Chapter 7

Duke of Su Manor

Li Zhao made his way through the grand halls of the Duke's corridors with a determined pace, heading directly to his study. His thoughts were turbulent, far from the festive atmosphere surrounding him. He needed to think—needed to process what had just transpired. But before he could enter the room, a familiar figure appeared beside him.

"Your Highness, why did you change your mind?" Wu Xi's voice broke through the tension, his curiosity piqued.

Li Zhao's expression darkened as he turned to face his attendant. His voice, low and dangerous, filled the air with an unsettling weight. "Why didn't you tell me that The Third Miss of Xu Manor was her?" His words roared with barely contained fury.

Wu Xi hesitated, his eyes widening at the sudden outburst. "I... I already told you, Your Highness, that there is nothing we could find about her, except that she has been hidden away in the manor due to some misfortune," he stammered, trying to justify himself.

Li Zhao's eyes narrowed, his anger intensifying. "She lives in the countryside, and Xu Manor dared to lie to me." His voice carried the threat of a storm, the depth of his rage unmistakable.

Wu Xi, ever the opportunist, saw an opening in Li Zhao's words and seized it. "She's not from here? Then it's easier to get rid of her. The Emperor would never know, and the Xu Family's deception would be exposed. No one would blame you."

The suggestion hung in the air, a chilling proposal. Wu Xi smiled, his confidence growing as he imagined the possibilities.

But that smile faltered when Li Zhao shot him a deathly glare. The temperature in the room seemed to drop. "I will tell you one more time," Li Zhao's voice was cold, biting, "Do not touch her."

The force behind the words silenced Wu Xi, and for the first time, he felt a tremor of fear. His usual bravado melted under the weight of Li Zhao's command.

The Duke's presence was overwhelming, and his aura of danger made Wu Xi suddenly aware of how precarious his position was.

Without waiting for a response, Li Zhao turned on his heel and stalked off, leaving Wu Xi standing alone in the hallway, stunned and speechless.

As Li Zhao disappeared into the study, Wu Xi's mind raced.

'Is she truly going to be our real Princess Consort?' The question lingered, unanswered, but the implications were impossible to ignore.

And just like that, the wedding night—meant to be a celebration of power and union—passed in a blur. The festivities outside continued without interruption, but inside the study, Li Zhao was lost in his thoughts, wrestling with the confusion that now surrounded his new bride.

Bloom Pavilion

The early morning sun filtered through the open windows of the Bloom Pavilion, casting a gentle, warm glow across the room. Xu Ling Ai could hear the sweet, melodic chirping of birds outside.

She blinked, slowly waking from her sleep. Despite the luxury of the Duke's Manor, she still couldn't shake her old routine—an early riser, even when living in the countryside, and today was no different.

Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. The chamber she found herself in was grand—easily three times the size of her humble room back in the countryside. The ornate furniture, the silk curtains, the polished floors—everything felt new and almost overwhelming.

But she wasn't someone who relied on others. She wasn't used to having help, especially not anymore. She had become independent over the years. Xu Ling Ai was determined to be self-sufficient.

Her heart swelled with determination as she whispered to herself, "Mom, Dad... Don't worry about me. I'll handle this. I won't let anyone take advantage of me."

She quickly took a shower, the cool water helping her feel more centered. Afterward, she rummaged through the wardrobe, her fingers brushing the fabric of the robes inside. Today was her first day as someone's wife.

It felt almost surreal, like a contract marriage, the kind she had seen in dramas on television. But despite the oddity of the situation, she wasn't going to let it ruin her.

As long as they didn't interfere with each other, there would be no issue. And, frankly, he had been kind enough to accept her as she was.

"Princess Consort," A soft voice came from the door. Xu Ling Ai turned, surprised to hear someone address her by the formal title. "This is Gu Mama. His Highness has assigned me to help you."

"Come in," She called, her voice warm but tinged with a hint of exhaustion from the strange circumstances.

The elderly woman stepped inside, bowing respectfully. "Princess Consort, may I assist you with your hair?"

Xu Ling Ai flinched at the title—Princess Consort. It felt heavy, a constant reminder of her unfamiliar new role. Gu Mama, however, seemed kind, and Xu Ling Ai didn't want to seem rude.

"I could use some help, but please, don't be too formal." Xu Ling Ai waved off the older woman's deference.

Gu Mama smiled softly, nodding. She began combing Xu Ling Ai's long, silky hair, her hands delicate, and practiced as she worked with the hairpins and accessories. Soon, her hair was styled in an elegant butterfly knot, with the rest cascading down her back in soft waves.

Gu Mama couldn't help but admire her handiwork—Xu Ling Ai's natural beauty was undeniable, and even without extravagant jewelry, she radiated an ethereal charm.

But their moment was cut short when Wu Xi, the attendant who had greeted her earlier, appeared at the door.

"Princess Consort," he said with urgency.

"Her Majesty the Empress has summoned you and His Highness to enter the palace now."

"Coming!" Xu Ling Ai responded quickly, then turned to Gu Mama with a soft, "Thank you."

'I'm going to meet my mother-in-law' She thought, a flicker of nervousness stirring in her. Let's hope she's not evil.

As she stepped out of her chamber, Xu Ling Ai noticed the pavilion was surrounded by lush greenery—flowers, plants, and even a grove of bamboo. It was peaceful, secluded, and reminded her of her previous home in the countryside. At least there was some comfort in that.

"Good morning," She said to Wu Xi as he stood nearby. "Where is His Highness?"

Wu Xi, a young man who appeared slightly older than her, smiled politely. "Good morning Princess Consort. His Highness is waiting for you in the palanquin."

Xu Ling Ai, still getting used to the formality of her position, accidentally extended her hand to shake his, a habit she had from her old life.

Realizing her mistake, she quickly withdrew her hand and glanced awkwardly at the surroundings, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Wu Xi didn't seem to mind, offering a warm, understanding smile.

'No wonder His Highness changed his mind, he thought. The Princess Consort is certainly beautiful, but it can't be just because of that.'

"May I ask your name?" Xu Ling Ai inquired, genuinely curious about the man she'd just met.

"Wu Xi," He replied promptly, bowing his head slightly.

"Nice to meet you, Wu Xi. I hope we can get along," She said with a small smile.

Dressed in a simple yet elegant purple robe with white lace draped over it, Xu Ling Ai felt comfortable and at ease. She didn't like the heaviness of jewelry, preferring simplicity, just as she had back in her modern life. She wasn't one for lavish accessories—she much preferred hoodies and jeans in her previous world.

As they made their way to the palace, Xu Ling Ai tried to strike up a conversation. "Good morning, Your Highness. Did you sleep well last night?"

Li Zhao, as usual, merely nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze briefly flickering to the jade hanging at her waist. His eyes lingered on the jade for a moment before he turned his attention back to the road ahead.

Silence filled the air between them as they continued their journey, Xu Ling Ai finding solace in looking out the window to avoid the lingering awkwardness.

Soon, they arrived at the palace. The main hall was grand, and Xu Ling Ai couldn't help but feel a little out of place as she entered beside Li Zhao, their footsteps in sync.

To any onlooker, they would appear as the perfect couple—her delicate beauty and his commanding presence blending effortlessly, like a flower beside an immortal.

Before they could reach the front hall, an elderly woman blocked their path. The old mama, clearly a servant of the Empress, stared at Li Zhao with a mixture of surprise and deference.

"This elderly servant greets Your Highness Duke Su," She said, lowering herself into a respectful curtsy.

Li Zhao did not even glance at her, his cold demeanor unyielding. The old mama remained bent in position, waiting for any acknowledgment. Xu Ling Ai, feeling a pang of sympathy, spoke up.

"Old Mama, you can rise. There's no need for such formalities," She said softly, recalling how Jiang Mama used to insist on the same protocol in her old life.

But just as they were about to move past, the old mama interrupted them once more, this time with a pointed remark.

"Princess Consort, the Empress will inspect the blood on the handkerchief."

Xu Ling Ai froze, realization dawning upon her. The blood-stained handkerchief—a tradition to prove a bride's chastity on her wedding night. But last night... They didn't sleep together! The panic in her chest surged.

Oh no... What am I supposed to do? she thought, a sense of unfairness rising within her.

"Why do women have to prove their virginity, while men don't have to prove anything? It's so unjust!" Her frustration was so evident that Li Zhao, standing beside her, overheard her muttering.

"You live here," he said flatly, his voice dripping with mockery.

Xu Ling Ai shot him an incredulous glance. He heard that?

The old mama, still waiting for an answer, eyed the couple closely. She knew that the Empress was keen to use this opportunity to cast doubt on Li Zhao's ability to consummate the marriage.

Xu Ling Ai's mind raced. She wasn't going to let anyone humiliate her over something she had no control over. She had her dignity to protect.

'I'll figure something out, she thought. A little blood on a handkerchief isn't going to stop me.'

Before she could take any action, Li Zhao spoke up, his voice commanding.

"It is with me. Let's go."

The old mama blinked, startled. "Your Highness is going to see His Majesty and Her Majesty together?"

Li Zhao ignored her, his stride long and determined as he walked toward the palace. Xu Ling Ai hurried to keep up, holding her robe slightly to avoid tripping as she processed everything that had just happened.

The day was only just beginning, but already, it seemed like her life would never be the same again.

P.S.

They finally get married. Anyway, how are you doing? Please stay safe.

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Thanks! 💖 - R