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Empress Qi and Shen Yizhen watched as Xiao Yu, supported by the ceremonial officials, ascended into her palanquin, their eyes gradually misting over with emotion.

Their beloved Zhaozhao is about to embark on a new chapter of life today.

A grand procession led the way, and Xiao Yu sat within a magnificent scarlet palanquin, her eyes subtly reddening.

The Prince Consort's residence on Zhuque Avenue was a gracious gift from Emperor Jiayou, its expanse immense. It was here that the Nine Lantern Feast unfolded under the cover of night. The entire capital's nobility had convened, engaging in rounds of toasting and merrymaking. Within the span of just two hours, Gu Changjin found his stomach filled with copious amounts of wine.

Blurred by wine, Xiao Yu was tenderly supported into her new bridal chamber, her heart aching with bittersweet emotions.

She fetched a handkerchief and wiped his face, saying resentfully, "Your Imperial Brother and Elder Brother clearly promised to shield you from drinking, to prevent you from being forced to drink too much!"

No sooner had the voice faded than the man, who should have been deeply drunk, let out a soft laugh.

Hearing his laughter, Xiao Yu snatched the handkerchief off his face and said, "Gu Yunzhi, are you pretending to be drunk?"

"Gu Changjin hummed in response, not mentioning that he had no choice but to pretend to be drunk today.

The Emperor himself had given the order for his officials to drink until they were drunk, implying that they should ply him, the newly appointed prince consort, with wine to humble him.

The prince and Xiao Yan were powerless to stop him, and he couldn't refuse without causing suspicion, so he pretended to be drunk.

Seeing the clarity in his eyes, Xiao Yu couldn't resist twisting his arm and reprimanding, "You had me worried for nothing."

She had removed her phoenix crown, changed out of her wedding attire, and taken a bath. Even the edges of her sleeves carried a pleasant fragrance.

Gu Changjin pulled her onto the bed, flipped over to pin her down, and lowered his head to inhale the sweet scent in her hair. He said, "If you hadn't pretended to be drunk, tonight's Nine Bowls Banquet would have lasted until dawn."

The man's breath was moist and warm, sending Xiao Yu's entire body tingling, and her heart pounded wildly.

In the past two years, they were each occupied with their own duties. He had left the capital five times to investigate cases, each time for three or four months. Upon his return, he would always bring down a batch of corrupt officials, thus making him the thorn in many people's sides.

Yet, no one dared to touch him in the capital.

It was common knowledge that this young Censor was the prince charming favored by Princess Ling Zhao and also highly esteemed by Crown Prince Xiao Lie. To move against him would be equivalent to declaring war on the entire Xiao family.

Xiao Yu often secretly sneaked out of the palace to meet him.

During their meetings, they couldn't help but engage in affectionate behavior, but it never went beyond embraces and kisses.

This man had an exceptional tolerance.

But the more he could endure, the more Xiao Yu enjoyed teasing him, often pushing him to grit his teeth and vow, "I'll settle with you later."

After they were finally wed and could consummate their marriage, he was determined to reclaim what was owed from the past.

The man's breath against her earlobe grew heavy and labored.

Xiao Yu's eyes shimmered with a watery glow, like rippling spring water.

The dragon-phoenix candles on the high altar burned down inch by inch, their wax tears dripping one after another.

After Gu Changjin had claimed his due, Xiao Yu felt as if her bones had been dismantled, leaving her so limp that she lacked the strength even to lift a hand.

Disregarding the stickiness all over her body, she closed her eyes and drifted into sleep.

In her drowsy state, she seemed to have entered a Taoist temple, gazing up at the compassionate Three Pure Ones.

Snowflakes swirled outside the window, while she muttered to herself -

"Before heaven and earth, in the presence of the Three Pure Ones, I swear this vow."

"He, Gu Yunzhi, would give all for my rebirth, Shen Shu. In return, I, Shen Shu, would also sacrifice everything to ensure his reincarnation."

"In my next life, not only will I love and protect him, but I will remain his wife, continuing his lineage, bearing a child who bears his features and mine."

As the final word echoed, Xiao Yu's eyes fluttered open.

The sky was just beginning to lighten, the red canopy warm with scent.

There was no snow, no Three Pure Ones.

She was held tightly in the embrace of her own Gu Yunzhi.

Xiao Yu's slender fingers traced his face, outlining his brows and eyes. Gu Changjin held her hand, his voice hoarse, "What is it?"

Xiao Yu replied, "Gu Yunzhi, hold me closer."

Gu Changjin peered at her through half-lidded eyes, then exerted more strength, as if he sought to merge their bodies into one.

Xiao Yu, listening to his heartbeat, closed her eyes again and murmured, "Try harder; I want a child who resembles both you and me."

Gu Changjin opened his eyes, any remaining sleepiness vanishing. Gazing at the crown of her dark tresses, he chuckled in response, "Alright."

With that, he pressed her into the blankets and kissed her ear, "Let's start striving from today."

Xiao Yu gasped and scolded, "Gu Yunzhi!"

Gu Changjin silenced her with a kiss.

Inside the room, spring-like intimacy lingered, while outside, the autumn sun shone brightly.

It was another dazzlingly sunny day.

"The End"