The Bridal Chamber
Grand Madam Rong’an’s Residence.
The main hall was spacious and airy, with maidservants standing respectfully on either side, their hands folded before them.
After serving tea, Xia Ruochu signaled Bihan to bring forward a carved red lacquer food box. “Old Madam, this official’s daughter made this personally. Please have a taste.”
Old Madam Xiao smiled kindly. “Good girl, Chu’er. You should call me Grandmother now.”
Xia Ruochu glanced at the man seated to one side, who had changed into a dark green casual robe.
As though none of this concerned him, Xiao Chengyi kept his eyes lowered, rolling a black jade chess piece between his fingers and tapping it against the chessboard from time to time.
“Yes, Grandmother,” she replied.
How could anyone marry into a powerful family so easily? From the moment the imperial marriage decree was issued, she had been destined to follow Old Madam Xiao’s arrangements.
No one knew that when she left Qiyun Temple, Old Madam Xiao had personally come to escort her down the mountain and had spoken to her openly and sincerely.
Old Madam Xiao had raised Xiao Chengyi herself, so she naturally had many exacting requirements for her grandson’s wife.
“The men of my Xiao family have fought on battlefields for generations. I have no regard for pampered noble ladies, yet the daughters of military generals aren’t gentle enough.”
“Yi’er commands the Imperial Guards. If his bride comes from an overly prominent family, I’m afraid His Majesty might grow suspicious.”
Every family that actively sought a marriage alliance with Prince Su had its own carefully calculated interests. The Old Madam had to maneuver around them all, and she was thoroughly tired of it.
What worried her even more was that beauty had been used as a tool in struggles for power and profit since ancient times. Her grandson occupied a high position, yet he was utterly unguarded against such schemes.
“I’ve heard that Yi’er has been associating closely with a dancing girl. I’m afraid she might be a beauty who brings disaster, but if I interfere too much, I fear it will damage the relationship between grandmother and grandson.”
Xia Ruochu understood that Old Madam Xiao wanted her to keep the household in order and deal with all the women who might try to attract Xiao Chengyi’s attention.
The Marquis of Yongning’s residence did not hold a particularly high position, so the Emperor would not regard it as a threat. Although the Xia family disliked their straightforward Fourth Young Lady, Old Madam Xiao felt that Xia Ruochu rather resembled herself in her younger days.
Xia Ruochu had grown up alongside her eldest brother. She could ride horses and shoot arrows, was in good health, and would be well suited to bearing children.
She was also dearly loved by her maternal grandfather. Not only had she learned medicine from him, but she also understood something of business management. She would naturally be a reliable choice to manage the Prince’s residence’s household affairs and finances in the future.
Her appearance also greatly satisfied Old Madam Xiao.
“Chu’er is truly beautiful! My great-grandchildren will surely be adorable. It would be best if you could have two children within three years. I’d wake up laughing even in my dreams.”
Thus, when an old acquaintance came to plead for help, Old Madam Xiao sent a formal request to the imperial palace that very night to seek an imperial decree, without asking Xiao Chengyi’s opinion at all.
“Good child, Yi’er lost both his parents when he was young, so his temperament is somewhat withdrawn.”
Grandmothers truly did dote on their grandsons. Old Madam Xiao simply turned a deaf ear to the rumors of Xiao Chengyi’s cruelty and violent temper.
“Old Madam, His Highness hates me,” Xia Ruochu had said at the time.
Old Madam Xiao waved her hand dismissively. “His mother’s death wasn’t your fault. You were only a child then. It was an accident.”
She added, “Don’t be afraid. If he bullies you, I’ll certainly teach him a lesson.”
Grand Madam Rong’an held an exceptionally noble position, and her word carried enormous weight. Xia Ruochu had finally felt reassured.
Now, however, it seemed that Old Madam Xiao had underestimated both Xiao Chengyi’s rebellious nature and his ability to attract women.
This marriage had certainly placed her among wolves and tigers on every side.
While Xia Ruochu was lost in thought, the food box had already been opened.
Old Madam Xiao exclaimed in surprise, “This is crab-stuffed orange!”
Everyone couldn’t help but look over. Inside a celadon bowl with a sunflower-shaped rim sat a golden orange. Its top had been cut into the shape of a flower, and its interior was filled with a rich, plump mixture.
“Grandmother, have a taste. It’s different from the ones you’ve eaten before,” Xia Ruochu said with a faint smile.
Crab-stuffed orange was originally a dish recreated from an ancient recipe. In the present era, it could only be found at imperial banquets, so Old Madam Xiao naturally recognized the thought and effort that had gone into preparing it at a glance.
Moreover, Xia Ruochu had improved upon the traditional method.
She had used two male crabs and one female crab to prepare this single serving. Using only male crabs would produce a less appealing color, while using only female crabs would inevitably result in a slightly firmer texture.
“This granddaughter-in-law simmered it carefully with three-year-aged Huadiao wine, fresh ginger juice, and perilla leaves. Perilla helps release the exterior and dispel cold, while ginger juice warms the middle and harmonizes the stomach, counteracting the cooling nature of crab meat. Follow it with a cup of ginger and red date tea, and it will be just right for Grandmother’s stomach and digestion.”
Old Madam Xiao enjoyed it immensely. After eating several spoonfuls, her expression relaxed.
“Delicious! You’re such a thoughtful child. I’ve always loved eating crab, but my stomach is sensitive to cold, so I haven’t dared eat much. Today, I’ve finally been able to enjoy it to my heart’s content.”
The refreshing fragrance of orange and the sweet, savory aroma of crab drifted through the air. Even the maids and older female servants couldn’t help but secretly swallow their saliva.
A familiar sense of accomplishment welled up in Xia Ruochu’s heart, and her nose tingled slightly with emotion.
Before coming to this world, she had been a head chef who had won a Black Pearl distinction. Two medicinal dishes passed down through her family had even been included on the intangible cultural heritage list.
As a medicinal cuisine chef, she had never rigidly adhered to convention. She loved studying cooking methods from ancient and modern times, both Chinese and foreign. Earning the appreciation of diners had been her lifelong pursuit.
She had never thought of getting married. Her love for her career surpassed any romantic feelings. If she were made to live like a caged canary, how would that be any different from being dead?
“Oh, right.” Old Madam Xiao’s gentle voice interrupted her thoughts. “Did you prepare another serving for Yi’er? Yi’er has an old injury, so delicate, easily eaten foods are particularly suitable for him. He also likes light, sweet flavors the most.”
“No, I didn’t,” Xia Ruochu replied without thinking.
Preparing crab-stuffed orange involved a complicated process. Making an additional serving would have doubled the time required. She hadn’t known Xiao Chengyi would come along, so naturally, she hadn’t prepared one. Besides, that man might not even be willing to eat anything she made.
A crisp sound of a chess piece striking the board came from beside her, noticeably louder than before.
A black jade chess piece bounced off the chessboard and rolled in circles until it reached her feet. The maids hurried to pick it up.
“Don’t pick it up.”
Xiao Chengyi’s voice was cool and indifferent, and no one dared move another inch.
The man’s dark gaze settled on her. “Princess Consort, come here.”
Xia Ruochu was slightly startled. Assuming that he simply disliked servants touching his belongings, she picked up the chess piece and returned it to the chess container. As she did so, she noticed his tense profile.
Was His Highness angry?
Then she would just let him be angry quietly for a while.
She couldn’t be bothered to examine the matter further. After all, this was Grand Madam Rong’an’s residence. He wouldn’t dare do anything to her here.
Taking advantage of Old Madam Xiao’s excellent mood, Xia Ruochu carefully chose her words.
“Grandmother, this granddaughter-in-law would like to run a medicinal cuisine restaurant so that I can prepare more nourishing dishes and snacks for Grandmother. Would that be all right?”
Old Madam Xiao frowned slightly. “Why would you want to do that? The kitchens in the Prince’s residence are more than sufficient for you to use as you please.”
“My maternal grandfather’s family has only one medicine shop left in Lin’an, and business has been slow,” Xia Ruochu explained cautiously. “This granddaughter-in-law would like to introduce medicinal cuisine into its operations. Perhaps that could revive the family business.”
Her dowry for marrying into Prince Su’s residence had been prepared by Old Master Shen, and it included this medicine shop, Yangyi Hall, which was also the Shen family’s last remaining property in Lin’an.
The medicine shop was situated in a remote location, with a narrow and cramped storefront. Madam Liu had looked down on it, but Xia Ruochu could use this foothold to turn the situation around.
“I understand what you’re thinking.” Old Madam Xiao sighed softly. “Your maternal grandfather’s family served as imperial merchants for three generations and was also well-versed in medicine. How glorious they were at their peak. Unfortunately, they had no capable male descendants to uphold the family.”
Xia Ruochu lowered her eyes without speaking, unconvinced in her heart.
A family’s prosperity did not necessarily have to depend on its male descendants.
“But you’re now a noble Princess Consort. How could you show yourself in public and engage in such exhausting business activities? It would be enough to have a shopkeeper oversee things,” Old Madam Xiao said tactfully. “Besides, once you have children, which should be soon, you’ll have even less time to spare.”
The sudden change of subject caught Xia Ruochu completely off guard, and her cheeks grew slightly warm.
She instinctively glanced to her side, only to meet Xiao Chengyi’s hawk-like eyes. He neither avoided her gaze nor looked away, merely watching her with amusement.
She hurriedly lowered her head and eyes, obediently replying, “Grandmother is right.”
Old Madam Xiao did not approve of her involvement in the medicine shop’s business, so Xia Ruochu naturally would not be foolish enough to anger the person she relied upon for support.
If she wanted the stubborn old lady to relent, her newlywed husband, with his cold words and stern expression, would have to speak on her behalf.
That would be far more difficult than getting Zhao Shu whipped. She would have to think it over carefully.
With countless thoughts swirling through her mind, Xia Ruochu unconsciously picked up a cup of donkey-hide gelatin and longan tea.
Old Madam Xiao suddenly asked, “I’ve heard that donkey-hide gelatin promotes blood circulation and isn’t suitable for women to consume during their monthly periods. Is that true?”
Not understanding what Old Madam Xiao meant, Xia Ruochu thought for a moment.
“That is indeed true.”
Seeing her continue drinking tea, Old Madam Xiao smiled and summoned the managing matron.
“Pass down my instructions. The Prince and Princess Consort will stay here tonight. Have Songfeng Courtyard prepared as their bridal chamber.”
“Cough, cough, cough!”
Xia Ruochu choked on her tea.
This assistance had come far too forcefully.
She had indeed wanted to use Old Madam Xiao’s affection for her to grow closer to Xiao Chengyi, but certainly not in this manner.
Xiao Chengyi frowned. “Grandmother…”
Bang!
Old Madam Xiao slammed her hand on the table and rose to her feet.
“You still dare argue? I want my grandson and granddaughter-in-law to stay and keep me company for a few days. Is that such an unreasonable request? You defy me in everything. Are you trying to anger me to death?”
“If I hadn’t raised you myself, I wouldn’t have to concern myself with these matters. Now that this old woman has become a nuisance to you, you might as well wait until I’ve closed my eyes for good before doing whatever you please!”
Xiao Chengyi knitted his brows tightly but said nothing.
Did that mean he had silently agreed? Seeing his expression, Xia Ruochu grew even more flustered.
“Grandmother, please don’t get so angry that you harm your health. His Highness is busy with official duties and cannot afford any delays. Why not let this granddaughter-in-law stay behind alone and keep you company for a few more days?”
She had given him the perfect opening and waited for Xiao Chengyi to take the opportunity to agree.
“I’m not busy,” he said.
Xia Ruochu froze.
Had she heard him correctly?
Xia Ruochu looked at Xiao Chengyi with a face full of confusion. The man remained perfectly composed.
“Why is Grandmother angry? This grandson never said he was unwilling to stay overnight.”
His gaze swept toward her. “If the Princess Consort says we should stay for a few days, then we’ll stay for a few days.”
Xia Ruochu: “…”
He had tossed the hot potato to her, leaving her to offend Old Madam Xiao.
But she wasn’t someone who could be easily manipulated either.
She said gently, “This consort wouldn’t dare. This consort will leave the decision to Your Highness.”
The corners of Xiao Chengyi’s lips curved upward. “Since my Princess Consort is so virtuous, how could this prince be so insensitive?”
Bang!
Old Madam Xiao struck the ground heavily with her dragon-headed cane.
“Both of you, shut your mouths!”
“Do you think that just because I’m not at Prince Su’s residence, I know nothing about the absurd things you’ve been doing? How dare you treat my painstaking arrangements and His Majesty’s wise imperial decree as a game?”
Both of them immediately pressed their lips together and fell silent.
Grand Madam Rong’an was no ordinary old lady. Her word had always been final. Since she had already spoken on the matter, there was no longer any room for negotiation.
“Servants!” Old Madam Xiao called out in a voice as loud as a great bell.
“Attend to the Prince and Princess Consort as they bathe. Prepare the red candles, bridal bed curtains, and ceremonial wine cups for the wedding toast. Tonight, they will make up for their wedding night!”
Late at night.
Inside Songfeng Courtyard, red candles glowed, and the bridal bed curtains enclosed a warm, intimate space.
The person reflected in the mirror was beautiful. Her red gauze nightgown was thin and light, faintly revealing her fair skin and lending her a radiant, captivating allure.
Yet Xia Ruochu felt not the slightest trace of romance. Sitting beside the grand canopy bed, she was terrified that an arrow might come flying from some direction and pierce straight through her this time.
She didn’t know whether Xiao Chengyi would keep his promise. They had agreed to be husband and wife in name only, without consummating their marriage.
But he didn’t seem to have nodded in agreement.
A gentle knock sounded at the door.
The person who entered was Nanny An, who served Old Madam Xiao. She dismissed all the maidservants and said warmly, “This old servant has come on Grand Madam Rong’an’s orders. From now on, I’ll be serving at the Princess Consort’s side.”
Clearly, she had been sent to keep an eye on them.
Nanny An smiled kindly as she applied fragrant ointment to Xia Ruochu’s skin.
“This old servant has come especially to give the Princess Consort some advice.”
“His Highness has practiced martial arts since childhood. His muscles and bones are strong, and after being tempered on the battlefield, he’s inevitably somewhat rough and forceful. The Princess Consort is so petite, so when performing the rites of Duke Zhou, remember to be soft and yielding. Once a man feels tenderness and affection, he’ll become gentle, sparing you unnecessary suffering.”
It took Xia Ruochu a moment longer to understand what Nanny An meant. Instantly, even the tips of her ears grew hot.
She felt like crying but had no tears to shed.
Had this elderly nanny come to comfort her or frighten her?
Soon, she was the only person left in the room.
Creak.
The sound of the door hinges turning was especially distinct in the silence.
Xiao Chengyi pushed the door open and entered. The moonlight cast a graceful outline around his figure.
He wore only a white inner robe, and a faint, clean fragrance of soap pods lingered around him.
His gaze rested on her for an instant before quickly shifting away.
Without saying a word, he walked to the round table, picked up a green jade teapot, and poured himself a cup of tea. Then he took a book from the display shelf, turned his back to her, and began reading.
It was as though she were nothing more than an insignificant ornament.
Xia Ruochu didn’t dare move. She maintained her stiff sitting posture, timidly watching his back.
The man’s shoulders and back were broad, and even through his clothing, she could sense his strength. The muscles of his arms were firm and well-defined. Compared with him, even her legs weren’t as thick as his arms.
The difference in their physiques was simply too great.
Nanny An’s words continued to echo in her ears, and she nervously clutched the hem of her nightgown.
The candlewicks crackled from time to time, sending out tiny sparks.
Half a red candle had burned away, yet the man hadn’t so much as lifted his eyelashes.
He probably wouldn’t touch her.
The autumn night in Lin’an grew increasingly chilly.
Her nightgown was not enough to keep out the cold. Xia Ruochu hadn’t slept well the previous night, and she had risen early that morning to prepare the dishes. Now, an overwhelming wave of drowsiness swept over her.
After enduring it for a long while, she carefully lifted the incredibly inviting mandarin-duck embroidered quilt.
She slipped beneath it, making as little noise as possible, and curled herself up like a shrimp.
The warmth of the bedding enveloped her. As soon as her body relaxed, extreme exhaustion washed over her, and her consciousness quickly grew hazy.
…
She slept restlessly.
In her dream, she had returned to her familiar bed and was hugging her favorite large, soft, life-sized body pillow. It felt wonderfully comfortable.
Today, the pillow was exceptionally warm and carried a refreshing, pleasant scent, like a pine forest after snowfall.
“So cold… Hug me.”
She mumbled a few words unconsciously, wrapping both her arms and legs around it.
Her soft cheek rubbed against the warm surface, while her restless hands wandered up and down.
This pillow felt wonderful. Its contours were smooth, and it felt firm yet springy beneath her touch…
Suddenly, the world spun around her!
An enormous force slammed her violently into the mattress.
Xia Ruochu was so frightened that her soul nearly left her body, and all traces of sleep vanished.
A blade was pressed against her delicate neck, causing a faint, stinging pain.
She opened her eyes in bewilderment and immediately met a pair of dark, brooding eyes.
Xiao Chengyi was braced above her, his eyes filled with turbulent emotions she had never seen before.