The prince is fierce: Who dares to steal my woman?

Chapter 172 Yu Zhen'er's Wedding Night

“Our fates were worlds apart from the very beginning. I didn’t feel much sisterly affection for her; I felt more resentment towards the injustice of fate. So when my family needed me to make a sacrifice and marry Xiao Jinyan, I agreed without hesitation. As for her, why couldn’t she make a sacrifice in this vortex of power?”

Chu Liangchen stood tall and straight, looking firmly at Yu Xin'er in front of him, and said, "Madam Yu, please rest assured, once Liangchen is fortunate enough to marry Yu Zhen'er, I, Chu Liangchen, will take heaven and earth as my witness and the sun and moon as my oath, and will never easily divorce her. I vow to weather the storms with her and share life and death with her."

Upon hearing this, a complex emotion flashed in Yu Xin'er's eyes. She parted her lips slightly and said, "What about Princess Xincai? She holds a noble position. How do you intend to deal with her?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen's lips curled into a complex smile: "To be honest, Your Highness is naturally Liangchen's legal wife, and that cannot be changed. However, once this important matter concerning the family and the country is successfully accomplished, Yu Zhen'er will become an indispensable part of my life in another capacity. She will become my concubine. Although we will be different in name, I will treat her equally in terms of affection and will never show favoritism."

Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er frowned even more deeply: "What if Her Highness the Princess firmly disagrees with you taking a concubine?"

A deep light flashed in Chu Liangchen's eyes as he said, "Madam Yu is overthinking it. I know that although Her Highness the Princess is of royal lineage, she is not unreasonable. She is broad-minded, well-educated, and knows how to weigh the big picture. Once I, Chu Liangchen, sincerely explain to the Princess my deep affection and responsibility for Yu Zhen'er, as well as my considerations for the future, I believe the Princess will understand and support my decision, allowing Yu Zhen'er to peacefully integrate into our world as a concubine."

Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er's expression softened slightly, and a complex smile appeared on her lips, a smile that was both relieved and helpless: "Very well, everyone says that Chu Liangchen is loyal and righteous, and seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved. In that case, I entrust my sister to you, and I hope that you will live up to my trust and give her a peaceful and happy home. I hope that you will remain true to your original aspirations in the future."

After they finished speaking, a silent understanding seemed to have been reached between them, and every choice they made would profoundly affect their future endeavors.

An incense stick later, in a side hall of the Duke of Chu's mansion.

Upon hearing Yu Xin'er's words, Chu Liangchen finally agreed to the marriage alliance with Yu Zhen'er.

Upon seeing this, Yu Jin's anger instantly dissipated, and he smiled broadly, saying to Chu Liangchen, "Liangchen, you have taken a liking to my daughter, and my daughter also admires you. This is a match made in heaven, a perfect union. It seems that this marriage is settled!"

Although Chu Liangchen felt utterly helpless, he could only sigh inwardly, thinking: "Well, this arrangement isn't bad at all. If I become Yu Jin's son-in-law, he will definitely rely on me even more and listen to my every word. At that time, persuading him to get rid of Wei Wuji shouldn't be too difficult."

For the noble mission of eliminating evil and punishing wickedness, for overthrowing Liu Kun's tyranny as soon as possible, and for seeking justice for Princess Xincai, Chu Liangchen secretly pondered that this act of sacrificing his own interests for the greater good, even if it meant compromising himself, was worthwhile. He imagined that Princess Xincai, knowing this, would silently nod in agreement, offering him unspoken support and encouragement.

Thinking of this, Chu Liangchen took a deep breath and said firmly to Duke Yu of Chu, "Duke Yu of Chu is of noble character. I, Liangchen, can only obey and dare not disobey."

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin was overjoyed. He laughed heartily and slammed his hand on the table, saying, "Good day! These words are exactly what I wanted! Then, tomorrow will be the day you and my daughter are married. From now on, our two families will be as close as blood relatives. I will definitely treat you as my own son, work together on important matters, and share weal and woe."

These words not only revealed Yu Jinzhi's lofty aspirations but also contained boundless expectations for the future. The sincerity and trust revealed in his words added a touch of warmth and tragedy to this political and emotional union.

Chu Liangchen thought to himself, "Yu Jin is so impatient. He wants to get married tomorrow. Isn't that a bit too hasty?"

However, upon further reflection, Yu Jin's second half of his words echoed in his ears: he claimed he would treat him as his own flesh and blood. If that were the case, how could he ignore the advice and strategies offered by his own flesh and blood?

Thinking of this, Chu Liangchen forced a smile, his tone somewhat warm: "Liangchen will naturally follow the Duke of Chu's arrangements."

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin's joy was palpable. He burst into laughter, his face filled with smugness and a sense of certainty.

The following day, at the Duke of Chu's residence.

A ten-mile-long procession of red bridal processions stretched endlessly from one end of the street to the other, orderly and graceful, like a meticulously arranged painting. Flowers lined the roadside, dazzling and fragrant, even the trees throughout the city were adorned in festive attire, countless red ribbons fluttering in the breeze, adding a touch of enchantment to this joyous occasion. Soldiers stood tall and maintained order, while the surging crowds flowed like a never-ending tide, shoulder to shoulder, each face beaming with joy as they marched towards the Duke of Chu's mansion, filled with blessings.

The deafening roar of firecrackers and the high-hanging red lanterns, like glittering stars, illuminated the path ahead. Along the way, a band played their instruments, their joyful music adding to the festive and solemn atmosphere of the grand wedding. The bride was Yu Zhen'er, the beloved daughter of Duke Yu Jin of Chu, a woman of exquisite beauty and gentle grace; the groom was Chu Liangchen, a man of exceptional talent and elegant demeanor.

Inside the Duke of Chu's mansion, the main hall was filled with distinguished guests, all dressed in their finest attire, chatting and laughing. Amidst the clinking of glasses, joyous laughter echoed throughout. The mansion was brightly decorated, and a festive atmosphere permeated every corner, creating a vibrant and lively scene. This wedding was not only a union of two individuals but also a marriage alliance between two families, carrying the blessings and expectations of countless people, and becoming a celebrated tale passed down through the ages.

Yu Jin, dressed in a magnificent and dazzling robe, with a bright red silk sash tied around his waist that swayed gently in the wind, beamed with an extremely radiant smile. His tone was relaxed and cheerful as he raised his glass to the assembled guests, saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, may you all enjoy yourselves to the fullest and drink to your hearts' content!"

"Your Excellency, why is the groom nowhere to be seen today?" At this moment, a minister who was slightly drunk asked, half-jokingly.

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin immediately apologized with a beaming smile, replying cheerfully, "Oh dear, my son-in-law is really not a good drinker. He's already passed out and I've had someone help him back to his room to rest."

"Haha, could it be that he was so anxious that he secretly went to the boudoir with his bride while everyone was distracted?" another guest joked, which drew a burst of laughter from everyone.

"Hahaha..." Amidst laughter and cheers, the atmosphere of the banquet became increasingly lively.

"Indeed, indeed! Rumor has it that the Duke of Chu's beloved daughter possesses a face as beautiful as a flower and a figure as graceful as the moon, so beautiful that she seems otherworldly. As for Minister Chu, he is probably already captivated by her stunning beauty, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their wedding day. Haha, don't you all agree?"

"Come, come, let us raise our glasses together to pay tribute to the Duke of Chu. May the Duke of Chu's daughter and Minister Chu be deeply in love and soon bear the fruit of their love, so that the Duke of Chu may be blessed with a golden grandson and enjoy the joys of family life!"

"Yes, yes, let's drink this cup to the brim again to celebrate with the Duke of Chu!"

"Tsk tsk... The daughter of the Duke of Chu and Minister Chu are truly a perfect match, a match made in heaven. Come, let's drink to their wonderful marriage, down in one gulp, how delightful!"

Amidst the laughter and merriment, Chu Liangchen's mind remained calm and undisturbed, a subtle contrast to the lively atmosphere around him.

The dim candlelight flickered, reflecting the complex emotions swirling in Chu Liangchen's heart, like the interplay of light and shadow, neither clear nor dim.

Beside him sat Yu Zhen'er quietly, like a delicate painting slowly unfolding. She was in her early twenties, with a graceful and slender figure, like the most supple willow branch in spring. Her almond-shaped eyes were full of affection, her peach-blossom cheeks were smiling, and a touch of shyness was hidden in her eyes, making her even more charming.

A jade phoenix hairpin adorned with pearls shone brightly in her hair, swaying gently with her movements. The earrings dangling from her ears jingled melodiously. A long, flowing red dress embroidered with a golden phoenix enveloped her, the phoenix seemingly poised to take flight at any moment, perfectly complementing her noble aura. She was indeed the apple of the Yu family's eye.

After a long silence, Yu Zhen'er finally broke the stillness. She gently raised her hand, her jade-like fingers quietly touching Chu Liangchen's hand. A blush crept onto her cheeks, and her voice, as soft as a mosquito's buzz, was full of affection: "My husband, let me serve you to bed."

Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen pondered to himself, "Could these words imply an intention to consummate our marriage?" No! He and she had only met once, and he had no emotional connection whatsoever with this stranger. How could there be any talk of love? And how could he easily cross that line and agree to a sexual encounter?

Furthermore, his relationship with Yu Jin was merely a mutually beneficial partnership; in reality, their ambitions were at odds, and they were by no means kindred spirits. Sooner or later, they would inevitably part ways and go their separate ways. Since he and Yu Jin were incompatible and unable to work together on important matters, how could he possibly consummate their marriage with Yu Jin's daughter? This act would be extremely inappropriate and unreasonable, both for himself and for the innocent woman.

So, Chu Liangchen forced a bitter smile, looked at Yu Zhen'er, and said softly, "Zhen'er, I drank too much today and am feeling unwell. There's no rush, there's plenty of time. Why should our love be rushed?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Zhen'er's joy froze instantly, replaced by a deep sense of loss. Her eyes were filled with reluctance as she whispered, "But, my husband, tonight is our wedding night..."

Chu Liangchen sighed inwardly, his eyes filled with helplessness and apology. He gently explained, "Zhen'er, if two hearts are truly in love, what does it matter if they are together every day? I did drink too much today and am not feeling well, so I couldn't enjoy myself to the fullest. Let's wait until tomorrow to continue this beautiful time together, shall we?"

Yu Zhen'er parted her lips slightly, and said with a hint of shyness, "Husband, I really can't. Right now, I feel like nothing is ready, and my heart is full of anxiety."

Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen's gaze softened like spring water as he said softly, "Zhen'er, you are in the prime of your youth, like a delicate flower with morning dew, about to bloom. How could I bear to leave any regrets in our first union? Therefore, my wife, time is long, so let us wait for the perfect time and let our love become the most perfect memory in each other's hearts."

Yu Zhen'er's cheeks flushed instantly, her eyes sparkling with a shy yet determined light. She whispered, "My husband, as long as it's you, no matter when or where, for me, that is the most beautiful experience in the world."

Chu Liangchen smiled gently and said softly, "Zhen'er, although Liangchen looks strong, he is actually a scoundrel, a beast in human clothing, and impotent."

Yu Zhen'er parted her lips slightly, asking with a hint of curiosity and teasing, "Husband, how can there be such a thing as impotence in sexual intercourse?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen's lips curled into a playful smile, and he asked in return, "Oh? Does Madam regret hastily promising her life to someone based solely on appearance?"

Yu Zhen'er lightly stamped her foot, a blush rising on her face, and said coquettishly, "Hmph! Zhen'er has no regrets! Husband, you are so handsome and elegant, how could you be such an incompetent person? As for the truth, Zhen'er will have to verify it herself to know the truth. Husband, don't try to deceive me with such words."

Chu Liangchen inwardly admired her; this young woman was indeed exceptionally clever, and his self-deprecating tricks had not escaped her notice at all. He pondered this in his mind, but his expression remained impassive; he simply smiled faintly and said nothing more.

Chu Liangchen secretly plotted, intending to use Yu Jin to eliminate Wei Wuji, this stumbling block, and then stir up a storm to overthrow Liu Kun's suffocating tyranny, forging a new era himself. At that time, Yu Zhen'er, the once-beautiful moon in his heart, might only be able to condescend to become a concubine in his household. Thinking that a concubine could also share intimate moments, a strange displeasure arose in his heart, and he ultimately shook his head, gently dismissing the thought.