Crying While Filling the Pit I Dug - Chapter 63

Meanwhile, Si Lefang diligently arranged the play titled “Wu Shuang Ji” with Wu Shuang being the name of the female lead. Despite the Emperor shedding tears as he watched, the play did not end tragically. Instead, it concluded with a happy ending, making it suitable for performance during the Spring Festival without evoking sadness or straying from the festive atmosphere.

As for Xiao Chengqi, he expressed his desire to accompany the Emperor for the sacrificial ceremony honoring the heavens and ancestors, symbolizing the bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new. Given Song Miaomiao’s recent serious illness, she was fortunate enough to be spared from these exhaustive ceremonial duties.

On the twenty-third of the twelfth lunar month, the new year, the drama began.

Song Miaomiao occupied the golden VIP seat alongside the Emperor and the Crown Prince, all adorned in auspicious attire. The remaining seats were filled by clan relatives, important officials, and their families. Among the attendees were Yi Qing and Gu Jiaren, though Song Miaomiao kept her distance from them. With no mission requirements to intervene in their relationship, she opted to give them space, allowing their fateful bond to flourish.

Throughout the performance, Song Miaomiao quietly accompanied the Emperor, fully engrossed in the play. As the final curtain fell, the audience erupted into cheers and praises, with the Emperor offering a few symbolic remarks, clearly moved by the performance.

However, just as the Emperor finished speaking, Xiao Chengqi suddenly knelt before him. In a solemn tone, he addressed the Emperor, the officials, and the royal family and nobles gathered before him, “Father, after witnessing this play, I have been overwhelmed with emotion. I find myself unable to shake thoughts of a certain individual from my mind, day and night. Therefore, I humbly request your permission to marry County Lord Anhua!”

A heavy silence fell over the assembly.

Xiao Chengqi’s intention was clear: he aimed to bring this matter into the open, leaving the Emperor with no choice but to address it directly.

Song Miaomiao stole a glance at Gu Jiaren, noting her shocked expression amidst the composed demeanor of her family members. Clearly, Xiao Chengqi had taken measures to ensure their composure. While marriages in ancient times were often arranged by parents and matchmakers, it was still crucial to inform the individuals involved. Being forced into marriage could lead to complications and unhappiness.

Redirecting her attention, Song Miaomiao observed Yi Qing, trying to discern his emotions. Yet, his expression remained inscrutable, leaving her puzzled. Kneeling beside Xiao Chengqi, she spoke up, “Brother Huang’s devotion is evident. The Lord of Anhua County possesses both talent and beauty, making her an excellent match for him. Father, please consider his request favorably.”

The Emperor’s countenance remained impassive as he replied, “Qi’er, we will address your marriage at a later time.”

“Father!” Xiao Chengqi protested.

Rising to his feet, the Emperor declared, “It is settled.”

The Emperor told everyone to leave the venue. Those present dared not stay. As soon as the Emperor left, they immediately dispersed and left the court.

New Year’s Eve arrived, and the Yuze Hall hosted a family banquet. Although the Emperor had other concubines, they remained silent throughout the meal, unwilling to speak out of turn. Following a somber feast, Song Miaomiao and Xiao Chengqi accompanied the Emperor for a stroll through the illuminated Imperial Garden to aid in digestion.

The garden was adorned with colorful lanterns, casting a warm glow across the surroundings. Pausing before an ancient tree, the Emperor let out a weary sigh, “Must it truly be her?”

Kneeling before his father, Xiao Chengqi pleaded, “I only desire to spend my life with her.”

Rubbing his temples, the Emperor mused, “Why cling to one person when there are countless others in the world?”

Song Miaomiao gently smoothed the creases on the Emperor’s forehead, asserting, “Father, you too have clung to one person. Your deep love for the Empress is known far and wide. Besides her, no one else occupies your heart. Though others may not understand, my brother and I certainly do.”

Softening his tone, the Emperor conceded, “Ah, once your sister is married, I will issue a decree. I will set aside my pride, regardless of what the history books may say.”

Xiao Chengqi bowed fervently, expressing his gratitude, “Thank you, Father!”

System Oppa chimed in, [Congratulations, the fifth task is completed. You’ve been rewarded with 1000 points, bringing your total to 4300 points.]

Despite the completion of the task, Song Miaomiao’s mood remained complex. The days continued to pass in a blur, and over two months later, the wedding preparations commenced. Song Miaomiao allowed the female attendants to adorn her in wedding attire and heavy jewelry, feeling weighed down by their weight and unable to lift her head.

Amidst the numerous rituals, Song Miaomiao found herself veiled and guided through each step by the attending officials, feeling disoriented and overwhelmed by the unfamiliar customs. It felt more like enduring suffering than partaking in a joyful occasion.

Once the ceremony concluded, Song Miaomiao longed to remove her veil and indulge in a meal. However, the strict admonitions of her attendants prevented her from doing so, insisting on proper tradition.

Feeling helpless, Song Miaomiao resorted to watching movies to numb her senses and distract herself from hunger. Over the past two months, she had exchanged points for movies and TV shows twice, spending points and leaving her with 4100 points.

After finally waiting until dark, Yi Qing finally appeared. 

Song Miaomiao watched as Yi Qing’s footsteps drew closer and closer, feeling a little apprehensive. Yi Qing sat down beside her, following the female officer’s instructions, and lifted the veil with a stick.

Yi Qing’s face was slightly flushed, making Song Miaomiao sure that he must have indulged in drinking.

He gazed into her eyes, his voice trembling, “Princess.”

Song Miaomiao was taken aback. His eyes were so clear and moving.

The female officer presented the wine glass, indicating they needed to drink.

Song Miaomiao raised the wine glass, aware that she was now technically married. Though it was a marriage in name only, she felt grateful she had written it that way in the plot. Otherwise, the prospect of marriage would have been unbearable.

After a sip of wine, the female officer offered some polite words. Once Song Miaomiao and Yi Qing rewarded her with red envelopes, she closed the door behind her and departed.

The wine seemed stronger than Song Miaomiao anticipated, or perhaps the Princess simply couldn’t handle it. As the liquid traveled down her throat, warmth spread to her stomach, and her head began to spin.

At that moment, the system Oppa reappeared: [This concludes the original novel’s storyline. Please proceed with the remaining content on your own. The system will no longer assign tasks. Each time the author completes a plot, the system will allocate additional points based on the plot’s content. Good luck! Our mission is: If you dig a pit, you must fill it, even if you cry!]