The unusual sensation in her body roused Hua Zhi earlier than usual, and the habits cultivated over the past two years swiftly brought her thoughts into focus.
An arm pillowed beneath her neck held her snugly, while the warmth of the embrace pressed against her felt irresistibly comforting... Waking in her lover’s arms, she had fulfilled the dream of countless young women.
Nuzzling closer, she wrapped her arms around him, hearing the rumble in his chest as a low chuckle escaped. "Awake?"
"Mhm." Hua Zhi kept her eyes shut, a lingering shyness from the previous night’s intimacy coloring her demeanor despite having lived two lifetimes. "Have you been awake long?"
Gu Yanxi hummed in affirmation, omitting that he hadn’t slept at all and had spent the night watching her. "Sleep a little longer. It’s still early."
Hua Zhi nuzzled again. Though there were no in-laws in the prince’s household for her to serve tea to, there was still the elderly matriarch—a figure of even greater importance. Moreover, by custom, they were to enter the palace today to pay respects to the Emperor, who was also her student, yet his status as sovereign outweighed all else.
Clearly, Gu Yanxi had recalled this as well. He sat up slightly, drawing her closer without a thought for his numb, nearly senseless arm, the corners of his mouth lifting—no, the very lines of his face seemed to curve upward, radiating the satisfaction of a wish fulfilled.
"The Emperor granted me five days of leave. Shall we go somewhere?"
Only five days for a wedding leave—how stingy. Hua Zhi snorted softly. "Do you have somewhere in mind?"
Gu Yanxi smoothed her hair. "How about spending a couple of days at Great Clumsy Temple?"
Mention of Great Clumsy Temple brought to mind Master Banruo and the string of wrist beads that had broken during her severe illness. It was fitting to visit. Whether it was due to the Buddha’s protection or mere coincidence, the fact remained that she had pulled through.
"Let’s bring Xiao Han along. He’s been uneasy since our wedding, and this unfamiliar place might unsettle him further."
Gu Yanxi chuckled softly, unsurprised. Even in the midst of their newlywed bliss, A Zhi’s compassion never wavered.
Hua Zhi lifted her head, finally opening her eyes. Gazing at the smiling face so close to hers, she suddenly realized that mentioning anyone else at such a moment was a disruption—any third person, even a child, would feel intrusive in their world of two.
"I’d planned to bring him all along." Covering her overly bright eyes, Gu Yanxi smiled. "Though he’s improved greatly under your guidance these past two years, the experiences of his childhood are likely deeply rooted. A stay at Great Clumsy Temple will do him good."
"Yanxi, I—"
"Silly." Gu Yanxi’s laughter deepened as he leaned over her, their foreheads touching. "Don’t change for me, and don’t feel guilty for caring about others. If the day comes when you no longer hold them in your heart, that’s when I’ll worry—because that wouldn’t be my A Zhi anymore."
Hua Zhi’s nose tingled with emotion, yet her lips curved into a smile. To have found a man who understood, cherished, and affirmed her so deeply—it must be heaven’s reward for her toils over the past two years.
"In the future, I’ll always think of you the most."
Gu Yanxi kissed her lips, his murmured assent carrying a world of tenderness. Of course he knew—precisely because he knew, he looked forward to their future with such anticipation.
A future with A Zhi by his side—he could hardly wait.
Entwined in bed, they nuzzled and kissed like a pair of kissing fish, this tender intimacy bringing them a fulfillment even deeper than the passion of the night before.Gradually, there was movement outside. The maids who usually walked silently were deliberately making their footsteps heavier today. Hua Zhi chuckled under the covers—the nervousness of her maids was evident in their footsteps.
But it was indeed time to rise, as she still needed to pay respects to the Grand Empress Dowager!
Wrapped in the quilt, she sat up, her smooth shoulders exposed. Tucking back her hair, she cleared her throat lightly and said, "Let’s begin."
"As you wish, Madam."
Hearing this, Hua Zhi instinctively turned to look. Their eyes met, and like two fools, they burst into laughter simultaneously.
The maids filed in, and seeing their young mistress in good spirits and smiling, the worries they had carried all night finally eased. Their steps grew lighter, and their movements became even more efficient.
For the first time, her hair was styled in a married woman’s coiffure. Hua Zhi touched it as she gazed into the mirror, momentarily lost in thought. She was married now. Human nature, it seemed, was inherently inclined toward ease. With her husband’s surname added to hers, the burdens she had carried seemed to vanish overnight.
She was acutely aware that she was no longer the eldest daughter of the Hua family. She no longer had to bear the weight of the Hua family’s vast reputation and prestige, nor did she need to strategize meticulously in every matter. From now on, a powerful man would stand by her side, sheltering her under his sky, where she could live without worries. This realization seeped from her very bones, spreading through her body faster than any command from her mind. Even the burgeoning sense of dependence felt entirely natural.
This was her love.
Hua Zhi smiled at her reflection in the mirror. Her love might not be passionate or earth-shattering, and it might even be overly rational, but it was unreserved.
Another figure appeared in the mirror. Hua Zhi leaned back, and their gazes intertwined in the bronze reflection. The maids, watching the two of them, inexplicably blushed and lowered their heads.
Su Momo entered and cleared her throat gently to remind them, "Your Highness, it’s getting late."
The unfamiliar form of address made Hua Zhi pause for a moment. Right, from today onward, her status had changed.
Taking on his surname, becoming another’s wife... Hua Zhi lowered her head with a soft laugh, then stood and looked at the impeccably dressed man. "It’s time to pay respects to Grandmother."
Gu Yanxi smiled warmly, gave a soft hum of agreement, and gently guided her out.
Over the past two years, Hua Zhi had traveled extensively and seen many deep, sprawling courtyards, but none could compare to the former Heir Apparent Residence, now the Regent’s Palace. With its pavilions, towers, and shaded greenery, long winding corridors connected every corner, each courtyard offering a unique view.
"The palace is vast. You may use a palanquin when moving about—don’t let them sit idle."
Hua Zhi cast him a faintly amused glance. She considered herself well-adapted to this era, never missing out on any privilege. Why did he make it sound as though she was reluctant to make use of servants? If she were truly reluctant, how could she have so many attendants under her?
Gu Yanxi chuckled. "How many times have you ridden in a Hua family sedan chair?"
"The two are naturally different."
Gu Yanxi didn’t argue with her. Had he not known of her aversion to sedan chairs, he wouldn’t have arranged for a palanquin. A Zhi always tried to appear no different from others, but in her bones, how could she truly be like everyone else?
"There are vacancies in the palace staff. You have many dowry attendants—arrange them as you see fit, without any hesitation.""In my own home, I naturally have no reservations." Hua Zhi pretended not to know that before the wedding, the prince's residence had reassigned numerous staff elsewhere. Since Yan Xi wanted her to feel at ease, she would certainly be at ease—even more so than when she was in the Hua family.
PS: Those still waiting for the extra chapters are truly devoted fans.
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