The wedding procession for Duke Zhen Nan marrying Princess Xiyang finally began to move slowly towards the palace. Onlookers eagerly stood on tiptoes, trying to catch a glimpse of the illustrious Duke Zhen Nan, renowned as the God of War.
Ning Fei and Xiao Weiran rode horses in front of the carriage, with dozens of guards following closely behind, maintaining a horse-length distance. Xia Jingshi seemed to be in good spirits, occasionally smiling and waving to the crowds lining the streets, causing young women to squeal in excitement.
Xue Ying, irritated by the noise, covered her ears and shouted towards the roadside, “Are there no men left in Susha? You’re screaming as if your parents died just because you saw someone!” Her voice barely reached Yi Xiao’s ears before being drowned out by even louder cheers. Yi Xiao helplessly shouted back, “It wouldn’t be any better in Jinxiu. Lower the curtain to block it out a bit.” Xue Ying grumbled something and dropped the carriage curtain.
Yi Xiao’s gaze fell on Xia Jingshi’s soft profile, her eyes slowly focusing.
That gentle smile could give one the illusion of extreme tenderness, which was why few people noticed that those seemingly gentle eyes always carried a hint of cruel serenity. Even in the instant he released an arrow, there was no trace of hesitation or reluctance.
Such pain came suddenly. Before one could recover from the shock, the agony had already become a scar, etched into the depths of the soul with heart-wrenching pain. In just a moment, it felt unbearable, as if only death could make both passion and despair disappear simultaneously…
That was also a rebirth, but Yi Xiao didn’t like this kind of rebirth. Perhaps the previous Yi Xiao was humble and insignificant, but that was the original Yi Xiao, unchanged and most authentic. Maybe not beautiful enough, but it was the initial state of life and emotions that, once lost, could never be regained.
While joking with Xue Ying, she suddenly realized it had been a very long time since she had laughed so carefreely. How long had it been? It seemed not just a few years, but a whole lifetime ago.
This time, she finally clearly understood that she could never return to the past. She gradually came to realize that some people truly have predetermined directions and outcomes in life. Even if one tries their hardest to change it, the result remains the same as destined.
A dull thud broke her reverie, and all the clamor in the air suddenly shrank into a muffled wave of sound. Yi Xiao turned her head in surprise to see the guards lowering the bar at the palace gate.
They had arrived.
Princess Feng Xiyang was being dressed in her wedding attire, layer by layer, by her maids. The bright red ceremonial robe was intricately embroidered with golden dragons and phoenixes, exuding an air of magnificence and wealth. Although she had tried it on many times before, putting it on today still drew gasps of admiration from the maids. As she took a few steps, the festive atmosphere rippled out with the swaying of her skirt.
Suddenly, the ceremonial official’s voice rang out, “The auspicious time has arrived—” Immediately, deafening firecrackers erupted at the entrance.
After a final meticulous inspection of her attire and donning the golden phoenix headdress with dangling pearls, Feng Xiyang was led along the red carpet towards Xuande Hall by eighteen beautiful children, half carrying flower baskets and half carrying incense burners.
At this moment, in the magnificent Xuande Hall, a golden “double happiness” character hung in the center, seeming to emit a mysterious glow. Jade lantern shades cast a serene yet bright light from the candles. The appointed time was approaching, yet Xia Jingshi, who should have arrived early, was still nowhere to be seen.
Seated high on his throne, King Feng Qishan’s expression was grim. The ministers, adept at reading the atmosphere, continued their seemingly jovial conversations, but their voices grew increasingly hushed.
Suddenly, a palace attendant announced Princess Feng Xiyang’s arrival. The hall fell silent as the sound of footsteps approached. Feng Xiyang entered the hall, paused momentarily when she didn’t see Xia Jingshi, and then silently retreated. The ceremonial official, face reddening, caught King Feng Qishan’s furious glance and didn’t know how to proceed. Amidst the awkward silence, a palace attendant rushed in and signaled to the official, whose eyes lit up as he announced, “Duke Zhen Nan arrives—”
Xia Jingshi ascended the jade steps with composure. Reaching Feng Xiyang, he smiled slightly, “My apologies for being late.” Feng Xiyang smiled sweetly, “Not at all, I’ve just arrived myself.” Only then did Xia Jingshi enter Xuande Hall, with Feng Xiyang following closely behind. Several maids smoothly stepped in to guide his entourage to the side of the hall.
King Feng Qishan coldly regarded Xia Jingshi, “We thought perhaps Duke Zhen Nan’s old ailment had flared up again.” Xia Jingshi approached, paid his respects, then apologized, “This humble duke was careless and forgot where I had placed the gift for the princess. That caused a slight delay. I beg the forgiveness of Your Majesty and the princess.”
King Feng Qishan’s gaze fell on his daughter’s pleading face. He sighed inwardly and softened his tone, “Have you found it now?” Before Xia Jingshi could answer, Xiao Weiran, who had entered with him, strode to Feng Xiyang’s side, carrying an object covered with red silk. He bowed and presented it.
Feng Xiyang lifted the red cloth, revealing a headdress intricately carved with nine dragons and nine phoenixes. It was adorned with pearl flowers, emerald clouds, and emerald leaves, topped with a golden pheasant holding strings of jewels in its beak. The golden dragons, emerald phoenixes, and dazzling jewels created a resplendent display.
Admiring murmurs arose from the crowd, “Truly a work of exquisite craftsmanship…”
Feng Xiyang, her face slightly flushed, held the headdress, “Your Highness indeed has impeccable taste. There might not be a more exquisite phoenix crown in the world. I wish I could wear it right now.” Xia Jingshi looked at her gently, “You may change into it if you wish.”
King Feng Qishan frowned and coughed, interjecting, “If you return to change, we might miss the auspicious time. It’s best not to…” Feng Xiyang smiled, “If Your Highness could assist, I could change right here.”
A deathly silence fell over the hall, even King Feng Qishan was too shocked to speak.
Xia Jingshi silently looked at her, his deep eyes concealing a storm.
As soon as the words left her mouth, Feng Xiyang regretted them. She had noticed Fu Yi Xiao among the entourage and worried her thoughtless words might be seen as a public show of strength. Seeing Xia Jingshi’s displeased expression confirmed her suspicions. Afraid of being looked down upon, yet unable to explain herself, the color drained from her face, and her body trembled slightly.
Suddenly, she heard Xia Jingshi say, “Alright.”
Yi Xiao watched the scene intently. Although she had prepared herself mentally for any situation that might arise during the wedding ceremony, hearing that single word of agreement felt like a string snapping in her heart. An unstoppable wave of heartache surged through her. Despite taking deep breaths, her chest felt like it would explode, and her heartbeat grew weaker with each passing moment.
Xue Ying discreetly grasped Yi Xiao’s hand, hoping she could endure until the end of the ceremony.
Oh, heavens! If you’ve already taken away her happiness, you should take away the pain as well. That would be fair, that would be just!
A shadow moved in her peripheral vision, and a deliberately lowered male voice whispered in her ear, “Take her out. There’s a side door to the right rear.” The voice sounded familiar and filled with concern. Xue Ying didn’t hesitate, taking Yi Xiao’s hand and retreating. Yi Xiao, suddenly alert, struggled slightly and whispered, “What’s wrong?” Xue Ying made a silencing gesture and led her stealthily towards the side door hidden behind heavy curtains.
As they opened the door, they saw Feng Suige standing in the corridor with his hands behind his back. Xue Ying’s expression changed, and she was about to close the door, but Feng Suige quickly blocked it, saying softly, “I mean no harm.” After a moment of tension, Xue Ying released the door, and she and Yi Xiao stepped out.
Yi Xiao was surprised to see him. She blinked, looking around in confusion, “Why are you here? Where are the guards?” Feng Suige frowned, “I just ordered them to leave for a moment. Why are you here?” Hearing his question, Xue Ying momentarily forgot their past grievances and said through gritted teeth, “It’s because Xia Jingshi forced us to come!”
Having left Xuande Hall, Yi Xiao was much calmer. Seeing Xue Ying’s indignant expression, she smiled gently, “I just felt dizzy from standing too long. I feel much better after moving around a bit. It’s nothing serious.” Seeing her natural smile, Feng Suige could only say reluctantly, “That’s good… There’s still the wedding banquet later, and the newlyweds will stay in the palace tonight. I should escort you back first.”
Xue Ying looked to Yi Xiao for confirmation, but Yi Xiao shook her head in refusal. Feng Suige finally couldn’t help but laugh coldly, “It seems I’ve meddled unnecessarily. Go back in then, the ceremony is important.”
“Thank you,” Yi Xiao said in an almost inaudible whisper as she turned to leave. “Stop!” Feng Suige called out, his gaze intense, “You’re thanking me?” “Yes, although you’re arrogant, your attitude is terrible, and you let someone hurt me,” she said, watching Feng Suige’s changing expression, then smiled slightly, “But I understand you have your position and responsibilities… Even as an enemy, you’re the most lenient one I’ve encountered.”