Volume One, Chapter 17: The Princess Royal Truly Radiated Beauty Today

Outside, a raucous clamor of gongs and drums suddenly broke through the quiet, instantly pulling Xiao Qingyu from her thoughts back to reality.

“Your Highness, the auspicious hour has arrived,” Ling Zhu whispered gently from the side.

Xiao Qingyu rose slowly, taking up the exquisitely ornate round fan resting on the table. With Ling Zhu’s careful support, she moved with delicate, measured steps, gradually making her way out of the bedchamber.

Li Chaoyang had been waiting outside for some time. Clad in a strikingly vivid red robe that fluttered gracefully, he wore an intricately fashioned crown adorned with jewels, emphasizing his extraordinary nobility. A gleaming golden belt encircled his waist, and his brows bore the unmistakable air of innate dignity.

Upon seeing Xiao Qingyu emerge, a radiant smile curved Li Chaoyang’s lips. “Princess, you are truly breathtaking today!”

She returned the compliment without hesitation. “Prince, you are equally magnificent.” He smiled faintly and said nothing more, only softly, “Let us go.”

He then took her hand willingly and led her toward the main hall. Along the way, Xiao Qingyu did not pull away but held his hand tightly. For some reason, in this moment, she could distinctly feel the warmth radiating from his palm—a warmth so genuine and unusual.

This unprecedented sensation stirred ripples deep within her heart, inexplicably filling her with an unprecedented sense of security. The feeling unsettled her; she knew she should not think this way.

After paying respects to Xiao Qingshan and the assembly of civil and military officials, the entire group eagerly proceeded toward the Regent Prince’s mansion.

The mansion was not far from the palace—close enough for a walk. Li Chaoyang rode at the head, astride a snow-white steed, exuding heroic grace. Xiao Qingyu sat upright in a lavishly decorated flower carriage, dressed in a brilliant red gown, her face like a peach blossom—delicate and enchanting.

Behind her trailed a disciplined formation of imposing guards and a retinue of elegant palace maids. The procession stretched endlessly, a magnificent spectacle.

The crimson wedding entourage extended for ten miles along the street, accompanied by a cacophony of drums and suona horns that transformed the once desolate avenue into a lively celebration. Curious townsfolk gathered eagerly to witness the spectacle.

Among the crowd, many whispered and pointed at Xiao Qingyu, some even hurling insults. Some harbored grievances against her, others came simply to catch a glimpse of Li Chaoyang’s charisma, while some were merely drawn by the festive atmosphere.

Voices buzzed with chatter, “Who would have thought we’d be so fortunate as to see the Princess today! She and the Regent Prince seem perfectly matched!”

A scoffing voice retorted, “Hmph! The Regent Prince is so handsome and dignified—how could he stoop to that enchantress? Only the Prime Minister’s daughter is worthy of him.”

“I once had the honor to see the Prime Minister’s daughter—truly a rare beauty, as if the moon and flowers pale beside her, fish sink and birds alight in admiration! Especially her slender, supple waist, walking as lightly as willow branches swayed by a gentle breeze—who wouldn’t be captivated?”

“Princess has a beguiling guise—who knows what spells she’s cast on the Regent Prince.”

“Yes, I can’t stand her attitude either,” another chimed in.

Despite the cruel and unabashed curses, Xiao Qingyu remained remarkably composed. No anger flared on her face; instead, she smiled faintly and waved gently at the crowd. As long as no one threw eggs, she doubted anyone had the nerve for worse.

Indeed, though the insults continued, no one dared to act out.

Suddenly, Li Chaoyang, riding at the front, glanced back at Xiao Qingyu, a subtle smile playing at his lips. Amused.

Midway, the flower carriage came to an abrupt, unexplained halt.

Puzzled, Xiao Qingyu asked, “Ling Zhu, what’s happening up ahead? Why have we stopped so suddenly?”

Ling Zhu, equally perplexed, replied hurriedly, “I’m not sure, Your Highness. I heard shouting—seems like a group is blocking the way.”

Xiao Qingyu’s expression darkened instantly. “How dare they! Today is my joyous day, and yet someone dares to obstruct my path!”

“Who leads this group?”

Ling Zhu shook her head honestly. “I did not see their leader, Your Highness.”

Sensing trouble, Xiao Qingyu cast aside her fan and stepped down from the carriage.

Ling Zhu hesitated. “Your Highness, this is against protocol.”

“No matter. I’ll be back soon.”

Xiao Qingyu approached Li Chaoyang. “Prince, who blocks our way?”

“I don’t know either. Suddenly a crowd appeared and stopped us,” he answered.

“I shall go see for myself.”

Li Chaoyang dismounted as well. “I will accompany you.”

Xiao Qingyu nodded.

Before reaching the front, she spotted a familiar figure. Just as she had suspected.

Clad in armor, approaching leisurely with a carefree smile, he appeared nonchalant. “What perfect timing! Just in time for the Princess’s wedding. It’s been a long time since I saw my younger sister—now she is so beautiful.”

“No orders from the Emperor, Your Highness, how dare you leave Shu and step foot in the capital,” Xiao Qingyu said angrily.

This man was none other than Xiao Tingyu, the eldest prince of Northern Qi.

Xiao Tingyu laughed heartily. “You have a good memory, Princess. But since you’re marrying the Regent Prince, how could I not return? If others heard otherwise, they might think I lack manners.”

“Princess, don’t you agree?” he grinned.

Xiao Qingyu’s face turned ashen, fists clenched tightly. “Prince, are you intending to defy the imperial edict?”

Li Chaoyang watched them with keen interest.

Xiao Tingyu laughed again. “Ha ha ha! I returned fully prepared. All the surrounding cities of Shu have been reclaimed. Today I come to report to His Majesty.”

“What!?”

Xiao Qingyu found his words utterly unbelievable. Known for his cunning, who could say if he was lying to deceive her?

Xiao Tingyu wore a smug expression. “If you don’t believe me, Princess, send someone to investigate the borders of Shu. The truth will be clear at once.”

Hearing this, Xiao Qingyu’s heart suddenly tightened with anxiety.