Chapter 33
The sound of firecrackers filled the air, and the joyous laughter and celebration outside were everywhere, with congratulatory voices heard all around.
Murong Qiufeng’s body remained stiff from head to toe. If not for Murong Qiuyun and Xiu’er supporting him, he might have fallen countless times.
As he was carried out of the prime minister’s residence on the matchmaker’s back, he felt like dying, holding his breath and wishing to dig a hole to hide in. Luckily, the bridal veil covered his expression.
Once outside and back on his feet, he could hear the matchmaker chattering about something, but he had no interest in listening. None of the words registered. All he wanted was for this ridiculous wedding to end quickly. This ordeal was worse than death.
The matchmaker finally stopped, but before Murong Qiufeng could relax, a low voice in front of him caused his slightly relaxed body to stiffen again. His hands trembled slightly under his sleeves, fists clenched, revealing his inner tension.
That familiar voice was, of course, today’s groom, Shangguan Ye.
He had forgotten that the groom would also come during the wedding procession.
Even though he had mentally prepared himself, he still couldn’t face Shangguan Ye. If not for the bridal veil, he might not have been able to continue the act.
Hearing Shangguan Ye’s deep, joy-filled voice made the guilt in his heart feel like a serpent gnawing at him. He feared he might impulsively reveal the truth, and tonight, he dreaded facing him. He could already imagine Shangguan Ye’s reaction upon discovering the truth. Even if he killed him on the spot, it wouldn’t alleviate his guilt.
From the moment Murong Qiufeng appeared, Shangguan Ye’s gaze had not left him. Confirming his identity with Yu Hui, he watched him stiffly carried by the matchmaker and couldn’t help but laugh quietly.
He could easily imagine the expression under the veil and how frustrated he must be.
But beyond that, Shangguan Ye was filled with immense joy. His chest felt full, a satisfaction he had never experienced before. Although it was a deception, it marked the true beginning of their intertwined fates.
The matchmaker spoke to Shangguan Ye, who replied with a simple “Mm.” Suddenly, someone took Murong Qiufeng’s hand.
Before he could react, his body spun, a hand steadied his waist, and he was lifted off his feet.
Amidst the applause and congratulations around him, Murong Qiufeng was utterly bewildered, his body stiff as a board. That low, magnetic voice, filled with amusement, sounded in his ear, “My beloved, are you perhaps too happy? Relax, relax.”
Murong Qiufeng deeply regretted agreeing to this plan.
Yet, as he was carried, leaning against that broad chest, he felt a strange emotion—a sense of reliance.
But before he could ponder it further, he was placed into the bridal sedan.
Shangguan Ye squeezed his palm and chuckled softly, “Alright, my princess, let’s go home. Don’t worry, we’ll be there soon.”
Murong Qiufeng felt extremely uncomfortable. Today, Shangguan Ye seemed different than usual, almost flirtatious.
The two-street journey took an hour, practically touring the entire city before arriving at the prince’s mansion.
All the wedding rites, like stepping over the fire pan, were canceled by Shangguan Ye, citing them as cumbersome and dangerous, fearing harm to his bride.
Being a prince and the one getting married, the matchmaker dared not object.
So, as soon as the bridal sedan landed, Murong Qiufeng was once again carried by Shangguan Ye into the mansion.
“Hehe, the princess looks delicate and charming. Who would have thought you’d have such ‘weight’? Luckily, I’m strong enough to carry you for a lifetime.” Even through the red veil, Shangguan Ye couldn’t resist teasing.
Murong Qiufeng’s heart tightened. Shangguan Ye’s voice was so gentle, filled with apparent affection, so tender it almost suffocated him. He bit his lip, closed his eyes, and decided to ignore him.
“Hehe, the newlyweds have arrived at last. I thought my brother might have eloped with the princess.”
Upon being put down, the emperor’s voice startled Murong Qiufeng, almost making him kneel out of guilt.
Fortunately, Shangguan Ye held him, preventing any embarrassment.
Shangguan Ye smiled slightly, “I indeed wish to wander the world with my princess, enjoying the scenery. I wonder if my brother would permit it.”
“Haha, it seems my brother and the princess are very much in love. Now, I’m relieved, and the empress can rest easy too.” The emperor tactfully shifted the topic.
The empress smiled, her eyes full of joy and comfort, gently nodding, “To receive such affection from my brother-in-law is Qiuyun’s blessing.”
“Alright, the auspicious time has arrived. Let’s begin the ceremony,” the emperor finally decreed.
Eunuch Yu acted as the master of ceremonies, calling out in a high-pitched voice, “The auspicious time has come, groom and bride, step forward.”
Murong Qiufeng’s body trembled slightly.
Shangguan Ye gently squeezed his hand in reassurance before reluctantly letting go and taking the red ribbon.
Without Shangguan Ye’s support, Murong Qiufeng felt a sudden sense of helplessness as he left. Thankfully, someone immediately came forward to guide him, handing him the red ribbon, and slowly leading him forward.
“First bow to heaven and earth.”
“Second bow to the emperor.”
“Husband and wife bow to each other.”
Shangguan Ye’s grip on the ribbon tightened slightly, his heart filled with excitement, though his face remained lightly smiling. Husband and wife, indeed.
“Escort to the bridal chamber…”
As soon as the words were uttered, Shangguan Ye pulled the red ribbon.
Caught off guard, Murong Qiufeng stumbled forward. Shangguan Ye quickly wrapped his arms around his waist and, without warning, lifted him up, striding away swiftly, leaving everyone with room for imagination.
Eunuch Yu awkwardly smiled and quickly retreated with a declaration of “Ceremony complete.”
