Although the wedding procession was interrupted midway, there were still matters to attend to.
Today, Ye Siheng was determined to marry Nanli.
Initially, it was expected that the mansion of Prince Yu would be quiet and desolate, given its imposing regulations and vastness. However, upon arrival, they were greeted by a lively gathering of guests. The chief eunuch approached with a smile, saying, "My Prince, the princess has returned!"
Nanli had a hunch about what was happening.
The chief eunuch continued, still smiling, "The Prince and Pricess have arrived. We are waiting for you to pay respects to the heavens and ancestors."
Ye Siheng’s expression remained unchanged, but his eyes flickered slightly.
Nanli changed back into the bridal attire from the puppet’s body, once again donning the red veil. It took about half an hour.
Empress Xie had been released from confinent earlier and regained her position as the Empress, with the Empress’s golden seal returned to her.
Emperor Muwu and she were still harmonious and in tune with each other.
One wore a black dragon robe with red accents, adorned with a golden crown, while the other wore the Empress’s ceremonial attire, with a nine-phoenix crown on her head. Both had gentle smiles on their faces, indicating their importance attached to Ye Siheng’s marriage.
The cushions were arranged on the ground. Following the chief eunuch’s loud call, they paid respects to the heavens, ancestors, and the high hall, and finally perford the ritual of husband and wife.
Nanli couldn’t help but feel excited.
In two lifetis, she had unexpectedly married soone today and found soone to rely on.
Although she couldn’t see Ye Siheng’s face under the red veil, his gentle smile occasionally flashed in her mind, causing her heart to beat rapidly.
"Excellent!" Emperor Muwu exclaid with excitent.
"Previously, I was almost hard, which could have jeopardized your union. Now that I see you two married and beco husband and wife, my heart feels much more at ease."
Empress Xie added, "In the future, you must respect and love each other, supporting one another."
Ye Siheng responded, "Thank you, Emperor Brother and Empress Sister-in-law."
It was because of his own unease that he wanted to marry Nanli early. As for other matters, they could be dealt with later.
Soon after, Nanli was led into the bridal chamber.
The courtyard was new, called the Liuli Pavilion, and everything inside was new as well.
There were many guests outside, and Ye Siheng would likely have to entertain them for a while.
Nanli didn’t mind waiting, but the bridal attire and crown were indeed quite heavy, making her hesitant to move freely. Fortunately, she had great strength, so she didn’t feel too uncomfortable at the mont.
However, Ye Siheng soon arrived.
The matchmaker urged him to lift the veil, uttering auspicious words about marital bliss and the hope for early offspring.
The red veil was slowly lifted.
Ye Siheng saw her face, painted white and red, a stark contrast to her usual delicate and beautiful appearance, almost unrecognizable.
He chuckled, "Fortunately, this makeup is only for the wedding. If you wore it daily, it would truly frighten people."
Standing before him, Nanli couldn’t help but adopt a girlish attitude and gently pat his hand. "Are you finding fault with ?"
"Not at all, but the crown is heavy. Let soone help you take it off, and then you can freshen up and change," Ye Siheng said, concerned about her well-being.
Nanli was also uncomfortable, so she didn’t refuse.
Ye Siheng gave the order, and several maidservants ca forward to assist Nanli in changing and freshening up.
In the Marquis Mansion, Nanli hadn’t allowed Yuanbao and the others to serve her in this manner, so she felt sowhat unaccustod.
Although the bathing room in this new courtyard was spacious and not crowded at all, Nanli only had one or two maidservants attending to her.
"Princess, which outfit would you like to wear?" one of the maidservants asked.
Nanli didn’t react imdiately, so the maid asked again.
This ti, Nanli regained her senses and slightly curved her lips. "The one on the left, please."
She had been accustod to being called "Miss" and suddenly being addressed as "Princess" felt sowhat unfamiliar.
Yuanbao and Yuanchun had accompanied her as dowry maidservants and helped her change into the new clothes, styling her hair into a simple and neat bun.
Returning to the bridal chamber, Nanli saw that Ye Siheng had also changed into a loose robe, leaning against a cushion and reading a book.
His ink-black hair cascaded down, exuding an indescribable charm and allure.
The robe was slightly askew, revealing the muscles on his chest, clean and well-defined.
Nanli’s face imdiately turned red, and she quickly turned her head away.
As she erged, Ye Siheng straightened his posture and beckoned, "A’li, co hither."
His eyes ablaze, he dismissed the maidservants and nurses who filled the room. Despite the encroaching darkness, the chamber was illuminated by flickering candlelight, casting a radiant glow.
A’li, not one to be easily fooled, understood what lay ahead for the newlyweds.
Pausing briefly, she took a deep breath before cautiously approaching.
Ye Siheng observed as her fair skin, accentuated by a crimson gown, appeared even more porcelain-like, akin to a captivating celestial jade that left an indelible impression.
He shifted, revealing his collarbone, an alluring sight that was impossible to ignore. Her cheeks flushed once more, causing her to halt in her tracks.
Ye Siheng extended his hand, pulling her towards him, settling her securely upon his lap. Her petite and delicate fra nestled perfectly within his embrace.
With tender eyes, Ye Siheng exhaled warm breath against the nape of her neck and spoke, "A’li, you have finally beco my wife. You cannot fathom the imnse joy within ."
Listening to his words, her heart fluttered, and she turned her head slightly, her face blushing with a mixture of white and red.
"Why did I not know this before? How did you beco so skilled in the art of sweet nothings?"
Ye Siheng chuckled softly, "It is never too late for you to know now."
Holding her in his arms, he made no further advances, leaving A’li uncertain of Ye Siheng’s intentions.
However, being straightforward by nature, she voiced her curiosity, "So, shall we retire for the night?"
"A’li, there is no rush," he replied.
"What else do you have in mind?" A’li couldn’t help but wonder, "You wouldn’t be entrusting with the family fortune, would you? Please, spare from such responsibilities."
She detested managing household affairs.
"I know you dislike such matters, how could I burden you?"
Ye Siheng’s gaze turned serious.
"What I an is, you are still young, and we need not rush into consummating our marriage. It would be unwise for you to conceive too early."
Having witnessed nurous young won in the palace suffer from difficult pregnancies and even death, he had consulted with the imperial physician, learning that it was best for won to delay pregnancy to avoid potential harm to both mother and child.
"You actually understand these things," A’li thought to herself.
Having lived two lifetis, she was not as young as her physical appearance suggested.
However, at fifteen years old, she was indeed quite young.
Moreover, with the ongoing conflict with the Qi Kingdom, it was not an opportune ti for pregnancy.
A warm feeling enveloped her heart, and she mustered a smile, "You’re right. Shall we sleep in separate beds then?"
Ye Siheng’s lips twitched.
How did he manage to throw a stone and hit his own foot?
Nonetheless, he continued to hold her, feeling a growing restlessness.
If they were to share a bed, he doubted he would get any sleep that night.
He sighed, "Very well."
A’li cheerfully fetched bedding to prepare a separate bed for Ye Siheng.
Observing her deft movents, he suddenly found himself lost in thought.
Could it be that he lacked charm, causing A’li to feel no regret?
But the words had already been spoken, and he could not retract them now.
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