Su Qing’er let out a sigh, realizing that with such deep-seated grudges, the days ahead might not be easy.
“Honey, I married you, and for the rest of my life, there will be only you. Whoever else it may be, I will never even glance at them,” Chen Jinghan coaxed her gently.
“Throughout history, men often had three wives and four concubines… and you, a general with illustrious achievements—” Qing’er hesitated. In her own family, her parents’ love had been so complete; hadn’t her father also taken a concubine? But the Su family had few children, only her, which made her parents cherish her even more.
Chen Jinghan kissed her hand, eyes shining as he swore solemnly: “Heaven above, I, Chen Jinghan, vow to marry only Su Qing’er. If I ever break this oath, may I be torn limb from limb.”
Hearing his grave words, Qing’er quickly covered his mouth. He was fiery by nature, and such a statement, though earnest, seemed a little overblown. She nudged him to utter a few playful ‘spits’ to undo the dramatic oath.
Chen Jinghan laughed, “It’s only because you care about me, wife. Don’t worry—I mean every word. My heart only has space for you, and there’s no room for a second person.”
Qing’er felt touched by his sincerity. Whatever the future held, this devotion alone was precious.
The couple prepared the items for their visit. Chen Jinghan had their household goods packed, planning to bring everything to the Su residence. They had raised such a fine daughter, and marrying her to him felt like acquiring a mountain of gold.
The next day, he ordered a horse-drawn carriage, packed the gifts carefully, and set out with Qing’er to pay respects to her parents.
General Chen, aware of their visit, inquired about the gifts. He admired Su Zhe, Qing’er’s father, though the two had little interaction due to one being literary and the other military. Now, as in-laws, he hoped for more frequent contact.
After hearing the list of gifts, he nodded in approval, but also added a few treasured calligraphy scrolls, long kept in the family, for Su Zhe. They may not have been priceless, but they were sincere tokens.
Qing’er hurriedly thanked her father. Lady Chen, however, felt it was excessive—after all, it was only a customary visit, just a meal at her childhood home.
She was about to protest when her husband’s commanding look reminded her to stay quiet. Normally, he followed her lead, but when serious, she dared not oppose him. This time, she let him take charge.
The young couple set out happily.
For this visit, Chen Jinghan rode a horse himself. It was their first return visit together, and he wanted Qing’er to arrive in style. At the same time, it was an opportunity for him to show himself and make clear that Qing’er now had a good match.
The families lived not too far apart. After a short ride, they arrived at the Su residence.
They were greeted warmly; servants led the way with smiles.
“Miss is home! Miss is home!”
The household staff paused their work and bowed in greeting: “Greetings, young master! Greetings, Miss!”
Though married, Qing’er was still regarded as before, so the familiar titles remained.
Chen Jinghan waved happily at everyone.
Madam Su came out quickly, tears welling at the sight of her daughter.
“Mother, I’m back,” Qing’er ran to embrace her, shedding tears.
Chen Jinghan knelt respectfully: “Jinghan pays respects to Mother-in-law.”
Madam Su wiped her tears and helped him up: “Come in, come in.”
The couple flanked her on either side as they entered the main hall.
Su Zhe, outwardly calm as always, sipped his tea, though his heart raced with excitement.
“Qing’er, you’re home!” he exclaimed.
“Father, I’m back,” Qing’er answered, tears rolling down her cheeks again.
Chen Jinghan knelt once more, hands in a respectful fist: “Jinghan pays respects to Father-in-law.”
“Stand up, stand up! You’re here, that’s what matters. Come, sit,” Su Zhe urged, helping him up.
Though a military man, Chen Jinghan handled the formalities smoothly, impressing Su Zhe.
He presented the gift list, explaining it as the Chen family’s tokens, and included the calligraphy scrolls from his father.
Su Zhe, a lover of art, examined them carefully. While not priceless, the scrolls were rare and cherished.
Chen Jinghan chatted with him, covering topics from household matters to military and political affairs, and the two found common ground.
Madam Su quickly found an excuse to lead her daughter aside—they needed to speak privately.
In her room, Qing’er ran her hands over familiar furniture. In less than a month, she had transformed from a carefree young lady to a married woman. The thought stirred a flood of emotions.
Madam Su closed the door, stationed Cui’er outside, then took her daughter’s hand and asked gently: “Qing’er, tell me honestly, is your husband treating you well?”
Qing’er sat close, nodding: “Mother, he treats me very well.”
“Really? He seems quiet, not the considerate type,” Madam Su said, concerned that her daughter might be holding back.
“He truly is. He even said he would marry only me, and no one else,” Qing’er blushed.
Madam Su smiled. In this world, are there truly men so devoted? In the court, every official had multiple wives. Such a claim was almost unheard of.
Qing’er nudged her mother: “Mother, you never know—he might be that rare one in a million.”
Madam Su, seeing her newlywed daughter, refrained from discouraging her, only cautioning her not to expect too much from men, lest she be hurt later.
“I understand your concern, Mother. But Jinghan truly treats me well, so please don’t worry.”
She squeezed her mother’s hand gently, comforting her.
Madam Su asked next, “And the Chen elders? How do they treat you? I hear Lady Chen isn’t educated—does she get along with you?”
Qing’er laughed nervously: “All is well, Mother. Don’t worry. I am married now; I must walk my own path. You and Father should enjoy life at home.”
Madam Su’s keen eyes noticed something amiss, and she whispered softly: “Daughter, if you ever feel uncomfortable, tell me. I’ve been through it all—I can help you.”