Pampered Consort:

Chapter 23

Wei Lanying sat in the swaying palanquin, her fingers tightly clasped around the red jade pendant. The cool surface of the pendant did little to calm the storm of emotions surging within her. Her thoughts churned like a tempest. 

'I've killed Concubine Mei, and with her, Yu Wang's standing among the people. How laughable, his inability to control his own harem—letting one of his women disgrace him so publicly. A green hat for a prince... fitting, isn't it?' She tightened her grip on the pendant, her expression icy beneath the veil. 'This is only the beginning. Yu Wang, in our previous life, you ruined me. Now, I'll deliver the killing blow.'

A voice broke through her thoughts. "My Lady," Bai Ting Ping called cautiously from outside the palanquin. "We're approaching a teleportation array." 

Wei Lanying's gaze sharpened, though she kept her composure. "I see," she replied, her tone neutral but commanding. "Ensure everything is prepared." 

"Yes, My Lady," Bai Ting Ping said before her hurried footsteps receded. 

The palanquin came to a halt near the array, and Xu Jinhai appeared, extending his hand to her. His movements were smooth, his amber eyes glinting with an unreadable expression. Wei Lanying hesitated for a fraction of a second before placing her hand in his. He escorted her toward the towering wedding hall of the Blood Moon Palace. 

The veil draped over her head was heavy, obscuring her view of the grand sect's intricate architecture. She could feel the weight of the atmosphere—solemn, ancient, and imposing.  There was strange scent of blood. As if someone just spilled fresh blood.

The wedding ritual began swiftly. In the center of the hall stood tablets honoring Xu Jinhai's late parents. His grandfather, an imposing figure despite his advanced age, presided over the ceremony from a seat of authority.  

"You are a child of the Sima Clan?" the old man asked, his voice as cold and piercing as winter frost. 

Wei Lanying lowered her head slightly in respect. "Sima Qiuyue was my mother," she replied evenly. 

The old Lord scrutinized her in silence, his gaze heavy with judgment. After a moment, he turned to the officiant with a curt nod. "Proceed." 

The ceremony unfolded with precise formality. The first bow was to heaven and earth, the second to their elders, and the third to each other as husband and wife. 

Afterward, Wei Lanying was escorted to the bridal chamber, her veil still concealing her expression. She sat on the edge of the bed, waiting in silence. When Xu Jinhai entered the room, he brought the Matron with him. 

With ceremonial precision, the Matron handed Xu Jinhai a jade stick. He lifted Wei Lanying's veil, revealing her face bathed in the soft glow of candlelight. The Matron offered her blessings before excusing herself, leaving the newlyweds alone. 

Xu Jinhai studied her for a moment, his light amber most gold eyes catching the flickering flames of the candles. They seemed almost golden at certain angles, reflecting a depth of thought he didn't voice. 

Wei Lanying broke the silence, her tone steady but tinged with defiance. "Are you planning to consummate the marriage?" 

Xu Jinhai's lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile. "No," he said simply. He gestured toward her elaborate bridal attire. "You look uncomfortable. You should rest." 

She blinked, caught off guard by his lack of aggression. Nodding stiffly, she removed some of the heavier pieces of her adornments and lay on the bed. Xu Jinhai settled beside her, maintaining a respectable distance. 

As Wei Lanying drifted into sleep, Xu Jinhai stared at the canopy overhead, his expression unreadable. 

'Did you enjoy my gift?' he mused silently, his gaze shifting to her sleeping face. 'My people were the ones who spread the truth about that woman's lover and the disgrace of her pregnancy'