The Villains Must Win-Chapter 39: Han Feng

At long last, the day had arrived—an occasion that had been whispered about for months, eagerly awaited by both noble and common folk alike. The marriage of His Majesty Han Feng and Xue Li, a union of power and grace, was now upon them.

The air itself shimmered with anticipation, the skies over the capital bathed in a pale golden hue as if the heavens themselves celebrated this momentous event.

From the grandest of palaces to the humblest of homes, the streets were adorned with crimson banners and flowing silks, their rich colors fluttering in the breeze.

The sounds of joyous music filled the air, with the clattering of gongs and the melodic strings of lutes and zithers accompanying the soft murmur of well-wishing voices.

The people rejoiced, and the city was alive with the exuberance of the occasion. Lanterns of every shape and size floated above, their soft glow casting a tranquil light on the vibrant festivities.

In the courtyards of palaces, noble families gathered in their finest attire, their laughter and chatter like a gentle wind that stirred the stillness of the morning. It was a celebration not just of a wedding, but of the prosperous future that this marriage promised.

Xue Li, radiant as the morning sun, stood poised at the entrance of the grand hall. Her gown, a masterpiece of design, shimmered in delicate hues of jade and gold, the fabric embroidered with intricate patterns of phoenixes and peonies—symbols of rebirth, grace, and eternal beauty.

The gown flowed like water around her, its silk layers cascading to the floor in a soft whisper with each step. The intricate bodice, adorned with fine pearls and gemstones, hugged her figure, while the delicate, translucent sleeves caught the light as they fluttered like the wings of a butterfly.

Her hair, arranged in an elaborate style befitting an empress, was crowned with a tiara of silver and jade, and the soft scent of lotus flowers surrounded her like a tender breeze.

She was a vision of elegance, her beauty both breathtaking and serene. But it was not only her outer appearance that captured the heart; it was the quiet strength in her gaze, the grace with which she carried herself, and the calm confidence that shone through her every movement.

Han Feng, standing at the altar, waited with quiet patience, though his heart beat faster with every passing moment. His attire was as dignified as the occasion—dark robes of crimson and gold, woven with the threads of power and nobility.

His face, usually composed, held a subtle warmth as his gaze fell upon Xue Li. Though his title and position placed him above all others, in this moment, she was his equal—his partner, his heart.

The ceremonial music ceased as Xue Li approached, her steps measured but graceful, her eyes locked with his. The hall, adorned with flowers of every color, seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in a world of their own.

As Xue Li stood before him, Han Feng’s heart swelled with an emotion he had long kept hidden behind the walls of his stoic demeanor. He took her hands gently in his, his fingers warm against her delicate skin.

With a steady breath, he looked into her eyes and spoke, his voice clear and soft, yet tinged with an emotion that stirred the air between them.

"Xue Li, in this life, and the next, I vow to stand beside you as your protector, your confidant, and your heart. Your kindness and wisdom has carried us both to this day, and I promise to honor you as my equal, to cherish you as the light of my life. I will never abandon you, for you are the most precious thing in this world to me."

His words, simple yet profound, hung in the air, filling the space between them with a warmth that seemed to envelop the entire hall. For a moment, there was no grandeur, no pomp—the world faded, leaving only the sincerity of his vow.

Xue Li’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, her heart touched by his words. Her voice, soft but clear, reached him as she spoke her vow in return: "Han Feng, with you, I will walk through both sunshine and storm. I promise to stand by your side with loyalty and love, for you are my heart’s desire and my one true companion in this life."

As the vows were spoken, the gathered guests, noble and common alike, erupted into joyous applause, their voices a chorus of congratulations and celebration. The marriage was not just the union of two people, but the binding of two fates, two destinies intertwined.

The feast that followed was lavish, the tables laden with delicacies from across the empire. Wine flowed freely, and laughter rang out through the halls as the couple shared their first meal together as husband and wife.

The night air, cool and fragrant with the scent of flowers, seemed to carry with it the promise of a future filled with hope, joy, and an unshakable bond.

In that moment, as they sat together beneath the glow of lanterns, surrounded by the cheers of their people, Han Feng and Xue Li knew that no matter the challenges they might face, they would face them together, their hearts united as one.

That night, under the soft glow of lanterns, Han Feng’s touch was uncharacteristically tender, his actions slow and gentle. There was no fiery urgency, no harsh passion, but instead, a gentle intimacy that filled the room with warmth.

His hands traced the contours of Xue Li’s body with a care that spoke of deep affection. Each kiss was lingering, each caress soothing, as if to memorize every inch of her.

Xue Li, overwhelmed by his gentleness, found herself surrendering entirely to the moment. It was a night of pure connection, where love flowed as effortlessly as their breaths, deepening the bond between them.

On this day, Xue Li was now the newly crowned Empress of Han. She had long of this moment—of a life shared with Han Feng, of a future filled with joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment. She thought she had won the game.

But her peace was shattered in an instant.

After several months of tranquility, the air in the palace suddenly seemed thick with unease. A servant, breathless and pale, arrived with urgent news. Xue Li’s heart skipped a beat as the words reached her ears:

"A girl from the Kingdom of Liang has been brought before the Emperor . . . and her name . . . is Rui Hua."