Chapter 8

Chapter 8

◎Newlywed Night Conversation◎

The bridal chamber was adorned in a sea of red, and the quilt cover with a mandarin ducks playing in the water pattern was sprinkled with auspicious foods like longan, lotus seeds, and lily bulbs. Now, she was alone in the room.

Huiyin really wanted to pull off the red veil herself, feeling rather bored.

Suddenly, she heard what sounded like kneeling outside, followed by a series of footsteps. The footsteps were steady, and Huiyin wondered if it could be Li Cheng.

Just as she thought so, she sensed someone approaching, and in an instant, the veil was lifted.

The man opposite her wore a first-rank red brocade with python patterns and gold-thread embroidery wedding robe, with a gold-edged auspicious cloud belt around his waist. His ink-black hair was tied with a pure gold dragon crown, featuring flowing silk rosy auspicious cloud patterns, with two azure dragons encircling it. At the top was a precious gem, giving the impression of two dragons protecting the pearl, making him appear tall and noble.

Especially striking was his appearance, which was completely different from what Huiyin had imagined. He had peach blossom eyes, a handsome and somewhat rakish look, resembling those carefree playboys.

Thinking of this, Huiyin felt that one truly couldn’t judge a person by their appearance. This Li Cheng, who looked like this, was actually a devoted lover.

Li Cheng looked at Huiyin with a different gaze. From afar, she was the epitome of a beauty from Yan and Zhao, tall, with an alluring figure, deep eyes, and a straight nose. Her small face and slender, long neck were as white as snow, like a flower of wealth and nobility. A single glance at her could make one’s mind go blank, temporarily forgetting everything.

The two strangers exchanged a glance, and Huiyin stood up to perform a greeting: "Little Prince."

Her voice was very coquettish, not forced but seemingly natural.

Li Cheng felt a bit uncomfortable upon hearing it: "Princess."

Huiyin, who hadn’t seen him before, now found him even more handsome than Li Heng. At the very least, she felt a bit more at ease.

Just as they addressed each other, the lady of ceremonies came in to arrange for them to drink the nuptial cup wine. Huiyin rarely drank alcohol, as alcohol could easily deplete one’s health. Her father, who had indulged in concubines and alcohol over the past few years, had seen his vigor diminish.

Even for women, excessive indulgence could lead to physical weakness.

She took a sip of the wine and placed it back on the table.

After the lady left, they were alone again. Huiyin still didn’t know how Li Cheng felt. She feared that if she made the first move, she might be ridiculed for misinterpreting his feelings.

Fortunately, Li Cheng spoke up in time: "I heard that there were bandits on your way here? Are you alright?"

"Oh, thank you for your concern, Little Prince. I’m fine. Thanks to General Yuwen’s meticulous arrangements, he first placed us in a temple. It rained at that time, and we hid from both the rain and the bandits. By the time we came out, the bandits had already been wiped out," Huiyin said with a smile.

Though her voice was coquettish, she spoke crisply and decisively. Li Cheng looked at her and nodded: "I’m glad to hear that. These days I’ve been fighting in Xiapi, and it must have been tough for you."

Since he showed concern for her, Huiyin felt she should also show concern for him. Thus, she said: "I’m fine, but Prince, you’ve been exerting yourself to the utmost. Have you been injured?"

Li Cheng pointed to his shoulder: "I took an arrow here, but the wound is shallow, nothing serious."

Upon hearing that he was injured, Huiyin immediately said: "Since you’re injured, why were you drinking just now?"

"Because it’s our wedding night," Li Cheng replied without thinking. Even though he might not be able to love her deeply, he still needed to respect her.

Huiyin looked at him seriously: "Is it still bandaged now?"

Li Cheng nodded.

Huiyin looked at him: "Since that’s the case, you can sleep on the bed tonight, and I’ll sleep on the cot beside it. Since you’re injured, you need to rest and recover properly."

Seeing her arrange things so quickly, one might think they were already very familiar with each other, but Li Cheng shook his head: "No, you should sleep on the bed. I’ll sleep on the cot."

"That won’t do. If my parents found out, they would say I’m abusing you," Huiyin’s tender voice did not give in at all.

Most women who met him would be extremely respectful due to his status. However, Zheng was different. She was like a young girl, clearly pampered by her family but not spoiled. While he was away fighting, she showed no displeasure and didn't demand consummation. She quickly eased the awkwardness.

Li Cheng lowered his head. "I can't let you sleep on the couch, can I?"

Huiyin smiled. "Then we'll both sleep on the bed. It's big enough, and we won't touch each other." After that, she added, "I'll go bathe and freshen up first."

It seemed like she was relieved.

Strangely, Li Cheng had never met such a woman in his life. She had the knack for taking charge, even though it was Huaiyin Mansion, and he was the master.

Huiyin bathed and refreshed herself very quickly. She often felt that soaking too long made her skin swell like pork. So, after removing her hairpins and taking a bath, she came out. As she approached, Li Cheng glanced at her and then looked away.

Huiyin climbed over him and lay down on the bed, letting out a comfortable sigh. "Finally, I can lie down. I'm so tired today."

She really just wanted to sleep early that night. The issue of consummation wasn't a priority for her, especially since he was injured and needed to take care of his body.

After saying that, she closed her eyes. But the fragrance from her body made Li Cheng's blood boil, keeping him awake.

Just as Huiyin was about to drift off, a shadow appeared over her. Li Cheng was on top of her, gently kissing her chin. This left her confused but also worried as she said in between breaths, "Your injury..."

"It's fine. Tonight is our wedding night. If we don't consummate, what will people think?" Li Cheng said, perhaps making an excuse.

A princess from Jizhou who didn't consummate her marriage on the first night would become a laughing stock. Huiyin understood this well. The next day, specialized matrons would collect the ceremonial white cloth. If things didn't go well, the princess's authority would be compromised.

Li Cheng's hands moved gracefully, like butterflies in flight, sparing Huiyin much pain.

After their first time, they called for water twice more. Worried his wound might reopen, Huiyin helped him change the bandage.

As she tended to him, Li Cheng looked at her flushed face, extraordinarily beautiful, and cursed himself for being lustful. Thankfully, she believed him.

Huiyin was very skilled. She first cleaned the wound with strong alcohol, removing the blood and surrounding sweat and oils, before applying the medicine powder and swiftly tying the gauze.

Seeing her skill, Li Cheng couldn't help but ask, "How are you so skilled at cleaning wounds?"

Huiyin, of course, couldn't tell the truth that she had often helped Li Heng, his nominal "favorite concubine." Instead, she said, "Naturally, because of my younger brother. He's a few years younger, and when he gets injured, I help him treat it."

After finishing, Huiyin walked back to the bed but felt her legs weaken for a moment. Li Cheng saw this and couldn't help but smile.

After they both lay down, Huiyin tactfully inquired, "How many concubines do you have? That way, I can prepare appropriate gifts. I'm from Jizhou and not familiar with your family's rules."

Li Cheng quickly replied, "I have no concubines. My parents have passed away, and I've been in mourning."

Huiyin was somewhat satisfied but asked again, "Is there someone you care about deeply? I mean, a woman?"

She was straightforward and didn't like beating around the bush. If Li Cheng didn't treat her well, she wouldn't hesitate to assert herself. She had no intention of pretending to be virtuous.

Li Cheng looked at Huiyin, surprised. "Why would you ask that?"

Not receiving a direct answer was telling, so Huiyin playfully said, "If you only want to be a nominal couple, we'll be polite and not interfere with each other. I'll be very considerate. But if you genuinely treat me well, you'll gain a beautiful and affectionate wife who will be devoted to you."