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Wanxin glanced at Miss Han beside Xiao Jinyu, and when she looked at Xiao Jinyu again, her eyes were brimming with tender affection.

"Does Prince Yu have something to discuss with this common girl?"

Xiao Jinyu finally mustered the courage to confess, "Miss Han, the Empress Dowager has instructed this prince to marry Miss Wanxin."

Miss Han replied indifferently, "And then?"

Xiao Jinyu was momentarily stunned. Why was Miss Han’s reaction so calm? Shouldn’t she be angry?

"This prince is being forced, and so is Wanxin. You’re not angry, are you, Miss Han?"

Miss Han swept a cold glance at Wanxin, her lips curling up slightly, "Why should I be angry?"

Before confessing, Xiao Jinyu had imagined countless reactions from Miss Han upon learning the truth, from angrily storming off, to throwing objects in a fit of rage, or even slapping him across the face, berating him for not being a real man, since he had promised to marry only her.

He thought of so many possibilities, but he never expected Miss Han to be so composed.

Did this mean she didn’t care at all?

Wanxin was somewhat surprised to hear Miss Han’s words; this wasn’t what Miss Han had said during the autumn hunt.

With a shallow smile curving her lips, she said, "Miss Han is a reasonable woman. After we both marry into the East Palace, we can serve Prince Yu even better."

Miss Han’s cool gaze turned to Wanxin, "Prince Yu said you were forced, so why do you seem so happy?"

Wanxin looked up at Xiao Jinyu and smiled, "The Empress Dowager graciously arranged my marriage to Prince Yu. With his talents and virtues, it’s an honor for a common girl like me. Shouldn’t I be happy?"

Miss Han’s eyes grew colder, ’What a quick-witted response.’

"It must be hard on Miss Wanxin then." Xiao Jinyu actually wanted to say, he felt wronged too...

Miss Han’s gaze returned to Xiao Jinyu, "It’s time to go back."

Outside, the world was icy cold, and Xiao Jinyu also thought it was time to return.

"Miss Wanxin, this prince will take his leave first." After saying this, Xiao Jinyu took Miss Han’s hand and walked back.

Wanxin stood in the chilly wind, holding a lantern, and watched as Xiao Jinyu slowly walked away, holding Miss Han’s hand. Her gaze lingered on the fox fur worn by Miss Han, which she presumed correctly to be Xiao Jinyu’s.

Xiao Jinyu treated Miss Han very well, and after marrying him, she wondered if he would treat her the same?

Regardless, marrying Xiao Jinyu was a wiser choice than Xiao Jinyan.

Upon returning to Qiancheng Hall, Xiao Jinyu led Miss Han to the bedchamber. While untying the fox fur, he complained discontentedly, "Why aren’t you the least bit angry?"

Miss Han retorted, "What good would being angry do?"

Xiao Jinyu paused in his actions, observing Miss Han’s calm demeanor. Though he was worried she’d be angry, now that she wasn’t, he found himself the one feeling irritated...

"Do you not want to marry me?"

Miss Han wrapped her arms around Xiao Jinyu’s neck, kissed him on her own initiative, and said, "Don’t worry over nothing, go wash up and rest."

Xiao Jinyu sighed, ’If only you’d shown some reaction, I wouldn’t be having these wild thoughts.’

The date for Xiao Jinyu’s wedding was set for the beginning of the following month, and before long, the wedding day arrived. Qiancheng Hall was festooned with colorful lanterns and the sound of gongs and drums filled the air.

Xiao Jinyu was marrying two concubines at the same time, and since both were commoners, many traditional procedures were omitted.

Also, as they were not the primary wife, the ceremonies were even less elaborate.

The Emperor and Empress, sitting on the throne, were pleased to see their son marrying concubines.

Shen Chuwei attended the wedding banquet with Xiao Jinyan, seated near the front.

She watched as Xiao Jinyu, dressed in a red wedding robe and holding a red silk cloth, was flanked by two women in light red wedding attire.

Xiao Jinyu glanced at Miss Han, understanding it was only a ceremony, but he was indeed marrying her.

After the ceremony, the two concubines were escorted by their maids back to their chambers.

Xiao Jinyu followed behind Miss Han into her room.

Looking at Miss Han sitting on the bed, clad in light red wedding attire, a bridal veil covering her head, she sat there quietly, simply waiting for him to lift the veil.

Xiao Jinyu took the wedding cup from the maid, lifted the bridal veil, and saw Miss Han decked out in her bridal clothes, her cheeks adorned with a touch of makeup, which added a womanly charm to her appearance.

"Ayan, you look beautiful today."

Miss Han raised her head and saw Xiao Jinyu in his red wedding attire, looking dazzlingly handsome, his face alight with happiness.

"Right, there’s still the wedding wine to share."

Xiao Jinyu turned to the round table, poured two cups of wine, then approached Miss Han.

Even though she was merely a concubine in name, in Xiao Jinyu’s eyes, Ayan was his primary wife.

Miss Han took the cup, and they both drank the bridal wine.

Xiao Jinyu drained the cup in one gulp, then looked down at Miss Han and said distinctly, "Having drunk the bridal wine, we are now husband and wife."