“Winter sunlight always carries a lazy charm, making people feel languid and unwilling to move. They just want to lie down like this forever.” Jiang Yunqing couldn’t remember when she had heard these words, and at that time, she had no mood to savor them. Her mind was too cluttered to appreciate it. But now, she could truly and deeply understand.
At this moment, she was in Prince Fen’s mansion, in the courtyard she shared with Xiaosi, in a room entirely her own. She lay comfortably on a couch under the window, basking in the sun with her eyes closed. The warm sunlight streamed in through the window, enveloping her and spreading a warm feeling throughout her limbs. She felt every bone and muscle relax, enjoying an indescribable comfort.
Many people looked at her with sympathy when she married Xiaosi, but they didn’t know about her private joy and satisfaction. Let’s not talk about the big things, just the little ones. No one demanded that she adhere to strict rules in front of the elders, and no one compared themselves to her or competed with her because Xiaosi was ill. Who could impose such standards on him? Consequently, she benefited as well. For instance, at this moment, she could relax and sunbathe with Xiaosi behind closed doors, while the other princesses had to busy themselves managing affairs and adhering to rules, without a moment’s peace.
Moreover, Xiaosi didn’t have to go out for official duties or take imperial exams. His daily tasks were merely to read, write, eat happily, and produce heirs. As for her, she only needed to take care of his daily life, play with him, make him happy, make him like her, be obedient and well-behaved in front of the elders, and then give birth to an heir. The best part was, she didn’t have to worry about the elders placing other women in Xiaosi’s room.
On the contrary, both Madam Chen and Princess Fen were strict about this. If they discovered a maid harboring improper thoughts, they would immediately find an excuse to dismiss her, fearing she might corrupt Xiaosi and cause discord between the couple. Xiaosi was as innocent as a blank sheet of paper. He only knew what he liked or disliked and didn’t understand who was more beautiful or charming, nor did he think about taking others to bed. Behind closed doors, she was free, and he was entirely hers.
Of course, there were some troubles. The people around Xiaosi were trusted by Princess Fen and Madam Chen and had served them for years. They inevitably felt superior in front of her, the new wife. Not to mention the high-born sisters-in-law in the mansion, even these servants required her to expend some effort. But she was not a pampered girl; she had learned to navigate through difficulties since childhood. She had dealt with difficult servants before and served the more challenging Madam Du under Madam Chen’s supervision. So, what were these minor issues? Moreover, such situations exist wherever one is married. Compared to the past, she felt more confident.
The dowry prepared by her brother and sister-in-law might not be the best in the mansion, but it was certainly not inferior. Peony would send things now and then, ostensibly for her, but really to give her an excuse to build relationships by distributing them. She was not foolish; she knew to respect herself, not be greedy, and be aware of her position. She had money, support from her family, and a just and fair Princess Fen who was always afraid that she and Xiaosi might be bullied. What did dealing with a few difficult servants matter? Building good relationships was easy, and these minor matters paled in comparison to her private comfort. They were nothing.
Compared to many others, she was much more at ease and relaxed. Thinking of this, Jiang Yunqing smiled contentedly, lazily turned over, and took a cup of still-warm honey water from the nearby table, sipping it gently. Beside her, Xiaosi suddenly opened his eyes, raised his head slightly, and licked his rosy lips, looking at her eagerly. Jiang Yunqing smiled and, supporting his neck, brought the cup to his lips. Xiaosi turned his head away from the cup, his eyes fixed on her mouth.
Having been with him for a while, Jiang Yunqing knew what he wanted. Since that somewhat chaotic wedding night, he had changed. He loved sticking close to her, wanting to do everything with her. Even his best friend, Fifteen Lang, couldn’t call him away, making Fifteen Lang so jealous that his eyes turned red.
Blushing slightly, Jiang Yunqing glanced out the curtain and whispered, “It’s broad daylight, and there are people around.” No matter what, doing such things during the day was not appropriate. If Madam Chen found out, she would blame her for not caring for Xiaosi or their family’s reputation. This was the downside of living in a big family. Any little movement quickly spread, causing waves. Moreover, Madam Chen had gently reminded her that while Xiaosi’s love for her was good, he was new to the ways of men and women and was at an age full of vigor. Without moderation, it would be up to her to control.
But Xiaosi didn’t care. He pouted, raised his bottom, and thrust forward. The maids outside the curtain stifled their laughter, making Jiang Yunqing blush even more. She covered his pouting lips with one hand, pushed his chest with the other, and scolded him, “It’s all your fault, for making people laugh at me. If others hear, they’ll laugh behind my back.” She wasn’t sure if Xiaosi understood what it meant to be laughed at behind one’s back, but she always treated him as if he did, sharing her thoughts and past with him. Whenever he lay quietly beside her, looking at her with his dark eyes, she felt peaceful, relaxed, and safe, not even realizing when she fell asleep.
Xiaosi, frustrated from missing his target, stubbornly grabbed at her sleeve again. Jiang Yunqing quickly avoided him, standing by the window with a flushed face, pretending to fiddle with the vibrant daffodils on the windowsill, her ears burning red.
Missing again, Xiaosi grew angry. He sat up, turned sharply to glare at the giggling maids outside, and ran out barefoot, angrily shooing them away. The maids used to serve him, saw his anger, and the previously shy Jiang Yunqing now looking coldly at them. Not daring to show any disrespect, they retreated with bowed heads.
Having driven away the troublemakers, Xiaosi trotted back to Jiang Yunqing, placed his hands on her shoulders, and pouted again, pushing forward. Knowing his persistence, Jiang Yunqing relented, letting him proceed. As he kissed her, his face turned red and his breath quickened. Any further, and things would get out of hand. He didn’t understand, but she, as his wife, should. If it were nighttime, it would be different… Jiang Yunqing, unable to let things continue, gently held his waist and looked into his eyes, pleading, “Xiaosi, you’re not wearing shoes. If you catch a cold, you won’t be able to stay with me tonight. What will I do alone?”
This tactic never failed. Xiaosi hesitated, then stopped, obediently letting her lead him to the couch to put on his shoes. He cooperated fully, but his eyes looked pitiful, melting Jiang Yunqing’s heart. She held his face, kissed him a few times, and whispered, “Xiaosi, you mustn’t get sick. You have to take care of me and Mother.”
Whether he understood or not, Xiaosi tightened his embrace. The couple quietly nestled together for a while. Xiaosi took a sip of the honey water, and Jiang Yunqing quickly said, “Is it cold? Let me get some fresh hot water.”
Xiaosi held her hand, pouting at her. Jiang Yunqing didn’t understand until Xiaosi slowly moved closer, their lips meeting, and the warm, sweet honey water passed into her mouth. She froze, tears welling up as she gazed at Xiaosi. He looked happy and expectant, but seeing her stare at him, he frowned slightly, showing a bit of shyness.
Jiang Yunqing quickly grasped his hand, pressed it to her cheek, and whispered, “Xiaosi, my dear Xiaosi. You…” She didn’t know what to say. This was something a normal man would do for the woman he loved. She had never done this, nor taught him. She had only kissed him, and he had kissed her back, but it was just a peck, never such intimate gestures. Was he growing up? Or did he suddenly understand? Or perhaps someone taught him? She didn’t know, but she felt immense joy, her heart pounding wildly.
Xiaosi’s shyness disappeared with her actions. He gently kissed Jiang Yunqing’s face, lifted the cup, and offered it to her, pointing to her mouth and then to his. Xiaosi valued fairness. If he did something for her, he expected the same in return.
Jiang Yunqing took the cup, almost with a solemn expression, drank a mouthful of honey water, and then fed it to him. In the past, she had accompanied him with a playful attitude, but this time, she decided not to treat it as a game. She wanted to regard him as her husband and teach him those intimate things. He was like a blank sheet of paper, waiting for her to paint. Whether she painted flowers or grass, it was up to her.
After Xiaosi happily drank the honey water, Jiang Yunqing didn’t withdraw her lips. She embraced his neck and tentatively extended her tongue into his mouth, playfully teasing him. Xiaosi froze for a moment, then gripped her waist tightly, impatiently trying to advance. Jiang Yunqing firmly held his hand, signaling with her eyes that he needed to be more patient.
Gradually, Xiaosi calmed down. Sometimes he was obedient, and other times he was a mischievous troublemaker. He wouldn’t fully listen to his teacher but was eager for the teacher to teach him new ways. After a long while, Jiang Yunqing turned her head and took a deep breath, looking at him with a smile and whispering, “Xiaosi, this is something we can’t play with others. It’s just for the two of us when no one is around. Otherwise, people might bite your tongue off.” After thinking for a moment, she added, “If that happens, I won’t care about you anymore.”
Xiaosi frowned, contemplating for a long time before he heavily nodded. Then he stubbornly looked at her. Jiang Yunqing smiled slightly, “Of course, I won’t play this with anyone else.”
Satisfied, Xiaosi smiled, a smile as pure as a newborn baby.