Tan Hua - Chapter 80: The Wedding

Chapter 80: The Wedding

The King of Loulan taking a queen was a grand celebration for the capital, making the entire royal palace even livelier than during festivals.

Loulan’s wedding customs weren’t as intricate as those of Jingguo. Palace attendants gathered to play huqin and hulusi, dancing, eating, and drinking to congratulate their king and queen.

The King of Loulan hosted guests from all directions, including an envoy from Jingguo. However, the Jingguo envoy felt awkward because the Queen of Loulan was their former crown princess. The envoys wore sour expressions and sat at the banquet quietly eating and drinking by themselves.

Qi Miao had been sitting among them for a long time, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Just as he was about to stand up, an elder official stopped him.

“Qi Miao.”

Qi Miao lowered his voice and said, “Father, I was just going to… step out for a moment.”

Elder Qi sternly replied, “Do not meddle. We are here under the emperor’s orders; just fulfill our duties. Sit tight and don’t cause trouble!”

“Father, you know I grew up with Li Qing. How can I stand by and watch him waste his life in this desolate place? At the very least, I must go and ask him directly!”

“What does his fortune or misfortune have to do with you? And how do you know he isn’t staying here willingly? Must you embarrass Jingguo even more?!”

Elder Qi’s tone grew harsher.

Qi Miao, unwilling to give up, said, “Can I at least congratulate him?”

“What promise did you make before we came? That you’d only observe from a distance. Otherwise, would a royal physician be part of the envoy?” Elder Qi scoffed, “Sit down!”

Qi Miao reluctantly sat down, sulking.

Seeing Qi Miao’s dejected look, Elder Qi softened his tone slightly.

“Miao’er, you were never meant to walk the same path as him. Don’t you understand? Even if Song Liqing divorced the crown prince, he wouldn’t be with you. You’ll have your own destiny eventually. A stable, peaceful life is the right way.”

Qi Miao already understood this logic, but some people leave such a dazzling mark on your life that everything else pales in comparison.

As Qi Miao downed a cup of wine in frustration, Jun Qiyu walked through the dancing crowd and took the seat of honor.

“Your Highness!” Elder Qi and the other envoys stood up to salute.

Jun Qiyu reeked of alcohol, but he wasn’t drunk at all. He had been drinking all night, yet he wished he could get utterly drunk—to the point of unconsciousness. That way, he wouldn’t have to witness this day or watch Song Liqing marry Pei Xingxu with full clarity.

“Your Highness,” Elder Qi said worriedly, “Why… why are you here?”

Jun Qiyu’s numb gaze finally gained some focus.

“Why shouldn’t I be here?” Jun Qiyu retorted. “On his big day… I must come. Since I missed the chance to make him happy, can’t I at least watch him find new happiness?”

“Of course…” Elder Qi wiped the sweat from his forehead. “But the emperor specifically asked me to remind you that you have no ties with Song Liqing anymore. He instructed you to carry yourself with the dignity befitting the crown prince of Jingguo and not lose face.”

“Oh, is Father worried I’ll cause a scene at the wedding or lead troops to flatten Loulan?”

Jun Qiyu chuckled bitterly. Dignity? His pride and composure had vanished entirely when it came to Song Liqing.

If not for Song Liqing’s feelings, he might have done just that!

Elder Qi said, “They say no one knows a son better than his father. The emperor is well aware of your temper…”

“My father can rest assured. I won’t do anything foolish anymore,” Jun Qiyu interrupted him.

“Good, as long as Your Highness exercises restraint.”

Elder Qi sat down, wiping cold sweat from his brow. This wasn’t a task for an ordinary person.

But he had to keep an eye on the crown prince. Looking at his gaze as deep as an abyss, who knew what shocking thing he might do?

In the bedchamber.

Today, Pei Xingxu wore a grand wedding robe in the Central Plains style—a choice he had long decided on. He wanted to solemnly complete the ceremony with Song Liqing.

Looking into the bronze mirror, it all felt like a dream. From the first moment he saw Song Liqing, he had been looking forward to this day. Now it was finally happening, and Pei Xingxu’s heart was racing.

“Ah-hem! Ah-hem!”

Pei Xingxu coughed violently, his voice hoarse. His handkerchief was stained with blood.

Pei Xingxu glanced at the soiled handkerchief and crumpled it into a ball.

“Liqing… I hope you can accompany me on this last stretch of the journey. Don’t blame me for being selfish…”

He knew his life was short, yet he still chose to marry.

Pei Xingxu rinsed his mouth with tea, wiped his lips, and went to the side chamber.

“Liqing, are you ready?”

Pei Xingxu entered, deliberately making his voice sound carefree.

Song Liqing had been dressed up by servants, but his robe sleeves were too loose, nearly swallowing his hands.

“The clothes are too big.”

Song Liqing shook his empty sleeves.

“Let me see.”

Pei Xingxu approached and held Song Liqing’s hand through the sleeve.

“The tailoring wasn’t done well—it was too rushed,” Pei Xingxu said. “But it’s fine. Look at you, how handsome you are.”

Pei Xingxu’s fingers brushed Song Liqing’s cheek.

“Mm.”

Song Liqing didn’t mind. In his current state of mind, he treated the wedding as if it were a child’s play.

Pei Xingxu took his hand and led him out of the chamber to the main hall. The music and dancing stopped as everyone offered their congratulations. Pei Xingxu smiled and returned their greetings.

“Liqing, they’re congratulating us on our marriage,” Pei Xingxu said with a smile.

“Oh, oh.”

Song Liqing quickly clasped his hands in front and bowed to everyone.

“Thank you, thank you.”

Afraid he hadn’t been sincere enough, Song Liqing bowed a few more times.

Pei Xingxu chuckled and guided him to sit together. He handed Song Liqing a milk cake.

“You haven’t eaten anything all morning. You must be hungry.”

“I’m hungry.”

Song Liqing held the milk cake but didn’t eat it immediately.

“Why aren’t you eating?” Pei Xingxu asked.

Song Liqing held up the milk cake. “Can I eat it? Last time I got married, I didn’t eat all day.”

Pei Xingxu’s smile froze for a moment before he fondly patted Song Liqing’s head.

“Of course you can.”

Song Liqing, famished, turned his attention to the milk cake, eating piece after piece. He paid no attention to the crowded hall, focusing only on the food. When he let out a hiccup, he quickly covered his mouth in embarrassment.

“My lord,” a servant entered to report, “Prince Su Zhao of Yili has come to offer congratulations and is waiting outside the palace.”

“Prince Su Zhao of Yili Kingdom?”

Pei Xingxu thought for a moment. They had little contact, only interacting briefly before Yili’s kingdom fell due to their neighboring territories.

“Invite him in.”

Soon, a young man with blond hair and blue eyes entered. Though his hands were adorned with gem-studded rings, he didn’t stand out among the many distinguished guests.