Chapter 141 A New Beginning
Pei Yuanzheng slowly closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, there was no hesitation in his eyes, only a resolute determination to go all in.
He turned and walked towards the palace gate, his steps no longer heavy, but rather light and resolute, each step firm and determined.
As night deepened, his figure gradually disappeared at the end of the palace road, leaving only the cold moonlight and the bleak evening wind.
No matter if the road ahead is full of thorns or a bottomless abyss, Pei Yuanzheng will never turn back, never!
That morning, just as dawn was breaking.
The rising sun pierced through the clouds, casting a warm glow that enveloped the entire capital in a festive atmosphere.
The Shen family mansion was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful ribbons, and the sounds of gongs and drums rose and fell. Guests came and went in an endless stream, all dressed in fine clothes and with smiles on their faces.
The scene was lively and festive, filled with the joy and solemnity of the newlyweds.
At this time, Chengqian Palace was already brightly lit, and the palace maids were busy doing Lu Zhaoxing's makeup and dressing.
In the bronze mirror, Lu Zhaoxing wore a bright red wedding dress, a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, surrounded by pearls and jade, which made her skin look as white as snow and her eyebrows and eyes as beautiful as a painting.
However, a faint trace of melancholy lingered in those beautiful eyes, and Lu Zhaoxing couldn't help but recall the image of Pei Yuanzheng leaving a few days ago.
A strange pang of sadness swept through her heart, but it quickly vanished.
"Zhaoxing, the auspicious time is almost here, it's time to get into the sedan chair."
Lu Zhaoxue slowly walked to her side, looking at Lu Zhaoxing in the mirror, her eyes filled with reluctance, but also with a touch of relief.
"I believe that Shen Minghe will treat you well, and the two of you will definitely be happy together in the future."
Lu Zhaoxing slowly came back to her senses, nodded, and said softly, "Sister, I know."
She raised her hand and gently touched the phoenix crown, took a deep breath, and got up to walk towards the door.
The sedan chair bearers were already waiting at the palace gate. The red sedan chair was magnificent, surrounded by palace servants who were watching the excitement, and cries of joy and blessings could be heard all around.
With a shout of "Lift the sedan chair!", the bridal sedan chair was slowly lifted and headed towards the Shen family mansion outside the palace.
The sounds of gongs, drums, and suonas grew louder and louder, and the lively atmosphere infected everyone present.
Lu Zhaoxing sat in the sedan chair, lifted a corner of the chair, and took a deep look at his sister.
Meanwhile, in Pei Yuanzheng's study on the other side of the capital, the atmosphere was completely different from the festive and lively scene outside.
Pei Yuan sat upright at his desk, a secret letter between his fingers, his eyes filled with unfathomable solemnity, and his aura was so cold that no one dared to approach him.
Several sheets of paper were laid out on the table, covered with dense handwriting, each word revealing a calm and decisive mind.
The trusted attendant stood bowing to the side, reporting the situation in a low voice: "My lord, the men have acted according to plan. Once today is over, they can proceed as you command."
Pei Yuanzheng slowly raised his eyes, his gaze devoid of any emotion, only a cold sharpness remained.
His voice was deep and firm: "Proceed according to plan, without any mistakes!"
"Yes, I understand." The attendant bowed, accepted the order, and quietly withdrew.
The study returned to silence, with only the occasional sound of festive gongs and drums coming from outside the window.
The sound of gongs and drums drifted in through the window, creating a stark contrast with the cold silence inside the study.
Pei Yuanzheng raised his hand, picked up the letters on the table one by one, lit the tinderbox, and watched the letters slowly burn in the flames and turn to ashes.
The determination in his eyes grew even stronger.
Pei Yuanzheng knew that the more lively the outside world was, the more calmly he needed to execute his plan.
Today's wedding is not the end, but the beginning of his new life.
Lu Zhaoxing's bridal sedan chair was heading towards the Shen family's residence, while Pei Yuanzheng's scheme had already quietly begun. What would become of them? Only time would tell...
Pei Yuanzheng got up, walked to the window, and opened it. The sound of gongs and drums outside could be clearly heard.
His eyes were filled with deep longing, and he said in his heart, "Zhaoxing, wait for me."
...
As night deepened, the palace lanterns were extinguished one by one, leaving only the windows of Chengqian Palace emitting a hazy, warm light.
Lu Zhaoxue lay on her side on the bed, covered with a soft brocade quilt. Her hand gently rested on her swollen belly, and she was wide awake.
Today is Lu Zhaoxing's wedding day. Logically, I should be overjoyed, but for some reason, I feel a lingering sadness that I can't quite explain.
Her younger sister, whom she had grown up with since childhood, was now married. Even though she knew that Zhaoxing had married a good man, Lu Zhaoxue's reluctance to part with her sister had not diminished in the slightest.
The blankets beside her sank slightly as a warm figure gently approached.
Chu Huaiyu woke up at some point and saw Lu Zhaoxue staring blankly at the top of the tent, wide awake. He stretched out his long arm and carefully pulled her into his embrace.
His palm, warm, rested on Lu Zhaoxue's shoulder.
"Zhaoxue, are you still awake?" Chu Huaiyu's voice carried the languor of someone who had just woken up, yet it was full of concern.
"Are you still thinking about Zhaoxing getting married?"
Lu Zhaoxue nodded gently, her voice slightly hoarse: "I feel a little... sad that Zhaoxing is getting married."
Chu Huaiyu lowered his head, gently touching her forehead to the top of her head, his tone full of reassurance: "Zhaoxue, you are pregnant now, so please don't worry so much, or you'll harm the fetus."
"Your sister's marriage is a great joy. She has found a good match, and you should be happy for her."
Chu Huaiyu paused, then reached out and gently placed his hand on her protruding belly. His palm was pressed against the thin fabric of her clothes, and he could clearly feel the subtle movements of the fetus inside her.
A gentle smile instantly spread across Chu Huaiyu's eyes.
"Besides, after she gets married, if she misses you, she can come to the palace to see you anytime. You two sisters will never really be separated, so why worry so much?"
At that moment, the baby in her womb seemed to sense something and kicked gently.
A faint smile involuntarily appeared on Lu Zhaoxue's lips, and most of the worries in her heart dissipated.
Chu Huaiyu felt the movement under his palm, and the tenderness in his eyes deepened. He said with anticipation, "In two more months, our child will be born."
"Right now, your health is the most important thing. Everything should be done for the baby's sake. Don't worry about anything else, okay?"
Lu Zhaoxue nodded gently, her voice soft yet firm: "Your Majesty, I understand. Thank you for your consideration."
Chu Huaiyu tightened his arms, holding Lu Zhaoxue a little tighter.
His chin was still resting on the top of her head, and his breath was filled with the faint fragrance of Lu Zhaoxue's hair.
Outside the palace, the night was deep, but inside, it was warm and cozy. With each other's steady breathing, Lu Zhaoxue slowly fell asleep.
Looking at Lu Zhaoxue's peaceful sleeping face, Chu Huaiyu smiled and gradually drifted into a peaceful dream.
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