Chapter 1248: Chapter 678: The Night Before the Wedding (Double-Length)
When Qin Yue saw him smile, her little face immediately broke into a grin too. She took the opportunity to open her arms and shouted, "Hug! Daddy hug!"
Chen Yi naturally complied with her request, bending down to easily scoop the little bundle into his embrace. He even happily spun her around twice, causing Qin Yue to giggle continuously, her silvery laughter filling the room.
Qin Yue was having fun and habitually reached out her little hand to tug at the lapel of Chen Yi’s wedding attire. However, the fabric of the wedding outfit was thick, and tied tightly; she tugged twice without success, which caused her little brow to furrow.
At that moment, the light at the door dimmed, and a tall figure walked in.
It was none other than Qin Qingluo, who had returned from the Ancestral Temple. She had changed into a more formal and solemn ceremonial robe, with a black base and golden pythons coiled around it, exuding authority. However, her face showed hints of fatigue from rushing around, slightly diluted by the deliberately subdued joy.
She immediately saw Qin Yue clinging to Chen Yi’s arms, still trying to unbutton his clothes. Her brows imperceptibly furrowed.
Today was the wedding day, with elaborate ceremonies that emphasized auspiciousness and decorum.
Qin Yue was still nominally Zhu E’s daughter, and frolicking with Chen Yi like this, though unintentional, might seem indecorous to onlookers and might even dilute the solemn atmosphere of the auspicious day.
"Yue’er, come down." Qin Qingluo commanded, her voice steady, "Don’t be rude."
Qin Yue, who was playing joyfully, was suddenly scolded. She pouted immediately, twisted her body, and buried her face into Chen Yi’s neck, obviously not willing.
Seeing this, Qin Qingluo’s authoritative snake-like pupils slightly narrowed, and her brow raised.
Chen Yi, feeling the resistance in the little body in his arms, and noticing Qin Qingluo’s slightly somber expression, hurried to mediate. He gently patted his daughter’s back and smiled at Qin Qingluo, saying, "Let’s just let it be today, it’s a happy day, it doesn’t matter."
Qin Qingluo glanced between Chen Yi and her daughter. Seeing he had spoken, the bit of displeasure dissipated, and she said no more, only giving a faint "Hmm."
Qin Yue stealthily peeked out from Chen Yi’s shoulder with one eye, cautiously checking Qin Qingluo’s expression. Seeing that she was no longer staring at her, she quietly let out a sigh of relief.
She always felt that Father was sometimes quite fierce, even... even when occasionally letting her drink milk, it still made her a bit scared. Real Daddy was much better; he let her be as mischievous as she wanted.
Thinking like this, her little mind started getting active again, and once more, her small hand restlessly clutched at the lapel of Chen Yi’s attire. This time, she used a bit more force, seemingly wanting to try again.
Chen Yi felt the little girl in his arms moving, feeling both amused and helpless. He could only hold her more securely, lest she really ruin the carefully prepared wedding attire.
Qin Qingluo averted her gaze from Qin Yue, who was nestled in Chen Yi’s arms, to Chen Yi himself. Her expression returned to its usual calm, but deep within her eyes lay a barely discernible softness.
"The auspicious time is approaching." She spoke, "There are some procedures I need to explain to you again."
Chen Yi, holding the little one still tugging at his lapel, nodded to indicate he was listening. Zhu E, standing by, also subdued her smile and listened quietly.
"According to protocol, when welcoming a concubine into the mansion, there is no need for a heaven and temple offering, nor any investiture ceremonial rites." Qin Qingluo spoke slowly, her tone calm yet every word bore weight, "The main procedure involves leading the sedan, worshipping in the hall, sharing the nuptial cup, and entering the bridal chamber."
She paused for a moment before continuing, "The main gate of the Prince Mansion will remain closed. You need to exit the mansion first, then enter through the east side door. The sedan chair will be carried directly to the main hall, and at that time, I will be waiting for you inside the hall."
Chen Yi listened; he was roughly aware of this. The concubine’s rites were indeed much simpler.
"I understand." Chen Yi replied, asking no further questions.
"Hmm." Qin Qingluo nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied with his response. "For the remaining trivial ceremonies, the Ceremonial Officer and the elderly women will guide you. Just follow along."
Having given the instructions, she cast her gaze again towards the little daughter still in Chen Yi’s arms. Seeing the small fingers still unconsciously fiddling with the golden python patterns on the wedding attire, she finally couldn’t resist and stepped forward to lightly flick Qin Yue’s forehead.
"Behave yourself." Her tone wasn’t stern, but carried a natural authority, "Don’t miss the auspicious time."
Qin Yue winced at the pain, cried out, covered her forehead with her hand, and looked tearfully at Qin Qingluo before burying her face back into Chen Yi’s arms, finally behaving and not daring to move anymore.
Only then did Qin Qingluo cast one last glance at Chen Yi. In their exchanged look, it seemed there were myriad unspoken words, finally distilled into a simple phrase: "See you later."
Having said that, she turned around, the hem of the ceremonial attire with the black base and golden pythons sweeping out a neat arc, and left the side room first to prepare for the welcoming ceremony.
Chen Yi took a breath; it was time for him to leave and get ready for the wedding. He then set Qin Yue down.
Seeing herself being set down, Qin Yue panicked and started to cry loudly.
The daughter’s sudden crying without apparent reason left Chen Yi startled. He tried hard to remember if he had, in the past few days, whimsically sent the stupid girl to scare Qin Yue, or used salt to trick her, or if he had come up with any new tricks.
But he couldn’t think of anything.
Qin Yue cried loudly, seeing that Chen Yi still didn’t uncover his clothes, cried even harder.
Chen Yi was momentarily at a loss for how to comfort her. He had no experience in this. Zhu E tried to embrace her, but Qin Yue pushed her away and surprisingly started to move directly towards the outside.
She appeared to have quite a few strong bones.
"You’re leaving?" Chen Yi said, surprised.
"... Goodbye again."
"Leaving already? But I don’t want Yue’er to leave so soon."
"Not happy, leaving."
Just by hearing the sound, it was clear she didn’t like being with him.
"Papa likes Yue’er, can’t Yue’er stay a bit longer?"
"Don’t like... You don’t like, goodbye again."
"There’s candy here."
"Candy... Tangtang?!"
She immediately turned around, swaying and quickly ran over to have a look.
Chen Yi couldn’t help but laugh, took out a piece of wedding candy from his breast, and stuffed it into Qin Yue’s mouth. Qin Yue immediately broke into laughter and joined in the laughter.
The room was filled with a joyous atmosphere.
Seeing this, Zhu E also smiled slightly, stopped speaking, and quietly turned to leave the private room.
The gentle smile on her face faded slightly the instant the door closed.
Zhu E did not immediately go to oversee the wedding but instead walked slowly along the corridor to a secluded corner where a trusted maid dressed in Prince Mansion guard attire was waiting with hands down.
Seeing Zhu E approaching, the trusted maid immediately stepped forward and reported something in a very low voice.
Listening, Zhu E’s eyebrows barely twitched.
"Is the information accurate?" Her voice was very low, almost a whisper, but her gaze was sharply fixed on the person.
"Almost certainly," the trusted one replied head down, "During the patrol on the mountain outside Dragon Tail City, our people caught a glimpse of a figure resembling Heroine Min, lingering near the old forest area in the west of the city, seemingly... observing the direction of the Prince Mansion. But her movement technique was extremely fast, vanishing in the blink of an eye, unable to be fully confirmed."
Min Ning? Didn’t she already leave? Yet she really returned, at this crucial moment...
Zhu E’s heart sank slightly. She understood Min Ning’s straightforward and fierce character, full of loyalty and righteousness. Today’s occasion, if she, because of troubled emotions, made any out-of-line actions, whether questioning Chen Yi on the spot or clashing with Qin Qingluo, it would be enough to ruin this meticulously prepared wedding and even shake the face of the Prince Mansion.
This cannot be allowed.
Zhu E quickly collected all emotions, her face returning to calm and detached composure. After a brief contemplation, she quietly commanded: "Increase the manpower, keep an eye on all paths leading to the Prince Mansion from the west of the city.
If any trace is found, no need to make a sound, and certainly do not initiate a conflict. Instead, just find a way to block her, leaving all matters to be addressed later."
The trusted aide immediately complied: "Yes, I understand."
Zhu E’s gaze cooled slightly. "Today is a day of great celebration. There must not be any mishaps in the Prince’s marriage to Chen... concubine. If anyone dares to cause trouble, don’t be polite, understand?"
"Understood, I will communicate this immediately, not failing the mission!" The trusted aide replied solemnly and swiftly turned away, disappearing quickly at the winding corridor’s end.
Zhu E stood alone in place, distant sounds of music and voices faintly reaching her, making this quiet corner feel especially tranquil. She lifted her eyes and gazed towards the west of Dragon Tail City, her expression deep and unreadable.
Min Ning, oh Min Ning, is it that you are still unresolved in your heart? She sighed softly within.
But no matter what, today, the skies of this Prince Mansion must be clear and bright, no storm or rain must fall.
She adjusted her sleeves and composure, concealing any trace of worry beneath noble elegance, and started walking again, smiling once more, heading towards the bustling area illuminated and vibrant with joy.
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