The entrance of the Prince’s residence was covered with red firecracker debris.

Xie Shi’an pulled Xie Shiyun to the side and said coldly, “I’ll ask you one more time—when did you see the young county princess of Prince Pingxi’s residence?”

Xie Shiyun’s collar was grabbed, and he was forced to stand on his toes, a tremendous pressure coming from his neck.

He struggled with all his might but couldn’t break free at all.

He roared, “Why should I tell you? I just won’t tell you. Let go, let go…”

Yuan Shi heard the commotion and hurried over. “An’er, what are you doing? If Yun’er has done something wrong, just discipline him properly. Don’t use violence…”

“Grandmother, this matter has nothing to do with you. Step aside.” Xie Shi’an avoided Yuan Shi and continued staring coldly at Xie Shiyun, enunciating each word. “I’ll give you one last chance. Otherwise, you’ll definitely regret provoking me like this.”

Xie Shiyun shuddered violently.

He thought of his aunt’s death… dying just like that at his eldest brother’s hands.

His lips trembled, then he shook his head violently. “No… I’ve never seen her. I’m just jealous of her, jealous that she can soon become Mother’s child…”

Xie Shi’an stared at him for a while, then suddenly released him.

Xie Shiyun stumbled and fell to the ground.

“Well, well, if it isn’t our Young Master Xie. Are you here to drink wedding wine at the Prince’s residence?”

A mocking voice came from the side. Xie Shi’an’s spine instantly stiffened.

He slowly turned around and looked at the person on the tall horse—it was the Sixth Prince. No, now he should be called Prince Cheng.

After the Eighth Prince was enfeoffed that day, the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Princes had all been enfeoffed as well. The current Sixth Prince had become a prince, with several guards following beside him.

“This commoner greets Your Highness.”

Xie Shi’an bowed his head in salute.

“Well, well, quite well-informed. You know this prince has become a prince.” The Sixth Prince looked down at him from his superior position. “Although we were classmates and have some classmate friendship, whenever this prince sees you, this one-eyed dragon, I’m reminded of your arrogant appearance at the Imperial Academy. Tsk, you appeared before this prince yourself, so you can’t blame this prince.”

He lightly clapped his hands.

The four guards behind him stepped forward and surrounded Xie Shi’an.

“What are you doing!” Yuan Shi was completely shocked. “In broad daylight, at the foot of the imperial city, all of you stop…”

However, no one listened to her.

Xie Shi’an was beaten with fists and kicks by the four guards.

Xie Shiwei and Xie Shiyun were frightened and pulled Yuan Shi to run aside.

Xie Shi’an kept protecting his head. After quite a while, the people surrounding him finally stopped.

“One-eyed dragon, remember—from now on, when you see this prince, go around!”

The Sixth Prince sneered, turned his horse around, rode to Prince Pingxi’s residence, dismounted, and strode inside.

At this moment, the wedding ceremony was taking place.

“Kneel, kneel again, kneel three times!”

“Kowtow, kowtow again, kowtow three times!”

The entire process of an imperial marriage involved three kneels, nine kowtows, and six bows—extremely complicated.

The Emperor and Empress sat at the highest position, receiving the kowtows from the couple.

The Emperor wore a beaming smile. This son of his was twenty-six years old and had finally gotten married, which could be considered settling a major concern.

The Empress also wore a gentle smile on her face, but deep in her eyes was a trace of barely perceptible gloom.

Yun Silin was now the Pillar State General and Grand Marshal. Such a powerful and influential family had actually become the Third Prince’s faction.

The Second Prince was already difficult enough to deal with, and now the Third Prince was rising too. The waters of the court would likely become increasingly murky…

Everyone seated below was observing the ceremony.

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess had seats near the front, with the Crown Prince’s consorts standing behind them. Of the two consorts, one was Consort Fang, Fang Xinyan.

She held a handkerchief in her hand, nearly twisting it to shreds.

From the side, she could see Yun Chu’s countenance. Just a side profile made her jealous to the extreme. She didn’t dare imagine how absolutely beautiful and captivating the front view must be.

So what if she was beautiful? A worn-out shoe that had been used—why should she get to become Princess Pingxi?

And she, the legitimate daughter of the Fang family, an outstanding young lady in both appearance and character, could only be a consort. In occasions like this, she didn’t even have the qualification to sit.

Thinking of this, Fang Xinyan’s heart surged with intense jealousy.

Perhaps because she was too angry, she felt a churning in her chest, as if she was about to vomit.

“Sister Fang, what’s wrong with you?”

The other consort quickly inquired.

Fang Xinyan was actually just feeling a little uncomfortable, and it would pass in a moment.

But she couldn’t bear to watch the man she loved be happy and fulfilled with another woman. Why should they have such a perfect wedding…

She covered her temple and just collapsed.

“Sister Fang!”

That consort cried out in alarm, immediately drawing the attention of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.

The Crown Princess frowned. “What happened to Consort Fang?”

“No matter what, she shouldn’t faint during Third Brother’s wedding ceremony!” The Crown Prince said coldly. “Quickly take her away. How inauspicious!”

Several matrons hurried over, helped Fang Xinyan up, and took her out, trying not to draw too much attention.

Fang Xinyan had only been slightly uncomfortable, but being treated this way made her head and heart ache all over…

“The ceremony is complete. Send them to the bridal chamber!”

With the wedding officiant’s loud announcement, the newlywed couple was sent to the bridal chamber.

Before long, a matron came running and whispered in the Crown Prince’s ear, “Your Highness Crown Prince, the physician just examined Consort Fang’s pulse. Consort Fang is with child.”

The Crown Prince couldn’t help but be overjoyed.

He only had one son under his knee, which was too thin a foundation. Naturally, he hoped for as many sons as possible.

It seemed Consort Fang hadn’t fainted on purpose after all. Women who are pregnant naturally have weaker bodies.

The Empress raised her eyes and saw her son grinning foolishly there. She couldn’t help but sigh. She had said many times that those in superior positions must not show their emotions on their faces, not letting people see their feelings. She had taught him for so many years, but the Crown Prince hadn’t learned it at all.

She walked over, lightly patted the Crown Prince’s shoulder, and said in a low voice, “Watch your bearing.”

The Crown Prince broke into a smile. “Mother Empress, Consort Fang is with child.”

“It is indeed a joyful matter.” The Empress shook her head. “The banquet is beginning. The Emperor and I will return to the palace first. Be more careful in all matters.”

After the Emperor, Empress, and Imperial Concubine Yin departed for the palace, everyone present relaxed considerably.

Although Prince Pingxi’s residence was large, there were many guests and the front courtyard couldn’t accommodate them all. Male guests were in the front courtyard, while female guests were arranged in the rear courtyard. Everywhere was lively and bustling.

Chu Yi, dressed in bright red groom’s attire, stood up holding a wine cup. “I thank all you lords for taking time from your busy schedules to attend the wedding banquet. I am deeply grateful. This cup of wine is for everyone. Please eat and drink well.”

All the officials stood up, raising their cups in celebration.

After Chu Yi set down his wine cup, he took an empty bowl and picked up some dishes. Under everyone’s puzzled gazes, he carried a large bowl of delicious delicacies toward the rear courtyard.

Prince Gongxi couldn’t help but curl his lips.

He had just been released from house arrest and came to attend Third Brother’s wedding banquet.

He just didn’t understand why the Empress would allow Third Brother to marry the Yun family daughter like this. This was even worse than marrying Princess Guli.

Look at this—in order to win over the Yun family, Third Brother, who disdained everything, was actually carrying a bowl of food to the rear courtyard in front of everyone. Truly laughable.