The capital was unusually lively that evening.
Long before sunset, the streets near the western district had already become crowded with noble carriages and guests dressed in bright ceremonial robes. Red lanterns hung across every building surrounding the wedding manor while cheerful music echoed through the air, blending with laughter and conversation.
Unlike court banquets filled with hidden tension and careful politics, tonight's atmosphere felt genuinely warm.
Because this wedding—
Was between two people who truly loved each other.
The groom, Shen Rui, had grown up alongside Xu Chen inside the palace and later entered the imperial guard. Though not from the highest noble family, his loyalty and talent had earned both respect and trust.
The bride, Luo Meiyun, had been one of Yue Ning's closest companions during her academy years. Gentle yet outspoken, she was among the few noble young ladies who spoke to Yue Ning normally without fear or hidden jealousy.
And after years of friendship—
Both Xu Chen and Yue Ning had personally agreed to attend.
Inside the manor, servants hurried nervously.
"Are the lanterns arranged properly?"
"Quickly, bring more wine to the east courtyard!"
"The musicians are ready!"
Despite the joyful atmosphere, everyone remained tense over one terrifying fact—
The Crown Prince himself was attending.
At the entrance, Shen Rui stood in formal wedding robes greeting guests while trying very hard not to look panicked.
Several of his friends laughed mercilessly nearby.
"You look like you're preparing for execution instead of marriage."
Shen Rui glared at them. "Easy for you to say."
Another guard smirked. "Who told you to invite His Highness personally?"
"I couldn't not invite him!"
"And he actually agreed."
"That's the terrifying part!"
Before anyone could continue teasing him—
The guards at the entrance suddenly straightened.
"The Crown Prince has arrived!"
The lively atmosphere quieted almost instantly.
A black imperial carriage stopped before the manor gates as palace guards stepped aside respectfully. Xu Chen emerged calmly, dressed in dark robes embroidered with silver dragons hidden subtly beneath the fabric.
Even surrounded by celebration and laughter, his presence naturally drew silence.
Shen Rui immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply. "This subject greets Your Highness."
Xu Chen looked at him calmly for a moment before saying, "Today is your wedding. Stop trembling."
Several nearby guests nearly laughed.
Shen Rui looked genuinely helpless. "Your Highness, with respect… you being here makes that difficult."
Xu Chen said nothing further.
Which somehow made Shen Rui even more nervous.
Then another carriage arrived.
This time, the atmosphere shifted differently.
Yue Ning stepped down gracefully beneath the lantern light, dressed in flowing crimson robes suitable for the wedding celebration. Her dark hair was loosely adorned with delicate golden ornaments, making her appear softer and brighter than usual.
Many guests momentarily lost focus.
Even Shen Rui blinked slightly.
Then he noticed something dangerous.
The moment Yue Ning appeared—
Xu Chen's gaze settled entirely on her.
And did not move.
Shen Rui: "…."
Ah.
So that's how it is.
Yue Ning approached calmly, her eyes briefly sweeping across the crowded entrance before landing naturally on Xu Chen.
"You arrived before me."
Xu Chen answered simply, "You're late."
Yue Ning looked mildly offended. "I'm perfectly on time."
"You're still later than me."
Shen Rui silently looked away.
The Crown Prince arguing over arrival times…
No one in the empire would believe this scene.
Before the conversation could continue, a cheerful voice suddenly interrupted.
"Ning'er!"
Luo Meiyun rushed forward excitedly, nearly forgetting wedding etiquette completely as she grabbed Yue Ning's hands.
"You actually came!"
Yue Ning smiled faintly. "You invited me personally."
"Of course I did." Luo Meiyun lowered her voice dramatically. "Though I didn't think His Highness would truly attend."
Xu Chen calmly replied from beside them, "I was invited too."
Poor Luo Meiyun nearly froze.
Yue Ning looked away slightly, clearly hiding amusement.
Soon, the ceremony began.
Guests gathered within the central courtyard beneath countless glowing lanterns while musicians played traditional melodies softly in the background. Red silk fluttered lightly in the evening breeze, creating a warm and dreamlike atmosphere.
Xu Chen and Yue Ning sat beside each other near the front as honored guests.
Several young nobles nearby looked both envious and terrified.
Envious because of Yue Ning.
Terrified because of Xu Chen.
The wedding rites proceeded smoothly as Shen Rui and Luo Meiyun exchanged bows before heaven, earth, and family elders.
As the bride and groom stood together beneath the lantern light, Yue Ning quietly watched them.
"They look happy," she said softly.
Xu Chen glanced toward the couple. "Mm."
Yue Ning tilted her head slightly. "That's all?"
"What else should I say?"
"I don't know. Something meaningful."
Xu Chen looked at her calmly. "They married the person they wanted."
Yue Ning blinked once.
Then unexpectedly laughed softly.
"That actually was meaningful."
Xu Chen seemed unconcerned. "I usually am."
Yue Ning immediately replied, "No, usually you sound intimidating."
Xu Chen looked genuinely thoughtful for a moment.
"I do?"
"Yes."
Nearby, several noble ladies secretly listening almost died from shock.
The Crown Prince was actually asking if he sounded intimidating.
To anyone except Yue Ning—
That answer was obvious.
As the banquet portion began, the atmosphere grew even livelier. Wine flowed freely while music and laughter filled the manor completely. Even some officials relaxed enough to speak casually.
At one point, Shen Rui finally escaped from greeting guests and collapsed briefly into the empty seat across from Xu Chen.
He looked exhausted already.
"You regret getting married?" Yue Ning asked lightly.
"No," Shen Rui replied honestly. "I regret inviting so many people."
Xu Chen calmly poured him tea instead of wine.
Shen Rui stared at the cup helplessly. "Your Highness… today is my wedding."
"You already drank enough."
Yue Ning nearly laughed.
Shen Rui looked between them before suddenly sighing dramatically.
"You two really match each other."
The table fell silent briefly.
Xu Chen remained calm.
Yue Ning raised an eyebrow slightly. "What does that mean?"
Shen Rui answered honestly before fear could stop him. "No one else in the world could tolerate either of you."
Several nearby guards instantly choked on their drinks.
Yue Ning narrowed her eyes slowly. "You're very brave today."
"It's my wedding. You can't hit me."
Xu Chen calmly added, "She might."
Shen Rui immediately looked betrayed. "Your Highness!"
For the first time that evening—
A faint smile appeared on Xu Chen's lips again.
Small.
Brief.
But real.
And watching that quiet expression beneath the sea of lantern light, Shen Rui suddenly understood something clearly.
The Crown Prince who stood distant from the entire world—
Was only truly relaxed beside Yue Ning.
As if only there—
He no longer needed to remain untouchable.