Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Out of respect for Prince Hui's privacy, Yao Huang did not reveal the true purpose of the female doctor's visit to her mother, only saying that the female doctor had given her another physical examination.

Empathizing with others, if Yao Huang had any unspeakable secrets, she certainly wouldn't want others to gossip and speculate behind her back.

Noticing her daughter looked fine, Luo Jinhua let the matter rest and continued preparing for the banquet.

The Yao family had few relatives and friends. In the past, when hosting celebrations, setting up five or six tables would suffice. However, since the royal marriage decree was issued, some distant relatives insisted on sending gifts. Yao Zhenhu's colleagues from the military camp, including centurions and commanders whom he was only somewhat familiar with, also came bearing gifts, each one more eager than the next. The Yao family couldn't refuse them; as soon as they accepted the gifts, they had to send out a wedding invitation.

In addition to their familiar neighbors, they ended up needing to prepare over fifty tables!

Fortunately, the Ministry of Rites, aware of the Yao family's situation, specially requested a thousand taels of silver from Emperor Yongchang for the banquet. At the same time, Prince Hui also sent a thousand taels of silver notes to the Yao family. The former was widely known among the neighbors along with the imperial decree, while the latter was quietly delivered to Yao Zhenhu and his wife by Zhang Yue, unknown to outsiders.

The Ministry of Rites explicitly stated to the Yao family that for the prince's wedding, each table at the prince's residence would cost about five taels of silver.

Luo Jinhua understood that their banquet should not surpass the prince's in extravagance but also shouldn’t look cheap.

Thus, Luo Jinhua prepared the banquet with a budget of four taels per table. Over fifty tables would cost more than two hundred taels. Such a grand feast would be held three times, plus two smaller banquets, and the expenses for hiring chefs and renting utensils and dishes would leave only a little over a hundred taels from the money granted by Emperor Yongchang.

On the eve of Yao Huang's wedding, Luo Jinhua planned to give her daughter the remaining hundred taels along with the two silver notes from Prince Hui.

Yao Huang kept the two silver notes and said, "We haven’t used the prince’s gift, so we should return it to him. You should hold onto the hundred taels. The prince will at least accompany me for the traditional post-wedding visit, so our family's meals should be more lavish. Also, because of the extra gifts we've received recently, we’ll need to repay these gestures over time. Furthermore, you should get a few more nice outfits made for future social visits."

Luo Jinhua thought it made sense and didn't argue with her daughter.

Yao Huang worried that a hundred taels might not be enough to maintain the dignity of the prince’s wife’s family and whispered, "We shouldn’t use the betrothal money yet. Once I establish myself in the prince's residence, I'll help out..."

Luo Jinhua interrupted, "No, as the prince's consort, your expenses for food, clothing, and socializing will only increase. The royal family’s primary gift to you is the betrothal money, so you must plan carefully and avoid falling into extravagant habits. As for our family, your father and I are not vain. We’ll keep up appearances when needed, but otherwise, we'll continue living as before. As long as we conduct ourselves properly and practice frugality, it's a virtue and won’t bring shame to you or the prince."

They wouldn't adopt the airs of high officials just because their son-in-law was a prince.

Such airs require financial support, which the Yao family didn't have and wouldn't seek from their daughter.

"Alright, both of us are good at managing money, so there's no need to worry about each other. Let's sleep early; tomorrow will be busy!"

.

April 21st, Prince Hui's wedding.

There were banquets in the morning and at noon, with the auspicious hour for the wedding procession set at dusk.

Prince Hui's residence was located in Chongren Lane, west of the imperial city, in a neighborhood of nobles and high-ranking officials. Both masters and servants attended the ceremony with proper decorum.

When the wedding procession left the affluent area and entered the commoners' streets, the crowd grew much more animated, chatting and whispering.

"Prince Hui's legs are crippled, but he doesn't look like it. See how straight he sits on the horse."

"Crippled legs don't mean a crippled waist, of course he can sit straight. Look, his boot soles aren't touching the stirrups, indicating his legs are weak. He likely needed help getting on the horse."

"What a pity. I still remember three years ago when Prince Hui led troops to battle, wearing armor and looking majestic."

"He's so handsome; the bride isn’t marrying too poorly."

The commoners were cautious, not daring to loudly point out a prince's scars, only whispering to their close friends. However, with so many people talking, many repeated words still reached the ears of the wedding procession, including Prince Hui, the accompanying officials from the Ministry of Rites, and the prince's loyal guards.

The guards' sharp eyes shot like daggers into the crowd.

Those who caught the guards' stares immediately shut their mouths, while others who hadn't experienced the guards' glares continued to crane their necks, watching Prince Hui like a spectacle, and muttering with moving lips.

The nearby guards worriedly glanced at the prince, only to see him as calm as when he first left the residence, without feigned happiness or hidden bitterness.

The prince reminded the guards of a tree—a withered old tree that would never sprout again. Unmoved by wind or rain, even as children climbed it, silently awaiting its decay and collapse.

The guard looked away, his eyes welling up.

Today, the prince maintained his composed facade, but his true state was one of lifelessness.

As the wedding procession made its way through the capital to Changshou Lane in the southeast, the sound of drums and music grew louder and more intense.

At the Yao family gate, two servants in red strained to lift two thick red firecrackers, while others lit them with incense.

White smoke and crackling explosions filled the air, and the wedding procession paused in the distance, waiting amidst the noise.

Yao Lin should have been happy for his sister’s high-status marriage, but seeing the motionless prince on horseback from afar, he couldn’t help but worry. How had the prince mounted the horse, and how would he dismount later? If his posture was awkward, would someone laugh? Would the prince take it out on his sister?

Yao Lin turned and saw his friend Li Tingwang, standing dazed among a group of sturdy young men.

Yao Lin sighed to himself. If it were up to him, he’d have chosen Li Tingwang for his sister. Li Tingwang was lively, and if he ever mistreated her, Yao Lin wouldn’t hesitate to teach him a lesson. But with Prince Hui, even thinking of hitting him made Yao Lin uneasy.

Finally, the firecrackers ended, and the choking smoke cleared. The wedding procession arrived at the main gate of the Yao family.

Guests and onlookers alike fell silent, all eyes fixed on Prince Hui, curious about how he would dismount.

Prince Hui leaned forward, gripping the saddle with his left hand while gently stroking the horse’s cheek with his right.

The glossy black horse knelt obediently.

Just then, a guard wheeled forward an ornate rosewood wheelchair, and two guards firmly supported Prince Hui's shoulders and arms, moving him onto the wheelchair.

As the crowd murmured, the officiant began the ceremony.

The groom and bride were to bid farewell to the bride's parents, and Yao Huang was finally helped out.

The princess’s jeweled phoenix crown was heavy, and her ornate wedding dress cumbersome. Yao Huang moved slowly, her shoulders and neck stiff, careful not to falter.

The red veil obscured her view, and once led to Prince Hui’s side, she could only see part of the wheelchair.

The prince, seated, bowed four times instead of kneeling before the bride’s parents. Yao Zhenhu and Luo Jinhua accepted two bows and returned the gesture.

After Yao Huang bowed, the prince and princess left the Yao family to pay respects to Emperor Yongchang and the consorts.

Yao Huang walked beside Prince Hui’s wheelchair. She entered the sedan chair first, missing how Prince Hui mounted the horse, but the silence outside spoke volumes. She could imagine all eyes tightly focused on Prince Hui, but she didn’t know what expression he wore.

He probably wasn’t happy, was he?

His legs were already crippled, and he could have lived in seclusion in the palace, but because of the marriage, he was forced to show his vulnerable side in front of others.

From a high and mighty prince to a pitied or mocked cripple...

Yao Huang first felt a pang of fear for herself, worried that Prince Hui would vent the frustration he endured along the way onto her, the bride, as she would be the only one to face him for a long time tonight.

Compared to this heavy anxiety, the tedious rituals in the palace were just a physical formality.

After a round in the palace, the wedding procession returned to Prince Hui's residence, the brilliant sunset painting the sky with red clouds.

Yao Huang was led to the backyard, while Prince Kang, Prince Qing, and the fourth prince surrounded Prince Hui in his wheelchair. Looking at Zhao Sui's handsome face slightly reddened by the sunset, Prince Kang congratulated with a smile, "The colorful clouds in the sky are a good omen. The second brother and the princess are a match made in heaven, and after marriage, they will be loving and everything will be perfect."

Prince Qing and the fourth prince also offered their blessings.

Zhao Sui smiled and accepted his brothers' kind words.

On the other side, Yao Huang walked through the corridor to the backyard, noticing that the doors she passed had no thresholds, presumably to facilitate Prince Hui's wheelchair access.

When the bridal chamber was ready, a eunuch wheeled Zhao Sui into the room.

The women attending the ceremony in the bridal chamber included Grand Princess Fucheng, Emperor Yongchang's sister, and the wife of the Duke of Chengen, who was from the family of the late Empress Dowager and thus Emperor Yongchang's cousin-in-law. Both brought their daughters-in-law, and Prince Kang's two concubines were also present, along with the eldest princess, born to Empress Zhou, and the Second Princess, born to Noble Consort Du.

These were the women Yao Huang would frequently interact with in the future.

Zhao Sui's leg condition slightly subdued the crowd's smiles, but fortunately, the female attendants knew how to offer auspicious words, so the bridal chamber remained festive.

Zhao Sui lifted the veil from his wheelchair.

Yao Huang had seen Prince Hui on the day of the selection, but they had only glanced at each other briefly without a detailed look, and Zhao Sui's glance at her was as light as water. The newlyweds drank the ceremonial wine amidst the sincere or polite compliments of the female guests. After completing the rituals, Zhao Sui returned to the front courtyard to entertain guests, while Yao Huang changed into a lighter ceremonial gown and was accompanied by Grand Princess Fucheng and others to enjoy the evening banquet.

On this joyous day, no one deliberately dampened the mood, but Yao Huang still faintly sensed that there seemed to be an unspoken understanding in the eyes of Grand Princess Fucheng and the Second Princess, likely related to Prince Hui.

They didn't say anything, and Yao Huang didn't speculate. She hadn't eaten well in the morning or at noon, and now she was very hungry. With the grace she had learned in the palace, she elegantly finished a bowl of rice, and the two dishes before her were also finished.

Grand Princess Fucheng remained silent.

Considering that tonight was the big day for the newlyweds and Yao Huang still had preparations to make, the female guests nibbled politely and excused themselves. On the men's side, even the heaviest drinkers dared not press Prince Hui to drink. After a few sips to express their congratulations, everyone focused on eating and chatting, and the groom was permitted to retire early.

.

Yao Huang, having bathed and changed again, sat on the edge of the bed covered with a bright red wedding quilt, her hands twisted nervously.

She had learned everything the female doctor taught her, but the question was, was Prince Hui capable?

Yao Huang wasn't particularly curious or expectant about that matter. Even if Prince Hui couldn't, the wealth and status this marriage afforded her would be enough to satisfy her. She was just afraid that if Prince Hui couldn't, this big secret, which was more damaging to a man's pride than being disabled, would become known to her, and would Prince Hui then see her as a thorn in his side?

For the sake of marital harmony, Yao Huang earnestly hoped Prince Hui was capable. If not, he should give her a hint beforehand. Yao Huang would never dare to test it!

"Princess, the prince is coming!"

A Ji crept in and whispered a warning.

Yao Huang's heart fluttered, and she took a deep breath, taking the initiative to go out and greet him.

Red lanterns hung on both sides of the corridor and under the eaves. As Yao Huang arrived at the entrance of the main hall, she saw Prince Hui being pushed through the gently swaying light of the lanterns. Against the backdrop of the crimson ceremonial robe, his handsome face looked slightly pale. Whether he was feeling unwell or tired from the day's activities, it was fine, as long as he wasn't harboring any displeasure.

The wheelchair arrived at the door, and Thrush and the others knelt in greeting.

Yao Huang also respectfully greeted him with A Ji.

Zhao Sui nodded and first introduced the eunuch pushing the wheelchair to Yao Huang: "His name is Qing Ai, and he takes turns with Fei Quan to attend to my daily needs."

A lady from an official family might not be used to eunuchs being close, but given Zhao Sui's current condition, he could only bring two eunuchs into the princess's chamber.

Yao Huang nodded, indicating she remembered.

Zhao Sui then addressed the maids: "I prefer quiet. If there are no orders, you may wait outside."

A Ji, Thrush, and the others: "Yes."

Zhao Sui looked inside, and Qing Ai, understanding his intention, pushed him in.

Yao Huang followed alone, observing carefully.

Entering the inner chamber, she didn't see Zhao Sui make any small movements, nor did she hear him speak, but Qing Ai, like a worm in his stomach, directly pushed the wheelchair into the four-poster bed.

The back of the wheelchair was tightly against the edge of the bed. As Qing Ai pressed a certain mechanism, the backrest lowered, and Zhao Sui supported himself with his hands on the edge of the bed and sat up.

Yao Huang was watching intently when Zhao Sui suddenly looked up, causing her to panic and quickly avert her gaze.

"You may leave."

"Yes."

Qing Ai complied, placing the wheelchair sideways at the head of the bed, then turned to bow to Yao Huang before leaving.

The canopy bed had an inner sleeping area and an outer corridor. Yao Huang stood nervously in the outer corridor, waiting for the prince's instructions.

Zhao Sui had never been talkative, and after the incident, he had even less tolerance for idle chatter. However, the girl standing there was his newly wedded princess, six years his junior, and already frightened enough. Zhao Sui didn't want to scare her further.

He sat with his back against the headboard, legs extended, leaving a two-palm-width space between his legs and the bed's edge.

Zhao Sui glanced at Yao Huang, patted the edge of the bed, and said, "Come, sit."

Yao Huang timidly approached and sat sideways, half on the bed and half off, careful to avoid touching his legs.

Candlelight streamed through the carved lattice windows of the canopy bed, casting a rosy glow on half of the princess's face, while the other half remained shadowed, her skin smooth and radiant like fine jade.

Her long lashes fluttered faintly as she lowered them.

Her lips were a deep, moist red and looked soft.

Her slightly tilted head couldn't conceal her long, fair neck. The fine silk dress clung to her figure, and her curves seemed to emanate a warmth carrying the legendary scent of a young maiden, wafting toward him.

Zhao Sui finished his appraisal and returned his gaze to her lashes. "During the selection, did you forget the rules and glance around, or did you already plan to marry me?"

Yao Huang glanced at him and replied honestly, "I already wanted to marry you that day."

Zhao Sui: "Why?"

Yao Huang hadn't expected Prince Hui to ask such a question on their wedding night. Now, with him staring so intently, she had no time to devise a clever excuse, nor could she say anything unpleasant. Her face flushed, and she lowered her head further, admitting without shame, "Because you're very handsome, and I fell in love at first sight."

Zhao Sui: "..."

He wasn't entirely convinced, but her bashfulness seemed genuine.

In any case, the truth was irrelevant now; they were married and would be husband and wife from then on.

"It's late. Go put out the lights and rest."

Yao Huang, hearing this, went to do as told.

After putting out a row of candles, leaving only the wedding candles burning softly, Yao Huang returned to the canopy bed and noticed Prince Hui had already pulled up the blanket and lay down, with a pair of red silk trousers draped over the wheelchair.

Yao Huang's heart raced. He had removed his trousers; could it mean he was capable?

Even if he was capable, there was still tension, but Yao Huang couldn't help feeling relieved. It was a relief that he was capable; it meant she wouldn't have to take the lead.

The female doctor's advice still rang in her ears. The prince's legs were impaired, so she shouldn't be shy and must take the initiative to spare him the effort.

Seeing the prince had already removed his trousers, Yao Huang, fully prepared, crawled from the foot of the bed to the inside, sat with her back to him, first removed her matching red silk sleep trousers, then her red silk undergarment, leaving only a small bodice the disabled prince could easily unfasten.

The light inside the canopy bed was dim, but everything, visible or not, could be seen.

As soon as Yao Huang came up and silently took off her trousers, Zhao Sui turned to look outside, guessing that due to his special condition, she must have received some instructions.

Hearing movement beside him, Zhao Sui glanced sideways and saw her about to lean over. He turned his head and stopped her, "Lie down, don't move."

He was impaired, but not to the extent that he would let his princess consort take the initiative in everything.

Yao Huang, who had mustered the courage to face death, was instantly deflated by this sharp rebuke. Glancing at Prince Hui's somewhat displeased face, she lay down obediently, still unsure of what had happened, and quietly pulled over the extra blanket beside him, covering herself up to her neck.

Zhao Sui: "Turn over, lie on your side."

The prince was in charge, so Yao Huang obediently turned to her side.

An arm slid between her neck and the pillow, and a broad, solid chest pressed against her back. With a heavy breath from him, a heavy leg draped over hers.

Neither of them was wearing pants, and Yao Huang was startled by the cool, almost icy temperature of Prince Hui's leg.

At that moment, a warm, large hand reached over from the front and cupped her flushed face.