After the banquet ended and the guests departed, the Chancellor’s residence gradually fell quiet.
Ling Zhenli recalled her interactions with the Crown Prince during the banquet. After pondering for a moment, she softly instructed the maids at her side:
“Go invite His Highness the Crown Prince to the garden. Say that… the peonies in the garden are in full bloom. I am waiting for him there and wish to play a pipa piece for him, for his appraisal.”
Taoxia accepted the order and left. Yingchun went to fetch the pipa, while Tangqiu accompanied her to change clothes. The three divided their tasks clearly.
As night deepened, only a few dim lanterns hung in the garden, illuminating the blooming peonies.
Ling Zhenli changed into a pale green high-waisted ruqun paired with a purple brocade wide-sleeved jacket. Holding a pipa in her arms, she sat quietly in the pavilion, waiting for Pei Xuanlin to arrive.
Before long, the sound of footsteps approached.
Pei Xuanlin came through the moonlight, his expression still cool and distant. Perhaps fearing that she had waited too long, his steps were brisk.
“That Your Highness would deign to come—this subject’s daughter is deeply honored.”
Seeing him arrive, Ling Zhenli rose and bowed, a faint smile at her lips.
Pei Xuanlin coldly regarded Ling Zhenli, who stood with her eyes lowered and her demeanor meek. Her etiquette was impeccable. He had arrived in haste earlier and had not seen her clearly, but one thing was certain—she was by no means unattractive.
“You.”
At the banquet, she had hidden herself behind a curtain, all mysterious. Now, in private, she was willing to reveal herself. Pei Xuanlin had been about to tease her, but seeing her still kneeling on the ground in her bowing posture, the words at his lips changed to:
“You may rise first.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Ling Zhenli gathered her sleeves and stood up. Just then, moonlight broke through the clouds. The soft glow first brushed her profile, then washed over her red lips, and finally settled in her pair of affectionate, peach-blossom eyes.
Pei Xuanlin knew he had seen many peerless beauties, yet upon seeing the woman before him up close, he was still struck breathless by her beauty.
Realizing his lapse, Pei Xuanlin’s gaze darkened. He deliberately ignored it, only casting a brief glance at her before saying with affected pride, “Inviting me to a private meeting after the banquet—how bold. You should be glad I haven’t yet returned to the palace.”
“This subject’s daughter was fortunate.”
“Why were you holding that fan up the whole time at the banquet? Weren’t you tired?”
Ling Zhenli froze for a moment, not expecting him to say that. For a second, she did not know how to respond.
She had thought that presenting herself as a mysterious, exquisitely wrapped gift for Pei Xuanlin to unwrap would please him.
Seeing her lost in thought, Pei Xuanlin changed the subject. “…You can play the pipa?”
Ling Zhenli lowered her gaze and lightly plucked the strings, producing a clear harmonic note. “I know a little. Would Your Highness care to listen?”
Pei Xuanlin did not answer. He simply walked to the seat opposite her and sat down, his gaze falling on the fingers with which she held the instrument—his meaning unmistakable.
She played High Mountains and Flowing Water for him. Her technique was skillful; the melody sometimes flowed like a clear spring, sometimes murmured like a night breeze.
Pei Xuanlin’s expression had been indifferent at first, but as the music gradually deepened, his attention became more and more focused.
“The seventh beat of the third section is wrong. You should use a muted tone there,” he suddenly said.
Ling Zhenli’s fingers paused. She lifted her eyes to him. “Your Highness also understands the pipa?”
Pei Xuanlin’s eyes dimmed unconsciously. “I learned a little as a child.”
Before becoming a war captive, his mother had been a performer in a foreign royal tent, skilled in music and dance.
Seeing this, Ling Zhenli smiled slightly. To amuse him, she deliberately played a few wrong notes, drawing a faint sigh and a frown from Pei Xuanlin.
“This part is wrong.”
Pei Xuanlin stood up and walked behind her. His long fingers covered the back of Ling Zhenli’s hand, guiding her fingertips across the strings.
His warm breath brushed past her ear. Ling Zhenli’s heartbeat faltered slightly, yet she feigned composure. “Your Highness is learned. Thank you for the guidance.”
“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” Pei Xuanlin narrowed his eyes, smiling faintly.
Ling Zhenli lowered her gaze and smiled lightly, neither confirming nor denying it. “This foolish girl is dull. Allow me to play another piece to make amends.”
Listening to her continue to play deliberately wrong notes, Pei Xuanlin felt it was less an apology and more a punishment.
Even so, he was still willing to listen.
This time, Ling Zhenli stopped acting. She played earnestly, petals stirred by the breeze falling around them. The pipa notes were like pearls dropping onto a jade plate, and Pei Xuanlin listened, utterly absorbed.
When the piece ended, only the sound of wind and insects remained in the garden.
Ling Zhenli set the pipa aside and looked up at Pei Xuanlin. “What does Your Highness think?”
Pei Xuanlin’s gaze was deep as he looked into her eyes, offering praise without reservation. “You play very well. Even the musicians in the palace likely cannot compare to you.”
Hearing his praise, Ling Zhenli smiled softly. “Then I will often play for Your Highness in the future.”
Pei Xuanlin did not reply. He merely reached out to brush away a fallen petal from her hair, his fingertips lightly grazing her earlobe.
Ling Zhenli’s breathing stilled for a moment, but she calmly met his gaze.
They looked at each other for a while. Pei Xuanlin was the first to withdraw his hand, returning to his cool demeanor. “We’ll speak of the future later. It’s late. Miss Xue should return early. Where are your maids?”
“I wanted to be alone with Your Highness, so I sent them back first.”
Pei Xuanlin had also kept his guards and shadow guards at a distance, so he chose to escort her personally.
“I’ll walk you back.”
Along the way, Ling Zhenli asked a few questions now and then. Pei Xuanlin answered when asked, but otherwise said nothing.
He escorted her to her quarters. Seeing the maids approaching from afar, he did not linger and turned to leave.
Ling Zhenli turned back to look at his retreating figure, crouched to bow, and said aloud, “I respectfully see Your Highness off,” while the corners of her lips slowly curved into a smile.
This Crown Prince—he might not say it, but his actions showed he indulged her.
He definitely liked her.
In the blink of an eye, the wedding day arrived.
At the third quarter of the hour of Yin, Chang’an was still shrouded in morning mist, yet outside the Chengtian Gate of the Taiji Palace, lights blazed brightly.
The Left and Right Thousand Ox Guards lined both sides of the imperial road in preparation, clad in gold-lacquered armor, bearing ceremonial blades, standing in the predawn gloom.
As the first rays of sunlight pierced the clouds and shone upon the earth, imperial banners embroidered with the sun, moon, and stars radiated dazzling brilliance in the morning glow.
The auspicious hour had arrived. The main gate of the Eastern Palace slowly opened. Pei Xuanlin, dressed in full ceremonial regalia, emerged amid a cluster of attendants.
Outside the palace, the golden carriage was already prepared. Red tassels adorned the foreheads of the four horses. Holding a jade ruyi, Pei Xuanlin mounted the carriage.
Xiao Chongheng had specifically petitioned the emperor for appointment to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Dressed in a dark red official robe, he rode on horseback as part of the procession, accompanying Crown Prince Pei Xuanlin to fetch the bride.
He wanted to see for himself what kind of person this Xue Run truly was.
The bridal procession set out from the Eastern Palace, traveled along Vermilion Bird Avenue, and headed toward the Chancellor’s residence.
The Chancellor’s residence was carpeted in red silk, festive music filling the air.
Ling Zhenli sat upright before the bronze mirror. Reflected in it was a face so stunning it needed no makeup to topple cities. She only looked at herself in the mirror, not sparing a glance at Xue Haoting beside her, completely unaware of the gloom in his eyes.
Xue Haoting had spent the entire night in her chambers. Rarely, he had done nothing—only holding her from behind as they slept. Early in the morning, as she prepared herself, he followed her closely, inseparable. Since he did not interfere, Ling Zhenli let him be.
Two female officials assisted Ling Zhenli’s three maids in dressing her in ceremonial attire, while noblewomen of the imperial clan placed the ritual crown upon her head.
Looking at her flawless reflection, joy mingled with a growing tension. Ling Zhenli trembled slightly with excitement. Crown and robes adorned her, dignified and resplendent—she was about to become the most honored Crown Princess.
More importantly, her wedding was far grander than the one she had once seen between the Duke of Yan and Princess Roujia.
The man marrying her held an even higher status—and he valued her.
From today onward, she would no longer be the lowly court courtesan of a confiscated family, but the future empress who would rule the realm.
Father, Mother—be proud of me. One day, I will fight my way to the highest position, eliminate the Grand Princess of Wuyang and her son, the Duke of Yan, and avenge you both.
When the bridal procession arrived at the Chancellor’s residence, female officials came to urge Xue Haoting to leave Ling Zhenli’s boudoir, lest it be seen and deemed improper.
“I am seeing my own sister off in marriage. His Highness the Crown Prince will not say anything,” Xue Haoting refused coldly.
Turning his head, he saw Ling Zhenli’s expression dim.
A trace of sorrow rose in Xue Haoting’s heart. Did she despise him so much?
Soon, the palace maids entered in orderly ranks. Fortunately, they were well versed in palace protocol and would not speak out of turn.
The maids held vermilion-lacquered peacock-screen fans and stood on either side. Ling Zhenli held her fan to cover her face and walked behind them to the main hall to bid farewell to the Chancellor and his wife.
Inside the hall, Pei Xuanlin waited for Ling Zhenli’s arrival. He accompanied her in bowing farewell to the Chancellor and his wife, receiving their instruction.
Seeing Pei Xuanlin watching him, Xue Wenmian naturally did not dare treat Ling Zhenli harshly. After a few polite words, it was over.
As they left, Pei Xuanlin lightly supported her. Concerned that the round fan might obstruct her view, he softly reminded her to watch her step.
The moment she stepped out of the Chancellor’s residence, Ling Zhenli noticed a man bowing respectfully with his head lowered among those welcoming them. The feeling he gave her was intensely familiar…
This sense of familiarity—there could be no mistake.
He must be Xiao Chongheng.
As the female officials laid out the stepping stool for Ling Zhenli to board the bridal carriage, she lowered her fan and looked toward Xiao Chongheng, wanting to confirm his face. She lingered, not boarding at once.
After rising from his bow, Xiao Chongheng lifted his head and looked at her as well. Though his heart ached unbearably, he forced down the jealousy and bitterness threatening to spill from his eyes, concealing it.
She looked so beautiful in her wedding robes—yet she was not wearing them for him.
He knew that if it truly was her, watching her marry another man would be agonizing, yet he could not restrain the impulse to petition the emperor for the chance to witness her wedding with his own eyes.
Now his heart could finally settle. It was her—Ling Zhenli.
After so many days and nights together, he knew her too well.
And at the instant Ling Zhenli saw Xiao Chongheng’s face, her heart raced uncontrollably. Her steps halted as she stared at him blankly.
It really was him…
“Why aren’t you moving? Are you reluctant to leave home? You’ll return in a few days.”
Pei Xuanlin’s voice came to her ear, cool yet tinged with concern, pulling Ling Zhenli back from her daze.
She was about to become Crown Princess. At such a critical moment, not the slightest mistake could be allowed. Ling Zhenli forced herself to calm down, withdrew her gaze, and stepped onto the stool.
“Slowly—watch your footing.”
Pei Xuanlin escorted Ling Zhenli onto the bridal carriage before returning to his own.
Xiao Chongheng saw all of this clearly, jealousy instantly blazing in his heart.
The woman who once belonged to him was now to belong to another man.
But now was not the time to act. There would be plenty of time ahead. Since heaven had brought her back into his sight, this time he would seize her tightly.
When the procession returned, officials of the fifth rank and above walked in attendance, wearing dark red gauze robes.
Inside the carriage, Ling Zhenli had no mind to hear the kneeling cheers of the common people lining the streets. All she could think about was Xiao Chongheng.
Why was Xiao Chongheng part of the bridal procession as well? Judging by appearances, he held a high position.
No matter how she reassured herself, there could not be two people who looked exactly alike. Even twins had differences—let alone the fact that she was Ling Zhenli, not Xue Yingyue.
Xiao Chongheng had surely recognized her. Would he expose her?
All along the way, Ling Zhenli was on edge, fearing that Xiao Chongheng would cause trouble and ruin her dream of revenge.
The Crown Prince’s wedding was a joyous event for the entire nation. All of Chang’an was immersed in the celebration of this unparalleled ceremony.
The procession stopped before the Taiji Hall. After disembarking, Pei Xuanlin took Ling Zhenli’s hand and, guided by the ritual officials, slowly ascended the steps.
The Emperor and Empress sat high above, observing the rites.
Music rose. After the Minister of the Secretariat read the marriage edict aloud, Pei Xuanlin and Ling Zhenli performed the grand ceremony of three kneelings and nine prostrations.
When the rites concluded, bells and drums thundered outside the hall, their sound shaking the nine heavens.
Imperial relatives, civil and military officials, and foreign envoys all attended this grand wedding. Countless treasures were presented to Pei Xuanlin and Ling Zhenli.
At the banquet, an attendant loudly announced the gifts.
When the offering from the Grand Princess of Wuyang—a statue of the Goddess of Childbearing—was announced, Ling Zhenli raised her eyes toward the princess’s side and happened to see Xiao Chongheng. She did not know exactly who he was, yet he sat beside the Grand Princess. Judging from their interactions, the relationship was not hard to guess—yet Ling Zhenli was unwilling to believe it.
“What is it? Is there something you don’t like?” Pei Xuanlin noticed Ling Zhenli’s darkened expression.
Ever since she had taken her seat, her expression had been poor.
Hearing Pei Xuanlin’s words, Ling Zhenli quickly put on a smile, pretending nothing was wrong. “No, I was just distracted.”
Pei Xuanlin nodded. “I thought perhaps you disliked the Goddess of Childbearing.”
“That’s not it. It’s just… the gentleman seated beside the Grand Princess of Wuyang—today I saw him standing at the front of the bridal procession.” Ling Zhenli stopped overthinking and simply asked him directly.
“That is my cousin, named Xiao Xun. Among those who fetched the bride, his status is the highest—he is the Duke of Yan.”
The Duke of Yan…
Ling Zhenli’s breath caught instantly, as if something heavy pressed upon her chest.
Seeing how pale she looked, Pei Xuanlin said, “Are you tired? I noticed you haven’t eaten much. Why don’t I ask the emperor’s leave and take you to rest?”
Pei Xuanlin’s concern startled Ling Zhenli. They had only met once before the wedding, yet he treated her so kindly.
“Thank you, Your Highness. But at such an occasion, would it be inappropriate for Your Highness and me to leave together?”
Pei Xuanlin glanced toward the Emperor and Empress, then cast a cool look toward Princess Jin’an before turning back to comfort Ling Zhenli. “It’s fine. How about this—you’re feeling unwell, so go back and rest first. I’ll explain to His Majesty later.”
Ling Zhenli smiled apologetically. “Then I shall obey.”
She truly did not wish to remain any longer. Facing the glances Xiao Chongheng occasionally cast her way made her feel as though she were sitting on pins and needles.