Fu Xiru only laughed as she patted her back. "The more I coax you, the harder you cry. You really are something. If you keep this up, I just won’t bother with you anymore."

Jin Lian came in with tea, smiling as she said, "The whole palace knows Zhi’er is the best at acting spoiled. Even Lady can’t bear to punish her."

Bai Zhi’er lifted her tearful eyes and wiped at them. "I am not. I’m just revealing my true feelings, that’s all."

Jin Lian burst into a laugh. "All right, all right, even the Emperor can’t outtalk you; I’m even less going to bicker with you."

"Zhi’er, let me congratulate you in advance. Your future husband will be the head of the Imperial Guards. Your future is boundless. If you become a titled lady someday, don’t you dare forget your sisters!"

Bai Zhi’er blinked her tear-filled eyes in puzzlement. "Mm? What do you mean?"

Jin Lian said in surprise, "Lady, you haven’t told her yet?"

Fu Xiru laughed. "I meant to, but this girl came up and just clung to me crying. I haven’t had the chance to open my mouth."

"Zhi’er, the Emperor and I have discussed it and decided to bestow a marriage upon you and A Ce. By now, A Ce should already have received the decree."

"Huh?!" Bai Zhi’er sprang up like a shot. "Be... bestow a marriage?"

Fu Xiru nodded. "Yes. You and A Ce are so fond of each other. The Emperor and I both feel that lovers ought to become family."

Bai Zhi’er was startled. "But..."

"But what? Are you unwilling?" Fu Xiru asked.

Bai Zhi’er licked her lips. "It’s not that I’m unwilling, but..."

Fu Xiru smiled with narrowed eyes. "I know, you’re easily shy. It’s all right. This is the Emperor’s and my heartfelt wish."

She stood up and tidied Bai Zhi’er’s long hair that had just been mussed from her burrowing in.

"Zhi’er, while I still have some strength left and can still secure a few things for you, don’t turn it down."

"Otherwise, I fear that one day, when I’m no longer here..."

Fu Xiru hadn’t finished before Bai Zhi’er hurriedly cut her off. "That won’t happen, Lady! You’ll always be healthy. Of course I want to marry. If there’s a bestowed marriage then so be it—I couldn’t wish for more!"

After Bai Zhi’er finished speaking and turned back, she found Fu Xiru looking at her through tears, smiling with deep relief.

It felt as if she already knew her own days were numbered.

Once Bai Zhi’er agreed, very soon a group of little eunuchs came to Changle Hall with joyful news.

They said the head of the Imperial Guards had received the imperial marriage decree and was drafting the betrothal gifts with the help of the Ministry of Rites.

The only thing Bai Zhi’er hadn’t expected was that Long Xiyuan and Fu Xiru had set their wedding date so soon.

The engagement was today, and the wedding would be the day after tomorrow!

Perhaps to show how favored they were, Feng Fuce’s betrothal gifts were all to be provided from within the palace by Long Xiyuan through the Ministry of Rites.

As Empress, Fu Xiru specially set aside a side hall for the two of them as their residence after the wedding.

Though there wasn’t much time left in the dream, Bai Zhi’er truly hadn’t thought she would marry once more here.

The night before the wedding.

Bai Zhi’er and Feng Fuce stood in the courtyard, eyes locked, and somehow neither of them knew what to say.

Feng Fuce’s cold, stern face remained as indifferent as ever, but whether it was Bai Zhi’er’s imagination or not, there seemed to be a trace of some quiet joy deep in his eyes.

Bai Zhi’er glanced around and lowered her voice. "We’re really getting married? Won’t this... won’t this be very strange?"

Feng Fuce spoke of it lightly. "It’s the Empress’s wish. Seeing you happy is like seeing herself." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"She’s simply shifted her yearning for happiness onto you. So our marriage, even if it’s only for show, can still bring her comfort—why not?"