Chapter 212 The Wedding Night (1/2)

”Shang'er?” Prince Jing frowned while looking at the pained expression on Yun Shang's face. He called to Yun Shang softly and shook her to wake her up.

Yun Shang suddenly sat up with eyes wide open. She wasn't completely awake until Prince Jing asked her in a deep and gentle voice. ”Did you have a nightmare?”

Yun Shang turned to him and looked at him in bewilderment. It took her quite a while to remember where she was. ”Uncle?”

Prince Jing nodded. ”We are back home.”

Still confused, Yun Shang looked around and noticed that she was in a carriage. Her mind gradually cleared. Today was her wedding day, but she had rushed back to the Imperial Palace upon hearing that Lady Jin had entered premature labor. Shortly afterward, Prince Jing came with a dependable midwife who saved Lady Jin and the unborn child.

Yun Shang gave a sigh of relief. ”Are we back at your mansion?”

Prince Jing nodded as he opened the carriage door and alighted. He turned and offered the Princess his hand. Yun Shang gently placed her hand in his before climbing out of the carriage slowly. They continued to hold hands as they walked.

”The midwife said there was a strange scent coming from me today. Uncle, since you have offered to conduct a thorough investigation, can you send the makeup I used this morning to a reliable physician or someone who has good knowledge of this?” Yun Shang said softly. The wedding dress had been made and preserved by Lady Jin. Once Yun Shang had received it, she had kept the dress close by. It would have been impossible for anyone to tamper with it.

Prince Jing agreed as they entered the main yard.

While they were gone, Qian Yin had become anxious. She kept checking the entrance of the yard. As soon as she saw Yun Shang and Prince Jing, she rushed to them. ”Your Highness, how is Lady Jin?”

”She is alright.” Yun Shang answered before telling her maid. ”I need to bathe. Prepare water for me.”

Qian Yin cast a glance at Prince Jing. Though puzzled, Qian Yin nodded and left.

After bathing, Yun Shang dressed herself in casual clothes. As she was a new bride, all her clothes were red as the color symbolized joy and fortune.

”I'm still quite worried, Uncle. I need to return to the Imperial Palace. You must feel uncomfortable as you drunk a lot earlier. I'll ask Qian Yin to make you some soup that will ease your discomfort. Please do have some and rest well.” Yun Shang looked at Prince Jing as she spoke.

After a short silence, Prince Jing said, ”It's getting late. You might not even be able to enter the Palace at this hour. Moreover, you are married now. If you show up at this time, people might gossip. After all, Lady Jin's Palace is attached to Qiwu Palace. And the Empress always keeps an eye on everything.”

Yun Shang paused. Certainly she understood the risk, but she was really anxious about her mother. Every time she thought about the possibility that Lady Jin was put in danger because of her, the Princess was flooded with guilt.

Lady Jin had never complained about anything. Yun Shang however, felt like an unfilial daughter. There were so many things that Yun Shang should have done, but didn't. Most recently, she hadn't consulted with her mother about the wedding date. Her mother on the other hand, had traveled all the way from Laifeng Palace to attend the wedding. But Yun Shang had failed to protect her loving and kind mother.

”I will sneak into the Palace then. I'll leave once I make sure my mother is alright. I won't do anything else.” Yun Shang muttered.

A soft knock came from the window. Prince Jing walked to the window and opened it. Yun Shang saw a man in black standing outside respectfully.

”Your Highness, Lady Jin has woken up and taken her medicine. She is safe and sound in His Majesty's company.” The man bowed. His hands were folded in front of his chest and he looked at Prince Jing.

Prince Jing nodded and closed the window. ”Do you feel better?” He asked.