The abstinent prince, practicing Buddhism, is seduced by a voluptuous beauty into breaking his vows.

The commotion surrounding the betrothal ceremony continued until evening before gradually subsiding.

The Yongning Marquis's mansion was piled high with red silk betrothal gifts, and even the old locust tree in the courtyard was covered with red lanterns.

Chun Tao and her maids busied themselves tidying up, their smiles barely concealed.

"Put this in the east wing, and carry that to the storeroom. Be careful not to bump into anything—"

Su Yaoyao leaned against the window, watching the lively scene in the courtyard, a smile curving her lips.

"Miss, you have no idea, all the young ladies in the capital envy you now!" Chun Tao said with a proud expression. "His Highness the Crown Prince's kneeling broke so many hearts!"

Su Yaoyao peeled a grape and popped it into her mouth.

"So what if it breaks? It's none of my business anyway."

Chuntao couldn't help but laugh at her carefree attitude.

"Miss, aren't you worried at all? The wedding is in a few days. You'll be entering the Eastern Palace and becoming the Crown Princess."

Su Yaoyao thought for a moment.

"What are you worried about?"

"I'm worried...what if His Highness changes his mind in the future? I'm worried that the people in the palace will make things difficult for you? I'm worried..."

"Stop, stop, stop," Su Yaoyao interrupted her. "You're just a young girl, why are you worrying so much?"

Chuntao pouted.

"I was just thinking of you, Miss..."

Su Yaoyao smiled and reached out to pinch her cheek.

"Don't worry, I'm not someone you can easily bully."

She paused, recalling that person's aloof face, and a slight smile appeared on her lips.

"As for changing one's mind..."

She blinked.

"He's the one who should be afraid..."

"What are you saying?" a low voice came from behind.

She turned around, and Xiao Chenyuan appeared behind her at some point, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and resting his chin on her shoulder.

Su Yaoyao leaned lazily against him.

"She didn't say anything," she said. "What were you doing just now?"

"The Grand Tutor and my elder brother have gone to give me a lecture..." Xiao Chenyuan's tone carried a rare hint of coquetry.

Su Yaoyao smiled. "Your Highness, are you ever being lectured?"

Xiao Chenyuan hugged her tightly. "After being your student for over ten years, this is the first time. My brother also said that the betrothal was too high-profile..."

"That's right, Your Highness's betrothal gifts are enough for the Marquis's family to live on for three generations."

Xiao Chenyuan chuckled softly.

"Not enough," he said. "I still have more."

Su Yaoyao turned to look at him, her eyes sparkling.

"besides?"

"Hmm." Xiao Chenyuan leaned closer to her ear and lowered his voice, "There are still quite a few piled up in the storeroom. We'll bring them over for you on your wedding day."

Su Yaoyao smiled.

"Is Your Highness planning to empty the entire Eastern Palace? What will I use when I get there?"

Xiao Chenyuan looked at her with a tender gaze that could melt hearts.

"I'll earn it for you again. As long as you're here."

Su Yaoyao felt a surge of sweetness in her heart, turned around, and hugged his neck.

"Why is Your Highness speaking so eloquently today?"

Xiao Chenyuan lowered his head and gently pecked her lips.

"I thought about it all night," he said. "I was afraid that if I said the wrong thing, you wouldn't marry me."

Su Yaoyao laughed out loud.

"What if I really don't get married?"

Xiao Chenyuan tightened his grip.

"Then I will remain kneeling and not get up."

Su Yaoyao looked at him, and seeing the serious expression on his cold face, her heart melted.

This person is so adorable.

She stood on tiptoe and kissed him.

The kiss was tender and lingering, carrying all the joy and emotion of the day. Xiao Chenyuan quickly took the initiative, cradling the back of her head with one hand and encircling her waist with the other, kissing her deeply and earnestly.

After a long while, the two finally separated.

Su Yaoyao leaned against him, panting.

"Your Highness," she said softly, "I am so happy today."

Xiao Chenyuan looked down at her.

"I am too."

He paused, then added.

"The happiest day of my life."

Su Yaoyao's eyes welled up with tears, and she buried her face in his chest.

Outside the window, dusk was falling, and red lanterns lit up one by one.

---

Dinner was served at the Marquis's residence.

Grand Tutor Jiang and Madam Jiang, along with the entire Jiang family, were present, and Su Qingrun, the host, filled a large table.

Xiao Chenyuan sat next to Su Yaoyao, his usual aloofness gone. He toasted Grand Tutor Jiang and served dishes to Old Madam Jiang, his attitude so respectful it was as if he were a completely different person.

While saying "No, that won't do," Grand Tutor Jiang watched with amusement.

"Your Highness," he stroked his beard, "this is the first time I've ever seen you like this."

Xiao Chenyuan's expression remained unchanged.

"The Grand Tutor is an elder, it's only right."

Grand Tutor Jiang laughed heartily.

Old Madam Jiang held Su Yaoyao's hand and whispered.

"This child really cares about you."

Su Yaoyao nodded, looking at the upright man sitting next to her, feeling a warm glow in her heart.

Jiang Huaijin sat opposite, staring longingly at the dishes on the table, then looked at Xiao Chenyuan and whispered to Jiang Wanning.

"Sister, will the Crown Prince be my brother-in-law from now on?"

Jiang Wan Ning nodded.

Jiang Huaijin thought for a moment, then asked again.

"Can I learn to ride a horse with my brother-in-law?"

Just as Jiang Wan Ning was about to speak, Xiao Chen Yuan raised his head.

"Yes," he said. "I will teach you after the wedding."

Jiang Huaijin's eyes lit up.

"real?!"

"real."

Jiang Huaijin was so happy she almost jumped up, but Jiang Wanning held her down.

As Su Yaoyao watched this scene, a thought suddenly came to mind.

This man will definitely be a good father in the future.

After dinner,

Su Yaoyao saw Xiao Chenyuan off at the door.

The two stood at the entrance of the Marquis's residence, hand in hand, neither of them speaking.

After a long silence, Xiao Chenyuan spoke.

"Graceful".

"Um?"

"I can't bear to leave."

Su Yaoyao smiled.

"Your Highness can come again tomorrow."

Xiao Chenyuan looked at her, his gaze deep.

"It's different," he said. "Today is our engagement day. I want to spend more time with you."

Su Yaoyao's heart softened, and she stood on tiptoe to kiss him on the lips.

"Then Your Highness, please stay a little longer."

Xiao Chenyuan's eyes lit up.

The two stood at the doorway, bathed in moonlight, chatting idly.

"Your Highness, were you nervous on your wedding day?"

"I'm not nervous."

"real?"

"...A little."

Su Yaoyao smiled.

"Me too."

Xiao Chenyuan looked down at her.

"Don't be afraid," he said. "I'm here."

Su Yaoyao nodded.

The two stood there for a while longer before Ling Feng finally couldn't resist stepping forward.

"Your Highness, it's time to return. We have court tomorrow morning..."

Xiao Chenyuan glanced at him, his eyes clearly saying—meddlesome.

Ling Feng silently withdrew.

Su Yaoyao smiled and nudged him.

"Go back now, see you tomorrow."

Xiao Chenyuan gripped her hand tightly, then released it.

"See you tomorrow."

He turned and mounted his horse, took a few steps, and then looked back at her.

Under the moonlight, the figure was tall and slender, with a gentle gaze like unmelting sugar.

Su Yaoyao stood at the door and waved to him.

She didn't turn back to her residence until the figure disappeared into the night.

Chuntao came up to her and whispered.

"Miss, His Highness the Crown Prince is so kind to you."

Su Yaoyao smiled.

"Yes," she said. "I know."

---

Inside the inn, He Qing stood by the window.

The moonlight shone on his face, highlighting the crimson beauty mark at the corner of his eye, making him both alluring and lonely.

He gazed at the direction of the Yongning Marquis's residence in the distance, looking at the courtyard full of red lanterns for a long time.

General Mu Yun appeared behind him at some point.

"Young Master," she said softly, "it's late."

He Qing didn't move.

"She's...very happy today," he said softly.

Mu Yun remained silent.

He Qing smiled, a smile that contained both bitterness and relief.

"As long as you're happy. Is everything ready?"

"Reporting to Young Master, they are already on their way."

"That's good…… "

He clutched the epiphyllum earring in his palm, then turned and walked into the darkness.

Outside the window, the moonlight was like water.

In the distance, the red lanterns of the Yongning Marquis's residence were extinguished one by one.

The night is gentle, and everyone has their own place to go.