CHAPTER 507: CHAPTER 507 : (EXTRA) THE DETHRONED CROWN PRINCE (7)

The wedding ceremony of the eldest son of the Heavenly Emperor was as grand as it could be. Atop the highest towers of the Golden Dragon Palace, crimson banners danced in the wind, their vibrant hues emblazoned with the sigil of the dragon clan. The painted dragons, seemingly awakened by the joyous breeze, roared silently across the fabric.

The festivities unfolded over seven auspicious days and nights. A wave of imperial generosity washed over the nine palaces. Prisoners with remorseful hearts received a reprieve, their punishments diminished in honor of the joyous occasion. For the citizens, prosperity flowed freely. Sacks of rice, brimming with abundance, were distributed alongside jugs of the finest rice wine, a toast to the happy couple. And for the children, a bounty of vibrantly colored wedding candies awaited, each bite a sweet promise of good fortune.

Within the opulent Golden Dragon City, a tapestry of crimson silk lanterns stretched across every corridor, hall, and even the sprawling gardens. No corner remained untouched by the infectious merriment.

A rhythmic beat pounded from the tireless drummers, echoing through the bustling city streets. This pulse vibrated through every heart, quickening the excitement of masters and servants alike.

Inside his bed chamber, Xie Jianshen sat at a dressing table, eyes squeezed shut. A deep, calming breath drew in wisps of fragrant incense smoke that swirled around him. It was a soothing balm to the frenetic energy that pulsed outside.

"Don’t move now, Jianshen, or the color will smear," the Heavenly Empress warned.

A soft, feather-like touch tickled Xie Jianshen as his mother’s finger slowly brushed against his lips, painting them in a vibrant red color befitting of a bride.

"All done," the Empress whispered. "You can open your eyes."

When Xie Jianshen opened his eyes, what he saw was his mother’s crumpled face, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Mother..." the younger omega sighed. "You are crying again."

The Empress dotted the ends of her eyes with a silk handkerchief.

"I can’t help it," she choked with sobs. "My darling son is getting married today. After today, I won’t see you in this palace anymore."

Xie Jianshen arched a brow at her.

"I can still cancel the wedding ceremony if you want," he pointed out. "I am willing to accompany you forever."

"Oh, shush."

The Empress tried her best to conjure a smile back on her face.

"Stupid child. It was so difficult to finally find a groom for you. Why would I want you to cancel the wedding?"

"..."

Why was his mother speaking as though he was the least favored omega throughout the entire realm?

"The palanquin has arrived!" Head Eunuch Wang announced outside. "It is time for the bride to depart!"

"Come."

The Heavenly Empress lowered the veil and covered Xie Jianshen’s face completely. Unable to see anything but the carpet beneath his shoes, he relied on his mother to guide him outside.

A fragrant carpet of red and pink petals cascaded down the path leading from Xie Jianshen’s chamber. This floral walkway culminated at the palace entrance, where a magnificent palanquin awaited. Crafted from the finest redwood, its walls shimmered with intricate jade carvings, their beauty rivaled only by the cascading silk tassels that danced in the breeze. Inside was a haven of plush velvet, the fabric as soft as the cloud.

Next to the palanquin stood Jiang Rufeng, the Shuiran Palace Master.

When the dashing groom saw the bride’s entourage approaching, he stepped forward to take Xie Jianshen away from his parents. His mother’s familiar touch was soon replaced by a steadying hand, sturdy yet imbued with a quiet gentleness.

Following age-old traditions, the Heavenly Emperor and Empress bid farewell to their son. They bestowed upon Jiang Rufeng and his soon-to-be wife heartfelt blessings for a harmonious marriage and a swift integration into their new family.

Though the Heavenly Emperor maintained a facade of stoicism, a tremor in his lips betrayed his emotions as his son departed. The Empress, unable to contain her maternal love, released a torrent of tears. As she embraced Xie Jianshen one last time, she whispered into his ear, "Please be happy, Jianshen. You must be happy."

The air shimmered with the clinking of jade pendants and the melodic tinkling of wind chimes as the palanquin lifted into the air, pulled aloft by eight heavenly steeds.

Behind the crimson veil, Xie Jianshen’s tears fell like a silent waterfall. He knew he could still visit his mother as often as he wanted, but a part of him was forever lost.

From this day forward, he wouldn’t be Prince Xie Jianshen anymore. He would be the Shuiran Palace Mistress, a title that held no less honor, yet carved a vast chasm between him and his birthright.

He was no longer part of the dragon clan, practically an exiled dragon adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Could he ever find happiness, severed from the life he had known, the family he held so dear?

The wind howled past the palanquin, mirroring the torrent of emotions that flooded Xie Jianshen’s heart.

The dragon omega was not sure if his anguish reached Jiang Rufeng through the din or not, but then a hand closed around his. It offered a gentle squeeze that spoke volumes where words failed. The alpha lion remained silent throughout their journey to Shuiran Palace, his strength a silent reassurance in the storm of Xie Jianshen’s emotions. Gradually, the sobs subsided, replaced by a quiet resolve. He was ready to face the future, whatever it held.

After the wedding ceremony ended, came the wedding night.

Jiang Rufeng, the groom, had a marvelous time entertaining the guests before he entered the bridal chamber. Unlike most grooms who were overcome with the first night’s jitters, he indulged in the feast without restraint.

Once he was finally satiated, he retreated to the bridal chamber, devoid of any particular expectation.

Except for finding his bride already asleep, of course.

Which he was not.

Crimson veil cast onto the floor, the splendidly beautiful bride was sitting on the bed in a rigid posture.

Upon more careful inspection, Jiang Rufeng noticed that his bride had meticulously split the bed into two sections, one for him and one for the new husband.

"Was the wedding fun?" Xie Jianshen asked in a flat tone.