Under the Crown Prince's orders, Bai Yunchen travelled to the Eastern Sea Region to investigate the rumors of foreign mercenaries funded by treasonous nobles.
The region, lush with salt air and bustling trade, hid shadows behind its beauty.
Over several days, Yunchen interrogated suspicious dockworkers, inspected merchant ledgers, traced unusual gold transactions, and quietly shadowed desert traders.
He soon uncovered the threads, ten thousand Xihuai desert mercenaries had been secretly placed along the border.
Two thousand archers were hiding in forest outposts disguised as 'hunters.'
Sixty elite assassins had infiltrated through merchant caravans, pretending to be sailors.
Their weapons were smuggled in barrels labeled 'sea salt' and 'dried fish.'
He followed the trail deeper into the coastal mountains where scouts confirmed,
"They are waiting for a single command from Prince Murong Yuntai's."
The discovery was grave—but Yunchen did not falter.
And even in the middle of this tense mission, Yunchen made time to visit Prince Murong Shaoheng, the marshal prince of the Eastern Sea Garrison.
When they met in the prince's residence, Yunchen bowed respectfully.
They spoke for a while, exchanging stories of past battles.
Then Yunchen straightened his posture and said quietly,
'Your Highness… I have fallen in love with Princess Murong Qingshi. With your permission, I wish to marry her."
Prince Murong Shaoheng's eyes widened—then he laughed warmly.
"So, that mischievous girl finally found someone who can handle her. Yunchen, I've watched you grow since youth. If it is you, I am relieved. I can entrust Qingshi to you without worry."
The two men spoke for a long while after—discussing the wedding rites, the auspicious dates, the guest list, and the formal procession that would be required for a union between the two of them.
Prince Murong Shaoheng offered suggestions, reminisced about traditions of the Eastern Sea Region, and made it clear he intended to give Qingshi nothing less than the most dignified celebration.
Only after a detailed discussion did Prince Murong Shaoheng finally take out his writing brush.
He penned a letter on the spot, instructing Princess Murong Qingshi to return home immediately and begin her bridal preparations.
A servant was dispatched at once to deliver it to Wuzhen.
Yunchen bowed deeply, "Thank you, Your Highness. I will never forget this kindness."
Prince Murong Shaoheng clapped his shoulder firmly, still smiling.
"Go. Finish your investigation. When you return, we will prepare this wedding properly."
Yunchen saluted, gratitude clear in his eyes, before taking his leave to continue the Crown Prince's mission.
Return to the Capital — A Family Overjoyed
When Yunchen returned to Wuzhen City, he reported everything to the Crown Prince.
The threat was real, and the Crown Prince and Murong Yexuan immediately prepared countermeasures.
Afterward, Yunchen hurried home.
In the Bai Residence, Bai Rouyuan, Bai Yanyu, and Bai Longyuan listened as Yunchen stood proudly and announced, "I have received Prince Murong Shaoheng's permission.
I am going to marry Qingshi."
Bai Rouyuan's eyes sparkled with joy, "Qingshi will be my sister for real…"
She hugged Yunchen tightly.
Wen Xianyi also cheered—Murong Qingshi had long been like family to them.
The Wedding of the Year — Lingnan City Rejoices
Upon hearing the news of Yunchen's upcoming marriage, Patriarch Wen Shisheng immediately sought Marquis Bai and Prince Murong Shaoheng's permission to host Yunchen and Qingshi's wedding in Lingnan City, the heart of the Southern River Silk Region.
The wedding was held at the Wen Clan Mansion in Lingnan City, decorated with lanterns, silk drapes, lotus sculptures, and fragrant incense.
It was the grandest wedding of the year—celebrated for three days and three nights.
Bai Yunchen wore a deep navy ceremonial robe embroidered with silver wolves and armored phoenixes, symbolizing loyalty and courage.
A silver crown rested on his head, and his belt was engraved with cloud patterns.
Princess Murong Qingshi was breathtaking in a flowing sky-blue wedding dress embroidered with white cranes and peonies.
Her veil shimmered with tiny gemstones that resembled morning dew.
Wen Qianbao Pavillion crafted her jewellery, lotus-shaped earrings, a phoenix hairpin, and a layered pearl necklace.
Everyone praised her beauty.
"The princess looks like a goddess descended from the clouds."
"Great General Bai Yunchen is blessed indeed."
Lin Changyu and Murong Yexuan teased Yunchen mercilessly.
"Nervous?" Murong Yunxi ask.
"Of course!" Yunchen replied.
"Try marrying the whole sky—because that's what Qingshi is."
Wei Shensu clapped his back, laughing.
Rouyuan, Xianyi, and Doudou cried as Qingshi entered the bridal sedan.
Wen Shisheng proudly hosted the city—everyone, rich or poor, was served the finest dishes.
A Walk-Through Memories — At Sacred Lotus Pavilion
After the celebrations, Rouyuan and Yexuan visited the Sacred Lotus Pavilion.
Rouyuan guided Yexuan through each hall—the herbs garden, the lecture hall, the library of ancient medical texts.
Finally, they reached her old room.
Yexuan stood still, eyes soft. "This… was where we first met."
"We first met?" Rouyuan blinked.
"Your Highness… were you that injured soldier?"
He nodded slowly.
"A young soldier too injured to stand, saved by a girl with gentle hands. I never forgot you, Rouyuan. From that day… I loved you."
Rouyuan's breath caught.
Yexuan stepped closer and gently took her hands.
"I won't force you. But if fate allows, I want to court you properly. Let me stay by your side…"
Rouyuan smiled softly.
"I also like you, but we should let time show us the way. For now, I just want to help people—like Mother did."
Yexuan nodded, understanding completely.
He tightened his hold on her hands.
"Then I will wait… as long as it takes."
Another Union — Murong Yunxi & Wen Xianyi
That evening, Consort Rou spoke privately with her family at the Wen Mansion.
She revealed, "Xi-Er wishes to marry Yi-Er."
Wen Roushan was stunned.
Murong Yunxian laughed. "No wonder those two act like they're already wed."
The next morning, Murong Yunxi and Wen Xianyi were officially engaged.
Xianyi shyly clung to Rouyuan's arm, "Ah Yuan… I'm really getting married…"
Rouyuan smiled and hugged her, "Of course, you two deserve happiness."
The Wen Clan celebrated again—joy upon joy.