Chapter - 42
By Tea Time Translations
When Jia Fu got married, apart from several maids who had accompanied her previously, Meng Shi had Liu Mama come along as well. After Pei You'an lifted her veil and left, the cheerful and lively atmosphere in the room vanished, and the bridal chamber fell quiet. Liu Mama brought the maids inside and helped Jiafu remove her headdress, jewelry, and the heavy bridal gown. She was left with only three layers of clothing. She soon changed into a red silk gown that was specially tailored for the occasion. The gown had a collar and chest embroidered with four auspicious cloud patterns, and underneath, she wore satin pants adorned with hidden embroidered vine and lotus flowers. Around her waist, she tied a red woven gold brocade skirt. Compared to the overly solemn bridal attire, this outfit maintained a sense of celebration while adding a touch of soft allure.
Jiafu had not eaten since noon, and now that the others had left, there were only a few familiar faces around. Her hunger suddenly hit her, making her feel as though her front and back were sticking together, yet she had no appetite. She half-heartedly drank a few sips of the chicken and mustard soup that Liu Mama had ordered to be served. She peeled and consumed a small portion of a Jiangnan honey pomelo. Once she had eaten, she could no longer continue. Liu Mama had the maids leave and took it upon herself to help Jiafu freshen up. She used scented liquid to rinse her mouth and facial cloth to cleanse her face. After completing these tasks, she had Jiafu sit at the edge of the bed, waiting for the groom to return.
Jiafu waited for a while and finally heard faint footsteps approaching from outside. There were maids and servants calling out to the "Young Master."
Jiafu couldn't help but become nervous once more, sitting up straight on the bed. She fixed her gaze towards the direction of the door, her hands hidden beneath her sleeves, fingers tightly intertwined. Liu Mama heard it too and rushed to meet him. The door creaked softly, and a figure stepped into the bridal chamber. It was Pei You'an.
He didn't seem to have drunk much, and he walked quite steadily. After entering, he removed only his headdress and had the servants leave. Liu Mama glanced at Jiafu, signaling her to go and serve him. She herself, with a smile on her face, led the maids out and closed the door.
After more than a year had passed since the last time, tonight, seeing Pei You'an once again in front of her, unlike before when they were surrounded by people, now they were alone. Jiafu's heart raced rapidly. She recalled her mother's repeated reminders, gathered her courage, and, having been sitting at the edge of the bed for the entire evening, stood up and came to his side. She whispered, "Husband, let me help you change."
Pei You'an, with his back to her, was in the process of taking off his outer robe. Upon hearing her speak, he paused, turned his head, and looked at her.
They were very close to each other, and Jiafu could finally see that he likely hadn't drunk much, but there was still a faint trace of alcohol in his eyes.
He grunted in acknowledgment and said, "Thank you," handing her the robe he had just taken off. He then turned and sat down on the edge of the bed.
Jiafu gathered herself, holding his robe. She remembered the times when they had lived together in Wuding. Back then, every night, she would eagerly help him take off his robe, and he would sometimes smile or remain expressionless, but she never found it uncomfortable.
Tonight, he had become her husband, and she was his wife, but he was still so polite.
She neatly arranged his robe, turned around, and slowly returned to his side. He sat on the bed's edge, and she stood beside him, gazing at him with unblinking eyes.
The red candles flickered, casting shifting shadows. Neither of them spoke for a while.
A moment later, he seemed somewhat intoxicated, overwhelmed by the wine. He raised his hand to massage his temples, didn't look at her, and slurred, "It's late. You should rest as well." After saying this, he lay down with all three layers of clothing still on him, appearing neat and without a single wrinkle.
Jiafu softly replied with a gentle "Mmm" and turned her back to him. She slowly removed her clothes, leaving only the inner layer. She climbed onto the bed quietly, lying by his side.
She curled up, facing him, and they shared a long brocade pillow adorned with the embroidered words "Wishing a myriad blessings for King Wen." There was a foot of distance between them on the bed. He was lying on his back, eyes closed, appearing as though he was sleeping soundly, with even and steady breathing. Not a single eyelash moved.
At first, Jiafu also closed her eyes, but she gradually opened them, gazing at his profile. After contemplating for a while and recalling her mother's advice, she gathered her courage. Slowly, she moved closer to him, extended a soft arm, and gently reached for his waist.
Pei You'an's eyelashes twitched slightly.
Jiafu knew he was still awake, and she felt nervous and didn't dare to look at him.
"Husband..." she murmured, her voice almost a whisper, her eyelashes trembling, and her eyes closed. Her delicate head rested lightly on his shoulder.
Pei You'an didn't respond or push her away. After a while, he spoke, "I've married you, so I will protect you. From now on, you must behave properly and not entertain improper thoughts."
Jiafu froze, her body becoming still. She slowly opened her eyes and lifted her face.
Pei You'an also opened his eyes, turning his head slightly to meet her gaze. His eyes were pitch black, their look clear but devoid of tenderness.
The rosy hue on Jiafu's face gradually faded, and her arm that had been wrapped around his waist slowly retreated.
"I understand... It's my fault... I shouldn't have treated you that way..."
She didn't dare to look at him anymore, feeling disheartened. Her eyes dropped, and she murmured.
"I'm not blaming you. Now that you're in my family, you'll have to face people every day. With Quan, if you don't like the child, you can keep your distance. If there's something, tell me. Remember, I won't allow you to use underhanded methods to achieve your goals. You can't lie in front of me, no matter what the reason."
If, at first, Jiafu had felt only embarrassment, after hearing this, her feelings were far beyond embarrassment.
The incident with the frozen borneol was something she had long forgotten. However, at this moment, she was reminded that he had never forgotten the lie she told him. He just hadn't mentioned it in her presence.
Tonight, after marrying her, he finally spoke up and scolded her.
Jiafu shrank back and lifted her eyes to look at him again. He had already closed his eyes and appeared to have fallen asleep once more.
"I... remember..."
After uttering these few words, Jiafu seemed to have used all her strength, and she hung her head with a bowed neck, motionless.
The room fell into silence, and the only sound in her ears was the sound of his breathing.
Jiafu no longer leaned against him as she had before. She quietly, inch by inch, moved away and returned to her original position, making sure not to touch even a corner of his clothing.
She held her breath and turned over slowly until she was no longer touching him.
She closed her eyes and tears flowed, sliding down to her ear.
She dared not make a sobbing sound, but her tears could not be stopped, silently wetting the pillow.
"Why are you crying?"
After a while, she heard his voice from behind. She shook her head frantically and muttered, "I'm not crying."
"You are obviously crying," he said after a pause.
Jiafu couldn't hold back any longer, and she choked out, "If you despise me and are so fed up with me, why did you marry me? I told you before, I don't care about that matter anymore, and I didn't force you to marry me again."
Pei You'an turned his head, looking at her back, hesitating for a moment, then said, "When did I say that I despise you or am fed up with you? I just told you that you need to be honest in the future and not have any crooked ideas."
"You clearly despise me and are fed up with me..."
Jiafu sobbed, "... don't worry, I won't bother you... in the future, when you find someone you love..."
As she spoke, she felt an overwhelming sadness, tried to suppress it, but the tears flowed even more, like pearls broken from their strings, rolling down in greater quantity.
"Don't say such things. Don't cry..."
Pei You'an said again from behind. His voice was much softer than before, carrying a hint of tenderness and caution.
Jiafu buried her face in the pillow, her shoulders trembling, her voice muffled, "I can't help it... please, don't mind me..."
Pei You'an sat up and leaned against the head of the bed, turning to look at her back. After a while, he leaned forward slightly and extended his hand towards her. His hand was almost on her shoulder but then he hesitated and stopped.
"Don't cry..."
Jiafu continued to sob.
"How can I make you stop crying?"
Jiafu acted as if she hadn't heard.
Pei You'an fell silent for a moment and suddenly said, "If you keep crying, I'll go to the study." After saying that, he pretended to get off the bed.
Jiafu stopped crying instantly and turned her face rapidly, her large, tear-filled eyes fixed on him.
Pei You'an slowly exhaled, glanced at her tear-stained face, then rolled over and got off the bed.
Jiafu watched his back as he left the bed, her heart pounding, and her face losing color once more. She didn't cry on purpose to annoy him. She had felt ashamed and sad earlier and had shed a few tears involuntarily.
On her wedding night, if he had really grown tired of her crying and left for the study, then she might as well dig a hole and bury herself because she wouldn't be able to face anyone tomorrow.
"Eldest Cousin!"
Jiafu immediately crawled off the bed and pounced on him, hugging his waist from behind tightly and refusing to let go.
"I won't cry anymore, please don't go," her voice still had a trace of a crying tone, but she was trying her best to hold back.
Pei You'an suddenly felt a softness pressing against his back, and his front was embraced by two soft arms. Jiafu was still sitting on the edge of the bed. He paused for a moment, then bent down and gently untangled her hands, then stood up.
"Eldest Cousin... I really won't cry anymore," Jiafu sat on a pile of brocade quilts, her face upturned, gazing at him with a frightened expression. Her voice was pleading, and a glistening tear hung in the corner of her eye. She looked pitiful and begged him not to leave.
Pei You'an glanced at her for a moment, then turned away.
Jiafu watched as he entered the bathroom and came out with a wet towel he had wrung out. He returned to the bed, bent down, and used it to wipe her face. After he finished, he whispered, "Be obedient, and I won't leave."
Jiafu immediately nodded and wiped away the tear that had fallen from the corner of her eye. She quickly lay back down and closed her eyes.
After a while, another person joined Jiafu on the bed, and Pei You'an also lay down. Moments later, he extended his arm slowly, embracing her.
Jiafu felt him gently unfastening her clothes, and she kept her eyes tightly closed while her body quivered slightly.
"Don't be afraid. If it hurts, tell me," he whispered softly as he carefully took off her panties, lifted up her smooth waist and hips, and put a piece of cloth under her body.
Her earlobes were burning as if on fire when his lips brushed against them, and his lips had a faint coolness, contrasting with the warmth of her body. Throughout the entire process, he was incredibly gentle, without any unnecessary movements or kisses. Only when they first came together, and she whimpered in pain, clutching his shoulders, did he pause and kiss away a bead of sweat that had formed on her forehead.
Afterward, he gently wiped Jiafu's body as she lay there, and he placed the cloth stained with her rosy essence beside her. Then, he put on his own clothes neatly and lay back down.
Throughout that night, Jiafu's heart experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, sometimes filled with sweetness and other times with bitterness. She drifted in and out of sleep. The man beside her, however, appeared to be in deep slumber, not turning or touching her again.
Before dawn, while it was still dark, there was a knocking at the door. The servants came to rouse the newlyweds, reminding them to pay their respects to their parents and ancestors.
Chapter - 42
By Tea Time Translations
When Jia Fu got married, apart from several maids who had accompanied her previously, Meng Shi had Liu Mama come along as well. After Pei You'an lifted her veil and left, the cheerful and lively atmosphere in the room vanished, and the bridal chamber fell quiet. Liu Mama brought the maids inside and helped Jiafu remove her headdress, jewelry, and the heavy bridal gown. She was left with only three layers of clothing. She soon changed into a red silk gown that was specially tailored for the occasion. The gown had a collar and chest embroidered with four auspicious cloud patterns, and underneath, she wore satin pants adorned with hidden embroidered vine and lotus flowers. Around her waist, she tied a red woven gold brocade skirt. Compared to the overly solemn bridal attire, this outfit maintained a sense of celebration while adding a touch of soft allure.
Jiafu had not eaten since noon, and now that the others had left, there were only a few familiar faces around. Her hunger suddenly hit her, making her feel as though her front and back were sticking together, yet she had no appetite. She half-heartedly drank a few sips of the chicken and mustard soup that Liu Mama had ordered to be served. She peeled and consumed a small portion of a Jiangnan honey pomelo. Once she had eaten, she could no longer continue. Liu Mama had the maids leave and took it upon herself to help Jiafu freshen up. She used scented liquid to rinse her mouth and facial cloth to cleanse her face. After completing these tasks, she had Jiafu sit at the edge of the bed, waiting for the groom to return.
Jiafu waited for a while and finally heard faint footsteps approaching from outside. There were maids and servants calling out to the "Young Master."
Jiafu couldn't help but become nervous once more, sitting up straight on the bed. She fixed her gaze towards the direction of the door, her hands hidden beneath her sleeves, fingers tightly intertwined. Liu Mama heard it too and rushed to meet him. The door creaked softly, and a figure stepped into the bridal chamber. It was Pei You'an.
He didn't seem to have drunk much, and he walked quite steadily. After entering, he removed only his headdress and had the servants leave. Liu Mama glanced at Jiafu, signaling her to go and serve him. She herself, with a smile on her face, led the maids out and closed the door.
After more than a year had passed since the last time, tonight, seeing Pei You'an once again in front of her, unlike before when they were surrounded by people, now they were alone. Jiafu's heart raced rapidly. She recalled her mother's repeated reminders, gathered her courage, and, having been sitting at the edge of the bed for the entire evening, stood up and came to his side. She whispered, "Husband, let me help you change."
Pei You'an, with his back to her, was in the process of taking off his outer robe. Upon hearing her speak, he paused, turned his head, and looked at her.
They were very close to each other, and Jiafu could finally see that he likely hadn't drunk much, but there was still a faint trace of alcohol in his eyes.
He grunted in acknowledgment and said, "Thank you," handing her the robe he had just taken off. He then turned and sat down on the edge of the bed.
Jiafu gathered herself, holding his robe. She remembered the times when they had lived together in Wuding. Back then, every night, she would eagerly help him take off his robe, and he would sometimes smile or remain expressionless, but she never found it uncomfortable.
Tonight, he had become her husband, and she was his wife, but he was still so polite.
She neatly arranged his robe, turned around, and slowly returned to his side. He sat on the bed's edge, and she stood beside him, gazing at him with unblinking eyes.
The red candles flickered, casting shifting shadows. Neither of them spoke for a while.
A moment later, he seemed somewhat intoxicated, overwhelmed by the wine. He raised his hand to massage his temples, didn't look at her, and slurred, "It's late. You should rest as well." After saying this, he lay down with all three layers of clothing still on him, appearing neat and without a single wrinkle.
Jiafu softly replied with a gentle "Mmm" and turned her back to him. She slowly removed her clothes, leaving only the inner layer. She climbed onto the bed quietly, lying by his side.
She curled up, facing him, and they shared a long brocade pillow adorned with the embroidered words "Wishing a myriad blessings for King Wen." There was a foot of distance between them on the bed. He was lying on his back, eyes closed, appearing as though he was sleeping soundly, with even and steady breathing. Not a single eyelash moved.
At first, Jiafu also closed her eyes, but she gradually opened them, gazing at his profile. After contemplating for a while and recalling her mother's advice, she gathered her courage. Slowly, she moved closer to him, extended a soft arm, and gently reached for his waist.
Pei You'an's eyelashes twitched slightly.
Jiafu knew he was still awake, and she felt nervous and didn't dare to look at him.
"Husband..." she murmured, her voice almost a whisper, her eyelashes trembling, and her eyes closed. Her delicate head rested lightly on his shoulder.
Pei You'an didn't respond or push her away. After a while, he spoke, "I've married you, so I will protect you. From now on, you must behave properly and not entertain improper thoughts."
Jiafu froze, her body becoming still. She slowly opened her eyes and lifted her face.
Pei You'an also opened his eyes, turning his head slightly to meet her gaze. His eyes were pitch black, their look clear but devoid of tenderness.
The rosy hue on Jiafu's face gradually faded, and her arm that had been wrapped around his waist slowly retreated.
"I understand... It's my fault... I shouldn't have treated you that way..."
She didn't dare to look at him anymore, feeling disheartened. Her eyes dropped, and she murmured.
"I'm not blaming you. Now that you're in my family, you'll have to face people every day. With Quan, if you don't like the child, you can keep your distance. If there's something, tell me. Remember, I won't allow you to use underhanded methods to achieve your goals. You can't lie in front of me, no matter what the reason."
If, at first, Jiafu had felt only embarrassment, after hearing this, her feelings were far beyond embarrassment.
The incident with the frozen borneol was something she had long forgotten. However, at this moment, she was reminded that he had never forgotten the lie she told him. He just hadn't mentioned it in her presence.
Tonight, after marrying her, he finally spoke up and scolded her.
Jiafu shrank back and lifted her eyes to look at him again. He had already closed his eyes and appeared to have fallen asleep once more.
"I... remember..."
After uttering these few words, Jiafu seemed to have used all her strength, and she hung her head with a bowed neck, motionless.
The room fell into silence, and the only sound in her ears was the sound of his breathing.
Jiafu no longer leaned against him as she had before. She quietly, inch by inch, moved away and returned to her original position, making sure not to touch even a corner of his clothing.
She held her breath and turned over slowly until she was no longer touching him.
She closed her eyes and tears flowed, sliding down to her ear.
She dared not make a sobbing sound, but her tears could not be stopped, silently wetting the pillow.
"Why are you crying?"
After a while, she heard his voice from behind. She shook her head frantically and muttered, "I'm not crying."
"You are obviously crying," he said after a pause.
Jiafu couldn't hold back any longer, and she choked out, "If you despise me and are so fed up with me, why did you marry me? I told you before, I don't care about that matter anymore, and I didn't force you to marry me again."
Pei You'an turned his head, looking at her back, hesitating for a moment, then said, "When did I say that I despise you or am fed up with you? I just told you that you need to be honest in the future and not have any crooked ideas."
"You clearly despise me and are fed up with me..."
Jiafu sobbed, "... don't worry, I won't bother you... in the future, when you find someone you love..."
As she spoke, she felt an overwhelming sadness, tried to suppress it, but the tears flowed even more, like pearls broken from their strings, rolling down in greater quantity.
"Don't say such things. Don't cry..."
Pei You'an said again from behind. His voice was much softer than before, carrying a hint of tenderness and caution.
Jiafu buried her face in the pillow, her shoulders trembling, her voice muffled, "I can't help it... please, don't mind me..."
Pei You'an sat up and leaned against the head of the bed, turning to look at her back. After a while, he leaned forward slightly and extended his hand towards her. His hand was almost on her shoulder but then he hesitated and stopped.
"Don't cry..."
Jiafu continued to sob.
"How can I make you stop crying?"
Jiafu acted as if she hadn't heard.
Pei You'an fell silent for a moment and suddenly said, "If you keep crying, I'll go to the study." After saying that, he pretended to get off the bed.
Jiafu stopped crying instantly and turned her face rapidly, her large, tear-filled eyes fixed on him.
Pei You'an slowly exhaled, glanced at her tear-stained face, then rolled over and got off the bed.
Jiafu watched his back as he left the bed, her heart pounding, and her face losing color once more. She didn't cry on purpose to annoy him. She had felt ashamed and sad earlier and had shed a few tears involuntarily.
On her wedding night, if he had really grown tired of her crying and left for the study, then she might as well dig a hole and bury herself because she wouldn't be able to face anyone tomorrow.
"Eldest Cousin!"
Jiafu immediately crawled off the bed and pounced on him, hugging his waist from behind tightly and refusing to let go.
"I won't cry anymore, please don't go," her voice still had a trace of a crying tone, but she was trying her best to hold back.
Pei You'an suddenly felt a softness pressing against his back, and his front was embraced by two soft arms. Jiafu was still sitting on the edge of the bed. He paused for a moment, then bent down and gently untangled her hands, then stood up.
"Eldest Cousin... I really won't cry anymore," Jiafu sat on a pile of brocade quilts, her face upturned, gazing at him with a frightened expression. Her voice was pleading, and a glistening tear hung in the corner of her eye. She looked pitiful and begged him not to leave.
Pei You'an glanced at her for a moment, then turned away.
Jiafu watched as he entered the bathroom and came out with a wet towel he had wrung out. He returned to the bed, bent down, and used it to wipe her face. After he finished, he whispered, "Be obedient, and I won't leave."
Jiafu immediately nodded and wiped away the tear that had fallen from the corner of her eye. She quickly lay back down and closed her eyes.
After a while, another person joined Jiafu on the bed, and Pei You'an also lay down. Moments later, he extended his arm slowly, embracing her.
Jiafu felt him gently unfastening her clothes, and she kept her eyes tightly closed while her body quivered slightly.
"Don't be afraid. If it hurts, tell me," he whispered softly as he carefully took off her panties, lifted up her smooth waist and hips, and put a piece of cloth under her body.
Her earlobes were burning as if on fire when his lips brushed against them, and his lips had a faint coolness, contrasting with the warmth of her body. Throughout the entire process, he was incredibly gentle, without any unnecessary movements or kisses. Only when they first came together, and she whimpered in pain, clutching his shoulders, did he pause and kiss away a bead of sweat that had formed on her forehead.
Afterward, he gently wiped Jiafu's body as she lay there, and he placed the cloth stained with her rosy essence beside her. Then, he put on his own clothes neatly and lay back down.
Throughout that night, Jiafu's heart experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, sometimes filled with sweetness and other times with bitterness. She drifted in and out of sleep. The man beside her, however, appeared to be in deep slumber, not turning or touching her again.
Before dawn, while it was still dark, there was a knocking at the door. The servants came to rouse the newlyweds, reminding them to pay their respects to their parents and ancestors.
