144 Is he truly going to commit such an act?

Following that came some sultry, obscene sounds. Although I had never been involved in the affairs between men and women, I knew a thing or two. Unable to stop my face from burning with shame, I hurried away.

Now that Xiao Ruo was accompanied by Jiang Yun, I did not need to make a trip to Nanxun Palace.

Instead, I turned toward the Hall of Mental Cultivation, wanting to find Ping’er. Come to think of it, I had not seen her for quite some time since I arrived at Huayang Palace.

I did not see any sign of Ping’er at the Hall of Mental Cultivation; perhaps she was serving the Emperor. Just as I was about to leave, I suddenly heard someone calling me.

I turned around, and who else could it be but the smiling, radiant Ping’er?

I returned her smile; ever since I had become aware of my own heart, I had not smiled like this before. Seeing Ping’er’s pure and kind smile, my mood lifted significantly.

“Little Xiao, did you come here specifically to see me?” Ping’er ran up to me, still wearing that bright smile.

“Yes. It has been many days, so I came to check on you. It is rare that the Crown Princess allowed me some rest today.”

“That is wonderful. I had been thinking of visiting you, too, but I heard that you are the only one serving the Crown Princess personally, so I figured you had no time. It is good that you still knew to come see me; it seems you are still quite thoughtful.”

I smiled and asked, “How have you been lately?”

Ping’er nodded. “Everything is quite good, except for the fact that I could not see you.”

I lowered my eyes. How could I bear Ping’er treating me this way?

“Why didn’t you go to see the Ninth Prince today? He has helped you several times, and today is a grand occasion for him. Did you not think of going to offer your congratulations?”

I had not expected even Ping’er to suddenly mention Jiang Xuan. I tried my best to mask my feelings and said, “Since it is our master’s wedding, we servants should not go and join the crowd. Besides, now that I am serving the Crown Princess, it would seem rather awkward to go.”

Ping’er, however, said dismissively, “What does that matter? Even the Emperor has gone.”

“The Emperor went too?” I had assumed the Emperor strongly disapproved of this marriage and was only acting out of helplessness.

Ping’er said, “Of course he did. After all, it is his own son. However, it was also because Consort Tong sent Lady Yun Qing to request his presence several times that the Emperor finally went. I did not go to see the Crown Prince’s wedding or the Fourth Prince’s wedding, but I did not want to miss the Ninth Prince’s wedding this time. Besides, the Emperor specifically granted me permission to go and take a look.”

“Then you should go ahead, Sister Ping’er. I will walk around by myself and then return to Huayang Palace.”

Ping’er suddenly put her hands on her hips and stared at me. “Little Xiao!”

“Yes?”

“You are so heartless. The Ninth Prince is your savior, yet now that he is getting married, why are you making excuses not to go and congratulate him? It is not as if they are asking you to help; why are you so unwilling? We must not forget the masters who have been kind to us. I always thought you were a person of sentiment and loyalty.”

I was left speechless by Ping’er’s words. Indeed, to an outsider, I must seem quite heartless.

Seeing my expression dim, Ping’er leaned in and smiled. “I am only teasing you; I am not really scolding you. I know you are not that kind of heartless person.”

I said, “Perhaps you are right, Sister Ping’er. I am indeed a bit heartless.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. The Little Xiao I know is not that kind of person. Come on, just accompany me there, won’t you? You know that unless the Emperor grants permission, I dare not wander about.”

Perhaps it was because I could not help but want to see him myself, or perhaps I simply could not bear to see Ping’er like this, but in the end, I accompanied her.

Although it was not a grand affair, the necessary rituals still had to be observed. Whether for the sake of Zhang Bitong or because of Jiang Xuan’s status as the Ninth Prince, there was no shortage of people coming to offer their congratulations.

Jiang Xuan’s palace was bustling with people coming and going; it was quite lively.

Ping’er and I walked straight in, and no one questioned us.

In the main hall, I saw Zhang Bitong sitting there, along with quite a few other concubines who had come to offer their well-wishes.

“Little Xiao, let’s go see the groom.” Ping’er tugged at me, intending to go.

I hurriedly said, “There is no need, no need. I suddenly remembered that the Crown Princess asked me to pass a message to the Consort. You go see him yourself, Ping’er, and once you are done, you can come back here to find me.”

“Alright then. But don’t wander off. Once I’m done, I still want to have a good talk with you!”

“Yes.”

Ping’er went to find Jiang Xuan. Bored, I looked around aimlessly and walked to the side of the main hall.

I had been to this place many times and knew the way well. Yet, entering today, the sight of all that red was startling and exceptionally glaring.

I stood to one side and happened to see Lin Tanwei and Meng Pingjun entering together with gifts.

“Oh my, how lively it is here. But didn’t the Emperor say this would not be a grand affair? Sister Tong really is doting on her son!”

Zhang Bitong’s expression suggested she was not happy to see Lin Tanwei, but since they were there to offer congratulations, she could not simply chase them away.

Zhang Bitong stood up to welcome them. “Sister Tan is joking. How can this scene be considered a grand affair? No matter how lacking Xuan’er may be, he is still a prince. If it were too shabby, wouldn’t that be a slight to the Imperial family? It is truly kind of you to come in person to offer congratulations, Sister Tan. Actually, you did not need to come yourself; after all, are you not very busy in the palace?”

At Zhang Bitong’s words, the concubines who were already seated could not help but chuckle.

Lin Tanwei’s expression remained unchanged. “What are you saying, Sister Tong? Even if I did not give you face, I must give it to the Ninth Prince, must I not? I also wanted to see if a palace maid wearing a phoenix crown and ceremonial robes could look anything like a lady.”

Lin Tanwei deliberately emphasized the words “palace maid,” and those below chuckled again.

Zhang Bitong suddenly felt she had lost face.

At that moment, Xiao Ruo arrived, dressed in a pink gown, walking gracefully. A faint fragrance followed her.

I had not expected her to come after all.

As soon as Zhang Bitong saw Xiao Ruo, she said, “And what of palace maids? Whether it is you or Noble Lady Ruo, didn’t you both once serve as palace maids? And yet, have you not both become the Emperor’s concubines? If you look down on palace maids, does that mean you look down on yourself and Noble Lady Ruo as well?”

“Why do you compare me to her? I do not have the face of a seductress like that.” Lin Tanwei gave a disdainful snort. It was unclear whether this remark was directed at Xiao Ruo or Jia Lin.

Xiao Ruo had already arrived and naturally heard those words. I saw her expression freeze, and she turned slightly pale, but she managed to force a smile. “I have come specifically to congratulate the Ninth Prince. Please accept this small gift. I hope the Ninth Prince and his wife will have a harmonious life for a hundred years and soon have children.”

Lin Tanwei said, “Noble Lady Ruo, it would be better if you did not say such things. Whether Sister Tong truly hopes they will have a harmonious life for a hundred years is another matter entirely!”

With these words, not only did Xiao Ruo’s complexion darken, but Zhang Bitong’s did as well.

Seeing the situation worsening, Yun Qing hurried forward and said, “The three ladies should go inside and sit down; the sun is quite harsh standing out here.”

“No need,” Lin Tanwei said. “I have delivered the gift, so my duty is done. Sister Tong, I shall take my leave now. I won’t be staying for the wedding wine.”

Zhang Bitong remained silent.

“Sister Jun, will you come with me?” Lin Tanwei asked Meng Pingjun.

Meng Pingjun glanced at Xiao Ruo. Lin Tanwei curled her lips and said, “I see. Since your own sister is here, naturally you are reluctant to leave. Very well, I shall go first. Sister Jun, please do me the favor of drinking my share of the wedding wine as well.”

“This servant will see you out, My Lady.”

“No need.” This time, it was Zhang Bitong who said it was unnecessary. She added, “Yun Qing, do you not see that there are two other ladies who need attending to? Do not waste time on people who are irrelevant. Besides, they are very busy!” She then turned to Lin Tanwei. “Consort Tan, you are so anxious for your son; please be careful not to harm your own health!”

“You…”

Lin Tanwei was incensed, but seeing that Zhang Bitong had turned away and sat down, she was left speechless.

Xiao Ruo and Meng Pingjun were guided to their seats by Yun Qing. I felt I really could not stay here any longer. If Ping’er blamed me, I would apologize to her another day. With that thought, I prepared to leave, but as I turned, I saw Jiang Xuan standing at the end of the corridor.

Today, he was finally not dressed in purple, but in a bright red wedding robe.

The red attire made him look even more handsome and dashing.

He and I stood there, letting people pass between us, as if for us, they did not exist. Looking at him like this, I could not take my eyes away, nor could I take a step.

I loved this person before me, yet today he was marrying someone else. I could not tell him my feelings, and I could only stand far away, forcing a flawless smile on my face, telling myself in my heart that I must bless him.

Jiang Xuan looked at me, as if he had read something in my eyes. He took a step forward, and I immediately retreated one step. If he took another step toward me, I would turn and flee.

He took one step, and finally, he stopped.

A eunuch walked over and seemed to say something to him, so I took the opportunity to leave.

“Little Xiao!”

At his call, I had no choice but to stop.

He was the Ninth Prince; I could only turn around and bow to him.

He stood where he was, one hand behind his back, the other hanging at his side.

“Follow me. I have things for you to do.” His voice was as cold as it had been yesterday.

I stood there, looking at him. He was the Ninth Prince; I could not disobey his orders. But at a time like this, he should not be having further contact with me. Did he not know that this would put us in danger?

I hesitated, and heard Jiang Xuan continue in a cold tone, “Did you not hear me calling you?”

Jiang Xuan’s voice was not loud, but it was enough to make some passing palace maids and eunuchs stop and look over. If I did not go, I would be defying his order.

I had no choice but to step forward and say, “What are your orders, Ninth Prince?”

“Follow me. I have things to instruct you.”

“As you command!”

Jiang Xuan continued with his hands behind his back and walked straight ahead.

I followed behind him, only to see that Jiang Xuan was heading toward the bridal chamber. I stood at the doorway, looking up, hesitating to go in.

Jiang Xuan took a step inside, then turned to look at me. “Do you need me to invite you in?”

*Little Xiao, you must pretend that nothing has happened; you cannot let anyone see any flaws.* I told myself, took a deep breath, and walked in, saying, “This servant would not dare!”

Inside, several palace maids were scattering longan, red dates, lotus seeds, and the like on the wedding bed. Seeing Jiang Xuan enter, they all knelt down to salute. “This servant greets the Ninth Prince.”

“All of you, get out.”

“Yes!”

The two maids retreated and closed the door behind them. I felt that this was not good.

Jiang Xuan stood before the wedding bed, and I stood behind him. He said nothing, and I dared not speak either.

“Lie down on it!” Jiang Xuan pointed at the large bed.

I thought I had misheard and froze for a moment, then asked, “What did the Ninth Prince say?”

Jiang Xuan turned around, looking at me with cold eyes. “I told you to lie down on it.”

I hurriedly knelt down. “This servant would not dare. This is the bed for the Ninth Prince and his wife on their wedding night; this servant does not dare.”

“Wedding night? Are you happy that I am spending my wedding night with another woman?”

“This servant…” Whether I dared or not, neither answer was correct.

“Little Xiao, look up at me!” Jiang Xuan commanded.

I had no choice but to look up at him. His current stern and cold appearance made him seem somewhat like a stranger.

“Do you know who I am?”

“This servant knows, you are the Ninth Prince!”

“Since you know, how should you respond to my words?”

“Obey!”

“Good, then lie down on it!”

“This servant does not understand,” I said.

“You do not understand?” Jiang Xuan said. “What qualifications do you have to understand or not understand? I have done so much, yet you are merely a heartless person—what right do you have to understand? Lie down!”

The last three words were a low roar, and I was startled.

“As you command!”

I had to stand up and slowly walk toward the wedding bed; every step was so difficult. What exactly did Jiang Xuan want? Was he really going to do such a thing? Why was he doing this? I was nothing more than a eunuch in his eyes!