Lu Chen brought Zhou Xiaoxiao back to Zhen Nan Prince Manor, and every night was a night of revelry; he spent most of his time in the West Wing Courtyard.

Although Zhou Xiaoxiao was still somewhat resistant in her heart, she was able to devour Lu Chen’s vitality every day, which gradually made her dependent on this feeling.

As a member of the Heavenly Fate Sect, they couldn’t randomly devour blood meals for the Sect Hierarch’s plan.

Now being able to devour Lu Chen’s vitality every day was undoubtedly a happy thing for a Mysterious one.

But, thinking of Lu Chen as a human, Zhou Xiaoxiao felt very conflicted inside; she gradually succumbed to this conflict and happiness.

...

Lu Chen and Ji Yunmeng’s wedding finally arrived.

In the early morning, the sky was clear.

From the Yun’an Princess Mansion to Zhen Nan Prince Manor, the entire long street had already been cleared into an empty passage by the Imperial Guard.

A red carpet stretched from the Princess Mansion all the way to the street’s end, extending to infinity.

The sidewalk was packed with citizens so tight it was impenetrable, with throngs on rooftops, walls, and second-floor windows of taverns; even the usual bustling market sounds were suppressed, leaving only hushed whispers and amazement at the wedding.

At that moment, a Red Flower Sedan was carried by twelve strong men heading towards Zhen Nan Prince Manor, decorated with lanterns and countless red silks.

Hundreds of Imperial Guards cleared the way, their armor shiny and formation neat, hooves nearly silent on the carpet.

Behind them was a band playing music, the sound of pipes, flutes, drums, and zithers harmonizing, solemn and festive, resonating for miles.

As the carriage appeared, the citizens knelt simultaneously.

Lu Chen wore a bright red Python Robe, his waist cinched with a jade belt, and a gold crown on his head while riding a tall horse. His posture was upright, his features handsome, slowly advancing under everyone’s gaze, with red silk tied around the horse’s neck and its hooves wrapped in brocade, each step matching the rhythm of the drums.

As the carriage passed, confetti and petals were scattered from the high buildings on both sides, swirling through the sky and landing on the red carpet and Red Flower Sedan.

At this time, Lu Chen couldn’t help but smile wide; he finally got to marry Ji Yunmeng, and tonight he could receive another system reward, although he didn’t know what the system would reward him with.

Ji Yunmeng was different from Zhou Youyou; Zhou Youyou and others became his wives while inside the Chaos Beast’s belly and even bore his child.

But Ji Yunmeng was marrying him for the first time. Lu Chen was already eagerly anticipating the bridal chamber tonight.

As time slowly passed, the wedding procession finally reached Zhen Nan Prince Manor.

After the wedding ceremony concluded, it was nearly dusk.

The bridal chamber was grand and festive, with walls lined in red gold and sprinkled with golden/red paper, windows adorned with lotus and double happiness patterns, covered in thin gauze letting in candlelight shadows.

Dozens of big red palace lanterns hung in the room, their tassels hanging, fringes swaying lightly, and candles glowing warmly, filling the whole room with cozy warmth.

At the far end of the room stood a large bed, its top draped in layers of red curtains, its corners tied with threads and tiny jade pendants, gently tinkling with the breeze.

In the middle of the room was a wedding table laid with nuptial wine, peanuts, longans, red dates, and lotus seeds, symbolizing early birth of noble sons and lifelong happiness.

Ji Yunmeng sat at the bed’s edge, dressed in a vibrant red Phoenix Crown and robe.

The robe draped from her shoulders embroider with dense thread, gold loops forming colorful phoenixes.

The crown on her head embedded heavy and beautiful, pearls and gems shining, reflecting softer candlelight.

Wearing the formal wedding attire, she looked not the tiniest bit garish, but rather dignified and graceful, like a peony quietly blooming deep in the red candles.

There were only Ji Yunmeng and her maids Xiao Qi and Chen in the room, and it was extraordinarily quiet, with none of the three women speaking.

Although Ji Yunmeng’s head was covered with a red veil, she could still feel the room’s arrangement.

She didn’t know why, yet the scene seemed familiar as though she’d lived it before.

Ji Yunmeng thought little of this; marrying into Zhen Nan Prince Manor was merely to gain its power, never intending to form feelings with Lu Chen; she must quickly bear his child, then use the child to control Zhen Nan Prince Manor.

While planning her next move in her heart, the door to the bridal chamber was pushed open, and a drunken Lu Chen stepped in, thrilled by seeing Ji Yunmeng seated at the bed.

He glanced at Xiao Qi and Chen, then said, "You two should leave."

Hearing this, Xiao Qi and Chen hesitated. As Ji Yunmeng’s accompanying maids, according to tradition, they should attend her during intimate moments with Lu Chen.

Ji Yunmeng’s voice emerged from the red veil: "Xiao Qi, Chen, listen to Master Lu."

The two responded promptly, "Yes, Princess."

Then, they left the room.

After they left, Lu Chen approached the bed.

Lu Chen lowered his gaze to Ji Yunmeng, gently pinching the corner of the large red veil.

His fingers paused briefly, then lifted it slowly upwards, the embroidered satin with mandarin ducks playing was set aside, candlelight abruptly falling on her face; she slightly raised her eyes, her green ones meeting his.

In the instant their eyes met, the room seemed to darken, the surrounding noise and joy vanished, leaving only each other’s silhouettes.

Ji Yunmeng was undeniably beautiful, and perhaps due to his drunkenness, Lu Chen’s desire was magnified endlessly.

As he fixed his gaze on her, Ji Yunmeng intended to ask him to drink nuptial wine, but Lu Chen immediately leaned in, pushing her onto the bed and pressing atop.

Ji Yunmeng’s full head of hair cascaded onto the soft bed; this sudden scene made her slightly stunned, but she quickly regained composure—this was anticipated; being pushed by this man was tolerable for that position. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Lu Chen didn’t act immediately; he simply looked down into Ji Yunmeng’s clear eyes.

At this moment, Ji Yunmeng was extremely calm, seemingly not nervous.

Lu Chen smiled lightly, "Marrying someone like me, aren’t you a bit unwilling?"

Ji Yunmeng replied tersely, "No."

Lu Chen said, "You’re a heaven’s chosen, Dazhou’s most talented Spirit Martial Artist, while I’m merely deemed useless by others. Are you truly willing?"

Ji Yunmeng gazed into his deep eyes and answered, "You may not be the useless person people say you are, and you’re the future Prince Zhen Nan; irrespective of your ability, marrying you is not a loss based purely on your identity."

Smiling at her words, Lu Chen commented, "You do look content within, yet your belief it’s not a loss likely stems from other reasons, such as Zhen Nan Prince Manor having something you want."

These words briefly shocked Ji Yunmeng, but she quickly steadied her mind.

She wasn’t sure if this was Lu Chen’s thought or if Prince Zhen Nan was probing her through Lu Chen; regardless, she mustn’t reveal her ambition now.

Remaining calm, Ji Yunmeng asked, "Why do you think that?"

Lu Chen said, "It was just an offhand comment."

He didn’t intend to expose her at this moment.

Should intentions be disclosed now, what if Ji Yunmeng refused him? Now Lu Chen’s head inclined, drawing closer to her exquisite visage: "Dear wife, a moment of intimacy is priceless; let’s handle the main affair."

Before Ji Yunmeng could respond, Lu Chen seized her lips.