Duan Mingxi’s forehead was pressed against Xiao Muchen’s chest, and her cheeks were burning hot with discomfort. The night breeze slipped through the window, lightly swaying the red canopy like ripples on water.
Xiao Muchen lowered his head slightly. Their breaths began to mingle. The glazed lantern in the corner cast a dim light, its glow filtering through the curtain and falling on the pair.
Mingxi looked into Xiao Muchen’s smoldering gaze with her dark eyes and suddenly grew tense.
Even though she had mentally prepared herself, this was still her first time sharing a bed—let alone engaging in marital intimacy.
Xiao Muchen reached out to smooth her dark hair. The wind whistled softly past the window.
Tonight, Mingxi’s cheeks carried a delicate blush he had never seen on her before. He was beyond pleased. He gently took her hand and placed it on the sash around his waist.
Mingxi’s fingers stiffened. She told herself that sooner or later it had to happen—might as well get it over with. Gritting her teeth, she pulled on the sash… a little too hard, sending Xiao Muchen toppling right onto her.
Their bodies collided. His large hand gripped her waist—it was slim and flexible. Her lips were red and enticing, and he couldn’t help but lower his head and capture them in a kiss.
Mingxi reflexively tried to push him away, then paused… and lowered her hands.
Xiao Muchen sensed her hesitation, let out a soft laugh, and this time, kissed her deeply.
Heat spread from her neck throughout her body. As his actions continued, the entire canopy felt as if it were set ablaze…
The noise from the front courtyard slowly faded. The bright moon hung high in the sky. In the bedroom, soft sounds continued to drift out.
Fang Momo had already sent everyone away, leaving only Li Mama to keep her company. Both women were smiling brightly, already hoping for a baby soon.
The next morning, just as the sun began to rise, the household stirred to life.
Mingxi abruptly opened her eyes and tried to sit up—only to realize her body was sore and aching. Then she remembered: she was married now. Last night had been her wedding night.
Turning her head, she saw Xiao Muchen also lying on his side, gazing at her. His robe hung loosely from his shoulders, the wide collar revealing his toned chest.
Despite how intimate they had been, Mingxi still blushed furiously at the sight and turned her head away.
Xiao Muchen chuckled and pulled her into his arms. “We have to go to the palace. Time to get up.”
Mingxi mumbled in response and made to get out of bed, but Xiao Muchen caught her around the waist, pressed her back into the bedding, and stole another kiss before finally letting her go.
Mingxi didn’t even know what kind of expression to wear. This man looked so dignified and proper—who knew he could be so… wolfish?
She took a deep breath, ignored him, and wrapped herself in a robe before stepping out of the canopy.
Xiao Muchen followed right after. The maids and attendants outside, hearing movement, quickly came in to help them wash and dress.
Each went about their morning routine. Mingxi had to do her hair and makeup as well.
Sitting before the bronze mirror, she discreetly massaged her sore arm. When she looked up, she met Fang Momo’s beaming face…
Seeing the Wangfei’s shy expression, Fang Momo quickly composed herself, afraid that her joy might upset Wangfei—especially if she took it out on Wangye.
The kitchen had long prepared breakfast. When Mingxi stepped into the main hall, the table was already full—with noodles, porridge, and soup of every kind.
Xiao Muchen saw her come in and pulled her down to sit beside him. He served her a bowl of soup and placed it in front of her.
Fang Momo’s jaw almost dropped. She never imagined their Wangye could be this considerate.
Clearly, Wangfei was someone he deeply cherished.
This was good. Very good. Fang Momo’s heart swelled with joy.
Mingxi lifted the bowl and sipped some porridge. Then she realized something was off. She glanced at Xiao Muchen and set her bowl down, reaching out to serve him some rice.
After all, it was a wife’s role to care for her husband. She hadn’t been in the habit and had momentarily forgotten.
Seeing her awkward effort, Xiao Muchen couldn’t help but laugh. He took the bowl from her hands. “I’ll do it myself. You just eat. Does the porridge suit your taste?”
Mingxi was a little embarrassed. Since Wangye could remember her preferences, how could she not reciprocate? So she insisted on placing a palm-sized three-flavor bun in his bowl.
Hearing his words, Mingxi finally spoke: “Uncle Fang’s cooking, of course, I like.”
“If you like it, then have Uncle Fang stay in the mansion,” Xiao Muchen said.
Mingxi shook her head. “No need. Uncle Fang still has to work for you; what’s the point of staying here all the time? Besides, I brought a chef with me, so it would be good for her to learn from the royal chefs.”
Uncle Fang could still be useful outside, so Xiao Muchen thought for a moment and said, “If you have any favorite chefs from Jiangcheng, you can bring them to the mansion. Don’t feel like you need to make do.”
Mingxi paused slightly as she held her chopsticks, then smiled, “I understand. Don’t worry, I won’t make myself suffer.”
After they finished their meal, they got up and headed to the palace. A royal carriage was already waiting at the entrance. Xiao Muchen, not caring if there were any eunuchs around, reached out and helped Mingxi into the carriage before following her inside.
The eunuchs in the palace slightly shifted their gaze, discreetly averting their eyes.
As the carriage rolled forward, Mingxi leaned against the soft pillow and finally had the chance to briefly tell Xiao Muchen about what had happened with Jin Wangfei the previous day.
Xiao Muchen had been receiving male guests in the front yard, so he hadn’t known what had been happening with the ladies. His expression darkened slightly. “Jin Wangfei didn’t even go to the bridal chamber?”
Mingxi nodded and, seeing Xiao Muchen’s displeased expression, slowly said, “I feel better that she didn’t come, but I’m afraid she was instructed by someone. I just wanted to let you know so you’re prepared.”
By whom was she instructed?
The couple exchanged a glance. Xiao Muchen held Mingxi’s hand and gently squeezed her fingers, slowly saying, “I’ll speak to Jin Wang about this.”
Mingxi smiled. “You’ve given Jin Wang a great opportunity.”
When she said this, Xiao Muchen’s face finally cleared up a little. Seeing Mingxi still smiling meant she wasn’t lying and hadn’t been bothered by it. That reassured him.
Soon, the carriage entered the palace gates. They got off the carriage and first went to Chongzheng Hall to meet the Emperor.
The Emperor seemed much better than before. He had apparently been given a new prescription by the Imperial Hospital, and the results were showing improvement.
Mingxi felt assured. The Emperor wasn’t likely to pass away soon; compared to her past life, he still had at least seven or eight more years.
So, neither she nor Xiao Muchen needed to rush.
The Emperor had a very good impression of Mingxi and praised her a few times. He also advised her to live well with Duan Wang and rewarded her generously before letting them go to see the Empress.
After leaving Chongzheng Hall, Xiao Muchen leaned in and whispered with a smile, “It seems Royal Father values you quite a lot. Your reward is just slightly less than that of the Crown Princess.”
Mingxi thought to herself that her silver hadn’t been spent in vain.
With the Emperor’s generous reward, she also wouldn’t feel inferior when facing the Empress.
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