That Imperial Concubine is both wicked and cunning! Your Majesty, wake up!

The auspicious time in the first month of spring in the eighth year of Xihe.

The spring breeze is gentle and warm.

Song Shuangning wore a bright yellow brocade phoenix robe, embroidered with nine-colored pheasants and intertwined lotus flower patterns. The collar was trimmed with a red gold shawl inlaid with pearls, with layers of pearls hanging down to her waist. She wore a gold phoenix crown with filigree and kingfisher feathers and pearls, with twelve gold phoenix earrings holding pearls hanging on her forehead. On the side were red gold hairpins inlaid with cat's eye stones. When she moved, the pearls and jades tinkled lightly, which made her look dignified and composed, with the dignity of an empress.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony is solemn and dignified, with bright yellow brocade curtains hanging around the pillars and a double dragon throne placed on the steps.

Xiao Yan, dressed in a dragon-patterned robe with twelve imperial symbols and a crown adorned with pearls, sat upright on it, with the Empress's phoenix throne placed beside him.

The empress's golden book and gold seals, inlaid with red gold and precious stones, were displayed on the jade table to the left and right.

The princes and officials stood below the steps according to their rank, dressed in their court robes, holding their breath and waiting. The ceremonial guards stood in a circle below the steps, and the golden bells and jade chimes stood silently, waiting for the auspicious time.

Eight female officials dressed in gilded auspicious robes helped the new empress slowly ascend the steps, where she stood still before the imperial steps.

The official of the Court of State Ceremonial announced the ceremony in a loud voice, and the music troupe played the "Kunning Music Movement," with bells and chimes resounding throughout the palace.

As the music played, Song Shuangning bowed and accepted the golden book and seal, carefully handing them to Tingyu.

Xiao Yan reached out his hand, and Song Shuangning placed her hand in his palm. The two walked hand in hand, calmly ascending the jade steps.

Each step she took, her robes fluttering lightly, her pearl earrings swaying gently, her dragon and phoenix attire reflecting each other's brilliance.

All the officials knelt down and shouted, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!"

The sound reverberated throughout the Hall of Supreme Harmony, lingering around the vermilion walls and golden tiles for a long time.

Looking at the grand scene of the court assembly below, Song Shuangning felt her heart surging with emotion.

She entered the palace in the third year of the Xihe era and became the Empress in the eighth year of the Xihe era.

Five years of weathering storms together, countless calculations and plans, and now our wish has come true.

Xiao Yan's gaze was intense as he spoke in a low voice, "Ningning, my wife."

Song Shuangning turned to look at him, a slight smile playing on her lips.

After the ceremony, the Emperor and Empress returned to the Phoenix Palace.

Warm water and scented handkerchiefs had already been prepared in the palace. Tingyu helped her remove the phoenix crown, her black hair falling loosely over her shoulders, and then she took off the layers of bright yellow brocade phoenix robe.

Song Shuangning rubbed the back of her neck and let out a soft sigh, feeling a bit lighter.

Xiao Yan suddenly spoke, his voice gentle: "Ningning, I still owe you a ceremony."

Song Shuangning gazed at the brand-new bright red wedding dress, and suddenly understood. She nestled softly against him and whispered, "But I'm so tired right now."

Xiao Yan chuckled, "Then, I will serve Your Majesty the Empress."

Xiao Yan's fingertips were calloused, yet his movements were incredibly gentle.

He first helped Song Shuangning straighten her loose nightgown, then slowly removed it, revealing skin as delicate as cream, with a radiant glow.

Xiao Yan's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, his breath hitched, and he forced himself to suppress the pounding in his heart. He carefully draped the bright red wedding dress over her shoulders.

The wedding dress was made of smooth fabric, and the phoenixes embroidered with gold thread shone brightly under the candlelight.

He patiently fastened the jade belt around her waist, smoothed the wrinkles on her clothes, and then picked up the matching red gold and kingfisher feather hairpin, gently pinning it into her hair, his movements as tender as if he were handling a rare treasure.

Everything is in order.

Xiao Yan stared at her in her red dress, his eyes deep, and said in a hoarse voice, "Let me go change my clothes."

After saying this, he turned and left, but returned a moment later, dressed in a bright red wedding gown. Shedding the majesty of the dragon robe, he was truly handsome.

Song Shuangning's eyes sparkled like stars as she gently touched Xiao Yan's chin, her eyes crinkling with laughter: "Ah Yan is truly handsome."

Without saying a word, Xiao Yan picked up Song Shuangning and carried her horizontally.

Song Shuangning gasped and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her cheek against his warm chest and listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat.

He carried her through the corridor into a side hall.

This place lacks the extravagance and complexity of a palace, but exudes warmth and comfort everywhere.

The walls were adorned with large red "double happiness" characters, and red silk tassels hung from the windows. On the table were nuptial wine, red dates, peanuts, longans, and lotus seeds, with flickering candlelight and a warm glow.

It was just like the bridal chamber of an ordinary couple, simple yet full of warmth.

Xiao Yan put Song Shuangning down and took a half step back. "Since we are following the custom of an ordinary family, the wedding ceremony cannot be omitted."

The two stood side by side before the table, and Li Fuquan said, "First bow to Heaven and Earth—"

The two bowed deeply.

"Bowing to the parents twice—"

Although no elders were present at the table, a memorial tablet for the late emperor was set up.

The two bowed again, first to their home and country, second to their ancestors, and third to the long and peaceful years.

"Husband and wife bow to each other—"

Xiao Yan gazed into her eyes, and the two smiled at each other before bowing deeply.

Li Fuquan, Tingyu, and Tinglu all couldn't hide their joy.

After the wedding ceremony, only Xiao Yan and Song Shuangning remained in the hall.

The two intertwined arms and drank the nuptial wine together.

Xiao Yan couldn't help but turn his head, his lips gently brushing against the corner of her lips.

"May every year from now on be auspicious."

Xiao Yan picked her up and placed her on the bed. "The final step, the wedding night."

His voice was deep and gentle, and his gaze was exceptionally tender.

Song Shuangning couldn't help but reach out and hook her arm around his neck, smiling with her eyes crinkling, "Ayan, I like you so much."

Xiao Yan gazed at her intently, kissed her cheek, and then whispered in her ear, "Ningning, I love you."

The candlelight illuminated the two figures pressed close together.

A charming room.

……

The next day.

Xiao Yan lay on his side, supporting his head with one hand and playing with the woman's hair that was scattered on the pillow beside him with the other.

Song Shuangning lifted her eyes with a slight tremor of her eyelashes and saw Xiao Yan looking at her with a tender expression.

Male fox spirit.

She's good at seducing people.

She leaned over and kissed Xiao Yan's chin. "Ah Yan, why are you awake so early?"

Xiao Yan chuckled softly.

"It's getting late, almost noon."

Song Shuangning hurriedly tried to sit up, "Why didn't you wake me up? Today is my first day as Empress, and there are still many things to take care of in the palace."

Xiao Yan wrapped his long arm around her waist.

Song Shuangning naturally lay down in his arms.

Xiao Yan spoke with a tone of utter dismay, "What am I to do? My wife's heart and mind are only concerned with palace rules. I could even take three days off from court for the Emperor and Empress's wedding, but you, you won't even spare a single moment for your husband."

So, it seems she really is a bit of a jerk.

"Ah Yan, I know I was wrong."

As she spoke, she snuggled closer to Xiao Yan.

Her sideburns brushed against his neck, making one's heart itch.

Xiao Yan's gaze deepened. "Anyway, it's still early."

Song Shuangning: ?

Before she could react, Xiao Yan had already rolled over in her arms and pressed down on her.

……

History will record the emperor and empress's loving life, the harmony in the harem, the peace in the court, and the well-being of the world.

【End of text】