An Eight-year-old Princess

Chapter 210 Rising Storm

Sitting in the palanquin, Yun Shang thought about her wedding ceremony. So far, all the arrangements

had been perfect. As she was carried down the street, the Princess heard all sorts of sounds from

outside. There was joyful music and the crowd was cheering. She heard people's conversations when

she passed by. The commoners were discussing about this most exciting event. Yun Shang wondered

what the preparation looked like from outside the palanquin. As the people gasped, whispered and

cheered, she imagined that the pomp and circumstances of her wedding must have been extraordinary.

However, she still felt a little uneasy. If she were the Empress, she would definitely do something to

subvert the wedding. Since the Empress had asked about every detail for the wedding ceremony, it

would be easy for her to find an opportunity to implement her plans.

But she couldn't guess the Empress's actual scheme. Yun Shang decided to take measures according

to the actual situation. The person she cared for the most now, was her mother. Yun Shang had sent

almost all her guards to protect Lady Jin. Combined with her father and Prince Jing's forces, her

mother should be well protected.

The palanquin wobbled all the way to the Imperial Palace. Finally, it stopped. As the palanquin was

placed on the ground, a man's hand lifted the curtain and reached for Yun Shang. At the sight, Yun

Shang snapped out of her daze. She recognized the hand to be Prince Jing's. She quickly placed her

hand in his and allowed him to help her dismount from the palanquin.

She was then led into the Palace. Finally, the Prince and Princess reached Jinluan Hall.

After they had walked down the length of the hall, Prince Jing and Princess Yun Shang stopped. Prince

Jing knelt and Yun Shang followed. Since she couldn't see much through her veil, she presumed that

Emperor Ning and the Empress must be in front of her. A eunuch sang, "The Princess now bows to His

Majesty."

Yun Shang prostrated and kowtowed three times. As she completed her greeting, she heard Emperor

Ning's voice come from above. The Emperor sounded sad as he spoke, "You're grown up now,

Shang'er. I still can't believe you're old enough to marry. My best wishes to you both for many happy

years ahead."

Yun Shang kowtowed again. As she sat upright, she heard Lord Zheng announce, "His Majesty has

prepared his wedding gifts. He will bestow Princess Hui Guo with a jade pendant symbolizing her royal

identity, and a Princess Palace in Her Highness's name. The Princess is also being gifted with a jade

pendant symbolizing her new status as Princess Consort, engraved with her title, Princess Jing."

Yun Shang prostrated again and kowtowed as she thanked her father for the wedding gifts.

"The Princess may now bid the Emperor and Empress farewell, " the eunuch sang.

"Farewell, Your Majesties." Yun Shang kowtowed to the Emperor and Empress. As her forehead

touched the ground, the Princess felt as though she was in a dream. She made a silent vow. From now

on, although she would no longer be a part of this Palace, her hatred and revenge would not be

dissolved.

Prince Jing stood before helping Yun Shang to her feet. Holding hands, they bowed to the Emperor and

Empress before turning and walking out of Jinluan Hall. As they walked down the hall, a bell rang and

music started. A procession of musicians played joyful music as the Prince and Princess walked out of

Jinluan Hall. The music continued as the Prince and Princess reached the Palace Gate and climbed

into the palanquin. Another procession of musicians, guards, and maids followed the palanquin to

Prince Jing's mansion.

It took them nearly an hour to get to the mansion. Gongs and trumpets sounded during the whole

journey to the mansion. As the palanquin stopped outside the mansion, the master of the ceremony

sang, "Now the bridegroom will open the curtain."

Yun Shang heard footsteps approach the palanquin. The curtain was lifted and Prince Jing extended a

hand to Yun Shang. The Princess smiled and held his hand as she stepped out of the palanquin. As

per the ceremony, a brazier and tiles had been placed before her. She stepped over them and headed

toward the front hall.

"Look! They are a perfect match!" There were exclamations and laughter from the commoners. Yun

Shang smiled at the good cheer surrounding her. Her life had changed a lot. In her current life, she had

married Prince Jing instead of Mo Jingran. She found herself wondering about how married life with

Prince Jing would unfold.

"The auspicious time is about to come. Your Highnesses may now enter the front Hall." The chaperon

standing beside the married couple exclaimed with delight.

The Emperor and Empress would have arrived before the married couple. And Yun Shang had

received a signal from her guards letting her know that Lady Jin had reached the mansion safely as

well.

Since Prince Jing was an orphan, and his foster parents had passed away, Emperor Ning would

perform the parents' role during the ceremony as he was Prince Jing's oldest living relative.*

(*TN: In a traditional Chinese wedding, the couple has to kowtow or bow to each other's parents. The

Prince and Princess had completed the first part of the ceremony that required them to bow to the

Royal family. In this part of the ceremony the Emperor would represent Prince Jing's parents and the

Empress would represent Yun Shang's family.)

The celebrations in the hall were less clamorous. Perhaps the guests didn't dare to make uproarious

talk and laughter in Emperor Ning's presence. The chaperon helped Yun Shang walk to her spot in the

hall. Once everyone was in position, the master of ceremony sang, "The auspicious time has come.

The new couple may now carry out the ritual. Kneel!"

"The couple may now bow to Heaven and Earth!"

"The couple may now bow to their parents!"

"The couple may now bow to each other!"

"The couple may now enter the bridal chamber!"

Yun Shang was in a daze during the ceremony held in the mansion. When Yun Shang finally paid

attention to her surroundings, she realized that she was in the bridal chamber. The Princess looked

around and found herself surrounded by festive decorations. All of this felt so surreal to Yun Shang.

Noticing her bewilderment, Prince Jing asked softly, "Are you tired? Do you feel unwell?"

Yun Shang shook her head. She did not walk much during the ceremony. Although the ritual was long,

she wasn't too tired. The Princess fidgeted under the weight of the heavy and complicated jewelry and

attire.

"Your Highness, it's time to unveil your wife, " suggested the chaperon who had been standing beside

the couple.

Prince Jing nodded and said, "I will."

He reached toward Yun Shang and slowly lifted the red veil. Yun Shang blushed and giggled. This

would be the first time that she would see Prince Jing in his ceremonial attire. This would also be the

first time that she would look upon Prince Jing as her husband. She demurely raised her eyes and was

surprised when she saw the love and tenderness in his eyes. She thought to herself, 'The Prince is

breathtakingly handsome in his wedding dress. No wonder all the women in the State of Ning adore

him.'

Prince Jing looked at Yun Shang intently before flashing a smile.

"Now it's time for cross-cupped wine." The chaperon's voice sounded again. The announcement drew

Yun Shang out of her thoughts. She looked at the servant who had placed two cups of wine on a tray in

front of them. Yun Shang smiled and turned to Prince Jing, "After you, Your Highness."

Prince Jing returned her smile. He picked up a cup of wine. Yun Shang smiled and lifted the other cup.

They moved closer to each other, crossed their arms, and drank the wine in one gulp.

"Excellent!" Praised the onlookers.

Prince Jing put the empty cup back on the tray, and turned his gaze to Yun Shang. He spoke tenderly,

"I've got to go out toasting and I'm afraid it's going to be a while before I return. You haven't eaten

anything since early morning. I'll have some food delivered to you." With that said, he looked to Qin Yi

and Qian Yin, who were standing beside him and giggling heartily, "And you two will remain here and

take care of Princess Jing."

Qin Yi and Qian Yin exchanged glances. Then they giggled some more. "Yes, Your Highness."

Yun Shang blushed at their words. She glared at her giggling maids. Then she turned to Prince Jing,

and nodded to him timidly.

Suddenly, a knock sounded on the door. The chamberlain reported to Prince Jing from outside, "Your

Highness, the guests are awaiting your presence. They want you to join the celebrations."

Prince Jing nodded before heading out of the bridal chamber. Other onlookers present in the chamber

followed him out. Once the door closed, Yun Shang looked around and found herself alone with her

maids.

Still giggling, Qian Yin approached the Princess. She quipped, "Your Highness, you almost lost yourself

when you were staring at His Highness's pretty face. You must be thinking...Alas! It's like a dream!

Such a handsome man has become my husband!"

Yun Shang flushed and glared at Qian Yin in feigned anger.

Qin Yi joined the conversation, "His Highness is handsome indeed, but Her Highness is just as pretty.

Although Princess Hua Jing is said to be the fairest in the state, I don't think she is half as pretty as our

Princess."

"Okay okay. I am the fairest in all of Ning. The jewelry is so heavy, I think my neck might've broken.

Help me remove the jewelry." With cheeks burning from embarrassment, Yun Shang stopped her

maids from saying anything more. She reached out with her hands to support her head.

Qin Yi and Qian Yin were surprised. They exchanged a glance before laughing out loud. Qian Yin

yelled in joy, "Her Highness is shy!"

Yun Shang waited patiently. Once the laughter died down, the two maids helped Yun Shang remove

the heavy hair ornaments. They let down Yun Shang's hair and combed it before twisting it into a

solemn but convenient bun. This new hairstyle reflected the Princess's marital status. Then they undid

Yun Shang's wedding gown, and helped her change into a night dress made of scarlet brocade.

Once in the night dress, Yun Shang breathed a sigh of relief. She had almost been smothered by the

wedding attire and ornaments.

"Your Highness, you should at least wear a hairpin and a flower. After the banquet is over, Prince Jing's

friends will visit your chamber*. It's impolite not to wear any accessories." Qin Yi looked at Yun Shang's

reflection in the mirror as she made the suggestion. Before the Princess could reply, Qin Yi placed a

hairpin and a flower into Yun Shang's hair.

(*TN: In a traditional Chinese wedding, friends are supposed to tease the bride and the groom on their

wedding night.)

Once everything had settled, a knock sounded on the door. Qin Yi opened the door and stepped aside.

A maid entered carrying a tray in her hand. She curtsied to Yun Shang, "Your Highness, His Highness

asked me to prepare some food for you."

With that said, she put the tray on the table. Osmanthus cakes, fish porridge, and two serves of

appetizers had been neatly arranged on the tray. Yun Shang smiled before taking a seat at the table.

She picked up a piece of osmanthus cake, then took a bite and said, "The cake is a little too sweet.

Wasn't it made in Yuman Tower?"

The maid bowed her head and answered meekly, "It's made in our kitchen."

Yun Shang nodded and said no more. She ate a little from the various dishes served before her. When

the Princess was done, the maid cleaned the table.

"How weird. I thought His Highness didn't have any maids." Qian Yin frowned and spoke after the maid

had left the chamber.

Qin Yi explained with a smile, "In the past, His Highness felt comfortable living alone. Since he was a

bachelor, he didn't have any maids. Now that he's married our Princess, he cannot sustain this habit

any longer. After all, how can there be no maid to serve Her Highness? Perhaps the Prince also took

that into consideration and hired a few maids to tend to our Princess."

"His Highness is so considerate!" Qian Yin giggled.

After the maids had settled, Yun Shang found waiting in the chamber for the celebration to end to be a

little boring. Yun Shang intended to read a book, but realized that all her books were still in her palace,

and had not been delivered to Prince Jing's mansion yet. She let out a sigh and lay on the bed.

Suddenly, a loud knock echoed in the chamber. Qin Yi hurried to open the door. But when she saw the

visitor, she was amazed, and murmured a "My Lady" in a daze.

The light in the chamber was so awkwardly placed that Yun Shang was unable to see who was

standing outside. As Yun Shang heard her maid's murmur, she became curious and rose to meet her

visitor. She was surprised when she saw the visitor clearly, and blurted out, "Why are you here,

Mother? I thought you had returned to the Palace after the ceremony. In the morning, I wanted to talk to

you, but couldn't because of the Empress." Yun Shang took hold of Lady Jin's hand and giggled,

"Mother, your belly is getting bigger and bigger. It looks so cumbersome. Has my little sibling been well-

behaved? Have you rested well these days?"

Lady Jin smiled and gazed at Yun Shang tenderly. "I have been keeping well. Don't worry about me. I

am so happy to have been able to watch my Shang'er grow up and marry an excellent man." Lady Jin

caressed her belly with a smile, "Your sibling is happy for you too."

Yun Shang returned her smile. She gingerly touched Lady Jin's belly and felt a quickening from inside.

Delighted and surprised, Yun Shang widened her eyes and called, "Mother! My sibling just kicked me!"

Lady Jin chuckled, "I told you, your sibling is happy for you." She took Yun Shang's hand and led her to

the table. After they sat down, Lady Jin looked into Yun Shang's eyes, and said, "Although you've just

come of age, the Prince is now 28 years old. Most people marry early. It would be normal for men at his

age to have already taken a wife and fathered children. The Prince will now feel tremendous pressure

to father an heir. I know you've always liked children. You should be prepared to be rushed into the

decision to give birth to some."

Yun Shang was shocked by her mother's words. She quickly withdrew her hand, lowered her head, and

remained silent. Lady Jin's words reminded her of her own child, Huan'er. Yun Shang liked children

very much. But she still couldn't let go of Huan'er's death. It was one thing to get married and quite

another to think about having children. Yun Shang barely got through the wedding and now she was

being told to think about children. Huan'er! The poor child. He had never enjoyed a good day since he

had been born, and he died an agonizing death. She would by no means forgive his murderers.

However, Lady Jin took her withdrawal as a sign of shyness. She tenderly said to Yun Shang, "Don't be

shy, you have to go through this. As a woman, there are so many things for you to learn and get used

to, but I won't have many opportunities to teach you about these. I've been in the Cold Palace for so

many years. I've barely stepped out and you are married. Now that you have married Prince Jing, he

will care for you. I want you to remember that you will always be my precious child. I want you to know

that I'm here for you, no matter what happens."

Yun Shang nodded to her, "Rest assured, mother. I love you too."

They talked for some more time. But Yun Shang worried for Lady Jin's health, so she insisted that her

mother should return to the Palace. With a smile, Lady Jin nodded at her daughter before standing and

walking toward the door.

The noise outside had been unceasing. It could be heard even in the bridal chamber. The cheers only

subsided a little when it was almost dark.

Yun Shang was anxious. She knew that Prince Jing had good capacity for liquor. But he had been

drinking continuously for several hours. She was sure that he wouldn't be able to take it any longer.

She asked the kitchen to make a beverage for the Prince that would help him sober up. As time

passed, the soup turned tepid and then cool. Finally, she heard several faint voices yelling outside.

"Hurry up! We need to have a look at the pretty bride!" Yun Shang recognized the loudest voice to be

Wang Jinhuan's.

She sneered inwardly. Perhaps Wang Jinhuan had no understanding of how karma worked. What he

did to her today would be returned to him at a later time. She swore that when Wang Jinhuan got

married, she would prepare a nice, big surprise for him.

"Your Highness, word has spread. As it turns out, the pretty boy living in the Prince's tent while we were

at the frontier is actually you. We are all so relieved to know that. At the start, we thought His Highness

might be interested in men, and were worried about him for quite a while." A hoarse voice yelled,

followed by a series of loud laughter.

Another voice called, "Prince! You are drunk! The bridal chamber is in the opposite direction! You are

walking the wrong way! It's said that all Princesses are short-tempered, the fair ones extremely so.

We've seen our Princess before. She's pretty and good at martial arts. If she caught you like this, you

would be kicked out."

"So what? Our Prince will tame her!"

Yun Shang almost wanted to bury her head in the quilt. Flushed, she quickly gathered herself and took

a last look in the mirror. She was glad that she had applied heavy makeup, and that her burning cheeks

would be masked by the rouge. Content is © by NôvelDrama.Org.

Suddenly, the door was pushed open. Yun Shang hurriedly turned. She saw a crowd of people push

Prince Jing in. The Prince looked very drunk. Still wearing his red wedding dress, he staggered in. His

eyes fixed on Yun Shang, and he grinned. Seeing him like this, Yun Shang was worried, but also

amused.

However, a man beside Prince Jing was amazed by her smile. He stared at Yun Shang. His eyes

widened before he yelled, "Oh my god! Her Highness is so pretty! His Highness is so lucky to have

her!"

The others quickly echoed in agreement.

Wang Jinhuan suddenly came up with an idea. He pushed and squeezed his way forward. Having

reached Prince Jing's side, he stopped long enough to wink at Yun Shang before suddenly pushing

Prince Jing towards her. Drunk and unprepared, the Prince was caught off guard. He staggered a few

steps before falling toward Yun Shang, arms flailing.

Yun Shang was shocked. Eyes wide in surprise, she hurriedly reached out to catch Prince Jing.

However, the Prince was too heavy for her. Although she tried to steady herself, she eventually fell

backward, with Prince Jing on top of her.

Another bout of laughter rang out. Yun Shang blushed. She hurriedly helped Prince Jing up and

whispered in his ear, "Your Highness?"

The Prince blinked rapidly before turning his gaze toward her. He seemed to be in a daze with

absolutely no idea of what had happened. Seeing that, Yun Shang glared at Wang Jinhuan. The latter

hurried forward, bowed, and giggled, "Do please forgive me, Your Highness. His Highness was too

delighted. See, he's drunk a little more than usual tonight. I asked him to stop, but he didn't take my

advice."

A bearded man shoved him on the shoulder and laughed, "Cut the bullshit! Your advice only stopped

His Highness from drinking less!"

Debunked, Wang Jinhuan showed no sign of embarrassment. Instead, he chuckled, "So what? I'm so

delighted that I don't feel like myself anymore. You have no idea how happy I am for His Highness!

He's 28 years old! He's finally married! I almost felt like an eager and anxious father..."

Yun Shang forced a smile as she fought the impulse to beat Wang Jinhuan. She helped the Prince on

to the bed and settled him, before she turned her gaze toward Wang Jinhuan. She quipped, "Mr. Wang,

you should work harder if you really want to be an eager and anxious father. After all, you haven't found

the person who will give birth to your son yet. Oh, by the way, I almost forgot...I happen to have a

father-in-law, who happens to be the late Emperor. Mr. Wang, I'm sure the current Emperor would be

glad to learn of what you've just said."

Wang Jinhuan flinched. He quickly coughed several times, and changed the subject, "I was

overwhelmed by joy. I didn't mean anything I said."

The others were running out of patience. They were not here to watch a debate and get into trouble. A

man shoved Wang Jinhuan's shoulder and urged, "Hey! You are the one who suggested that we tease

the Prince and Princess tonight! You said the Prince was too drunk, and wouldn't remember a thing

when he woke up!"

Yun Shang gasped and widened her eyes in feigned anger. She glared at Wang Jinhuan, whereas the

latter hurriedly waved his hand as he explained, "I didn't say that! You must be drunk too!"

Yun Shang laughed. She turned to the chamberlain who was standing at the door, "My my, His

Highness will forget? What a shame! Chamberlain, I assume that you know these Lords' faces and

names. Write down their names and present the list to His Highness tomorrow morning. It would be a

shame if His Highness couldn't remember these loyal Lords' kind behavior. After all, they have labored

so much, and even paid their respect to His Highness in our bridal chamber."

The chamberlain restrained his smile, and bowed to her. But the onlookers were scared. They quickly

said, "No! No need, Your Highness! It's just a favor! We couldn't leave His Highness drunk and asleep

outside. So we helped bring him to the chamber! It's our duty! No need to mention it to the Prince!"

With that said, the crowd scrambled to swarm out.

"Wait! Wait!" Wang Jinhuan yelled and stomped as he saw the other Lords leaving.

Yun Shang raised her eyebrows, "Why don't you go with them? Ah, you must have other business to

discuss with His Highness. And your name will make up for the vacancy on the list caused by these

retreating Lords. Chamberlain, write Mr. Wang's name and report to His Highness tomorrow."

Hearing that, Wang Jinhuan quickly turned and ran out of the chamber in a blink.

Yun Shang laughed out loud. She glanced at Prince Jing before turning to her maid, "Qin Yi, please

bring the beverage to me. His Highness looks so drunk. We must help him sober up."

Qin Yi hurriedly carried the tray with the beverage to the Princess. Yun Shang scooped a spoonful and

fed the soup to Prince Jing. Fortunately, the Prince hadn't lost consciousness. As the spoon touched

his lips, he obediently opened his mouth and drank.

In between feeding spoonfuls of soup to Prince Jing, Yun Shang took turns to remove his shoes. When

the bowl had been emptied, she helped the Prince to lie down on the bed.

She asked Qin Yi to fetch some hot water. Before her orders could be carried out, a figure suddenly

entered the chamber. Her clothes were stained with blood. At the scene, the servants gasped in shock.

In surprise, Yun Shang turned to look at the intruder. She recognized the person to be her maid, Qian

Xin, whom she had asked to protect her mother. Why was Qian Xin here? She should've been by Lady

Jin's side!

Yun Shang was alarmed and a sense of foreboding overwhelmed her. She grabbed the maid and

asked, "Qian Xin, what has happened? Did something happen to my mother?"

Qian Xin hurriedly answered, "Your Highness! It's premature labor! Her Highness is in

danger!"