Chapter 2

Red ribbons fluttered, and drums echoed loudly—it was Su Jingyao’s wedding day. From afar, the long procession looked like a red dragon stretching endlessly into the distance.

At the front were attendants dressed in fine clothes, carrying banners with intricate designs that swayed in the wind. Behind them were beautifully decorated carriages, all loaded with an impressive amount of dowry. The chests were stacked high and even decorated with gold and silver.

The dowry included luxurious silk and brocade, countless pieces of gold and silver jewelry, and a variety of jade and gemstones—shiny pearls, dazzling gems, and smooth jade—each sparkling beautifully. There were also antiques, paintings, and classic books, all showcasing the elegance and cultural richness of Su Jingyao’s family.

The entire procession moved slowly but steadily, drawing gasps of admiration from onlookers for the grand display and the wealth of her dowry.

Inside her bridal sedan chair, Su Jingyao sat upright. In the Jun Kingdom, brides didn’t wear red veils. Instead, they carried a round fan to hide their faces. As a concubine, she didn’t have to perform traditional wedding rituals with the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince simply needed to escort her. Once they reached the Eastern Palace, she would be taken straight to her room, while he greeted the guests in the main hall. The journey was long, and her heavy headpiece was uncomfortable, but Su Jingyao had no choice but to endure it.

Sitting in the sedan chair, she could only listen to the sounds outside to figure out where they were. Finally, when the sound of drums faded and the sedan made several turns, they arrived at Xiyan Hall.

With the help of her maid Miaoyun, Su Jingyao stepped into the hall and sat on the bridal bed, still holding the round fan. This time, she had brought her four maids—Miaoyun, Miaoxia, Miaoyue, and Miaoxue—along with Madam Li to the Eastern Palace. Thanks to the Emperor’s decree, she could bring as many dowries and maids as she wanted.

After everyone left, Su Jingyao quietly put down her round fan and began to observe the room carefully.

The floor was covered with a soft, luxurious carpet. The walls were decorated with beautiful paintings that looked lifelike and detailed. The headboard of the bridal bed was intricately carved and adorned with pearls and gemstones. The silk bedding was embroidered with fine patterns and felt smooth to the touch.

By the window was a small, elegant table with matching chairs. A vase of fresh flowers sat on the table, filling the air with a light, pleasant fragrance. The entire room was festive yet refined, luxurious but still cozy. It seemed the Crown Prince had made sure the room was properly prepared, at least for appearances.

But the name of the palace—Xiyan, meaning “Sunset Bloom”—didn’t sit well with her. For a young woman’s residence to be named something so somber, it was clear the Crown Prince wasn’t fond of her. Su Jingyao sat quietly for a long time until she heard footsteps outside the door. Quickly, she picked up her fan to cover her face.

Finally, the Crown Prince arrived.

Jun Zechen walked in, his handsome face calm and emotionless. This marriage had been arranged by the Emperor. Su Jingyao was the daughter of an influential minister and a noblewoman of high status. Even if Jun Zechen wasn’t willing, he had no choice but to accept.

As Crown Prince, he had great power, but his responsibilities were greater. Standing at a distance, he looked at Su Jingyao seated on the bed. Her face was hidden behind the fan, making it impossible to see her features.

All he could notice was her elaborate hair ornaments sparkling in the light and her red wedding gown perfectly outlining her slender waist and graceful figure. Her small hands, holding the fan, were fair and delicate, with a faint pink tint that made them look both fragile and charming.

She sat with flawless posture, showing no faults in her demeanor.

Jun Zechen walked casually toward her, his expression calm. Without warning, he took the fan from her hand and tossed it aside. The sudden, disrespectful action startled Su Jingyao, her wide eyes showing a hint of fear.

Her long lashes trembled slightly, like petals swaying in the breeze. She bit her lip nervously, showing her unease.

“Your servant greets the Crown Prince,” she said softly, her voice trembling.

Jun Zechen had heard of her beauty before, but he had grown up surrounded by beautiful women and cared more about character than appearance.Still, when the fan was removed, he was caught off guard by her breathtakingly exquisite face.

Her makeup was flawless, her skin radiant, her lips a soft rosy red. Her bright eyes and gentle smile made her look both lively and elegant. For a brief moment, Jun Zechen’s heart wavered.

But he quickly composed himself.

To him, beauty was fleeting. No matter how stunning she was now, it would fade with time. He wouldn’t let it affect him.

He had come tonight to set boundaries.

“Stand up,” he said calmly.

Su Jingyao stood slowly, watching him cautiously. She hesitated when he didn’t sit, then nervously asked,

 “Would Your Highness like to sit?” Her voice was barely audible.

Jun Zechen studied her briefly, his sharp gaze unreadable. Then, without a word, he sat on the edge of the bed.

“You may sit,” he said.

Su Jingyao sat down gracefully, leaving a respectful distance between them. She occasionally glanced at him.

There was no denying how handsome he was. His straight nose, sharp brows, and perfectly sculpted features gave him a cold but striking appearance. Su Jingyao was pleased. She was particular about looks, both her own and others’, and the Crown Prince met her high standards.

Back in the modern world, she had never lacked boyfriends, each serving as a step in her ambitions.

Jun Zechen, however, noticed her glances and grew more rigid. His tightly pressed lips showed his firm resolve.

He had already promised his love and loyalty to Ling Yue, who had returned from the frontier for him.

He would honor that promise and have nothing to do with Su Jingyao.

“I came here tonight to make one thing clear,” he said, his voice cold.

 “I am deeply in love with the Crown Princess. My heart belongs to her alone, and I will not touch you.”

His tone was emotionless as he turned to look at her directly. Su Jingyao’s expression remained calm, as if she had already expected this.

After listening, she smiled faintly. Her eyes softened, radiating warmth and kindness, like the gentle sunlight of spring.

“Your Highness,” she said gently,

“I knew of your love for the Crown Princess before our marriage. You two are a perfect match, and I had no intention of interfering. But the Emperor’s decree left me no choice…”

His heart began to race uncontrollably.

Jun Zechen clenched his fists, trying hard to control his restless body.

She was just a beautiful woman. As the Crown Prince, how could he be distracted by beauty? After Su Jingyao lay down, she wrapped herself in the blanket, leaving only her beautiful face visible. She looked peaceful, like a lotus in bloom.

Her thick eyelashes cast shadows under the light, trembling slightly like butterflies, making her even more enchanting. Su Jingyao looked at Jun Zechen. Seeing him standing still and looking stiff, she felt a bit confused.

“Your Highness, aren’t you going to lie down? I’m very tired and want to rest,” she said gently, her voice soft and sweet.

Hearing her voice, Jun Zechen’s mind grew even more conflicted. He wasn’t immune to such beauty, and his body naturally reacted.But he had made a promise to Ling Yue and couldn’t break it.

Finally, he took a deep breath to calm himself, then turned his back to Su Jingyao and lay down. Su Jingyao watched his back, a faint smirk forming on her lips.

He says one thing but does another. Hmph.

She then turned away, closed her eyes, and soon fell asleep.

Jun Zechen, trained in martial arts, was sensitive to sounds. As he listened, he could tell that Su Jingyao had fallen into a deep sleep. Growing up in the palace, he had learned how complicated harem politics could be.

His mother was always either plotting against others or defending herself from their schemes.Because of this, he had promised himself that if he found someone he truly loved, he would protect her and keep her away from such troubles.

His children, too, would only come from a woman he loved deeply.

But life didn’t go as planned.

He had been married to Ling Yue for two years, but they had no children. The Empress asked the Emperor to arrange his marriage to Su Jingyao. As the Crown Prince, he couldn’t refuse. Continuing the royal lineage was his duty.

Even so, he vowed to stay true to his promise to Ling Yue and not touch Su Jingyao. If Su Jingyao was kind and sincere, he would treat her well to make up for the situation. With these thoughts in his mind, he slowly fell asleep.

The candlelight flickered, casting shadows in the room where the newlyweds lay apart like strangers on their wedding bed.

But Su Jingyao didn’t stay still in her sleep.

Her body moved closer to the warmth next to her.

Jun Zechen, a light sleeper, felt a soft breath on his neck. It tickled him, making his skin tingle. He also noticed his arm pressing against something soft. Jun Zechen opened his eyes and turned his head, seeing Su Jingyao’s delicate face close to him.

Her chest rested against his arm, and part of her skin, usually covered, was now exposed. Jun Zechen’s body froze, feeling conflicted. After a moment, he carefully moved his arm away and pushed her back slightly.

Su Jingyao didn’t wake up and simply hugged the blanket, turning to another position.

Maybe it was the warm room, but one of her legs peeked out from under the blanket. Lying on her side, her slim waist looked even more graceful. Jun Zechen stared for a moment, feeling restless.

He quickly closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and got up. He poured himself a cup of tea, drinking it to calm down.

Once he felt more composed, he returned to bed and lay down.

In the morning, sunlight streamed through the window. As Jun Zechen woke, he noticed something soft in his hand.

Out of reflex, he squeezed it slightly.

Realizing what it was, his eyes shot open. Su Jingyao was still lying in the same position as last night, but somehow, he was now holding her tightly in his arms.

Her back was pressed against his chest, and his hand were even.. Jun Zechen’s face darkened. He quickly let go of her and got out of bed.

The movement woke Su Jingyao.

She turned over sleepily, blinking her long lashes as she looked at him with drowsy eyes.

“Your Highness?” she asked softly.

Sitting up slowly, she leaned on the bed.

Unaware of her gown slipping off her shoulder and revealing her skin, she looked naturally alluring.

Jun Zechen stood straight by the bed, his expression cold and distant, his lips pressed into a tight line, and his gaze sharp. This woman was clearly trying to seduce him. Said to himself.

“I have official duties to handle. I’m leaving now,” he said coldly, his tone completely emotionless.

 Without giving Su Jingyao a chance to respond, he turned and left the room without looking back. Su Jingyao watched him leave, raising her eyebrows slightly as a faint, playful smile appeared on her lips.

‘’Hmph, men—they’re all the same’’.