The peerless and dark princess

Everyone was busy for the past three days. Back then, Zuo Ci's sister, Zuo Yunhan, had been married off as the Lu family's adopted daughter, but this time, Zuo Yunxin was officially marrying off from Prince Heng's mansion. This was different from Zuo Ci marrying Chu Wange; after all, Zuo Yunxin was marrying someone else. The elders who had always been with her father were a little upset, perhaps because they were reminded of the past.

The palace was decorated with lanterns and a festive atmosphere, as everyone waited for Baili Ziyu to arrive and marry Zuo Yunxin. Chu Moxuan, still unmarried at home, also came to the palace to accompany Zuo Yunxin, and Zuo Yunhan was there too. The happiest person was probably the chubby little Dong Huaiyu, because he saw so many people and so many delicious foods. For a child, this was the happiest thing.

"Moxuan, I thought you and Senior Brother Su would have to wait a little longer for your wedding." Zuo Yunxin had long been aware of Junior Brother Su Linqing's feelings for his friend Chu Moxuan, but her friend hadn't initially been aware of Su Linqing's feelings. "I didn't expect your wedding to be so close to mine and Brother Ziyu's. I guess Auntie is a little impatient."

"If my mother hadn't been busy choosing a husband for me, I might still be in the dark and wouldn't have realized so quickly that I was interested in Su Linqing." A trace of embarrassment appeared on Chu Moxuan's face, and she gently lifted the hair beside her ear. "You know, we used to quarrel and argue with each other all the time. How could I guess what he was thinking? Speaking of the wedding date, my parents are really anxious. If they hadn't taken into account the schedule of the people coming from Lanyou Valley, I guess the wedding would have to be brought forward a lot..."

"But this is also good," Zuo Yunxin smiled, his eyes filled with blessings for his friend, "It's better to settle it sooner rather than later, so as to avoid unnecessary trouble. Senior Brother Su is a righteous man, and he is also the Young Master of Youlan Valley, known as the 'Master of Medicine and Poisons'. He is a good match for you."

Chu Moxuan blushed slightly and nodded gently: "Well, now that I think about it, those arguments and bickerings seemed like a different way of getting along, and it also made us understand each other better. It's just that this sudden marriage always feels a little unreal, and there are still many things to prepare."

"Don't worry, if you have any questions, feel free to ask me." Zuo Yunxin patted Chu Moxuan's shoulder gently. "Although getting married is complicated, we can figure it out step by step. Wedding dress, jewelry, wedding banquet dishes, let's plan them one by one."

As the two were talking, Zuo Yunhan came over. She was wearing an elegant long dress and had a gentle look on her face. "What are you talking about? You look so happy?"

Zuo Yunxin smiled and briefly talked about the previous topic. Zuo Yunhan smiled after hearing it: "This is a good thing. The happy events of us sisters are all coming together."

At this moment, the noise outside intensified. The palace gates were wide open, a red carpet stretched out into the distance, and lanterns on both sides swayed in the wind, creating a festive atmosphere. Servants came and went, carrying various wedding supplies in their hands, and everyone had a smile on their face.

"I wonder how Brother Ziyu is preparing." Zuo Yunxin blushed slightly, her eyes filled with anticipation. Baili Ziyu, that dashing man, was about to spend the rest of his life with her. Just thinking about it made her heart beat faster.

Meanwhile, in a corner of the palace, Dong Huaiyu was secretly stuffing dim sum into his mouth, his chubby cheeks puffed out like a greedy little squirrel. His eyes darted around, taking in the busy and festive scene around him. His pure gaze was sparkling with curiosity, and he longed for the wedding to begin quickly, so he could witness more excitement and enjoy more delicious food.

Just as Zuo Yunxin was daydreaming in her boudoir, the palace steward hurried in and said respectfully, "Miss, someone has been sent from Young Master Baili, saying that everything is ready and they are just waiting for the auspicious time to come and pick up the bride." When Zuo Yunxin heard this, the blush on her face deepened and she nodded gently.

At Baili Ziyu's residence, a bustling scene unfolded. Dressed in a red robe, Baili Ziyu stood tall and proud, his brows gleaming with joy at his impending marriage. He carefully inspected the wedding procession and betrothal gifts, ensuring they were in perfect condition.

The box on the dressing table in the new house contained not only precious jewellery, but also various rare things that he had carefully selected for Zuo Yunxin. These were all silently memorised when he paid attention to Zuo Yunxin's preferences.

Here, Zuo Yunxin's maids were also busy, meticulously dressing the young lady. Delicate hairpins, each carefully chosen to symbolize good fortune, were tucked into her bun. Fine powder gently dusted across her face, accentuating her delicate beauty.

Zuo Yunhan stared quietly at the bride dressed in her gorgeous attire, tears welling up in her eyes. The youngest sister in the family is already married, perhaps her parents far away in heaven can rest in peace. Zuo Yunhan thought to herself that it was she, the eldest daughter, who had not fulfilled her responsibilities after all. Her younger brother Zuo Ci had embarked on a road of revenge alone, while her younger sister was sent to southern Xinjiang by Zuo Ci and entrusted to the care of her father's confidants. As for herself, after losing her memory, she became the adopted daughter of the Lu family and married Dong Mingrui in this capacity. Thinking about the past, Zuo Yunhan was full of self-blame, feeling that she owed too much to her family in the past years, and that she had done almost nothing during those difficult days.

Seeing Zuo Yunhan secretly sad, Chu Moxuan gently walked over, held her hand, and said softly: "Sister Yunhan, don't be sad anymore. The past is over. Now Yunxin has found her true love. The days to come will surely be harmonious and beautiful. If uncle and aunt knew about this, they would only be relieved."

Zuo Yunxin also noticed her sister's mood, and then moved gently to Zuo Yunhan's side, leaning on her shoulder, and said softly: "Sister, you have suffered a lot over the years. It's not easy for our family to be reunited..."

Zuo Yunhan raised her hand to wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes and forced a smile: "I was just feeling sentimental for a moment. Today is your wedding day, and I can't ruin it. Yunxin, you must live happily with Ziyu and grow old together."

The sounds of joy outside grew louder, and the auspicious hour approached. Zuo Yunxin took a deep breath, suppressing her nervousness and excitement. Her eyes swept across the room filled with red makeup, and her heart was filled with longing for a future life with Baili Ziyu.

The wedding procession marched towards Prince Heng's palace. Baili Ziyu sat aloft on his horse, his red robe adorning him, making him look even more majestic. At the front of the procession, dragon and lion dancers were performing with great enthusiasm, attracting many onlookers to stop and watch, their cheers echoing.

At the gate of the palace, everyone had been waiting for a long time. Seeing the wedding procession approach, the servants hurriedly lit firecrackers. The crackling sound was deafening, and the smoke filled the air, pushing the festive atmosphere to a climax.

Baili Ziyu dismounted and strode into the palace with big, steady and powerful steps. His eyes were fixed on Zuo Yunxin's direction, as if he wanted to penetrate the layers of buildings and see his bride sooner.

Inside the boudoir, Zuo Yunxin heard the noise outside, her heartbeat quickening, and her hands unconsciously clenched the handkerchief in her hands. The maids joked, "Princess, your son-in-law is here, don't be too shy."

There was a gentle knock on the door, followed by Baili Ziyu's clear voice: "Yunxin, I'm here to pick you up."

Zuo Yunxin opened her red lips and said, "Come in."

The door slowly opened, and Baili Ziyu stepped in. For a moment, their eyes met, their gazes fixed on each other. He slowly walked over to Zuo Yunxin, reached out his hand, gently grasped her delicate hand, and said softly, "From today on, you are my wife. I will protect you for the rest of my life."

Zuo Yunxin's cheeks flushed, and she nodded slightly, her eyes full of trust and affection.

Surrounded by the crowd, Zuo Yunxin was helped into the bridal sedan and carried all the way to the Baili Mansion. People along the way cast their congratulatory glances at her, and children ran and laughed on the street, vying for the scattered wedding candies.

Arriving at Baili Mansion, the newlyweds worshipped in the hall and were taken to the bridal chamber. Inside the bridal chamber, red candles flickered as Zuo Yunxin sat quietly beside the bed, waiting for Baili Ziyu.

Outside, guests were laughing and chatting, toasting each other, celebrating this grand occasion. Dong Huaiyu wandered among the crowd, his hands full of cakes and candies, enjoying them with great delight, occasionally joining in the adults' laughter and making everyone laugh.

Chu Moxuan and Su Linqing sat together. Su Linqing picked up some food for her from time to time, his eyes full of doting. Chu Moxuan gave him a reproachful look and whispered, "There are so many people watching."

Su Linqing smiled and said, "What are you afraid of? Our wedding is coming soon, let's get used to it in advance."

Zuo Yunhan sat aside, watching the lively scene, and the haze in his heart gradually dissipated.

As the night deepened, the guests gradually dispersed. Baili Ziyu walked into the bridal chamber, slightly tipsy. Looking at the charming and beautiful Zuo Yunxin in the candlelight, his eyes instantly cleared and filled with tenderness. He gently sat down beside Zuo Yunxin and held her hand: "Yunxin, we still have a long life ahead of us. Let's take our time."

Zuo Yunxin smiled sweetly: "Well, I will spend the rest of my life with you."