Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Wedding Night
The room was silent, with only the faint sound of the white porcelain clepsydra.
"What are you planning, Your Highness?" After a long pause, Jiang Hexue raised his gaze, his eyes distant and alert, yet filled with the determination of a warrior ready to die. "I will do my best."
Shen Qingchen was not surprised by her reaction. He took a sip of tea slowly and still didn't put on airs with her: "Think about it?"
"...You just said that Qingyuan brought the princess to the court?" Jiang Hexue pondered for a moment before coming up with an answer. "The person they chose as their chosen marriage partner is you?"
Chen Qingchen nodded: "It's exhausting to deal with a noble lady from an aristocratic family. Your current family background does not involve the power of the court, and you and I have known each other for a long time. It is more comfortable than a blind marriage."
Jiang Hexue pursed her lips tightly.
If she had the identity of Princess Heng'an, she could meet Princess Rongchang in person just for the sake of casual conversation.
For her, this is a sure-win business.
Shen Qingchen only needs a nominal princess, and then pretend to be affectionate in front of others. If she wants to get married in the future, she will never be able to find a husband with a more noble family background and a quieter house than Shen Qingchen.
What's more, at this moment, he can indeed solve her urgent problem - the only person who can solve her urgent problem.
Most importantly...
Jiang Hexue raised her eyes, her gaze swept across his thick dark eyebrows, tall nose, and finally landed on his thin lips of light crimson color.
Although he has a cold personality, he is really born to suit her taste.
Five or six years ago, when his facial features were still young, she particularly liked his appearance.
Otherwise, if an ordinary young man came to stay at the Marquis of Zhenbei's mansion, she would definitely not even take a second look at him, let alone take the initiative to get close to him.
Now, after not seeing each other for many years, the young man, who had already reached adulthood, had shed his boyish innocence and became more noble and aloof. Compared to all the wear-and-tears she had in her youth, his skin was now delicate and beautiful, with no imperfections in it.
"You might as well tell me your criteria for choosing a son-in-law." Mohele spoke.
He stroked the ribs of the white jade folding fan again. His skin seemed even colder and whiter than the jade. His fingers were slender, and the blue veins could be vaguely seen.
"My standards for choosing a husband are similar to those of other women in the world." Jiang Hexue already knew the answer, and since he asked, she explained gently. "First, his family background must be good. Even if he's noble, he can't expect me to subsidize him. Your Highness is second to none, so there's nothing wrong with that."
"Secondly, the mother-in-law and the sisters-in-law are gentle and polite, and they get along well. Your Highness has established his own residence, while the Empress Dowager and the Imperial Concubine both live in the palace, which is also impeccable."
"Third, my husband is reliable and loyal, and my harem is peaceful and quiet..."
"There have never been any maids in the Heng'an Palace, let alone concubines." Before she finished speaking, she listened to Shen Qingchen's explanation. "Don't worry."
"I know. Besides, you don't have to tell me." Jiang Hexue's lips curled slightly. "It's just a contract marriage, each taking what they need. I won't interfere with your emotional freedom."
Shen Qingchen's eyelashes drooped slightly, and he did not continue the topic: "Is there anything else?"
"The last one is just something I personally value." Jiang Hexue noticed his distraction and, unable to figure out why, continued. "The appearance must be excellent..."
Before she could finish her words, she saw the young man in front of her raise his face and curl his lips.
He rarely smiled so obviously. This time, the corners of his peach blossom eyes drooped slightly, his amber pupils were light, clear and gentle, his lips, moistened by the tea, were rosy, and the corners of his lips were raised in a cold arc.
She was stunned for a moment.
At this moment, Shen Qingchen spoke softly. "So do you think I meet your standards?"
"If you meet the criteria, how about marrying me?"
His voice was as clear as a cold winter spring, but this time it had a hint of coaxing, and the ending tone was suppressed and soft, like the wings of a young bird sweeping across the heart.
It's light and itchy, with a strange softness to it.
Jiang Hexue was stunned for no reason and didn't respond to him for a while.
"Is it okay?" In front of him, Shen Qingchen's voice became softer and softer, with a radiant smile. "Is it okay?"
As they looked at each other, Jiang Hexue had only one last thought in his mind.
If they get married, she can hug such a beautiful person, kiss her... and sleep with her.
Not only is it a sure win, she is actually making a fortune.
There was no reason for her not to do this deal.
-
As my thoughts were flowing, the wedding sedan stopped.
The bright red curtain of the sedan chair was lifted, and sunlight poured in from the gap. Shen Qingchen, who leaned in, gently held her forearm.
"Hold on to me," he said gently. "There are tiles on the ground. I'll step on them so you can walk more steadily."
When the newlyweds step on the broken tiles, it means "peace and happiness".
The red silk was placed in his palm and wrapped around his wrist. Jiang Hexue helped him get out of the sedan chair.
The red tiles shattered with a crisp sound. She stepped on them a few times to please the omen and walked with him to the brazier.
Jumping over the fire basin symbolizes getting rid of bad luck and bringing prosperity. Just as she was about to raise her foot, Shen Qingchen beside her stopped.
Jiang Hexue touched his forearm in confusion, and just as she was about to speak, her body suddenly felt lighter.
The young man beside her actually picked her up and carried her sideways.
Jiang Hexue tried her best to suppress the scream in her throat, and hugged his neck tightly, saying softly: "What are you doing?"
"The fire is burning too brightly. I'll hold you."
He strode over the brazier with great speed, still showing no intention of letting her go, and carried her straight into the main hall.
This is extremely unconventional.
"Put me down." Jiang Hexue scratched the side of his neck. "If the guests see it, they'll say it's you who's wrong."
"Whatever you want." Shen Qingchen's voice was so cold that it didn't sound like a groom on his wedding day.
Pianjiang Hexue was wearing an elaborate wedding dress and could not argue with him. She remained silent for a moment, then heard the guests whispering in shock.
Even the best man did not say a word for a moment. He watched Shen Qingchen put her down in front of the hall, then he raised his voice and shouted: "Bow to heaven and earth——"
"Two bows to the parents—"
"Husband and wife bow to each other—"
"The ceremony is over, send her to the bridal chamber—"
The matchmaker hurried forward to help Jiang Hexue up, and the group of people went to the bridal chamber in a lively atmosphere.
From morning till nightfall, the complicated rituals are finally completed.
As soon as he sat on the wedding bed, Jiang Hexue completely lost all his energy.
Fang twisted her neck, which was sore from the weight of the phoenix crown, and the nanny beside her sternly reminded her, "Princess, the Queen Mother has instructed you to observe etiquette."
Jiang Hexue stopped trying to kick off her wedding shoes and responded.
"This humble servant's name is Zhang," Nanny Zhang said, her voice a bit gentler. "I previously cared for Your Highness, and now I am here to serve you by the Empress Dowager's order."
Serving? It could be considered surveillance.
Jiang Hexue snorted in dissatisfaction, but the one who sent someone was Shen Qingchen's mother, so she couldn't say anything else.
"Your Highness, may you live forever." Nanny Zhang seemed about to say something else when she suddenly spoke in surprise. "Why are you…"
"Recognize your current master." Shen Qingchen said coldly. "The princess has no shortage of servants. If you can't figure it out, go back to Kunning Palace."
Nanny Zhang nodded in agreement.
The cool fragrance of cedar approached, and Jiang Hexue raised the corner of his lips slightly: "Your Highness, why are you back so early?"
"I'm worried, so I came to take a look first." Shen Qingchen's voice was a little gentler than when he talked to her about marriage that day. "It will probably take another two hours. You can take off the phoenix crown first and have some dinner."
"If you feel tired, change your clothes and rest first. I'll send someone to call you over a cup of tea in advance."
Nanny Zhang hesitated several times before finally speaking: "Your Highness, this is inappropriate..."
"Go out, and return to the palace after the banquet."
"Your Highness!"
"Someone come."
There was a noise, and Nanny Zhang was dragged out of the room without any explanation, and the bridal chamber became quiet.
Jiang Hexue laughed out loud and demanded, "I want some crispy pork in sour soup and some mushrooms and cabbage."
"I also want a bowl of rice and a pot of grape water. I'm so hungry."
Shen Qingchen also seemed to chuckle and sent a servant to the kitchen to give instructions.
"Your Highness, please act like a princess," he instructed, then whispered, "The wedding banquet is long. Do you need someone to come in and chat with you?"
Jiang Hexue smiled knowingly and said, "I want Rongchang to accompany me."
"After dinner, send someone to call her." He really agreed.
Hearing that he had left the house, Jiang Hexue immediately lifted her veil, asked her maid to take off her phoenix crown for her, then kicked off her wedding shoes and fell on the couch.
There was a hot water bottle in the quilt. She put her hand into it and sighed with comfort. She rolled back into the couch until she was hit by the red dates and peanuts on the couch and had to get up listlessly.
Fortunately, dinner was brought into the house in time, and she had no time to act out. She put on her bright red slippers and went to eat.
The chefs at the Heng'an Palace also catered to her taste. There was no trace of coriander or pepper in the dishes, and even the grapes used in the recipe were her favorite green grapes.
Jiang Hexue happily finished his dinner and sent someone to the front hall to inform Princess Rongchang.
-
All the maids in the outer hall have been sent away.
Princess Rongchang walked into the room gracefully. She was wearing an elegant silk dress, but she was only in her teens, with soft and charming eyes.
She stopped Jiang Hexue from bowing and said softly, "Auntie, there's no need to be so formal."
Jiang Hexue stood up with a smile and pulled out a soft chair for her.
"Rongchang thanks the Imperial Aunt." Shen Chuning sat down leisurely, sipping tea and looking at her with a curved lip.
The young woman opposite was wearing a bright red silk dress, her hair still in the tangled bun she wore before her wedding. Her pair of phoenix eyes, as purple as night, were raised like hooks, and her manners were naturally charming and delicate. Her eyes were moving and captivating.
"Princess, you have been staring at me. Do you think I look familiar?" The young girl couldn't hide her thoughts. Jiang Hexue saw the emotion in her eyes and raised her lips.
Shen Chuning pursed her lips slightly and said, "Rongchang, please tell me the name of the imperial aunt."
"My last name is Jiang, and my maiden name is Hexue." Jiang Hexue acted as if she was just chatting. "The 'He' in 'idle clouds and wild cranes,' and the 'Xue' in 'wild streams,' 'lonely' on the branches outside the snow." [1]
The teaspoon in Shen Chuning's hand touched the rim of the cup, and the shock in her eyes was not concealed: "Auntie Huang recognizes Zhu Qiu?"
"I happened to hear His Highness mention it." Jiang Hexue took a sip of tea nonchalantly. "Maybe."
Shen Chu Ning, however, pursed her lips tightly, her beautiful eyebrows slightly furrowed.
Jiang Hexue looked at her with interest: "I thought the princess would continue to talk about something else."
"For example, Zhu Qiu's real name is Jiang Heye?"
"Yes." Shen Chuning nodded calmly.
Jiang Hexue let out a barely perceptible sigh of relief.
However, in front of him, Shen Chuning's voice became softer: "Rongchang doesn't know how to continue talking to the Queen Aunt..."
"When Zhuqiu and Rongchang discussed names, they used the same words as the imperial aunt, and they looked exactly like her."
"He is indeed looking for his relatives."
"But he told Rongchang..."
"He is the only son in the family and has no brothers or sisters."
-
Jiang Hexue sat back on the bed in the bedroom like a doll.
The bright red curtain was hung with golden bells, which turned into a formless and dazzling golden light in her eyes.
"Princess." The maid's respectful voice brought her back to her senses. "His Highness has sent a message. Please return to your room after a cup of tea."
Yes, the wedding day, the wedding night.
Jiang Hexue forced herself to cheer up, and her maid helped her to dress up neatly. She covered herself with a veil and sat back on the couch.
"The groom is here—"
The author has something to say:
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"1" is from "The Immediate Event", Song Fangyue [Let Me Kang Kang]
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