Chapter 392: Who Promised You in a Past Life

Chapter 392: Who Promised You in a Past Life

After the palace examination, it's time to assign official positions to the scholars. At this point, many start to leverage their connections in hopes of securing a favorable post. Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yiyuan, naturally, did not have to worry about this. However, after discussing their future plans with Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai, the two methodically joined the Hanlin Academy.

It's a common saying in the official circles that one must serve in the Hanlin Academy to enter the cabinet. For long-term prospects, it's natural to build a resume at the academy. Of course, not all scholars can enter; one must have high rankings in both the metropolitan and the palace examinations, and connections. Xiao Yiyuan and Xiao Yucheng met both criteria and hence smoothly joined the Hanlin Academy.

With their job placements settled, the next events were one's marriage and the other's betrothal. In the near future, the Duke's residence would be filled with joyous celebrations and bustling activities.

With Xiao Yiyuan's engagement to Tang Anle, Tang Shuyi had much to oversee, unfamiliar with the customs of the capital. Then came Xiao Yucheng's grand wedding, her mind hardly resting for a moment these days. Meanwhile, Xiao Huai had not been managing the household, busy with matters unknown.

"Madame Wang and Madame Liu have always been at odds; we'll need to seat them far apart during the event..."

Tang Shuyi instructed the housekeeper Zhao with these details, who nodded admiringly, remarking inwardly that their lady, worthy of being an imperial teacher, handled affairs with meticulous care, jotting down notes diligently.

After going through the details of the guest arrangements, Tang Shuyi looked at housekeeper Zhao's densely written notebook with satisfaction, appreciating the conscientious work of a devoted employee.

She said, "Keep these records well; they will be useful in the future. Also, pay regular attention to the affairs of other families and update our network of relationships as needed."

"Yes," Zhao, the housekeeper, replied earnestly, closing his notebook.

Tang Shuyi hummed in acknowledgment, then asked, "What has the Duke been busy with these days?"

Housekeeper Zhao shook his head, "This servant does not know."

Tang Shuyi waved her hand to dismiss him, leaning on the brocaded divan to ponder if anything had been overlooked. In two days, Xiao Yuchen was to be wed, and any oversights needed to be promptly addressed.

Night fell in the blink of an eye, and the evening meal was served. The siblings gathered for dinner in Shi'an Garden, and Xiao Huai hurried back just in time. Tang Shuyi couldn't help but ask him, "What have you been busy with these past few days?"

Xiao Huai smiled at her, "I'll tell you after dinner."

Tang Shuyi didn't know what he was keeping under wraps, but instead of probing, she asked, "Have you arranged the security details?"

With Xiao Yuchen's grand wedding, and the attendance of Li Jingyi, security was of utmost importance.

Xiao Huai, holding her hand as they walked towards the dining room, reassured, "Everything is in place; the troops remain in the city. The camp on the outskirts is now under Xiang Tianhe's command. There are no concerns, both within and beyond our walls."

Tang Shuyi trusted him implicitly. Hand in hand, they entered the dining room to find the siblings wearing envious smiles upon seeing the couple's clasped hands—a bond of affection unmatched throughout the capital.

After dinner, Tang Shuyi wanted to discuss some matters with Xiao Yuchen, but before she could begin, Xiao Huai dismissed the siblings and pulled Tang Shuyi towards the bedroom. Confused, she asked, "What's the matter?"

"You'll know in a moment," Xiao Huai whispered in her ear with a smile.

Once in the bedroom, Xiao Huai closed the door, instructing Cui Zhu and Cui Yun to ensure they weren't disturbed. Tang Shuyi blushed at the insinuation, the night having just begun...

Suddenly, Xiao Huai led her to the bed, and a reluctant Tang Shuyi protested, "This is quite the jest..."

Before she could finish, Xiao Huai drew back the curtains to reveal two festive robes—one male, one female, one red, one green. The vibrant colors were intense yet exquisitely matched. Tang Shuyi, surprised, looked at Xiao Huai, "Whose wedding attire is this?"

It couldn't be Xiao Yuchen and Jia Ning's.

"Yours and mine," Xiao Huai embraced her. "Now that I have the status, we need a ceremony."

Tang Shuyi laughed, "You have quite the demands."

Xiao Huai hummed seriously, then began to help Tang Shuyi out of her clothes, dressing her in the bridal garments piece by piece. Watching his earnest demeanor, her heart swelled with fullness. In this unfamiliar era, meeting, knowing, and loving him was the greatest privilege bestowed by the heavens.

The bright red paired with the stately green brought out the radiance in Tang Shuyi's dignified beauty, rendering her a sight too captivating to look away from. Xiao Huai gazed at her intensely, "You are the greatest fortune of my three lifetimes."

Tang Shuyi laughed heartily, "Then shall I help my lord undress?"

Xiao Huai spread his arms, and Tang Shuyi diligently changed his clothes. Stepping back to admire the refined yet dazzling man before her, she proclaimed, "My noble lord, agile and almost divine, your visage has truly captured my heart."

Xiao Huai swept her into his arms with laughter, adorned her with the phoenix crown, and together, they earnestly performed the ritual bows to heaven and earth. After the final bow, Xiao Huai clasped Tang Shuyi's hands tightly, "May we be husband and wife again in our next life."

He spoke earnestly, with a deep longing. Tang Shuyi felt her eyes moisten and responded with a smile, "Remember, the passphrase is: 'Who made a pact with you in a past life?'"

"Who made a pact with you in a past life," Xiao Huai mused over the phrase, his grip on Tang Shuyi's hand tightening. "I shall etch these words into my soul," he declared.

Tang Shuyi was moved again by his earnestness, grasping the lapels of his garment and rising on her toes to press a kiss to his lips...

P.S.: Got a bit poetic today.

"Who Made a Pact with You in a Past Life," from a poem found online:

Who, in a past life, made a pact with you, bestowing upon you a smile so gentle,

So pure, so innocent, and with such sincerity?

Who, in a past life, made a pact with you, whose smile blossomed into the entirety of spring?

Whether you are here or not, it blooms all the same.

Whether you delight in it or not, it sways just as tenderly.

Who, in a past life, made a pact with you—it’s not the charm that could topple cities with a single smile,

Nor is it an involuntary quiver of rhythm, but a warm current gently gliding into your heart,

Smoothing over each and every nerve.

And so, he walked into your heart,

And you stepped into his sight.

There's none of the loneliness that waits a thousand years for return,

No yearning for the cycle of four seasons,

None of the eager, piercing anticipation,

And certainly no harsh words of despising hatred,

Just a trace of deep, lingering affection,

Awaiting the closeness of each other.

People believe in the cycle of life and rebirth.

And are constantly weaving the fate of past, present, and future lives.

But if you have not received this secret signal,

Please continue your search.

Until one day, in some place, someone

Speaks of spring in their eyes when addressing you,

"Who made a pact with you in a past life?"