Chapter 925 Wedding Night
Amidst the cheers and jeers of the men, Xiao Heng led Gu Jiao by the hand to the princess's residence.
Princess Xinyang renovated the Lanting Courtyard, which had the best view, to serve as the newlyweds' residence after their wedding.
The red silk on the ground had been laid out continuously since they entered the mansion, all the way to this point. Even when Princess Xinyang and Marquis Xuanping got married, there wasn't such a grand display.
The main reason was that Princess Xinyang refused to allow the red silk to be laid out.
Now, for the sake of their son and daughter-in-law, the two residences have been almost connected, marking the closest they've been in twenty years.
"Be careful." As they reached the courtyard gate, Xiao Heng gently reminded Gu Jiao to step over the threshold.
Gu Jiao hummed in agreement and stepped over.
The veil was of such high quality that it was impossible to see through it, so we had to walk carefully with Xiao Heng's reminder.
It was still early, and the peonies and crabapple trees in the courtyard were vying for attention under the sunlight, filling the garden with fragrance.
The maids standing on either side bowed to the two of them one by one.
Yu Ya'er followed behind the two, carrying Gu Jiao's small medicine box. Today was Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng's wedding day, and even the Black Wind King wore a big red flower, so the small medicine box was no exception.
Today, it's a festive little medicine box!
The small medicine box lay quietly in Yu Ya'er's arms, but Yu Ya'er's heart was far from calm.
"Wow, it's huge..."
She couldn't tell the difference between the Marquis's residence and the Princess's residence; she only felt that they had been walking for a very, very long time, yet they still hadn't arrived!
And this mansion is just too beautiful!
"The artificial hill looks just like the real one..." she blurted out without thinking.
Xiao Heng smiled and said, "It is a real mountain."
"Huh?" Yu Ya'er was taken aback. "Real mountain?"
Xiao Heng nodded: "Yes, Zhenshan."
Princess Xinyang was a very particular person. She didn't want fake things. The stone mountain in the princess's mansion was dug up and transported from elsewhere, while the green mountain was original. Even the lotus pond was made up of wild lotus flowers.
Lanting Courtyard is located near the lotus pond.
Just now, when I passed by there, a gentle breeze rippled across the water, bringing with it the delicate fragrance of lotus blossoms, which was truly delightful.
After entering the bridal chamber, Xiao Heng took Gu Jiao's hand and sat down on the bridal bed.
This is the bed that has been covered by a small ceremonial object. According to folk belief, having a little boy cover the bed will help the newlyweds have a son soon.
Xiao Jingkong didn't know the meaning behind it, but he was happy to sleep in Jiaojiao's bed!
When the young master and young mistress arrived, the maidservant tactfully withdrew.
Suddenly, only the two of them were left, and the room fell silent.
The two had met not for the first time, nor had this been their first time alone together, yet the feeling was quite different from before.
Perhaps it's because this time they can become a real couple.
Thinking about what would happen next, Xiao Heng felt a surge of anticipation, but also a bit nervous.
Your heart is beating so fast.
Under the veil, Gu Jiao suddenly spoke.
Xiao Heng was slightly taken aback. He looked down and saw that someone's slender fingers were on his pulse at some point.
He truly deserves to be called a doctor... He can take people's pulse anytime, anywhere.
"I..." He opened his mouth, but for a moment, he didn't know how to resolve the awkward situation.
"My heart is beating fast too." Gu Jiao pulled his fingers and placed them on her fair wrist.
Her skin was icy cold, but Xiao Heng felt his fingertips burning hot, his heart was pounding, and even his breathing was almost out of rhythm.
"Miss."
Yu Ya'er's voice came from outside the door.
"What is it?" Gu Jiao asked.
Yu Ya'er said, "Someone has come to the front hall, urging the young master to go over quickly."
It was broad daylight, not yet time for their wedding night, so Xiao Heng still had to go to the banquet to entertain the guests.
Gu Jiao: "Oh."
Hearing her emotionless tone, Xiao Heng couldn't help but chuckle.
He said to Yu Ya'er, "I understand. Tell them to wait a little longer."
"Yes, young master!" Yu Ya'er happily went to relay the message. She knew it! In the young master's heart, his young lady was the most important!
"Are you tired?" Xiao Heng asked Gu Jiao.
"I'm not tired," Gu Jiao said.
I'm not just being polite; I really don't feel tired.
The phoenix coronet and embroidered robe are heavy for ordinary women, but not as heavy as her armor. She fought for a day and a night in her armor without ever complaining of being tired. What's so tiring about getting married?
She still has a lot of energy!
Glug~
Her stomach growled.
Xiao Heng smiled and said, "You haven't eaten all day, you must be starving. I'll have someone go get you some food."
Gu Jiao said, "Yu Ya'er can go get it. You go and greet the guests in front."
Xiao Heng smiled and looked at her: "Are you sure?"
Gu Jiao nodded: "Go early and come back early."
"Yes, if you don't go soon, they'll make you drink as punishment."
It was Yu Jin's voice.
Yu Jin walked in with a smile, carrying a food box.
Yu Ya'er smiled and bowed to her at the door: "Aunt Yu Jin!"
Yu Jin smiled and patted her hand: "You should go get something to eat too. I'll be fine here."
Yu Ya'er shook her head: "No, I have to take care of Miss!"
Yu Jin said gently, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of you."
Yu Ya'er looked at Gu Jiao inside the room: "Then..."
"I'll listen to Aunt Yujin," Gu Jiao said.
"Give me the things," Yu Jin said to Yu Ya'er.
Since Gu Jiao had spoken, Yu Ya'er stopped being stubborn. She stuffed the small medicine box tied with red silk and big red flowers into Yu Jin's arms: "Thank you for your trouble, Aunt Yu Jin!"
"Bi'er." Yu Jin called over the maidservant beside her, who then took Yu Ya'er to eat.
Yu Jin carried the food box into the bridal chamber and said to Xiao Heng, "Young Marquis, I'll stay here. You should go now."
Xiao Heng glanced at Gu Jiao and said softly, "I'll be back soon."
Gu Jiao: "Mm."
Xiao Heng left the Orchid Pavilion.
Yu Jin took out the pastries from the food box one by one, arranged them on a tray, and placed them next to Gu Jiao.
Gu Jiao dislikes overly sweet foods, so these snacks all have a very light flavor.
She took a piece of crab roe pastry, placed it under the lid, and ate it gently.
Yu Jin poured her another cup of flower tea.
She took the cup and asked, "Aunt Yujin, what are you looking at?"
Yu Jin was startled. "You could tell I was looking around even through the veil?"
Yu Jin chuckled awkwardly, "Oh, it's nothing. The princess said she'll come and see you in a little while."
As soon as she finished speaking, Princess Xinyang, dressed in gorgeous clothes, walked towards them.
Yu Jin withdrew.
Princess Xinyang sat down on the stool by the bed. Seeing that Gu Jiao had almost finished eating, she coughed lightly and handed over the bundle in her hand.
"What?" Gu Jiao asked.
Princess Xinyang looked somewhat embarrassed, but fortunately Gu Jiao was wearing a veil, so her expression couldn't be seen.
She said in a normal tone, "See for yourself."
"Oh." Gu Jiao took the bundle, opened it, and was instantly dumbfounded. "You came all this way in this scorching sun just to show me this?"
Princess Xinyang suppressed her unease and said calmly, "Take a look first, and ask me if you don't understand anything."
"What's so hard to understand?" Gu Jiao muttered.
Princess Xinyang pursed her lips.
Still being stubborn?
I heard it from your mother. You two never consummated your marriage. What's on your face isn't a birthmark, it's a virginity mark!
Princess Xinyang would never read such books, but in order for her son and daughter-in-law to be able to consummate their marriage smoothly, she had no choice but to go all out.
She is a discerning person and looks down on those vulgar and crude picture books on the market. This one was painted by an artist at a high price and is very beautiful.
She's the type that even she wouldn't find offensive.
Furthermore, the paper she used was not the cheap paper that cost one or two taels of silver per ream, but extremely expensive watermark paper.
More importantly, this booklet is not a black and white illustration, but a color illustration.
"Really nothing to ask?" she said calmly, though she was inwardly mortified.
But what can you do when neither of the younger ones has any experience?
If Shangguan Yan were here, she would definitely teach them without any instruction.
Princess Xinyang was worried, which led to this extraordinary act.
"Hmm..." Gu Jiao asked politely, "Could you put the ginger and scallions in first, then blanch them?"
Princess Xinyang frowned: "What ginger and scallions... blanched?"
Gu Jiao handed the booklet to her and pointed to a page on it, saying, "Here, braised pork belly."
Princess Xinyang was taken aback.
You picked up the wrong book!
Princess Xinyang closed her eyes in annoyance, and in an attempt to conceal her actions... she placed a cookbook on top of it, only to make matters worse.
She hurried back to her own courtyard.
As soon as she arrived at the door, she saw a tall and robust figure sitting in her room. It was none other than Marquis Xuanping, who had come from the banquet.
Marquis Xuanping seemed unaware of her arrival, as he was engrossed in flipping through a book on the table.
When Princess Xinyang saw the colorful illustrations on the pages of the book, she was so startled that she stumbled and almost fell to the ground!
Marquis Xuanping did not look away, still staring intently at the book, turning the pages as he read, and said, "Qin Fengwan, Qin Fengwan, I really didn't expect that you would like to look at erotic pictures."
Princess Xinyang, her face flushed, walked over and snatched the book away: "Who let me into my room!"
Marquis Xuanping gave her a strange look: "Didn't you send me?"
"When will I..."
She was halfway through her sentence when she realized something, turned around abruptly, and looked at Yu Jin at the door.
Yu Jin lowered his head dejectedly: "Just now... Yi Yi was crying so hard, and since you had something to do, I... went and called the Marquis over."
She gritted her teeth and hid the booklet behind her back: "I didn't ask you to rummage through my things!"
Marquis Xuanping retorted, "It's right there on the table—no, Qin Fengwan, there's nothing wrong with liking to look at this. Everyone has their quirks."
She said coldly, "I don't like watching!"
"Why are you looking if you don't like it?" Marquis Xuanping looked her up and down. Her face turned bright red. He had been married for so many years and this was the first time he had ever seen her so embarrassed.
In a flash, he understood something and exclaimed in sudden realization, "You want to learn?"
Princess Xinyang looked completely bewildered: "Huh?"
Marquis Xuanping stepped forward, and Princess Xinyang subconsciously took a step back. She forgot that there was a table behind her, and her buttocks bumped against the edge of the table.
Marquis Xuanping rested one hand on the table behind her, his powerful aura enveloping her. She was not used to being so close to someone, and she held her breath instantly.
He stared at her intently, a smile playing on his lips: "Or are you implying something to me? Qin Fengwan, don't tell me you haven't been plotting against me for a long time!"
Princess Xinyang: "...?!"
...
The wedding at the Marquis of Xuanping's residence was incredibly lively, with over a hundred tables set up. The entire residence was packed with people. Empress Dowager Zhuang and the Emperor also attended, and Empress Xiao, having received permission, was also among those returning home to visit her family.
Colleagues from the Hanlin Academy also came over. Feng Lin, Lin Chengye, Du Ruohan, and Ning Zhiyuan pulled Xiao Heng aside and drank several cups with him.
They were all a little drunk.
Du Ruohan slurred, "You brat... I told you... you weren't Liu Lang, were you... huh? I wasn't wrong, was I! Feng Lin!"
He slapped Feng Lin on the back.
Feng Lin was already quite drunk. He groggily raised his head and said, "Huh? Ah, drink, drink some more!"
Du Ruohan raised her wine glass: "Have a drink with the young marquis!"
Lin Chengye slumped on the table: "Have a drink..."
Lin Chengye and Feng Lin got married, Feng Lin became a father, and Lin Chengye's wife became pregnant.
Du Ruohan is focused on her studies and hasn't considered marriage yet.
They had only recently learned of Xiao Liulang's true identity, and it would be a lie to say they weren't shocked, but upon closer reflection, they felt that this was the only reasonable explanation.
How many truly gifted individuals are there in this world?
Of the ten parts of wisdom in the world, the young marquis possesses nine, and the remaining one part will be divided among all of them.
"Drink! Drink!" Ning Zhiyuan poured two more glasses for Du Ruohan, who then passed out completely. There were still a few colleagues at the table who hadn't passed out. Ning Zhiyuan gave Xiao Heng a wink, "Leave it to me, go ahead."
Xiao Heng bowed to Ning Zhiyuan, saying, "Thank you."
"I dare not accept the young marquis's courtesy!" Ning Zhiyuan quickly helped him up.
Xiao Heng patted him on the shoulder and left gratefully.
At another table, the Gu family members, who had originally planned to make a ruckus in the bridal chamber while on the carriage, were all stopped by Shangguan Qing.
In terms of martial arts, Shangguan Qing is no match for Gu Changqing, Gu Chengfeng, Xuanyuan Qi, or the old Marquis, but when it comes to drinking games, a hundred masters combined wouldn't be enough to defeat one of his fingers.
He single-handedly managed to get a table full of big shots drunk.
Xuanyuan Qi and the old Marquis lay sprawled on the lawn, their maternal army annihilated!
Shangguan Qing sat on a stool, one foot propped on the corner, and casually tilted his head back to take a sip of wine: "How...how lonely it is to be invincible..."
Liao Chen, sitting on the treetop, chuckled and scoffed.
Shangguan Qing said, "Monk, what are you laughing at?"
Liao Chen laughed and said, "Have you forgotten that I'm not drunk yet? It's not certain whether that kid will be able to go to the bridal chamber tonight."
"Oh, really?" Shangguan Qing raised an eyebrow, looking at Liao Chen in the tree with a half-smile.
Liao Chen narrowed his eyes: "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Shangguan Qing smiled mischievously: "Turn around."
Liao Chen turned around as instructed.
Under the bright moonlight, Master Qingfeng, dressed in a dark blue Taoist robe, stood against the wind, his expression cold and his eyes filled with murderous intent.
Liao Chen's scalp tingled!
Master Qingfeng looked at the person on the treetop and said, word by word, "You said you would wait for me in Shengdu, but you broke your promise."
Do you want to break your promise and then be hunted down by you?
Liao Chen clenched his fists and looked at Shangguan Qing: "You brought him here?"
Shangguan Qing spread his hands innocently: "I don't have that ability."
It's that bratty little brother.
Even he was bribed by his brat's new musket; otherwise, who would be willing to drink for that kid?
snort!
...
As night fell, Xiao Heng returned to his new home.
The dragon and phoenix incense candles have been lit, casting a beautiful candlelight in the room decorated with auspicious characters.
Xiao Heng gently lifted her veil with a jade ruyi.
A delicate and beautiful face caught his eye; he had never known she could be so captivating.
It wasn't that she wasn't beautiful on ordinary days, but tonight, dressed in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, she was radiantly beautiful.
He stared at her, unable to look away.
Gu Jiao stared at him blankly. He always wore clothes in cool colors, and she never knew that he could be so handsome in a bright red wedding dress.
He smiled gently: "My wife, it's time to drink the nuptial wine."
Gu Jiao was stunned by his smile.
He was already drunk before he even drank any alcohol.
Xiao Heng poured the wine, then, as if remembering something, asked her, "Won't you get drunk again?"
He remembered that this girl could never drink more than one cup of alcohol.
"No," Gu Jiao said.
There were hangover cures in the first-aid kit, which she just took.
The two drank the nuptial wine.
The melodious sounds of opera singing drifted from the stage in the front yard, occasionally accompanied by enthusiastic cheers from the guests. The sound traveled across the distant sky, making the already quiet courtyard even more tranquil.
Neither of them uttered a word or made any further moves; they simply sat obediently on the bed.
Xiao Heng pressed his hand to his pounding heart and asked her, "What are you thinking about?"
Gu Jiao honestly replied, "I'm counting."
Xiao Heng looked at her, puzzled: "Why do we need to count?"
Gu Jiao fiddled with her fingers: "The book says that women should be reserved, so I can only eat you after I count to one hundred."
Xiao Heng's eyes darkened, and he almost stopped breathing.
"So how many are you counting to now?" he asked in a hoarse voice.
Gu Jiao counted aloud: "Fifty-nine, sixty, sixty-one..."
I can't wait any longer.
The remaining thirty-nine would cost him his life.
"Jiaojiao, there's no need to count to one hundred. The book is lying."
He raised his long, slender hand, gently cupped the back of her head, lowered his head, and covered her soft lips with his.
The moonlight was gentle, and the night was deepened by the endless darkness.
The bright red curtains were slowly lowered, and clothes were scattered messily on the ground, carrying an alluring fragrance.
On a tree branch outside the window, Xiao Jiu covered its head with its large wings.
How embarrassing.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
