I alone am the Honoured One!

As the ceremony progressed, performers stepped into the center of the hall.

Dancers dressed in flowing robes moved with grace.

Musicians played melodies on guzhengs and flutes, captivating the audience.

Zhao Tian turned to Zhou Hanyue and asked in a gentle voice "Do you enjoy such performances?"

Caught off guard by his sudden question, she hesitated "Uh.. I.."

As she stayed silent, a moment of awkwardness lingered, and Zhao Tian sighed in his heart.

'I can't really hold a conversation with her...'

Looking at him in the corner of her eyes, Zhou Hanyue hesitantly whispered "I... don't dislike them."

Getting an answer Zhao Tian showed a faint smile "Not a fan of crowds, then."

Zhou Hanyue stayed silent for a few moments before responding "I find them... exhausting."

Zhao Tian nodded, as if he understood completely. "Then endure a little longer. After noon, this will all fade into the background."

As the day wore on, the time came for the final ritual.

Finally, as the hour grew late, the officiant stepped forward once more, holding a small golden chalice filled with wine infused with herbs.

"The final act of unity," he announced, "is the sharing of the wine. By drinking from the same cup, you seal your bond and share the burdens and blessings of life together."

The chalice was presented to Zhao Tian first.

He took it without hesitation, as he sipped the wine.

Then he handed the chalice to Zhou Hanyue.

Zhou Hanyue hesitated, as she could feel the eyes of the entire hall upon her, waiting to see if she would falter.

With a deep breath, she raised the chalice to her lips and took a sip, the bitter-sweet taste lingering on her tongue.

She sipped it delicately before lowering the chalice and handing it back to the officiant.

"With this, the ceremony is complete," the officiant declared. "May your union be blessed with harmony, strength, and prosperity."

The hall erupted into applause once more... while some clapped enthusiastically, others politely, and a few reluctantly.

Zhao Tian turned to Zhou Hanyue, offering her his arm.

Huh? He is asking for my hand again?

She accepted it tentatively, and together they rose, walking toward the exit as husband and wife.

As they left the grand hall, the whispers and gazes followed them.

...

As Zhou Hanyue and Zhao Tian stepped out from the ceremonial hall into the quiet of the outer courtyard, the festive music and murmurs of the gathering faded behind them.

Stepping out, Zhou Hanyue instantly withdrew her hand from his arm and looked at him "I am sure you are very well aware of why we got married."

"And you should already know my curse; don't come close to me or talk to me. This is just a formality."

Before Zhao Tian could utter a word, she turned sharply on her heels as her robes swirled around her, and she began to walk away. "I'm leaving for my quarters,"

However, Zhao Tian stopped her "Wait..."

Zhou Hanyue stopped and turned her head to glance over her shoulder, "What is it now? Don't expect us to be lovey-dovey and be couples..."

With a shake of his head, Zhao Tian took a beautiful ring from his storage ring "This ring, I mad-"

Before he could finish, Zhou Hanyue cut him off, her eyes narrowing. "I don't want any of your pleasantries or gifts to coax me."

Zhao Tian's hand, still holding the ring, lowered slightly and a sigh escaped his lips "Alright then..."

Zhou Hanyue's gaze lowered and she nodded her head "if there is nothing else, I will leave."

With that, she left there and Zhao Tian looked at her back as she faded into the distance.

"So much for an arranged marriage."

He wanted to get along with her but she seems distant.

...

Inside the hall, the atmosphere remained lively, with countless guests mingling and exchanging pleasantries.

One of the elders stepped forward to speak "Esteemed guests, to honor this momentous occasion, there will be a grand banquet this evening."

"All present here are invited to join us in celebration. Let the night be filled with joy, fine wine, and performances befitting such an event."

The Elder raised his hand to quiet the crowd before continuing, "Until then, enjoy the hospitality."

Servants moved gracefully through the room, offering refreshments and guiding guests to their accommodations until the evening's festivities.

...

As the day turned into late evening, the Moonlit Pavilion, located on the terrace overlooking a serene lake, began to get decorated.

Lanterns of every color were hung along the pavilion's carved beams, their glow reflected in the still waters below.

Tables laden with delicacies were arranged meticulously.

Servants bustled about, ensuring every detail was perfect.

Musicians tuned their instruments, and performers rehearsed their routines in the open courtyard nearby.

The scent of blooming flowers, carried by a gentle breeze, mingled with the rich aroma of roasted meats and fragrant teas.

...
Enjoy new stories from empire

In her quarters, Zhou Hanyue sat by a dressing table, staring at her reflection in the mirror.

Her maid fluttered around her, arranging her hair and adjusting her attire.

She wore a flowing gown of pale lavender embroidered with silver flowers.

But despite the finery, her heart felt heavy.

The maid noticed her distraction. "My lady, did you speak with Master Zhao Tian? He looks really better than I expected. Both of you would make a great couple."

Zhou Hanyue's eyes flickered to her maid in the mirror, "It's all worthless anyway."

...

"Haangh~ Haangh~"

Zhao Tian pressed Li Jia's face onto the pillow and continued plunging his cock from behind, his other hand tightly holding her waist

"Ugh.. Jia..." He grunted in pleasure feeling his dick squeezed by her tight squishy muscles, and sighed in delight.

Li Jia's fingers curled on the mattress as she slightly turned her head to speak "Angh~~ jerk.. I-isn't it.. already.. Mnghhhh!~ l-late?"

He leaned down and kissed her as his hand went up to squeeze her breasts, eliciting a moan out of her lips.

"Mfngh~~'

*pakh* *pakh* Li Jia's eyes rolled up as she felt her mind flying to heaven and she leaned on the bed flatly.

Li Jia's mind is consumed by his dick as she let out her tongue.

"Yessshh.... Angh~"

*pop* Zhao Tian pulled his dick out and grabbed her thighs, rotating her body as her back hit the bed, making her look at him "Jia..."

Li Jia raised her legs, wrapping them around his waist and Zhao Tian placed his dick on her dripping cave.

*squeach* He pushed it deeper in one push into her slippery squishy hole "Tian... haanhh-"

----------------------------------------------------

I hope you guys liked this chapter!