Shen Wan was about to speak when the sound of footsteps interrupted the tense standoff between them.
Aunt Tao entered carrying a plate of pastries, followed by a young attendant holding a teapot.
Shen Wan was momentarily taken aback; she hadn’t expected the food to arrive so quickly.
“General,” Aunt Tao said respectfully, lowering her head as she set the pastries down. “The selection of desserts you personally chose has been delivered. Madam, after you’ve had some, if there’s anything else you’d like, we can have the kitchen prepare it.”
She subtly glanced at Shen Wan, as if to indicate that all of this was part of Yan Xiao’s special arrangement.
Shen Wan raised her hand slightly and took the teacup with a smooth, decisive motion. She lowered her gaze to examine the patterns on the fine porcelain.
“Thank you, General. You’ve truly been considerate.”
Her words sounded like praise, but lacked any real sincerity.
Yan Xiao cast her a sideways glance. “Shen Wan, don’t oppose me. There’ll be even more for you later.”
Shen Wan picked up a pastry and took a bite.
Eating the dessert Yan Xiao had prepared didn’t mean she accepted his favor.
It wasn’t as if she had refused to let him prepare it for her she was genuinely just starving.
She lifted her eyes to him, her gaze shimmering. “And what’s the consequence of opposing you? Are you going to kill me?”
Yan Xiao leaned slightly closer, fingers casually brushing aside stray hair on her forehead, his tone carrying a warning: “I’m the only one who’s good to you. This isn’t your first time opposing me, Shen Wan. If I really wanted to kill you, would you still be sitting here?”
He held her in his gaze for a long moment.
A knock sounded at the door. “General.”
“Enter first, and entertain them,” Yan Xiao said, tearing his eyes from the door and returning them to her.
“What else do you want to eat? Have Aunt Tao prepare it for you.” After giving his instructions, he turned and left the room.
Shen Wan watched his retreating figure, the faint smile on her face finally fading.
The pastries on the table were delicate and exquisite; after a few bites, she was full. She drank some tea to clear the richness and then went to the bed to change out of her gown.
Sweat stuck her skin to the white fabric of the dress, making it sticky and uncomfortable.
She had Aunt Tao prepare bathwater for her and returned to the room.
She closed the door, locked it, and slipped under the covers.
Originally, she had intended to return to the guest room she’d stayed in a few days ago, but after lying down for a moment, she realized Yan Xiao’s bed was larger and softer than the guest room.
If Yan Xiao tried to come in at night and couldn’t get in, that wasn’t her problem.
With so many rooms in the General’s mansion, there was no reason for him to sleep in the courtyard.
Let him complain all he wanted.
She drifted comfortably to sleep.
In the middle of the night, a cold wind stirred, waking Shen Wan from her slumber.
In the dim light, she saw a tall figure climbing in from the balcony. Bathed in faint moonlight, she recognized him immediately.
Yan Xiao’s shirt was still on, his face tinged with anger. “Shen Wan! You dare keep your husband out on your wedding night?”
Shen Wan rubbed her eyes, still half-asleep and slightly annoyed. “General, shouldn’t you knock first before visiting at this hour? This habit of entering someone’s home unannounced isn’t very good.”
Yan Xiao laughed at her indignation. “Entering unannounced? Which part of the General’s mansion isn’t mine? I still have to knock to enter my own room?”
Shen Wan was fully awake now, realizing her position, and mentally scolded herself for her foolishness.
Outwardly, though, she showed no sign of it. “You’re right, General. I forgot. I am now the General’s wife; there’s no reason to refuse you entry.”
Her tone was calm, showing no hint of remorse.
She hugged a pillow and, barefoot, stepped out of bed.
This was Yan Xiao’s room; she might as well sleep in the guest room.
At the doorway, Yan Xiao immediately understood her intention.
He strode forward and grabbed Shen Wan’s wrist. “Shen Wan, don’t play dumb with me!”
Shen Wan winced in pain, frowning, yet still didn’t plead. “I don’t understand what you mean, General.”
She understood perfectly she just didn’t want to sleep with him. So what?
Seeing that she still refused to relent, Yan Xiao pushed her onto the bed, loomed over her, and bit at her neck.