Big Sedan Chair

May 10th, 46th year of the Jia Yuan era of the Great Chu Dynasty.
Linping City, Yanghe County, the residence of Marquis Renxiao. The wedding day of his two sons,
one legitimate and one illegitimate. The legitimate son's wife is from the Liu family. Two large red lanterns hang high in front of the mansion, embroidered with the characters "auspicious" and "good fortune," festive and grand. The mansion is complete with pavilions and towers, clearly indicating a wealthy family. The double happiness characters on the windows are all different and exquisite, showing that Master Liu put a lot of thought into marrying off his daughter.
As the auspicious hour approaches, a plump woman, holding up the hem of her skirt, strides across the stone bridge over the lotus pond towards the young lady's boudoir.
"Oh, my young lady, hurry, the Chen family's bridal sedan chair is almost here!" The woman runs breathlessly into the young lady's boudoir.
"Mother!" Hearing that the bridal sedan chair is coming soon, Liu Yanxi, the young lady of the Liu family, has tears in her eyes. She hugs her mother tightly, overwhelmed with joy and reluctance at the thought of marrying. It's a difficult daughter's life.
"Xi'er, don't cry, or your makeup will be ruined." Madam Liu, dressed in deep purple brocade, couldn't bear to see her daughter cry, tenderly wiping away her tears.
"When we get to your husband's house, you must..." Before Madam Liu could finish, she was interrupted by a loud voice.
"Oh dear, my lady, why haven't you put on your veil yet? Hurry up! The Chen family's bridal sedan chair is probably already at the gate. What if we miss the auspicious time?"
"Alright, Matchmaker Liu, stop shouting. Let Xi'er go down now." Madam Liu was clearly displeased. Turning back to place the red veil on her daughter's head, she whispered in her ear, "The Chen family is a noble household, its affairs are complex and fraught with danger. Xi'er, you must be careful in your actions after entering the family."
"Yes, I understand. Mother, please don't worry." Liu Yanxi nodded obediently.
"Matchmaker Liu, I entrust Xi'er to you. Our Liu family will reward you handsomely after the matter is settled." Madam Liu said politely to Matchmaker Liu.
The matchmaker, Liu, who had been sulking, beamed with joy upon hearing of the generous reward, replying, "Madam Liu, don't worry. I, Liu, have never messed up a marriage before. Just wait and see." She then helped Liu Yanxi downstairs. "
Cuiyun, you're always clever. Now that you're marrying into the Chen family with Miss, you must protect her well," Madam Liu said, blessing the maid, Xiao Cuiyun, after they left.
"Cuiyun will, Madam, don't worry. Madam, Cuiyun is going now!" Xiao Cuiyun bowed to Madam Liu.
"Yes, go ahead." Madam Liu seemed preoccupied, her face clouded with worry. She truly didn't want to marry her daughter into an official's family, but her daughter was willing, and Marquis Chen had personally come to propose. How could parents refuse? Madam Liu watched the bridal sedan chair disappear into the distance, no longer seeking lasting wealth and status, only wishing for her daughter's lifelong peace and safety.
As the bridal sedan chair passed the Marriage Bridge, Fang Yuandao, the magistrate of Yanghe County, rushed to his daughter's boudoir. Today, besides the Liu family, the Fang family, the county magistrate's family, is also getting married in Yanghe County. Both families' daughters are marrying into the Renxiao Marquis's household, making it a great joy in Yanghe County.
The Fang family, though less wealthy than the Liu family, is still an official family with some power. Their wedding is quite elaborate, with the bridal sedan chair, wedding dress, and veil all modeled after the Liu family. The fact that
the Fang family's daughter has caught the eye of Marquis Chen's illegitimate son is a godsend for Magistrate Fang. The only drawback is that she's marrying an illegitimate son, falling short of the merchant Liu family, which leaves him somewhat resentful. However, thinking of the gambling debts, Magistrate Fang steeled his heart and agreed.
At this moment, the young lady and her wife in the Fang family's boudoir looked worried.
"Daughter," said Madam Fang, her eyes filled with anxiety, "this illegitimate son of the Chen family is still the son of a marquis. It's not a loss for our family either way. If you don't marry him, you'll have to marry Liu Zong from the gambling den. Are you willing?"
"Mother, Liu Zong and Chen Jiyun are both dissolute playboys. How could I possibly want to marry such a man?" Miss Fang Yuan of the Fang family cried, then continued, "That Chen Jiyun spends his days either visiting brothels or fooling around with his cronies. He's completely ignorant. Even if he were a prince, I wouldn't marry him." Fang Yuan raised her head and looked stubbornly at her mother.
Seeing her daughter's tearful appearance, Fang's mother felt heartbroken and sighed, "Yuan'er, I know I'm wronging you, but even if you don't marry Chen Jiyun, you can't escape Liu Zong! Your father owes over a thousand taels of silver from gambling. How can our family afford to pay it back? Once Liu Zong sues your father, the court will surely dismiss him if they find out about his official conduct! Your father's future will be ruined. If you still have to become a concubine in the Liu family without money to pay the debt, wouldn't that be even worse? If you marry into the Chen family, the dowry of two thousand taels will pay off your father's debt, and you'll at least be a legitimate wife!" Fang's mother also had tears in her eyes.
"Mother, is there really no other way?" Fang Yuan hugged her mother and cried.
"Why are you crying? Hurry up, the Liu family has already set off. We can't fall behind the Liu family." Magistrate Fang, who had just arrived, urged her upon seeing this.
"Father, I beg you, I don't want to marry!" Fang Yuan, dressed in her wedding gown, knelt before Magistrate Fang.
"Yuan'er, please save your father, save our Fang family. This marriage is a done deal, just marry him, I'm kneeling before you." As he spoke, Magistrate Fang was about to kneel down.
"Father!!!" Fang Yuan quickly helped Magistrate Fang up, "Father, I'll marry, I'll marry." At this moment, Fang Yuan was sobbing uncontrollably.
"Good daughter, good daughter, get up quickly, Madam, quickly go and find the matchmaker, send your daughter off to her wedding!" Magistrate Fang, seeing that his daughter had agreed, quickly made the arrangements.
After hearing this, Madam Fang held back her tears and covered her daughter's veil, then went downstairs and called the matchmaker.
As the onlookers on both sides of the street watched the Fang family's daughter being helped out, they all sighed, "Alas, Miss Fang is a beautiful flower stuck in cow dung."
"Alas, if you ask me, the Chen family's illegitimate son is quite lucky!"
Amidst the chatter of the crowd, the Fang family's bridal sedan chair proceeded towards the Chen residence, turning into Yong'an Street, where the Chen residence was located, together with the Liu family's bridal sedan chair that was coming from the opposite direction.
Just as the two bridal sedan chairs turned into Yong'an Street, a group of farmers chasing thieves disrupted the original order. In the chaos, the maids of the Fang and Liu families grabbed the wrong handrail of the bridal sedan chair. After the farmers chased the thieves far away, the wedding procession was reorganized, and the matchmakers of both families naturally stood beside the maids of the two families. The two families then headed to the Chen residence in a grand procession.
The Chen family mansion was filled with extraordinary joy at this moment. The two grooms stood before the gates, looking triumphant. A closer look revealed that although the younger brother was smaller than his elder brother, his joy was even greater. He was finally about to marry his beloved, and anyone would be overjoyed. Chen Jiyun clutched the red ribbon tied with a flower to her chest, her eyes fixed on the Fang family's bridal sedan chair. As soon as the sedan chair landed, she ran towards it, even carrying her bride on her back, while her brother, Chen Jilong, was still kicking the sedan chair door.
Chen Jiyun, the illegitimate son of the Marquis Renxiao, happily carried her bride back to the front hall. The Marquis, his wife, and her mother were already waiting. She nodded joyfully to everyone, but when she looked at her mother, her mother didn't even glance at her. Therefore, she stood nervously to the side, head bowed, saying nothing. Only after her brother, Chen Jilong, carried the bride to the front hall did she react. Hearing the steward announce the first bow to heaven and earth, she felt like she was dreaming. Yes, only in dreams would she be able to perform the wedding ceremony with the young lady of the Fang family.
"Second bow to the parents."
"Husband and wife bow to each other."
"The ceremony is complete, escort them to the bridal chamber."
After performing the grand ceremony, Chen Jiyun composed herself and led her bride to the west courtyard, while Chen Jilong led her to the east courtyard.
Today, those who came to congratulate Chen Jiyun were all people who fawned over Lord Chen. She had forbidden her three close friends from coming, firstly because she was afraid they would cause a ruckus and delay the wedding night, and secondly because she was afraid of arousing suspicion from her elder brother and others. At this moment, Chen Jiyun's mind was entirely on her bride. After staying in the front hall for a while and casually drinking some wine, she secretly slipped out. She hurriedly rushed to the bridal chamber, panting heavily when she reached the door. After calming down, she gently pushed open the door and saw that only her bride was in the room. She took small steps and carefully walked to her bride, her hands excitedly clutching the hem of her dress.
Heaven knows that she angered her mother to marry Fang Yuan, and heaven knows that she knelt at the door for a day and a night to beg her father to propose marriage. She excitedly wanted to lift the red veil, but remembering how Fang Yuan had never given her a kind look before, and knowing today was their wedding day, she couldn't ruin it. Since Fang Yuan had already married her, they could naturally enter the bridal chamber. Thinking this, Chen Jiyun withdrew his hand from lifting the veil. She slowly backed away, removed the lampshade, and blew out the lamp.
The darkness added to Liu Yanxi's already shyness and confusion. She clutched her skirt tightly, biting her lower lip, waiting for her husband's next move.
Chen Jiyun came to the bedside and pressed Liu Yanxi down onto the bed, kissing her neck—kissing not only his beloved wife but also the long-held stirrings in his heart.
Liu Yanxi lay beneath Chen Jiyun, her neck twisting restlessly as he kissed her. She wanted to ask her husband a question, but her girlish instincts kept her lips tightly shut. Slowly, she began to pant heavily, the red veil bobbing up and down on her lips, a sight that stirred Jiyun's heart. Seeing no resistance from the woman beneath him, he assumed Fang Yuan had accepted her. He quickly got up, removed his outer robe, and, sitting on the edge of the bed, kicked off his shoes, hastily stripping the bride of her clothes.
Chen Jiyun's hands caressed his wife's soft breasts, and she involuntarily let out a soft "Mmm~". This sound aroused Chen Jiyun; he desperately wanted to possess the woman beneath him, even though she knew she was a woman, even though her mother would be angry, even though it went against societal norms. But Chen Jiyun didn't care about any of that today. Life shouldn't be filled with so many worries. Tonight was their wedding night; he would make sure the woman beneath him was a hundred times happier in the future.
Chen Jiyun had been raised like a boy by his mother since childhood, so his courage was far greater than that of most women. He removed Yanxi's bodice and kissed that soft spot, finding that cherry-red nipple and sucking on it deeply. Yanxi felt her right side being kissed by her husband, while her left side was being held and played with by him. She shyly closed her eyes, biting her lower lip to try and hide her shameful cries. Unconsciously, Chen Jiyun's hand reached that sacred place. Lying there, Liu Yanxi felt the stimulation on her inner thighs and felt somewhat restless. She wanted her husband to hurry, but was ashamed to say it. After it became wet, Chen Jiyun excitedly probed deeper with his fingers.
"Ah!!!!!" Yanxi arched her body, stimulated by Jiyun's actions.
Jiyun only felt that his wife's voice was even more beautiful tonight, so he kissed the delicate lips of the person beneath him without thinking.
Liu Yanxi was now twisting her waist restlessly. Her face was flushed.
Lost in the midst of their passionate kiss, Chen Jiyun was captivated by the soft moans
of the woman beneath him. His kisses slid down to her delicate collarbone, while his hands lingered there, diligently exploring. "Ah!" Liu Yanxi bit down hard on his shoulder, but Chen Jiyun endured the pain, kissing behind her ear in comfort, his hands moving further inside her.
"Ugh... Ah!!!!" With a scream, Liu Yanxi arched her back, and the two fell onto the bed. After a moment, Chen Jiyun began to move his fingers, Liu Yanxi's breasts bobbing up and down with the increasing speed of his fingers, the sounds of their climax filling the bridal chamber. After Liu Yanxi climaxed once more, Chen Jiyun held her in his arms, kissing his wife's forehead, and soon drifted off to sleep with a satisfied smile.
Liu Yanxi, exhausted from her first time, fell asleep with her head on Ji Yun's arm. A slight smile played on her lips as she utterly failed to realize she'd entered the wrong bridal chamber. The man she'd just consummated her marriage with was her brother-in-law, and the satisfied man was unaware that the one she'd shared a night of passion with wasn't her sweetheart but her newlywed sister-in-law. The bridal chamber was in complete chaos tonight.
Chapter Two
: "Ah!!!" A scream echoed throughout the Chen mansion. The main door of the west courtyard burst open, and Ji Yun, the second young master of the Chen family, ran out of the bridal chamber, disheveled and shouting. His voice was deafening.
The servants exchanged bewildered glances, wondering what the second young master was yelling about so early in the morning.
Fang's maid, Xiao Juan, saw her young master running into the courtyard shouting incessantly. Thinking her mistress had been bullied, she rushed into the room and immediately went to the bedside, calling through the curtain, "Miss, Miss, are you alright?"
Liu Yanxi, already awakened by Ji Yun's shouts, found no one beside her and asked, bewildered, "Xiao Cui, where's the young master? Who's shouting outside so early in the morning? They have no manners at all."
Xiao Juan froze by the bedside, secretly shocked. 'This voice doesn't sound like my mistress's. She...she called me Xiao Cui...could it be...could it be...?' Xiao Juan tremblingly reached out and pulled back the bed curtains.
"Ah!!!"
"Ah!!!" Two screams rang out before the main room fell silent.
All the servants and maids in the courtyard turned their gazes from the second young master to the main room, puzzled as to what was going on so early in the morning.
Upon seeing Liu Yanxi, Xiao Juan screamed and collapsed to the ground. Liu Yanxi, lying on the bed, tightly wrapped the blanket around her chest, her brows furrowed. After calming down slightly, she asked, "Who...who are you? What are you doing here?"
"Reporting to...Miss, I am a maid from the Fang family. This...this is my young lady and her husband's bridal chamber."
"What!!! What did you say? Where is this?" Upon hearing "Young lady of the Fang family," Liu Yanxi had a bad feeling.
"This is the west courtyard of the Chen residence," Xiao Juan answered timidly.
"What! The west courtyard?" Liu Yanxi retorted, as if all her strength had been drained away. She fell straight onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Hearing the shouts, Lord Chen and Chen Jiyun's mother, who were fast asleep, hurriedly ran to the west courtyard, throwing on their clothes. Upon reaching the west courtyard, they saw Chen Jiyun hiding behind a paulownia tree, yelling at the top of his lungs. Lord Chen, enraged, roared, "You unfilial son! What are you yelling about so early in the morning? I married you to Miss Fang, why aren't you settling down? What are you doing now? When will you ever be like your brother? You're driving me crazy!" Lord Chen took off his shoes and walked towards Chen Jiyun.
Hearing his father's voice, Chen Jiyun, who was yelling, opened his mouth and looked at Lord Chen with a surprised expression.
"Today I'm going to teach you a lesson, you unfilial son!" He then slapped Chen Jiyun twice with his shoe, continuing, "You little beast, don't think your father is unaware of family affairs just because he's on the frontier. Go out and listen to what others say about you, and what they say about your brother! Why can't you learn your lesson? Your father risked his reputation to beg Magistrate Fang for your hand in marriage, and what did you do? You caused trouble on your wedding day! Get back to your bridal chamber! If you dare bully your wife, I'll beat you to death with this shoe!" Still not satisfied, he raised his shoe to strike Chen Jiyun.
"Oh dear, sir, what's going on? Yun'er just got married yesterday! How can you hit him on his wedding day? It's so unlucky!" The matriarch of the Chen family, who had come to watch the commotion, quickly pulled Chen Houye back.
"The child is still young, we can teach him slowly later. Don't you think so, sister?" Before Chen Jiyun's mother could speak, Lord Chen became furious, looking at Chen Jiyun and saying, "Still young, yet already married!!! If this unfilial son were even half as good as Long'er, I could die in peace. What are you still standing there for? Get back now!"
"Father, I can't go back." Chen Jiyun stood up, tugging at her clothes and muttering softly.
At this moment, Chen's mother, who had been silent all along, became suspicious. She knew her daughter well. Although the rumors outside were said to be deliberately orchestrated by her and her mother, her daughter genuinely liked that Miss Fang. The fact that she didn't seem happy at this moment made her very suspicious.
Just as Lord Chen was about to put on his shoes, he was immediately enraged and shouted, "You unfilial son! What do you want to do? I've already asked for Miss Fang for you, what more could you want?"
"Father, I'll tell you, please don't get agitated," Chen Jiyun cleared his throat and whispered, "The one inside isn't Fang Yuan, it's me, uh, me, my sister-in-law."
Although Chen Jiyun's voice was soft, everyone present heard it clearly. After a moment of surprise, the crowd grew anxious, except for Chen's mother, who wore a slight smile. Could it be fate? She had met Miss Liu. If Yun'er was determined to be with a woman, then Liu Yanxi was undoubtedly more suitable than Fang Yuan. If heaven had ordained her to have a daughter-in-law, then Liu Yanxi was the only one she favored in the entire county. Thinking this, Chen's mother slowly breathed a sigh of relief.
Master Chen was pacing anxiously, glaring at Chen Jiyun, his face flushed, and asked, "Is what you're saying true? Have you... have you done that?"
"Uh, this, this..." Jiyun blushed, a rare sight for her father.
"Zhang Ma, go in and see what's going on, then come back and report to Master and me." The equally anxious Madam Chen made a quick decision.
"Yes, Madam." Zhang Ma rushed into the main room. Seeing Xiao Juan sprawled on the floor, he understood what was going on. He tiptoed to the bed curtains and saw Liu Yanxi, who looked dazed. He inwardly scoffed, then reached out and pulled back the covers slightly. Seeing the bloodstains, he hurriedly returned to report.
Having confirmed the news, Master Chen steadied himself and instructed the steward, "Go check on the eldest young master. Also, have them come to the front hall to see me. And have Cuiyun come and help her young lady with her toilette. When she's done, she should come to the front hall too." With that, he turned and left.
Seeing Master Chen leave, Madam Chen glared at Chen Jiyun and stormed off as well.
"Oh, Fang Yuan is someone else's wife now!" Madam Chen teased Jiyun after everyone had left.
"Mother, please help me! I want Fang Yuan, not that Miss Liu. You know I never dared to look at her before; I was terrified of her."
"What are you afraid of? Miss Liu is the most talented woman. Tell me, has she ever hit you?"
"No." Chen Jiyun shook his head. They'd never even exchanged a word before, let alone hit each other.
"Has she ever scolded you?"
"No." Chen Jiyun thought for a moment and shook his head again.
"Then what are you afraid of? I know you, you just want that Miss Fang." Chen's mother became very serious.
"I think I can get along with Miss Fang. That Miss Liu seems so serious; she...she'll definitely be hard to get along with." Chen Jiyun felt particularly miserable thinking about living with Liu Yanxi in the future. That woman who always had books in her hands seemed so boring.
"A wife should be virtuous, not someone you marry just for fun. With your temperament, you've been frequenting brothels and have probably forgotten most of what you learned in your youth. It just so happens that Miss Liu is well-educated and knowledgeable, and she can help you catch up on what you've forgotten over the years. Recently, there's been peace on the border, and I think your father will stay at home. The eldest branch of the family won't cause any trouble. From now on, you should settle down, prepare for the imperial examinations, and get a degree so you can leave the Marquis's mansion as soon as possible. Otherwise, when your eldest brother inherits the title, will you still be alive?"
"Mother, but..." Chen Jiyun turned her head and looked around, lowering her voice, "Isn't it inappropriate for a girl like me to marry Miss Liu?"
Upon hearing this, Chen's mother raised her eyebrows and said, "When you asked your father to propose marriage, why didn't you say that you're a girl and that marrying Miss Fang wouldn't be appropriate?"
"Mother~~" Chen Jiyun, unusually girlish, shook her mother's hand and said coquettishly, "Mother, I like Fang Yuan. I begged Father so much, but it was that damned Liu Zong who wanted to take Miss Fang as a concubine because Magistrate Fang owed him money. How could I bear it!"
"But I like Miss Liu. She is learned and knowledgeable, and she can keep you in check!"
"Mother! It's up to you to choose a wife! Who wants a wife who can keep them in check and is also better than them!" Chen Jiyun pouted unhappily.
"Yesterday you married Miss Fang, and I didn't say anything. Last night, it wasn't me who made you mistake your wife for someone else and go to the wrong bed! I don't care about your usual nonsense, but you must have basic morals. Miss Liu has already been defiled by you. You should decide what to do! I don't want my daughter to be heartless, irresponsible, or even lack the courage to take responsibility!" After scolding her, Chen's mother left the west courtyard.
"Mother!" Chen Jiyun called out mournfully. Seeing her mother walk away, she helplessly ran to the study to change her clothes. She dared not enter the bridal chamber at this moment; she still couldn't believe that the woman she had shared a bed with last night was such a woman. Just thinking about it made her tremble.
When Chen Jiyun finally made her way to the front hall, the whole family was already there, waiting for her. She stood cautiously to one side, secretly glancing at Liu Yanxi, who sat expressionless, lost in thought. She then secretly turned to look at Fang Yuan, who was pursing her lips, a hint of joy in her eyes. Chen Jiyun lowered her head, sullen and unhappy. She feared Fang Yuan would no longer be her bride.
Upon seeing Chen Jiyun, Lord Chen, his old face grim, said, "This matter has truly troubled me. Long'er, you must already know that although you were drunk last night and didn't consummate the marriage, your brother, that beast, has already married Xi'er. Since things have come to this, there's no other way. I, as your father, will arrange for Xi'er to marry your brother, and Yuan'er to marry you. Do you have any complaints?"
"Father, I have no complaints. I'll leave it to you." Hearing this, Chen Jilong was furious, but then he thought that Liu Yanxi was no longer a virgin, while Fang Yuan's father was a county magistrate and a virgin. There was no reason for Chen Jiyun to take all the benefits.
Hearing Chen Jilong's words, Liu Yanxi trembled, biting her lower lip and remaining silent, tears welling in her eyes. After all, she was no longer a virgin, and she had no grounds for complaint about being jilted.
"Hmm, my son is so understanding. I am very pleased," Lord Chen stroked his beard and nodded slightly. He then turned to Liu Yanxi: "Xi'er!"
Upon hearing Lord Chen call her, Liu Yanxi quickly stood up.
"Sit, sit, Xi'er, you can sit. I know this matter has wronged you, and it's my fault for failing to raise my son properly. But it's a fact that you and Yun'er have completed the rites of marriage, so don't
blame me for this arrangement. But don't worry, if that rebellious son dares to bully you, I will not let him off easily." "Xi'er wouldn't dare, I'll leave it to Your Lordship to decide." Liu Yanxi stood up , bowed, and suppressed
her grievances. "Alright, alright, then it's settled." Lord Chen felt much more relaxed. "Steward, go and fetch some tea. I've spent my life on the battlefield, and today I can finally drink my daughter-in-law's tea."
Hearing her father say this, Chen Jiyun reacted, turning to look at her mother. Seeing her mother giving her a wink, she pursed her lips and could only acquiesce. After all, he had taken her virginity, and as a woman herself, she knew what that meant; even if she was terrified and resisted, she had no choice but to accept it.
"Yes, sir." The steward obeyed and went to instruct the maid.
The two young couples knelt before Lord Chen, each holding a cup of tea. Lord Chen accepted the tea with a smile, and after drinking the tea offered by Liu Yanxi, he took out red envelopes. One for Chen Jilong and one for Fang Yuan, but when it came to Chen Jiyun and Liu Yanxi, Lord Chen placed both red envelopes together and handed them to Liu Yanxi.
"Xi'er, keep these for yourself, don't give them to this scoundrel." Hearing this, Chen Jiyun looked at the red envelopes with resentment. 'How is it all my fault? I entered my own bridal chamber, okay? It wasn't me who slept in the wrong bed.' But she could only think these words in her heart; she dared not say them aloud.
After offering tea to Lord Chen, Chen Jiyun went to his mother, while Chen Jilong led Fang Yuan to the head aunt of the Chen family. Liu Yanxi glanced at Chen Jiyun with a puzzled look, hesitated for a moment, and then went to Chen's mother as well. After all, her current status was awkward, and following Chen Jiyun wouldn't be too wrong. After offering tea, Liu Yanxi was still wondering—shouldn't a son from a concubine offer tea to the head aunt first? But being new
to the place, she only thought about it. Chen's mother, seeing this, nodded secretly, thinking she was sensible. She lovingly took her daughter-in-law's hand and smiled affectionately at Yanxi, a smile brimming with the affection of an elder for a younger generation. Understanding this, Yanxi's tense mood eased slightly. After all, with such a mother, even the most wicked son from a concubine couldn't be too bad. However, she still strongly opposed this marriage.
Chapter 3
After dinner, Lord Chen and his entourage left. Chen Jilong also got up and led Fang Yuan to the east courtyard. Fang Yuan acted like a spoiled girl, which made Chen Jiyun feel very uncomfortable. In the past, Fang Yuan would either ignore her or speak harshly to her. Where was this demeanor? Chen Jiyun stared intently at their clasped hands, her heart aching like it was being scratched by cat claws. Others only knew that her brother was humble and polite, but she had truly experienced his wickedness and cruelty. How could she sit idly by and watch her former beloved fall into the tiger's den? Even though she knew that she and Fang Yuan were not destined to be together in this life, she still hoped that Fang Yuan would marry well.
"Xi'er, come with your mother." After everyone had left, Chen's mother glanced at Chen Jiyun and pulled her daughter-in-law away.
Only then did Chen Jiyun remember that her real wife was sitting beside her. She couldn't help but recall the passionate night they had shared, and the lingering feeling instantly overwhelmed her. Her heart churned. Looking up, she saw her mother leading her wife away. Her heart instinctively wanted to follow, so she hurriedly lifted her robe and ran after them.
"Stop! What are you doing here? We're having a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law talk. Go somewhere cool and stay there!" Chen's mother raised her hand to block Chen Jiyun's view as they approached the door. Hearing this, Chen Jiyun naturally looked at Liu Yanxi, their eyes meeting briefly before quickly looking away. Liu Yanxi turned her head to the side, silent, thinking to herself, "What a pity for such a beautiful face, but a heart full of filth."
Chen Jiyun also became very awkward, her face flushed with embarrassment. No matter how often she frequented brothels, she was still a woman at heart, and seeing Liu Yanxi so close made her blush.
Mother Chen glanced at the two of them and nodded to herself, saying, "Xi'er, come in quickly." With a kind expression, she pulled her daughter-in-law into the house without even glancing at her daughter.
Seeing that her mother truly wouldn't let her in, Chen Jiyun paced outside, suddenly remembering that Chen Jilong had taken Fang Yuan back to the east courtyard. Without thinking, she ran towards the east courtyard.
"Xi'er, are you annoyed that I'm calling you like this?" Mother Chen asked Liu Yanxi as soon as she entered the house.
"I wouldn't dare, as long as Mother-in-law is happy." Liu Yanxi was now completely devoid of her usual business acumen and confidence; she was cautious and afraid of making another mistake.
"Xi'er, if I'm not mistaken, you're extremely unhappy right now, aren't you?" Mother Chen sat down and stared at Liu Yanxi.
"Mother-in-law is overthinking it." Liu Yanxi was now dealing with a completely unfamiliar mother-in-law; how could she dare to speak her true feelings to her?
"Whether you're overthinking it or not isn't important. What's important is what Xi'er thinks. Xi'er, let me give you a hypothetical scenario; sit down and listen." With that, she pulled Liu Yanxi down to sit.
"Assuming you haven't entered the wrong bridal chamber, and you're still the eldest daughter-in-law of the Chen family, the title of Marquis will definitely be inherited by Ji Long in the future. Do you think the future Marquis will allow his wife to show her face in public and do business with others?" Chen's mother paused here, carefully observing Liu Yanxi's reaction. Seeing that Liu Yanxi seemed a little dazed, she continued, "If Ji Long wants to take a concubine in the future, will his mother side with her son or with you, his daughter-in-law? At that time, will you stop him or accept it? Do you think you can control your life after marriage?" After Chen's mother finished speaking, she saw Liu Yanxi twisting her hands together, clearly indicating that Chen's mother's words had an effect.
“But Yun’er is different. She is my own daughter. Others may not know her, but I know her well. I believe that with Xi’er’s wisdom, she will not have difficulty distinguishing the truth from falsehood in the future. Besides, given Xi’er’s strength in the business world, Yun’er is definitely more suitable for you than Ji Long. Don’t be fooled by Yun’er’s usual carefree attitude and seemingly unapproachable nature. She’s just a paper tiger, a bully who only dares to bully the weak. She will definitely not bully you.” Seeing Liu Yanxi remain silent, Chen’s mother knew that her daughter-in-law was already struggling internally. She was just a young girl who only wanted to marry a suitable and talented man, and she had no idea about the various troubles that would arise after marriage.
"Xi'er, don't worry. If Yun'er dares to have any thoughts of taking a concubine, I will definitely not forgive her. She can only have you, Xi'er, in this life. Of course, if Xi'er wants to marry a talented man, now, I'm afraid there's only one way. Xi'er is so intelligent, I'm sure you know how to discipline your husband." Liu Yanxi raised her head upon hearing this, secretly observing Chen's mother. At this moment, she couldn't help but admire the woman in front of her. If she were to marry Chen Jilong smoothly, given her personality, her future days would probably not be easy. She secretly pondered that since she was already done with it, there really was no other way. Since her mother-in-law said so, she would probably protect her if she really quarreled with Chen Jiyun. In that case, why not be bold and give it a try?
"What do you mean by disciplining your husband, Mother?" Yanxi stood up and looked directly into Chen's mother's eyes as she asked.
"You can hit or scold me as you please, as long as no one dies, I won't interfere. If Yun'er is not satisfied, let her come to me. Do whatever you want." Chen's mother also looked back at her daughter-in-law without showing any weakness.
"Mother's words have enlightened me. Mother, please accept my bow. I thank you for your love and guidance." With that, she gave a proper bow to Mother Chen.
Mother Chen accepted Yan Xi's bow respectfully. In her opinion, she was fully entitled to it. Since her daughter-in-law wanted to bow, she, as the mother-in-law, couldn't lose face. Although she had drunk her daughter-in-law's tea in the front hall, only she and Yan Xi knew that this bow truly confirmed their mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship.
"Well, if you encounter any difficulties in the future, just come to me. Remember, don't spoil Yun'er too much. I think you understand what I mean, right?" Mother Chen's eyes were full of teasing.
Liu Yanxi, being exceptionally intelligent, naturally understood what Chen's mother was referring to. She guessed her mother-in-law had noticed the mark on her neck. Blushing, she said, "Mother is absolutely right. I will remember this. If we ever quarrel about this, can I ask my husband to come and reason with you, Mother?"
"Uh! This? Cough, that depends on your skills, Yanxi. How can you reduce the frequency of intercourse while ensuring Yun'er has no complaints? With your intelligence, Yanxi must have plenty of ways." Chen's mother secretly thought Liu Yanxi was no ordinary woman. Most women would have been speechless with embarrassment, but her daughter-in-law, though also blushing, remained calm and even managed to put her in a difficult position. Even Chen's mother was almost overwhelmed, let alone her daughter.
"Yes, Yanxi will certainly not disappoint Mother. I'll go back to my room now." Saying this, she bowed to Chen's mother.
"Hmm, Yun'er must have been keeping you busy last night. You must be tired. Go back and rest." Chen's mother acted like a kind mother-in-law.
Upon hearing this, Liu Yanxi's heart instantly surged, her face flushing even more than before. However, she suppressed her shyness, gave Chen's mother a faint smile, and walked towards the door, her hand resting on the latch. "I suppose Mother used to try every means to reduce our sexual activity while still keeping the Marquis happy without complaint?" she said. Ignoring Chen's mother's surprised expression, she opened the door and left with elegant steps.
As a woman herself, she knew her mother-in-law had likely experienced what she had. Since her mother-in-law wasn't shy, why should she be? She couldn't let her mother-in-law look down on her; she had to present her best self. Even though she felt a slight pain down there, she would still walk back to her room with elegant steps and a composed smile.
"Cuiyun!" Back in the west courtyard, Yanxi saw Xiao Cui pacing anxiously in front of her room.
"Miss, you're finally back!" Cuiyun rushed over to her mistress and helped her into the room.
"Miss, what did the Marquis say?"
"He betrothed me to Chen Jiyun." Liu Yanxi took a sip of tea before speaking.
"What? He got off so easily, Miss? Should I go back to the manor and tell Master and Madam that the Chen family is bullying us too much?" In Cuiyun's heart, marrying a legitimate son was a blessing, after all, everything would belong to him in the future.
"Cuiyun. It's come to this, there's nothing the Marquis can do. I'm already Chen Jiyun's woman." Even though she had made up her mind, Liu Yanxi still felt terrible.
"What did the young master, oh no, what did Young Master Chen say? Did he accept it too?" Cuiyun was very anxious; she couldn't bear to see her young lady suffer.
"What can he do if he doesn't accept it? I'm no longer a virgin. Forget it." Liu Yanxi felt very sad when she thought of what Chen Jilong had said in the front hall this morning.
"Miss," Cuiyun saw her young lady was upset and didn't know how to comfort her.
"It's alright. By the way, where is he? Where did he go? Hasn't he come back?" Only then did Yanxi realize that her husband wasn't in the bridal chamber.
"Miss, are you talking about that Mr. Chen, uh, son-in-law?"
"Yes," Liu Yanxi was taken aback by Cuiyun's address before nodding. Yes, that man was her husband now, so what else could Cuiyun call him but son-in-law?
"Miss, I don't know either. I haven't seen the son-in-law come back. I thought he was with you!" Cuiyun felt increasingly sorry for her mistress. Her mistress was talented and beautiful; countless princes and noblemen would kill for her. She didn't appreciate the good fortune she had. At this time,
she should be by her mistress's side. "Okay, go back to the Liu residence and tell your parents what happened. Don't exaggerate. Just say I admit it. The son-in-law is actually a good person, not as bad as the rumors say. Do you understand?" Liu Yanxi had grown up with Cuiyun since childhood and knew her character well. If she didn't give her some advice, she was afraid that her parents would say how wronged she had been. She didn't want to cause her parents any distress after her marriage.
"Understood. Miss, I'll be right back." Cuiyun said, walking out.
"Mm." Seeing Cuiyun gone, Liu Yanxi finally dropped her forced smile. It would be a lie to say she wasn't sad; after all, she'd given her virginity to someone like that. It was her first time, but she wondered how many times that brothel-goer had done it. The more she thought about it, the more annoyed Liu Yanxi became. As a young girl, she dreamed of marrying a talented and handsome man, but now that man was so far from her ideal husband. For the first time, Liu Yanxi felt helpless. She realized that persuading a spoiled young master to become a respectable gentleman was far too difficult.
Chapter Four
: After running to the east courtyard, Chen Jiyun went straight to the window behind Chen Jilong's bridal chamber. She crouched under the window, racking her brains for a solution.
"Husband." Fang Yuan's voice rang out, making Chen Jiyun pause. The title of "husband" should have been hers. Suppressing her discomfort, Chen Jiyun looked up inside.
Chen Jilong and Fang Yuan sat side by side on the wedding bed, a picture of mutual affection that deeply stung Chen Jiyun's eyes.
"Wife, is it because you can't bear to part with my second brother?" Chen Jilong asked, displeased that Fang Yuan had stopped him from undressing her.
"No, no, husband, I've never loved him. It was all his wishful thinking. My father owed Liu Zong money, and Liu Zong forced me to marry her as a concubine. I had no choice but to agree to marry Chen Jiyun," Fang Yuan hurriedly explained, realizing Chen Jilong had misunderstood her.
"Indeed, my second brother is lecherous and incompetent, and his friends are all good-for-nothings. It's just a pity about Miss Liu," Chen Jilong sighed.
"You really never loved me at all? Am I really that worthless in your eyes?" Chen Jiyun, listening from behind the window, felt a pang of bitterness. Was this the assessment he'd received after all their interactions? If it weren't for my reluctance to see you marry into the Liu family as a concubine, why would I have knelt all night just to save you from this calamity? But I never imagined that after escaping one tiger's mouth, you'd fall into another! Chen Jiyun suddenly thought of last night. No wonder he didn't resist; he forgave the person beneath him—it wasn't Fang Yuan at all. He'd been happy all night for nothing.
"Husband, do you still like Miss Liu?" Fang Yuan asked anxiously when Chen Jilong mentioned Liu Yanxi.
"Hmm? I just feel sorry for her. Such a talented woman married such a scoundrel as my second brother. It's just a pity she's no longer a virgin. How could I, the legitimate son of a marquis, still like a woman defiled by my second brother?" Chen Jilong said, stroking Fang Yuan's hand.
"Pah, you scum!!!" Chen Jiyun cursed Chen Jilong inwardly.
"Hmm, that's true. I should have been the one defiled by him last night, but it was Miss Liu who suffered for me. Thinking about it this way, I'm quite fortunate." Fang Yuan felt as sweet as if she'd been coated in honey.
"Then why are you holding me down? Shouldn't we be in our bridal chamber right now?" Chen Jilong impatiently tried to pull at Fang Yuan's clothes.
"Husband, it's broad daylight," Fang Yuan said shyly.
"So what if it's broad daylight?" he said, trying to push Fang Yuan onto the bed.
This alarmed Chen Jiyun outside the window. In a split second, she grabbed a cat and threw it in.
Despite Fang Yuan's words, she couldn't bear to see Fang Yuan being defiled like this. At this moment, she hoped that Fang Yuan hadn't begged her father, so that Fang Yuan wouldn't have to marry into the family. But if she didn't marry into the family, would she have to become Liu Zong's concubine? That was even worse; he had a bunch of wives and concubines in his household. Fang Yuan would definitely suffer if she married him.
"Who's there?" Chen Jilong heard the noise and got out of bed. He looked around but didn't see anyone. Where was Chen Jiyun? She had already run to find her follower, Chen An.
"Chen An. Hurry up!" Chen Jiyun ran to Chen An, panting heavily.
"Master, what's wrong? Where do I have to go?" Chen An was at a loss, bewildered by Ji Yun's actions.
"Go to the Qin residence and invite Qin Shaodong here. Hurry, tell him to go directly to my elder brother when he arrives, don't look for me." After saying that, he rushed back.
"Oh, okay." Seeing his young master so anxious, Chen An knew the situation was urgent and ran out as well.
"Husband, what's wrong?" Fang Yuan got up after seeing Chen Jilong get out of bed.
"How did this cat get in here out of nowhere? It's really strange, Chen Fu!" Chen Jilong shouted as he stepped on the cat.
"Young Master!!" A servant named Chen Fu came in shortly after.
"Get this cat out and kill it. It dared to ruin my plans, it has quite the nerve." Chen Jilong said, still not satisfied, and stomped on the cat again.
"Husband, it's just a cat, why..." Fang Yuan felt sorry for him.
"Not even a cat! What are you standing there for?" Chen Jilong was both angry that Chen Jiyun had taken Liu Yanxi away and annoyed that the cat had ruined his plans. Seeing Chen Fu standing there motionless, he angrily berated him.
"Yes, young master, I'll go right away." Chen Fu was so frightened that he quickly dragged the cat away from Chen Jilong's feet.
"Pah! You won't even spare a cat, Chen Jilong, you despicable person. I curse you to have bad luck in everything." Chen Jiyun had just run to the window when she heard Chen Jilong's heartless intention to kill the cat. Chen Jiyun cursed Chen Jilong fiercely in her heart. Seeing the servant dragging the cat out, she carefully left the back window with a hunched back.
"Hey, stop!" Seeing Chen Fu carrying the cat out of the east courtyard, Chen Jiyun quickly ran up to him.
"Chen Fu, why are you grabbing my cat?" Chen Jiyun crossed her arms and blocked Chen Fu's way.
"This, this is the second young master's cat?" Chen Fu was instantly confused. When did this second young master get a cat?
"Yes. I was just looking for it. Let go of it! You're always trying to take advantage of it. If it gets pregnant, I'll settle the score with you." Seeing Chen Fu's confusion, Chen Jiyun quickly snatched the cat away.
"Uh, Second Young Master, how could I possibly..." Chen Fu awkwardly explained, but seeing Chen Jiyun carrying the cat towards the west courtyard, he quickly stopped her, saying, "Wait, Second Young Master, the Eldest Young Master told me to kill this cat."
"What? You dare kill my cat?" Seeing Chen Fu follow, Chen Jiyun glared at him with her already small eyes.
"I wouldn't dare, but the Eldest Young Master..." Chen Fu felt he couldn't offend either side; how could a lowly servant like him dare to argue with the young master?
"Oh dear, I've noticed that you haven't gotten any smarter following my elder brother. Just go back and say you killed the cat. Do you think my elder brother is as idle as you? He won't interfere in these kinds of things." Chen Jiyun, holding the cat, looked at Chen Fu with disdain.
"But what if the young master discovers this cat one day? Wouldn't I be in deep trouble?" Chen Fu was now in a dilemma.
"You really are stupid! There are so many cats in the manor, they all look alike. How can you tell them apart? Alright, go back and report. If you want to live, don't mention me. If my elder brother finds out you just gave me the cat like that, it probably won't be this cat that gets beaten to death." With that, he ignored Chen Fu and walked away. Chen Fu left with a bitter face. Who had he offended? Was being a servant easy?
"Little cat. I'm sorry, come here, let me rub it for you. Humph, Chen Jilong is so heartless, he even stepped on your little belly." Chen Jiyun put the cat on the ground and stroked the white cat's belly. "Hey, don't move around. Hey, let me tell you quietly, I'm not male, I didn't take advantage of you!" As she stroked it, she felt something was wrong. She seemed to have forgotten something. She slapped her forehead, immediately patted her bottom, and ran towards the east courtyard. How could she have forgotten something important? The white cat had escaped the wolf's den, but Fang Yuan was still in the tiger's mouth! Was it easy for her? Running in and out, she couldn't help but sigh inwardly: "It's really not easy to be a good person these days!"
When she reached the east courtyard, she saw Qin Shaodong and Chen Jilong chatting and laughing in the yard, and her heart, which had been pounding, finally settled down.
Chen Jiyun squatted down, picked up a pebble, and threw it at Qin Shaodong, hoping he would take Chen Jilong out, but she had bad luck and missed several times, so she simply gave up.
Seeing the two chatting happily, her eyes darted around. She found Chen An, and the two stealthily went to the back wall of the east courtyard.
"Master, are we really going to do this? It'll be terrible if we're discovered!" Chen An looked around anxiously, afraid someone would come.
"I'm not afraid, what are you afraid of? It's alright, I'll take responsibility if anything happens. Chen An, help me up, this wall is way too high. Tell me, why build such a high wall? Otherwise, I would have climbed over it long ago." Chen Jiyun had an expression that said, "It's not that I can't do it."
"Oh!" Chen An felt utterly contemptuous of her young master. The wall wasn't even as high as his shoulder; he couldn't do it himself, yet he complained about the wall being high.
"Chen An, wait here for me, don't go anywhere." Chen Jiyun, sitting on the wall, didn't forget to remind Chen An.
"I know, Master, be careful." Chen An said worriedly after helping Chen Jiyun up.
"Yes. I know." Chen Jiyun said, then jumped down. Unfortunately, she didn't see Chen An's even more contemptuous expression outside the wall. Chen An knew that anything Chen Jiyun said he knew was usually half-hearted and most likely to be a disaster.
"Miss Fang!" Chen Jiyun said, climbing onto the window.
"Chen Jiyun?? What are you doing here?" Fang Yuan was startled to see Chen Jiyun, her brows furrowing.
"I, I just wanted to tell you that my elder brother isn't what he seems. If you want to leave, I can find a way." Chen Jiyun wanted nothing more than to send Fang Yuan out of the manor immediately.
"Shut up! If my husband isn't a good person, then who are you? Humph, I'm your sister-in-law now, not your wife. You'd better leave quickly, I don't want people to gossip." Fang Yuan desperately wanted to avoid Chen Jiyun, wishing he would disappear from her sight immediately.
"Miss Fang, I'm telling the truth. I'm doing this for your own good. My elder brother isn't worth entrusting your life to. If you give yourself to him, you'll suffer a great loss." Chen Jiyun became impatient when Fang Yuan didn't believe him.
“Chen Jiyun, my husband is a refined and gentle man, not worthy of my lifelong commitment. Do you, a dissolute young man, deserve my lifelong devotion?” Fang Yuan looked at Chen Jiyun with disdain, suddenly finding it amusing that a playboy was pretending to be a devoted gentleman.
“I… I am actually not good enough for you, but…” Chen Jiyun’s face flushed slightly.
“Enough, Chen Jiyun, leave now. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being ruthless.” Fang Yuan gripped her cup tightly in anger.
“I, Miss Fang! Chen Jiyun’s words are from the bottom of my heart. I hope you will consider them carefully. If you want to leave the Chen residence, just tell me, and I will risk my life to send you out!” Chen Jiyun looked anxiously at Fang Yuan. She couldn’t understand why this woman wouldn’t believe her.
Upon hearing this, Fang Yuan looked at Chen Jiyun. The man before her certainly gave her a different feeling. Seeing the anxiety and helplessness in his eyes, Fang Yuan momentarily wanted to believe him. But then she thought, she was already married, and her husband was a talented man like Chen Jilong. Why not enjoy her life and listen to Chen Jiyun's nonsense?
"It's truly laughable. Why should I leave? Chen Jiyun, I have nothing to do with you anymore. You should leave!" Fang Yuan's tone softened slightly. Chen Jiyun hadn't mistreated her in the past, and now he was her brother-in-law; there was no need to ruin things.
Seeing Fang Yuan like this, Chen Jiyun was heartbroken and stood there, refusing to leave.
"Wife, your husband is back," Chen Jilong's voice came from outside.
Hearing the voice outside the door, Fang Yuan panicked. Being seen by her husband would be impossible to explain.
"Remember, if you want to leave, just come find me!" Chen Jiyun said, then quickly climbed out of the window and ran to the back, trying to climb over the back wall using tree branches. But she was too panicked and clumsy; she had just climbed a tree and hadn't even stood up properly when she fell straight over the wall.
Chapter Five:
Outside the Back Wall of the East Courtyard of the Chen Mansion
"Bang!!!"
"Ouch, ooh!" Chen Jiyun, who had just fallen to the ground, was about to cry out to relieve the pain when Chen An covered her mouth. She glared at Chen An with her small eyes resentfully.
"What was that sound?" Chen Jilong said, about to go out and see.
"Husband, it's nothing, probably just the cats and dogs." Fang Yuan was most afraid that Chen Jilong would see Chen Jiyun; if he did, she would feel like she couldn't clear her name no matter what.
"Why are there so many cats lately? I'll go out and see." Chen Jilong had been having a pleasant conversation with Qin Shaodong, the eldest son of the Qin family, but as soon as he entered the room, he felt suffocated.
"Husband!!!" Seeing Chen Jilong leave, Fang Yuan hurriedly followed behind, trying to dissuade him from going out.
However, Chen Jilong was determined to check, and Fang Yuan could only silently pray that Chen Jiyun was already gone.
"Why is there nothing here?" Chen Jiyun looked around curiously.
"Husband, the cats and dogs are all playful; I don't know where they've gone. Let's go back." Fang Yuan breathed a sigh of relief upon not seeing Chen Jiyun.
"Yes, that's fine. Our wedding night is precious. Isn't that right, my wife?" Chen Jilong said, picking Fang Yuan up and carrying her towards the bridal chamber.
"Ah!! Husband!!" Suddenly being picked up, Fang Yuan no longer felt the usual sweetness, but instead felt a slight fear—a feeling she had never experienced with Chen Jiyun before.
Meanwhile,
on the way to the west courtyard of the Chen residence,
Chen Jiyun was being jostled along on Chen An's back. Feeling things weren't going her way, she pouted, her right cheek scraped, and slumped against Chen An's back, looking utterly miserable.
Chen An, momentarily forgetting that his young master Chen Jiyun wasn't alone in the room, swaggered in with Jiyun on his back. "Uh...please, please greet the young mistress."
Startled to find someone in the room, Chen An steadied himself and bowed to Liu Yanxi while carrying Chen Jiyun.
"Hmm," Liu Yanxi replied indifferently, glancing at Chen Jiyun on Chen An's back from her seat on the bed.
"Uh, young master, this servant will go out." Seeing his young mistress's expressionless face, Chen An felt a pang of despair and immediately placed Chen Jiyun on a stool, preparing to leave.
"Uh, young master!" Just as he was about to leave, Chen Jiyun grabbed him from the stool. Chen An turned around and saw his young master with an innocent and pitiful expression. If it were the first time he'd seen this, he would have risked his life to stay with his young master. But he'd been with Chen Jiyun for years; others might not know, but Chen An certainly did. He was immune to that innocent expression. He finally managed to free his clothes from Chen Jiyun's grasp, but before he could even feel happy, he saw his young mistress staring intently at them. Chen An panicked instantly and, with a trembling heart, fled out the door.
The room fell silent, but someone's heart was far from calm.
The saying "you reap what you sow" truly holds true. Chen Jiyun usually enjoys tinkering with strange and unusual things, like the stool she's sitting on right now. It's no ordinary stool; its length and width combined are less than a third of its height. She's in pain all over and doesn't dare change her position, afraid the stool will tip over and her pretty face will be kissed by the earth again. The thought of being kissed by the earth twice a day makes her feel wronged and terrified.
Liu Yanxi hasn't looked at Chen Jiyun once since Chen An left. She's been plotting with her eyes closed. She's seen Chen Jiyun and Chen An's little interaction, feeling both annoyed and slightly relieved. Is her anger really that terrible? Liu Yanxi opened her eyes as she pondered, turning to look at the person who had been keeping his head down. It felt like a dream. Just three months ago, she was discussing poetry and literature with her best friend and some scholars at Wenxuan Pavilion. The person before her had been ridiculed by many scholars while passing by, and had fled in disgrace. At the time, she had watched it all with amusement, thinking that such a person deserved to be taught a lesson. His embarrassment and humiliation were none of her concern. Now , he was her husband. Truly, life is unpredictable.
Chen Jiyun, sitting on the stool, hooked his legs in the air, his hands clasped together, occasionally glancing at Liu Yanxi. The beautiful woman on the bed was now her wife. She had seen her before when they went out, but back then Liu Yanxi was with those scholars, discussing poetry and enjoying tea. Wenxuan Pavilion was not a place for someone like her.
She felt that even speaking a single word to Liu Yanxi was a pipe dream, let alone imagining they would one day be married. Firstly, Liu Yanxi was too beautiful, and as a young woman, she dared not be presumptuous. Secondly, Liu Yanxi was decisive and efficient, and she couldn't guarantee her fate if her true identity was discovered. Thus, she, who used to avoid Liu Yanxi like the plague, was now suffering under her very nose.
Seeing Liu Yanxi asleep, Chen Jiyun immediately raised her head. She thought Liu Yanxi on the bed was like a fairy from the Jade Pool, untouched by worldly affairs, and she was mesmerized by her gaze.
"My fellow poets must be laughing behind my back. No, I refuse to believe I can't carve a rough stone into a piece of jade," Liu Yanxi thought, then looked at Chen Jiyun.
Startled to see Liu Yanxi turn her head, Chen Jiyun panicked. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and Chen Jiyun looked away. In her haste, she moved too abruptly, and with a "thump," she fell to the ground. The stool she once loved was now pressing down on her.
"Ouch!!" Chen Jiyun cried out in pain.
This startled Liu Yanxi, who quickly got up from the bed, frowned, and went over to help Chen Jiyun up, scolding, "How could you be so careless?"
"Mm," Chen Jiyun replied, feeling extremely embarrassed. This had happened on their first time alone together, and her cheeks flushed red, remaining silent. She kept her head down, her face full of shyness.
Liu Yanxi was surprised by Chen Jiyun's timidity and quiet nature, and while puzzled, she helped Chen Jiyun sit on the bed.
Having waited a long time without seeing Liu Yanxi sit beside her, Chen Jiyun felt a slight soreness in his neck. He looked up at his wife, then lowered his head and said, "Aren't you going to sit?"
Liu Yanxi, who had been observing Chen Jiyun, raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, feeling displeased that he hadn't even addressed her properly. She sighed and asked, "Husband, are you speaking to your wife?"
"Uh, yes." Chen Jiyun suddenly felt restless. His wife's voice was even colder than his mother's. He shifted to the side and said in a barely audible voice, "Wife, aren't you going to sit?"
"Sit, but I'm a little tired of sitting on the bed. I want to sit on a stool." Liu Yanxi had been secretly observing Chen Jiyun since he entered the room. She was already certain of what Chen's mother had said: Chen Jiyun was a bully who preyed on the weak. Therefore, she planned to make a strong impression from the start and give Chen Jiyun a hard time.
"Oh, okay, I'll go get it." At this moment, no one wanted Liu Yanxi to sit and talk to her more than anyone else. Her wife standing there looking down at her made her feel immense pressure. " I really want to run away!"
"Wife, please sit down." Chen Jiyun moved a stool to the bedside, and just as she was about to sit down herself, she heard Liu Yanxi's cold voice.
"Husband, I'm thirsty. Would you be so kind as to offer me a cup of wine?" Liu Yanxi sat upright on the stool, looking at Chen Jiyun expectantly.
"Yes, yes, of course I would." Chen Jiyun was immediately annoyed. Could she say no? Why did she have to do everything? But she had to make a good impression from the start, so she endured it. She had initially felt a little scared, but now all her fear had vanished. She thought she was just a pampered young lady who never lifted a finger, needing to be waited on hand and foot. But she forgot that this was the same young lady who had conquered the business world and never lost.
"My lady, please have some tea." Chen Jiyun said, handing the teacup in her right hand to Liu Yanxi. She then took another cup of tea with her left hand and went to the bedside. Feeling she couldn't leave empty-handed after coming all this way, she poured herself a cup as well. Just as she was about to sit down and drink, she heard her wife's voice.
"Husband, I've been sitting in the room all day, feeling very bored. Do you have any good books to read? Could you find one for me?"
Chen Jiyun immediately glared at Liu Yanxi with her small eyes. Liu Yanxi
returned the gaze defiantly, wanting to see how far Chen Jiyun's bottom line stretched, so she could have a better understanding of how to handle things in the future. "Yes, yes, of course." After a brief exchange of glances, Chen Jiyun gave in, feeling she should be more magnanimous. Furious, Chen Jiyun stormed into the study, a place long untouched. She was frantically searching. She remembered having a copy of *Women's Precepts* in her study; she'd sent Chen An out of the manor to find it out of boredom, but after one glance, she thought it was disgusting and thought it was bird droppings. She'd tossed it aside and didn't know where it was. She wanted to find it so Liu Yanxi could see what it said.
Liu Yanxi, in the bridal chamber, kept glancing outside. She didn't understand why Chen Jiyun was taking so long with a book, and wondered if she'd run off. Suddenly, Liu Yanxi regretted her decision. How could she have forgotten that Chen Jiyun was restless? She should have gone with her.
Meanwhile, Chen Jiyun, whom Liu Yanxi had mentioned, was fiddling with two books in the study. One was a collection of erotic illustrations for women, for her own reading, and the other was *Women's Precepts*, for Liu Yanxi. Of course, she had meticulously packaged the erotic illustrations and casually wrote the title *Seven-Character Quatrain*. Satisfied with his work, he carried the two books back to his room.
"Wife, the books are here, here you go." Chen Jiyun handed Liu Yanxi *Admonitions for Women* as soon as he entered the room.
Liu Yanxi was initially pleased to see Chen Jiyun, thinking he wouldn't return. However, her joy vanished the moment she saw the title, and her previously smiling face instantly turned cold.
"Husband, why are you so slow?" Liu Yanxi placed the book on her lap, not even opening it.
"Oh, my room is full of books for gentlemen, for scholars and gentlemen. Wife, if you want to read, I naturally had to search carefully. That's why I was delayed a bit. Please forgive me." At this moment, Chen Jiyun sat on the bed, holding a cup of tea in one hand and a book in the other, completely content.
Upon hearing this, Liu Yanxi looked at Chen Jiyun, her anger flaring instantly, but she still smiled sweetly and said, "My husband is so considerate of his wife, how could I blame him? However, at this moment, I would like to see the 'Seven-Character Quatrain' in your hand. I wonder if my husband would be willing to part with it?"
"Pfft!! Cough! Cough!" Upon hearing this, Chen Jiyun choked on his tea and quickly waved his hand, saying, "No, no, no, this is impossible."

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