After the three women's graceful figures completely disappeared around the corner of the second floor, the hall fell quiet once more.
Li Qingzhao let out a breath and gently patted her heaving chest.
With light steps, she walked naturally to Jiang Che's side.
Her body softened slightly as she obediently nestled into Jiang Che's broad, warm embrace.
"Hubby..."
Li Qingzhao tilted her head up, her voice carrying a lazy undertone.
"When we go meet Father and Mother later, should Qingzhao come along too?"
"Of course you should."
Jiang Che naturally wrapped an arm around her slender waist, his fingertips lightly rubbing over the fabric.
"Since you've already become my woman, you naturally can't be absent from such a formal family dinner."
At that point, Jiang Che's voice paused slightly.
An uncharacteristic awkward smile appeared on that face that was usually as thick as a city wall.
"Ahem... well, Qingzhao..."
"There's something your husband needs to tell you beforehand."
"At tonight's dinner table, the number of my women... might be just a tiny, tiny bit high..."
"You'd better prepare yourself mentally."
Hearing Jiang Che's somewhat guilty warning, Li Qingzhao merely smiled sweetly, not taking it to heart.
"It's fine, Hubby..."
She waved her hand generously, the corners of her eyes and brows radiating the poise and tenderness of a well-bred young lady.
"For an immortal figure as capable as you, Hubby..."
"Isn't it perfectly normal to have a few more confidantes by your side?"
"Qingzhao can completely accept that."
After all, she had grown up in the Northern Song, a feudal era where the Three Obediences and Four Virtues were held as sacred standards.
Having been deeply influenced by classical etiquette, not only did she not reject the idea of men having many wives and concubines, she found it perfectly natural.