At that moment, my mind was in complete chaos. I was also stunned by Sang Ruoying's straightforwardness and assertiveness, leaving me speechless. I could only stand there blankly in his arms, feeling the warmth and fragrance emanating from him.
That night, I thought of asking the Marquis if we should just let it go?
But the Marquis was very worried about me. In the study, he first had me sit down, and then suddenly let out a long sigh.
Me: "..." Don't do this, I'm scared.
" Zhou'er, are you looking for your father because of Lord Sang's matter?"
"Father, I think it's too early to decide now?" I clearly told the Marquis in the carriage that men are just tools, why make such a fuss? If we really get married, won't my dream of marrying a handsome man be shattered?
"It's getting late. Lord Sang is getting old and won't be able to wait much longer. Besides, he's the most suitable person. He's not surrounded by women, he's virtuous and upright, not glib, and he's the son of the Prime Minister. If anything happens to the Marquis's mansion in the future, someone will take care of you."
"Dad, I didn't think that much when I chose him, and I've realized I don't actually like him that much..."
" Zhou'er, we can all see how deeply you love Sang Ruoying. You love to sleep so much, yet you stayed up all night carving a jade pendant for him, doing things you've never done before. How can we not understand the urgency in your heart?"
So, Dad will help you out. I know you might be scared, but there's nothing to be afraid of. Sang Ruoying dares to bully you, I'll be the first to object!
Me: "..." Damn, everyone, there's no need to be in such a hurry!
When the Marquis spoke of serious matters, his tone left no room for argument, and I dared not refute him.
Because what the Marquis said makes perfect sense, if more people knew my identity, those who sought to gain merit by following the emperor would not let me off the hook.
I'm trying to figure out how to salvage this. Wait, am I missing something?
"Father, you don't actually think I can accomplish anything, do you?" I was dumbfounded after suddenly understanding the Marquis's intention.
"Doesn't Zhou'er want that position?"
What a load of rubbish! Being an emperor is exhausting. You don't learn the art of being a ruler, yet you have to work hard to manage state affairs, experience all sorts of palace intrigues, and have three thousand beauties in the harem... It's absolutely terrifying.
Besides, I'm gay, so nothing I say would be appropriate.
Thinking that there were so many princes, I secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "I don't want to, Father. You know I'm not interested in any of this."
"In short, Zhou'er, you need to plan for your future. Your father will grow old one day too." The Marquis got up and walked over, patted my head, and then had someone take me back to the courtyard.
I stood there dumbfounded in the courtyard. Wait, wasn't I just trying to persuade my father to get married? How did we end up talking about the throne?!
The Marquis's residence and the Prime Minister's residence acted very quickly, as if afraid that either side would back out. On a day off, the two families discussed an auspicious day for the wedding.
He also had someone look at his birth chart.
Not only did the Prime Minister's residence intervene, but even the Emperor himself issued an imperial decree to grant us marriage as soon as possible.
After hearing the news, my eldest brother rushed back overnight. Because of the two weapons I gave him, he won five small battles and one major battle. With my second uncle over there, he also had time to come back.
I thought my elder brother would object, but it turns out he shared the same idea as the Marquis: he hoped to have someone to take care of me.
He has been stationed at the border and cannot return immediately if anything happens. Now, the news that the young master is a prince has been discovered by some people with ulterior motives.
The Marquis's family isn't afraid of what the Emperor might do to them; what they fear is that the Imperial Concubine and the Empress will take action against me once they learn my identity.
Almost all the officials from the Marquis's residence were military officers, while most of the people from the Prime Minister's residence were civil officials. Only in this way could my safety be guaranteed.
I never expected things to develop this way. What my older brother told me was just going with the flow.
My older brother also gave me a soft gold whip, telling me to whip Sang Ruoying if he misbehaved.
I:"..."
On the wedding day, the mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the house was filled with guests, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
I sat in the bridal sedan chair, surrounded by the joyful sounds of gongs and drums and the laughter of people.
Things developed in a way that completely exceeded my expectations, as if an invisible hand was pushing everything along, and I can't possibly say I was joking! Waaah...
The bridal sedan chair slowly came to a stop, and I was helped into the wedding hall. Before me was a sea of red, and the air was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood. Sang Ruoying stood in front of the hall, dressed in wedding attire, his handsome face and eyes radiating a gentle joy.
"First bow to Heaven and Earth!" the master of ceremonies announced loudly.
I mechanically followed the instructions and bowed, but couldn't help but smile bitterly to myself. I was the one who started this "game," but now I felt like I was stuck in a quagmire, unable to extricate myself. Damn it, my life as a player is over...
The opponent wasn't anyone else, but Sang Ruoying!
"Bowing to the parents again!"
I turned around with Sang Ruoying and bowed to the Marquis and Chancellor Sang in the high hall. The Prime Minister was beaming with joy, while the Marquis wore a complex expression, a mixture of relief and helplessness.
He was the one who orchestrated it, so why does he feel so upset, like he's marrying off his daughter?
"Husband and wife bow to each other!"
I took a deep breath and bowed to Sang Ruoying. In the instant our eyes met, I saw a fleeting, almost imperceptible tenderness in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by his usual calm.
After the ceremony, I was led to the bridal chamber.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, I was filled with mixed emotions. Sang Ruoying, the man I had originally only intended to tease, had now become my husband.
The door creaked open, and Sang Ruoying walked in. He stood in front of me, looked at me quietly for a moment, and then suddenly asked, "Are you nervous?"
I paused for a moment, then realized that my hands were unconsciously twisting the hem of my clothes. I quickly let go and said calmly, "No, it's just that I'm not used to it."
He smiled slightly, sat down beside me, and said softly, "You'll get used to it. Let's have dinner first; you haven't eaten much today."
Looking at his face, for some reason, my nose felt a little sore.
This guy is always so gentle, I can't push him away at all. I can't deny that I actually like him a little, which is why I didn't let go in time.
Oh well, it's all fate.
"Why are you crying? Are you feeling unwell?" Sang Ruoying hugged me and gently comforted me, even pinching my mouth to make it look like a duck's beak.
I:"..."
"No whining, or you'll regret it." He let go of my hand, completely free of his previous restraint, and even kissed me on the cheek.
"How am I being coquettish?" My voice choked up a little, I wondered if I was sad that I didn't have the chance to be a player anymore.
"Sweetie, you'll have the energy to cry if you eat." Sang Ruoying pinched my cheek and couldn't help but kiss me again.
I froze in his arms, staring at this guy who'd shown his true colors after we got married, "You actually kissed me?!"
"I am your husband, why can't I kiss my own wife?"