It was only after the wedding preparations began that Luo Li learned that the estate next to the Gu residence was also Gu Xuanjing’s private property.
Likewise, it was to be their future marital home.
………..
The ninth day of the fifth month marked the grand wedding day of the Gu family.
Red lanterns adorned with the character for “double happiness” covered more than half the city, creating a distant view of joyous crimson.
The wedding procession set out from the Gu residence, circled the entire city, and by the time they arrived at the marital home, the last of the dowry had just left the Gu family gates.
The sound of firecrackers from the procession lasted half the day, truly showcasing what was meant by the Ten Miles of Red Dowry, leaving others envious.
“First bow to heaven and earth…”
“Second bow to the parents…”
“Third bow to each other—!”
“—Ceremony complete! Proceed to the bridal chamber!”
As the officiant uttered the final words, Luo Li distinctly felt the red silk ribbon in her hand tighten slightly from the other end.
When she was steadily lifted into his arms, she could still hear the thunderous beating of his heart, a clear sign of his nervousness.
“Li’er, we are married.”
Hearing his tense yet excited, trembling voice, Luo Li couldn’t help but smile, secretly curling the corners of her lips beneath the red veil.
And Gu Xuanjing was utterly captivated by her breathtaking beauty when he lifted the veil.
After drinking the Cross-Cupped Wine, listening to the toasts and cheers from outside, his throat moved slightly as he leaned down to place a kiss on her lips.
“Wait for me.”
“Mm.”
His absence lasted until nightfall.
In the room, the Wedding Candles flickered softly as he finally returned, carrying the scent of wine.
Once the servants had withdrawn, the drunkenness dissipated entirely.
“You…”
Before Luo Li, who was about to pour him sobering soup, could finish her sentence, gentle, lingering kisses descended upon her.
A large hand caressed her slender waist as the two tumbled together onto the bed.
“Mmm…” Utter tenderness, entwined…
The Red Bed Curtains fell, the Wedding Candles burned…
Lost together in the warmth of spring…
It was only at dawn that Luo Li finally found rest.
Gazing at the exhausted beauty who had fallen into a deep sleep, Gu Xuanjing was utterly satisfied, an irrepressible smile spreading across his face.
He couldn’t resist leaning down to kiss her forehead.
His Little Fox was finally his.
[Ding, Favorability Value 100, congratulations on completing the Strategy!]
………
The next day.
By the time Luo Li awoke, it was already afternoon.
Her snow-white skin was covered in dense, crimson marks.
Paired with her pure, innocent gaze upon waking, like that of a young beast, she was utterly enchanting and alluring.
“Husband.” Seeing Gu Xuanjing preparing a meal by the bedside, she stretched out a soft hand and called to him.
Gu Xuanjing felt his ears tingle instantly, a shivering sensation running from head to toe as his Adam’s apple bobbed.
Struggling to restrain himself, he reached out to lift her up.
“It hurts.” As if his touch had caused discomfort, the young girl murmured softly.
Her soft, pliant body and delicate, complaining voice were enough to drive anyone to lose control.
But remembering how she had sobbed and cried the night before, his heart ached terribly.
Knowing he couldn’t torment her further, he could only do his best to hold back.
“Be good, eat first.”
“Later, I’ll apply some medicine and massage it.”
“Mm.” Hearing his words, Luo Li nodded obediently.
After washing up with his help and finishing the meal, she lazily lay back on the bed.
Her small face was etched with discomfort, unwilling to move an inch.Gu Xuanjing watched with heartache, quickly fetching ointment to gently apply and massage for her.
“Does it feel a bit better?”
“Mhm.” Luo Li responded lazily.
Perhaps she was truly exhausted from the previous night, as she unknowingly drifted off to sleep again.
Gu Xuanjing felt both helpless and pained, inwardly scolding himself to exercise more restraint next time.
……..The young couple returned to the Gu residence only on the third day after their wedding.
Fortunately, Uncle Gu, Grandma, and Grandpa were all understanding of the situation of newlyweds and had long advised them to ignore formalities and simply rest well.
Yet, seeing the affectionate young couple, the elders were still deeply pleased.
They couldn’t help but feel delighted.
……..In their married life, Gu Xuanjing spoiled Luo Li to the extreme.
He never let Luo Li lift a finger for anything he could handle himself.
He granted her every wish and often prepared unexpected little surprises.
Whenever Luo Li was happy, he would also feel content and smile foolishly.
If anyone asked, he would always laugh and say,
“This is my Madam. If I don’t cherish her, who else should I cherish?”
He was truly the model husband everyone admired and envied.
….During this time, Luo Li quietly used medicinal pills to fully restore her health.
In the fifth year of their marriage, Luo Li gave birth to two babies—a boy and a girl.
An older brother and a younger sister, the Dragon and Phoenix Babies.
Uncle Gu, Grandma, and Grandpa were overjoyed.
On the day Luo Li gave birth, Gu Xuanjing even cried like a child.
Through tears, he told Luo Li they would only have this one pregnancy and no more.
Luo Li, Grandma, and Grandpa found it both amusing and touching, but they agreed to his request.
…In this lifetime, their large family lived a blissfully happy life.
Luo Li accompanied Gu Xuanjing until they both reached the age of ninety.
Watching their great-grandchildren live happily, they peacefully passed away in their sleep.
…..World 1, (End).