Chapter Twenty-Three: The New Bride Offers Tea

Morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting its glow upon the crimson bed curtains. The person lying on the bed was still deep in slumber. Zhongli Yu propped his head with his hand, quietly gazing at the one nestled in his arms, his heart brimming with unspeakable contentment. Her cheeks were flushed, blooming quietly like peach blossoms in spring—so beautiful he could not look away.

At last, unable to resist, he lowered his head and pressed a kiss to her tender, fragrant lips. What began as a gentle touch quickly deepened, desire growing insatiable. Zhan Yan, still lost in a hazy sleep, suddenly felt herself short of breath. Her eyes flew open in surprise, staring at the face so close to hers, taking a moment to realize what was happening. From this day forth, she was a woman—his wife. Meeting his handsome features up close, she could not help but respond to his kiss.

“Yan’er, if you keep fanning the flames, neither of us will get out of bed today,” he murmured hoarsely.

A blush crept up Zhan Yan’s face as she punched him in protest. He was the one initiating the kiss, yet he accused her of enticing him.

“Get up now, we have to serve tea today,” she reminded him, knowing full well that paying respects to their elders with tea was a tradition she dared not neglect. She sat up promptly.

He grumbled, his face filled with dissatisfaction. “Hmph, that old man—if he wants tea, can’t he just have someone brew it for him? Why make my wife get up so early to serve him?”

“Zhongli Yu, can’t you be a little more mature? Stop dwelling on these trivial matters,” Zhan Yan scolded, exasperated.

“What’s the use in being mature? Nothing compares to holding my wife in my arms.”

Zhan Yan was momentarily speechless.

“Qingyun, I’d like to bathe,” she called toward the door, deciding to ignore him further.

“I want to bathe too—let’s go together,” he said shamelessly.

“No. You go to the bath next door,” Zhan Yan refused sternly. Bathing together would only give him the chance to have his way with her again; she’d never make it to serve tea.

“But I don’t want to…”

“If you insist, then don’t touch me tonight,” she cut him off, threatening him.

Zhongli Yu fell silent immediately. Clearly, it wouldn’t do to lose the greater for the lesser.

“So if I go now, I can touch you tonight? You said it,” he called as he slipped out of the room.

Zhan Yan couldn’t help but laugh—he was just like a child begging for sweets.

She sank comfortably into the bath, Qingyun massaging her gently. Medicinal herbs infused the water, easing the fatigue from her body. She sighed in contentment; last night’s ordeal had been quite overwhelming, leaving her legs trembling even now.

“My lady, you’ve become even more beautiful,” Qingyun praised as she styled Zhan Yan’s hair.

Looking into the bronze mirror, Zhan Yan was momentarily dazzled by her own reflection. If before she had been a budding flower, now she was a peach blossom in full bloom—radiant and full of life, with a translucent beauty like petals kissed by spring rain.

Suddenly, a handsome face appeared in the mirror, gazing at her with deep affection, his satisfaction plain to see.

“Yan’er, you’re truly beautiful,” Zhongli Yu sighed. For the past ten years, she had concealed her true self behind a mask. No one knew that the Prince of Zhen Nan’s household harbored such a rare beauty—she had even managed to deceive him.

She smiled at him, and he felt a tightness in his throat. Placing his hands over her cheeks, he whispered, “Yan’er, you mustn’t smile like that at anyone else.”

“Mm, I’ll only smile like this for you.”

“Good girl…”

“It’s getting late. Let’s go pay our respects to Grandfather,” Zhan Yan tugged at his sleeve, calling softly.

“Alright.” He smiled indulgently and took her hand, leading her toward the main hall.

As they walked, all the maids and servants lifted their eyes to watch them, admiration shining in their gaze. The beautiful woman glided forward, and the entire garden seemed to pale in comparison to her presence.

In the main hall, the old prince was already waiting. Watching Zhan Yan enter, he saw a woman of elegant bearing and gentle beauty, poised and dignified—no less impressive than any lady of the great families. Her bright, clear eyes shone like stars, and she moved with calm composure and unrivaled grace.

The old prince nodded in satisfaction, his eyes crinkling with delight.

“Grandfather,” Zhan Yan greeted, her tone warm and affectionate as she addressed him, choosing ‘Grandfather’ rather than the more formal term.

“Good, good, good. Come, granddaughter-in-law, have a seat,” the old prince beamed.

“Grandfather, please enjoy your tea,” Zhan Yan knelt formally before him, serving him tea with all due respect.

“Good, good, good,” he repeated, clearly pleased by her obedient demeanor.

“These are the ancestral jewels of the household, passed down through generations to the lady of the manor. They are yours now—take them.” He handed her a small square box, his eyes full of affection. Others said a mother-in-law grew fonder of her son-in-law the more she looked at him; he, as a grandfather, found himself ever more satisfied with his granddaughter-in-law.

“Thank you, Grandfather,” Zhan Yan replied, her heart warming to the old man.

“Grandfather, isn’t anyone else coming today?” Zhan Yan asked, puzzled. Where were all the uncles and aunts, the extended family? Why were none of them present?

“They’re not worthy of the tea you serve. I’ve sent word that you’re tired today and not fit to receive visitors. When you have time, you can meet them,” the old prince said dismissively.

Zhan Yan was at a loss for words when the old prince continued, “Don’t bother with them, girl. That pack of wolves only cares about the family fortune. You mustn’t be too kind to them—let them wait awhile, or they’ll think my granddaughter-in-law is easy to bully.”

“Yes, Grandfather,” Zhan Yan replied, deeply touched by how quickly he looked out for her.

“You, boy, have finally come to your senses and brought home a wife,” the old prince said loudly, casting a glance at Zhongli Yu.

“I’ve always been sensible—it’s you who were impatient,” Zhongli Yu retorted, then added, “Grandfather, if there’s nothing else, we’ll go rest now.”

“Go on, then,” the old prince said, waving them away without any intention of detaining them.