Chapter 104: Chapter 104

Under the expectant gazes of Madam Aisin Gioro and her father Minister Dong'e, An Ning was smoothly assisted into the bridal sedan chair by a group of attendants.

Given the current situation at the Ninth Prince's residence, perhaps those in higher positions felt guilty or didn't want to disappoint the old Manchu nobility. From the very beginning of the wedding arrangements, An Ning's ceremony had been exceptionally grand in scale.

Not to mention the various precious jewels and accessories, just the sable fur linings alone numbered exactly 188 sets, all made from the highest quality purple sable.

Moreover, before the wedding, Emperor Kangxi had generously bestowed a noble title upon his unlucky son. Though it was only a Gushan Beizi, it certainly sounded better than a mere prince. Of course, it couldn't be ruled out that after years of misfortune, the son had finally stirred a sliver of pity in his old father's heart.

However, glancing at the array of lustrous pearls by her side, An Ning thought to herself that Imperial Consort Yi in the palace must have put in considerable effort regarding these items.

After completing the complex wedding rituals, An Ning was finally assisted by attendants to the bridal chamber.

When Yin Tang arrived, it was already quite late. Under the dim lamplight, his eyes fell upon an exceptionally beautiful woman with delicate features. Unlike the shy brides of the past, the moment the bridal veil was lifted, though extremely faint, Yin Tang was certain he clearly heard his princess consort exhale in relief.

After completing this series of actions, An Ning finally looked up at her nominal husband before her:

"Your Highness, seeing as it's already late, might this humble wife go freshen up first?"

As for the groom himself, An Ning didn't ask a single question - with so many attendants around, did they expect the princess consort to personally serve him?

Watching helplessly as his princess consort, supported by maids, walked headlong into the bathing chamber without looking back, even instructing the maids to have the kitchen send over some easily digestible food before leaving. Preferably shrimp wontons, absolutely no minced garlic or cilantro, with pine nut lily pastries that were slightly sweet, and golden thread jujube paste if available...

The woman before him had smiling eyes and an extremely gentle, pleasant voice...

Yet sitting alone in the empty bridal chamber, Yin Tang was practically laughing in anger. Finally, the timid eunuch Xiao Xizi, hearing the commotion, approached nervously:

"Your Highness, the Tenth Prince is still making a scene outside, perhaps you..."

His response was his master's departing back as Yin Tang strode away.

Soaking in the bathtub, letting maids undo her elaborate hairstyle, An Ning only gave passing attention to the earlier incident.

With such a favorable start in this life, why should she lower herself to please others? As her father had said earlier, she wasn't asking for anything from him.

With her family background, whether he liked her or not wouldn't affect her position as the primary wife.

After bathing and changing into comfortable clothes, it was already nearly two hours later when An Ning returned. Seeing her nominal husband supported by attendants, clearly reeking of alcohol, An Ning subconsciously frowned and shifted slightly away from him.

"What, does my princess consort look down upon her husband?"

It must be said that before gaining weight, this man was somewhat handsome. Unlike the typical rugged Manchu men, his features were somewhat feminine.

Especially now with his slightly upturned phoenix eyes, the alcohol lending a misty allure to his beautiful gaze as he stared unblinkingly at the woman before him:

An Ning's expression remained unchanged as she lightly draped a warm apricot-colored outer garment over herself. Under the dim yellow lamplight, her jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, her already exquisite features appearing even more gentle and refined.

Yet her words told a different story:

"Your Highness misunderstands. I simply see no need for pretense. My temperament will become apparent with time together."

"Besides, maintaining pretenses for a lifetime would be rather tedious, wouldn't you agree?"

Whether he believed her or not, the drunken groom wordlessly turned and went to the adjacent bathing chamber on their wedding night.

In a foul mood, his nighttime actions were inevitably rough, but An Ning didn't indulge his temper. At the slightest discomfort, she showed no restraint.

After nearly being kicked off the bed for the third time, Yin Tang was practically laughing in frustration.

Never in his life had Ninth Prince suffered such indignity! This was supposed to be his wedding night.

Was this the gentle, proper wife his mother had promised?

Gentle? Aside from her face, where exactly did this Dong'e woman show the slightest hint of gentleness?

After a night of chaos, An Ning woke at 7:45 the next morning. Since they needed to pay respects at the palace, the couple rose unusually early.

Washing down a pre-prepared health pill with Spirit Spring Water, most of the previous night's discomforts vanished almost immediately.

Yin Tang, having fully experienced his wife's temperament the previous night, immediately summoned attendants upon waking, not expecting any assistance from his princess consort with dressing or grooming.

Indeed, An Ning showed no intention of helping from start to finish.

The newlywed couple ate breakfast in silence, then changed into formal attire with attendants' help.

It must be said that a beauty remains a beauty - even in elaborate palace attire, she was exceptionally lovely, especially now casually leaning against the daybed reading, exuding an indescribable elegance.

Forget it, why should a grown man like him quarrel with his wife?

Considering last night's events, Yin Tang unusually offered assistance when disembarking the carriage, only to see his wife step down lightly without the slightest sign of discomfort.

Ninth Prince: "......"

What shocked Yin Tang even more came afterward. Normally, even princess consorts couldn't ride palanquins in the palace without special permission.

Yet the Forbidden City's palace corridors seemed endlessly long.

Watching his wife walk the entire distance without even breathing heavily, compared to his pale, nearly collapsing sisters-in-law...

Empress Dowager Yi, anxiously waiting in the hall, was similarly astonished.

Seeing her new daughter-in-law's rosy complexion and effortless movements showing no signs of discomfort, all of Guo Luoluo's prepared comforting words stuck in her throat.

Forcing herself to properly receive the couple, she carefully explained taboos regarding the Empress Dowager while admonishing her son to treat his wife well...

Only when the couple's figures completely disappeared from view did Imperial Consort Yi collapse weakly onto her attendant:

"My poor Little Ninth!"