Xie Changling kept his eyes straight ahead, not daring to even glance at Song Lingxi. He held the woman beside him tightly with one hand, looking like a couple whose love was stronger than gold.
His smile was natural and happy, showing no sign of reluctance. In particular, the way he looked at his bride was tender and doting, as if he wanted to see into her very heart.
Xiao Jin stared intently into Xie Changling's eyes, trying to see if there was any trace of lying in them, but unfortunately, she couldn't find any flaws no matter how hard she looked.
Suddenly, he burst into laughter, gripped Song Lingxi's hand tightly, and said with a smile.
"Hahahaha, Xi'er, look, they are truly a match made in heaven. If I had known, I would have arranged their marriage earlier, and it would have saved me so much trouble."
"Don't you think so, Xi'er?"
Xi'er.
She's my Xi'er!
She was clearly my Xi'er, but you took her away from me. What more do you want? Haven't you hurt yourself enough?
Xie Changling's other hand was tucked into his sleeve, in a corner where no one could see it. He clenched his fist until it bled, but he felt no pain at all.
But he acted very well. From Xiao Jin's perspective, there was not a trace of pretense. He laughed heartily, as if it were the most genuine laugh imaginable.
"Your Majesty, I think Young Master Xie and Miss Jiang are a perfect match. Please don't delay, lest you miss the auspicious time."
Song Lingxi also learned to say things she didn't mean; no matter how unhappy she was, she couldn't show it.
She's not a saint; how could she be indifferent to someone she truly loved, especially when that person is with someone new? It's truly an eyesore for her, the ex.
Song Lingxi wore a perfectly curved smile, which captivated the peeping guests, who seemed to be gazing upon a celestial goddess, their eyes filled with infatuation.
Xiao Jin's gaze darkened slightly. After spending so much time together, how could he not know what Song Lingxi's smile meant? It was a fake smile, meant to conceal her true emotions.
But what were her true emotions? Was it reluctance, jealousy, regret, or remorse?
A multitude of guesses flashed through Xiao Jin's mind, but in the end, all her thoughts boiled down to one sentence: "Continue!"
Upon hearing this, all the joyful music began to play again, and the atmosphere became lively once more.
The guests wore smiles of blessing. Some tried to take advantage of the situation and glance at Song Lingxi a few more times, but were intimidated by the Emperor's gaze.
Xiao Jin remembered all of these people; there would be plenty of time to settle scores later, and these people were unaware of it all!
Xiao Jin later tormented them, causing them immense suffering and leaving them utterly bewildered as to where they had offended the Emperor. Yet, they never forgot the pretext that had been laid for them today.
But that's a story for another time, so let's leave it at that.
Back to the present moment, a loud "Second bow to the parents" is heard.
Xie Changling bowed towards Xiao Jin and Song Lingxi. Even his real mother could only sit on a small stool to receive his greeting.
Will lovers eventually become elders or juniors?
Anyway, Xiao Jin felt relieved watching this scene. Now, let's see how Xie Changling can face Song Lingxi. They're not even in the same generation anymore.
Until the very end, Xie Changling never once looked at Song Lingxi; his eyes seemed glued to his bride, never leaving her for a moment.
Only after they were led to the bridal chamber did Emperor Xiao Jin take Song Lingxi's hand and say, "The Consort and I are returning to the palace. There is no need for you to see us off. On this joyous occasion, it would be too much for you to feel uncomfortable with me here."
"Respectfully seeing off His Majesty, respectfully seeing off the Imperial Concubine—"
Only after their figures disappeared from sight did the guests seem to be relieved of their burden and truly begin to eat and drink.
However, Song Lingxi's beautiful image still left a deep and lasting impression on their hearts; such a beautiful image could not be kept forever.
Everyone secretly sighed with regret, yet they also felt that such a stunning beauty could only be protected by the Emperor.
But what does all this have to do with them?
...
Inside the bridal chamber.
Xie Changling chased the matchmaker and maid out. He ignored Jiang Yudie on the bed and sat at the table, deep in thought.
The candlelight flickered, and several hours had passed. The guests outside had gradually left, and the entire Prime Minister's residence had quieted down.
Finally, Jiang Yudie couldn't stand the silence any longer, so she spoke up tentatively.
"Husband?"
Jiang Yudie was an ordinary daughter of an official. Although she knew about Xie Changling's affair with the imperial concubine, she genuinely wanted to live a simple life.
This "husband" was her test; if Xie Changling accepted, she could live a peaceful life with him.
If he doesn't accept, then...
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