Chapter 36

Fengcheng was bustling with activity at the Xi family mansion, for it was the wedding day of Xi Yimin, the master of the mansion, and the eldest daughter of the Leng family. Qi Ziyue was so busy that his feet barely touched the ground, while Xi Yimin was quite relaxed, though his heart was racing. He couldn't wait to bring Leng Xueran, who lived outside the mansion, home so that he could finally be with his beloved in a proper way. Early in the morning, with the help of servants, he changed into his groom's attire and led the wedding procession, beaming with joy, to greet his lover. Leng Xue Ran was also filled with anticipation. Hearing the cheers outside, she knew that the person had arrived. Her face flushed slightly. When had she become so unreserved? But why should she be reserved in front of her lover? How could she hide her overflowing love? How could she conceal her desire to run to him? Xi Yimin watched as the lovely girl, supported by her maid and covered with a red veil, hurriedly walked towards the door. Xi Yimin was as happy as a naive and impetuous child seeing his favorite candy. He dismounted and rushed to his lover's side, saying softly, "Xue Ran, I've come to get you."

"Yimin." She called out to her lover in the same soft and affectionate voice, supporting him as they walked toward a bright future.

Although Leng Xue Ran's parents were not present, their blessings were sent. The new emperor had many things to do after his ascension to the throne and would be very busy for a long time. Seeing his beloved's belly growing bigger every day, Xi Yi Min did not want Leng Xue Ran to bear a bad reputation, as this was his responsibility and obligation. He also did not want his beloved to suffer any grievances. Although his parents were not present, the atmosphere was still exceptionally lively and joyful.

Tonight, only Qi Ziyue is filled with sorrow. Looking at the joy before him, he realizes that he too once felt such happiness. But deception only brings pain. It's not regret, but the way he handled things was wrong. He wonders if he will ever have the chance to see his beloved again!

After friends and relatives have left, only the two lovers remain in the bridal chamber to whisper their heartfelt words.

A few days later, Xiuer, who was far away in Fengcheng, came to the Xi family mansion in Fengcheng. Seeing the two who had already married, she knew that she had no hope of becoming Xi Yimin's wife in this life, so she gave up and became Xi Yimin's sister. Seeing the two of them being affectionate, she felt bitter but also sincerely wished them well. The person she cared about had finally achieved his wish and found his own happiness. Even if this happiness was not given by her, she was still happy.

That day, Leng Xueran wanted to go out for a walk, but Xi Yimin had something to attend to, so he asked Xiuer to accompany him. Before leaving, Xiuer called out, "Brother, I'll go for a walk with sister-in-law." Xi Yimin, who was busy in his study, was shocked and quickly came out to stop her, saying, "Xiuer, Xueran, I'll go with you tomorrow. I have some things to take care of today." Hearing this, Xiuer laughed and said, "Brother, why are you so worried? Fengcheng is peaceful and quiet, no one picks up lost items, and doors are left unlocked at night. What's there to worry about?" Xi Yimin smiled at the two of them and said, "Then I'll ask Qi Ziyue to go with you, okay?" Leng Xueran didn't want her to worry so much, so she said softly, "I'll listen to Yimin." Xi Yimin said reassuredly, "Be careful and have fun."

Stepping out of the mansion, seeing the bustling scene on the street, everyone became lively and cheerful. Xiu'er skipped around like a child, laughing and shouting, "Sister-in-law, I never imagined I would live such a carefree and comfortable life!" Leng Xue Ran, like a child herself, teased, "What were you thinking before, Xiu'er? Whose husband were you?" Teased by the woman before her, Xiu'er blushed and said, "Sister-in-law, what are you saying? I didn't think about anything. I just wanted to live a happy and simple life with you two, I didn't want to think too much." Leng Xue Ran said gratefully and sincerely, "Xiu'er accompanied Yi Min through the lowest point of his life, and now that things have turned out well, whatever you want to do, you two will approve." Looking at her sister-in-law, who treated her like a younger sister, she said with tears in her eyes, "Thank you, sister-in-law." Hearing this, Leng Xue Ran smiled and said, "What are you thanking me for? You should be thanking me..." "Thank you, sister-in-law. Let's not talk about this anymore. Let's go see if there's anything we want to buy." Xiu'er regained her previous cheerfulness and accidentally bumped into someone coming from the opposite direction. She quickly apologized, "I'm sorry." Looking up, she saw that the person had delicate features, was androgynous, clean and sunny, the kind of appearance that made people feel happy. The person hurriedly returned the greeting, "It's nothing." and hurried away. Xiu'er stared at the person's back, somewhat lost in thought. Leng Xue Ran teased her, "You've already taken a liking to him? You just said you only wanted to stay by your brother and sister-in-law's side." Hearing the woman tease her like this, Xiu'er said shyly, "Sister-in-law, you're just making fun of me." As soon as she finished speaking, a group of people walked towards them from the front. They looked like a family or a merchant caravan coming to Fengcheng. The two carriages in front were filled with the host family, and several carriages behind were full of goods. As the caravan passed, the window of the last carriage opened, and the three men saw the woman inside. The woman also saw them, but only Qi Ziyue, who was following behind, had a sudden change in expression. The carriage slowly moved on, but the person inside didn't stop. His heart was filled with despair. That person was none other than Gu Xiyan, the woman Qi Ziyue loved. The two men in front had never seen Gu Xiyan before and knew nothing of Qi Ziyue's romantic history. Xiu'er laughed, "Sister-in-law, did you see the woman in the carriage? She's very pretty, but not as pretty as you. However, that woman is already married. I noticed her hairstyle is the kind of updo only married women wear." Hearing this, the man behind him's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly said, "Xiu'er, are you sure you didn't mistake her hairstyle?" Xiu'er laughed, "Of course you did! What? Ziyue has taken a fancy to this girl? Too bad, he's too late." Qi Ziyue also... Without explanation, she replied, "No, I was just curious." Xiu'er then asked the woman beside her, "Does sister-in-law know who that person is?" Leng Xue Ran smiled and said, "I don't know, but Zi Yue might know, because she and Yi Min have lived in Fengcheng for many years, right, Zi Yue?" Behind her, Ren Jian asked her, his mood low, "That's Gu Xi Yan, the only daughter of Master Gu from Fengcheng." Xiu'er quickly added, "Then do you know who she married?" Qi Zi Yue said sadly, "Me." The two exclaimed in unison, "What?" Seeing the people coming and going on the street staring at them, Leng Xue Ran quickly stopped Xiu'er from asking more questions, "Xiu'er, let's go back and talk about it." Seeing that Qi Zi Yue didn't want to say more and was in a low mood, she replied, "Okay, I don't think Zi Yue is in the mood to go shopping with us anymore, so let's go back." The three of them hadn't bought anything yet, but due to an unexpected encounter, they returned to the mansion ahead of schedule.

At the residence, Xi Yimin, seeing the three return shortly after leaving, asked in surprise, "What happened? Did something go wrong?" Leng Xueran's eyes reminded Xi Yimin of Wen Qiziyue. Xi Yimin understood and, looking at the absent-minded man, asked, "Ziyue, did something happen?" Qi Ziyue said dejectedly, "I saw Xiyan." Hearing this, Xi Yimin was taken aback, remained silent for a moment, and then said happily, "That's a good thing! She's back, which means your fate isn't over. What's there to be disappointed about?" Qi Ziyue lowered his head and murmured, "But she saw me, and she didn't stop." Yi Min said with exasperation, "Zi Yue, what's going on in your head? You deceived her before, and she forgave you so easily? That's typical of Gu Xi Yan. You need to pull yourself together. She's back now, so there's definitely hope." Qi Zi Yue was still dejected, saying, "But her hair is styled like a married woman's. Perhaps she's already married to someone else." Hearing this, Xi Yi Min was taken aback again, and then tentatively suggested, "How about we sneak into the Gu residence tonight?" The two women beside him rolled their eyes at Xi Yi Min's words. He was truly incorrigible, always liking to sneak into women's rooms at night.

That night, Qi Ziyue went to sneak into Gu Xiyan's room. Finding no one else there, he was relieved and even a little happy. He figured Gu Xiyan still had feelings for him; otherwise, why would she have styled her hair like that? But his happiness didn't last long. The next day, when Qi Ziyue went to see her, he found Gu Xiyan had changed her hairstyle to that of an unmarried woman. Seeing Qi Ziyue standing at her door, Gu Xiyan said sarcastically, "Oh, Miss Qi, you still have the nerve to come here! Get out!" Qi Ziyue didn't dare speak and followed her into Gu Xiyan's courtyard. Passing through the main hall, he saw Master Gu drinking tea and bowed, saying, "Father-in-law." Master Gu was taken aback and laughed, "You've been kicked out so quickly? Ziyue, what did you do to make Xiyan so angry? It's been several months, and she still hasn't forgiven you." It seemed Gu Xiyan hadn't told Master Gu her identity. Of course, otherwise, how could she have entered the Gu residence so easily? Qi Ziyue respectfully replied, "Father-in-law, I lied to Xiyan about something before, so she won't forgive me."

"Oh~ As long as it's not something that offends Xiyan, other things can be easily coaxed away. You know Xiyan's temper," Master Gu said with a smile, thinking it was a small lie and not taking it to heart. Upon hearing this, Qi Ziyue assured him, "Thank you, Father-in-law. I will come again tomorrow." Qi Ziyue dared not reveal what the lie was about; she didn't want to be barred from entering the Gu residence. Master Gu smiled kindly and said, "Go and get busy."