She swept her gaze across the room and declared clearly, "From now on in the Wangfu, whatever Shizifei says is what I say. Anyone who dares to slight her will answer with their head!"
The servants knelt in unison: "We heed Princess Consort's instruction! We pledge our lives in loyalty to our masters, following their lead without question."
Only then did Princess Su nod with satisfaction.
She tugged on Ju Yue's sleeve and mouthed a message to her.
Having watched Empresses in the Palace enough times to use it as mealtime entertainment, Ju Yue instantly understood the Princess Consort's meaning.
Raising her voice, she announced, "The household celebrates joyous events, and you have all worked hard these past two days. Everyone shall receive two months' worth of monthly allowance."
This was tangible reward, and everyone immediately expressed gratitude: "Thank you, Princess Consort! Thank you, Shizifei!"
It was evident that this response was far more vigorous and heartfelt than the previous one.
The family dined together that evening.
Princess Su did not allow Ju Yue to serve her. "Sit down and eat! There are no outsiders here, why stand on ceremony among family? If service is needed, there are plenty of servants—no need for you to lift a finger."
Ju Yue sat down and noticed, to her surprise, a cup of bright red pomegranate juice placed before her.
She couldn't help but pause, lifting her gaze to look at Lou Yi.
The young master avoided her eyes, his expression still aloof, but the tips of his ears were flushed a deep red, as if about to drip blood.
Only then did Ju Yue recall that when Lou Yi had given her the coral-carved pomegranate that morning, she had mentioned in passing…
She hadn't expected this young master to remember it all along.
Swallowing hard, she felt her throat tighten, making it difficult even to gulp.
Earlier at the Academy, she hadn't thought much of it, assuming Lou Yi refused to give up the pomegranate simply because he was tired of being bullied and decided to resist.
She never imagined the child had clashed with his classmates precisely to save this pomegranate for her.
All because she had told him that pomegranate juice was best enjoyed in one gulp.
Suddenly, Ju Yue's eyes grew moist.
No, something was about to overflow!
She blinked heavily, quickly dispersing the moisture in her eyes.
Picking up the cup, she cherished each small sip as she drank the pomegranate juice.
Not a drop remained.
Truthfully, pomegranates this season were a bit sour and astringent, but that didn't matter.
This was the most delicious pomegranate juice Ju Yue had ever tasted, without exception.
Setting down the cup, she noticed the young master's eyes shining as he stole glances at her, so she smiled openly at him.
Lou Yi quickly lowered his head, but the corners of his mouth turned up uncontrollably.
Due to his cold nature, people around him either kept their distance like his Academy classmates or looked at him with pity, treating him with excessive caution.
Only Ju Yue, his new sister-in-law, treated him like a normal person.
This, in fact, was the kind of interaction Lou Yi truly needed.
With Ju Yue, he felt incredibly relaxed and at ease, never treated as an outsider.
He couldn't help but feel grateful that his unreliable older brother had, for once, been reliable and brought back such a wonderful sister-in-law.
Lou Buqi's gaze deepened, settling on Ju Yue's lips, which glistened from the pomegranate juice.
His Adam's apple bobbed restlessly.
Those lips must be the most exquisite delicacy in the world!
He wanted to taste them!
If he wanted something, he took action!
This was the principle Lou Buqi always adhered to.
Grabbing the wine jug, he refilled Ju Yue's cup, which she had just emptied, with wine.
Then, raising his own cup, he toasted her, saying:
"Yue Niang, it is my great fortune across three lifetimes to have met you and become husband and wife. I offer this cup to you, and I ask for your care and consideration in all the years to come."
Ju Yue looked at the wine cup being offered to her, her face twitching almost imperceptibly.
Ah, damn it!
This guy was trying to get her drunk!
Absolutely ill-intentioned!
But Lou Buqi's eyes were clearly filled with threat.
He was telling her that if she didn't drink this cup, he would tell her fan girl Princess Su and her little fan boy Lou Yi that they hadn't exchanged nuptial cups last night.
And why hadn't they exchanged nuptial cups?
Because she had been crying her eyes out over not having any face wash!
Ah, damn it!
Ju Yue really wanted to find a van full of Wuling minivan people to beat him up!
To avoid losing face in front of her big and little fans, Ju Yue had no choice but to brace herself and drink the wine.
Prince Su and Princess Su watched the young couple exchanging flirtatious glances, their eyes seemingly pulling at each other like silk threads, and felt immensely gratified.
Lou Yi, seeing his brother and sister-in-law so sweet and affectionate, was also very happy.
He even gave Ju Yue a shy smile.
For the little brother, this was a rare display of emotion.
The whole family was delighted.
Only Ju Yue, looking at Lou Buqi's shameless expression, felt her hands itching to plant some maggots on him!
Lou Buqi couldn't hide the joy on his face, the little devil in his mind beating drums and gongs in wild celebration.
Wedding chamber! Wedding chamber! Wedding chamber wedding chamber wedding chamber!
Tonight, it must happen!
Get her drunk, tipsiness is the best time to make a move!
The alcohol content in this era wasn't high, and what Ju Yue drank was fruit wine.
It tasted sweet and smooth like a soft drink, but its aftereffects were strong.
As the alcohol took effect, her hands and body grew weak. Forget planting maggots on Lou Buqi, she couldn't even walk on her own.
Lou Buqi bid farewell to his parents and younger brother, half-embracing, half-carrying Ju Yue, and hurried back to their own courtyard.
As soon as they entered, he pressed her against the door, kissing and nibbling fervently.
Breathing hotly into Ju Yue's ear, he called out with unbearable longing, "Yue Niang, Yue Niang, give yourself to me, please?"
Both their hearts beat faster and faster, their breaths chaotic and hurried.
Ju Yue carried a fresh citrus scent, while Lou Buqi's breath was mixed with the crisp, lingering fragrance of cedar.
The aromas of wine, cedar, and citrus mingled, indistinguishable from one another, yearning to become one.
In her daze, Ju Yue felt as if she were a fresh piece of pork belly, squeezed between the hard door and the man's firm chest.
She was about to be flattened!
His strength and fierce assault made her soul tremble.
The feeling of her territory being invaded instinctively frightened Ju Yue.
Too fast! They had only met the day before…
Opening her bewildered eyes, she saw the man's bloodshot gaze.
It was filled with aggression.
His grip was so strong—she had no power to resist in his hands, feeling as if he could crush her with the slightest carelessness.
The man's palms were scorching hot, burning Ju Yue so fiercely that she shuddered violently.