Chapter 23 He leaned down to her for the first time...

Wei Zhang's gaze lingered on the concubine's book, his brow furrowing slightly. "Why are you asking these questions?"

He usually disliked others interfering in his affairs, and Xue Lanyi knew this very well.

Xue Lanyi had a question: the eldest young master seemed so kind, so why would he target the two of them?

She also felt that she and Wei Zhang were already very close, and there was no need to beat around the bush or speculate.

"I just want to understand you better." Her face was close to Wei Zhang's heart, her fragrant breath seeping through the fabric and just enough to spray onto his chest.

Wei Zhang turned to look at her, and she nestled in his arms, raising her hand earnestly to swear, "Don't worry, I will never go out and tell anyone. This is our secret."

Fearing he wouldn't tell, she confidently added, "How about I tell you a secret in exchange? That way, we can keep each other's secrets, and you won't have to worry about them being leaked."

Wei Zhang found it amusing.

He has many simpler and safer ways to prevent information leaks, so why would he need such an empty vow?

Perhaps the oath was too ridiculous, so he put down his pen and leaned back in his chair with a rare moment of leisure. "It's not a secret. When I was young, someone gave my brother a treasure. He was supposed to go into the cave to retrieve it, but Princess Zhaoyang didn't like him getting all dirty."

So I entered his cave in his place, but unfortunately there were no jewels inside, only wolves and tigers waiting in ambush.

I killed all those demons and monsters and cut off their tongues.

"The more you kill, the more people will seek revenge; that's normal."

He uttered a few words, seemingly nonchalant.

Xue Lanyi thought that when a child encounters wolves and tigers, their first reaction would be to run away and call for help, not to fight.

Only when the escape route is blocked or the outside world refuses to help will one have no choice but to fight to the death.

Xue Lanyi knew that he would occasionally have severe spasms in his nightmares, and she was afraid that those "jackals and tigers" had done something to him.

Is his disbelief in her vow related to this?

Xue Lanyi remained silent, stunned.

Seeing her standing there dumbfounded, Wei Zhang shook his head. "If you know fear, then don't ask about things that won't benefit you."

"I'm not afraid." She quickly clung to Wei Zhang's neck. "You haven't asked me about my secret yet."

Wei Zhang had no interest in playing such a boring game, so he got up and carried her back to the bed.

She suddenly tilted her head up and kissed his cheek. "My secret is: no matter what Yun Jian has been through, as long as he only loves me, I will only love him."

"My vow is true!" She tilted her head, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons with a smile, yet not as elusive as a mirage.

Everything was unbelievably real.

It's as if if we could simply dispel the haze surrounding the moon, we could truly embrace it.

Wei Zhang's eyes flickered, and he took a hairpin from the drawer and handed it to Xue Lanyi.

"You're giving me another gift?" Xue Lanyi accepted it without ceremony, her interest piqued. "Is it compensation for the South Sea pearl earrings?"

Wei Zhang did not respond, but only said, "This is a concealed weapon for self-defense."

The jade hairpin can be pulled open, resembling a small dagger, with a sharp and slender shaft.

Xue Lanyi has suffered a great calamity this time, and there will inevitably be bloodshed and turmoil around Wei Zhang in the future. She should have a handy hidden weapon for self-defense.

She noticed that the hairpin was specially decorated with her favorite lily pattern, and its openwork carving was both lightweight and beautiful, showing that it was made with care.

Last night, she saw him hunched over his desk drawing blueprints, which turned out to be for making a hairpin for her.

A sweet feeling welled up in Xue Lanyi's heart. She handed the hairpin back to his palm and said, "I want Yun Jian to help me put it on."

"Stop fooling around."

"I don't care!" She faced him without makeup and playfully twitched her nose.

The moon is within reach...

Meanwhile, in a secluded cabin in a forest where light and shadow play across the landscape.

Yuan Yi slowly opened her eyes and saw Wei Xuan standing by the straw mat. She quickly got up and bowed with her hand on her chest, saying, "I'm sorry, General, I couldn't help you."

"I should apologize to you." Wei Xuan gestured for her not to get up, and instead respectfully clasped his hands in a gesture of respect to Yuan Yi.

After escaping the pursuit of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Wei Xuan secretly headed to the Great Wilderness Mountain.

To everyone's surprise, almost all of the brothers who had been hiding in the Great Wilderness Mountain were captured by Wei Zhang.

Fortunately, the snake that Yuan Yi kept was intelligent, and Wei Xuan found Yuan Yi, who had been buried alive, by following the snake's guidance, thus saving her life.

"It was my oversight that caused trouble for the princess."

"Wei Zhang is too ruthless!" Yuan Yi gritted her teeth. "I'm going to report him to the Emperor!"

"Princess, please calm down."

Currently, rumors are circulating throughout Shengjing that Wei Zhang is going to marry Yuan Yi, and this marriage will greatly help Wei Zhang ascend to the position of Grand Secretary.

No one would believe that Wei Zhang would kill Yuan Yi at this time; instead, they would be more likely to believe that Yuan Yi conspired with others to slander Wei Zhang, which is why Wei Zhang acted so recklessly.

"Princess, you should return to the Western Territory with them as soon as possible."

Wei Xuan glanced at the several burly men behind him.

They were the survivors who failed to imprison Yiyi and were instead hunted down by Wei Zhang.

If they hadn't suddenly decided to kill Yiyi and had simply followed Wei Xuan's plan, they would have already successfully reunited with the Crown Prince.

How did it end up with her colleague being arrested and Yiyi returning to Wei Zhang's side?

Wei Xuan felt a mix of emotions, not understanding what his brothers, who had shared life and death with him for many years, were thinking.

Several burly men huddled in a corner of the wooden house, awkwardly touching their noses, not daring to speak.

Each lost in their own thoughts, the room fell silent.

"Aren't you going to tell us?"

In the corner, Jiang Qi, the Crown Prince's personal bodyguard, stepped forward. "If no one will speak, then I will! General Wei will certainly not like to hear what I have to say, but we'll have to make things clear sooner or later!"

Jiang Qi approached Wei Xuan and said to him, word by word, "General Wei, you must see one thing clearly as soon as possible: Li Zhaoyang is dead! The one who is alive now is Wei Zhang's concubine, Xue Lanyi!"

Anyone with eyes could see that she loved Wei Zhang wholeheartedly and would give her life for him.

How could we dare let her see the Crown Prince? What if she reveals the Crown Prince's whereabouts to Wei Zhang?

Jiang Qi's words struck a chord with Wei Xuan.

Wei Xuan's hand, hidden in his sleeve, gently lingered with the remaining fragrance.

Just yesterday he was riding horses with her, but today she has drifted away from him like a wisp of smoke.

Wei Xuan felt a tightness in his chest. "Once Yi Yi sees the Crown Prince and the truth comes out, why would she betray her own brother?"

"Isn't she betraying us now and pointing the way for Wei Zhang?"

"Didn't you guys have the intention to kill her first?"

Wei Xuan and Jiang Qi talked for a while, and then fell silent again.

He could not deny the other people's considerations for the crown prince, but they had never consulted him before taking such drastic measures.

Wei Xuan took a deep breath. "No matter what, Yiyi is innocent. Doesn't what you're doing violate the principles of gentlemanly conduct?"

"Who isn't innocent?" Jiang Qi's eyes were bloodshot as he pointed at the crowd in the corner. "Isn't his wife innocent? Aren't his parents innocent? He lost an arm protecting the Crown Prince, isn't he innocent?"

Those who followed the former crown prince, who didn't risk their lives and even their lives?

Why allow Xue Lanyi, an unstable element, to get close to the Crown Prince?

If the Crown Prince were to suffer even the slightest mishap, what would their sacrifices over the years amount to?

"The Crown Prince will surely rise again in the future and revive the new laws. We cannot let a woman ruin our grand plan."

Jiang Qi was not unable to understand Wei Xuan's predicament, which was why they did not tell him about their plan to kidnap Xue Lanyi and threaten Wei Zhang.

He patted Wei Xuan on the shoulder, "Only by cutting off the tail can we survive. Li Zhaoyang has already betrayed us, just consider her dead."

Everyone shook their heads and sighed before leaving.

No one was interested in Li Zhaoyang, who was past her prime; only Wei Xuan stood alone.

Before the window, dappled shadows of trees swayed, casting flickering light and shadow on his stubble-covered face.

After a long silence, he finally uttered, "She is clearly still alive."

He will not give up on her.

As the sun set, Wei Xuan dusted himself off, left a letter for everyone, and departed from the wooden house, heading towards Shengjing.

"Wei Zhang is taking a concubine tomorrow; you should know what his purpose is."

Zhou Yu's voice sounded from behind.

The young man in purple robes leaned against a tree with his arms crossed and called out to him.

Wei Xuan looked back.

He knew, of course, that many traps awaited him in the city.

However, Yiyi is now caught in the middle, caught between two opposing sides.

The Crown Prince's faction abandoned her, and Wei Zhang deceived her.

She was all alone; he had to walk up to her and stand beside her.

"I have my own way of taking Yiyi away."

Wei Xuan nodded politely, "Please tell them to take the Crown Prince and Princess Yuan Yi back to the Western Territory for the future."

For the past three years, the Crown Prince has been living with Wei Xuan in the western border region.

The reason for this return to Beijing is that everyone felt the time was right, so they contacted the Grand Tutor, hoping to use his power to make a comeback.

However, Wei Zhang has already stopped them outside the city gates, and it would be a loss to proceed rashly.

"Let them go back. You should also return home and never come back."

Having said that, Wei Xuan headed towards the direction where the scorching sun stung his eyes.

Against the light, I walked alone into the depths of the bamboo forest.

"I'm sorry," Zhou Yu said loudly.

With the entire Zhou clan behind him, he had long since stopped following the Crown Prince, so naturally he couldn't openly help Wei Xuan too much.

They often mocked Wei Zhang for betraying his friends for personal gain and turning against the current emperor.

But what kind of indomitable people are they really?

Of those once spirited and ambitious young men, only Wei Xuan remains upright.

Zhou Yu didn't know whether he was adhering to the ideals of the new policies or upholding the ideals of Zhaoyang.

Perhaps both are true.

Zhou Yu sighed, feeling helpless. "If... if you can't return tomorrow, I will take care of Zhaoyang for you, at least to ensure her health."

Wei Xuan stopped, turned his head and smiled slightly, "And, may you live a long and healthy life."

A sense of déjà vu washed over Zhou Yu, blurring his vision. He smiled and said, "Yes, may you live a long and healthy life!"

He raised his hand above his head, as if raising a wine cup to toast his departing figure.

Unfortunately, he doesn't have an index finger.

That action looks so funny.

He chuckled self-deprecatingly, muttering to himself in a low, hoarse voice, "May our little princess Zhaoyang enjoy good health and live a long life..."

"May our little princess Zhaoyang enjoy good health and live a long life!" I could almost hear the bright voices of five boys offering their prayers again.

More than ten years ago, in the bamboo pavilion by the Qin River.

The six wine glasses clinked together.

Zhou Yu raised his wine cup high and drank it all in one gulp, saying, "Happy birthday, Zhao Yang! May you live a long and healthy life!"

“Zhou Yu, why are you being so perfunctory? Look at the birthday wishes Xuan Ge wrote for Zhao Yang, and look at A Zhang, he’s not much of a talker, but he’s better than you!”

Of the six of them, Lu Lin was always the most talkative, seemingly pointing and chattering away into his ear all day long, as if he were holding a megaphone.

He climbed a tree, and Lu Lin climbed a tree too; he climbed a pillar, and Lu Lin climbed a pillar too.

In short, she always kept talking behind his back, saying she wanted to criticize him for this and that.

Xie Qingyun, on the other hand, always held the bamboo slips and wrote furiously, trying to record everything, wishing he could include all their embarrassing stories in his manuscript.

Wei Zhang was the most obedient. Like a little adult, he wore a black cloak, sat in the corner of the bamboo pavilion with his hands on his knees, and occasionally pressed his hands down to signal both sides to calm down.

As for Wei Xuan, he would stick to Zhao Yang wherever she was, unwilling to be separated from her for even a moment.

Zhou Yu was getting a headache from Lu Lin's nagging, so she darted between Wei Xuan and Zhao Yang like a monkey, put her arm around Wei Xuan's shoulder, and grinned at Zhao Yang, "Little Zhao Yang, don't you think it's good to be healthy and live a long life? Why are you just being perfunctory? Lu Lin is just making trouble for no reason, isn't he?"

"You always skip classes and don't study properly. You can't even come up with a nice, auspicious phrase, yet you blame others."

Zhao Yang wrinkled his nose at him and said, "You guys always say the same old cliché of wishing each other good health and a long life. I'm tired of hearing it. This year, I want to make a different wish!"

"What?" the boys asked in unison.

When people are young, they are always exceptionally curious, and even a birthday wish can make everyone's eyes light up with anticipation.

Zhao Yang glanced at the group of boys who were a head taller than her, and when her gaze fell on Wei Xuan, her ears turned red. "I won't talk!"

The boys breathed a sigh of relief, but Zhou Yu, being the most astute, let out a long "Oh~" and said, "Even if you don't say it, I know. Our little Zhaoyang definitely hopes that Prince Qi won't adopt Xuan-ge into the Prince's mansion, right?"

Prince Qi had been childless for many years and took a liking to Wei Xuan, intending to adopt him.

However, Prince Qi is Zhaoyang's maternal uncle. If Wei Xuan becomes Prince Qi's adopted son, the marriage between Zhaoyang and Wei Xuan will likely face obstacles due to their kinship.

"Little Zhaoyang, are you desperate to get married?!"

"No, that's not true!" Zhao Yang was both ashamed and angry, and swung her hand to hit Zhou Yu.

Zhou Yu darted into the bamboo forest like a monkey, waving his arms, "It's not a difficult thing, at worst we can just let A-Zhang be adopted in place of Xuan-ge!"

“We’re all grown up now. Adoption is just a formality. Our friendship won’t change. Ah Zhang won’t mind.”

"Ah Zhang is such a good boy, how could he bear to be separated from his brother and sister-in-law? Isn't that right, Ah Zhang?"

The three boys joined in the teasing.

Zhou Yu, Lu Lin, and Xie Qingyun ran ahead, while Zhao Yang and Wei Xuan chased after them.

Wearing purple, yellow skirts, and red dresses, their vibrant colors and flamboyant movements through the green forest were even more eye-catching than the summer sun.

Sitting in the corner, Wei Zhang clenched his fingers tightly, his eyes stinging from the stinging...

Young Wei Zhang rubbed his eyes as the scene changed.

As the bamboo grove dissipated, what came into view was the loving smile of Mother Wei in the dimly lit bedroom.

“Ah Zhang, after you go to the Prince Qi’s mansion, you will be a little prince. It’s so nice that you, your brother, are a little prince and a little duke.”

Madam Wei handed a food box to Wei Zhang, saying, "Even if A-Zhang goes to the Prince's mansion, he will still be my good son and A-Xuan's good younger brother. The relationship between the three of us will not change. On the contrary, A-Zhang can gain even more favor from Prince Qi and his wife."

Little Wei Zhang obediently carried the food box with both hands, his thick eyelashes drooping.

Eight mushroom and bamboo shoot buns were placed in the steamer.

Usually, there are only two or three buns sparsely placed in his small steamer, and sometimes they are even turned over and the skin is peeled off.

He learned for the first time that one steamer basket could steam eight buns.

They were all chubby and white, huddled together, almost overflowing.

It looks delicious.

"Ah Zhang likes bamboo shoot buns. How about Mother delivers some buns to the Prince's mansion every few days?"

Wei Zhang nodded and carried a basket of white steamed buns to Prince Qi's residence.

Later, he lived in the dark woodshed of Prince Qi's mansion, looking out through the cracks in the window.

Day and night, the steamed buns in his arms went moldy, but he never got to eat any more delicious steamed buns.

Instead, a hand in the darkness grabbed the back of his head, forcing him to tilt his head back, and stuffed the buns he hadn't been able to eat for a month into his mouth.

"This princess desires an eagle, yet the Wei family sends only a quail. Do they disregard the Qi Prince's residence?"

An angry voice rang out above his head.

Eight worm-infested and hairy buns were stuffed full into his mouth and throat.

Nausea.

The sour, rotten smell made my stomach churn and I felt nauseous.

But Wei Zhang's mouth was covered, so he couldn't speak or spit anything out.

He kept shaking his head and struggling.

It turns out that steamed buns are not tasty at all.

He never wants to eat steamed buns again.

He will not eat any steamed buns from anyone else from now on.

...

Wei Zhang's throat spasmed violently, and he abruptly opened his sleepy eyes.

As dawn broke, incense burned in Chong'an Hall.

On the other side of the beaded curtain, Xue Lanyi was doing her hair when she suddenly heard a loud banging sound from the inner room. She turned around and rushed in.

Teapots and cups were scattered all over the floor. Wei Zhang lay on the edge of the bed, his neck red and veins bulging, as if he were suffocating.

"Yun Jian!"

Xue Lanyi crouched down to help her up.

The moment her fingertips touched his shoulder, his iron-like hand gripped Xue Lanyi's neck, pinning her against the bed rail.

Wei Zhang's eyes were filled with ruthlessness, and he tightened his grip on Wei Zhang's hand.

Xue Lanyi was having difficulty breathing, and even rouge couldn't hide her pale face.

When the matchmaker and maids arrived and saw the prince in such a state of disarray, they almost cried out in alarm.

With a sliver of consciousness, Xue Lanyi shook her head, signaling everyone to be quiet and leave.

The beaded curtain fell, concealing Wei Zhang's disheveled state.

Xue Lanyi's hand was too weak to touch his tiger's mouth. "Yun, Yun Jian, it's all a dream, it's all a dream... I'm here, it's alright."

Intermittent breaths sprayed onto the back of Wei Zhang's hand.

Wei Zhang's finger bones trembled, and the blue veins gradually disappeared.

Xue Lanyi had always known that Wei Zhang had a heart ailment.

He had a few outbursts in front of her, and at first Xue Lanyi was terrified and at a loss. Once, she accidentally heard him mutter, "They're all liars..."

The man, who remained unmoved even when Mount Tai collapsed before him, choked slightly in his throat.

Xue Lanyi didn't know what had happened to him, but she knew that he had a void in his heart.

She pulled his hand to her face and gently rubbed his palm, letting him feel her presence. "Xue Lanyi will never abandon Wei Yunjian; she will bet the rest of her life on him."

Her words were as gentle as a spring breeze, blowing away the haze that had settled in her eyes.

But the wind leaves no trace.

She was making those empty promises again.

A hint of mockery and distrust flashed across Wei Zhang's face, as was his habit.

Xue Lanyi could clearly feel that his breathing had become much more stable, and the redness on his skin had faded.

Does he really not like her?

Xue Lanyi grasped his cold fingertips, repeating firmly over and over again: "No matter what happens, Yunjian must believe: Xue Lanyi will never abandon Wei Yunjian, Xue Lanyi will never abandon Wei Yunjian..."

Her lips kept opening and closing.

Her lips were full, half of them were painted with peony red lipstick, and a drop of blood clung to the corner of her mouth.

That was the wound left when Xue Lanyi rushed over in a flurry, her lipstick paper had torn her lips.

The blood droplets, accompanying her words, swayed incessantly before Wei Zhang's eyes.

Finally, a drop of blood rolled down the corner of his lips and slid into Wei Zhang's palm.

It's hot, it's warm.

Something different was stirring within Wei Zhang's heart.

Seeing another drop of blood seep from the corner of his mouth, Wei Zhang suddenly bent down and sucked it into his mouth.

For the first time, he took the initiative to press his lips against hers.

A note from the author:

----------------------Bad Dog offline, Mad Dog takes the stage. From now on, Zhaoyang will not...

Xue Lanyi was startled by the sudden action and fell silent.

The oath has ceased, and the bloodshed has stopped.

Wei Zhang's breathing quickened, and he whispered hoarsely against her lips, "Continue."

The scorching and powerful aura sprayed out, and Xue Lanyi was momentarily stunned, not daring to move, and could only mechanically repeat, "Xue Lanyi will never abandon Wei Yunjian."

The vow, accompanied by beads of blood at the corner of his lips, continued to spill out.

Wei Zhang swallowed her vow and blood, his throat bobbing.

The taste was different from the nauseating taste I remembered; it was actually sweet.

Wei Zhang's throat tightness subsided, and his vision gradually cleared.

Xue Lanyi felt his licking motion stop and hurriedly moved away.

He grabbed the back of her head and said, "Bite me."

His tongue invaded her mouth, "biting through it."

Wh...what?

Xue Lanyi stared wide-eyed in disbelief and horror.

But fearing she might upset him again, she timidly bit the tip of his tongue.

It took several attempts to finally bite through it.

He let out a barely audible deep breath, and blood trickled into Xue Lanyi's mouth.

Their breaths mingled.

Xue Lanyi felt a dryness in her throat and instinctively vomited.

Wei Zhang's tongue pressed against her throat, his voice low and magnetic, "Swallow it."

“Yun Jianwo…”

"Swallow it all, and listen to me." He was usually domineering, but now he was being extremely patient.

Xue Lanyi frowned and forced herself to swallow his blood.

Wei Zhang stared intently at her as she pursed her lips and swallowed, until his blood merged into her body.

He swallowed her, and she swallowed him in return.

The feeling of swallowing something whole is far more real than an empty vow that cannot be grasped.

His breathing became more pronounced, sounding both pleasurable and manic.

Xue Lanyi's heart raced, a sense of unknown fear gripping her.

On the wooden window, a spider silently devours a dying moth.

"Oh dear! Young Master, Miss, you're only getting married tonight. How can newlyweds meet beforehand?"

At that moment, the matchmaker saw the man and woman embracing and kissing through the beaded curtain.

After all, this is a government compound; there are no taboos.

The matchmaker slapped her thigh and grinned obsequiously, "Five hours tonight, isn't that enough for the young master and the young lady to express their feelings?"

The matchmaker had a loud voice, and her cheerful voice diluted the eerie atmosphere.

Wei Zhang released her, his expression returned to normal, he changed his clothes, and went out to handle official business.

His gait was upright and elegant, as if everything just now was an illusion.

As he lifted the beaded curtain, he turned to her and instructed, "Don't vomit."

Xue Lanyi was startled, nodded hesitantly, and watched the black-clad figure leave.

In the past, Wei Zhang always saw a land frozen over, while Xue Lanyi always believed that once the ice melted, spring would arrive.

But what she had just seen beneath the ice was an even colder abyss.

It's a kind of darkness that can engulf a person to their very bones, from which there is no escape...

Night slowly fell.

Tonight there is no wind, no moon, and no stars.

On the Star Gazing Tower, Wei Zhang stood leaning on the railing, admiring the darkness that enveloped the entire city.

"Your Highness, the eldest son has entered the city," Qingyang reported from behind.

Tonight, the Duke's mansion is taking a concubine. The Military Command and the Embroidered Uniform Guard have already set up layers of checkpoints, just waiting for Wei Xuan, who is hiding the former Crown Prince, to show up.

Qingyang was surprised that the eldest son actually had the courage to come, and asked Wei Zhang with lowered eyes, "What should we do?"

Wei Zhang's throat moved slightly.

The fishy, ​​sweet taste of the daytime hadn't dissipated; it seemed to have seeped into his body.

This feeling seems pretty good.

"Tonight is a beautiful night, let's set off some fireworks."

"What?"

Qingyang asked how to deal with the eldest son, and the answer made him exclaim in surprise.

Wei Zhang remained silent, but the fox fur coat on his shoulder rustled softly without any wind.

Qingyang shuddered, realizing he had said too much: "I will have the Bureau of Armory rush to make fireworks. I wonder what style Your Highness would like?"

"Let's use the fireworks from the warehouse."

"..."

Qingyang stood there, pondering for a long time, before suddenly remembering that many years ago, the eldest son had proposed to Princess Zhaoyang many times, and each time he prepared a grand fireworks display.

Unfortunately, he never succeeded in proposing to her, so all the fireworks were stored in a separate storeroom by the eldest son.

Over time, more than a hundred different kinds of fireworks accumulated.

The eldest son once boasted to the maids and servants that when he married the princess, he would set off all these fireworks at once so that everyone could have a good look.

Now Wei Xuan will probably never have the chance to set off these fireworks again.

"That fulfills his wish." Wei Zhang raised the corners of his lips slightly, then gracefully walked towards Chong'an Hall.

By fulfilling his wish, wasn't he also putting an end to Wei Xuan's hopes?

As night fell, when the first firework rose into the dark sky, Wei Xuan immediately recognized it as the firework he had prepared to marry Yi Yi.

Wei Zhang burned them all, which also reduced the past decades of Wei Xuan and Zhao Yang to ashes.

When the fireworks faded, Li Zhaoyang was no more, only Xue Lanyi remained.

But Li Zhaoyang is in the prime of her life, why should she fall?

Wei Xuan drew his sword and moved swiftly through the flashing blades, dodging the military police and the Imperial Guards, before pushing open the gates of the Duke's mansion.

The vermilion-lacquered solid door slowly opened, and countless swords, spears, bows, and arrows in the courtyard were all aimed at him, waiting for a long time.

A moment later, the sound of cold metal clashing rang out, gradually enveloping Wei Xuan.

In the darkness, sparks flew from the metal, illuminating the splattered blood.

A strong stench of blood permeated the night, making it impossible to tell whose wound it was.

Fireworks burst in the sky, like golden chrysanthemums hanging down.

The sound of firecrackers drowned out the sounds of fighting.

Inside the mansion's inner courtyard, the sound of the suona horn should have stopped.

The matchmaker and the maids carrying the nuptial wine waited at the door.

Xue Lanyi stepped out of a small sedan chair in blue robes, lifted the curtain, and saw fireworks bursting into view.

The dazzling light illuminated the entire mansion, and also Xue Lanyi's bright red makeup.

"Your Highness is so thoughtful! I've lived in the capital for ten years and witnessed countless palace banquets and noble weddings, but I've never seen such a grand fireworks display!"

Granny Liu held Xue Lanyi's hand and whispered in her ear, teasingly saying, "Miss has really trained the young master well."

"Mom, don't talk nonsense!" Xue Lanyi frowned, a blush creeping up her ears.

Granny Liu's words were not entirely unreasonable; Yun Jian was indeed getting better day by day.

He probably didn't even realize that these past two nights, when he fell asleep, he would unconsciously hug her, burying his head in the crook of her neck and refusing to let go.

In the end, Xue Lanyi was so hot that she forcibly pried open his hands, which were locked around her waist.

But soon, he pressed himself against her from behind while she was asleep.

Although some of his actions were incomprehensible to Xue Lanyi, she knew it was because his heart was being filled with her again.

The worst is over, and he will like her more and more.

After thinking it over, Xue Lanyi smiled and said, "I just hope that the concubine-taking ceremony goes smoothly."

Wei Zhang didn't have a careful maid or mother-in-law to serve her, so no one told her the details to pay attention to when taking a concubine yesterday.

A large family like the Duke's Mansion must have many rules and taboos. We must not let her ignorance cause us to be laughed at by the guests, or offend the old lady. Wouldn't it be even more difficult to deal with her in the future?

Feeling extremely apprehensive, I became even more cautious as I walked towards the lobby, not daring to make the slightest mistake.

She had only taken two steps when the matchmaker stopped her, "Young lady, just go straight to the bedroom."

"Shouldn't we go to the main hall to serve tea to the Old Madam?"

"..."

The matchmaker's eyes flickered, and she said with a forced smile, "The old lady has gone to Qutan Temple to pray for the eldest young master. Please go straight to your bedroom and don't keep the young master waiting."

"Okay." Xue Lanyi was in a daze as she was led into the bedroom by the crowd.

Behind me, I could faintly hear hushed discussions and snickers.

Pushing open the door, there were no guests or emcee inside, nor was there the expected lively atmosphere.

It was deserted, with only two maids lifting the beaded curtain.

Inside the room, Wei Zhang sat upright in front of the couch, his black robe stained with a layer of dew, just like usual.

Only the two red wedding candles on the table slightly indicated that this day was different from the others.

Since it was just a concubine taking a wife, Wei Zhang didn't need to wear a wedding dress, and neither did she; she could only wear a pale yellow ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress).

I suppose I'll never have the chance to wear a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe again in this lifetime, waiting for my beloved to ride a white horse to marry me.

When my expectant eyes met the calm room, my heart still ached.

Perhaps people are always dissatisfied and unwilling to accept things as they are.

Once you get something, you want more.

Young women always hope that their wedding will be grand and solemn, and blessed by thousands of people.

Xue Lanyi stood there for a moment to recover.

The matchmaker beside her called out, "The newlyweds offer a toast, may they serve their master forever!"

The maidservant handed her and Wei Zhang each a cup of wine.

Seeing her hesitate and not move, the matchmaker beside her reminded her, "Miss, take the wine."

"Oh." Xue Lanyi came back to her senses, thinking that it was time to drink the nuptial wine. She lifted her skirt slightly and was about to sit down next to Wei Zhang.

The matchmaker was startled and hurriedly grabbed her arm, shaking her head inwardly.

Then he added, "The newlyweds kowtow, revering the Lord as if He were heaven!"

Immediately, the maids brought a prayer mat to her feet.

Xue Lanyi then realized that she needed to kneel before Wei Zhang to offer him a toast and respectfully thank her lord for his kindness.

This is the proper etiquette a concubine should perform.

The rituals of bowing to heaven and earth, paying respects to parents, and drinking the nuptial wine, which were deeply imprinted in her mind, were all ceremonies for husband and wife.

She was a concubine and had no right to share a nuptial cup with him.

So when she asked outside earlier if she should serve tea to the old lady, she was laughed at.

They're laughing at her for being arrogant.

Xue Lanyi looked at Wei Zhang with mixed feelings in her heart.

Wei Zhang sat upright with his knees apart at the head of the table.

He always valued hierarchy and social status, so the husband was the master and the concubine was the servant, which was the natural order and the right thing to do.

He didn't find anything wrong with it; instead, he frowned slightly.

"What are you hesitating for, young lady? Don't keep your lord waiting!"

"After you've offered the wine and placed your fingerprint on the concubine's letter, the ceremony will be complete! Quickly thank your lord!"

The matchmaker and maids, fearing they might anger Wei Zhang, urged him on.

The dormitory room suddenly became lively.

Wei Zhang's deep, slightly puzzled eyes were fixed on Xue Lanyi.

Just then, a cannon fired outside the window.

Xue Lanyi looked in the direction of the sound.

Huge fireworks scattered across the sky like a sea of ​​stars, illuminating most of the night sky.

This is the biggest fireworks display tonight, called "Starry Sky," symbolizing that a single spark can start a prairie fire.

This is also her favorite type of fireworks.

At least he gave her the stars for that night.

Having chosen this path, I have no reason to blame anyone else, nor should I retreat halfway.

Take it slow, and one day he will help her up and walk alongside her.

Xue Lanyi took a deep breath and knelt down.

No one noticed that during her long period of hesitation, a hand with distinct knuckles secretly gripped the hem of her dark dress.

The moment she agreed, her long fingers quietly relaxed.

Even Wei Zhang himself was unaware of this.

Her pale yellow skirt trailed gently to the ground, and her slender hands presented a golden cup to him: "This concubine offers this..."

"Zhaoyang will not kneel before anyone!"

A clear voice suddenly echoed throughout the dormitory.

A strong arm blocked Xue Lanyi's path, preventing her from kneeling.

Before she could react, a large hand pulled her behind him.

A note from the author:

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Tomorrow I'll be a paid seller, and there will be 10,000-word chapters! From now on, I'll be posting 80,000 to 10,000 words a day, lots of updates to satisfy you! [laughing emoji]

Please add my pre-order novel, "The Blind Girl," to your favorites!

Synopsis of "The Blind Girl":

Su Wansheng was born with a delicate and beautiful appearance, like jade, but her pair of bright, clear eyes suffered from night blindness, and she could only cover her eyes with a white veil all day long.

Because of her illness, she and her husband had not consummated their marriage for half a year.

Her husband, who used to treat her with gentleness and tenderness, has become increasingly distant and indifferent lately.

Su Wan realized that this was not a long-term solution, so she mustered up her courage and tried to get closer to him.

In the long, cold night, she took the initiative to undress and nestled her smooth body into his arms.

Her soft fingers clumsily explored his body as she softly called him "husband."

However, her husband remained unmoved and even pushed her away in disgust.

Until one rainy night, her husband was being chased and killed.

Leaning on her white cane, she stumbled and groped her way through the mountains.

Through the thickets and the assassins' blades aimed at her, she finally found her husband at the crossroads leading out of the village.

She nestled pitifully into his arms, tears blurring her white veil: "Husband, are you hurt?"

The man paused slightly, then finally leaned down and kissed her tearful eyes.

However, the light gauze swayed and fell.

Su Wan's vision suddenly cleared, only to be met with the face of a strange man.

"You are not my husband!" she cried out in alarm, pushing him away and turning to run away.

A large hand gripped the back of her neck.

The man's voice, heavy and authoritative, descended, "Now, it is."

*

Crown Prince Zhao Huai was ambushed and mistakenly entered a farmer's house to recuperate, where he was entangled with a blind girl.

This woman not only showed him concern and care, but was even bold enough to sneak into his bed at night and serve him with her body.

Zhao Huai coldly watched her ingratiating tactics, feeling utterly contemptuous, but he could only endure it for the time being.

He summoned his old subordinates and returned to the capital.

The blind woman followed.

When Zhao Huai saw that the girl's white clothes were covered in bloodstains, he cried uncontrollably for her.

Suddenly, I realized that keeping an injured sparrow by my side might have a unique charm...