Chunniang, accompanied by the hostess’s wife, brought in hot water. Lady Yu was fond of cleanliness. Although she wouldn’t be as particular about her routines while traveling as she was at home, given the bitter cold during their journey, Chunniang would always bring hot water every night before retiring so she could wash and soak her feet, ensuring a good night’s sleep.
Tonight, having unexpectedly encountered her husband, Chunniang naturally prepared more. Fortunately, the host’s place was an inn, making it convenient to boil water. After preparing everything, she waited quietly outside. Finally hearing the call for water from within the room, she hurried to bring it in.
The hosts, aware of the couple’s high status and having been generously paid, did their utmost to serve them. Under Chunniang’s direction, the hostess called her daughter-in-law to help, and they quickly carried the large bucket of hot water into the room. Upon entering, they saw a young woman standing, her inner garments visibly disheveled, with only a carelessly draped small shawl of pink flowered silk covering her shoulders. On her feet were a pair of purple thick-soled embroidered shoes. She was stunningly beautiful, with loosened hair, flushed cheeks as if intoxicated, and eyes brimming with what seemed like unshed tears.
Even as a woman herself, the hostess was captivated, unable to look away for a moment. Glimpsing the half-drawn bed curtains, she saw the male guest seemingly lying on the bed with his back turned. Two black boots lay scattered on the floor, with clothes in disarray at the foot of the bed. Not daring to look further, she quickly lowered her head and retreated.
Chunniang, however, was accustomed to such scenes. Without so much as a sideways glance, she set out all of Xiao Qiao’s items before quietly exiting, closing the door behind her.
Xiao Qiao bolted the door and called out to Wei Shao on the bed, “Get up! The water’s here!”
Wei Shao had been longing for her since he set out to campaign in Shangdang. After many twists and turns, he was finally able to see her tonight and hold her in his arms. To say he was desperately thirsty for her would be an understatement. Just as things were getting passionate, she had forcefully stopped him, greatly dampening his spirits. Hearing her voice, he rolled over, sprawling on his back with his hands crossed behind his head, looking at her languidly as he said, “Come help me.”
Xiao Qiao retorted, “Stay filthy then. Don’t think about touching me.” She turned away, drawing the curtain, and began to cleanse herself with the hot water. Unexpectedly, Wei Shao yanked the curtain open. He had somehow stripped completely naked, not bothering to cover himself, standing before her with his manhood proudly displayed. He brazenly said, “I was wounded while searching for you, stabbed by your sister’s husband no less. Won’t you attend to me?”
Xiao Qiao had already seen that the wound on his arm was merely a few inches long, a flesh wound. Compared to his previous battlefield injuries, it was as insignificant as a drizzle. Yet he dared to use it to manipulate her. She wanted to spit in his face but remembered that he had indeed gone through trouble to reach her. Feeling a touch of gratitude, she merely pinched the skin of his fingernail before helping him wash.
Enjoying his beauty’s ministrations, Wei Shao felt thoroughly comfortable, all the frustrations from his journey dissipating. Starting from the top, he embraced her, kissing and caressing her up and down, infuriating Xiao Qiao who jumped about, her coquettish protests unceasing. Amidst their playful tussle, they finally finished washing, and Wei Shao eagerly carried her back to bed.
The pine wood bed frame in the room began to creak gently. At first, the sound was as thin as a thread, alternating between taut and loose. Gradually, it became like the patter of night rain, a continuous trickle. Soon, it was creaking and groaning, earth-shattering, almost making one worry it might collapse under the strain at any moment. Fortunately, it endured, and with a final series of heart-stopping creaks, accompanied by Xiao Qiao’s intermittent cries of ecstasy, overwhelmed by his passion, the first wave of their lovemaking finally subsided.
Wei Shao, young and vigorous, had been yearning for his beloved for so long that he could hardly be satisfied with just one round. After a brief rest with their necks entwined, he was aroused once more. He kissed and caressed her jade-like body, then took her delicate hand and placed it on himself, encouraging her to pleasure him.
Xiao Qiao, no stranger to these encounters, knew his beastly nature well and hadn’t expected him to be satisfied with just one time. Half shy and half coy, she allowed his antics, keeping her eyes closed.
Wei Shao recalled how she had turned to look at him earlier that night, her round, dark eyes wide with surprise, looking utterly adorable and pitiful. He longed for her to open her eyes now and watch how he cherished her. But she kept her eyes shut, her long lashes quivering slightly, her pretty pink face turned away. Though her coy demeanor was alluring, he felt unsatisfied. His breathing became heavy as he continuously kissed her eyelids and nibbled on her earlobes, listening to her soft whimpers. He hoarsely asked, “What do I need to do for Manman to open her eyes and look at me?”
Xiao Qiao’s jade arms clung to his broad back, shaking her head persistently, refusing to open her eyes.
Wei Shao coldly said, “If you don’t open your eyes, I’ll be angry.”
Xiao Qiao whimpered, “What will you do if you’re angry?”
Wei Shao paused, then whispered in her ear, enunciating each word, “You asked for it! I won’t ask you to open your eyes anymore!”
…
Later, after who knows how many rounds, when Xiao Qiao was being tormented by Wei Shao, who held her waist from behind, her tears and pleas for mercy proving futile, she finally and painfully learned a crucial lesson.
Wei Shao was a beast.
And not just any beast, but a petty, vengeful one who wouldn’t even allow her to close her eyes during their intimate moments!
…
Outside, all was pitch black, with wind and snow intermingling. Boats were moored on both banks, and the great river was frozen over.
Yet inside this humble room at the Wuchao ancient ferry inn, warmth pervaded, and an endless spring seemed to bloom.
…
Xiao Qiao was utterly exhausted. As soon as Wei Shao finally finished, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Unbeknownst to her, she began to snore softly, just like the cat they kept in the north room.
Wei Shao woke early the next morning, as was his habit. He awoke to the sound of her gentle snoring.
In the early winter morning, the sky outside the window was still pitch black.
The low-ceilinged room built of yellow mud was also very dark.
Yet Wei Shao felt as if he were lying in the most luxurious of chambers, with no desire to rise.
The bedding was warm and cozy. His beloved woman was curled up against his chest, sleeping soundly, making soft, cat-like snores.
It was utterly adorable.
Wei Shao couldn’t help but move closer, embracing her and resting his chin on her forehead before closing his eyes once more.
…
When Xiao Qiao woke, well-rested, it was already noon the next day. Wei Shao was no longer in bed. She could faintly hear footsteps and voices coming from the main hall in front.
She was helped to dress by Chunniang. Wei Shao returned from outside.
The hosts also sent in specially prepared, clean food from their small kitchen.
There was a plate of ferns, a plate of shepherd’s purse, and a plate of beans. There was also a carp. The millet rice was served in a large earthen bowl. Along with a dining table, everything was neatly brought in.
Such a meal was already the best the common folk like their hosts could provide.
Last night’s efforts had not been in vain. Xiao Qiao’s status had finally improved enough to sit and dine opposite Wei Shao.
As she ate, Xiao Qiao occasionally glanced at the man across from her.
The more time she spent with Wei Shao, the more Xiao Qiao noticed another of his traits: while he was a beast in bed, once he was dressed and out of it, he became proper and rule-abiding.
It was the same now.
She didn’t know what he had been up to early in the morning while she was still asleep. In any case, after being gone all morning, he now sat upright, eating his meal in a prim and proper manner.
Xiao Qiao’s legs were still sore from his torments the night before. Seeing him act as if nothing had happened, she kept stealing glances at him.
Wei Shao looked at her and used his chopsticks to place some fish in her bowl.
Xiao Qiao smiled at him, “Thank you, husband.”
Wei Shao grunted in acknowledgment, “Eat more. You’re too thin. It would be better if you put on some weight.”
Xiao Qiao stared at him.
“Why aren’t you eating?” Wei Shao raised an eyebrow at her.
Xiao Qiao, recalling his shameless behavior the night before when he had buried his face in her chest, biting and sucking, decided to forgive his unintentional offense. She lowered her head and finished all the food in her bowl, bite by bite.
After they finished eating and rinsed their mouths, the dining table was cleared away, and the hosts presented a plate of golden tangerines.
Wei Shao sat beside her on a thick mat by the window. Looking out, all they could see was the vast expanse of the frozen river.
Xiao Qiao, full from the meal, lazily leaned against Wei Shao’s shoulder, playing with a tangerine in her hand.
Wei Shao held her waist and said that early in the morning, he had sent someone to check on the Liuhe Ferry, a hundred li away from here, and was waiting for a report.
Xiao Qiao absent-mindedly hummed in response. She slowly began to peel the tangerine. A fresh, crisp citrus fragrance gradually filled the air between them.
“What are you thinking about? You’ve been lost in thought for a while,” Wei Shao asked softly, stroking her silky hair.
Since they definitely couldn’t leave today, Xiao Qiao hadn’t bothered to put up her long hair, only tying it in a loose braid at the back.
Xiao Qiao hesitated for a moment, then looked up at him and said, “Since crossing the river is inconvenient, why don’t we wait a few more days? To be honest, I’m a bit worried about my brother-in-law and the others in Lingbi. It’s closer here, so the news would travel faster…”
“You mean that green-eyed refugee leader?” Wei Shao’s tone immediately turned cold.
“If even Xue Tai can’t handle him, how could he possibly establish himself? Your worries are unnecessary.”
Xiao Qiao was slightly taken aback. She fell silent.
Wei Shao hugged her closer, his voice softening again, “Before I left that day, I also asked if he needed any assistance. He refused. So there should be no problems. You don’t need to worry.”
Xiao Qiao gave a soft “Mm” in response. “I understand.”
Wei Shao watched her for a moment, noticing her eyes lowered to the tangerine in her hand. After much internal debate, he finally said, “How about this? I have some acquaintance with Yang Xin. I’ll send him a message now. If the refugee leader is outmatched, I’ll have him go provide support. Would that put your mind at ease?”
Xiao Qiao didn’t have time to dwell on his repeated use of “refugee leader” to refer to Bi Zhi. Suddenly hearing him make such an offer, she looked up in surprise, her eyes wide with joy as she nodded vigorously. She then knelt up and hugged his neck, saying, “Husband, you’re so good to me.”
Wei Shao pretended to lean back, avoiding her embrace, and grumbled, “You still haven’t told me why you went to such lengths to travel south. Was it just to check on your aunt’s illness?”
Xiao Qiao’s heart skipped a beat, but her face remained smiling, “Of course, it was to check on my aunt’s illness. And also to visit my pregnant sister.”
Seeing him raise an eyebrow, still seemingly unconvinced, she peeled off a segment of the tangerine and fed it into his mouth. She then leaned in and kissed his lips.
His nose was filled with the fragrant aroma of tangerine and the softness and sweetness of her lips and tongue, offered to him of her own accord.
Wei Shao felt utterly intoxicated.