SGEIRS -Chapter 466 A-Yan’s Wedding

Gu Jingxi objected: “A-Yao, you said before that what needs to be done today should be done today. How can we leave it for later?”

Meng Jinyao retorted: “You also said before that anything should be done in moderation.”

Gu Jingxi: “…”

The stone he had lifted long ago finally came crashing down tonight, hitting him squarely on the foot. He felt as if he had bitten into bitter medicine with no way to complain—painful and inexpressible.

The couple exchanged a glance. Gu Jingxi realized he was at a disadvantage, obediently went to sleep, and no longer fussed.

Seeing him settled, Meng Jinyao also relaxed and went to sleep.

However, in the middle of the night, Meng Jinyao suddenly woke up in pain from a leg cramp. Her brows furrowed tightly as she gasped, reaching out to rub her leg, but her pregnancy made it inconvenient.

Gu Jingxi, a light sleeper, woke at the movement. Using the faint candlelight in the room, he saw her grimacing in pain. Panic washed over him, his face turning pale and all sleep gone. He hurriedly asked, “A-Yao, what’s wrong?”

Meng Jinyao replied, “My leg… my left leg cramped.”

Hearing this, Gu Jingxi immediately sat up and began massaging her left leg to relieve the cramp. After a long while, he anxiously asked, “A-Yao, do you feel better?”

Her face relaxed, and she nodded gently. “Much better now.”

Gu Jingxi continued massaging, brows still furrowed.

Seeing him so tense, Meng Jinyao spoke softly, “Husband, don’t worry. This is actually normal. I’ve heard my elder and second sisters-in-law say that leg cramps can happen during pregnancy.”

Gu Jingxi’s frown deepened. “Tomorrow I’ll ask Imperial Physician Wen if there’s a way to solve this problem.”

Meng Jinyao replied, “My elder sister-in-law said you can soak your feet in warm water for a quarter of an hour before bed. Walk around occasionally during the day, don’t stay in the same position too long, and massage your legs. That can help.”

Gu Jingxi noted everything down. In the days to come, whenever he had time, he would gently massage her legs to help prevent cramps.

The next day, at the Golden Throne Hall.

The Crown Prince was gravely injured, leaving Emperor Jingwen in a foul mood. His face was dark, and the ministers below tread carefully, afraid that a single misstep would anger the emperor.

Two days later, the Crown Prince regained consciousness but remained in danger. The poisoned arrow had penetrated deep into his lungs, and his life hung by a thread.

The imperial physicians were doing everything they could to preserve his life. If the Crown Prince died, they feared they would be blamed.

The Crown Prince was Emperor Jingwen’s favorite child, and the emperor had high hopes for him from childhood. Since the injury, the emperor’s face had not softened. Each day he remained tense, causing ministers to act cautiously to avoid mistakes.

The Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review were investigating the case, but the culprit left no clues. Officials from both departments felt immense pressure, and even Gu Jingxi, the emperor’s favored courtier, was not exempt.

Unnoticed, it was already early December. Thanks to the relentless efforts of the imperial physicians, the Crown Prince was still alive.

Princess Jingning’s wedding day had arrived, and the ceremony was held as scheduled.

However, since the Crown Prince was still barely clinging to life, Emperor Jingwen and Empress Dowager were in poor spirits. The wedding between Princess Jingning and Shen Yunzhou was kept low-key, though it still retained the grandeur appropriate for a royal princess.

Gu Jingxi accompanied Meng Jinyao to Prince Liang Mansion to attend the wedding banquet.

Princess Jingning had long since finished dressing in her phoenix crown and embroidered ceremonial robe. Several young female relatives from the royal family and daughters of ministers were chatting with her, complimenting her without repeating themselves.

When Meng Jinyao and Song Xinning arrived, Princess Jingning immediately sent the others away to speak privately with her two closest friends.

Once they left, Princess Jingning’s smile faltered. “A-Yao, A-Ning, what should I do?”

The two were startled.

Song Xinning quickly asked, “What do you mean, what should you do?”

Princess Jingning anxiously asked, “I’m marrying him today. What if that scoundrel Shen Yunzhou bullies me?”

Hearing this, Song Xinning sighed in relief and smiled helplessly. “I think you’re worrying unnecessarily. This is something Shen Shizi (heir of Shen) should be concerned about.”

Meng Jinyao shook her head unconvinced, smiling: “I think A-Yan’s worry isn’t without reason.”

“Right?” Princess Jingning looked disheartened. “I really do think he might bully me. He’s so cunning, and if I’m not careful, I could fall into his traps—like agreeing I should marry him.”

Meng Jinyao comforted her: “Don’t worry. Even if Shen Shizi teases you, it’s not real bullying.”

Princess Jingning was puzzled. “Not real bullying? Is there fake bullying?”

Meng Jinyao and Song Xinning exchanged a meaningful smile. Drawing from experience, they replied: “Well… that’s not impossible.”

Princess Jingning: “…”

Song Xinning gently coaxed her: “A-Yao, smile. Today is your happy day. Don’t frown. Didn’t you always envy how cute my son was? After marrying Shen Shizi, you’ll also have a child just as adorable.”

Princess Jingning lowered her eyelids, mood subdued. “Honestly, I actually like him. He’s a good person. Just a few days ago I was so happy I couldn’t sleep. But today… I feel sad. I want to cry so badly.”

Meng Jinyao knew that Princess Jingning was reluctant to leave her family. But she couldn’t empathize; during her time at her family home, she longed every day to leave the troublesome Meng household.

But Song Xinning could relate. Raised pampered by her family, leaving her home on her wedding day meant starting a new life with another family. Even if she was marrying someone she liked, leaving her family was still difficult.

Song Xinning comforted her: “A-Yao, your in-laws are also in the capital, so visiting home will be easy. After I married, I often returned to Song family to see my parents.”

Meng Jinyao nodded in agreement. “Yes, my husband’s niece, Xuanling, is the same. She often returns to visit her maternal relatives at Changxing Marquis Mansion.”

Princess Jingning nodded gently. Just as she was about to speak, the wedding attendant entered cheerfully: “Princess, the groom is here to fetch you. Please put on your red veil.”

Upon hearing this, a maid quickly handed over the red veil to cover Princess Jingning.

Amid the festive noise, the heir of Prince Liang Mansion strode out steadily, carrying his sister and placing her on the bridal sedan chair.

The wedding music played as Shen Yunzhou, dressed in red ceremonial attire, rode a tall horse at the head of the procession, setting off in grand fashion.

Once the banquet began, the guests took their seats.

The Empress Dowager’s granddaughter was getting married, and many royal relatives attended Prince Liang Mansion. Although the emperor and empress were worried about the Crown Prince, they still sent gifts to show respect for the occasion.

Meng Jinyao remained fully attentive while interacting with the female guests. Among them were women of higher rank: princess consorts, duchess consorts, heirs’ wives, princesses, and even princesses’ consorts.

At this moment, a young, beautiful lady dressed in luxurious attire approached Meng Jinyao, appraising her before asking: “Are you Madam Gu?”

Meng Jinyao, having never seen her, nodded lightly. “Yes, my husband is the Marquis of Changxing. May I ask who you are, madam?”

No sooner had she spoken than a woman behind the beautiful lady spoke up: “Madam Gu, this is the consort of the Second Prince.”