“Remove your obscene hand; this young lady is not to be bullied!” He appeared proper yet acted shamelessly, unworthy of that black cloth.
“Alright, since the bet is settled, I’ll take my leave. Goodbye, my little Lingier…” Brother Chu smiled and vanished into the twilight.
“What speed! Genius!” Lan Lingier admired Brother Chu’s voice but felt dejected, realizing she would need a few days to recover from her internal injury.
The Mingjun Wang Mansion was festive, adorned with red ribbons. Today was the day Mingjun Wang was marrying Miss Mu Rong, and the entire mansion was joyfully preparing in an orderly manner.
Opening the door, he was met not with floral fragrance but the scent of books. He did not particularly enjoy reading but had grown accustomed to isolating himself in this room when he had no one to talk to. Over time, his knowledge expanded, and his father, the emperor, began to value him more, though he still felt empty inside.
“Knock knock!” The closed door opened quietly.
“Nanny, is there something?” He lowered his head, sitting at the desk, aware that no one could enter without his permission except for his nanny.
“Your Highness, the bride has arrived. Please welcome the bride-to-be!”
Gui Nanny smiled softly, her eyes brimming with tears. She had not disappointed the lady, having raised the prince and helped him marry the noble Miss Mu Rong, which moved her deeply.
“Nanny, on my joyous day, let’s not recall unhappy things! Come, let’s go welcome the bride!” Dong Fang Yu stood, wiping away the tears on Gui Nanny’s aged face. His heart felt a bit sour, but he avoided discussing it. Everything had passed, so what was there to reminisce about?
“Yes, yes! Your Highness, this is what the lady entrusted to this old servant!” Gui Nanny pulled out an exquisite handkerchief from her bosom. Though faded, it featured two mandarin ducks. The handkerchief also contained a pair of jade pendants. Gui Nanny choked up: “Years ago, when the lady was leaving, she gave these to me, instructing that if the prince ever got married, to present them to his future wife. These are ancestral treasures, and the lady said that even if she lost her life, she must never lose these precious items!” Tears flowed down her cheeks, unable to cleanse the past pain.
“Nanny, I understand! Let’s go welcome the bride!” Dong Fang Yu playfully winked, using the handkerchief to wipe her tears and holding her rough hands as they walked out of the study.
Beyond this door, he remained cold in others’ eyes, but before Gui Nanny, he was still a child nestling in his mother’s arms. He wanted this cold exterior to protect himself from being hurt, perhaps the greatest sorrow of the royal family.
“The auspicious time has arrived, please send the bride!” Supported by the nannies, Mu Rong Ting Cheng emerged from the red sedan chair, looking enchanting.
Guided by Gui Nanny, Dong Fang Yu gently held Ting Cheng’s delicate hand, walking towards the prince’s residence.
“Cough! Cough!” Ting Cheng coughed softly beneath her wedding veil, her face slightly flushed.
“Ting’er, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” Today’s ceremony was not ideal given Ting Cheng’s fragile health, but as the nanny insisted, Dong Fang Yu did not want to disrupt the joy.
“It’s nothing!” Ting’er laughed softly, clutching her handkerchief.
In the crowded gathering, a white flower occasionally flickered. Seeing Dong Fang Yu leading Mu Rong Ting Cheng shattered her heart.
“From ancient times, passionate love breeds endless sorrow!” She laughed coldly, slipping towards Meng Jun mansion’s side door. She knew of a place others wouldn’t notice, a passage she often used to escape.
Pushing open the door, she saw a familiar scene again—green vines sprawled across the trees, flowers everywhere.
It was still beautiful, just less serene.
“He’s finally married! Dong Fang Yu, I wish you and Ting Cheng a hundred years of harmony and early children!” Though her words sounded somewhat insincere, they were heartfelt. She realized that even after years of healing, seeing this scene still broke her heart.
The red color continued to flutter, carrying his bright laughter, but he didn’t notice Lan Ling’er hiding in the shadows.
He was truly happy. After all, they had grown up together. What was she? Just a minor character in a contract.
Lan Ling’er, leave now, or your broken heart will yield no returns! Don’t leave more sorrow here; let it drift away with the wind.
Lifting her steps, she walked out the side door, the white flower disappearing from his view.
I’m sorry, I cannot love you! Because Ting’er needs me; she is more fragile and in need of my care! Forgive my selfishness, forgive the apology I cannot express!
Watching her unsteady figure, Dong Fang Yu withdrew his smile, his eyes filled with infinite tenderness.
He had noticed her from the moment she approached, but he could not look at her; he feared he would follow her, which would hurt Ting’er—something he simply could not do.
“Your Highness, Your Highness!” Gui Nanny stood beside Dong Fang Yu, calling softly.
“Nanny, what is it?”
Hiding his pained gaze, he turned back, offering an apologetic smile.
“The princess is missing!” Gui Nanny lowered her voice.
“What? How could Ting’er be missing?” Dong Fang Yu’s wine cup fell to the ground.
“What happened? What happened?” Many guests looked at Dong Fang Yu in surprise, whispering among themselves.
“Everyone, do not be alarmed. Today is the prince’s joyous day! The broken cup symbolizes ‘year after year of peace’! Distinguished guests, please continue enjoying!” Gui Nanny quickly smoothed things over.
“Yes, year after year of peace! Here, we ministers wish the prince and princess a hundred years together and early children!” All the officials stood up, raising their cups in celebration.
“Many thanks for the ministers’ kind words!” Receiving Gui Mama’s hint, Dong Fang Yu quickly picked up another wine cup and drank it down.
“Nanny, go check the latrine and the garden! See if the princess is there!” Dong Fang Yu whispered to Gui Mama, trusting her to handle it while he dealt with the ministers. He couldn’t let his wedding feast become a laughingstock.
“Yes!” Gui Mama hurriedly left. She imagined countless scenarios for the prince’s wedding but never this outcome. Her heart kept calling out to the princess, where are you?
“Nanny, how is it? Did you find Qing’er?” Dongfang Yu rushed to the back hall after dealing with the ministers.
“This old servant is incompetent, Your Highness. The Princess has not been found!” Gui Mama replied, her tone guilty. “Does the Princess have any other relatives or friends?”
“This has nothing to do with you! Besides me, Qing’er doesn’t have other relatives or friends here. She rarely goes out and couldn’t have made new friends. You may go now, and this matter must not be spread. I will search secretly!” Dongfang Yu reassured her, patting her shoulder.
“Yes, I will take my leave!” The nanny noticed the Prince’s calm facade and understood his anxiety. She could only pray for Qinger’s safety, knowing her life would be forfeit otherwise.
“Qing’er, where have you gone? Don’t you know leaving like this will only worry me more!” Though uneasy, he restrained his cries. He felt the obligation to find her himself. His heart kept calling out.
Perhaps he was selfish, never considering if Qing’er wanted to marry him, pushing forward without regard for her feelings.
Qing’er, if you return, I will agree to all your demands, no matter the outcome!
He whispered to the moon shining alone in the wild wind.
“Miss, a young lady has come to see you!” Xier, carrying a water basin, approached the worried Lan Ling’er.
“A lady? Let her come in!” Lan Ling’er concealed her worry and smiled, comforted that Chu Ge hadn’t harmed Xier after their bet.
