MCSCPM -Chapter 378 Warmth Beneath the Red Canopy

Three days later.

Prince Jing’s wedding at his mansion was lively and bustling. Everyone from high officials to common guests came to offer congratulations. Children ran excitedly through the halls, making the entire mansion even more festive and joyful.

Chu Jingcheng, dressed in a red robe, looked dashing. His expression showed both joy and excitement.

Most of the guests were dignitaries, each bringing generous gifts.

Although the Emperor himself did not come, Chu Ling brought his father’s regards.

The moment he entered, Chu Ling rushed to Chu Jingcheng and clapped him firmly on the shoulder. “Second Brother, congratulations!”

Seeing him, Chu Jingcheng smiled. “You’re already Crown Prince. Why are you still acting like this?”

“Second Brother, today is your wedding. Don’t rush to lecture me. I brought a special gift for you.” Chu Ling presented a long, wide box. “Remember I told you before? I have a bow I cherish deeply. Today, I give it to you.”

Chu Jingcheng felt deeply touched by the gift. He exhaled, showing a rare smile to Chu Ling. “Enough. Today, enjoy yourself, and let’s have a few drinks. But about this gift…”

“Second Brother, don’t even think about sending it back. I know it’s hard for me to part with something I love, but this is my blessing. You must accept it,” Chu Ling said earnestly.

Seeing his seriousness, Chu Jingcheng could not refuse. After thinking, he nodded. “Alright, I’ll accept it.”

“That’s better. Remember, this is my beloved bow. Take good care of it. But for now, go entertain the others. Don’t worry about me; I’ll find my own fun.” Chu Ling opened a folding fan and strolled off cheerfully.

Chu Jingcheng stayed in the front courtyard, while Yin Qingyue was in the bridal chamber.

The wedding helper busied herself, giving constant instructions. “Hurry! Don’t mess this up! That item can’t be placed there—bring it over! And that one, the bride will need it soon!”

Inside the room, it was just as busy. Ding Ying had stayed with Yin Qingyue since the previous night, now helping her with makeup and applying blush.

“Look, you’re truly beautiful,” Ding Ying said.

Yin Qingyue smiled, gazing at herself in the mirror. Her red wedding gown glittered with jewels and silver thread, a phoenix crown atop her head. She looked every bit the radiant bride.

Finally, this day had arrived.

“Ding Ying, I feel so nervous,” she admitted.

Ding Ying crouched down, holding her hands tightly with a smile. “Don’t be nervous. It’ll be fine.”

“But…”

“I understand how you feel. Don’t worry. Your wedding helper is here.”

Despite the reassurance, Yin Qingyue still felt tense but nodded.

Before being led to the bridal chamber, Ding Ying shared stories of her own wedding night to prepare Yin Qingyue mentally.

While the mansion was bustling with celebration, far away in the Xize Imperial Palace, Nangong Xiao felt melancholy hearing of Yin Qingyue’s wedding.

He had been reading memorials, but his mind wandered. Putting them aside, he stepped out of the study. The moonlight hung in the lonely night sky—full yet somehow incomplete to him.

He sighed, gazing at the solitary moon. “Qingyue…” he murmured softly.

He knew there was no possibility for him and Yin Qingyue. Everything had ended. Still, if she could find happiness, he would feel joy as well.

With that thought, a small smile curved his lips. “Qingyue, as long as you’re happy, that’s enough. But I will always remember you. Whenever you need me, I will be there.”

A palace eunuch draped a coat over him. “Your Majesty, you should go inside. It’s cold out.”

“Xiaoyu, do you think miracles exist in this world?”

“Why ask, Your Majesty?”

Nangong Xiao chuckled faintly. “Nothing. Let’s go inside.”

He entered the vast study, his solitary figure long and stretched in the room.

Meanwhile, the auspicious moment arrived.

Yin Qingyue, wearing her red veil, sat in the bridal chamber. The soft candlelight filled the room, casting warm red hues that made the chamber feel festive and cozy.

She nervously rubbed her hands on her lap, her vision focused only on the space before her. Thinking back to when she first met Chu Jingcheng—when she had ripped his clothes—she never imagined they would reach this day together. Fate had led them here, through countless trials, life-and-death separations, and agonizing partings. Her life had become like a movie she only ever saw in the modern world—but now, she was the heroine.

She smiled at the thought.

At that moment, the door opened. With her veil covering her head, she kept her gaze lowered, her breath shallow from nervousness.

Chu Jingcheng, seeing her in red at the edge of the bed, a vision he had imagined countless times, finally saw it in reality.

He carefully approached and sat beside her. “Qingyue, from now on, you can never escape my grasp.”

Yin Qingyue said nothing.

He gently lifted her red veil. Her delicate features met his gaze. Chu Jingcheng stared earnestly, unable to look away. “Today, you are truly beautiful.”

Hearing this, Yin Qingyue lifted her head slightly. The intense warmth in his eyes stirred a rush of emotions within her. Her cheeks flushed.

“Promise me you will never leave me for the rest of your life,” she said.

“I promise you. And you too,” he replied.

Chu Jingcheng held her hands tenderly, then picked up two cups of wine, handing one to Yin Qingyue. “We cannot skip the nuptial wine.”

They drank the wine together.

He removed her crown and set it aside, cupping her face gently. They leaned close, separated only by mere millimeters.

Suddenly, the door rattled. Chu Jingcheng tensed—but it wasn’t an assassin. The door had been pushed open by Chu Ling, Leng Feng, and Leng Yi.

They had wanted to peek at the festivities but had crowded the door open. Chu Jingcheng’s kiss was interrupted, and he frowned.

Chu Ling quickly laughed. “Second Brother, don’t blame me! It’s… it’s Leng Feng’s idea. I didn’t want to come, but he insisted. Don’t blame me!”

Leng Feng looked innocent, though it was Chu Ling who led everyone.

“Prince, I know my mistake. We’ll leave now,” Leng Feng said.

“Right, right, we won’t disturb the newlyweds. We’ll leave,” Chu Ling added.

They were quickly ushered out, and the door was firmly shut.

Chu Jingcheng’s expression was dark—he always got interrupted.

Yin Qingyue, however, laughed. Her earlier nervousness vanished because of Chu Ling’s antics, returning to calmness.

“Feeling happy that I was interrupted?” Chu Jingcheng teased, feigning anger.

“Not really. Just thinking about their behavior makes me laugh,” she said.

“Is that so? Then I’ll make you laugh even more.” He moved toward her playfully.

She felt a tickle, and he gently pinned her to the bed. He stayed there, his hands still, gazing at her with tenderness.

Her heartbeat raced as never before. The previous calm vanished; she could hear it thudding in her chest.

“Don’t be nervous. This isn’t the first time,” he said.

“You rogue,” she muttered.

“You know, I love it when you call me that,” he said, lips curling.

She sighed. His tone was playful, but she knew his heart was sincere and devoted.

“If you hadn’t torn my clothes back then, I wouldn’t have chased you until now. What you owe me… isn’t it time to repay it?” he said.

“I already did, didn’t I?” she replied.

“Not enough. Even a lifetime wouldn’t suffice.”

He kissed her lightly, like a dragonfly skimming water. “Qingyue, in this life, only you matter. That is enough.”

Only you… that was enough.

His words echoed in the bridal chamber—a lifetime vow.

He held her tightly, unwilling to let go. In this life, they would never part.

Beneath the red canopy, the draped silk fluttered like a dancing bride. The red threads glimmered, spreading the bridal splendor far and wide…

(The End)