Chapter 3 — The Jade Robe and Old Dreams

There are many people in this world who share the exact same hobbies.

But...

Spring.

I interrupted her, laid down my needle and thread, and looked straight into her eyes.

Never speak such words again in the future. Should they ever reach the outside world, no good will come of it for anyone.

Spring lowered her head, submissive and chastised.

This servant understands.

I picked up the needle and thread once more, resuming my work on the bridal garments.

11

The date of the wedding was drawing near, and time slipped away like running water before dawn had even fully broken. Spring had already roused me from slumber. There was washing, combing, binding the hair, applying delicate cosmetics, and finally draping the heavy layers of the scarlet bridal robes over my shoulders. Not long after, the explosive crackle of celebratory firecrackers shattered the morning quiet outside; the bridal procession had arrived. With the heavy red veil veiling my vision, I was gently supported by Spring, stepping carefully out of my maiden chambers. The ornate bridal sedan chair waited quietly at the threshold. Green Stream stood before it, resplendent in crimson wedding attire. Catching sight of me emerging, he was so overwhelmed with nervous tension that his hands and feet scarcely knew where to rest. He spoke in a soft, trembling whisper.

Qing Ci, I have come to fetch you home.

Beneath the heavy crimson silk, a gentle smile curved my lips.

I am ready.

The thunderous din of gongs and drums erupted into the air, and the bridal sedan was lifted steadily into the sky. In my past life, I had also ridden within a bridal sedan to enter the Eastern Palace. Yet because I was merely a secondary consort, even upon arrival I was forced to enter through a side gate. The sedan had halted in front of a minor portal, greeted by neither welcoming cheers nor festive celebration. I had stepped down into the dust alone, walked through the side entrance into the vast expanse of the Eastern Palace, and made my way alone to a lonely pavilion where I lifted my own bridal veil by myself. He had told me then that such was the strict rule of propriety, an order that could never be broken.

When I snapped back to the present, the sedan had already arrived at the residence of Green Stream. He carefully assisted me in stepping down. The wedding banquet was extraordinarily lively, with guests filling every corner of the grand hall. To my utter astonishment, Zhao Zhi Shu had also come, seated among the honored guests. My elder sister sat quietly by his side, clad in that very same shade of azure green, yet no matter how one looked at it, something about the scene felt profoundly wrong. Once the ceremonial bows of marriage were completed, the master of ceremonies cried out in a resounding voice.

Escort the bride and groom to the bridal chamber!

Green Stream clasped my hand tightly, leading me step by step toward the inner courtyards. The guests flooded in behind us, tightly packing both the inside and outside of the newlywed quarters. According custom, the groom was required to lift the bridal veil in front of all the witnesses, allowing everyone to gaze upon the face of the bride. Green Stream accepted the ivory weighing scale, drew in a deep breath, and cautiously prepared to lift a corner of the crimson silk.

At that exact moment, the hurried sound of footsteps echoed from the outer courtyard. A guardsman pushed his way through the congested crowd, leaning close to whisper urgently into the ear of Zhao Zhi Shu. The previously indifferent gaze of Zhao Zhi Shu instantly sharpened into something piercing.

Your Highness?

My elder sister called out to him softly.

News of her has finally been found.

Leaving behind those curt words, he immediately whirled around to depart.

Your Highness, the wedding banquet is not yet over...

Anxious and alarmed, my sister reached out to tug at his sleeve. He glanced down at her coldly, and she instinctively jerked her hand back as if burned.

She matters far more than this.

With that final declaration, he spun on his heel and strode away. At the very same instant, my bridal veil was lifted away, revealing my face to the world. Every single guest in the chamber burst into simultaneous praise and admiration.

What a breathtaking bride!

Lord Green Stream is truly blessed beyond measure!

Meanwhile, Zhao Zhi Shu was already striding furiously across the threshold of the bridal chamber. He rushed out of the courtyard, mounted his steed in a single fluid motion, and spurred the animal into a gallop, vanishing into the distance. Behind him, peals of joyous laughter and merrymaking drifted from the bridal room. He heard none of it.

12

More than a month had passed since our wedding day. The affection between my husband and me was remarkably harmonious, and we rarely had any need to step outside. He treated me with an astonishing degree of tenderness. Whenever night fell and darkness blanketed the earth, he would draw close to my side, clinging to me relentlessly like a well-fed cat that refused to let go.

Lately, my monthly courses had grown irregular, frequently accompanied by sharp, gripping pains in my abdomen. I knew not where he had acquired a certain herbal remedy, but he personally went out to procure the ingredients, brewed the medicinal broth himself with meticulous care, and brought it piping hot to my bedside. Disliking the bitter taste of the medicine, I would hesitate, whereupon he would silently prepare candied fruits, counting them out one by one and arranging them neatly on a small porcelain plate. Whenever I drank the dark draught, he would sit vigilantly by my side, speaking not a word, simply watching until the very last drop was gone before his mind was finally at ease. When night brought agonizing cramps to my belly, he would use the warm palms of his hands to soothe and comfort my lower abdomen, stroking and warming me until I drifted off to sleep. Awakening the following morning, I would find his hand still resting gently where it had been all night, never having shifted an inch through the dark hours.

I often thought that a life such as this was already more than enough perfection.

13

Three days later, my husband brought home a formal invitation. The Empress was hosting a grand floral appreciation banquet within the imperial palace, summoning all high ministers and their noble wives to attend. Daring not to indulge in laziness, I roused myself well before dawn to begin the intricate process of dressing and makeup. I donned a gown of azure green and carefully adorned my features. My husband sat close beside me, personally taking up the brush to paint my brows, executing each deliberate stroke with absolute seriousness and concentration.

Finished.

He set the eyebrow-painting stone down, gazed at me intently for a quiet moment, and then smiled warmly.

My wife is truly the most beautiful woman in the world.

I shot him a sidelong glance.

Such a silver tongue you have.

Once my adornment was complete, a young maidservant stepped through the doorway to announce.

Mistress, the carriage has been prepared and awaits outside.

As we passed through the majestic Xuanwu Gate, I felt the air within the carriage growing somewhat stifled and casually lifted the silk curtain to let in a breath of fresh air. At that exact moment, a carriage traveling alongside ours also raised its curtains. It was a luxurious carriage with a golden canopy and vermilion-painted body, and from behind the parting silk emerged the face of a young woman. Her brows and eyes were meticulously painted, her lips stained a vivid crimson, and she wore a gown of striking azure green.

Catching sight of me, she froze slightly in surprise. Then, she instantly let the curtain drop, turning her head with a spoiled, petulant pout toward her companion within the carriage.

Your Highness, did you see that? Someone is copying my style yet again.

From within the carriage came the low, indulgent laughter of Zhao Zhi Shu.

Only you wear it with such peerless beauty.

Is that truly so?

It is the absolute truth.