Chapter 1
Chapter 1
In the second year after my coming-of-age ceremony, I married Pei Miao, the Heir to the Marquess of Jingning.
The Pei Family was a centuries-old prestigious clan. Pei Miao himself was of noble blood, a young talent, a close confidant of the Son of Heaven, and the Emperor’s eyes and ears.
The Cui Clan was a family of great wealth and status, a lineage of scholars and officials. The union of our two families was a contract made in a single hall, a match that everyone in the capital sighed over in admiration.
On the day of my wedding, my dowry stretched halfway across the capital. To the deafening sound of gongs, drums, and music, the procession made its way from the Grand Preceptor’s Mansion to the Marquess of Jingning’s Mansion.
As the bride stepped out of the sedan chair, amidst the music and the crackle of firecrackers, a pair of well-defined hands reached out toward me.
They were broad and long-fingered, appearing even more powerful against the contrast of his red wedding robes.
I carefully placed my hand in his. The man gripped it firmly, leading me into the ceremonial hall.
Once the three bows of the marriage ceremony were completed, those warm hands never let go. He led me through halls and corridors, moving through the rowdy laughter and cheers of the guests until we entered the bridal chamber.
The incense in the room was heavy. Still wearing my bridal veil, I could hear nothing but the pounding of my own heart against my eardrums.
After the auspicious chants and blessings, my vision suddenly brightened. I looked up and fell straight into a pair of deep, soulful eyes.
Pei Miao was dressed in crimson wedding robes, standing tall and elegant, like a jade tree in the breeze.
I lowered my eyes in shy trepidation. The room was brilliantly lit by painted candles, a scene of gold and jade splendor. Beautifully dressed noblewomen stood together, laughing.
“The bride is shy! Heir, you are truly blessed with such a beauty!”
Pei Miao placed the ritual scales back onto the tray and said with a smile, “Sisters-in-law, please do not tease us!”
“The nuptial wine hasn’t even been drunk yet, and he’s already feeling protective!”
A Matron stepped forward. Amidst the rhythmic chants, the ritual of the nuptial wine was performed. A lock of hair was cut from each of the newlyweds and placed into a silk pouch, symbolizing our vow to grow old together.
With the formalities concluded, Pei Miao took my hand. “I will return after I have toasted the guests. Go ahead and wash up first. Do not be afraid.”
His voice was low and deep. I looked up at him, my face flushing again at the smile in his eyes, and gave a barely perceptible nod.
I thought to myself: *This is the man who will be my companion for the rest of my life.*
The Marquess of Jingning’s Mansion followed the tradition of the third branch inheriting the title. As the legitimate son and the third-born, Pei Miao’s two sisters-in-law treated me with great courtesy, offering warm words of welcome.
Taochun, Pei Miao’s head maid, bowed to me.
“The Heir has instructed that everything is at Madame’s disposal. Your own maids are waiting in the outer room.”
I smiled and had Yinlang give out red envelopes to everyone before letting my own people in to serve me.
After several rounds of wine, when the red candles were beginning to weep wax, Pei Miao finally returned to the Floating Cloud Courtyard.
Yinlang leaned in and whispered in my ear, “He went straight to the washroom the moment he returned, fearing the smell of alcohol would bother you. He truly dotes on you.”
Blushing, I poked her forehead. “Mischievous girl.”
Pei Miao changed into red inner robes. He was very tall, and because he held a military post, he had broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and a firm chest and abdomen. Aside from my father and brothers, I had rarely had such intimate contact with an adult man. For a moment, I felt a strange sense of pressure.
Perhaps sensing my fear, he walked to the table, poured a cup of tea, and said gently:
“My courtesy name is Yanli. Since we are married, Madame is the person closest to me. You may call me by my courtesy name.”
Having said that, Pei Miao handed the tea to me.
After I took it, he continued to watch me, as if waiting to hear me say it.
I met his gaze, my eyelashes trembling slightly. “Yanli.”
Pei Miao gave a soft hum of affirmation and took my hand. “Does Madame have a childhood name?”
I shook my head. “My family calls me Mingwan.”
“Cui Mingwan… it is a truly beautiful name.”
Pei Miao’s palm was very hot. I wasn’t sure if it was because of the wine. He had a high bridge to his nose and thin lips-features that clearly belonged to a cold and stern countenance-yet he was incredibly gentle with me. “May I call you Wanniang?”
The red candle gave a sharp crack. In the warming atmosphere, Pei Miao tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear.
My whole body gave an uncontrollable shiver, but I saw the man let out a soft chuckle. In the next second, I let out a startled cry as Pei Miao pulled me onto his lap.
My heart thrummed wildly. My hands instinctively rested against his sturdy, firm chest as the scent of a strange man, mixed with a moist, fresh fragrance, washed over me.
Pei Miao leaned in and kissed my lips.