Chapter 20: Marrying in Place He needs her to do one thing to ensure everything is perfect...

Three years passed between winter and spring. The crabapple trees in the East Palace courtyard blossomed and withered, leaving broken petals all over the ground, which were quietly swept away by the palace servants.

Shen Zhiwei's injuries gradually improved under Xu Shu's careful care, and he was able to walk slowly in the corridor with Jing Shu's support.

However, the scar on her waist and abdomen would ache dully whenever it rained, and her old illnesses that had been relatively mild in the past would flare up frequently, especially the cough, which often kept her awake all night.

Xiao Lingjun watched her closely and personally took care of her medicine and meals. No matter how busy he was with government affairs, he would always spare an hour or two every day to stay by her bedside.

He never mentioned the events of the spring hunt again, nor did he mention Xiao Wangqing. It was as if that thrilling life-or-death incident, along with the prince's journey to the northern border, were just a swift and blurry nightmare in the spring.

But some things are different after all.

Shen Zhiwei could feel the silent increase in the number of guards in the East Palace, and could feel the deeper desire for control in Xiao Lingjun's eyes when he looked at her, besides worry.

When she occasionally mentioned court affairs or interesting stories outside the palace, he always brushed them off with gentle words, unwilling to let her spend any more time on them.

She became a treasured porcelain, safely placed in a box covered with soft silk, never seeing the sun or being stained by dust.

It was a beautiful afternoon, and the pear trees outside the window were lush and covered in snow. Shen Zhiwei leaned against the soft couch by the window, watching Jingshu bring in freshly stewed pears in rock sugar. She whispered, "Sir, Prince Xie has sent in another note. He says he's found some mechanical gadgets made by skilled folk artisans, and thinking you'd be bored recuperating, he's sending them to cheer you up."

Before Shen Zhiwei could speak, Xiao Lingjun's faint voice came from outside: "Awei needs to rest, those things are noisy, go back."

Jingshu fell silent, not daring to say anything more, and quietly retreated.

Shen Zhiwei turned her head and saw Xiao Lingjun coming in through the curtain. He was wearing a bright yellow crown prince's uniform, which made his face look a little thinner. Only when he looked at her did there seem to be some warmth in his eyes.

"It's boring to lie down all day," she flipped through the book in her hand, raised her eyelids, and pressed her brow helplessly, "The prince also has good intentions."

"Awei's body can't stand the tossing and turning." Xiao Lingjun sat down beside her couch, his fingertips brushing the back of her slightly cold hand. "If you feel bored, I can play chess with you or read to you."

He paused, his voice slowing down. "When you feel better, I'll accompany you to stay in the Xiyuan Palace for a few days. The scenery there is beautiful and quiet."

Shen Zhiwei lowered his eyes, smiled and nodded, and said nothing more.

She knew arguing was pointless. After her near-death experience, the invisible thread between her and Xiao Lingjun stretched even tighter, nearly tangling into their bones. The beast of loss in his heart had just rested, and any slightest sign of trouble would lead to even tighter surveillance.

A few days later, Xie Mingxu somehow managed to slip a small Luban lock into Jingshu's hands.

The lock was made of boxwood, only about the size of a baby's fist, with a delicate structure and polished to a smooth and warm finish.

When Jing Shu brought it in trembling with fear, Xiao Lingjun was reviewing memorials. He looked up at the sound, his gaze lingering on the little thing for a moment, but he didn't react. He just said to Shen Zhiwei calmly, "You can play with it, but don't waste your energy."

Shen Zhiwei picked up the small wooden lock and slowly turned it between his fingers. The mechanism was so delicate that he couldn't figure it out for a moment.

Recently, she always felt that there was something covering her brain, a fog, and her thinking became slow. She tried several times but failed, so she put it aside by her pillow and ignored it.

After Xiao Lingjun finished his work, he saw her staring at the wooden lock, so he walked over and picked it up. He fiddled with it a few times with his fingertips, and there were only a few very slight clicks. The tightly closed wooden lock opened, revealing a tiny hollow in the middle.

There was nothing inside.

Xiao Lingjun's eyes darkened slightly. He carefully checked inside and outside to make sure there was nothing trapped before he fastened it again and put it back next to her.

Shen Zhiwei picked up the restored lock and tried again.

Xiao Lingjun had been watching from the side without interrupting her until she successfully untied it, then he said, "Awei likes this?"

"Not really, but it's quite interesting." She shook her head and smiled as she gathered the scattered wood chips in her palm. "It can calm one's mind."

Xiao Lingjun looked at her for a moment, then turned around and took a rosewood box from the bookshelf.

When it was opened, it revealed a more complex set of Kongming locks, nine linked rings, made of jade and ivory, both of which were extraordinary.

"These are more exquisite. I'll have Jingshu give them to you to play with tomorrow." He paused and added, "If you like them, I'll have the chief designer make some new designs."

Shen Zhiwei looked at the box of glittering toys, then looked at the relatively plain boxwood lock in his palm, and nodded gently: "Thank you, Your Highness."

She locked the small lock that Xie Mingxu had given her and put it in the box.

From then on, Xiao Lingjun tacitly approved any gadgets Xie Mingxu sent him as long as they did not go beyond the rules.

Or a few volumes of novel travel notes and gossips, or one or two pots of carefully cultivated orchids, or a bag of pine nut candy claiming to be made by a master craftsman from Jiangnan.

After Xu Shu inspected the sugar, he confiscated it on the grounds that it was dry and unsuitable for coughing. The orchid, in full bloom, was left outside.

Shen Zhiwei's range of activities gradually expanded from the bed to the entire warm room. She was weak and most of the time she was still leaning on the soft pillow reading a book or fiddling with the increasing number of mechanical locks.

When Xiao Lingjun was handling official business beside her, she would grind ink for him, and when he asked, she would offer her opinions on certain political affairs.

He always listened carefully, but he no longer consulted with her on whether to adopt her advice or not. His decisions became more arbitrary, especially when it came to her safety.

News about the Northern Frontier would occasionally reach Shen Zhiwei's ears through the court's reports and Xiao Lingjun's casual mentions.

The third prince, Xiao Wangqing, seemed to have truly lived up to the saying that one must risk his life in order to survive.

He did not become depressed in the bitter cold of the northern border. Instead, he dragged his injured leg which had not yet fully recovered, shared the hardships with the soldiers, and led elite cavalry several times to launch surprise attacks to repel the barbarian tribes that were disturbing the border. The good news was sent back to the capital again and again.

At first, court officials dismissed the claims of border generals as mere exaggeration, or as small bands of barbarian bandits unworthy of concern. However, as reports of victories increased in frequency, the number of victories captured piled up, and even two small military towns lost during the previous dynasty were recaptured, the court and the people began to truly take the Third Prince, who had been exiled to the frontier, seriously.

Although the size of the cavalry he trained was not as large as the main force of the border army, they gradually showed their edge with their bravery and strict discipline.

The emperor's old and frail body seemed to glow with some illusory glory because of the good news from the frontier. On his sickbed, he rarely praised his son with a few words, "My son is brave and valiant."

When word reached the Eastern Palace, Xiao Lingjun was tying Shen Zhiwei's hair. He paused for a moment, grasping the jade comb, then returned to his usual self. "The soldiers of the Northern Frontier risked their lives, and my third brother's ability to mediate and contribute is a blessing to the court."

Shen Zhiwei looked at his drooping eyelashes through the bronze mirror and said nothing.

The more outstanding Xiao Wangqing becomes, the more it proves how big of a mistake his original failure was.

The storm is coming.

The old emperor's illness worsened day by day. The Imperial Physicians took turns guarding the Purple Palace, sending in precious medicinal herbs at a constant rate, but to no avail.

Throughout the court, people's hearts are in turmoil and undercurrents are surging. The Crown Prince, acting as regent, grows in power, but those who covet the throne never truly disappear.

It was in this atmosphere of impending storm that a seemingly unrelated marriage was put on the agenda.

The wedding date for Crown Prince Xiao Lingjun and Lin Chuyu, daughter of Grand Tutor Lin Wenyuan, has been set.

This marriage had been planned years ago, and now it was merely a formality. But at this moment, its meaning took on a different meaning. Marrying a leader of the Qingliu would consolidate the hearts of the literati and demonstrate legitimacy.

The wedding date and invitation finally drawn up by the Ministry of Rites, along with the detailed procedures of the wedding, were respectfully presented to the Eastern Palace.

Xiao Lingjun was playing chess with Shen Zhiwei. The black piece landed in front of her, and her tone was calm: "I understand."

After the eunuch withdrew, the warm room fell into silence, with only the crisp sound of chess pieces tapping on the chessboard.

Shen Zhiwei twirled a white piece, her gaze fixed on the crisscrossed chessboard, not looking at Xiao Lingjun. She felt calm. The crown prince's marriage had always been a part of politics, and an alliance with the Lin family was perfectly normal under the current circumstances.

It’s just that Miss Lin has a face that looks very similar to hers, and she doesn’t know whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing… Shen Zhiwei sighed in her heart and placed the piece on the chessboard, but placed it in the wrong position, thus blocking her own game.

Xiao Lingjun reached out and put her misplaced chess piece back into its correct position. His tone was gentle, "Ahwei, the Ministry of Rites has chosen a few dates, and I think the sixth day of next month would be a good date. It's late spring, early summer, and the weather will be warm. Perhaps you'll feel better."

"Congratulations, Your Highness." Shen Zhi responded with a smile.

His hand holding the chess piece paused for a moment, and he looked up at her for a long moment. Seeing that she didn't show any strange expression, he finally smiled and said, "It's just a ceremony."

The East Palace began to get busy.

The auspicious date for the wedding was indeed set for the sixth day of the next month. The Ministry of Rites and the Inner Court were very busy, and the bright red silk and festive palace lanterns decorated the East Palace with a brand new look.

This bustling atmosphere seemed to be separated from the warm room where Shen Zhiwei lived by an invisible barrier. She still took medicine, read books, and fiddled with those delicate locks every day. Occasionally, Jingshu supported her to walk a few steps in the corridor and watch the palace servants busying around.

Xiao Lingjun came more frequently, but he didn't stay long. He'd often sit for a moment, watching her finish her medicine, asking a few questions about her health, and then be hastily dismissed. With the wedding approaching, there were too many ceremonial details for the Crown Prince to personally attend to.

Three nights before the wedding, Xiao Lingjun came suddenly.

He waved away his attendants, and they were the only two left in the warm room. He did not ask about her health as usual, but sat silently beside the couch, stroking his sleeves with his fingertips, looking at the darkening dusk outside the window, without saying a word for a long time.

Shen Zhiwei put down the scroll in his hand and looked at him: "Your Highness, is there something on your mind?"

Xiao Lingjun turned his head, leaned over and held her cold fingers, applying force with his fingertips, his palms feeling slightly damp.

"Ah Wei," he began, his voice low and hoarse, "the wedding ceremony... I've thought about it over and over again, and I still feel uneasy."

Shen Zhiwei had been feeling more dizzy lately, her thoughts as if immersed in lukewarm water. She let him hold her hand and nodded to indicate she was listening.

"The wedding procession will have to cross half of the capital, with citizens watching along the way. Although we've added numerous guards," Xiao Lingjun said gently, "the court appears stable, but undercurrents are surging. News is pouring in from the northern border, and my father is gravely ill. I wonder how many eyes are watching the Eastern Palace, waiting to find fault with me, or even... to stir up trouble."

His fingers tightened, the force so strong that she frowned slightly. "I can't let anyone or anything ruin this wedding. If something were to happen during the bridal sedan, not only would it bring shame to the Lin family, but it would also create a rift between me and the Grand Tutor, and it would also damage the reputation of the royal family and shake people's hearts."

Shen Zhiwei saw the genuine anxiety in his eyes, which was not entirely fake. The political situation has been treacherous recently, and with the crown prince's wedding, security is of paramount importance. Such concerns are reasonable.

"Your Highness has been very thoughtful," she said slowly after a moment's thought. "In that case, could you adjust the protocol or deploy more elite troops to provide security along the way?"

"The ceremonials were set by the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Observatory. They concern the national system and cannot be easily changed. The guards have been increased to the limit, both openly and covertly." Xiao Lingjun shook his head. "After much thought, I have come to the conclusion that there is only one way to ensure absolute safety."

"What method?"

He took a deep breath and spoke each word very slowly: "Ah Wei, on the wedding day, you will... take Lin Chuyu's place in the bridal sedan."

…

Shen Zhiwei thought she had misheard, or perhaps it was hallucination due to her injuries not yet healed. She stared at Xiao Lingjun blankly, but only saw the seriousness in his eyes.

Are you crazy?

"...Your Highness?" She coughed a few times, suppressing the urge to stand up. "This... is against etiquette, and is a serious crime of deceiving the emperor. If anyone finds out..."

"No one will notice."

The two were very close, and Shen Zhiwei could feel that his breathing was disordered and his speech speed was a little faster than usual.

"You and she already look alike. The bridal sedan is sealed, and beneath the heavy veil, no one can glimpse your true appearance. During the wedding procession, you only need to sit quietly until you enter the side gate of the East Palace. At that time, a trusted person will quietly escort you back here, and then the Crown Princess will complete the subsequent ceremonies. No one will know."

"A grand wedding ceremony involves elaborate rituals. The imperial carriage must parade through the main streets of the capital, receiving homage from the people. The capital hasn't been entirely peaceful lately, and there are always those who are unwilling to accept the situation or dissatisfied with this marriage."

This plan sounds clear and logical, but in fact it is full of loopholes and extremely risky.

Shen Zhiwei raised his eyes and looked at him.

Xiao Lingjun was also looking at her, his eyes were deep and difficult to read.

"I can't let her take any risks. Lin Chuyu must not be lost."

Shen Zhiwei gently moved her fingertips, which in turn caused His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to suddenly reduce his strength and volume.

"So, on the wedding day, Chu Yu will ride in a sedan chair and be taken directly to the inner hall of the East Palace through a secret passage. And the imperial carriage that will be parading... needs you, Awei."

He caressed Shen Zhiwei's cheek, his thumb gently rubbing across her trembling lips.

"I need you to help her get on the phoenix-patterned palanquin."

"Put on her wedding gown and wear her phoenix crown."

"Walk that path for her... under the watchful eyes of all the officials and citizens."

Warm breath brushed past her ears.

"Only with you, Ah Wei. Only with your appearance, your figure, only with you sitting in that imperial carriage, can I be sure that nothing will go wrong."

"You would never disobey me, would you?"

Shen Zhiwei was silent for a moment.

The warm fog in her mind seemed to grow thicker. She tried to figure out the key points, but her thoughts seemed to be stuck in a quagmire. The more she struggled, the more stagnant she became.

Deceiving the emperor is risky and against etiquette.

These words floated through her mind, but they were so light that they could not be realized. She only caught the clearest point.

He needed her to do one thing, just to be sure.

And he said, only she could do it.

The drowsiness that had plagued her for recent days returned. She gently pressed her solar plexus, but felt no pain, only emptiness. Xiao Lingjun's eyes, visible in her sight, were filled with worry and fatigue. This was for state affairs, but also for this wedding, which could not afford to fail.

He never showed weakness to her easily.

While this request might sound shocking, upon closer inspection, it seems... not entirely unreasonable. If someone truly intended to cause trouble on the wedding day, Miss Lin would be the primary target.

Having her take over the most dangerous part of the journey seemed to be...the safest solution.

Maybe.

As for the rest, the chaos of that barrier prevented her from thinking more deeply.

He is the crown prince, so his considerations will never be wrong.

If it is one in ten thousand chance that an accident really happens, I will only die a few hours earlier.

There's no reason to refuse.

"Okay." She heard her own voice.

"I obey your command."

Xiao Lingjun's tense shoulders relaxed all of a sudden. He took her hand and placed it on his forehead, and the corners of his eyes turned red, a rare sight.

"I knew it, Ah Wei understands me best," he sighed softly, "This matter is confidential. No one knows except you, me, and a few close confidants. The night before the wedding, I will have the wedding dress delivered here. Everything is in your hands."

The author has something to say:

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Next chapter: Puppy returns to the palace

It's time for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to leave. Let's bid him farewell with a grand funeral. See you in the next life. [waves hand]