The moon quietly climbed above the treetops like a shy bride, timidly peeking through the clouds.
In the capital, the Ding’an Marquis Manor was ablaze with lanterns and festive decorations, every corner glowing with celebration.
The manor overflowed with honored guests. Laughter and cheerful conversation rose and fell throughout the grounds, filling the peaceful evening with lively merriment.
Inside the brightly lit bridal chamber, Xiao Qi stood straight before the wedding bed. His hands trembled ever so slightly as they reached toward the brilliant red bridal veil.
His heart pounded uncontrollably, excitement and nervousness intertwining until he could scarcely steady himself.
At last, with hesitant fingers, he lifted the veil.
Beneath it was a face both familiar and strangely new.
Mo Xiang wore a light dusting of powder that made her already fair complexion even more luminous.
Her graceful brows had been delicately painted like distant spring mountains, and with the slightest lift, they exuded irresistible charm.
A faint blush colored her cheeks—whether from rouge or genuine embarrassment, even she could not tell—giving her an air of innocent shyness.
She slowly raised her eyes to look at Xiao Qi, wearing a gentle smile. Yet she noticed he was staring at her without saying a word.
“The Heir… why are you looking at me like that?”
It was the first time she had dressed herself up like this, and deep down she felt more than a little bashful.
Xiao Qi finally came back to himself, only then realizing he had been completely captivated. A faint flush spread across his face, and even the tips of his ears grew warm.
He cleared his throat and said as calmly as he could, “Xiang’er… you’re… beautiful tonight.”
His praise made the blush on Mo Xiang’s face deepen until she resembled a rose just about to bloom.
Lowering her eyes, she twisted her fingers together.
After a moment’s hesitation, she stole another glance at him.
“The Heir… you… you look very handsome tonight as well.”
She spoke the truth.
Dressed in his crimson wedding robe with its dark gold sash, Xiao Qi looked radiant and full of spirit. His sword-like brows, bright eyes, red lips, and white teeth made it difficult for her to look away.
Unable to restrain himself any longer, Xiao Qi lifted her chin and bent to kiss her.
Only when they were both nearly out of breath did they reluctantly part.
He walked over to the table, poured two cups of wine, handed one to Mo Xiang, and kept the other for himself.
“Xiang’er, once we drink the cross-cupped wedding wine, the ceremony will truly be complete.”
They intertwined their arms and drank the ceremonial wine before leaning gently against one another.
“You’ve been busy all day without eating anything. You must be hungry. Come, let’s have something.”
Holding her hand, Xiao Qi led her to the table, where it was piled high with pastries and fresh fruit.
“The things on my head are so heavy… and these robes are so thick. They’re suffocating…” Mo Xiang complained softly.
Xiao Qi chuckled.
“Then let’s take them off. I’ll help you.”
He seated her before the dressing table and carefully removed the jeweled hairpins and ornaments from her hair before helping her take off the heavy outer layer of her wedding robes.
Afterward, he summoned the maids to bring hot water.
Once they had washed up, the servants withdrew, the door was closed, and the couple prepared to retire for the night.
Seated before the mirror, Mo Xiang slowly loosened her hair and gently combed her long black locks.
With the heavy wedding robes removed, she wore only a thin white inner garment that softly outlined her graceful figure.
Xiao Qi reclined lazily against the crimson bedding, half-closing his eyes as he watched her from afar.
He had drunk quite a bit during the banquet, and a restless heat was steadily building within him.
When she showed no sign of coming over, he rose and walked toward the dressing table.
Mo Xiang was absorbed in combing her hair. Hearing footsteps behind her, she knew the Heir had approached.
What she didn’t expect was for him to suddenly wrap his arms around her from behind.
She jumped in surprise.
“The Heir… I… I haven’t finished combing my hair yet.”
His arms circled her slender waist as he bent down to kiss her cheek before gently blowing warm breath against her soft ear.
“The Heir… I’m… almost done. Could you… let go for just a moment? I can’t comb my hair like this…” she protested softly.
“Go sit on the bed first. I’ll be… finished in just a moment…”
Hearing her voice, softer and sweeter than ever, while breathing in her faint fragrance, Xiao Qi felt his heart stir.
His fingers gently caressed the delicate edge of her ear.
“Would you like me to comb your hair for you, Xiang’er?”
His voice had grown hoarse.
Something about it made Mo Xiang instinctively feel a trace of danger.
Her cheeks instantly turned crimson.
“I’m finished… The Heir… why don’t you wait over there…”
Before she could finish speaking, Xiao Qi lowered his head and captured her slightly parted lips with his own.
The faint scent of wine lingered on him.
She had also drunk quite a bit earlier, and as soon as she smelled it, she felt intoxicated herself.
Without realizing it, her arms lifted to circle his neck.
The next instant, her feet left the floor as powerful arms lifted her effortlessly into the air.
“Ah!”
She cried out softly, pushing against him just enough to create a sliver of distance—only to meet the deep intensity of his gaze.
The words of refusal died before they could leave her lips.
Her heart pounded like a drum, her entire body tensing with nervousness.
Seeing this, Xiao Qi couldn’t resist kissing her again.
By the time she had become dizzy from his kisses, Mo Xiang suddenly felt her body go weak.
“Xiang’er, don’t be afraid. Hold on to me.”
His low voice sounded above her head.
She looked up and found his dark eyes tinged with red, like a wild beast straining to break free from its cage.
He lowered his head and kissed her brow and eyes with remarkable tenderness, as though soothing her fears.
Cradled in his arms, Mo Xiang’s gaze fell upon the firm, well-defined muscles of his abdomen.
Tiny beads of sweat dotted his forehead, slowly tracing paths down his face.
Embarrassed, she hurriedly lifted her eyes—
Only to meet his burning gaze.
Feeling as though she might lose her balance, she instinctively clung more tightly around his neck and nestled closer against him.
Xiao Qi’s breathing caught.
His body suddenly tensed, sweat gathering at his temples as he quickened his pace.
Together they sank onto the soft bridal bed.
Xiao Qi gently stroked her flushed, delicate face before lowering his head once more to claim her soft lips.
Mo Xiang leaned toward him of her own accord, silently welcoming him.
Feeling her response, Xiao Qi became gentler than he had ever been before.
Every sensation in his body centered entirely on her.
Mo Xiang’s face had turned pale and damp—whether with sweat or tears, even she herself no longer knew.
As he finally eased back, she suddenly felt as though an immense weight had lifted from her body.
The suffocating pressure faded away.
Now every inch of her ached.
Completely content, Xiao Qi carefully gathered her into his arms and gently rubbed her small hand.
“Xiang’er… does it hurt?”
“The Heir…” Mo Xiang hid shyly against his chest.
“Xiang’er, call me husband. I want to hear you say it… just once.”
“Husband… Husband… Xiang’er is so happy today. I’ve finally married you. I’ve dreamed of this day every moment of my life.”
For Xiao Qi, this day had felt like a lifetime in coming.
Through countless days and nights, he had imagined this very moment.
At last, he had finally married his Xiang’er.
“My wife, your husband is happy too. At last, I’ve married the woman I’ve longed for with all my heart…”
For the first time, both body and soul found true fulfillment.
Holding Mo Xiang in his arms, Xiao Qi slept peacefully through the night.