chapter 5 : a grand wedding and a silent battle

The Xu family mansion was a sight to behold. Red silk banners fluttered from the eaves, and golden lanterns glowed warmly, casting an auspicious light over the festivities. Servants moved in a carefully choreographed dance, arranging offerings, adjusting floral displays, and ensuring that every detail of the wedding was perfect. Today was no ordinary wedding—Prince Li Feng, the empire's most revered and unattainable bachelor, was taking a bride. And not just any bride, but Xu Nuan, the young lady of the powerful Xu family.

At the center of the mansion's grand courtyard stood the bridal sedan, its frame carved with phoenixes and dragons intertwined, symbolizing harmony and imperial favor. Crimson silk draped over the sedan, concealing the bride within. Xu Nuan sat inside, her hands resting lightly on her lap, her breath steady despite the gravity of the moment. Outside, the matron of honor murmured blessings, while the bearers lifted the sedan with precise movements.

The procession set off, firecrackers bursting into the sky as they left the Xu family gates. The streets were lined with citizens eager for a glimpse of the grand occasion. Drums and flutes played a lively yet solemn tune, guiding the sedan toward the imperial palace. As they passed through the towering vermillion gates, rows of eunuchs and palace attendants awaited, their heads bowed 

Inside the grand ceremonial hall, the atmosphere was both solemn and extravagant. The hall was adorned with golden embroidery, and the scent of incense filled the air. Emperor Li sat on his elevated throne, observing with a calm yet unreadable expression. Beside him, the Empress Dowager sat regally, her gaze sharp, while the Empress, draped in phoenix robes, wore a faint, unreadable smile.

Xu Nuan stepped forward with grace, her veil concealing her expression. Prince Li Feng stood tall and composed beside her, his dark eyes flickering with something unreadable. The rituals proceeded smoothly—the offering of incense, the bowing ceremony, the exchange of nuptial wine. The officials murmured praises at how seamlessly everything was carried out.

Yet, as soon as the final rites were completed, tension crept into the air.

The Empress Dowager's voice rang out, laced with a deceptively gentle tone. "Lady Xu Nuan, now that you are the prince's wife, we must ensure you are well-versed in palace etiquette."

At her signal, a maid stepped forward with a tray of golden thread embroidery. The Empress Qing smiled. "It is tradition for a bride of noble standing to demonstrate her embroidery skills as a symbol of her virtue and patience. Why don't you show us your skills, dear niece?"

A subtle challenge. Xu Nuan, still adorned in her heavy bridal robes, was expected to perform needlework in front of the entire court. Empress Qing and Empress Dowager intended to make her falter, to humiliate her on the day of her wedding.

A murmur spread among the officials. Some lowered their eyes, unwilling to witness the possible embarrassment. Prince Li Feng's jaw tightened, but before he could intervene, Xu Nuan gracefully stepped forward.

"I would be honored to demonstrate," she said calmly, her voice steady.

She took the embroidery hoop, her fingers moving with elegant precision. The hall fell into silence as she worked, each stitch executed with flawless grace. Within moments, a phoenix's outline emerged—a masterpiece in the making. Gasps echoed throughout the room.

The Empress's smile faltered, and the Empress Dowager's eyes darkened. Xu Nuan, unshaken and composed, had turned their test into her triumph.

Prince Li Feng finally spoke, his voice firm and unwavering. "My wife is not only graceful but talented beyond compare. This is a union blessed by fate itself." His gaze swept over the gathered nobles, a silent warning not to slight his bride.

The Empress Dowager and Empress exchanged unreadable glances. They had tried to embarrass Xu Nuan, yet she had emerged unscathed. The silent battle had ended—this time, in Xu Nuan's favor.

As the wedding feast commenced, whispers filled the grand hall. Xu Nuan had stepped into the imperial palace not just as a bride, but as a force to be reckoned with.

Deep within the imperial palace, hidden behind a wall of towering cypress trees and a quiet lotus pond, lay the secluded courtyard of the Second Empress, Ming. Once a place of luxury and splendor, it had long since transformed into a place of solitude and devotion. Incense smoke curled into the air from the golden altar, where a serene Buddha statue stood in quiet contemplation. The scent of sandalwood permeated the courtyard, mingling with the soft chants of prayer.

Draped in plain but elegant robes of white and gray, Empress Ming sat before the altar, her hands gently rotating a string of prayer beads. Once the favored consort of Emperor Wu, she had retreated from the political battlefield after his betrayal—his marriage to her cousin, Empress Quin. Though she had given birth to the crown prince, Li Feng, she had distanced herself from the imperial court, choosing devotion over vengeance. But today, something stirred within her. Today, she could not remain silent.

The soft shuffle of footsteps approached. A palace maid whispered, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager and Empress Quin are in the grand hall. They have summoned the Crown Princess for a test of etiquette."

Empress Ming's fingers stilled over her beads. Her sharp, perceptive eyes, once dulled by years of seclusion, gleamed with renewed clarity. She knew exactly what this meant—an attempt to humiliate the bride of her son. Slowly, she stood, her presence commanding despite her simple attire.

"Prepare my palanquin," she said, her voice smooth as silk yet edged with steel. "It is time the imperial family remembers that I still exist."

In the grand hall, tension thickened like storm clouds. Xu Nuan stood in the center, composed despite the scrutiny of the Empress Dowager and Empress Quin. The latter's lips curled in a smile that did not reach her eyes.

"A crown princess must not only be dignified in bearing but must also be well-versed in the art of poetry and music," Empress Quin remarked. "Would you favor us with a performance on the guqin?"

Xu Nuan's fingers tightened ever so slightly on her silk sleeves. This was yet another test meant to humiliate her

Before Xu Nuan could respond, a calm yet authoritative voice echoed through the grand hall.

"There is no need for such a performance. I believe the Crown Princess's virtue is already evident."

Gasps filled the chamber as the assembled nobles and palace attendants turned in shock. The heavy silk curtains parted, revealing Empress Ming, her presence as commanding as ever despite her simple, elegant robes. Her long, dark hair was pinned in a modest style, and a single jade ornament adorned her wrist. Her sharp eyes swept over the room, missing nothing.

The hall fell into stunned silence. It had been years since Empress Ming had stepped into the political arena. After her betrayal by the Emperor, she had withdrawn to her courtyard, devoting herself to Buddha and forsaking court affairs. Many had assumed she would never involve herself again. Yet, here she was—standing before them, acknowledging Xu Nuan as her daughter-in-law.

Empress Quin's fingers clenched around the embroidered armrest of her seat, her carefully composed smile faltering. "Younger sister," she greeted smoothly, though her tone carried an unmistakable edge. "How unexpected. It has been quite some time since you last attended court functions."

Empress Ming's gaze flickered toward her cousin. There was no hostility in her expression, but neither was there warmth. "Indeed, it has been. I did not think I would need to return—until today."

She turned to Xu Nuan, her gaze assessing but not unkind. "You are Li Feng's wife, my son's chosen consort. That alone is enough. There is no need for pointless tests."

Xu Nuan, ever composed, lowered herself in a graceful bow. "This daughter-in-law greets Your Majesty."

A rare flicker of approval passed through Empress Ming's eyes. Unlike the usual court women, who were trained to conceal their emotions under layers of submission, Xu Nuan stood tall even under pressure. This was a woman worthy of standing beside her son.

The Empress Dowager, seated on her gilded throne, let out a soft chuckle, though her eyes remained cold. "Ming'er, you have always been protective of your son, but surely you do not mean to interfere in the Crown Princess's education?"

Empress Ming met the older woman's gaze without a flicker of hesitation. "Education? Forgive me, Imperial Mother, but I fail to see how humiliating a newlywed bride in front of the court is an education."

The court fell into hushed murmurs. No one had dared to speak to the Empress Dowager so directly in years.

Empress Quin attempted to regain control. "Sister, it is simply a tradition to ensure that the new Crown Princess is well-versed in the expectations of the palace. It is for her own benefit."

Empress Ming let out a soft, almost amused breath. "I see. Then, perhaps we should extend the same courtesy. Should we ask the Empress to demonstrate her own skills before the court?"

Empress Quin stiffened. A trap. If she refused, it would imply that she, too, was unfit by the same standards she set for Xu Nuan. If she agreed and failed, it would be a humiliation far greater than whatever had been planned for the young bride.

The Empress Dowager's expression darkened slightly. "Ming'er, mind your words."

But Empress Ming only gave a serene smile. "I am merely following tradition, as my elder sister suggested."

The tension was suffocating. Finally, Empress Quin forced a smile. "Of course, there is no need to take things too far. It seems the Crown Princess has already passed her test simply by standing her ground."

A silent admission of defeat.

Xu Nuan, ever perceptive, stepped forward and offered a perfectly measured bow to the Empress Dowager and Empress Quin. "I appreciate Your Majesties' guidance. I will strive to uphold the honor of the imperial family."

She had won—not through defiance, but by letting her mother-in-law fight for her.

As the court murmured in whispers, Empress Ming turned to her daughter-in-law. "Come," she said gently. "It is time we properly welcomed you into the family."

Xu Nuan followed, her back straight, her steps unwavering. As she walked beside Empress Ming, it became clear to all—the Crown Prince's mother had claimed her place once more.

And with her protection, no one would dare look down on Xu Nuan again.

As Empress Ming led Xu Nuan away from the grand hall, the tension lingering in the air slowly dissipated, but the echoes of her intervention remained. The Empress Dowager and Empress Quin had been forced into retreat, their attempt to humiliate the Crown Princess effortlessly thwarted. The court had witnessed something that had not been seen in years—Empress Ming asserting her authority.

The pair moved through the palace corridors in silence, their steps slow but measured. Xu Nuan stole a glance at her mother-in-law, whose expression remained unreadable. Though she had just defended her so fiercely, Empress Ming was a woman who rarely acted without reason.

Finally, they arrived at the secluded courtyard that had become the Second Empress's refuge. Compared to the opulence of the imperial palace, it was simple, serene—yet there was an undeniable power in its quiet dignity. A single attendant opened the door, allowing the two women inside.

Empress Ming gestured for Xu Nuan to sit. As she did, a maid served them tea, the faint scent of jasmine filling the room. The older woman studied Xu Nuan in silence for a moment before speaking.

"You handled yourself well."

Xu Nuan set down her cup, her posture composed. "This daughter-in-law thanks Your Majesty for her protection."

Empress Ming let out a soft, almost amused breath. "Protection? No, I merely dislike watching shallow women play their petty games." She tapped her fingers lightly against the table, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "But tell me, did you truly need me to step in?"

Xu Nuan hesitated for the briefest moment.

If she had been left alone, she would have found a way to navigate the Empress's test. It might not have been easy, but she was no stranger to court intrigues. However, Empress Ming's intervention had not only saved her from humiliation—it had cemented her place as the Crown Princess in a way nothing else could have.

Understanding her hesitation, Empress Ming gave a knowing smile. "You are intelligent, but intelligence alone does not protect you in this palace. Allegiances do."

Xu Nuan met her gaze steadily. "Then is Your Majesty offering an alliance?"

The room fell into silence. Then, Empress Ming let out a low chuckle. "Clever girl."

For the first time, the sharp edge in her gaze softened, replaced by something akin to approval. "I have lived in this palace long enough to know that survival is a battle of patience. I once thought removing myself from the game would free me from it." Her fingers brushed against the string of prayer beads at her wrist. "But the moment you married Li Feng, I realized—I could not remain a bystander forever."

Her voice grew firm. "You are my son's wife. Whether I wished for it or not, our fates are now tied together. I will not allow the Empress Dowager, or Quin, or anyone else to use you as a pawn."

Xu Nuan lowered her gaze slightly, not in submission, but in acknowledgment. "Then I will not let Your Majesty's efforts go to waste."

Empress Ming's lips curled in the faintest hint of a smile. "Good."

Beyond the walls of the quiet courtyard, whispers of the confrontation spread like wildfire through the palace. The Empress Dowager sat in her chambers, her expression dark as she listened to her attendants recount the events.

"She dares to reenter court affairs?" she murmured, her fingers tightening over the armrest of her chair. "After all these years?"

Beside her, Empress Quin forced a composed smile, though frustration simmered beneath her calm exterior. "She has been silent for too long. It seems she has finally decided to make a move."

The Empress Dowager's gaze flickered toward the flickering candlelight. "Then we must be ready. The Crown Princess may have won today, but this is far from over."

As Xu Nuan returned to her chambers that evening, she found Li Feng waiting for her. The Crown Prince, usually unreadable, studied her with quiet intensity.

"I heard what happened," he said after a pause. "My mother… she protected you."

Xu Nuan nodded. "She did."

A strange look crossed his face—one of surprise, relief, and something deeper, something more unreadable. "She has not stepped into court affairs in years," he murmured. "Not even for me."

Xu Nuan reached out, gently placing her hand over his. "Then perhaps, this time, she found something worth returning for."

Li Feng tightened his grip slightly, his gaze steady. "Then we will face whatever comes—together."

And in the silence of the dimly lit chamber, a new understanding was forged between them.

The golden morning light streamed through the silk curtains, casting soft shadows over the grand chamber. The scent of last night's incense still lingered in the air—faint yet unmistakable, a delicate blend of sandalwood and Rougui bark.

Xu Nuan stirred slightly, her body still warm and sore from the passion they had shared. Her mind, usually sharp and calculating, was slower this morning, the remnants of last night's feverish heat still clinging to her like a fading dream.

She turned her head slightly, only to find Li Feng sitting at the edge of the bed, his back straight, his gaze distant.

Unlike her, he had not stayed in bed.

Dressed in his inner robes, the Crown Prince of Liang sat in perfect stillness, his fingers pressing against his temple as though trying to suppress a storm brewing within him.

Xu Nuan frowned. "What are you thinking about?"

Li Feng did not immediately answer.

His jaw was clenched, his usual cold, unreadable expression betraying something dangerous, something volatile.

Finally, he exhaled sharply, his voice low and laced with frustration. "I lost control."

Xu Nuan blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "What?"

His fingers curled into a fist. "Last night… I lost control."

Her breath hitched as memories of their night flooded back—the raw hunger in his touch, the way he had devoured her, the way he had unraveled beneath the effects of the incense.

Xu Nuan sat up, pulling the silk sheets around her. "It wasn't your fault," she said slowly. "The incense—"

"The incense was an excuse," Li Feng interrupted, his voice edged with self-loathing. "I should have realized it the moment I stepped into this room. I should have fought against it. And yet…" His fists clenched tighter. "I let it consume me."

Xu Nuan studied him carefully.

Li Feng was not a man who allowed himself weaknesses. The Crown Prince of Liang had been raised in a world where emotions were a liability, where hesitation meant death. His entire life had been spent mastering discipline, forging himself into an unshakable figure of power.

And last night, he had shattered.

She reached out, gently placing her hand over his. "Your Highness…" she murmured. "You are not weak."

He let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "Not weak?" His gaze finally met hers, dark and unreadable. "I lost myself in you. Completely."

Xu Nuan's breath caught.

There was something dangerous about the way he said it—not out of regret for their night together, but because it terrified him.

Terrified him that she could undo him so easily.

Xu Nuan exhaled softly. "You are human, Li Feng," she said, her tone firm yet gentle. "Even a man like you cannot resist forever."

His fingers twitched beneath hers.

For a long moment, he simply stared at her, as though searching for something in her eyes. Then, with a sigh, his posture relaxed slightly, though the tension in his shoulders did not completely fade.

"The Empress," he murmured suddenly.

Xu Nuan arched a brow. "What about her?"

Li Feng's jaw tightened. "She sent the incense."

Xu Nuan smirked slightly. "That much is obvious."

His eyes narrowed, his mind shifting back into calculation mode. "She arrived at court yesterday after years of isolation. Then, last night, she ensured that we…" He paused, his lips pressing into a thin line.

Xu Nuan finished his thought. "She ensured that you and I were bound together even further."

Li Feng exhaled. "A masterstroke."

Xu Nuan's gaze softened. "Does it truly bother you?"

He was silent for a moment before finally admitting, "It does not. What bothers me is that she succeeded."

Xu Nuan chuckled. "Then perhaps it is best if we let her believe she has won."

Li Feng turned to her then, his gaze dark and unreadable once more. He reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering longer than necessary.

"Perhaps," he murmured.

And though the storm within him had not yet passed, as he looked at his wife—his equal, his undoing, his only weakness—he knew one thing for certain.

He had lost control. And he wasn't sure if he wanted it back.