Chapter 443 – The Crown Prince’s Wedding

Chapter 443 - The Crown Prince's Wedding

"That's good. Ziqi has truly grown up." Qiao patted her hair, smiling through her tears.

"Empress Xiaoxian is only a later addition; in reality, her character is more than enough to be a queen. I understand that. I don't need to emulate others. Gaining a third of Empress Xiaoxian's wisdom would be enough for me to benefit a lifetime."

Ruan held Qiao's hand excitedly. "Mother, do you know? For the first time, I realized that one doesn't need to be harsh or severe to possess great strength. She's simply incredible, do you understand?"

Qiao's tears vanished as she chuckled and shook her head. "It seems like you will get along well with your mother-in-law in the future."

Ruan blushed but nodded resolutely. "I believe we will get along very, very well."

In the palace, after Ruan's departure, they hastened the preparations for the crown prince's wedding.

The emperor's low spirits during court sessions left the officials too wary to voice any unnecessary concerns. After all, His Majesty was now solely focused on the crown prince's wedding; who dared to speak out of turn?

In the harem, the concubine was energetically arranging matters for Yun Li, without complaint.

After all, she had been deeply startled by the news of Yun Li's grave injury, to the point that she couldn't sleep for several days.

Moreover, the Empress was currently irritable, leaving Concubine Shu speechless on multiple occasions.

Empress Dowager had also been exerting herself, but she was, after all, old; truly old.

Though not yet seventy, her health seemed to have deteriorated over time.

Now, she was plagued with ailments and could no longer be as energetic as before.

Despite this, she still sent numerous gifts to the Crown Prince.

The Eastern Palace received daily tributes, either from the Emperor's whims or Empress Dowager's thoughts.

The Concubine Gui also contributed to these gifts.

On the other hand, Concubine Xian offered less.

But wasn't everything Concubine Xian sent ultimately for the Crown Prince?

As the weather warmed, Yun Li's condition improved significantly; her ribs no longer caused her pain.

However, she still needed to rest and took care to do so.

Her head injury had healed, leaving behind a scar that was previously red but now had turned pale.

It was a permanent mark, but she applied a green ointment daily, hoping for some improvement. In this era, let alone with modern laser treatments, removing such a scar would be no easy feat.

Nonetheless, she didn't seem to mind much, and neither did He Jinli show any sign of disgust.

Yincha's health also gradually improved; at least, she could now stand for more extended periods than when she first returned to the palace.

But she was still far from being able to serve as she used to.

However, with her improved health, her mindset had changed too.

When Yun Li told her to rest, she did, assisting Wei Lu with the children or lending a hand wherever possible.

Zhu Dingtian was able to leave his bed, but he couldn't stay up for long and still needed more rest.

Overall, everyone's condition was improving.

In Fengyi Palace, the Empress's health worsened day by day. Lying in bed for so long, she could feel her lower limbs growing increasingly numb.

On the third day of the second lunar month, the Crown Prince's wedding took place.

Crown Princess Ruan, dressed in a vibrant red phoenix coronet and wedding gown, was carried through the Zhengyang Gate into the imperial palace.

She was escorted to the Eastern Palace to pay respects to the Crown Prince.

After the ceremony, when her veil was lifted, the young Crown Prince greeted her with a smile.

Ruan, although bashful, returned a smile. In her heart, she reassured the Crown Prince, "Don't worry, I may not guarantee being the perfect wife, but I will surely be a devoted Crown Princess."

The dragon-phoenix candles in the Eastern Palace burned brightly throughout the night.

The feasts in Zhengyang Palace and Linzhi Palace continued until late into the evening.

From this day on, the Crown Prince of Great Jin had officially come of age with his grand wedding.

Hao Jinli held Yun Li in his arms. Drunk, he didn't say anything; he only smiled.

Yun Li mirrored his smile. Indeed, today was different. The stinky boy she carried for ten months had now taken a wife.

It seemed that everything had truly changed.

Her understanding of this era, this palace, and the man before her had all shifted in some way.

Life was long, and she had stumbled through several decades.

What was the meaning of life?

One was born without choice, then lived in a way they preferred.

She was born without choice, but lived in a way she disliked.

However, along the way, she had not been alone. She had lost much, but gained just as much.

Perhaps that's life, after all, few can truly live as they wish.

At this very moment, Yun Li was in a good mood.

She felt weightless.

Gently, she reached out to caress He Jinli's eyebrow bone.

"You... You just like my eyes, isn't that right? You like this." Drunk, He Jinli complained, albeit affectionately.

Yun Li smiled and admitted, "So what if I do?"

"There's nothing wrong with that. As long as you like it. You, woman... Always... Always like this."

"Always how?" Yun Li asked.

"Always... Always scolding me. I've... I've gotten used to it. Used to it." He Jinli laughed, lying down and pulling Yun Li closer. "I really have grown accustomed."

Yun Li looked down at him with a tender gaze.

The emperor narrowed his eyes, appearing extremely weary.

She reached out and gently caressed his face. "Hekunli, I really like you, more than anything in this world. There's only you in my life."

Hekunli opened his eyes. "Why are you suddenly saying these things?"

"For a long time, I haven't said them, afraid that you might not know," Yun Li smiled at him. "And yet, I'm also afraid that if I say them too often, you won't believe me."

Hekunli chuckled. "Of course, I don't believe you."

Yun Li smiled back, leaning on his body. "Go to sleep."

Hekunli closed his eyes again. "If you don't believe me, then coax me into it."

Though he claimed disbelief, the corners of his lips held a deep smile.

With her eyes closed, Yun Li allowed the effects of the alcohol to spread through her mind.

After pretending for twenty years, it had long become an integral part of her being.

Regrettably, He Jinli didn't know that no matter how many times she professed her affection, when it came to executing her plans, she would never hold back.

Yet, one couldn't be devoid of sentimentality. She saw the efforts He Jinli had put in for her.

Therefore, she would always strategize against him but would never betray him.

Nor would she ever let him down.

He was truly a remarkable person, but alas, he just wasn't the one she desired.

Neither of them was at fault.

That night, Yun Li didn't have any dreams and slept soundly.

When she woke up, she found herself in He Jinli's embrace.

And He Jinli was still deeply asleep, his expression relaxed. It was an unparalleled sense of ease, just like every time they slept together.

---

In Cihuan Palace, everyone was seated.

The Crown Princess presented her tea with respect, and the Empress Dowager smiled as she drank it.

She bestowed a generous amount of gifts.

"Live your lives well. I won't elaborate further." She was old, and seeing such a scene, even though there was no blood relation, filled her with joy.

The Crown Prince and his wife paid their respects to Lord He Jinli, kneeling and presenting him with tea.

Lord He Jinli nodded, smiling. "Very well, very well. Be a united and harmonious couple, and always remember your roles and responsibilities."

His rewards were substantial, all intended for Lady Ruan.

According to protocol, Lady Ruan was not supposed to kneel before Yun Li.

The Crown Princess was the Crown Princess; despite being ranked below the Empress but above the concubines. Thus, it was proper for her to show respect as a junior when meeting the concubines, but kneeling was not required.