Repeatedly broken branches

Yu Yanjing, dressed in a red wedding robe, sat languidly on horseback, his head adorned with a golden and jade crown with two dragons playing with a pearl. He possessed an innate noble and regal air, and his usually arrogant brows were unusually gentle today. His peach blossom eyes were slightly narrowed, filled with joy, and the cinnabar mole under his eye had a devilish beauty. His thin lips were slightly parted as he waited for his empress at the entrance of the Narcissus Palace.

It all felt like a dream. Xia Yunzhi actually agreed. He hadn't slept well for several days, too excited to sleep, eagerly anticipating this day. When the day finally arrived, he was actually a little nervous.

Shen Ruoxuan, the officiant, rode her horse to Yu Yanjing's left rear and whispered to him, "Zhou Tingxi has sent five thousand men to escort Her Majesty the Empress... Do you grant me permission?"

Yu Yanjing showed little emotion, a smile playing on his lips as he said in a clear voice, "Yes, why not? Since he's willing, let him escort him. He's here."

Shen Ruoxuan shook her head. "No, it's his subordinates Wei Hao and Zhen Xun who are already outside the city. Also, those old men said that you don't need to come in person. You can just go outside Chaoyang City to pick her up. It would be against etiquette if you came."

Yu Yanjing glanced at him and said expressionlessly, "I am willing. I have come to pick up my Empress myself. What do they have to say? Mind your own business."

Shen Ruoxuan stopped speaking. In front of the future Empress, this Emperor was just a figurehead, without any airs or imperial presence.

Inside the Narcissus Palace, Xiao Mu was already dressed in a long, red wedding gown with a flowing train. The train was embroidered with phoenixes dancing, and the embroidery itself was done in gold thread. Embroidering on a red gauze curtain was extremely difficult. She also wore a red veil adorned with various gemstones and beads, revealing only her almond-shaped eyes, which shone like stars.

"Grandson Xia Yunzhi bids farewell to her maternal grandfather."

Xiao Mu knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times to the Western Region King who sat high in the hall. Then she got up and was helped up by You and Xiao Shao.

The King of the Western Regions said with some reluctance, "Xiaozhi, be happy, live happily with Yu Yanjing, and your grandfather will be at ease."

Bai Jiaoyu looked at Xiao Mu in her magnificent wedding dress with disdain and said defiantly, "Go away, stop pretending here."

Xiao Mu glared at her, already having already planned how to kill her. He would let her have her way a few times now, and then repay her tenfold in the future.

Xie Huai handed her the armband, which she took with both hands, held in her hands, glanced at Xie Huai gently, and said in a very low voice, "Goodbye, Xie Huai."

Xie Huai's heart trembled suddenly, and he could no longer control the emotions in his heart.

His heart ached so much he could hardly breathe, but he could only endure it, smiling as he saw her off on her wedding day. Goodbye forever, silly girl, I hope you will be happy, joyful, successful, and safe.

Live a peaceful and safe life, silly girl.

"Sending the princess off to her new home."

As soon as the King of the Western Regions finished speaking, joyous music began to play. Xiao Shao and You helped Xiao Mu up, and Xie Huai opened the door. Xiao Mu stepped out of the threshold of the Narcissus Palace with one red embroidered shoe, and then she was gone forever.

Xie Huai secretly glanced at her many times, wanting to remember her appearance forever, but she was wearing a veil, and he could only see her eyes, which sparkled with joy. She must be very happy, a genuine kind of happiness.

Silly girl, you've finally gotten what you wanted.

Yu Yanjing's gaze fell on Xiao Mu. The two looked at each other and exchanged glances. He was deeply amazed by his empress. Even with a veil, her beauty could not be concealed. He smiled slightly as he watched her get into the bridal sedan chair.

The journey begins, joy and laughter fill the air, the newlyweds depart the palace, and ten thousand people celebrate together.

Phoenixes soar, and parasol trees provide shelter.

May you live in harmony and joy, and may good fortune and prosperity come to you.

The wedding procession continued until it reached the outskirts of the Western Regions City, where it met up with Zhou Tingxi's escort team. The wedding procession, consisting of three thousand people plus five thousand, totaling nearly ten thousand people, was unheard of and attracted a large crowd of onlookers.

Xiao Mu, Xiao Shao, and You were sitting in the bridal sedan chair. The commotion outside was deafening, with joyous music filling the air. She was extremely nervous. Just thinking about what would happen in the bridal chamber that night made her heart race, and she was so scared that she wanted to run away from the wedding again.

"Princess, are you hungry? His Majesty has prepared your favorite dried meat here. Would you like to have something to eat?" Xiao Shao took out the food that Yu Yanjing had prepared in advance.

Xiao Mu shook her head, "You guys eat, I can't eat..." She glanced at You, feeling really sorry for her. You had to go to such a far place with her, leaving her hometown. She must be very scared and lonely.

You whispered, "Our princess is really impressive! The wedding procession and escort team together number nearly ten thousand people. It's truly enviable!"

"An escort team? Was it sent by my maternal grandfather?"

Xiao Shao said, "No, it was General Zhou. He sent five thousand men to escort you to your wedding. Didn't you know?"

Zhou Tingxi, he really didn't need to do these things. They have no relationship anymore. What would his wife, Ouyang Meixi, think if she found out? What would Madam Xue think?

With both military seals and escorts, is he really preparing to break with Yin Fu'an?

"General Zhou is deeply devoted, but unfortunately, you two can never be together."

Xiao Shao sighed softly, but dared not speak too loudly lest the people outside hear, because there were soldiers from Chaoyang Kingdom guarding both sides of the bridal sedan chair. But it didn't matter, the joyful sounds had already drowned out her voice.

You glanced at Xiaoshao and said warily, "Little Shao, I won't dare to say such things again, lest it cause trouble for the princess, and the emperor will be unhappy if he hears it."

Little Spoon glared at her and retorted, "Don't I know? I've been following the princess for over ten years, do you think I don't know these things? Humph, mind your own business!"

"Little Spoon, you're not allowed to talk to You like that. She's older than you, you should call her 'sister.' If I hear you doing that again, you'd better watch out!"

Xiao Shao felt a little resentful. Why would the princess treat a maid she had only known for a few days so well? If she married Ruan Cifeng, it would be difficult for her to enter the palace. Would You replace her?

She was terrified. She was used to serving the princess. What would she do if the princess valued someone else more?

……

The carriage carrying the bridal sedan chair arrived at a stream. It was already afternoon. If they continued for another four or five hours, they would reach the temporary palace in Chaoyang. They would probably arrive at the imperial palace in Chaoyang the next afternoon. Fortunately, Yu Yanjing had already arranged for the temporary palace to be prepared, so they could rest for the night. The formal wedding banquet would be tomorrow.

Yu Yanjing suggested that everyone stop and rest, replenish their supplies, and then continue their journey.

Xiao Shao and You tactfully got off the carriage. You stood alone by the stream, while Xiao Shao went to find Ruan Cifeng, who was at the back of the group providing logistical support so that he could provide timely medical treatment to any soldiers who were unwell.

You had never been outside the Western Regions before. She never imagined that other places could be so beautiful. Just like now, it was springtime, and sweet water was flowing by the stream. Many beautiful flowers were blooming on both sides of the stream. It was really beautiful.

She reached out to pick a bright red flower from the branch in front of her, but before she could touch the stem, someone stopped her, saying, "Miss, this flower is poisonous. Be careful."

She turned her head to the side. The man was the leader of the escort team for the princess. He was very handsome, with a dashing and imposing presence. He gave people the feeling that he could protect you well. People who grew up in military camps probably feel this way. He was very reassuring. His voice was also very pleasant, deep and magnetic.

"Thank you, but I come from the Western Regions and don't recognize the flowers of the Central Plains," You said softly, glancing at him.

Wei Hao was immediately drawn to the exotic woman before him. Her eyes were deep and her lashes thick, as if waiting for him to understand her. Her emerald-like eyes shone with a bewitching light, making it impossible to look away.

"This flower is called Morning and Evening. Although it is beautiful, it is extremely poisonous. Just touching it can kill a person. It only grows in the spring when the ice and snow melt, so you have never seen it before."

Wei Hao stole a glance at her; the way she listened attentively to his explanation was quite beautiful.

You suddenly realized and said approvingly, "Sir, you know so much! I've learned about another flower now. I can brag about it to the princess when I get back..."

Wei Hao said in a deep voice, "Don't call me 'General,' just call me Wei Hao. I'm not a high-ranking official; I'm just a lowly subordinate of the general."

You covered her face and laughed, "How can that be? A military officer is a military officer. He knows so much. So what if he's just a small fry?"

Wei Hao blushed, lowered his head and looked down at the stream, saying softly, "What are these? Compared to the general, I am insignificant."

You said, "Why compare yourself to him? Everyone is different, sir. I know you now, not your general, so you are already very good."

Wei Hao asked, "What's the young lady's name?"

"A single name, You."

You, a name that sounds quite mysterious, has piqued my interest again. I really want to know more about her, like what she likes to eat, what she enjoys, or...

Yu Yanjing got into the carriage, but Xiao Mu was very reserved. She kept her distance from him, her head down, and didn't say a word.

Yu Yanjing tried to lift her veil, but she dodged it, saying, "That's not right...it's against the rules..."

He chuckled, looking at her lazily and saying, "So you know how to follow the rules now? Who was it that used to yell at me all the time?"

"Say what you want, just get down now. What will people say if they find out?"

Xiao Mu was very nervous and just wanted Yu Yanjing to leave as soon as possible. Her breathing was rapid, her head was hot, and she even felt nauseous. She still couldn't get rid of the habit of feeling nauseous when she was nervous!

"Why are you in such a hurry to get rid of me? Besides, you're already mine. We can do whatever we want. If anyone dares to say anything, I'll rip out their tongue!"

Xiao Mu was stunned. Who was this person who always had bloody words on his lips? Today was supposed to be their joyous day, yet he still spoke like this, which was chilling.

Yu Yanjing played with the beads on her veil, leaning closer to look at her beauty, which was faintly visible through the veil. He was secretly delighted. Such a beautiful woman, he had finally won her over. From now on, the two of them must be together and never be separated again...

"What are you looking at?" Xiao Mu shrank back, holding up her hand to block her view, and scolded, "You can only watch it tonight. What's the meaning of you looking now? Go downstairs. I'm nervous with you here..."

Yu Yanjing smiled and said, "What's there to be nervous about? I can't go to the bridal chamber with you here..." Before he could finish his sentence, Xiao Mu covered his mouth, stopping him from saying anything more.

"Stop talking!" Xiao Mu was so embarrassed she almost fainted. She covered her ears to show she didn't want to hear anymore. She felt hot all over, and even though it was early spring, she felt her undergarments were soaked with sweat.

Yu Yanjing smiled and sat back in her seat. She used to be so thick-skinned, but now she's shy, which is quite adorable.

The atmosphere was eerily quiet, as if Yu Yanjing might devour them at any moment, because he was staring at them intently, his eyes filled with undisguised affection and a wicked grin.

"Where are You and Xiaoshao?" Xiao Mu lifted the curtain and looked around, searching for the two of them.

"How would I know? When you're alone with me, why are you thinking about other people?" Yu Yanjing's tone was somewhat displeased.

Xiao Mu was both amused and exasperated. "I just wanted to know where they went. If you're alright, go downstairs now. I'll go look for them tonight, okay?"

Yu Yanjing was slightly taken aback, and a flame instantly ignited in his heart. He recalled her words over and over again, and couldn't help but shrink back. He was really afraid that if he stayed any longer, he would be restrained to death.

“What are you saying? If you don’t come to me tonight, who will you come to? When we get to the palace, let’s take a bath together… There are hot springs here…” Yu Yanjing suggested.

Xiao Mu covered her face. How could he say such a thing without blushing or skipping a beat? And he just said it with a completely expressionless face?

Taking a bath? With him? Just thinking about it makes me so shy!

If he didn't go down soon, he might be overwhelmed by nervousness and shyness!

Fortunately, Xiao Shao came up, and Yu Yanjing went down. Looking at his back, Xiao Mu felt lonely again. Why was she like this? She was nervous when they were together, but missed him when they weren't. They had just been together.

Has she become unable to live without Yu Yanjing? She doesn't want that; she doesn't want someone to be indispensable in her life, because it would cause her pain.

If something happens, or if they argue, and she can't leave Yu Yanjing again, wouldn't that be incredibly painful? She absolutely doesn't want that to happen.

But she couldn't stop thinking about him. Even though he was right there, she just missed him so much.

"Where did You go? Why hasn't she come back yet? Are they about to set off?" Xiao Mu asked Xiao Shao, who had just returned.

Xiao Shao shook her head, looking lost in thought, and remained quiet, as if she were unhappy.

Xiao Mu didn't notice that her gaze had shifted to You, who was running towards the carriage not far away. You was all smiles, and the corners of her mouth were uncontrollably turned up.

Wei Hao's words still echoed in her ears, "Miss You, I hope we can meet again next time. I mean, when you get to Chaoyang, don't forget me, okay?"

Unexpectedly, she fell in love with someone at first sight as soon as she arrived. Was it too hasty? But she just wanted to be with Wei Hao. She didn't know why, but from the moment she saw him, she had him planted in her heart... Perhaps this was fate...

The carriage continued its journey towards Chaoyang Palace... while the people there were busily preparing for the wedding night, awaiting the arrival of the newlyweds.

Xiao Shao couldn't forget the look Ruan Cifeng had given her just now. It was devoid of any emotion, as if he were treating her like a stranger and deliberately keeping his distance.

Ruan Cifeng stood by the stream, dressed in thin clothes. Xiao Shao took his cloak and gently draped it over his shoulders. Unexpectedly, he said to her in a very distant manner, "Thank you, Miss Xiao Shao."

Little Spoon smiled and said, "You don't need to be so polite with me. Anyway, we're family from now on. I'll take good care of you like a princess!"

Ruan Cifeng turned around, his phoenix eyes looking at her indifferently, without a trace of emotion, even cold. Before, his eyes had always been gentle towards everyone, but now, he was looking at her so coldly. Had she done something wrong, or said something? Xiao Shao couldn't understand. Although Ruan Cifeng hadn't said anything to hurt her, hadn't hit or scolded her, she felt incredibly sad, incredibly sad…

Perhaps she is not good enough for Young Master Ruan, or perhaps the princess is Young Master Ruan's first choice in his heart.

But he clearly agreed to their agreement, in front of the princess. No matter what, she couldn't compare to the princess, she knew that. But why did Young Master Ruan agree? Although she was just a maid with a lowly status, she wasn't going to be so eager to fawn over Young Master Ruan.

Perhaps, Young Master Ruan simply doesn't know how to treat a woman.