The wedding was truly simple. It was a ceremony without guests, devoid of fanfare. Yet to Murong Qiufeng, it was the most perfect, most beautiful wedding imaginable.
Maple Leaf Manor wasn’t far from Luzhou City. It was a converted estate on the outskirts. He genuinely loved this manor. Not only because of its surroundings, but also because of its name. Maple Leaf Manor. Murong Qiufeng and Shangguan Ye. This was their home. A home that belonged solely to them. The very word “home” brought him immense warmth. It felt like a long-drifting wanderer had finally found a warm haven. His heart settled, and that lingering sense of unease faded considerably.
His only regret was the absence of his family’s blessing. He could endure others’ opinions, choosing to ignore them. Yet he yearned for his loved ones’ approval. This happiness, without them, might be his greatest regret. But he knew it was impossible. His father’s attitude that day had made that abundantly clear.
The hot water slowly cooled. Knocks sounded at the door.
He closed his eyes, raised a hand to wipe his face, hiding the worry. A faint curve touched his lips, trying to look cheerful. After all, it was his joyous day. He casually said, “Come in,” then rose, grabbing a towel to wipe the water droplets from his body.
Two maids entered carrying trays. Murong Qiufeng had already donned a red silk undergarment inside.
The maids lifted the curtain. Witnessing this scene of a beauty emerging from her bath, their faces flushed crimson. They bowed their heads shyly as they approached to dress him and arrange his hair.
The wedding robe wasn’t the usual red garment embroidered with dragons, phoenixes, or festive patterns. Instead, it was a simple, solid-colored red robe. The silk’s texture seemed to reflect several hues of light under the lamps. Over it was a layer of red silk gauze. Though only two thin layers of clothing, the material itself provided warmth. One glance revealed it was undoubtedly a rare treasure. It was evident how much thought Shangguan Ye had poured into every detail of this wedding. He had personally arranged nearly everything.
Her black hair was simply gathered at the sides into two braids, then pinned back. The remaining strands cascaded down her back, contrasting beautifully with the crimson. In the light, they shimmered like the hair of an immortal from the Nine-Flower Palace.
Murong Qiufeng gazed at her reflection. Her face remained serene, her eyes brimming with joy, yet a faint trace of worry lingered between her brows, refusing to dissipate.
Suddenly, a presence entered. The two maidservants paused their tasks and curtsied to the newcomer.
Murong Qiufeng had expected Shangguan Ye. But when she turned to look, she froze. Her pupils instantly contracted, then dilated again. Her lips parted slightly, moving several times without sound. A thousand emotions flashed through her eyes in an instant, complex and tangled.
The visitor approached, taking the comb from one of the maidservants. She walked over to him, gently lifting strands of his black hair, combing it for him.
Murong Qiufeng stiffened slightly. Staring at the woman reflected in the mirror, he remained speechless—or rather, dared not utter a word.
The woman fell silent for a moment, gazing at the peerless beauty in the mirror. After a long while, she sighed softly. Her hand gently traced the silk-like strands, her eyes brimming with affection and nostalgia. “Remember when you were little? I always styled your hair myself. Never imagined that in the blink of an eye, you’d grow up.”
Murong Qiufeng clenched his fist slightly beneath his sleeve. Finally, unable to hold back, he spoke in a voice slightly hoarse. He stood up and turned to look at the woman. “Mother… how…”
Seeing his hesitation, the Chancellor’s wife smiled softly. “Silly child. Did you think I wouldn’t know if you didn’t tell me? Did you plan to hide it forever? As a mother, truly, as long as my children find genuine happiness, that is enough. You needn’t worry about my opposition. Perhaps at first I would be surprised and confused, but that would only be because I fear you might be taken advantage of or deceived. Since your feelings are sincere, and you have the confidence and ability to build a life together, I have little to say. I only hope you don’t compromise yourself.”
Mo Rong Qiu Feng’s eyes grew moist. Her slightly cold hand grasped the Chancellor’s wife’s. She felt both stirred and moved. “Mother… I’m sorry. I’ve been unfilial. I’ve been selfish.”
“Silly child. Happiness is something one must strive for oneself. If it can be attained, one must be selfish when necessary. Prince Ye is right. It is the Murong family—it is we who have wronged you. We couldn’t give you a complete, happy home. If he truly can, I’ll only be happy for you.”
“Mother… you mean… it was Ye… who told you?” Murong Qiufeng was stunned.
The Chancellor’s wife smiled faintly, gently patting his hand. “Heh. He’s shown us his heart and resolve. But what happens next remains to be seen. Truthfully, I didn’t believe it at first. But for a prince to achieve that level of dedication is rare indeed. Heh. I’m quite satisfied. Besides, the Murong family holds no further ambitions now. Your father has submitted his resignation to the Emperor, which has been accepted. In a few days, we plan to return to his hometown. I know you won’t be coming back with us, but this home’s door will always remain open for you.”
Murong Qiufeng pressed her lips together and nodded softly. Though she was deeply curious about what Shangguan Ye had actually done, it wasn’t the right time to ask.
“Oh, and your father is here too. Perhaps he said something to hurt you before. Don’t take it to heart. He’s come to understand many things now and has changed considerably. After all, you are father and son. He truly cares for you, though sometimes he just doesn’t know how to show it. As for your sister… she wronged you. But your mother still hopes you two siblings can look out for each other. She’s alone in a foreign land now, and we don’t know how she’s faring. If you get the chance, please visit her on behalf of your father and me. And tell her we don’t blame her anymore.”
Murong Qiufeng could only nod. He truly didn’t know what else to say.
The maid entered and gently reminded them.
The Chancellor’s wife wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and smiled. “See how old your mother has become. I’ve grown quite long-winded. Well, let’s not delay the auspicious hour. Let’s go.”
As Murong Qiufeng walked along, his mood had completely shifted. His eyes were veiled in mist, and the corners grew damp. He had finally received his family’s blessings. Realizing all this was Shangguan Ye’s doing, he felt an overwhelming emotion too profound for words. He hadn’t known Shangguan Ye had secretly arranged so much for him. Each surprise was enough to cherish for a lifetime. He also hadn’t known what plans Shangguan Ye had made for their future. But for the future, he now felt boundless anticipation.
Stepping into the wedding hall for the second time, the people remained the same, yet his state of mind was utterly transformed.
Gazing at the handsome man standing at the doorway—dressed in the same crimson robe, smiling and extending his hand toward him—Murong Qiufeng felt his life was now complete. Whatever lay ahead, this moment of profound happiness was enough.
He stepped forward, gently placing his hand in that broad palm. It felt slightly cold and rough, yet offered a profound sense of security, calming his heart.
In that instant when their palms touched, it seemed both men heard the solemn vows echoing deep within each other’s hearts.
