Broad daylight had already passed the hour when ordinary households would rise, yet there was still no movement from the Lu family’s bridal chamber. Two or three maids and elderly servants stood far along the courtyard corridor, waiting to serve once the occupants awoke. These were Ming Shu’s people, well-trained in proper etiquette – they wouldn’t approach the main chamber half a step without being summoned.
The sun slanted through the carved window patterns. Birds perched on the window frames, undisturbed by any sound.
This tranquility seemed especially precious after yesterday’s wedding clamor.
The room remained dim, the dragon and phoenix candles burned down to thick pools of wax. The room still held the lingering scent of yesterday’s lily incense, mixed with a subtle warm fragrance. The bed curtains hung half-dropped, half-lifted, vaguely revealing sleeping figures within.
The thin quilt that had fallen to the floor had somehow been retrieved and covered their bodies. Though May was growing warm, especially with two people sharing the bed, the quilt had been kicked half off, only covering their waists and chests. Lu Chang was already awake, his eyes slightly open, gaze lingering on the face beside him on the pillow, his hand holding a handful of her long hair. Ming Shu was still sleeping, her head resting on his arm, her porcelain pillow and welcome pillow both kicked to the foot of the bed, one trapped beneath her leg.
The hour was indeed early, but Lu Chang had no intention of waking her.
By custom, they should pay their respects to Madam Zeng and Wei Zhuo today, but Madam Zeng had already sent word that they could come afternoon.
Seeing Ming Shu sleeping so soundly, Lu Chang worried she might not wake even by afternoon and was considering whether to send someone to inform Madam Zeng when the person in his arms stirred, unwinding her hand from his waist and making two cat-like murmurs.
They had slept very late last night. In her drowsy state, she seemed to remember hearing a rooster crow, but by then she could no longer argue with Lu Chang about the time. She only knew that he was holding her, whispering in her ear: “It’ll be over soon… Ming Shu, stay with me a little longer…”
Quick? Not at all.
Ming Shu was so annoyed she bit him.
Her consciousness jumped between drowsiness and pleasure; she wanted to sleep, but her body was quite honest…
From initial awkwardness to later addiction, some things only men knew how to enjoy.
In her daze, Ming Shu thought Lu Chang was a scoundrel – it was bad enough that he was improper in bed, but how dare he corrupt her too?
“Awake?” Lu Chang didn’t know her thoughts, only seeing the alluring expression at the corners of her eyes and brows, nearly dripping with charm.
His shoulder still bore the mark of her fierce bite, making two marks counting the one she’d left on his neck earlier.
Ming Shu froze slightly – such a morning, such an embrace, felt like an absurd dream.
While she was lost in thought, Lu Chang’s hand had already gently threaded through the hair at the back of her head and then stroked down her neck. She jolted awake, springing up from the bed and snatching away the quilt that had covered them both, wrapping it around herself.
This left her safely covered, but Lu Chang…
She gave a small cry of surprise, covering her eyes with both hands. The night was one thing, but now it was daytime.
Lu Chang remembered when they first came to the capital, staying at a small inn where he was bathing in the kitchen when she suddenly burst in, covering her eyes just like this, unable to look. He laughed out loud. Hearing his laugh, Ming Shu peeked through her fingers at him, not daring to look elsewhere, only at his shoulders and above, though occasionally her gaze couldn’t help but slip down a little.
He was handsome, and his body was quite enticing.
Lu Chang laughed even louder, suddenly pulling her into his embrace and capturing her lips in a kiss without warning.
The birds perched on the window frame flew away in startled flutters.
————
Madam Zeng ultimately couldn’t wait for their afternoon visit and had to dine with Wei Zhuo alone.
She felt somewhat dejected: “My daughter has been stolen away.”
Her dear little cotton jacket had become someone else’s confidante.
“The one who stole your daughter is your son,” Wei Zhuo consoled her, then asked, “Should we… send someone to hurry them?”
“There’s no need, they must be exhausted from yesterday.” Madam Zeng quickly shook her head, “I just worry that Lu Chang… might not know restraint.”
Thinking that Lu Chang was already twenty-four and had never had a girl by his side, now newly married and having tasted pleasure, what if he went overboard? Ming Shu would be the one to suffer.
“Don’t worry needlessly, Lu Chang knows his limits. Given their feelings, I’m sure in ten months our family will have cause for celebration.” Wei Zhuo saw she had finished eating and called for servants to clear the dishes.
At this suggestion, Madam Zeng’s face broke into a smile.
“You shouldn’t worry so much, they’re not children anymore.” Wei Zhuo waved for everyone to leave the room.
As the door closed, leaving only faint daylight in the room, Wei Zhuo stood behind Madam Zeng and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Don’t be naughty, we’re in the children’s home,” Madam Zeng’s face slowly reddened.
“How so? Lu Chang’s home is our home now? Besides, they have their business, we have ours – they’re completely unrelated, what’s the problem?” Wei Zhuo whispered.
Madam Zeng’s face grew even redder.
And so, Ming Shu’s second-day wedding visit was delayed from morning until evening, becoming a family dinner instead.