In the end, Shen Lang happily made her decision. Marry him? Absolutely.
'Becoming the woman the Little Emperor can't have... Tsk. The very thought is exhilarating.'
*
The wedding date was quickly set.
It should have been a grand, magnificent affair, but due to various unspoken restrictions, the wedding was a remarkably hasty event.
The most skilled matron in the manor had dressed Shen Lang up to look every bit the devastating femme fatale. With a single, flowing glance from her captivating eyes, she could make a person's very soul tingle.
A vibrant, fiery red gown clung to her form. Her fingertips were stained with dye, her lips were a perfect crimson, and her skin was like ice and jade—so flawless it seemed it would break at a touch. The corners of her eyes tilted up bewitchingly, making her look like a natural-born siren.
Yu Ge watched silently from the side, her nails digging so hard into her palm that faint beads of blood began to surface.
'In her past life, this sister of hers was beautiful, but she was never... so breathtakingly gorgeous that she seemed divine.'
'But it was fine... A woman like that was about to be married off anyway.'
'And I, on the other hand, will be the future Empress—second only to one and above all others.'
The red wedding veil was lowered over Shen Lang's face.
Princess Consort Chen said with red-rimmed eyes, "Although I'm reluctant to part with you, today, you're finally grown up. From now on, live a good life with the Prime Minister, and please, try not to cause any trouble..."
Shen Lang: "..."
'If she didn't cause trouble, would she still be the one and only Shen Huoshui, who could stir up heaven and earth?'
*
*
The Prime Minister, who was rumored to be busy with countless state affairs every day, actually made an appearance on his wedding day.
Clad in his wedding robes, he was heroic and handsome, his figure tall and straight like jade.
It's just... his face was very familiar.
An old acquaintance.
Shen Lang narrowed her eyes slightly. "...Qing Mei?"
Qing Mei tilted his head, his smile as gentle as a spring breeze. "Has my lady seen me before?"
'Good grief. He's forgotten me again.'
'How did this birdbrain ever become the Prime Minister?'
"Never," Shen Lang said, averting her gaze and offering a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
'If he was going to pretend he didn't know her, she could certainly play along.'
'She was curious to see who could keep up the act longer.'
Qing Mei suddenly leaned close to her ear, his warm breath tickling her skin as he whispered, "I am but an honest official and haven't prepared much of a betrothal gift. I hope my lady doesn't mind?"
'Whether I mind or not, I'm already married to you.'
Shen Lang rolled her eyes elegantly and replied with a slight smile, "Being poor isn't your fault."
The implication was that she didn't mind his humble means.
Qing Mei: "..."
By the end of the day, the Prime Minister had managed to smoothly and secretly bring his bride home, so discreetly that not even the Holy Emperor was aware.
Shen Lang now had a new identity: the Prime Minister's Wife.
Thinking about her mission, Shen Lang felt...
...that things had just gotten more exciting.
She suddenly felt a thrill of excitement.
On their wedding night, Shen Huoshui locked the Prime Minister out of their chambers. The reason, surprisingly, was that the Prime Minister wasn't being honest.
"Why were you at Wangfeng Pavilion that time...?" Shen Lang found the question hard to broach.
"It's better that you don't know about that, my lady." Qing Mei's voice was gentle and patient, as if coaxing a child. "...How about you open the door?"
The corners of Shen Lang's eyes tilted upward as her crimson lips parted. "I will not accept a tainted man."
"Then why did you agree to marry me?"
"If I had known it was you, I wouldn't have agreed even if the offer came with thirty male consorts."
Qing Mei: "..."
A dark cloud seemed to form over his head.
After a long moment, he sighed softly. "If you do not wish for it, then I will not force you. Rest well."
With that, he turned and slowly made his way to the study.
Shen Lang removed the intricate ornaments from her hair and flopped onto the bed. It was wonderfully soft and comfortable beneath her.
'The bridal chamber was decorated quite nicely; he had clearly put some thought into it. What a pity that it was destined to be occupied by only one person tonight.'