Chapter 7: She was now ready to embrace this marriage that had already been arranged.
Yun Sheng stared in surprise at the bronze mirror, her heart still pounding wildly in her chest.
She blinked, examined her face from left to right, and asked in a daze, "Changyu, have you ever specifically learned how to draw eyebrows for women?"
Xiao Xu said, "No, why would I learn this skill for no reason?"
"Then how did you draw it so well?" Yun Sheng couldn't help but lean closer to take another look.
She was used to being waited on and rarely did anything herself. Just now, she was thinking of having Xiao Xu make a model so that she could draw it herself. She knew that it would not be as good as Cui Zhu's drawing. In the end, she still had to secretly call Cui Zhu into the room to draw it for her again.
However, at this moment, the eyebrows in the mirror were shaped like distant mountains shrouded in mist, with just the right amount of thickness and clear, neat outline. Compared with the makeup done by Cuizhu, they were not inferior at all, and even added a touch of ease and grandeur.
She could hardly believe that this was Xiao Xu's first attempt at writing.
Xiao Xu slowly put the eyebrow pencil back, his fingers brushing over the sachet again.
With a click, Yun Sheng looked down and saw that Xiao Xu had closed the drawer.
Her heart skipped a beat, and his words echoed in her ears again. For no reason, she wondered if he had deliberately left the drawer open.
The thought of her hastily averting her gaze from the sachet made Yun Sheng suddenly look up, meeting his calm, dark eyes once more.
Xiao Xu didn't seem surprised to meet her gaze. He smiled and said, "It's the same principle as painting. It's just outlining the contours. If you're calm, your hand will be steady."
His gaze lingered on her face, making Yun Sheng's ears burn slightly, and her earlier doubts were dispelled.
Well, he was calm and composed, with a steady hand and a calm mind, unaware that she was so nervous her heart was practically pounding out of her chest.
Since Xiao Xu didn't have the sachet his newlywed wife had given him to wear today, he asked Yun Sheng to choose a jade pendant for him.
Yun Sheng's gaze swept over the dazzling array of ornaments, and she finally chose a mutton-fat white jade pendant.
Xiao Xu was dressed in a dark-colored casual robe with subtle patterns, and a jade belt around his waist. He exuded a noble and composed air. The jade pendant was made of warm and smooth material, with only cloud patterns outlining the edges. It was simple and unadorned, which matched his temperament perfectly. At this moment, it hung on his dark waist belt, with a clear contrast between black and white, adding a touch of gentle elegance to his cool demeanor.
Is it pretty?
Yun Sheng stared at the jade pendant, nodding and murmuring, "It's beautiful."
Xiao Xu was not only handsome, but also had refined taste. His clothes and accessories were not elaborate, but all of them were exquisite. He did not need to dress up deliberately, but his low-key demeanor exuded an indisputable nobility. How could he not look good?
However, after speaking, there was no response for a long time. Yun Sheng looked up in confusion and saw Xiao Xu looking at her with a smile.
Why are you looking at her like that again? You keep staring at her.
Yun Sheng couldn't help but feel her face burning, and she couldn't help but sense a different meaning in his words just now.
I don't know if he was teasing me on purpose or what.
Not to be outdone, Yun Sheng kept her gaze fixed on him and softly added, "I'm not just talking about the jade pendant."
Xiao Xu's eyes narrowed slightly, and a rare look of bewilderment appeared on his face as he unexpectedly saw her blushing as she spoke to him in this manner.
Seeing him turn his eyes away, Yun Sheng couldn't help but curl up her lips, her eyes shining with a hint of smugness.
Xiao Xu didn't look back, but reached out and took her hand precisely: "Let's go, it's time to serve tea."
The servants waiting outside saw their two masters walk out of the house hand in hand. They all lowered their heads, pursed their lips, and smirked. Some couldn't help but look up curiously, but quickly glanced at them before looking down again.
Yun Sheng noticed this, and awkwardly pulled her hand away.
Xiao Xu asked, "What's wrong, Sheng Sheng?"
Yun Sheng choked, seeing his calm and natural demeanor, she couldn't help but feel that her struggling movements were pretentious.
She relaxed her fingers, which rested softly in his palm. She was still a little unaccustomed to it, but she tried her best to ignore the feeling. She tilted her head back and spoke to him softly to distract herself: "Nothing, is there anything I need to pay extra attention to later?"
Xiao Xu did not answer immediately. He subtly tightened his jaw, suppressing some inexplicable emotional fluctuations, before calmly saying, "You know that Mother likes you very much. Don't be nervous, just be as you were before."
Upon hearing this, Yun Sheng nodded knowingly without giving it much thought, feeling relieved.
Princess Zhao was naturally satisfied with this daughter-in-law. From the initial scheme to have Xiao Xu meet someone at the Lotus Banquet, to later shifting her target without hesitation when she heard that Yun Sheng had taken a liking to Xiao Ling, it was clear that as long as Yun Sheng could become her daughter-in-law, the young girl would be happy with whichever of her sons she had.
Although there have been many twists and turns, she has finally achieved her wish and is sitting in the main hall of Rende Hall early today, waiting to see her daughter-in-law.
The Zhaowang Mansion was one of the eight hereditary princely titles established during the founding of the Great Yan Dynasty. The ancestors of the Zhaowang Mansion followed the founding emperor in his military campaigns and made outstanding contributions, making the family exceptionally distinguished.
Prince Zhao, Xiao Qingchuan, never took a concubine. The upper courtyard only had one wife, Princess Shen Yuewan. The household was simple, quiet, and orderly, which was one of the reasons why the Yun family was very satisfied with this marriage.
Upon arriving at Rende Hall, a group of people were waiting in front of the courtyard gate. Granny Wenxin instructed a maid to go in and report, while she led the rest of the group forward with great joy to pay their respects.
At this moment, children were playing in the hall, and Shen Yuewan was sitting casually in the seat of honor, with one hand supporting her chin and the other hand resting in front of her.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, the Crown Prince and his wife have arrived."
Upon hearing the report, Shen Yuewan immediately sat up.
A pretty woman standing nearby quickly called out in a low voice, "Lan'er, come here quickly, the bride and groom are here."
Upon hearing his name called, the child ran towards his mother with a beaming smile, shouting that he wanted to see the bride.
Yun Sheng heard the shouts from outside the door and couldn't help but look at Xiao Xu.
Xiao Xu told her, "He is my second brother's only son, named Yonglan."
Yun Sheng knew that the second young master of the Zhao Prince's Mansion had gotten married early, but she didn't know that his child was already running and making a fuss.
A moment later, two figures walked side by side through the main entrance of Rende Hall, drawing the attention of everyone in the hall.
Yun Sheng felt tense and awkwardly tried to pull her hand away, but her fingers were pinched lightly and she couldn't break free.
She got married yesterday, and this man pinched her like that again.
Suddenly, she heard him ask in a low voice, "Sheng Sheng, are you nervous?"
Yun Sheng glanced at him quickly.
His tone was just as it had been when they were chatting inside the house; how could she possibly answer him now?
Yun Sheng ignored him, struggled a bit, and finally managed to pull her hand away from his grasp. Then she respectfully bowed to the two people seated in the hall.
"The daughter-in-law greets her father and mother."
Shen Yuewan had never looked away from the couple since they entered the hall, so she naturally noticed their little interactions.
She quickly said in a friendly tone, "Sheng Sheng, there's no need for such formalities. Please get up."
Before his mother could speak, Xiao Xu had already supported Yun Sheng's arm to prevent her from bending too low.
Yun Sheng straightened up, and Shen Yuewan called out again, "Sheng Sheng, raise your head and let your mother take a good look at you."
Yun Sheng raised her head with dignified composure as instructed.
Shen Yuewan's eyes shone with undisguised joy; the more she looked, the more pleased she became.
When Yun Sheng saw Shen Yuewan, her heart was also filled with turmoil.
No matter how many times she saw it, she couldn't help but marvel at this face that had been blessed by time.
She is stunningly beautiful and elegant, and even in her forties, her charm remains undiminished, making her even more captivating than young women.
Xiao Xu's appearance was a direct result of this beauty, which is why he was born with such a refined and elegant demeanor.
The maidservant brought the tray to Yun Sheng's side.
Yun Sheng brought a cup of tea and offered it to King Zhao first: "Father, please have some tea."
Xiao Qingchuan exuded an aura of dignified authority honed on the battlefield, appearing imposing and dignified. However, at this moment, due to his daughter-in-law's gentle and respectful manner, his stern expression softened slightly. He deftly took the teacup, tilted his head back, and drank a large gulp.
Xiao Qingchuan put down his teacup and looked intently at Xiao Xu: "Changyu, you are now married. From now on, you must be even more disciplined in your words and deeds, setting an example for the entire household. You must continue to pay your respects to your family morning and evening without neglecting your duties. Manage the household diligently and do not indulge in pleasure..."
Before she could finish speaking, Shen Yuewan raised her hand and gently stroked Xiao Qingchuan's hand, suppressing his words: "On such a joyous occasion, Your Highness should refrain from such old-fashioned talk."
Xiao Qingchuan's expression froze, then he cleared his throat awkwardly and grasped his wife's hand in return: "Alright, alright, I won't say anything more."
Yun Sheng was slightly taken aback and couldn't help but look up curiously. The interaction between the majestic Prince Zhao and the delicate Princess Zhao seemed to be different from what she had originally imagined.
Without thinking too much, she steadily picked up the teacup and respectfully offered it to Shen Yuewan: "Mother, please have some tea."
Shen Yuewan shook off Xiao Qingchuan, smiled as she took the teacup, took a sip, and said to Xiao Xu, "Changyu, from now on, take your wife as a mirror, protect and love her. The most important thing for a couple is to be of one mind. Sheng Sheng's happiness is your top priority."
Xiao Qingchuan's expression darkened slightly as he whispered to his wife, "Isn't this a bit old-fashioned?"
Shen Yuewan didn't even glance at him, still staring straight at her eldest son.
Xiao Xu calmly cupped his hands in greeting: "Your son will remember."
After serving tea, Shen Yuewan openly wrapped Yun Sheng in a thick red envelope and handed her a sandalwood brocade box, its surface carved with fine lines and its surface warm to the touch.
"This is a small gift from your mother. Take a look when you get back." She gently patted Yun Sheng's hand, her eyes filled with a gentle smile.
Then Xiao Min and his wife Liu Xian solemnly bowed to Xiao Xu and Yun Sheng. The young child also said in a childish voice, "Greetings to Uncle and Aunt."
The relatives in the hall were chatting and laughing, but one person was missing, and no one mentioned him at all.
Yun Sheng had already been pulled to sit down next to Shen Yuewan, keeping a slight distance between herself and Xiao Xu.
Shen Yuewan smiled and said, "Sheng Sheng, do you know that Chang Yu has known you for a long time? I never thought that he, who is usually so aloof, would take the initiative to tell me that he met a very nice girl that day. Now that you have become a couple, I am truly happy."
Yun Sheng was stunned; she truly knew nothing about it.
In her memory, that time in the side hall of the Spring Banquet was the only time she ever crossed paths with Xiao Xu.
Whether Shen Yuewan said this intentionally because of the unexpected changes in their marriage, she couldn't help but turn her head to look at Xiao Xu.
However, Xiao Xu seemed to be distracted, lost in thought, his face dark and somber.
He only snapped out of his daze when he noticed the gaze beside him, his expression returning to calm as he met Yun Sheng's eyes.
But he obviously didn't hear what he just said, and Yun Sheng was too embarrassed to look at him for too long in front of others, so she quickly looked away.
After a cup of tea, Xiao Qingchuan summoned Xiao Xu and Xiao Min to a side hall for a talk.
Lan Ge'er's clear laughter echoed from the courtyard, with Liu Xian standing not far away.
Only Yun Sheng and Shen Yuewan remained in the hall, sitting opposite each other, with wisps of tea smoke rising from the table.
Shen Yuewan glanced subtly toward the side hall, which Yun Sheng noticed.
Yun Sheng deduced from Shen Yuewan's expression that the father and his two sons had probably gone to discuss matters concerning Xiao Ling.
After two busy days, apart from the time she spent waiting in the bridal chamber, Yun Sheng rarely had a moment to think about the man who was supposed to be her husband, but who ran away from the wedding, causing a major change in her marriage.
When Shen Yuewan looked away, she noticed Yun Sheng's change in mood.
She didn't know if the young couple had discussed the matter openly last night, but she didn't intend to let it go unresolved; she just hadn't had the chance yet.
With no one else around, she reached out and took Yun Sheng's hand, saying softly, "Sheng Sheng, your mother knows you've been wronged. Sanlang's actions are outrageous, and the Zhao Prince's Mansion will not let him off lightly. Once we find him, we will make him apologize to you and the Yun family. Since you and Changyu have already completed your wedding ceremony yesterday, this marriage is a match made in heaven. From now on, you will be the rightful heir apparent of the Zhao Prince's Mansion, and no one will question that."
Yun Sheng had no intention of apologizing or making amends. Since things had come to this point, even if Xiao Ling kowtowed and admitted his mistake, it would not change the situation.
But her wavering heart, which had been wavering for the past two days, strangely settled down at this moment.
Perhaps it was because Shen Yuewan's words were gentle yet firm, or perhaps it was because Xiao Xu had never treated her lightly.
Yun Sheng said softly, "Thank you for your trouble, Mother. I will get along well with Your Highness."
Shen Yuewan smiled and said, "You're already married, why are you still calling me Your Highness?"
Yun Sheng was taken aback, her face instantly flushed, and her voice lowered as she explained softly, "I only said that to my mother; in private... I call Chang Yu."
Shen Yuewan made her blush, but her smile only deepened. She smiled at the blush on her face, her eyes crinkling with delight, and she was increasingly satisfied.
Yun Sheng lowered her eyes slightly, her thoughts swirling.
Her marriage was not as perfect as she had hoped, but she did not want to dwell on the past.
Having cried and been angry, she now faced this marriage with a clear conscience.
Once her mind was settled, Yun Sheng decided to start by getting to know him gradually.
Just then, Shen Yuewan asked with a gentle smile, "Sheng Sheng, have you read the booklet that Wenxin sent you yesterday?"
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Sheng Sheng: Let's get to know each other briefly first.
Princess: Let's do it all at once.
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