Chapter 6- The Nuptial Rites 1
1233 Words
The banquet hall glittered with lantern light, casting gold and crimson hues over the guests. Rows of dishes lined the long tables-roasted duck with crispy skin, glistening pork belly, braised lotus root, steamed fish, sweet pastries stacked in towers. The fragrance alone was enough to make Yu'er's stomach growl, though she quickly pressed her hand against her veil to hide the smile tugging at her lips.
Ji Na leaned forward in her seat, eyes sparkling. "Sister Princess, do you like sweet buns? Brother always steals mine before I can eat them!"
Yu'er tilted her head playfully. "Oh? Then tonight, I shall steal his before he can even try."
The little girl gasped, then burst into giggles, earning a light scolding from the empress-though even she couldn't hide her smile.
From the side, Ji Luo muttered, "I don't think Brother Ji Ling even likes sweet buns."
"He doesn't?" Yu'er asked, lowering her voice in mock seriousness. "Then it seems I shall have to eat them all myself."
Li Tian, standing just behind, covered her mouth to keep from laughing aloud. "Princess, your husband hasn't even had his first bite and you've already claimed all the sweets."
That earned a few chuckles from nearby attendants, though they quickly bowed their heads to stifle them.
Meanwhile, at the table of officials, hushed murmurs ran through the hall.
"The princess seems lively... not like I expected."
"Indeed. Perhaps that will soften the cold-faced second prince."
"Or make him even more annoyed," another whispered.
Up at the head table, Ji Xingling lifted his wine cup, smirking at Ji Ling. "Second Brother, your bride has already won over half the hall. Shall we see if she can win you as well?"
Ji Ling shot him a sharp look but said nothing, his expression calm as ever. Only the faintest twitch of his lips betrayed that he had heard.
The emperor, watching the exchange, chuckled softly and raised his hand. "Let the feast continue! Tonight is a night of harmony."
Musicians struck their instruments, filling the air with a lively melody. Dancers in silk skirts twirled gracefully through the hall. Servants hurried to refill wine cups, and laughter spread as the tension of formality melted little by little.
Yu'er, beneath her veil, stole glances at Ji Ling. He remained straight-backed and reserved, speaking little, his aura almost too composed. She chewed her lip thoughtfully.
He doesn't even smile. Not once. Am I marrying a statue?
Li Tian leaned close and whispered just loud enough for her to hear: "Princess, you've faced scarier things than a stiff-faced prince. Remember that time you tripped in the lotus pond and blamed it on a goose?"
Yu'er nearly burst into laughter, her shoulders shaking, but quickly covered it with a polite cough.
Ji Na clapped again. "Sister Princess, you're so funny! I like you already!"
As the feast went on, cups clinked and laughter filled the grand hall. The officials were already flushed from wine, and the younger royals were restless with mischief.
Ji Xingling leaned forward, eyes glinting. "Second Brother, don't tell me you'll sit through your own wedding feast without touching a drop."
Ji Ling calmly raised his cup, the wine catching the light. "Satisfied?" He downed it in one smooth motion and set it back on the table with barely a sound.
"Only one?" Ji Luo piped up, his grin boyish but sly. "A real groom drinks three!"
The court erupted with chuckles, and even the emperor's lips curved in quiet amusement.
Ji Na, perched in her seat, clapped her little hands. "Three cups! Three cups!" she chanted. Soon others joined in, the chant echoing across the hall until even the musicians paused.
Yu'er pressed her veil down, biting her lip to hide a grin. She leaned toward Li Tian and whispered, "They're braver than I am. I wouldn't dare tease him like that."
Li Tian smirked. "Princess, don't lie. You'd tease him twice as much if you weren't wearing that veil."
Finally, with the weight of the entire hall watching, Ji Ling lifted the cup again. The second drink went down smoothly. The third he took a touch slower, eyes narrowing faintly as though daring anyone to demand a fourth.
Ji Xingling raised his own cup in triumph. "Now that is a groom!"
For the first time that evening, Ji Ling let out a short breath-not quite a laugh, not quite a sigh. But to Yu'er, watching carefully, it was the tiniest c***k in his stone-cold facade.
So he's human after all, she thought, her lips tugging upward.
The emperor lifted his hand, bringing the room back to order. "Enough. Let the bride and groom rest. The night is still young, but tomorrow brings a new dawn."
The ceremonial officer stepped forward, his voice ringing through the hall:
"Escort the bride and groom to the bridal chamber!"
"Bridal chamber!" Ling Yu'er blurted, her heart pounding in her chest as the ceremonial officer's voice echoed through the hall.
She leaned closer to Li Tian, whispering frantically. "So soon? I haven't even finished my dessert!"
Li Tian struggled not to laugh, quickly bowing to cover her grin. "Princess, it seems dessert will have to wait."
Yu'er pouted behind her veil, dragging her steps just enough to make the maid nudge her forward. Each step felt heavier, as though she were walking into battle rather than a chamber filled with embroidered curtains and perfumed candles.
Ji Ling, on the other hand, walked ahead without hesitation, his back straight and expression unreadable. To him, it was routine - another duty completed.
The eunuchs led them to the ornate double doors, painted red and gilded with golden phoenixes and dragons. With a ceremonial cry, the doors swung open, revealing a room bathed in warm lamplight, the bed draped in crimson silk.
Ling Yu'er's eyes widened. "Oh heavens... it's so red, I feel like I've just stepped into a pepper jar."
Ji Ling shot her a glance, brow arching ever so slightly. "If you're done commenting on colors, you may enter."
She blinked, then straightened, forcing a dignified nod. "Of course. I was only... appreciating the imperial taste."
Ji Ling didn't answer, merely stepped aside and gestured for her to walk in first. His silence made her want to stomp her foot.
Once inside, Yu'er twirled once, half teasing, half genuine fascination. "So this is where the mighty prince lives. Not bad... I suppose I can tolerate it."
Ji Ling untied his outer robe, tossing it aside as though her words were no more than the buzzing of a fly. "Don't get too comfortable. Tomorrow, I'll have another chamber arranged for you."
"What?" Yu'er's jaw dropped. "We're already married! Do you think I'll actually let you push me into some lonely little room?"
He turned, eyes cool. "Did you truly think I would share this space?"
She crossed her arms, frowning. "I don't care. Fine by me. This marriage was decreed by the emperor - nothing more. I won't expect anything from you, and you shouldn't expect anything from me. We'll just... play our roles when necessary."
Ji Ling's gaze lingered on her for a moment, unreadable. Then, with a faint smirk tugging at his lips, he replied, "At least you understand."
And without another word, he left her standing in the chamber, his robe still lying across the chair, his footsteps fading into the corridor.
- Writer
