In the darkness, she fumbled to untie the silk rope around her toes. She distinctly remembered tying a simple slipknot, specifically for newlyweds to easily undo in the dim light behind the bridal curtain. Yet, the knot seemed to have tightened into a dead knot. She found the end of the rope but couldn’t loosen it and silently complained about the pitch-black ancient night. Without stars or moon, darkness was absolute, with not a hint of light to see by.
Jiang Changyang made no sound or movement. He simply stretched out his foot, allowing Mudan to work on the knot, but Mudan knew he was watching her through the darkness. Strangely enough, at this moment, she felt an increasing sense of unfamiliarity and nervousness towards him, unlike their usual ease and comfort. Her anxiety tightened the knot further, making her sweat. She chuckled nervously, “It’s dark.”
Jiang Changyang agreed with a low hum, patting her head. “Don’t rush, take your time,” he said, his voice low and hoarse as if holding back something.
Mudan’s heart skipped a beat. She instinctively lowered her voice. “I remember it was a slipknot, but the more I try to untie it, the tighter it gets. You have more strength; can you pull it apart?”
“No. The mother specifically instructed her not to break it. We need to keep it as a memento.”
“What should we do then?” Mudan felt a bit disheartened. They couldn’t possibly sleep with their toes tied together all night, could they? By midnight, their toes would surely hurt. It was amusing, though, that a piece of silk thread could stump them both.
“I’ll do it,” Jiang Changyang said softly. He placed his hand over hers, gently lifting her hand to his knee, then searched for the thread’s end, carefully feeling it. His fingertips, warm and soft like feathers, lightly brushed over her toes, tickling and soothing her simultaneously. Mudan felt a strange sensation, wiggled her toes slightly, and laughed softly, “There’s no way you can untie it better than I can. I’ve already tried. Let’s see how you do it. Huh, it seems tighter now.”
“Don’t move,” Jiang Changyang said, holding her toe gently and massaging it. He remembered how their toes felt entwined earlier; Mudan’s toes were white and tender, with small, round nails like translucent pink shells, neatly set in place, inviting a nibble. Carefully, he pulled the thread, tightening the loop around his toe to loosen the thread on Mudan’s. After some careful maneuvering, he said, “Move your foot back a bit.”
In the darkness, Mudan didn’t know what he was doing but followed his instructions and moved back slightly. The thread slid over her toe, causing slight pain, but the restraint vanished instantly. Delighted, she touched her freed toe and exclaimed, “You’re amazing! How did you do it?”
“I know the art of bone-shrinking from India,” Jiang Changyang replied, laughing as he removed the thread from his toe, carefully rolling it up and placing it in the pillow box.
“You have a knack for smooth talk too,” Mudan said, holding his toe and feeling a small indentation. She guessed his method.
Uncomfortably, Jiang Changyang pulled his foot back. “Don’t, you’ll make your hand smell,” but he couldn’t help but inch his foot forward again, yearning for her touch.
Unconcerned, Mudan pulled his foot closer and rubbed it. “I want to touch it. If I end up smelling bad, people will say I was asphyxiated by Jiang Dalang’s smelly feet, and you’ll be known as Jiang Stinky Feet.”
Jiang Changyang quickly covered her mouth, scolding softly, “Don’t say such things. No talking about life or death.”
Mudan struggled to pull his hand away and mumbled, “I was just saying it casually, it won’t happen…”
“Don’t say it,” Jiang Changyang insisted, his fingers lightly brushing her lips, sliding down her cheek, cupping her face, and gently kissing her, silencing her words. Even in the darkness, Mudan closed her eyes, carefully placing her hands on his waist and tilting her head closer to him.
The air felt stifling, making it hard to breathe. The surrounding silence made it seem like they were the only two people in the world. Mudan could hear Jiang Changyang’s slightly rapid breathing and their heartbeats. She felt her face and skin growing hot, her heart tightening. The familiar taste of grass lingered on her tongue, but her nose detected a slightly unfamiliar scent of sandalwood. Familiar yet strange, it filled her with both joy and nervousness. Feeling suffocated, she pushed him away and turned her face aside, breathing heavily but silently.
Jiang Changyang gently held her shoulders, pressing her head against his chest, and softly stroked her arm and back, waiting for her to calm down. At this moment, he felt no rush. He wanted to give Mudan a beautiful and unforgettable wedding night, making her forget the unpleasant past.
Mudan leaned against him quietly for a moment and then said softly, “I have something to tell you.”
Sensing her serious tone, Jiang Changyang smiled, “Are you about to set some ground rules like your sisters-in-law taught you? No need to be so solemn. I’ll remember them all.”
“Who’s being solemn?” Mudan’s courage dissolved into laughter. Her earlier sense of unfamiliarity and restraint eased considerably. She hesitated and then said softly, “I’ve always been alone before. I’ve never… it might hurt, so you can’t be rough.”
Jiang Changyang was not foolish. Hearing this, and recalling what Madam Wang had told him about Mudan’s good health, he understood completely. He had guessed that Mudan was particularly disliked by Liu Chang and thus neglected, but he hadn’t realized the extent of her neglect. For a moment, he couldn’t express his feelings. As a man, the thought of being his beloved wife’s first naturally brought him joy. However, seeing it from Mudan’s perspective, she must have suffered great humiliation. His heart filled with tenderness.
Holding her tightly, Jiang Changyang pressed his face against hers and whispered, “Dan Niang, I don’t know what to say. While this doesn’t matter compared to you as a person, it is indeed a surprise. He didn’t recognize the treasure he had.”
He paused, kissing her forehead tenderly. “Let me tell you a story. Once, a man was engaged to a woman, but when he saw her, he fled in terror, claiming she was hideously ugly, like a ghost, and refused to marry her. The woman’s family was furious and immediately married her off to someone else. In her new husband’s eyes, she was a beauty beyond compare, gentle and kind. Indeed, she was. This story shows that marriage requires both fate and the eyes to recognize a treasure. Those who lack the discerning eye don’t deserve the treasure. I am the one destined to recognize and cherish you.”
He was telling her that Liu Chang was blind to her true value. She had done nothing wrong, and losing her was Liu Chang’s loss. Even though she was not the original Mudan and didn’t feel the same sorrow for the past, she was deeply moved by Jiang Changyang’s empathy for her. Her throat felt choked with emotion, unable to speak. She simply held his neck tightly and kissed him passionately. He deserved all her love.
Jiang Changyang only hesitated for a moment before taking the lead. He reverently untied Mudan’s sash, trembling with joy as he explored her skin, kissing her hair, fingers, body, and even her toes. His tenderness and passion felt like the warm spring breeze melting the winter chill.
With her eyes half-closed, Mudan removed his hairpin, letting his hair cascade down. She imagined how he would look in the light. No matter how she pictured it, he appeared handsome and charming. Gathering her courage, she gently untied his sash and explored his body with the same tenderness and bravery.
When she shyly touched him, Jiang Changyang sighed and held her hand, guiding her to understand him better. Struggling to control his eagerness, he softly called her name over and over, as if that would ease his tension. When he was covered in sweat and could no longer restrain himself, he clasped her fingers tightly and began to explore her body anew. Mudan closed her eyes, waiting quietly.
As their skin fully touched, they forgot everything else. They were wholly absorbed in each other, hearing only their breaths and heartbeats, smelling only the faint peony scent mixed with their body scents. His heartbeat pressed against hers. He wanted her to be happy; she wanted him to be joyful.
In the small bridal chamber, the fragrance lingered, their breaths entwined. The blooming peony, passionate and beautiful, was his wife. He wanted to give her the deepest joy and the best of everything. Jiang Changyang gently kissed her, murmuring, “Dan Niang…”
Mudan was prepared. She held his firm waist, telling herself to relax. There was nothing to fear. The beginning was blissful, just a moment of discomfort, followed by lasting happiness. Yet, when that moment arrived, she couldn’t help but let out a low moan of pain. She clung to his arm, biting her lip, wide-eyed, not daring to move.
Sensing her pain, Jiang Changyang stopped immediately, placing his hand in her mouth. “Bite me, it will soon pass.” Mudan shook her head gently, taking deep breaths. Jiang Changyang dared not move, sweating profusely. He kissed her eyebrows, eyes, cheeks.
The sensation overwhelmed her as if every drop of blood in her body ignited and every pore screamed with joy. Mudan forgot how to breathe, and how to move, and simply followed his lead by instinct. Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced through her, and she gripped his shoulder tightly, “It hurts, be gentler.”
Jiang Changyang, gritting his teeth to control himself, stopped. His sweat dripped onto her face; he resembled a trapped beast, unable to find an escape. He channeled his excess energy elsewhere, his kisses burning hot, leaving a trail of fiery marks across her body. He wished he could absorb her into himself, making her his flesh and blood, never to be separated.
Maybe she could take the lead. Mudan gently pushed him away. Jiang Changyang paused, reluctantly releasing her, his voice hoarse, “Does it hurt a lot? I remember we prepared some medicine.”
Mudan shook her head and whispered, “I heard it hurts less if I’m on top.”
“Really?” Jiang Changyang, overjoyed, immediately flipped them over, eagerly preparing everything for her. Despite his anticipation, he remained cautious, “If it’s too much… don’t force yourself.”
She had never done this before, but she could try. Mudan didn’t speak, instead, she gently kissed his lips and then took him in completely. She was so beautiful, so likable, that Jiang Changyang felt as if he were floating on clouds, rising and falling. “Dan-Niang…” he moaned softly, suddenly propping himself up, hugging Mudan tightly, pressing his head to her chest as he released his passion and joy.
It wasn’t so hard after all… Mudan, feeling both shy and happy, held his head and kissed his crown. Jiang Changyang lifted his head, and returned her kiss gently, but didn’t pull away. Instead, he held her tightly, pinning her legs down, refusing to let her move.
Mudan felt hot and sweaty all over, uncomfortable, so she gently pushed him, “It’s too hot.” Jiang Changyang stubbornly held on, pulling her closer, retrieving a cloth from the pillowcase to clean her up, whispering, “Does it still hurt?”
Mudan, eyes half-closed and slightly tired, whispered, “It doesn’t seem to hurt anymore.”
Jiang Changyang’s movements slowed down instantly. He leaned in, kissing her softly, “Dan-Niang, you haven’t… I still want to… let me take over this time. Is that okay?”
Mudan felt like a small boat tossed by the waves in the vast sea, being lifted and then dropped repeatedly. She desperately tried to grasp onto something, but nothing held firm, even as her hands clung tightly to Jiang Changyang’s arms and shoulders, digging into his waist. She knew what she wanted… she was confused yet expectant. Finally, a flash of white light shot across the sky above the sea, and she got what she desired, letting out a low, suppressed cry.
Feeling utterly spent, Mudan lay on the bed, unwilling to move. Recalling her earlier cry, she felt intensely embarrassed. Jiang Changyang, cleaning up beside her, suddenly chuckled.
Mudan swatted at him, sulking, “What are you laughing at? Stop laughing!”
Jiang Changyang held back his laughter, “I’m not laughing at you; I’m just happy.” He paused, then added, “Dan-Niang, from now on, let’s not keep anyone in our room at night. I like hearing you shout…”
Mudan, furious, sat up and pinched his neck, “Say that again, I dare you!”
Jiang Changyang embraced her, lying down together, laughing softly, “Don’t be afraid, we’re husband and wife. You can do whatever you want in front of me; no need to hold back.”
Mudan hugged his waist and nodded gently, “You too.”
Jiang Changyang felt a surge of joy. Mudan’s petite frame nestled quietly in his arms, exuding a warm fragrance, sweet and dreamlike, almost unreal. He gently cupped Mudan’s face, kissing her lips softly, “Dan-Niang, you don’t know how happy I am.”
“I know, I’m very happy too.” Mudan returned his kiss and then fell into a deep sleep.
At dawn, Mudan woke abruptly to find the tent empty. Jiang Changyang had left, leaving a set of clean undergarments beside her pillow. Remembering that Madam Wang was coming to check on her that morning, she broke into a cold sweat. Seeing the red marks all over her body, she cursed softly, hurriedly putting on the undergarments. She was about to call for someone when she remembered she wasn’t at home and wasn’t sure who was outside. Tentatively, she coughed.
From outside came Yuhe’s soft voice, “Ma’am, you’re awake?”
Hearing her, Mudan felt relieved and responded. Yuhe immediately brought Kuany and Shuer in with hot water, congratulated her, and began helping her wash and dress. Mudan took the pomegranate red dress with gold peacock embroidery from Kuany, checking herself in the mirror. Fortunately, the fabric was thick enough to hide the marks. “What time is it? Has Madam arrived?”
Yuhe smiled, “It’s still early, only mid-morning. Madam hasn’t arrived yet.”
Mid-morning was hardly early. She had planned to wake up early on her first day, but now she was probably the last to rise in the entire household. Seeing Yuhe about to tidy the bed, Mudan blushed and quickly got up despite her half-combed hair, “I’ll do it!”
Yuhe blushed and stepped aside. Though she was Mudan’s maid, she had never experienced such a scene. Shuer and Kuany also blushed, smiling quietly. Mudan hastily tidied the bed, wrapping up the sheet carefully and hiding it. With a flushed face, she asked about Jiang Changyang, “Where is Langjun?”
Yuhe was about to answer when Jiang Changyang lifted the curtain and walked in, smiling, “Awake? Did you sleep well?”
Seeing him, Mudan’s face turned even redder, her hair falling to cover half her face. She chided him, “Why didn’t you wake me? If Madam comes and finds me still asleep, what will she think?”
Jiang Changyang, a bit shy, sat beside her, playing with the ivory comb from her makeup box, “I’m used to getting up early. Seeing you sleep so soundly, I couldn’t bear to wake you. Don’t worry, Mother likes to sleep in too. She’ll come just in time.”
Mudan smiled, “There’s no mother-in-law more considerate than yours.”
Jiang Changyang proudly replied, “Of course.” After a while, he added, “The new room is ready, and the millet porridge is cooked. Get ready, and we’ll go over together. Then we can have someone dismantle the wedding tent.”
Mudan glanced at the wrapped sheet by the bed and whispered, “Take that and keep it safe.”
Jiang Changyang’s face reddened as he glanced at the maids, who pretended not to hear. He whispered, “What’s there to be afraid of?” Despite his words, he discreetly took the sheet and carefully stored it away in a small box.
Mudan had just finished tidying up when Madam Wang arrived. Watching Mudan eat the traditional millet porridge, Madam Wang asked a few quiet questions, ensuring everything was well. She joyfully joined them for lunch, then said, “I’ll head back now. Yesterday was tiring. Rest well, and tomorrow after your temple visit, I’ll come to taste the food Dan-niang cooks.”
Mentioning the temple visit to the Zhu family’s ancestral hall the next day, Jiang Changyang’s expression darkened. Madam Wang, smiling, looked at him, “Regardless of everything, the proper rituals must be observed. Go grandly, fulfill the necessary formalities, and if they still don’t accept it, that’s their problem.”
She then took Mudan aside, instructing her on how to handle the old lady, “Even though you won’t live together, she is still your grandmother. You must observe the proper etiquette during holidays. It’s not about her praising you but avoiding giving her any reason to criticize. She will certainly try to embarrass you. Stand your ground but don’t be afraid. As long as you are in the right, there’s nothing to fear.”
Mudan nodded, “I won’t get angry over small matters, and I won’t be intimidated by major ones. Besides, Dalang understands the nuances. Don’t worry.”
Madam Wang patted her hand, “I trust both of you.”
After seeing Madam Wang off, Jiang Changyang took Mudan’s hand, “Let me show you our home.”