Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

Morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the bedchamber. Helan Li Qiang awoke to find himself face to face with Shangguan Ning, who lay peacefully asleep beside him. A sense of awe washed over him as he took in the delicate features of the man next to him. Shangguan Ning's long, white hair flowed like a silken waterfall against the pillow, a striking reminder of his noble lineage. It didn't signify age but rather the esteemed blood of the Shangguan family, a lineage steeped in history and power.

Helan Li Qiang couldn't help but be mesmerized by Shangguan Ning's serene beauty. His heart stirred with a mix of admiration and something deeper, something that had begun to blossom within him. It was a feeling he hadn't anticipated—a connection that transcended mere duty.

The moment was abruptly interrupted by the sound of a maid's voice drifting in from outside the room. "Your highnesses, it's time to pay respect to the Emperor and Empress."

Helan Li Qiang sighed, momentarily pulled from his reverie. "I understand. You may leave now," he replied, his tone firm yet gentle, indicating the maid could return to her duties.

With a deep breath, he turned to Shangguan Ning, still blissfully unaware of the day's obligations. He reached out and gently shook his shoulder, wanting to rouse him from his slumber. "Ning'er, it's time to wake up," he said softly, a hint of warmth in his voice. The sight of Shangguan Ning's peaceful expression made it difficult to break the tranquility of the moment, but duty called, and he knew they had to prepare for the day ahead.

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Upon their arrival at the palace, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. The grand halls were adorned with opulent decorations, and the air buzzed with the chatter of courtiers and attendants. Shangguan Ning and Helan Li Qiang stepped into the throne room, where they were met by the imposing presence of the Emperor, the elegant Empress, and a gathering of concubines. The other princes, along with their official wives and concubines, were also in attendance, their eyes watching with curiosity and interest.

"Greetings, Your Majesty the Emperor and Your Majesty the Empress. May you live long and prosper," Shangguan Ning and Helan Li Qiang intoned in unison, bowing deeply as custom dictated.

"Rise," the Emperor commanded, his voice steady and authoritative.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," they replied, standing upright again.

The Empress, her eyes sparkling with intrigue, turned her gaze toward Shangguan Ning. "You must be Shangguan Ning," she remarked, her tone warm but laced with curiosity.

"Yes, Your Majesty, that is correct," Shangguan Ning replied, offering a respectful bow.

"Come, let me take a closer look at you," the Empress beckoned, gesturing for him to approach. Shangguan Ning felt a mix of excitement and trepidation as he stepped forward, aware of the significance of this moment and the many eyes that were upon him.

Shangguan Ning stepped forward gracefully, each movement precise and dignified, carrying the air of nobility that defined his lineage. As he approached, the Empress and Emperor, seated in their grand chairs, watched him with interest. Surrounding them were the other princes, their official wives, and concubines, all observing with a mixture of curiosity and subtle judgment. Some of the wives exchanged quick glances, jealousy flaring in their eyes as they noticed the regal aura that surrounded him. A few of the concubines, with painted smiles, whispered among themselves, their envy barely concealed.

When Shangguan Ning reached the foot of the dais where the Emperor and Empress sat, he bowed deeply, his expression composed and unreadable. His presence commanded respect, and despite the snickers and subtle whispers from some, none could deny the grace with which he carried himself.

"Ning'er is truly a noble person," the Empress remarked, her tone filled with warmth and approval. "Even the way he walks is a reflection of his noble upbringing." Her gaze swept over the concubines and wives, daring any of them to disagree. The faint sounds of snickering stopped abruptly, though the lingering tension remained.

'Hmm… it seems the harem here is more challenging than I expected,' Shangguan Ning thought to himself. His mind was already working through the dynamics, understanding that life in the demon empire's royal family would require more than just grace.

"Thank you for the praise, Your Majesty," he said, bowing once more, his tone respectful yet poised. The Empress's approval was important, but it was clear he would have to tread carefully around the others.

The Empress's expression softened even further as she leaned forward slightly, her voice more intimate now. "From now on, Ning'er, you are family," she said warmly. "You may call us Mother and Father, just like all the other princes."

Shangguan Ning was momentarily taken aback by the sudden familial invitation but quickly composed himself. He bowed once more, this time more deeply, the gesture acknowledging the significance of the Empress's words. "I am honored, Mother," he replied, his voice soft but sincere.

The Emperor, who had been quietly observing, nodded in approval, his gaze resting on Shangguan Ning with a sense of finality. The room fell silent as the royal family's newest member was formally accepted, though Shangguan Ning could still feel the lingering jealousy and curiosity from the other wives and concubines.

It was clear to everyone in the room: Shangguan Ning's presence had already begun to shift the balance within the demon empire's royal household.

"Second Brother, you're truly something," the Fourth Prince remarked, his voice laced with thinly veiled mockery despite the words of praise. "You've managed to make a male your official consort."

Before Helan Li Qiang could respond, the Emperor slammed his hand on the table with a thunderous bang, causing the entire hall to fall silent.

"Presumptuous!" the Emperor roared, his voice echoing through the room. Everyone in attendance, from the princes to the servants, immediately dropped to their knees in fear and respect.

"Your Majesty, please calm down," the courtiers pleaded, their voices trembling as they kept their heads bowed low.

The Emperor's eyes blazed with fury as he directed his ire towards the Fourth Prince. "How dare you speak with such disrespect?! Shangguan Ning is no ordinary royal! He hails from the esteemed Shangguan family of the Wu Dynasty, his status far surpasses even that of most princes here!"

He then turned his wrath towards Royal Concubine Shu, the Fourth Prince's mother. "Concubine Shu! Is this the manner in which you raise your son? To be so insolent and ignorant?"

Royal Concubine Shu, pale with fear, immediately prostrated herself before the Emperor. "Your Majesty, please forgive him! He meant no harm. I take full responsibility for his words. Please, spare him!"

Despite his mother's apology, the Fourth Prince, still kneeling, raised his head slightly, his tone emboldened by a mix of defiance and confusion. "Father, I meant no disrespect, but how can you say that his status is higher than mine? He's in our empire now, isn't he?"

The Emperor's glare sharpened, cutting through the Fourth Prince's impudence. "Shangguan Ning's lineage, his mastery of the arts, and his value to this alliance make him far more than what you perceive! He is not simply in our empire; he is a bridge between two worlds! Your foolish pride will only make enemies of those who should be allies. Show respect where it is due!"

The Fourth Prince clenched his fists in silent frustration, biting back any further retort. The room was suffocatingly tense, the Emperor's authority unquestionable, and no one dared to speak as the tension crackled in the air.

Helan Li Qiang, who had remained silent through the exchange, finally spoke, his tone measured but resolute. "Ning'er is my consort, chosen by fate and honored by both empires. Any insult to him is an insult to me, and I will not tolerate it."

The Fourth Prince, though seething internally, lowered his head in forced submission, realizing that further argument would only deepen his father's anger.

The Emperor, still visibly displeased, took a deep breath to compose himself. "Let this be the last time such disrespect is shown," he declared coldly. "Shangguan Ning is a member of this family now, and anyone who challenges his place will answer directly to me." After a moment of silence.

"Qiang'er, Ning'er you may leave first. After yesterday's fight and the ceremony, you both must be exhausted. Rest for tonight's banquet," the emperor said with a wave of his hand.

Shangguan Ning and Helan Li Qiang complied, bowing respectfully before making their way back to the prince's manor.

When they arrived, Shangguan Ning instinctively moved toward the bedchamber, eager for a moment of solitude and rest. However, before he could take another step, Helan Li Qiang gently grasped his arm.

"Come, walk with me in the garden," Helan Li Qiang said, his tone more of an invitation than a command.

Shangguan Ning paused, surprised, but then nodded. Together, they strolled through the gardens of the manor, the quiet rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of birds filling the air. As they walked, Helan Li Qiang spoke about the manor, explaining its various sections and offering insights into how things were managed. He also mentioned the household accounts, a responsibility Shangguan Ning would now share as the prince consort. Shangguan Ning listened carefully, taking in every word with an attentiveness that impressed Li Qiang.

They eventually found themselves seated in a secluded pavilion nestled within the garden. The late morning sun filtered through the trees, casting soft patterns of light across the ground. The atmosphere was serene, but Shangguan Ning could sense a lingering question in the air.

"May I ask you something?" Helan Li Qiang finally said, breaking the silence between them.

"Of course, Your Highness," Shangguan Ning replied with his usual grace.

Helan Li Qiang frowned slightly, shaking his head. "Just call me Li Qiang. We're married now, after all."

Shangguan Ning hesitated, then smiled softly. "Alright, Li Qiang. You can call me Ning'er as well," he said, the familiar tone bridging the formal distance between them. Helan Li Qiang nodded in acknowledgment, his expression relaxing slightly.

"The thing I wanted to ask..." Helan Li Qiang began, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Your music—how is it that you have such power when you play?"

Shangguan Ning's eyes flickered with surprise, a brief hesitation crossing his features. He had anticipated this question eventually, but that didn't make it any easier to explain. Sensing his discomfort, Helan Li Qiang quickly added, "If you don't wish to speak of it, it's alright. I understand."

But Shangguan Ning shook his head, his expression softening as he prepared to answer. "No, it's fine. I can explain," he said gently. "The power you witnessed comes from a tradition within the Shangguan family. It's a technique passed down through generations, a gift that allows us to channel energy through music. Many in my family are taught the basics, but mastering it to its full potential depends on the individual. In my generation, I'm the only one who has truly mastered it, which grants me the ability not only to play but also to compose music that can heal, empower, or even attack."

Helan Li Qiang listened closely, his curiosity deepening with every word. Shangguan Ning noticed the intensity of his gaze and realized how rare it must be for someone outside his family to understand the depth of this ancient art. However, despite Li Qiang's attentive expression, Shangguan Ning couldn't quite read his thoughts. Was he fascinated? Suspicious? Or perhaps intrigued by something more personal?

Even though they were now married, Shangguan Ning knew that this was, at its core, a political alliance. Their marriage was forged out of necessity, not love. They were civil toward each other, but the unspoken question remained—would feelings ever develop between them? Could such a union, born from obligation, ever transform into something real?

The rarity of such a marriage—a male consort, especially one from another empire—was not lost on Shangguan Ning. The scrutiny of the royal court and the demon empire's society would be unyielding. As they sat in silence, Shangguan Ning found himself wondering just how long this fragile peace between them could last. Would they remain distant, bound only by duty? Or could something deeper grow between them in the midst of political intrigue and personal barriers?

Helan Li Qiang, seemingly lost in thought as well, glanced at Shangguan Ning from the corner of his eye. Perhaps he too was wondering where this strange journey of theirs would lead.