Her anger melted away, leaving only the warmth of the moment.
Yun Yun lifted her head, meeting his eyes with a playful, almost reproachful gaze:
"Yet… you still call me Teacher?"
Ye Chen paused, a small smile spreading across his face. His heart soared.
He had prepared for her anger, but this… this was far better than he had imagined.
"Yun'er…" he murmured affectionately, pressing his lips gently to her fair forehead.
Yun Yun didn't flinch. She closed her eyes, letting herself feel the comfort and certainty of his embrace. The world seemed to pause .... the courtyard, the wind, even time itself .....all bowed to the fragile intimacy of this moment.
They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, until finally, they pulled back slightly.
Yun Yun, emboldened by the closeness, rose onto her tiptoes and whispered in Ye Chen's ear, her voice soft but brimming with emotion:
"Ye Chen… I'm carrying your child."
A rush of joy and pride flooded Ye Chen's chest. He already knew, yet hearing it made his heart pound faster.
"Yun'er… that's wonderful!" he said, drawing her into another embrace, holding her tightly as if letting go could undo the world's order.
"I will marry you immediately. No one can take this from us."
Yun Yun's cheeks flushed, both from embarrassment and happiness.
"Ye Chen… our positions… are you sure? People might not understand. They might talk…"
He shook his head gently, a confident gleam in his eyes:
"What is there to fear? In the Jia Ma Empire, who dares to say a word against us? And if anyone does… I'll let them speak in the underworld."
A warm, gentle feeling spread through Yun Yun's chest. She pressed her body closer to his, letting herself melt into the safety and love surrounding them.
"Ye Chen… first, marry Ya Fei and Princess Yaoye.
As for me… we'll announce our marriage only after you inherit the throne." Her voice was soft, laced with care and longing.
Ye Chen smiled, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"Of course, Yun'er. I will follow your wishes. Always."
Outside, Hai Bodong, Miteer Huayuan, and others grew impatient.
"Where is Ye Chen? Why hasn't he come out yet?"
"It's almost nightfall!"
Miteer Tengshan suggested going inside.
Just as he spoke, Ye Chen and Yun Yun emerged, walking side by side.
Seeing them unharmed, everyone exhaled a collective sigh of relief.
Nalan Yanran rushed forward, her face bright with joy:
"Senior, Teacher — you're finally out!"
It had been half a year since she last saw Yun Yun, and if Yun Yun hadn't insisted on speaking with Ye Chen alone, Yanran would have clung to her the entire time.
"Yanran… you've grown so much, so calm and steady." Yun Yun smiled, touching Yanran's cheek with warmth.
Ye Chen waved to the others:
"Grandfather, Grand Elder, Clan Leader ..... nothing more here. You may leave."
"Yes, Ye Chen. Then we'll go first!" Hai Bodong replied.
Yun Yun's demeanor had improved greatly, giving them no cause for concern.
Miteer Tengshan and Miteer Huayuan didn't linger either.
With Ye Chen soon to inherit the throne and marry the princess, there would be much to plan in the coming days.
The imperial capital shimmered under the glow of countless red lanterns, each swaying gently in the evening breeze.
Night Hua Mansion was dressed in its grandest splendor, vibrant decorations signaling the auspicious occasion.
Today, the mansion awaited the arrival of the bridegroom ..... Ye Chen ..... accompanied by the Meitel family's wedding entourage.
At the entrance of the grand hall, a woman in her forties, adorned in elegant attire, hurriedly approached the approaching carriage.
With a respectful bow, she spoke to Ye Chen, who was clad in the bright red ceremonial robe.
"Consort, the Princess has yet to finish dressing. Please, allow a few more moments."
Ye Chen's voice remained calm, even teasingly casual:
"No matter… go tell Yaoye that if she isn't out in three minutes, she can make her own way to the ceremony."
The woman's face paled slightly at his words, a mixture of astonishment and anxiety crossing her features.
"I… I'll urge her once more!" she stammered, quickly turning toward the hall.
Unlock 600+ Chapters via My Patreon Collection
✨ Available in Shop Now
patreon.com/HeavenlyYinYang