Chapter 59

Chapter 59

The task Consort Ning assigned Official Yin was to assess the marriage compatibility of Zhou Yunning and Gao Zhen's birth charts. This was both Official Yin's specialty and a duty of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. Typically, the selection of auspicious dates for royal weddings was entirely handled by the Bureau. If Consort Ning had Official Yin analyze Zhou Yunning and Gao Zhen’s birth charts, her intention was clear enough—it seemed she intended to personally oversee their marriage arrangements.

The Ninth Prince understood that Consort Ning wanted to atone for having misunderstood Gao Zhen and do something for the two of them. Therefore, he merely cooperated throughout the process, taking a back seat and allowing Consort Ning to manage everything.

While Official Yin was analyzing the birth charts, Consort Ning had already given Mu Zhong a long list of instructions. She carried herself with such urgency that it seemed she wanted them married on the spot the moment Official Yin determined an auspicious date. Seeing her like this, who would have thought that not long ago, she had been the most opposed to this marriage?

Consort Ning’s sudden change of heart even left the Ninth Prince feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation.

As for Gao Zhen, when he accompanied the Ninth Prince to Consort Ning’s Yonghe Palace for a meal the next day, he was quite startled. Having never received any kindness from Consort Ning before, he was taken aback when she personally served him food. His first reaction was, "Unearned kindness often hides ulterior motives." He stealthily slipped the food Consort Ning had given him into Zhou Yunning’s bowl.

Gao Zhen thought he had done it discreetly, but Consort Ning saw the whole thing.

Outwardly, Consort Ning remained composed, but inwardly, she sighed repeatedly, feeling that her previous harshness had hurt the young man. His refusal to eat the food she served must mean he wouldn't forgive her.

In such a situation, Consort Ning had no choice but to appeal to Zhou Yunning for help. However, Zhou Yunning was focused on eating and completely missed his mother’s meaningful glance.

Consort Ning grew anxious. Unfortunately, her own son was as clueless as a block of wood and utterly unreliable at critical moments.

Surprisingly, it was Gao Zhen who noticed her hidden anxiety. Not understanding what she meant and unsure how to comfort her, he picked up a piece of fish, carefully removed the bones, and placed it in a small communal serving dish.

When Gao Zhen offered the dish to Consort Ning, he felt somewhat uneasy, thinking that someone as aloof as she was might not eat it. But then it occurred to him that he hadn’t eaten the food she had served him earlier. At the time, he hadn’t thought much of it, but upon reflection, it seemed somewhat improper.

Gao Zhen secretly resolved that if Consort Ning served him food again, he would quietly eat it. After all, she didn’t seem to have any ill intentions and probably meant him no harm.

Consort Ning was taken aback when Gao Zhen offered her the deboned fish. After a moment, she was deeply moved. She sighed inwardly, thinking, "A-Zhen is such a warm-hearted child. It was my own prejudice that blinded me before. Thankfully, it’s not too late to realize it now."

Consort Ning quietly ate the fish from the small dish.

When Gao Zhen saw this, he lowered his head and smiled, feeling that Consort Ning might no longer dislike him.

That was good. It meant one fewer barrier between him and the Ninth Prince.

However, Gao Zhen remained cautious. To confirm that Consort Ning truly no longer rejected him, he picked up another piece of fish, deboned it, and offered it to her. To his surprise, she ate it again, this time with a faint smile on her lips. Only then did Gao Zhen feel truly at ease.

He secretly chuckled to himself.

Just as he was smiling, a small dish suddenly appeared in front of him. A rough, large hand pushed the dish toward him.

Gao Zhen looked up and met Zhou Yunning’s laughing eyes.

The dish contained a piece of fish, but the bones were still intact. Thinking that even the Ninth Prince could be careless sometimes, Gao Zhen removed the bones himself. Just as he was about to eat it, the dish was whisked away.

Gao Zhen: "…"

He stared speechlessly as Zhou Yunning ate the fish in one bite. So, the fish wasn’t for him—it was just to make him remove the bones. He thought it was meant for him to eat.

How petty.

Gao Zhen lowered his head gloomily and took a sip of tea. As soon as he put down the cup, another small dish was pushed in front of him. This time, the fish was deboned.

So that’s what it meant—you eat the fish I debone, and I eat the fish you debone?

His gloominess vanished instantly. Gao Zhen picked up the dish and ate the fish. It was quite delicious, he had to admit.

Consort Ning observed their interaction calmly and finally understood: her son was a jealous mess, even jealous of his own mother. There was no saving him.

This was the first time Consort Ning had dined so peacefully with the younger generation, and it significantly strengthened their bond.

After the meal, she asked Gao Zhen, "Have your parents sent any news recently?"

Gao Zhen shook his head. "Since we parted on New Year’s Day, there’s been no word."

Consort Ning said, "I’ve already told Ning’er to issue an order to overturn your father’s case. Don’t worry. With me supporting you, no one in the palace will dare bully you or trouble your father anymore."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Gao Zhen quickly stood up and bowed solemnly.

Consort Ning pulled him back. "No need to be so formal. Once you and Ning’er are married, you’ll call me Mother Consort. If you keep kneeling and bowing like this, you’ll exhaust yourself. Come, sit down and let me take a good look at you."

"Okay," Gao Zhen obediently sat back down, his expression serious but his heart racing. Hearing Consort Ning mention marriage made it feel unreal.

"Look how scared you are," Consort Ning laughed. "Wasn't it you who boldly declared in the cold palace that you’d never leave Ning’er? Now that you’re really going to marry him, you’re afraid?"

"Not exactly," Gao Zhen said. "I’m just a bit embarrassed." He spoke honestly, and Consort Ning was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter. She finally understood why her son liked Gao Zhen so much—he was unexpectedly straightforward.

What a refreshing feeling.

Being with Gao Zhen was so effortless because he was so frank, leaving no need to overthink or speculate.

Consort Ning hadn’t felt this way since her childhood. In her father's ministerial residence, she had to constantly protect herself, and after marrying into the royal family, she was always busy scheming, exhausting herself both mentally and physically. In her life, she had met countless people, but Gao Zhen was the first of his kind.

In the cold palace, she never had the chance to interact with him, assuming that anyone sent by Zhao Chenglan must be untrustworthy. She realized now how biased she had been, but thankfully, it wasn’t too late to make amends.

"According to the timing given by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, two months from now is the most auspicious time for the wedding," Consort Ning said, her eyes smiling as she looked at Gao Zhen. "The timing is a bit tight, but if there’s anything you don’t understand, feel free to come to Yonghe Palace. I’ll teach you."

"…"

Gao Zhen was stunned for a moment before quickly nodding. "Okay."

He was really going to marry the Ninth Prince. In a daze, it all felt surreal.

However, that surreal feeling was soon overshadowed by the busy days that followed. To be precise, from the day after his return from Yonghe Palace, Gao Zhen became as busy as a spinning top, unable to stop.

The Great Zhou royal family followed the six rites system, which required the bride and groom to avoid seeing each other before the wedding. Thus, Gao Zhen was sent out of the palace the next day and returned to the Gao family’s former residence. Ancient wedding rituals were incredibly intricate, requiring extensive preparations. Royal weddings were even more elaborate. Gao Zhen was constantly dragged around for fittings, selections, and etiquette lessons, leaving him dizzy and overwhelmed.

In less than half a month, he had lost a significant amount of weight.

During this time, the Gao family’s case was being retried, presided over personally by Minister of Justice Qi Jinxiang. It took only three days to overturn Gao Zhengqi’s conviction, as it was proven that Liu Shangming had framed him with solid evidence. The Ninth Prince immediately issued an edict for Gao Zhengqi to return to the capital and resume his official position.

Meanwhile, Liu Shangming, guilty of framing a loyal official and forming cliques for personal gain, was stripped of his position, had his property confiscated, and was exiled.

Alongside the Gao family’s case, the case of Chancellor Lin from ten years ago was also overturned. The Lin family, who had been wronged by Zhao Yun, were posthumously honored as the loyal martyrs they were.

…

Gao Zhengqi returned ten days before Gao Zhen’s wedding.

Six months of hardship and turmoil had left its mark on the renowned physician. The radiant glow of his past was gone, replaced by a sorrow that even a smile could not conceal—a testament to the trials he had endured.

When his ten-year-old daughter leaned out of the carriage window and excitedly exclaimed, "Father, look! It’s the Vermilion Bird Gate!" Gao Zhengqi lifted the curtain, gazed at the city gate, and wept.

He had finally returned. He had thought he would never set foot on this land again.

"Father, don’t cry," the ten-year-old girl said sensibly, tugging at his sleeve. "Second Brother is going to marry the Emperor. If anyone dares bully you again, I’ll ask the Emperor to cut off their head!"

"Don’t talk nonsense," Gao Zhengqi wiped his tears and admonished her. "We must not abuse power. Aren’t you afraid of what others will say?"

"I’m not afraid," the girl declared boldly, waving her hand. "My second brother is the Empress! Who would dare say anything?!"

"You?!" Gao Zhengqi had always been cautious and low-key, never expecting his youngest daughter to have such a temper. He immediately raised his hand, ready to strike. "Say that again?"

"Sir, please don't hit her. She's still young and doesn't know any better. I'll teach her properly." Lady Yang, who'd been crying quietly, quickly embraced her daughter, wiping her tears as she tried to calm the situation.

Faced with Lady Yang's tears, Gao Zhengqi's heart softened. Throughout the exile, if it hadn't been for Lady Yang's gentle comfort and constant care, he might not have survived to see this day—the day his wrongful conviction was overturned.

Now, Zhen'er was about to marry the soon-to-be-enthroned Ninth Prince as his primary consort. Their future looked smooth and enviable, sure to be the envy of many.

"I won't hit her. But from now on, you must discipline her more strictly. This kind of temperament won't do."

Lady Yang agreed.

The youngest Gao daughter secretly made a face at her father, then covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.

Just then, the Gao family's carriage arrived at the Vermilion Bird Gate and joined the end of the queue, waiting for inspection by the gate guards.

A prison cart approached from the opposite direction. Gao Zhengqi, who had been about to lower the carriage curtain, paused abruptly and then jumped out.

Lady Yang and the youngest Gao daughter hurriedly leaned out the window to look—

Inside the prison cart was a man, disheveled and covered in fresh scabs. Behind the cart, a line of elderly, women, and children were being escorted by soldiers. Everyone looked utterly broken, their eyes devoid of light, even their pupils staring blankly and motionless.

"You've finally come to this?!"

Suddenly, a loud shout erupted from the roadside, like a thunderbolt striking the man in the prison cart.

The man widened his eyes in disbelief and saw a man standing by the roadside, dressed in fine robes with his hands behind his back—it was Gao Zhengqi.

"Brother Gao, save me! Brother Gao, spare my life!! Brother Gao! Brother Gao!" The man in the cart screamed frantically, thrashing like a madman, as if he had spotted his last lifeline. "Brother Gao, please ask your son to plead for me—his plea will surely work! Please, help me!"

"Liu Shangming! Shut up!"

Gao Zhengqi was furious, trembling with anger as he pointed at the prison cart and scolded, "You deceitful villain! Back then, I listened to your nonsense and softened my heart to help you, only for you to turn around and have my entire family exiled! How dare you still have the face to ask me for help?!"

"Brother Gao, you're kind-hearted! How can you stand by and watch me die?" Liu Shangming shouted hoarsely.

Gao Zhengqi sneered. Someone who's hit rock bottom and climbed back up would no longer be trapped by false praises. No matter how Liu Shangming pleaded, Gao Zhengqi remained unmoved and even added provocatively, "The mosquitoes down south are attracted to the smell of human blood. You'd better be careful—don't become target practice."

"Gao Zhengqi! Ah—"

Liu Shangming screamed in rage. Seeing that Gao Zhengqi wouldn't help him, he revealed his true nature, struggling with reddened eyes, wishing he could devour Gao Zhengqi alive. Unfortunately, the prison cart limited his movements.

Gao Zhengqi watched as the cart gradually moved away and spat, "Instant karma—you brought this upon yourself. If you're a fool, why act so clever?"

That day, Gao Zhen finally met the parents from the book, and the family was reunited at last. The Gao residence was decorated with lanterns and streamers, celebrating joyously.

In the blink of an eye, the wedding was tomorrow.

Everything was about to be settled. Gao Zhen would finally no longer have to choose and try things every day—he could finally relax. He sprawled out on the soft bedding, staring at the canopy, idly scrolling through his system tasks—

Name: Gao Zhen

Life Battery: 100%

Karma Points: 1234567890

Favorability: 987654321000+

Note 1: "Complete Plot [First Encounter Night] Progress 99.9%"; "Expand Plot [Warm His Heart] Progress 99%"

Seeing the favorability increasing by hundreds and thousands every day, Gao Zhen felt a warmth in his chest. He knew those increases meant the Ninth Prince was thinking of him. Why did he think of him so often? It seemed like he never stopped.

Gao Zhen rolled over, burying his face in the quilt, his ears turning red.

The rescue mission and the hidden mission were both completed.

The reward for the hidden mission was a small golden crown. After selecting "Claim," Gao Zhen didn't receive a physical item, but a system pop-up appeared: "Obtained the Heavenly Phoenix Seal Blessing. During the blessing period, the Empress position is secure, unshakable."

Gao Zhen specifically checked the duration of the blessing—it displayed "This Lifetime." Meaning, after marrying the Ninth Prince, he would naturally assume the position of Empress, and for the rest of his life, no one would be able to shake it.

That was pretty good.

With this law's blessing, Gao Zhen felt particularly secure. He didn't have to worry about schemes or fights for favor—even if others had such intentions, they couldn't shake his position. He didn't need to bother with them; they could do as they pleased. He would just continue eating and sleeping as usual, focusing on not draining himself internally.

Thinking about it, being able to live so leisurely in the harem probably topped the lifestyles of all past Empresses of Great Zhou.

At this moment, Gao Zhen felt the system truly understood him. It gave him exactly what he needed most—a sense of security. Receiving this mission reward before the wedding made Gao Zhen quite satisfied.

Thinking about seeing the Ninth Prince tomorrow made his heart skip a beat.

The system's task list was almost cleared, with only the "First Encounter Night" progress stuck at 99.9%. What was missing? What could it be?

Gao Zhen pondered this until he fell asleep.

He was awakened by his mother, Lady Yang, shaking him and urging him to get up and prepare.

Outside, firecrackers crackled one after another. The bright red wedding robe draped over his shoulders, the beautiful young man was dressed in splendid attire on his wedding day, like a peony in full bloom— stunningly beautiful, beyond compare.

A gentle breeze carried laughter and joy, swirling leisurely. The wedding procession had arrived, led by a man of imposing stature, exceptionally tall and broad-shouldered. It was the Ninth Prince, Zhou Yunning.

The Ninth Prince had actually come to the Gao residence in person?!

Normally, when a Great Zhou prince married, he wouldn't need to come for the bride—an envoy would handle it. Yet, the Ninth Prince had come.

This was such an incredible honor for the Gao family, bringing glory to their ancestors. Countless people watched with envious eyes, congratulating the Gao couple on raising such a fine young man.

Gao Zhen wore the formal attire of a prince's primary consort. Red veils hung from his hat, adorned with beaded curtains that swayed and obstructed his view. At that moment, he stood properly at the entrance of the main hall, waiting for the envoy to finish reading the edict before boarding the bridal carriage.

But the person who entered wasn't an envoy—it was—

The man walking toward him step by step had sharp eyes, a handsome face, a vigorous bearing, and a firm stride.

Tears instantly streamed down Gao Zhen's face.

"Warm His Heart" progress reached 100%.

His face was finally healed, more handsome than imagined.

Now, he's here to pick me up.

Wait—

Why did he come in person?

Gao Zhen stood frozen, unable to believe his eyes as the man came up to him.

"Why are you crying?" Zhou Yunning's voice was unusually gentle.

Gao Zhen quickly sniffled and protested softly, "You're mistaken."

"Heh." With a light chuckle, Zhou Yunning pulled him close by the waist. "I'll help you into the carriage."

"First, tell me why you came?"

"I couldn't bear it," Zhou Yunning said.

"What?"

Zhou Yunning swept him up by the knees, holding him securely. Leaning close to his ear, he whispered, "I don't want anyone else to carry you."

Gao Zhen felt his face burn instantly.

This man—his concerns were always so unusual.

Gao Zhen's procession moved along Divine Martial Avenue, passing through the Front Gate and Noon Gate, before entering the main palace gate and finally stopping at the foot of the altar. Gao Zhen walked forward, stepping across the fire basin, receiving ceremonial water blessings, and bowing to Consort Ning. Then, alongside Zhou Yunning, he exchanged wedding cups in the presence of all the officials.

Afterward, led by Consort Ning, the two entered the Imperial Ancestral Temple to pay homage to their ancestors.

Finally, after bowing to heaven and earth, the ceremony was complete.

That day, the entire capital was bustling with a celebratory atmosphere.

The palace banquet lasted until midnight without dispersing, the atmosphere outside raucously lively.

Inside the Ji Yun Hall, red wedding candles flickered. The newlyweds sat facing each other on the edge of the bed.

The Ninth Prince lifted the red veil from Gao Zhen's face with a wedding scale rod. Gazing at him tenderly, he asked, "Are you afraid?"

Gao Zhen shook his head. "Are you?"

Zhou Yunning chuckled softly and drew him into an embrace.

A gentle kiss landed on his cheek as layers of red wedding robes slipped to the floor.

The red bed curtains fell.

Zhou Yunning held Gao Zhen close, their fingers intertwined. His voice brimming with affection, he whispered, "A Zhen, in this life, I ask for nothing else. My only wish is to be with you, forever and always, never parting."

Gao Zhen replied, "I love you."

The fragrance of peonies filled the air, wrapping around them like an invisible red thread, binding them tightly together.

Warmth filled the red-curtained bed—the pinnacle of happiness.

"First Night Together" Progress: 100%

The End