Song Yuxi sat at the banquet table, his face flushed red. Veins bulged on his forehead, and his hands were clenched so tightly around the hem of his robes that his knuckles turned white.
Faced with the tide of mockery from the crowd, he felt like a plucked chicken, standing naked before everyone to be humiliated.
He longed to stand up and retort immediately, but it was as if something was caught in his throat, leaving him speechless for a long moment.
Without eating a single bite, he left the banquet.
The Emperor's goal for the day had been achieved, so naturally, no one stopped Song Yuxi from leaving.
After the wedding banquet ended, the usual quiet returned to the Xiao family estate.
Ji Xiaosong sat in the bridal chamber, her heart inevitably filled with a mix of nervousness and shyness.
She nervously twisted the handkerchief in her hands, her gaze flitting to the door from time to time.
Before long, Xiao Shen pushed the door open and entered, carrying the faint scent of alcohol.
Though his steps were slightly unsteady, his eyes remained clear.
Seeing Ji Xiaosong's somewhat constrained appearance, the corners of his mouth lifted in a gentle smile. He said softly, "My lady, I've kept you waiting."
With that, he walked slowly toward Ji Xiaosong and gently took her hand, the one twisting the handkerchief, trying to soothe her nerves.
They sat facing each other, and for a moment, they were at a loss for words.
After a moment, Xiao Shen broke the silence. He took a smooth Jade Pendant from within his robes and presented it to Ji Xiaosong. "My lady," he said, "this was left to me by my mother. She said it was for my future wife."
Ji Xiaosong accepted the Jade Pendant and said softly, "Thank you, my husband. I will treasure it."
"Since I am your husband, there is no need for thanks. In truth, I am the one who should be grateful. Because of you, I finally have a new home. I grew up in the military from a young age and know very little about how to get along with women. In the future, if there is anything on your mind, please feel free to tell me plainly."
"Mm, my husband, I've always been direct. If I have something on my mind, I will surely say it without holding back. You don't need to worry."
Xiao Shen gazed at Ji Xiaosong's doe-like eyes. The vibrant innocence in them was like an invisible hook, silently stirring the deepest emotions in his heart.
His Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, as if an unseen force was surging in his throat.
His gaze slowly traveled down her beautiful face, lingering on her slightly pouting red lips. Their luscious, cherry-like color made his heart suddenly beat a little faster.
His breathing grew a little ragged, and romantic notions unconsciously surfaced in his mind. He wanted to lean down and gently kiss those alluring lips, to feel their softness and sweetness.
But he still managed to restrain his impulse, merely pulling Ji Xiaosong gently into his embrace. He tightened his arms slightly, as if trying to merge her into his own body to calm the desire and restlessness rising within him.
"Will you regret marrying me? In the future... we might not be able to have children."
He was still worried. 'Today was supposed to be my wife's wedding day to her childhood sweetheart. With the sudden turn of events this past month, has she truly let him go?'
'If she hasn't...'
'Then I'll just wait for her a little longer.'
From the day a month ago when he had tea with His Majesty, he had already secretly fallen for the woman who was now his wife.
"My husband, has the wine gone to your head? Why are you speaking such nonsense? Look, now that we are husband and wife, how could I possibly have any regrets?"
Ji Xiaosong chuckled softly, a melodious sound.
While Xiao Shen was still stunned, her hands shot up to his neck. With a slight pull, she brought his head down, closed her eyes, and pressed her red lips to his, offering him a kiss.
On their wedding night, everything fell into place.
Ji Xiaosong sent Rongrong away to hang in the sky; she felt that this sort of thing shouldn't be watched.
「At Dawn the next day」 Ji Xiaosong was still fast asleep, but Xiao Shen had already risen and summoned everyone in the residence to address them.
Although he had already given instructions to the household before, this was, after all, Ji Xiaosong's first day seeing these people, and he did not want anyone to show his wife the slightest disrespect.
"Uncle Chen, are all the residence's account books and keys here?"
Uncle Chen hurried forward and respectfully presented the account books and keys. "Reporting to the General, they are all here. Please review them, General."
Xiao Shen took them and carefully leafed through the account books, examining the various income and expenditure details. "The household's expenses must be planned reasonably. There should be no extravagance or waste," he said as he read. "However, everything concerning the lady of the house must be prioritized and satisfied, and there must be no compromise on quality. Later, all of these will be handed over to her. From now on, the lady will have the final say in all household affairs."
After checking the books, he turned to the cook in charge of meals. "Lady Li, have you taken note of the lady's dietary preferences? She prefers light, sweet-leaning flavors. Every meal must be meticulously planned, and the ingredients must be fresh. If there is even the slightest carelessness, I will not be lenient."
"Yes, General."
Next, he turned to the maids and servants. "You all serve by the lady's side daily. You must be careful with your words and actions, and be diligent. The lady's orders are to be obeyed immediately, without excuses or delays. If I find out anyone has been gossiping behind her back or deliberately slacking, they will be expelled from this residence."
Everyone bowed their heads in acknowledgment. Xiao Shen nodded slightly and continued, "The courtyard flowers and plants must be tended to be pleasing to the eye. The arrangements in the lady's rooms must be adjusted according to her preferences in a timely manner. We must ensure the lady lives comfortably and feels at ease."
When he finished, his gaze swept over them once more, full of authority. "Is that understood?"
"Understood! We will obey the General's orders!" they all shouted in unison. Their voices were as loud as a great bell, echoing through the courtyard.
Xiao Shen's brow furrowed instantly, and his expression darkened. He quickly raised a hand in a hushing gesture and hissed in a low voice, "SHH! Quiet down! Don't disturb the lady."
His eyes were filled with displeasure and warning. Seeing this, the servants all slapped their hands over their mouths in terror, not daring to even breathe loudly. The vast courtyard fell instantly silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
"Alright, you are all dismissed. After the lady awakens, you will come and pay your respects in turn."
The servants withdrew in an orderly fashion. Only then did Xiao Shen return to the room and get into bed, light-footed.
As if sensing something in her sleep, Ji Xiaosong groggily turned over, mumbling a few unintelligible words of dream talk.
Xiao Shen had just laid down on the bed when Ji Xiaosong's arm draped over him unconsciously. She snuggled into his embrace, nuzzling against him like a kitten seeking warmth, and held him tight.
Her face was pressed against Xiao Shen's chest, her breathing even and gentle. A few mischievous strands of hair had fallen across her cheek.
Xiao Shen stiffened for a moment, then a doting smile touched the corners of his lips. He gently raised a hand to brush the stray hairs from Ji Xiaosong's forehead, then slowly adjusted his position so she could nestle more comfortably against him. He then gazed silently at the beauty in his arms, not moving another muscle for fear of disturbing her sweet dreams.