Chapter 65. Chapter 65. They say I seduced you. I really am...

She could use being full as an excuse during the day, but it had been more than an hour since dinner, and she hadn't eaten anything. She had also been under Song's watchful eye the whole time, so there was no way to hide it from her now.

The thought of the consequences if Song found out sent chills down her spine. She felt utterly ashamed and worried.

A smile played on her lips as she hesitated, unsure of what to say, when Yingui stepped forward and softly reported, "Madam, the young lady's sleep has become increasingly poor these past few years; she wakes up at the slightest noise at night. I'm afraid..."

She hesitated and didn't continue.

Song noticed Bai Xuerou's hesitation and was just wondering when she heard Yingui's words. She was immediately filled with heartache.

“You silly child, how come I’ve never heard you mention something like this before?” she said, pulling Bai Xuerou aside.

Bai Xuerou didn't expect Yin Gui to say that, but what she said wasn't untrue. Indeed, for a long time, she was very easily startled awake.

But that was when Ling Zheng was planning a marriage alliance.

Regardless, this ordeal was finally over. Bai Xuerou supported her mother and said with a smile, "Mother, it's nothing serious. Yingui and the others took good care of me, and I rested quite well."

“Yingui and the others are all good,” said Madam Song, “but what you’re doing isn’t right. What did the doctor say?”

"The doctor didn't say much, just prescribed some calming medicine. I'm not going to drink that bitter medicine," Bai Xuerou said with a smile.

Although Bai Xuerou had tried to downplay it, Madam Song could still tell that it was a heartache. Naturally, she thought of all the messy things that had happened before, and felt even more sorry for her. She pulled Bai Xuerou aside and asked her a lot of questions, but didn't mention sleeping together again.

Seeing that it was getting late, she told Bai Xuerou to get some rest and then left.

I'll be busy tomorrow too.

Bai Xuerou finally breathed a sigh of relief after seeing him outside.

The courtyard gate closed, and Bai Xuerou led the people back. After taking a deep breath, she praised Yingui and said, "Thanks to you, otherwise I really don't know what to say."

Yingui chuckled and said, "This servant was just quick-witted."

"No matter what, you've helped me, so I'll reward you with half a year's salary," Bai Xuerou said with a smile.

She wasn't short of money and was usually very generous, but she rarely gave rewards. After all, the kindness of one's birth mother could breed resentment, and she didn't want anyone to take her generosity for granted.

Yingui immediately smiled and said, "Thank you, Master."

As they spoke, they entered the dormitory. Bai Xuerou walked in, feeling too shaken from what had just happened. Now, all she wanted to do was find a place to sit down and rest for a while.

But as soon as they entered the room, they saw someone sitting on the long couch.

"When did you arrive?" Bai Xuerou was not surprised to see Ling Xun.

According to custom, unmarried couples should not meet for half a month before the wedding, but Ling Xun was so clingy that she couldn't get rid of him no matter what she did, and after a few times, she gave up.

Now, I've gotten used to seeing people.

She would even think of him sometimes during the day, feeling like something was missing.

“I just arrived. My sister was seeing off our teacher’s wife. I heard you talking about rewards. What’s going on?” Ling Xun asked.

He knew that Bai Xuerou did not usually bestow rewards easily.

Bai Xuerou didn't hide anything and walked over in a few steps. Ling Xun stood up, put his arm around her shoulder and sat down together. After listening to her tell the whole story, he couldn't help but laugh and say, "Then she deserves a reward."

As he spoke, he gently placed his hand on her stomach.

"The little guy has grown so much already," he said contentedly.

With your beloved in your arms, and carrying his child, there is nothing more perfect in the world.

Bai Xuerou couldn't help but reach out and cover Ling Xun's hand, saying, "How are your arrangements going?"

Three months is not a period that can be easily erased.

"Everything in Tangshan has been arranged," Ling Xun said. "We'll set off after the wedding."

Tangshan, which is not far from Chang'an, is not close either. It has hot springs and has been a place for nobles to spend the winter since ancient times.

Ling Xun asked the emperor for the temporary palace in Tangshan and made arrangements for it well in advance.

“I’m afraid that if we make a move, someone else will want to go with us,” Bai Xuerou said.

It wasn't that she was overthinking it; nowadays, many aristocratic families in Chang'an liked to imitate the behavior of these two as a way of showing closeness. If they knew that the two were going to Tangshan for the winter, someone would definitely go with them.

"It's alright, we'll just say we're newlyweds and don't want to be disturbed," Ling Xun said gently.

He didn't want to send anyone; who could go?

Moreover, Ling Xun had other plans.

“It doesn’t matter if someone goes.” Ling Xun’s voice was soft but clear in Bai Xuerou’s ear. “I have made a disguise Gu that can make others look like you. When the time comes, I will find someone with a similar appearance to show up a few times and dispel their thoughts.”

"There are such Gu worms?" Bai Xuerou asked in surprise.

“Of course, the Gu worms in Miao territory are incredibly diverse. My mother and I learned some of them before, and in recent years I have been intentionally exploring them and have mastered quite a few more,” Ling Xun said.

Hearing him mention Aunt Ge, Bai Xue Rou's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't help but worry that he would bring up the fact that she and Aunt Ge were entangled. Fortunately, Ling Xun didn't mention it. After chatting for a few more minutes, she slowly fell asleep and finally felt relieved.

But since it's still so elusive, there's always a sense of unease.

Ling Xun held her in his arms, a smile playing on his lips. He found Bai Xue Rou, who had been so cautious just moments before, quite adorable.

Now that things have come to this, he can guess the general idea.

Back then, Ling Zheng felt that the poison was strange, and he couldn't quite see it. He even doubted whether he was seeing things. Now that he thinks about it, the poison must have been made by his mother.

The conflict between Bai Xuerou and her mother likely stemmed from this.

It was quite amusing to tease his sister like that, but seeing Bai Xue Rou's unease made Ling Xun feel sorry for her. He thought to himself that he would find an opportunity to talk to Bai Xue Rou about this later.

Two people in love need secrets, but some secrets don't.

On the sixth day of the ninth lunar month, the Prince of Zhenbei held his wedding.

The vast city of Chang'an was engulfed in celebration.

The wedding ceremony was held at dusk, while the bride was picked up in the afternoon.

But Bai Xue Rou was busy all day, taking a bath, changing clothes, and doing her makeup. Everyone was busy, and it seemed like a long time had passed, but it also seemed like only a blink of an eye before it was already afternoon.

There was a commotion outside.

The wedding party has arrived.

Bai Hanwen put the groom in a difficult position, but fortunately Ling Xun was prepared and was able to overcome all obstacles to meet Bai Xuerou.

She was wearing a red wedding dress and holding a round fan to cover her face, but after hearing his voice, she gently lowered the fan, revealing a pair of smiling eyes.

Ling Xun couldn't help but laugh as well.

Song coughed lightly, and seeing Bai Xuerou's ears turn red, she couldn't help but smile with a mixture of helplessness and doting.

She was extremely reluctant to part with her daughter, but looking at the tall and excessively handsome young man in front of her, she still handed her daughter's hand to him.

She recited a blessing, hoping that her daughter would be safe and happy, have a smooth life, and be free from worries and sorrows.

Ling Xun reached out and took it, his movements as careful as if he were receiving a priceless treasure.

"Don't worry, Madam," he whispered, a smile blooming on his usually calm and reserved face as he looked at Madam Song.

How could Song Shi be at ease? She was filled with countless worries, but at this moment, looking at Ling Xun, she still managed a smile.

My only wish is that my two children can always live in harmony and happiness.

Finally, the bride was picked up, and the carriage carrying her returned. The wedding procession beat drums and gongs, expressing the joy of the hosts.

Some people also give out wedding candy and money, and those who receive it naturally reciprocate by throwing out congratulatory messages without hesitation.

Bai Xuerou sat in the car, her eyes sparkling with a smile.

She looked ahead, but through the carriage door, she couldn't see Ling Xun. However, she could imagine what he looked like; she had seen him sitting high on his horse countless times.

A young prodigy, full of vigor and spirit, his handsome appearance is captivating.

After much knocking and banging, they finally arrived at the Prince of Zhenbei's residence.

The master of ceremonies followed, and the two proceeded step by step according to the proper order of the wedding ceremony. When the fan was finally removed and Bai Xuerou was clearly seen, the onlookers were stunned.

It's so beautiful.

Her hair was cloud-like and her face was beautiful; she was a beauty of unparalleled grace.

Looking again at the Prince of Zhenbei, his eyes were filled with the person in front of him, and anyone who saw it could tell that he loved her very much.

Ling Xun handed Bai Xuerou a wine glass, which contained only honey water.

The two turned to face the guests and accepted their congratulations.

The palace staff had prepared an imperial edict to confer the title of Princess Consort of Zhenbei long ago, but with the Prince of Zhenbei in charge, no one dared to utter the words "proclaim the edict." The eunuch simply presented the edict to Ling Xun with utmost respect.

Ling Xun unfolded the document and glanced at it, then cupped his hands in a gesture of respect towards the imperial city, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Everyone says that the Prince of Zhenbei is extremely arrogant, but his arrogance is justified. If he were to become obsequious at his level, he would only be looked down upon.

This is not the same dynasty that revered ancient rituals.

Ling Xun and Bai Xuerou served the guests for a while, then Ling Xun took his leave and escorted Bai Xuerou to her bridal chamber to rest.

Chonghua Academy.

This courtyard was built by Ling Xun after Bai Xue Rou moved out. It is located in the central courtyard and includes the original back courtyard, main courtyard, Huiyin Courtyard, as well as many other places on the left, right, and front. Only Zhiwei Courtyard, where Bai Xue Rou usually lived, was left unchanged, but it was also included in it, making it a courtyard within a courtyard.

The entire courtyard occupies almost the center of the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion and is the largest courtyard in the mansion.

Because of the urgency, Ling Xun gathered most of the craftsmen in Chang'an and completed most of the courtyard in just half a month. After that, he focused on refining it.

It took three months to finally complete this magnificent courtyard, a place of exquisite buildings and jade palaces that resembled a fairyland.

Ling Xun and Bai Xuerou had mentioned the details, but while they were touched by hearing about it, they were not as shocked as they were by witnessing it firsthand.

It's so beautiful, almost everything about it pleases Bai Xuerou, and just looking at it makes her feel anticipation.

"Do you like it?" Ling Xun asked.

Bai Xuerou's eyes lit up involuntarily, and she couldn't take her eyes off her. She said confidently, "I like it."

"I'm glad my sister likes it." Ling Xun was happy too.

A red carpet was laid on the ground, and the two walked hand in hand up the steps and into the building.

Upon entering, the first thing that catches the eye is the four-season screen, depicting spring, summer, autumn, and winter, as well as plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums. Beyond that are layers of curtains, glittering with jewels, and elegant and exquisite in every detail.

The interior layout was similar to the Zhiwei Courtyard where Bai Xuerou had lived before, but it was more luxurious.

Go east, then through the small garden, and you'll find the living quarters.

Although it was for living quarters, it was in no way smaller than the area for receiving guests. This was her and Ling Xun's private space.

The servants stopped outside, and only two personal attendants followed them in. Only then could Bai Xue Rou finally breathe a sigh of relief. Her straight back softened, and she quickly tried to sit down.

"Quickly, I need to sit down and lean back for a while, my back hurts," she whispered.

She was already showing her pregnancy, but with such a big event as her wedding and so many people watching, she couldn't afford to lose her composure. She kept her back straight and carefully protected her belly. After a while, she felt exhausted all over.

Ling Xun hurriedly tried to help her up, and as soon as he reached out, he bent down and picked her up.

"Oh!" Bai Xuerou exclaimed softly, but quickly calmed down, reached out and hugged his shoulder, and said reproachfully, "You scared me."

Ling Xun just laughed and argued, "It seems I didn't hold her enough. If I had held her more, she wouldn't have been scared."

"Lies." Bai Xuerou snorted lightly, patted him gently, and said, "You're getting more and more dishonest."

Ling Xun chuckled, and as he spoke, they arrived at the long couch. He carefully put her down and placed a soft pillow beside her so she could lean against it.

"Is this comfortable?" He carefully adjusted his position.

"Okay." Bai Xuerou reached out and fiddled with it herself.

Ling Xun then sat down beside her, holding her hand tightly, reluctant to let go.

Bai Xuerou felt a heaviness in her body and called for someone to remove her hair ornament.

Ling Xun wanted to help, but was worried about hurting Bai Xue Rou, so he just watched from the side and then helped remove the hairpin.

After going there, Bai Xuerou immediately felt much more relaxed.

She wanted to change her clothes too, but Ling Xun was still there, so she urged him, "You should go out now, there are still many guests, I'll rest for a while."

Bai Xuerou didn't want to linger too long, otherwise who knew what those people outside would speculate? They might even think the two of them were infatuated.

Perhaps there's also how she seduced Ling Xun?

Bai Xuerou smiled as she thought about it.

"I'll be there in a bit," Ling Xun said, then, seeing Bai Xuerou smile, he couldn't help but ask, "What's on your mind, sister-in-law?"

"I'm thinking about those rumors outside, saying that I seduced you. I'm truly innocent," Bai Xuerou said, seemingly unconcerned.