SDS C68

Chapter 68: The Ending

By the time Yihuan and Ah-Miao arrived at the city gate, the crowd had already dispersed.

Yihuan stood frozen at the gate, staring blankly at the bustling passersby, her heart filled with confusion.

She grabbed a nearby passerby and asked, “Which way did Lin Xiang’s carriage go?”

The person looked startled but replied, “It seemed to head toward Changming Street…”

“Changming Street?” Yihuan’s brows knitted. Father shouldn’t know I’m staying on Changming Street.

The person added, “Yes, Lin Xiang arrived at the gate, but there were too many people crowding around. Lord Liu had everyone disperse and personally escorted him into the city.”

Liu Hexiao?! Yihuan’s lips curled into an involuntary smile. Overcome with excitement, she grabbed Ah-Miao and hurried back to Changming Street.

She ran the entire way, her skirts fluttering in the wind, nearly colliding with people several times.

When she finally reached the dessert shop, Yihuan was out of breath, her chest rising and falling as she tried to steady herself. Her dark, gleaming eyes were fixed on the Shengjing Dessert Shop before her.

Inside, an elderly man with a head of white hair sat at the long table. Though thin, he exuded vitality and a commanding presence.

Beside him sat a gentle and refined young man—it was her older brother, Lin Yi.

Opposite them sat Liu Hexiao, who appeared to be introducing various dishes from the dessert shop, gesturing to the spread of treats before them.

The three of them sat together, their conversation light and cheerful, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.

Yihuan stood frozen in place, her mind a blank. She had never imagined her father and brother would be able to return home safely—and that they could reunite with her so peacefully.

Ah-Miao, her face full of excitement, urged her, “Miss, go in!”

The sound of her voice caused the three men inside to turn toward the door simultaneously.

The elderly man’s smile froze on his face as he locked eyes with Yihuan. Slowly, he rose to his feet, his gaze filled with emotion. Beside him, the young man also stood, his gentle eyes shining warmly as they fell on her.

“Father! Brother!” Yihuan’s voice trembled with emotion as she rushed forward, her eyes brimming with tears.

Lin Xiang’s own eyes grew red as he clasped his daughter’s delicate hands, studying her intently with both relief and sorrow.

“Yihuan… my good child, you’ve suffered so much,” Lin Xiang choked out, his voice quivering with emotion.

For the first time, Yihuan felt the fragmented memories she carried merge with the reality before her. Her heart, long adrift, finally found its anchor. The father and daughter embraced, their tears flowing freely.

Standing nearby, Lin Yiran wiped at his nose, struggling to keep his composure. Lin Yi tousled the boy’s hair with a smile.

Lin Yiran sniffled, muttering, “Master said men shouldn’t cry easily.”

Lin Yi chuckled softly before turning to Liu Hexiao. “Lord Liu… thank you.”

Liu Hexiao inclined his head. “No thanks are necessary.”

As he met Yihuan’s tearful gaze, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips. She stood there, her hair slightly disheveled from her hurried run, her hand still tightly clasping her father’s.

Seeing her overwhelmed with emotion, Liu Hexiao’s smile deepened ever so slightly.

The Lin family’s mansion had been abandoned for quite some time. Yihuan originally planned to hire workers to repair and clean the estate. However, when she accompanied her father and brother back to the manor, she was stunned to find it fully restored. Servants were bustling about, and even the old steward who had once served the Lin family had returned.

Yihuan stood in stunned silence until the steward explained, “Lord Liu has been preparing the manor for the past half a month. It seems his efforts were all for your sake, Miss.”

Lin Xiang glanced at his daughter with a knowing smile. “Lord Liu has indeed gone above and beyond for us. We owe him a great debt.”

Yihuan’s cheeks flushed pink, and she remained silent.

After ensuring the reunion of the Lin family, Liu Hexiao hurried back to the palace to oversee the Crown Prince’s succession ceremony. Though he had intended the restored Lin mansion to be a surprise for Yihuan, he didn’t get to witness her reaction.

Yihuan was both overjoyed and slightly disappointed, but she quickly gathered herself and began organizing her belongings for the move.

That night, Yihuan spent her first evening in the Lin family’s mansion.

The bed was plush, the linens luxurious, and the decor opulent—far more comfortable than her small shop’s modest quarters. Yet despite the comfort, she found herself unable to sleep.

In the quiet of the night, she slipped out of bed, draping a light summer shawl over her shoulders, and gently pushed open the window.

The courtyard was bathed in the faint fragrance of sweet osmanthus. The gentle breeze carried the aroma through the air, crisp and intoxicating.

She gazed at the osmanthus blossoms with a smile in her eyes. Perfect for making osmanthus cakes…

“What are you grinning at?”

The familiar voice startled her. Yihuan barely had time to react before a shadow vaulted through the window, pressing her back against the wall.

“You’re here?!” she exclaimed in surprise.

Liu Hexiao’s expression was one of mock grievance as he gazed at her. “If I hadn’t come, I’d have worried you’d forget about me.”

With that, he slipped an arm around her slender waist, pulling her closer.

Yihuan burst into laughter. “How could I forget?”

But her smile faltered slightly as a hint of shyness crept into her demeanor.

Liu Hexiao pouted, his voice low and aggrieved. “Then why didn’t you speak to me in front of your father and brother? You ignored me entirely.”

Yihuan froze. “I… I didn’t mean to! I just… didn’t get the chance!”

Her mind flashed to the thought of her father discovering that she had lived with Liu Hexiao. She could only imagine what expression he’d wear upon learning that.

Liu Hexiao’s voice softened as he asked, “Is the manor to your liking?”

Yihuan’s eyes curved into crescents as she smiled brightly. “It’s wonderful… thank you.”

 

Liu Hexiao’s gaze lingered on her for a moment. He leaned closer, his voice a teasing whisper.

“If you like it so much… then why not reward me?”

Yihuan blinked, confused. “Reward you? With what?”

Liu Hexiao smirked. “Simple. Promise me… you’ll make me sweet osmanthus cakes every day.”

Yihuan couldn’t help but laugh, the sound clear and sweet like the aroma wafting through the night.

“Alright,” she agreed with a smile, her cheeks still tinged with warmth. “I’ll make them for you every day.”

In that quiet, fragrant courtyard, the night seemed endless, filled with promises that tasted sweeter than any dessert.

During the day, Yihuan hadn’t taken a close look at Liu Hexiao. But now, under the soft glow of moonlight, she noticed the dark circles under his eyes. He looked utterly exhausted—clearly, he hadn’t rested properly for days.

“Have you been overworking yourself?” Yihuan asked softly, her voice tinged with concern.

She raised her hands to cup his face, her heart aching at the sight of his weariness.

Liu Hexiao chuckled lightly and replied, “Once the Crown Prince’s coronation is completed, it’ll all be over.” He paused, his tone turning serious. “After Zhuo’er ascends as Crown Prince, I’ll ask my sister to have him issue a decree.”

Yihuan blinked in surprise. “A decree? For what?”

“To betroth us, of course,” Liu Hexiao answered with a sly grin.

Yihuan froze, and in an instant, her delicate face flushed crimson.

—

The Shengjing Dessert Shop was temporarily closed again.

A small crowd gathered at its entrance, murmuring with a mix of regret and curiosity.

From the blacksmith shop next door, Lu Shi sipped his chilled sour plum tea and commented, “Miss Yihuan is preparing for her wedding. How could she have time to open the shop?”

The crowd nodded in understanding, though they were shocked to learn that the dessert shop’s owner was actually the daughter of the renowned Lin Xiang.

Over at the Jinxiu Restaurant, Manager Luo was telling anyone who would listen, “Do you know? Lord Liu and Miss Lin first met at my restaurant!”

The diners were wide-eyed with astonishment. “What?! That famous love story began in your restaurant?”

Pleased with himself, Manager Luo puffed up with pride.

One diner couldn’t help but ask, “Didn’t you say not long ago that you were closing the restaurant and heading home?”

Manager Luo chuckled. “Well, now that taxes have been reduced by a full ten percent, and with Lin Xiang and the Prince Qi working together on bold reforms, I figured I’d stay a bit longer and see how things go.”

Changming Street remained lively as ever. Both the Lin Mansion and Prince Qi’s estate were brightly decorated, the entire city brimming with festivity.

The eighth day of the month was deemed an auspicious day.

Before the sun even rose, Yihuan was roused from her sleep by the endless sound of firecrackers.

Ah-Miao, seemingly more excited than the bride herself, immediately began urging her to get up.

The bridal attendants and maids swarmed her, barely giving Yihuan a moment to fully wake up before they began preparing her for the day.

She was soon dressed in an intricate, dazzling red wedding gown that highlighted her graceful figure, making her radiantly beautiful.

Ah-Miao brought over a small plate of pastries. “Miss, you should eat something first. It’s going to be a busy day.”

Yihuan nodded, but with time running short, she could only manage a few hurried bites before the attendants began applying her makeup.

With expert hands, they painted her brows, tinted her lips with a touch of rouge, added gold accents to the corners of her eyes, and placed a delicate pearl at the center of her forehead.

When Yihuan finally looked into the mirror, she barely recognized herself. The reflection staring back was that of an exquisite bride.

She retrieved her jade whistle from a nearby box. “Please string this with a red cord and help me wear it,” she said softly.

The bridal attendants quickly obliged. One of them marveled at the intricacy of the jade whistle, carefully threading a red cord through its tiny hole. She tied a beautiful knot and gently placed it around Yihuan’s slender neck, ensuring it rested close to her heart.

Everyone in the room admired the radiant bride, showering her with compliments.

Suddenly, a voice called out from outside the door. “Sister! Brother-in-law is here!”

It was Lin Yiran, shouting excitedly.

The maids and attendants burst into laughter, while Yihuan’s cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of red. She quickly lowered her red bridal veil to hide her embarrassment.

According to tradition, the bride was called to hurry twice before she could leave her room. Only after the second call did Yihuan, guided by the bridal attendants, step out of her chamber.

Her first stop was the main hall, where she served tea to her father.

Lin Xiang looked at his daughter, now a poised and graceful young woman, his heart brimming with emotion. He accepted the tea she offered and nodded approvingly. “Good, very good.”

Lin Yi chuckled and added, “Sister, even though you’re getting married, you’ll always be the daughter of the Lin family. If you ever face injustice, don’t endure it alone. Father and I will always stand by you.”

Tears welled up in Yihuan’s eyes as she smiled through them, her shoulders trembling slightly.

Outside, the third and final call to hurry came, signaling it was time to leave.

Lin Yi smirked. “What’s the rush? Let him wait a little longer.”

The room erupted into laughter.

The sound of firecrackers echoed through the air, spreading joy far and wide.

Supported by the bridal attendants, Yihuan slowly stepped out of the Lin Mansion.

Standing at the gate was Liu Hexiao, clad in a vibrant red groom’s robe.

His tall, striking figure exuded elegance, and his features were as handsome as ever.

With one hand clasped behind his back, his other hand subtly clenched into a fist, slightly damp with sweat. Despite his outward composure, he was clearly anxious.

His gaze remained fixed on Yihuan, watching as her elder brother helped her down the steps. A glimpse of her pale wrist peeked out from beneath her sleeve as she took delicate, measured steps forward.

Liu Hexiao’s lips curved into a smile, his heart pounding with a warmth he could barely contain.

“Lift the sedan!” the bridal attendant called out, and the gongs and drums erupted into a celebratory rhythm that echoed throughout the city.

Riding on horseback, Liu Hexiao led the procession with a sense of pride and vigor. The wedding entourage took a deliberate detour through Changming Street, where many familiar townsfolk gathered to witness the grand occasion.

Behind the flower-laden sedan chair, two lines of maids distributed wedding candies and pastries to the delighted crowd.

Curious onlookers speculated among themselves: “The groom is so dashing—just how stunning must the bride be to win such a man?”

Overhead, magpies chirped joyfully, flying in loops as if celebrating the union themselves.

When the procession finally reached the Prince Qi Manor, the old matron was already seated in the main hall, alongside Prince Qi, Liu Yin. The absence of the side consort did not go unnoticed.

Those privy to the matter knew the truth: the side consort had been deposed after being exposed as a spy planted by Emperor Li Ze. Not only had she sought to manipulate the Prince Qi Manor, but she had also schemed to marry her niece into the family.

After the emperor fell gravely ill, she was imprisoned. Initially, her family had a chance to escape unscathed, but when rumors spread about Yihuan’s background, the side consort slandered her character, accusing her of impropriety. Upon learning this, Liu Hexiao wasted no time in uprooting the consort’s family and banishing them from Shengjing.

In the present, the old matron watched as Liu Hexiao entered the main hall, leading the bride inside. Her face beamed with joy, her smile stretching from ear to ear.

The hall echoed with congratulatory voices, and Liu Hexiao, for once, set aside his usual aloofness, graciously accepting every well-wish.

He turned slightly, his gaze falling on Yihuan.

Clutching a red silk ribbon, she followed the bridal procession with measured steps. Through the gaps in her vibrant red veil, their eyes met briefly—and Liu Hexiao’s heart swelled with warmth.

“My wife looks truly beautiful,” he murmured under his breath, a radiant smile lighting up his face.

His quiet words made Yihuan’s cheeks flush as though they had been kissed by the setting sun. She glanced down, too shy to meet his gaze, afraid that others might overhear.

Following the wedding customs, the couple knelt for their ceremonial bows. Afterward, it was time for the groom to escort the bride to their chamber before returning to the banquet to entertain the guests.

Surrounded by the bridal attendants and maids, Liu Hexiao suddenly spoke gently, “Walk slower, watch your step.”

Yihuan responded in a soft voice, “It’s not like I haven’t been here before.”

Liu Hexiao was momentarily stunned, and then a small smile tugged at his lips as he remembered the time she had cooked for him at Shuiyue Pavilion and become his personal chef.

Upon reaching the bridal chamber, Liu Hexiao escorted Yihuan inside. They had barely begun sipping their cross-cupped wine, when the guests outside started clamoring for him to return.

Reluctant to leave, Liu Hexiao leaned closer to Yihuan and said, “If you’re hungry, eat some pastries. Don’t hold back for me.”

Yihuan pressed her lips together in a smile and nodded.

Liu Hexiao glanced at her vibrant red bridal veil and, as though compelled by some unseen force, suddenly reached out and lifted it.

Yihuan froze, startled, her wide, glistening eyes meeting his. Her gaze shimmered like ripples on a spring lake, brimming with gentle warmth.

The bridal attendant gasped. “My lord, the veil is supposed to stay until the evening—”

But Liu Hexiao ignored her, his sharp eyes fixed on Yihuan’s face. He stared for a long moment, his breath catching as his heart trembled.

He had never seen her dressed like this—her hair adorned with delicate blossoms, her lips painted a striking red, her beauty radiant and captivating beyond words.

“I’ll be back soon…” he whispered.

Yihuan’s cheeks burned, hotter than the crimson sunset outside, as she nodded shyly.

—

Outside, the lively banquet roared on. Guests toasted and exchanged laughter, their words overflowing with blessings for the newlyweds.

Suddenly, voices erupted near the chamber doors.

“Why is Lord Liu already drunk?”

“Where’s his legendary drinking stamina?”

Among the raucous laughter came Liu Hexiao’s drunken mumbling, “My wife is strict! No more… no more drinking!”

From the sound of it, he was already half-unconscious.

Yihuan stood by the door, torn between exasperation and amusement. Using me as an excuse to dodge drinks, huh?

Curious, she crept closer to the door to eavesdrop on the commotion outside.

But before she could hear much, the door suddenly burst open, and Liu Hexiao was unceremoniously shoved inside by Cheng Lingwei.

The general promptly slammed the door shut, locking out the rowdy crowd.

The guests groaned in disappointment but had no choice but to disperse.

Inside, Liu Hexiao slumped against the door, looking utterly disheveled.

Yihuan couldn’t help but laugh as she stepped forward to help him.

“How did you manage to drink this much?” she teased, guiding him toward the bed.

Liu Hexiao, tall and broad-shouldered, lost his balance as soon as she pulled him forward. He toppled onto the bed, dragging Yihuan down with him. She landed against his chest, her delicate frame cushioned against his warmth.

Her thick lashes fluttered like tiny fans, her bright eyes gazing at him in surprise.

Something stirred in Liu Hexiao’s heart. He moved quickly, flipping their positions so that she was pinned beneath him.

Yihuan let out a soft gasp, her hands flying up to cover her mouth in shock.

Liu Hexiao chuckled, prying her hands away. “From now on, this is your home. You can do whatever you want here—don’t hold yourself back.”

Her heart swelled with warmth at his words. Smiling softly, she nodded. “You’re pretending to be drunk, aren’t you?”

Liu Hexiao’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Otherwise, how else could I slip away early… to spend time with you?”

Blushing furiously, Yihuan retorted, “Who asked you to stay with me?”

Leaning closer, Liu Hexiao murmured, “But I missed you.”

He rested his forehead against hers, his voice tinged with longing. “It’s been so long since I last saw you.”

Yihuan studied his face, noticing how much thinner he had become. Concern crept into her voice. “Have you not been eating properly again?”

Liu Hexiao grinned. “I only want to eat what you make.”

Yihuan couldn’t help but smile back. “Then… I’ll cook for you every day from now on.”

—-

The next morning, the city buzzed with activity as Shengjing Dessert Shop reopened.

Inside, the shelves were lined with a dazzling array of treats, and the shop was as lively as ever, packed with loyal customers.

“Where’s Miss Yihuan?” someone asked.

Now the shop’s steward, Qing Nu collected their payment and replied, “Miss Yihuan is busy with her new shop in the East Market. She’s been overseeing everything personally ever since her wedding.”

The customer nodded, chuckling. “Makes sense. She’s newly married—no time to worry about anything else!”

The new Shengjing Dessert Shop in the East Market was grander than its predecessor, with a storefront twice as large and unique architectural designs that made it stand out. Locals had taken to calling it the “flagship store.”

Nobles and officials passing through the area often made it a point to visit, purchasing specialty desserts to bring back as gifts.

But rumors abounded about the shop’s management: while the owner, Miss Yihuan, was as stunning as a goddess, the master of the house was infamously fierce. Anyone who dared to glance at her for too long risked being thrown out on the spot.

One day, a group of students from the academy stopped by the shop, curious about its famed “refreshing study drinks.”

“Excuse me, is the owner here?” one of the scholars asked as he approached the counter.

But the moment he looked up, his jaw dropped. “Lord Liu?!”

It was none other than Liu Hexiao, seated casually behind the counter in plain clothes.

The students froze, their faces filled with equal parts of admiration and panic. Just days ago, they had seen this same man giving orders at the imperial academy.

Liu Hexiao glanced up lazily. His sharp gaze swept over the young scholars, making them break into cold sweats.

Yihuan appeared from the back, her bright eyes twinkling with amusement. She smiled warmly at the students, her beauty radiant and disarming.

Flustered by her presence, the scholars blushed deeply, barely able to string together coherent sentences.

But before they could embarrass themselves further, Liu Hexiao rose to his feet, stepping in front of Yihuan to block their view. “What are you buying? Hurry up and decide—then get out.”

[End of Story.]

 

Translator’s Note:- Anddd its the END !!!!

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