Wasn't he supposed to be beaten to death? Why did this powerful cousin love him so much?

The Imperial Clan Courtyard was located in the warm pavilion of the West Garden of the Xie Mansion. It was a quiet courtyard set aside exclusively for the princes and nobles of the imperial clan to drink wine.

Most of the hot and cold dishes, as well as meat and vegetables, had already been served. At one table, the princes were chatting quietly while holding their wine cups, while at the next table, the younger princes and heirs were gathered together, discussing their observations of the day's imperial examination parade.

The man from out of town was led to the table furthest inside, where five or six people were already seated, exchanging pleasantries.

The man from out of town sat down in the empty seat with an air of nonchalance, picked up the wine pot on the table, poured himself a cup, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, smacked his lips, and exclaimed, "Good wine! This wedding feast at the Xie family was definitely worth coming for!"

The people at the table were taken aback by his overly familiar manner and all turned to look at him.

The newcomer appeared to be around thirty years old, dressed in a simple blue cloth robe. He stood out starkly among the nobles and imperial family members in their brocade robes and jade belts... Yet, his face possessed an otherworldly and refined air, making it difficult to discern his origins.

Sitting next to him was a prince of the imperial family in his early twenties. Chen Baoan looked the man up and down, quickly going over him in his mind several times.

Those who are sitting in this elegant courtyard drinking today are either princes or princes' heirs, so why has he never seen this person before?

However, the gates to this elegant courtyard are extremely secure; one cannot enter without a pass. Those who can sit here openly must be members of the imperial family.

Could it be a prince from a distant branch of the royal family whom he has simply forgotten?

Chen Baoan grew increasingly uncertain, so he turned to the side and asked, "You are quite handsome. May I ask which princely family you are from?"

The man, who was popping a honey-glazed ham into his mouth, looked up at the sound of his voice, mumbled an indistinct "Mmm," then put down his chopsticks, turned around, and winked at him: "It's me! Don't you remember? I held you when you were little!"

Chen Baoan was taken aback. Was such a thing possible?

Judging from this person's age, he is probably about ten years older than him, and it's possible that he held him when he was a child...

But who exactly is he?

But the other party was so confident and enthusiastic. If he said he didn't recognize him on the spot, wouldn't he offend people and make himself look like he had a bad memory? Chen Baoan was a well-known good person in the imperial family. He was most afraid of embarrassing people in social situations. He saw that although the person was dressed simply, he had a good temperament. He thought that he might be a distant prince from a remote branch of the royal family who lived in seclusion. He couldn't forget him because of his bad memory. He couldn't let the other party down.

Chen Baoan's stiff expression lasted only a moment before quickly switching to a look of sudden realization. He hurriedly put down his wine cup, cupped his hands, and said, "Oh—oh oh oh! It's you! I remember now, I remember! Long time no see, long time no see! May I ask how you've been?"

The man's tone grew increasingly familiar, and he said with a smile, "Thank you, thank you, it's very good. I heard the Xie family is getting married, so I came to ask for a cup of celebratory wine."

Chen Baoan responded repeatedly and poured him another cup, but inwardly he was groaning – he really didn't know this person!

If they continued talking, they might give themselves away, so they quickly turned to talk to another prince next to them.

……

The auspicious time is set at dusk.

As dusk fell, a table was set up in the center of the main hall, upon which were placed the shrines to Heaven and Earth, as well as the ancestral tablets of the Xie family. The sides were filled with congratulatory gifts from members of the imperial family and high-ranking officials. The master of ceremonies, the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, announced the rites, his voice drowning out the whispers of the guests.

"New recruits in place—"

Wearing a wedding gown made of gold-embroidered brocade bestowed by the emperor, Jiang Sese was helped into the main hall by two ladies of good fortune, one on each side.

Jiang Sese wore a red-gold phoenix crown with pearls on her head, and the pearl curtains hung down in front of her forehead, swaying gently with each step she took, shimmering with light.

Xie Jue entered from the other side, dressed in a bright red wedding gown with a jade belt around his waist. His usually composed face showed a rare hint of a smile.

Everyone present was somewhat surprised. Was this someone who genuinely liked someone?

Xie Jue stopped in front of the altar and glanced at Jiang Sese.

Through the beaded curtain, Jiang Sese couldn't see his expression, but she could feel his gaze on her.

"Bowing to Heaven and Earth—"

The two turned around at the same time to face the door and knelt down in worship.

"Bowing to the parents twice—"

Princess Anning sat in the main seat, while Fu Chong sat on the other side. The two knelt down, and Princess Anning nodded slightly. Fu Chong raised his hand to support her, which was considered as accepting the greeting.

"Husband and wife bow to each other—"

Xie Jue turned around to face Jiang Sese.

Through the beaded curtain, Jiang Sese saw him bend down slightly, his movements more solemn than ever before.

Jiang Sese also bent down, and the beaded curtain on her phoenix crown swayed, almost catching on his crown tassel. Jiang Sese hurriedly turned her head to the side and heard him chuckle softly.

The ceremony was completed with four bows and three prostrations.

"Send her to the bridal chamber—" The imperial noblewoman and Lady Quanfu stepped forward, escorting Jiang Sese to the bridal chamber.

Hongdou and Fuyun followed on either side.

Xie Jue stood there, watching as she was surrounded by the women and turned into the inner courtyard before turning his gaze away.

There were still many guests waiting to offer toasts in the outer hall. He was the groom, and this social gathering would last at least an hour or two.

Pushing open the door to the new house, one sees red silk hanging low, and dragon and phoenix candles burning brightly.

The rosewood canopy bed was covered with a bright red dragon and phoenix quilt, and a layer of red dates, peanuts, longans and lotus seeds were scattered under the corners of the quilt.

Lady Quanfu was the wife of the Duke of Anguo, personally appointed by Emperor Jingyuan. The Duke of Anguo personally helped Jiang Sese sit down on the edge of the bed.

Hongdou straightened her wedding dress, and Fuyun carefully removed the red-gold phoenix crown with pearls.

As soon as the phoenix crown was removed, Jiang Sese slightly raised her eyelids, and everyone was stunned.

Lady Anguo was stunned for a moment before she sighed sincerely, "In all my years, this is the first time I have ever seen such a beautiful bride. Thank you, sir, for your good fortune."

Jiang Sese lowered her head in embarrassment.

Lady Anguo sat beside her, took Jiang Sese's hand and patted it gently, smiling, "The bride has worked hard today. Here, have half a cup of nuptial wine to warm yourself up."

Jiang Sese nodded, took a sip, and smacked her lips. The wine had a low alcohol content, was smooth and mellow on the palate, had a sweet rice aroma, and a faint honey fragrance. It was not harsh at all.

A faint blush of rouge on her cheeks accentuated her stunning beauty, adding a touch of alluring softness.

It is truly as delicate as morning mist resting on fragrant trees, and as beautiful as flowing rosy clouds encircling emerald peaks.

Seeing that Jiang Sese had obediently drunk the wine, Lady Anguo smiled and had someone bring over some "son-making buns" and "longevity noodles." Jiang Sese tasted one of each. The buns were half-cooked and a bit hard when she bit into them. She paused for a moment and then realized that this was a lucky charm for having a son. She couldn't help but laugh. What a lame joke.

Hongdou and Fuyun stood to one side, while several maids who had accompanied the bride waited in the outer room.

The ladies of the inner courtyard came in one after another to offer their congratulations; they were all noble ladies who were acquainted with Jiang Sese.

The banquet in the outer courtyard was gradually coming to an end.

Jiang Sese put on the red-gold phoenix crown with pearls on it again.

The royal princes and nobles left one after another, and the cabinet colleagues wisely refrained from urging the groom to drink more wine.

After most of the important officials had finished enjoying themselves and left, Xie Jue put down his wine cup, nodded to Xie Huaizhang who had been drinking for him, whispered "Thank you, Second Brother," and then turned and walked towards the inner courtyard.

Xie Huaizhang lowered his eyes to look at the wine cup and gave a silent, bitter smile.

This is probably all he can do for her now.

Red candles burned brightly in the bridal chamber.

Jiang Sese heard the door being pushed open, and footsteps approaching her at a leisurely pace.

Lady Anguo smiled and rose, gesturing for her maid to bring over the remaining half-cup of nuptial wine. She curtsied and said, "The groom has arrived, so I will not disturb you any longer."

Jiang Sese sat upright on the edge of the bed and saw Xie Jue standing in front of her through the beaded curtain.

He reached out and lifted the beaded curtain for her.

The candlelight illuminated his face, revealing that unapproachable countenance.

Lady Anguo cut off a lock of hair from each of them, tied them together with a red string, and placed them in a brocade box. She then removed their flower crowns and court hats. A maidservant brought out the nuptial wine, and the two exchanged drinks of the other half of the cup, and each took a bite of longevity noodles.

After everyone had retreated to the outer room, only the two of them remained in the bridal chamber.