Jin Xiyan suppressed a sigh and sipped his cup of wine. The procession and rituals lasted a lot longer than any of his other marriages. Beside him was his Mother, the Empress Dowager Jin Qiuye, who whispered with a servant before turning to face him.
“Your bride is in Erchen’s chambers now,” he smiled warmly at Jin Xiyan. “Erchen should linger in the banquet for a few more moments, but I am sure Erchen is eager to meet him.”
The Empress Dowager unfolded a fan and gently waved it at his face. Jin Xiyan knew that he was putting a lot of hope in this match and worked tirelessly to make the wedding as successful as possible, so as much as Jin Xiyan hated the pomp and circumstance, he didn’t dare offend his Mother.
“Thank you, Royal Mother.” Jin Xiyan bowed to him then stiffened when Eunuch Su Ao spoke up on his opposite side.
“Your Majesty, General Li–er…” Su Ao rushed to correct himself, “The Eastern Marquis wishes to approach Your Majesty.”
Father-in-law? The former General hadn’t said a peep during the whole ceremony. It was one of his sons, the middle one if he remembered correctly, that made a toast. Jin Xiyan was surprised, but waved a hand, “Of course, let him.”
Su Ao nodded and stepped back before motioning Li Beidou forward. His Father-in-law bowed in greeting before going down onto one knee.
“Thanks to Your Majesty for a beautiful wedding, and may I extend my Wife’s appreciation as well.”
“Please rise…” Jin Xiyan hesitated then cleared his throat, “Please rise, Father-in-law.”
He was unsure how to address Li Beidou. It was hard to gauge his reaction or anticipate any backlash for removing him from the military. His advisors pointed out that the Li family was becoming too influential, and that it was best to nip it in the bud quickly.
“If it may please Your Majesty, this humble subject wishes to remain kneeling in order to beseech Your Majesty.” The lines in Li Beidou’s forehead wrinkled as he furrowed his brow and he kept his eyes down. Jin Xiyan could feel his mother’s curious gaze at his back, so he must have been peeking around him to try and see what was going on.
The extent at which Li Beidou humbled himself was…interesting. Is he trying to suck up to me now that his rank has changed? “Of course, Father-in-law. What is it that you need?”
“It is the failing of this Father that my son is…” Li Beidou’s mouth opened and closed a few times before he spoke again. “This one’s son is very unused to the ways of being an omega. The fault lies with me, and this humble subject would beg Your Majesty to understand this and that any offense my son should give to please let me take the punishment in his stead.”
This stunned Jin Xiyan. For a man who was revered as both ruthless and fearless on the battlefield, seeing Li Beidou plead so openly on his son’s behalf certainly showed the lengths he would go to protect him. Is Li Changyu that much of a treasured son? He didn’t quite understand what Li Beidou was worried about, but he nodded to appease his new Father-in-law.
“Though it is assured that any child of the famous Li family is an upstanding subject, Zhen will take Father-in-law’s wishes into consideration.”
Li Beidou kowtowed three times to him and thanked him. Jin Xiyan awkwardly said goodbye to him and turned back around to meet his Mother’s fierce gaze. His fan was held still in front of him, hiding his mouth from the guests.
“What did that man want?” The Empress Dowager was also suspicious of the Li family, despite the fact they needed someone to provide an heir. It was the only way his Uncle convinced the Empress Dowager that this was a good idea.
“It was nothing, Royal Mother.” Jin Xiyan was more curious than ever about his new bride. “Zhen will leave for the bridal chamber.”
When he rose, everyone who was still sober did as well and bowed. Su Ao followed him out of the feast hall towards his chambers. He enjoyed the evening walk through the various courtyards until he ended up in the Imperial quarters.
Jin Xiyan turned to Su Ao. “Do not disturb Zhen unless it is absolutely necessary.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Su Ao bowed low and opened the door for him. Jin Xiyan stepped into the well lit room and waited for Su Ao to shut the door before going further in.
Seated on the edge of his golden dragon bed was his bride, Li Changyu. His face was obscured by the long red veil with delicate embroidery at the edges. His phoenix bridal dress was just as elaborate with the gold brocade catching the light in a way that made it sparkle. Li Changyu’s hands were tightly clasped together in his lap, and Jin Xiyan could see the slight tremble in his shoulders.
Jin Xiyan took a deep breath and stepped forward. He was always wary about one of his Wives being nervous in the bedchamber, though he prided himself on being able to ease their fears. When he stood in front of Li Changyu, he reached out to touch the hem of the veil. Jin Xiyan’s hand was promptly knocked away with a soft backhanded strike. The sound startled him more than the subtle force of the block. He pulled his hand back and blinked down at Li Changyu.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“Zhen understands that you are nervous…” He hoped to speak after seeing his face first, but he tried to comfort Li Changyu as best as he could. He can probably see under the veil. Jin Xiyan smiled softly, hoping it could possibly reassure him. He reached out again, and just like before, a quick back hand prevented him from reaching the veil.
Annoyed now, he took a deep breath and reached with his opposite hand. When it too was smacked, Jin Xiyan quickly snatched Li Changyu’s forearm with his opposite hand.
“Zhen will not tolerate being hit,” he kept his tone soft, but firm. It was obvious that what Li Beidou meant was that his son was quite spoiled. This is indeed a fault in his upbringing!
The head under the veil tilted to the left ever so slightly, a little tinkling of jewelry the only noise in the room. Suddenly Li Changyu twisted his arm, broke free of Jin Xiyan’s hold and knocked both hands away before lifting a foot up and hitting Jin Xiyan square in the chest with it.
He stumbled back a step, the air forced out of his lungs in a harsh gasp. Li Changyu used the momentum to tumble backwards over the bed and landed on his feet at the opposite side. Jin Xiyan rubbed at his chest and gawked at his bride. That actually hurt! He opened his mouth to reprimand Li Changyu, but stopped when he took the edge of his own veil and ripped it off.
Hair as black as the night was piled up in an elaborate half bun with gold decorative pins that stretched to the sides and dangled with gold discs. The rest of his hair cascaded over his shoulders and brought attention to his slim, pale neck. Li Changyu’s jaw had a subtle angle that he could see from the way he clenched it, a tic forming in one of his soft, pink cheeks. His plush lips stained red were pulled into a snarl. His bright phoenix eyes flashed, the gold in the iris ablaze and emphasized by the scowl of his neatly angled brows.
Jin Xiyan didn’t know what he was more taken aback by – his bride’s looks or his behavior. Ignoring the murderous intent in his eyes, Jin Xiyan addressed Li Changyu directly.
“You will stop this immediately and get back here.” He pointed to the spot in front of him.
“Ha!” Li Changyu tossed his veil behind him and glowered at Jin Xiyan. “I might be forced to marry you, but we will be doing this,” he pointed to the bed, “My way.”
Offenses may ass! This was more like pure obstinance! Jin Xiyan’s ire rose and he set his eyes in a hard glare. “It seems you are mistaking your role in this. You may be Empress, but you have no right to dictate–”
Li Changyu barked another laugh, cutting him off. “That’s big talk, since I know for a fact that the reason you married me was related to this very topic.” Li Changyu straightened and crossed his arms over his chest, his expression downright smug. “My friends in the Palace have told me that you only have beta and omega children. You are banking on me producing an alpha heir, aren’t you?”
He knows? It was true that with seven children so far, none of them were eligible for the throne. The Emperor’s lineage of suitable alphas was dwindling with each generation. At twenty-four, he needed to make sure that there was a successor to keep the proper lineage on the throne rather than his greedy relatives.
Jin Xiyan balled his hands into tight fists and darkness settled over Jin Xiyan’s expression, “Are you openly admitting to having spies in the court?”
“Spies?” Li Changyu’s nose scrunched up, “Who said anything about spies?”
Having had enough of it, Jin Xiyan jumped and flew across the bed and landed beside Li Changyu. His bride was prepared for his grab and Li Changyu blocked it expertly with another backhanded sweep of his arm. They exchanged a few more barely forceful blows like this until Jin Xiyan grabbed a hold of Li Changyu’s sleeve. His brows flew up in alarm for a split second before he glared up at Jin Xiyan.
Li Changyu pulled his arm into his sleeve and swung around, undoing his own robe and twisted until it was off him. He held onto the end of his other sleeve, separated from Jin Xiyan by the length of his outer robe. Li Changyu’s smirk returned.
“I don’t have many demands,” his bride announced. Jin Xiyan tugged on the robe, intending to yank him back towards him, but Li Changyu let go and leapt aside when Jin Xiyan charged. “I only want to be on top.”
Jin Xiyan was normally level headed, but his frustration mounted the longer this went on. When Li Changyu dared to suggest that he would be on top, he growled and dropped all decorum.
“How dare you!” He bellowed. “You mock me for needing an heir and have the gall to suggest something as offensive as me being the receptive one?! Do you have no shame?!”
“What?!” Li Changyu’s cockiness dropped and his eyes widened. He waved his hands around and shook his head, “I wouldn’t suggest that! Ever! I value my life!”
It was Jin Xiyan’s turn to laugh, “Ha! That seems very unlikely, daring to hit the Emperor!”
“Hmph, you could never take a punch,” Li Changyu sneered. “I guess not much has changed. Are you going to run to Mommy about it again?”
Not much has changed? Again? Li Changyu was treading on even more dangerous territory, speaking to him so familiarly. He rushed forward and surprised Li Changyu by grabbing the front of his robes and throwing him towards the bed. Li Changyu was light on his feet and caught himself before he landed on it, but Jin Xiyan used his long stride to his advantage and crossed the space in just two steps. He knocked Li Changyu down and the bed hit the back of Li Changyu’s knees, making him fall onto his back on the bed.
“Oof!” Li Changyu exclaimed as he fell and Jin Xiyan loomed over him. He caught each of Li Changyu’s hands as they snapped forward to strike him and Jin Xiyan pinned them above his head. His bride glared up at him, cheeks flushed red.
As Li Changyu struggled underneath him, Jin Xiyan tightened his grip on his wrists. He had to admit, Li Changyu could put up a fight. “How does an omega like you know martial arts, anyhow?”
Li Changyu balked, his expression equal parts shock and offense. His brows knitted together, and he searched Jin Xiyan’s eyes. “You…don’t remember me?”
That gave him pause. He’d never met the youngest son of Li before, but the way Li Changyu looked at him was unlike any other. He didn’t avert his gaze or look deferential, but stared directly into his eyes. His silence must have been enough of an answer because Li Changyu’s glare returned and Jin Xiyan felt his knee strike his abdomen.
Coughing, he let go of Li Changyu and took a few steps back to hold his gut. Li Changyu sat up and stayed on the edge of the bed. Like before, his white knuckled fists rested on his thighs and he frowned at Jin Xiyan.
“I told you I would sleep with you, didn’t I?” Li Changyu narrowed his eyes and his cheeks turned as red as his dress. “Just give me the dignity of not being on my back.”
Jin Xiyan wanted this night to be over with, but he needed to consummate their wedding night, so he relented. He ground his teeth and stepped up to the bed. “Fine. Have it your way.”
Li Changyu watched him closely as he sat down beside him. He looked to his bride, waiting for him. Li Changyu only blinked at him, and Jin Xiyan didn’t hide the annoyance in his voice, “Well? Did you not say that you wanted it your way?”
He winced like he’d been struck and Li Changyu dipped his chin down. It appeared that when called on his bluff, Li Changyu turned shy, even with a scowl on his beautiful features. With a deep inhale, Li Changyu stood up and turned away and wriggled. Jin Xiyan arched his brow and watched as Li Changyu squirmed. Red silken pants were kicked across the room and Li Changyu whirled around to face him. He knocked Jin Xiyan onto his back and straddled his hips in a very efficient, un-sensuous manner; it was like how one would get on a horse.
A robe still covered Li Changyu’s body and he showed no intention of being naked. With a shaky hand, Li Changyu pushed his hands past Jin Xiyan’s red dragon robes and reached down the front of his pants. The brush of his hand against his cock made it jump to attention. Li Changyu twitched and grumbled something that Jin Xiyan couldn’t quite hear.
His own breathing slowed as firm, calloused fingers gripped his slightly hard shaft. Against his will, Jin Xiyan’s body responded by letting out a groan. Li Changyu quickly let go and pulled his hand back like he’d been scalded.
Li Changyu’s voice wavered, “D-did I hurt you?”
Is that not a question I am supposed to ask!? Jin Xiyan wordlessly reached for Li Changyu’s hand and put it back where it was with another groan. Li Changyu’s face was full of skepticism, but he awkwardly stroked Jin Xiyan’s cock. How it was possible, he wouldn’t know, but Jin Xiyan actually grew hard from the contact. Unlike his other Wives’ normally smooth, pristine hands, Li Changyu’s were rough and his grip strong.
Eventually a rhythm formed and Li Changyu pumped his length with sure strokes that brought him fully erect. Jin Xiyan’s eyes fluttered closed as a thumb teased the throbbing head of his cock and pressed against the slit. The weight on Jin Xiyan’s thighs shifted and Li Changyu’s hand dropped down to the middle of his shaft, holding it there. Another hand rested on his chest, and something wet and tight pressed against his cock.
W-what? His eyes flew open when he realized what it was and looked at Li Changyu. Jin Xiyan took his hips in each hand and quickly lifted him up, “What do you think you are doing?!”
Li Changyu spoke through gritted teeth, “I’m trying to have sex with you!”
He knocked one of Jin Xiyan’s hands away and tried lowering himself down once again, and Jin Xiyan’s heart almost leapt out of his chest.
He grabbed Li Changyu’s arms, and immediately flipped their positions so he could pull his hips away. “You will hurt yourself like that!”
Before Li Changyu could protest, Jin Xiyan undid his belt and started to remove the rest of his bridal gown. Unsurprisingly, his bride put up a fight. Everything about this night was a fight! Li Changyu pushed at his hands, practically hissing like a cat. “Get off! You don’t get to look!”
Jin Xiyan growled back, “You are my Wife, I have every right to look!”
He wrestled with Li Changyu for a moment before wrenching open his robe and exposing his body. His jade white skin was carved with lightly toned muscle, showing off a prominent chest that heaved with each of Li Changyu’s labored breaths. It brought attention to his pert, dusky nipples. The slightest hint of abs traveled down the length of his torso and met at a sharp juncture of his hips that dipped down to his slightly erect cock that Li Changyu tried to hide by lifting up a knee.
Though distractingly handsome, what took most of Jin Xiyan’s attention were the scars and bruises of various sizes decorated his flesh. Some looked old, and others fresh. The blush on Li Changyu’s face traveled down to his chest, and his golden eyes turned deadly once again.
Who…what… Li Changyu’s body showed signs of such abuse, making Jin Xiyan’s head swim. Was he not…is he not a pampered Son?!
Sudden concern welled up inside and Jin Xiyan bunched up some of the robes into his fists. He Li Changyu a light shake, “Who hurt you?”
Li Changyu’s face went through a series of reactions before it landed on laughing. That fleeting emotion of caring vanished as Li Changyu tossed his head back.
“Oh, that…that was good. You looked like you were ready to avenge me.” Jin Xiyan let go of Li Changyu as he wiped an eye which had a tear from laughing so hard. “Who hurt me? Let’s see…Huns, bandits, Tatars – three times, might I add – some random jianghu gang…”
As Li Changyu carried on, a sinking feeling formed at the pit of his stomach. I married a crazy person. Jin Xiyan righted himself and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was now developing a headache from his own wedding. Mother will want to wipe out the whole Li family for this.
Li Changyu propped himself up on his elbows and looked at him. He snorted before he spoke, “I was a soldier for Your Majesty before you decided to pick me as your Empress. Okay?” He sat back up and covered himself with his remaining clothes and his gaze drifted away. “I didn’t want you to see my body so it wouldn’t offend you.”
“Your behavior is far more atrocious than your body,” Jin Xiyan scoffed. Li Changyu scowled but kept his eyes averted, and Jin Xiyan took a deep breath. “You really were a soldier? Truthfully?”
That affronted look returned and Li Changyu lifted his head to stare at Jin Xiyan. “You really don’t remember me.”
Since it was a statement and not a question, Jin Xiyan didn’t bother to answer. He didn’t know how or why Li Beidou let his omega son join the military, and he shuddered to think about letting any of his own omega sons or daughters do so. Taking a better look at Li Changyu now, he could see that he was a bit bigger than most omegas. Still pretty like one though, if you could get past the perpetual scowl that marred his features.
“I will be frank with you,” he said with another sigh. “Yes, I do need an heir, and yes, you were recommended to me by my Third Uncle.”
“Your Uncle?” Li Changyu arched a brow, “Not the First Prince?”
“You know my older Brother?” He stepped closer to Li Changyu, crowding his space once more. He tried to examine Li Changyu’s face more closely, but he turned it away. “Who are you?”
Tightening his robes around himself, Li Changyu stood up with a huff. He raised his hand and flicked Jin Xiyan’s nose.
“Figure it out yourself,” he said, then turned towards the door. “I’m not in the mood, so I am going to the Phoenix Palace. Catch me sometime tomorrow so we can do…” Li Changyu looked back towards the bed and made a vague gesture encompassing the area. “This, later.”
Dumbfounded, all Jin Xiyan could do was watch as Li Changyu left his quarters with a flick of his sleeve. He guffawed and rubbed his eyes to see if he was seeing things clearly, but he was in fact alone in his room. Did…did my Wife just strike me again and disrespect me?! How does he know of the Phoenix Palace?!
“W…who does he think he is?!” He fumed, “Shameless!”
One of the guards peeked their head in and hesitated, “Y-Your Majesty? Do you need us to go after the Empress?”
“No,” he bit out, his teeth gnashing together. “Get Zhen’s Huang Guifei. Now.”
Jin Xiyan ripped off his matrimonial robes, ignoring the sound of it tearing. He put on a loose gold colored robe that he wore to lounge in and sat at the edge of his bed. He waited for Qin Yuze, his Huang Guifei, and rubbed his temple with two fingers. In a few moments there was a knock on the door and Su Ao entered.
“Huang Guifei is here for Your Majesty,” Su Ao bowed low and Jin Xiyan waved him in.
Qin Yuze stepped through the threshold looking as radiant as always. His platinum white hair was pulled back in an elegant bun with a single jade hairpin that Jin Xiyan had gifted him on their wedding day. His pale pink robes were pristine and elegant, and he walked with an effortless grace that fluttered them lightly. His dark eyes sparkled as he greeted Jin Xiyan with a smile. It was no secret that Qin Yuze was his favorite, as his beauty and kindness knew no bounds.
“Your Majesty,” Qin Yuze cupped his hands and bowed.
“Come,” he ordered and opened his arms. Qin Yuze lowered their eyes and blushed a pretty pink that was the same shade as their clothes. He stepped into the circle of Jin Xiyan’s arms and he embraced his Wife close. He tucked his finger under Qin Yuze’s chin and lifted his face. “Would you serve me tonight, dear Wife?”
“This humble subject is honored, Your Majesty.” Qin Yuze’s voice was pleasant and sweet, just like his pheromones. Jin Xiyan dipped his head down into the crook of his slender, delectable neck and inhaled deeply. Qin Yuze shivered and let out a soft gasp. “Y-Your Majesty…”
This, he reminded himself as he kissed his way up to Qin Yuze’s small ear, this is what an omega should be.
Nooooo!! Even if you won’t do it with LCY how dare you call someone else on the wedding night!! 🤬🤬
JXY: zhen does dare. middle fingers
I see my first feeling towards him is definitely anger.
but how do you marry someone without knowing nothing about them? and that line about his mother destroying the Li family reminds me of Malfoy. “My father will hear about this.”
thanks for the chapter <3
I feel like killing someone in chp1…so thts the foreshadowing…hehehehehhehehe☺️🔪
This bitch.
This motherfucking bitch.
Me soon for JXY 🔪🔪🔪