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Hearing the comfort in Aunt Gui's words, Rong Shu nodded gently and replied, "Thank you, Aunt."

This caused a wave of bitterness to surge within Aunt Gui's heart.

As she tried to console Rong Shu, her own eyes unknowingly reddened. Twenty years ago, at the small Buddhist shrine in Daci'en Temple, she was the first one to hold this child when she was born.

Now, they were like strangers, which wasn't how it should be.

With the officials and the Imperial Guards leading the way, their journey from Minglu Yard to the city gate was as smooth as it could get. The sedan chair glided over the clean road without a single bump.

Inside the city gates, countless citizens stood on both sides of the road, eagerly looking out towards the entrance as if searching for someone.

At the fourth hour of the evening, the sound of horse hooves approached like distant thunder before a storm, gradually drawing closer to the city gates.

The road from the city gates to the Eastern Palace was guarded strictly by the Imperial Guards. Upon seeing these guards with phoenix-wing helmets, all stern and holding their swords at the ready, the citizens didn't dare to act recklessly. They obediently stood on either side, gazing upward in anticipation.

Spotting the handsome young man dressed in the magnificent red imperial robe adorned with nine badges, they couldn't help but chorus together,

"Greetings to the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess on your wedding day! May your union be blessed!"

"Wishing the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess a hundred years of harmonious union and a love that endures till old age!"

Amidst the surging tide of well-wishes from the crowd, Rong Shu sat in the wedding palanquin, her heart stirred with emotion.

The grand wedding procession arrived at the Eastern Palace gates in an orderly manner before coming to a halt.

Eunuchs raised the curtains, and with Zhu Jun and Aunt Gui's support, Rong Shu stepped down from the palanquin. She then exchanged the apple in her hand for a treasure vase, and together with Gu Changjin, they crossed the fire pit and horse saddle, step by step, on their way to the Purple Imperial Palace.

Upon reaching the main hall of the Purple Imperial Palace, they shared a meal as newlyweds, performed the wine-sharing ceremony, and finally, cut their hair together as a symbol of their bond.

With these rituals completed, the marriage ceremony of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess was deemed a grand success.

Rong Shu was escorted into the inner chambers, while Gu Changjin remained in the East Palace reception hall, hosting a banquet for the officials.

In the hall, glasses clinked, and laughter echoed, drowning out even the chirping of autumn insects in the trees. The weight of the phoenix crown atop her head was unbearable, causing Rong Shu's neck to ache. She couldn't help but look towards Aunt Gui and ask, "Aunt, may I remove this phoenix crown?"

According to the palace's wedding customs, the crown should remain until the banquet ended, and it would be the Crown Prince himself who would take it off when they consummated their marriage in the chambers.

Yet, at this moment, the Crown Prince was entertaining guests in the main hall and could not be freed. It was uncertain when he would return.

The phoenix headdress was adorned with pearls and precious stones, so heavy that Rong Shu had been wearing it for most of the day. How could she not be weary?

According to custom, Nurse Gui, as the senior matron of the Kun Ning Palace, was tasked today with overseeing the wedding procession specifically to observe the princess consort's conduct and ensure she adheres to propriety.

At this moment, as she gazed into the young lady's eyes that mirrored the Empress's so profoundly, how could she bear to let this child endure any suffering?

Forgetting all about propriety, the old servant gritted his teeth and said, "This old servant will dare to take it off for you."

Removing the phoenix crown, he noticed a fine sheen of sweat on her forehead from the weight and intricacy of her wedding attire. Reasoning that one instance could lead to another, he promptly arranged for servants to fill the bathing pool in the purification chamber with water, preparing a refreshing bath for Rong Shu.

After Rong Shu finished bathing, fearing that she might be ravenous, he decided not to wait for the Crown Prince's return – thinking that if there was a second, there would surely be a third. He directly instructed servants to bring food, allowing Rong Shu to enjoy a satisfying meal in comfort.

Gu Changjin, eager to return early, hardly refused any toast offered by others.

Upon arriving at the Purple Imperial Palace, he found the lady he longed for sitting gracefully on a luxurious couch, looking refreshed and leisurely flipping through a book.

On one side, Nurse Gui was brewing osmanthus-scented tea for her, while Yingyue and Ying Que were sprinkling rose sauce over her cream cheese.

Indeed, it was most delightful.

Upon catching sight of him, Auntie Gui awkwardly smiled and asked, "Your Highness, would you like to return to the main hall for the banquet?"

Gu Changjin's pale face flushed with a rosy hue from the alcohol. He chuckled in response, "The feast has already ended. Thank you for your efforts today, Auntie. You may rest now."

Auntie Gui knew she should not disturb the Crown Prince and Crown Princess at this moment. However, the Crown Princess had yet to taste her osmanthus-scented beverage, which the Empress loved dearly.

Just as she was about to speak, Rong Shu gently took the white jade cup from her hand. Lowering her head, she sipped it and said, "It's delicious. Thank you, Auntie."

How could Rong Shu not understand Auntie Gui's kindness?

Thus, she sincerely expressed her gratitude.

The old auntie was no spring chicken, and she was known to be fierce in the Kunning Palace to establish authority. Yet, this young lady's gentle words had melted her heart.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. If you'd like, I'll make it for you again when you visit the Kunning Palace tomorrow," she replied kindly. Then, casting a glance at Yingyue and Ying Que, she wiped the smile off her face and sternly said, "Both of you follow me outside."

Yingyue and Ying Que were particularly afraid of Auntie Gui. Thus, they fell silent like quails the moment she spoke, obediently following her out of the room.

Rong Shu couldn't help but chuckle.

Gu Changjin stepped forward and pulled her into his embrace, saying, "You seem to be enjoying yourself in the Purple Imperial Palace."

He had consumed a lot of alcohol, and his voice carried the scent of it, deeper and raspier than usual.

Rong Shu sniffed at his neck and asked, "You reek of alcohol. Did someone force you to drink?"

Gu Changjin nodded and glanced at the misty bathroom, "A bath should fix that." With that, he led her hand towards the bathroom.

Rong Shu glanced at him sidelong, "I've already washed."

Without turning back, Gu Changjin replied, "I know."

The man's voice, tinged with alcohol, caused Rong Shu's ears to gradually flush with warmth.

Drawing the curtains to the bathroom, Gu Changjin held Rong Shu's hand as he slowly undid the intricate ceremonial robes on his body. His body, warmed by the alcohol, felt hotter than usual, and his calloused hands burned like fire. Rong Shu's palm gradually grew moist with a sticky sweat.

Gu Changjin embraced her, still fully clothed, into the steaming bath pool.

In the autumn garment, the tepid water rose, causing her outer robe to become translucent instantly. The pattern of the mandarin ducks playing in the water on her dark purple undergarment could be seen clearly.