Note: If you want the continuity of this story consider to join Ko-Fi/WillowDreamer to access advance Chapters and To Support The Daily Update
Pay one time and unlock the full story and Future Chapters from the Shop
Ji Lingchuan was exceptionally tall, with broad, flat shoulders. Even through his outer robe, one could see the slight bulge of his arm muscles. He carried the sharp aura forged from years of conquest and battle. The moment he stepped into the room, everyone present couldn't help but feel a jolt in their hearts.
The Ning Princess Consort immediately put on a smile, rising and extending her hand towards Ji Lingchuan: "Chuan'er, you're back."
Ji Lingchuan bowed to the Ning Princess Consort: "This son greets Mother Consort."
From the moment Ji Lingchuan appeared, Song Nanxin stood there, stunned, gazing at the man before her.
As the legitimate eldest daughter of the Ding'an Marquis Manor, Song Nanxin had been very familiar with the capital's nobility since childhood. In fact, it wasn't her first time seeing Ji Lingchuan. She had seen him from afar in the Imperial Academy's female school when she was studying there.
However, at that time, her impression of Ji Lingchuan was only of someone rigid and serious, like an old scholar from an academy, so she always kept her distance.
She was actually not satisfied with this marriage, but since it was bestowed by the Empress Dowager, she could only accept it. She thought that after marrying Ji Lingchuan, life would be very boring. But yesterday, when she saw Ji Lingchuan again at the Prince Manor, she was immediately captivated by the handsome and imposing man at first sight and couldn't tear her eyes away.
Four years were enough to refine an already handsome man into someone even more outstanding. Song Nanxin was secretly glad that she had managed to marry Ji Lingchuan, but as soon as she thought of her current situation, she was filled with immense regret. Her gaze fell upon the handkerchief with the red plum blossoms held by Granny Hu, and an uncontrollable surge of jealousy welled up within her.
Such a good husband, such a good opportunity, how could it have benefited that little slut Song Yihuan?
Coming back to her senses, Song Nanxin lowered her head to avoid Ji Lingchuan's intense gaze. Her cheeks flushed with two patches of red, she rose and curtsied, her sweet and soft voice saying, "Nanxin greets the Heir, requesting the Heir's peace."
Ji Lingchuan's gaze fell on her face, assessing this newlywed wife whom he could finally properly observe.
Song Nanxin had a beautiful oval face, and her features were also very delicate. When she didn't smile, she was gentle and virtuous; when she smiled, she carried a hint of youthful sweetness. Her demeanor and behavior also showed the grace of a noble lady, indicating that the Marquis Manor had put effort into cultivating her.
Perhaps it was because the light in the room was too dim during their consummation last night, preventing him from clearly seeing her face. Facing this wife with whom he had just shared intimacy, he inexplicably felt as if something was missing, which instantly cooled his eagerness to come and see her.
"Chuan'er went to the palace this morning?" The Ning Princess Consort asked from behind him.
Song Nanxin stiffened, raising her head to look at Ji Lingchuan, unable to believe that he actually ignored her greeting and was so cold towards her.
The Ning Princess Consort pulled Ji Lingchuan to sit down, explaining with a smile, "Only your ears are sharp; you heard what Mother Consort said casually. The Princess Consort has been in the Prince Manor without company since she married in. A few days ago, she felt bored, so she invited her younger brother and sister to stay in the manor. Now that you're back, Mother Consort fears she might neglect her younger brother and sister, making them feel neglected, so she was thinking it might be better to send them back to the Marquis Manor."
His wife had a younger brother and sister staying in the manor? Ji Lingchuan thought back, but had no impression. There were many guests last night, he probably hadn't noticed them.
Hearing the Ning Princess Consort bring this up again, Song Nanxin had already prepared an excuse. Her eyes reddened, and she rose to her knees before the Ning Princess Consort:
"Mother Consort, this daughter-in-law wishes to keep her younger brother and sister in the manor for a few more days."
The Ning Princess Consort frowned: "Why?"
"To be honest, this daughter-in-law's legitimate younger brother suffers from a heart ailment. A few days ago, perhaps due to the change in weather, his heart ailment flared up, and his body is very weak. He needs quiet recuperation. If he catches a chill at this time, his old illness might recur. The Marquis Manor wouldn't blame us, but I'm afraid if someone with ill intentions saw it, they might think our Ning Prince Manor is inhospitable."
The Ning Princess Consort frowned in thought, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.
Thinking that they were his wife's younger brother and sister, Ji Lingchuan said, "This son also believes it's better to let them stay."
Indeed. How could they send people away right after Ji Lingchuan returned? This would clearly tell others that the Ning Prince Manor was petty and couldn't even tolerate the family members of their in-laws.
The Ning Princess Consort compromised: "Alright, then let them stay."
Song Nanxin breathed a sigh of relief, feeling her palms covered in sweat.
The Ning Princess Consort and Ji Lingchuan still had things to discuss, so Song Nanxin glanced at Ji Lingchuan, who hadn't given her a serious look from beginning to end, and reluctantly rose to take her leave.
After Song Nanxin left, the Ning Princess Consort pulled Ji Lingchuan closer and said, "You see, your wife is well-mannered, virtuous, gentle, and obedient. Since you have consummated the marriage with her, it shows that you are not averse to intimacy with her. From now on, you should get along well with her and bear children early."
Gentle and obedient? Just now, she certainly seemed so.
But last night, she hadn't been so well-behaved; she even dared to scratch him.
"If you feel that having only her serve you is a bit dull, Mother Consort can also find you a few more pleasing beauties..."
Coming back to his senses, Ji Lingchuan promptly interrupted the Ning Princess Consort, saying in a deep voice, "No need, this son feels that this is sufficient."
The Ning Princess Consort was not surprised by his words and smiled, "Then visit her courtyard more often. Marital affection grows through interaction; it will come with time."
It was two incense sticks (approximately 30-40 minutes) later when he left Songhe Courtyard. Ji Lingchuan instinctively wanted to return to his own courtyard. His fingertips brushed against a small porcelain bottle in his sleeve, and remembering the glaring handkerchief held by Granny Hu, he changed his steps and walked towards Song Nanxin's courtyard instead.
Song Nanxin returned to Yixiang Courtyard after leaving Songhe Courtyard.
Recalling Ji Lingchuan's attitude towards her in front of the Ning Princess Consort just now, the more she thought about it, the more unpleasant she felt. A surge of anger was blocked in her chest with nowhere to vent. Just then, Baizhi walked into the room and whispered in her ear:
"Miss, Fourth Miss just left the Prince Manor and went out."
"What did you say?!" Song Nanxin was startled for a moment. "How could she go out freely? What if someone notices something amiss?"
The anger surged uncontrollably. Song Nanxin gritted her teeth and said, "Go, call that little slut over here! She merely filled in for me to consummate the marriage with the Heir, does she really think she's the master of the Prince Manor, free to come and go as she pleases?!"
Tinglan Courtyard.
Song Yihuan placed her younger brother's medicine into the cabinet, then went to check on Song Xuan'er, confirming that he was sleeping soundly and breathing steadily, before breathing a sigh of relief.
Returning to her own room, she looked down at the hem of her skirt. The apricot blossom pattern was stained with large patches of mud, and she sighed regretfully.
This trip to get medicine, in order to go and return quickly, she had specifically chosen a small path and walked very hastily. However, the journey was not smooth. First, she collided with someone at the medical hall, and then on her way back, she encountered a speeding ox-cart. Unable to dodge in time, she was splashed with muddy water from the roadside, and her clothes were stained.
It seemed that when a person's luck turned bad, even drinking cold water would make their teeth ache.
Changing out of her green apricot skirt, Song Yihuan leaned against the chair, exhausted. She felt a dizzy spell, and the pains from various parts of her body became clearer than before.
Raising her hand to gently rub her elbow and shoulder, she couldn't help but mutter: The person in the medical hall just now was really hard, like a copper wall and iron bastion, hitting her so hard her bones ached.
The door was knocked, and Chunxing's voice came from outside: "Miss, Sister Baizhi is here. She says the Princess Consort wishes to see you."
Song Yihuan opened her eyes, her gaze unfocused. After a moment, she came back to her senses, and couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh.
She had thought that a quick trip would go unnoticed, but unexpectedly, it had reached her elder sister so quickly.
Never mind, she would go.