Such a gesture would fill any woman with joy.
“I do!” Lan Lan exclaimed happily.
After he slipped the ring onto her finger, she embraced and kissed him, whispering, “Thank you!”
Their colorful life was just beginning.
While everyone applauded the Rui Prince’s mansion finally having a mistress, one person in the corner felt melancholy. Long Feng reflected on his deep love for her, now fully realizing she had found happiness elsewhere. Despite his heartache, he sincerely wished her well and vowed to continue protecting her.
While silently blessing Lan Lan, she pulled Long Junhao to the front. Seeing this fairy-like woman, his eyes gradually became moist. He coughed to hide his discomfort and softly smiled, saying: “Blessings to you!”
Lan Lan observed this gentle man, usually comforting but today hurt by her happiness with Long Junhao. She sighed inwardly, realizing that while she was joyful, his heart was sorrowful because he was not the one marrying her. He had silently done so much for her, and while she was deeply grateful, she felt unable to repay his love. Love cannot be divided, so she hoped for a chance to repay him in the future.
“Long Feng, if not for your life-saving grace, there would be no me and the Prince today. Great kindness needs no words of thanks. Today, I just want to tell you: Thank you!” Lan Lan said, tears nearly overflowing. She held back her tears, gave Long Feng a deep look, and pulled Long Junhao to bow slightly to him.
Love is sometimes not possession but letting the loved one be happy. As long as there are blessings, that is enough.
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Entering the Palace for an Audience
Feeling a gaze from across the room, Lan Lan looked up to see the Crown Prince staring at her with passionate eyes. She nodded slightly in greeting.
Next to him sat a stunningly beautiful woman, looking at her with sharp eyes, a hint of jealousy flashing at the unrestrained affection in the Crown Prince’s gaze.
Lan Lan was curiously observing those across from her when she suddenly felt her hand tighten. Turning her head, she saw her companion looking at her reproachfully, as if complaining about her ignoring his presence.
Long Junhao leaned in close, whispering to introduce those present. Directly opposite was the handsome Crown Prince Long Junjie, smiling, and beside him was the Crown Princess Lin Long, daughter of the current prime minister, who appeared pleasant on the surface.
Below the Crown Prince sat the Third Prince Long Junming. Lan Lan looked up to see a boyish face, a handsome young man. Their eyes met, and he playfully winked. Lan Lan glared back but couldn’t help but smile, finding him amusing.
Next was the Third Princess Long Yi, only 15 years old and unmarried, with a sweet appearance and a charming manner. Her large eyes were constantly studying Lan Lan. Lan Lan smiled and nodded at her.
Beside Long Junhao was the First Princess Long Lian, married to the eldest son of the Shu Mansion, Sun Yong, the current martial arts champion, who had studied martial arts for fifteen years under a Taoist master at White Cloud Temple.
He won the martial arts championship in the Dragon Heaven Empire two years ago. The Emperor, impressed by his character and background and noting Princess Long Lian’s love for him, arranged their marriage. They had been married for over a year and were deeply in love, though they had no children yet.
The Second Princess Long Yun was absent, as her husband, General Kang Xi, was defending the borders of the Dragon Heaven Empire, with the princess accompanying him.
As this was a family gathering, no outsiders were present. However, the curious gazes made Lan Lan slightly nervous.
Just after Long Junhao finished introducing everyone, a guard announced: “The Emperor has arrived!”
Everyone stood to pay respects. After they were seated, Emperor Long Chaotian’s gaze swept over his children. “Hmm! Not bad, all of you. Especially my second son, who has finally brought back a girl. Ah, another matter settled.”
“My children, it’s the Little Year festival. How have you been this year? Do you have any unfulfilled wishes that require my intervention?” Long Chaotian looked at his exceptional children, casting a meaningful glance towards Long Junhao.
Long Junhao, being intelligent, knew his father was aware of his “hidden beauty”. He and the Empress had long wanted to meet Lan Lan. Seeing his father’s hint, he smoothly said, “Your son has something to report.”
“Speak quickly!” The Emperor was pleased by his son’s perceptiveness.
Long Junhao pulled Lan Lan to the center and knelt down.
“Father, I and Lady Lan have pledged our hearts to each other. We humbly request your blessing for our marriage!” They kowtowed together.
Initially, she opposed the idea of her imperial son marrying a commoner. However, after Long Chaotian mentioned the powerful Phoenix Order, she relented, knowing that it would safeguard her interests; Lan Lan, unaware of her own influence, could have taken pride in this.
The crown princess, noticing her husband’s infatuated gaze towards Lan Lan, felt secretly heartbroken and developed resentment toward her.
The Third Prince, Long Junming, was curious about Lan Lan, wanting to understand the person who captured his elder brother’s heart.
The Third Princess, Long Yi, was excited to chat with her sister-in-law later for advice on winning over her love interest, her jade-like face blushing at the thought.
Only the eldest princess, Long Lian, sincerely wished for the Second Prince’s happiness.
She, the Crown Prince, and Long Junhao were born to the Empress, while the Third Prince Long Junming and the Second Princess were born to the Noble Concubine, and the Third Princess was born to Concubine Cheng. Therefore, she felt deeply for her younger brother, and although the Second Prince was cold and not expressive, he had cared for her the most over the years.
“Hehe, good! Good! Good!” Long Chaotian laughed heartily, calling out “good” three times, leaving everyone wondering what was so good.
“Since you two are well-matched, I hereby announce that Miss Lan Lan shall be betrothed to the Second Prince Long Junhao as his wife, to accompany each other for life, whether in wealth or poverty, until old age! The wedding date will be set!” Long Chaotian looked at the golden boy and jade girl before him with satisfaction.
“Thank you, Imperial Father!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Long Junhao and Lan Lan smiled at each other, kowtowing in gratitude.
The two of them, filled with joy and excitement, finally endured the banquet and could return home.
Back at the mansion, Long Junhao excitedly spun Lan Lan around until she was dizzy before putting her down. He was thrilled; the uncertainties of recent days had been resolved, and she was completely his.
Lan Lan laughed heartily, happy to leave behind the difficult days. Becoming part of the royal family hadn’t been on her mind; everything had gone surprisingly smoothly, without the disasters typical in novels. Could it be the good luck from the Phoenix Order, as Grandpa Long mentioned? Her only regret was not knowing how her mother and sister were doing. Why hadn’t Grandpa Long returned? With the New Year approaching, all her hopes were pinned on him.
In the room, he hugged Lan Lan and sat on a stool, kissing her several times before excitedly sharing the good news.
“Honey, our wedding date is set for the eighth day of the first lunar month. We need to prepare quickly!” Long Junhao’s usually cold face showed rare excitement.
“Oh! I see. Husband, why hasn’t Great-Grandpa come back yet?” Hearing this news, Lan Lan seemed listless.
“Great-Grandpa? He should be back soon. I heard he’s on his way. Just be at ease and be my bride!” Long Junhao patted her head, knowing her concerns would only be resolved when Great-Grandpa returned.
