Months later, Yue Rong's parents arrived in the kingdom of Yunhai. The palace gates were already decorated with red silk and golden ribbons. Drummers played softly near the entrance, and servants moved back and forth carrying trays of gifts.
A carriage stopped at the palace steps.
Yue Rong's mother stepped down first, her eyes already wet with emotion. Her father followed behind, trying to appear calm, though the pride in his face was impossible to hide.
They had never imagined their daughter___ the one who had left home in pain and shame___would one day return as a bride of the royal family.
Before they could take in their surroundings, Yue Rong appeared at the top of the steps.
For a moment, nobody moved.
She was dressed in deep red wedding robes embroidered with gold phoenix patterns, her hair adorned with delicate ornaments that shimmered in the sunlight. But what struck them most was not her beauty.
It was the peace on her face.
"Father… Mother…" she called softly.
Her mother broke first, rushing forward and pulling her into a tight embrace.
"My child…" she cried. "You've lost weight…
but you look happy."
Yun Rong laughed weakly through her tears. "I am happy."
Her father placed his hand gently on her shoulder, his voice thick with emotion. "You've done well."
Behind them, Prince Xian Rong stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Father-in-law. Mother-in-law."
The older man studied him for a moment___ the prince who had once been nothing more than a distant royal figure___ before nodding slowly.
"Take good care of my daughter."
Xian Rong's expression turned serious. "With my life."
Just as the moment settled, another carriage arrived at the palace entrance.
Yue Rong turned instinctively___ and her eyes widened.
"Uncle Ha… Aunt Hana…"
Mr. Ha stepped down first, dressed in formal robes clearly prepared for the occasion, though he still carried his usual humble presence. Hana followed behind him, smiling warmly, with their children peeking curiously from the carriage.
For a brief second, Yue Rong forgot she was a bride. She lifted her robes slightly and hurried down the steps toward them.
Hana opened her arms immediately.
"My child," she said softly as Yue Rong hugged her tightly. "Look at you… you've become a princess now."
Tears filled Yun Rong's eyes. "If not for you… I don't know what would have happened to me."
Mr. Ha cleared his throat, pretending to be stern, though his eyes were already red.
"You were always like a daughter to us," he said. "Seeing you like this today… we are proud."
Behind them, Mimi and Lili ran forward excitedly, clinging to Mr. Ha and Hana, laughing happily. The children of different families quickly gathered together, filling the entrance with noise and warmth.
Prince Xian Rong walked down and bowed respectfully to them as well.
"Thank you," he said sincerely. "For taking care of my family when I could not."
Mr. Ha smiled. "Take care of her from now on. That is enough thanks for us."
The wedding ceremony was held in the main palace courtyard of Yunhai. Every person who had survived the great battle was present. The Emperor and Empress sat at the head, their expressions filled with pride and relief. Rong Yuan stood beside Princess Moyin, their son playing happily nearby. Wu Zhen, Yu Wing, Yun Qing, Leng Yue, Lianyi Mei's parents, the generals, soldiers ___ even palace servants who had witnessed the dark days___ all gathered to celebrate. It was more than a wedding. It was a celebration of survival. A celebration of peace.
When Yun Rong walked down the aisle toward Xian Rong, the courtyard grew quiet. The twins, Mimi and Lili, ran ahead of her, scattering flower petals with excited laughter, completely unaware of the tears in many adults' eyes.
Xian Rong watched her approach, unable to hide his smile.
For the first time in his life… He looked completely certain.
When she reached him, their eyes met, and everything else seemed to disappear.
Later, during the banquet, laughter and conversation filled the hall. Wine flowed freely, and music echoed through the palace.
Lianyi glanced around the room, then leaned closer to Leng Yue.
"Where is Tian Yu?" he asked. "I thought he would never miss something like this."
Leng Yue took a slow sip of wine before answering casually.
"Yuyan gave birth this morning."
Lianyi froze. "What?"
Leng Yue's lips curved slightly.
"A little vampire," he added. "Healthy and loud. Apparently already stronger than most newborns."
Wu Zhen nearly choked on his drink nearby. "Already?"
Leng Yue nodded. "The lover boy refused to leave her side. He hasn't slept. Won't let anyone carry the child except himself."
A few people around them laughed.
"So that's why he didn't come," Lianyi said, shaking his head. "I should have guessed."
Leng Yue smiled faintly. "For him, nothing else matters right now."
Back in the throne room, the emperor called Rong yuan and Yue Rong into the hall to have a brief private talk with them.
"Rong Yuan, I'll start by apologizing to you. I shouldn't have acted rashly when I confirmed that you got a maid pregnant. I didn't know anything about it and yet I acted immediately. I'm truly sorry." The emperor apologized sincerely.
Rong Yuan smiled.
"It's alright, father. I should have told you about it before you confirm yourself."
The emperor nodded before turning to Yue Rong.
"Yue Rong. I should apologize to you too for how I acted towards you. I called you a commoner and I said a lot of harsh things. I'm truly sorry." The emperor said.
Yue Rong face softened.
"It's fine. Any emperor would act like that if there hear such unexpected news." She said.
"Please, take care of her. I can see that she's a good woman and she's totally good for you. Cherish her." The emperor said.
"I surely will."
The emperor nodded and hugged them both lightly.
As night fell, lanterns lit up the palace, glowing like stars across Yunhai.
Xian Rong held Yue Rong's hand as they stood on the terrace overlooking the celebration below.
"Are you happy?" he asked quietly.
She nodded.
"Yes."
He pulled her gently into his arms.
"I told you," he murmured. "Everything would be fine."
Below them, their daughters were running around with other children, laughing freely.
Peace had finally come.
Far away, in another palace, Tian Yu sat beside Yuyan, holding their newborn child carefully, refusing to let go___ just as he had refused to let go of her.
And for the first time in many lifetimes…
Their world was quiet in peace.
THE END