In the spring, the crabapple blossoms at Prince Jing's Mansion are in full bloom.
Layer upon layer of pink and white petals fluttered down in the breeze, turning the cobblestone path into a fragrant snow carpet.
Several orioles hopped on the branches, their clear chirping passing through the carved window lattice, waking the person who was lightly asleep on the soft couch.
Wang Xiuxiu leaned against the soft, apricot-colored embroidered crabapple pillow, gazing absently at the falling petals outside the window.
Sunlight filtered through the gauze curtains, casting dappled patterns of light on her face.
"Your Majesty, it's time to take your medicine."
The beaded curtain rustled softly as the maid Xiaoying entered carrying a bowl of medicine. Her gaze swept over the woman, and her brows immediately furrowed. "Her Highness the Princess said your injury requires a full hundred days of rest. Why are you sitting here looking out the window?"
As she spoke, she deftly stuffed two soft pillows behind her. "The imperial physician said that it is most taboo to sit for a long time when the blood stasis has not dissipated. If you feel bored, how about I read you a storybook?"
That little chatterbox.
Since returning to the manor, she has completely switched sides and become the Princess's spy, watching her like a criminal every day.
"Good girl, I'll lie down now."
Knowing she was in the wrong, Wang Xiuxiu readily accepted the celadon medicine bowl.
A strong bitter taste filled her nostrils, she wrinkled her nose, and gulped it down.
Upon seeing this, Sakura immediately popped a candied fruit into her mouth.
Having finally calmed down, Wang Xiuxiu suddenly looked up as if she remembered something: "Has His Highness returned from court?"
\"not yet......\"
Before Sakura could finish speaking, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the door.
Arriving in dark official boots, stepping on fallen petals, Lu Jingze hadn't even changed out of his court robes, the jade belt hook at his waist jingling.
He held the bright yellow imperial edict in his hands, his face beaming with uncontainable joy: "Xiuxiu, His Majesty has granted permission!"
Wang Xiuxiu's hand trembled, and the juice from the bottom of the bowl splashed onto her apricot-colored skirt.
She didn't even bother to wipe herself clean, and jumped off the soft couch barefoot, almost tripping over her own skirt.
Lu Jingze hurriedly reached out to support her, only to see that she had already snatched the imperial edict and hastily unfolded it.
When the six characters "Bestowed Marriage to Wulin and Zisu" in vermilion imperial calligraphy came into view, her almond-shaped eyes, which always held a smile, instantly became misty.
"That's wonderful..." Wang Xiuxiu pressed the imperial edict tightly to her chest, tears falling onto the exquisite cloud-patterned silk. "This is truly wonderful..."
——-
Five days later, the villa in the suburbs of Beijing was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers.
Because it was an imperial wedding, the Ministry of Rites specially dispatched eight master of ceremonies, and twelve pairs of gilded palace lanterns were placed in the courtyard. Even the red silk under the eaves was specially supplied by the Imperial Household Department.
Wang Xiuxiu specially changed into a crimson embroidered gold dress, and only wore a white jade hairpin in her hair—it was a birthday gift that Zisu had given her last year.
When Lu Jingze helped her down from the carriage, he could clearly feel the fingertips in his palm trembling slightly.
"Don't be nervous." He gently squeezed her hand, concealing it with his wide sleeve. "Today you're the officiant; the bride and groom should be nervous."
In the wedding hall, Wu Lin, dressed in an indigo brocade wedding gown, looked heroic and upright.
The young man, who always had a silly grin, was unusually solemn today, and even the scar across his brow bone looked heroic.
Twelve strings of pearl curtains hung from Zisu's phoenix crown, swaying gently with her breath.
"First bow to Heaven and Earth—"
Standing in the main seat, Wang Xiuxiu watched the newlyweds perform the three bows, but what appeared before her eyes was the scene when the two first met in Lizhou.
"Husband and wife bow to each other—"
Last winter, when they were chatting around the fire, Wu Lin secretly told her that his biggest wish was to give Zi Su a decent wedding.
Now, with red candles burning high, the sight of the newlyweds exchanging vows is enough to bring tears to one's eyes.
"The newlyweds serve tea—"
As the chanting of the ceremony began, Wang Xiuxiu quietly wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes.
Lu Jingze then held her hand under his sleeve.
——-
After the wedding banquet, Zisu and Wulin were officially appointed as the Trade Commissioners of Lizhou.
The day I left the capital happened to be Grain Rain. The weeping willows on the outskirts of the city were shrouded in a smoky blue rain and mist, and the wild roses along the official road were in full bloom.
Wang Xiuxiu insisted on escorting the two to the Ten-Mile Pavilion.
"I'll see you off here." She solemnly handed the gilded brocade box she had prepared beforehand to Zisu: "The company seal is here, and the residence is in the south of Lizhou City."
Zisu suddenly knelt down, "Sir, you have shown me such great kindness..."
"Get up quickly," Wang Xiuxiu said, helping her up.
"I know you are all bright and kind children, but I don't know when we will meet again after this parting. As your teacher, I still have to say a few words to you."
Zisu wiped away her tears and said with a smile, "Sir, you're not nagging, you're doing it for our own good. Wulin and I both love listening to you!"
Wu Lin, standing to the side, also had reddened eyes. Not knowing how to speak, he just kept nodding.
"After you leave, the Ming family army's military supplies must be allocated through the imperial court; not a single penny can pass through your hands."
Wu Lin nodded solemnly: "Understood. From now on, all accounts related to the Lizhou trade route will be directly submitted to the Ministry of Revenue, reaching the Emperor directly."
“Wulin, you come from the Ming family army. It is truly remarkable that His Majesty has entrusted you with such an important task in this matter. From now on, you must not have any further dealings with anyone in the Ming family army.”
Upon hearing this, Wu Lin looked reluctant.
"This is my intention, and it is also General Ming's intention. Apart from necessary political contact with the Ming family army, General Ming will strictly order his subordinates to have no further dealings with you."
Wang Xiuxiu sighed softly and continued, "I know you value loyalty, but this is not only for you, but also for the protection of the Ming family army."
"Sir, I understand!"
Wang Xiuxiu then turned to Zisu: "His Majesty is benevolent. This exceptional marriage is not only to save face for the Ming family army, but also a test for you. If the Ming family faces difficulties, you can relay their wishes, but you must never provide them with private assistance. If the court bestows any favors, you must also convey them truthfully. You must act as this link, ensuring that the Ming family is not disheartened and that His Majesty is not suspicious. Do you understand?"
"I've got it." Zisu's voice choked with emotion. "Zisu will certainly not fail your trust, sir."
Wang Xiuxiu took out a pair of white jade pendants from her bosom: "These were specially blessed by a high-ranking monk. You and your husband should each keep one, and discuss things together when needed."
Wu Lin suddenly knelt on one knee. "Wu Lin hereby swears that he will never do anything to cause trouble for you or the imperial court in his lifetime."
Wang Xiuxiu fought back tears and placed their hands together: "Go, and remember, your well-being is the greatest reward you can give me."
Before leaving, Zisu suddenly pulled Wulin to kneel down and kowtowed three times to Wang Xiuxiu.
"Take care, sir!"
As the sun set, the carriage gradually disappeared into the distance.
Wang Xiuxiu stood by the pavilion until that shadow completely disappeared at the end of the official road.
"Let's go back." Lu Jingze draped a cloak over her shoulders. "It's getting windy."
Wang Xiuxiu pulled her cloak tighter, then suddenly said, "Tell me, am I being too cruel?"
She turned to look at the end of the official road, "Order them to sever all ties with the Ming family army..."
"This is true compassion." Lu Jingze grasped her icy hand. "How many people in the court are watching the Ming family army? We can't afford to give them even the slightest fault."
"I understand, of course, but..." She paused, "Wulin is a man of deep affection; I saw his eyes were red just now."
"A brief separation is for a long-term peace. Ulin is a good boy, he will understand your good intentions."
The setting sun cast long shadows of the two of them.
On the carriage back to the city, Wang Xiuxiu kept looking out the window.
As they passed Zhuque Street, she suddenly asked, "Any news about Zhou Yun'an lately?"
Lu Jingze adjusted his posture to make her more comfortable. "They've hidden it very well. Only recently did someone who was keeping watch at Prince Rong's residence send back a message saying they saw two mysterious people meeting with Prince Rong late at night."
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