Chapter 45

Chapter 45

On their journey back to the capital, Long Jianlu sent word several times to request a meeting with Yaoguang, but Yaoguang paid no heed. He was no longer angry at Long Jianlu, but he didn't know what to say. Even though Long Jianlu was a character of his creation, Yaoguang still felt a sense of estrangement from him from time to time.

Up until now, he was still unsure how to interact with Long Jianlu.

He watched Long Jianlu from a distance, the emperor dressed in casual attire, riding a warhorse as he led the troops across Chenchuan Plain. He was giving instructions to his generals.

Yaoguang followed behind at a leisurely pace, accompanying the civil servants. Jiang Xun and the others traveled by carriage, while Yaoguang rode on horseback. He could sense that Long Jianlu was undoubtedly upset, but with ministers and numerous military commanders present, it wouldn't be fitting for them to have an argument right now. It was a peculiar feeling to make someone you liked angry. Sometimes, Yaoguang even found a secret thrill in provoking Long Jianlu. As if through this act, he could sense the other's concern for him, which made him unable to resist pushing further.

But this time, Long Jianlu seemed calm, leaving Yaoguang somewhat apprehensive. What was he thinking?

"Where's the Empress?" After finishing his business, Long Jianlu noticed that the messenger hadn't returned. Although they were not yet married, his subordinates had started referring to Yaoguang as "Empress," as it was impolite to address a deity by name and calling him "Minister Duan" seemed insufficiently respectful. Eventually, Long Jianlu had grown accustomed to it.

The subordinates exchanged glances, and Long Jianlu had no choice but to search for Yaoguang himself.

Yaoguang was gazing into the distance when he saw Long Jianlu approaching. He turned his horse around and rode away.

"Yaoguang!" Long Jianlu called out.

Yaoguang remained silent, dodging Long Jianlu. Among the numerous cavalry of Wang Shi, they made way for the emperor as he pursued the prospective empress.

"Don't go," Long Jianlu called out. "Are you angry? Still angry with me?"

As they passed by thousands of soldiers, Yaoguang, feeling self-conscious under so many gazes, sped up and dashed to the side of the plain road, activating his invisibility skill.

"Yaoguang!" Long Jianlu immediately followed.

Silent, Yaoguang evaded Long Jianlu, but the latter doggedly stayed on his trail, saying, "You can even hide your tracks? If we were to marry, and we have an argument one day, what would I do if you just disappeared like that?"

Surprised, Yaoguang halted and asked, "You can see me?"

Long Jianlu: "…"

Yaoguang: "You can actually see me!"

Long Jianlu: "You're on a horse. You may be invisible, but your horse isn't."

Yaoguang: "………………"

Their eyes met, and Yaoguang felt deeply embarrassed. He was about to dismount, but Long Jianlu sensed something and quickly leaped off his horse, rushing over to grasp Yaoguang's hand tightly, preventing him from leaving again.

"Are you still angry?" Long Jianlu asked.

"It's you who's angry now," Yaoguang replied, trying in vain to break free from Long Jianlu's grip. The emperor's strength was too great, and Yaoguang couldn't use telekinesis to toss the ruler away without causing a scene. Instead, he pushed Long Jianlu aside randomly, only for the emperor to suddenly pull him close and kiss his cheek.

Yaoguang: "!!!"

Long Jianlu released his hold, gazing into Yaoguang's eyes with sincerity. "I love you, Yaoguang."

Indeed, Long Jianlu seemed experienced... Despite being a lifelong bachelor in this life, he had inherited the charm of a cad from his past incarnations. Yaoguang found himself susceptible to it.

"I just feel that," Long Jianlu explained softly, "our relationship shouldn't be like this."

"How shouldn't it be?" Yaoguang countered.

Long Jianlu responded, "You know, I love you regardless of who you are or whether you possess magic. I've never cared about your past, Yaoguang. You've always known that."

Hearing these words, Yaoguang's anger dissipated. It was true; Long Jianlu placed great importance on his commitments. As the ruler, he didn't make empty promises – once he agreed not to probe into Yaoguang's origins and background, he would keep that promise.

Long Jianlu replied, "But I still hold onto my belief that there are rules in this world. We cannot rely on our own strength to disrupt these rules. Just as I am the Son of Heaven, wielding the power of life and death, I would never use such power whimsically against defenseless citizens."

Yaoguang responded, "You don't want me to use magic in battles, I understand."

"You don't understand why," Long Jianlu said, "I have my principles, my values..."

Yaoguang: "You've mentioned it before, your value lies in respecting life..."

"Can you let me finish?" Long Jianlu asked patiently.

They stood by the side of the Plain Road, amidst a desolate winter wilderness, with only distant birch trees standing tall and endless withered grass stretching across the land.

Yaoguang gestured for him to continue.

Long Jianlu spoke, "Values, yes, I have my values. For instance, I decide who deserves to be executed, who should be punished, who merits wealth and fame, and who should achieve success and have a large family..."

"I can also bestow power and status upon those I approve of," Long Jianlu added, "or strip away everything, even their lives, from those I do not. Because I am the emperor, the highest authority on earth, and I have the final say."

"But I know I cannot act on these impulses," Long Jianlu concluded, "So, I hope you won't either."

Yaoguang gradually came to understand.

Long Jianlu gestured for Yaoguang to observe the scene before them: the troops marching across the plain, with village smoke rising in the distance.

"How many people live in Daiqi?" Long Jianlu asked. "There are both good and evil among them. Slowly, they will come seeking your divine power to alter their fates and prolong their lives. Will you grant immortality?"

"I don't have that ability," Yaoguang replied. "My magic doesn't include eternal life; it can only save lives."

"Good people hope for fortune, while villains seek redemption," Long Jianlu said. "A virtuous person may still commit wrongs in their lifetime, and a wicked one may have done good deeds at some point. Even I, having taken so many lives to build this empire, my hands stained with blood – how would you judge me, determine right from wrong?"

Yaoguang looked at Long Jianlu in silence.

Long Jianlu continued, "You possess godlike powers but have a mortal heart. If you don't let go of this burden, you'll be exhausted, truly exhausted."

Yaoguang replied, "I understand."

Long Jianlu mounted his horse and extended his hand. "Forget about all this. Promise me earnestly, that this will truly be the last time."

Yaoguang gazed at Long Jianlu under the dim sunlight. His expression was resolute, exuding the aura of a true emperor of the realm – a mortal heart, yet unwavering in courage.

He hoisted him onto his steed and returned to the ranks of the royal army.

That night, Yaoguang sat in his tent lost in thought before the campfire. As winter deepened, the soldiers had built a small circle of stones to hold the fire, atop which rested an iron pot simmering with meat broth. The surroundings were lined with carpets.

Yaoguang vaguely understood what Long Jianlu had said earlier but not entirely. He was pondering over it. Each day spent in this world was transforming him, like an ignorant and petulant god who, after descending upon earth, fell in love with the emperor. Initially, he yearned to return, finding everything utterly dull, but gradually, he became captivated by Long Jianlu once more, unable to resist his allure.

The tent flap lifted, and Yaoguang assumed it was Long Jianlu, only to find Xie Hong instead.

Xie Hong had mostly recovered and accompanied the royal army on their way to Province Qi's capital city. Bruises still marred his face from the torture and beatings inflicted by the enemy, and despite his numerous wounds, concealed somewhat by his black martial robe, he looked weary.

Yaoguang gave him a glance, wondering if Xie Hong had come to cause trouble again. He had heard from Jiang Xun that the previous imperial army had abruptly violated the peace treaty between the two nations, using the cover of a trading convoy to launch an assault on Chenyang, the capital of Province Qi, abducting Xie Hong in the process.

"Want me to heal you?" Yaoguang asked.

Silent, Xie Hong sat down by the fire.

"No need," he replied slowly. "I'm here to thank you."

"Oh," Yaoguang said calmly. "You're welcome, but you should be thanking Chen Feilang."

"He's my distant nephew," Xie Hong replied. "But even with an army of loyal soldiers, he couldn't save me. From the moment I fell into enemy hands, I knew there was no escape but death."

Yaoguang studied Xie Hong, recalling the simple profile he had created for this man: a handsome middle-aged man who had faced death fearlessly and never tasted defeat. He had nurtured countless outstanding generals in Province Qi, and even personally taught Long Jianlu his martial arts skills. They were both relatives by marriage and master-disciple.

"You know this as well, Your Majesty," Xie Hong continued. "The best outcome would be for me to die in City Gao. That way, Province Qi will no longer have an old general capable of threatening the throne, and next spring, Da Qi can march against Liu Kingdom with legitimacy, avenging me and eradicating both Liu and Xian Kingdoms. It's just a matter of time."

Yaoguang responded, "He has a plan to rescue you, though not guaranteed, it's still viable. From what I've seen in his meetings, there is some risk involved. You shouldn't think of your nephew that way; he loves you deeply."

Xie Hong looked at Yaoguang and smiled.

"Love," he said. "I don't know where you come from. You're not like anyone from Da Qi, nor are you Xian or Liu, nor do you resemble the people of the Northern Rong. The young soldiers even say you're a god..."

"In our land, we rarely speak of this word," Xie Hong continued. "To say 'love' makes one feel embarrassed."

Yaoguang remained silent, and Xie Hong added, "But I'm grateful for surviving, thank you. You've done so much for Jianlu. He's always been a solitary child. After his mother passed, he never opened up to anyone, not even me most of the time. I often didn't know what was on his mind."

"I must confess, when I first saw you, I couldn't accept it," Xie Hong admitted. "Jianlu has always been independent. When I asked why he wasn't married yet, he'd say the time wasn't right. I asked if he was waiting for someone, and he couldn't tell me. But since you came along, Jianlu has changed."

"So, do you accept it now?" Yaoguang countered.

Xie Hong didn't respond; instead, he sighed and said, "Just love him well – that's my only request. I know you're not here for personal gain, but solely for him. With your 'magical powers,' the mundane world is but a speck of dust in the eyes of an ant."

"Thank you," Xie Hong added, not waiting for Yaoguang's reply before rising to leave the tent.

Several days later, Yaoguang and Long Jianlu returned to the Imperial City.

The people of Province Yong flooded the streets even in the depths of winter, cheering along the road! News of the great battle at the Customs Pass spread swiftly. The divine miracle that descended from the heavens became exaggerated with each retelling, with rumors claiming that Yaoguang had split the earth open to devour the enemy army or that he had enlarged the emperor a thousandfold to crush their ruler with a single hand.

The citizens' fervent cries of "Long live the emperor! Long live the empress!" left Yaoguang feeling utterly mortified. As the male empress, he found the title "Her Majesty" unbearable. Fortunately, everyone seemed to instinctively avoid using it. Overnight, the Imperial City saw a sudden surge of same-sex couples, eagerly awaiting the emperor's marriage to his male empress. Once the grand wedding was over, they planned to follow suit, rushing to form male unions or take male concubines.

"It's too awkward," Yaoguang exclaimed. "Let's hurry back to the palace. I can't endure this anymore."

Long Jianlu chuckled. "They're all paying homage to you. Now, in the eyes of the military and the people, you're a deity sent by heaven to aid me. As the future empress of Da Qi, shouldn't you let them have a glimpse?"

Yaoguang: "Hurry up! Speed it up!"

Upon returning to the palace, Yaoguang finally breathed a sigh of relief. However, the entire palace was adorned with lanterns, draped in red cloth, and its once dark-red columns now gleamed anew. Golden light shimmered everywhere, and fresh decorations adorned the windowsills.

"What are you doing?" Yaoguang observed the newly renovated residence.

Qing Xian rushed over with a worried expression, "Lord Duan, you left the palace without a word, leaving your subordinate in a frantic search..."

Long Jianlu waved his hand to stop Qing Xian's explanation and turned to Yaoguang, "Now that we're about to be married, we'll have to be apart for a while."

"Wh-... When are we getting married?" Only then did Yaoguang realize that their wedding was just days away!

"The day after tomorrow," Long Jianlu revealed, clearly having kept track of the date.

"The day after tomorrow?!" Yaoguang had entirely forgotten about it. With everyone addressing him as "Empress," he almost felt as if he were already married.

"Someone will accompany you to get familiar with the surroundings," Long Jianlu stepped closer, standing before Yaoguang. "Let me look at you, Yaoguang. The next time I see you, it will be at the Temple of Heaven for our nuptials."

Yaoguang's heart pounded. In the newly adorned, resplendent palace, Long Jianlu, dressed in imperial robes, looked majestic and filled with affection in his eyes.

Finally, as if steeling himself, Long Jianlu turned and strode towards his own chambers.

Qing Xian whispered, "Lord Duan, this way, please."

Yaoguang turned to look at Long Jianlu's departing figure, a swirl of emotions churning within him.

Was he really about to marry this man?

At that moment, Yaoguang felt both surreal and genuine all at once.

On the second-to-last night before the wedding, Yaoguang still rested in the Radiant Palace. The palace attendants were busy with preparations throughout the night, leaving Yaoguang to fall asleep early from exhaustion.

The next morning, he was taken to the Wind-Listening Pavilion, located east of the Imperial Garden, to prepare for the ceremony. People swarmed inside and out, bustling with activity.

To his surprise, Yu Qingsong was waiting by the entrance!

Yu Qingsong wore an odd expression, clearly not keen on giving Yaoguang any warmth. However, as this was the grand wedding of the ruler of the land, he had to force a smile, resulting in a face that conveyed both awkwardness and absurdity.

Qing Xian whispered, "Lord Yu is serving as the master of ceremonies on our side. His Majesty has instructed that if Lord Duan truly doesn't wish to…."

"It's alright," Yaoguang found it rather amusing. He didn't hate Yu Qingsong; instead, it should be Yu Qingsong feeling uncomfortable. Upon reflection, it was likely that Long Jianlu created this opportunity to mend their relationship precisely because Yaoguang was getting married. It could be seen as a form of reconciliation.

Even though it was a one-sided reconciliation, Yaoguang genuinely didn't mind.

Yu Qingsong proved to have a broad-minded disposition. After enduring the humiliation of being tossed around by Yaoguang and soaked in pond mud, he might have received wise counsel from others, realizing that with his abilities, he could never contend against the new Empress. Alternatively, Yaoguang might have taken steps afterward – bringing wealth to the nation and assisting Long Jianlu in successfully reclaiming Province Qi.

In any case, Yu Qingsong was now striving to turn foes into allies.

"Leave it to me," Yu Qingsong said in a solemn tone.

"Rest here for a while, Your Highness." Yu Qingsong led Yaoguang into the Pavilion of Listening Wind. Despite it being winter, the room was warm, surrounded by bamboo and heated by a brazier. He handed Yaoguang a hand warmer and gestured for him to sit down before turning to give instructions.

Outside, Yaoguang heard him directing the servants, who promptly served a lavish feast. Standing beside the table, Yu Qingsong said, "Please have your meal first. Afterward, you'll need to bathe and perfume yourself. From now until the wedding banquet tomorrow, you mustn't eat anything else, only drink water."

"Oh, alright," Yaoguang replied.

Yu Qingsong personally opened the food box, revealing dishes quite different from what Yaoguang was accustomed to. Prepared with simple ingredients, they were exquisitely crafted but primarily consisted of staple foods.

"These are dishes from Province Qi," Yu Qingsong explained, "to remind His Majesty and the Empress that after marriage, one should not forget their humble beginnings nor indulge in extravagance, as you two set an example for all households in the land."

Initially, Yaoguang had seen the wedding as merely a ceremony, but upon this reminder, he realized the significance of their union.

After breakfast, the palace servants entered, and Yu Qingsong said, "Now, Your Highness, it's time for your bath. This way, please."

On one side of the Pavilion of Listening Wind stood a spacious bathing chamber. Yaoguang first immersed himself in the warm water, while Yu Qingsong waited outside the latticed window, as eunuchs entered to attend to his cleansing.

The bathroom was quiet, filled with people yet devoid of conversation.

"In better spirits now?" Yaoguang asked amidst the silence.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness," Yu Qingsong replied. "It was my ignorance earlier."

With that said, Yaoguang didn't tease him further. He wondered if Yu Qingsong had feelings for Long Jianlu, or perhaps even fantasized about marrying him?

"After the wedding, I hope Your Highness will consider the welfare of the people and share the emperor's burden," Yu Qingsong said earnestly.

"Mm," Yaoguang acknowledged. "And thank you for your dedication to Dayiqi over the years. Please continue to assist the emperor."

"As a servant, it is my duty to serve the king and remain loyal," Yu Qingsong answered.

After the bath, the eunuchs anointed Yaoguang's body with fragrant lotion, dressed him in an undergarment, and wrapped him in an outer robe.

Back in the chamber, Yu Qingsong returned with the etiquette officer, bearing numerous outfits and explaining their significance to Yaoguang.

"This is the wedding attire for tomorrow," Yu Qingsong carefully unfolded a tailored, deep red male robe, adorned with soaring flames and phoenixes. "It was specially made for you. Please try it on first."

The wedding robe had an intricate lacing system. The tailor followed closely behind, ready to make adjustments at the slightest misfit. After the formal wedding robe, they proceeded to try the martial attire for the return from the Temple of Ancestors on horseback, then the ceremonial robe for the wedding banquet, and finally, the long robe to be worn during the private moment with Long Jianlu that night.

By the time the fourth set of clothes was changed, twilight had descended. Incense began to fill the hall. Taking advantage of this, Yu Qingsong confirmed the ceremony's details while attendants brought out jewelry.

"This sword brooch," Yu Qingsong mentioned, "was crafted by His Majesty himself. He hopes you'll wear it during the wedding."

Yaoguang took a glance and noticed it was a heavy, black-golden pin in the shape of a sword, identical to the design of the Heaven-Imprisoning Sword from his past life. Perhaps, influenced by his memories of the "Heaven-Imprisoning," he had created this brooch.

Additionally, he possessed a refashioned phoenix-shaped headpiece, distinct from the intricate hairpins and phoenix crowns worn by the queen, which required only a straightforward placement atop his head.

Lastly, there was an antique jade pendant and three rings. The pendant was worn as a waist ornament, while the rings represented the loyalty and support of Province Qi, Luoye, and Jiangnan, signified by their respective red, brown, and green colors.

Having tried on all the robes and boots, Yu Qingsong then instructed someone to bring in water and said, "Your Highness may now rest. I will come to wake you up later."

"Very well, thank you for your effort." Yaoguang was polite, his mood being rather complicated that day. Under Yu Qingsong's smooth guidance, the ceremony progressed swiftly, giving him an odd sense of detachment. Was this what marriage was like?

That night, within the Whispering Wind Pavilion, rustling sounds filled the air as aromatic scents lingered. Yaoguang tossed and turned, finding it impossible to fall asleep.

"Who?" Yaoguang heard movement outside, but no one spoke. The footsteps drew closer, stopping beside the window of his bedchamber.

"Your Highness?" Qing Xian, who was waiting outside, hurried in upon hearing the sound and asked, "Would you like some water?"

Yaoguang waved his hand and said, "There's someone outside? I heard voices."

Qing Xian peered outside, his face puzzled.

"No one," Long Jianlu's voice carried a hint of amusement.

Qing Xian's eyes widened in surprise. "!!!"

Yaoguang immediately sat up, but Long Jianlu said, "Don't open the window. We can't meet tonight."

In the moonlight, Long Jianlu's tall figure stood on the other side of the window's silhouette.

"Haven't you slept?" Yaoguang asked.

"Mm," Long Jianlu replied. "You neither?"

"I'm so hungry I can't fall asleep," Yaoguang replied truthfully.

Long Jianlu chuckled and said, "I'll treat you to something delicious tomorrow night."

Yaoguang responded, "I believe you! At weddings, the newlyweds barely have time to eat. They're too busy toasting guests."

Long Jianlu proposed, "In that case, I'll bring some food for you to eat at the Imperial Ancestral Temple."

Yaoguang retorted, "You're just getting me into trouble. First, you'll scold me, then your ancestors will."

Long Jianlu laughed. "When have I ever scolded you?"

Yaoguang hugged his blanket and sat quietly.

After a long silence, Long Jianlu said, "It feels like a dream to me, Yaoguang. Is it the same for you?

Yaoguang didn't reply.

Long Jianlu continued in a soliloquy, "It's as if I'm dreaming. I dare not close my eyes, fearing that when I open them again, all of this will be just an illusion. You'll vanish before my eyes, and everything will return to how it was before..."

"No," Yaoguang replied. "At least I am real, Long Jianlu."

Long Jianlu hummed in response. "That's why I couldn't help but come and talk to you. Alright, I'm leaving. Rest now. You'll have a long day ahead tomorrow."

The sound of footsteps faded away as Long Jianlu left.

Lying on the bed, Yaoguang couldn't help but fantasize about reality—how would his life be if he had such a boyfriend in the real world? His boyfriend didn't need to be an emperor, nor could he possibly be… Perhaps Long Jianlu was just a handsome older brother in a bustling metropolis with a job, and they spent each day together…

Would they stay together until old age?

Yaoguang was still young and didn't fully grasp what a lifetime entailed.

He dozed off, half-asleep, but not deeply. Before long, Yu Qingsong's voice rang in his ear.

"Your Highness, it's time to wake up."

"Please spare me," Yaoguang groaned, having just fallen asleep. "Why do I have to get married in the middle of the night?!"

"Don't say nonsense… Your Highness," Yu Qingsong said. "Wake up. It's time to change your clothes."

The sound of bells echoed outside, an unusual occurrence for the palace to toll at the hour of Ox. All lanterns were lit, casting their glow along the meandering path of ornamental lights. Palace attendants flooded into the Wind-Listening Pavilion. Yaoguang, still half-asleep, began dressing, with Yu Qingsong urging him on persistently. In the distance, the melody of silk and bamboo music replaced the usual sound of the night watchman's beat.

Dressed in his wedding attire, Yaoguang started grooming his hair as dawn gradually broke and roosters crowed. Finally, Yu Qingsong, holding the sword-shaped pendant in both hands, carefully fastened it onto Yaoguang's attire.

The great doors of the Wind-Listening Pavilion swung open, and the first ray of sunlight illuminated the Imperial Garden.

"Your Highness," Yu Qingsong said respectfully.

In unison, the guards announced, "The Empress is on her way—"

Upon hearing the cry of "Her Majesty the Empress is on her way," Yaoguang truly felt the transformation in his status.

"Long live the Empress!" The palace attendants outside the hall knelt to the ground.

The procession was ready. Yaoguang climbed into the carriage, his mind muddled. He asked, "Where's Long Jianlu? And where's the Emperor?"

"Be quiet…" Yu Qingsong instructed, lowering the carriage curtain.

The convoy left the Imperial Garden, heading for the grand training field outside Shenglong Hall. Then Yaoguang heard the cries of "Long live the Emperor!" It was clear that many people had been waiting. As the sound of galloping horses drew near, he knew Long Jianlu had arrived. He wanted to lift the curtain for a glimpse, but a strong hand pressed against the window, stopping him from looking around. A small cloth bundle was then handed to him through the window, containing two rice balls.

"Let us proceed to the Imperial Ancestral Temple," Long Jianlu's voice echoed outside the carriage.

"Blessings upon the wedding ceremony, may it bring prosperity to all lands—"

"May winds blow favorably and rains fall timely, ensuring the eternal continuation of our kingdom—"

The sound of trumpets resounded as Long Jianlu, adorned in imperial robes, led the procession on horseback. Behind him were the civil and military officials, exiting the palace and heading for the temple. Yaoguang peeped through a gap in the carriage curtains, startled by the sheer multitude of people.

The grandeur of the court, the harem, the officials, and guards filled the landscape. As dawn broke across the sky, the morning bells rang out in Province Yong, awakening the entire Imperial City. People opened their windows to witness the procession, while guards maintained order throughout the streets.

After finishing the rice ball given to him by Long Jianlu, Yaoguang leaned against the carriage and dozed off briefly. Eventually, the procession slowed to a halt.

"The Imperial Ancestral Temple—"

Yaoguang abruptly awoke. Yu Qingsong, from behind the curtain, softly reminded, "Your Highness, quickly tidy up, we're about to disembark."

Yaoguang promptly adjusted his attire, nerves tingling. Clearly, Long Jianlu had granted him time, allowing a moment before approaching to lift the curtain.

Their eyes met, both shining with recognition.

Yaoguang couldn't help but laugh when he saw Long Jianlu; he looked too dashing! Dressed in wedding attire, Long Jianlu stood tall with thick eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding a vibrant heroism. His hair was neatly combed back and secured with a black and gold simple crown. His red, form-fitting martial robe was adorned with a five-clawed golden dragon, and he had even gotten a tattoo of a broken eyebrow.

Yaoguang, on the other hand, wore the queen's diadem, with phoenixes soaring on his red robe. He seemed slightly groggy, his fair skin and delicate features giving off an air of nonchalant disregard for the world. When Long Jianlu looked at him, his eyes were filled with surprise and delight, almost reaching out to embrace Yaoguang.

But Long Jianlu restrained himself, extending his hand to Yaoguang instead, leading him down from the carriage.

The emperor and empress held hands, followed by Chen Feilang behind Long Jianlu and Yu Qingsong behind Yaoguang. The rest of the civil and military officials followed in their wake, ascending the steps of the Imperial Ancestral Temple to pay respects to the ancestors of Great Qi Kingdom.

After the ceremony, the two changed clothes. Xie Hong fetched saplings while Long Jianlu brought a shovel. Together, they dug a hole in front of the temple. Yaoguang bowed as he planted the sapling and covered it with soil. Long Jianlu whispered, "Don't need to touch the dirt with your hands."

Yaoguang replied, "I already did. Can we talk now?"

Long Jianlu chuckled. "We can talk after the ritual."

Yaoguang glanced at Long Jianlu, who then said, "You look especially beautiful today."

"You do too," Yaoguang's face flushed slightly.

Long Jianlu offered, "Let me wipe your hands clean."

Long Jianlu used the edge of his sleeve to wipe Yaoguang's hands, then addressed those around them, "This is the first tree we planted in front of the Imperial Ancestral Temple."

The Long Clan's ancestral temple used to be in Qizhou. It wasn't until he conquered Central Plains that the capital was moved to Province Yong, and the Imperial Ancestral Temple followed suit. Long Jianlu and Yaoguang were the first imperial couple to wed and plant a tree in Province Yong.

"Eventually, the Imperial Ancestral Temple will be lush and verdant," Xie Hong commented. "Branches spreading, leaves multiplying."

Long Jianlu led Yaoguang by the hand out of the temple, ready to receive the officials' obeisance. After nine bows, they set off again for the Imperial City. Yaoguang rode on horseback, once more basking in the admiration of the city's inhabitants.

He felt that his wedding had made unrelated people quite happy. The royal family provided food and drink, reduced taxes, and granted amnesty to all. Surely, the common folk were the happiest of all.

Everywhere they went, cries of "Long live the Empress!" could be heard. By the time they returned to the palace, it was noon, and the two had to part ways to change clothes.

Finally, it was time to eat! Yaoguang had only managed two rice balls in the last twenty-four hours, leaving him ravenous. He rushed out, the eunuchs trailing behind, exclaiming, "Your Highness, please slow down!"

Long Jianlu waited in an adjacent hall. Hearing the commotion, he turned and smiled.

Yaoguang ran towards Long Jianlu and leaped onto him.

Long Jianlu coughed, mindful of the palace attendants around them and the need to maintain royal decorum. He hugged Yaoguang briefly before helping him stand upright, then took his hand, intertwining their fingers this time.

"Shall we proceed to the banquet?" Long Jianlu said.

At first, Yaoguang found the title of "Empress" somewhat awkward, but as he gradually adapted to it, amidst the grand celebration, he began to feel a sense of beauty and romance.

Outside the Shenglong Hall, the square was dotted with braziers for warmth, draped with red curtains. As the winter afternoon wedding feast began, when the Emperor and Empress entered the hall hand in hand, officials inside and out stood up to offer their congratulations to Long Jianlu and Yaoguang.

From the palace all the way to Xuanwu Gate, a banquet stretched for ten miles, with cheers echoing from within the palace to the streets of Province Yong. The sound of chimes filled the air as the officials took their seats.

"I'm starving," Yaoguang said, sitting down and grabbing a spoon. He lifted his bowl and started sipping the appetizer soup.

Long Jianlu was about to propose a toast and speak, but he could only hold his cup, waiting for Yaoguang to finish his meal. The ministers, wanting to laugh yet daring not to, all endured with great effort.

Yaoguang sipped the warm soup, feeling somewhat better, and turned his gaze to Long Jianlu.

Long Jianlu spoke in a resounding voice, "Today marks a great joyous occasion for this emperor. I thank all of you, my beloved ministers, for being here. Those present are all part of my family, so allow me to share a few words on familial matters..."

All present erupted into laughter.

The wedding feast adhered to the customs of Daqi, with separate dining still observed outside the hall. However, those partaking within the main palace were clearly the core cadre of Qi Kingdom's officials. Occupying the seats of honor at the high table were Long Jianlu and Yaoguang. To their right sat first the Prime Minister, Du Li, followed by the aged statesman who had once been entrusted with the care of the young ruler, and then the heavyweight literati from the Secretariat. After them came the Ministers and Vice Ministers of the Six Ministries, with Yu Qingsong humbly seated at the last seat among the honored guests.

To the left, Xie Hong took the lead, followed by an empty seat reserved for the other supreme general, Zheng Jia, who was currently engaged in battles abroad. Then came Chen Feilang, succeeded by numerous military commanders, who all raised their cups in response.

"Over the years, my lords have always been concerned about my marriage," Long Jianlu chuckled. "As I've always said, it was a matter of waiting."

Yaoguang wore a smile on his face, but his gaze wandered outside the hall, wondering when the food would arrive. He assumed the wedding banquet would offer many delicacies. Whatever Long Jianlu had just said didn't register in his mind.

"Empress?" Long Jianlu addressed Yaoguang.

"Huh?" Yaoguang snapped back to attention.

The crowd suppressed their laughter as Long Jianlu whispered, "Say a few words. After the third round of toasts, I'll have them serve the dishes."

"Cough." Yaoguang, attending his own wedding, could only think about eating. Previously, Yu Qingsong had given him a script for the wedding toasts, written by the Hualang scholars. Despite its poetic elegance, the lengthy text, written in traditional vertical script, had seemed too troublesome for Yaoguang, who had quickly dismissed it from his mind.

After some thought, Yaoguang decided to improvise a few lines. He wasn't nervous at all; after all, he and Long Jianlu were now the most powerful figures in the land, with no need to cater to anyone else's expectations. The presence of numerous officials didn't add any pressure.

"I... thank you all for attending our wedding," Yaoguang said with a smile, stealing another glance at Long Jianlu. For some reason, he didn't feel the solemnity of the ceremony; instead, it felt like a playful game with Long Jianlu.

"As long as I am in Daye," Yaoguang declared seriously, "I will do my utmost to support the emperor and protect all of you."

A subtle change flickered across Long Jianlu's face, but he said nothing. They all took their first drink.

Next, Xie Hong raised his cup and said, "On behalf of our young men, I toast to Your Majesty and the Empress. The unification of Da Qi is just around the corner!"

The military officers followed suit, and outside the hall, they could hear the troops raising their cups in unison, expressing their support for the Empress.

Then came the civil officials' turn to pay tribute. Though Du Li was not the most senior, he was one of the trusted ministers entrusted with the care of the young emperor. With the highest rank among them, he lifted his cup, smiling as he said, "Throughout history, discussions about birth, experience, appearance, or virtue have all been meaningless."

At these words, Long Jianlu's expression shifted slightly, while Yaoguang looked at Du Li with a smile.

"…For the people of the world, what truly matters above all else is the love between the emperor and empress," Du Li said warmly. "As the saying goes, 'Harmony at home brings prosperity in all affairs.' Can anything surpass this blessed union bestowed by heaven?"

Long Jianlu burst into laughter. The civil officials also stood up to raise their cups.

Indeed, the courtiers saw that for Yaoguang, whose background was unclear, not from an aristocratic family, and not even a woman, his relationship with Long Jianlu was more important than anything else.

After three rounds of drinking, palace servants brought out food boxes, and they finally began to eat. Yaoguang tasted many new dishes at his wedding banquet, though he didn't inquire about their names. Long Jianlu patiently waited until Yaoguang had eaten about three-quarters full before starting drinking games and playing games like pitch-pot with the civil and military officials, sitting high above them.

"Your Highness," Qing Xian whispered, "It's time to go to the harem and meet your consorts."

Yaoguang, recalling the protocol, left Long Jianlu's side and returned to the Radiant Hall, where a reception had also been arranged inside. Many elderly ladies and wives were waiting to be received by the Empress. Interestingly, the officials' families seemed to particularly enjoy his company. Perhaps it was because he was a man and handsome, creating a more relaxed atmosphere in the harem than in the court. Everyone laughed and joked around.

Qing Xian introduced Yaoguang to them, and as they greeted each other, one woman approached him and took a seat beside him.

"I have to tell you, Little Duan," the noblewoman laughed heartily, "last time when you taught that husband of yours a lesson, you truly relieved my frustration..."

Laughter erupted again, and Yaoguang realized that this must be Xie Hong's wife, named Jian Ruohua, Long Jianlu's aunt!

Yaoguang hastily apologized, but Jian Ruohua, once a renowned heroine of Qingzhou, was bold and open-minded. With her young daughter by her side, she humorously criticized her husband nonstop, causing the hall to buzz with noise, nearly reaching a crescendo.

"Alright, let's not waste any more time here," after a moment, as everyone had sipped their tea and enjoyed some snacks, Jian Ruohua suggested, "We should urge the Empress to change her clothes. I imagine His Majesty is getting impatient."

The ladies laughed and offered well wishes, leaving their congratulatory letters behind. Yaoguang bid Jian Ruohua farewell amidst the attendants who escorted him to change his attire.

Outside the Shenglong Hall, snowflakes danced in the air. Long Jianlu, having had quite a bit of alcohol, had a slight flush on his cheeks, but his thoughts were preoccupied with the harem. However, the wedding banquet was yet to conclude.

Finally, Long Jianlu couldn't resist any longer and said, "Fetch my zither."

He Lu brought the instrument, and the hall fell silent. Long Jianlu announced, "I will play a piece for all of you. Afterward, I must take my leave."

The Great Qi dynasty was founded on martial prowess, and even after ascending to the throne, Long Jianlu continued to live and eat with his soldiers, maintaining simple customs. The emperor playing the zither for his ministers was an occasional occurrence in Province Qi, and given his renowned skill, all officials set down their wine cups to listen attentively.

Long Jianlu played "Breaking Formation Melody," a composition filled with vigor and strength, stirring the blood of those who heard it.

"In whose hands is the zither?" Yaoguang, within the Radiant Palace, was in the midst of changing clothes when he heard the music.

"Your Majesty is the one playing," Qing Xian replied from behind a screen.

Looking at the silk pajamas before him, Yaoguang found them almost translucent – and they were white! However, the craftsmanship must have been exquisite, as the shirt and pants felt weightless against the skin.

Fortunately, there was an outer robe to wear... He wondered what Long Jianlu would don. Just thinking about Long Jianlu's figure clad in semi-transparent attire made Yaoguang swallow hard.

After getting dressed, Qing Xian presented a delicate golden crown for Yaoguang to wear. Seated on the bed, Yaoguang waited, finally beginning to feel nervous.

Red candles flickered, and soon, he heard footsteps approaching.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty..."

"Blessings to Your Majesty..."

Long Jianlu's figure appeared outside the Radiant Hall, and Yaoguang felt as if he couldn't breathe!

The palace door was pushed open gently. Long Jianlu's hair was tied back, clearly tidied up, and he wore a black robe adorned with dragon patterns. Like Yaoguang, he had on a semi-transparent silk shirt and trousers underneath, which shimmered elegantly under the red candles, enhancing his regal demeanor.

Their eyes met, and they both laughed. The expression in Long Jianlu's eyes was a mix of emotions – surprise, tenderness, relief… It was like the journey of a great knight, who had experienced the ebb and flow of life, crossed countless mountains and rivers, and finally stood before his beloved.

Yaoguang stared at him, smiling to himself. He thought, This guy is too handsome, a classic beauty in ancient attire.

"Has the Empress had her fill of dinner?" Long Jianlu asked with a smile.

Yaoguang burst into laughter. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect that the first question Long Jianlu would ask on their wedding night would be this.

"It was decent…" Yaoguang glanced toward the door and asked, "There won't be any wedding hazing, will there?"

Long Jianlu replied, "Who would dare to play pranks on the Emperor's wedding night?"

Yaoguang responded, "How would I know if your family has any strange customs?"

Long Jianlu approached with a smile, sitting down beside Yaoguang, who instantly grew nervous.

Yet I've been intimate with him before, more than once! Back when I dual cultivated with the Great Devil King Long Jianlu, Yaoguang had quickly embraced it, albeit initially with reluctance... Is the tension now due to how formal this feels?

In the next instant, Long Jianlu pulled Yaoguang closer, silencing any words the latter was about to speak with a passionate kiss.

That kiss instantly ignited Yaoguang, who wrapped his arms around Long Jianlu. He had long awaited this moment; the unforgettable experience left him yearning for more.

Their breaths quickened as they parted. Now, Yaoguang could openly look at him. Under the half-revealing silk, his magnificent form seemed to glow with a subtle, hazy light, making him all the more alluring.

Long Jianlu undid Yaoguang's buttons, kissing him relentlessly. Reaching up, he removed Yaoguang's tiara, placing it atop his own and casting both aside onto the floor.

"Wait!"

As Long Jianlu reached for Yaoguang's pendant, the latter tried to stop him, but Long Jianlu held his hand firmly, gently removing the pendant.

"In this moment," Long Jianlu whispered into Yaoguang's ear, "all of you belongs to me."

He placed the hexagonal pendant outside the canopy, his breathing uneven as he said, "Starting tonight, I won't let you go ever again."

Yaoguang gazed at Long Jianlu as they embraced in a seated position. Embracing his neck, Yaoguang drew him close, nestling his head against his shoulder.

As Yaoguang lowered his head, Long Jianlu lifted his, their eyes meeting. Yaoguang tenderly kissed him, but Long Jianlu held him close for a more fervent embrace.

The second time, the third...

In the end, Long Jianlu cradled Yaoguang in his arms, allowing him to drift off to sleep. Yaoguang, half-awake, began to dream once more. In the flickering light of red candles, he saw Long Jianlu as he once was, the Demon King. They embraced tightly, and instinctively, remembering this past, Yaoguang reached out in his dream to hold Long Jianlu just as before. He kissed Long Jianlu eagerly in his slumber, and in reality, Long Jianlu awoke to his kiss, responding with equal passion.

In the stillness of midnight, the atmosphere within the tent grew intimate once more, filled with the scent of their kisses. Without words, whenever deep sleep would wane, they would resume their embrace, Yaoguang yielding to Long Jianlu, who was perpetually prepared...

...Afterwards, they clung to each other, slowly sinking into slumber.

It wasn't until the last ember of the red candle had burned out, and the first rays of dawn pierced through, that they finally released their hold on one another.