My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 78: Wedding.

　　Yun Ling's gaze followed the direction he indicated, and the noisy sounds from downstairs gradually quieted down.

　　In the sight of everyone, numerous sky lanterns slowly ascended into the black night sky, floating in the air. The lights were magnificent and spectacular, stretching endlessly towards the heavens, forming a vast and dazzling sea of lanterns.

　　One after another, beautiful sky lanterns surged into Yun Ling's view.

　　From downstairs, the excited cheers of a young child could be heard, “So many lanterns! They're so beautiful…”

　　The dancing flames of the lanterns fell into Yun Ling's pupils, captivating her for a moment.

　　The entire second floor fell silent. Yun Ling watched the sky lanterns slowly ascend into the sky, seemingly illuminating the entire night.

　　She quietly observed.

　　After an unknown amount of time, she turned her head, only to meet his deep, phoenix-like eyes.

　　He, who was the least patient with such things, had actually organized this lantern festival for her.

　　This was completely unlike something he would do.

　　“Your Highness, how did you suddenly think of holding a lantern festival?”

　　Xie Jue looked at her face, flushed red by the light, and lightly curled his lips.

　　“Even when I shed the identity of the Crown Prince, I am still like any other man in the world, wanting to please the one I love.”

　　Yun Ling was momentarily stunned, her face turning even redder; the blush on her cheeks was as brilliant as if she had drunk too much wine. Her eyelashes fluttered as she said, “Thank you, Your Highness. I love it.”

　　Such a grand lantern festival was truly beautiful.

　　How could she not like it?

　　“Mmm.”

　　Xie Jue lowered his gaze, looking at her beautiful apricot eyes shimmering with light, and responded softly,

　　“I'm happy that you like it.”

　　“Every year from now on, I will accompany you to watch the lantern festival.”

　　In this dazzling sea of lanterns…

　　Yun Ling felt warmth bloom in her chest. The corners of her eyes curved into a smile as she nodded, “Okay.”

　　Xie Jue continued, “I've already spoken to my uncle. Tomorrow, he will go to the Xiao residence to propose marriage.”

　　Yun Ling nodded again, “Okay.”

　　That night in the East Palace, Yun Ling accepted the Crown Prince's proposal.

　　She wasn't someone who would be coy.

　　By now, she had already figured things out.

　　“May your heart be like mine, and may our love not be in vain.”

　　This is the reply she gave him.

　　When she first saw him in the Cold Palace that year, Yun Ling never imagined that she and he would be in such a state now.

　　At that time, he was pretending to be sick, his face pale, looking weak, but the first time he grabbed her neck, the force was real, he was going to kill her.

　　She escaped death from his grasp several times.

　　She had also thought before that she might die at his hands.

　　And now she was actually going to marry him.

　　Truly, life is unpredictable.

　　“What are you thinking about?” Xie Jue asked.

　　Yun Ling raised her head, her eyes curving slightly, and said deliberately, “I was thinking about how many times Your Highness tried to kill me in the Cold Palace. I never imagined that I would end up marrying Your Highness.”

　　Xie Jue knew perfectly well that she was being deliberate. He clicked his tongue and said, “When I first saw you in the Cold Palace, your eyes were wide with fear, red and round, like a startled little rabbit. You were so timid, it was unbearable.”

　　“Now, you're not afraid of me anymore. You're even bringing up old grievances, aren't you?”

　　She wasn't just unafraid of him, she could even slap him without hesitation.

　　He had spoiled her beyond reason.

　　Yet, even so, Xie Jue still took her hand and placed it on his face, saying calmly, “If you're unhappy,”

　　“Then hit me.”

　　As soon as the words fell, all the eunuchs in the room immediately lowered their heads in fear, wishing they could all kneel down.

　　They couldn't believe their ears.

　　Slapping the Crown Prince—what a great crime that was!

　　Yet, His Highness's tone was casual, as if being slapped a few times by Eldest Miss Xiao was nothing at all.

　　Yun Ling was stunned.

　　She no longer cared about the past. She had simply felt a sudden surge of emotion and mentioned it to him.

　　Besides, she had already gone too far by slapping him in a fit of anger once.

　　She couldn't possibly hit him again.

　　He really was… saying such things so openly in front of so many people.

　　A man like him does everything to the extreme.

　　Yun Ling sighed softly.

　　Xie Jue continued, “This is my promise to you. I pardon your crime.”

　　Yun Ling, fearing he might say something earth-shattering that would scare the palace servants half to death, opened her lips slightly and said softly, “Alright, Your Highness, you scared me…”

　　Xie Jue was stunned.

　　After a moment, his thin lips parted slightly, and he murmured, “Damn it.”

　　Those two words were directed at himself.

　　Yun Ling couldn't help but curve her lips into a smile.

　　It seemed like Xiao Mingrong's voice was coming from downstairs. Yun Ling glanced out the window; it was getting late. She had brought Xiao Mingrong out, and it was time to return to the manor.

　　She gently pushed his arm. “I'm going back now.”

　　Xie Jue also heard Xiao Mingrong's voice. His brows furrowed slightly, and he said with displeasure, “Tomorrow, Duke of Chen will go to the Xiao residence to propose marriage, so I won't be able to see you again.”

　　After the proposal, the man and woman couldn't meet before the wedding.

　　Establishing a Crown Princess wasn't a matter of a day or two; it involved the National destiny and, even with an imperial edict, required going through a series of complicated procedures in the Hanlin Academy and other places.

　　The three matchmakers and six gifts, the selection of an auspicious date, the preparation of wedding attire by the Shangfu Bureau (Imperial Wardrobe Bureau)… even at the fastest pace, it would take two months.

　　She certainly wouldn't secretly enter the East Palace again.

　　And it would be even worse if he went to see her secretly.

　　His Crown Princess, in some ways, was just like her grandfather—a rather stubborn and old-fashioned person.

　　This naturally gave Xie Jue a headache.

　　Yun Ling also knew this was their last meeting before their wedding, and she felt a pang of reluctance.

　　She hesitated, wanting to stay a little longer with him, but then she heard Xiao Mingrong and Shen Chunxiang's voices.

　　No.

　　Yun Ling steadied herself.

　　They had come out together. If she left Xiao Mingrong to go back alone, it wouldn't be proper.

　　“Let go of me. Mingrong is waiting for me downstairs.”

　　“She can wait. Let her wait.”

　　“No, it won't do.”

　　“Why not?” Xie Jue's tone was harsh, brooking no refusal.

　　His stubborn nature, once it flared up, was difficult to deal with.

　　Yun Ling immediately softened.

　　After a moment of thought, she tiptoed, her eyes soft, and whispered, “I'll miss Your Highness too.”

　　Xie Jue's eyes darkened. “Don't act cute.”

　　“Your Highness will agree to my request,” she looked up at him, “won't you?”

　　Xie Jue's throat bobbed. “Yes.”

　　Grand Eunuch An, standing at the doorway, couldn't help but cover his face.

　　If Eldest Miss Xiao really wanted to coax His Highness, it wouldn't take more than three sentences.

　　His Highness, such a strong and ruthless person, almost always gave in without a struggle whenever Eldest Miss Xiao coaxed him.

　　It was simply… simply…

　　Unprincipled.

　　After much thought, An Zhong finally came up with these four words that perfectly described the situation.

　　——

　　As Yun Ling came downstairs, Xiao Mingrong immediately greeted her, saying with a cheerful smile, “Sister, weren't the Kongming lanterns beautiful?”

　　“I've never seen such a beautiful lantern festival since I was born. His Highness the Crown Prince is so thoughtful.”

　　Xiao Mingrong knew about her relationship with the Crown Prince, so she naturally guessed that the lantern festival was held for her.

　　Every word was teasing.

　　Just as Yun Ling was about to speak, she heard Shen Chunxiang exclaim in surprise, “What? This lantern festival was actually put on by His Highness the Crown Prince?”

　　“His Highness the Crown Prince would have this kind of leisure?”

　　She didn't believe it!

　　Before Yun Ling could speak, she stepped forward, took Yun Ling's hand, and asked with concern, “Ah Ling, what did His Highness want with you just now? He didn't cause you any trouble, did he?”

　　She remembered that the last time His Highness the Crown Prince saw Yun Ling at her residence, his expression had been very cold.

　　Why would he suddenly call Yun Ling up today?

　　He must be causing her trouble!

　　As soon as she finished speaking, there was a sense of ‘deafening clarity.’

　　An awkward silence immediately fell around them.

　　Xiao Mingrong couldn't help but let out a snort of laughter.

　　Shen Chunxiang turned and glared at her. “What are you laughing at?”

　　Xiao Mingrong, having watched the lantern festival with Shen Chunxiang, already knew she was a paper tiger, so she wasn't afraid of her. “I'm laughing at how obtuse you are; you didn't even notice that.”

　　“Truly, you're the number one blockhead in the capital.”

　　“Who are you calling a blockhead?” Would Shen Chunxiang allow herself to be mocked by the young Xiao Mingrong?

　　“I'm talking about you,” Xiao Mingrong retorted, “If you weren't so careless, how could you not have noticed something so obvious?”

　　Shen Chunxiang put her hands on her hips. “What haven't I noticed?”

　　Xiao Mingrong choked for a moment, not daring to reveal the matter of the Crown Prince, so she said, “You didn't even notice that Lord Pei likes you. Aren't you obtuse?”

　　“Nonsense!” Shen Chunxiang's face flushed crimson, and she looked disgusted. “You're so young and you're spouting nonsense!”

　　“I'm not spouting nonsense,” Xiao Mingrong said reasonably. “Pei Yuan has a notorious reputation. You just insulted him so badly, and he didn't react at all. If it were anyone else, he would have already drawn his sword and held it to their throat. Would he allow someone to engage him in a battle of wits?”

　　“He was just guilty! My father is a General. Would he dare hold a sword to my neck? If he dared, I'd fight him!”

　　“Don't even mention a General. Lord Pei is a close associate of the Crown Prince. He's even threatened a prince before; does he care about a General's daughter?” Xiao Mingrong chattered on.

　　Shen Chunxiang was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to retort.

　　Xiao Mingrong said triumphantly, “Speechless? Still saying you're not a blockhead?”

　　Shen Chunxiang's face was a mixture of red and green. After a long while, she snorted, “Forget it, I'm not going to argue with a little brat.”

　　Xiao Mingrong was immediately angered. “I've already come of age! I'm not a little brat!”

　　“Only little brats compete for favor. Aren't you one?”

　　Yun Ling, getting a headache from their bickering, pulled the two of them. “Alright, alright, stop arguing. It's getting late; let's go home?”

　　The two immediately turned their heads away proudly.

　　Yun Ling shook her head, amused.

　　——

　　The next morning, Yun Ling had just greeted her grandmother when she saw a young servant running breathlessly towards them. “Old Madam… they've come… they've come…”

　　“What's come?” Old Madam Xiao urged him to speak clearly.

　　“The Duke of Chen has arrived with the imperial edict for the Crown Prince's selection of a consort!”

　　“What?!?” Old Madam Xiao's expression tightened, and she immediately stood up!

　　So soon?

　　Since the incident with Master Xiao (Xiao Jujian), everyone in the Xiao household knew of the Crown Prince's feelings for Yun Ling.

　　Old Madam Xiao just didn't expect it to happen so quickly.

　　And the matchmaker was actually the Duke of Chen, the Crown Prince's uncle!

　　That showed just how serious he was.

　　The Crown Prince had been in the East Palace and in power for a long time, but he had never shown any intention of taking a consort.

　　Now that the imperial edict proclaiming Xiao Yun Ling as the Crown Princess was announced to the world, the entire Capital was in an uproar.

　　Xiao Yun Ling. It was actually Xiao Yun Ling.

　　Even more shocking was that the Crown Prince, in this selection of a consort, had disregarded the laws of the Great Jin Dynasty and only appointed one Crown Princess.

　　This was unprecedented.

　　Yet, even so, not a single court official dared to object.

　　From this, people could see the Crown Prince's importance and affection for the Xiao family daughter.

　　The Xiao family was the target of countless envious gazes.

　　……

　　Old Madam Xiao arrived at Yun Ling's courtyard.

　　Yun Ling was about to marry into the Eastern Palace, so she could no longer manage the household affairs. She had to organize all the account books and hand them over to the next person in charge.

　　Xiao Mingrong was not young anymore, and with her intelligence, mastering these things wouldn't be difficult.

　　Seeing her grandmother come, Yun Ling quickly stood up, “Grandmother, why are you here?”

　　Old Madam Xiao looked intently at her granddaughter.

　　She was well-behaved, sensible, and intelligent.

　　So many things happened after Ah Ling came back. And she, as her grandmother, her body was weak and she fell ill. All the big and small matters in the backyard were handled by Ah Ling.

　　She and her grandfather hadn't even had the chance to cherish her, and yet their granddaughter had suffered grievances at home.

　　Every time she thought about this, Old Madam Xiao felt uneasy.

　　This granddaughter of hers had a difficult fate. Her mother died early, and she was left to suffer in the Palace. Even after returning home, she wasn't cherished by her father.

　　She and the old man were both old and couldn't protect her, and Qibai was rarely home.

　　But the Crown Prince could protect her.

　　Although he was the heir apparent, he swore to only marry Ah Ling.

　　Heaven knows how shocked she was when the Duke of Chen told her this.

　　At that time, Old Madam Xiao thought that perhaps it would be better for Ah Ling to marry into the Eastern Palace.

　　But her granddaughter had been wandering outside for over a decade. She had only just been found and brought home, and now she was about to get married; Old Madam Xiao truly couldn't bear to part with her.

　　Seeing that Old Madam Xiao's eyes were slightly moist, Yun Ling quickly went to support her, “What's wrong, Grandmother?”

　　Old Madam Xiao patted her hand, “Grandmother is fine, I'm just feeling reluctant about you getting married.”

　　“After I marry into the Eastern Palace, I'll come back to visit Grandfather and Grandmother whenever I have the chance,” Yun Ling reassured her.

　　Old Madam Xiao smiled and nodded repeatedly, “Good, good.”

　　But she also knew these were just words of comfort.

　　Once she entered the Palace, it wouldn't be so easy to leave.

　　Looking at Yun Ling, she asked, “Grandmother only asks you one question, do you truly wish to marry His Highness the Crown Prince?”

　　Becoming the Crown Princess was the highest honor, an offer that couldn't be refused. But Old Madam Xiao still had to ask her granddaughter if she was willing.

　　They only knew of the Crown Prince's affections, but had never heard their granddaughter's thoughts or feelings.

　　If Ah Ling was unwilling, she and her grandfather would risk their old bones to try and stop it.

　　Yun Ling knew her grandmother was worried about her.

　　Since she was young, she had gotten used to keeping everything to herself, rarely confiding in others.

　　She was naturally reserved.

　　Even with her grandmother, she rarely spoke about such things.

　　It was normal for her grandmother to be worried.

　　“Granddaughter is sincere,” Yun Ling looked steadily at Old Madam Xiao, her answer firm and unwavering. “Grandmother doesn't know, I've been entangled with him for all these years; there's hatred, there's resentment,”

 　　She paused,

　　“But there is also love.”

　　“His Highness can force many things, but he cannot force me to love him,” Yun Ling said seriously. “Before returning to the Xiao family, my life for those ten years wasn't good, I didn't know what love was.”

　　“But now I can be absolutely certain of my feelings for His Highness.”

　　After listening, Old Madam Xiao showed a loving and relieved smile, “That's good.”

　　“Then Grandmother can rest assured.”

　　——

　　After the marriage was set, Yun Ling stayed home to prepare for her wedding.

　　Since the news of the Xiao family daughter being appointed Crown Princess spread, the number of visitors to the Xiao residence was like a flowing stream. The ladies of the Xiao family's relatives came one after another to add to Yun Ling's dowry.

　　During this time, the Xiao residence's gate never had a moment's rest.

　　Her grandfather and grandmother prepared a dowry for her, and her brother, Xiao Qibai, also prepared one.

　　Yun Ling couldn't refuse and could only accept them.

　　Time passed bit by bit.

　　Yun Ling wasn't idle either. The management of the household was finally handed over to Xiao Mingrong.

　　Although Lady Liu assisted, Xiao Mingrong had no prior experience, so taking over was somewhat difficult.

　　Yun Ling was still busy organizing the account books to hand over to Xiao Mingrong.

　　One sunny afternoon, Shen Chunxiang came to visit.

　　Xiao Mingrong also came, and the three of them chatted in the courtyard.

　　Yun Ling hadn't finished organizing the account books, so she listened to their conversation while working.

　　Shen Chunxiang was still somewhat surprised, “So His Highness truly cherished you... I thought…”

　　She thought the Crown Prince had called Yun Ling upstairs to scold her, which is why she waited downstairs at the Zhaixing Tower with Xiao Mingrong and the others.

　　Xiao Mingrong immediately scoffed, “I told you you're slow-witted, and yet you call me a child!”

　　She proudly raised her head, “I discovered it a long time ago!”

　　Shen Chunxiang, “Yes, yes, you're a little person with a big personality.”

　　“You're the little person with a big personality!”

　　As the two were about to start bickering again, Yun Ling, now quite used to it, smiled and looked at the account books in her hands, ignoring them. She even had a servant bring over some eight-treasure pounded tea for them to have when they got tired.

　　Laughter echoed from the courtyard.

　　When they finally settled down, Shen Chunxiang very seriously asked Yun Ling a question, “What does it feel like to be getting married?”

　　None of the people in the courtyard, including Lǜyī and Lǜshuǐ, were married yet, so they were naturally very curious.

　　What does it feel like…?

　　Yun Ling thought carefully for a moment, then answered seriously, “It doesn't feel like anything.”

　　After they left that evening, Yun Ling returned to her room. After washing up and changing into clean sleeping clothes, she sat by the window. The account books were almost finished, and she had some rare free time. Looking up at the clear, cold moon in the night sky.

　　It had been almost two months since the Lantern Festival, and they couldn't meet before the wedding.

　　Her grandfather was a man who valued propriety, so they couldn't meet secretly; otherwise, her grandfather would be angry. 

　　The Crown Prince was naturally busy and couldn't spare the time.

　　Yun Ling vaguely heard that the court officials had again brought up the matter of his ascension to the throne after his wedding.

　　Emperor Jingning was now only clinging to life; he should have died long ago.

　　The Crown Prince hadn't let him die, because he wanted him to suffer immensely, a living hell.

　　Even though the Crown Prince eventually gave Yu Fei's ashes to Xie Jinjia, it was because Yu Fei was already dead, and Xie Jinjia wasn't involved in the incident back then, and had sincerely repented and wanted to pray for Empress Zhaohui. But the Crown Prince's resentment from over a decade couldn't be dispelled in a short time.

　　Thinking of this, Yun Ling sighed softly.

　　What she truly worried about was this matter.

　　As for what it felt like to be getting married… Yun Ling really didn't feel anything; it was simply a matter of returning to the Eastern Palace.

　　A few days later, following procedure, the Palace sent people to instruct Yun Ling in the grand wedding ceremony.

　　Generally, the palace maids who provided this instruction were extremely strict, but the Shangyi and several maids had all been Yun Ling's subordinates. Upon arriving at the Xiao residence, they could only respectfully address Yun Ling as “Eldest Miss Xiao.”

　　This scene even stunned Xiao Mingrong.

　　It was the first time she had ever seen instructors bowing to the person being instructed.

　　Finally, she belatedly realized Yun Ling's status in the Eastern Palace.

　　To be able to discipline these female officials so well, she must have extraordinary methods.

　　Her previous clumsy schemes were nothing in comparison to her sister; her sister simply didn't bother to argue with her.

　　It wasn't a lack of skill, but rather an unwillingness to bother.

　　She was the same towards Xiao Mingrong and their father.

　　——

　　Although the wedding ceremony was elaborate, Yun Ling found it wasn't difficult to learn.

　　Time flew by in this busy preparation, and before she knew it, the wedding day arrived.

　　Yun Ling was woken up before dawn to begin her makeup. The heavy ceremonial wedding dress and the exquisite, ornate jeweled phoenix crown nearly bent her over.

　　Layer upon layer of powder was applied to her face, her brows were drawn, and her lips were painted. By the time her makeup was finished and she had changed into her wedding attire, it was almost dawn.

　　Several maids helped Yun Ling up, smiling and praising, “Gugu is extremely beautiful today.”

　　Looking at her unfamiliar self in the mirror, after her makeup was complete, Yun Ling finally felt a strange sensation.

　　The Xiao residence was bustling with activity from early morning, filled with guests.

　　This lively atmosphere would continue throughout the entire day.

　　The Crown Prince's wedding ceremony was extremely elaborate. From the moment she woke up, Yun Ling had no free time; she had to bid farewell to her grandparents, her father, Lady Liu, and so on. The Crown Prince had even more procedures to go through in the Palace.

　　In the evening, His Highness the Crown Prince came to the Xiao residence to fetch his bride, causing a sensation throughout the entire Capital.

　　The streets were lined with a dense crowd of people.

　　The Crown Prince, dressed in magnificent court robes, was as handsome as jade, appearing even taller, more noble, and strikingly handsome.

　　Arriving at the gate of the Xiao residence, the entrance was already crowded with guests.

　　Although no one dared to make things difficult for the Crown Prince, following various rituals, Xie Jue spent a considerable amount of time completing the procedures.

　　One person, wanting to show off his literary talent in front of His Highness the Crown Prince, had just begun to speak when he met the Crown Prince's icy gaze and quickly shut his mouth.

　　Xie Jue didn't look back, walking quickly inside.

 

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T/N: You guys might be wondering why I didn't announce any bulk chapters as a holiday gift for this Chinese New Year. Gotcha! Haha! I just wanted to prank you a little bit. So, enjoy four chapters as a Chinese New Year gift from me! To anyone who celebrates Chinese New Year: 新年快乐! (Xīnnián kuàilè!) 恭喜发财! (Gōngxǐ fācái!) 万事如意! (Wànshì rúyì!) 😘

🎉 新年快乐! (Xīnnián kuàilè!) - Happy New Year!

🎉 恭喜发财! (Gōngxǐ fācái!) - Wishing you wealth and prosperity! 

🎉 万事如意! (Wànshì rúyì!) - May all your wishes come true!

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