As evening approached and Gu Tingye had yet to return to the residence, Minglan instructed the kitchen to keep their dinner warm. Granny Ge, being perceptive, had gradually discerned Minglan's dietary preferences over the past few days and first served a bowl of Sweet Orange Clove Fish Ball Soup. The clove fish were naturally small, and the fish balls were rolled only to the size of a fingertip, infused with the sweet and sour flavor of the orange. It was neither heavy on the stomach nor too light to stave off hunger, and Minglan found it quite satisfying.
Just after she had taken two bites, Gu Tingye strode into the room. Minglan quickly set down the soup bowl and rose to help him change and freshen up. However, catching a whiff of the soup's aroma, he didn't even head into the inner room but directly reached for the bowl and drank from it, bypassing the spoon entirely. In a few gulps, he finished the entire bowl of fish ball soup.
"Um, that was half-eaten by me..." Minglan's mouth fell open. Why did this guy act like a starving ghost reincarnated?
Gu Tingye set down the bowl and reached out to stroke Minglan's cheek. "What's there to fear from my own wife's leftovers?"
Minglan followed him into the inner room to help unbutton his clothes. Gu Tingye was tall and broad, and standing before him always made Minglan feel as if a mountain were pressing down on her. As she focused intently on undoing the buttons, her left cheek suddenly felt a warm touch—she realized Gu Tingye had kissed her. His brows relaxed as he said, "My wife is truly beautiful."
Minglan's jade-like face flushed slightly, and she replied modestly, "You have excellent taste."
Gu Tingye was taken aback for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter. He scooped up Minglan's delicate frame and spun her around twice. Peering down at the ground from his shoulder, Minglan felt a bit frightened and thumped him twice, which only made Gu Tingye tighten his embrace and shower her face and neck with a flurry of kisses.
Minglan's tender skin was brushed repeatedly by his slightly rough stubble, leaving her feeling both numb and itchy. She pushed his head away forcefully and exclaimed angrily, "Are you a dog?!"—He did this every day after work, and she was almost developing a skin allergy!
Gu Tingye laughed heartily as he set her down but kept her nestled in his arms, swaying gently. He kissed her lips again, then lowered his head to press his forehead against hers, his heavy breath warming her face. The man murmured softly, "Silly girl."
His tone was filled with intimate affection, and Minglan's face burned with a blush.
After freshening up, Minglan simply loosened Gu Tingye's topknot. "Just leave it down. No one will see it in our own room."
Initially hesitant, Gu Tingye had been uncomfortable all day with his scalp tightly bound. Moreover, as Minglan's ten slender fingers combed through his hair, her deft movements massaging his scalp brought instant relief, so he readily acquiesced.
The dining table was set in the secondary chamber. The spacious room centered around a round pearwood table carved with motifs of seasonal prosperity. Three large windows faced south, revealing a sky that was six parts bright and four parts dim, with fiery clouds at the horizon casting a golden glow everywhere. Outside, the crabapple tree was already a vibrant tapestry, its branches laden with half-opened buds. Though crabapples lack fragrance, they carried a refreshing, fruity scent that drifted into the room on the gentle evening breeze. Having changed into a soft Snow Silk Underwear Robe and with his thick hair cascading loosely, Gu Tingye walked leisurely to the table and sat down. In this serene setting, he felt his heart ease and his breath steady, the day's weariness completely melting away.The table was set with a modest spread of five dishes and one soup. At the center stood a Truffle Angelica Turbot Soup, its milky broth dotted with emerald-green scallions. Accompanying it were Hot and Sour Fried Lotus Root Starch Meatballs, Crispy Beef Brisket with Teppanyaki Baked Pancake, Lotus Leaf Sticky Rice Ribs, Savory Dried Free-Range Chicken with Fermented Soy Bean Paste, and a simple stir-fried Sesame Spinach.
Gu Tingye ate with great appetite, burying himself in the meal. Minglan, after just a few bites, set down her chopsticks. He, however, polished off two large bowls of rice and most of the pancake-wrapped beef brisket. Since each dish was rather small in portion, he felt somewhat unsatisfied.
Seeing him enjoy the food so much, Minglan was pleased. Pointing at the fish soup, she boasted, "I caught this fish myself! The pond fish have grown too complacent from peaceful times—they bit the bait without hesitation... Our backyard is quite spacious. I plan to plant some perennial flowers and fruit trees. If you have any preferences, tell me now so I can send someone to buy seeds..."
Gu Tingye watched Minglan's cheerful expression quietly, his heart stirring with emotion.
Xiaotao led the maids in clearing the table, while Danju served two cups of light tea. After everyone had withdrawn, Gu Tingye fixed his gaze on Minglan and suddenly said in a low voice, "Don't hold back. If anything troubles you, tell me."
Minglan was taken aback. Why bring this up so abruptly?
"Anyone in this household who displeases you can be disciplined!" Gu Tingye's lips curved into a ruthless arc, his eyes darkening. "Don't be afraid of anything—just put the blame on me! Let's see who dares oppose me!"
Minglan blinked. "I... have nothing troubling me?" Over the past two days, her authority had grown steadily, and hardly anyone in the household dared utter a word of complaint, except for occasional remarks from Granny Lai and Granny Diao who invoked their seniority.
"Why didn't you tell me about Fifth Aunt yesterday?" Gu Tingye's expression darkened.
Minglan began to understand but still replied, "I did. I said Fifth Aunt came for a visit."
"A visit? More like she came to pick a fight." Gu Tingye's eyes grew even gloomier as he snorted coldly. "Her precious son has caused a heap of trouble outside. In the past, it didn't matter—people wouldn't dare act against the Ningyuan Marquis Household's reputation. But now that the plaque is gone, if not for my support, could she live so peacefully? Hah! She doesn't know when to quit!"
Minglan smiled wryly and sighed. She went over and took his hand. "Don't worry, I'm not easily bullied. The other day, when Fifth Aunt made some remarks, I refuted every one." Seeing his anger hadn't fully subsided, she added, "Don't lose your temper recklessly. You're in the official circles now, with many eyes watching. Don't give anyone grounds for criticism. Rest assured, your uncles and aunts' petty tricks don't faze me. At most, I'll play dumb—it's my specialty."
Gu Tingye couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. He gazed at her for a long moment before saying, "Good. I didn't marry you to have you endure grievances."Minglan felt deeply moved, but this sentiment only lasted until bedtime. While Gu Tingye wouldn't tolerate others bullying her, he showed no such restraint himself. Once night fell, he pressed her onto the bed with such vigor that she felt her waist might break. After she pleaded for mercy for what seemed like ages, he courteously slid a brocade cushion beneath her waist, his eyes blazing, and continued to pant heavily while caressing her.
After what felt like an eternity, the storm finally subsided. Minglan clutched a pillow, whimpering softly, while Gu Tingye lay half atop her, delightedly stroking her smooth skin.
"Let's rest," Minglan said between ragged breaths. "You have morning court tomorrow." Gu Tingye kissed her forehead and smiled. "I've taken leave tomorrow. No court attendance."
"Why?" Minglan suddenly grew alert.
Seeing her like this—resembling a newly-weaned kitten with tender claws but full of wariness—Gu Tingye chuckled. "The palace will send an edict first thing tomorrow. After that, I'll accompany you to the palace to express gratitude."
"What... what edict?" Minglan asked dumbfounded.
Gu Tingye tapped her tiny nose, smiling fondly. "Your husband has secured an Imperial Mandate for you."
OpenNovel