Chapter 112 - The Conclusion ◇

◎To Have Such a Wife, What More Could a Husband Ask For? ◇

In the residence of the Empress Dowager's family, it was bustling with excitement.

Yu Lian was adorning herself in her chamber. Her wedding attire was on, her makeup was done, and her hair almost perfectly coiffed. When her mother finished attending to the preliminary tasks, she entered the room, accompanied by a horde of maidservants and nursemaids.

Upon seeing Yu Lian, her eyes lit up. She joyfully held her daughter's hand and spoke a few words before turning emotional, tears welling up in her eyes, her face filled with reluctance.

Despite the fact that her daughter had already been married once, this time, the grand wedding was reorganized because her son-in-law didn't want his wife to feel slighted. It was her first genuine experience of sending her daughter off to marriage, and unlike the previous sorrowful, unexpected, and worried circumstances, this time, her tears were purely tears of overwhelming joy.

With a wistful expression, her tears fell as she spoke. The people in the room, sensing the intimate moment, quietly and synchronously retreated, leaving the space solely for the mother and daughter. At that moment, a commotion from outside the courtyard could be heard, indicating that the auspicious hour was approaching, and the wedding procession was nearly at the Empress Dowager's residence. They even overheard someone mention that the Emperor himself would ride out of the palace to escort his bride.

Yu Niang held her daughter's hand tightly and gave her some parting advice: "These days, I've come to understand that your husband truly cares for you. Fortunately, he has returned, and now, Mother has no more worries. In the future, you should live happily as your Majesty's Empress, supporting him and nurturing your children. If you can give birth to an imperial child soon, what else is there to fret about?"

"Whenever you miss Mother, send for me to come to the palace and keep you company."

"Although your father has become a high-ranking official overnight, he has always possessed great talent. Mother believes he will not bring shame upon you. Your brother will be attending the Imperial Academy after the new year, and Mother will have more leisure time. All I wish for is that both of you flourish..."

Yu Lian interrupted her, "Mother, why is it that having an imperial son means no more worries?" Her cheeks flushed with warmth.

Yu Niang shot her a reproachful glance. "Ordinary families still need descendants, let alone the imperial family? If you were to give birth to the first imperial son sooner, with His Majesty's affection and concern for you, he might not even need other concubines. If that were the case, what more grievances would you have? Even if there were other concubines in the future, with an imperial prince by your side, your position would be secure, and Mother would naturally feel more at ease."

Yu Lian smiled slightly.

On a personal level, she was not averse to having a child. She didn't dislike children and desired to have a baby in this world who carried on her bloodline. From a practical standpoint, a child indeed contributed to solidifying one's status and relationships.

But she wouldn't have a child solely for these reasons.

If a man only showed his so-called love and honor because of a child, wouldn't all his previous efforts be in vain? One could just give birth directly, without doing anything else.

First, she captured the man's heart, ensuring that his affections lay with her and continued to grow. Then, on the foundation of that love, a child would naturally come into their lives.

That was the proper sequence.

After Yu Niang's lecture, they heard a voice outside announce, "The auspicious hour has arrived!"

The matron of honor and others knocked on the door, informing them that the emperor's wedding procession had arrived at the residence of the father-in-law. Yu Niang wiped away her tears, placed the red veil over her daughter's face, and supported her as they stepped out.

Outside the Imperial Father-in-Law's mansion, a man stood quietly. As he witnessed the father carrying his daughter, dressed in a phoenix robe bridal attire, emerge, his starry eyes focused intently, his heart softening.

Neither the officials nor the curious crowd dared to provoke a commotion; instead, they joyfully exchanged auspicious words, creating a lively atmosphere.

The man was oblivious to the surrounding noise; his vision was solely fixed on that splash of red.

Soon, Yu Sanlang brought his daughter to her husband-to-be. Normally, he would have placed her directly into the sedan chair, but the groom unexpectedly reached out to take her gently into his arms.

With meticulous care, he lowered her into the carriage and whispered softly in her ear, "Zhu Ying and the others suggested circling a few extra streets... If you can't wait, feel free to return to the palace directly."

Under the red veil, Yu Lian couldn't glare at him, so she pouted and said, "Who's impatient? Take as long as you like..."

Realizing his choice of words was inappropriate, the man's ears turned warm. "I just didn't want you to be uncomfortable in the sedan chair."

Zhu Ying had proposed that, given the rarity of their wedding, they should circle a few extra streets. This was not only to share the joy with the people but also to make the grand wedding even more memorable. It was what the young madam deserved.

As for security, for the wedding, the entire capital had been secured so tightly that not even a fly could enter or exit, let alone a rat. With a large escort of golden-armored guards accompanying the wedding procession, it was as safe as it could be.

As Zhu Ying, the Grand Eunuch, was also one of the wedding planners, he orchestrated a lively spectacle of distributing sweet candies and copper coins along the streets, ensuring an atmosphere of exuberant festivity.

Yu Lian sat within the palanquin, its smooth motion testament to the skill of the Golden Armor Guards, the elite soldiers who carried it, as if she were gliding over a level terrain.

The route was lined with cheers from the populace, shouting "Her Majesty the Empress" and "His Imperial Majesty," with occasional mentions of "Sixth Miss."

Everyone rejoiced in this grand union of two lovers, a celebration that truly embraced the nation, bringing joy to all.

From her maid's account, Yu Lian learned that many citizens in the capital had adorned their front doors with double happiness symbols or red cloth strips to mark the royal nuptials. There was no such custom for imperial weddings, nor was it required, but the people did so out of their own volition.

Who wouldn't be delighted to see the protagonist of their stories find their happily-ever-after?

Especially those who had long regarded Yu Lian as the finest maiden in the land.

Their cheers of joy and blessings accompanied the procession all the way to the palace gates.

Yu Lian sat on the Dragon Bed, expecting a long wait, but to her surprise, the man entered soon after, carrying a subtle scent of alcohol and the cool, distinct fragrance of dragon's saliva incense.

Her veil was gently lifted.

The man leaned halfway down, gazing into her eyes intently.

His eyes were profound, then transformed into a warm smile.

He turned to offer the cup of wine for their ritual toast. Yu Lian reached out to hold the other cup. They drank in unison, their arms entwined. Before she could lower her cup, he eagerly cupped the back of her head, pressing his forehead against hers, their noses touching, and their breaths intertwining.

He sighed softly, contentedly saying, "Lian'er, from this day forward, I am your husband."

"You are my wife, my one and only wife."

Seemingly aware of her parents' past concerns, on this wedding day, he made a solemn vow to his beloved: "No matter what the future holds, Hua Ji will have Yu Lian as my sole wife, with no concubines."

There were no grand oaths, only a simple statement. He meant to do this and honestly conveyed it to his wife. No further words were needed.

It was precisely because of this sincerity that he appeared all the more dependable.

Despite the four-year separation between their two lifetimes, with limited time spent together and a lack of deep understanding, the twists and turns they had endured were unparalleled by any other lovers. Their love, nurtured by time, had become even more intense and genuine.

He lowered his head to tenderly kiss his wife's lips.

Breaths grew heavier.

Amidst the warm glow of red candles and the swaying imperial bed, the night unfolded without end.

---

Li Xiang grumbled his way home. There were too many people in the bride's chamber, preventing him from secretly slipping in for a glimpse. Standing outside the door, he could only watch as she, veiled in red, was handed over by her father to another man, lifted into the sedan chair, carried away, and ultimately, entered the palace.

He followed at a distance, all the way.

Finally, he smiled faintly, releasing himself from the secret love filled with joyous memories.

Though they were fated to be unrelated, the mere fact that he had crossed paths with her, held her in his heart, and would now share the same sky and breathe the same air for the rest of his life, brought warmth to his soul.

His life had not been in vain.

He pulled the covers over himself, closed his eyes, and a contented smile graced his face.

The next morning, Yu Lian awoke feeling refreshed despite her aching body. Apparently, the man had meticulously cleansed her before she fell asleep, and now he gazed at her with a charming smile.

Uncommonly, Yu Lian's face flushed red, even her ears turning crimson.

Hiding her face in his chest, the man gently patted her head with a teasing smile. "Feeling bashful?"

Yu Lian: "..."

"Call me husband."

Yu Lian: "..."

Seeing her reluctance to respond, the man prodded, "Didn't you call out quite cheerfully last night?"

He adored it when she called him 'husband' in those moments of vulnerability, her voice both delicate and alluring, stirring boundless tenderness and joy within him. Her cries made his blood surge, every cell in his body quivering with desire.

After hiding for a while, Yu Lian grew indignant, twisting his chest in retaliation.

Man: !

After that, the couple got out of bed, and he personally dressed her and applied makeup, even taking care of her morning ablutions. The palace maidens standing by trembled in fear – was His Majesty trying to snatch their jobs?

Once everything was done, they went together to visit their elders.

The retired Empress Dowager, the Grand Empress Dowager, along with Princess Guo'er and two young princes, were all waiting for them in the Grand Empress Dowager's palace.

The whole family had breakfast together.

At the table, the elderly lady's eyes crinkled with laughter, happier than when she had seen her grandson return. Her greatest joy was seeing her granddaughter-in-law happy, and it was even better that her eldest grandson was the one who could bring her happiness. Therefore, the old lady was deeply content.

She even sighed, "Living as long as I have, I finally feel that my life is complete, without any regrets." On the second day of her grandson and granddaughter-in-law's wedding, she didn't say anything ominous, but the implication was that she would be at peace even if she were to pass away at that moment.

Yu Lian sat beside the old lady, with Hua Ji on her other side.

She cuddled up to the old lady's arm as usual, coquettishly saying, "Grandmother's happiness is the best, but I hope you'll live a long time and see more beautiful sights."

The old lady pinched her nose, "Will you let Grandmother take care of your little great-grandson or great-granddaughter?"

Yu Lian's face flushed with embarrassment, and she turned her head away, ignoring her teasing grandmother.

The old lady laughed until her mouth could hardly close.

Everyone else around the table wore broad smiles.

Needless to say, Mrs. Chen was beaming. Even Hua Zhan, known for his stern demeanor, gave a smile and nodded approvingly.

Regaining her composure, Yu Lian suddenly asked, "What if there's no crown prince? Does that mean Grandmother doesn't love Lian'er anymore?"

The old lady quickly reassured her, "Of course not! Hua'er has already returned from the dead; your current blessings are hard-earned. Naturally, our priority is you and Hua'er."

Both Mrs. Chen and Hua Zhan shared this sentiment. They had initially believed Hua Ji to be dead, so his resurrection and ascension to the throne were unexpected joys. How could they demand more? If Yu Lian couldn't or didn't want to bear a child, their family had other sons who could carry on the line. Adopting a child for their twins' wives would also alleviate the burden on them.

Yu Lian studied their expressions and saw that her father-in-law, mother-in-law, and grandmother all agreed. None of them insisted that she must give birth to an imperial son, as her mother had implied. Relieved of the pressure, Yu Lian's smile became genuine. Reflecting on her experiences, she found it all quite remarkable.

If not for these events, she might never have found such harmony in any household, let alone one that valued her and her husband above all else.

Under the table, Hua Ji secretly took her hand and whispered in her ear, "If you're unwilling, then don't."

He had little interest in children; it would be ideal to live as an enchanting couple with his beloved wife.

The second day of their marriage passed in a joyful and harmonious atmosphere, much like any other day the family spent together. However, owing to their four years of shared hardships, this royal household was entirely distinct from any that had come before it in previous dynasties.

In private, without regard for social hierarchy, they still addressed each other as Grandmother, Father, Mother, and Husband, just like an ordinary, loving family, enjoying a close and harmonious relationship.

After returning to the capital, Yu Lian had once been perplexed whether the palace was still her home. Now, however, she was certain that this was where she would spend the rest of her life—a home where they embraced each other entirely, a place filled with affection, laughter, and intimacy.

Hua Ji treated her with unparalleled affection; were it not for his pressing state affairs, he would likely be inseparable from her side all day long.

Yet, with his heavy workload, Yu Lian found herself at a loss during the day with nothing to do, feeling rather idle and unoccupied.

The man led her into the imperial study, instructing the eunuchs to bring books, story scrolls, fruits, and snacks for her amusement while he attended to his duties.

Almost finished with her book, Yu Lian became curious and flipped through his official memorials. The man not only didn't stop her but, noticing the crease forming between her brows, would even explain the contents of the documents.

Over time, it evolved into Yu Lian assisting him by examining the imperial edicts, distinguishing the critical from the trivial and weeding out the superfluous. She would then condense the lengthy memorials into a couple of key points on small slips of paper, enabling him to review and annotate them promptly, vastly increasing his efficiency.

What was meant to be an all-night task of reviewing official documents was completed in the afternoon. The man scooped her onto his lap, burying his face in the nape of her neck and inhaling deeply. He sighed contentedly, "To have a wife like you, what more could a man ask for?"

"I've heard that all the men in the world envy me for having you. But while they know of your affection for me, how could they fathom the incredible capabilities of my wife?"

Hua Ji's adoration for his charming spouse had infiltrated every fiber of his being. She was like a radiant treasure, deserving of his lifelong devotion and careful exploration.

In the nascent days of this new dynasty, there were countless tasks to be accomplished.

After discovering Yu Lian's talents, Hua Ji became bolder in involving her in numerous affairs, without any reservation.

From perusing official documents to contributing suggestions on new policies, the two not only found great synergy in governance but also grew more deeply entwined in their affection for each other.

Some ministers initially grumbled upon discovering the Empress's open interference in state affairs, but with the Emperor's unwavering support, they had no choice but to accept it. Eventually, they found her insights to be unique, and many of her proposed policies proved beneficial to the nation and its people, making it difficult for them to continue objecting.

Yu Sanlang became an even greater advocate for his daughter.

He excelled in his duties, astonishing many with his exceptional performance. From re-registering the population after the wars to establishing new taxation systems, allocating farmland, and resolving the mess left by the previous administration, every account was managed meticulously, leaving no room for confusion. His work streamlined the tasks of other officials in court, providing whatever they needed without any hindrance, and paving the way for the Emperor's subsequent policy implementations.

Even the most meticulous of civil and military officials could find no fault with Yu Sanlang's work. In a short time, he firmly established himself in the court, becoming a highly influential and sought-after minister, the Emperor's new "steward."

After the grand imperial wedding, Zhu Ying, having successfully organized the ceremony to the satisfaction of the monarch, was promoted from Grand Eunuch to Commander of the Golden Armor Guards, ensuring the safety of the palace. This way, she secured her own position and preserved her status.

He let out a wistful sigh. With the Lord and the young madam now happily married, their union harmonious, why did he feel so inexplicably empty?

It was as if something was still missing.

Indeed, people needed something to occupy their thoughts.

Fortunately, Zhu Ying didn't have to wait too long for this distraction.

In the following June, news arrived from the palace: Her Majesty, the Empress, was with child!

The entire kingdom rejoices, and all under heaven celebrate together.

Zhu Ying hastened into the imperial palace, determined to request the Empress to allow him to become the martial arts mentor for the future prince or princess!

The child of the young madam would surely be as intelligent and charming as she is!

He has already decided to teach her/him to soar, the art of swordsmanship, and how to traverse the heavens and earth with unparalleled prowess!

The mere thought of a little dumpling, resembling Miss Shao, toddling after him and calling him 'Master' in a milkily sweet voice filled him with such excitement that his body trembled.

In the imperial palace, there was a man even more agitated than he was.

His voice, rarely heard to tremble, echoed as his large hand cautiously rested on her abdomen, disbelief tingeing his words, "We... have a child?"

Even though he had considered not having children and wasn't inherently fond of them, the thought that this life was emerging from Yu Lian's womb, a continuation of their shared bloodline, stirred an incredibly surreal feeling within him.

Upon receiving Yu Lian's smiling confirmation,

He knelt down further, half prostrating before her, casting aside all pretense of his imperial status. Gently pressing his cheek against her belly, he encircled her slender waist with both hands.

After a long while, he whispered, "Yu Lian, it's truly wonderful to have met you."

Having you is truly wonderful.

Yu Lian placed her hand on his head, tenderly stroking his hair.

After such a long period of coexistence, under his profound respect, love, and constant prioritization of her needs, her heart was no longer cold steel. Each day was filled with fulfillment, joy, and happiness. How could she not develop affection for the man who brought her such bliss?

The initial pretense of their relationship gradually merged with genuine feelings, and the defenses in her heart slowly melted away. In front of this man, she felt incredibly at ease and ecstatic.

Hua Ji's initial joy subsided as a thought suddenly crossed his mind. He lifted his head, his eyes shining like a child's as he asked, "They say that mothers and sons share an unbreakable bond. Lian'er, don't you forget your husband once you have a child..."

Yu Lian: "..." Wasn't that supposed to be her line?

He had stolen her husband's part!

With the main story nearly complete, would readers like to see extras about their children, family life, Shangyi Village, or any other scenarios?

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