In the garden, a few familiar figures were present, along with the voices of eunuchs and palace maids. When the Emperor appeared, holding Qingyao’s hand, a eunuch called out, "The Emperor and Empress have arrived."
Several figures rushed over, bowing respectfully.
"Greetings to Your Majesty, Empress."
"Rise," Emperor Xian’s deep eyes swept across them, and he smiled with satisfaction.
The garden was decorated in an ancient, elegant style, with vibrant reds and resplendent flowers adorning the spacious imperial garden.
A red carpet was laid in the center of the garden, and at the very heart of it stood the court’s master of ceremonies.
He held a paper in his hand, looking at it with a troubled expression. As his gaze shifted, he seemed to be struggling, as if constipated. The princess had called it a wedding address, but he found it exceptionally awkward.
Never mind, he’d use it for now.
Today was the Emperor and Empress’s wedding. Princess Murong Xingzhu had also rushed back, along with Mu Qingxiang and Mu Qingzhu, the Left Prime Minister Mu Hen, and several court officials were present to witness the occasion, and no one else.
Little Fish reached out, holding her father and mother’s hands, and walked towards the master of ceremonies, signaling him to begin.
The master of ceremonies took a deep breath and, risking being dragged away and beaten thirty times, began the unconventional and unprecedented wedding address.
"Today is the Emperor and Empress's wedding. I ask all guests to offer them their most sincere blessings. May the newlyweds always love each other. From their initial acquaintance to their deep affection, they have navigated a bumpy path in life. From this day forward, may they grow old together and be bathed in eternal love.
Groom, do you take the bride?"
After the master of ceremonies finished, there was silence below. For a long time, there was no sound. Due to the master of ceremonies' cut corners, or perhaps his lack of courage to call the groom’s name, Murong Liu Zun, the groom, looked bewildered, unsure who he was being called for.
The master of ceremonies called out again, "Groom, do you take the bride?"
This time, his voice was much softer. Qingyao glanced at the man beside her. He was only looking at her, seemingly having forgotten the master of ceremonies’ presence. She quickly reached out and nudged him.
"Yes, I do."
Emperor Xian finally reacted. As the Emperor of a nation, he had never experienced such things, so he didn’t know that the groom the master of ceremonies spoke of was himself. Seeing Qingyao nudge him, he slowly spoke.
The master of ceremonies breathed a sigh of relief, sweat covering his back. The wind blew chillingly. This was no way for a human to live. He really didn’t know who had come up with this terrible idea, which could shave ten years off a person’s life.
"Bride, do you take the groom?"
This time, the Emperor listened attentively, his eyes fixed on Qingyao. She smiled charmingly, lowered her head, and softly replied, "I do."
The final sentence: "Please, groom, kiss the bride."
Murong Liu Zun was not hesitant about this. He immediately reached out, embraced Qingyao, and kissed her forcefully in front of everyone. He lacked his usual domineering presence, exuding only gentle elegance and warmth.
Qingyao blushed in protest and pushed him, "Let go quickly."
Unexpectedly, the Emperor not only didn’t loosen his grip but instead lifted the bride entirely in his arms and said to everyone, "Esteemed ministers, please excuse us. I shall take my leave for a moment."
With that, he carried her away from the imperial garden. Laughter filled the garden. Qingyao’s face had already turned as red as a shrimp, and she buried her face in his embrace, unable to look up. She protested indignantly, "Murong Liu Zun, you are too lecherous!"
"Is it not a man's nature to be lustful, my dear? Don't you know that?"
"You?" Qingyao’s face flushed with shyness. She could remain indifferent to those of no consequence, but towards him, she was powerless. She buried her entire face in his broad chest. From now on, his embrace would be her home.
This man, perhaps due to a long period of abstinence because she was pregnant, or perhaps because his beautiful wife was too alluring, had ignited his desire, making him somewhat impatient. A fiery passion flared in his eyes, revealing itself so intensely that her cheeks burned. However, she still had the presence of mind to remember the child in her belly and thus reminded him.
"But the baby."
"I have already asked the Imperial Physician. Being careful, there should be no problem."
It seemed he had planned this in advance. Thinking that he, an Emperor, had actually gone to ask someone about this matter, Qingyao was once again stunned.
She didn't know that the Emperor had also held back for a long time before saying it. He hadn't expected the Imperial Physician to be so composed; the man was evidently used to such matters.
In the sleeping quarters, Emperor Xian gave a deep, cold command, "All of you, withdraw."
"Yes, Your Majesty," everyone retreated. The vast sleeping quarters fell silent. A gentle breeze blew, causing the gauze curtains to sway lightly, swirling into waves.
Liu Zun placed Qingyao on the bed, his eyes deep and burning as he gazed at her. He reached out and held her hand, slowly speaking word by word.
"Do you know what I thought when I first saw you in this wedding dress? I wanted to hide you away. But in the end, I restrained myself because wearing a wedding dress was your dream."
His hand seemed to possess a magical quality as it slowly touched her brows, her eyes, and then moved downwards. His heart couldn't help but sigh. Was it truly like this in their era? Were women so sexy and revealing when they wore them?
How could men remain at peace? What he didn't know was that the wedding dress Qingyao was wearing was already considered very modest. The truly revealing ones would drive him mad.
Qingyao smiled and remained silent, gazing at the man before her. His brows, his face, so handsome, as if sculpted with meticulous care.
And such an outstanding man was also devoted. Had she truly found a treasure?
All her past efforts were worth it. True love for a lifetime, never apart.
The gauze curtains, blown by the wind, fell. His tall body slowly leaned down, his movements gentle and careful, as if cherishing a treasure in his heart, bringing endless happiness for a lifetime...
...
Ten years later.
Time flowed like water, yet it had not diminished any of their passion. On the contrary, it had intensified like aged wine.
At Phoenix Palace, the place was bustling from early morning. Sounds of activity could be heard everywhere. Today was the Crown Prince’s tenth birthday. The Empress had invited a few guests to celebrate the Crown Prince, without a grand banquet.
The Crown Prince, Murong Lingqing, who was ten years old, though young, possessed a dominant and iron-willed demeanor reminiscent of his father. At this moment, he was standing in a corner of the main hall, engaging with a blooming young maiden.
The maiden’s eyes were captivatingly heroic, and her every move exuded regal dignity. She wore a grass-green brocade gown, which made her look like a delicate, fragrant flower, elegantly unfolding its most glorious colors.
Murong Lingqing held onto Murong Qinyu’s hand tightly.
"Imperial Sister, where is Mother?"
"Mother?" xxx
As Murong Qinyu was about to speak, she suddenly remembered something. Placing her hands on her hips, she glared fiercely at the Crown Prince, "Lingqing, what do you want to do now?"