Lixia returned to her courtyard with the imperial decree, feeling lost. She had never imagined this scenario. Initially, she thought she'd live in the mountains forever. Then, she reunited with her family and planned to marry a simple, decent man if necessary. Now, she was to marry a Prince?
Does he really like me? Or is it just a fleeting interest?
Outside, the news spread like wildfire. "The wild mountain girl and the crippled prince—a perfect match!" It became the hottest topic in tea houses.
The Emperor's Conditions
Mo Wushang rushed to the palace to protest. The Emperor, however, was delighted. "No need to refuse, my dear Minister. Li'er is the daughter-in-law I've had my eye on. My son is definitely worthy of her."
"Your Majesty, I watched Prince Kang grow up, and he is worthy. But this is too sudden."
"It was Lan'er's idea. He came to me last night, anxious as anything. We father and son have good taste!"
Mo Wushang wasn't having it. "Others might want to marry into the royal family, but not us. Li'er has a wild nature and won't fit in. My family believes in 'one couple for a lifetime.' Can Prince Kang guarantee he will have only Li'er?"
"Don't worry," the Emperor assured him. "Lan'er is different from me. If Li'er gives the royal family three sons... and two daughters... I guarantee Lan'er won't have any other women, not even concubines."
"You think my daughter is a sow? Childbirth is dangerous!"
"You let your wife bear children, didn't you? It's different! Lan'er is the only seedling of the royal family; I can't let the line end."
Family Acceptance
Back at the Mo manor, the atmosphere was heavy. Mo Wushang relayed the Emperor's words. Madam Mo was unhappy about the "baby-making" requirement but found comfort in the fact that the Empress had set a precedent for monogamy (mostly).
"Li'er, if you object, Father will risk his official hat and life to cancel this marriage," Mo Wushang said firmly.
Moved by her family's love, Lixia smiled. "Father, don't worry. I'm just getting married, not going to prison. I know him, and he seems to have a good temper."
Leng Xue later comforted Lixia in her room. "Don't overthink it. Prince Kang was a fine man before his injury. Plus, your brother knows him well. Focus on preparing for the wedding."
The Night Visit
That night, Yi Junlan couldn't sleep. He missed her.
"Gu Qing, Han Feng, take me to Miss Mo's courtyard."
"..." Gu Qing was speechless. My master is becoming a thief.
Lixia was dozing off when she heard a noise. "Who is it?"
Yi Junlan produced two night pearls, illuminating the room. "It's me, Yi Junlan."
They spoke through the curtain.
"The decree was sudden," Yi Junlan admitted, his voice nervous. "I didn't ask you because I didn't want to give you a chance to back out. I... do you understand?"
Lixia came out. "Do you really want to marry me?"
"Is marriage a joke?" He took her hand. "Are you willing?"
"I don't know you well enough."
"What do you need to know? I'll tell you everything."
Sensing her hesitation, Yi Junlan pulled her into his lap and hugged her tight. Lixia felt the heat of his palms through her thin sleepwear. He wrapped a cloak around her.
"Don't be angry. Once we are married, you can punish me however you like."
"You... you're shameless."
"I'm telling the truth. It only takes one look to decide a lifetime. You are the girl I saw and kept in my heart."
Lixia's heart raced. "Why should I listen to you?"
"Because I will be your husband soon. Listen to me about the wedding prep; for everything else, I'll listen to you."
"Really?"
"Really."
Lixia grabbed a box of Restoration Balm. "Use this on your scar every night. It has A'Mu's blood in it."
"Thank you, Li'er." Yi Junlan kissed her forehead. "This is my second time."
"Mine too!" Lixia retorted, blushing.
Yi Junlan laughed, a sound that nearly made his guards fall out of the tree outside. He tucked her into bed and left into the night.
The Wedding Buzz and Medical Work
The capital buzzed with news of the two royal weddings: Prince Kang to Mo Lixia, and Prince Su to Beiye Yinman (with Yin Shang'er as a secondary consort).
Lixia focused on her work. She performed a follow-up for the former courtesan, Shui Xi, who was recovering well from the cauterization surgery. Shui Xi was grateful and asked if Lixia could treat a friend with syphilis. Lixia agreed, emphasizing the cost.
Lixia also started teaching Mo Chen basic anatomy and surgery using a monkey as a model.
On the way home, they stopped for Douhua (tofu pudding). Lixia, a "sweet tofu" partisan, was horrified by the savory soy sauce version but taught the vendor (and Mo Chen) about various sweet and savory toppings, much to everyone's delight.
As they ate, a funeral procession passed by. It was a young concubine who had died after a forced abortion by a jealous first wife.
"Rich households are cruel," the old vendor sighed.