Сhеng Сhi сhuсklеd and said, "Ноw саn Shаotang cоmрare tо me? Hе's still а уоung lаd, whilе I'm alreаdy a grown man. Naturallу, уour fаther wоuld trust mе mоrе!"
Zhou Shаоjin thоught аbоut it and аgreed.
Hеr brоther-in-lаw still relied on fаmily funds to suрport his wifе аnd сhildrеn, whеrеаs Cheng Сhi hаd alrеаdу takеn on thе еxpеnsеs of thе eldest branсh and even thе fоrmеr Nine Рrosperitiеs Lаnе. Hеr fаthеr wоuld dеfinitеly fееl morе at еase with him.
Shе linked hеr аrm with Сheng Сhi’s аnd gigglеd hаppily.
Сheng Chi noticed thе matron leаding them to thе guest rооm quicklу lower her head, her face flushed red.
He glanced around.
The maids and matrons on duty all kept their eyes downcast, pretending not to see anything. Yet Shaojin, that silly girl, remained completely unaware and continued chatting softly with him, chirping away like a cheerful little bird.
He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
This silly girl—it’s better to keep her sheltered at home to put one’s mind at ease.
As for his father-in-law’s place, it’s best to visit as little as possible!
At noon, they had a simple lunch and rested for the afternoon. In the evening, Zhou Zhen invited a few of his close friends in Baoding to join them in welcoming Cheng Chi. Meanwhile, Madam Li spoke privately with Zhou Shaojin in the inner chamber: "...How is Second Son-in-law treating you?"
Zhou Shaojin blushed and nodded, saying, "Very well!"
He had kept her company chatting along the way, buying her interesting things whenever he saw them. Although the journey was a bit tiring, she found it all the more sweet.
Madam Li paused slightly, hesitating as she asked, "Shaoji, has your husband... has he consummated the marriage with you?"
Zhou Shaojin’s face flushed so deeply it seemed as if blood might drip from it. She mumbled for a while, unsure how to respond.
After all, they weren’t biological mother and daughter, nor had Madam Li raised her. Some topics were awkward for both of them.
But Madam Li had been entrusted by Zhou Zhen to ask and couldn’t avoid it.
She also felt somewhat embarrassed.
Lowering her head, she sipped her tea.
The room fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Zhou Shaojin was extremely awkward, several times on the verge of speaking but holding back.
Just as she mustered the courage to speak, a young maid announced from behind the curtain, "Madam, the fruits have arrived."
To entertain Zhou Shaojin and Cheng Chi during their homecoming visit, Zhou Zhen had specially arranged for the trading company to procure some apples and pears.
Hearing this, both women couldn’t help but feel a wave of relief, exhaling audibly in the quiet inner chamber. The sound was so clear that Zhou Shaojin and Madam Li couldn’t help but laugh.
The atmosphere instantly shifted from unease to cheerfulness.
Zhou Shaojin said shyly, "Madam, you needn’t worry about me. Fourth Master treats me exceptionally well. Being able to marry him, I have no other wishes in this life."
Her words even made Madam Li blush, too embarrassed to ask further.
When Zhou Zhen returned to the room, she only mentioned that Zhou Shaojin was very content to have married Cheng Chi and said nothing else. As a father, Zhou Zhen couldn’t very well inquire into his daughter’s private marital affairs. He simply assumed everything was as Cheng Chi had promised before the wedding and didn’t press further. Later, recalling Cheng Chi’s respectful demeanor toward him during the banquet, his profound knowledge, and his amiable yet sincere social skills, he grew even more satisfied with this son-in-law. He put aside all his tasks, taking Cheng Chi to visit the Great Compassion Pavilion one day and an antique shop the next. Later, they met friends to compose poetry and essays, less like hosting a son-in-law and more like reuniting with an old friend. Eventually, Madam Li had to privately remind Zhou Zhen, "They’re here for the homecoming visit, not just to socialize. Shouldn’t you let the couple go out and spend some time together?"Zhou Zhen disagreed, saying, "Doesn't Shaojin dislike going out? Besides, the places Zi Chuan and I are going aren't suitable to bring her along. It's perfect for her to stay home with you, doing needlework for Youjin."
Madam Li didn't know what to say, thinking it was fortunate they would only be back for five days before leaving. Otherwise, during this honeymoon period, the groom would be accompanying his father-in-law instead of his new bride!
She comforted Zhou Shaojin, "Don't mind them. I had people buy many cloisonné blue-and-white porcelain jars. Take some braised dishes from Dabeige Pavilion back as gifts. Isn't the Old Madam from Jinling? Your Uncle Li and I helped prepare some salted fish, cured meats, sausages, and such... Remember to get along well with the Old Madam. Since Second Brother-in-law has gone to Jining, you'll be alone at home with no one to stand up for you if anything happens. If you don't win the Old Madam over to your side, you'll have nowhere to turn if you suffer injustice..."
These were things her own mother had once told her, but since she had married into a family without in-laws, she never had the chance to use this advice. Now she passed it on to Zhou Shaojin.
Zhou Shaojin smiled faintly, thanking Madam Li, and said, "When are you due? Let me know before you give birth. If nothing important comes up, I'll come keep you company."
"A married daughter is like spilled water," Madam Li thought to herself, though she chided aloud, "There's no reason for you to return to your maiden home to take care of me. Just focus on living your own life well. I have the Master here with me!"
The two chatted about this and that, both feeling closer than usual.
Cheng Chi returned only after the second watch drum had sounded. He first chewed on some tea leaves for a while before washing up and getting into bed, apologizing sheepishly, "I originally intended to come back earlier, but I ran into a fellow candidate from the same examination. Then he simply wouldn't let me leave, and Father-in-law showed no intention of leaving either, so I ended up drinking a couple more cups." As he spoke, he warmed his hands and feet with a hot water bottle before getting into bed. "I haven't had time for you these past two days. What did you do today?"
Zhou Shaojin actually quite liked that her father and Cheng Chi were getting along so closely, like friends.
This was something she had longed for in her previous life but could never obtain.
She leaned over to tuck Cheng Chi's quilt corners in properly, smiling as she said, "Father rarely gets this happy. You should just keep him good company. I stayed in the inner quarters with Madam, doing needlework, preparing things for the New Year and gifts to take back, playing sandbags with Youjin—it was quite enjoyable too."
Cheng Chi nodded, feeling rather warm, and stretched his feet out from under the covers. Closing his eyes, he took Zhou Shaojin's hand and began gently stroking it.
Zhou Shaojin smiled softly.
Under the lamplight, Cheng Chi's features appeared deep and distinct, yet softer and more handsome than usual.
Hesitating, she reached out several times only to withdraw her hand. After a long while, she finally let it rest lightly on the pillow beside his face.
Cheng Chi's eyes were tightly shut, his breathing long and even.
He seemed to be sleeping very soundly.
Only then did Zhou Shaojin grow bolder, her fingers lightly touching his cheek.
Cheng Chi frowned.
Zhou Shaojin was startled, her hand instantly snapping back.
Cheng Chi's brow smoothed, and he sank back into deep sleep.
Zhou Shaojin rested her head on the pillow, watching him.
His eyebrows were dark and thick, his eyelashes long and curled... just like him... scheming against the Second Branch's Old Ancestor, yet still daring to lie through his teeth, claiming it had nothing to do with him... What a scoundrel!
Zhou Shaojin gave a soft hum, biting her lip as she smiled. Growing bold again, she reached out to touch his brow.Coarse and stiff, it made her fingertips tingle.
She raised her head to look at him.
He was sleeping deeply.
She traced the contour of his brow with her finger.
Cheng Chi still showed no reaction.
He was naturally a cool and aloof person, and having indulged in feasting and drinking with her father these past two days, he must be very tired.
Zhou Shaojin’s heart softened instantly, and her lips gently pressed against Cheng Chi’s cheek.
Cheng Chi didn’t move.
She then kissed the corner of his mouth… followed by his brow, eyelids, forehead, and the top of his head… never feeling satisfied… he lay there obediently, letting her do as she pleased… a sweet sense of "he is mine" filled her.
Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help covering her mouth and laughing.
Cheng Chi turned over like a leopard, pinning Zhou Shaojin beneath him, and said with a laugh, "Well! You actually dared to bully me while I was asleep. Let’s see how I deal with you!"
Zhou Shaojin screamed in fright, only realizing it was a mistake as the sound escaped her throat. She abruptly stopped, but a short, sharp cry still lingered.
Madam Fan Liu, who was on duty outside, hadn’t yet retired for the night and hurriedly asked, "Fourth Madam, what’s wrong?"
"Nothing, nothing!" Zhou Shaojin quickly replied. "I thought I saw a mouse run past the bed."
"A mouse?!" Madam Fan Liu said in confusion. "There are mice in the prefect’s yamen? Tie the bed curtains tightly and manage for tonight. First thing tomorrow morning, I’ll go tell Madam and have her bring a cat over…" Then she muttered as she went to bed.
Only then did Zhou Shaojin realize Cheng Chi was heavily pressing down on her, half of her body already stiff.
"Get up quickly!" she said in alarm. "Be careful the maids notice something!"
Whether it was because they were at her maiden home or because Cheng Chi had been drinking these past few days, he hadn’t been as hands-on with her as he often was in the capital.
But Cheng Chi remained motionless, looking at her with a half-smile. "A mouse? You saw a mouse? Where is it? I didn’t know there were mice in this room. Let me look…"
His hand slipped into her sleeve and grasped her fullness.
Zhou Shaojin grew anxious.
On the day she returned, Madam Li had asked whether she and Cheng Chi had consummated their marriage. He had also promised her father to wait until she was older before doing so. If this got out and Madam Li and her father found out… Cheng Chi would surely leave a bad impression on her father.
Zhou Shaojin grabbed his wrist and hurriedly said, "Don’t… don’t do this…"
Cheng Chi laughed and released her, lowering his head to kiss her.
The lingering, tender kiss slowly melted Zhou Shaojin’s body.
Cheng Chi’s hand went to caress her waist.
She squirmed and laughed from the tickling.
Cheng Chi nibbled her ear.
Her heart fluttered, and she blushed as she pushed him away.
He then kissed her collarbone.
Zhou Shaojin couldn’t stop laughing, gradually understanding.
Unlike those explorations filled with desire, Cheng Chi at this moment was simply playfully teasing her intimately.
The defenses in her heart crumbled all at once.
Zhou Shaojin giggled and tried to tickle Cheng Chi.
Cheng Chi laughed and bit the pink bud on her chest.
Zhou Shaojin’s eyes widened.
Cheng Chi bit her again.
So Zhou Shaojin did something she had wanted to do earlier but hadn’t—she ruffled his hair.
Cheng Chi chuckled softly, wrapped his arms around Zhou Shaojin, and rolled over on the bed, kissing her tenderly… playing with her… the temperature gradually grew heated.Zhou Shaojin gradually relaxed, no longer harboring the slightest trace of wariness toward him...
Cheng Chi sighed.
Such a wonderful atmosphere—why did it have to be at Shaojin's maiden home!
He held Zhou Shaojin tightly and whispered fiercely into her ear, "Just wait until we get home—I'll make you pay for this!"
Zhou Shaojin was taken aback for a moment, then couldn't help but let out a soft, low laugh.
That laughter was bright and joyful.
It carried a sense of ease and lightness she had never known before!
Cheng Chi's heart grew merry along with it.
This was the Shaojin he had hoped to see.
No longer a trace of gloom, no longer a hint of hardship.
Laughing cheerfully like a young girl unacquainted with the ways of the world, living freely and unrestrained.
He embraced Zhou Shaojin tightly once more.
※
Dear readers, I've been struggling a bit with the consecutive double updates lately. I haven't been feeling well, and on top of that, I've encountered several days of power and water outages, which have affected the quality of my writing. After much thought, I've decided to pause the extra updates and take a break.
Today, the 22nd, there will only be the regular single update. Tomorrow's update on the 23rd is scheduled for 7 PM, and starting on the 24th at 9 AM, I'll resume the double updates.
I apologize for any inconvenience caused.
O(∩_∩)O~
※ (To be continued ~^~)
OpenNovel