Chapter 280: The Wedding Night, Overflowing with Happiness

Ari suddenly pulled out a hidden dagger and lunged at Jiang Mingyu; everyone was stunned by her action.

Just as the blade was about to pierce Jiang Mingyu's heart, a figure suddenly stepped between them—it was Liu Yifei!

"Stop!" Liu Yifei shouted, grabbing Ari's wrist holding the knife.

With a vast disparity in strength, Liu Yifei quickly subdued Ari and knocked her to the ground. The attendants rushed forward and bound Ari again.

"You madwoman, trying to kill my husband again!" Liu Yifei's voice trembled with emotion; Ari's sudden attack had made her heart leap into her throat.

Jiang Mingyu was also drenched in cold sweat; he gently patted Liu Yifei's shoulder and said gratefully, "Yifei, thanks to you, my life would've ended here otherwise."

Liu Yifei looked at the gratitude on Jiang Mingyu's face and felt a mix of emotions. She knew he and Ari had once shared a past, but right now, she only wanted to protect Jiang Mingyu's safety.

Ari lay sprawled on the ground, disheveled; seeing Liu Yifei standing protectively before Jiang Mingyu, her eyes flashed with cold fury: "Hmph, this worthless woman is your new empress, isn't she? Jiang Mingyu, you're still the same faithless man driven by lust!"

"Shut up!" Jiang Mingyu snapped. "Don't you dare slander Yifei!"

Liu Yifei gently tugged Jiang Mingyu's sleeve, signaling him not to anger. She looked down at the disheveled Ari and spoke calmly: "Let our past grievances fade away. If neither of us can let go of pride, we'll only suffer the consequences ourselves."

Ari glared fiercely at Liu Yifei but said nothing more.

Jiang Mingyu calmed himself and looked at Ari with solemn gravity: "Ari, I've wronged you in life. But drawing blades won't solve anything—it will only leave us both with eternal regret. I'm giving you one chance: lay down your hatred, reclaim your freedom, and we'll be even. Let each of us find peace—is that acceptable?"

Ari's face darkened for a long moment before she gritted her teeth: "Jiang Mingyu, my entire life has been ruined by you! To ask me to let go willingly? Never!"

With that, she rolled over and bolted out the door, vanishing quickly into the darkness. The others chased a few steps but found no trace.

Jiang Mingyu's heart sank; he shook his head: "Let her go. I only hope she doesn't stray further and takes care of herself."

Liu Yifei gently clasped Jiang Mingyu's hand and looked into his eyes, speaking softly: "Everything will pass. We still have a long road ahead."

Jiang Mingyu watched Ari's retreating figure and sighed: "She's pitiful. I bear some responsibility for her downfall. But her public assassination attempt violated imperial law—I, as sovereign, cannot ignore it. Fortunately, you stood between us and prevented disaster; otherwise, the consequences would've been unthinkable."

Liu Yifei smiled faintly, holding his hand: "It's over now. No need to speak of it. We still have a long road ahead, don't we?"

Jiang Mingyu steadied his resolve and nodded: "Yes. We ride on the same boat—building a new future together is what matters most. Yifei, thank you for always standing by my side, walking beside me."

They exchanged a smile; Jiang Mingyu proposed: "Today is our joyous day—let's not speak of unhappy things. Come, let's find a place to drink and celebrate our union."

Liu Yifei nodded shyly and followed Jiang Mingyu to a pavilion in the back garden, where fine wine and delicacies were already prepared. Jiang Mingyu poured her a cup, raised his own, and said: "Come, let's drink!"

They clinked cups and drank; Jiang Mingyu mused: "Back in Shangmu, you once said that if I succeeded in rebellion, I'd become a founding emperor. Who knew we'd truly overthrow the Da Feng and build our own nation? I owe today to you—this cup is for you."

A blush rose on Liu Yifei's cheeks; she raised her cup high: "To walk beside my husband is my honor. Building this nation requires our joint effort—this cup is for you!"

They opened up, drank merrily, and recounted amusing stories from their days in Shangmu. As night deepened, Jiang Mingyu gazed at Liu Yifei's exquisite beauty beneath the lantern light and murmured: "Yifei, you are utterly beautiful tonight."

Liu Yifei blushed, gazing tenderly at Jiang Mingyu. He stared into her eyes, stepped closer, and pressed a tender kiss to her lips.

Liu Yifei softly closed her eyes and leaned into Jiang Mingyu's arms. In that moment, the moonlight was serene, the fragrance of flowers filled the air, the wine and food were exquisite, and the loving couple were united. Jiang Mingyu felt boundless fulfillment and happiness swell within him.

He gently lifted Liu Yifei and walked slowly to the opulent bridal chamber, placing her on the fragrant bed. Tenderly, he removed the pearl hairpins and ceremonial robes from her head. Their two beautiful bodies finally merged as one in this spring night.

Deep into the night, Jiang Mingyu held his sweat-dampened wife in his arms, filled with hope and longing for the future. Tonight, they completed their sacred wedding, officially entering married life. From now on, they would build this new nation together, forging legend after legend.

Jiang Mingyu pressed a gentle kiss to Liu Yifei's forehead; his beloved had fallen into deep sleep. He gazed quietly at her peaceful face, his eyes brimming with tenderness. With his beloved beside him through joy and hardship, how could he fear the trials ahead? The joy of the wedding still lingered in his heart as he drifted peacefully into sweet dreams.

Outside, the bright moon hung high in the night sky, casting its silver blessing upon the newlyweds. After countless trials, they had finally become one, walking hand in hand along a new journey. The long road ahead—nothing is more beautiful than walking it with you.