The courtyard of Pine Breeze Pavilion was packed with people.

Yet around Yan Chi, dressed in bright red wedding attire, there was a noticeable space. Today he wore the long-sleeved ceremonial prince’s robe, with silver-threaded four-clawed coiled dragons embroidered on the bright red hem, appearing more festive than fierce. Though he usually preferred black, today’s bright red highlighted his features like stars and moon in their clarity. Despite this, his tall, imposing stature gave him a commanding presence that didn’t diminish in the least.

Not far behind him stood Yan Li and Yan Zhi, the Crown Prince of Prince Yu who had rushed from Yuzhou, both wearing princely ceremonial robes as part of the wedding party. Nearby stood Prince Cheng Yan Qi and Zhao Yu, the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guards, all resplendent in their formal attire. Given Yan Chi’s noble status, those accompanying him to receive the bride were naturally all distinguished persons. With such company present, even the wedding attendants who had planned to tease Yan Chi didn’t dare to be impudent. Seeing it was almost time, they merely recited the customary blessings without further comment.

According to custom, Qin Wan still needed to bid farewell to her elders, then be carried out on Qin Yan’s back to the bridal sedan. But Yan Chi, either ignorant of or disregarding protocol, seeing the attendant’s timid expression, stepped forward and took Qin Wan’s hand. Fuling, who had been supporting Qin Wan, instinctively stepped back before realizing that Yan Chi had broken protocol. She looked helplessly toward Madam Hu, who hesitated briefly before smiling and shaking her head.

Yan Qi watched with amusement, “Seventh Brother, you’re being too impatient…”

Laughter rippled through the crowd. Though Prince Rui had been back in the capital for a year, apart from those who attended court daily, most of the family members hadn’t seen Yan Chi, only knowing his reputation as the “Demon Prince.” Now seeing him, they found him not at all the ugly, fierce figure of rumors, but rather dragon-like and phoenix-proper, almost divine. He and the “Little Medical Immortal” Princess Yongci made a perfect match. Everyone had already envied this excellent marriage, and now seeing Prince Rui’s loving gaze disregarding protocol, they were even more convinced of his affection for Princess Yongci, making them sigh with admiration…

While most marriages in the capital were between families of equal status, matches that combined both suitable status and mutual love were truly rare.

At once, envious gazes all fell upon Qin Wan.

Hearing Yan Qi’s words, Yan Chi’s lips curved upward, “We have already waited long today, Fourth Brother jests.” Then without further delay, he turned to Madam Hu, “Shall we bid farewell in the main hall? Please lead the way, Aunt—”

This address of “Aunt” made Madam Hu’s heart tremble. She hurriedly headed toward the main courtyard, with Yan Li following behind, grinning widely, “Seventh Brother, oh Seventh Brother, you’ve broken all of today’s customs because of you. Now that you’ve called her ‘Aunt,’ should I start calling her ‘Seventh Sister-in-law’…”

The crowd laughed again at this. Yan Chi turned to look at Qin Wan, and though he couldn’t see her expression through the veil, he felt her pinch his hand lightly, as if in warning. Yan Chi smiled, his heart tingling with joy. When they reached the main hall, they found Qin Shu and others waiting. In the hall, the memorial tablets of Qin Yi and his wife were placed in the center, with Qin Shu and Madam Hu seated in the main seats. Qin Wan and Yan Chi came forward to pay their respects and serve tea, completing the farewell ceremony.

Qin Wan’s dowry was already quite substantial, but now Qin Shu and Madam Hu each presented additional gifts of priceless treasures. Fuling received them one by one. Seeing the sun’s golden light outside, they knew the auspicious hour had arrived. The wedding attendant outside sang out loudly, and firecrackers immediately exploded in unison.

Qin Wan couldn’t see the path ahead, hearing only an instant surge of voices and firecrackers. She couldn’t even hear Qin Yan’s words clearly through the thunderous noise. With her vision blocked and the chaos around her, Qin Wan felt somewhat unsure, but Yan Chi’s hand never left hers. Suddenly, the crowd let out a light exclamation. Before Qin Wan could understand what had happened, she felt Yan Chi release her hand, and in the next moment, he lifted her in his arms.

The crowd erupted in cheers and laughter. Unable to see through her veil, Qin Wan instinctively wrapped her arms around Yan Chi’s neck. He chuckled softly and whispered, “Hold tight” before striding forward. Qin Wan thought she heard Qin Ye say something, making her belatedly blush.

Though she couldn’t see, Qin Wan knew the mansion’s layout by heart. As Yan Chi took large strides outward, she knew when they reached the main gate that they had left the compound. Firecrackers continued along the way, with both the sending-off and welcoming parties following in a grand procession. More firecrackers exploded upon exiting, creating a thunderous cacophony around Qin Wan’s ears. Her heart suddenly felt empty – she had lived in the Marquis’s mansion for almost a year and had just received blessings from the Qin couple who, though not blood relatives, she regarded as elders. Now not only was she leaving as a bride, but in two days she would leave the capital. She couldn’t help feeling a strange reluctance, and thinking of her deceased parents brought another wave of sadness.

Yan Chi seemed to sense this, tightening his arms slightly, “Time to board the sedan chair, Wan Wan.”

Qin Wan responded with a soft “mm,” but Yan Chi held her tighter, “We’ll be home soon.”

As he spoke, Qin Wan felt him lower himself, and the next moment she was placed in the sedan chair. Once she was settled, she suddenly felt something pressed into her palm and heard Yan Chi say, “You always bring these for Little Nine, this time I’m bringing one for you. Eat it – no one can see inside the sedan.”

“Seventh Brother… what are you doing, don’t tell me you want to climb into the sedan too?”

Yan Qi’s voice rang out again – only he could tease Yan Chi like this. Yan Chi squeezed Qin Wan’s palm once more before withdrawing.

When Yan Chi emerged, Yan Qi called out something and thunderous gongs and drums began. Qin Wan felt the sedan chair being lifted, and only then looked under her veil at what was in her palm. The sight made her heart warm – Yan Chi had given her a chestnut cake wrapped in oiled paper.

It was already sunset, and Qin Wan’s stomach was quite empty. This sweet chestnut cake couldn’t have come at a better time. But she hadn’t expected someone like Yan Chi to bring her such a snack. The cake was still warm – she wondered where he had kept it.

Holding the chestnut cake, even though her mouth watered, she couldn’t bring herself to eat it. Her heart filled with warmth, sweeping away her earlier melancholy.

The sedan chair swayed as it moved, accompanied by continuous firecrackers and drums. Qin Wan wanted to lift the curtain to look out but remembered Fuling’s many reminders about protocol and restrained herself. Outside the sedan, along the main road from the Marquis’s mansion to Prince Rui’s residence, Imperial Guards were posted all along the way. The capital’s citizens, held back on both sides by the guards, eagerly watched Yan Chi riding on horseback ahead and the bright red bridal sedan. Prince Rui’s guards walked alongside, throwing wedding coins to the roadside, which the citizens happily scrambled to collect. After the Crown Prince’s and Prince Cheng’s weddings, this was the capital’s third grand wedding, and amid the recent tense atmosphere in the capital, this wedding helped dispel some of the gloom hanging over the citizens’ hearts.

When the sedan chair began moving more slowly, Qin Wan knew they were approaching Prince Rui’s residence. Sure enough, the bridal sedan soon came to a stop.

As the sedan was set down, the ceremonial official waiting at Prince Rui’s residence began his formal announcements. Qin Wan knew the wedding procedures. Soon, she heard three clear “ding” sounds, knowing that the three arrows determining fate had struck the sedan door. Her heart jumped, and the next moment, light flooded into the sedan.

A hand reached in from outside. Looking out from under her veil, Qin Wan saw Yan Chi’s long, broad hand, calloused yet elegant. She placed her hand in his and slowly stepped out of the sedan. From the entrance inward, everything followed the proper ceremony. Prince Rui’s ceremonial official had come from the palace and was particularly strict about protocol. At this point, Yan Chi no longer acted willfully but rather conducted himself with complete solemnity through all the rituals. Soon, Qin Wan was escorted by Yan Chi to the wedding hall in the main courtyard.

“They’re here, they’re here, Grandmother, they’ve arrived…” Yue Ning’s voice rang out, and Qin Wan knew the Grand Princess was seated in the hall.

Sure enough, the Grand Princess spoke with a trembling voice, “Good, good, we’ve been waiting…”

The ceremonial official guided them to perform the wedding ceremony before the Grand Princess. Yan Chi supported Qin Wan as they knelt, both respectfully completing the grand ceremony. Afterward, the Grand Princess came forward to bestow gifts, then personally led Qin Wan to the new chamber in the Western Courtyard. The Western Courtyard was closest to the waterside pavilion, originally an empty side court. Now for Yan Chi’s wedding, it had been prepared as their living quarters. If they wished to read or practice calligraphy, they could go to the nearby waterside pavilion, just as before.

Reaching the bridal chamber, Qin Wan was seated on the bed. While the Marquis’s mansion was full of guests, the Prince’s residence had even more. With the Grand Princess presiding today, neither royal relatives nor noble families dared to misbehave in her presence. Thus, Qin Wan only heard soft conversations around her. Soon, the ceremonial official announced, “The auspicious hour has arrived. Prince Rui, please lift the bridal veil…”

Qin Wan instinctively straightened her back, her palms clenching as she grew nervous.

It seemed both an eternity and an instant before the veil was lifted, causing Qin Wan to squint slightly.

Night had fallen outside, but the room was brightly lit. Yan Chi’s tall figure stood before her, backlit though he was, yet Qin Wan felt his face seemed to glow. His phoenix eyes held a gentle smile as he gazed at her lovingly, the surrounding lamplight reflecting in his eyes like a river of stars. In that starry river, she alone was reflected – she was in her brilliant wedding attire, incomparably beautiful.

Qin Wan’s cheeks began to burn, and she somewhat regretted not letting the makeup matron apply thicker powder. She guessed her face must be completely red by now. As Qin Wan sat slightly dazed, Yan Chi stood before her, equally transfixed. Qin Wan had always been beautiful in his eyes – from their first meeting at the Marquis’s mansion in Jinzhou, he had found her exquisitely beautiful, unlike any mortal. But today’s Qin Wan was different. Though it was deep winter, seeing her in red attire sitting among the red embroidered curtains, Yan Chi felt as if he had plucked an April crabapple blossom blooming amidst frost. She was even more enchanting than the flower, and suddenly the chamber seemed filled with subtle fragrance. Yan Chi’s composure rapidly dissolved as he gazed at her, unconsciously stepping forward—

He seemed about to reach for her hand, to cup her face, but just then the ceremonial official called out, “Please be seated together, Prince Rui and Princess.”

The words broke their reverie. Yan Chi’s movement halted as if awakening from a dream. His phoenix eyes narrowed slightly before he sat beside Qin Wan, who sat perfectly upright, hands folded in her lap. Yet when Yan Chi sat beside her, she unconsciously relaxed slightly. At this moment, two palace matrons in ceremonial dress cheerfully approached, carrying large black sandalwood trays filled with peanuts, dried longan, lotus seeds, and other treats.

The ceremonial official began singing the bed-curtain song as handfuls of nuts and fruits were showered over the couple, rolling off them onto the bright red brocade bedding. Watching the brilliant bed and scattered fruits, Qin Wan’s face grew even redder.

“First scatter within the curtain, like jade lotuses in the moonlight…”

“Second scatter beneath the curtain, they say golden light illuminates the earth…”

“Third scatter before the curtain, like immortal phoenix playing amidst jade and gold…”

“Fourth scatter behind the curtain, my husband and wife live in harmony until white hair…”

After the scattering ritual came the ceremonial wine. After drinking the wine, custom dictated they should eat the prepared dumplings and other dishes. But now Yan Chi disregarded protocol again, waving for the matrons to take them away. Qin Wan looked puzzled, and Yan Chi leaned close to explain softly, “These have already grown cold. I’ve ordered fresh hot dishes to be prepared, they’ll arrive shortly.” As he spoke, he instinctively reached for Qin Wan’s hand in her lap but paused in surprise.

Qin Wan was holding something.

Not just holding something, but something sticky…

Yan Chi understood immediately, and an indulgent, helpless smile spread across his face.

Qin Wan’s face burned – she hadn’t been able to let go of the chestnut cake the whole way. By the time they reached the prince’s residence, she hadn’t thought to dispose of it before getting out, so she had kept holding it. After gripping it for so long, the cake had grown warm, melting the powdered sugar that had seeped through the oiled paper wrapper.

Yan Chi didn’t laugh aloud, but Qin Wan seemed to sense his amusement and shot him a glare. He squeezed her hand firmly. Just then, the ceremonial official approached, “Your Highness, Princess, the ceremonies are complete. The Prince may now attend to the guests.”

While the Marquis’s mansion had hosted daytime festivities, the Prince’s residence held evening celebrations. Yan Chi knew he would not be able to return until after midnight, and he was truly reluctant to leave. However, with everyone watching and so many guests waiting outside, even if he had ten thousand wishes to begin their wedding night right then, it simply wasn’t possible.

Yan Chi turned to her, “I’ll go attend to the guests. Wait for me.”

As he stood, he added, “I’ll return early.”

Only then did he release Qin Wan’s hand and stride toward the door. At the chamber entrance, he couldn’t help looking back – Qin Wan still sat perfectly upright, her gaze following him. As he suddenly turned back, their eyes met, hers delicate and soft, capable of bewitching the soul with their brilliant tenderness. Yan Chi felt his heart caught by her gaze, and it took great effort to finally turn and leave…

Qin Wan’s heart gradually calmed. With the Grand Princess present, others dared not make too much commotion. Everyone knew the bride had endured a long, tiring day, so after briefly exchanging pleasantries with Qin Wan, they departed one by one. The Grand Princess, Yue Ning, and Madam Jiang remained.

Yue Ning laughed, “Mother, look! Qin Wan’s face is so red it could drip water!”

She reached out to touch Qin Wan’s cheek, but Madam Jiang pulled her back with an exasperated smile, “Child, you’re being improper! Wan’er must be tired. The food will arrive soon – we’ll chat with you for a while and leave after you’ve eaten.”

True to her words, an evening feast was brought in. Looking at it, Qin Wan saw it was all exquisite imperial court dishes. The Grand Princess smiled, “Yan Chi had this prepared. They’re all light dishes – you should eat something, you must be hungry after a whole day.”

Though she hadn’t noticed before, now smelling the aromas, she could hardly resist. However, her elaborate dress made eating quite difficult, so she only managed half a bowl of snow lotus pigeon soup before inviting the Grand Princess and others to sit on the couch by the western window to talk—

The Grand Princess held Qin Wan’s hand, clearly delighted with her, and gave her much advice. Only when visible fatigue showed on the Grand Princess’s face did Yue Ning finally lead her away. Qin Wan personally saw them to the door. After Yue Ning and the others left, the bridal chamber felt suddenly empty.

The Prince’s residence didn’t have many servants to begin with, and Yan Chi hadn’t arranged for any maids. Qin Wan hadn’t brought Ban Xia and the others, so only Fuling and Bai Ying remained with her. Seeing it was late, Fuling asked with reddened cheeks, “Miss, shall we prepare your bath now?”

Qin Wan was about to decline, but seeing Fuling’s flickering, meaningful gaze, she suddenly realized this bath would be different from the usual ones.

Yan Chi would return soon, and then…