Chapter 53: Marriage

Chapter 53: Marriage

Zhu Yan didn't intend to startle Wen Ruan. His fingertips tightened slightly, but he didn't get too close. Instead, he casually tossed something onto the table with a 'slap' sound.

Wen Ruan: "For me?"

Zhu Yan's expression remained unchanged, or rather, his deep, dark eyes were hidden in the night, making it impossible to discern his emotions. He seemed indifferent and casual: "Didn't you want to try the new salt production method?"

Wen Ruan opened the box to find documents related to salt fields—locations, sizes, whether they were by the sea or near wells. From contracts to simple personnel arrangements, and even official seals, everything was included.

His eyes widened suddenly.

The idea of salt production wasn't new; it was a matter of national interest and benefit for the people. However, salt and iron were vital resources that couldn't be privately produced by civilians; they were controlled by the government. Wen Ruan had no ill intentions, but the authorities wouldn't simply take someone's word for it. Thus, such matters were difficult to achieve. Now... now with these documents, he could experiment freely!

The joy on the young man's face was genuine. Zhu Yan suppressed the slight curl at the corner of his lips: "Just go ahead. No one will stop you."

Wen Ruan understood. Since Zhu Yan could obtain these documents, he had the confidence to make such a guarantee. Indeed, choosing this husband was right. Even if their relationship couldn't be perfect, at least he could assist in his career and make his ideal blueprint possible!

But he also knew that these things must have been hard to come by. They were certainly not as effortless as Zhu Yan made them seem.

"But what about the officials in the imperial court, the Second Prince, and the Third Prince..." he wanted to remind him.

Zhu Yan snorted contemptuously: "Do they deserve to manage this prince?"

Wen Ruan: ...

Alright, you're impressive.

He poured a cup of tea for Zhu Yan. The prince, who came with this box of items, deserved this cup of tea.

However, Zhu Yan didn't move. He stared straight at him: "Come here."

Wen Ruan: "Huh?"

Zhu Yan might feel he deserved more, after all, his future princess was quite pleased: "My button came undone when I climbed over the wall. Help me fasten it."

Wen Ruan felt like there was something wrong with his ears. What did he hear? What did he mean by 'when climbing over the wall'? You, a prince, are proud that your button came undone while climbing a wall?

"Do it yourself."

"It's at my throat. I can't see it."

Zhu Yan's voice was calm, without any hint of self-pity, but it was... somewhat pitiful. A proud prince, humbling himself to climb a wall to deliver items to his fiancée, clumsy in his actions, strangely... endearing.

He couldn't let him leave like this, with his clothes disheveled and buttons undone. Otherwise, others would speculate about what they had done.

Wen Ruan walked over and reached out: "Lift your head."

Zhu Yan raised his chin slightly, but his eyes lowered, quietly watching the person before him.

Wen Ruan felt a bit uncomfortable under his gaze. His Adam's apple was so prominent, the lines so sharp. When his fingers accidentally touched it, it moved!

Tying this button was indeed strenuous. Wen Ruan's palms were sweaty, but finally: "Done!"

He immediately stepped back, but couldn't retreat far enough.

Suddenly, Zhu Yan bent over slightly and rested his head on his shoulder: "I twisted my ankle when I climbed over the wall. I can't stand properly, Ah Ruan... let me lean on you for a moment."

Wen Ruan: ...

I don't believe a word you say!

But Zhu Yan only rested his head on him, his body didn't press against him. His hands hung obediently by his sides, not embracing him, appearing weak yet gentlemanly. Wen Ruan felt that pushing him away would be a bit excessive.

But not pushing him away was unfair to himself. This person's breath on his neck was light and ticklish, giving an illusion of intimacy. His ears were heating up!

He sensed that Zhu Yan was doing this on purpose, but he didn't know if there was any ill intent behind it. In that instant, he felt it was better not to understand this person's mind, who knew what dirty thoughts were inside.

Zhu Yan, leaning on Wen Ruan's shoulder, sounded a bit muffled: "Why are you angry?"

Wen Ruan: "I'm not angry."

Zhu Yan: "I can't learn to act foolish like others..."

Wen Ruan: ...

So, what kind of foolishness is he referring to?

Zhu Yan: "But I seem to have no shame."

Wen Ruan: "Huh?"

Zhu Yan: "I'm quite skilled at this."

Wen Ruan: ...

It seems that Prince Jian fully understands his reputation outside. With so many slanders and criticisms, how could he still have any face left? So, is he going to act shamelessly now? Starting by burying his head in someone's shoulder and refusing to leave?

He took a deep breath: "Your Highness, why are you really here?"

Zhu Yan: "To apologize."

Wen Ruan: "For what?"

Zhu Yan: "That's for you to decide."

Prince Jian was unyielding and righteous.

Wen Ruan: ...

"So you don't know where you went wrong or why, but you think after an apology, I must forgive and forget, or else I'm being unreasonable and making a fuss for no reason?"

Zhu Yan sensed the atmosphere was off and immediately threw his allies under the bus: "It was Shi Muyun and Fang Rui! They said it's always like this... I felt it wasn't right."

Wen Ruan: ...

"Did you tell others about our affairs?"

Zhu Yan reacted quickly: "As if they're worthy! But Shi Muyun has many close female friends, and he noticed that there seems to be discord between us as husband and wife."

Wen Ruan: "The prince and I aren't married yet."

Zhu Yan: ...

"If Ah Ruan is still angry, I'll have no choice but to send Dao Dao away."

Wen Ruan was utterly incredulous: "What does the dog have to do with anything?"

Dogs are so adorable!

Zhu Yan: "Your Highness can't even live a decent life anymore, how could I have the leisure to raise it? It would rather die of starvation in the mansion than fend for itself hunting in the mountains, exposed to the elements, surrounded by tigers and wolves, unable to eat well or sleep soundly..."

"Stop."

Wen Ruan couldn't bear to imagine the sleek, majestic Dao Dao dying a miserable death in the mountains. This man really knew how to use his pet to threaten him!

"I'm truly not angry."

Zhu Yan didn't believe him, looking up at Wen Ruan's face, which seemed indeed less furious: "But you didn't seek me out."

Wen Ruan sighed: "Didn't I tell you I was busy?"

Zhu Yan: "Really busy?"

Wen Ruan almost rolled his eyes: "What else? Do you think it's fake?"

Zhu Yan: ...

"They said you might run away from the wedding."

"Do you fear that?" Wen Ruan found it unbelievable.

Zhu Yan: "If you run, I'm sure I can catch up, but I'm afraid that when I do, you'll be angry again."

"Your Highness, please sit." Wen Ruan pushed the tea forward.

Zhu Yan looked cautiously at the cup of tea: "Hmm?"

Wen Ruan smiled faintly, pushing it forward again: "Let's chat?"

Zhu Yan became even more cautious: "Don't smile like that."

"Why not?" Wen Ruan smiled even more obediently, more gently, "Doesn't Your Highness like it when I smile like this?"

Zhu Yan: ...

His heart was beating a little faster, a warning sign of danger.

Wen Ruan: "Your Highness, would you like some tea first?"

Zhu Yan: "No, thank you."

He felt it would be even more dangerous if he drank it.

Wen Ruan didn't mind: "Let's agree on one thing first. Your Highness wants to marry me and hasn't thought of breaking off the engagement, correct?"

You really want to break it off, don't you?

Zhu Yan spoke firmly: "A marriage decree by the emperor cannot be changed."

"Good, I've never thought of running away," Wen Ruan smiled, "So what we discussed before still stands, right? We can help each other, cover for each other. Your Highness can request my cooperation anytime, and I can seek some protection from Your Highness for some of my matters?"

Zhu Yan nodded: "I've always been generous to those around me, especially to my princess. You can be bolder."

That's good.

Wen Ruan was relieved: "The prince and I aren't particularly familiar with each other yet, but... we can get to know each other slowly, can't we?"

Zhu Yan didn't like the words 'slowly', but in the lingering night, under the hazy candlelight, these two words seemed to carry a special sense of longing, very promising: "Yes."

Life is long; there's nothing wrong with taking it slow.

But what if the other party gets busy again, too busy to be seen?

"But you have to listen to my pipa."

"Hmm?" Wen Ruan didn't quite understand.

Zhu Yan: "You're my pipa bone, so you should also understand my pipa."

Wen Ruan: ...

Isn't it just listening to music?

"I... will try my best."

"Then I..."

"Your Highness should leave now."

The wedding was scheduled for the next day, and it was inappropriate for the two to meet given the circumstances, especially with the bustling crowd at the Duke's mansion, making it truly inconvenient. Wen Ruan dismissed everyone, even prudently leaning against the wall, keeping a considerable distance from Zhu Yan.

Zhu Yan: ...

He could bear it, with the grand wedding just around the corner. He stepped out of the room.

Wen Ruan closed the door, but as he passed by the table, the window suddenly opened, and Zhu Yan leaped back in, his long arms reaching out to snatch the jade hairpin from Wen Ruan's hair.

Without its restraint, Wen Ruan's hair cascaded down like a waterfall, and his hand, which had tried to hold it up, failed: "Zhu, Yan!"

What he hated most about being in this ancient era was having long hair, and he still hadn't learned how to manage it!

Zhu Yan had already jumped out the window again, his steps unhurried, waving the jade hairpin in the air: "A token."

Wen Ruan gritted his teeth: "I've never been one to break my word!"

Minding his tone due to their surroundings, his voice blended into the night, creating an atmosphere akin to lovers' quarrels.

In the shadow, Zhu Yan's lips curved slightly as he carefully placed the jade hairpin inside his robe.

On the wedding day, Wen Ruan was awakened before dawn, facing a myriad of preparations. Countless rituals and rules awaited him today, each one to be meticulously observed.

The Duke's mansion was lively, but only superficially so. The sounds of gongs and drums filled the air, red silk fluttered everywhere, and the people passing by wore smiles on their faces. However, these were merely formalities, obligatory expressions of joy because it was a wedding day. Their actual moods might not have been as cheerful.

Take Lady Zhou, for instance, who had recently emerged from her long period of confinement and could now participate in her nephew's wedding: "I always said that Ah Ruan is a person of great fortune, didn't I? And look, a mere Duke's mansion can't hold you back. People naturally aspire to greater heights, just as water flows downhill. Now that you've made something of yourself, don't forget where your roots lie. Some people are like mud that can't stick to a wall, while others are golden phoenixes perched on a parasol tree. You must discern clearly and live your life well."

Her laughter and words carried a strange, insinuating tone. Wen Ruan couldn't quite tell if she was alluding to the side of Wen Yu or reminding him that although both were princes' residences, Second Prince had a much better reputation than Sixth Prince outside. He should remember Lady Ru's side and offer support when necessary, always keeping in mind where the best prospects lay.

Wen Yu was more straightforward: "Yes, such a good match with the Prince Jian's Mansion. Ah Ruan, you must cherish your good fortune."

His smile was excessively eager, as if no one in the mansion anticipated the wedding more than he did. This event was too significant for him to bother with anyone else's veiled remarks.

Wen Ruan: ...

So he was that important to Wen Yu?

Or was it his marriage that held such significance? Why?

Second Lady Lu, after days of relentless preparation, finally found some respite today. Especially upon seeing the gifts sent by Prince Jian's Mansion, her smile finally held a hint of sincerity: "Fortunately, we're all within the capital city, not far apart. As a man, Ah Ruan, unlike a daughter, you must remember to visit often. Everyone here misses you dearly."

If her gaze, while smiling and speaking, had been directed at Wen Ruan instead of the gift boxes tied with red ribbons outside, it would have seemed more genuine.

In other families, the atmosphere surrounding a 'wedding' would likely lead to tears of reluctance. Yet, Wen Ruan felt nothing of the sort. With these superficial relatives, it was impossible to feign warmth; he genuinely struggled to feel sorrow.

And in Sizhou... he had already received the deepest and most profound blessings.

He was eager to leave this place, to quickly reach Prince Jian's Mansion. The elaborate formalities were exhausting.

When the auspicious hour arrived, at the gate, His Highness Prince Jian actually came to welcome his bridegroom in person!

As a prince, a member of the imperial family, and bestowed the title of Prince Jian, his status was extraordinary. According to the Ministry of Revenue's etiquette, he wasn't required to personally receive his consort. But he stated that he had never been one to follow rules, and what others deemed as face, he didn't consider significant. So, he rode his horse right over.

Zhu Yan, known throughout the capital for his peculiar and sinister temper, also renowned for his handsome appearance that made the ladies of the city sigh, was dressed in bright red wedding attire today. Riding atop a tall steed adorned with red ribbons on its forehead, he resembled melting snow on a mountain peak, bathed in the glow of the morning sun and the brilliance of the rainbow. Not only was he like a cypress tree or a jade ornament, but he also exuded a captivating charm. Particularly today, as the groom, a faint smile graced his lips, his cheeks flushed, his eyebrows arched, and his dark eyes sparkled. He appeared unexpectedly approachable, even more captivating!

More and more curious onlookers gathered courageously to witness the spectacle.

The accompanying officials naturally performed their duties flawlessly, scattering bags of lucky money generously without any stinginess. Little Marquis Fang leaped around busily, one moment overseeing the distribution of lucky money, the next ensuring the procession was neatly arranged, particularly focusing on the horses. Then, he worried about the insufficient vigor in the music played to celebrate the occasion. He was incredibly busy.

Meanwhile, Shi Muyun, along with his literary friends, recited lengthy poems amidst the accompaniment of celebratory music. The verses were archaic yet rich in profound meaning, echoing through the heavens, lingering long and far.

As for bridal makeup poems, they were well-prepared. Anything needed, whether previously planned or spontaneously created, was readily available!

Perhaps due to their impeccable etiquette, or possibly because the Duke of Wen's Mansion was overly humble, the gates today were unusually easy to open. The groom and his entourage weren't obstructed much, as if there was an eagerness to send off the prospective consort.

The wedding party was delighted with this development. Amidst cheers, they pushed Zhu Yan inside to greet his consort.

Wen Ruan didn't hesitate either. He had declared that he wouldn't regret any decision he made, and promptly followed the rituals to bid farewell to his relatives, turning toward Zhu Yan.

Being a man, he didn't wear a red veil. Although his wedding attire was red, it wasn't a dress like those worn by women. Instead, the sleeves were slightly wider, accentuating his slender waist. His fair skin complemented the red, especially the red embroidered with gold trim, adding an aura of nobility and making him even more dazzling, leaving one reluctant to look away.

At this moment, Zhu Yan felt a twinge of regret. He should have covered Wen Ruan with a veil.

Originally, Wen Ruan was supposed to be escorted out by a male relative, and the newlyweds' feet shouldn't touch the ground. They were supposed to step on a red carpet the entire way. However, an unknown servant at the Duke's Mansion had been careless, leaving a gap in the otherwise neat red carpet.

This wasn't a major issue. The gap wasn't large, and the width of the carpet was sufficient. There was no way Wen Ruan could have stepped off it. But Zhu Yan found the gap displeasing, so he simply scooped Wen Ruan up into his arms, carrying him across the red carpet, out the gate, and personally placing him in the wedding carriage!

Caught off guard, Wen Ruan felt a bit embarrassed. It wasn't appropriate to push Zhu Yan away at this moment, so he secretly reached out to pinch his waist.

Unfazed, Zhu Yan whispered softly in his ear: "This Prince has done many things without regard for propriety."

One more time wouldn't make a difference.

"Wow—Prince Jian actually carried his consort out himself!"

"They're whispering! Are they whispering sweet nothings? The consort's face is blushing!"

"My goodness, he's so skilled! He didn't ride his horse, but directly lounged in the consort's wedding carriage. How loving!"

"How can the consort be so beautiful! Who wouldn't want to marry such a young master..."

The onlookers chattered excitedly. Seeing Prince Jian's exceptional generosity today, their courage grew, and they dared to jest about anything. Some even pushed their way forward, clutching flowers, eager to throw them: "No way, today I must throw something into the wedding carriage to wish them a long and happy life together!"

Throwing fruit into a carriage, an ancient expression of affection for someone greatly admired, was never forbidden during weddings. The common folk adored this couple, and Prince Jian wouldn't be easily offended on this joyous day. If they missed this opportunity, there would never be another chance!

Moreover, at the transition between summer and autumn, all kinds of flowers were in bloom. If you hadn't prepared, you could easily gather some from the streets. What were you waiting for!

Thus, amidst the accompaniment of celebratory music and the recitation of long poems, a shower of flowers descended, transforming the newlyweds' carriage into a flower-filled chariot!

Wen Ruan's hair and the corners of his clothes were adorned with red, yellow, and pink petals, so many that they couldn't be counted. The rich floral fragrance filled his sleeves, and in just a short while, he felt as if he was being marinated in the scent!

"Don't pick them."

Zhu Yan pulled down Wen Ruan's hand reaching for the flowers in his hair, his eyes slightly darkening. "Leave them like this; it looks very nice."

Wen Ruan actually thought Zhu Yan looked very handsome too, covered in flower petals, some on his forehead, some in his sleeves, his aura distinct from others, making him quite special.

The common folk were considerate, not throwing heavy objects—doing so would be injuring people, not blessing them. But some were less thoughtful, actually tossing gold ingots directly at the wedding carriage!

Lan Tian was frightened and quickly pushed the people away. This wasn't something to throw around!

"What are you doing? This is for the young master, not your king. Don't be presumptuous!"

It was none other than Meng Weiyi, the Censor-in-Chief.

He only knew that a few years ago, his daughter had received great kindness from someone named 'Ah Ruan.' Unfortunately, the benefactor asked for no repayment and lived far away, leaving no means for gratitude. Little did he know that this Ah Ruan was the young master whom the Duke of Wen's household had found and brought back, who also saved his son-in-law in Sizhou. Their debt of gratitude could never be repaid!

They had faced life-threatening situations multiple times. His little grandson was able to be born successfully thanks to the young master's blessings, and the gift he sent before was too light!

But the gift had already been given, and it wouldn't be appropriate to add more without a reason. This left him anxious until he saw the people spontaneously showering flowers... What a perfect opportunity, how could he miss it!

The old man stealthily mingled among the crowd, quietly tossing gold ingots inside, and he was sure not to hit anyone!

"I'm simply blessing the young master; what does it have to do with your king!" He declared boldly.

Lan Tian: ...

"In any case, gold ingots can't be thrown anymore."

Meng Weiyi looked regretful.

With him leading the way, it was hard to prevent others from following suit. Everyone felt that flowers were too light to convey their blessings, so they all decided to 'add makeup' for the young master, starting to throw silver beans, gold melon seeds, and even jade pendants and wish locks into the carriage!

As they threw, they reassured those around them: "Don't worry, don't worry. Hetian jade is very hard and not easily broken. My pendant is thicker than a finger, very sturdy!"

Lan Tian couldn't stop them.

Fang Rui initially helped to hold them back, but when he realized it was futile, he joined in. With the wedding carriage now filled with gold, jade, and flowers, it truly became a hall of riches, looking splendid. He wanted to add to its splendor!

Not having anything handy wasn't a problem; he could send someone to fetch it! The wedding carriage moved so slowly, still far from the mansion!

"Make way, make way, I'm coming through!"

Young Master Huo, after finishing his family affairs, hurriedly arrived, dusty from his journey. Seeing the commotion, he naturally wanted to join in the fun. The Huo family wasn't lacking in money, and since the wedding carriage was being played with today, he intended to make it unique for Ah Ruan!

If he was here, Lady Liang wouldn't hide in the shadows either. They threw small gold locks together!

Such obvious wealth naturally attracted attention, and there were bound to be those with ill intentions, wanting to take advantage of the chaos to loot.

The wedding party and their close friends and subordinates didn't actually care about the money. Today, Prince Jian's palace had distributed dozens of baskets of lucky money, and this would continue along the way. It was fine if someone quietly picked up a bit from the ground, but they couldn't disrupt the wedding. If you insisted on crowding around the wedding carriage and tried to grab at things, that wouldn't do.

Prince Jian's people couldn't handle the situation; they lacked experience dealing with commoners. But the canal gangsters did!

Just two days ago, Master Ang, the head of the Canal Gang, came to the capital city discreetly. The capital wasn't part of the canal territory, but they set up a branch here to manage relations with the imperial court. However, Master Ang cared about the young master of the Duke of Wen's household's wedding, so the brothers here naturally came over as well. To prevent any harm to the young master, everyone changed their appearance and mixed in with the crowd like ordinary citizens. Now seeing someone trying to cause trouble, they immediately restrained them, quietly holding their arms and covering their mouths, withdrawing from the crowd...

They couldn't let others notice, couldn't let the young master know, and couldn't spoil the wedding atmosphere. But for someone with such malicious intent, not giving them a good beating would only allow them to harm others again!

Wen Ruan didn't know about all these events happening around him. He was only astonished by the sheer number of people! Where did all these people come from, throwing things at the wedding carriage? Most of them he didn't recognize!

Zhu Yan, however, enjoyed this unexpected turn of events. So many people blessing them meant that he and Ah Ruan would surely have a long-lasting relationship.

"Ah Ruan." He held Wen Ruan's hand. "My heart is with you; you can't escape now."

Wen Ruan: ...

He only felt that Zhu Yan's palm was too hot, just like his gaze.

It was a series of rituals, odes, sitting in the bridal chamber, exchanging hair, and drinking from the same cup...

Finally, when he sat down on the bed, Wen Ruan felt as if all his strength had been drained.

He originally planned to go out with Zhu Yan to greet the guests, but recently, between the rush harvest in the fields and various worries, he woke up at the fourth watch of the night and hadn't rested since. He wanted to sit down first and rest for a moment, sending Zhu Yan out to handle things himself.

Perhaps Prince Jian was also tired and didn't want to exert himself physically. He clearly didn't want to leave, his feet feeling heavy. He lingered for a long time without moving. In the end, it was only when someone knocked on the door to urge him that he slowly stood up. "I'll be right back, Ah Ruan, don't be afraid."

What did Wen Ruan have to fear? He had been to Prince Jian's palace before. Lacking energy, he waved his hand. "Your Highness, please go ahead."

After everyone left, he realized his stomach was a bit empty, and his legs were too sore to get up. He regretted not asking Zhu Yan to bring him something to eat before he left.

"Woof!"

Wen Ruan turned his head and saw a black-furred dog with glossy fur.

"Dao Dao!"

In Dao Dao's mouth was an exquisite little basket. Inside the basket was a handkerchief wrapping warm pastries, still warm and sweet with red bean filling. Wen Ruan took them out, pleasantly surprised. "Wow—thank you, Dao Dao!"

"Woof!"

The dog didn't hesitate, using its hind legs to jump onto the bed, lying beside Wen Ruan, watching him eat.

Wen Ruan rubbed the dog's head and offered a piece of pastry. "Do you want some?"

"Woof!" The dog declined, turning its head away.

Wen Ruan ate it himself.

After finishing, he was extremely satisfied, hugging the dog and rubbing it affectionately. The dog's fur was warm and soft, the touch was too good!

As his hands moved on, his eyelids grew heavy. Before long, he drifted off to sleep.

The little dog was well-behaved, noticing that he had fallen asleep, it stilled, nestling beside him to keep watch, its head resting on its front paws. Gradually, its eyes closed too.

The crimson candle flame flickered softly, casting a fragrant aura that suffused the bridal chamber, lingering in the stillness as it awaited the return of its other master.