Chapter 3: The marriage was arranged, and the prince consort was unknown to me...

Xie Jing was just thinking about it. The prince was young and strong now. It was impossible for him to die suddenly after getting married.

Even if you don't want to get married, you have to get married.

What he didn't know was that back at the Xuanbei Marquis' Mansion, his future "husband" Yu Qing had the same idea: no matter how much he didn't want to marry her, he had to.

"Brother Yu, after you get married, you'll have your wife to take care of you. You won't even have the chance to go to a brothel to listen to music. Are you really not going to give it a try?"

This is Wen Shuo, the second son of the Wen family. He is of similar age to Yu Qing and one of Yu Qing's few good friends in the capital. He is always keen to join in the fun and this time he was eager to join Yu Qing in welcoming the bride.

Yu Qing said: "You're still going to the brothel? Have you recovered from the beating your father gave you last time?"

Wen Shuo's father and brother were both prominent figures in the capital, yet somehow their family had produced such a frivolous fellow, unskilled in either literature or martial arts, a wealthy idler. Last winter, he had paid a large sum of money to redeem a girl from a brothel, and his father discovered him and beat him so badly that he was bedridden for three days.

In reality, this man wasn't a dissolute and extravagant person. He simply loved to compose poetry, play the pipa, and sing songs. His eloquence earned him the reputation of a playboy. The person he had previously redeemed was a pipa-playing woman in a brothel. She was known to Wen Shuo because of her poetry. She wasn't well-received and was often sent to play music in other people's homes during the cold winter months. Several times, her hands were frozen and she fell ill. Wen Shuo, feeling sorry for her, redeemed her.

Wen Shuo avoided talking about his own misfortune and instead teased Yu Qing, saying, "You have no experience in getting along with girls. You will be looked down upon for not understanding romance in the future. Let me ask you, on your wedding night, when you lift the veil and see the bride, what will you say?"

This question really stumped Yu Qing.

"Say... I'm Yu Qing?"

Wen Shuo smiled and said, "She doesn't know you're Yu Qing yet? I'm telling you, don't say anything yet. Just look at her, don't blink, and show that you're stunned by her. The more genuine the better. Make her blush, then apologize and praise her for being as beautiful as the moon. Make people unable to stop looking at her, and then..."

Yu Qing said: "That's too frivolous, just shut up."

Wen Shuo: "I'm just sharing my experience with you! Hey, I don't know why so many girls in the capital like you."

Yu Qing didn't really understand the whole story of her popularity. She didn't spend much time in the capital year-round, and rarely showed her face outside. As a result, she often outshone the young masters of aristocratic families. Should we say she was too good at disguising herself?

Sometimes she looked at herself, wondering what it was that girls liked about her. If she had to choose, her ideal lover would be… but she found she couldn't think of one. Or rather, she never thought deeply about it, because even if she did, it would be pointless.

She will never have a husband.

After years of disguise and being in the army, she rarely came into contact with women, so she didn't understand herself and naturally didn't understand the hearts of girls.

In the storybooks, the brave and heroic generals have always been the most admired. Who doesn’t have a dream of a heroic and extraordinary husband?

However, fantasy is one thing, and reality is often another. Most of the generals are burly and untidy people. When the girls saw them with their own eyes, they all felt that they were not good enough.

But Yu Qing was completely different. Although he was a military commander, he had no trace of roughness. Born into a noble family, his manners and demeanor were impeccable.

The most important thing is that Yu Qing has a handsome and fair appearance, and has a refreshing and clean aura. Not to mention that he is a rough man from the military, even compared with the young masters of other families, he is extremely refreshing and handsome.

He has a gentle face, but he is capable of governing a region when it comes to martial arts. He has never been involved in any romantic affairs in the capital and is an extremely upright person. He completely fits the image of a dream man of young girls. It is hard not to like him.

Major General Yu spends eight or nine months a year at the border. He usually returns to Beijing in winter and leaves in spring.

Whenever people entered or left the city, there would be people throwing flowers and handkerchiefs on both sides of the road.

What's even more terrifying is that it would have been fine if it was only a woman, but two years ago, a man who entered the capital city threw himself in front of a horse like a madman and was subdued on the spot by the guards. They thought he was an assassin, so when they arrested him and questioned him, he said that he admired the general too much.

Wen Shuo laughed at this incident for a long time, and Yu Qing was also speechless. Seeing that the man was not in his right mind, he did not blame him. He beat him a few times with a stick in front of the Beijing official and then let him go.

If many women really like her, what about the princesses who haven't married yet?

...Whether you like it or not, it's trouble.

The two newlyweds each had their own torment, and a few days passed in a flash, and the auspicious day arrived in the blink of an eye.

The Xuanbei Marquis Mansion had already been decorated with new decorations, looking luxurious and festive. Yu Qing finished tidying up early in the morning and left the mansion as soon as the time came, leading the grand wedding procession from the long street to the palace.

The sound of gongs and drums was heard all along the way, making it very lively. People along the way came to watch, and the guests in the restaurants and teahouses also couldn't help but look sideways.

As the wedding procession walked along, they distributed money and candies as gifts. Children on the street came to pick them up, and laughter and joy could be heard everywhere.

Yu Qing was riding on a fine horse in the front, with his back straight and his temperament noble. His already handsome face was even more eye-catching against the backdrop of his red dress, making him look like a heroic and elegant man.

The dream lover of many girls is now riding a tall horse and crossing the long street to get married, and the bride is the most precious royal princess. Indeed, many people must have clutched their handkerchiefs and sighed.

Yu Qing hadn't felt the reality of the big day yet. Her hands gripped the reins tightly, her gaze gazing far away at the majestic palace.

The wedding procession of Marquis Xuanbei arrived outside the palace wall. Princess Qingjia had also finished decorating the palace and was paying her final respects to her father, the emperor, and her mother, the queen, in the hall.

The Queen said lovingly, "You are so young and graceful, a perfect match for the family. Qingjia has grown up to be so beautiful, I am so happy to see you. I don't want you to leave the palace. It would be wonderful if you could stay with me forever."

Qing Jia said softly, "My daughter will often return to the palace to accompany mother."

The Queen smiled and said, "You are the most filial child, and your mother knows it. Now that you are an adult and married, you don't have to worry about the palace. Just live a good life with your husband. As long as you are safe and sound, your father and I will be at ease."

Qingjia: "Yes, Qingjia understands."

At this moment, she was wearing a phoenix crown and a red robe, with a flower ornament painted with gold powder on her forehead and a touch of vermilion on her lips. Although her makeup was not heavy, it was radiant and beautiful enough.

The emperor looked at his daughter like this and for the first time ever said, "Qingjia, come here."

Qing Jia stepped forward and said, "Father."

The emperor usually didn't care much about his daughter, but today was her wedding day, so he felt a little emotional and held Qingjia's hand.

Qingjia raised his head slightly. This face resembled his biological mother, Concubine Rong, which made the emperor pause and a wave of thoughts came to his mind.

Although the Queen had a smile on her face, her eyes were cold, and she quickly interrupted, "Your Majesty—"

But before she could finish her words, Qingjia's eyes turned red and the emperor saw it first.

Seeing the sparkle in his daughter's eyes, the emperor asked, "What's wrong?"

Qing Jia looked at her father, then at her mother, and gently wiped the corners of her eyes with her sleeve. She said, "My daughter is reluctant to leave her father and mother, and I am a little sad for a moment."

The emperor's heart softened a bit now. He patted Qingjia's hand and said, "You have always been gentle and calm, well-educated and sensible. I have always trusted you. If you have any concerns when you are not in the palace, please feel free to tell me and your mother."

The Queen said, "That's right. From now on, when you have free time, come to the palace and chat with me. There's no need to be sad. It's a happy day, so be happy. Your Majesty, the time is almost up. The Crown Prince is waiting outside. It's time to send Qingjia away."

Qingjia responded and walked out of the palace surrounded by maids.

The wedding fan in her hand was used to cover her face, but behind the fan, there was no trace of the pitiful look from before.

After finally dealing with the emperor and empress, Xie Jing lowered his eyes - there was still a prince behind him.

Crown Prince Xie Tingxuan was born to the Queen and was the third among the princes.

Although Xie Jing was raised by the queen, there was almost no brotherly affection between the two. One was a legitimate prince and the future crown prince, and the other was a princess with no sense of existence. In fact, they rarely even met.

Xie Jing was often ill and rarely left the palace. Even at palace banquets, his seat was in the corner behind the other princes and princesses.

The prince was of course the one closest to the emperor, so Xie Tingxuan didn't remember Xie Jing's face at all.

Now Xie Jing stepped out of the palace in a formal dress. Xie Tingxuan was stunned when he saw her. In her impression, the Seventh Princess was just a thin and sickly little girl, who always seemed unlucky.

Unexpectedly, this seventh sister grew up to be a rare beauty.

Even with the fan covering her face, one could still get a glimpse of her features. Qingjia was tall and dignified, and when she stood still, she looked even more graceful.

Xie Jing said, "Royal brother."

Xie Tingxuan finally came back to his senses, and put on the attitude of a brother, saying with a smile: "I don't see you often, but now you are getting married. Your husband will definitely fall in love with you at first sight. Come, let me escort you out of the palace."

Xie Jing knew exactly why the Crown Prince had come. First, to impress the Emperor that he cared about his sister, and second, to use Qing Jia's reputation to win over the Xuanbei Marquisate.

He said softly, "Thank you, my royal brother."

Then he spat silently in his heart.

What kind of person is Xie Tingxuan? He doesn't deserve these two words. He only has one brother, the emperor.

The prince brought the wedding procession to the palace gate and saw that the wedding procession from the Yu Mansion was already waiting there.

Yu Qing met the Crown Prince and bowed politely. The Crown Prince stepped forward and said with a smile, "Prince Yu, from now on, my Seventh Sister will be in your care."

Yu Qing: "I dare not treat the princess badly, Your Highness, please rest assured."

Afterwards, Princess Qingjia's sedan chair landed. The palace maids helped the princess down slowly, and then the prince took the princess to Yu Qing.

Yu Qing said to the princess, "Your Highness."

Princess Qingjia held a fan in one hand, so her face could not be seen clearly. Yu Qing did not dare to look at her face rashly at this moment. He lowered his eyes slightly and stretched out his hand.

In fact, she was very curious. Is the princess really as beautiful as in the painting?

The princess nodded slightly, which meant she was meeting her husband. Then, the prince handed Qingjia's hand to Yu Qing.

When the hand fell on his palm, Yu Qing thought it was a bit cold.

She steadily helped the princess to the wedding sedan chair and reminded her in a deep voice, "Your Highness, be careful."

The princess got on the wedding sedan chair, and Yu Qing also jumped on the horse nimbly, leading the way in front. The sedan chair was lifted up from the back, and the team started playing music again. This time, the palace's wedding procession was also included. The long line of gift boxes behind them stretched as far as the eye could see. The whole team crossed the long street again in a mighty manner and walked towards the marquis's mansion.

The emperor's daughter's wedding and the princess's marriage were, for common people, joyous occasions that could bring them good fortune. Therefore, the streets were filled not only with music but also with the clamor of voices.

Xie Jing in the sedan chair put down his fan.

It was the first time he heard such a lively sound.

She walked on thin ice and endured humiliation in the palace for twenty years without a moment's peace.

In order to survive, she had to dress up like this. The marriage was arranged, and the prince consort was an unknown person. As a man, she had to pretend to be someone else's wife.

It was clearly a great humiliation, but at least he was out of the palace now. One day he would truly shed this mask and be free.

Just now, first the emperor and empress, then the prince, and then the prince consort, had put on several scenes in a row. He was not happy, but in this noise, the depression that had accumulated in his heart suddenly relaxed a little.

He exhaled, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the patterns on the fan handle.

When the prince consort was helping him just now, he was close enough for Xie Jing to hear his voice clearly.

Although Yu Qing didn't say many words, his voice sounded quite clear.

Xie Jing certainly didn't want any more contact with Yu Qing than was necessary, so he forced himself to endure the discomfort when he placed his hand over. Yu Qing's hand, however, didn't seem particularly large or rough. Xie Jing's fingertips rested on his palm, which was warm and dry. She simply let him hold it, not shaking his hand in return, and their skin didn't touch too much.

Xie Jing thought expressionlessly, I can bear it for now.

The Marquis' Mansion was packed with guests, and all the powerful and influential people in the capital had received invitations. It was the first time in more than ten years that the Marquis of Xuanbei's Mansion had so many guests.

However, since Yu Qing was married to a member of the royal family and the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace was present, the banquet was not chaotic, but rather had a solemn atmosphere.

When the auspicious time arrives, the ceremonial officer leads the newlyweds forward to pay their respects.

Yu Qing took Qing Jia with her. She found that the princess was very tall, about the same height as herself, or maybe a little taller. With the phoenix crown on her head, she looked even taller.

She was not surprised, because there were tall women everywhere, and she herself was one.

After the two of them bowed to each other, Crown Prince Xie Tingxuan made a speech, sat for a while and then left. As soon as he left, the other guests began to become lively. The princess returned to the bridal chamber first, and Yu Qing stayed to receive everyone.

"The groom is here, come and have a drink!" said the fifth prince Xie Tingchen with a smile.

Xie Tingchen's maternal grandfather was a first-rank general who defended the country. After his grandfather passed away, his eldest son inherited the title, which is now the Marquis of Zhongwu. The fifth prince's biological mother, He, was the youngest biological sister of the Marquis of Zhongwu and held the position of noble concubine.

The He family and the Yu family are old friends. When they were young, Yu Qing and he learned riding and shooting from the same master, so they were considered to be from the same school.

Because of his mother's family background, the Fifth Prince preferred martial arts to literature. His political talents were mediocre, but his skills were exceptional. He had a broad face, regular features, and an easygoing personality, holding himself above his fellow soldiers. Of all the royal relatives, he was the closest to Yu Qing, so Yu Qing offered him a toast.

"My cousin refused to come today. I guess she's crying at home. She's been blaming my uncle and aunt these days. Why didn't you ask for an imperial decree for her when you were in Beijing during the New Year? Now it's useless to ask for it. I never thought you would get married so soon." Xie Tingchen said.

Marquis Zhongwu had a daughter who was five or six years younger than Yu Qing. It was said that she had admired Yu Qing since she was young. The He family also wanted to marry her, but Yu Qing politely rejected their idea.

Yu Qing smiled and said, "I didn't expect it to happen so soon. Miss He is so beautiful, she will definitely find a good match."

Ordinary people have wedding night disturbances at home, so of course no one would make trouble at the wedding of the Marquis's Mansion.

After receiving several rounds of congratulations, Yu Qing just drank a few glasses. The banquet ended in the evening, and the guests each took a carriage back to the house. It was time for Yu Qing to return to his room to accompany the princess.

After getting married, the princess had her own mansion. When Princess Qingjia came of age, she was also given a house to use as her residence.

The courtyard was not large and had been unused for many years. Qingjia was weak at the time and it was not convenient for her to talk about marriage, so the princess's mansion was not renovated for a long time, and the queen seemed to have forgotten about it and never mentioned it again.

The engagement was too urgent this time, and there was no time to renovate the princess's mansion, so after discussion at that time, Qingjia was allowed to live directly in the marquis's mansion. After all, the Yu family was not a poor family's son-in-law, and they had a title, so they would not humiliate the princess's status.

The Xuanbei Marquis's Mansion has a small population. The Marquis has only one wife, two sons and one daughter. One son died young and the daughter is already married, leaving only Yu Qing, the prince.

Most of the mansion was vacant. Yu Qing marked out the widest and most open courtyard at the back and renovated it for Princess Qingjia to live in. He planned to slowly build some pavilions and waterside terraces in the future.

The courtyard had not been named, as she planned to let Princess Qingjia come up with the name herself after she got married.

The cool evening breeze made Yu Qing inexplicably nervous. She asked the servant beside her, "Do I smell of alcohol?"

The servant sniffed his nose and said, "It's not serious. I just came from the banquet, so it's inevitable that I got some."

Yu Qing thought about it and felt that it was inappropriate. He could not lose his manners in front of the princess again.

"I have to pack up before I go see the princess."