allonlinenovel Chapter 402 The Night of Red Candles
Chapter 402 The Night of Red Candles
The flickering red candlelight gently streamed into the ornately decorated palace, making the gilded "double happiness" characters shine even brighter. The auspicious dragon and phoenix curtains swayed softly, seemingly offering silent blessings to the newlyweds on their wedding night. Nazai and Ayiguli exchanged a knowing glance, set down their wedding gifts for Princess Wenxuan—two exquisitely embroidered gowns—and then, with smiles in their eyes, carefully cradled their still-naive daughter, their steps light as they were about to break the enchanting atmosphere. They glanced one last time at Princess Wenxuan in her magnificent red dress, which shone brilliantly in the candlelight, before stepping out together and gently closing the carved wooden door, leaving the room filled with sweetness and anticipation for the happy couple inside.
Ouyang Lie gazed at Princess Wenxuan before him, a feeling of tenderness welling up in his heart. Her beautiful face revealed a hint of weariness, yet her refined and elegant temperament remained undiminished.
Ouyang Lie carefully reached out and gently removed the heavy phoenix crown from Princess Wenxuan's head. The crown, inlaid with various gems and pearls, shimmered with a magnificent light; however, at this moment, none of that mattered. He only wanted her to feel more at ease. With each movement of his fingertips, the dazzling pearls and jade on the crown tinkled melodiously, as if playing a happy melody for the newlyweds. Ouyang Lie carefully removed the crown, and the instant the heavy crown left her head, Wenxuan felt a sense of lightness and relief.
When the phoenix crown was removed, Princess Wenxuan's long, ink-black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, instantly covering her shoulders. Her hair was as smooth as silk, seemingly swaying gently in the breeze, exuding a faint fragrance.
Ouyang Lie's gaze slid down her long hair, lingering on her fair skin. Her skin was as delicate and smooth as mutton-fat jade, like a fine work of art, making one want to touch it.
Princess Wenxuan lowered her head slightly, her long, waterfall-like hair cascading down her cheeks, obscuring half of her face, yet adding to her delicate, shy beauty. Her eyes were like deep pools, profound and bright, her long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings, casting soft shadows on her cheeks, like a graceful ink painting.
Ouyang Lie's gaze was involuntarily drawn to her eyes, as if he could see the gentleness and kindness deep within her heart through those profound eyes.
Princess Wenxuan's fingertips unconsciously twisted the brocade handkerchief embroidered with twin lotus blossoms. The lotus flowers on the handkerchief were so lifelike, as if swaying gently in the breeze, seemingly blooming for the love of the newlyweds. The soft, smooth texture of the handkerchief complemented her delicate skin, further highlighting her gentle beauty.
Ouyang Lie gently placed the phoenix crown on the table beside him and began to unbutton the intricate knots on Empress Wenxuan's ceremonial robes. His movements were skillful yet gentle; each button he undid was like unlocking the shackles of happiness.
As the heavy gown slowly slid to the ground, revealing Wenxuan's moon-white undergarment, the pure white contrasting sharply with the surrounding intense red, it accentuated her flawless skin and rosy complexion. Ouyang Lie's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, his eyes filled with even greater love. He bent down and lifted Princess Wenxuan into his arms. Wenxuan instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her cheek against his warm chest. Listening to his strong heartbeat, her initial tension gradually subsided.
Princess Wenxuan wore an exquisite phoenix-patterned skirt underneath, the phoenixes on the skirt spreading their wings as if ready to take flight at any moment. Beneath the skirt, a pair of embroidered shoes were faintly visible, gently caressing the soft carpet, revealing her inner nervousness and shyness.
Ouyang Lie stood before her, his tall and imposing figure like a mountain, giving off a sense of composure and reliability. His dark wedding robe was impeccably tailored, with gold-embroidered qilin patterns appearing and disappearing in the candlelight, exuding both majesty and gentleness.
His gaze fell upon the shy bride before him, his deep eyes seemingly filled with boundless affection, like a rising tide that could almost drown one. The corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up, forming a tender and doting curve, as if she were the only woman in the world who could captivate him so deeply.
Time seemed to stand still at this moment, with only the soft crackling of the burning red candles whispering sweet nothings. Ouyang Lie slowly raised his hand, his movements as gentle as if touching a rare treasure, afraid that the slightest force would shatter the beauty before him. His fingertips brushed against Princess Wenxuan's temple, the cool touch making her tremble slightly. Ouyang Lie noticed her nervousness, his voice deep and gentle, seemingly possessing a soothing magic: "Don't be afraid." His voice was like a spring breeze, gently caressing Wenxuan's heart and dispelling her unease.
Holding Wenxuan in his arms, Ouyang Lie's every step was exceptionally steady, as if he were embracing the entire world. His strides were firm and powerful, as if he were stepping into a completely new stage of life. When he crossed the threshold of the bedroom, it was as if he had crossed an invisible boundary, entering a world that belonged only to the two of them.
This threshold not only represents a spatial transition but also symbolizes a new beginning in their lives. It shuts out the noise and chaos of the outside world, leaving only their breaths and heartbeats. Ouyang Lie carefully stepped across the threshold, as if afraid to disturb this beautiful dream.
Upon entering the bedroom, Ouyang Lie's gaze was drawn to the meticulously arranged scene. Red gauze curtains fluttered in the breeze, like soft clouds, adding a touch of romance and warmth to the room. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor, filling the room with a cozy atmosphere.
The bed was covered with red dates, peanuts, longans, and lotus seeds, symbolizing many children and blessings. These small items carried people's best wishes for the newlyweds. They emitted a faint fragrance, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility. Ouyang Lie gently placed Wenxuan on the bed, gazing at her beautiful face, his heart filled with love and tenderness.
Ouyang Lie carefully placed Wenxuan on the soft bedside, as if she were an incomparably precious treasure. Then he cleared all the dates, peanuts, and other things off the bed and put them on the floor. After making sure there was nothing that could hurt Wenxuan, he slowly leaned down, gazing at her face. The deep affection and longing in his eyes flowed out like a clear spring.
Wenxuan also looked up, their eyes meeting. In that instant, time seemed to stand still, and the whole world consisted only of the two of them. Their eyes met, and their feelings needed no words; everything was conveyed in that silent gaze.
Outside the window, the moonlight, like water, gently bathed the newlyweds. The moonlight streamed through the window, outlining their silhouettes and adding a touch of romance and mystery to their wedding night.