Before Chen Yixiao could offer more than a few words of praise, Zhang Zhixi asked:
"Didn't the wedding banquet end ages ago? Why are you only coming back now?"
"I went to the study to discuss a few things with Grandfather and the others.
It was a matter of burning urgency. I had to go!"
"Oh! Is it time for us to drink the wedding wine, then?"
Hearing that it had been so urgent, Zhang Zhixi had no intention of blaming the Sixth Prince.
"Yes. Wait here. I'll pour it!"
The bridal chamber lay hushed.
Within the brocade curtains, murmured endearments grew rich.
Beneath the silver candles, each was lovely to the other's gaze.
That beloved one, so clear last night-with you, I would grow old.
Inside, the two nestled cheek to cheek, entwined in tender passion.
Outside the window, a gauzy veil shrouded the night, the moonlight cool as water.
The day after his wedding, Chen Yixiao did not have to attend Morning Court.
In the Heavenly Phoenix Kingdom, members of the court were given three days of wedding leave!
Only when Chen Yixiao reckoned that Morning Court had ended did he get up with Zhang Zhixi. They still had to enter the palace that day to offer their thanks.
After meeting the emperor and the Empress, Chen Yixiao and Zhang Zhixi headed toward the Imperial Medical Academy.
Puzzled, Zhang Zhixi asked quietly:
"Husband, are you feeling unwell? You did exert yourself last night, but surely that doesn't warrant a trip to the Imperial Medical Academy?
If I'd known you were so weak, I should have done the work myself!
..."
Zhang Zhixi was about to continue when Chen Yixiao clapped a hand over her mouth, then looked around. Thankfully, no one was nearby. This woman truly