After the meal—and after seeing Mu Tong and Yu Fu off—Xi Qiu insisted that Mo Lixia bathe yet again. Mo Lixia had no way to argue with her.
My heavens, I'm going to scrub my skin off at this rate.Getting married had apparently meant bathing several times over.
When Yi Junlan came in, he saw Mo Lixia stepping out from her bath, wearing only a thin cotton nightdress.
Their eyes met. For a moment, neither spoke. They had met before, yet never felt this nervous.
Yi Junlan asked gently, "Are you full?"
"Yes. Mu Tong and Yu Fu came. The three of us ate together."
"Come," Yi Junlan said, taking her hand and guiding her to sit by the table. He poured two cups of wine.
Mo Lixia understood at once. She lifted her cup and smiled.
Yi Junlan curved his lips in a smile, and the two of them drank their bridal "cross-cupped wine" in perfect, wordless agreement.
After setting the cups down, Yi Junlan gazed at her warmly. His hand rose to cup her cheek, his fingertips lingering on her soft skin as if reluctant to let go.
Mo Lixia shivered faintly at the tenderness.
That long hand slid back, cradling the back of her head. He applied a gentle pressure, drawing her closer as he lowered his head.
Mo Lixia watched his handsome face draw nearer and nearer. She could feel his breath on her skin—so close she could count his long lashes. She'd never been this unsettled before.
His nose brushed her cheek; then, shifting slightly, he pressed a light kiss by her ear—then another on her cheek, and a soft one at her lips—before finally releasing her.
Mo Lixia's heart thundered as if it might leap from her chest. Her face flushed; she lowered her head shyly, not daring to look at him.
"Lixia," Yi Junlan said softly, "I'm very happy… that I could marry you."
He lifted her and had her sit on his lap.
"You suffered today."
"Suffered? How so?"
"I should have given you a grand wedding."
Mo Lixia shook her head with a smile. "This is perfect. I like it. We're not getting married for others to admire—so long as we're content, that's enough."
"You're right," he said, chuckling, and kissed her cheek again.
Mo Lixia grew bashful and turned, hiding against his chest.
"Lixia…" Yi Junlan began—
—but Mo Lixia heard a faint sound outside. She looked toward the window, puzzled.
"Is someone there?"
Yi Junlan smiled faintly and nodded. "A nanny sent by Mother Empress."
Mo Lixia immediately understood. She looked at him silently, asking what he wanted to do.
"Ignore her. It's fine," Yi Junlan said. Then he stood (or rather, turned his chair) and said gently, "Rest early."
He started to leave.
Mo Lixia frowned, and an ache of grievance surged up inside her. Just a moment ago we were so close—why is he leaving now?
"You… you're not… staying?"
"I… won't. You've had a long day. Rest first."
Mo Lixia stood there, suddenly at a loss. She had imagined many possibilities for the wedding night—just not this one. She'd even prepared herself to be the "proactive" one if needed.
So what was this?
Yi Junlan looked at her small, wronged expression and realized: leaving her alone on the wedding night truly was unfair.
Yet what could he do? In his current condition, how could he give her the perfect wedding night she deserved?
Mo Lixia's voice came out soft but firm:
"I'm new here. Everything is unfamiliar. In this entire manor, the only person I'm close to is you."
"Can't you stay with me? Even if it's just drinking tea or playing chess… You married me—are you really going to leave me alone?"
"Lixia…" Yi Junlan sighed as if defeated. "Fine."
He turned his chair back.
Mo Lixia sat down as well.
But once they were seated, both fell into awkward silence again.
"Sleep?" Yi Junlan asked gently, seeing her head lowered.
"Oh… okay," Mo Lixia said, glancing around the room. "If you don't want to sleep with me, I'll sleep on the couch and you can take the bed."
"No need," Yi Junlan said with a helpless smile. "We'll sleep together."
"Oh." Mo Lixia sprang up and hurried to make the bed.
She found peanuts and red dates scattered on the bedding—wedding customs—and cleared them away. Then she put the spare quilt into the wardrobe.
But when she saw a neatly folded square of white cloth laid in the center under the bedding, she paused—and quietly removed it.
She was still wondering what to do with it when Yi Junlan rolled over, took it from her, and set it aside.
"It's fine. Don't mind it," he said—clearly knowing what it was for.
Mo Lixia hesitated, then said awkwardly, "Um… I'll help you onto the bed?"
"No need."
Yi Junlan braced himself, rose from the wheelchair, and began removing his outer red wedding robes.
Mo Lixia reached out to help. She'd thought her own bridal outfit was complicated—but she hadn't expected the groom's robes to be just as troublesome. It took her a long time to undo them.
Yi Junlan sat at the edge of the bed in a snow-white inner robe, looking like some immortal fallen into the mortal world—so beautiful it felt unreal.
He patted the bed beside him and pulled Mo Lixia closer.
"Sleep," he murmured, and lay down.
The moment Mo Lixia lay beside him, Yi Junlan's arm slid around her waist. She stiffened instantly.
Yi Junlan arched a brow, teasing. "You begged me to stay. Now you're scared?"
"I'm not," Mo Lixia stammered, cheeks burning. "I'm just… not used to it."
"Lixia?"
"Yes?"
"You know… I, for now…"
"I know," Mo Lixia said softly. "I don't mind. When the time comes, I'll take another look at your legs."
"Alright."
Yi Junlan stroked her face with a doting tenderness. "Why haven't I seen A Mu today?"
"A Mu? Mother wouldn't let me bring him. She said… after the 'return visit' to my natal home, then I can bring him back."
"Oh."
Silence fell again.
Mo Lixia lay with her head on Yi Junlan's arm, eyes wide, staring at the canopy above.
"Not sleepy?" he asked.
"Not really. I fell asleep in the bridal sedan."
Yi Junlan chuckled. "So that's why."
"Of course. They woke me before dawn, wouldn't let me eat… Getting married is torture."
"But the sedan was comfortable. It wasn't even far, and I still fell asleep."
"You worked hard, Lixia," Yi Junlan said softly. "A wedding only happens once."
Mo Lixia propped herself up slightly. "Then you too… only once?"
Yi Junlan shifted with effort, lifted her chin, and leaned in close, his lips brushing her ear as he spoke slowly, one word at a time:
"Lixia. In my life, Yi Junlan will only ever want to marry one person—Mo Lixia."
His breath was warm against her ear, making her skin prickle with a strange sweetness.
Mo Lixia froze—then her heart surged. It hit something soft deep inside her. Her pulse raced uncontrollably.
Yi Junlan's lips curved into a satisfied, gentle smile—light as it was, it held a quiet warmth and contentment.
A promise could be unreliable, she knew. Life was long. Words were easy.
But his voice had carried sincerity—solemn and steady—less like sweet talk, more like a vow.
Mo Lixia looked at him seriously for a long time before finally saying, quietly:
"As long as you do not betray me, I will never betray you."
It was the only thing she truly wanted—one life, one heart, one person.
"Then let's work toward that together," Yi Junlan said.
"Alright."
"Lixia?"
"Hm?"
"Nothing. I just… suddenly feel like this isn't real."
Mo Lixia yawned. "You, a prince, feeling uneasy?"
"I do," Yi Junlan admitted. "Even as a prince, I grew up in a palace where you can't see the sky. Every day you watch your back. You get tired."
"Sometimes I want to be like Liu Jing, like your brother—free, unbound, without missions to fulfill…"
His voice trailed off—because when he looked, Mo Lixia had already fallen asleep.
Yi Junlan smiled helplessly, pulled the quilt over her, and wrapped it entirely around her. He deliberately kept the quilt between them, afraid he'd lose control.
It wasn't that he couldn't—he simply didn't want her to see a side of himself he considered unworthy.
He brushed aside the stray hairs by her cheek and placed a light kiss there. The fragrance in her hair stirred his breath; he forced himself to look away, fearing what he might do if he kept looking.
He turned his body, back to her, listening to her even breathing. It made him feel… safe.
For the first time in his life, there was someone beside him in bed—someone he didn't need to guard against.
Someone he liked, and who trusted him.
He couldn't sleep. He stared at the gauzy curtains, and then—unable to resist—turned to look at her again.
He wanted to hold her… but feared his own impulse.
Over and over he fought himself—until finally he carefully drew the small figure into his arms anyway…
…
In the outer hall
Liu Jing and the others had been waiting, expecting Yi Junlan to come back out to drink through the night. But after a long time, he still didn't return—only Gu Qing hurried in alone.
"Hey, hey—Gu Qing," Liu Jing called. "Has your prince come out? Don't tell me he got drunk in some tender embrace?"
Gu Qing cleared his throat. "His Highness has already gone to bed."
"What?!" Liu Jing's eyes went wide. "The bridal chamber already? Didn't he say he'd just take a look and come back? He really stayed?"
Gu Qing nodded.
"Well then," Jiang Yinghan said, fanning himself with a raised brow, "looks like from now on, the wife comes first, and we brothers get pushed aside."
Yang Yuxi laughed quietly. "Seems we'll have to entertain ourselves tonight. Come—drink up, then we'll leave."
"Right," Liu Jing said, downing a cup. "My royal brother is easily embarrassed. If he sees us tomorrow, he'll probably be furious from shame."
In truth, they were happy for Yi Junlan. Him staying meant he'd finally stepped past a difficult threshold. Their bond would only deepen from here.
They'd originally feared Yi Junlan would overthink alone, so they stayed to drink with him.
Now it seemed unnecessary.
…
Meanwhile, at Prince Su's Manor
After escorting Beiye Yinman into the bridal chamber, Prince Su gave a brief instruction and went out to entertain guests.
Beiye Yinman sat tensely on the wedding bed. When the room remained quiet, she lifted her veil slightly and rose to the Eight Immortals table.
She glanced left and right, then quickly slipped the prepared sleeping drug into the cross-cupped wine.
After checking there were no mistakes, she hurried back to sit properly again.
Just as she settled, Jing Qiao and Mi Cui entered.
"Miss, would you like something to eat?"
"No," Beiye Yinman shook her head.
"There are many guests outside. His Highness will likely return late."
Beiye Yinman's tone was unusually gentle today. "It's improper for a bride to lift her own veil, isn't it?"
Mi Cui thought: If only Miss could always be this approachable.
"You may leave," Beiye Yinman said. "I'm fine on my own."
"Yes, Miss."
In Great Yu, there was little "bridal-chamber teasing." Beiye Yinman sat nervously, twisting her handkerchief, rehearsing the scene when Prince Su returned. She feared even the smallest mistake.
While she was running through possibilities, Yi Mingji suddenly leapt in through the window.
He strode forward, lifted her veil boldly, and smiled with wicked charm.
"Tsk. Not bad at all."
Beiye Yinman froze. She instinctively looked toward the window, lowering her voice.
"Why are you here? Get out—now."
"Look at you," Yi Mingji mocked. "All nervous and useless. Weren't you supposed to be clever?"
"I heard you handled those two maids without a trace. So why are you scared now?"
"It's different," Beiye Yinman said tightly. "Today is my wedding. Before, I didn't care. From now on, be careful."
"Careful?" Yi Mingji leaned close, brows drawn. "Careful how? I don't understand."
Beiye Yinman's face turned scarlet with fury, veins standing out on her arm. Yi Mingji's eyes flashed like a blade.
"I heard the Emperor gave a tiger tally to Yi Lingfeng," he said lowly, "to wipe out a bandit den. That tally… he seems to be delaying handing it back."
"I've only just arrived in the capital. I need it badly."
"I trust you understand what I'm implying."
Beiye Yinman glared at him. "Why should I help you?"
"I can give you supreme power," Yi Mingji said coolly. "Prince Su can at most give you the title of Princess Consort."
"Think carefully. Weigh it well."
"And why would I trust a shameless man like you?"
Yi Mingji chuckled. "Didn't you just call me shameless? A shameless man doesn't use 'proper' methods."
"People like me—ruthless people—are usually the ones who remain standing at the end."
Beiye Yinman lowered her gaze, eyes flickering as she calculated.
Yi Mingji smiled. "Yi Lingfeng is back. Go enjoy your wedding night."
"In a few days I'll come again—and let you compare who's truly the strongest."
He kissed her hard, then whispered, "Don't forget to think about what I said."
After he left, Prince Su returned not long after, reeking of wine.
Beiye Yinman quickly smoothed away her expression and sat properly again.
"Man'er… Man'er, I'm here…" Prince Su staggered closer. He lifted her veil with one hand and, seeing her lowered head, laughed foolishly. "Heh… Man'er is so beautiful."
He moved to press down on her—
"Wait—Your Highness," Beiye Yinman said quickly. "We haven't had the cross-cupped wine yet."
"…You're right," he slurred. "I'll get it."
Beiye Yinman hurried to stop him. "Let me do it."
Prince Su, half-collapsing from drunkenness, flopped back onto the bed. "Fine… you go."
"I'm… I'm drunk. Those old bastards forced me to drink…"
"But don't worry—once I win them over, once I get that seat…"
"Then you'll be my Empress. We'll enjoy glory together…"
"Let that father and son die… hahaha… die… let them all die…"
Drunken words revealed too much.
Beiye Yinman's gloom swept away in an instant, replaced with a secret thrill.
"Your Highness, you're drunk," she said softly, and poured the wine.
"Yes… drunk," he muttered. "But I won't ruin our wedding night…"
They drank—and the night proceeded.
Later, when all was done, Beiye Yinman quietly took a silver hairpin from beneath the pillow. With a twist, it opened. She carefully poured the chicken blood she had prepared onto the white cloth.
Then she slipped off the bed, hid the hairpin inside her dowry chest, and returned cautiously.
Prince Su turned in his sleep, wrapping an arm around her waist.
Only then did Beiye Yinman finally let out a long breath.
…
Late night, back in Prince Kang's manor
In the second half of the night, the air turned cool. Yi Junlan sensed the small figure behind him pressing closer, nestling against his back. He turned and tucked the quilt around her.
But Mo Lixia soon pushed the quilt aside again, bared an arm, and clung to him—refusing to let go.
Yi Junlan smiled, tried gently to loosen her hold, then gave up and let her stay.
Watching her sleeping face—quiet, soft, adorable—he felt a warmth that had nothing to do with bodily desire. It was simply peace.
He knew that from this day forward, he would never be lonely again.
Mo Lixia slept soundly, breathing in his scent. The wedding candles flickered and swayed, waking her faintly.
Half-asleep, she opened her eyes and found Yi Junlan looking at her.
Muffled, she asked, "Why aren't you asleep?"
A quiet laugh. "With you here… how could I fall asleep?"
Mo Lixia shifted the quilt, covering him as well. "Sleep. Don't we have to get up early tomorrow?"
"Mhm. Sleep," Yi Junlan murmured, gently patting her back.
Mo Lixia, now more awake, blinked at him. "What time is it?"
"Past midnight," Yi Junlan said, propping himself slightly and smiling. "You look so cute when you're dazed."
"Then why aren't you sleeping? Are you uncomfortable somewhere?"
"No," he said, voice bright with joy. "Just… excited. With Lixia beside me."
Mo Lixia blushed and got up, climbing over him to get down. Yi Junlan caught her hand, puzzled.
"Where are you going?"
Mo Lixia hesitated, embarrassed. After a moment, Yi Junlan seemed to understand. He cleared his throat awkwardly.
"The inner room. On the left."
Somehow he produced a luminous pearl and handed it to her.
Mo Lixia lowered her head and went.
Yi Junlan sat on the bed—if one looked closely, his face held a faint flush.
When Mo Lixia returned, she climbed back in and, without a word, held the pearl out to him from under the quilt.
Yi Junlan didn't take it. He lifted the quilt slightly.
"Careful. Keep it warm."
Mo Lixia's face went red. "…Okay."
Yi Junlan watched her shy softness, his eyes darkening; his throat tightened.
"Lixia?"
"Mm?"
"If I can't sleep, what should I do?"
"Then… count stars."
"And where do I see stars in this room?"
Mo Lixia lifted her brow and smiled. "Then… how about I give you a couple acupuncture needles? To—"
Before she could finish, Yi Junlan leaned down and kissed her—firmly, yet still gentle.
For a moment, Mo Lixia froze, unsure how to respond.
Yi Junlan smiled faintly at her stunned expression, guided her hand to his cheek, and asked softly, "Are you afraid?"
Mo Lixia shook her head.
"Good. Close your eyes."
Mo Lixia buried her face against his neck and obediently shut her eyes.
The kisses grew more tender, more lingering; Mo Lixia, dazed, began to respond.
(…The night's intimacy deepened—)
But Yi Junlan stopped himself in time.
He knew that in his current state, he couldn't give her what he wanted to give her.
Mo Lixia understood. She didn't blame him—only clung to him shyly, unable to meet his gaze, embarrassed that he had seen so much of her.
Yi Junlan took a long time to calm down, still troubled.
Mo Lixia, seeing his discomfort, frowned. "Then… should I give you two needles?"
Yi Junlan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "You think this can be fixed with two needles?"
Mo Lixia huffed. "Of course. My medical skills aren't for show. I can even make it so you—"
Yi Junlan quickly covered her words with his hand, exasperated, and held her fingers instead. "I don't want to be 'unable' because you poked me."
"Then… suffer it yourself," Mo Lixia rolled her eyes.
Yi Junlan pulled her close and took a deep breath by her neck. "Sleep. I can endure."
His words made Mo Lixia feel guilty instead. This was something between two people—how could she just turn over and sleep?
"I'll stay with you."
"Don't," Yi Junlan said softly. "If you look at me like that, it's worse."
Mo Lixia tried again. "Then we should sleep separately. I can get used to it."
"No," Yi Junlan refused. "I've only just gotten used to you here."
"But like this… you'll make yourself sick."
"It's fine. I'll be careful in the future."
Careful? How? Mo Lixia wondered.
…
By morning, Mo Lixia woke to find Yi Junlan sleeping deeply—dark shadows under his eyes, proof he hadn't slept much.
Not wanting to wake him, she tried to rise quietly, but he was too sensitive. The moment she moved, he pulled her back into his arms.
Eyes still closed, voice lazy: "Stay with me a bit longer."
Mo Lixia smiled helplessly and smoothed his messy hair. "Aren't we going to the palace to offer tea?"
"It's fine," Yi Junlan murmured, still not opening his eyes. "We decide. Sleep."
He held her tighter and patted her back like he was spoiling her.
Mo Lixia stopped worrying. With him here, she didn't need to carry everything alone. She closed her eyes again in his arms.
Outside, Xi Qiu and Hongshang looked at the sky. The room stayed quiet for so long that they began to panic—afraid they'd be late and incur the Empress's displeasure.
On the other side, Gu Qing and Han Feng stood calm and unmoved.
Hongshang, seeing Han Feng, felt irritation flare. The spring outing, and twice in the manor—she'd been outmaneuvered by him. She refused to show it, pretending not to know him.
Han Feng stole a glance at her when she wasn't paying attention. Most girls were soft and sweet, but this maid always looked cool and distant—hard to approach.
…
At Prince Su's manor, morning
Prince Su woke with a pounding head. He rubbed his brow and stared into space for a moment before he remembered where he was.
Seeing the beauty beside him, he sighed in annoyance—he'd drunk too much and remembered almost nothing.
Beiye Yinman had woken early and stayed lying down. When she sensed him waking, she quickly pretended to sleep.
At the right moment, she opened her eyes and saw him looking at her. She pulled the quilt up coyly.
"Your Highness… you're bad."
Prince Su's eyes brightened at the marks on her skin. Laughing, he grabbed her.
"Man'er is irresistible. Last night… I drank too much, I don't even remember how wonderful you were."
"Come—again."
Beiye Yinman replied in a soft, seductive voice, "Your Highness, no… last night you hurt me…"
"I won't," he promised. "Just once. This time, I won't."
He kissed her.
"But Your Highness… don't we have to go offer tea?"
"We have time."
Beiye Yinman, seeing he hadn't noticed her deception, felt secret delight.
Inside, the sounds made the maids outside blush and lower their heads.
…
In the palace: offering tea
By the time Yi Junlan and Mo Lixia arrived at the imperial palace, the sun was already high.
Mo Lixia wore a rose-colored brocade dress and followed Yi Junlan into the palace grounds.
The palace was towering and majestic. The moment they stepped down from the carriage, the imperial grandeur swept over them.
Unlike the ornate delicacy of noble mansions, the imperial city emphasized vastness and power. Golden five-clawed dragons coiled around enormous stone pillars, as if warning all under heaven that imperial authority could not be offended.
Mo Lixia admired the intricate complexity of the architecture and praised the ancients again in her heart.
Prince Kang's carriage could enter any palace hall directly, so they didn't need to dismount at the gate. They passed through gate after gate until they stopped before a magnificent hall.
Mo Lixia looked up.
Phoenix Perch Palace (Fengqi Palace).
Yi Junlan took her hand.
"This is Mother Empress's palace. Don't be nervous. She's easy to get along with—no oppressive aura."
"You've met Father Emperor. As for the Empress Dowager and Consort Dai…"
"Don't say too much. Just don't be rude. I'm here."
Mo Lixia nodded. Before her wedding, her father had explained the basics.
This Emperor had only two consorts: the Empress, and Consort Dai.
She'd heard Consort Dai wasn't favored—the Emperor's heart was with the Empress, yet the Empress still resented him and couldn't forgive his past affairs.
Mo Lixia hadn't expected the Emperor to be such a "devoted type."
As for Consort Dai, the street gossip claimed she had used shameful means back then to bear Prince Su, and the Emperor, forced, granted her a position.
Mo Lixia sighed inwardly. Too handsome is a problem—third parties appear easily.
She glanced at Yi Junlan and saw he had already put on that frightening mask again.
Oddly, she liked it.
At least it didn't invite trouble. Safer.
And there was the Empress Dowager—rumor said the Emperor wasn't her biological son. Mo Lixia understood what "don't be rude" really implied: the relationship wasn't good.
A eunuch announced sharply, "Prince Kang and Princess Consort Kang have arrived!"
He urged, "Please enter quickly. The Empress Dowager, His Majesty, and Her Majesty the Empress have waited some time. Prince Su and Princess Consort Su have already arrived as well."
"Mm," Yi Junlan replied.
They entered the main hall.
Several people were seated, and every gaze focused on them at once. Mo Lixia pushed Yi Junlan's wheelchair in, with Gu Qing following behind; Xi Qiu and the others remained outside.
The hall was vast—rich yet elegant.
At the head sat the Emperor. To his left sat an elderly woman dressed in splendor—composed, dignified, not at all bloated despite her age. She must have been a great beauty in her youth.
The Empress Dowager, Mo Lixia thought.
As Mo Lixia looked at her, the Empress Dowager narrowed her eyes and studied Mo Lixia in return.
Mo Lixia frowned. Something about her felt familiar—but the thought flashed by too quickly to grasp.
To the Emperor's right sat the Empress in formal robes; beside her, another elegant woman in equally lavish attire—Consort Dai.
Below on the left sat Prince Su and Beiye Yinman. Perhaps from waiting too long, their faces carried impatience.
After Mo Lixia finished her quick survey, her hand was suddenly held—warmth anchoring her restless heart. She turned and met Yi Junlan's beautiful eyes; he smiled at her.
"Greetings to Father Emperor and Mother Empress. Blessings to the Empress Dowager," Yi Junlan said.
Mo Lixia followed his lead, greeting them as well.
When she rose, the Empress smiled at her—seemingly pleased. Mo Lixia's heart eased; nothing frightened a new bride more than a mother-in-law who disliked her.
"Good," the Emperor said, smiling at the newlyweds. "Now that Prince Kang and his consort are here, let's offer tea."
The Emperor watched Mo Lixia pushing Yi Junlan in, the more he looked the more satisfied he felt with the daughter-in-law he'd chosen.
A palace maid brought tea to the Empress Dowager's side.
Mo Lixia understood at once. She knelt, took the red lacquer tray, raised it above her head, and said:
"Your granddaughter-in-law pays respects to the Empress Dowager. Please accept this tea."
A glint crossed the Empress Dowager's eyes. She hummed, took the cup, and drank it in one go.
Then she signaled Nanny Zhang to present the prepared gift: a full set of ruby head ornaments, plus a red envelope embroidered with dragon and phoenix.
"This was something I once cherished," the Empress Dowager said calmly. "It's missing one piece—ah, what a pity."
"But seeing you now, I feel it belongs with young people like you."
"Take it."
Anyone could tell it wasn't ordinary—deep color, flawless quality, worth a fortune.
Some people, however, compared it to what Prince Su's consort had just received and thought it wasn't as "good." Mo Lixia, though, recognized the value—her master had once owned a similar ruby set.
She didn't dare refuse. Smiling, she accepted it.
"Thank you for Your Grace's reward."
"Mm," the Empress Dowager said. "Rise. When you have time, come sit with me in my chambers."
"An old woman is lonely."
At that, the Emperor's eyes flickered. Yi Junlan's expression didn't change, but the hand resting on his wheelchair tightened.
"I will," Mo Lixia said.
Next came tea for the Emperor and the Empress.
Mo Lixia had met the Emperor before, but in this setting she still felt restrained.
"Father Emperor," Yi Junlan greeted.
"Mm," the Emperor smiled as he took the cup. "Lixia, in this past year I've hardly seen you. And now you're suddenly my daughter-in-law."
"Are you dissatisfied with anything?"
"Your daughter-in-law would not dare."
"Good. If Junlan bullies you, tell me."
"Yes, Father Emperor."
"Mother Empress, please accept tea," Mo Lixia said.
The Empress smiled, took the cup, and held Mo Lixia's hand.
"The Mo general's daughter is truly fresh and lovely. No wonder Junlan adores you."
"I like you as well."
"Junlan's legs are inconvenient. From now on, Lixia, you must take extra care."
She then took out a bracelet of fine white nephrite and placed it on Mo Lixia's wrist.
"This was left by your maternal grandmother."
Mo Lixia saw how translucent it was and accepted it without refusing. "Thank you, Mother Empress."
No one prompted Mo Lixia to offer tea to Consort Dai beside them, and Mo Lixia didn't dare ask.
Prince Su, however, looked irritated. He had offered tea to the Empress—so why didn't Yi Junlan offer tea to hismother? She was still an elder.
Prince Su shot Yi Junlan a cold look. Yi Junlan noticed but ignored it.
Consort Dai, for her part, simply drank her tea and showed no reaction. She had grown numb after so many years of such treatment.
"Alright," the Emperor said, rising. "Since we're all here, let's go to the ancestral hall."
They moved to the royal ancestral hall. The two new consorts offered incense and were entered into the imperial genealogy, formally becoming members of the royal house.
After the rites, the Emperor, mindful that all four were newlyweds, dismissed them to rest.
Before leaving, the Empress held Mo Lixia's hand again and told her to visit Fengqi Palace often.
Mo Lixia, looking closely at Yi Junlan's mother, felt her mother-in-law was indeed gentle—perhaps protected too well, her face showed little wear from time.
Because Yi Junlan and Mo Lixia had arrived by carriage directly, while Prince Su and Beiye Yinman had dismounted at the palace gate, the contrast was clear.
Watching Mo Lixia carefully support Yi Junlan, Prince Su couldn't hide his sourness.
He hadn't expected Yi Junlan to be so "lucky"—to marry such a beautiful consort.
He regretted that he'd never bothered to truly look at the Mo family girl back then.
Otherwise… how would it be a "cripple's" turn?
"Royal Brother is truly blessed," Prince Su said, voice slick. "To marry such a lovely sister-in-law… I envy you."
At those words, even Beiye Yinman stiffened. She lowered her head, a cold gleam passing through her eyes.
Yi Junlan replied coolly, "Does Royal Brother not know? I've always been more blessed than you."
As he spoke, he tightened his hold on Mo Lixia's hand—like saying: I'm here.
Mo Lixia smiled back at him.
From the moment Yi Junlan entered her sight, Beiye Yinman had been stealing glances again and again.
That man in a wheelchair—
She had first seen him at thirteen and become madly obsessed.
Yet her devotion had only earned his disgust; he wouldn't even look at her.
Mo Lixia had only been back for a short while, yet she and Yi Junlan were already together.
How could Beiye Yinman not hate?
She had once planned to use her methods… but then news came that Yi Junlan had been poisoned and attacked.
When she saw him again, he was no longer that dashing figure.
Without legs, how could he compete for that position?
How could she, Beiye Yinman, sit at the highest seat and receive everyone's flattery?
Prince Su sneered, arm around Beiye Yinman.
"Royal Brother's blessing—how could I possibly understand it?"
"With such a beauty… I'm afraid you can only look, not touch."
A chill spread from Yi Junlan like ice.
Prince Su involuntarily shivered, cursing himself inwardly. We're both princes—why am I so weak in front of him?
Yi Junlan remained composed and did not waste words. He guided Mo Lixia into the carriage.
After their carriage left, Beiye Yinman hurried to soothe Prince Su, smoothing his breath.
"Your Highness, it's a joyous day. Why be angry?"
"People who don't matter aren't worth it."
She held his arm, voice gentle, not wanting him to be drawn again by Mo Lixia's beauty.
Prince Su's mood eased. He looked at her with soft affection.
"My Man'er is truly considerate. Come—let's go sit with Mother Consort."
"Mm," Beiye Yinman said. "Let's keep Mother Consort company. She didn't look happy today."
Prince Su snorted. "When have they ever not made her angry?"
"Your Highness," Beiye Yinman said smoothly, "with me here, Mother Consort will never suffer again."
"I know Your Highness is filial. Mother Consort knows your hardships too."
Prince Su squeezed her hand. "You understand me best. Marrying you was the best thing."
As they walked toward Consort Dai's palace, Beiye Yinman lowered her eyes—already thinking about how she would deal with the prince's concubines once they returned.