The two brothers discussed more details of the wedding: the guest list, the ceremony proceedings, the seating arrangements for each sect. They settled everything, down to the smallest detail.
By the time they had finished discussing everything, the sky outside the window was already beginning to brighten.
Xu Yanli rose to his feet and stretched his stiff, aching neck.
"Brother, I'll head back first. I need to tell Guyi myself."
Xu Tianran nodded. As he watched him reach the door, he suddenly called out, "Yanli."
Xu Yanli stopped and looked back at him.
Xu Tianran fell silent for several seconds before saying softly, "Once you take a wife, you'll truly be an adult. You ought to rein in some of your habits."
Xu Yanli froze for a moment, then smiled. "Got it, Brother."
He pushed open the door and walked out.
The chill of early morning washed over him, carrying the faint fragrance of the osmanthus trees in the courtyard.
Xu Yanli stood beneath the corridor and took a deep breath.
In a little over twenty days, he would be getting married.
He had never imagined he would start a family so soon, but since it had been decided, he would make sure it was done properly.
Ye Guyi lived in a small courtyard east of the Prince's Mansion, not far from his study. It took only a few steps to get there.
The courtyard gate was open. When he pushed it and entered, Ye Guyi was sitting at the stone table in the courtyard, holding a cup of hot tea as she stared blankly at the pale light spreading along the horizon.
Hearing footsteps, she turned around. The instant she saw Xu Yanli, her entire body froze, and she nearly dropped the teacup in her hand.
"Y-Your Highness? When