Chapter 62: Wedding Rush

Ning Yin, young and full of ups and downs, was imagined by others to be a reserved and impoverished person. Therefore, when people saw the figure in a purple robe with a jade belt, a pale and handsome stature, the initial surprise in their eyes surpassed any contempt. For a while, people hesitated, and gradually some rose to greet him.

Xue Cen, standing beside, was about to bow in courtesy, but at the moment he saw the appearance of the Seventh Prince, he suddenly stiffened. Why did the Seventh Prince’s appearance resemble that guard who had once tempted his second sister excessively?!

“Wei Qi, Wei Qi…”

Xue Cen’s throat moved slightly. He unconsciously looked at Yu Lingxi, who was by his side. Yu Lingxi lowered her eyes, kneeled in courtesy with the female relatives, and her long eyelashes trembled slightly. The gloss of the hairpin reflected in her eyes, revealing a faint and watery luster.

This was a ripple that had never occurred when facing Xue Cen before. She had to exert all her strength to control herself from looking up at him. In her line of sight, a deep purple robe passed by, and the black official boots did not pause for a moment.

As the wind stopped, the cool sandalwood scent dissipated without a trace.

“Younger sister?”

Xue Cen’s low voice came from the side, and Yu Lingxi, who had just awakened from a daze, slowly stood up and returned to her place.

Ning Yin took his seat above, holding the wine cup lightly. The purple robe and black hair made his face look more handsome and cold. His casual gaze did not linger on the positions of the Xue and Yu families as if he were truly just a stranger attending a banquet to drink.

What was he doing here?

According to the memories of her past life, he would never show up like this. Yu Lingxi’s heart was unsettled, although she tried not to look or think about it. The discussions about the Seventh Prince around her, however, did not cease, buzzing in her ears like mosquitoes.

She took a deep breath, picked up pastries and dried fruits from the table, one after another, to distract herself. It felt as if a big hole had opened up in her heart, and only by continuously stuffing herself with food could she fill that empty void. Beside her, Xue Cen calmly handed a cup of tea to Yu Lingxi, his eyes filled with undisguised concern and gravity.

Another bow, the Crown Prince entered, and the discussions about the Seventh Prince gradually subsided. Upon seeing Ning Yin, a hint of cold laughter flashed in Ning Tan’s eyes.

“Younger brother is in good spirits. Despite numerous invitations, you never showed up before. Today, you actually grace us with your presence at the banquet.”

Ning Tan gestured with his spear and gave a meaningful look.

Immediately, a green-robed civil official understood, stood up, and raised a wine cup, saying, “Prince Ning Tan is courteous and generous, treating his subordinates well. This exemplifies the conduct of a wise ruler! I deeply appreciate it and offer a toast to Prince Ning Tan and Seventh Prince!”

The Crown Prince glanced at Ning Yin and pulled out an interested smile, saying, “Although there is fine wine, there is no one to pour it. I’ve heard that the Seventh Brother has been wandering outside, and he must be quite knowledgeable about serving. I wonder if the Seventh Brother would be willing to pour wine for me, so that we brothers can enjoy a drink together?”

The Crown Prince and his followers echoed each other, mocking Ning Yin for once being reduced to a slave, eagerly anticipating his embarrassment. Onlookers at the banquet remained silent, and no one spoke up to defend Ning Yin. Yu Lingxi couldn’t help but frown and clench her fingers.

On the side, Yu Xinyi gently held her sister’s hand, shaking her head slightly to discourage her from speaking up. Having just stepped back from the edge of the storm, the Seventh Prince had not yet firmly established his position. It would be unwise to speak up and implicate Ning Yin.

Yu Lingxi understood her older sister’s concerns but still felt a sense of frustration. In the midst of this silence, the sound of pouring wine from a jade pot broke through.

Ning Yin personally poured a cup of wine and presented it to Ning Tan with a gentle smile, saying, “Brother, you are wise and valiant, deeply loved by the people. This cup of wine should be offered to you by your humble brother. I hope Brother won’t spare his valuable advice!”

Ning Tan didn’t expect such compliance from him, burst into laughter, and proudly took the wine cup, downing it in one gulp. The wine, of an unknown variety, was fiery and intense. As it entered Ning Tan’s stomach, it felt like a fire meeting hot oil, causing him to flush and lose his composure.

His cheeks turned crimson, his gaze became unfocused, and he patted Ning Yin’s arm, saying, “Seventh Brother, you are so sensible. In the future, when I ascend the throne, I will surely appoint you as a Prince to stay by my side and take good care of you! How about conferring you the title of ‘Tipsy Prince’? Hahaha!”

The entire banquet hall fell silent for a moment, and a sudden hush descended. The current emperor was still alive, and for the Crown Prince to plan for the future succession was not appropriate. The messengers outside, who were looking at the Emperor and Empress standing at the door, felt like ducks with their necks pinched, terrified and silent.

The Emperor’s face, already suffering from a cold, turned green and black upon hearing the Crown Prince’s audacious words. The eunuchs and palace maids from the Eastern Palace, looking pale, rushed to support the babbling Crown Prince, desperately trying to control his erratic speech. One of them anxiously said, “Your Highness, please refrain from speaking. His Majesty is here!”

Only then did Ning Tan notice the Emperor and Empress standing at the entrance. Although two parts drunk, he was one-third awake. He hastily stood up, swayed, and bowed with a salute, “Son pays respects to Father… Father Emperor, live for ten thousand years! Mother Empress, live for a thousand years!”

Unexpectedly, he couldn’t find his balance, and with a wobble, he fell to the ground, displaying a ludicrous scene. People joined in bowing to welcome the Emperor, wanting to laugh but unable to. On the side, Yu Xinyi’s mouth was almost twitching from suppressing her laughter.

Yu Lingxi felt relieved in her heart and thought to herself: Serves him right!

The Emperor, with a darkened face, took his seat. He spared some face due to the Empress’s birthday celebration and said in a deep voice, “Rise, everyone.”

The Empress, seated beside the Emperor, calmly said, “Miss Yu and Second Lord Xue are indeed a talented and beautiful couple. This palace is pleased to see them. Miss Yu, how is your health?”

Yu Lingxi understood clearly in her heart that the Empress, by suddenly bringing up the topic of her health, wasn’t concerned about her but was diverting attention from the Crown Prince’s previous indiscretion.

As expected, everyone’s gaze followed the Empress’s lead and fell on Yu Lingxi and Xue Cen. Yu Lingxi stepped forward, gracefully knelt, and said, “Thanks to the Empress’s blessing, this humble daughter has been suffering from chronic illnesses and should not have troubled the Empress’s birthday celebration.”

She covered her mouth with her sleeve, coughed lightly, and presented herself as weak and fragile.

“No matter,” said the Empress.

The Empress smiled faintly, “The Second Miss’s delicate health needs a joyful event to uplift her spirits. In my opinion, why not take advantage of the beautiful scenery today to set a wedding date for the Second Miss and bring some joy to wash away the illness? It would also serve as a reprieve to General Yu, who toils day and night.”

Yu Lingxi’s shoulders trembled.

Although it was said that Empress Feng was generous in her religious practices, Yu Lingxi believed she hid her true intentions, and she was far from being a benevolent person!

Today, the Crown Prince Ning Tan, seeing Yu Lingxi up close, felt that she outshone all beauties, making all the myriad of beautiful women pale in comparison. He couldn’t help but curse Xue Cen, the bookish fool, for getting such a gem!

Although unwilling, for the sake of self-preservation, Yu Lingxi had to nod and agree, taking the opportunity to step on Ning Yin as he said, “Seventh Brother, what do you think?”

In matters of granting marriages, it was not the place for an un-favored prince to voice opinions. Ning Tan’s action was purely to disgust Ning Yin, as there were rumors of a connection between the Yu family and the exiled Seventh Prince.

Yu Lingxi kept her head down, unable to see Ning Yin’s expression.

Only his clear and indifferent voice came from the front, with an unfamiliar tone, without the slightest hesitation, “As you wish, as long as everyone is pleased.”

Even though she had prepared herself, Yu Lingxi was stung by the casually uttered “as you wish,” feeling a sharp pain in her heart. She hadn’t raised her head for a long time, as if she had swallowed a sharp ice cube, forgetting how to refute.

She pursed her lips and listened to the Emperor saying, “Alright.”

So everyone stood up to congratulate, and Xue Cen smiled gracefully, patiently returning each greeting from the congratulating noblewomen and princes. Yu Lingxi stood in the midst of the bustling and artificial celebration, looking past the lively scene to the front, where there was silence.

Ning Yin put down the unfinished wine cup, stood up, and left without glancing in her direction from start to finish.

…

The birthday banquet concluded, in the Palace. The Empress stood in front of the hall, watching the swaying and unstable Crown Prince. She calmly asked, “Does the Crown Prince acknowledge his mistake?”

“The son almost ruined Mother’s birthday banquet. This son acknowledges the mistake!”

Ning Tan, in a drunken state, waved his hand unsteadily, “But rest assured, Mother, once your son takes power in the future, I will definitely organize a more splendid birthday banquet for you!”

As soon as these words were spoken, even Cui An, who was standing aside, revealed a hint of disdain. A wastrel that couldn’t hold up the wall, wasting the Empress’s efforts in raising him.

Empress Feng’s eyebrows slightly furrowed, and she said coldly, “Cui An, help the Crown Prince sober up.”

“Yes.”

Understanding, Cui An walked to Ning Tan, apologetically saying, “Your Highness, I apologize.”

Ning Tan, still sluggish, hadn’t understood what was happening when he heard a splash sound. His entire person, like a sandbag, flew and fell into the lotus pond in front of the hall.

“Save… save…”

Ning Tan struggled, paddling his arms and legs, but no one dared to come and pull him out. His noble mother stood at the steps, wearing a phoenix robe, exuding an air of nobility. There was no joy or sorrow on her face, only a complete indifference.

Yes, indifference, as if looking at a waste that could be discarded at any time. Ning Tan finally clung to the edge of the pool, spitting out water, covered in water plants, shaking and shivering miserably.

He was completely sober, incredibly clear-headed.

“This palace can protect you once or twice, but not ten or a hundred times.”

The Empress said, “The Crown Prince should reflect on himself calmly here.”

The palace gate heartlessly closed before Ning Tan. Wiping off the water, his gaze stared at the eunuch who was bowing and lowering his head on the side. For a moment, the eunuch’s face, usually obedient and respectful, seemed to become arrogant and mocking. With a sneering smile, he mocked Ning Tan for his ignorance and embarrassment.

His eyes were bloodshot, and amid the fear, there was a hint of resentment. He hated that the blood of a lowly servant flowed in his veins. He resented the Empress for placing him on the position of the Crown Prince but refused to show even a bit of affection or closeness.

Just wait and see!

Ning Tan gritted his teeth, thinking that he would prove to everyone that he was the only true dragon-blooded heir!

On the Lunar Pavilion adjacent to the Empress’s Palace, Ning Yin, dressed in a purple robe, stood tall, taking in the pathetic sight of the Crown Prince soaking in the pool. 

Behind him, a young man dressed as a forbidden army guard said, “Your Highness, do you want to create an accident and let the Crown Prince drown in the pool?”

“No need.”

Ning Yin casually swayed the folding fan in his hand, lips curled, and his pale face showed a hint of gentle madness, “Death is a simple matter; I won’t let my elder brother off so easily.”

He wanted to repay everything he had endured in the past to this mother-son pair. Glancing over the majestic palaces and buildings, his eyes landed on the palace road in the distance.

Ning Yin had excellent vision. Even if they were as small as ants in the distance, he could clearly distinguish the slender and bright figure. The smile at the corner of his mouth finally faded, folding the folding fan, he turned and went downstairs.

Outside the palace gate, Yu Xinyi hurriedly caught up.

“Sui Sui.”

She held Yu Lingxi’s hand, the worry in her eyes evident, “Are you okay?”

Yu Lingxi’s scattered thoughts finally gathered. Realizing that she had left the seat without bowing with Xue Cen, she felt a bit out of place. Fortunately, the Empress was busy with the Crown Prince and didn’t notice her actions.

Yu Lingxi shook her head gently, trying to show a relaxed smile, “I’m fine, Elder Sister.”

Yu Xinyi held Yu Lingxi into their own carriage, lowering the curtain.

She held her sister’s face, rubbing her beautiful and delicate face into a wrinkled shape, and then pinched her cheek, saying, “If you’re not happy, you should say it, Sui Sui.”

Yu Lingxi was stunned.

“Are you wondering when has Elder Sister failed to see through? You no longer have the infatuation you had with Xue Cen when you were young, right?”

Yu Xinyi sighed, “Today, the Empress used the excuse of celebrating to block all our retreats. Faking illness won’t work anymore; it’s really unkind. But, Sui Sui, if this marriage brings you only pain, I’d rather you not agree, even if it means resisting the imperial decree, confiscating the family, and imprisonment. I…”

“Elder Sister!”

Yu Lingxi embraced Yu Xinyi and whispered, “Don’t say such things.”

Last year’s northern expedition was a struggle to change fate, allowing these lovable and respectable family members to continue staying by her side. How could she bear to jeopardize it all for a moment of grievances? Moreover, since the day she left Ning Yin, she knew that no matter what happened in the future, she had no right to feel upset. This was the path she chose for herself, walking into darkness.

Yu Xinyi, sitting upright, pressed her sister’s head into her embrace. She remembered the words of Yu Huanchen: Yu Xinyi, it’s our incompetence that couldn’t give Sui Sui more choices.

Under the oppression of imperial power and the command of the monarch, all achievements were like illusions. To make a change, one must change the entire situation.

…

Under the guise of celebrating, the Ministry of Rites acted swiftly, setting the wedding date for Yu Lingxi and Xue Cen during the New Year festivities.

Yu Lingxi did not appear, focusing on accelerating the investigation into the mastermind behind Zhao Yuming’s death. She needed something to distract her chaotic thoughts, and she feared that if she got married, she would lose the chance to help Ning Yin.

At least until then, she needed to find out who was plotting against the Yu family in the shadows and who the real culprit planning to assassinate Ning Yin was. Unexpectedly, after months of no information, there was suddenly a clue about the maidservant of the Zhao family.

“You’re saying that Zhao Yuming’s maidservant, Hongzhu, is hiding in a brothel?” Yu Lingxi jumped off the swing, surprised.

“After receiving information from our informant, I personally took the portrait and sneaked into the brothel to confirm. The appearance does indeed bear a strong resemblance,” reported Qingxiao.

“And that woman has a scar on her forehead, matching the incident where she collided with a pillar,” Qingxiao added.

Hongzhu, being a slave, could not have gone far without a contract of sale. Yu Lingxi only thought she was still hiding in the capital, but she had not expected her to be in a brothel.

“Why not bring her back?” Yu Lingxi asked.

Qingxiao showed a hesitant expression, “Miss, that brothel is not an ordinary place; it has both a front courtyard for regular customers and a back courtyard specifically for hosting high-ranking officials. To enter the latter, one needs a special token, and the security is extremely tight… I’m afraid of alerting them, so I didn’t dare to get too close.”

This seemed somewhat similar to the rules of the Immortal City of the Desire Realm…

Thinking of something, Yu Lingxi’s eyes lit up, “There is someone who surely has a way. Go and invite Qingping Princess; tell her I have an urgent matter and ask for her help!”

Qingxiao acknowledged and respectfully took his leave.

Inside the palace gate.

Xue Cen came out from the Ministry of Rites and happened to see Ning Yin boarding a carriage near the palace gate, heading towards the market area. Remembering the appearance of the Seventh Prince, he couldn’t help but recall the scene from the Qiqiao night when he witnessed him passionately kissing Yu Lingxi as if declaring his dominance. His heart sank, and he turned his horse around, secretly following the direction of the Seventh Prince.

He wanted to see what the Seventh Prince, who deliberately approached his younger sister, what was he up to. Following the route, the Seventh Prince’s carriage turned a corner and disappeared at the intersection. Xue Cen dismounted and, following the direction where the carriage vanished, saw a vivid and luxurious brothel at the end of the street.

The Seventh Prince engaging with courtesans?

It was not surprising. Only someone with a twisted mind would be able to deceive the innocent Yu Lingxi like this. Xue Cen suddenly felt sorry for his younger sister. Even after meeting her at the birthday celebration, she was still concerned about this two-faced man.

Only he, who wholeheartedly loved her, was the one she could truly rely on. Xue Cen sneered, about to inform his younger sister about this matter. However, he suddenly felt a sharp pain at the back of his neck, and in an instant, he collapsed.

Someone caught his falling figure and dragged him into a concealed side entrance of a brothel. At the end of the alley, the disappeared carriage was quietly parked near the side entrance, capturing everything in its sight.

“Your Highness, the person has been successfully brought in,” reported the subordinate.

The wind lifted the curtain, allowing a beam of light to shine in, illuminating the exquisitely handsome figure leaning by the window in the carriage.

With a glimpse, his appearance was peerless.

“Very well.”

Supporting his temple with one hand, he delicately played with a beautifully carved ink-colored jade, a cold smile flickering in his eyes.

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