As the gates of Jinwu Palace slowly opened, Yuwen Yue stood outside, watching calmly. Chu Qiao entered, showing the Liang Prince jade stone, which the guards recognized and allowed her through with a nod.
With a casual grace, Yuwen Yue turned away, but his sharp eyes caught the fleeting glimpse of a shadowy figure. A cold, assessing glance was all he gave before he resumed his stroll. Though he appeared unarmed, hidden within the folds of his clothing were several meticulously concealed daggers, ready for any unforeseen threat.
Zuo, followed him with practiced vigilance. They shared a silent understanding, frequently meeting in the quiet corners of Liang taverns. Yuwen Yue used a distinct alert system there: a vertical smoke signal followed by a bright flare to announce his presence.
The Jinwu Palace was a verdant haven, draped in lush green vines and blooming bushes that adorned its walls. As Chu Qiao walked through this floral paradise, she inhaled the intoxicating fragrance of the fresh flowers, marveling at the palace's heavenly scent. It was here that Xiao Ce resided, in a realm that seemed touched by the divine.
Her steps faltered as she caught sight of the Prince. For the first time that morning, Xiao Ce left his bed, his royal red robes flowing elegantly around him as he stood beside the intricately sculpted Yin-Yang topiary in the garden of a hundred flowers. The grandeur of his appearance is matched by the serene beauty around him.
Xiao Ce turned to face her, his foxy eyes softening with a gentle glance.
"Why do I feel like you've fallen for the charming Prince standing before you?"
He inquired with a playful smirk.
Chu Qiao's expression tightened. With a sharp edge in her voice, she retorted, "Why should I put up with insults from a prince who prides himself on his looks while constantly talking about love?"
Xiao Ce's keen eyes, glinting with a playful sparkle, settled on Chu Qiao.
"I see sparkles in your eyes," he said, his gaze sweeping around her eyes.
He turned slightly, looking at the space between them.
"As far as I know, I'm the only man here. Are you in love with me, now that you're worried you might miss your chance to marry me?"
Suddenly, Chu Qiao tapped his shoulder, causing Xiao Ce to wince.
"Ouch… I haven't fully healed there yet," he protested and painted a smile on his face.
Chu Qiao flashed a radiant smile, revealing her perfect white teeth.
"Oh, sorry. I'll double it next time you tease me again."
Xiao Ce's spirits always soared in her presence.
With a warm smile, he asked, "Hey, are those two baskets for me?"
Chu Qiao nodded, holding out one of the baskets.
"Yes, this contains a nourishing soup to help you heal and recover."
Xiao Ce looked into her eyes with appreciation, then clapped his hands to summon the servants.
"Set up some tables and chairs here in the garden and bring the baskets over," he instructed, eager to enjoy the meal in the serene surroundings.
A nearby servant hurried over to take the baskets, while others swiftly arranged a fancy dining setup in the midst of the verdant Yin-Yang topiary garden. Tables and two chairs were artfully placed, creating an atmosphere of fresh nature surrounded by a lush tapestry of green.
Seated at the table, Chu Qiao and Xiao Ce shared the meal, enjoying both the food and each other's company. Xiao Ce, with a thoughtful expression, broke the silence.
"I'm sorry, but I'll be hard to find for a while. Once my father's anger has cooled, I'll be able to step out of the palace and move about freely."
Chu Qiao's gaze softened with understanding. "In that case, I'll make it a point to visit you regularly whenever you need a friendly chat. You know how to reach me."
Xiao Ce's heart skipped with unspoken delight, though he maintained his composure in front of the fine woman. With a warm smile, he said, "The future belongs to those who wait."
Chu Qiao arched an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean by that?"
Xiao Ce's eyes sparkled with a playful glint.
"Oh, you'll find out in time."
He took another sip of the Ginseng soup Chu Qiao had prepared, closing his eyes in appreciation.
"Ah, this is truly the best I've ever tasted. Not even the Liang's Kitchen Ministry can match this. Should I issue a decree to have you replace the head of the Ministry of the Palace kitchen?"
Chu Qiao laughed heartily and teased, "Look at me, so thin—are you pitying your friend, or do you plan to kill me here?"
Xiao Ce chuckled, his laughter warm and genuine said.
"Ha… Ha… Ha…Did you know that by just looking at you, my stomach is already full?"
Seeing Xiao Ce in good spirits, Chu Qiao laughed as well.
"Ha… Ha… Ha… Now that you're looking alive and well, my visiting pass is expiring today."
With a mischievous grin, Xiao Ce tipped, "In that case, should I invite more trouble to myself so the lovely tiger beauty like you will visit me as often as today?"
He chuckled heartily, but Chu Qiao's expression remained serious. Noticing the shift, Xiao Ce cleared his throat and added, "I'm just teasing. I didn't mean it seriously."
Chu Qiao's stern demeanor softened into a smile as she stood up. "I'll have to go."
Xiao Ce's face flickered with concern. "Why are you leaving so soon?"
He looked genuinely anxious, clearly not ready to part ways just yet.
"I have things to do, so I'll be on my way," Chu Qiao said as she stood and began to walk away from the Liang Prince.
Xiao Ce shook his head, a playful smile lingering on his lips. His father, King Tang, happened to pass by and noticed the joyful expression on his son's face. The sight warmed the King's heart, as he rarely saw his son's stature so radiant.
Chu Qiao finally reached the gate and made her way back to Xue Fu Street.
As she walked, she wondered aloud, "Where is the peddler? Why didn't he wait for me?"
As nightfall draped its dark cloak over the world, Yuwen Yue returned to his lodge. He gazed out at the sky, where stars twinkled like distant gems against the inky darkness. He stared at them, lost in thought, as if he could remain there forever.
He pondered to himself, "She should know me, but why does she act as if I'm a stranger? I have only a month left before my vacation ends. I need to determine whether she is the genuine Chu Qiao or an imposter."
Yuwen Yue left all his thinking to the fine woman that night, he decided to test his thoughts to find out the truth.
As Chu Qiao gazed up at the same stars, she found herself lost in thought. "Why all of a sudden, I feel this way?
Why does being around this peddler make me feel so elated, as if I'm on top of the world?"
She left these questions hanging in the night air and drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
The next morning, Yuwen Yue strolled along Xue Fu Street, discovering that the Kowloon house was still closed. As Chu Qiao headed towards the market, she pretended not to notice Yuwen Yue's stealthy pursuit. His presence was as silent and elusive as a wisp of smoke.
Suddenly, Chu Qiao turned and startled to see Yuwen Yue standing behind her.
Her eyes widened in surprise, she exclaimed with a blend of shock and amusement, "Hey! Are you a ghost?"
Yuwen Yue did not say any and continued to walk he turned his face to her and said: "I'll help you with your marketing and carry your baskets for free."
Chu Qiao secretly thrilled in the inside but unlikely responded to him she said: "I don't need your help, I can manage."
With time slipping away, Yuwen Yue must be creative in achieving Chu Qiao's acceptance of his offer. "If you don't accept my help for free," he said with a determined voice, "I'll make sure to bother you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week."
Chu Qiao quite surprised in his bold declaration. "Are you serious?" she asked almost to her disbelief.
Yuwen Yue responded "Why not? Everyone else asks for a fee when they seek my assistance, but with you, I'm offering it at no cost."
Chu Qiao thinks it will give her a benefit without anything in return she said: "Okay stop right there."
Yuwen Yue suddenly stunned at what she said, he stopped looking at her while Chu Qiao took his hands and puts the baskets he openly accepted. Another bag at her back she removed and put it crisscrossed in his body.
Chu Qiao determined to annoy Yuwen Yue for insisting his help while she didn't ask for it, she thinks he will give up anytime, soon he thinks, he is abused.
She gave him the first test of today's marketing activity.
Chu Qiao purchased a large quantity of vegetables, each one noticeably unusually extra large. The man beside her, Yuwen Yue as if not minding the hardships, carried the bulging baskets.
Yet he occasionally throws her a cold, yet mischievous glance.
Chu Qiao, maintaining a stern expression, asked, "Why are you looking at me like that? Are you ready to give up?"
Yuwen Yue straightened his back, though his eyes betrayed a hint of rebellion. The weight of the extra large vegetables was beginning to strain his back. Noticing his discomfort, Chu Qiao gave his shoulder a friendly tap and encouraged, "Come on, buddy, you're better than this. You can handle it, right?"
Yuwen Yue, his voice edged with frost, responded, "Who said I can't?"
Chu Qiao met his challenge with a sly smile. "Fine!"
Turning to the vendor, Chu Qiao asked, "How much for the largest Wintermelon? I'll take that one, please." She glanced back at Yuwen Yue with a teasing smile. "It's for my Wintermelon shake later."
The vendor looked at Yuwen Yue with a touch of sympathy as she handed over the super extra large Wintermelon. "Here you go. Do you think the man can manage to carry this?"
The Wintermelon was indeed massive, nearly impossible for one person to handle. Chu Qiao approached Yuwen Yue, tapped him on the shoulder with a playful nudge, and said, "This is the sturdiest peddler in town."
She looked at him with a challenging glint in her eye, as if daring him to prove her right.
With a determined expression, Yuwen Yue set the two baskets down and casually said to Chu Qiao, "Take these baskets."
He shot the vendor a frosty glance before turning his attention to the super extra large Wintermelon. With the intent of showing whose the man, Yuwen Yue raised the massive fruit onto his shoulder and walked away as effortless as it can be.
His posture remained upright and proud, exuding an air of unshakable confidence.
The scene drew the eyes of everyone in the market, their whispers and astonished murmurs filling the air as they watched the unlikely pair. The spectacle of Yuwen Yue effortlessly managing the enormous Wintermelon while carrying the baskets caught the attention and sparked curiosity among the market-goers.
The market-goers whispered among themselves. "The peddler is incredibly strong!
I could never carry that monstrous Wintermelon in my lifetime…
Only a god could manage it.
Is he crazy in love with that beautiful woman?
No, it's his boss…
Maybe he's being punished by the gods."
Chu Qiao overheard the gossip and couldn't help but take credit in her success. With a triumphant smile, she followed Yuwen Yue from behind, enjoying the spectacle of him laboring under the weight of the enormous fruit.
However, when she caught sight of Yuwen Yue glancing back at her, she quickly composed herself, returning to her usual self occasionally putting up a poker face.
As Yuwen Yue carried the massive Wintermelon, he frequently looked back to check if Chu Qiao was still managing the two baskets of vegetables. Each time, he saw that she was handling them without issue. Despite the discomfort in his back, he admired her strength and endurance.
Day after day, Yuwen Yue carried out the same routine at the Kowloon Noodle House without any complaints, his expression remaining as cold and unyielding as ever.(lol)
The old lady sensed the unspoken feelings between Chu Qiao and Yuwen Yue, noting their actions spoke louder than words. One day, Chu Qiao decided to check out where Yuwen Yue lived. She discovered him quietly caring for street children, feeding them with the same dedication she had observed in her own actions. This revelation touched her heart and made her reconsider her approach to him.
That night, unable to sleep, Chu Qiao went to the old lady's room and knocked softly. "May I come in?" she asked.
The old lady, caught off guard, grumbled in response, "What are you doing up at this hour? What on earth are you thinking?"
"Muqin, I've been with you for a long time, and I've helped make your business prosper. You've also helped me understand what life is truly about. Tomorrow morning, I need to find out what the man is really after."
"How do you plan to confront him?"
"I'll ask you to close the business tomorrow. I'll cook for him, and then we'll sit down and talk."
"Alright, consider me out of town tomorrow. I'll visit my distant cousin, Zhan Ziyu. It's been a while since I last saw him."
"Thank you. I'll make sure the Kowloon house is safe while you're away."
The next morning, Chu Qiao closed the Kowloon Noodle House but kept it open for Yuwen Yue. Knowing his routine, she waited outside.
Today, however, he arrived later than usual.
When he finally appeared, his usually cold expression seemed even more distant, though he remained silent.
Yuwen Yue's gaze lingered on Chu Qiao, who was dressed in an elegant Hanfu.
The simplicity of her attire, with delicate plum flowers pinned to the right side of her head, and her understated makeup that highlighted her eyes, made her look both beautiful and alluring.
Though his exterior remained as cold as ever, inside, Yuwen Yue felt a strong attraction to her. He blinked, trying to mask his feelings, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of admiration.
Chu Qiao broke the silence: "Ahem, Ahem, are you going to just stare at me like that and will not ask any questions?"
Yuwen Yue coldly said: "No, but I am curious why the Kowloon house is closed today. Is it a holiday?"
Chu Qiao was tempted to confront him, feeling that his clothes didn't match his physical appearance and only served to emphasize his aristocratic facade when he was around her. She chose to remain silent, refusing to answer.
Chu Qiao recalled seeing Yuwen Yue feeding poor children on the street the day before, which made him seem like an ordinary, compassionate man rather than the cold, aristocratic figure he presented today.
As she walked into the Kowloon, she couldn't help but notice his unchanging attire.
To herself, she wondered, Does he not earn enough to buy new clothes from a Hanfu boutique?
With this thought in mind, she asked, "Is someone taking care of you?"
Yuwen Yue looked puzzled and replied, "What do you mean?"
Yuwen Yue followed Chu Qiao inside the Kowloon Noodle House and furrowed his brows at the sight: closed windows, a table set for two in the middle of the room, and just the right amount of light. Suddenly, lightning flashed across the sky, followed by a loud rumble of thunder.
They both exchanged glances.
Yuwen Yue, feeling out of place, said, "Whatever this is about, I really wanted to talk to you, but I have to go."
Chu Qiao, feeling similarly, responded, "I understand. As much as I want to ask you something, I also need to leave." She then grabbed her coat and other blankets.
The raindrops began to fall, quickly turning into a torrential downpour with sharp lightning and loud claps of thunder.
Both Yuwen Yue and Chu Qiao stepped out of the Kowloon House.
Chu Qiao picked up her pace, determined to get away, but Yuwen Yue remained outside for a moment before running to catch up with her and walking by her side.
Startled, Chu Qiao asked, "Why are you here? I thought you had something important to do."
A nearby clap of thunder roared, and Yuwen Yue instinctively pulled Chu Qiao into an embrace to shield her from the rain.
Chu Qiao, slightly annoyed, muttered, "I think you're just delaying me."
Chu Qiao looked directly into Yuwen Yue's eyes and then at his flushed face.
Yuwen Yue, with a hint of red on his cheeks and ears, slightly pushed her aside and said, "I thought you might get hit by the thunder.
It seems you're heading in the same direction as I am. Let's go together."
Yuwen Yue's expressionless face quickly shifted himself to something else, and he moved away from her, maintaining his distance.
Chu Qiao said nothing, but she could sense that, even when they were inside the Kowloon House earlier, they were both thinking the same thing.
They walked separately through the pouring rain, both soaked, and eventually arrived at the same street, searching for the street kids.
The rain continued to pour heavily, marking the first spring rain of the year.
Distant claps of thunder and flashes of lightning filled the sky, but both Yuwen Yue and Chu Qiao moved fearlessly through the streets, determined to find the street kids.
Yuwen Yue searched every corner for possible shelters for the children, while Chu Qiao did the same.
Suddenly, Yuwen Yue spotted three kids huddled beneath a stack of vegetable pallets. He called out, "I found them!"
Filled with joy, Chu Qiao rushed towards the kids as fast as she could.
They embraced each other warmly, providing comfort and warmth amid the storm.
The street was deserted, leaving them the only people who are barely holding on tight until the heavy rain and possible storm gets past.
Its been hours and the rain did not stop, one can tell this is not just a simple passing rain, but now this is no doubt a storm warning as the wind blows hard with swooshing sounds the trees and the dilapidated building is swaying hanging tightly to their roots.
One of the youngest children began to cry, frightened by the loud crashes of thunder and the flashes of lightning. Seeing the distress of his instant family, Yuwen Yue assessed their situation and said, "We won't survive the cold night without proper shelter and some warm porridge."
"Let's go to my lodge and find your temporary shelter." Yuwen Yue took the two kids, and Chu Qiao cuddled the youngest, they walked towards Yuwen Yue's lodge.
Chu Qiao surprised to see how simple and organized his lodge, she cannot help but admire Yuwen Yue but still keeps a cold facade in the outside.
Yuwen Yue carefully placed the two children down—one on his back and the other from his chest—covering them with blankets to keep them warm and dry.
Acting as if they were his own family, Yuwen Yue focused on making the children comfortable, while Chu Qiao gently set the youngest down. As Yuwen Yue started boiling water to prepare something warm, Chu Qiao undressed the children, and he handed her additional blankets to ensure they were warm.
Without a word, their actions spoke volumes, as if they instinctively knew what to do, like a real family.
Yuwen Yue took the children's wet clothes, quickly washing them before placing them on the Kang bed to dry. He also searched the thick blankets from his closet and handed them to Chu Qiao.
Chu Qiao spread the quilts on the tiled floor of the lodge, covering the three children with the warm blankets to protect them from the cold while their clothes are drying.
Yuwen Yue is busy in the kitchen when Chu Qiao entered, her clothes still drenched from the rain. Despite the wetness and his rugged appearance, Yuwen Yue's composed figure gave him a clean-cut look, as though the world's troubles were far from his mind.
He glanced at Chu Qiao and said, "You're soaked. Unfortunately, the only thing I can offer is one of my Hanfu dresses."
Chu Qiao nodded to affirm. Yuwen Yue set down his knife, retrieved a Hanfu from his suitcase—the only one he hadn't yet worn—and handed it to her.
Chu Qiao then closed the Chinese screen in his room to change.
Yuwen Yue cooking porridge for their instant family tonight, he couldn't help but glance over at Chu Qiao, now wearing the loose Hanfu dress.
Her appearance, though wrapped in his clothing, only added to her allure in his eyes.
Chu Qiao approached Yuwen Yue and said, "You should change your clothes; you're dripping everywhere and making the place wet."
Yuwen Yue nodded, his usual composed self slightly faltering. He left her in the kitchen and went to change. He had only three sets of Hanfu: a gray one, a dark blue one, and the white one that Chu Qiao was currently wearing. The gray Hanfu was his only option left as the dark blue one had been soaked by the rain earlier and had not yet dried. The sight of Chu Qiao in his white Hanfu made her look like a little tiger in a lion's attire, contrasting sharply with his own less glamorous gray outfit.
Yuwen Yue placed his Hanfu on the Kang bed and adjusted the fire to warm the room where the children were still shivering.
He told them, "Don't go to sleep yet. Wait until you've had some hot porridge, and then you can rest."
Chu Qiao, moving swiftly, finished preparing the food. As Yuwen Yue began to smell the delicious aroma smoking from the kitchen, his hunger stirred, quicken his hungry mood suddenly went to his kitchen and found the Tiger beauty.
Chu Qiao was about to serve a large bowl of porridge when she noticed the tiny bowls already set up at the table. Yuwen Yue, observing the meticulous preparation, was visibly pleased. Chu Qiao also had boiled hot tea for him, and Yuwen Yue, wrapped the blankets, helped the children eat first.
Once the children finished their meal, Yuwen Yue checked their clothes and found that they were dry. He assisted the three kids in putting their clothes back on while he remained shirtless from the waist up. Chu Qiao watched this scene, her mind framing the moment: Yuwen Yue, taking on the fatherly role for the children, and herself, the Muqin of the home.
Suddenly Yuwen Yue was at her side he woke her up: "Hey, I know you are hungry, let's eat."
Chu Qiao was startled and responded: Yes, this is for you."
The rainfall is still heavy, the wind blowing so hard outside, and the thunder and lightning continued to roar at the rooftop while the two pairs of eyes are looking at each other as they eat their dinner for tonight.
The two finished their bowls together while the three kids slept with their heads on Yuwen Yue's warm blankets. Chu Qiao after eating did not stand up neither Yuwen Yue as if both not feeling tired, they just stared each other faces under the dim light.
It was clear they were both waiting for the other to break the silence.
Chu Qiao broke the silence and asked: "You did not answer my question earlier."
Yuwen Yue not looking at her, but handsome as ever, in a low tone of voice, coldly said: "Was it not still obvious?"
Chu Qiao thought of it for a second: "You are single and live in this secluded lodge."
Yuwen Yue did not respond but looked at her with innocent eyes and commanding lips, Chu Qiao continued: "I will ask you once, and you must answer me honestly."
Yuwen Yue's heart is on the fast lane, he suddenly took off his eyes on her, and he is still finishing eating his porridge, he asked: "What is it?"
Chu Qiao took a deep breath before asking, "Do you really like me?"
Yuwen Yue heard her question, though his response was as cool as ever. "Isn't it obvious?"
Chu Qiao's frustration flared. "I'm asking you politely, but all you say is, 'Isn't it obvious?'"
"What would you like to hear? Yuwen Yue casually said in a peaceful tone.
"Marry me?" Yuwen Yue swallowed on his throat feeling tensed in the inside yet cold in his appearance. He felt his heart will explode in pieces in front of the beautiful lady. He didn;t know why such words came out of him so natural and casual.
Her kissable lips, bathed in the dim light, were almost too tempting to ignore, and he deliberately avoided meeting her gaze.
Yuwen Yue suddenly paused and stopped eating his porridge then took the cloth beside his bowl and wiped his mouth.
Chu Qiao a bit startled, a marriage proposal was just issued on air when she was just asking if he likes her or not.
Yuwen Yue moved closer to her, his voice steady but filled with confidence. "Marry me, or not—it doesn't change the fact that you want me."
Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with challenge. "How can you be so sure that I want you?"
Yuwen Yue replied with a hint of a smirk, "I've seen you following me around."
Chu Qiao was stunned, her cheeks flushed and her ears reddened at Yuwen Yue's bold statement.
Yuwen Yue, his expression unreadable, said firmly, "I won't ask again if you don't say yes." (the audacity lol)
Not wanting to let this moment slip away, Chu Qiao asked, "And if I say yes?"
Yuwen Yue studied her intently, his face a mask of cold composure, but his eyes hinted at something more. "If you say yes, tomorrow will be a fine day to wed."
Chu Qiao's ears felt like they were on fire, and her stunned expression reflected her shock.
"Huh? Are you crazy?"
Yuwen Yue, his voice steady but his heart racing, responded, "Are you worried?"
Chu Qiao quickly replied, "Of course not. Why would I be?"
Yuwen Yue straightened up and moved even more closer to her. "Then marry me."
Sending her long pause as a YES, Yuwen Yue continued, "Tomorrow morning, we're getting married."
Chu Qiao, caught between wanting to say yes no at the same, her anxieties about the truth coming out, felt conflicted.
She was reminded of the old lady's lessons about love but worried about the potential consequences if Yuwen Yue discovered her true identity.
With a voice of no reservation in her self, said, "As for the last part… just so you know, you weren't really asking. You've already decided that I'll marry you?
"So be it."
She then waited, her eyes fixed on Yuwen Yue, anticipating his reaction.
Yuwen Yue heard this moment of his life suddenly kicked the table and break some chairs and jumped so high until he bumped his head on the roof
Back to the real world, those did not really happen.
He merely said in a cold voice: "Alright, consider it done."
"Wait.." said Chu Qiao, "I haven't known your name or who are your family."
Yuwen Yue in his cold voice said: "My name is Ra Yue, and I am a peddler man, and you have a lifetime to discover who my family is, and your name is Qiao Qiao right?"
Yuwen Yue invented this response so well and sounded so casual to maintain this heavy conversation. He is also guessing if Chu Qiao will draw back from him or tell the truth about her identity… it did not. This signals himself that he is now entering the truth-finding path.
Chu Qiao got irritated and said: "No my name is Chu Qiao!
"Remember that!"
Chu Qiao's introduction was short.
Yuwen Yue quickly closed the conversation to an agreement, said: "Alright Chu Qiao tomorrow morning you will be Mrs. Ra Yue."
Chu Qiao thinks this is so fast and feels right and wrong at the same time.
However, she really wanted to be with this man, so she did not bother to argue.
The words Yuwen Yue told her is like a solemn vow, and Chu Qiao's mind raced.
The swiftness of the decision felt surreal, a whirlwind of emotions conflicting within her.
Outside, a storm raged relentlessly, but inside Yuwen Yue's modest lodge, he remained calm and confident.
He dismissed their agreement easily as if it were a Hanfu dress drying in the raging storm, while the weather continued to pour, drench it in coldness and rain.
As they both closed their eyes to sleep, they prepared for a new chapter in their lives, their futures now bound together by this sudden and decisive choice.
The next day, Yuwen Yue had it all arranged. With the help of Zuo, the preparation was cut into half. Yuwen Yue already planned this strategy, convinced it was the only path forward.
Dressed handsomely in a red Hanfu, Yuwen Yue looked strikingly distant. He also sent Chu Qiao a gift: a red veil and a wedding gown that perfectly matched his attire.
Chu Qiao, dressed in the elegant red gown, looked like a vision from a dream.
The gown, tailored to fit her perfectly, flowed gracefully with every movement, its delicate embroidery catching the light and shimmering every step she takes.
Her red veil, adorned with intricate patterns of gold thread, framed her face, adding an air of both mystery and elegance.
And the hair was styled in a traditional topknot, adorned with subtle ornaments that sparkled like stars.
As she walked, her radiant beauty was highlighted by the deep, vibrant hue of her gown, making her appear both regal and ethereal.
Yuwen Yue could only sigh, overwhelmed by Chu Qiao's beauty, he almost cannot utter any words nor can think straight at the moment. It seems he momentarily lost the very reason why he embarked in this journey and would like to conclude that he is truly with the real Chu Qiao and not the imposter one.
His heart ached with a blend of wonder and disbelief, as if he were dreaming and yet fully awake.
While watching the love of his life from a far, Yuwen Yue's mind drifting back to the chaotic past. "Do you remember the hunting fields of Wei?" he asked, almost as if speaking to himself.
"Of course," he continued, eyes distant as he recalled the scene. "I saw Chu Qiao for the first time there. She was just a maid, desperate and fighting for her life. It was a brutal spectacle, one that unfolded like a nightmare."
His expression grew intense. "There was Yuwen Huai, renowned for his archery skills. But that day, he was off his game. His arrows were missing their targets, and for the first time met his his frustration, with only one side to accept and that is to lose in the game. It was clear he'd never expected a maid to throw him off so completely."
Yuwen Yue's gaze hardened as he remembered. "Huai's anger boiled over, leading him to challenge Prince Yan Xun. The contest was vicious. Chu Qiao, with a kind of fierce grace, evaded every single one of Huai's arrows. Yan Xun, seizing the chance to provoke Huai further, started targeting the rabid animals around her."
A grim smile tugged at Yuwen Yue's lips. "Yan Xun even made a bet—if Huai missed, he'd have to give up Chu Qiao. It was a brutal move, designed to humiliate Huai and claim Chu Qiao for himself."
He paused, reflecting on Chu Qiao's robe from that day, marked with the Yuwen Household insignia but lacking any specific designation. "That robe symbolized her risky status, caught between the Red Hills and Green Hills courtyards. It was a stark reminder of the chaos and competition surrounding her."
Yuwen Yue's voice softened, tinged with a mix of admiration and nostalgia. "Looking back, it's astonishing how far she survived. From that desperate maid in the hunting fields to the radiant figure she is now—her resilience and strength have always been extraordinary."
Yuwen Yue's thoughts suddenly caught up with the Bing Xue arrow.
In a rare and uncharacteristic move, Yuwen Yue found himself reaching for his precious Bing Xue arrow, a weapon meant solely for the Empire's most critical goals. The pulse in his palms quickened with every beat of his heart as he readied the arrow. It was a symbol of his commitment to the Empire, yet in that moment, it felt like a tool for something far more personal.
The image of Chu Qiao, vulnerable and resolute, ignited a fierce protectiveness in him, one that clearly defined his usual detached self now got entangled deeply, even if Chu Qiao is a stranger, far, and distant to him.
The memory of that day was more than just a recollection.
It was a profound realization of how one encounter could reshape his perspective.
He had been a distant observer, but that day marked the beginning of a shift in his heart.
The unexpected urge to protect Chu Qiao, to stand against the cruelty that surrounded her, was a moment of vulnerability and humanity he had seldom allowed himself.
As Yuwen Yue continued to reminisce, he felt the weight of those memories pressing down on him.
They were a stark reminder of the day he had first glimpsed the raw strength and indomitable spirit of Chu Qiao—an experience that had forever altered his understanding of duty, compassion, and the power of a single, unguarded moment.
No matter how Yuwen Yue shakes off this moment to go back into the present, it repeated the same scene earlier but this time finds Yuan Song, who had always viewed hunting as a barbaric relic rather than a sport, found himself suddenly troubled by the scene before him.
The violence, the bloodshed—it struck him with a sense of moral clarity he had not anticipated.
He was overcome with a newfound maturity, and with an earnest plea, he approached Princes Wei Shu Ye, Zhao Xi Feng, and Wei She You, begging them to halt the slaughter of maids and put an end to the senseless bloodbath.
Meanwhile, Yuwen Yue, the usually cold and detached Fourth Young Master, watched from a distance on his valiant horse. Known for his lack of interest in such brutal pastimes, he had always kept his distance from these bloody spectacles. But today was different. As he observed Chu Qiao from afar, his heart felt a strange and unfamiliar tug.
The scene was chaotic. Yuwen Yue's horse, panting heavily from the ride, was calmed by his steady hands. His gaze, steely and focused, fell upon Chu Qiao—though he was still far from her, the sight was enough to stir something deep within him. He felt a shift, an unexpected softness in his usual guarded manner.
Yuwen Yue's decision that day was driven not by duty or strategy, but by a rare, unguarded moment of compassion. He should never have been on that hill, yet there he was, compelled to act in defense of Chu Qiao, abandoning his usual detachment and disregarded his title.
From that moment on, Yuwen Yue knew, "the Star is mine." Little did he know that the love would bloom now and he is to wed her today and Xinger is now his own forever.
It was as though the universe had conspired to bring this exquisite, improbable reality into being.
His gaze swept over Chu Qiao, radiant and serene, and he marveled at how this moment, so long anticipated and yet so unexpectedly achieved, felt like a culmination of every hope and desire he had harbored.
He wished for time to stand still, to celebrate the beauty of Chu Qiao his Xing'er his star. His sigh was not just a breath of relief but a testament to the profound joy and disbelief he felt, caught in the enchantment of a dream that had become reality at the most unexpected of times.
The wedding reception unfolded at the Kowloon house, where the old lady, overwhelmed by the sudden whirlwind of events, could only offer her space at the last minute. Weary from her day's activities, she sighed and remarked, "I went away for just one night and returned to find a wedding waiting for me the next day. Everything is happening so fast."
The invitations were few and tightly guarded, creating an air of secrecy around the wedding that seemed almost spontaneous to outsiders. To everyone else, it appeared as though the event had materialized out of the blue, catching many by surprise.
The news of Chu Qiao's wedding had managed to slip past the Liang crown prince's spies, leaving them unaware of the event until it was too late.
As soon as the spies gathered the information, they reported back to Prince Xiao Ce, who was visibly distressed.
"Who did Chu Qiao marry?" Xiao Ce demanded, his voice tense with anticipation.
The spies, looking uneasy, answered, "She is married to a peddler man."
Xiao Ce's eyes widened in disbelief, their expression reflecting the shock of his revelation. "What? A peddler man? Are you certain?"
"Yes, Your Highness," the spy confirmed, though with visible hesitation.
"He is a poor peddler who lives in a secluded lodge near the borders of Wei and Southern Liang."
Xiao Ce was struck by disbelief, his mind struggling to reconcile the information.
The notion that Chu Qiao had married someone so inconsequential, a mere peddler, seemed impossible to him.
His disbelief turned to frustration as he attempted to leave the palace to witness the wedding for himself, but the heavily guarded gates thwarted his escape attempts.
Bound by the fortress of his own palace, Xiao Ce was unable to see Chu Qiao's wedding firsthand.
In his deepening denial, the reality of Chu Qiao's marriage remained a bitter pill to swallow.
The news, as startling as it was, had solidified the finality of her departure from his life, leaving him grappling with a profound sense of loss and astonishment.
As the day ended, all customs and traditions were followed by Chu Qiao and Yuwen Yue as newlywed, both bowed to their family and friends of the moment, even Zuo disguised as a wealthy merchant who came and acted as Yuwen Yue's young and rich Lord sponsor for his wedding.
The two men exchanging glances while Chu Qiao and the old lady was blinking with their eyes, the old lady understood her friend is now finally free of her broken heart and can only hope that she could move on from the empty tomb.
Following the traditional customs of the Chinese wedding, the groom will have to wait for three days before he can finally bring the bride to their home.
Yuwen Yue has to send dowry to the Old lady, late, and he went to bring in some gifts of gold and money he earned during his honest job of being a peddler man.
On its third day, the man and woman left Xue Fu street to stay at Yuwen Yue's lodge.
And what happened after that should have been a happy ever after where life is at its peak, the two souls finally together and their hearts at peace but it seems it is not.
The end of one chapter marked the beginning of a new life. As husband and wife, they now faced the future together, ready to embrace the journey ahead.
The look back at Chapter 47 Ask for Wisdom
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