Xiao Hanyan managed the Eastern Palace with perfect order, something the Empress herself noticed. She hadn’t expected much at first, but now realized this young woman was capable.
Nanny Qin personally came to deliver a message: “Your Highness, the Empress says that Liangdi entered the palace in haste, and she promised that once you awoke, the remaining wedding rites would be completed. Today is an auspicious day, and she wishes for Your Highness and Liangdi to cherish this fine occasion.”
Her words were plain, and Xiao Hanyan couldn’t help but turn her head, blushing.
Shen Qingchen gave a light cough. “Please tell Mother that I understand.”
“Yes, Your Highness. This servant takes her leave.”
With the Empress’s command, the Eastern Palace grew busy again. The last time it had been decorated was when the Crown Prince lay unconscious, and everyone had felt uneasy.
Now, joy filled the air. As long as His Highness and Liangdi were affectionate, nothing else mattered.
After a day of preparations, evening came. Xiao Hanyan sat on the bed in a red bridal gown, her head covered with a scarlet veil. Her heart was uneasy. The first time she had worn red was under the Empress’s order, to bring fortune. Today, the Empress had only spoken of completing the remaining rites. Other than consummating the marriage, what else was left?
Yet she had been given bridal attire again, and since even the Crown Prince said nothing, she had no choice but to wear it, waiting for him to lift the veil.
In truth, these rituals were not entirely proper, but the Empress, seeing that Shen Qingchen had truly awakened, allowed the Eastern Palace to proceed.
“Your Highness, please lift the veil,” Qingdai said with a bright smile from the side.
Shen Qingchen was nervous. He was used to holding swords, but now, holding the ceremonial rod, his hands trembled.
Qingdai nearly laughed, but managed to hold it back.
When Shen Qingchen lifted the veil, he saw a delicate, radiant face, fresh as a lotus rising from water. Her misty eyes looked at him shyly, her full red lips parted softly: “Your Highness…”
Their gazes lingered on each other. Qingdai waved her hand, and the attendants quietly withdrew.
The room fell silent. Shen Qingchen sat beside Xiao Hanyan. He also wore red, which made him appear noble and untouchable.
Usually, Xiao Hanyan was the one to take the initiative, but tonight she sat obediently. Shen Qingchen’s brows furrowed slightly. Turning to see her shy, timid demeanor, his heart slowly grew warm. At such a moment, he could not find words of comfort. He only said in a deep voice: “Settle down.”
Though they had shared a bed before, tonight—being formal—there was a hint of awkwardness.
After Shen Qingchen lay down, he noticed Xiao Hanyan had not nestled into his arms. He frowned: “Still not coming over?”
Xiao Hanyan: “…”
Night after night of nestling against him had truly turned into his habit.
“Your Highness, I… should change first.” Xiao Hanyan slowly untied her sash, her gown sliding down.
Shen Qingchen’s gaze froze. He had already lain down fully dressed, forgetting to undress. He sat up, quickly stripped off the cumbersome robes, then pulled Xiao Hanyan down beside him. “Troublesome.”
Her face hurt from being pressed against his hard chest. Eyes stinging, she couldn’t help but whisper: “Your Highness… what did I do to anger you?”
Shen Qingchen looked down. His Liangdi gazed up at him with tearful, aggrieved eyes.
“So delicate. I didn’t even use force.” He forgot that what felt normal to him was too much for her.
Even on their wedding night, the Crown Prince showed no gentleness.
Xiao Hanyan lowered her head, sniffling.
“Why are you crying?” Shen Qingchen felt exasperated.
“Your Highness, tonight is supposed to be an auspicious, beautiful night. Why are you being harsh?”
And was he truly planning to do nothing, just as before—merely sleep side by side? Had lying in bed so long really left him broken?
Catching the meaning in her words, Shen Qingchen’s eyes flickered, his body stirring restlessly.
“Your Highness, I’m not in a hurry; your health matters most. Tomorrow I’ll have the physician come—”
“Silence.” The Crown Prince could bear no more. She had already questioned him in the carriage earlier, and now she dared speak so boldly again. If he didn’t teach her a lesson, where would his dignity as Crown Prince be?
Xiao Hanyan instantly fell quiet, unable to meet his fierce, predatory gaze.
“Liangdi Xiao, I will punish you.” Shen Qingchen rolled over, his tall frame looming above her.
Xiao Hanyan shrank back, remembering how in the stories, the male lead’s strength was unmatched—seven times in one night was no exaggeration.
“Your Highness, I was wrong.” Xiao Hanyan tried to plead.
“Too late.”
Shen Qingchen lightly uttered two words. To dare challenge his authority—punishment was inevitable.
“Your High—”
Before she could finish, Shen Qingchen sealed her lips, kissing her with no restraint.
Xiao Hanyan whimpered softly, unable to push him away.
Young and full of vigor, Shen Qingchen had held her in his arms for many nights. To say he felt no desire was false. Now, kissing her in earnest, his blood surged, and he longed to punish her thoroughly.
Xiao Hanyan sobbed as she tried to resist, but his grip only tightened. Overcome with passion, Shen Qingchen showed little gentleness. She pleaded softly: “Your Highness… it hurts…”
Breathing heavily, Shen Qingchen released her. Her lips, tender and swollen from his roughness, trembled. Her disheveled inner garments could not conceal her pale skin.
“Ah…” Xiao Hanyan cried out as Shen Qingchen tore her clothing away with force. She had thought she would experience what the heroines in stories did. But just as it began, Shen Qingchen gave a muffled groan—and stopped moving.
He was truly broken.
Xiao Hanyan dared not move. Even the pain beneath her was forgotten. This was a matter of a man’s pride, yet she couldn’t simply faint away either.
Shen Qingchen slammed his fist against the bed, lifting his head from her chest. Xiao Hanyan cautiously glanced at him—his face was indeed dark with fury. She even held her breath.
“Damn it!” He cursed through clenched teeth. He had intended to prove his prowess, yet ended up humiliated.
“Your Highness…” Xiao Hanyan called carefully.
Shen Qingchen looked down. The woman in his arms, fragile and pitiful after his roughness, gazed at him nervously.
Grinding his teeth, Shen Qingchen bent down again. This round, he was determined to reclaim his pride.
“Mmm…”
That night, Xiao Hanyan finally experienced what the heroines in stories endured—so much so that, in the end, she truly fainted.
Shen Qingchen finally regained some dignity, his expression easing as he personally carried Xiao Hanyan to bathe. She had been exhausted by his roughness and did not wake even after the bath. Content, he held her in his arms as they lay down, the darkness on his face slowly giving way to a faint smile.
The next morning.
Shen Qingchen awoke early. He gazed at the woman in his arms for a long time—from her smooth forehead, to lashes like fans, to her delicate nose, and finally to her lips, still swollen from his kisses. His hand tightened around her slender waist, and he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Xiao Hanyan stirred, opening her misty eyes. Her voice was soft and hoarse: “Your Highness…”
“Do you feel unwell?”
“I ache…” she whispered plaintively.
Shen Qingchen felt regret. He shouldn’t have been so rough. “I’ll have medicine brought for you shortly.”
“Mm.”
Even after being worn out like this, she did not complain. His Liangdi was truly someone who stirred tenderness.
“Is there anything you want?” Shen Qingchen asked, wanting to comfort her.
Xiao Hanyan thought for a moment, then looked into his eyes: “Your Highness, I’ve married you twice now. If anyone troubles me in the future, you must protect me.”
Shen Qingchen’s expression shifted. She was right—it had been twice.
“Very well. I promise you.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Rest a while longer.”
In this gentle warmth, he too had no desire to rise.
“Alright…”