazed at the crimson mark on her snow-white skin, he could not resist lowering his head once more to plant a heavy, lingering kiss there. “Wait for my return, Yao-Yao.”