Feng Moheng gritted his teeth.
He reached out to pry away the fair, delicate little hands.
But Shen Yuling seemed determined, gripping tightly without any intention of letting go.
Feng Moheng unconsciously applied a bit more force.
“Ah, that hurts. You’re bullying me.”
Shen Yuling’s charming voice rang out instantly.
It carried a hint of grievance and a touch of reproach.
Feng Moheng’s entire body stiffened.
The hand that had been forcefully prying suddenly froze mid-air.
Unable to advance or retreat.
The women around him were all gentle, obedient, and well-mannered.
He had never encountered someone so unreasonable, bold, and audacious.
Even though Liu Jingyi sometimes joked with him, she would never be as unrestrained as Shen Yuling.
For a moment, he was at a loss.
Shen Yuling gracefully moved from Feng Moheng’s back to his front, instantly shifting from a back hug to an embrace face-to-face.
She wrapped her arms around Feng Moheng’s waist, entwining them tightly, refusing to let go.
Then, she lifted her head.
Her delicate, exquisite face emerged from Feng Moheng’s embrace.
Shen Yuling playfully raised an eyebrow at him, her eyes filled with defiance.
“Am I not pretty? It seems my husband doesn’t like me?”
Her appearance was enough to stir anyone’s heart.
Before Feng Moheng could respond to this series of “attacks,” light footsteps sounded outside the door.
Aunt Huixin walked in.
As soon as she entered, her gaze fell on the intimate posture of the Prince and Princess Consort.
A hint of joy appeared on her face.
The Grand Princess had been worried that the Prince, still thinking of Liu Jingyi, might neglect his newlywed Princess Consort, so she had specifically sent Aunt Huixin over.
If the Prince were to behave inappropriately, Aunt Huixin could intervene and restrain him.
Unexpectedly, the current situation was completely beyond the Grand Princess’s expectations.
It seemed the Princess Consort was quite capable.
When she returned and reported this scene truthfully to the Grand Princess, the Grand Princess would surely be delighted.
“This servant pays respects to the Prince and Princess Consort.”
Aunt Huixin bowed respectfully.
Seeing someone enter, Shen Yuling’s bold and audacious demeanor vanished instantly.
Like a startled little rabbit, she shyly withdrew her hands and hid behind Feng Moheng.
Lowering her head, her fair cheeks flushed crimson, delicate and utterly adorable.
Seeing her completely different demeanor, Feng Moheng couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth.
Weren’t you quite bold just now? Now you’re shy?
He cleared his throat lightly.
Subtly adjusting his slightly disheveled clothing.
Quickly regaining his composure.
“Aunt Huixin, please rise. Why have you come? Where is Mother?”
“The Grand Princess was tired today and has returned to the Princess’s residence. This servant is here to guide the Prince in completing the rituals.”
Aunt Huixin smiled faintly at the corners of her eyes, her gaze seeming to hold deeper meaning.
As she spoke, she deliberately glanced at the Princess Consort, who was hiding behind Feng Moheng, shy as a quail.
Feng Moheng felt somewhat awkward.
His mother had actually sent someone to monitor his actions on his wedding night!
“Aunt Huixin, you may return. The Princess Consort is fine.”
Feng Moheng tried to keep his voice calm, but his furrowed brows betrayed his displeasure.
Since Aunt Huixin had already formed such a misunderstanding, he might as well let her misunderstand completely.
This would also prevent his mother from asking too many questions and causing unnecessary trouble.
“The Princess sent me here out of concern that the Princess Consort might not be familiar with the customs of Qian Capital. Tonight, I will keep watch outside the room for both of you. If there are any issues, just call for me.”
“I will return tomorrow to report back to the Princess. I take my leave now.”
Aunt Huixin was astute indeed.
Although the two masters appeared intimate, perhaps it was merely an act for her benefit?
Yet it might also be genuine. It would be best to let the young couple spend time alone, lest she disturb their mood.
With that, Aunt Huixin bowed respectfully and withdrew from the bridal chamber.
Feng Moheng rarely defied his mother, so he said nothing more about Huixin staying.
In an instant, the bridal chamber was once again left with only Shen Yuling and Feng Moheng.
The previously somewhat heavy atmosphere now carried an indescribable awkwardness and discomfort.
“Husband, let me help you undress.”
Feng Moheng seemed provoked by these words.
He directly grasped Shen Yuling’s wrist with such force that she couldn’t help but frown.
“Shen Yuling, marrying you was not my wish. From now on, you can be the Princess Consort as you please. I will not love you, nor will I consummate this marriage.”
Feng Moheng’s voice was icy and resolute, as if intending to extinguish her enthusiasm.
Shen Yuling’s heart ached at first, but her stubborn nature was instantly ignited.
She raised her head, meeting Feng Moheng’s eyes directly without backing down.
“Feng Moheng, my surname is Shen—the Shen of Cangwu’s Shen clan. My life is not yours to control, nor will I accept your arrangements.”
Feng Moheng had no retort to this.
If Liu Jingyi had Shen Yuling’s illustrious family background and her fearless confidence, he could have long ago married Jingyi openly and properly as his wife.
He wouldn’t have had to let Jingyi settle for being a concubine.
While he himself married a wife for whom he felt no affection.
“Not loving me is your business, but loving you and cherishing my husband is mine.”
Shen Yuling’s words were firm and resounding.
A declaration, a defiance.
Yet Feng Moheng’s lips curled downward.
Love?
What did this woman know of love?
They had never met before—was her affection so casually given?
Feng Moheng leaned closer to her.
His eyes held an unfathomable depth.
“Even if my heart belongs to another, even if I despise and loathe you, you would still love me?”
The question was posed with ill intent.
“Husband, since we are husband and wife, whether I spend my life loving you or not, I choose to love you. If you want this heart of mine, it is yours anytime.”
Shen Yuling placed Feng Moheng’s hand over her heart.
Feng Moheng felt as if the warmth beneath his palm scalded him.
He withdrew his hand abruptly.
Love?
But in this world, only Jingyi loved him…
“No need. I don’t want it.”
Feng Moheng replied coldly.
Shen Yuling turned away angrily and returned to the bed.
She dismissed the man’s words as nonsense.
Sitting on the bed, she crossed her legs and folded her arms across her chest.
Like a little cat that had been provoked.
“Aunt Huixin will be outside the room all night. Husband, come to bed and rest. I won’t force you to consummate the marriage either.”
“Mother said that consummation is a matter of mutual affection. Until the day you love me, I will not consummate this marriage with you.”
As she spoke, Shen Yuling lay down in a huff, pulling the covers over her head.
Feng Moheng glanced toward the door.
Thinking that Aunt Huixin was currently guarding outside the room, it seemed unlikely that he could simply leave as he had originally planned tonight.
Yet, turning his head to look at the woman lying on the bed, her figure, though concealed beneath the embroidered quilt, still faintly exuded a seductive charm.
After all, this was their wedding night.
As a man, how could he possibly sleep with such a stunning beauty lying beside him?
Fine, he would make do for now and sleep on the nearby couch.
Feng Moheng stood up and walked toward the Meiren couch.
Shen Yuling, however, was not truly asleep. She quietly opened her eyes just in time to see Feng Moheng preparing to sleep on the couch.
How could this be allowed?
“You are not allowed to sleep there. Come here!”
Shen Yuling abruptly sat up.
Feng Moheng had already endured too much of this woman’s domineering attitude tonight.
His expression instantly hardened.
“Shen Yuling, don’t go too far.”
Feng Moheng gritted his teeth, forcing the words out from between them.
“The bed is so soft. When Aunt Huixin comes to check tomorrow morning, won’t it be obvious whether one person slept here or two?”
Suddenly.
Shen Yuling seemed to have a sudden realization, putting on an expression of surprise.
She lazily turned on her side, her slender fingers gently stroking the black hair draped over her chest.
Every movement was utterly enchanting.
“Could it be that Your Highness the Prince is unwilling to share a bed with me because you fear you won’t be able to resist my temptation?”
After saying this, she even feigned shyness, covering her mouth with her hand, revealing only her sparkling and alluring eyes.
With a hint of provocation, her gaze was fixed directly on him.
“Nonsense!”
Feng Moheng’s face turned livid with anger.