From Emperor Hongxiao bestowing the marriage upon Princess Yongning to Princess Yongning’s wedding, less than a month passed.

A month ago, Princess Yongning was still dreaming of a lifetime with Shen Yurun. A month later, she had to marry another man while carrying Shen Yurun’s child. For the sake of the child, even though she was ten thousand times unwilling, she still had to have Consort Dowager Liu persuade the emperor to bestow the marriage earlier. If she waited any longer, her belly couldn’t be concealed.

On the day Princess Yongning married, the entire capital’s streets were empty of people.

Everyone went to see what grand spectacle it would be when Northern Yan’s most noble princess married. The wedding procession was entirely imperial ceremonial guard. Even the coins scattered along the way were silver ingots. Common people happily picked up the silver, speaking auspicious words. Young ladies looked with envious eyes as the wedding procession departed—who wouldn’t want to marry in such grand splendor? Moreover, the person Princess Yongning was marrying was such an excellent man. But she was a princess of noble birth—one could only blame oneself for not being born into such a good family.

Early in the morning, Jiang Li heard Tong’er, who loved hearing about commotion, come tell her about the lively scenes on the streets. Jiang Li listened absentmindedly. Today the Jiang family also had to go to the Li family to drink this cup of celebratory wine. Although they didn’t associate, appearances had to be maintained. Jiang Li originally didn’t want to go. She wanted to go to the Ye residence to see Xue Huaiyuan. Nearly a month had passed, and Xue Huaiyuan still hadn’t awakened. Although Situ Jiuyue kept saying there was no problem, Jiang Li still couldn’t rest easy.

Going to the Li family for this celebratory wine naturally meant she couldn’t go see Xue Huaiyuan. Baixue said, “Which outfit will Miss wear today?”

Jiang Li casually pointed to a garment. “This one.”

Among the Jiang family’s young ladies who were currently unmarried, aside from Jiang Youyao who wasn’t at the residence, there were only her and Jiang Yuyan. Since Jiang Li had subtly suggested to Jiang Yuanbai that the third branch might be colluding with the Right Chancellor, Jiang Yuanbai had been very cold toward the third branch. Naturally, this time he wouldn’t bring Jiang Yuyan along either. So aside from Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou, among the Jiang family’s young ladies, there was only her.

Old Madam Jiang was too old and didn’t go. The entire second branch family went.

Tong’er and Baixue were both somewhat happy. They had never seen a princess marry and always felt it was novel. Moreover, joyous occasions were lively. But Jiang Li wasn’t very happy. She didn’t need to go see this wedding to know that neither the bride nor groom were willing. However, since she had to go to the Li family anyway, being able to personally witness Princess Yongning’s unhappiness was quite worthwhile.

Moreover, in such an occasion, Shen Yurun would certainly be there.

Thinking of this, a trace of mockery flashed through Jiang Li’s eyes. Shen Yurun had longed to become a prince consort, even going so far as to watch Princess Yongning commit murder and exterminate an entire family line. Now it had all come to nothing. For such a proud person, who knew how angry he was inside.

Seeing him unhappy made her happy.

Jiang Li smiled slightly, put on her outer garment, and said, “Let’s go.”

When she arrived outside, the second branch and Jiang Yuanbai had already arrived, only waiting for her. Jiang Jingrui also seemed not to enjoy such commotion—his expression showed great impatience. Jiang Jingyou was better. Madam Lu saw Jiang Li and her eyes lit up. “Ah Li, the fabric of your garment looks exceptionally fine.”

Jiang Li smiled. “This was sent by Uncle from Xiangyang. I have a few bolts left. When we return tonight, I’ll have someone send a few bolts to Second Aunt. Second Aunt can use them to make skirts.”

Hearing this, Madam Lu smiled even more brilliantly. “How can I accept this…”

“We’re all one family. Moreover, when Second Aunt wears it and it looks good, if others ask, they’ll know it’s fabric from the Ye family and will patronize the Ye family’s business. Two birds with one stone, isn’t it? Aunt, please don’t be polite with me.” Jiang Li said.

Madam Lu smiled so widely her mouth couldn’t close. She said to Jiang Yuanxing, “Look at that sweet mouth—so good at talking.” She increasingly liked Jiang Li now. Since Jiang Li returned to the Jiang family, she had helped her defeat Ji Shuran and regain the power of managing the household. Moreover, she never competed with her for anything, her mouth was sweet, and Madam Lu wasn’t someone who actively provoked disputes. With someone as tactful and sensible as Jiang Li, she couldn’t find any fault.

Jiang Yuanping looked at Jiang Li chatting and laughing with Madam Lu and couldn’t help feeling somewhat emotional. He hadn’t expected that this Second Miss Jiang, who at first had difficulty even returning to the residence, whom everyone said had killed her mother and brother and kept at a respectful distance, had now become the one who got along best with everyone. Truly the changes of worldly affairs were beyond anticipation.

Thinking again of today’s wedding, Jiang Li had perhaps contributed one or two points to it. If Jiang Li hadn’t told him and named Young Master Li, he wouldn’t have told Emperor Hongxiao, and Emperor Hongxiao wouldn’t have bestowed the marriage so quickly.

What would Princess Yongning’s feelings be if she knew her lifelong happiness had been decided by a young lady of the Jiang family?

Jiang Yuanbai said, “Let’s depart.”

…

In both her past and present lives, this was Jiang Li’s first time coming to the Li residence.

The entrance to the Li residence was already covered with various “double happiness” characters. The ground was full of firecracker debris—a scene of joyous red everywhere. The faces of servants and attendants wore smiles. The atmosphere was warm and joyful. Those who didn’t know might truly believe the Li family was extremely satisfied with this marriage alliance.

Jiang Yuanbai saw Li Zhongnan and smiled, saying “Congratulations.”

Li Zhongnan also cupped his hands, saying “Mutual congratulations.” Just looking at this scene, one might think these were two old friends with deep friendship exchanging pleasantries. Who would imagine these two had reached the point of being incompatible like fire and water in court?

Jiang Jingrui looked around the hall and said quietly to Jiang Jingyou, “So many people came today.”

The Right Chancellor had many friends in court, or rather, many who had aligned with the Right Chancellor’s faction. Moreover, Li Zhongnan had sent out invitations—even those not of Li Zhongnan’s faction couldn’t very well say they wouldn’t come. Thus the entire Li residence had invited nearly all the important figures in Northern Yan’s court. At a glance, one could see many familiar faces.

Jiang Li also saw Li Lian.

Li Lian was also quite properly dressed today. As the Li family’s second son, for his elder brother’s joyous occasion, he as the younger brother naturally had to spare no effort to help. It was also convenient to show visiting guests that while the eldest son’s marriage was settled, this second son was still unmarried—if there were young ladies from suitable families, they could observe and consider.

Jiang Li observed Li Lian, seeing his face full of smiles and high spirits. He appeared to be doing quite well lately. She recalled what Ji Heng had said before, knowing that Jiang Youyao was actually in this Li residence. Although she didn’t know which courtyard Li Lian had hidden her in, surely today Li Lian had warned Jiang Youyao in advance: Today was Li Xian’s great celebration, the Jiang family would send people, Jiang Youyao must not run about carelessly, or if seen by Jiang family members who insisted on taking her away, the Li family couldn’t do anything about it.

With Jiang Youyao’s brain, she had probably long believed Li Lian’s fabrications and would naturally hide herself well, not running out to be discovered. Of course, Jiang Li also had no such idle interest in finding Jiang Youyao. If she truly found her, when others asked how she knew Jiang Youyao was here, what would Jiang Li say? It might even make the Li family suspect they had a mole and pull out Ji Heng’s planted informants.

When it came down to it, between Ji Heng and Jiang Youyao, Jiang Li would rather choose Ji Heng. At the very least, she couldn’t repay kindness with enmity. She already felt guilty about being unable to repay Ji Heng—to cause him more trouble would make her conscience even more uneasy.

Her gaze swept past Li Lian and suddenly paused, then stopped moving.

Not far away stood Shen Yurun. He had also received an invitation and come today. That made sense—even Prince Cheng would come, so naturally Shen Yurun would come too. If Shen Yurun didn’t come, it would be sulking. He could manipulate Princess Yongning’s emotions at will, could express displeasure with this marriage, but couldn’t do such things before Prince Cheng. First, it showed no respect for Prince Cheng. Second, this wasn’t what Prince Cheng hoped to see.

What Prince Cheng hoped to see was his right and left arms getting along harmoniously, supporting each other. Even if Li Xian had stolen another’s wife, Shen Yurun had to show magnanimity. Since Yongning’s matter had already become a mistake, he shouldn’t make the future pay the price for past mistakes.

Shen Yurun was someone so good at weighing pros and cons. Therefore, he might put on an appearance of being wronged before Princess Yongning, but before Prince Cheng, he would only display his magnanimity and forbearance. Moreover, Jiang Li didn’t believe Shen Yurun held much genuine feeling for Princess Yongning.

He truly wasn’t someone capable of genuine feeling. In this world, he ultimately loved himself most.

Just as she was thinking this, Shen Yurun suddenly turned his head, meeting Jiang Li’s gaze. Seeing Jiang Li, he was slightly startled.

Jiang Li didn’t conceal the coldness in her eyes.

Shen Yurun hesitated, then walked toward Jiang Li. He had seen Jiang Li several times now. Each time he saw her, he had an indescribable feeling. He remembered at the court deliberation, Jiang Li had also looked at him with such eyes—it was a familiar, unusual gaze. Although well-concealed, Shen Yurun still saw the mockery within.

She mocked him? Why? Shen Yurun was somewhat puzzled. He didn’t understand why this unfamiliar young lady always looked at him with such eyes, as if they were very familiar with each other. And regarding Jiang Li, he couldn’t help paying attention, even though he shouldn’t—they hadn’t even exchanged any real conversation.

“Second Miss Jiang.” Shen Yurun walked before Jiang Li and spoke.

Jiang Li nodded slightly. “Lord Shen.”

“Does Second Miss Jiang know me from the past?” Shen Yurun’s lips held a smile. “Or is it that we had some connection in the past?”

His question was truly very direct. Jiang Li was also somewhat surprised. The Shen Yurun of the past wouldn’t speak so decisively. He always considered others’ feelings—even when questioning, he was gentle. And to ask such a question of an unfamiliar young lady was inevitably abrupt, yet he had asked it anyway.

“How could that be possible?” Jiang Li raised her face and smiled. “I returned to the capital less than a year ago.”

This wasn’t false. In those past years, Jiang Li had always lived on Mount Qingcheng. Shen Yurun said, “I only think Second Miss Jiang seems to have some prejudice against me.”

Jiang Li was about to speak when a voice containing laughter suddenly came from behind. “What prejudice?”

Ji Heng had arrived at some unknown time.

Jiang Li was surprised. This was Li Xian’s wedding—she never expected to see Ji Heng here. Seeing Ji Heng, Shen Yurun quickly bowed. Ji Heng waved his hand dismissively—that counted as acknowledgment.

He wasn’t wearing red today. Probably because this was Li Xian’s wedding, wearing red would break propriety and bring inconvenience to the Li family. Of course, in Jiang Li’s heart, she believed Ji Heng naturally wasn’t someone so considerate of others—he simply didn’t want to wear red clothes together with Li Xian, feeling uncomfortable about it.

So he wore black robes embroidered with silver peonies. The peonies were magnificent, but the black was deep—like flowing light blooming in darkness, not affecting his stunning appearance in the slightest. His amber eyes were even more captivating. Without the red, his bewitching allure carried three parts murderous aura. In his every movement, there was added nobility.

“Second Miss Jiang.” He raised an eyebrow. This appearance of being quite familiar with Jiang Li left Shen Yurun on the side not knowing how to interject, nor able to interject anymore.

Before Jiang Li could speak to him, she heard the sound of gongs and drums outside—the new couple had arrived.

The matchmaker was outside establishing propriety for Princess Yongning and Li Xian. Prince Cheng had also arrived. As Princess Yongning’s elder brother and the Li family’s master, he was naturally an indispensable figure. Jiang Li didn’t go out to watch the excitement. She stood quietly in place. Ji Heng and Shen Yurun also didn’t move, standing on her left and right. This scene, in others’ eyes, would certainly seem very strange.

Ji Heng asked, “Why don’t you go watch?”

“Watch what?” Jiang Li asked strangely.

“The wedding procession, the excitement.”

“Nothing worth watching,” Jiang Li said. “It’s all the same thing anyway—just simpler or more elaborate, done for others to see.”

Ji Heng smiled. “You speak as if you understand it well.”

Shen Yurun also looked at Jiang Li. Ordinary girls of this age always loved watching such excitement. Even those with quieter temperaments who didn’t love crowds would show some curiosity in their expressions. Because they would imagine their own future weddings—anticipation and longing would show on their faces. But this Second Miss Jiang was very calm and didn’t have the slightest desire to go watch.

Jiang Li truly didn’t want to watch. She had experienced it herself. Although her wedding hadn’t been so grand—because Shen Yurun hadn’t yet become an official or topped the imperial examination, his family was poor. What they could produce at that time was already the best the Shen family could manage. Even then, Xue Fangfei had felt sorry for him, telling him these were just formalities, for others to see—as long as it was passable, that was fine. What mattered was living life together afterward.

Xue Zhao had privately complained about Xue Fangfei, saying she was too considerate of Shen Yurun and didn’t know how to think of herself. But at that time, Xue Fangfei had thought that since they would spend their whole lives together, this excitement lasting a few hours or one day was temporary—future prosperity was most important.

She just hadn’t expected that Shen Yurun hadn’t planned to spend a lifetime with her. Thus her understanding and consideration regarding the wedding had also become the joke of her one-sided devotion.

“Does the Duke seem to yearn for it?” Jiang Li said. Ji Heng was looking toward the entrance with a smile. Jiang Li couldn’t see his eyes clearly but felt that standing here, he truly outshone the groom in fine garments.

“No.” Ji Heng said lightly.

Jiang Li smiled. “But if the Duke were to marry, the scene would surely be ten thousand times livelier than now. If the Duke were marrying, I would be curious, would feel it novel, would want to witness it at once, would have the desire to walk to the front and see clearly.” If Ji Heng were marrying, Jiang Li couldn’t imagine what Ji Heng would look like as a groom—probably the capital’s, or rather Northern Yan’s most beautiful groom. The bride would have to be beautiful to what degree to avoid being outshone by her own husband?

“You’re flattering me.” Ji Heng waved his fan and smiled. “I’ve never thought about such things.”

Shen Yurun stood beside them, listening to their conversation, suddenly feeling a strange sensation. As if between Jiang Li and Ji Heng there existed an understanding others couldn’t reach, making him feel uncomfortable standing there, out of place and awkward.

He silently turned and walked away.

Although Jiang Li spoke to Ji Heng, her peripheral vision never left Shen Yurun. Seeing Shen Yurun leave, she turned her head, watching his retreating back, and said softly, “Lord Shen seems quite dejected.”

“Dejected?” Ji Heng smiled. “Not necessarily.”

“At least by appearing somewhat dejected, he can make Princess Yongning feel more guilty and make Prince Cheng gratified by his ‘understanding the bigger picture.’ This dejection isn’t bad either.” Jiang Li also smiled.

As they spoke, Li Xian and Princess Yongning had already entered. After three bows, Princess Yongning was sent to the bridal chamber. Li Xian remained outside with the Li family members to greet guests. Jiang Li also took her seat at the banquet. She truly had no interest in following the crowd to the bridal chamber to watch the bride and groom drink the nuptial cup together.

After all, it was a marriage in name only, hearts elsewhere.

In the bridal chamber, Princess Yongning wore her veil. Around her were sounds of revelry. The groom had to lift her veil before the watching crowd and drink a nuptial cup with her before leaving.

Hearing those sounds of revelry outside, Princess Yongning’s heart was full of anger. She had imagined her wedding day mood a thousand times before. It would surely be joyful, bashful, full of anticipation. But she never imagined that when the day truly came, there would only be endless disgust, impatience, and humiliation.

Her heart belonged to another, and she wasn’t marrying the person she loved.

A silver long pole extended before her. Princess Yongning lowered her head and saw a slender object lift her veil with a “whoosh.” Outside burst into loud laughter, grating to her ears. She saw the man standing before her, wearing groom’s clothes, looking at her with a face full of smiles.

Princess Yongning suddenly felt nauseous, nearly covering her mouth to dry heave. Fortunately, she tightly gripped the bedding beneath her and held it in. She couldn’t—she couldn’t show anything wrong. She had to protect the child in her belly.

Li Xian smiled and called her, “Wife.”

Princess Yongning looked at him. Although Li Xian was decent, compared to Shen Yurun, in her eyes he was far, far inferior. Seeing Li Xian, her heart didn’t stir at all. She only felt this man full of servile air would become her husband next—for her, it was simply a tremendous humiliation.

Therefore, she didn’t even deign to pretend, coldly returning, “Husband.”

This was already the greatest sacrifice Princess Yongning could make.

Everyone in the bridal chamber looked at each other. The bride wore glamorous makeup, but her attitude was so cold—appearing aloof and unapproachable. The surrounding people couldn’t help sympathizing with Li Xian. How had he ended up marrying a princess? Princesses were spoiled and didn’t understand human relations—there would be much suffering ahead.

Li Xian was also startled, but quickly regained his composure. He had someone pour celebratory wine, took one cup and handed it to Princess Yongning, then raised another cup himself to drink the nuptial cup with her.

Princess Yongning struggled briefly but finally helplessly raised her wine cup. But anyone with eyes could see her unwillingness. Li Xian smiled as he raised his cup. Their arms crossed, their breaths mingled—clearly an extremely intimate posture, yet they were separated by thousands upon thousands of miles.

Princess Yongning didn’t see the flash of violence in Li Xian’s eyes.

After finishing the nuptial cup, Li Xian went to the front hall to greet guests. Only Yongning and her maid Meixiang remained in the room. Yongning breathed a sigh of relief, supporting her waist. “I’m exhausted.”

After becoming pregnant, her waist felt heavier, and she felt tired from time to time. Going through today’s entire wedding ceremony, she felt she was already exhausted and dizzy. She said to Meixiang, “Quickly give me the medicine.”

Meixiang quickly took out a small bottle from her sleeve, poured out one pill, and poured a cup of hot water for Princess Yongning. This was all fetal-protection medicine. Having just married into the Li family, she couldn’t openly brew medicine. Before this, Yongning had medicine made into pills for convenient consumption.

She was truly extremely careful and cautious about the child in her belly. Fearing the slightest mishap with this child—first because she genuinely loved this child of hers and Shen Yurun’s, second because if something went wrong, this matter probably couldn’t be concealed. If the Li family learned of this, who knew what the consequences would be? Although relying on Prince Cheng and Consort Dowager Liu, they didn’t dare act against her, but secretly tripping her up—Yongning feared even that.

In the Li family, she ultimately only had herself.

“Has the wine been prepared?” Princess Yongning asked.

“Prepared, Your Highness.”

Tonight, when Li Xian returned to the room, Yongning would drink another cup of celebratory wine with him as husband and wife. After drinking this cup, Li Xian would lose consciousness. By the next day, he would believe they had consummated the marriage and everything was finished.

“What a bargain for him.” Princess Yongning snorted lightly.

…

Li Xian walked outside.

An attendant asked, “Young Master, the princess still has a maid with her.”

“Find a way to send her away later.” Li Xian said impatiently.

He didn’t like Princess Yongning. In fact, he didn’t like any woman. This marriage—Princess Yongning seemed unwilling, but who knew he was also unwilling? But his father told him he must complete this marriage. This was an imperial decree that couldn’t be disobeyed. Moreover, strengthening the alliance with Prince Cheng was also a good thing.

Li Xian didn’t think this was a good thing. He wouldn’t touch Princess Yongning. Even if the imperial decree had originally married Princess Yongning to Li Lian, things wouldn’t be so troublesome now. He couldn’t touch Princess Yongning—how could she not notice? Over time, problems would naturally arise. If Princess Yongning told Prince Cheng about this, Prince Cheng would ultimately feel dissatisfied with him for slighting Princess Yongning.

So he could only think of other methods.

For instance… having another man fulfill the duties between husband and wife. As long as Princess Yongning didn’t become pregnant and they could deceive her forever, why not? Princess Yongning could still occupy the position of eldest young madam of the Li family, preventing others from becoming suspicious. If one day Princess Yongning herself couldn’t endure it and proposed divorce, it also wouldn’t be the Li family’s fault. It would all be caused by Princess Yongning herself.

Li Xian’s expression relaxed. So women were troublesome, especially this type of woman who couldn’t be refused. Compared to this, he still preferred those little things in his courtyard—much more obedient than Princess Yongning, and absolutely submissive to him.

…

In the outer hall, after eating a bit at the celebratory banquet, Jiang Li rose and walked out. At the table, wine cups were raised in toasts—she truly wasn’t suited to such scenes. Moreover, Jiang Yuanbai couldn’t attend to her in everything. Madam Lu was happily chatting with familiar female relatives, and she didn’t want to disturb her, so she quietly walked to the courtyard outside.

But she saw Ji Heng was already there, not knowing how long he had been standing.

“Why did the Duke come out?” Jiang Li asked.

“The food doesn’t suit my taste.”

Jiang Li was startled, suddenly thinking of those so-called dishes from Ji Heng’s hand at the Duke’s residence. To be fair, today’s dishes truly didn’t compare to Ji Heng’s cooking. Thinking of this, she couldn’t help laughing.

Ji Heng raised an eyebrow. “What are you laughing at?”

Jiang Li suppressed her smile. “I wasn’t laughing. The Duke saw wrong.”

Ji Heng narrowed his eyes leisurely. “I’ve discovered your courage is growing larger and larger.”

“It’s that the Duke is becoming more and more approachable.” Jiang Li’s eyes curved in a smile.

One doesn’t strike a smiling face. Anyone facing such a soft, smiling face couldn’t remain unmoved. Ji Heng looked away and smiled. “It’s that you’re becoming more and more difficult to deal with.”

“I’m still fairly good.” Jiang Li smiled. “For the Li family and Princess Yongning, His Majesty’s bestowed marriage is what’s truly difficult to deal with and impossible to resist.”

“Such gloating will lose you your head.” Ji Heng said blandly.

“Perhaps it’s because I’m always with the Duke that I’ve also started enjoying watching shows. Consider this show as my treat for the Duke. I hope the Duke can accompany me watching until the end.”

Ji Heng smiled. “The end?”

“Li Xian can’t produce sons and doesn’t want sons, but Princess Yongning arrived carrying a son. This can be said to be full of contradictions. I just don’t know, in the end, in this conflict, whether the Li family wins or Princess Yongning wins. I guess…”

“What do you guess?”

“I guess it will be mutual destruction.”

“Then isn’t that your goal?” Ji Heng smiled. Suddenly he looked at her, his eyes meaningful. “This is what you called the most important matter.”

Jiang Li was startled.

The gaze of the young man leaning down to look at her was truly gentle, but his words were a cold reminder.

Time was almost up. The time he had “lent” her wasn’t indefinite.

Once she finished this matter, she would offer up her life.

“Yes.” After pausing a while, Jiang Li slowly smiled again. When she smiled, it wasn’t as cheerful as before, but still as calm as always, as if it were an ending she had long anticipated.

“The Duke may uphold the agreement. I never lie. I keep my word.” She said.