With the day of the Grand Wedding fast approaching, Her Majesty still couldn’t bear to send her bride away. The entire Lu family was waiting at their mansion, their hearts burning with anxiety.
Back in the imperial palace, Luo Wushuang was practically orbiting Shangguan Liqian.
She had personally selected the Protectorate Grand Duke’s Mansion for Liqian’s adoption. Naturally, the character and integrity of everyone in that household had passed her rigorous standards.
At the time, she had considered that while she could protect her sister, the power struggles within the imperial court were intricate and messy. If her sister became Empress Consort without a prestigious family background to rely on, people would still find ways to look down on her.
So, despite how much she loathed the idea of her sister having any “family” other than herself, she didn’t want Liqian to suffer the slightest slight. Thus, she had hand-picked the Protectorate Grand Duke’s Mansion.
But now…
At the mere thought of being separated from her sister for an entire night, Luo Wushuang’s face grew longer than a donkey’s.
She didn’t want to be apart. Not for a single moment.
To force a couple about to be wed to spend the night apart—in Luo Wushuang’s eyes, this wedding custom was practically inhumane.
However, no matter how reluctant she felt, she eventually escorted Liqian to the Lu Mansion on the night before the wedding so that she could officially welcome her into the palace the next day with all due ceremony.
She surveyed the bridal chamber the Lu family had prepared for Liqian. Although it wasn’t as luxurious as the rooms she had personally outfitted, it was clear they had put a great deal of heart into it.
The people of the mansion treated her sister well, too. Logically, she should have felt at ease.
But ever since she had brought her sister into the palace two years ago, they had never been apart. Now, she was expected to leave Liqian here and return to the palace alone?
Luo Wushuang shook her head frantically in her mind. If her sister wasn’t in the palace, she wasn’t going back!
The Lu family’s Old Matriarch, along with the First and Second Madams, stood by, waiting for the Emperor to depart so they could share some intimate words with Lady Shangguan and foster their new familial bond. They watched expectantly, waiting for Her Majesty to take her leave.
Sensing their overly enthusiastic gazes, Luo Wushuang instinctively moved to shield her sister behind her. She spoke with a tone of mock concern:
“It’s getting late. Perhaps the Old Matriarch and the two Madams should head off to rest?”
The three women froze. Wait, isn’t this our house?
Being given an eviction notice in one’s own home felt incredibly bizarre.
They could understand that young lovers in the heat of passion found it hard to part, but tomorrow was the day of the Grand Wedding…
Before they could be ushered out, the Old Matriarch rose unsteadily. Looking at Luo Wushuang, who was still gripping Shangguan Liqian’s hand tightly, she offered a tactful piece of advice.
“Your Majesty, if you don’t return to the palace soon, the palace gates will be locked for the night.”
Luo Wushuang, who had already decided from the moment she stepped into the Lu Mansion that she would not be leaving, shook her head. Her voice left no room for argument.
“The Old Matriarch need not worry. I will certainly be back in the palace before the gates are unlocked tomorrow morning.”
Realizing that the Emperor intended to stay the night, the Old Matriarch quickly spoke up to dissuade her.
“But… this is against all etiquette and propriety!”
Where in the world did a couple sleep together the night before their wedding? Even if Her Majesty’s status was supreme, she couldn’t just…
Luo Wushuang remained stubborn.
“The bond between my sister and I is as solid as gold. There is no need to be overly constrained by traditional etiquette.”
Shangguan Liqian opened her mouth to persuade her as well, but when she looked up and saw Luo Wushuang’s pitiful expression—looking very much like an abandoned puppy—the words died in her throat.
Sigh. Even if I drive her back to the palace, Wushuang probably wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway.
The wedding was tomorrow. Why make her unhappy now?
Seeing that her sister didn’t object, the expression on Luo Wushuang’s face brightened visibly.
Since her sister allowed her to stay, no one could drive her away! Hmph!
The women of the Lu family, forced to witness this display of affection: “…”
Wasn’t it said that Her Majesty was wise, martial, and possessed extraordinary means?
Why did she look… why did she look like someone who had been completely bewitched?
But since the Emperor was the sovereign, they could only offer advice. They couldn’t exactly physically throw the ruler of the nation out of their house, could they?
The Old Matriarch let out a helpless sigh and led the other women of the household away.
Watching them leave, Luo Wushuang looked as smug as a victorious rooster.
Shangguan Liqian found a comfortable sitting position on the daybed and spoke helplessly, “Now that you’ve got your way, aren’t you going to come over and sleep?”
“Coming!” Luo Wushuang chirped, happily hopping onto the bed.
Watching Luo Wushuang bounce around like a giant frog, completely devoid of any imperial dignity, Shangguan Liqian couldn’t help but let out a laugh.
This girl was truly becoming more and more uninhibited in front of her.
Seeing her sister smile made Luo Wushuang feel wonderful. She carelessly tossed her outer robes onto the floor, pulled Liqian into a tight embrace, and gave her two firm kisses.
“Sister, we’re getting married tomorrow,” she said, looking quite silly. “Are you happy?”
Meeting Luo Wushuang’s expectant gaze, Shangguan Liqian nodded cooperatively.
“I am. Now, your task is to hurry up and get some sleep.”
“Mhm, mhm,” Luo Wushuang agreed, but she still wasn’t sleepy.
With the wedding tomorrow, she was far too nervous and excited to sleep.
Sensing the person beside her tossing and turning, Shangguan Liqian sighed in her heart and spoke softly.
“If you aren’t used to sleeping here, perhaps you really should head back to the palace?”
Luo Wushuang instantly went still.
“No!” After firmly rejecting the suggestion, she closed her eyes and said obediently, “I’m already asleep!”
