Quick Wear: Oh no, the lady is running away with the ball again

Chapter 228 The Living Abandoned Empress of the Cold Palace X The Invading Unruly Buddhist Son 62

Elsewhere, within the imperial city, the East Palace was ablaze with lights. The melodious music of stringed instruments drifted endlessly between the vermilion palace walls, framing the grand wedding. Yet, beyond the clamor, Yun Qian's heart was as still as an ancient well. As she was led slowly into the East Palace, she couldn't help but look eastward—outside the city, by the river. She knew he was probably there.

She knew she was destined not to go, but what about him?

She sneered and thought, not necessarily. If it were her, she could just send a few confidants to pick up her man. Why would she take the risk herself?

Yeah, why bother.

So he might not have really come here by himself. Not to mention the long journey, the danger alone is enough to deter anyone.

……

The thought only lasted a moment, but was interrupted by the scene before him.

In the center of the hall, Yun Piao sat in a high seat, her face gentle yet solemn. Her brocade robe was embroidered with gold thread, and a rare smile of satisfaction graced her features. Today, her niece was getting married, her son was getting married, and she, as the queen mother, was personally officiating. This scene of dignified and authoritative presence was the culmination of years of planning.

Yun Piao was very happy today, but this joy was eventually broken by what happened outside the city.

Outside the hall, the guests were all in high spirits, laughing and chatting happily, and the clinking of glasses showed the excitement of the day. Inside the hall, however, it was a solemn scene. Yun Qian and Qi Heyao sat on either side of Yun Piao, listening respectfully to her earnest instructions. Yun Piao's eyes slowly swept over the two of them, a smile on her lips.

"He Yao,"

Queen Yun paused and almost bit her tongue... After all, she almost said to the prince, from now on, you are a member of our Yun family.

Suddenly, she grasped Yun Qian's wrist, neither too light nor too heavy. "He Yao, Qian'er," she paused, her voice low but filled with unquestionable authority. "The marriage is a success, which means the burden on your shoulders has become heavier. This is not just about your union, but also about the future of Da Qi."

As she spoke, she looked at Qi Heyao solemnly: "Heyao, you are the crown prince of Da Qi, the future emperor. From today on, you have Qian'er by your side. She is your wife and your helper. But don't forget, your responsibility is not only to protect her, but also to protect this country. Don't let me down."

There was a temptation in Yun Hou's words that could not be ignored.

Qi Heyao lowered his gaze slightly, his head also nodded slightly at the right time, his face solemn, and he replied in a low voice: "I understand, your Majesty, please rest assured."

Then, she turned to Yun Qian, her tone softening slightly. "Qian'er, you've been intelligent since childhood. Since you've chosen this path, you must be prepared to share the burdens of the country. From today on, I hope to set aside all past grudges. You are in this palace, the eldest daughter-in-law, and the future empress. Remember, there is no need to separate us. From now on, you are one, and you should consider each other in everything you do."

Yun Qian lowered her eyes, a faint smile appearing at the corner of her lips, as if she had heard these words, but did not seem to care. She nodded slightly and responded softly: "Niece understands, thank you for your teachings, aunt." But her heart had already been filled with waves.

The sound of gongs and drums outside the window still resounded through the sky, so intense that one almost ignored the hidden danger. Yun Qian's gaze drifted inadvertently eastward once again, as if penetrating the palace walls and landing on the vast snow outside the city.

Yun Piao's eyes flickered, as if he noticed her distraction. He narrowed his eyes slightly, but didn't say it out loud. There was just a hint of tentativeness in his tone: "Qian'er, today is your wedding day, you shouldn't think about other things. Remember, your identity today is the most important thing."

Yun Qian raised her eyes, her expression as calm as before, and slowly replied: "My niece has never forgotten her identity."

Yun Piao stared at her for a moment, seemingly satisfied with her answer, yet not quite convinced. She nodded gently, "That's good."

No one noticed that the spies who had hurried in from outside the palace were standing outside the door, waiting to pass on urgent military intelligence about the sudden change outside the city...

----

On the wedding night, the scenery in the bridal chamber was luxurious yet gentle, with flickering candlelight and hazy light and shadow cast on the vermilion carved screen. The curtains embroidered with mandarin ducks playing in the water drooped slightly, and a rich festive color filled the entire space.

Inside the room, a festive red-lacquered wooden table was placed, upon which sat paired jade ruyi and lotus-shaped candlesticks, symbolizing happiness and harmony. A gentle breeze ignited the candles, their dancing flames seemingly expressing the joy of the newlyweds.

Yun Qian sat upright beside the bed, wearing a complicated yet elegant phoenix crown and bridal gown. Phoenix wings outlined with gold thread bloomed on her shoulders. The layers of silk skirt were embroidered with blooming peonies, which contrasted with the delicate tassels hanging from the hem.

The phoenix coronet, inlaid with pearls and gemstones, swayed with her slightest movements, emitting a dazzling light. Even the heavy and elaborate dress could not conceal her graceful demeanor and stunning beauty. The candlelight reflected on her jade-like skin, and her eyes and brows were like mountains and water. These distant mountain-like brows and eyes were moist yet tinged with a hint of coldness. The golden glow of the candlelight softened this coldness, retaining the gentleness of a bride.

Qi Heyao stood aside, wearing a crimson robe with dragon motifs. Five-clawed golden dragons woven from gold thread coiled across his chest and shoulders, exuding a noble and imposing presence. He wore a jade belt around his waist, a piece of smooth white jade inlaid in the center. He stood straight, his demeanor elegant.

Although he had always been known as the gentle and graceful prince, his blushing face now gave him a hint of boyish shyness. He had clearly drunk some wedding wine, and his gaze fell dazedly on Yun Qian. At that moment, his eyes were no longer the calm of a royal family, but instead held the fiery and affection of a groom.

Qi Heyao seemed entranced, his gaze fixed on Yun Qian's profile. Her face was remarkably bright, a woman's tenderness reflected in her affectionate eyes. But upon closer inspection, there was also a certain coldness and aloofness, like the moon hanging high in the sky, inviting one to look up, yet difficult to approach.

She lowered her eyes and stroked the hem of her skirt, her fingertips touching the delicate gold thread, but she inadvertently revealed a hint of fatigue.

In fact, she had thought about knocking Qi Heyao unconscious today, or feeding him some knockout drug... But at this moment, she looked up at his eyes full of tenderness, and suddenly she felt a little hesitant to do it.

If you want to knock him out directly, you have to go behind him, but this... is not safe. Will the person who was hit not remember the pain?

Just as Yun Qian was thinking hard,

But Qi Heyao seemed to take a step back embarrassedly, but in Yun Qian's eyes, it meant something else?

Could he read his mind and know how I planned to knock him out?

No, no, Yun Qian secretly comforted herself in her heart, how could it be possible...

Earlier, she had been counting on the system. The system said that upon receiving her urgent request, it had immediately reported it to the technical staff of the Space Bureau and had been urging them to develop it, but...

The R&D department has a lot of work to do, but even if I keep pushing them, it still doesn't work...