Chapter Nineteen
The procession for the marriage of the King Who Pacifies the South and Princess Xiyang finally began its slow advance toward the palace. Onlookers jostled and strained on tiptoe, eager to catch a glimpse of the famed Brocade Prince Who Pacifies the South, renowned as the God of War.
Ning Fei and Xiao Weiran rode leisurely ahead of the bridal carriage, while dozens of guards followed at a distance of one horse-length behind. Xia Jingshi appeared to be in good spirits, occasionally smiling at the crowds lining the streets, eliciting shrieks from the young women among them.
The clamor grated on Xueying’s nerves. Covering her ears, she shouted toward the roadside, "Are there no men in Su Sha? They scream as if their parents just died at the sight of any random one!" Her voice barely reached Yixiao before being drowned out by even louder cheers. With a helpless sigh, Yixiao yelled back, "It wouldn’t be much better in Brocade! Just lower the curtain—at least it’ll muffle the noise!" Grumbling under her breath, Xueying reluctantly let the carriage curtain fall.
Yixiao’s gaze settled on Xia Jingshi’s softly defined profile, her eyes gradually hardening.
That faint smile of his gave the illusion of utmost gentleness, which was why few noticed the cruel serenity lurking in those seemingly tender eyes. Even at the moment he released the bowstring to let loose an Iron Arrow, there was not a trace of hesitation or reluctance.
Such agony had struck without warning. Before she could even process the shock, the pain had already seared itself into the depths of her soul like a brand, tearing her heart apart. In an instant, it became unbearable—she had thought only death could extinguish both passion and despair at once...
It had also been a rebirth, but Yixiao did not welcome this kind of rebirth. Perhaps the Yixiao of before had been insignificant and humble, but that had been the original Yixiao—unchanged, the truest version of herself. Maybe not beautiful, but it was the raw essence of life and emotion, something that, once lost, could never be reclaimed.
While laughing and joking with Xueying, it suddenly struck her how long it had been since she had laughed so carefreely. How long had it been? It felt like more than just a few years—like an entire lifetime ago.
This time, she finally understood with clarity that there was no going back. She was beginning to realize that some people truly had destinies and outcomes predetermined. No matter how hard one tried to alter them, the result would still be the same.
A dull thud echoed, and in an instant, the clamor filling the air shrank into a muffled roar. Startled, Yixiao turned her head—the guards were fastening the palace gates.
They had arrived.
Feng Xiyang was being dressed layer by layer in her wedding attire by palace maids.
The crimson bridal gown was exquisitely embroidered with golden dragons and phoenixes, exuding regal elegance and opulence. Though she had tried it on many times before, the maids still gasped in admiration as she donned it today. Taking a few tentative steps, the festive aura radiated from the gentle sway of her skirts.
Suddenly, the ceremonial officer’s voice rang out: "The auspicious hour has arrived—" Deafening firecrackers immediately erupted outside the door.
After a meticulous inspection of her attire and makeup, Feng Xiyang placed the Ceremonial Crown with Golden Phoenix and Hanging Pearls upon her head. Escorted by eighteen beautiful children—half holding flower baskets, half holding incense burners—she walked along the crimson carpet toward the Hall of Proclaimed Virtue.At this moment, in the opulent Xuande Hall, a character for "double happiness" carved from Red Gold hung prominently in the center, faintly shimmering with iridescent hues. The Jadeite Lamp Shades cast a serene yet bright glow from the candlelight. The appointed hour was nearly upon them, yet Xia Jingshi, who should have arrived long ago, was nowhere to be seen.
Seated high above, the Lord of the Nation, Feng Qishan, wore a displeased expression. The courtiers, adept at reading the room, continued their cheerful conversations on the surface, but their voices gradually grew quieter.
Suddenly, a palace attendant announced the arrival of Feng Xiyang. The hall fell into complete silence as the rustle of footsteps echoed. Feng Xiyang stepped into the hall but, upon not seeing Xia Jingshi, paused momentarily before silently retreating. The ceremonial official standing stiffly in the hall flushed red, his gaze meeting Feng Qishan’s livid expression, leaving him at a loss for how to proceed. Amidst the awkward tension, another attendant hurried in and signaled to the official, whose eyes brightened as he proclaimed, "The King Who Pacifies the South has arrived—"
On the jade steps, Xia Jingshi walked unhurriedly until he stood before Feng Xiyang. He smiled faintly and said, "My apologies for the delay." Feng Xiyang replied sweetly, "Not at all. Xiyang has only just arrived." Only then did Xia Jingshi enter the Xuande Hall, with Feng Xiyang following closely behind. A line of palace maids swiftly stepped forward to guide his entourage to the side of the hall.
Feng Qishan regarded Xia Jingshi coldly. "This lord thought the King Who Pacifies the South might have been afflicted by his old ailment again." Xia Jingshi stepped forward to pay his respects before apologizing, "This humble king was momentarily careless and misplaced the gift intended for the princess, hence the delay. I beg the Lord of the Nation and the princess not to take offense."
Feng Qishan’s gaze fell on his daughter, whose pleading expression softened his tone. "Has it been found now?" Before Xia Jingshi could answer, Xiao Weiran, who had entered with the entourage, strode forward holding an object draped in red brocade. He bowed and presented it to Feng Xiyang.
Feng Xiyang lifted the red silk to reveal a Crown with Nine Dragons and Nine Phoenixes, adorned with Pearl Flowers, Jade Clouds, and Jade Leaves. At its pinnacle perched a Golden Pheasant, its beak clasping a string of jewels. The golden dragons, jade phoenixes, and glittering gems intertwined in dazzling splendor.
Murmurs of admiration arose from the onlookers. "Truly a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship..."
Blushing faintly, Feng Xiyang lifted the crown. "Your Highness’s taste is indeed unparalleled. It would be hard to find a more exquisite phoenix crown in all the land. Xiyang can hardly wait to wear it now." Xia Jingshi regarded her gently. "You may change into it if you wish."
Feng Qishan frowned and coughed, interjecting, "If you return to change, you may miss the auspicious hour. Best to forgo it..." Feng Xiyang smiled. "If Your Highness would lend a hand, Xiyang could change here."
The hall fell deathly silent. Even Feng Qishan was too stunned to speak.
Xia Jingshi regarded her in silence, his deep eyes faintly stormy.
The moment the words left her lips, Feng Xiyang regretted them. She had already noticed Fu Yixiao among the entourage and feared her careless remark might be taken as a public provocation. Seeing Xia Jingshi’s displeased expression confirmed her fears. Worried he might scorn her yet unable to explain, the color drained from her face, and her body trembled slightly.
Then, unexpectedly, Xia Jingshi said, "Very well."Yixiao stared fixedly at the two figures in the center of the hall. Though she had mentally prepared herself for any scenario that might unfold during the wedding ceremony, hearing that single word of approval now felt like a sudden snap of a taut string within her. An overwhelming wave of heartache crashed over her, impossible to suppress. Despite taking deep breaths, her chest felt suffocatingly tight, as if about to explode, and her heartbeat grew weaker with each passing moment.
Xueying discreetly grasped Yixiao's hand, silently willing her to endure until the ceremony's end.
Heavens, since you've already taken away her happiness, shouldn't you also take away the pain as compensation? That would be fair. That would be justice!
Out of the corner of her eye, a shadow flickered, and a deliberately hushed male voice whispered beside her, "Take her out. There's a side door to the right rear." The voice sounded familiar, laced with deep concern. Without hesitation, Xueying tugged Yixiao backward. Yixiao jolted awake and resisted slightly, murmuring, "What's wrong?" Xueying pressed a finger to her lips and led her quietly toward the side door concealed by heavy drapes.
As soon as the door opened, they saw Feng Suige standing in the corridor, hands clasped behind his back. Xueying's expression darkened, and she moved to shut the door, but Feng Suige swiftly blocked it. "I mean no harm," he said in a low voice. After a tense standoff, Xueying finally released the door, stepping out with Yixiao.
Yixiao was visibly surprised to see him. She blinked, glancing around in confusion. "Why are you here? Where are the guards?" Feng Suige frowned. "I only ordered them to leave for a while. More importantly, why are you here?" At his question, Xueying momentarily forgot their past grievances and gritted her teeth. "Because Xia Jingshi forced us to come!"
Outside the Hall of Proclaimed Virtue, Yixiao seemed much calmer. Seeing Xueying's indignant expression, she smiled faintly. "I just felt a bit stifled from standing too long. Moving around helped—it's nothing serious." Feng Suige studied her composed smile and suppressed his frustration. "If you're fine, then good. There's still the wedding banquet later, and the newlyweds will stay in the palace overnight. I should escort you both back first."
Xueying glanced at Yixiao for her opinion, but Yixiao shook her head in refusal. Feng Suige finally couldn't hold back a cold laugh. "Seems I overstepped. Go back inside—witnessing the ceremony is more important."
"Thank you," Yixiao murmured almost inaudibly as she turned away.
"Stop!" Feng Suige called sharply, his gaze intense. "You're thanking me?"
"Yes," she replied, watching his expression shift. "Though you're arrogant, your attitude is terrible, and you even had me beaten..." A faint smile touched her lips. "But I also understand you have your own stance and responsibilities... Even as an enemy, you're the most lenient one I've ever encountered."
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