Jian Ci’s smile brightened, his nerves momentarily soothed. He nodded eagerly.

The three brothers walked down the vast hallway, its walls adorned in gold and white, a flurry of flowers spilling fragrance into the air. Imperial guards lined the path, standing at attention, their armor gleaming beneath the sunlight light.

At the end of the hall, Jian Rui and Jian Wei gave Jian Ci encouraging looks before stepping aside, leaving him to face the moment alone.

From outside, the sound of voices saluting the Imperial Lord echoed. Jian Ci’s heart raced as the double doors swung open.

He stepped forward, eyes lifting to the grand hall filled with people. Jian Rui sat upon the throne, Jian Wei to his right, Stannis to his left. And beside them, shimmering softly, was the projection of their mother, her smile radiant, watching her son with pride.

Jian Ci stepped into the hall to the sound of ceremonial music, his heart hammering as he moved with measured steps. He stopped just below the throne, pursing his lips, waiting for his lover to finally walk in. His nerves were taut, anticipation coiling in his chest.

Just when he thought he might burst from the tension, the double doors opened with a soft, resonant chime. The hall seemed to hold its breath.

Yu Xi stepped forward, radiant beneath the golden light. His wedding regalia was a masterpiece, white silk woven with threads of gold that shimmered like sunlight on water. The fabric flowed in graceful layers, each movement scattering light like stardust. The high collar and intricate embroidery along the sleeves lent him an air of quiet nobility, while the delicate gold crest at his chest marked his union with Jian Ci.

Eros walked beside him, dignified and proud, leading him down the aisle as his grandfather. The sight drew murmurs of admiration from the gathered nobles and guests, their eyes fixed on the ethereal figure approaching.

Jian Ci stood at the end, his heart pounding so hard he could feel it in his throat. Yu Xi looked almost otherworldly, a vision of elegance and grace, and for a moment Jian Ci forgot to breathe.

Every step Yu Xi took seemed to echo through Jian Ci’s chest a rhythm of awe, love, and disbelief that this luminous being was his to cherish.

When they reached him, Eros embraced Yu Xi tightly. "I am so proud of you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "And so is your grandmother."

Yu Xi’s eyes softened. "Thank you, Grandpa."

Eros stepped forward, his imposing presence commanding silence. He embraced Jian Ci tightly, his voice low and dangerous as he whispered, "If you fuck this up, I will turn you to ashes and scatter them in space."

Jian Ci’s lips curved into a smile, his eyes steady despite the threat. "That will never happen. Trust me, Grandpa."

Eros studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Good." He released him and turned to Yu Xi, taking his grandson’s hand. With deliberate care, he placed it into Jian Ci’s palm. "Ah-Ci, I entrust my grandson to you."

The weight of the gesture was immense. Jian Ci’s fingers clenched around Yu Xi’s hand, his smile bright and unrestrained. "Hey," he whispered, his voice trembling with joy.

Yu Xi tightened his grip slightly, returning the smile. "Hey." He felt the heat of Jian Ci’s palm, damp with nervous sweat. "Nervous?" 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Jian Ci nodded, lips pursed, unable to deny it.

Jian Rui rose from the throne, a large golden book opened before him. His voice carried through the hall as he began officiating the ceremony. He recited the mandated contract for marriage, listing the expectations for both partners which were loyalty, protection and devotion.

"Do you agree?" Jian Rui asked.

Both Jian Ci and Yu Xi voiced their agreement, their voices steady despite the pounding of their hearts.

The live stream erupted, comments flooding across the screen in a frenzy of excitement and celebration.

Jian Rui raised his hand, and a dagger with a white sheath was brought forward. He cut Yu Xi’s palm, crimson drops falling into the ceremonial font, rippling as they touched the blue water. Jian Ci’s palm was cut next, his blood joining Yu Xi’s.

The contract shimmered into existence, hovering in the air, signed not with ink, but with their lifeblood.

Jian Rui stepped closer, his presence commanding yet gentle. He joined their cut hands together, speaking auspicious words that resonated through the hall. As he spoke, he wrapped a golden sash around their pressed palms, binding them in a symbolic union of strength and eternity. The fabric shimmered under the light, a radiant tether that marked the beginning of their shared destiny.

"Bring the rings," Jian Rui called.

Xiaobao eagerly rushed forward, her eyes glistening with emotion as she presented the rings. Her hands trembled slightly, overwhelmed by the significance of the moment.

Yu Xi picked up his ring, his fingers brushing against Jian Ci’s. His voice trembled with emotion yet carried steady conviction as he began his vows.

"When we first met," Yu Xi said softly, his gaze locked on Jian Ci, "I was standing at the edge of darkness, lost and hollow. But when I laid eyes on you, Jian Ci, I was drawn to your light... It reached for me, pulled me out, and gave me something to live for." His eyes shimmered with tears, catching the golden glow of the ceremony.

"I promise to stand by your side, no matter what storms come. I will make you happy, and we will grow old together. You are my peace, my purpose, and I will treasure you until my dying breath."

The hall fell silent, the air thick with emotion. Yu Xi slid the ring onto Jian Ci’s finger, his hands trembling, sealing his vow with a love that felt eternal. Jian Ci twisted the ring on his finger his heart hammering against his ribs. He felt like he was dreaming but he also knew this was real.

When it was his turn his voice trembled just as much as Yu Xi’s. His eyes were locked on Yu Xi as though the world had narrowed to him alone.

"Yu Xi," he said softly, "you are my world... my everything. From the moment I met you, my heart ceased to belong to me. It beats for you, lives for you. Every breath I take is yours." His tone deepened, reverent and raw. "I treasure you beyond reason, and I worship the very ground you walk on. You are the light that guides me, the pulse that keeps me alive. My heart, my soul, my life, they are all in your hands."

His lips curved into a trembling smile. "I love you more than words can hold, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together."

As he spoke the final words, Jian Ci slid the ring onto Yu Xi’s finger, sealing his vow with devotion that felt eternal.

Xiaobao began to cry even harder, her emotions spilling over, and Eros had to hug his granddaughter to calm her down. "Shh," he whispered, while Xiaobao sniffled, whispering back, "It’s so beautiful."

Jian Rui’s voice rang out, solemn yet warm. "You may now kiss to seal the oath of marriage."

Jian Ci wasted no time. He grabbed Yu Xi’s waist, his eyes teary, and kissed him fiercely. The hall erupted in cheers, the guests clapping and shouting in celebration.

Even Leane and Elias were there among the crowd, Leane’s belly protruding with the weight of her pregnancy, glowing with joy. Vigil, however, had been forced to attend, and his expression was anything but pleasant.

Hand in hand, Jian Ci and Yu Xi walked out of the hall under a storm of applause. The air was alive with celebration, the sound of joy echoing through the imperial capital.

Outside, Jian Ci led Yu Xi to an open-roof hover car, its polished frame gleaming under the sun. He held Yu Xi by the waist, his voice trembling with excitement. "Are you ready?"

Yu Xi smiled, his eyes shining. "Yes... husband."

The word sent tremors of exhilaration through Jian Ci’s body. He kissed Yu Xi as the procession began.

When a prince married, tradition demanded they drive through a designated path, the common people lining the streets to cheer. Jian Ci was thrilled to flaunt his new husband to the world.

"I love you," Jian Ci whispered.

Yu Xi’s smile was radiant. "I love you too."

End of main text

AN: Thank you so much for your support. I appreciate you all so much. One more Chapter which is extra and we will be sailing a new ship.