Drunk on Madness - Chapter 37

Inside and outside the prince’s mansion, lanterns and colorful decorations adorned the halls, and the sound of drums and gongs filled the air, creating a joyous and harmonious atmosphere. Today was the grand wedding day of the prince’s heir, and the entire border garrison was in high spirits.

In the courtyard, flowers bloomed in abundance, and colorful silk ribbons fluttered in the breeze. Zhou Mingxuan, dressed in a red wedding robe and wearing a golden crown, looked extraordinarily handsome.

Li Xiang was similarly clad in luxurious red attire, her phoenix hairpins accentuating her noble grace. A flowing cloud-patterned embroidered phoenix belt cinched her waist, and as she walked slowly, the hem of her skirt swayed gently with the breeze, breathtakingly beautiful.

The main hall was packed with guests, bustling with excitement. The princess and the prince sat on the elevated seats, beaming with joy. Zhou Mingxuan and Li Xiang, hand in hand, bowed to the prince and his wife. Standing side by side, they received blessings and praise from the guests.

As night fell, melodious music played, dancers twirled gracefully, and laughter filled the entire mansion.

In the bridal chamber, red candles burned brightly, and the air was lightly scented with incense and floral fragrances.

Li Xiang sat quietly in the room, the window slightly ajar, allowing a sliver of moonlight to spill onto the silk screen, adding to the festive and elegant ambiance.

Nanny Li approached and handed her a cup of warm tea. “Lady Consort, would you like something to eat?”

Li Xiang lifted a corner of her red veil and slowly sipped the tea. “I am a little hungry. Bring me one of the triangular pastries from the table.”

Nanny Li walked to the table, picked up a plate of triangular pastries, and placed it before Li Xiang. She took one and took a bite.

After swallowing the food and feeling slightly better, Nanny Li wiped her hands with a damp cloth and handed her a booklet. Without much thought, Li Xiang flipped through it, only to find it filled with illustrations of intimate acts between men and women.

Li Xiang immediately snapped the booklet shut, her face flushing. “Nanny Li, you should know that the heir and I are not new to this. Why bring out such a booklet?”

Nanny Li remained unperturbed. “My lady, you are too reserved. There’s no harm in learning more.”

Li Xiang’s cheeks tinged pink as she suppressed her irritation. Lifting a corner of her red veil, she asked, “Is this some peculiar interest of yours, or did the princess send you to spy on us?”

Nanny Li quickly knelt and explained, “The princess means no harm. She only worries that the heir, being young and impulsive, might inadvertently hurt you. Hence, she asked me to offer some guidance.”

Hearing this, Li Xiang lowered her veil. “Get up. In the future… when we are together, stay away. I don’t like being watched.”

Nanny Li bowed. “Lady Consort, you needn’t feel pressured. This is how noble families conduct themselves, to better serve their masters’ needs. Eventually, it won’t just be me. You’ll grow accustomed to it.”

Li Xiang was stunned. She hadn’t imagined that in wealthy households, intimate matters were treated like a spectacle for onlookers.

Seeing her silent, Nanny Li pressed on, “Lady Consort, please review the booklet soon. Being too reserved in bed can dampen the mood.”

Li Xiang seethed inwardly. She hadn’t needed such a booklet before, yet Zhou Mingxuan had never lacked enthusiasm. And he certainly didn’t seem entirely inexperienced.

Nanny Li genuinely meant well. Realizing her efforts were futile, she relented. After all, a servant couldn’t force her mistress to learn.

Just then, light footsteps approached. Zhou Mingxuan turned and saw his bride, adorned in phoenix crown and bridal robes, sitting gracefully in the chamber. Gently, he reached out and lifted a corner of her red veil.

As the red bridal veil slowly slipped away, the bride’s face gradually came into view before him.

Zhou Mingxuan gazed at Li Xiang’s features, an indescribable surge of emotion welling up in his heart. He had finally married the woman he loved. A sense of settled happiness washed over him, she belonged to him now, to Zhou Mingxuan.

Under the guidance of Nanny Li, the two drank the ceremonial nuptial wine. Once the servants had withdrawn, Zhou Mingxuan stepped forward and embraced Li Xiang, pressing a kiss directly to the curve of her neck.

Li Xiang caught the scent of alcohol on him and pushed him away. “Go take a bath first,” she said. A glint flashed in Zhou Mingxuan’s eyes. “As you command, my wife.”

Watching him leave, Li Xiang exhaled in relief. She walked to the vanity and slowly wiped away her bridal makeup. Just as she was about to change into her usual sleepwear, she found it missing, replaced instead by an indecent, sheer outfit that made her cheeks burn.

She didn’t put it on. Instead, she lay on the bed in her inner wedding garments, staring blankly at the moonlight streaming through the window, lost in thought.

…

Su Mo sat alone on the rooftop, a jug of wedding wine in his hand, its rich aroma filling the air. His solitude stood in stark contrast to the lively bustle of the prince’s residence below.

He drank their wedding wine, reminiscing about every moment he had shared with Li Xiang, all of it buried as of today. He longed to see her, to ask if she hated him for his cowardice that day.

She must have been so disappointed that she told the Crown Prince everything. For the past month, the Crown Prince had humbled himself before Su Mo, begging for forgiveness.

He had already gone this far, he truly could continue being brothers with him without reservation. But in the dead of night, those memories always resurfaced in his dreams, drowning him in guilt.

…

Zhou Mingxuan emerged from his bath to find Li Xiang lying on her side on the bed. Shedding his outer robe, he lifted the covers and climbed in beside her. His intentions were clear, this was their wedding night, and he had no intention of letting her off so easily.

He pretended to accidentally wake her, then feigned innocence when she stirred, claiming he hadn’t meant to disturb her.

A soft whimper escaped her lips before she suddenly remembered the maids and matrons listening outside and quickly stifled the sound.

Hearing the noise, Zhou Mingxuan pulled back the covers and looked at her. For some reason, he detected a flicker of longing in Li Xiang’s eyes.

A secret thrill ran through him. So, the books weren’t entirely useless after all.

Li Xiang was startled by her own boldness, a wave of confusion washing over her. Did she actually… like him?

She tried to restrain herself, but temptation proved stronger. This uncontrollable feeling made her inexplicably want to cry.

When Zhou Mingxuan noticed the glimmer of tears at the corners of her eyes, his gaze froze. “Why are you crying?”

He soothed her gently. “Did I hurt you?”

She shook her head, her own emotions a tangled mess. When she didn’t speak, Zhou Mingxuan asked, “Was I not good enough?”

Li Xiang shook her head again, still lost in her thoughts. Then, suddenly, she pressed her palm against his handsome face, silencing his endless questions.