Chapter 87: Emergence

Ning Yin and Yu Lingxi were somewhat different.

Perhaps it was a coincidence, or maybe it was due to the reenactment of the Xue family’s old tricks, which prompted him to dream of fragments from his past life.

This was truly unimaginable. However, after experiencing various things in this rebirth, even the most unimaginable events were nothing more than a reunion after a long separation. Yu Lingxi had a lot to say, carrying the burden of this secret alone for too long without the chance for a heartfelt conversation.

But as the words surged to her lips, they only turned into a light chuckle.

“That was just a nightmare.”

She held Ning Yin’s slightly cool hand and walked to a secluded corner, softly repeating, “Just a dream, Ning Yin.”

The fragrance of flowers drifted in the night breeze, a hint of wetness on Yu Lingxi’s eyelashes, yet she smiled warmly and brightly.

“It was an unforgivable dream.”

Ning Yin’s gaze fell on the faint redness at the corners of Yu Lingxi’s eyes, and after a moment, he spoke gently, “Punish me, let me feel some pain.”

As if only the pain she bestowed could surpass the ache at the heart when waking from a dream.

What should Yu Lingxi punish him for?

Should she tell him that in the past life, she died on his bed, and then watch him go mad in self-torture?

After overcoming so many obstacles, with the wedding approaching, it was time to taste the sweetness. So she tiptoed, pulled down Ning Yin’s neck, and the shadows on the wall overlapped, their breaths intermingling. She closed her eyes, hesitantly touching Ning Yin’s lips. His lips were so cold, lacking any warmth of a living person. Yu Lingxi pressed even closer, carefully capturing his upper lip, imparting the softest warmth.

Ning Yin opened his eyes, almost fiercely returning the kiss. His dark eyes held a lingering smile, dazzling, but his lips and tongue were wild, as if trying to suffocate someone.

The guards were still waiting in the distance. Yu Lingxi blushed, her back against the rough wall, the discomfort making her subconsciously want to push him away.

But his arms were wrapped around her so tightly, knuckles turning white. Yu Lingxi’s hand lifted in the air, ultimately gently falling down, like how he usually stroked a cat, now softly caressing his back.

The fragrance of flowers accompanied the vividness of blood, blooming in this quiet spring night.

After an unknown amount of time, Ning Yin gradually calmed down, lowering his eyelids, gently biting her lower lip.

Yu Lingxi held onto his arm tightly, her breath so rapid that she could hardly utter a complete sentence, “Feeling better, madman?”

Ning Yin caressed her cheek, his eyes showing desire, but his complexion had returned to normal.

“You see, nightmares always wake up.”

She embraced Ning Yin’s waist, her voice softer than the wind, “We have many tomorrows ahead.”

After a while, Ning Yin responded leisurely, “Yes, every day brings a different kind of pain. Even in death, it must be on your hands, forever yours.”

Very well.

Yu Lingxi could only comfort herself with a blush: If he’s in the mood to act crazy, it seems he’s back to normal. When the little madman returned to normal, it would be the time for the Xue family and their hidden puppeteer to fall.

In the deep night, the Yu Mansion was still brightly lit, bustling with activity.

Returning to the flower hall, Yu Lingxi saw Madam Yu and Su Guan personally supervising the preparation of the tea ceremony for tomorrow, busy and happy.

“It’s late, sister-in-law, go rest. You’re still carrying one inside you.”

Yu Lingxi pulled Su Guan aside and made her sit down, forbidding her from running around. Just as she turned around, Yu Huanchen walked over with long strides.

“Over there, is everything resolved?Is he safe?” The “he” in Yu Huanchen’s mouth naturally referred to Ning Yin.

Yu Lingxi nodded and smiled, “He was well-prepared; luckily, it was a false alarm.”

“What about Xue Cen?” she asked again.

“The poison is extremely difficult to detect. We had no choice but to send both him and the evidence to the Judicial Ministry.”

Yu Huanchen frowned slightly, arms crossed, “But he was promptly given medicine to induce vomiting. The Imperial Hospital is currently consulting with the Judicial Ministry. If the poison Xue Cen was exposed to is indeed ‘Hundred Flowers Poison,’ the specific dosage and how long he can live are still unknown.”

Su Guan glanced at the silent Yu Lingxi and quietly tugged on her husband’s sleeve. Yu Huanchen also realized that it wasn’t suitable to discuss these topics when his younger sister was about to get married.

While Yu Lingxi was still contemplating, she said, “There’s an alchemist who might have a solution, but he’s not in the capital right now. I don’t know if he can make it in time.”

“Alright, I’ll take care of it, brother will handle it.”

Yu Huanchen patted his sister’s hair bun and smiled, “What you need to do now, Lingxi, is to get a good night’s sleep and await tomorrow’s marriage ceremony.”

Yu Lingxi also smiled, her eyes moist, “Big brother, this life is really good.”

Auspicious day, suitable for marriage.

At the break of dawn, with the crowing of roosters, a faint line of light appeared on the horizon. The wedding ceremony arrived as scheduled.

Just as the day began to brighten, Yu Lingxi got up to freshen up, bathing and changing clothes. Skilled palace maids from the Prince Ning’s mansion took care of everything, from washing her hair to grooming her nails, styling her hair, and applying makeup. They continued their tasks until nearly noon, ensuring her impeccable appearance.

As Yu Lingxi gazed at herself in the bronze mirror, she saw a dazzling phoenix crown, a red skirt trailing gold, and the gold and jade bracelets on her wrist jingling. Her black hair framed her snow-white skin and rosy lips, making her appear so alluring that she felt almost like a stranger.

Regardless of how much mental preparation she had done, seeing herself in a bright red wedding gown waiting for her beloved to arrive still made her heart surge, impossible to calm.

This time, she was truly getting married.

Yu Lingxi felt a mixture of emotions, blinked, but her lips curved upward generously.

At the auspicious hour of dusk, the wedding procession from Prince Ning’s mansion arrived on time. Ning Yin didn’t have any relatives acting as attendants; he personally led the party to welcome the bride.

According to the ceremonial protocol, there should have been a process of urging the bride’s side to put on a ruckus at the gate, but due to Ning Yin’s imposing and dignified status, guests practically had a deep-seated fear of him. At that moment, no one dared to obstruct the wedding procession.

With a hand fan in her hand, Yu Lingxi, leaning on Yu Huanchen’s arm, stepped across the long red carpet step by step. The ages of two lifetimes intertwined at this moment, fulfilling.

In the hazy vision, the setting sun cast a golden glow, and she saw Ning Yin, who had entered the gate.

Through the swaying phoenix crown and hanging pearls, one could see the Crown Prince dressed in auspicious ceremonial attire, tall and upright. His handsome and powerful appearance resembled a mountain god, naturally exuding an aristocratic air.

Behind him, colorful ribbons fluttered, and magnificent canopies shone brightly, with a multitude of palace maids kneeling in a continuous line that seemed endless.

But his eyes were always fixed on her, revealing a relaxed and joyful expression.

“After you’re married, don’t endure any grievances,” Yu Huanchen whispered to his sister before handing her over to Prince Ning, hiding his words beneath the joy. “Remember, the Yu family will always be behind you.”

Yu Lingxi’s eyes welled with tears. She bowed deeply in the direction of her parents, then turned, placing her fingertips on Ning Yin’s outstretched palm.

A man’s finger bones were long and sturdy, exuding a reassuring strength.

After the wedding ceremony, they were supposed to proceed to the palace to pay respects to the Emperor and Empress. However, due to the Empress’s disgraceful dismissal and the Emperor’s stroke, Ning Yin directly sent Yu Lingxi to the Prince Ning’s mansion. Officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Court officials all turned a blind eye, afraid to utter a word.

Although many of the lengthy procedures had been simplified due to Ning Yin’s ruthlessness, it still took until the evening.

Ning Yin had no relatives, so Prince Ning’s mansion wasn’t as bustling as the Yu Mansion. Instead, it was filled with blooming flowers and bright lights, a joyous scene that the Regent’s Mansion had never experienced in the previous life.

“Miss… no, Royal Consort.”

The maid named Hutao, who had come along to serve, held two rectangular sandalwood boxes and inquired, “Where would you like to place these two items?”

Inside the boxes were the red-tipped brush and hairpin that Ning Yin had gifted.

Originally, she had wanted to bring the shiny and smooth cat along, but unfortunately, touching it caused her to break out in hives, so she had to abandon the idea.

Taking a few bites of porridge in a moment of respite, Yu Lingxi thought for a moment and said, “Just put them on the table for now; we can tidy up later.”

Hutao responded crisply with an “Okay” and couldn’t help but chatter, “The people from the Ministry of Rites mentioned that the ceremonial arrangements for Prince Ning’s wedding to you surpass those of the Eastern Palace marrying the Crown Princess. It’s truly a rare and grand event in the capital, unprecedented in a hundred years.”

Speaking of this, Hutao couldn’t help feeling a bit emotional.

Who would have thought that the “beggar” covered in wounds back then would become the powerful Prince Ning today?

While they were chatting, Ning Yin entered the room, pushing the door open amidst the play of shadows.

Hutao hastily handed the hand fan to Yu Lingxi and, along with the other attendants, bowed and kneeled, not daring to make a sound.

Ning Yin had changed into his usual deep red court attire, with a jade crown and belt, making his face appear handsome and unparalleled. Yu Lingxi had never seen any man like Ning Yin; even after encountering him countless times over two lifetimes, seeing him again in a different setting still left her stunned.

Walking in front of Yu Lingxi as if no one else was present, Ning Yin reached out and took the hand fan from her. He lifted the hanging pearls from her forehead to behind her ear with his fingers, examining her closely for a long while.

Being this close, Yu Lingxi could even see the tiny reflection of herself in his eyes.

Bright red, like two flames dancing in his pitch-black eyes.

“Looks beautiful,” he concluded leisurely.

Yu Lingxi’s eyes sparkled with delicate light, and she chuckled softly, “It’s not time yet; why don’t you go to the banquet?”

“A bunch of nobodies. Do they deserve me personally entertaining them?”

Ning Yin simply sat down in the opposite chair, openly admiring his newlywed bride.

The officiating palace maid, an adept at managing ceremonies, noticed Prince Ning’s impatience and immediately presented a pair of goblets tied together with a red cord, respectfully saying, “Please, Your Highness and Royal Consort, drink from these goblets as a symbol of a hundred years of happy union.”

The combined goblet was large, filled in a gourd-shaped vessel. Yu Lingxi took a small sip and immediately felt a warmth spreading.

Ning Yin, on the other hand, remained composed, his face cold and white no matter how much he drank. However, a faint blush appeared at the corners of his eyes, adding a touch of elegance to his appearance.

They exchanged goblets and each drank the remaining half-cup of the other. Ning Yin’s dark eyes gazed at Yu Lingxi, a teasing smile playing on his lips. He deliberately touched the lip mark on the rim of her cup and then took a sip.

In a moment of distraction, Yu Lingxi had the wine in her mouth and nearly choked. The wine didn’t go all the way down; at least half of it ended up on Ning Yin’s lips and tongue.

Yu Lingxi felt a heat rising within her, her cheeks flushing, unsure if it was due to the rising alcohol or the intoxicating show from a moment ago.

The palace maids were gone; no one dared to be bold enough to disturb Prince Ning’s bridal chamber. In the vast sleeping chamber, only the sound of their intertwined breaths could be heard.

Feeling uncomfortable with the makeup sweating off, Yu Lingxi smoothed out the messy pearls on her forehead and whispered, “I haven’t bathed and changed yet. I’ll go remove my makeup first.”

After uttering these words, she pushed Ning Yin away with the remaining trace of reason and swiftly went behind a screen. Taking off the phoenix crown and hairpins, washing away the powder, Yu Lingxi let her long hair fall freely and patted her damp and delicate cheeks to refresh herself.

After some thought, she also took off her wedding gown, leaving only the crimson undergarments, and walked out from behind the screen in a daze.

Ning Yin had already removed his outer robe and belt, wearing a loose robe of the same color. He was leaning against the bed, flipping through something.

His posture was leisurely and elegant, his eyes still focused on the contents. Yu Lingxi’s curiosity was piqued.

Lifting her dress, she sat beside him, supporting herself on the edge of the bed, and curiously peeked, “What are you looking at so seriously? This seems…”

Before she could finish her sentence, she was stunned by the bold and explicit illustrations on the large, white pages of the small booklet. According to the traditional customs in the capital, the dowry of a woman would include a booklet of diagrams for use on the wedding night.

Ning Yin had actually taken out this item and was looking at it so…

So nonchalantly.

“Even though the rice is already cooked, are you afraid of a few pictures?”

Ning Yin gazed at Yu Lingxi, who pretended to be calm, and chuckled. He bit her crimson earlobe and whispered, “On our wedding night, the eldest always chooses a few pages. Let’s pick some tonight.”

Yu Lingxi remained stunned for a moment before understanding what he meant by “pick a few pages.”

She wouldn’t obediently fall into the trap. Trying to avert her gaze, she was gently held by Ning Yin under the jaw, his touch both gentle and firm, compelling her to participate in the selection.

“How about this one, or maybe this one?”

He flipped through the pages, then shook his head, “No, not this one. The swing is too wobbly; it might hurt Sui Sui.”

Enough!

Blushing, Yu Lingxi decided to take matters into her own hands. She pulled down his collar and sealed his lips with a kiss. The booklet fell to the ground, illuminated by the flickering candlelight, creating a gentle atmosphere in the room.

…

Yu Lingxi had always thought that Ning Yin’s fair complexion was perfect for the color red. However, as her gaze shifted, she watched in awe as the tattoo on his chest emerged, transitioning from a pale hue to a deep crimson like blood, stunning her heart.

Shivers ran down her spine.

So, this was the seal Ning Yin had engraved for her.

A seal that belonged only to her.

The steam rose from the hot water, creating ripples in the pool.

With moist eyes, Yu Lingxi leaned against Ning Yin’s chest, extending her slender fingers to delicately trace the bright and unfading characters “Lingxi” on Ning Yin’s chest. She asked in a hoarse voice, “When was it tattooed?”

“After the first time we were together, without the assistance of anyone else.”

For the madman, a seal carved with “living jade” was more beautiful than one etched with “dead jade.” That’s why Ning Yin engraved her name on the scar on his chest.

He held Yu Lingxi’s hand, guiding her to touch the vivid red mark. With a low laugh, he asked, “Do you like it?”

What could Yu Lingxi say?

She liked it so much that her heart felt sour and swollen, unceasingly.

“Does it hurt a lot?”

She pressed her cheek against his damp chest, listening to his strong heartbeat.

Ning Yin embraced her slender waist, lifting his lips slightly.

Did it hurt? He couldn’t remember.

He only remembered the unparalleled excitement when everything about Yu Lingxi was branded onto him.

“Next time, tattoo one on me too.”

Yu Lingxi snorted, “If it hurts, we’ll bear it together.”

A rose petal drifted along the water’s flow and landed on her chest, causing a slight itch.

She reached out to remove it, but Ning Yin held her wrist.

He examined it carefully, then lowered his head, gently taking the fragrant petal into his mouth.

Yu Lingxi shivered, and as she raised her head, she saw the vivid petal nestled between his pale lips, incredibly stunning.

How could Ning Yin bear to let Yu Lingxi endure pain?

Ning Yin extended his tongue and rolled the petal into his mouth, slowly chewing it.

He squinted and said, “Next time, use red blood to draw a flower on Sui Sui’s chest. It will have the same effect.”

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