MYSIOAMEWTMMAlTWOAM: Chapter 8

 Glossary

· Qin Yuan: The female protagonist, reborn. Wife of the Marquis.

· Marquis of Dingbei: Gu Jinghui, Qin Yuan's husband.

· Hongye: Qin Yuan's maidservant.

· Cuiming: Qin Yuan's other maidservant.

· Zhao Niangzi: The woman brought back by the Marquis from the battlefield.

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Chapter 8: A Moment in Spring Night Is Worth a Fortune in Gold

Cuiming and Hongye had already set out the meat paste and wine cups on the small table by the bed.

After the husband and wife ate the meat paste together and drank the cross-cupped wine, it would be time to consummate the marriage.

Qin Yuan's right sleeve had been pressed under Gu Jinghui's left sleeve for quite some time.

This signified the husband as the guide for the wife, implying that in the future, Qin Yuan would follow Gu Jinghui's lead in all things, always placed beneath him.

She had mentally prepared a draft and was about to speak when her chin was gently lifted by two of Gu Jinghui's fingers. Raising her eyes, she met his star-bright ones, their pupils completely filled with her reflection alone.

Qin Yuan's throat suddenly felt dry. Her fingers curled slightly, gripping her sleeves.

"Marquis..."

"Call me husband."

"Husband."

Qin Yuan's voice was soft, carrying a faint hint of shyness.

Only then did Gu Jinghui lower his hand and say, "It's time to eat and drink."

"Yes."

Qin Yuan stood up and sat facing west behind the small table. Gu Jinghui walked over and sat opposite her. Simultaneously, they picked up their chopsticks and partook of the meat paste.

This meat paste was made from the same animal. After eating it, they could be considered one flesh as husband and wife.

Next was drinking the cross-cupped wine.

Gu Jinghui squinted slightly, watching her small face gradually flush red. His Adam's apple bobbed as he said, "Your alcohol tolerance is so small, truly a daughter of a civil official, delicate and frail."

Qin Yuan lowered her eyelids and remained silent.

The wine cup in her hand was taken by Gu Jinghui and set aside.

"Take these away."

Hongye and Cuiming cleared the items away, then closed the door, standing guard outside to attend to them.

Only the two of them remained in the room.

Qin Yuan's hand was held by Gu Jinghui, and she was pulled into his embrace ollowing the motion. The chest behind her was warm, the scent of wine assailing her nostrils, accompanied by his heavy breath brushing against her ear.

"Is it time to retire?"

Qin Yuan's phoenix crown had not yet been removed, and the maids had been dismissed by him. She could only manage it herself, fumbling clumsily. Gu Jinghui, finding it troublesome, came to help but only made it more tangled.

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

Qin Yuan then urged him away: "Husband, perhaps you should go change your clothes first."

Gu Jinghui seemed to realize he was causing more trouble and withdrew his hands sheepishly, going to the washroom.

Qin Yuan called Hongye and Cuiming back in to help remove her hair ornaments and change into her nightclothes.

The nightclothes had also been rushed by Brocade Pavilion, embroidered with a Hundred Children pattern, lined with a duck-and-drake sporting in water undergarment. The waist was cinched finely, the chest full and prominent, looking extremely alluring.

Hongye muttered, "I don't believe the Marquis could bear to..."

Qin Yuan hurried her: "Find the Marquis's nightclothes and place them on the embroidered stool by the bed."

After sending Hongye away, Qin Yuan also went to the washroom to freshen up.

When she came out, the room was quiet. Gu Jinghui lay on the side of the bed, also wearing red nightclothes, his ink-black hair spread over the jade pillow, eyes closed as if he had fallen asleep.

Qin Yuan softened her movements. As she approached, Gu Jinghui opened his eyes and said softly, "You sleep on the inside."

"I should sleep on the outside to better serve my husband."

She had been taught all this before marriage.

Qin Yuan's voice was soft and gentle, yet very insistent.

"No need," Gu Jinghui said. "I usually rise early to practice martial arts, so as not to disturb you. Previously, I was attended by valets. In the army, I grew accustomed to doing things myself."

Qin Yuan understood he was explaining his habits.

"Alright."

Qin Yuan sat at the foot of the bed to remove her red embroidered shoes, revealing a pair of delicate, pale jade-like feet. Gu Jinghui's gaze fell on her faintly. Qin Yuan, flustered by his stare, clumsily climbed over Gu Jinghui's body and felt his frame stiffen abruptly. Then the world spun, and she fell into a broad, solid chest.

It was warm, carrying the scent of soapberry.

"Husband," Qin Yuan exclaimed in a small voice.

Snickers sounded from outside—someone was eavesdropping.

Qin Yuan's face grew hotter.

The dragon-and-phoenix wedding candles outside the bed curtains cast light within. Gu Jinghui's face, illuminated by the red candlelight, appeared even more handsome: the resolute face, the fine jaw, the high-bridged nose, the deep eyes—truly captivating.

Qin Yuan stopped struggling, nestling softly in Gu Jinghui's embrace, and said with a smile, "Husband, I have something to ask you."

Gu Jinghui's hand, which had been reaching for her collar, slowly moved down to encircle her waist.

"What?"

Qin Yuan asked, "What is the purpose of a man and woman marrying?"

Gu Jinghui seemed startled for a moment, then said, "To serve the ancestral temple above and to continue the lineage below."

To connect past and future, to carry on the family line—wasn't that the purpose?

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

Qin Yuan followed up, "Since that's the case, why did you delay marrying for so long?"

Gu Jinghui's hand slid from her waist, and his voice cooled. "I was busy fighting wars. When would I have had time to return and marry? Do you dislike that I'm older, or that I'm a rough man?"

Qin Yuan hastily grabbed his sleeve. "The Marquis is in his prime, handsome and robust—how could he be considered old? Yuan'er is overjoyed to marry a great man like the Marquis; how could she dislike it? Our marriage seals the alliance between the Qin and Gu families. Yuan'er will naturally consider the dignity of both families and plan for the Marquis in all things."

"Then what exactly does Yuan'er mean?"

Gu Jinghui's voice held a note of intimacy.

Qin Yuan frowned, lifting her head to look at his sharp jawline. "Yuan'er has just married into the Marquis's residence and can't help feeling uneasy... Yuan'er is worried you might have concubines or other plans. I must ask clearly to understand."

"Concubines?"

Meeting Gu Jinghui's inscrutable gaze, Qin Yuan's heart tightened as if targeted by a beast, her hairs standing on end.

After a long moment, Gu Jinghui said calmly, "I have no concubines, only..."

"Only what?"

"This matter should be made clear to you. Years ago, while fighting in the northern frontiers, I was ambushed from behind. A subordinate of mine took the blow for me, saving my life. I promised to care for his wife and children."

"Was it Zhao Niangzi's husband?"

Gu Jinghui glanced at her. "Yes."

"My husband values loyalty and righteousness. How do you plan to arrange for them?"

"I have acknowledged the two children as my adopted sons and will care for them as my own in the future. Zhao Niangzi will, of course, also reside in the residence..."

Gu Jinghui trailed off, hesitating.

This hesitation was somewhat subtle.

Qin Yuan said seriously, "Today, that Zhao Niangzi came to the bridal chamber. I wish for a long and loving marriage with my husband. Seeing she is still in mourning, I couldn't help but feel offended. Sixth Sister-in-Law persuaded her to leave, but Zhao Niangzi clamored, saying she would seek your judgment. Yuan'er was worried about offending an honored guest, and also concerned that you might have other plans for her."

Gu Jinghui's face darkened.

Qin Yuan knew she had dampened his mood.

But tonight, with gratitude and children as her leverage, Zhao Niangzi was bound to cause trouble. She had to speak beforehand.

Since Gu Jinghui valued this marriage and agreed to the alliance between the two families, he should consider her dignity in all matters and not allow any disgraceful scenes.

As for consummating the marriage or not, Qin Yuan did not place great importance on it.

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

Suddenly, a clamor arose in the courtyard.

Gu Jinghui frowned displeased.

But Qin Yuan said with a smile, "It seems Zhao Niangzi has come looking for the Marquis."

Gu Jinghui: "?"

(End of Chapter)

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Author's Note

Thank you to everyone who voted with monthly and recommendation tickets. Your support is my motivation to keep writing. Seven Jians will definitely work hard to write the most enjoyable story~

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