Chapter 165 Wedding Banquet
It took less than a month from the time Emperor Hong Xiao granted Princess Yongning a marriage to the time Princess Yongning got married.

A month ago, Princess Yongning was still dreaming of a long-lasting marriage with Shen Yurong. A month later, she would marry another man while pregnant with Shen Yurong's child. For the sake of the child, even though she was unwilling, she had to ask Concubine Liu to persuade the emperor to grant the marriage as soon as possible. If she waited any longer, she would not be able to hide her pregnancy.

On the day of Princess Yongning's wedding, the entire city of Yanjing was deserted.

Everyone went to see the wedding of the most noble princess of Northern Yan. What a grand scene it was. The people welcoming the bride were all royal guards, and even the wedding money given by the entourage was all silver coins. The people happily went to receive the silver coins, saying auspicious words. The young girls looked at the wedding guards with envy. Who wouldn't want to get married in such a grand manner? What's more, the man Princess Yongning married was such an excellent man. But she was a princess born into a wealthy family, so she could only blame herself for not being born into such a good family.

Jiang Li heard Tong'er, who loved to know the excitement, come to her early in the morning to tell her about the lively scene on the street. Jiang Li listened absent-mindedly. Today, the Jiang family also wanted to attend the Li family's wedding. Although they didn't interact with each other, they had to do it for the sake of face. Jiang Li didn't want to go at first. She wanted to go to the Ye family to see Xue Huaiyuan. It's been almost a month, and Xue Huaiyuan hasn't woken up yet. Although Situ Jiuyue has been saying that he is fine, Jiang Li is always worried.

If she wanted to go to the Li family to drink at the wedding, she naturally couldn't go to see Xue Huaiyuan. Bai Xue asked, "What are you wearing today, young lady?"

Jiang Li pointed at a piece of clothing at random: "This one."

Among the young ladies of the Jiang family, the only ones who are still unmarried, except for Jiang Youyao who is not at home, are her and Jiang Yuyan. Ever since Jiang Li vaguely mentioned in front of Jiang Yuanbai that the third house might have colluded with the right prime minister, Jiang Yuanbai has been very dissatisfied with the third house. Naturally, he will not bring Jiang Yuyan with him this time, so except for Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou, she is the only young lady of the Jiang family.

Old Madam Jiang had not gone because she was too old, but the entire family of the second wife had gone.

Tong'er and Bai Xue were both somewhat happy. They had never seen a princess get married, so they always felt fresh. Besides, weddings were also lively. But Jiang Li was not very happy. She didn't need to watch this wedding, and she knew that the bride and groom were unwilling. But since she had to go to the Li family anyway, it was worth it to see Princess Yongning's unhappiness with her own eyes.

Moreover, Shen Yurong must be there on such occasions.

Thinking of this, a hint of mockery flashed in Jiang Li's eyes. Shen Yurong had always wanted to be a royal consort, and he even watched Princess Yongning murder her heir. Now all his plans were in vain. He was such a proud and arrogant person, and he must be very angry.

She was happy to see him unhappy.

Jiang Li smiled slightly, put on her outer garment, and said, "Let's go."

When they got outside, the people from the second house and Jiang Yuanbo had already arrived, waiting for Jiang Li alone. Jiang Jingrui didn't seem to like joining in the fun, and his eyes were full of impatience. Jiang Jingyou was fine, and Mrs. Lu looked at Jiang Li, her eyes lit up, "Ali, the material of the dress you are wearing is really nice."

Jiang Li smiled and said, "This is what my uncle from Xiangyang sent me. I still have a few left. I'll have someone send a few to Second Aunt when I get back in the evening. She can use them to make skirts."

When Mrs. Lu heard this, she smiled even more brightly, "How can I be so embarrassed..."

"We are all family. Besides, Second Aunt wears beautiful clothes. When others ask about it and know that the material is from the Ye family, they will also take care of the Ye family's business. It's killing two birds with one stone, isn't it? Aunt, please don't be polite to me." Jiang Li said.

Mrs. Lu smiled from ear to ear and said to Jiang Yuanxing, "Look at this little mouth, it really knows how to talk." The more she looked at Jiang Li, the more she liked her. Since Jiang Li returned to the Jiang family, she helped her defeat Ji Shuran and regained the power to run the family. Moreover, she never argued with her and was sweet-mouthed. Mrs. Lu was not the kind of person who would take the initiative to provoke a dispute. She could not find any fault with a person like Jiang Li who was so understanding and tactful.

Jiang Yuanping looked at Jiang Li, who was chatting and laughing with Lu, and couldn't help but sigh in his heart. He didn't expect that the second Miss Jiang, who had a hard time returning home at the beginning and was said to have killed her mother and brother and kept a distance from everyone, would now be the one who got along best with everyone. The world has really changed, and it's unpredictable.

Thinking about today's happy event, Jiang Li might have played a role in it. If Jiang Li hadn't told him the name of Mr. Li, he wouldn't have told Emperor Hong Xiao, and Emperor Hong Xiao wouldn't have granted the marriage so quickly.

I wonder how Princess Yongning felt when she knew that her life-long event was decided by a young lady from the Jiang family?
Jiang Yuanbai said: "Let's go."

……

In both of her previous and next lives, this was the first time that Jiang Li came to the Li Mansion.

The entrance to the Li residence was already covered with various wedding characters, and the ground was covered with firecracker fragments, a festive red. The servants all had smiles on their faces, and the atmosphere was warm and joyful. Those who didn't know probably really thought that the Li family was extremely satisfied with this marriage.

Jiang Yuanbo saw Li Zhongnan, smiled and said "Congratulations" to Li Zhongnan.

Li Zhongnan also cupped his hands, saying "Congratulations, Congratulations." Just looking at this scene, one might think that these were two old friends greeting each other, but who would have thought that these two people had reached a point of hostility in the court.

Jiang Jingrui looked around the hall and whispered to Jiang Jingyou, "There are so many people here today."

The Right Prime Minister had many good friends in the court, or in other words, many people joined the Right Prime Minister's faction. Moreover, since Li Zhongnan had sent a letter to someone, even if he was not from Li Zhongnan's faction, he couldn't deny it. So the entire Li Mansion invited almost all the important figures in the Northern Yan court. At a glance, you can see many familiar faces.

Jiang Li also saw Li Lian.

Li Lian was dressed quite neatly today, because it was the wedding of the second and eldest sons of the Li family, so as a younger brother, he naturally had to help with all his efforts. By the way, he also showed it to the guests that the eldest son's marriage was settled, but the second son was still unmarried. If there was a suitable young lady, they could meet and meet.

Jiang Li looked at Li Lian and saw that he was smiling and looked very happy. It seemed that he had been doing well recently. She thought of what Ji Heng said before and knew that Jiang Youyao was actually in the Li Mansion. Although she didn't know which courtyard Li Lian was hiding in, she thought that Li Lian must have given Jiang Youyao a heads-up today: Li Xian was very happy today, and people from the Jiang family would come. Jiang Youyao must not run around, otherwise if she was seen by the Jiang family, they would take her away no matter what, and the Li family would be helpless.

With Jiang Youyao's brain, she must have believed Li Lian's words a long time ago, so she would hide well and not run out to be discovered. Of course, Jiang Li didn't have the leisure to look for Jiang Youyao. If she really found Jiang Youyao, what would Jiang Li say when others asked her how she knew Jiang Youyao was here? The Li family might even suspect that there was a traitor in the mansion and pull out the spy planted by Ji Heng.

In the final analysis, between Ji Heng and Jiang Youyao, Jiang Li would rather choose Ji Heng. At least she couldn't repay kindness with hatred. She felt guilty for not being able to repay Ji Heng, and she would feel bad if she caused trouble for the other party.

Her eyes swept across Li Lian, suddenly paused, and then stopped moving.

Not far away stood Shen Yurong. He had also received an invitation to come today. It made sense that since King Cheng would come, Shen Yurong would also come. If Shen Yurong did not come, it would be out of spite. He could control Princess Yongning's emotions and could express his displeasure with the marriage, but he could not do these things in front of King Cheng. Firstly, he did not take King Cheng seriously, and secondly, this was not what King Cheng wanted to see.

What King Cheng wants to see is that his left and right arms are happy and supportive of each other. Even if Li Xian took someone else's wife, Shen Yurong should be tolerant. Since Yongning's matter has become a mistake, don't let the past mistakes make the future pay the price.

Shen Yurong was a person who could weigh the pros and cons, so he might act hurt in front of Princess Yongning, but in front of King Cheng, he would only show his generosity and compromise. Moreover, Jiang Li did not think that Shen Yurong would have much sincerity towards Princess Yongning.

He is really not a sincere person. In this world, he loves himself the most.

Just as he was thinking, Shen Yurong suddenly turned his head and met Jiang Li's gaze. When he saw Jiang Li, he was slightly startled.

Jiang Li did not hide the indifference in her eyes.

Shen Yurong hesitated for a moment, then walked towards Jiang Li. He had seen Jiang Li several times, and every time he saw Jiang Li, he had an indescribable feeling. He remembered that during the court meeting, Jiang Li also looked at him with this kind of eyes, which was a familiar and strange look. Although it was well concealed, Shen Yurong still saw the ridicule in it.

She laughed at him? Why? Shen Yurong was a little confused. He didn't understand why this strange girl always looked at him like this, as if they were very familiar with each other. As for Jiang Li, he couldn't help but pay attention to her, even though it shouldn't be so. They couldn't even say anything.

"Second Miss Jiang." Shen Yurong walked up to Jiang Li and said.

Jiang Li nodded slightly: "Master Shen."

"Did Miss Jiang Er know me in the past?" Shen Yurong said with a smile on her face, "Or did we have any connection in the past?"

His question was really direct. Jiang Li couldn't help but be surprised. In the past, Shen Yurong would not speak so decisively. He always took care of other people's emotions, and was gentle even when questioning. For an unfamiliar lady, such a question was inevitably abrupt, but he actually asked it.

"How is that possible?" Jiang Li raised her face and smiled, "It's been less than a year since I returned to Yanjing City."

This is true. Jiang Li has been living in Qingcheng Mountain for the past few years. Shen Yurong said, "I just think that Miss Jiang Er seems to have some prejudice against me."

Jiang Li was about to speak when a smiling voice suddenly came from behind her: "What prejudice?"

I don't know when Ji Heng came.

Jiang Li was surprised. This was Li Xian's marriage, and she would see Ji Heng here. This was something Jiang Li had never expected. When Shen Yurong saw Ji Heng, she quickly saluted. Ji Heng waved her hand, which was considered a hello.

He didn't wear red today, probably because this was Li Xian's wedding, and wearing red would break the rules and bring inconvenience to the Li family. Of course, Jiang Li thought that Ji Heng was not the kind of person who would take the initiative to think about others. He just didn't want to wear red with Li Xian, and he felt uncomfortable.

So he wore a black robe embroidered with silver peonies. The peonies were gorgeous, but the black was deep, like a stream of light blooming in the night, which did not affect his stunning appearance at all. His amber eyes became more attractive, without the red color, which made his charming look more solemn. His gestures were more noble.

"Second Miss Jiang." He raised his eyebrows, and the way he looked very familiar with Jiang Li made Shen Yurong on the side not know how to interrupt, and could not interrupt anymore.

Before Jiang Li had time to talk to him, she heard the sound of gongs and drums outside. The newlyweds had arrived.

The wedding lady was outside setting the rules for Princess Yongning and Li Xian. King Cheng also arrived. As the eldest brother of Princess Yongning and the master of the Li family, he was naturally an indispensable figure. Jiang Li did not go out to watch the fun. She stood quietly where she was. Ji Heng and Shen Yurong did not move either. They stood on her left and right. This scene would definitely be considered strange by others.

Ji Heng asked: "Why don't you go and see it?"

"What are you looking at?" Jiang Li asked curiously.

"The wedding procession, let's watch the excitement."

"There's nothing to see," Jiang Li said, "It's the same thing, just a little simpler or more complicated, just for show."

Ji Heng smiled and said, "You sound like you know a lot about it."

Shen Yurong also looked at Jiang Li. Normal girls of this age always like to watch this kind of excitement. Even those who don't like to watch the excitement and are quieter in nature always have some curiosity in their expressions. Because they think about what they will look like when they get married in the future, their expectations and longings will be shown on their faces. But this second Miss Jiang was very calm, and she didn't have the slightest desire to watch.

Jiang Li really didn't want to watch it, as she had experienced it herself. Although the marriage at that time was not so grand, because Shen Yurong had not yet become an official, had not yet won the first place in the imperial examination, and her family was poor. What the Shen family could offer at that time was already the best they could do. Even then, Xue Fangfei still felt sorry for him and told him that these were just formalities, for others to see, as long as it was acceptable. The important thing was to live in the future.

Xue Zhao still complained about Xue Fangfei in private, saying that she was too considerate of Shen Yurong and didn't know how to think about herself. But at that time, Xue Fangfei thought that since they were going to spend their whole lives together, the excitement of these few hours, or this day, was only temporary, and the prosperity in the future was the most important.

But what she didn't expect was that Shen Yurong didn't plan to be with her for the rest of her life, so her understanding and consideration about marriage became a joke of her wishful thinking.

"Does the Duke seem to be looking forward to it?" Jiang Li asked. Ji Heng looked at the door with a smile on his face. Jiang Li couldn't see his eyes clearly, but she felt that he was outshined by the groom in gorgeous clothes when he stood here.

"No." Ji Heng said lightly. Jiang Li smiled: "But if the Duke is getting married, the scene will definitely be ten thousand times more lively than it is now. If the Duke is getting married, I will be curious, I will feel fresh, I will want to see it as soon as possible, and I will want to walk in front to see it clearly." If it was Ji Heng who got married, Jiang Li couldn't imagine that Ji Heng's appearance as a groom would be the most beautiful groom in Yanjing City, or in Northern Yan. I don't know how beautiful the bride must be to avoid being outdone by her husband.

"You are complimenting me." Ji Heng shook her fan and said with a smile, "I have never thought about this."

Shen Yurong stood beside them, listening to them talking, and suddenly had a strange feeling in his heart. It was as if there was a tacit understanding between Jiang Li and Ji Heng that others could not reach, which made him feel uncomfortable standing here, and felt out of place.

He turned around and walked away silently.

Although Jiang Li was talking to Ji Heng, her eyes never left Shen Yurong. Seeing Shen Yurong leaving, she turned her head, looked at Shen Yurong's back, and said softly, "Master Shen seems very disappointed."

"Disappointed?" Ji Heng smiled, "Not necessarily."

"At least he showed some disappointment, which can make Princess Yongning feel more guilty, and make King Cheng feel relieved that he is so 'sensible'. This disappointment is also good." Jiang Li also smiled.

As they were talking, Li Xian and Princess Yongning had already entered the house. After three bows, Princess Yongning was sent to the bridal chamber, while Li Xian was outside, welcoming the guests with the Li family. Jiang Li also sat at the banquet, but she really had no interest in following everyone to the bridal chamber to watch the bride and groom drink the wedding wine.

After all, they are in appearance but not in spirit, and their hearts are elsewhere.

In the bridal chamber, Princess Yongning was covered with a veil. There were noises of booing all around. The groom had to lift her veil and drink a cup of wedding wine with her before leaving under the gaze of the crowd.

Listening to the booing outside, Princess Yongning was filled with anger. She had thought about her feelings thousands of times on the day she got married. She must have felt happy, shy, and full of anticipation, but she didn't expect that when the day came, she would only feel endless disgust, impatience, and shame.

She had someone else in her heart and she didn't marry the person she loved.

A long silver pole was stretched out in front of her. Princess Yongning lowered her head and saw the slender pole lifted up the veil. With a "whoosh", a burst of laughter broke out outside, which sounded particularly harsh to her ears. She saw the man standing in front of her, wearing the groom's clothes, looking at her with a smile on his face.

Princess Yongning suddenly felt nauseous and almost covered her mouth to retch, but fortunately she held the mattress tightly and held it in. No, she couldn't show that anything was wrong, she had to protect the baby in her belly.

Li Xian smiled and called her, "Madam."

Princess Yongning looked at her. Although Li Xian was good, he was far inferior to Shen Yurong in her eyes. When she saw Li Xian, she felt no emotion. She just felt that it was a great shame for her that this man who looked like a slave would become her husband.

Therefore, she didn't even bother to pretend and replied coldly, "Husband."

This is the greatest sacrifice Princess Yongning can make.

Everyone in the wedding room looked at each other in bewilderment. The bride had a gorgeous makeup on, but her attitude was so cold and indifferent. She looked arrogant and unkind. People around her couldn't help but sympathize with Li Xian. Why did he marry the princess for no reason? The princess was spoiled and didn't know the ways of the world. There would be trouble in the future.

Li Xian was also stunned for a moment, but soon he looked normal. He asked someone to pour the wedding wine, picked up a glass and handed it to Princess Yongning. He then raised his own glass and drank the wedding wine with Princess Yongning.

Princess Yongning struggled for a few times, but finally raised her glass helplessly, but anyone with a discerning eye could see that she was not happy. Li Xian smiled and raised his glass, their arms crossed, their breaths could be heard, it was clearly a very close gesture, but they were both very unfamiliar.

Princess Yongning did not see the flash of violence in Li Xian's eyes.

After finishing the wedding wine, Li Xian went to the front hall to greet the guests. Only Yongning and her maid Meixiang were left in the room. Yongning breathed a sigh of relief, holding her waist and said, "I'm so tired."

After she got pregnant, her waist became heavier and she felt sleepy from time to time. After all the work she had done during the wedding today, she felt so tired that she was dizzy. She said to Meixiang, "Give me the medicine quickly."

Meixiang quickly took out a small bottle from her sleeve, poured out a pill, and poured a cup of hot water for Princess Yongning. These were all pregnancy-maintaining medicines. She had just married into the Li family, so she couldn't openly decoct the medicine. So Yongning had someone make pills in advance so that it would be easier to take.

She was extremely cautious with the child in her belly. She was afraid that the child would have the slightest mishap. First, she really loved this child of hers and Shen Yurong, and second, if something went wrong, the matter would be out of the question. The Li family knew about this, and they didn't know what the consequences would be. Although they didn't dare to touch her because of King Cheng and Concubine Liu, Yongning was also afraid of being tripped up by her in secret.

In the Li family, she was the only one left.

"Is the wine ready?" asked Princess Yongning.

"I am ready, Your Highness."

At night, when Li Xian returned to his room, Yongning would drink another cup of wedding wine with him. After drinking this cup of wine, Li Xian would not lose consciousness. The next day, he would think that he had consummated his marriage with her and everything was over.

"It's such a good deal for him." Princess Yongning snorted.

……

Li Xian walked outside.

The servant asked, "Master, there is a maidservant beside the princess."

"I'll find a way to get rid of him later." Li Xian said impatiently.

He didn't like Princess Yongning. In fact, he didn't like any woman. Princess Yongning didn't seem happy about this marriage, and who knew he didn't like it either. But his father told him that he had to complete this marriage, and it was an imperial decree that could not be disobeyed. Besides, being able to be closer to Prince Cheng was also a good thing.

Li Xian did not think this was a good thing, and he would not touch Princess Yongning. Even if the imperial decree had married Princess Yongning to Li Lian, things would not be so difficult now. He could not touch Princess Yongning, and how could Princess Yongning not notice it? Over time, problems would naturally arise. If Princess Yongning told King Cheng about this, King Cheng would be dissatisfied with him for neglecting Princess Yongning.

So he had to think of other ways.

For example... let another man take care of their affairs. As long as Princess Yongning doesn't get pregnant, it's OK to keep deceiving Princess Yongning forever. Princess Yongning can still stand in the position of Grandmother Li, so that others won't be suspicious. If one day Princess Yongning can't stand it anymore and asks for a divorce, it's not the Li family's fault. It's all Princess Yongning's own fault.

Li Xian's brows relaxed. So, women are troublesome, especially women who can't be refused. In comparison, he still likes those little things in his yard. They are much more obedient than Princess Yongning, and they are absolutely submissive to him.

……

In the outer hall, after a little wedding banquet, Jiang Li stood up and walked out. There was a lot of drinking and chatting at the table, and she was really not suitable for such a scene, and Jiang Yuanbai couldn't take care of her all the time. Lu was talking happily with the female relatives she knew, and she didn't interrupt them, and walked silently to the outside yard.

But I saw Ji Heng was already there, and I don’t know how long he had been standing there.

"Why did the Duke come out?" Jiang Li asked.

"The food is not tasty."

Jiang Li was stunned, and suddenly thought of the so-called meals made by Ji Heng in the Duke's Mansion. To be fair, today's meals were indeed not as good as Ji Heng's cooking. Thinking of this, she couldn't help laughing.

Ji Heng raised her eyebrows: "What are you laughing at?"

Jiang Li retracted her smile: "I wasn't laughing, the Duke was mistaken."

Ji Heng narrowed her eyes leisurely: "I find that you are getting bolder and bolder."

"The Duke is becoming more and more approachable." Jiang Li smiled.

Don't hit a smiling person. No one can remain indifferent to such a gentle smile. Ji Heng looked away and said with a smile: "You are becoming more and more difficult to deal with."

"My situation is relatively good." Jiang Li said with a smile: "For the Li family and Princess Yongning, the emperor's marriage is truly difficult and irresistible."

"You will lose your head if you gloat over other people's misfortune like this." Ji Heng said indifferently.

"Maybe it's because I'm always with the Duke, I've started to like watching plays. I'm treating the Duke to this play, and I hope he can stay with me until the end."

Ji Heng smiled: "The last?"

"Li Xian couldn't have a son, nor did he want one, but Princess Yongning came with a son. This can be said to be full of contradictions, but I don't know who won in this dispute, Li Jia or Princess Yongning. I guess..."

"Guess what?"

"I guess it's a lose-lose situation."

"Isn't that your purpose?" Ji Heng smiled, and suddenly looked at her with a meaningful look in her eyes, "This is what you said, the most important thing, right?"

Jiang Li was stunned.

The young man's gaze as he leaned over was truly gentle, but his words were a cold reminder.

The time was almost up, and the time he "lent" to her was not indefinite.

When she has finished this, she will offer her life.

"Yes." Jiang Li paused for a moment, then slowly smiled again. When she smiled, she was not as cheerful as before, but still as peaceful as before, as if she had already expected the ending.

"My Lord, you can keep your promise. I never lie and I always do what I say," she said.

(End of this chapter)