Chapter 403 Even More So

Chapter 403: Even More So Than Before

Xiao Qiyu’s grand wedding to Princess Tuoba Ya of Xizhou came right on schedule.

This was Daye’s first marriage alliance with a foreign country since Xiao Lingchuan ascended the throne, and the scale and ceremony were way bigger than any prince’s wedding before.

To show the highest respect for Xizhou, the wedding feast was held right in the main hall of the imperial palace—the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Inside the hall, golden dragons coiled around pillars, the floor was covered with red carpets woven with gold thread, and delicacies were brought out in an endless stream onto the long tables. The night pearls in the palace lanterns lit up the whole hall as bright as day.

Jiang Shuning had managed countless banquets at Prince Jing’s mansion in her past life and thought she had it all under control.

But today’s palace feast, with all the court officials and foreign envoys present, she didn’t dare let her guard down and personally oversaw every single detail, no matter how small.

Luckily, everything turned out perfect.

The Daye officials stroked their beards in admiration, praising the Empress for her capable management and for showcasing the royal dignity to the fullest.

The Xizhou envoys, who had traveled all the way with Tuoba Ya, were all beaming with joy, their faces showing how honored they felt.

From this grand feast, they really felt the sincerity of the Daye emperor.

After three rounds of drinks, Xiao Lingchuan, wearing his dragon robe, stood up, raised his golden cup, and fixed his gaze on Tuoba Ya, who was sitting at the main table in her phoenix crown and wedding dress.

The hall went dead silent.

“The Princess of Xizhou has traveled thousands of miles to marry my younger brother. This is a big deal for the friendship between Daye and Xizhou,” he said in a booming voice, full of imperial authority, echoing through the entire Hall of Supreme Harmony. “Rest assured, from today on, you are the Princess of Yu in Daye. Daye is your home. I promise to treat you well. If the Prince of Yu neglects you in any way, come straight to me, and I won’t go easy on him!”

The last four words carried a resolute force.

Tuoba Ya, who had been nervous about leaving her homeland, was overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing such a solemn promise from the Daye emperor. Her eyes grew hot, and crystal tears rolled down her cheeks, smudging her exquisite makeup.

The newlyweds were escorted to the bridal chamber, and the feast slowly wound down.

When Xiao Lingchuan returned to Kunning Palace, he still had a hint of alcohol on his breath.

Without a word, he wrapped his arms around Jiang Shuning from behind as she was taking off her heavy phoenix crown.

“Shuning,” he murmured, burying his face in the curve of her neck, his hot breath brushing against her soft skin. “Today’s wedding feast was perfectly arranged. You made the Xizhou envoys feel Daye’s sincerity, which means a lot for the future peace between our two nations. You worked hard.”

His voice was hoarse from the wine, but also had a contented tenderness to it.

Jiang Shuning gave a gentle smile. “Your Majesty is too kind. As the Empress, it’s my duty to share Your Majesty’s burdens and serve Daye with all my heart.”

“Duty…” Xiao Lingchuan let out a soft chuckle, resting his chin on the top of her head and gently rubbing it.

He tightened his arms around her, as if trying to merge her into his very bones.

The candlelight flickered in the hall, and his voice deepened, tinged with a barely noticeable sadness. “Daye is strong. If I wanted, I could lead an army to crush the surrounding tribes and force them to submit. But years of war only end up burdening the people. If back then… my father and uncle had truly sought peace, Daye and Nanyue would never have gone through over a decade of blood feuds.”

Jiang Shuning’s heart clenched.

She knew he was thinking about his mother again.

Over twenty years ago, the Princess of Nanyue had also been sent to Daye with hopes for peace, but what awaited her was neither kindness nor respect.

The two nations kept up a facade of alliance while secretly scheming and hating each other.

His mother, that elegant and talented Princess of Nanyue, became the most innocent victim of this dirty political game.

A princess of a nation, entering this deep palace, lived a life more miserable than the lowliest maid, and ultimately died in bitterness.

This pain was deeply etched into Xiao Lingchuan’s soul, making him live so twisted and in pain in his past life.

Now that he sat on the supreme throne, he would do everything he could to treat another peace-offering princess well, vowing never to let his mother’s tragedy repeat on his watch.

Jiang Shuning’s heart softened. She reached back and wrapped her arms around his firm waist and back, pressing her cheek against his warm chest, whispering, “Your Majesty is a benevolent ruler. You will surely protect Daye and bring about a true era of peace.”

“An era of peace…” Xiao Lingchuan murmured the words, his slightly dazed eyes clearing a bit. He looked down at her in his arms and abruptly changed the subject. “Speaking of which, I recall one of the court officials’ biggest complaints about me lately.”

Jiang Shuning’s body tensed instantly.

Here it comes.

Were those old ministers again droning on at the morning court, urging him to expand the harem and produce more heirs?

Her fingertips curled unconsciously as she lowered her gaze to hide her unease.

Xiao Lingchuan seemed to sense her stiffness, and a faint smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

His hand slid slowly down her back, finally resting on her waist, his calloused fingertips kneading gently.

“…They say I currently have only one son, who has been made the Crown Prince, but with Daye’s vast territory and the need for dynastic succession, having just one prince is far too thin.”

His hand restlessly untied the sash of her nightgown, skillfully slipping inside, his warm palm pressing against her skin.

His voice grew even huskier, almost whispering into her ear: “It seems I’ll have to trouble the Empress… to give me a few more.”

Before Jiang Shuning could think of any excuse to refuse, she was lifted into his arms, and in a dizzying whirl, was pressed heavily onto the soft bed.

The bright yellow bed curtains fell, shutting out the light from outside and amplifying their breathing.

Reborn into this life, Xiao Lingchuan’s enthusiasm in the bedroom was more intense than in his past life, and his methods of torment left her utterly defenseless.

As if he wanted to reclaim all the burning desires accumulated over two lifetimes within this confined space.

Three times water was called for, and the sounds of water and gasping in the bedchamber only subsided as the sky began to lighten.

Jiang Shuning felt as if her bones were about to fall apart. Though she knew it was improper, she could only lie still as Xiao Lingchuan wiped her clean.

She thought hazily that anyone listening to the commotion would think it was the emperor and empress themselves on their wedding night.

The next day, the sun was high in the sky before she awoke in a state of soreness.

The spot beside her was already empty, leaving only a faint scent of dragon musk.

Jiang Shuning slowly sat up, supporting her aching waist.

She suddenly felt that the memorials from those old ministers a few days ago weren’t so detestable after all.

Helping him take a few consorts… perhaps wasn’t such a bad thing.

At least she could have some peace and not be tormented by him like this.

After her maids finished her grooming, a eunuch reported, “Empress, General Ling Feng requests an audience!”

“Ling Feng? Summon him in.”

Soon, the eunuch led Ling Feng into the hall.

As soon as he saw her, Ling Feng knelt quickly, his voice urgent: “Empress, I have a crucial matter to request!”

“General Ling, rise,” Jiang Shuning said with a gentle smile, raising her hand. “Take a seat. Speak freely.”

Ling Feng stood up, his face flushed red, seeming a bit flustered, but he mustered his courage: “I humbly beg Your Highness’s permission to allow me to marry Ling Wu!”