In the days leading up to the grand ceremony, Mu Changxi was swamped with work, his days a blur.
Song Chaoyu had also meticulously handled all her affairs. Now, a semblance of peace reigned, with everyone seemingly loyal to the Crown Prince.
Yet, they all knew this outward compliance stemmed from a deep-seated reluctance.
There had always been those in court who disliked the Crown Prince. Now, aware that their only recourse was to rely on him, they feigned obedience.
Consequently, the Crown Prince couldn't fully trust them. He entrusted the abdication ceremony and the enthronement ceremony to Mu Changxi, finding solace only in this delegation.
Even so, on the eve of the ceremony, Mu Changxi returned to the princely estate early.
It was not yet dark. Song Chaoyu was in the midst of a final inspection of the clothes for the children the next day.
Especially for Xiao Taozi. Her health was delicate, and fearing any foul play, the garments had to be exceptionally soft. Thus, the inspection had to be exceptionally thorough.
Upon his return, Mu Changxi found this scene—
The children in the side hall were playing. Xiao Taozi, cradled in her wet nurse's arms, was already drowsy. Xiao Houzi, brimming with energy, waved enthusiastically at Xiao Taozi, babbling "yā yā yā," as if trying to convey something to his little sister.
Meanwhile, Song Chaoyu, accompanied by a few maids, had laid out all the items for the next day on a table, meticulously examining each one herself.
Candlelight had been lit in the room, casting a soft glow. Beneath its gentle radiance, Song Chaoyu's eyes held a tender yet resolute expression. At some point, she seemed to have transformed into someone even more beautiful than before.
Yet, for some inexplicable reason, Mu Changxi felt a subtle distance growing between himself and Song Chaoyu, a distance that hadn't existed before.
For so long, he hadn't bothered to ask what Song Chaoyu truly felt in her heart.
She was still the same Ayuyu, but their lives were no longer the same. Time had flown by so quickly—so quickly that their children were born, so quickly that the Crown Prince was about to ascend the throne.
So quickly… that he felt he had overlooked the girl he had cherished in his heart since childhood!
"Your Highness!"
It was Tiaohong who first spotted Mu Changxi, quickly bowing towards the entrance.
Song Chaoyu turned, her eyes lighting up with a smile upon seeing Mu Changxi. "Why have you returned so early today? Have all matters in the palace been settled?"
"Yes."
Mu Changxi nodded, gazing at the familiar smile in Song Chaoyu's eyes, a complex emotion stirring within him. "Everything is settled. I thought tomorrow would be a significant day, likely demanding a full day's attention. So, I returned early to spend time with you and the children."
Song Chaoyu found Mu Changxi's demeanor a little peculiar today.
Naturally, she stepped forward and gently touched Mu Changxi's forehead. "What's wrong with Your Highness today? Are you feeling unwell? Or is there something else bothering you?"
"No."
Mu Changxi took Song Chaoyu's hand and naturally drew her into his embrace. "I am well. It's just that tomorrow will be tiring. Ayuyu, if you don't wish to go, you can rest here at the estate."
"Tch—"
His words made Song Chaoyu chuckle softly. "How could I not want to go tomorrow? I am the Princess of Chang, and naturally, I must stand by your side and accompany you always. The Crown Prince's grand day is approaching; how can you not attend?"
"Alright."
Mu Changxi reached out and gently stroked Song Chaoyu's head. "You are right. Ayuyu, no matter when, I want you by my side, witnessing every day we spend together."
Song Chaoyu looked up, her gaze fixed intently on Mu Changxi. "What is wrong with you today?"
Mu Changxi, however, took Song Chaoyu's hand and led her towards the exit. "Let's go, I'm hungry. Let's get something to eat. Leave this to Tiaohong and the others. Look, they dare not even look at us now!"
In truth, Tiaohong and the others were long accustomed to Mu Changxi and Song Chaoyu's daily displays of affection!
—
That night, Mu Changxi was unusually "clingy" with Song Chaoyu, which made her feel a sense of unease.
She had a feeling something was weighing on Mu Changxi's mind, but since he wouldn't speak of it, Song Chaoyu felt it was inappropriate to pry.
She believed that one day, he would tell her.
Trusting this, Song Chaoyu slept in his arms.
The next day, before dawn, they were both awakened.
This was a grand day for the capital, a significant day for the Emperor and the Crown Prince.
Song Chaoyu had the empress's delivered court gown brought out. Usually reserved and understated in her demeanor, today she would shine brightly.
The gown seemed to be made for Song Chaoyu; it fit her as if it were a part of her.
People were accustomed to Song Chaoyu's simple elegance. To see her radiating such regal splendor was captivating, drawing all eyes.
Mu Changxi, in particular, though wearing a newly made python-patterned court robe, seemed almost like an "accent" beside Song Chaoyu.
Despite this, Mu Changxi was overjoyed, his gaze fixed on Song Chaoyu from the early morning. "Only someone as breathtaking as Ayuyu is worthy of the title Princess of Chang!"
Song Chaoyu smiled faintly and then shot Mu Changxi a playful glare. "You mustn't say such things when we enter the palace later. It's rare for me to wear this attire; don't let others mock us."
Mu Changxi stepped closer, nuzzling Song Chaoyu's freshly styled hair. "I truly wish you would wear this attire only for my eyes."
Song Chaoyu, taking it as a jest, nudged him to go see the children quickly.
She then sat before the dressing table, her expression growing somber. "Tiaohong, come here. Take this letter to the Empress, but ensure no one else knows."
Tiaohong acknowledged the instruction and withdrew. Song Chaoyu then resumed her cheerful demeanor.
Her preparations for the day continued until dawn broke.
As Song Chaoyu rose, bearing the weight of the elaborate court attire and headdress, she recalled the last time she had dressed so grandly—it was for her wedding to Mu Changxi!
At that time, she had married Mu Changxi with a heart full of trepidation, uncertain of what the future held.
Unlike now, her heart was full, and her days were rich with meaning.
Thankfully, her choice back then had not been wrong.
She could only hope that in the years to come, they would both continue to make the right choices and live the lives they desired.
—
"Doo—doo doo—"
The ceremonial horns of the palace sounded, and the vast capital erupted in celebration.
This day was destined to be an extraordinary one for the Great Yue Dynasty, the day of the Emperor's abdication.
With the imperial family's decline, the Chang Princely Estate stood next in line after the Crown Prince.
Thus, Song Chaoyu, walking beside Mu Changxi, stood at the forefront of the crowd.
After the Crown Prince's enthronement, Mu Changxi would likely become "Prince Chang," and Song Chaoyu would become "Princess Consort Chang."
They stood hand in hand, a picture of perfect harmony.
Their connection evoked envy in the eyes of all present; even the Emperor and Empress seemed to lack their level of unspoken understanding and deep affection.
"The ceremony begins—"
The chief eunuch's voice rang out, and the sacrificial music commenced.