Flames of Ambition

45: Zexel and Feng Zhengying's Wedding

Chapter 45: Zexel and Feng Zhengying's Wedding

Two months had passed, and the news of the wedding had already spread to every corner of Pingjing Capital. People called the two the “unfortunate couple”—one being a cripple and the other having been "banished" from her family.

Fan Xuan Yan was displeased with the wedding, but he neither said anything nor took action to stop it.

It was his ex-daughter’s choice. First of all, she had already been removed from the family. Second, she had no power, nor would she gain any power by marrying the crippled prince.

He was more focused on his beloved daughter, Fan Qingyou’s wedding, as well as her progress in cultivation.

On the other hand, the Emperor had rushed the marriage, and tomorrow would be the day of the wedding. He couldn’t help but smile, thinking that he had gained so much from the Epidemic Event that had plagued the Capital.

The income had been divided in half, and he had given Zexel her share equally, which made her laugh at the Emperor’s naivety. How could he have become Emperor if he couldn't see any conspiracy or sense something suspicious about what was really happening? Too bad for him, everything was still going according to Zexel's plan.

--*--

The wedding began early in the morning. Feng Zhengying made sure that their wedding would be a day Zexel would never forget. He was excited and nervous, knowing that he was about to marry the most influential person in their entire world.

He felt incredibly lucky to have Zexel in his life and reflected on how much his life had changed since meeting her. He didn’t fully understand why, but he vowed to do everything in his power to make her happy.

After the wedding, they would move on to the next phase of their plan: training in preparation for the Scarlet Academy examination.

Zexel was fetched in the most elegant bridal sedan, accompanied by a number of guards under Feng Zhengying’s command. She wore a wedding dress she had personally designed, wanting to make this event truly unforgettable. Feng Zhengying personally came to pick her up and escorted her to the wedding ceremony.

Lanterns were hung all over Ming Wangfu. Although the residence still retained its usual intimidating aura, it was now lively, as the people of Ming Wangfu were excited to welcome their new Wangfei.

The ceremony was officiated by the Emperor himself, who allowed them to proceed with the traditional wedding rites.

Zexel waited in her bridal chamber until Feng Zhengying arrived.

“Li’er...” Feng Zhengying called softly. The two of them drank and ate together until the alcohol began to heat their bodies.

“Ah’ying...” Zexel took the initiative and kissed Feng Zhengying.

She could taste the cool, minty trace of alcohol on his lips and felt herself becoming addicted to his kisses all over again.

Feng Zhengying surrendered to his instincts, pulling Zexel into a passionate kiss as his hands roamed across her body. He gently removed her wedding dress.

Seeing her completely bare made Feng Zhengying lose all restraint as his desire overwhelmed him.

--*--

Early the next morning, the two still hadn’t stopped after their night of passion. The sounds of their intimacy were muffled within their room, which had been sealed to ensure privacy.

As noon approached, they finally stopped. Feng Zhengying interlocked his fingers with hers, holding her close beneath their blanket.

“Thank you, Li’er,” he whispered with a smile, fully content and emotionally fulfilled.

Zexel smiled back and closed her eyes. She needed to rest.

“Sweet dreams,” Feng Zhengying said, kissing her forehead. Both of them slowly drifted off into peaceful slumber.

--*--

Feng Ming Li began initiating the second phase of their plan—training in Mt. Chuxian. Zexel’s people would also be participating in this training, which would prepare them for the challenges ahead.

Once the training was complete, the four of them would take the examination for Scarlet Academy. It was a crucial step, ensuring they would not encounter any setbacks when the next stages of their plan began.

Feng Ming Li sighed, still unable to fully process how much the couple had grown. He was now training under Fan Yaoli in armament refinement, as his elemental attributes were a perfect match for the craft.

Fan Yaoli had just returned from her travels to the village and had made it back just in time to attend her sister’s wedding. She was genuinely happy for the couple, knowing how deeply they loved each other.

Upon her return, she found Feng Ming Li in the armament refinement room.

“Your fire still isn’t fully controlled—but good job,” Fan Yaoli said with a smile.

Feng Ming Li smiled in return and focused on his work.

“So what are we really going to do at Scarlet Academy besides studying cultivation techniques?” Fan Yaoli asked, lighting the flame under her own cauldron.

“I really don’t know,” Feng Ming Li admitted. “But I’m sure she has something planned there. Whatever it is, it’ll help us move forward in taking control.”

“In our timeline, every move she made always gave her an advantage,” Fan Yaoli said. “She wouldn’t have become the Mafia Queen if she weren’t cunning. She’s been my idol ever since I entered the underground society. Even though she was brutal and ruthless to her enemies, she was kind and gentle to her own people. Just look at the people who serve her now—each of them has a better life because of her. I just wish I could help her more... or be on her level.”

“You’re also unique in your own way,” Feng Ming Li replied. “Besides, you’re from that era too, aren’t you? You’ve done amazing things, and like everyone else, you have strengths and weaknesses. Don’t belittle yourself. You’re one of the few people in this era who can accomplish the impossible.”

“Maybe you’re right. Thank you, Ming Li,” Fan Yaoli replied, her cheeks heating up.

Feng Ming Li’s face also flushed slightly, and an awkward tension filled the room between them.

--*--

I felt this chapter was useless. I felt so awkward writing this.

Next Update: Sunday

Ybrehl