On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

She walked into the hall, nodded slightly, and saluted Yingji who was sitting on the throne.

Her movements were graceful and calm, with an innate nobility and pride, as if all the noise and gazes around her had nothing to do with her. Then, she danced gracefully to the ethereal and mysterious music.

The dark black skirt fluttered like the surging tide in the dark night, or like burning flames dancing wildly in the wind.

The phoenix totem embroidered with gold thread came alive in the flow of light and shadow, flapping its wings as if ready to fly.

Her dancing moves are both firm and flexible, with the boldness and strength inherent in the women of Qin. Every turn and jump is accompanied by an unyielding tenacity, and is integrated with the softness and rhythm of court dance. The swaying of her waist reveals a breathtaking charm.

As she spun, her skirt fluttered like a blooming black lotus, and her fire phoenix mask flickered in the interweaving of light and shadow. Her uncovered left eye was as clear as autumn water in a cold pond, and as deep as stars in the dark night. Occasionally, it swept across the hall with a sharp and sharp gaze, with a barely perceptible scrutiny and contempt, as if silently declaring her pride and rebelliousness.

Sometimes the music was as rapid as a sudden rain and a strong wind, and her dance steps became swift and fierce, with her skirt fluttering, like a phoenix rising from the ashes fighting in the storm; sometimes it was as slow as the moon shining on the cold river, and her movements became soft and graceful, her figure swaying, like a night elf humming in the moonlight.

Every pause, every glance back, carries a breathtaking power and beauty. The left eye, exposed against the mask, appears exceptionally bright and profound, as if it can see through people's hearts.

Lin Zhen's gaze had never left her since the moment she stepped into the palace.

Even though he was used to seeing the most beautiful women in the world, in the harem, Shangguan Wan'er's dignity and steadiness, Chu Xiling's coldness and aloofness, Zhang Li's brightness and passion, Yue Wu's elegance and refinement, Huanbi's gentleness and tranquility, and other wives and concubines all had their own merits.

However, the Princess Yuhua in front of him was a completely different existence.

Her beauty is extremely aggressive, with a primitive, wild and life-filled impact.

The dark dress, the fire phoenix mask, the half-covered face, and the mysterious temperament create a strong visual and psychological impact.

She is like a sharp blade hidden in a gorgeous scabbard, sharp and yet intriguing; like a flame burning in the dark night, dangerous yet irresistible; more like a pearl in the dark night lost in the mortal world, its brilliance is restrained but enough to illuminate the entire hall.

Lin Zhen could clearly feel the subtle ripples deep in his heart.

It was not simply a sense of amazement, but an appreciation of a worthy opponent, a desire to explore the unknown and the mysterious, and even a desire to conquer aroused by provocation.

Her arrogance, her aloofness, and the scrutiny in her clear eyes beneath the mask all seemed like a silent declaration of war.

When the song ended, Princess Yuhua stood up, breathing slightly, and her lips under the mask slightly opened, adding a bit of seductive charm.

She saluted the throne again, and then turned her gaze to Lin Zhen without any hesitation.

That clear and sharp left eye, with a hint of inquiry and undisguised pride, met Lin Zhen's deep gaze directly.

When their eyes met, invisible sparks seemed to fly in the air.

"Your Highness Lin, what do you think of my daughter's dancing?" Ying Ji's voice sounded, with a hint of imperceptible pride and temptation, breaking the silent confrontation.

Lin Zhen slowly withdrew his gaze, his expression still calm, his voice low and steady: "Graceful as a startled swan and graceful as a flying dragon. The princess's reputation for both talent and beauty is well-deserved."

His assessment was pertinent and restrained, but that brief gaze and the calmness of the moment were enough to explain everything.

Princess Yuhua nodded slightly in response, then turned around and, surrounded by palace maids, retreated gracefully, just as she had come.

The dark hem of the skirt disappeared behind the palace door, leaving behind only exclamations and whispers throughout the palace, as well as a faint aftertaste of a cold and strange fragrance that lingered on the nose and in everyone's heart.

The palace banquet continued in a subtle atmosphere until late at night.

Back in the warm room of the inn, the charcoal fire dispelled the chill. Lin Zhen sat at the desk, and Huanbi served him hot tea.

"My husband's Princess Yuhua," Huanbi said softly, her voice still gentle, but with a subtle complexity, "she is so beautiful, and that mask is so unique."

"Hmm." Lin Zhen took the teacup and his eyes fell on the dancing candlelight. "The fire phoenix is ​​the totem of the Qin Dynasty. It is quite fitting for the princess to wear it as an ornament."

He knew in his heart that Yingji asked Princess Yuhua to dance at this time not just to liven up the atmosphere.

It was a carefully planned display, a silent bargaining chip. Princess Yuhua was the most dazzling and important chess piece in Yingji's hands.

The next day, Prime Minister Qin Xiang arrived as promised.

"Your Highness Lin, did you enjoy the palace banquet last night?" Qin Xiang greeted with an inquiring look.

"Very good." Lin Zhen nodded. "Princess Yuhua's dancing is outstanding."

"Your Highness is too kind." Qin Xiang smiled. "The princess has practiced dancing since she was young and is well versed in poetry, calligraphy, riding, and archery. She is the jewel of our Great Qin. Your Majesty loves her dearly."

"Yeah." Lin Zhen didn't comment.

"What do you think of the marriage proposal mentioned yesterday?" Qin Xiang got to the point.

Silence fell in the warm room. Huanbi lowered her eyes, her eyelashes trembling slightly. Lin Zhen picked up the teacup, took a sip, his eyes as calm as water.

"The princess is unparalleled in both character and appearance." Lin Zhen said slowly, "I have no objection."

Qin Xiang's eyes instantly lit up with a light of relief, and the wrinkles on his face smoothed out: "Your Highness is wise! This is a blessing for Qin Qian! It is a blessing for all the people!"

"Yes," Lin Zhen put down his teacup, his voice deepening. "Marriage is a family matter. Submission is a national matter. The two cannot be confused."

"Your Highness's intention," Qin Xiang's heart tightened.

"I have agreed to the proposal of surrender," Lin Zhen said, "but the monarchs of both countries must personally come to Hangu Pass, the border between the two countries, to set up an altar, swear an oath, sign a letter of credence, and announce it to the world. This is the dignity of the state and cannot be compromised."

"Hangu Pass," Qin Xiang pondered, "is the gateway to Qin territory and the border between Qin and Qian. It's a very good location. However, Your Majesty is old and it's a long journey."

"That's all right," Lin Zhen interrupted. "We have Iron Dragons for transportation. We can reach Hangu Pass from Chang'an in one day. I have already sent a message to the Imperial Capital. Her Majesty the Empress Murong Yan will be setting off for Hangu Pass in person soon."

"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived in person?" Qin Xiang was startled, then solemnly said, "That's excellent! It demonstrates Daqian's sincerity! I will immediately report to Her Majesty and prepare for the oath-taking ceremony!"

"Thank you, Prime Minister Qin." Lin Zhen nodded.

Qin Xiang bowed and took his leave, his steps becoming lighter.

Leaving the Prime Minister's Mansion, he returned to the carriage at the post station.

Huanbi poured hot tea for Lin Zhen.

"Husband," she called softly, her voice hesitant, "Then Princess Yuhua will marry into the mansion as Consort Ping?"

"Yeah." Lin Zhen responded, his eyes fixed on the street scenes passing by outside the car window.

The winter in the ancient capital of Chang'an is bleak yet full of vicissitudes.

"She seems to be very arrogant." Huanbi whispered, "Her eyes are like knives."

"The martial princess of Qin has her own pride." Lin Zhen said, "That's fine."

He knew it.

Princess Yuhua is no docile canary. She is a fierce horse and a sharp blade.

For her, marriage may also be a transaction and a mission.

She married into the palace with the pride of Qin and the dignity of the Ying family. How they will get along in the future, whether they will be tamed or cooperate, is all unknown.

However, at the moment, the oath of alliance at Hangu Pass is the top priority.

The chess game in Northern Xinjiang has come to an end.

This chess piece of marriage can only be truly put into play after the letter of credence is finalized.

The carriage rolled through the snow-covered streets and drove towards the post station.

Inside the carriage, the aroma of tea wafted through the air. Huanbi stopped talking and just quietly accompanied.

Lin Zhen closed his eyes and rested. In his mind, the dark figure, the fire phoenix mask, and the clear and proud left eye appeared clearly again.