Yun Kui thought he was far too familiar with the place, as if it were his own palace, making her feel somewhat embarrassed. "We're unmarried—isn't it improper for us to keep sneaking around like this?"
Xiao Qi'an frowned at the term, but there was no helping it. Once he had set his heart on someone, he had to accept her impure thoughts and unfiltered words.
Before, she hadn’t known he could read minds, so she kept all her unvirtuous thoughts hidden. But once she found out, she gradually stopped concealing them, becoming open and unashamed.
Xiao Qi'an slipped his fingers in, pressing a light kiss to the corner of her lips. "If not for the affairs of the court and your father invoking ancestral customs, you would have entered the palace long ago. Why must we resort to this?"
Yun Kui felt the cool, smooth texture of his ring against her skin and inhaled softly. "Actually, this isn’t so bad. Absence makes the heart grow fonder—it’s just that meeting in secret every few days is a bit too frequent..."
Xiao Qi'an’s brows knitted. "We are open and aboveboard. We’ve already shared a bed and call each other husband and wife—how can this be called sneaking around?"
Yun Kui challenged, "Then dare you go to the Sheng residence?"
Xiao Qi'an scoffed, "What is there to fear?"
He made as if to lift her up, but Yun Kui, still disheveled, quickly wrapped her arms around his waist in alarm. "Fine, fine—it’s me who’s afraid! I’m the coward, alright?"
Only then did Xiao Qi'an set her back down. "You really are scared of him."
Yun Kui pursed her lips. "It’s not exactly fear..."
She had seen her father’s stern and imposing demeanor before. Back when he wasn’t yet the Vice Minister of War, even the Imperial Guards had obeyed his orders. She had personally heard him declare that all those who had followed Feng Yu’s tyranny would be imprisoned and interrogated—bones broken if necessary—to extract every crime Feng Yu had committed over the years.
It seemed only in her presence that he softened, gentle and indulgent, never uttering a single harsh word.
Though she still hadn’t changed how she addressed him, unsure how to call him "Father," she couldn’t help but feel a deep reverence for him.
Like any child yearning for parental approval, she didn’t want to be seen in his eyes as unruly, reckless, or a daughter who caused him worry.
But her father was kind—he gave her the greatest freedom, encouraged her to explore the world outside, and no matter how busy his duties, he always returned home to dine with her every night.
Sometimes, the word "Father" was right at the tip of her tongue, but the moment never quite arrived.
And once she entered the palace, he would be alone again.
The thought brought a faint sadness to Yun Kui’s heart.
Xiao Qi'an murmured, "You worry about him being alone, but have you considered that I, too, might miss you in an empty bed?"
Yun Kui laughed and kissed his cheek. "But I’ll be entering the palace in August, won’t I? And these past two months, haven’t we been meeting in secret often enough? Your Majesty has certainly never denied himself."
Her implication was clear. Xiao Qi'an’s throat moved as he exhaled a heated breath against her neck, trailing kisses down her collarbone.
Yun Kui was willing, letting him have his way—until she felt his grip tighten at her waist and realized his intent. She quickly pushed at him. "Don’t tear this one! It’s... it was bought by Father."
Xiao Qi'an’s expression darkened. "So his gifts can’t be torn, but mine can?"
Yun Kui opened her mouth to explain, then paused, realizing the absurdity. Annoyed, she smacked his royal backside. "And whose fault is that? You’re the one who keeps ripping them! My wardrobe’s shrinking by the day..."
Xiao Qi'an gritted his teeth and seized her wrist. "You’ve grown far too bold."
Daring to strike him.
Yun Kui lifted her chin defiantly. "If Your Majesty acts improperly, it is this consort’s duty to correct you."
Xiao Qi'an scoffed. "Always so full of lofty justifications."
Yun Kui grinned, leisurely undoing her sash and guiding his hand inside.
As she indulged, she sighed dramatically. "Your Majesty, do you think I’ll make a good empress?"
Lately, she had crammed stories of virtuous empresses throughout history—some preaching gentleness and frugality, others advocating tolerance and restraint from jealousy, still others teaching how to assist the emperor as a wise partner. But these ideals felt foreign to her.
A former palace maid, she had never imagined she would one day stand as the mother of the nation. The weight of it pressed on her shoulders, leaving her at a loss just thinking about it.
Xiao Qi'an studied her worried expression and said quietly, "You don’t need to change. You’re perfect as you are."
Yun Kui blinked in surprise, eager to hear more—his words of praise were rarer than precious stones.
Xiao Qi'an continued, "So-called virtue is just another shackle society places on women, walls built by ancient sages to confine them. Why must you live by their rules? You can be gentle and demure, or free-spirited and unrestrained; dignified and graceful, or innocent and playful. None of these are wrong."
Yun Kui flushed slightly. "Aren’t you being too lenient with me?"
Xiao Qi'an traced her cheek. "Your honesty and strong sense of justice are rare treasures in this world."
Yun Kui pressed, "Then... as empress, can I still do as I please? Can I still stroll through markets, listen to storytellers, visit gardens, and eat my way through the streets?"
Xiao Qi'an frowned, sensing her pushing her luck, but conceded, "Within reason. I didn’t marry you to bind you with rules. I want you to be happy."
Yun Kui beamed, giving his chest a playful squeeze. "I’m very happy right now!"
After a tender pause, her worries resurfaced. "You won’t regret this, will you? Truly no imperial harem, just me? What if you meet someone more beautiful, more perfect—will you really stay faithful? If you ever dare advise me to be 'magnanimous,' I’ll be furious..."
Xiao Qi'an arched a brow. "And how would you express this fury?"
Yun Kui bit her lip. "I’d divorce you!"
Xiao Qi'an’s eye twitched.
"Then I’d find a hundred men handsomer, stronger, and with more defined abs than you to serve me in shifts!"
Xiao Qi'an retaliated by nipping the soft flesh below her collarbone.
Yun Kui yelped in pain.
Just as he lifted her skirts to teach her a proper lesson, hurried footsteps approached outside. Huai Zhu’s voice came through the door: "Miss, the master has sent someone to hurry you back—there’s an imperial edict awaiting your reception."
Gritting through the sting, Yun Kui called back, "Coming! Right away!"
She then shoved at the man pinning her down, eyes glistening. "Let’s call it a day, alright? This is your fault for rushing the edict..."
Xiao Qi'an relented, though not without silently quickening his pace. By the time he finished, another half-hour had passed.
Yun Kui rose, clutching her waist. Thankfully, her discarded robes had spared her dress from stains. She boarded her family’s carriage and raced back, barely making it before nightfall.
Outside the Sheng residence, onlookers held back by imperial guards lingered, unwilling to disperse even after hours of waiting—all for a glimpse of the future empress.
But as time dragged on, their initial curiosity and excitement slowly turned to concern for the tardy imperial bride-to-be.
"What kind of background does this young lady of the Sheng family have, to dare keep the imperial envoy waiting for half a day!"
"Could she be planning to defy the imperial decree and refuse the marriage?"
"Poor General Sheng, just returned to the capital, only to have such a troublesome daughter. If she offends His Majesty, this joyous occasion might turn into a funeral..."
"Ah, here she comes, here she comes!"
From afar, Yun Kui could already see the bustling crowd outside her family's residence. Fortunately, Huai Qing and Huai Zhu were also in the carriage, and with the imperial guards and attendants clearing the way, she only gave the onlookers a fleeting glimpse as she stepped out of the carriage and entered the manor.
"Is that the future Empress? She’s so beautiful, like a little fairy!"
"No wonder, being the daughter of the top martial scholar. General Sheng was dashing in his youth, and Miss Sheng has inherited his good looks—of course she’d be stunning."
"Look at this grand display! The attitude of the imperial eunuch doesn’t seem like he’s here to deliver a decree—it’s more like he’s here to propose marriage!"
...
As soon as Yun Kui entered, Cao Yuanlu hurried forward to greet her.
"Young lady, you’ve finally returned!"
Yun Kui was equally exasperated. If it weren’t for His Majesty clinging to her, she would have been back much sooner!
Under her father’s scrutinizing gaze, she couldn’t help but fear she might give something away.
Sheng Yu had noticed the moment she stepped in—his daughter’s evasive eyes, lips unnaturally red (likely not from rouge), and the faint creases on her dress, clearly caused by someone’s hands.
He wasn’t foolish. Having served in the Imperial Guards before, he was well-versed in investigations. How could he not see the signs?
Of course, he wouldn’t blame his daughter. After all, the other party was the Emperor. If His Majesty wished to act recklessly, how could a young girl resist?
What puzzled him, however, was this: Emperor Jingyou was a ruler of both civil and martial prowess, his authority awe-inspiring, his will unyielding—otherwise, he wouldn’t have fought his way to the throne through countless hardships. A man of such discipline and restraint—how could he behave so...
But then again, if his daughter was deeply cherished by the Emperor, and their bond was one of genuine affection rather than the cold, distant formality typical of imperial couples, then this marriage would be a blessing. He ought to be relieved.
For the next three months, Yun Kui’s freedom was greatly restricted. The Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department visited frequently, requiring her to inspect and personally try on the Empress’s ceremonial robes, everyday attire, phoenix crown, and jewelry. The Kunning Palace was redecorated according to her preferences. Etiquette instructors and palace matrons moved into the manor half a month early to teach her the rituals and protocols of the coronation ceremony, ensuring no mistakes on the big day.
Naturally, there was also the matron assigned to instruct her on the wedding night.
The Ministry of Rites’ official proclamation omitted her past as a palace maid who had served the Emperor, presenting her instead as the unmarried legitimate daughter of the Sheng family, Sheng Yun Kui. Following tradition, the Imperial Household Department also sent a matron to teach her the ways of marital intimacy.
Yun Kui had no choice but to feign ignorance, playing the part of an innocent maiden, blushing and humbly relearning everything under the matron’s guidance.
Finally, on the eighteenth day of the eighth month, before dawn had even broken, Yun Kui was roused to bathe, dress, and prepare for the ceremony.
Nanny Yan, who had served in the palace for years, arrived personally to comb her hair. Having heard that the new Empress hailed from the family of the former top martial scholar, and not having seen Yun Kui in a long time, she quickly pieced things together.
Sure enough, the young lady was indeed Sheng Yu’s daughter.
Few of the old attendants from Emperor Jingyou and Empress Huigong’s time remained, but Sheng Yu still remembered Nanny Yan. The two exchanged a few words of greeting.
Nanny Yan smiled. "General, though you were exiled from the capital for years, your daughter somehow found her way into the Eastern Palace and stayed by His Majesty’s side. Truly, fate works in mysterious ways."
Sheng Yu had never imagined that returning to the capital would not only reunite him with a long-lost daughter but also make him the Emperor’s father-in-law.
Before her departure, Sheng Yu led the household in kneeling before the future Empress in a formal salute.
Seeing her father on his knees, Yun Kui’s eyes welled up. She stepped forward and helped him rise. "Father..."
Hearing this long-awaited address, Sheng Yu’s eyes brimmed with tears.
Imperial wedding customs were strict, and he had performed every ritual with solemnity. Now, rising slowly, he could only say, "From now on, you and His Majesty must live in harmony, supporting each other through thick and thin. I have no other wish but for the two of you to enjoy a lifetime of peace and happiness, united in love."
Yun Kui nodded through her tears. "Father, you must take care of your health as well."
Looking at his daughter, resplendent in her lavish robes and jeweled headdress, Sheng Yu sighed inwardly. Her mother, watching from the heavens, must be comforted to see her marry so well.
He patted Yun Kui’s shoulder gently. "Go now. Don’t delay the auspicious hour."
Yun Kui nodded and turned to leave the manor, where an extravagant procession awaited her. The bridal cortege advanced toward the imperial palace amid music, drums, and fluttering ribbons.
The entire day was consumed by the elaborate coronation and wedding ceremonies. Oppressed by the weight of the phoenix crown and heavy robes, Yun Kui moved like a puppet, her expression rigid, her neck stiff, as she passed through countless palace gates—from the sacrificial rites at the altar, the formal investiture, the reception of officials’ obeisances, to her final entrance into the Kunning Palace. Endless rituals, each more solemn than the last, awaited her.
Fortunately, the matrons had drilled her thoroughly beforehand, and the master of ceremonies guided her at every step. Whenever she grew too nervous, His Majesty would subtly offer a reassuring hand or a quiet word of reminder. By the end of the day, she had managed to avoid any missteps.
But when she finally stepped into the Kunning Palace and sat on the wedding bed, the sight of the dragon-and-phoenix candles casting their glow over the gilded hall made her exhaustion give way to fresh tension.
When Xiao Qi'an entered, he found his little wife sitting demurely at the bedside, eyes downcast, too shy to even lift her head at his approach—as if this were their first meeting.
Well, to the master of ceremonies and the palace attendants, His Majesty and this legitimate daughter of the Sheng family had no shared history in the Cheng Guang Palace. To them, this might as well have been an arranged marriage between strangers.
Even commoners’ weddings involved some fuss over the wedding night, but imperial rituals were far more elaborate.
First came the ceremonial hand-washing, then the "shared meal" ritual, where husband and wife ate three dishes together, symbolizing a life of shared joys and hardships. The little lady must have been starving, for she cleaned her bowl with remarkable speed.
Xiao Qi'an chuckled, earning a discreet glare.
"I haven’t dared eat or drink all day—of course I’m hungry!"
He felt wronged. He’d had snacks and milk tea prepared for her throughout the day, but she’d refused them for fear of needing the privy.
"Hurry up! My neck is killing me!"
At last, the familiar, spirited girl was back. Amused, Xiao Qi'an signaled the master of ceremonies to proceed.
After the shared nuptial wine came the "binding of hair" ritual. Traditionally, emperors did not cut their hair, using a silk cord instead, but Xiao Qi'an personally snipped a lock of his own and entwined it with hers—a pledge of eternal unity.
Once the rites concluded, Xiao Qi'an had to attend the grand banquet in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Before leaving, he murmured, "I’ll return soon. You should... freshen up first."
Yun Kui: "..."
Every maid in the room blushed on her behalf.
The Kunning Palace’s senior maids, Tan Yun and Xiu Yue, helped her remove the phoenix crown and heavy ceremonial robes. Finally free to move her neck, Yun Kui exhaled in relief and ate a proper meal to fill her stomach.
After bathing in the side chamber, she returned to the wedding bed. The "wedding manuals" sent by the Imperial Household Department were laughably tame—after flipping through a couple of pages, she found them utterly lacking compared to a certain someone’s repertoire.
Calculating the time, His Majesty should be returning soon—why not prepare a little surprise for him?
Yun Kui slipped out of her nightgown, let the bed curtains fall, and nestled naked beneath the marital quilt.
She had intended to wait for him, but after an exhausting day and freed from the constraints of clothing, her eyelids grew heavy. Soon, she was curled up comfortably, fast asleep.
When Xiao Qi'an returned to the chamber and heard no movement from the bed, he thought to himself that, considering her exhaustion, he might let her rest tonight. After all, they were an old married couple—tonight wasn’t a necessity.
But the moment he lifted the quilt, her soft, smooth body pressed against him. His breath hitched, and instantly, he retracted his earlier thought.
