The empress is both charming and seductive, rising through the ranks of palace intrigue.

On October 12th, Ning Shuyan and Xiao Yu agreed not to meet for three days.

This is a folk custom, and it's also what Ning Shuyan wants to maintain—a sense of mystery and anticipation.

She never imagined that she would become empress, or even have an imperial wedding.

On October 15th, a day that caused a sensation throughout the entire Yifeng Dynasty, it was a day of national celebration.

Xiao Yu officially issued an edict:

I, the Emperor, believe that the Way of Heaven and Earth, and the inner governance of the realm, are the foundation of human relations. We rely on virtuous character to receive blessings, and it is fitting to rectify names and uphold established norms. Consort Zhao, of the Ning clan, is gentle and virtuous, well-versed in etiquette and law, and has rendered meritorious service in raising offspring. She is dignified and composed, possessing all six virtues; her reputation shines brightly in the palace. Therefore, I hereby dispatch an envoy with a golden book and seal to establish you as Empress, a model for the nation, and a standard-bearer for the six palaces. Respectfully yours.

In Zhaoyang Palace, Ning Shuyan led a handful of imperial concubines to stand at the head of the table, waiting for the master of ceremonies to arrive.

She wore a floor-length court robe and a nine-tailed phoenix crown adorned with over a hundred rubies and more than five thousand pearls. The front of the crown was decorated with nine dazzling dragons and phoenixes, intertwined and soaring into the sky. Symmetrical tassels on both sides of the crown cascaded down to her shoulders, radiating a noble and dazzling brilliance.

After the official in charge of rites arrived, the concubines received the imperial decree, and the official in charge of rites announced the edict and bestowed the golden book and golden seal.

Unlike previous investiture ceremonies, this time the emperor presented betrothal gifts in a manner reminiscent of a wedding in the common people, consisting of nine wooden chests. This symbolized longevity and continuous prosperity.

Empress Ning Shuyan led the imperial concubines, princes and princesses, high-ranking noblewomen, and princesses to the Golden Palace.

All the civil and military officials in front of the Golden Palace knelt down to welcome the ceremonial guard, dressed in their court robes.

The phoenix carriage stopped in front of the red carpet, and two high-ranking princesses and noblewomen helped Ning Shuyan down from the carriage. After tidying her clothes, they stepped aside.

At this moment, the sky was clear and blue, and the bright morning sun rose from the east, with thousands of red clouds spreading and golden rays shining on the green tiles and glazed tiles, creating a dazzling halo.

Then he stepped onto the red carpet, walked up the nine-step staircase, and stood beside Xiao Yu.

Their eyes met from afar, both of them excited, their gazes filled with tender affection, as bright as twinkling stars.

At this moment, the most dazzling figure was undoubtedly Ning Shuyan. Countless golden halos shone on her, making her appear as if she were floating on clouds, noble and unattainable.

But Xiao Yu's gaze remained fixed on her beautiful face; the radiance around her, the dazzling phoenix crown, and the embroidered phoenixes floating on her body were secondary or merely embellishments.

For him, as long as it was her walking towards him, that was enough.

Ning Shuyan walked steadily on the red carpet, as if she naturally possessed the demeanor and majesty of an empress, exuding elegance and grace while maintaining stunning beauty.

Looking back, she never imagined that one day she would embark on the path of an empress.

When she first entered the palace, her only goal was to become a favored concubine, so that she could protect her aunt and herself.

Later, after having Yi'er, she hoped to be a concubine second only to the emperor in the harem, and she did not want her child to be born with a lowly status.

From beginning to end, she never imagined that the emperor before her would disband the harem and cease holding imperial concubine selections. Even when he was poisoned and thought his end was near, his greatest concern was for her, not for the future of the Yifeng Dynasty.

From now on, she will no longer restrain her feelings.

She felt that he was someone she could entrust her life to.

Even if her decision leads to her ultimate defeat, she will not regret it.

The ending is not important; what matters is the experience of having each other.

As Xiao Yu watched his beloved get closer and closer, he knew that one day she could finally stand rightfully by his side.

Unable to contain his excitement, he suddenly stood up and walked directly down to Ning Shuyan in front of all the civil and military officials.

He wanted to personally fetch her and walk together to higher ground. From then on, no matter when or where, they would be one, cherishing each other deeply.

Xiao Yu looked at her tenderly, his love undisguised, and slowly reached out his hand to her.

Ning Shuyan looked up at his hand, which seemed to be edged with gold in the sunlight, and placed her hand in his large palm as always.

Xiao Yu's lips curved into a warm and happy smile. He gently turned his hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. All his words and all his passion were contained between their fingers.

After ascending to the Golden Palace, Ning Shuyan stood high above, looking down at the assembled officials paying homage. At this moment, she was at the top of a towering, unbearably cold mountain, and it all seemed like a dream, a dream that was both unbelievable and frightening.

Xiao Yu held her hand tightly, giving her boundless warmth and a sense of security. He whispered, "I will always be with you."

Ning Shuyan looked up at his determined eyes, and they smiled knowingly at each other.

After the ceremony, Ning Shuyan was exhausted and her limbs ached.

And that night marked her wedding night.

The bridal chamber was set up in her new palace as empress—the Phoenix Palace, the Hall of Union.

As night fell, she sat in front of the bed in a bright red wedding dress, while longan, red dates, lotus seeds, and peanuts were scattered under the auspicious mandarin duck quilt.

Beneath the red veil, only patches of crimson inner chambers could be seen; she waited like a bride for her husband to lift the veil.

Hearing the commotion outside, Ziying couldn't stop smiling and whispered, "Your Majesty, the Emperor has arrived."

After saying that, she quickly retreated far away.

For some reason, even though she was already twenty years old and had been with Xiao Yu for four years, sitting here watching him approach step by step, her heart was fluttering slightly.

As they approached, the pair of bright red dragon boots stopped, and a deep, gentle voice sounded in their ears: "Yan Yan, I'm here."

"I'm marrying you."

Upon hearing this, Ning Shuyan's eyes softened, and she smiled in a way she had never shown before.

At this moment, she finally felt that Xiao Yu belonged to her, Ning Shuyan.

He is not only her relative, not only the father of her child, not only her husband in name.

They... are husband and wife.