The grand wedding procession of Duke Zhen Nan and Princess Feng Xiyang finally began its slow march toward the palace. Along the streets, crowds gathered in excitement, straining their necks for a glimpse of the legendary Duke Zhen Nan — the God of War himself.
At the head of the procession rode Ning Fei and Xiao Weiran, leading a line of armored guards whose formation moved like a tide of steel. Inside the gilded carriage, Xia Jingshi appeared calm and composed. His faint smile, offered occasionally to the cheering crowd, sent waves of shrieks through the young women watching from the roadside.
Annoyed by the endless noise, Xue Ying covered her ears and yelled toward the crowd, “Are there no men left in Susha? Screaming like you’ve seen a ghost—how shameful!”
Her voice was immediately swallowed by another round of shrill cheers. Yi Xiao, sitting beside her, could only shout back helplessly, “It wouldn’t be any quieter in Jinxiu. Just lower the curtain and block them out.”
Grumbling, Xue Ying dropped the curtain with a huff.
Yi Xiao’s gaze drifted through the narrow gap, falling on Xia Jingshi’s calm profile outside. His gentle smile seemed soft enough to melt the heart — yet behind that tenderness lay a chilling stillness, a serenity that bordered on cruelty. Even when releasing an arrow, his eyes had never once wavered.
That was the kind of pain that struck without warning — sharp and irreversible. Before one could even gasp, it had already turned into a scar, etched deep into the soul.
A single moment of love could carve itself so deeply that only death could end its echo.
Yi Xiao thought of rebirth — but not the kind she desired. Perhaps the old Yi Xiao had been insignificant and plain, yet she had been real. Unchanged, sincere, and unpretentious. Once that version of herself vanished, no matter how much she pretended otherwise, she would never reclaim it.
While laughing with Xue Ying earlier, Yi Xiao suddenly realized how long it had been since she had laughed so freely. It felt not like a few years, but another lifetime entirely.
She finally understood that there was no returning to the past. Some fates were sealed long before the first step was taken. No matter how one struggled, the ending would remain unchanged.
A dull thud snapped her out of thought — the guards had lowered the bar at the palace gate. The cheers quieted into a muffled hum.
They had arrived.
Inside the palace, Princess Feng Xiyang stood before a mirror, surrounded by her maids who layered her in a dazzling red wedding robe embroidered with golden dragons and phoenixes. Though she had worn it before, today its brilliance seemed unmatched. Each embroidered thread shimmered as if alive, and even her maids couldn’t hide their admiration.
When she walked, the sound of silk brushing against the floor carried a sense of festivity, rippling through the chamber like a melody.
“The auspicious hour has arrived!” announced the ceremonial official. Firecrackers burst at the palace gate, echoing across the city.
After one final inspection, the golden phoenix headdress with dangling pearls was placed upon her head. Then, led by eighteen children carrying flower baskets and incense burners, Princess Feng Xiyang walked gracefully toward Xuande Hall.
Inside, the great hall shimmered with golden light. A massive “Double Happiness” character hung at the center, glowing faintly under the reflection of countless candles.
Yet Xia Jingshi — the groom of the hour — had not yet arrived.
Seated high upon his throne, King Feng Qishan’s expression grew darker by the moment. The gathered ministers maintained their chatter, but their voices were subdued, each watching carefully.
When the palace attendant finally announced the princess’s arrival, the hall fell silent. Feng Xiyang entered with measured grace, her steps steady. But as her gaze swept across the hall and found no trace of Xia Jingshi, she faltered slightly and stopped. After a moment, she quietly turned and stepped aside.
The ceremonial official broke into a nervous sweat, glancing at the King’s thunderous expression. Just as the tension thickened, another attendant rushed in, whispering something to him. Relief flooded the official’s face as he loudly declared, “Duke Zhen Nan has arrived!”
Xia Jingshi ascended the jade steps, his posture calm and his face composed. He stopped before Feng Xiyang and offered a light smile. “My apologies for keeping you waiting.”
Feng Xiyang returned the smile gently. “Not at all, I have just arrived myself.”
The pair entered the hall together. Behind them, Xiao Weiran guided the attendants to their positions along the walls.
King Feng Qishan’s cold voice cut through the quiet. “We feared Duke Zhen Nan’s old wounds had flared again.”
Bowing slightly, Xia Jingshi replied evenly, “This unworthy one misplaced the gift meant for the princess and delayed our departure. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness.”
The King’s stern gaze softened slightly at his daughter’s pleading look. “Have you found it now?” he asked.
Before Xia Jingshi could respond, Xiao Weiran stepped forward, holding a box covered with red silk. He knelt before the princess and presented it with both hands.
Feng Xiyang lifted the silk, revealing a magnificent phoenix crown — a masterpiece carved with nine dragons and nine phoenixes. Emerald clouds and pearl flowers glittered beneath the candlelight, while a golden pheasant perched on top, holding strings of jewels in its beak. The brilliance of the crown was so dazzling that the crowd gasped in admiration.
“What exquisite craftsmanship!” someone murmured.
Blushing, Feng Xiyang held the headdress delicately. “Your Highness truly has impeccable taste. I’ve never seen a more beautiful crown — I wish I could wear it this instant.”
Xia Jingshi’s smile deepened faintly. “Then you may change into it if you wish.”
King Feng Qishan frowned and coughed meaningfully. “If you change now, the auspicious hour may pass. It is better not to—”
Feng Xiyang interrupted softly, “If Your Highness would assist, I could change right here.”
Her words dropped into the hall like a stone into a still pond. The silence that followed was deafening. Even the King was too stunned to speak.
Xia Jingshi turned his gaze upon her — calm on the surface, but beneath that calmness brewed a storm.
The instant the words left her lips, Feng Xiyang regretted them. She had glimpsed Fu Yi Xiao among the entourage, and fear struck her — had she just exposed her insecurities in front of her rival? Seeing the faint chill in Xia Jingshi’s expression confirmed her dread.
Panic flickered in her eyes. But before she could explain, Xia Jingshi spoke quietly, “Alright.”
Yi Xiao’s heart lurched violently. She had steeled herself to face anything this ceremony might bring — yet that one word, spoken so softly, pierced deeper than any blade.
Her vision blurred, her chest tightened painfully. She struggled to breathe, feeling her heartbeat weaken as if every pulse were being drained from her.
Xue Ying gripped her trembling hand tightly, whispering, “Hold on, just a little longer.”
Yi Xiao’s lips curved faintly in an attempt to reassure her, but her face had gone pale as paper.
Oh heavens, she thought bitterly, if you have already taken away her joy, could you not take away the pain as well?
A shadow flickered beside her. A low, familiar voice whispered urgently in her ear, “Take her out — there’s a side door behind the curtains.”
The voice was calm yet filled with concern. Without hesitation, Xue Ying slipped her arm around Yi Xiao and led her quietly toward the concealed door.
Behind the heavy drapes, they found Feng Suige waiting in the corridor, hands clasped behind his back.
Startled, Xue Ying instinctively tried to shut the door, but Feng Suige quickly stopped her. “I mean no harm,” he said gently.
After a tense moment, she let go. Yi Xiao and Xue Ying stepped out into the dim corridor.
Yi Xiao blinked at him in confusion. “Why are you here? Where are the guards?”
“I sent them away for a while,” Feng Suige replied, frowning. “Why are you two here?”
Xue Ying clenched her fists, anger overriding old grudges. “Because Xia Jingshi forced us to come!”
Now that they were away from the stifling hall, Yi Xiao managed a calm smile. “I just felt dizzy standing too long,” she said softly. “A short walk cleared my head. It’s nothing.”
Seeing her faint smile, Feng Suige’s expression softened. “Good. The wedding banquet will begin soon, and the couple will stay in the palace tonight. I’ll take you back to rest.”
Xue Ying looked at Yi Xiao for guidance, but Yi Xiao gently shook her head.
Feng Suige exhaled sharply, his patience thinning. “So, I’ve meddled for nothing again. Fine — go back inside, then. The ceremony is important.”
Yi Xiao turned, her voice barely a whisper. “Thank you.”
Feng Suige’s brows furrowed. “You’re thanking me?”
“Yes,” she said quietly. “You’re arrogant, your temper’s awful, and you’ve let others hurt me before.” She smiled faintly. “But you have your duties. Your position. Even as an enemy… you’re the kindest one I’ve met.”
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