Chapter 637: The Second Day After the Wedding

The next day.

Early morning.

The summer heat has not yet been boiled into intensity by the sun.

The wind, carrying the dampness of the Wei River banks, passes through the vermilion eaves of the Duke of Wei's mansion, sweeps over the splashing pomegranate blossoms in the courtyard, and silently slips into the bridal chamber of the east wing.

The rhombus‑shaped silk on the window lattice, bathed in the deep color the morning light has scattered all night, glows with a faint, misty brightness.

The furnishings inside still retain the joy of the wedding; crimson‑gold tassel curtains hang from the beams, bearing paired mandarin‑duck embroideries, and the golden threads at the edges of the drapes ripple with delicate glints in the dim light.

A scarlet rug, embroidered with the characters "A Hundred Years of Harmony," lies on the floor, soft and silent underfoot.

On the dressing table by the window sit a pair of cloison‑né enamel candlesticks; the wicks burned out last night still hold a few drops of red wax. Beside them, a mother‑of‑pearl box contains tribute incense paste, exuding a faint sandalwood fragrance.

The bed, crafted from fine rosewood, is covered with a thick cloud‑patterned cushion, and the scarlet brocade quilt lies crumpled.

Ye Zhuxi was awakened by a whole‑body soreness.

The moment she opened her eyes, she felt every limb and bone as if loosely unhinged, her shoulders, waist, and even the wrists accustomed to gripping a Chang Qiang were tinged with an indescribable sour swelling.

The feeling was three times more exhausting than three days and nights of a full‑scale battle against the enemy.

Even while lying down, her Five Feet Three Inches stature still revealed a tall, upright figure.

Her black hair fell like a waterfall, loosely draped over the pillow; a few strands clung to her smooth temple, giving a lazy, disheveled look.

As consciousness returned, last night's scenes surged up like tidewater.

She recalled that she had drunk quite a bit of wine last night.

It was the fiery "burning knife" she had sipped with Chen Yan at Da Feng Tai, sharp on the palate but with a lingering kick.

She had always been a female general in the army, garrisoned at Yinzhou for years, naturally forthright and robust—when had she ever been so demure?

Yet after returning to the mansion last night, the wine rose, and with the flickering red candles, the man before her in wedding attire, handsome and smiling, his eyes and brows soft with tender affection, made her lose her usual composure.

Thinking of last night's frenzy, it was no tender newlywed night at all, but a wildly exhilarating "great battle"!

The bed creaked with each collision, sound after sound, strikingly clear in the silent night, even the shadows of the pomegranate trees outside seemed to sway.

She had never been one to accept defeat—on the battlefield, she was relentless; even last night she fought with a competitive spirit until, exhausted, she drifted into a drowsy sleep.

The more she thought, the hotter her ears became, the heat traveling up her neck to her cheeks, scorching them.

"Ah!"

Ye Zhuxi let out a low cry, suddenly raised her hand, grabbed the large red brocade quilt, threw it over her head, burying her whole face in the soft silk, her breathing becoming a bit rapid.

The quilt still held traces of both their scents, crisp yet lingering, making her heartbeat grow increasingly erratic.

The bed beside her shifted slightly, emitting a low, gentle laugh.

It turned out that Chen Yan, lying beside her, had already awakened.

He wore matching red nightclothes, his dark hair unbound, casually draped over his shoulder.

Now he gazed at the bulging mass within the quilt, his eyes full of mirth.

He turned his body aside, extended a finger, gently prodded the quilt, his voice a slightly hoarse morning tone yet very gentle: "Awake so early?"

"What are you doing with your head covered?"

The person under the quilt froze for a moment.

After a while, she slowly extended a hand.

It was a hand with distinct knuckles, the palm bearing a thin callus from years of gripping a Chang Qiang, its wheat‑colored skin forming a strikingly harmonious contrast with the room's red décor.

Ye Zhuxi first carefully lifted a corner of the quilt, revealing a pair of jet‑black eyes; shyly she glanced to the side, saw Chen Yan smiling at her, and quickly pulled back.

After a moment, she finally mustered courage, pulling back most of the quilt to reveal a flushed face.

She let out a light cough, trying to mask her embarrassment, cleared her throat, and spoke solemnly, though the slightly trembling ending still betrayed her nervousness: "Cough! Um…"

She hesitated, as if weighing her words, her eyes darting, unwilling to meet Chen Yan's gaze; after a pause she tentatively lifted her eyes to him, her tone cautious, blinking: "If I told you that the me of last night was not the me of everyday, would you believe it?"

Chen Yan, almost without hesitation, blurted out: "I believe you!"

His tone was completely frank, with no hint of doubt.

Ye Zhuxi's eyes brightened, as if granted a pardon, and she hurriedly explained: "Last night was all because of the wine, that's why I was so… so indiscreet!"

"I'm not like this in everyday life!"

She said this while nodding vigorously.

She wore an expression that said, "Everything I say is true."

Hearing this, Chen Yan also nodded, his smile deepening, and leisurely replied, "Hmm."

Then he raised an eyebrow, looking at her flushed cheek with a half‑smile, echoing, "I think so too!"

That teasing look, the mirth in his eyes, seemed about to overflow.

Ye Zhuxi saw through him at a glance.

She glared, reached out to push Chen Zhuguo's arm, her tone a mix of coquettish annoyance and helplessness: "Chen Zhuguo, that expression of yours is pure disbelief!"

Chen Yan was jostled by Ye Zhuxi's push, but he was not upset; instead he seized her wrist.

Gently caressing the skin of the woman's wrist, his eyes soft enough to drown in, he leaned close to her ear, his voice low and affectionate: "Zhuxi, we have already taken our vows and entered the bridal chamber; from now on, you may no longer call me Zhuguo…"

He paused, looking at her reddened earlobe, his tone a touch seductive: "You should call me husband!"

"Hu… husband…"

Ye Zhuxi's cheeks flushed instantly, like ripe pomegranates, even the base of her ears burning.

She stammered a reply, her voice as thin as a mosquito's, her head sinking lower, unwilling to meet his eyes.

She had always been a decisive female general, capable of commanding thousands on the battlefield, brandishing a spear on horseback, slaying enemy commanders—when had she ever shown such shyness?

Chen Yan, watching Ye Zhuxi's demeanor, felt as if something had tickled his heart, a slight itch.

Then, releasing her wrist, he reached out and gently lifted her chin.

Forcing her to look up at him.

His gaze fell on her flushed lips, his Adam's apple twitched slightly, he licked his own lips, a mischievous glint flashed in his eyes, he studied her with interest, his tone carrying a wicked smile as he proposed: "Look at you, you're clearly still yearning…."

Speaking, his finger lightly brushed her cheek, the touch warm and delicate, making her heartbeat quicken a few beats.

"Since it's still early, how about…"

He deliberately elongated his tone, watching her eyes widen instantly, a wicked grin as he uttered the latter part: "One more time?"

"No, no!"

Ye Zhuxi, as if burned, flinched backward, her head shaking like a rattle, and kept exclaiming.

The fatigue from last night still lingered in her limbs, and she didn't want to "battle for three hundred rounds" again.

Now she just wanted to get up quickly, wash up, lest his teasing again ruin her face.

Ye Zhuxi hurriedly pushed Chen Yan's shoulder, speaking at a rapid pace: "Let's get up first!"

Before the words finished, she deftly lifted the brocade blanket and sprang up from the bed.

Chen Yan watched Ye Zhuxi's almost stumbling yet still swift silhouette, a low chuckle escaping his throat, lazily leaning back onto the bed, his elbow propping a soft pillow, fingertips gently rubbing his chin, his gaze full of amusement.

He smacked his lips, looking at the red figure that vanished behind the screen, unabashedly exclaiming: "It still has to be a martial practitioner; such intensity doesn't affect them much!"

"Still as swift as flying…"

The words fell behind the screen, and Ye Zhuxi, flustered, was untieing, the motion of the nightgown's tie abruptly halted.

The fingers holding the tie tightened slightly, her earlobes instantly burned again, and a thin red flush spread over her neck.

She turned, through the carved gilt screen, glared toward the bed, her gaze mixing shame, helplessness, and her voice still held a lingering soft mellowness: "Chen… husband!"

The utterance of "husband" stumbled, yet sounded a bit smoother than before.

She paused, took a deep breath, then continued, her tone full of coquettish scolding: "Don't tease me with my concubine self!"

From beyond the screen came Chen Yan's hearty laugh, clear and bright, striking the window lattice into a slight tremor.

"Alright, alright!" his voice came through the screen, with a hint of mirth, "I won't tease you anymore!"

Immediately followed by a soft rustle of the bed, indicating he had also gotten up.

Ye Zhuxi finally exhaled, turned to appraise the robes behind the screen.

Hung on the rack was a pre‑prepared everyday attire, not a typical woman's blouse and skirt, but a moon‑white martial outfit.

Narrow sleeves cinched at the waist, a dark jade belt tied around the waist, the hem split for ease of movement.

This was the style she was accustomed to wearing.

Ye Zhuxi swiftly shed the red nightgown, changed into this martial outfit, her movements crisp and decisive, bearing a hint of a soldier's dashing air.

Then she walked to the bronze mirror, loosely gathering her black hair into a simple ponytail.

She secured it with a dark hairband, leaving only a few strands across her forehead, accentuating the heroic face with added neatness.

The woman in the bronze mirror had bright eyes, a straight nose bridge, full lips, healthy wheat‑colored skin radiating vigor, showing none of the frailty typical of ordinary chamber women.

She then raised her hand, gently patting her cheek, trying to press down the thin redness, yet the corners of her mouth couldn't help a slight smile.

Beyond the screen, Chen Yan had also changed into everyday attire.

A dark‑indigo Brothel, a jade belt at the waist, his ink‑black hair tied with a Jade Hairpin, giving him handsome features and an upright bearing.

He walked to the screen, just as Ye Zhuxi stepped out.

Eyes meeting, Chen Yan's gaze fell on her, brightening before him.

He surveyed her from head to toe, unable to help but laugh: "Indeed, this attire suits you best!"

Ye Zhuxi felt a bit uneasy under his gaze, slightly turning her face, clearing her throat lightly: "I'm used to it."

Chen Yan smiled, no longer teasing her, and asked: "Zhuxi, later will you rest in the mansion, or as usual go to the Left Martial Guard for training?"

Ye Zhuxi heard this, slightly furrowing her brows, thinking seriously for a moment, then looking at Chen Yan, her tone firm: "Training, then!"

"Yesterday we already delayed a day…"

Before the words finished, as if recalling something, his tone shifted, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes, then he lightly pressed his red lips and added: "But later we still must first go, to pay respects to the lady of the house!"

Although she was a female general by birth, she had also been taught these protocols.

Moreover, the primary wife Pei Suiwan, being the legitimate daughter of Grand Minister Pei Xun, was gentle, virtuous, and deeply respected throughout the State Duke Mansion.

As a concubine, she ought to go first to offer greetings and pay respects.

Chen Yan, seeing Ye Zhuxi in this state, couldn't help but laugh, reaching out to place his hand on her shoulder, his fingertips lightly patting, his tone teasing: "General Ye, you really remember these rules well!"

Ye Zhuxi glared at Chen Yan, brushing his hand away: "These rules cannot be neglected!"

Chen Yan laughed heartily, offering no rebuttal, merely making a 'please' gesture: "Then let's go!"

The two walked side by side out of the bridal chamber, the morning sun just right, spilling onto the Qingshi courtyard tiles, bathing the courtyard in brilliance.

The pomegranate blossoms in the courtyard were in full bloom, clusters of fiery red like burning flames.

A gentle breeze passed, petals fluttered down, landing on their shoulders, carrying a faint fragrance.

The servants had long been waiting at the door; seeing the two emerge, they bowed and respectfully called: "Your Excellency, your Concubine!"

Chen Yan gave a slight nod, gesturing them to rise, then led Ye Zhuxi toward the main hall of the mansion.

At this moment, the hall already had a sumptuous breakfast spread.

On the table lay Millet Porridge, steamed cakes, pickled vegetables, and several plates of delicate pastries, all warm and steaming.

In the hall, a woman was already seated.

It was Pei Suiwan.

She wore an lotus‑colored blouse‑skirt, the hem embroidered with delicate orchid patterns, her ink‑black hair tied into a dignified bun, adorned with a Jade Hairpin.

Her brows and eyes were gentle, lips curled in a smile, exuding the refined grace of a noble lady, with a faint maternal glow in her expression.

She sat at the table, a scroll in her hands, and upon hearing footsteps, lifted her head.

Seeing Chen Yan from afar, she set the scroll down, rose, her steps light as she approached, her voice gentle like a spring breeze: "Husband!"

Chen Yan stepped before her, nodded with a smile, his tone affectionate: "Suiwan."

Pei Suiwan's gaze immediately fell on Ye Zhuxi beside Chen Yan, she gave a slight smile, pointed at the morning meal on the table, and softly said to the two, "Come quickly and eat the morning meal while it's hot!"

"Today's millet porridge is cooked soft and glutinous, and there are steamed buns…"

Her voice was gentle, her tone natural, showing no trace of the principal wife's haughtiness.

Instead, it carried a few touches of sincere warmth.

Seeing this, Ye Zhuxi hurried forward a step, respectfully knelt before Pei Suiwan, her voice clear yet bearing the proper deference, "I, Ye Zhuxi, come to convey my greetings to the lady!"

"Greetings, lady!"

She performed the etiquette of a secondary wife toward the principal wife, meticulous and appropriately measured.

Pei Suiwan, seeing this, quickly stepped forward, extended her hand, gently lifted her arm, and said in the same gentle tone, "No need for formalities! Rise quickly!"

Ye Zhuxi rose accordingly, lowered her eyes and said, "Thank you, madam."

Pei Suiwan held Ye Zhuxi's hand; the hand was warm and soft, and she lightly patted the back of it, like sisterly affection.

She looked at Ye Zhuxi, her eyes full of smile, "Don't keep calling me 'madam' each time; it's too formal…"

"From now on we are sisters sharing the same household; you may call me Suiwan!"

Ye Zhuxi was slightly startled, lifted her eyes to look at Pei Suiwan.

The woman before her had gentle brows and eyes, sincere gaze, indeed showing no hint of difficulty.

She felt a slight stir in her heart, nodded, and replied, "Yes."

Pei Suiwan, seeing the assent, let her smile grow deeper.

She held Ye Zhuxi's hand, gave it a gentle shake, and with a slightly coquettish tentative tone asked, "Then may I call you Zhuxi?"

Ye Zhuxi looked at Pei Suiwan's gentle brows and eyes, and the lingering shyness in her heart gradually faded.

The corners of her lips lifted slightly, revealing a faint smile, and her voice softened a bit, "Very well."

She looked at Pei Suiwan, her tone sincere and a little humble, "Suiwan, I am newly arrived and have nothing worthy to present; I have prepared a modest gift, hoping you will accept it!"

When she finished speaking, she turned slightly and called behind her, "Cai Juan, bring it up!"

Cai Juan, standing in the corridor, responded and stepped forward.

Both hands steadily cradled a blackwood box, its surface carved with entwined lotus vines, the edges wrapped in brass, simple yet exuding a sense of weight.

Cai Juan walked into the hall, placed the wooden box on the table, and then carefully opened it.

Inside the box lay a layer of dark red brocade, upon which rested a Zitan wood guqin.

The instrument's body was lustrous, the wood grain delicate as flowing clouds; its emblem was inlaid with mother‑of‑pearl, shimmering faintly in the morning light.

At the tail of the guqin was a tiny seal character; upon close inspection, it bore the signature of the renowned former‑dynasty craftsman Lei Shi.

Pei Suiwan, born of the He Dong Pei Clan, had been proficient in music since childhood and possessed great insight into the guqin.

At a glance she recognized the instrument's provenance, let out a low gasp, and her eyes flashed with surprise, "It is a Zitan wood guqin!"

She then extended her slender jade‑like fingers and gently plucked a string.

"Zheng—"

A clear, resonant note rang through the hall, its lingering sound winding around the beams, the tone rich and bright, incomparable to ordinary trinkets.

Pei Suiwan's fingertips brushed the delicate grain of the guqin, her smile deepening, and her gaze at Ye Zhuxi brimmed with delight, "The tone of this guqin is superb; it is truly a rare treasure!"

"Then I shall respectfully obey!"

"Thank you, Zhuxi!"

Ye Zhuxi, seeing her pleased, let her smile grow richer, waved her hand, and in a relaxed yet friendly tone said, "No need to be formal!"

"As long as Suiwan likes it, that's fine."

"This guqin is something I acquired back in Yinzhou years ago; it has sat unused without a chance to play, and now I give it to you, making full use of it."

Pei Suiwan smiled and nodded, raised her hand to signal the maid behind her to take the guqin.

After the maid withdrew, Pei Suiwan turned to Ye Zhuxi, her eyes filled with gentle smile, and in a light tone said, "Zhuxi, since you have just arrived at the mansion, I have also prepared a small Meeting Gift for you."

Speaking, she looked at the personal maid Rong'er standing by her side and softly said, "Rong'er, bring it up."

Rong'er, hearing this, hurried forward cradling an exquisite white jade box, placed it gently on the table before Ye Zhuxi, and then slowly opened it.

Inside the box lay a layer of snow‑white fox fur, upon which rested a set of gold ornaments.

The gold hairpin was set with large Eastern pearls, each round, plump, and radiant.

The gold bracelet was engraved with lifelike entwined peony vines, petals layered intricately, superbly crafted.

There was also a pair of gold earrings, each hanging a crimson agate, bright in color, clearly of great value.

Although Ye Zhuxi practiced martial arts and had never cared for such gold and silver ornaments, her noble lineage let her recognize the set's value.

She slightly frowned, quickly waved her hand and said, "Suiwan, this is too valuable!"

Pei Suiwan, however, held her hand, her fingertips warm and soft, smiled brightly and shook her head, saying with a tone that left little room for refusal, "It must be valuable to match your status!"

"You are now the secondary lady of the State Duke Mansion, so you should have ornaments befitting your rank."

"Besides, this is a small token of my affection; please do not decline!"

Beside them, Chen Yan had already been holding a bowl, eating the millet porridge with great relish.

Seeing the two yielding, he set down his bowl, took a handkerchief to wipe his mouth corner, and timely continued, smiling, "This was specially commissioned by Suiwan to the best goldsmith in the Capital, crafted according to your usual preferences; see the pattern on this gold hairpin— isn't it the entwined lotus you love?"

Ye Zhuxi, hearing this, lowered her head to examine closely, and indeed saw the pattern on the gold hairpin matched the embroidered design on her usual battle attire.

Her heart stirred slightly; looking at Pei Suiwan's gentle brows and at Chen Yan's smiling gaze, she realized this was both of their sincere intention, and further refusal would seem awkward.

She deliberated a moment, finally nodded, a faint smile spreading on her lips, "Since this is Suiwan's heartfelt intention, I will not decline! Thank you!"

Cai Juan hurried forward, carefully lifted the white jade box, and bowed back behind Ye Zhuxi.

Pei Suiwan, seeing her accept it, let her smile deepen, grabbed Ye Zhuxi's hand, and softly said, "Your husband has already sat down to eat; let us sit as well and eat while we chat!"

Ye Zhuxi nodded and replied, "Very well."

Pei Suiwan then pulled her hand, and together they sat beside the table.

Chen Yan had already pushed a plate of pickled vegetables in front of Ye Zhuxi, smiling, "Try this pickled dish; it was hand‑pickled by Pei Suiwan herself, the flavor is superb!"

Ye Zhuxi lifted her chopsticks, pinched a bite of the pickled vegetables and put it into her mouth; the salty‑fragrant taste was moderate, with a few refreshing crisp notes, indeed a rare delicacy.

She raised her eyes toward Pei Suiwan and sincerely praised, "The flavor is truly wonderful!"

Pei Suiwan's eyebrows curved, her smile blossomed like a flower, "If you like it, have more; there are many more in the residence. Later I'll have the kitchen staff fill a jar for you to take back to the courtyard and eat slowly."

The three of them sat around the table, eating while chatting idly.

Morning light streamed through the window lattice, bathing the three in warm radiance.

During the idle chat, Rong'er stepped forward lightly, leaned close to Pei Suiwan's ear, lowered her voice and softly said, "Madam, the hour of the Dragon has arrived; Lord Pillar of the State should now depart for court…"

Hearing this, Pei Suiwan nodded slightly, lifted her head, looked at Chen Yan, her eyes carrying a gentle smile, and softly said, "Husband, the hour is getting late; let me help you change into your official robes!"