The capital of Gusu had never been this decorated.
White silk banners flowed like clouds across the palace gates. Golden lanterns lined the main road.
Citizens stood in neat rows, whispering excitedly.
“The Emperor is truly marrying…”
“And he promised no other consort!”
“They say the Yunmeng prince is very clever.”
“They say he’s trouble.”
Inside the imperial palace courtyard—
Lan Wangji stood in formal wedding robes.
White layered silk. Gold embroidery. Crown of polished jade.
Perfect posture.
Cold expression.
Unshakable.
If not for the slight tightening of his fingers inside his sleeves.
He had waited for this day calmly.
But not carelessly.
The wedding carriage arrived.
Red curtains lifted slightly as Wei Wuxian stepped down.
He wore bright red robes embroidered with lotus and cloud patterns — symbol of both kingdoms united.
His long black hair was tied loosely with a golden crown.
He looked relaxed.
Too relaxed.
His eyes scanned everything in seconds:
Guard positions
Archer towers
Escape routes
Minister reactions
Then his gaze met Lan Wangji’s.
Ah.
So this is the Ice Emperor.
Tall.
Composed.
Unbelievably handsome.
And staring directly at him without hesitation.
Wei Wuxian smiled slowly.
Lan Wangji stepped forward personally.
Gasps echoed.
The Emperor rarely moved for anyone.
He stopped before Wei Wuxian.
His voice was low and steady.
“Welcome to Gusu.”
Wei Wuxian tilted his head slightly.
“Your Majesty greets me personally? I’m honored.”
“I should.”
A simple answer.
No extra words.
But clear.
The ceremony was grand but efficient.
Bows exchanged.
Heaven and Earth witnessed.
Tea offered to ancestors.
No dramatic speeches.
No forced emotions.
Just steady respect.
When it was time to walk into the palace together—
Lan Wangji quietly extended his hand.
Not commanding.
Not pulling.
Simply offering.
Wei Wuxian looked at it for one second.
Then placed his hand in his.
Warm.
Firm.
Steady.
Interesting.
Inside the Empress Palace
Wei Wuxian expected heavy incense.
Overdecorated rooms.
Formal distance.
Instead—
The room was elegant and simple.
Fresh air.
Lotus flowers.
A desk prepared with maps and strategy scrolls.
He blinked.
Lan Wangji spoke calmly.
“You prefer light fragrance. Strong incense gives you headaches.”
Wei Wuxian slowly turned.
“You investigated even that?”
“Yes.”
No shame.
No apology.
Just truth.
Wei Wuxian laughed.
“Should I be flattered or worried?”
“You may choose.”
That made him laugh louder.
When servants left, silence settled.
This was the moment most people feared.
The wedding night.
But Lan Wangji did not rush forward.
Instead—
He poured tea.
Placed a cup before Wei Wuxian.
“Long journey.”
Wei Wuxian studied him carefully.
“You’re not what rumors say.”
Lan Wangji sat across from him.
“Rumors are inaccurate.”
“So you’re not cold?”
“I am.”
Pause.
“Not toward you.”
Wei Wuxian’s fingers paused on the teacup.
Direct.
No hesitation.
He leaned forward slightly.
“You don’t even know me well.”
Lan Wangji met his gaze steadily.
“I know enough.”
“What do you know?”
“That you pretend to be careless.”
“That you analyze everything.”
“That you dislike being underestimated.”
Wei Wuxian blinked.
“…You’re dangerous.”
Lan Wangji’s voice softened slightly.
“
Only for enemies.”
Suddenly—
A loud crash echoed outside.
Wei Wuxian stood instantly.
Lan Wangji was already at the door.
Guards rushed in.
“Your Majesty! A minister’s carriage overturned near
the south gate.”
Wei Wuxian raised an eyebrow.
“On our wedding night?”
Lan Wangji’s eyes turned sharp.
“Yes.”
They exchanged a glance.
Both understood.
Suspicious timing.
Wei Wuxian walked to the window casually.
“If I were testing a new Empress…”
He smiled slightly.
“…I’d create a small disturbance to see his reaction.”
Lan Wangji looked at him.
“And your reaction?”
Wei Wuxian shrugged.
“I’d wait. Real enemies don’t act so obviously.”
Lan Wangji gave a slight nod.
“Agreed.”
He turned to the guards.
“Investigate quietly. No public punishment yet.”
The guards left.
Wei Wuxian leaned against the table.
“So you won’t overreact.”
“No.”
“And you won’t suspect me?”
Lan Wangji’s answer was immediate.
“No.”
Wei Wuxian blinked.
“No?”
“I chose you.”
Simple.
Unshaken trust.
That was more dangerous than suspicion.
Later that night—
Lan Wangji adjusted the bedding carefully.
“You should rest.”
Wei Wuxian smirked.
“Are you always this proper?”
“Yes.”
“And if I misbehave?”
Lan Wangji stepped closer.
“Then I will handle it.”
The tone was calm.
But slightly deeper.
Wei Wuxian raised both hands playfully.
“Alright, Your Majesty. I surrender.”
Lan Wangji’s lips almost curved.
Almost.
As candles dimmed—
Wei Wuxian lay beside him.
No awkwardness.
No pressure.
Just steady warmth.
He spoke softly into the darkness.
“You truly won’t take another spouse?”
“No.”
“Even for politics?”
“No.”
“Even if I cause trouble?”
“You will.”
Wei Wuxian laughed quietly.
“And?”
Lan Wangji turned slightly toward him.
“I will still choose you.”
Silence.
Comfortable.
Steady.
Wei Wuxian closed his eyes.
Perhaps this alliance would be… interesting.
Outside the palace walls—
Northern armies were quietly moving.
Ministers were whispering.
Spies were watching.
War clouds gathering.
But inside the imperial chamber—
The Ice Emperor lay awake for a moment longer.
Listening to his omega’s calm breathing.
Then he allowed himself one quiet thought.
Mine.
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Updated 27 Episodes
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