Late Bloomer Brings The Light

Chapter 32

A young man looks at his reflection in a tall mirror, which shows a better, happier, and more content version of himself. He is dressed from head to toe in rich red fabric, with gold threads patterning the layers. The pieces cling around his waist, accentuating his slender figure, and the folds and lengths of the robes make him look both taller and softer than usual. The gold embroidery shines with light, making him seem almost to glow.

Admiring his reaction more than his reflection, Yu Ziyuan gently slides a delicate hairpin into tresses of black, which speak of her son's status in the imperial family with pride and joy. She then turns him toward her and cups his face in her hands, a smile playing on her lips. "You're beautiful, A-Ying!"

Jiang Ying blushes. "Just like you were at your wedding, right?"

"More than me!" She leans in and presses a kiss to his forehead. "The apple of my eye."

Jiang Ying returns her affection with a bright smile, his eyes reflecting the same love and admiration for his mother.

"A-Li, can you fetch the veil?" Yu Ziyuan asks, gesturing to the elegant silk draped over a nearby chair.

As Jiang Yanli scurries to retrieve the veil, Jiang Ying stops her with a gentle touch and then turns to his mother. "I have another one." He reaches into the closet and pulls out a delicate veil, embroidered with intricate gold thread, forming a beautiful pattern of lotus flowers and cranes dancing among them. Although it isn't nearly the quality of everything else he is wearing, it is still a special touch.

Yu Ziyuan's eyes soften as she takes the veil from Jiang Ying's hands, feeling proud of his thoughtfulness and appreciation for simple things. She carefully drapes the veil over his head, letting the delicate fabric hang over his face.

"Mother, the imperial family—" Jiang Cheng enters the room, his eyes widening as he takes in the sight of his twin brother's wedding attire. "It's not the veil we brought. Where did you get this?"

"Xie... Lan Zhan won this for me at the ring toss game a year ago," Jiang Ying smiles, touching the veil. "When else am I going to wear it for him?"

"Well, it suits you!" Jiang Cheng says, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But are you sure you want to wear it for your wedding day?"

Jiang Ying nods, his eyes sparkling with happiness. "It's a special memory between us, so he will be thrilled to see me wearing it on our special day."

Jiang Cheng shakes his head. Then he remembers the reason for his visit and clears his throat. "The imperial family has arrived. Father wants you all to be in the main hall."

"What? Lan Zhan is here already!" Jiang Ying stumbles, his veil fluttering as he tries to regain his balance. He attempts to run, but his mother and sister hold him on either side, instructing him to walk slowly and gracefully. Irritated but complying, Jiang Ying takes measured steps toward the main hall, his heart racing at the thought of seeing Lan Zhan and being with him forever.

As he turns a corner, he can see the imperial family dressed all in red waiting at the entrance of the main hall. He feels his breath quicken, wishing he could run, but with all the heavy robes and his family, it is impossible to do so. But sensing his presence, one of the men in red turns.

With the scent of lotuses from all around Lotus Pier, Jiang Ying feels his breath steal away. This is the first time he has ever seen Lan Zhan carry himself with such grace and poise. The second prince is blindingly handsome in his red and gold robes, his dark hair shining in the sunlight.

Lan Zhan holds out a hand to him.

When Jiang Ying puts his hand in Lan Zhan's, he feels a jolt of electricity running through him. Their connection is palpable, sparking a fire that burns brightly between them. Jiang Ying can't help but be drawn to Lan Zhan, his eyes locked on the prince's captivating gaze.