The evening after the wedding robe discussions, the Crown Prince's palace remained unusually quiet.
Most servants had already withdrawn after finishing their duties, leaving only soft lantern light illuminating the vast halls. Outside, the sounds of the imperial palace faded gradually into the peaceful silence of night.
Inside his study, Xu Chen sat calmly reviewing court memorials.
At least—
That was what he was supposed to be doing.
In reality, one particular document had remained unread for nearly half an hour.
Because every time he looked at it—
His thoughts drifted elsewhere.
Toward crimson wedding robes.
Toward phoenix embroidery.
Toward Yue Ning.
A quiet knock suddenly interrupted the silence.
Before Han Wei could announce anything properly—
The doors burst open dramatically.
"Imperial Brother!"
A tiny figure rushed inside like a whirlwind of silk and energy.
Xu Yue.
The youngest princess of the empire.
Now seven years old.
Dressed in pale pink robes embroidered with little silver butterflies, she looked more like an adorable disaster than actual royalty at the moment.
Han Wei sighed helplessly from outside the door.
"She ran here before anyone could stop her."
Xu Chen finally looked up from the memorials.
Xu Yue immediately climbed onto the seat beside him without the slightest fear.
"Imperial Brother, I heard you're getting married!"
Xu Chen calmly placed the documents aside. "Who told you?"
"Mother."
Of course.
Xu Yue looked extremely excited now.
"Is it true? Is it true? Is Sister Yue Ning really becoming my sister-in-law?"
"Yes."
The answer came so naturally that Xu Yue froze for a second.
Then she gasped dramatically.
"You admitted it so quickly!"
Xu Chen looked mildly puzzled. "Why wouldn't I?"
Xu Yue immediately pointed at him accusingly. "Usually when Second Brother gets teased about girls, he denies everything."
Xu Chen's expression remained completely calm. "I'm not Xu Zeyan."
That was true.
Very true.
The second prince would probably rather jump into a lake than admit romantic feelings openly.
Xu Yue swung her legs happily while grinning mischievously. "Then can I call her Sister-in-law already?"
"You already call her Sister Yue Ning."
"But Sister-in-law sounds more official."
Xu Chen considered this seriously for a moment.
"You can if you want."
Xu Yue immediately looked delighted.
Han Wei, standing quietly nearby, silently thought:
His Highness truly spoils this child endlessly.
Xu Yue suddenly leaned closer suspiciously. "Imperial Brother."
"Mm?"
"You're happier lately."
Xu Chen paused slightly.
Only slightly.
But Xu Yue noticed immediately.
The little princess looked triumphant. "See! I knew it!"
Xu Chen calmly reached out and lightly pressed her forehead back before she got too close.
"You think too much."
"No, I don't."
Xu Yue crossed her arms proudly. "Even Mother says you smile more now."
Han Wei immediately looked toward the ceiling.
The Empress really told her seven-year-old daughter everything.
Xu Yue tilted her head slightly while studying her brother carefully.
"Imperial Brother."
"What?"
"Do you really like Sister Yue Ning that much?"
The room quieted briefly.
Han Wei suddenly felt very nervous for absolutely no reason.
Xu Chen looked at his little sister calmly.
Then answered simply,
"Yes."
No hesitation.
No embarrassment.
Just honesty.
Xu Yue blinked once.
Then suddenly collapsed dramatically against the table.
"You're completely finished."
Han Wei almost choked.
Xu Chen looked entirely unmoved. "What does that mean?"
"It means Sister Yue Ning has conquered you."
Xu Chen thought for a moment before replying calmly,
"She already did a long time ago."
Silence.
Complete silence.
Han Wei looked spiritually exhausted.
Xu Yue stared at her brother in absolute disbelief for several seconds.
Then—
She burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"You actually said something like that!"
Xu Chen looked confused again. "Was I not supposed to?"
"That was so romantic!"
Xu Chen remained perfectly calm. "I was answering honestly."
Xu Yue immediately covered her face dramatically. "Mother was right. Imperial Brother becomes completely different around Sister Yue Ning."
Han Wei silently agreed.
Very strongly.
Xu Yue suddenly became excited again.
"Imperial Brother, what will the wedding be like?"
Xu Chen answered calmly, "Large."
"That's obvious."
"There will be ceremonies."
"That's also obvious."
Xu Yue puffed her cheeks slightly. "You're no fun."
Xu Chen looked entirely unconcerned.
The little princess suddenly leaned closer again, lowering her voice seriously.
"Imperial Brother."
"Mm?"
"When you marry Sister Yue Ning… will you still spend time with me?"
Han Wei immediately softened slightly hearing that.
Despite her playful personality, Xu Yue genuinely adored her eldest brother.
Xu Chen's expression softened faintly as he looked at her.
"Yes."
"Promise?"
"Mm."
Xu Yue smiled brightly instantly.
Then—
Her expression turned mischievous again frighteningly fast.
"Then after the wedding, can I sleep with Sister Yue Ning?"
Xu Chen: "No."
The answer came immediately.
Too immediately.
Xu Yue stared blankly.
Han Wei looked away to hide laughter.
Xu Yue looked deeply betrayed. "Imperial Brother!"
"You kick in your sleep."
"I do not!"
"You kicked Xu Zelin off the bed last month."
"That was an accident."
Xu Chen remained entirely unconvinced.
Xu Yue huffed dramatically before suddenly grinning again.
"Fine then."
She leaned closer with sparkling eyes.
"But can I watch when you marry Sister Yue Ning?"
Han Wei nearly died internally.
Xu Chen actually paused this time.
Then calmly replied,
"The entire empire will watch."
Xu Yue blinked once.
Then burst into laughter again.
Outside the palace halls, night deepened quietly beneath endless stars.
And inside the Crown Prince's residence—
For perhaps the first time in years—
Warm laughter lingered long after the lanterns dimmed.