The interlude on the road had caused hardly any delay. By the time the wedding procession arrived at Prince Liang’s residence, it was just in time for the auspicious hour.
Pei Liang helped the groom out of the sedan. It was obvious that the other party was resisting every inch of this place.
After hesitating for a long while, he finally extended his hand, though even the place where they touched was stiff as a board.
“Relax,” Pei Liang murmured. “Don’t be nervous.”
Unfortunately, it would have been better if she had said nothing. The moment she spoke, Young Master Su grew even more rigid.
One could hardly blame him. At this point, his impression of Prince Liang was probably still that of the lecherous woman who had barged in while he was changing clothes.
Utterly shameless and debauched—why would he change his opinion of her for no reason?
Pei Liang had treated the Su family with impeccable courtesy these past few days. An ordinary man might have weighed Prince Liang’s virtues in his heart and gradually resigned himself to the situation.
But Young Master Su was clearly different. His talent and ability were in no way inferior to those of a woman. From the poems he had written to mock Prince Liang, it was clear that he understood the original host’s intentions better than anyone.
Someone so clever and clear-sighted would hardly change his opinion easily.
After completing the wedding rites amid much merriment, they escorted the groom to the bridal chamber.
The Second Imperial Daughter, the Crown Princess, and all of the original host’s usual friends crowded into the room, eager to see the groom’s beautiful face.
Pei Liang lifted the red veil from Young Master Su’s head.
The room filled with gasps.
Young Master Su’s beauty truly surpassed all hearsay. He was like a lofty flower blooming atop a snow-capped mountain—crystalline and cold, as though he were an immortal banished from the heavens.
Among the noble sons present, there were naturally some who had seen Young Master Su before.
But men and women were ultimately kept apart. Even when they encountered him at poetry gatherings or celebrations, they either stayed far away or wore veils.
He had always been shrouded in mist, allowing people only a fleeting glimpse without ever seeing him clearly.
Now that they had finally gotten a proper look, everyone gazed at Prince Liang with envy and jealousy.
“Prince Liang truly is blessed with unparalleled beauty.”
Pei Liang thought, Are all of you blind?
Can’t you see how unhappy he is?
It was not just the other spectators. Even the Second Imperial Daughter was stunned by Su Yue’s beauty. Her expression went dazed for a moment, then jealousy rose plainly to the surface before she hurriedly concealed it.
She glanced at Consort Zhou, who had come to help and was standing not far from Su Yue, and felt even more disgruntled.
Why was the eldest always the one who got the best of everything—even when it came to marriage?
It was all because of underhanded methods, of course.
If she had known that the Su family’s son would be this desirable a match, she would have dared to take the risk herself back then.
The Second Imperial Daughter was consumed by hatred, but it was too late for regrets.
Given how cautiously she operated, she would never have dared offend Chancellor Su by force.
After admiring the groom, the group wanted to make a scene in the bridal chamber as well.
Seeing this, Pei Liang hurriedly drove them all out. This was hardly a joyful marriage to begin with—what was the point of making mischief?
Naturally, no one else dared oppose Prince Liang. They merely teased her for already beginning to protect her husband.
The Third Imperial Daughter, however, was reluctant to leave.
“Let me take another look at my new brother-in-law.”
Pei Liang patted her on the head. “What’s there to look at? Come visit in the future, and I’ll let you see him as much as you like.”
The Third Imperial Daughter immediately brightened. “You promised, Imperial Sister. Take me out to play in a few days.”
There it was. This child thought of nothing but leaving the palace all day.
After tugging her out of the room, Pei Liang returned to the bridal chamber and ignored Su Yue’s stiff posture and Little Sheng’s wary expression.
She smiled at Consort Zhou. “You’ve worked hard today, Brother-in-law. Stay here and chat with them for a while. I’ll have the kitchen send in some food and wine.”
Consort Zhou said awkwardly, “Imperial Sister is too kind.”
Pei Liang did not linger in the bridal chamber. The moment she left, both Su Yue and Little Sheng visibly relaxed.
Before long, servants from Prince Liang’s residence carried in a large spread of delicate pastries, dishes, fine wines, and fruit drinks.
Several people also came to help Su Yue remove his cumbersome wedding robes and jewelry.
Su Yue looked uncomfortable. “No need. I can do it myself.”
The head servant smiled. “Prince Consort, there’s no need to stand on ceremony.”
“His Highness said the festivities out front will likely continue for a long time. You’re burdened by all these heavy clothes, and sitting here in them would only make you suffer needlessly. Change into something more comfortable, have something to eat and chat with the Second Prince Consort, and make yourself at home.”
The married male servant who said this was wearing an expression full of envy.
Who would have thought that Prince Liang, usually so wild and overbearing, would be this considerate and protective of her husband?
Not to mention the servants—even Consort Zhou could not help looking downcast as he listened.
Prince Liang and the Second Imperial Daughter were sisters by blood and close in age. How had they turned out so utterly different?
Now that the elder sister had married a Prince Consort, she probably would not spare another man a second glance in the future.
At the thought, Consort Zhou suddenly startled.
Why would he think that way?
Whether Imperial Sister looked at other men had nothing to do with him, a married man.
His expression grew a little unnatural, but fortunately, Su Yue had not noticed.
By then, Su Yue had already changed into lighter clothes. Listening to everyone in Prince Liang’s residence praise their mistress and look at him with undisguised envy made him uncomfortable as well.
Little Sheng knew his master’s thoughts better than anyone. Once Su Yue had changed and washed off his makeup, he promptly drove everyone from the room.
Only the three of them remained inside, including Consort Zhou.
Both sides had their own concerns, and conversation was awkward. They made small talk on and off.
They ate some of the dishes and pastries, but halfway through the meal, Little Sheng suddenly let out an exclamation.
“Master, it seems that all of these dishes are your favorites?”
Su Yue lowered his head to look and found that it was true.
Earlier, Little Sheng had been serving him food while his mind was preoccupied, so he had not noticed. He had merely thought that every dish suited his taste and assumed Little Sheng had chosen them himself.
At that, Consort Zhou took a closer look as well. He discovered that the dishes in front of him were all foods he had liked back when he was still unmarried.
Not even the Second Imperial Daughter knew his preferences, much less anyone in her palace.
Who there had ever cared about what he liked to eat?
Yet here, in the bridal chamber of Prince Liang’s wedding, he had encountered such thoughtfulness.
Consort Zhou’s heart felt warm and bitter at once.
Little Sheng snorted. “It was probably just a coincidence. Not every dish on the table is Master’s favorite.”
“How could it be a coincidence?” Consort Zhou sighed. “Imperial Sister is the gentlest and most considerate person there is.”
“You’re very fortunate, Brother-in-law. You’ll understand that in time.”
Su Yue and Little Sheng looked at Consort Zhou, their expressions somewhat strange.
Consort Zhou also realized that what he had said was inappropriate. He lowered his head and silently ate his pastry.
The atmosphere in the bridal chamber became even more awkward.
Meanwhile, Pei Liang was handling herself with ease out front. Whether it was her or the original host, both had excellent tolerance for alcohol. Neither of them was afraid of being forced to drink.
It was just that after drinking so much, the spot where Consort Yan had bitten her earlier had begun to itch, which was rather irritating.
On the eldest sister’s wedding day, the Second Imperial Daughter and the Crown Princess naturally had to help hold down the fort.
The Crown Princess was still young and, as Crown Princess, could not afford to behave too freely. The Second Imperial Daughter was not so lucky.
Especially since Pei Liang had no qualms about using her as a shield. By the end, the woman had nearly been stuffed under the table by all the drinking.
Once the banquet dispersed, the Crown Princess clung drunkenly to Pei Liang, swaying as she begged not to return to the palace.
The Second Imperial Daughter was even worse, drunk to the point of becoming completely limp. No one could rouse her.
Pei Liang simply waved a hand. “They’ll both stay the night at the residence. Send someone to inform the palace.”
What else could they do? Could they tell Prince Liang that it was against the rules?
It was not as though the Crown Princess was particularly powerful at present. Of the three Imperial Daughters, Prince Liang was still the most formidable, and even the Crown Princess herself relied on Prince Liang immensely.
Such a minor matter naturally could not trouble the seriously ill Empress. Although the Crown Princess had already been established, Prince Liang still had the final say.
Quite a few fence-sitters found themselves caught between two sides.
The two Imperial Daughters had been settled in the courtyard beside the bridal chamber. When Pei Liang returned to the bridal chamber, she happened to run into Consort Zhou coming out.
Seeing her, Consort Zhou suddenly recalled the shameful thoughts that had arisen from his wild imaginings earlier, and his eyes grew somewhat flustered.
Even so, he still saluted Prince Liang. “Imperial Sister.”
Pei Liang smiled warmly. “There’s no need for such formalities, brother-in-law. You’ve worked hard today. I’ll certainly visit your residence another day to thank you properly.”
Consort Zhou hurriedly said, “Imperial Sister is too kind. We’re family; there’s no need to stand on ceremony. Your Prince Consort is waiting for you. Imperial Sister, you should go in. I’ll return to Second Princess now.”
“Don’t.” Pei Liang’s voice was gentle. “You’ve worked hard all day. I can’t be bothered with that fool, so I’ve already had a room and hot water prepared for you next door.”
“Go soak in the bath and have a good night’s rest.”
Consort Zhou’s face flushed. Fortunately, dusk had already fallen, so it should not have been too noticeable.
Even so, he lowered his head and did not dare look at Prince Liang, merely murmuring his thanks.
Yet Prince Liang said, “Why are you lowering your head instead of looking at me? Is my appearance so unbearable?”
Consort Zhou was startled and quickly raised his head. “No, Imperial Sister—”
He had barely gotten the words out when he found himself gazing into Prince Liang’s deep eyes.
His entire body went rigid. In his heart, an unruly hand scratched and scratched, leaving his limbs weak.
Prince Liang smiled. “You are intelligent and beautiful, talented and accomplished, with a noble status. You ought to hold your head high and keep your chest out. There is no need to avoid anyone’s scrutiny.”
“Brother-in-law, you deserve everything.”
Consort Zhou’s heart pounded wildly. He hardly knew how he had managed to leave the courtyard.
After returning to the guest room Prince Liang had arranged for him, he was attended by a young servant and lowered into a hot bath scattered with flower petals, yet he still had not recovered his composure.
Meanwhile, the moment Pei Liang entered the bridal chamber, she was enthusiastically greeted by the master and servant duo.
Looking at the scene before her, Pei Liang was silent for a moment before asking, “What are you doing?”
Little Sheng stood in front of his master with a dagger in hand, glaring at Pei Liang like he was guarding against a bandit.
“You lecher! I was careless before and let our Young Master suffer at your hands. Today, you can forget about touching even one of his fingers!”
This was the first time Pei Liang had ever spoken to someone while inhabiting this sort of identity. She had to admit, it was rather amusing.
So she teased the boy, “But intimacy between husband and wife is only natural. If I want to touch him, then let alone you—even Chancellor Su would have no grounds to stop me.”
Su Yue’s breath caught, and his face suddenly went deathly pale.
Little Sheng’s face reddened with fury. “You shameless woman! Who wants to be intimate with you?”
Pei Liang raised both hands in surrender. “All right, I’m done teasing you. Put down the knife and go outside. I want to speak with your Young Master alone.”
“Humph! Don’t even think about tricking me into leaving so you can abandon Young Master to the jaws of a wolf!”
The child was tiny, but his words were certainly vicious.
However, Pei Liang had been exhausted after working all day and could not be bothered to keep arguing with him. She snapped her fingers.
“Come in. Throw this child out.”
Two burly servants immediately rushed in from outside. Servants of this sort usually knew a few martial arts techniques.
Within moments, they knocked the dagger from Little Sheng’s hand and hoisted him up like a chick.
Little Sheng struggled desperately. “What—what are you doing?”
Pei Liang maliciously frightened him. “What am I doing? Hanging you in the kitchen to smoke for the whole night. Tomorrow morning, you’ll be served as an extra dish for everyone.”
The servants had already been instructed and knew Prince Liang was merely joking. They paid no attention to Little Sheng’s protests and dragged him away.
Once the room was finally quiet, Pei Liang turned back, sat down at the head of the bed, and looked at Young Master Su.
“We haven’t had a chance to speak until now. This matter should not be delayed.”
“Let’s begin.”
What Pei Liang intended was exactly what she had said earlier: for the two of them to speak openly and honestly.
If there had truly been a better solution, she would not have married Young Master Su.
In this world, a man’s reputation was more important than life itself. Young Master Su had already been humiliated because of the original Prince Liang. Now that she had inherited this body, there were some things she could dismiss with a curse, but there were others she could not simply ignore.
The original reason for this marriage had already made Young Master Su the laughingstock of the capital. If she broke off the engagement, he would likely be left with no path but death.
Why put him through that? It was unnecessary.
Instead, she could marry him into the princely residence, establish three rules between them, and give him as much freedom and respect as possible. They could even treat each other as nothing more than roommates living under the same roof.
Even if he already had someone he loved, or wanted to marry someone else in the future, it would be easier to handle under her protection.
It was a solution that could satisfy everyone. But to put the other party at ease, they naturally needed to sit down and discuss things from the outset.
Pei Liang’s plan was quite sensible.
Unfortunately, Young Master Su appeared to have misunderstood her intentions.
He squeezed his beautiful eyes shut, took a deep breath, and said, “If we’re going to begin, can you promise not to make things difficult for my person?”
Pei Liang was puzzled. “Of course. I never intended to make things difficult for him.”
“Good!” Young Master Su declared, as though he were marching willingly to his death.
Then Pei Liang found herself utterly bewildered.
Wait a moment. Why were you taking off your clothes too?
No—that was the wrong question.
Why had she said “too”?
