Chapter 429: The Same Wedding, Different People
"What…you all…"
Dai Yao's eyes widened as he looked at the three women sitting in the room. Though all were dressed in matching red wedding robes and veiled with red head coverings, Dai Yao could immediately recognize them by their silhouettes: Dugu Yan, Zhu Zhuqing, and Feng Wutong.
Surprised, Dai Yao asked himself how the three had ended up here in Dugu Yan's room, even though he had walked each of them to their respective rooms after the wedding. And why was Ning Rongrong not here? Why had Dugu Yan left him that note?
"There's no need to look so shocked," Dugu Yan said, smiling slightly. "I called Zhuqing and Wutong here because the three of us have already entrusted our lives to you. Today's wedding is just a formality. We all know how difficult it must be for you tonight, so we made a decision."
"We agreed that Zhuqing, Wutong, and I would stay together tonight so that you could be with Rongrong. This wedding means something to us all, but it means the most to her."
Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong both nodded, supporting Dugu Yan's words.
Dai Yao was deeply moved. He had been torn about whom to visit first, but it seemed they had already anticipated his dilemma and made a choice for him. The three of them had already given themselves to him before the wedding, so this night wasn't quite the same for them as it was for Ning Rongrong.
But for Rongrong, the tradition of surrendering herself on this significant day to the one she'd pledged to for life was deeply meaningful. If Dai Yao had chosen not to go to her tonight, it could have left an unspoken ache in her heart, even if she understood.
Yet Dai Yao knew that, as selfless as Dugu Yan, Zhu Zhuqing, and Feng Wutong were trying to be, they must still feel the weight of this sacrifice. After all, this was their wedding night too.
Dai Yao stepped forward to stand before each of the three women, gently lifting their red veils one by one. Beneath each, he saw their beautiful faces, all graced with vibrant red lips and serene, elegant makeup. Even Zhu Zhuqing, usually so composed and aloof, looked like an ethereal being who had finally descended into the mortal world.
All three gazed back at him, their eyes filled with love.
"I'm sorry," Dai Yao said, bowing his head. "I promised to give each of you a grand wedding, but now, on our wedding night, I have to leave."
Zhu Zhuqing placed her hand on his, gently reassuring him. "There's no need to apologize. We're married now. We all know how much you've done to make this day special. Perfection is a rare thing, and today has already been wonderful for us. Now go, and don't keep Rongrong waiting."
Dugu Yan nodded in agreement, joining in Zhu Zhuqing's reassurance. In the days leading up to the wedding, particularly while Hu Liena was around, Dugu Yan and the others had kept Dai Yao constantly occupied, even teaming up to exhaust him and ensure he had little energy left for Hu Liena. It was only fair to let him devote this night to Ning Rongrong.
Meanwhile, Feng Wutong sat quietly, her gaze filled with a pure, unspoken love. She was often quieter around Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan, reserving her words for her private moments with Dai Yao. She gave him a gentle nod, encouraging him to go without worry.
His heart heavy with both gratitude and guilt, Dai Yao turned to leave.
As he exited Dugu Yan's room, the watchful members of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan breathed a collective sigh of relief, having observed the young man's choice.
Inside Ning Rongrong's bridal chamber, the red candles burned softly, casting a warm, gentle glow. She sat quietly, her red veil draped elegantly over her head. Her hands clasped tightly together in her lap, her heart racing with anticipation.
Would Dai Yao choose her tonight, or would he go to another's room? If he chose someone else, she would have to face this long night alone. A wedding night without her groom was an especially bitter thought.
"Will he come?" she whispered softly, almost as if asking herself.
Just then, the door opened slowly. Rongrong froze in surprise, and then a wave of happiness spread through her, warming her from within. She relaxed, unclasping her hands as her heart settled. He had come.
"Rongrong?" Dai Yao's voice called softly from the door.
"Dai Yao…" Her voice trembled with joy, unable to hide her relief.
Dai Yao approached her, taking a seat beside her on the bed. His gaze fixed on the red veil, almost as if he could see through it to her eyes, filled with anticipation and joy. Gently, he reached out and lifted the veil, revealing her radiant face, flushed with excitement.
Catching his gaze, Ning Rongrong felt her cheeks burn with a shy blush and instinctively turned her head, unable to meet his eyes directly. But her expression made it clear that she knew what lay ahead, and she welcomed it.
Dai Yao's heart surged with warmth. Though he felt a pull toward her, he kept his composure, knowing she was already his. Moving to the table, he poured them each a cup of wine, then returned to her side, smiling. "Shall we share a wedding toast?"
Despite her embarrassment, Ning Rongrong took the cup from him, willing and ready. But as she raised her hands, she hesitated. Dai Yao noticed her pause and asked, "Rongrong, what's wrong?"
She bit her lip, a trace of worry in her voice. "Dai Yao… you're staying here with me tonight, but what about Zhuqing, Wutong, and Yan? Maybe…maybe you should go to them…"
"You silly girl!" Dai Yao tapped her forehead gently, laughing. "Why are you still thinking about everyone else? We're here now. The others have already given themselves to me before the wedding. You're the only one left. They all agreed that tonight should be yours alone. Now, are you really trying to send me away?"
Dai Yao knew Ning Rongrong wasn't the type to pretend innocence. They were in a different world—this wasn't some simple romance.
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong was deeply moved by the selflessness of Dugu Yan, Zhu Zhuqing, and Feng Wutong. She no longer had any hesitation and raised her cup to drink with Dai Yao.
"Wife, it's late," he said softly, his gaze heated. "Shall we rest?"
Flushed with emotion, Ning Rongrong gave a barely audible nod, the rosy glow of her cheeks blending seamlessly with the warm candlelight.
Gently, Dai Yao lifted her into his arms and laid her down on the bed, drawing the crimson canopy shut around them. One by one, layers of fabric were cast aside, and her graceful silhouette was illuminated by the soft glow of the bed curtain.
Soon, only whispers and sighs filled the room, the sound of a perfect night in its quiet warmth…
Meanwhile, in the Tiandou Empire's palace, a similar celebration was unfolding. Every corner of the imperial halls glowed with red lanterns and festive decorations. Palace attendants and officials bustled through the hallways, preparing for the arrival of guests. Today was the wedding of the Empress and the Regent.
The palace was filled with joy as nobles and ministers from across the empire gathered to celebrate the union of their ruler and her consort.
In the midst of laughter and toasts, Tang Xiao quietly urged the groom to leave the hall and finally join his bride in the inner palace.
Unlike the lively festivities in the palace, the atmosphere within the imperial harem was icy, the silence almost unnerving. Though it was supposed to be a wedding night, there was no trace of joy. The eunuchs and maidservants moved about, visibly tense.
Finally, the door to the main hall of the harem opened. Empress Xueke, adorned in splendid jewels, immediately stood up, her eyes filled with anticipation as she looked toward the doorway. There, tall and regal, with flowing blue hair and a handsome face, was her husband, the Tiandou Empire's regent, Tang San.
"Lan Hao King, you're finally here," Xueke said, delight shining in her voice. Though she was married to Tang San, she often felt he looked down on her. She had feared he wouldn't come, leaving her to spend her wedding night alone, but here he was, against her expectations.
Tang San cast a dispassionate glance at Xueke, saying nothing.
He felt nothing for her. His heart had long belonged to Xiao Wu, leaving no room for any other. Yet, for the sake of the empire's stability, he had to marry Xueke to quiet the suspicions of loyal imperial officials and to secure Tiandou's support in his quest to confront the Spirit Hall.
"Xueke, there's no need for this. I won't be staying with you tonight. My heart already belongs to another, someone to whom I've given my soul, my body, my everything. I'll never sleep here, and our marriage is in name only," he stated indifferently. "Other than the physical aspect, I'll give you anything else you want."
Xueke felt as if she had been struck by lightning, falling weakly onto the bed as her face contorted in anguish.
With those few words, Tang San had shattered her last sliver of hope. Though the Tiandou Empire's power now lay with the Clear Sky Clan, the forces loyal to the imperial family had been mostly wiped out after Qian Renxue's failed coup. Xueke knew Tiandou's only way forward was under Tang San's leadership.
Moreover, Tang San was not only the future leader of the Clear Sky Clan but also a powerful soul master. Xueke had no chance of reclaiming the empire's power on her own, so she had decided to entrust her heart and body to Tang San, hoping to bear a child and continue the royal bloodline. After all, she was already deeply enamored with him.
Her time with Tang San at Yuexuan had been like a dream come true—a chance to be with her "first love," an experience she would never forget. But now, Tang San had crushed even her most cherished fantasy.
Though she was proclaimed his wife, though the entire empire had witnessed their wedding, he wouldn't even touch her, forcing her into a life of lonely waiting. How could she accept that?
Eyes hardening, Xueke glared at Tang San, a chill creeping into her heart. She had never expected him to go to such lengths for the sake of the woman he loved. Though her pride had kept her silent, Tang San's insult had finally pushed her past the limit.
"Very well," she said coldly, "you claim you'll give me whatever I want. Then I have only one request—I want the power to rule Tiandou once again. Are you willing to give me that?"
Tang San was silent for a moment before replying icily, "Don't be unreasonable. If I could, I wouldn't have taken on the regency. But do you truly think you can control the Tiandou Empire?"
With many powerful factions now aligned with the Clear Sky Clan, relinquishing power would only lead to their purging. Besides, the Clear Sky Clan would never allow him to step down. Without their support, the empire would fall prey to the Spirit Hall's ambitions, with Tiandou likely losing everything.
It wasn't for his sake, but for the continent's future.
Xueke sneered, "I knew it. You would never relinquish power. You say you'll never touch me, but I'm a living, breathing woman with desires of my own. If you won't touch me, I'll find someone else who will."
Tang San froze mid-step, slowly turning back to cast a frosty glare at her. "Absurd. You're my wife. How could you even consider something so scandalous? Don't mention this again, or I won't be so forgiving."
With that, he left, and silence once again swallowed the harem. The only sound left was the quiet sobbing of a broken-hearted woman.
The Next Morning, Qinglian Sect
As dawn's light crept through the window, Dai Yao instinctively opened his eyes, feeling the warmth of Ning Rongrong snuggled against his arm. Remembering the previous night's events, he couldn't help but smile wryly.
Ning Rongrong's stamina had been rather underwhelming; after only a brief time, she had already reached her limit.
After several moments, she was left exhausted, hardly able to move. Though Dai Yao could have continued, he had noticed her fatigue and stopped, respecting her limits.
Ning Rongrong's long eyelashes fluttered as she slowly opened her eyes. Seeing Dai Yao so close, she blushed but didn't shy away as she once might have. Instead, she threw her arms around him, whispering an apology.
"I'm sorry, Dai Yao. I… I couldn't keep up with you…"
Dai Yao chuckled, playfully brushing her nose. "Silly girl, there's nothing to be sorry for. Just having you by my side is the greatest blessing I could ask for."
In truth, he was rather grateful for her sensitivity. If Ning Rongrong's endurance had been on par with Dugu Yan's, his back would have been in trouble for the foreseeable future.
Hearing his words, Ning Rongrong snuggled closer, a contented smile on her face as she closed her eyes again, wanting nothing more than to stay in his arms.
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