102 Shielding Her

Watching Duan Nanyu’s wary expression, Yun Qixiao paused and stood respectfully not far from the two, bowing slightly. “Your humble servant, Yun Qixiao, attends the banquet of Prince Xiao and Consort Yan.”

His deep voice immediately hushed most of the courtyard. The previously lively scene suddenly felt as if it had plunged into an icy abyss.

No one had noticed Duan Nanyu’s arrival here. This was the first time he had attended such a grand feast so discreetly.

After a moment of stunned silence, everyone promptly knelt in unison, calling out, “Long live the Prince!”

Duan Nanyu frowned. He had wanted to avoid drawing attention, which was why only he and Yun Xueyan had entered quietly. He turned to glance at Yun Xueyan, fearing she might be hurt by the disdainful gazes of others.

He sighed softly, relieved that her hair concealed her face.

“Rise, all of you. Today is General Yun’s wedding. There is no need for excessive formality towards me. I will sit aside and watch; please continue!” With an emotionless tone, Duan Nanyu took Yun Xueyan’s hand and led her to one side.

“Second Brother,” Yun Xueyan stepped forward, carefully avoiding Duan Nanyu, “Congratulations. My mother also asked me to convey her wishes for your everlasting happiness and early blessings of children.”

A breeze suddenly swept by, gentle as a caress on her face, lifting strands of her jet-black hair with ease.

The hair that masked Yun Xueyan’s cheeks was blown aside. She hastily tried to pull it back to cover herself, but before her hand could touch her face, her body was already embraced by the man beside her, her head buried deeply against his warm, broad chest.

A subtle scent of agarwood wafted into Yun Xueyan’s senses.

Her body stiffened, remaining motionless as she leaned there without struggle. Duan Nanyu’s unexpected gesture shattered her heart with pain.

She had never imagined he would act this way.

“Yan’er, are you alright? Is your head aching?” he asked softly, gently blocking the curious eyes around them. Then he looked toward Yun Qixiao. “General Yun, I request a room. Yan’er is unwell.”

“Your Highness, please!” Yun Qixiao made a welcoming gesture but did not leave. Instead, he allowed those nearby to lead the way. Today was his wedding; he could not leave abruptly—that would be irresponsible to Xiao Chenxue.

He had already decided to treat the woman who had repeatedly impressed him with genuine care.

Yun Xueyan had Duan Nanyu, which was enough for her. He could see that Duan Nanyu truly cared for her; otherwise, he wouldn’t have shielded her just now.

If Duan Nanyu had been a moment later, perhaps he himself would have stepped forward.

A faint smile curled his lips. Now that someone cared for his Yan’er, he could finally rest easy.

The wedding proceeded as scheduled. The courtyard buzzed with lively conversations and endless blessings. Firecrackers boomed thunderously, their crackling sounds falling deep into Yun Xueyan’s heart. Her gaze fixed on the dark figure before her, her chest tightening painfully. Her steps faltered briefly, then she continued forward.

Yun Qixiao, beaming, led Xiao Chenxue to stand at the center of the hall. Duan Siyi sat in the place of honor, watching the couple of beauties with a satisfied nod. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced aside to see Duan Nanyu leading Yun Xueyan to sit, maintaining a respectful distance between them.

Duan Nanyu sat alone, drinking glass after glass of wine, while Yun Xueyan remained stiff and motionless in her seat.

It seemed she was burdened by some heavy thoughts.

He already knew about the matters involving Yun Xueyan, Duan Nanyu, and the Phoenix Pavilion, yet he could not understand what power she possessed to nearly cause a confrontation between two men in his court.

Regardless, whether it was Duan Nanyu or the Phoenix Pavilion, he did not wish for any discord between them. That would be detrimental to him.

Although he was the emperor, these emotional and familial affairs were beyond his jurisdiction. Let them be; their fate was their own.

The fierce alcohol burned through Duan Nanyu’s entrails, stinging every nerve with pain. He stared at the wine glass in his hand, a faint, bitter smile tugging at his lips.

His gaze frequently drifted to Yun Xueyan, yet no words escaped his mouth.

Closing his eyes, he downed another cup of wine.