The Rites of the Empyrean Court

Once it was dawn, they set out on another journey. Sanxi sat in deep thought as the carriage rolled steadily through thick forests and towering mountains.

What could Lord Yu Tan be planning? What scheme could possibly warrant turning down a princess's proposal and instead choosing someone from the Han household? How fatal would this plan be, and just how deeply would it affect their family?

The rippling sound of a waterfall interrupted the stream of her thoughts. She peeked out of the carriage.

"Are we headed to the Empyrean Palace?" she asked, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

"Yes," Lingfei replied, her tone matter-of-fact.

"What? Why didn't you tell me? I thought we were going to the Yu residence!"

"Didn't you know about the tradition, Young Lady?"

"What tradition?"

"An Empyrean couple must repeat their marital rites at the Empyrean Palace before they are officially recognized as husband and wife."

"Empyrean couple? We're an Empyrean couple?"

Sanxi muttered the words more to herself than to anyone else, yet Lingfei still answered.

"Of course, Young Lady. You are married to the ruler of the five Empyrean states. You will officially become an Empyrean once the wedding rites are finalized."

Becoming an Empyrean? That was the highest privilege one could attain. To be an Empyrean meant to be royalty—entitled to rights, power, and luxuries that ordinary citizens couldn't even dream of possessing.

If marrying Lord Yu made her an Empyrean, didn't that mean she stood to gain far more than she had imagined? Yet… no. The supposed benefits of this marriage alliance heavily favored the Han household. Wasn't a marriage alliance supposed to be mutual? To bring advantages to both sides?

"Young Lady Han?" Lingfei's voice drew her back to reality.

"We will soon reach the Empyrean Palace gates." She pulled out a red veil and began arranging it over Sanxi's head. "You're supposed to remain undercover for the next seven days, remember?"

"Lingfei?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm scared."

Lingfei paused at that.

"Why? Don't you trust Madam? I do. I believe she'll find Sanfei and bring her—"

"No. That's not what I mean."

Sanxi peeked out again, her eyes drifting toward Lord Yu, riding gracefully ahead of them on horseback.

"I think he's planning something."

She withdrew her head slowly, heart pounding. "And if he doesn't execute it before Sanfei returns to claim her place, I'm afraid it'll affect her."

"Why do you think that?"

"I don't know. It just doesn't make sense. This is supposed to be a marriage alliance, but only we seem to be benefitting. He's planning something devious."

"Then… shouldn't we tell Madam Bi?"

"No. Not yet. I need to be sure first. I'll do my findings once we return to his residence."

Suddenly, the carriage halted, and a loud voice rang out ahead of them.

"Lord Yu enters the Empyrean Palace!" the announcer called, his words followed by the deep, rhythmic beat of a ceremonial drum.

A groan like thunder echoed as the massive palace gates creaked open. Moments later, the carriage rolled forward again.

Sanxi peeked through the curtain.

They had just passed through the grand gates of the Empyrean Palace.

It was her first time entering the palace grounds—no, it was the first time any member of the Han family had set foot inside. Even her father, once a governor before his disgrace and impeachment, had never smelled the air of the Empyrean Palace, much less walked within its hallowed walls.

Was this the beginning of a blessing for the Han household or the beginning of a curse?

The veil obscured her vision slightly, casting a flimsy haze over her eyes, but Sanxi could still feel the weight of his gaze as she stepped into the Empyrean Court. Her eyes remained fixed on the polished marble floor, her footsteps quiet but trembling against the grandeur of the ceremonial hall.

Flanked by ceremonial guards and members of the Empyrean Court in crimson and black, they came to a halt beside a solemn matchmaker, a high priestess adorned in brocade robes embroidered with phoenixes and ancient glyphs. Her headdress was crowned with pearls and jade that glimmered, her presence as commanding as it was reverent.

"Young Lady Han," the priestess intoned, her voice echoing across the high-arched hall, "welcome to the Empyrean world. You shall now perform the rites of matrimony by offering your husband a piece of sacred meat, symbolizing loyalty and sustenance."

She gestured to a lacquered table beside them, where a finely carved dish bore delicately seasoned meat resting on porcelain.

With trembling hands, Sanxi knelt and picked up the morsel with a pair of ivory chopsticks. Her gaze never lifted, but her fingers trembled as she raised it toward him. He accepted it—silently, without hesitation.

"Your Grace," the priestess turned to him, "now it is your turn."

Through the sheer fabric of her veil, Sanxi saw him move—graceful yet commanding. He picked up a piece with effortless poise and extended it to her.

Her breath hitched.

Lifting her veil just to her lips, she let him feed her. His touch did not linger, yet the warmth of his fingers brushed her skin like a brand.

"You are now to drink the wine of matrimony," the priestess announced. "Both of you, please take a sip."

They each took up a goblet carved from jade.

"Do not swallow," the priestess warned. "You must exchange the wine between yourselves… through a kiss. It is the final rite that seals the bond."

Sanxi's heart stopped.

A kiss? Would she have to fully lift her veil? Or would he kiss her through it?

Her fingers curled against her sleeves as panic rose within her. She swallowed instinctively, her body stiffening with uncertainty.

Then—his voice came, low and smooth like a silk ribbon.

"Can we… skip that?"

The court fell into a breathless silence.

It was the first time she'd heard Lord Yu speak. She had imagined a thunderous, cruel voice—like the rumors said, befitting a man feared across the Five Empyrean States. But instead, his voice was clean, composed—almost chilling in its restraint.

"Of course, Your Grace," the priestess replied swiftly, clearly unsettled yet obedient. "There is an alternative—by swearing an oath."

Sanxi's brows creased. "An oath?"

"Yes, Young Lady Han. You both shall swear that nothing shall separate you except death itself. Should either of you attempt to sever this bond, the initiator will be met with a cruel death."

Sanxi stiffened.

A kiss… or death?

"Let's just go with the exchange of wine," she blurted, her voice faint but firm.

Even she was surprised by her own decision. But the oath felt heavier—more binding than lips ever could be.

"Very well. Please sip again, but do not swallow."

They obeyed.

Then he moved.

In one swift step, Lord Yu closed the distance between them. Sanxi froze as his fingers found her chin, tilting it up with quiet command. He pushed the veil to her nose, revealing her lips and the wine clinging to them.

And then—he kissed her.

His lips, warm and strangely gentle, pressed against hers. There was no rush, no hunger. Only a steady, deliberate connection. His lips parted. Hers responded instinctively. And as the wine slipped between them—bittersweet and burning—some of it dripped.

Before it reached her chin, Lord Yu caught it with his tongue in a slow, deliberate motion, then brushed the corner of her lips with his thumb and wiped it clean.

The court remained deathly silent.

Then, he withdrew, stepping back.

"I, Priestess of Great Xiongan shrine now pronounces you as husband and wife."

She turned to Lord Yu, bowing her head gently. "Congratulations, Lord Yu." She turned to Sanxi, repeating the same. "Congratulations, Lady Yu."

Sanxi swallowed.

Lady Yu. That title carried weight more than anything.