The Crown Prince's wedding was meant to be glorious.
Gold silk draped the palace corridors. Red lanterns lined the courtyards like a trail of fire. Music echoed endlessly, celebratory and hollow all at once.
It was a union blessed by strategy, approved by the court, applauded by ministers who smiled too widely.
And Xueyi arrived right on time.
She stepped out of the carriage beside Jin Wei.
Not behind him.
Not half a step back.
Beside.
Her robes were dignified rather than extravagant—soft jade trimmed with silver, elegant enough to command attention without seeking it. Jin Wei wore his formal general's attire, dark and sharp, the insignia on his chest gleaming beneath the lantern light.
The moment they appeared, conversations stuttered.
Whispers bloomed.
*That's her.*
*The future General's wife.*
*She's really attending this?*
Jin Wei offered his arm.
Xueyi took it without hesitation.
Inside the grand hall, the Crown Prince stood at the altar beside his bride—the Prime Minister's daughter, radiant and flawless in ceremonial red.
Then his eyes lifted.
And found her.
For a fraction of a moment, the practiced smile on his face faltered.
Xueyi.
Standing beside Jin Wei.
Not hidden.
Not lowered.
Not apologetic.
Reality settled in with cruel precision.
She had come.
With *him*.
The Crown Prince recovered quickly. He always did. His smile returned, flawless as ever, and the ceremony continued.
Vows were spoken. Blessings were granted. Applause thundered through the hall.
Xueyi listened politely, hands folded, posture composed.
Jin Wei leaned slightly closer. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," she replied softly. "It would be rude not to be."
That earned him the faintest smile.
When the couple descended from the altar, tradition demanded acknowledgment of honored guests.
The Crown Prince's gaze drifted toward Jin Wei—cool, measuring.
"Third prince" he said smoothly, lifting his cup. "Thank you for attending."
Jin Wei inclined his head. "A royal wedding deserves respect."
Then the Crown Prince turned to Xueyi.
"Lady Xueyi," he said, voice warm enough to fool anyone listening. "It's been… some time."
"Yes," she replied calmly. "Congratulations on your marriage, Your Highness."
Nothing more.
No softness.
No regret.
No memories hidden between syllables.
The Crown Prince's fingers tightened around his cup.
"Well wishes are appreciated," he said. "I hope you find… happiness."
Xueyi met his gaze steadily.
"I already have peace."
That ended it.
The Prime Minister's daughter watched the exchange closely, eyes flicking between faces. She smiled—but her grip on the Crown Prince's sleeve tightened.
Throughout the banquet, Jin Wei never left Xueyi's side.
When servants poured wine, he reached first.
When courtiers approached, he positioned himself just slightly forward.
Not possessive.
Protective.
Whispers sharpened.
They really were in love then. The rumors were true.
At one point, music swelled and couples took to the floor.
The Crown Prince watched as Jin Wei extended his hand to Xueyi.
"May I?" he asked quietly.
She nodded.
They moved with practiced ease—not intimate, not distant. Balanced. Equal.
From the dais, the Crown Prince looked on.
This was not the woman who once waited for his words.
This was not the girl who asked not to be hidden.
She stood in open light now.
And she had not brought her past with her.
When the banquet finally ended, Jin Wei escorted Xueyi out beneath the lanterns.
Behind them, the palace glowed—brilliant, celebratory, and dangerous.
Ahead of them, the night was quiet.
And for the first time since the decree was issued, the court understood:
This marriage was not an act of submission.
It was a declaration.