To show his high regard and royal favor, Xiao Rongyan gave He Shuwan a grand wedding ceremony that far exceeded the standard for a side consort.
After welcoming her into the estate, the two first bowed toward the imperial palace to thank the Emperor for his grace, and then bowed to each other.
Standing to the side, Princess Consort Ying nearly ground her back teeth to dust.
Aside from not bowing to heaven and earth, and the wedding attire not being true red, everything else was identical to her own wedding. This was a blatant slap in the face.
On the other side, Xiao Rongche sat at an empty table with only two servants attending him.
The festive drumming and music echoed endlessly in his ears. Accompanied by the laughter and endless congratulations of the crowd, the sounds were like needles piercing his eardrums and stabbing into his heart.
They used to be on equal footing, but now he was blind and plagued by illness, while Xiao Rongyan was joyfully celebrating his wedding. How could one not feel hatred?
In the crowd, Song Jinzhao looked He Shuwan up and down.
The round fan couldn't completely obscure her face; from her side profile alone, it was clear that Princess Shuwan was a true beauty.
After the bowing ceremony concluded, two maidservants escorted the bride into the bridal chamber, while Xiao Rongyan stayed behind to entertain the guests.
On the men's side of the banquet, Song Qiming had just taken his seat when he saw Xiao Rongyan holding a wine cup and walking toward Xiao Rongche.
In an instant, the gazes of everyone around were drawn to them.
As far as they were concerned, it was impossible for Prince Qi to come and offer congratulations.
But not only had he come, he was also being avoided and isolated by everyone. It was truly humiliating.
Since Imperial Brother cannot see, there was really no need for you to come offer congratulations in person. Drink this cup of wedding wine and go back, lest it gets too dark and you take a fall.
The surroundings instantly fell dead silent.
Was this genuine concern or pure mockery?
Prince Qi had already been reduced to this state, yet Prince Ying still had to mock him. Wasn't this going a bit too far?
Xiao Rongche expressionlessly felt for his wine cup and drank it down. Imperial Father ordered you to marry the Princess of Shuobei. I naturally must congratulate you.
At the next table, Wang Nie and Qi Xiong, who were sitting together, frowned.
These words sounded strange and made people uncomfortable.
Xiao Rongyan looked at the other man's wine-soaked sleeve and gave a cold snort.
He bent down, leaned close to Xiao Rongche's ear, and whispered a single sentence.
That is still better than becoming a piece of trash, you short-lived ghost.
The wine cup fell to the ground. Xiao Rongche turned his lifeless eyes toward the direction of the voice, his freezing fingers trembling.
Do you think you are any better off? An abandoned person will never sit on that throne.
A dark shadow crossed Xiao Rongyan's eyes, and his voice floated lightly from his throat.
Whether I can sit there or not is not for you to say, but you certainly never will.
Across the aisle, Song Jinzhao vaguely caught their entire conversation in her ears.
Still fighting even at this point. They were all idiots.
And Prince Qi, coming over to drink despite being so ill. No matter how she looked at it, it seemed strange.
What was his purpose?
The wedding banquet would go on for a long time. Having no intention of staying longer, Song Jinzhao exchanged a few pleasantries with Princess Consort Ying and prepared to leave.
On the other side, faced with Xiao Rongyan's toast, Song Qiming pretended to take a sip from the rim of his cup.
After the man walked away and he saw Song Jinzhao stand up, he hurriedly followed her out.
Sister, can we go back now?
If it weren't an imperial decree marriage and the Prince Ying estate hadn't specifically sent an invitation, he really wouldn't have wanted to come.
Song Jinzhao glanced back at Xiao Rongche, who was still sitting in his chair.
I feel like there's a good show to watch. Let's get on the carriage and change our outfits first.
Song Qiming followed Song Jinzhao in confusion.
What kind of good show required a change of clothes?
After the carriage turned a corner, it stopped by the roadside. Song Qiming, having taken off his outer robe, stepped down from the vehicle.
Not long after, Song Jinzhao, dressed in light clothes and having removed her hairpins and jewelry, jumped out of the carriage with clean, crisp movements.
Watching the carriage gradually move away, Song Jinzhao secured the hidden sleeve-arrows on her wrists and led Song Qiming toward the alleyway.
