After the Yue Family's agreement, the atmosphere inside the audience hall became noticeably lighter.
Even the Emperor seemed more relaxed now that the matter had been settled properly. Palace servants quietly brought fresh tea while discussions gradually shifted from formal approval toward the actual wedding arrangements.
And immediately—
The real difficulty began.
"The wedding cannot be rushed," the Empress said thoughtfully while reviewing several prepared documents. "This is the Crown Prince's marriage. Preparations alone will take months."
Yue Ning's mother nodded in agreement. "Everything must be done properly."
The old matriarch of the Yue Family added instantly, "Especially Ning'er's wedding robes."
Yue Tao muttered quietly under his breath, "We're doomed."
Yue Liang nodded solemnly beside him.
Once the older women began discussing wedding preparations—
Escape became impossible.
At the center of the hall, several court astrologers and ceremonial officials were already kneeling respectfully with scrolls spread before them.
One elderly official stepped forward carefully. "Your Majesty, after examining the heavenly calendar and auspicious alignments, several suitable dates have been selected."
The Emperor nodded. "Read them."
The official opened the scroll slowly.
"The first possible date falls two months from now."
Before he could continue, the Empress calmly shook her head. "Too rushed."
The official immediately nodded nervously. "Yes, Your Majesty."
He moved to the next date.
"The second falls four months from today, during the mid-spring heavenly convergence."
At those words, several older officials exchanged glances immediately.
Even Old Master Yue looked slightly surprised.
The Emperor noticed. "What is it?"
The elderly official bowed respectfully before explaining.
"Your Majesty, that particular day is extremely special."
"How so?"
The official lowered his head further.
"It marks the rare convergence of the Azure Dragon Star and the Heavenly Phoenix Constellation."
The hall became quieter instantly.
Because such a celestial alignment was extraordinarily rare.
The official continued carefully.
"According to ancient records, this convergence only appears during periods blessed by heaven itself. Historically, it has symbolized prosperity, unity, and the rise of an era destined for peace."
Another astrologer added respectfully, "It is also known as the Day of Heavenly Union."
The Empress looked thoughtful now.
The Emperor glanced toward Xu Chen and Yue Ning unconsciously.
Dragon and phoenix.
Even the symbolism itself felt strangely fitting.
Then the astrologer continued speaking.
"There is another reason the day is considered sacred."
The Emperor gestured for him to continue.
The elderly man's voice lowered slightly.
"It is the same day the founding Emperor and Empress of the Xu Dynasty were married generations ago."
Silence filled the hall.
Even Yue Tao stopped fidgeting.
Because everyone understood the meaning immediately.
The founding Emperor and Empress were legendary figures within the empire's history, remembered not only for establishing the dynasty but for creating one of its most prosperous eras.
And now—
The same day had appeared again for Xu Chen and Yue Ning.
The atmosphere inside the hall became unexpectedly solemn.
The Empress was the first to smile faintly.
"Heaven truly favors these two."
The Emperor looked toward Xu Chen quietly. "What do you think?"
Xu Chen's gaze remained calm.
But when he looked toward Yue Ning beside him, something softer appeared briefly in his eyes.
"That day is fine."
The Emperor then looked toward Yue Ning.
Yue Ning blinked once before replying calmly,
"I have no objections."
The old matriarch nearly looked ready to cry from happiness again.
Meanwhile, Yue Tao leaned closer toward Yue Liang and whispered dramatically,
"The heavens themselves are arranging this marriage now."
Yue Liang muttered back, "At this point even divine intervention wouldn't surprise me anymore."
Yue Heng silently drank tea while ignoring them.
The Emperor nodded slowly after hearing both answers.
"Then it shall be decided."
The ceremonial officials immediately bowed deeply.
"The wedding of the Crown Prince Xu Chen and Lady Yue Ning shall take place four months from today upon the Day of Heavenly Union."
The moment the words were spoken officially—
Something shifted subtly within the hall.
Not politically.
Not ceremonially.
But emotionally.
Because until now, the marriage had always existed somewhere in the future.
Distant.
Certain, yet unreal.
But now—
It had a date.
A fixed moment.
Four months.
Yue Ning lowered her gaze slightly toward the tea in her hands.
Four months.
Strangely enough, hearing it aloud made everything feel far more real.
Beside her, Xu Chen remained calm as always.
Yet Han Wei, standing near the entrance, immediately noticed the slight relaxation in his posture.
Almost imperceptible.
But there.
As if even Xu Chen himself had quietly waited for this moment.
The Empress smiled warmly toward Yue Ning. "From tomorrow onward, preparations will begin fully. The palace will likely become very busy."
Yue Ning already felt a headache forming.
The Empress immediately noticed her expression and laughed softly.
"Too late to escape now."
Yue Ning sighed quietly. "I suspected that already."
Xu Chen spoke calmly then.
"I can cancel unnecessary ceremonies."
Every ceremonial official in the hall looked horrified.
The Emperor immediately glared at him. "No, you cannot."
Xu Chen looked entirely unconcerned. "Most are pointless."
The officials looked personally attacked.
Yue Ning nearly laughed while the Empress shook her head helplessly.
"Absolutely not," she said firmly. "This wedding will be done properly."
Xu Chen glanced toward Yue Ning.
"If you dislike it, I'll reduce them anyway."
The room instantly quieted again.
Because he had said it without hesitation.
Without caring that the Emperor, Empress, and half the ceremonial court were sitting there.
Yue Ning looked at him for several seconds before finally laughing softly under her breath.
"You really terrify officials for a reason."
Xu Chen seemed genuinely puzzled again.
"I'm helping."
Han Wei silently looked toward the ceiling.
Hopeless.
Completely hopeless.
And yet—
As laughter quietly spread through the audience hall beneath the warm lantern light, no one could deny what they all felt clearly.
This marriage—
Was not merely an imperial arrangement.
It was something heaven itself seemed to bless.