Love at First Sight Chapter 61: Wait for My Return

The sixteenth year of the Tianshun Era.

The eighth day of the first month—a day of great celebration, marking the wedding of the Second Prince, Zunxiu, and the eldest granddaughter of Grand Preceptor Cai.

All of the capital was astir.

From the Grand Preceptor’s residence to the Second Prince’s manor, every path had been meticulously swept, pure water sprinkled over the streets the day before. Crimson silk was laid out in neat rows, and at intervals of eighty meters, firecrackers were set off.

The bride price Zunxiu presented to Cai Zhaoxia was lavish beyond compare—sixty-four grand chests, all lined up splendidly behind the bridal sedan. The Emperor even dispatched the Imperial Guards to escort the procession, a clear indication of the royal family's regard for this union.

The Prime Minister An’s residence, home of the Empress’s family, was crowded inside and out with officials of all ranks who had come to offer their congratulations, each bringing generous gifts.

On this day, the streets were packed with throngs of onlookers; the city was emptied into the avenues, and the festivities were unmatched in their excitement.

Many among the common folk whispered among themselves, “I hear the young lady of the Cai family is stunning beyond measure, a true beauty who could make the fish sink and the birds alight in awe.”

“That’s not all—she is the very model of a noblewoman, blessed with both talent and virtue.”

“I’ve heard the Second Prince is held in high esteem by the Emperor and is the leading candidate for Crown Prince. Just look—this young lady may well be our future Empress!”

“Indeed, what fortune she must possess, accrued over generations!”

While the discussions outside grew heated, inside the bridal sedan, Cai Zhaoxia remained composed, unruffled by the commotion. She wore a resplendent phoenix crown and bridal robe, exuding dignity.

From a tender age, her family had placed upon her the weight of duty and hope, and she had begun preparing for this day long ago. She knew what was expected of her, for in the Cai household, she was raised to the strictest standard—the standard of an Empress.

Indeed, it was training—training as relentless as that of a circus animal. Every word she spoke, every act she made, was scrutinized. Any misstep would invite punishment.

Cai Zhaoxia dared not rebel, for resistance only brought harsher retribution. In her childhood, she could not understand why she was not allowed the freedom her younger sister enjoyed.

There were times she wished she could trade places with her sister, so that she herself might live with a little more ease.

She knew from the start that she was destined to become the mother of the nation. Since her grandfather had betrothed her to the Second Prince, she understood in her heart that the entire Cai clan would devote themselves to supporting the Empress and the An faction.

The wedding proceeded flawlessly, and the Second Prince’s manor was filled with joy.

Zunyou was to attend as well; his injuries had improved greatly.

Though he still felt a faint ache, the wounds were healing, with new flesh beginning to grow. Imperial Physician Hu changed his dressing, and Zunyou dressed himself to leave.

Knowing he would attend the wedding, Wen Yueqing had wanted to join the festivities, but recalling the palace banquet, she changed her mind.

Seeing her hesitation, Zunyou smiled and asked, “What’s the matter, little mischief? Are you thinking of coming with me again?”

Wen Yueqing thought for a moment, then shook her head. “I won’t go. I’d just have to stand all day. I’ll stay at the manor and keep Jinzi company—he’s been shedding terribly these past days. I should give him a bath.”

Zunyou quickly replied, “Don’t do that! It’s freezing out there. You’ll give him a chill.”

Only then did she realize—of course, there were no hairdryers in this era. She couldn’t just give the dog a bath.

“Oh, how careless of me! Why didn’t I think of that?” she said, a little vexed.

“Look at you, what kind of master are you? How can I trust you?” Zunyou teased, pursing his lips deliberately.

Wen Yueqing pushed him toward the door. “Alright, off you go! Don’t lecture me any longer.”

“You’re impossible—not even letting me say anything,” he replied, letting her push him out. “Stop pushing, I can walk on my own.”

She ignored him and gave him a gentle shove out the door, then bowed lightly. “Take care, Your Highness. I won’t see you off.”

Zunyou laughed aloud. “Be good and wait for me here. Don’t go to sleep before I return, you hear?”

She thought, “I’ll just sleep and wake up before you get back, won’t I?”

He added, “Don’t go to bed early. You must wait for me.”

She paid him little mind and nodded perfunctorily.

That evening, the Second Prince’s manor brimmed with merriment. Zunxiu’s face was flushed from drink as he continued to toast and banter with the guests.

He was filled with happiness, not only for the bridal night, but also for his own future. It was as if he could already see himself enthroned as Crown Prince.

He approached his brothers, wine cup in hand, and declared, “Tonight, let us drink without restraint. No one shall leave sober!”

“Second Brother, today is your grand day. I’m happy for you. Let’s agree—tonight, we drink till we drop!” Zunren clapped him on the shoulder.

Zunyou raised his cup to toast him as well. “Second Brother, a toast to you. This fine wine is delightful, but you’ve a delicate new bride waiting in your chamber. I’d advise you not to overindulge.”

With that, he downed his wine in one gulp. Though he was still recovering and ought not to drink, he would not refuse his brother’s hospitality, and so he drained his cup.

“Hahaha, you needn’t worry about that. Your second brother can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. I would never neglect your sister-in-law tonight!” Zunxiu, already tipsy, grew even more uninhibited.

“I see Second Brother’s spirits are high. Come, let me toast you once more,” Zunzhi said, pouring Zunxiu another brimming cup.

Zunyi quickly took up his cup as well. “To Second Brother—a joyous marriage, may you and your bride grow old together in love.”

“Good, Fourth Brother, Fifth Brother, come! Let us drink. Today, your brother is truly delighted!” Zunxiu tossed back another cup.

They caroused well into the night, and it was nearly dawn when Zunyou finally returned to his manor.

Tong’er, having heard the news, hurried to rouse Wen Yueqing. “Miss, wake up! His Highness has returned!”

“Mm? Leave me be...”

Wen Yueqing smacked her lips in her sleep, oblivious to any need to wait up—sleep was far too precious.

Tong’er shook her more insistently. “His Highness has returned!”

Wen Yueqing shot upright in alarm. “He’s back? Quick, quick, come with me to his room!”

She straightened her clothes and hair, then asked Tong’er, “Well? Is it obvious I just woke?”

Tong’er barely suppressed a laugh at her antics. “Not at all.”

“Good! Let’s go, quickly!” Wen Yueqing hurried to Zunyou’s chambers at a run.

Tong’er waited outside the door, ready to greet His Highness.

Wen Yueqing, thinking for a moment, sat at the table, propping one elbow on its surface. Then she leaned over her arm and pretended to be fast asleep.