Xu Yanli walked to the table, poured two cups of nuptial wine, then carried them to the bed and offered one to the bride beside him.
"Cross-cupped wine."
Ye Guyi reached out and took the cup. Her fingertips still trembled faintly, but she was much steadier than before.
Their arms gently entwined, and they tipped back their cups, drinking in one go.
The spicy liquor slid down her throat. Ye Guyi couldn't help coughing softly twice, and her already flushed cheeks turned an even deeper red.
Xu Yanli set the empty cups back on the wooden table, then turned and sat beside her.
For a moment, silence filled the room.
The noise, cheers, and fireworks outside drifted faintly through the window. Brilliant fireworks lit up the night sky, their shifting colors shimmering across the paper window.
After a long silence, Ye Guyi gently tilted her head and rested her forehead against Xu Yanli's shoulder. Her voice was soft and tender.
"Your Highness."
"I'm here."
"What happened on the high platform today..."
"I told you, we'd take our time sorting it out after today." Xu Yanli gently cut her off. There was a trace of helplessness in his voice, but it was reassuringly steady.
Ye Guyi murmured an affirmative and said nothing more. She leaned quietly against him, her heart gradually settling.
The red candles burned quietly, wax dripping slowly onto the holders and congealing into clusters of crimson flowers.
Outside, fireworks filled the sky, blazing without cease through the night.
That night, the entire Ming Capital stayed brightly lit, not sleeping until dawn.
Xu Yanli's movements were gentle, yet carried a hint of irresistible insistence.
Bracing one hand beside the bed, he slowly leaned over her, enclosing Ye Guyi between himself and the bed.
The distance between them narrowed inch