Wen Xiang'er's Wedding

In the twelfth month of the eighth year of the Tianqi reign, Lu Jingxiu and Wen Xiang'er got married.

The wedding was set for the sixteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, which happened to be a day of rest. On that day, the Wen residence was brightly decorated and filled with guests. Li Yi, following etiquette, attended the ceremony with his wife, Pei.

Lu Jingxiu was dressed in a light blue imperial censor's uniform, with a bright red wedding robe over it, which made him look even more upright. His gentle demeanor had been replaced by a spirited and solemn joy.

The bride, Wen Xiang'er, had shed her former playful innocence. Dressed in an elaborate and magnificent green wedding gown and adorned with a pearl and jade crown, she was helped by Lady Quanfu to bid farewell to her parents. Wen Tingyun looked at his beloved youngest daughter, his eyes filled with both joy and reluctance. He solemnly instructed her, "From now on, you must be considerate of your husband and maintain harmony in the household. I hope you and Jingxiu will understand and support each other, and spend the rest of your lives together." Lady Wen's eyes were already red with tears as she held Xiang'er's hand, carefully instructing her on many ways to manage a household.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds were led to their bridal chamber. During the banquet, Wen Tingyun, unusually, drank a few more cups than usual, chatting happily with his old friends and classmates who came to offer their congratulations, his brows furrowed with contentment. At the banquet, his gaze occasionally swept over Li Yi, who was sitting at the same table as Pei Shi and behaving appropriately. Thinking of Xuanji residing in Qiwu Pavilion, a faint shadow fell over his heart regarding the child's future.

The banquet was halfway through, with guests exchanging pleasantries and enjoying a lively atmosphere. Li Yi had just finished exchanging pleasantries with a fellow student and was about to return to his seat when he encountered Du Mubai leaning against a pillar at the corner of the corridor. Du Mubai was dressed in a moon-white long robe, toying with an empty wine cup in his hand, a familiar, slightly mocking smile playing on his lips.

“Brother Zian,” Du Mubai’s voice was somewhat languid, his gaze sweeping meaningfully over Pei Shi, who was whispering with the women not far away, “This wedding banquet today is truly lively. Senior Brother Jingxiu has finally achieved his long-cherished wish and won the heart of his beloved; it is truly enviable.”

He paused, took half a step forward, and lowered his voice: "But speaking of which, among us fellow disciples, Brother Zian, you are the most successful. You have achieved consecutive victories in the imperial examinations and your official career is going smoothly. In addition, Junior Sister Xuanji, with such talent, actually willingly became a concubine, which makes countless young men in Chang'an envious."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi's expression darkened slightly. He could easily discern the veiled meaning in Du Mubai's words, which contained both an allusion to the Pei family's background and a mockery of Xuanji's delicate situation. He said coldly, "Mubai, watch your words. Today is Jingxiu's joyous occasion; don't spoil the mood with your nonsense."

Du Mubai chuckled and waved his hand dismissively, "Alright, alright, I won't say anything then." He raised his empty cup in a gesture, "I hope that Senior Brother can always be as in control as he is today."

Having said that, without waiting for Li Yi's response, he turned and gracefully disappeared into the noisy crowd of guests. Li Yi stood there, watching Du Mubai's departing figure, his brows furrowing almost imperceptibly. He straightened his robes, suppressing his displeasure, and put on a composed and dignified expression before walking towards the direction where Pei Shi was.

On the nineteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, Wen Xiang'er returned to her parents' home.

That day, Li Yi, accompanied by Xuanji and carrying generous gifts, visited the residence together. Xuanji was dressed quite elegantly today, wearing a light purple jacket and skirt embroidered with plum blossom patterns, over which she wore a moon-white fox fur cloak. Her makeup was light, which only made her look more beautiful. Li Yi, on the other hand, wore an indigo brocade robe, over which he wore a dark black cloak. In addition to his handsome appearance, he also exuded the composed demeanor of someone who had become an official.

When the carriage arrived at the Wen residence, there was already a large crowd of carriages and horses in front of the gate. Upon seeing that it was Li Yi and Lady Xuanji, the gatekeeper hurriedly came forward to greet them and respectfully led the way.

Upon entering the main hall, one sees Wen Tingyun and his wife seated at the head of the table, with the newlywed Lu Jingxiu and Wen Xiang'er seated below them. Xiang'er, dressed in traditional Chinese women's attire, has a shy yet joyful expression on her face as she whispers something to Lu Jingxiu, who listens attentively with tender eyes.

Upon seeing Li Yi and Xuanji enter, everyone stood up to greet them.

"This disciple, Xuanji, has come to congratulate Junior Sister and Junior Brother Jingxiu on their wedding and to celebrate their return to the bride's family home." Li Yi bowed first, his words respectful. Xuanji also curtsied and said softly, "Xuanji greets Master and Mistress. Congratulations to Sister Xiang'er and Senior Brother Jingxiu on your marriage, may you live a long and happy life together."

Wen Tingyun nodded, his gaze lingering on the two of them, especially scrutinizing Xuanji's face. He said calmly, "It's good that you're here. Please sit down." He felt relieved to see that she was serene and in good spirits.

Madam Wen smiled and rose, personally helping Xuanji to her feet. She held Xuanji's hand and examined her closely, her eyes full of affection: "Get up quickly. You look much better. How have you been lately?"

Xuanji smiled and nodded: "Thank you for your concern, Master's wife. Everything is fine."

Xiang'er came over excitedly and took Xuanji's other arm affectionately: "Sister Xuanji! You've finally arrived!" Lu Jingxiu also stepped forward to greet Li Yi, and the two chatted for a few moments about court matters.

After everyone was seated, maids served fragrant tea and snacks. The hall was warm and cozy, filled with laughter. Madam Wen inquired about Xuanji's daily life with concern, and Xuanji answered gently and gracefully. Li Yi occasionally chimed in, his words showing considerable protectiveness towards Xuanji.

As Wen Tingyun listened, his gaze inadvertently swept over Li Yi's hand resting on the back of the Xuanji chair, and his heart tightened.

He quickly looked away and turned to talk to Lu Jingxiu about official business, trying to suppress the heavy and inappropriate concern he felt.

During the meal, Xiang'er couldn't help but chatter on about the fun things that happened during her honeymoon, and then complained about the difficulties of managing a household, which made everyone laugh. Lu Jingxiu watched her helplessly but affectionately from the side, occasionally adding a few gentle words. Li Yi also listened with a smile, occasionally exchanging a knowing glance with Xuanji.

After the meal, Madam Wen gently took Xuanji's hand and led her to a quieter spot. Her gaze was gentle, yet tinged with a barely perceptible worry. She whispered her advice, "Youwei, now that Xiang'er has found her home, I can finally put my mind at ease. But you... although you are favored by Zian in the Li household, Madam Pei is, after all, the principal wife, and her status is what it is. Now that she is pregnant, you must be even more careful. Do not confront her directly, and certainly do not give her any leverage."

She paused, tightened her grip slightly, and spoke with increasing earnestness: "You have a cool and aloof nature and dislike competition, which is good. But when it comes to matters of the inner quarters, men are always out in the field and there are times when they can't take care of everything. You must learn to protect yourself and safeguard the tranquility of Qiwu Pavilion; that will be the best way to live."

After saying this, she gently patted Xuanji's hand, her eyes full of love and concern.

Halfway through the banquet, Xuanji left to change his clothes. Shiliu waited in the corridor when Li Yi came out to sober up. With no one around, Li Yi stopped, his gaze falling on Shiliu, and said softly, "These past few days, taking care of my wife has been hard work."

Shi Liu's heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly curtsied, saying, "It is my duty, I dare not complain of hardship."

Li Yi took a step closer, his voice carrying a subtle, alluring quality: "You're a reliable person... I'll need you to take good care of things inside and outside Qiwu Pavilion. In the future..." He paused, giving her a meaningful look, "I will certainly not treat you unfairly."

These words struck Shiliu like a thunderbolt, leaving her ears ringing. How could she not understand the deeper meaning of "we will not mistreat her"? A surge of emotion, a mixture of ecstasy, fear, and guilt, instantly coursed through her body. Her cheeks burned, and her voice was barely audible: "This servant...this servant understands, and will certainly do my utmost."

Li Yi nodded in satisfaction and turned to leave.

Shi Liu stood alone under the corridor, gazing at his tall and straight back, her heart pounding like a drum, unable to calm down for a long time.

It wasn't until late afternoon that Li Yi and Xuanji got up to take their leave. The Wen couple personally escorted them to the second gate. Madam Wen whispered to Wen Tingyun, who had been silent beside her, "It seems that Zian has indeed treated her with utmost care, and Youwei... her expression is still calm. Now it seems that she has found a home."

Wen Tingyun remained silent for a long time, gazing in the direction the carriage had disappeared. In the twilight, his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. Finally, he slowly nodded, his voice low and deep: "I hope so. But... that Li family mansion is secluded and powerful, and the Pei family is arrogant and has children. Youwei is solitary and pure, and I'm always afraid she..." He didn't finish his sentence, only letting out a barely audible sigh that dissipated in the rising evening breeze.

Inside the carriage, Li Yi took Xuanji's hand, feeling the slight coolness at her fingertips, and warmed it in his palm. "Are you tired today?" he asked softly.

Xuanji shook her head slightly, leaning against the carriage wall. Dusk was gradually falling outside the window, and the lights were coming on one by one, illuminating her serene profile. "I just feel... it's so good that Senior Brother Lu has finally gotten what he wanted," she said softly, a faint but genuine smile playing on her lips.

Li Yi gazed at her for a moment, then pulled her into his arms: "You and I will be the same."

The wheels rolled over the bluestone road, making a rumbling sound, carrying a cart full of the deepening night and warmth, heading towards Qiwu Pavilion.