“When will you start wearing a proper hairdo?” Fu Yunxi’s gaze lingered on Han Yan’s hair. She had come of age long ago, yet stubbornly maintained her bun hairstyle. Was she still protesting because he had ruined her coming-of-age ceremony that day?

Han Yan burst out laughing and looked at him: “Once you get better and marry me, then I can wear a married woman’s hairstyle.”

Fu Yunxi was slightly stunned as Han Yan’s gaze suddenly became firm and serious.

She said: “Marry me.”

After a long silence, Fu Yunxi smiled faintly: “I’m about to die.”

“I know,” Han Yan looked at him. “If I don’t marry you now, there won’t be another chance.” She smiled lightly: “I want to know what it feels like to be Prince Xuanqing’s wife.”

Fu Yunxi silently watched her, the faint smile on his lips fading. In truth, he didn’t know what to say.

After a long while, he sighed softly, though the sigh seemed to contain a hint of amusement. He said: “Once the cold poison is cured, we’ll marry.”

Han Yan glared at him but said: “Alright.”

It’s rare in life to find someone you love who loves you back. Living a second life was already heaven’s grace; being careful and calculating was one thing, but more importantly, it was a life completely different from before. In her previous life, she had never been loved, but this life was different.

Han Yan never saw how Fu Yunxi’s story ended in her previous life. But since he hadn’t married Irina, things would develop entirely differently.

Han Yan leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the corner of his mouth: “After the cold poison is cured, let’s visit grandfather.”

Yet both knew this promise might never be fulfilled.

Two Years Later…

Spring in the Jiangnan Watertown was always beautiful, with warm breezes swaying willows and orioles singing sweetly. Everywhere the eye looked was filled with intoxicating greenery.

Along the river embankment, beneath trailing willows, many visitors flew kites and admired flowers.

Among the crowd, one couple particularly caught the eye. Both were exceptionally good-looking. The man wore snow-white robes, his black hair streaked with white, which somehow didn’t detract from his appearance. His extraordinarily handsome face, combined with those streaked locks, gave him an otherworldly air. His expression was cool, showing tenderness only when looking at the woman beside him.

The woman appeared to be around eighteen or nineteen, with delicate features that, while not exceptionally beautiful, carried an unreachable nobility mixed with the straightforward grace typical of martial artists. These combined qualities made her captivating despite not being a classic beauty. Her belly showed a slight bump, and she kept one hand on it, apparently expecting. These two walking among the crowd seemed a match made in heaven, perfectly suited to each other.

These were Fu Yunxi and Han Yan.

“Jiangnan’s scenery truly surpasses the capital,” Han Yan said. “We can stay here longer before heading to the Tang fortress.” They were indeed heading to the Tang fortress, enjoying scenic spots along the way with surprisingly good spirits.

“Take care of yourself first,” Fu Yunxi raised an eyebrow, his gaze falling on Han Yan’s belly.

Han Yan felt slightly embarrassed. It was only three months, yet he had become extremely protective, scolding her for the slightest activity. However, she smiled again, eager to meet the little one inside.

Two years had passed. Back then, Tang Sheng and Imperial Physician Wu had worked together to develop a medicine to control the cold poison. The Tang Clan wasn’t primarily focused on medicine, so even together, they could only temporarily control Fu Yunxi’s condition. His cold poison might still recur – in five years? Ten years? No one knew.

Regardless, Han Yan and Fu Yunxi had married.

They consummated their marriage after six months, during which Fu Yunxi’s health had steadily improved until he showed no signs of illness at all. Only his once-black hair had become streaked with white during the treatment. Tang Sheng said this was a consequence of forcing out the poison. Neither Han Yan nor Fu Yunxi minded.

Zhuo Qi had visited Han Yan several times but was always sent away by Fu Yunxi. Han Yan wasn’t sure what transpired between them, though there must have been some confrontation. Zhuo Qi certainly didn’t gain any advantage, and later returned to Western Rong with Irina – they had their affairs to handle. Zhuo Qi had always been ambitious; he wouldn’t stay in the Great Song for a woman. Han Yan could only apologize silently, as she had originally tricked him into cooperating to help Fu Yunxi obtain evidence of Empress Dowager’s treason.

But these were all distant memories now.

She smiled at Fu Yunxi: “What are you afraid of? With you being so capable, the child will be fine too.”

Fu Yunxi smiled faintly, carefully taking her hand as they walked into the crowd.

In this world, there’s always someone meant for you. No matter how much hardship and sorrow, you’ll always be someone’s beloved. Time is too brief – why not grasp what’s before you? Why question what lies ahead?

After all, spring’s beauty is limitless, and it was another fine day.

Fu Yunxi’s cold poison hadn’t flared up for about half a year.

Imperial Physician Wu marveled at this, considering it a miracle. Indeed it was – Fu Yunxi had been infected with a double dose of cold poison in his youth. The poison was extremely virulent, making it nearly impossible to cure. Moreover, Fu Yunxi had later been at death’s door, his condition critically dangerous.

Unexpectedly, Han Yan had found Tang Sheng midway through. Although Tang Sheng wasn’t skilled in medicine, his expertise in poisons provided valuable insights for Imperial Physician Wu. Together, they managed to control Fu Yunxi’s condition.

Once the cold poison stopped manifesting, Han Yan actively brought up marriage with Fu Yunxi. She showed none of the shyness typical of young women in this matter, instead taking the initiative. Everyone knew Fu Yunxi was reluctant to burden Han Yan due to his condition, which explained her persistence. However, Fu Yunxi’s immediate agreement surprised everyone, though upon reflection, it suited his character.

This day was Han Yan’s wedding day.

Fu Yunxi followed all the noble family betrothal customs, sparing no expense with the bride price – his overwhelming wealth beyond imagination. Many young ladies hidden in their chambers had their hearts broken. Tang Sheng, perhaps to make up for years of not caring for his granddaughter, provided an equally generous dowry worthy of royal relatives.

Ji Lan and Shu Hong, as dowry maids, naturally went with her. However, during these six months, they fell in love with Fu Yunxi’s shadow guards, Mu Feng and Mu Yan. The lively Ji Lan matched well with the equally spirited Mu Feng, while the calm Shu Hong paired perfectly with the steady Mu Yan – both couples seemed made for each other. Han Yan was already planning when to arrange these maids’ weddings.