Chapter 81: Countdown!!!
The days passed quietly, and unexpectedly nothing happened. Shen Yian was happy to have some free time.
The twelve hidden guards and twelve hours had all arrived at Tianwu City, and the palace was bustling to the extreme when a banquet was held to welcome everyone.
Fortunately, Ghost Face and Bai Shi could set up isolation formations, otherwise there would have been a risk of exposure.
Shen Yian felt a little emotional. He had gathered so many experts without realizing it. Moreover, he had the Ye family, which held military power.
However, this feeling faded quickly after the initial sentiment.
Thinking about morning court sessions and reviewing memorials, Shen Yian even shuddered.
As the day approached, the palace began sending items to the princeâs mansion.
They also sent two old matrons and a group of palace maids.
Since Shen Yian hadnât arranged for any personal maids, according to custom, he was supposed to choose one he liked from these palace maids. The two old matrons would then instruct him and the chosen maid in bedroom matters.
Afterwards, the maid would stay in the princeâs mansion as a servant, and if Shen Yian took a liking to her, she might be promoted to a concubine.
Shen Yian flatly refused. He joked to himself that although he lacked practical experience, he had learned from several teachers. Why would he need others to teach him such things?
Moreover, rules are dead, but people are alive. If he said no, it meant no. He couldnât stand even a hint of green!
Didnât a manâs first time count as the first time too?!
âYour Highness, weâre just following the rules,â one of the old matrons tried to persuade him.
âGet out!â
Shen Yian rolled his eyes and waved his sleeve, ordering Cheng Hai to lead the mansion guards to drive them away.
Cheng Hai sensed that his master was truly angry and used more force. The two old matrons had no choice but to leave with the group of palace maids, looking dejected.
âYour Highness, acting like this might displease His Majesty and the Empress,â the red-robed eunuch, who had been watching, cautiously reminded.
Shen Yian didnât speak, only giving him a look.
The red-robed eunuch obediently lowered his head and shut his mouth.
In the imperial palace, upon hearing that the old matrons and palace maids had been driven back, Emperor Wu merely said lightly, âLet him be,â silencing everyone.
The next day, the entire Tianwu City was exceptionally lively. Everyone knew that the King of Chu would be getting married tomorrow. Red silk banners hung along the streets, stretching for miles. One might think it was New Yearâs Eve.
On this day, Yin Hai and others were busy ensuring everything was perfect. They began inspecting and clearing potential risks throughout the city.
All business properties, including the Flower Village Teahouse and Drunken Immortal Pavilion, closed for two days, making preparations for tomorrowâs wedding.
As the first child to get married, Emperor Wu took it very seriously. He even specially deployed two thousand imperial guards and the entire Martial Guard Division to handle security, giving face and pomp to the fullest.
In the princeâs mansion, Shen Yian, having tried on his wedding attire, was now walking around his room with a memorial paper in her hand, reciting it.
Putting down the paper, he picked up the schedule prepared by Mendu and sighed.
âNo... nothing. Um, Sixth Brother, Iâd like to eat lamb leg and roast duck.â
Shen Luoyan said sheepishly, fidgeting with his hands.
âAlright, as long as youâre with Sixth Brother, you can eat as much as you want!â
âYay! I love the Sixth Brother the most!â
âSeventh Brother, do you like to play chess?â Shen Yian asked with a mysterious smile.
âChess?â
âYes, a very interesting kind of chess.â
âAn interesting chess game?! Isnât it Go? I want to play!â
To prevent Shen Luoyan from getting too âboredâ, Shen Yian specially called Fu Sheng to play Chinese chess with Shen Luoyan.
Time quickly moved to the afternoon, with lazy orange-yellow light pouring down.
At dinner time, Shen Yian almost laughed out loud seeing Shen Luoyanâs dazed expression.
For some reason, he suddenly wondered what it would be like to see Lu Wenxuan and Fu Sheng play against each other.
âSixth Brother, Chinese chess is so hard to play!â
At the dinner table, Shen Luoyan kept complaining. He had been thoroughly defeated all afternoon, making him question his life choices.
In the last game, he suggested playing Go, but was crushed by Fu Sheng again, nearly breaking his spirit.
Shen Yian smiled without speaking. Finally, he wasnât the only one being defeated in this world.
As night fell, Shen Luoyan carefully entered the bridal chamber under Shen Yianâs watchful eye.
âSixth Brother! Rest early! Donât forget to wake me up tomorrow morning!â
âAlright! I wonât forget!â
After the door closed, Mendu reminded from the side, âYour Highness, weâve prepared a room for you.â
âNo need. I wonât be able to sleep tonight anyway.â
Shen Yian looked up at the star-studded night sky and sighed with a smile.
At the Duke of Stateâs mansion.
Ye Liyan slowly stood up from the water. A thin mist swirled around her body, water droplets sliding down every inch of her smooth, creamy skin. Her black hair hung down her back, one jade-like arm covering her chest. A delicate foot lightly stepped out of the tub onto the carpet. This simple movement was enough to spark endless imagination.
With a gentle burst of inner energy, all the water droplets and moisture on her body dissipated, instantly leaving her dry.
Jinxiu and Jinlian, who had been prepared nearby, quickly came forward with towels.
âMiss, itâs time to change and prepare,â Jinxiu said with a smile as she wrapped the towel around Ye Liyan.
âMm.â
Ye Liyan held the towel to her chest, her pretty face flushed as she softly responded. Thinking about what would happen with His Highness tomorrow, her beautiful blue eyes couldnât hide her shyness.