Concerning Prince Hui’s private matters, Yao Huang didn’t tell her mother the female physician’s true purpose, only saying the physician had examined her body once more.

Putting herself in others’ shoes, if Yao Huang had some unspeakable difficulty, she certainly wouldn’t want others whispering and speculating behind her back either.

Seeing her daughter’s complexion normal, Luo Jinhua set the matter aside and continued preparing for the banquet.

The Yao family didn’t have many relatives and friends. Usually when they held banquets for happy occasions, five or six tables would suffice. But ever since the imperial decree of marriage came down, some families with even distant connections insisted on sending gifts. Yao Zhenhu’s semi-acquainted colleagues of hundred-household rank or superior officers of thousand-household rank from the military camp also came to send gifts, each family more enthusiastic than the last. The Yao family couldn’t refuse—having accepted gifts, they had to send out wedding invitations in return.

Add in the familiar neighbors, and in the end, the Yao family had to prepare over fifty tables!

Fortunately, the Ministry of Rites knew the Yao family’s situation and specially petitioned Emperor Yongchang on their behalf for one thousand taels of silver for banquet expenses. At the same time, Prince Hui also had someone deliver one thousand taels in banknotes to the Yao family. The former came with an imperial decree that the whole neighborhood knew about, while the latter was quietly delivered by Zhang Yue to Yao Zhenhu and his wife, unknown to outsiders.

The Ministry of Rites had also informed the Yao family that for the prince’s wedding, each table at the Prince’s Manor cost approximately five taels of silver.

Luo Jinhua understood—their side’s banquet couldn’t be better than the prince’s side, but it couldn’t be too shabby either.

So Luo Jinhua prepared according to four taels of silver per table. Over fifty tables would cost over two hundred taels. Such a feast had to be held three times, plus two smaller meals, along with expenses for hiring cooks and renting dishes and utensils—Emperor Yongchang’s gift left only about one hundred taels remaining.

The night before Yao Huang’s wedding departure, Luo Jinhua would give her daughter both the remaining hundred-plus taels and the two banknotes Prince Hui had sent.

Yao Huang put away the two banknotes and said, “We didn’t use the prince’s kind gesture, so we really should return it to him. Mother, keep that hundred-plus taels. The prince will accompany me back home at least once, and our family’s meals should be abundant. Also, because of all the extra gifts people sent for me during this time, our family needs to gradually return them. Furthermore, you both should make several more sets of good clothes to have ready—when going out as guests in the future, we’ll need to be more particular about appearances.”

Luo Jinhua thought about it and agreed, no longer being polite with her daughter.

Yao Huang worried that even the hundred-plus taels wouldn’t be enough for the family to maintain the dignity befitting a princess consort’s family. She said in a low voice, “We can’t touch the betrothal silver yet. Once I’ve established my footing at the Prince’s Manor, I’ll provide more support…”

Luo Jinhua interrupted, “Don’t. Once you become princess consort, your expenses for food, clothing, daily necessities, and social obligations will only increase. The main assets the imperial family gives you are these betrothal gifts—you must plan carefully how to use them and absolutely cannot develop habits of extravagant spending. As for our family, your father and I don’t care for vanity. We’ll be dignified when necessary, but otherwise live as we always have. As long as we act righteously and sit properly, frugal household management is a virtue and will absolutely not bring shame to you and the prince.”

They couldn’t start mimicking the airs of high officials and nobles just because their son-in-law was a prince.

Airs required silver to support them, which the Yao family didn’t have and wouldn’t ask their princess consort daughter for.

“Alright, we’re both good with money management—neither needs to worry about the other. Sleep early, we’ll be busy tomorrow!”

April twenty-first—Prince Hui’s wedding day.

There were banquets in the morning and at noon on both sides, with the auspicious hour for the wedding procession set at dusk.

Prince Hui’s Manor was located in Chongren Alley west of the Imperial City, with all surrounding neighbors being nobles and high officials whose masters and servants observed proprieties when going out to watch the ceremony.

When the wedding procession left the wealthy district and entered the lanes where commoners lived, the common people who ran over to watch became much more boisterous, chattering away in discussion.

“Isn’t Prince Hui’s leg crippled? He doesn’t look it—see how straight he sits on horseback.”

“A crippled leg doesn’t mean a crippled waist—of course he can sit straight. Look, the sole of his boot isn’t even touching the stirrup, which shows his legs are weak. He was probably helped up there.”

“Alas, what a pity. I still remember three years ago when Prince Hui led troops to war, how imposing and majestic he looked in battle armor.”

“He’s so handsome, the princess consort isn’t getting such a bad deal marrying him.”

The common people were still quite cautious, not daring to loudly pick at a prince’s scars, only daring to whisper to relatives and friends beside them. However, with so many people talking, many repeated words still reached the ears of those in the wedding procession—including the groom Prince Hui, the accompanying Ministry of Rites officials, and especially the personal guards fiercely loyal to Prince Hui.

The personal guards’ gazes were like knives, precisely shooting toward people in the crowd.

The common people who received their glares immediately shut their mouths tight. Only other common people who hadn’t yet experienced the guards’ knife-like stares were still craning their necks, watching Prince Hui as if watching a show while continuing to move their lips and mutter.

The personal guards close by worriedly stole glances at their prince, only to see him still the same as when he’d just left the manor—his expression calm, without forced joy or suppressed indignation.

This prince reminded the guards of a tree—specifically a tree that had already withered and would never sprout new buds again. Letting wind and rain blow, letting mischievous children climb, the old tree simply stood unmoved, quietly awaiting decay and collapse.

The guard withdrew his gaze, eyes rimmed with red.

Today the prince had still put on a disguise, appearing merely calm. The prince who truly lived in seclusion deep within the manor actually wore an expression of lifelessness.

When the wedding procession passed through half the capital to reach Changshou Alley in the southeast, the sound of drums and music grew increasingly loud and stirring.

Before the Yao family gate, two young servants in red clothing held up two strings of firecrackers as thick as a person’s waist, veins bulging on their foreheads, while others lit them with incense fire.

Puffs of white smoke accompanied by crackling explosions rose into the air. The wedding procession paused at a distance, waiting amid the clamor.

With his sister marrying up, Yao Lin should have been happy, but watching the prince brother-in-law sitting motionless on horseback in the distance, he couldn’t help but feel anxious. He couldn’t imagine how the prince had mounted the horse, or how he would dismount later. If his posture looked too unseemly, would someone laugh out loud? And would the prince fly into an embarrassed rage over that laughter, implicating his sister?

Turning his head, Yao Lin saw his good brother Li Tingwang standing like a lost soul among several robust young men.

Yao Lin sighed inwardly. If he had to choose, he would rather his sister could marry Li Tingwang. Li Tingwang was full of vigor and life—if he truly bullied his sister, Yao Lin could beat him without any hesitation to stand up for her. But someone like Prince Hui—he would feel guilty in his conscience just for thinking about hitting him.

Finally, the firecrackers finished, and the pungent, eye-stinging white smoke dispersed. The wedding procession came before the Yao family’s main gate.

Whether guests or common people watching the excitement, at this moment everyone stopped talking in unison, all staring at Prince Hui, curious how he would dismount.

Prince Hui leaned forward slightly, his left hand gripping the saddle, his right hand stroking the steed’s cheek.

The magnificent horse with glossy black coat obediently knelt down.

At this moment, a personal guard pushed over an ornate wheelchair made of red sandalwood, and two personal guards steadily supported Prince Hui’s shoulders and arms, transferring him to the wheelchair.

While everyone was still sighing, the ceremonial official began presiding over the wedding reception.

The groom and bride needed to bid farewell to the bride’s parents. Yao Huang was finally helped outside.

The princess consort’s phoenix crown was embedded with so many jewels it was too heavy, and the wedding gown was too majestic and cumbersome. Yao Huang had to slow and shorten her steps, keeping her shoulders and neck tense without daring to shift even a fraction.

The red veil blocked her vision. After being helped to Prince Hui’s side, Yao Huang could only see half the wheelchair.

The prince didn’t need to kneel before the princess consort’s parents, bowing four times while seated. Yao Zhenhu and Luo Jinhua received two bows and returned two bows.

After Yao Huang also bowed, the prince and princess consort would leave the Yao household and go to the palace to pay respects to Emperor Yongchang and the imperial consorts.

Yao Huang followed beside Prince Hui’s wheelchair. She boarded the flower palanquin first and didn’t see how Prince Hui mounted his horse, but it was completely quiet outside. She could imagine the scene of all eyes tightly fixed on Prince Hui alone, just not knowing what expression the prince wore.

Probably not happy, right?

With legs already crippled, he could have stayed secluded in the Prince’s Manor for peace and quiet, but because of the marriage he had to be pushed out to reveal his awkward state before others.

From a lofty, spirited prince to a cripple pitied or mocked by others…

Yao Huang first broke into a cold sweat for herself, worried Prince Hui would vent the frustration endured throughout this journey on her, the bride. After all, she would be the only person facing Prince Hui for an extended time tonight.

Compared to this heavy anxiety, the tedious etiquette after entering the palace was merely a perfunctory physical labor.

Going in and out of the imperial palace once, the wedding procession returned to Prince Hui’s Manor as the brilliant setting sun painted the entire sky in red clouds.

Yao Huang was helped to the rear courtyard. Prince Kang, Prince Qing, and the Fourth Prince, who had come to drink celebratory wine, surrounded Prince Hui in his wheelchair. Looking at Zhao Sui’s handsome face slightly reddened by the glow of sunset, Prince Kang smiled in congratulation: “Colorful clouds fill the sky—this is a good omen! Second Brother and the princess consort are surely a match made in heaven. After marriage, husband and wife will be loving, and all matters will be perfect.”

Prince Qing and the Fourth Prince also offered their congratulatory words.

Zhao Sui smiled slightly, accepting his brothers’ kind words.

On the other side, Yao Huang passed through covered corridors to reach the rear courtyard, noticing that none of the gates she passed through had thresholds—presumably to facilitate Prince Hui’s wheelchair passage.

When the bridal chamber was ready, a eunuch pushed Zhao Sui to the room.

The female relatives observing in the bridal chamber included Emperor Yongchang’s sister Princess Imperial Fucheng, Lady Chengen from the late Empress Dowager’s natal family (also Emperor Yongchang’s cousin-in-law), both bringing their respective daughters-in-law. Prince Kang’s two side consorts were also present, along with the First Princess born to Empress Zhou and the Second Princess born to Consort Du.

These were all female relatives Yao Huang would frequently interact with in the future.

Zhao Sui’s leg disability dampened everyone’s smiles somewhat, but fortunately the female officials knew auspicious words to say, and the bridal chamber remained festive.

Zhao Sui lifted the veil while seated in his wheelchair.

Yao Huang had seen Prince Hui on selection day—they’d exchanged a brief glance without examining each other closely, and Zhao Sui’s look at her had been lighter than water. Amid the female guests’ congratulations, sincere or perfunctory, the unfamiliar man and woman together drank the nuptial cup. After completing this ritual, Zhao Sui returned to the front courtyard to entertain guests while Yao Huang changed into more comfortable formal wear and enjoyed the evening banquet accompanied by Princess Imperial Fucheng and others.

On such a joyous day, no one deliberately poured cold water, but Yao Huang still vaguely sensed that Princess Imperial Fucheng and the Second Princess seemed to hide some tacit little secret in their gazes, mostly related to Prince Hui.

Since they didn’t speak of it, Yao Huang didn’t speculate. Having been unable to eat properly in the morning and at noon, Yao Huang was very hungry now. Using the deportment she’d learned in the palace, she delicately and daintily ate a full bowl of rice, and the two dishes placed before her were also completely emptied.

Princess Imperial Fucheng: “…”

Given that tonight was the newlyweds’ big day and Yao Huang still had preparations to make, the female guests tactfully took their leave after eating just a few bites. On the men’s side, even those who loved wine didn’t dare force drinks on Prince Hui in his wheelchair. After lightly sipping a few mouthfuls to express congratulations, everyone focused on eating and conversing, and released the groom early.

Having bathed and changed clothes again, Yao Huang sat on the edge of the bed spread with a bright red celebratory quilt, her hands anxiously wringing together.

She had learned everything the female physician taught. The question was—could Prince Hui perform or not?

Yao Huang wasn’t particularly curious about or looking forward to that matter. Even if Prince Hui couldn’t perform, the lifelong wealth and honor this marriage brought her would be enough to satisfy her. She just feared that if Prince Hui couldn’t perform, once she knew this secret—more face-losing for a man than having crippled legs—would Prince Hui regard her as a thorn in his side?

For the sake of marital harmony, Yao Huang sincerely hoped Prince Hui could perform. If he couldn’t, it would be best if he gave her advance warning—Yao Huang would absolutely not recklessly test the waters!

“Princess Consort, the prince is coming!”

A’Ji tiptoed in from outside, reminding her in a soft voice.

Yao Huang’s heart trembled. She took a deep breath and proactively went outside to greet him.

Bright red lanterns hung along both covered corridors and under the eaves. Yao Huang came to the main hall entrance and saw Prince Hui being pushed through the gently swaying lamplight. Against his bright red formal wear, his handsome face appeared slightly pale—whether from physical discomfort or exhaustion from the day’s bustling about, either was fine, just please don’t let it be unhappiness in his heart.

The wheelchair came before the door. Hua Mei and the other three curtsied in greeting.

Yao Huang also led A’Ji in respectful greeting.

Zhao Sui nodded, first introducing the eunuch pushing the wheelchair to Yao Huang: “He’s called Qing Ai. He and Fei Quan take turns attending to my daily needs.”

Noble young ladies might not be accustomed to eunuchs being so close, but given Zhao Sui’s current state, he could only bring two eunuchs in and out of the princess consort’s bedchamber.

Yao Huang nodded, indicating she would remember.

Zhao Sui then addressed the maids: “This prince prefers quiet. Unless there are instructions, you may wait outside.”

A’Ji, Hua Mei, and the other five: “Yes.”

Zhao Sui looked inside. Qing Ai pushed him in with understanding.

Yao Huang followed alone behind, observing cautiously.

Entering the inner chamber, she saw no small movements from Zhao Sui nor heard him speak, yet Qing Ai, like a worm in his belly, pushed the wheelchair directly to the alcove bed.

With the wheelchair’s back pressed against the bed edge, as Qing Ai activated some mechanism, the back lowered and Zhao Sui supported himself on the bed edge with both hands and sat up onto it.

Yao Huang watched with rapt attention. When Zhao Sui suddenly looked up at her, she panicked and hurriedly looked away.

“You may withdraw.”

“Yes.”

Qing Ai acknowledged the order, positioned the wheelchair sideways at the head of the bed, bowed to Yao Huang, and left.

The alcove bed was divided into the inner bed and the outer platform. Yao Huang stood by the outer corridor, nervously awaiting the prince’s orders.

Zhao Sui previously didn’t like conversation, and after his accident had even less patience for unnecessary words. But the young lady standing there was his newly married princess consort, six full years younger than him. Already frightened enough herself, Zhao Sui didn’t want to scare her further.

He sat with his back against the headboard, legs extended straight, leaving about two palm-widths of space between his legs and the bed edge.

Glancing at Yao Huang, Zhao Sui patted the bed edge and called, “Come here, sit.”

Yao Huang timidly walked over and sat sideways facing him, half her bottom seated, half suspended in air, carefully avoiding contact with his legs.

Candlelight streamed through the alcove bed’s carved lattice windows—half the seated princess consort’s face was in light, showing a rouge-colored blush, while half was in shadow, skin delicate and lustrous, emanating jade-like radiance.

Her eyelashes were very long, densely lowered, trembling slightly from time to time.

Her lips were bright red and moist, looking very soft.

Her slightly bowed posture couldn’t hide her slender, fair neck. Fine silk formal wear draped smoothly over her body, the curves seemingly emanating body heat with the legendary young maiden’s fragrance, wafting toward him.

Zhao Sui concluded this appraisal and looked back at her eyelashes: “On selection day, did you forget the rules and look around carelessly, or did you deliberately intend to marry me?”

Yao Huang glanced at him and answered truthfully: “I wanted to marry the prince even then.”

Zhao Sui: “Why?”

Before her wedding, Yao Huang hadn’t anticipated Prince Hui would ask this on their wedding night. Now with him staring at her from such close proximity, she had no time to fabricate a clever excuse, nor could she speak the unpleasant truth. Her face flushed, head lowering further, she said without regard for shame: “Because the prince is very handsome, I fell for him at first sight.”

Zhao Sui: “…”

He didn’t quite believe it, but her extremely bashful appearance didn’t seem feigned.

Actually, the truth didn’t matter much—they were already married and henceforth husband and wife.

“It’s getting late. Go extinguish the lamps and rest.”

Hearing this, Yao Huang went to do as told.

After extinguishing the row of candle lamps, leaving only a pair of quietly burning wedding candles, when Yao Huang walked back toward the alcove bed, she discovered Prince Hui had already pulled up the quilt and lay down, with a pair of red silk inner trousers draped over the nearby wheelchair.

Yao Huang’s heart leaped—he’d removed his pants himself, so he could perform?

Though being able to perform brought its own nervousness, Yao Huang couldn’t help feeling happy. Good that he could—it saved her from having to use hands and mouth!

The female physician’s instructions still rang in her ears—with the prince’s leg inconvenience, she mustn’t be shy and had to take initiative to spare the prince trouble.

With the prince so eager he’d removed his pants, the well-prepared Yao Huang climbed from the foot of the bed to the inside, sat with her back to the prince, first removing her matching red silk sleeping trousers, then removing her red silk inner garment, leaving only a small undergarment that a disabled prince could conveniently unfasten.

Inside the alcove bed, light was dim, but what should and shouldn’t be seen could be seen clearly.

The moment Yao Huang climbed up and began removing her pants without a word, Zhao Sui had already turned to look away, guessing that due to his special circumstances, she must have received some instruction.

Hearing movement beside him, Zhao Sui glanced with peripheral vision and, seeing her about to lean over, turned his head and stopped her in time: “Lie down properly. Don’t move around.”

He was disabled, but not so disabled that everything had to be initiated by his princess consort.

The flame of courage Yao Huang had summoned with a do-or-die resolve was instantly extinguished by this low reprimand. Looking at Prince Hui’s somewhat displeased face, she lay down obediently without understanding why, and quietly pulled over the extra quilt beside him, covering herself up to the neck.

Zhao Sui: “Turn over, lie on your side.”

The prince’s word was law. Yao Huang obediently turned on her side.

An arm inserted between her neck and the pillow. A broad, solid chest pressed against her back. With his heavy exhale, a heavy leg was thrown over hers.

Neither wore pants. Yao Huang was startled by Prince Hui’s cool-as-water leg temperature.

Just then, a warm, large hand embraced her from the front, cupping her burning face.