The scene is bustling with excitement as the grand wedding procession of Marquis Xuan Yuan’s Xiao Du marches through the streets. Crowds line the roads and fill the nearby taverns, drawn by Xiao Du’s notorious reputation in the noble circles of the capital. Curious young ladies perch in the elegant chambers, eager to catch a glimpse of this infamous figure.
A magnificent snow-white steed with a flowing black mane leads the procession, carrying a rider adorned in crimson and gold, his bearing noble and dignified. Despite his rugged appearance, honed by years of military campaigns, there’s an air of nonchalance about him that contradicts the festive atmosphere. It’s as though today’s event is just another stroll, rather than a wedding celebration.
Meanwhile, at a tavern nearby, a drunken man recounts tales of past glory, reminiscing about the bravery of the young prince during the battle of Jialu Pass. His eyes light up with pride as he recalls the prince’s fearless charge against the enemy forces. However, his boasting is interrupted by a bystander who points out that the man he’s referring to is no longer a prince but a Marquis, bestowed with the title by the late emperor himself. The drunkard, momentarily taken aback, dismisses the Marquis’ achievements, claiming that he has brought disgrace to his family’s legacy by retreating from a battle and indulging in a life of luxury.
As the commotion continues, the revelry outside the tavern reaches a crescendo. Amidst the cheering and music, a flower-adorned sedan chair carries Xia Yuanxi, resplendent in her bridal attire, her heart filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. With each step of the procession, she feels herself growing further away from the Marquis Mansion, her home for the past seventeen years, and the only place where she has cherished memories of her loved ones.
The bustling atmosphere filled the air as Marquis Xuan Yuan’s grand wedding procession proceeded down the streets. The crowds lining the roads and filling the nearby taverns were drawn by Xiao Du’s notorious reputation in the noble circles of the capital. In the elegant chambers, many curious young ladies sat, eager to catch a glimpse of this famous figure.
A magnificent snow-white steed with a flowing black mane led the procession, carrying a rider adorned in crimson and gold, exuding a noble and dignified bearing. Despite his rugged appearance, honed by years of military campaigns, there was an air of nonchalance about him that contradicted the festive atmosphere. It was as though today’s event was just another stroll, rather than a wedding celebration.
Meanwhile, in a tavern nearby, a drunken man was recounting tales of past glory, reminiscing about the bravery of the young prince during the battle of Jialu Pass. His eyes lit up with pride as he recalled the prince’s fearless charge against the enemy forces. However, his boasting was interrupted by a bystander who pointed out that the man he was referring to was no longer a prince but a Marquis, bestowed with the title by the late emperor himself. Momentarily taken aback, the drunkard dismissed the Marquis’ achievements, claiming that he had brought disgrace to his family’s legacy by retreating from a battle and indulging in a life of luxury.
As the commotion continued, the revelry outside the tavern reached a crescendo. Amidst the cheering and music, a flower-adorned sedan chair carried Xia Yuanxi, resplendent in her bridal attire, her heart filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. With each step of the procession, she felt herself growing further away from the Marquis Mansion, her home for the past seventeen years, and the only place where she cherished memories of her loved ones.
The festivities were in full swing as Marquis Xiao Du, clad in his robes, graciously accepted the imperial decree with a subtle smirk, acknowledging the careful planning behind the scenes. Promptly, Chief Steward Zhou arranged for two eunuchs bearing the decree to be seated, and the banquet officially commenced. Servants brought out dish after dish, but some guests couldn’t help but murmur at the extravagant spread. Thankfully, the lively performance on the stage, with its vibrant music and colorful costumes, diverted their attention, and soon everyone joined in the merriment.
In a corner of the banquet hall, however, there was a somber atmosphere. Standing up, a distinguished man in a purple silk robe raised his glass, praising the Marquis for his loyalty and generosity, despite the heaviness in his heart. Others followed suit, toasting to the Marquis’ happiness, though some seemed to be holding back their emotions.
Meanwhile, deep into the night, the Marquis Mansion was still alive with festivities. Inside the bridal chamber, Xia Yuanxi sat nervously on the edge of the bed, contemplating the events of the evening with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.
Outside the room, lanterns adorned with the character of “happiness” swayed gently in the breeze. Xiao Du, though slightly intoxicated, gazed at them with clear eyes, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Xia Xiang, what kind of daughter have you sent me?” he mused to himself.
In the main hall, General Zheng, thoroughly intoxicated, was being assisted to his guest room by a maid. Suddenly, he felt a delicate touch on his waist, sending a shiver down his spine. As he looked down, he was met with a pair of seductive eyes.
In the bridal chamber, the candles flickered, casting a soft glow on the room. As the door swung open with a bang, Yuanxi’s heart raced. Someone lifted her bridal veil, and in the dim light, she saw a face, neither fierce nor rugged, but rather handsome, with a hint of amusement in his eyes. Yuanxi breathed a sigh of relief, her heart racing even faster. As Xiao Du carefully studied his new bride, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of urgency, his breath slightly labored.
Xiao Du sensed that if he didn’t break the tension, his bride might collapse from nervousness, so he chuckled and said, “What shall I call you? Madam? Mrs.? Or… Xi’er?”
Yuan Xi had never been this close to a stranger before. Hearing his slightly teasing words, her face flushed crimson. She didn’t know what to do, so she nervously lowered her head, tightly gripping her clothes. Trying to speak, but unable to find her voice, she felt completely lost in the moment.
Xiao Du found her reaction odd but also amusing. After all, she was a young lady from a prestigious family; she should have been more worldly-wise. Finally, Yuan Xi took a deep breath, gathering her courage to raise her head. But as she looked up, she saw Xiao Du’s amused smile, revealing his white teeth. Unconsciously, she touched her neck, reminded of the rumors about him being a bloodsucker.
Xiao Du was momentarily surprised by her action, then he couldn’t help but think, that maybe she believed those rumors. So he playfully asked, “Why are you touching your neck?” Yuan Xi, feeling embarrassed and flustered, managed to mumble, “My neck… itchy…” Immediately regretting her words, she wished she could disappear.
Xiao Du chuckled at her, then thought it was amusing how flustered she got from just a few words. He stifled his laughter and suggested, “It’s getting late, let’s rest.” Without waiting for Yuan Xi’s response, he swiftly removed his clothes, revealing his muscular, naked torso.
Yuan Xi felt her breath catch, her cheeks burning. As she gazed at Xiao Du’s bare chest, she couldn’t help but feel captivated. She had only seen male bodies in illustrations, but this was different, especially since his physique was so perfect. Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice Xiao Du’s puzzled expression.
Though Xiao Du was usually carefree, he had never been scrutinized with such blatant desire before. For a moment, he felt his cheeks warm up and had the urge to cover himself. But then he straightened his posture, determined not to let his embarrassment show. As he reached out to Yuan Xi, ready to continue their intimate moment, a scream from the courtyard interrupted them.