The imperial husband was destined to assist the Empress in managing the imperial harem, so that the Empress could focus wholeheartedly on state affairs without distraction. Those chosen to be imperial husband would undoubtedly be individuals of dignified bearing and exemplary character.
Su Mo, however, who had never been favored by Prime Minister Su and had not received meticulous grooming, was clearly lacking in these qualities. His past demeanor of timidity would only bring shame upon the Empress.
While it was true that dedicated governesses would instruct him in etiquette for the two months preceding the wedding, last-minute cramming could never compare to the innate nobility and elegance cultivated from a lifetime of immersion.
They could not influence the Empress's decision. Su Mo, this insignificant speck compared to them, the scions of noble families, must surely understand the difference between himself and them…
Heh, what was the point of having been struck by luck and appointed imperial husband? The Emperor could depose him with a mere word, let alone a mere imperial husband!
Scarcely anyone held out hope for Su Mo, including Prime Minister Su and his wife. They watched from the sidelines, waiting for their younger son to be discarded by the Empress, ready to have their elder son, Su Yu, take his place.
The entire capital was abuzz with celebrations for the Empress’s wedding. Every household adorned their homes with red silk, and red carpets stretched along every street of the imperial city, a truly magnificent spectacle.
As dawn broke, the entourage sent to welcome the imperial husband Su Mo arrived with a fanfare of music and drums. Prime Minister Su and his retinue were already waiting respectfully at the entrance of their residence.
When they saw that the leader, adorned in magnificent wedding attire, was none other than the Empress Qiao Ci herself, their eyes widened in astonishment.
Throughout history, during imperial weddings, emperors, due to their noble status, never personally went to escort their consorts. Instead, they sent representatives to bring them into the palace for the ceremony.
This… this, this, the Empress had personally come to escort Su Mo?
What was Su Mo’s merit to warrant such an honor?
A vast expanse of people were about to kneel to welcome the imperial presence. Qiao Ci adjusted the inconspicuous golden hairpin adorning her hair and waved her hand, "Today is my wedding day. Let us temporarily forgo these cumbersome rituals."
With the Empress personally escorting her husband, they dared not create any obstacles for her. Thus, Qiao Ci easily arrived at the courtyard where Su Mo had newly taken up residence.
…
Inside the bridal chamber, Su Mo was extremely nervous. This was his first marriage in two lifetimes. Not only was he marrying his longed-for beloved, but he was also marrying the Empress of a nation. He had been in a daze from last night until now, feeling as if it were all a dream.
"Haven't you been anticipating this for a long time? What are you so nervous about? Don't you want to get married anymore?" An Yi, who had been placed in the open as part of the dowry, couldn't resist teasing Su Mo, seeing his restless unease.
"Bah, bah, bah! Who said I don't want to get married? I'm just too excited, it all feels so unreal… An Yi, tell me, when will the wedding procession arrive… why haven't they come yet…"
"Rest assured, Her Majesty the Empress will be here soon. I've seen women eager to marry, but I never thought a man like you would be so eager."
"Nonsense, why would the Empress personally escort the groom…"
Before Su Mo could finish speaking, a knock sounded on the door. "Her Majesty the Empress has arrived. Is the imperial husband ready?"
Seeing Su Mo’s bewildered face, An Yi chuckled and replied, "He is ready."
Not long after, the door was gently pushed open, and Qiao Ci, looking even more radiant in her wedding attire, entered. Su Mo stared for a moment before quickly picking up the exquisite red fan to cover his face.
Gazing at Su Mo, whose features appeared even more refined and whose demeanor was exceptional after his preparations, Qiao Ci smiled and praised, "My imperial husband is so handsome!"
Su Mo's ear tips turned a faint red.
Fearing that carrying him would wound Su Mo’s masculine pride, Qiao Ci held the red silk ribbon and led him step by step towards the phoenix carriage.
Those who had intended to witness Su Mo’s humiliation were first stunned by the Empress’s personal arrival. Then, Su Mo, who strode out from behind the Empress, appeared noble and self-possessed, his bearing extraordinary. The inherent nobility and grace emanating from his very being delivered a second blow. Particularly, they discovered that Su Mo, meticulously dressed, was utterly ethereal, like a divine being.
Everyone seemed to be meeting Su Mo for the first time. Even Prime Minister Su and his wife almost failed to recognize their own son.
When had their good-for-nothing younger son acquired such nobility and bearing…
Finally completing all the intricate wedding ceremonies, Qiao Ci felt as if she were about to fall apart. Upon entering the bridal chamber, she collapsed onto the wedding bed, utterly unwilling to move.
Su Mo, seated on the bed with his back straight, the fan still covering his face, felt immense heartache upon seeing this.
"Are you… are you very tired? Shall I massage your shoulders…" Remembering that Qiao Ci had not yet removed his face fan, and fearing it would break protocol, he became restless.
Qiao Ci pushed herself up, moved his fan away, and gazed at his exquisitely carved face with shining eyes. Thinking that they were now husband and wife, she leaned forward, tilting her head to kiss his face, which she had long coveted. The sensation was soft and delicate.
Su Mo had not expected her to steal a kiss, and his blood surged instantly, his face flushing like a sunset. He tried to compose himself and said with slight discomfort, "We… we haven't drunk the conjugal wine yet…"
Heaven knew she simply wanted to kiss him. Yet, judging by his expression, she felt like a pervert.
"Don't deny it, host. You're just lusting after him!"
"Little system, be sensible. Go stay in the dark room." With that, the golden hairpin on her head vanished.
After drinking the conjugal wine, they sat in silence on the same stool. One was too shy to make the first move, while the other was too tired and just wanted to rest before getting up and going to bed to sleep.
Su Mo knew that women in this era were generally reserved in such matters. He tried to recall the storybooks he had read before and subtly shifted towards Qiao Ci. Once they were close enough, his clear, youthful breath wafted into the drowsy Qiao Ci’s ear: "It's getting late, it's time to rest, Your Majesty."
After speaking, he stood up, bowed slightly, placed his left hand around Qiao Ci's waist, and his right hand beneath her knees. His long, fair fingers tightened, and with a slight exertion of strength, he effortlessly lifted her and slowly walked towards the large wedding bed.
Qiao Ci's expression was dazed, and she looked incredibly cute. Perhaps she hadn't expected this young man, whom she felt needed protecting, to lift her so easily.
Before her, he was tall and slender, with broad shoulders and narrow hips, exuding a masculine aura. He was no longer the wilting boy who had once curled up in a wardrobe, clinging to life.
Gently placing Qiao Ci on the bed, Su Mo's eyes curved into a smile as he gazed at her for a long time, as if to deeply imprint her eyebrows, eyes, nose, and mouth in his memory.
A moment later, he leaned down, his scorching breath making her feel slightly uncomfortable, yet the tenderness in his eyes eased her subtle unease…
The night was long…
As the sun climbed high in the sky, Qiao Ci finally got out of bed, grumbling.
Looking at the kisses and the soreness in her waist, she immediately felt deceived!
A little puppy in bed, a big wolf on the bed?
All that talk about being gentle, about it being the last time, was all lies!
Seeing the sulking Qiao Ci, Su Mo also felt guilty about being too excessive last night. He said pitiably, "Don't be angry anymore. I'll control myself next time, okay?"
Here we go again, it's happening again.
As soon as she got angry, he put on a pitiful act, making her unable to stay angry!!
Listen, little system, listen to this. What kind of little puppy is this? This is a wolf disguised as a little puppy, isn't it?
And besides, who was lusting after whose body, hmm?
Ah yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, it was he who was vulgar and lusting after her body!!
The little hairpin quickly soothed its host, who was about to go berserk.