After the bowing ceremony was completed, two delicately carved children holding dragon and phoenix candles led Jiang Ruan into the bridal chamber. Although Jiang Ruan had lived through one lifetime, this was her first time marrying, and these complex rituals almost left her flustered. After Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao were escorted by the crowd to sit on the left and right sides respectively, the people quietly withdrew.

Jiang Ruan felt slightly uneasy. With the bridal veil covering her head, it wasn’t appropriate to remove it, so after thinking, she said: “You should go out quickly. The wedding banquet outside is waiting for you to drink the congratulatory wine.”

After saying this, she heard a soft laugh from within the room – it seemed Xiao Shao had chuckled. Then Jiang Ruan felt her palm being grasped, and Xiao Shao’s voice came from beside her ear: “Don’t be nervous.”

“I’m not nervous.” Jiang Ruan interrupted him, her tone slightly hurried, making her seem annoyed at having her thoughts exposed: “You go out quickly.”

Xiao Shao then straightened up, instructed Lian Qiao and the others to serve Jiang Ruan well, and then walked out unhurriedly. After Xiao Shao left, Jiang Ruan immediately pulled off the bridal veil, startling Bai Zhi who quickly tried to cover her with it again: “Miss, please cover it quickly. What if someone sees you?”

“It’s just a wedding – why must we be so cautious?” Jiang Ruan said helplessly. These wedding etiquettes and formalities were almost enough to drive one mad. She didn’t know if this was Steward Lin’s doing, but probably even the princess weddings she’d heard about in the palace didn’t have so many elaborate details. Today’s wedding was indeed grand and solemn, but it was truly exhausting.

Lian Qiao felt sorry for Jiang Ruan and agreed: “Oh well, there’s no one watching right now anyway. We can put the veil back on when someone comes. If it weren’t for the hair being hard to undo, it would be better to remove it along with the phoenix crown. That crown is so heavy – just watching it on your head makes me feel tired for you, Miss.”

“Heaven and earth are vast, but personal comfort is most important.” Lu Zhu took out delicate pastries from a box: “Miss hasn’t eaten anything until now, and we still have to wait several more hours. You can’t go hungry. This servant went to Feicui Studio early this morning to buy these – they’re made delicately and won’t smudge your lip rouge. Please eat some to fill your stomach, Miss.”

From early morning, except for eating some wedding fruits, she truly hadn’t had a drop of water. Lu Zhu’s mention made Jiang Ruan actually feel hungry. The pastries were made small and delicate, so Jiang Ruan picked up several to eat. Bai Zhi poured a cup of tea and offered it: “Moisten your mouth as well.”

Going back and forth like this, after Jiang Ruan had eaten that entire package of pastries, she actually felt somewhat tired. Seeing her condition, Tianzhu said: “If you’re sleepy, Miss can rest for a while. The young master should still be some time before coming in. When he comes, we subordinates will wake Miss.”

Jiang Ruan thought about it and did as suggested, finding a position where the phoenix crown wouldn’t be damaged and lying down on the bed for a nap.

…

Outside at the feast, the Zhao family people and Prince Jinying’s mansion people were already so happy they didn’t know what to say. Although Jiang Quan was Jiang Ruan’s father, the Jiang family now had only him and Xia Yue left, looking extremely desolate at first glance. Wherever he sat seemed to emanate an aura of decay. Moreover, everyone knew his relationship with the Jiang siblings wasn’t good. Most of today’s guests were on good terms with the Zhao family and Prince Jinying’s mansion, so they naturally kept their distance from him. This left Jiang Quan isolated.

Jiang Xinzhi had drunk quite a bit today. Since it was Jiang Ruan’s joyous day, as her closest relative – like a brother yet also like a father – he went around toasting with Xiao Shao’s various senior and junior brothers one by one. His words contained both humility and some firmness, probably meaning both to entrust them with caring for Jiang Ruan and to show he was backing her up. The three Zhao brothers Zhao Yi also stood united with Jiang Xinzhi. Although Jiang Ruan didn’t interact much with the Zhao family, she had helped Zhao Yi and Zhao Feizhou several times before. Combined with Zhao Guang’s entrustment, the Zhao family was ultimately one of Jiang Ruan’s supports.

Xiao Shao, dressed in red robes, stood among the guests toasting. His expression was indifferent and cool, seemingly no different from usual, yet perhaps because today was a joyous occasion, his eyes seemed much more gentle. He was quite striking amid the wine cups and chopsticks.

After toasting a round of wine, Jiang Xinzhi finally couldn’t help but walk to Xuan Pei. Xuan Pei was currently sitting beside Liu Min, smiling warmly and respectfully. His features were naturally beautiful, and with every movement carrying a kind of calm magnificence, at his young age he was already very eye-catching. When he grew up, who knew how radiant he would be.

Seeing Jiang Xinzhi approach, Xuan Pei looked at him with a slight smile and said: “General Jiang.” When he smiled, his features were delicate, appearing truly harmless and innocent. However, Jiang Xinzhi felt this youth was no ordinary person. He didn’t beat around the bush and said directly: “For the Thirteenth Prince to attend my sister’s wedding banquet, this humble minister is truly apprehensive.”

“General Jiang need not deprecate yourself.” Xuan Pei smiled: “Princess Hong’an can now be considered this prince’s sibling. Today as she marries into Prince Jinying’s mansion, this prince naturally must come to offer congratulations.”

These words indeed seemed fine, but as a prince, Xuan Pei didn’t need to curry favor with Jiang Ruan for any purpose, yet he gave away sixty-six shops – this didn’t seem like something a halfway sibling would do. Jiang Xinzhi frowned. This youth was just pretending to be ignorant while understanding everything, not telling the truth. No matter how Jiang Xinzhi tried, he couldn’t get anything out of him and felt helpless.

Xuan Pei seemed to see Jiang Xinzhi’s thoughts and raised his wine cup, shaking it toward him: “Regardless, today is her wedding. You and this prince are the same – we’re both genuinely happy for her.”

Jiang Xinzhi was startled and looked up at the youth before him. In his eyes, Xuan Pei wasn’t as simple as he appeared on the surface, but at this moment, the youth’s eyes held sincere emotion, seeming to offer heartfelt blessings and genuine feelings without any pretense, making it impossible not to believe. While he was still dazed, Xuan Pei had already raised his cup and drained it in one gulp, giving him a smile.

Since the other party was a prince who had already made such a gesture, persisting further would make him appear wrong. Jiang Xinzhi could only raise his cup and drain it as well, though his doubts remained unresolved.

Among the seated guests, Liu Min’s smile was somewhat forced. From his previous status as a court rising star to now being a direct minister before the emperor, Liu Min was young and handsome with bright prospects, and still unmarried. Any guest family with eligible daughters looked at him with eager eyes. Liu Min’s lips curved in a bitter smile as he shook his head and slowly sipped his wine.

He had never been accustomed to drinking, but now with countless worries in his heart, wine was indeed good for drowning sorrows. His mind recalled the scene in the wedding hall of the new couple standing together. That woman wore crimson wedding robes, stunning all around her. What beautiful features were hidden under that bridal veil? That moment of beauty could only be seen by her new husband. Initially, he thought this intelligent woman treated him somewhat differently, but ultimately fate played tricks – he hadn’t even had time to express his feelings before permanently losing that qualification.

He wasn’t the only one fallen in similar circumstances. For instance, Qi Feng at this moment had shaved clean the beard on his chin since shortly after Xiao Shao’s return. Already a handsome youth, he had previously looked somewhat unruly with his beard, but cleaned up like this, he had a refreshing new feeling. His naturally graceful and intelligent bearing attracted many young ladies’ gazes as he stood there. However, Qi Feng had no interest in looking at others. Though his face held a smile, he somehow appeared lonely.

Jin Er squatted on the ground peeling shrimp to eat. Seeing Qi Feng’s appearance, he shook his head and sighed: “Fourth Young Master Qi is truly too pitiful. Previously he was at least the type to pass through thousands of flowers without a single leaf touching him, but now he’s become so thin. What a pity he encountered our young master – that makes it even more pitiful.”

“Tonight’s pitiful people aren’t just him alone.” Jin Si had his long hair bound high and smiled without warmth: “There’s sadness everywhere you look. See, here comes another one.”

A young man in light yellow brocade passed before them. In the lively wedding feast, any slightly wrong expression could be easily detected, especially when this person was hanging his head with a very dejected appearance. Jin San stretched his neck: “Isn’t that Young Master Gu from the General’s mansion? He used to admire our young madam. Tsk tsk, I thought these wealthy young masters were just greedy for momentary beauty, but now it seems he’s truly heartbroken. Didn’t expect him to be such a romantic.”

Qi Feng’s fondness for Jiang Ruan came from being convinced by her wisdom through daily interaction. Liu Min liked Jiang Ruan because she shared a kindred spirit with him. Only Gu Yi, from beginning to end, seemed to have truly interacted with Jiang Ruan only that one meeting at Linglong Pavilion when she first returned to the capital. At that time, he was just a wealthy young man who understood nothing, moved to affection simply by that beauty’s gentleness and loveliness. Attraction based on appearance usually doesn’t last long, yet unexpectedly Gu Yi still cared about her even now.

Jin San flipped his long hair: “This young master looks quite pitiable. Sister will go comfort him.” Without heeding Jin Er and Jin Si’s attempts to stop him, he walked over on his own.

Gu Yi had just walked to a quiet garden area where there were fewer people and less noise, and his heart’s depression had lessened somewhat. He lowered his head to look at the wine pot in his hand, about to take another gulp, when it suddenly felt light – the silver wine pot slipped from his hand. A frivolous voice came from across: “Young master, drinking alone can be very lonely. Would you like sister to accompany you?”

Gu Yi looked up to see a young woman standing opposite him. She was reasonably beautiful but had an indescribable quality – a kind of mature charm. When she smiled, she tilted her head back, pointing the wine pot at her mouth. A small stream of crystal clear liquid poured into her mouth. Her movements were casual yet alluring. After finishing, she wiped her mouth, and her lips, moistened by the wine, appeared red and particularly lustrous.

Gu Yi was first stunned by this beautiful scene, then understood and blushed bright red: “Where did this woman come from? How improper!”

Though he loved beautiful women, he had always favored gentle, water-like beauties – like that stunning glimpse of Jiang Ruan at Linglong Pavilion years ago. Though youthful love might not seem serious, it was permanently etched in his heart, bringing feelings that couldn’t be expressed in words. Now with his heart full of melancholy, suddenly seeing such a woman – beautiful though she was, her behavior was too bold, making him displeased.

“That’s not very kind of you,” Jin San giggled: “I saw you were troubled and couldn’t dispel your gloom tonight, so I specially came to talk and comfort you, yet you treat me this way. That’s really unreasonable.”

“What gloom? I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” Gu Yi frowned and tried to walk around her out of the garden. But then he heard the woman’s sly voice: “Don’t you know? Don’t you like the bride? Are you sad watching her marry someone else?”

She spoke with a clear, rapid voice that seemed to contain a hint of subtle malice, not suppressing her voice at all. In the quiet garden, it suddenly seemed very abrupt. Gu Yi was startled, feeling guilty and angry at having his private thoughts exposed, and immediately denied: “Nonsense.”

Jin San shrugged: “Oh, so you don’t like the bride. That’s fine. I happen to be somewhat acquainted with the bride – we can probably exchange a word or two. I think when I mention in the future how Young Master Gu attended the wedding banquet but ran to the garden to drink moodily, the bride would probably wonder if she did something wrong.” She smiled innocently: “Of course, this has nothing to do with you, young master.” With that, she turned to leave.

“Stop!” Seeing the other party was really about to leave, Gu Yi finally couldn’t help but angrily call out. Though he highly doubted this strange-acting woman was actually acquainted with Jiang Ruan, this matter absolutely couldn’t let Jiang Ruan know. Gu Yi suppressed his annoyance and said: “What exactly do you want?”

Jin San flicked her long hair and turned back to pat Gu Yi’s shoulder. She only reached his shoulder height, yet this shoulder pat was performed with great boldness, like a big sister patting a little brother. She smiled and said: “Don’t be nervous. I said I only came to relieve your boredom. Tonight, whatever unhappy things you have, you can tell me. After talking, you’ll be happy, I’ll be happy – wouldn’t everyone be happy?”

Gu Yi: “…”

…

The feast in front had reached the point where wine had been passed three times, and it was about time for people to disperse. The hall was ultimately a mess of cups and plates. Some from distant places had already left by carriage, and even those with closer relationships were now planning to return home. Jiang Xinzhi stood in the hall, still wanting to check on Jiang Ruan in the bridal chamber. Seeing this, Steward Lin immediately grabbed his hand: “Young Master Uncle, look how late it’s getting. After dinner today, we still have special arrangements. Come, come, come. Jin Er, come help Young Master Uncle – can’t you see he’s had too much to drink?”

Although Jiang Xinzhi’s alcohol tolerance wasn’t legendary, it wasn’t as poor as Steward Lin claimed. He immediately said: “I’m going to check on Ah Ruan.”

Steward Lin inwardly cursed this uncle’s terrible sense of timing – who had ever heard of a bride’s brother getting involved on the wedding night? Though he thought this, he ultimately didn’t dare show it. Everyone knew the young madam was very protective – that uncle was a treasure in the young madam’s heart that couldn’t be touched. Jin Er and Jin Yi came over to support Jiang Xinzhi from left and right. Steward Lin said: “Ah, Uncle, Old Lin understands your feelings. Watching others paired up while you’re alone must feel uncomfortable. Look at our handsome Uncle – how is it you lack someone to serve you? It’s not Old Lin bragging, but Old Lin’s experience in this area is quite rich. So today, for Uncle’s sake, Old Lin specially arranged a ‘hundred flowers blooming’ at Hundred Flowers Tower. Today Uncle can pick whichever flower you want – even taking them home is possible.” He patted Jiang Xinzhi’s shoulder meaningfully: “When flowers bloom, one should pluck them; don’t wait for no flowers to pluck empty branches.”

Jiang Xinzhi: “…”

Having dealt with Jiang Xinzhi on one side, the bridal chamber on the other was particularly quiet. Due to Xiao Shao’s own temperament, no one dared come to disturb the bridal chamber. Xiao Shao walked to the door where Tianzhu was about to report, but Xiao Shao waved her away. Lian Qiao, Bai Zhi and the others naturally had no reason to stay either. Lu Zhu wanted to wake Jiang Ruan, but Xiao Shao glanced at her indifferently, and Lu Zhu said nothing and withdrew.

Upon entering, Xiao Shao saw Jiang Ruan sleeping on the bed. She was quite bold – the bridal veil had long been tossed aside. Probably afraid of damaging the phoenix crown, she slept in a somewhat careful position with her hair slightly disheveled. Her face lying on the pillow was stunningly beautiful. When her eyes were closed, her long eyelashes fell like butterflies about to take flight. Her delicate nose and red lips were like a touch of color cut from rosy clouds. Her skin was as clear and lustrous as white snow. The bridal chamber was warmed with silver charcoal, and the slight rising heat made her cheeks flush with two traces of red, appearing even more gorgeous than if she wore rouge.

Accustomed to seeing her always distant and cold gaze, when closed her eyes were gentle and enchanting, like a fairy who had somehow wandered into someone’s room and, tired from traveling, had fallen asleep on the flower bed. Seductive and beautiful, making one reluctant to disturb her. In fact, Xiao Shao truly didn’t disturb her. Seeing Jiang Ruan sleeping sweetly and noting the flower candles still had some time before burning out, he simply had water brought to wash himself first.

The maids guarding outside hadn’t expected Xiao Shao to call for water so early and found it somewhat strange, but the master’s orders couldn’t be disobeyed, so hot water was quickly brought. Xiao Shao went behind the screen, changed out of his clothes, and settled into the large wooden tub, lowering his eyes in thought.

After an unknown amount of time, Jiang Ruan felt the room had grown somewhat cooler and groggily woke up. Upon waking, she noticed the maids had all withdrawn at some point. Still somewhat confused, she instinctively looked toward the screen where sounds were coming from. The large colored glaze screen had naturally formed colors with delicate carvings of mandarin ducks playing in water. Steam rose up over it. As Jiang Ruan watched, she suddenly felt something was wrong and realized the screen’s pattern had somehow quietly changed from the wealthy and auspicious mandarin ducks playing in water to men and women. The more the steam rose, the more obvious it became. The movements and postures were alluring – one could understand the implications. Jiang Ruan wasn’t an innocent girl ignorant of such matters. In her previous life when entering the palace, the teaching nannies would also distribute little booklets to them. However, this screen was made magnificently. Originally, probably no one had discovered its secrets, otherwise with Xiao Shao’s proper temperament, he would never allow such things to be placed here.

Jiang Ruan naturally didn’t know this screen was precisely a foreign import that the Imperial Guards had pooled money to obtain from the West. This piece of colored glaze was naturally formed with fine coloring, and with skilled craftsmen’s special carving, once hot water rose up, it would display special forms. Wealthy families could use this to add some interest. For instance, after clouds and rain, while cleansing the body, seeing these patterns on the screen – wouldn’t interest be even more aroused? This screen had also passed through Steward Lin’s hands, and everyone was very satisfied, expressing the Imperial Guards’ earnest hopes for their master. Only the two masters of the house didn’t know about it.

Jiang Ruan stared at the screen in a daze, not noticing that the person behind it had risen at some point. With a splash, the next moment he appeared before her eyes.

Jiang Ruan was startled. Xiao Shao rarely saw her staring straight at something in a daze, so he naturally followed her gaze. Seeing what she was looking at, his expression immediately stiffened. Jiang Ruan came to her senses, and inexplicably her face suddenly turned bright red. Originally this was nothing much – she could usually control her emotions well, but with Xiao Shao present, she felt uncomfortable all over, even with a trace of embarrassed annoyance. Her eyes wandered in circles before she finally couldn’t help but look to see Xiao Shao’s expression.

Xiao Shao appeared much calmer than her, simply draping his outer robe over the screen to cover the suggestive images above. He had just bathed and now wore only a snow-white inner garment. His long hair, black as jade, was slightly damp, hanging down from his shoulders. His supremely handsome face showed some gentleness in the lamplight, and though he appeared cool and indifferent, his ears were still slightly red.

He walked toward Jiang Ruan, and she couldn’t help but feel nervous. Though she internally told herself nothing would happen, she instinctively gripped the bedding beneath her hands. Xiao Shao noticed her action and somewhat helplessly stopped a few steps away, saying: “I’ll sleep on the couch.”

There was a soft couch by the window. As Xiao Shao spoke, he moved forward to get bedding. Jiang Ruan glanced over – that couch was against the window and would likely be windy at night. After thinking, she simply steeled herself and said: “Why sleep on the couch? We still need to put on an act anyway. Just sleep here.” She moved inward a bit, making room.

Xiao Shao was stunned, a strange look flashing in his eyes as he looked at Jiang Ruan without speaking. Jiang Ruan inwardly cursed – how did those words sound like an invitation? She cleared her throat lightly, probably trying to cover her earlier embarrassing expression, and matter-of-factly removed her outer garment, glancing at Xiao Shao: “I’m tired after a long day. Don’t you feel weary? If you’re tired, hurry up and sleep. We still have to enter the palace tomorrow. I’ll sleep first.” She spoke quickly and efficiently, appearing very calm and composed on the surface, but Xiao Shao couldn’t help but laugh. He rarely smiled, and when he did, it was like ice and snow first melting, color entering spring dawn, almost dazzling to the eyes. Jiang Ruan glared at him: “What are you laughing at?”

“Sleep peacefully,” he said, suppressing his laughter. “I’m very tired and don’t want to do anything.”

Jiang Ruan’s face immediately felt burning hot again, while the culprit calmly got onto the bed. The conjugal bedding was right before them, wide and luxurious, scattered with fine incense, yet none of it compared to the bone-deep crisp fragrance emanating from the youth beside her. Xiao Shao shared half the blanket with her, his long eyelashes lowered, unable to hide the pleased look in his eyes.