“Understood.”
Su Qing’er finally woke from her slumber after hearing the call, feeling every muscle ache as if her body had fallen apart—she could barely straighten her back.
Just as she tried to get up, her eyes met Chen Jinghan’s. He was wearing a silly grin, staring at her without blinking, clearly having been awake for some time.
“How long has Cui’er been calling?” Qing’er asked. She knew the maid was usually considerate—if it weren’t urgent, she wouldn’t shout like that.
Chen Jinghan stroked Qing’er’s hair, smiling. “No rush. She only called twice. Wife, you were tired last night—sleep a little longer.”
He emphasized “tired” deliberately.
Thinking of last night’s intimacy, Qing’er blushed and buried her face under the blanket, unwilling to get up.
“Wife, since you’re lying down, your husband will keep you company for a bit longer,” Chen Jinghan said, moving toward her.
Qing’er quickly emerged from the covers. Her husband was a man of action—if she let him, two hours could turn into a whole day without him budging.
Seeing the bruises scattered across her body, Chen Jinghan regretted being too rough and hurting his delicate wife. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, fingertips brushing her chest.
“Husband, no more…” Qing’er held his hand, stopping him from wandering further.
Chen Jinghan had already noticed the deep redness, recalling her muffled moans and restraint from last night. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of concern. Whispering in her ear, he asked softly, “Wife, does it hurt?”
Qing’er replied lightly. How could it not? The sensation shot straight to her head, though thankfully he hadn’t forgotten to be gentle in the end. Pain and pleasure mingled together.
Once he reassured her, the couple got up to wash and dress.
Time was pressing—they couldn’t linger over breakfast, so they climbed into the carriage to fetch their parents.
It was their first time riding together; Chen Jinghan, usually disdainful of carriages, chose to accompany his wife this time.
As the curtain lifted, their eyes met, full of affection.
“Wife, you must be hungry. Look what I brought for you.” Chen Jinghan opened an oil-paper package, revealing four kinds of pastries he had secretly taken from the kitchen before leaving, unseen by anyone.
Qing’er picked a plum blossom pastry, split it in half, offering one to Chen Jinghan and keeping the other for herself.
“Ah.” Chen Jinghan didn’t take it immediately, instead opening his mouth eagerly, waiting for her to feed him.
Qing’er laughed—how could such a mighty general act like a child?
She fed him the pastry, and he swallowed it in one bite. They exchanged smiles, reliving the simple joys of childhood.
Outside the city, they saw the Chen family’s procession. Cui’er immediately reported.
Chen Jinghan jumped down first, extending his arm to help Qing’er alight.
But with so many onlookers, Qing’er, not wanting gossip, let Cui’er assist her gently to the ground.
The couple approached, first paying respects to their elders.
General Chen’s eyes brightened seeing his son’s filialness. He waved, “Good children, once you’ve greeted your mother and aunt, we’ll head home.”
Chen Jinghan then led Qing’er to meet his mother. Alongside her was his aunt, Wang Qiyun.
“Greetings, Mother, greetings, Aunt,” Chen Jinghan said, bowing with Qing’er by his side.
“Well done, Jinghan. It’s been a while—you’ve grown so tall!” Aunt Wang smiled warmly.
She had married Jinghan’s elder uncle, Hu Mosheng. At the time, Chen Jinghan’s mother, Hu Moyun, was still young and often followed her around; the two had been very close.
Later, Hu Moyun married into the Chen family, becoming Lady Chen, and the cousins were separated, so visits became infrequent.
During Chen Jinghan’s wedding, Lady Chen had sent an invitation to her sister-in-law, but Wang had been ill, so she couldn’t attend.
This time, they coincidentally met at the incense-offering ceremony. Lady Chen insisted she stay a few days at their home, and Wang also wanted to see Jinghan’s new bride—they quickly agreed.
“So this is Jinghan’s wife? Quite lovely,” Wang Qiyun said, eyeing Qing’er up and down.
Qing’er felt a little uneasy under her gaze but politely replied, “Thank you, Aunt.”
“Tsk tsk tsk. Now that you’re married, you should give the Chen family children soon. No need for your mother-in-law to worry and go all the way to the incense-offering ceremony,” Wang Qiyun chattered on.
Qing’er blushed, feeling embarrassed being spoken to so openly in front of the servants.
Seeing her discomfort, Chen Jinghan quickly interjected, “Aunt, you worry too much. Qing’er and I just married; children will come in time. Didn’t your eldest cousin also marry years before having kids?”
Wang Qiyun thought she had the upper hand, but seeing Jinghan defend his bride, she flared and exclaimed, “Jinghan, I’m looking out for you, and you’re lecturing me now!”
Lady Chen lightly tapped Jinghan’s forehead, scolding, “Impudent boy, how dare you talk to your aunt like that?”
She then turned to Wang, “Sister-in-law, don’t mind him. He’s still young and impulsive.”
Seeing her husband in this predicament, Qing’er said calmly, “We appreciate the concern of our elders. As for children, my husband decides, and I follow him.”
Her words were firm yet respectful. Chen Jinghan stifled a laugh, silently praising his wife’s reply, and added, “Yes, yes, Mother, Aunt. Don’t worry. Let’s head home; the feast is ready.”
He shut the carriage door, leaving the two women exchanging glances.
Chen Jinghan took Qing’er back to the carriage, holding her icy hand and warming it with his own, reassuring her: “Wife, don’t mind what Aunt says. Children are our decision alone—ignore her words.”
“But… Father and Mother went to offer incense to pray for…” Qing’er hesitated.
“Hah, that’s just their yearly custom for the Chen family’s safety. It has nothing to do with children. Don’t overthink it,” Chen Jinghan laughed, easing her worries.
Besides, they had just married; he certainly didn’t want a child interrupting their private time.
Holding her hand and gazing into her eyes, he said, “Wife, at home, I won’t let anyone bully you—even my mother.”
Pffft.
Qing’er’s worries melted away. If her mother-in-law had heard that, who knows what a stir it would have caused?
She covered Chen Jinghan’s mouth, preventing him from speaking carelessly in front of others.
He puckered his lips and kissed her finger. Qing’er, shy and flustered, quickly withdrew her hand.
Chen Jinghan wouldn’t let her escape, grasping both her hands and waist, lifting her onto his lap.