“Mother,” Su Qing’er held back her worries, speaking softly, “I’m truly fine. My in-laws treat me well and even said I’m truly worthy of being a daughter of the Su family.”
“That’s good, that’s good,” Madam Su finally felt a weight lift from her heart. She had inquired about the Chen family, learning that General Chen was kind and approachable, though Lady Chen was unlearned and quick-tempered.
She had worried that her daughter might suffer in her new home, but hearing Qing’er’s reassurance eased her concern somewhat. Little did she know, Qing’er would rather bear hardships herself than let her mother fret.
Now the young lady of the Chen household, Qing’er understood that any difficulties must be shouldered by herself. As her mother had wisely said, even with a good husband, she could not place all her hopes on him. Only by being strong herself could she handle everything. Besides, General Chen would have duties on the battlefield, and then she would have to rely on herself.
After their private conversation, mother and daughter held hands and returned to the main hall, only to find it empty.
“Where’s your father? Why, like a child, would he go fishing just when his son-in-law is visiting?” Madam Su teased.
Qing’er smiled, reassuringly, “Mother, as long as Father’s happy, I’ll go see the garden.”
Walking to the small garden, she spotted her father and husband fishing by the pond, seemingly enjoying a lively conversation.
She tiptoed closer, curious to overhear them.
Su Zhe was in high spirits, growing fonder of his son-in-law with each passing moment. They spoke of household matters after discussing court affairs.
“Jinghan, Qing’er was spoiled as a child because of us. If she missteps, please be patient with her,” Su Zhe said earnestly.
His words were heartfelt; his cherished daughter had married young, and he worried she might feel constrained or mistreated in her new home.
Qing’er listened closely, tears spilling over. Her usually reserved father had never spoken so openly, yet she could feel his love.
Chen Jinghan set aside his fishing rod, his face serious: “Father-in-law, rest assured. Qing’er is excellent, and I will care for her for a lifetime.”
Su Zhe’s mustache twitched with delight. “Good, good! With you saying this, I can rest easy.”
Seeing them get along so well, Qing’er returned to her mother’s side instead of staying to eavesdrop further.
By midday, the family enjoyed a lively reunion meal, with Madam Su and her daughter talking endlessly.
Su Zhe and Chen Jinghan toured the estate, and at a wisteria-covered swing, Chen Jinghan imagined Qing’er as a child playing there, smiling warmly.
“This swing was made for Qing’er. When she was little, she was so tiny and clever, always rushing to me for a hug after I returned from court. In a blink, she’s grown and married,” Su Zhe reminisced, a lump in his throat.
Chen Jinghan approached the swing, curious, and asked detailed questions about its construction, noting every detail carefully.
As evening fell, Qing’er reluctantly prepared to leave. Madam Su held her tight, crying once more before finally letting her go, watching the carriage fade into the night.
Alone in the carriage, Qing’er wept quietly, thinking of her parents’ hearts.
Hearing her, Chen Jinghan dismounted, entering the carriage and softly comforting her: “Don’t be sad. If you ever miss home, I’ll accompany you back.”
“But the family rules—”
Before she could finish, he interrupted: “No rule is more important than you. Don’t cry—I’d be heartbroken if you did.”
He kissed away her tears. Qing’er’s delicate, tear-streaked face stirred his passion, and he hated that the carriage was a confined space.
Back home, after paying respects to the elders, Chen Jinghan hurried Qing’er to their room, dismissing everyone except a single red candle.
“Husband, I’m tired today,” Qing’er said, shedding her clothes and climbing into bed, still sorrowful from leaving her family.
Chen Jinghan lay beside her, seeing the lingering traces of tears, restraining his own desires to soothe her first.
“Wife, let me massage you, to ease your fatigue and prevent sore legs tomorrow.” He gently worked her calves, careful not to hurt her delicate skin.
Despite his caution, the calluses on his hands pricked her slightly, and she gave a small gasp. He stopped immediately, fixing his hands by the candlelight.
Seeing him, Qing’er felt a pang of tenderness: “It’s cold—come lie down.”
Chen Jinghan’s face lit up, and he climbed into bed, nestling under the covers.
Her warm, fragrant body ignited his desire; his kisses rained across her.
Under the flickering candlelight, Qing’er looked ethereal and enchanting.
“Qing’er, my dear Qing’er,” Chen Jinghan murmured, overcome with passion, longing to melt into her completely.
Qing’er’s face burned crimson, her heart racing.
“Husband…” she whispered, trembling, words caught in her throat.
Chen Jinghan slowed, placing her delicate hand on his waist, kissing her earlobe softly: “Call me Jinghan, Qing’er.”
“Jinghan… don’t—”
Hearing her tender voice, he felt like a warrior possessed, fighting relentlessly.
“Husband, mercy,” Qing’er pleaded, cheeks aflame, unable to break free.
This only fueled his desire. He lifted her onto his lap, hands steady on her shoulders.
“Jinghan, put me down,” she whispered, unused to such closeness.
“Look at me, Qing’er,” he said with rare assertiveness, lifting her chin and capturing her lips.
Initially passive, Qing’er soon took control, turning the encounter into a playful battle.
Before her wedding, she had been shy, but with her husband, she tasted this sweet intimacy and could not contain herself.
Resting on his shoulder, she smiled radiantly. Such a husband was truly rare.
After a night of tender play, Chen Jinghan finally released her, grinning mischievously: “Qing’er, you won today—I admit defeat.”