Bridal Chamber

Behind the pawnshop lay the bridal chamber.

Yu Qinghan wore a red dress, her face cool and pretty, her skin whiter than snow, her crimson lips as crystalline as cherries.

At this moment, she sat upright on the bed with her eyes closed, her aura incomparably steady as invisible True Qi flowed through her meridians.

She was clearly cultivating.

After a long while, her phoenix eyes opened, and a flicker of delight flashed through their sharp gaze.

"My cultivation is about to break through again."

Though she did not enjoy martial arts, cultivation had already become part of her daily life, something she could not peel away.

In the peaceful days ahead, even if it was for Young Master Zhao—no, for her husband—she had to cultivate diligently. It was necessary for her to shield him from wind and rain.

The only thing that worried her was that Zhao Huai was an ordinary mortal. What if her lifespan far exceeded his in the future? "No, I must teach him how to cultivate."

After thinking for a long time, Yu Qinghan still decided that she would lead Zhao Huai through the gates of cultivation.

She could not simply watch Zhao Huai grow old like this. It was too painful.

At that moment, a beautiful maid appeared from the darkness at some unknown time and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Princess."

The instant Yu Qinghan saw her, she knew there was news from outside. Her expression remained calm as she said, "Today is my wedding day. I hope you have brought me some good news."

"Princess, it is indeed good news." The beautiful maid lowered her head.

"Speak."

"Prince Qin has withdrawn all surveillance from the army and loosened inspections in the coastal cities. It seems he intends to let this conflict pass."

"What is he trying to do?"

Yu Qinghan narrowed her eyes and pondered. Her troublesome brother had no depth beyond craving grand achievements and loving war.

Yet this time, he was strangely impossible for her to read.

"Princess, should we strike back?"

The beautiful maid asked.

Yu Qinghan shook her head. "Forget it. It has no effect on me, and I no longer have the authority to mobilize the army."

The beautiful maid dropped to her knees, gave a military salute, and shouted in a low voice, "So long as Princess wishes it, two hundred thousand soldiers stand ready at any time!"

"That is rebellion!" Yu Qinghan said coldly.

"But you won this land!"

The beautiful maid argued desperately.

"Not me. We did it together."

Yu Qinghan sighed, rose to her feet, and toyed with the roses beside the bed.

The beautiful maid urged, "Princess, the conflict between you and Your Majesty is not beyond reconciliation. So long as you and Your Majesty admit your mistakes, perhaps you may be restored to your former post."

"I have said it many times already."

Yu Qinghan's expression was faint as she said:

"Impossible."

"Then what should we do about Your Majesty's Longevity Banquet seven days from now?"

"Ignore it."

"Princess."

"Enough. Withdraw. I am tired."

"Yes."

As the guests in the main hall gradually departed, Zhao Huai finally reached the most thrilling moment.

"It is time for the bridal chamber."

With a nervous heart, Zhao Huai stepped through the doors of the bridal chamber.

"Wife, I'm coming in."

The wooden door covered in red paper creaked open, and Zhao Huai saw Yu Qinghan seated on the bed.

A red bridal veil embroidered with peonies covered her head. Even beneath her loose red gown, her figure remained graceful and alluring. Her pair of red Hong Luan and phoenix embroidered shoes were exquisitely crafted.

As Zhao Huai approached her, he could clearly hear her breath, soft as a mosquito's hum.

Yu Qinghan was clearly nervous as well.

Zhao Huai carefully lifted the red veil, revealing Yu Qinghan's breathtakingly beautiful face before him without concealment.

Compared to the icy purity and gentle poise she had possessed when they first met, Yu Qinghan now wore light makeup. Her dark brows, features, and delicate nose appeared even more refined, while her crimson lips were even more vivid.

The only thing unchanged was that pair of captivating phoenix eyes.

At this moment, those eyes were gazing at him with boundless affection.

"Husband."

That single word, husband, fulfilled Zhao Huai's heart's desire. Who could know the depth of feeling within it? He could scarcely believe that he had truly married such a stunningly beautiful wife!

This was not a dream, was it? Their meeting could be called love at first sight; they had simply caught each other's eye.

With such a virtuous wife, what more could a man ask for?

Zhao Huai held Yu Qinghan's hand and said softly, "Wife, now that you are with me, I will never let you suffer any grievance. From now on, do whatever you wish. No one can restrain you."

"Mm!"

Yu Qinghan nodded vigorously. Her heart pounded wildly, her entire body soft as though her bones had vanished. Hearing Zhao Huai's words, she felt warm through and through, filled with hope for the future.

Looking at the beauty before him, Zhao Huai could not have been more satisfied. Unable to suppress his feelings, he leaned in and kissed her.

"Wife, it is time for the bridal chamber."

"Mm!"

With a startled cry, the candlelight suddenly went out.

The next day.

Birdsong and flowers filled the air, and the sunlight was bright.

Yu Qinghan slowly awoke and found no trace of anyone beside her. She also discovered that she was dizzy and uncomfortable all over. Recalling what had happened the night before, it was truly beyond description.

Her husband truly did not seem like an ordinary man. His energy was astonishingly abundant.

Yu Qinghan got up, intending to bathe first. Hot water had long been prepared for her. After washing her face and cleansing herself, she changed into fresh clothes and sat before the dressing table to apply makeup. Just as the hand holding her comb paused in midair, it was wrapped in a large, warm hand.

In the bronze mirror was reflected a handsome face brimming with tenderness.

"I'll comb your hair."

"Alright." Yu Qinghan's heart was as sweet as honey when she heard that.

Zhao Huai held the comb in one hand and lifted her long black hair with the other, brushing it once, then twice, his movements incomparably gentle.

His gaze lowered to her oval face, white as jade, and he said softly:

"Wife."

"Mm?"

"You are so beautiful. I truly can never tire of looking at you."

Zhao Huai praised her sincerely.

Yu Qinghan covered her mouth and chuckled. "How did I never notice before that you were so glib-tongued?"

"That depends on who I'm speaking to."

Zhao Huai remained unmoved and instead spoke with complete conviction.

"Wife, I need to go out this afternoon. You can make dinner a little later today. Just keep an eye on the pawnshop's business for me."

Zhao Huai had not forgotten that he still had important matters to handle.

Today's Technique Auction was something he had awaited for a long time. He absolutely could not miss it.

"Alright. Be careful. Leave the pawnshop to me."

As for Zhao Huai's personal affairs, since he did not mention them, Yu Qinghan naturally would not interfere.

Before long, Zhao Huai arrived at the warehouse and placed some money into the Mysterious Ring.

He looked at the White Jade Dragon Seal at the very top, fell silent for a moment, then put it away inside the Mysterious Ring.

"Cultivating immortality, cultivating immortality... now I have another longing."

Zhao Huai stepped outside and tossed the Golden Coin in his hand.

A smile rose to his lips, and he felt utterly refreshed.