Chapter 135 Before the fireworks faded like a dream, the night was ablaze with lights...
Half the room was brightly lit, filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. Wisps of white smoke flowed from the incense burner, and amidst the swirling smoke, Shen Yujiao, dressed in an empress's gown, slowly emerged from behind the screen.
A crown with nine dragons and four phoenixes, covered with jade gauze, golden dragons and kingfisher phoenixes, pearl and ruyi clouds, pearl and kingfisher hairpins, gemstones piled up as flower stamens, string of pearls in rings, and gold thread piled up as cloud pieces.
The formal dress is embroidered with auspicious cloud and dragon and phoenix patterns in gold thread as the main design, and auspicious beast and flower patterns in the sea as the secondary design. The brocade is divided into two lines on the left and right, with gold thread woven on both sides and polka dot patterns inside. The cloud and dragon patterns in the middle are interwoven and complement each other, making it magnificent and extremely precious.
Supported by palace maids, Shen Yujiao, dressed in this grand gown, slowly walked towards Jiang Yu, her eyes slightly lowered as she looked at his amazed expression.
This is a ceremonial robe that exceeds the regulations for empresses throughout the history of the Great Xia Dynasty. Both the crown and the robe itself demonstrate a status that is on par with the emperor. However, this honor should have originally belonged to Shen Yujiao.
"Good, very good, Knitting House, a generous reward!"
Although he was speaking to others, Jiang Yu's gaze never left Shen Yujiao. The three-day deadline was fast approaching. When the dawn broke tomorrow, he would be dressed in imperial robes, take Ajiao's hand, and ascend to the throne.
This happiness, so close yet so far, stood there in a daze, looking at his beloved so close to him. He suddenly felt very grateful to A Jin. Whether tomorrow was a fleeting dream or a real future, if it weren't for King Zhao's actions, he wouldn't even have the chance to dream.
"Ayu..."
A soft call brought Jiang Yu back to his senses. He stepped forward with concern and asked, "What's wrong?"
Shen Yujiao sighed softly: "This dress is a bit cumbersome. If it doesn't need adjusting, I'd like to change out of it first."
Seeing the person in front of him slightly furrow his brows with a smile on his lips, as if complaining about some sweet trouble, Jiang Yu quickly looked away, nodded and instructed, "Quickly help Her Highness change out of her dress."
As he was about to turn away to avoid suspicion, he realized that he was also wearing formal attire, and then instructed Jianshan, "Go and fetch my everyday clothes as well."
He rarely showed such panic, which surprised everyone. Shen Yujiao smiled and said, "Then I won't keep you any longer. Will you come over for dinner later?"
Seeing Shen Yujiao's expectant gaze, Jiang Yu swallowed the words that he needed to check with the master of ceremonies again and again, and nodded in agreement: "I'll come over after I change my clothes."
"What did you say, brother?"
King Zhao paused abruptly as he flipped through the ceremonial register. He found Jiang Yu's words utterly absurd and asked again, "Tomorrow is the coronation ceremony. Brother, won't you stay and go over it with us from beginning to end?"
Jiang Yu's fingers deftly moved along his waist, the jade pendant's strap fluttering with his movements. He carefully fastened the jade pendant before stepping out from behind the screen: "I trust you. I've reviewed the ceremony's procedures several times. If there's anything that needs changing, just tell me first thing tomorrow morning. The ceremony won't start that early anyway..."
“Besides, there are also officials in charge of rites—” Jiang Yu walked to the King of Zhao’s side, raised his hand and patted his shoulder: “With you here, I feel very at ease.”
The King of Zhao's fingertips, gripping the gift book, turned slightly white. He nodded, "Very well..."
Seeing that he didn't look well, Jiang Yu assumed it was just exhaustion from working non-stop these past few days, and comforted him, "You'll be fine after tomorrow, and you can take a break for a while."
"Is that really what you think, brother?" Jiang Jin looked at him, his brows furrowing slightly. "What kind of rest do you mean by 'taking a break'? Do you mean taking personal control of the government from now on? Or do you simply abandon all government affairs?"
Jiang Yu's hand on his shoulder stiffened for a moment. Both of them noticed this subtle and unusual reaction. King Zhao lowered his eyes, making it impossible to discern his expression. Jiang Yu wanted to say something but didn't know how to begin.
“Brother… I’m starting to not understand you. What are you worried about?” King Zhao put down the ceremonial scroll in his hand, looked up at Jiang Yu, his eyes like deep pools, making one instinctively want to escape. “If none of this is what you want…”
So what have we been planning for all these years?
“Never mind,” King Zhao shook his head. “Brother, go if you want to. I will inform Jianshan of any changes tomorrow morning. The official in charge of rites will accompany you and Lady Shen throughout the trip, so you can rest assured.”
Despite saying that, Jiang Yu felt even more uneasy, but seeing the King of Zhao's ever-considerate expression, he felt there was no need to explain anything further.
"good."
Reaching the doorway, Jiang Yu stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Jiang Jin: "How about I come back later?"
"It's alright, brother, go if you want."
The gates of Taiwei Palace opened and closed again. As King Zhao looked at the closed gates, the last glimmer of light in his eyes quietly faded away.
"Brother, I gave you a chance..."
Unlike the orderly and solemn atmosphere of the Taiwei Hall where officials held their meetings, the Baoguang Hall, just a wall away, was exceptionally warm and inviting simply by standing at the entrance and looking at the cozy light emanating from inside. Jiang Yu took a deep breath at the entrance, momentarily hesitant to go in.
He hadn't seen such lighting in many years. The last time he had seen such warmth was in the Xiawei Pavilion of Zhanyun Mansion.
"You're back."
In the warm light, Shen Yujiao emerged, dressed in a moon-white long dress, and leaned against the doorway, smiling at him: "I thought you were going to chat with Prince Zhao for a while longer. The palace servants who were serving the meal have just returned, let's have dinner."
The soft, scattered light penetrated Jiang Yu's eyes and into his heart. The tiny, dense points of light scattered into countless rays, like spring rain nourishing all things, seeping into every cell of his body, making him feel incredibly comfortable.
"good."
Tonight's dinner was much simpler than the previous days, consisting of only one soup, two meat dishes, and three vegetable dishes. Jiang Yu sat down at the table and looked at these unfamiliar dishes, and couldn't help but ask with some curiosity, "Didn't you ask that chef who specializes in Jiangnan cuisine to cook today?"
“Yes, but these dishes are no worse than his,” Shen Yujiao smiled slyly, pointing to the soup and explaining, “This is Wensi Tofu Soup. It’s made by cutting extremely tender tofu into thousands of thin strips hundreds of times, then using chicken broth as a base, and adding ingredients such as shredded winter bamboo shoots, shredded ham, shredded chicken, and wood ear mushrooms…”
Under the warm yellow light of the palace lanterns, Shen Yujiao's eyes shone brightly, as if they held the entire night sky's glittering stars. Jiang Yu was unconsciously drawn to her explanations, listening intently. No matter which topic she was discussing, he found it incredibly interesting.
"You came up with all of this yourself?"
"Of course, these are all dishes I carefully designed. I instructed the imperial kitchen early this morning. Don't be fooled by the small number of dishes; they spent half a day preparing them. Come and try them, see if they're delicious?"
Under Shen Yujiao's expectant gaze, Jiang Yu scooped up a spoonful of soup and put it in his mouth, then subconsciously widened his eyes: "It's very delicious."
This was the highest praise for the soup. Shen Yujiao smiled and her eyes crinkled. After dismissing the palace servants, she personally got up and refilled his soup. Looking at the swaying tofu strips in the bowl, Jiang Yu stared at Shen Yujiao in a daze.
Seeing his dazed look, Shen Yujiao used serving chopsticks to put another piece of sweet and sour pork rib on his plate and asked with a smile, "What are you looking at me for? Eat your food."
"good......"
The feeling was like the light he had seen when he arrived—dreamy and warm. But once you were there, you felt that the beauty would be fleeting. However, before the fireworks faded, he saw the dazzling display of light and color.
After the meal, the two sat at the desk with hot water boiling on a small clay stove beside them. Shen Yujiao took out the tea set and began to make tea with great concentration. Her focused expression and skillful movements were pleasing to the eye.
"Try it. My cooking skills may be a bit rusty, so please don't mind."
A bowl of tea was placed in front of her. Jiang Yu carefully took it, reluctant to drink it for a long time. Shen Yujiao sat beside her without saying a word, but she also took a bowl by herself. Under the flickering candlelight, the two remained silent.
Everything tonight was too unusual. Jiang Yu dared not ask, let alone say anything. He was afraid of breaking this peaceful moment, and even more afraid that if he opened his mouth, everything would be wiped out.
Shen Yujiao leaned against the soft pillow behind her and fell silent. This was what she had promised Shen Yujiao: "The past remains, but the road ahead is long. I hope he can let go of his regrets, forget the separation, stop being the Prince Huan, and live on as Jiang Yu."
There wasn't much she could do for Shen Yujiao. This dreamlike, heartwarming scene was also woven from lies, and it was also caused by the slight guilt that lingered in her heart.
These past few days, Shen Yujiao has been staying by his side, trying her best to play the role of another person. She uses her identity to deceive him with an innocent demeanor and gain his affection. She uses the stories she has learned to demonstrate their tacit understanding. She appears to be dependent on him, but in reality, she is monitoring him. She knows his weaknesses and sore spots, but she uses them as a blade to stab him hard in the heart.
What's soaked in the knife's edge is arsenic coated with honey, poisoned wine laced with sweet brew, and a betrayal disguised as trust, but in reality, a long-planned act of betrayal.
Deceiving him, lying to him, and using him—Shen Yujiao slowly closed her eyes. She was truly exhausted from this charade.
As long as Jiang Chen does not return, her mission will not be completed. She entered the palace to buy time. If he does not come at the ceremony tomorrow, she will have no choice but to ruin the ceremony.
Everything that happened tonight was her way of apologizing to Jiang Yu in advance.
If Jiang Chen still does not return by tomorrow, she will wear the Empress's robes and, in front of all the civil and military officials and the people of Great Xia, announce to the world that Jiang Jin murdered the emperor and his father, and that Jiang Yu's ascension to the throne was illegitimate.
As a result, the ceremony will have to be postponed. Perhaps Jiang Yu will try to save Shen Yujiao's life because of his love for her, but can he really bear such a betrayal?
And then there's Prince Zhao, that obsessive madman who's determined to put Jiang Yu on the throne. If she ruins the ceremony, will he spare her for the sake of his brother?
The answer is obvious.
Shen Yujiao sighed deeply. The candlelight flickered a few times and then went out with that sigh. Instantly, only the clear moonlight remained in the room. Separated by a desk, the two looked at each other from afar. Their eyes saw each other, but the reflection in their eyes was not of the person sitting in front of them.
As the teacup gradually cooled, it felt as if her soul could be detached from the world. Shen Yujiao repeatedly reminded herself: she did not belong to the Great Xia. If Jiang Chen really died on the battlefield, why should she fear death?
As night deepened, the night stretched on endlessly. For every person who longed for the sunrise the next morning, there was another who wished the dawn would never come.
The bell tolls, and everything returns to zero.
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