Chapter 12: Newlyweds

Chapter 12: Newlyweds

Cheng Yian felt she should offer him some encouragement, so her hand, resting on her chest, slowly moved downward and finally rested on the back of his hand.

Soft and gentle, like water or clouds, it enveloped the tip of his heart, like a hook drawing out the restrained tide.

Lu Xusheng, catching the signal, instantly flipped over and pressed down. The space within the bedding grew uncomfortably tight, enveloped by his overwhelming presence, quickly warming her face with the heat from the bedding.

The fear from her previous life surged back, and Cheng Yian instinctively closed her eyes.

Lu Xusheng, seeing her tightly closed eyes, forced himself to slow his breathing, his long arm reaching down to cradle her, finally holding her shoulder blades.

The two of them were even closer.

Finally, they made contact.

Cheng Yian could feel his piercing gaze fixed intently on her.

His fingertips trailed down her slender back, hooking the waistband, and soon her waist was bare, followed by the rustling sound. She was acutely aware of his actions.

Cheng Yian covered her face, and after a while, when there was no movement, she couldn't help but peek through a small gap.

A small glass lamp still glowed in the room, and after adapting to the darkness, a faint light spilled in.

Her eyes met his chiseled nose, strikingly sharp and straight.

His defined jawline descended to his sleek shoulders.

Lu Xusheng usually wore dark, narrow-sleeved robes, his figure tall and slender, presenting a very elegant posture.

But at this moment, stripped of his cover, the lines of his mature physique were solid, taut, strong yet well-proportioned, a beauty of restrained power.

It made one's mouth dry.

But soon, Cheng Yian had no time to think, because his blade had reached the battlefield.

She wanted to curl up in embarrassment, but his kisses fell on the back of her hand, moving down from her cheek, densely moistening her neck and ears. Cheng Yian shrank even more, like a kite pinned down, with nowhere to escape.

Lu Xusheng was different now; he was trying to slow down, or rather, trying to be gentle. Unfortunately, his skill was not yet refined, and she itched so much that she let out a laugh.

Lu Xusheng paused, looking at her with a heavy gaze, "What are you laughing at?"

Cheng Yian dared not say, so she raised her hand to touch his neck, suddenly feeling the scar there. Her fingertips tingled, and she knew exactly what that scar meant. Remembering how Lu Xusheng had narrowly escaped death at Silver Mountain, and how he had died on the battlefield in her past life, her heart ached slightly.

Forget it, let him be a bit rough.

Cheng Yian lowered her eyes and resignedly said,

"Just do it your way...."

Throwing caution to the wind.

Lu Xusheng, seeing her obedient and resigned appearance, let out a muffled laugh from his chest.

"Alright, as you say."

With these words, his scorching breath fiercely tormented her neck and jaw. Her arms were somehow pressed above her head, and his other broad hand covered her, almost crushing her. He was still as domineering as ever, but with a hint of restrained gentleness.

Wherever he touched, sweat broke out in beads, making Cheng Yian want to escape yet unable to resist sinking deeper. She soon softened, like a pool of warm honey, allowing him to conquer her.

At her most defenseless moment, he surged past defenses, scaled peaks, and plunged into hidden depths.

Cheng Yian gasped, her slender arms encircling his neck, a flicker of pain escaping, leaving her breathless.

Lu Xusheng paused, waiting for her to catch her breath.

He wiped her damp forehead with a piece of clothing, listening to her ragged breaths and the pounding of their hearts. Neither spoke.

Her long, dark lashes fluttered like delicate wings, her eyes wet and bright, softly gazing at him, captivating.

Lu Xusheng's breath tightened, "Are you ready?"

She nodded shakily, "Mm..."

This seemed to ignite a fire within him. Kisses were bestowed upon her, her back supported by him, easily lifting her body, drawing her into a boundless sea of sensation.

She could now truly understand the difference between a scholar's gentleness and a warrior's strength.

The tide of passion rose and fell without end, washing over her mind and nose, leaving her trembling and gasping for air. By the time she recovered, she was already in his arms, his palm resting on her slender waist, caressing her back, waiting for her to calm down.

Cheng Yian buried her face in the shadows, silent, curled up in his arms like a kitten.

Lu Xusheng knew she was fine and softly asked, "Shall I carry you to bathe?"

In their previous life together, he hadn't been this attentive. It seems men need experience to grow.

Cheng Yian felt too lazy to move and shook her head.

Lu Xusheng laughed, "Shall we go again?"

Cheng Yian, angry, lifted her leg to kick him, but her limbs were too sore and weak, only tickling him.

Remembering his past "misdeeds," Cheng Yian sat up, wrapping herself in clothes, seriously discussing with him,

"Let's make a rule—no more than five times in ten days."

"So you mean every other day?"

Just finished and already being restricted by his wife, General Lu's expression darkened, unable to help some ominous thoughts, his dark eyes piercing her,

"Are you uncomfortable?"

It didn't seem like it.

Lu Xusheng wasn't a novice; Cheng Yian couldn't deceive him.

Cheng Yian's cheeks flushed, avoiding his probing gaze, "Excess harms the body."

Thinking every other day was too much, she softly looked at him, "How about three times in ten days?"

Lu Xusheng, furious, wrapped her and her clothes together, carrying her to the bathroom.

The sound of a bell signaled Nanny Li's arrival to tidy the room, glancing strangely at the screen.

In the past, whenever Lu Xusheng was in the room, he kept the servants far away. She thought the young couple was enjoying themselves every night, only now realizing they had just consummated their marriage today.

Under normal circumstances, she would have asked for details, but now that the young mistress and the old mistress were at odds, she, being the old mistress's trusted confidante, couldn't overstep.

Cheng Yian was carried away and brought back by Lu Xusheng. By the time Lu Xusheng finished washing and returned, she had already fallen asleep.

She was vaguely awakened at dawn.

Three times in ten days? He could demand twice in one night.

Cheng Yian knew that this man's nature hadn't changed. She retreated into the quilt, burying her entire head inside.

It was a game of cat and mouse. Lu Xusheng, fearing she might suffocate, pulled her back and freed her face from the quilt. Cheng Yian, angry, turned her body away, which only pleased him more. He leaned in, and before she knew it, he had his way.

Compared to last night, this time he was extremely patient and meticulous. Cheng Yian was both angry and amused.

"Hurry up..." Her voice was soft and breathy, dripping with allure.

"As you wish."

Cheng Yian certainly had a way to deal with him. After breakfast, she told Lu Xusheng,

"In a few days, I will go to Xiangshan Temple to perform a memorial service for my mother. For three days before and after the service, I must abstain from certain indulgences. So, during this time, Second Master, could you stay in the front courtyard?"

Lu Xusheng sat across from her, sipping tea, his slender fingers gently stirring the tea lid. He looked at Cheng Yian's peach-blossom-like face, clearly well-nourished, and couldn't help but say,

"Cheng Yian, you're burning the bridge after crossing the river!"

Cheng Yian, who had just enjoyed herself: "..."

"Ahem, will you agree or not?" She blushed and glared at him.

Lu Xusheng snorted lightly, took a sip of tea, set it down, and stood up to leave.

"I won't touch you, but moving to the front courtyard is out of the question."

Performing a memorial service for his mother-in-law was something Lu Xusheng had to cooperate with.

After Lu Xusheng left, Nanny Li came in with others to clean the table. Cheng Yian sat on the daybed, looking at her, and Nanny Li knew she had something to say. After the maids left, she awkwardly called out, "Miss..."

Cheng Yian asked her to sit, but Nanny Li didn't dare, standing by her side with her hands clasped.

"You know about the matter between me and grandmother?"

She didn't believe that the mistress wouldn't have sent someone to inform Nanny Li about yesterday's events.

Nanny Li replied hoarsely, "Yes."

Cheng Yian nodded, "Nanny, you are my wet nurse, you raised me all these years. I am deeply grateful to you. But I absolutely cannot tolerate betrayal here. Nanny, think carefully. From now on, will you continue to prioritize grandmother in everything, or will you follow me? The decision is yours."

Nanny Li had received a message from the mistress last night and hadn't slept a wink.

If she continued to help the mistress watch over Cheng Yian, Cheng Yian would certainly not let it slide. On the other hand, Cheng Yian, who had no parents, was someone she had raised and had developed feelings for. Moreover, Cheng Yian was now the wife of the heir to the Duke's mansion and the future mistress of the household. Following her would lead to a brighter future. After a night of tossing and turning, she made up her mind, "This old servant has decided. From now on, I will follow your orders in everything."

Cheng Yian, familiar with her grandmother's habits, trusted people three parts and controlled them seven parts. She asked, "Does grandmother hold any leverage over you?"

Nanny Li smiled bitterly, "Nothing else, just that my daughter and son-in-law work in the shops that are part of the mistress's dowry."

Cheng Yian understood.

"I have this matter in mind. For now, deal with grandmother as usual. There's no need to rush into a confrontation."

Nanny Li breathed a sigh of relief.

Whether Nanny Li could be relied upon still needed further consideration, but for now, she still had her uses.

"Now, Nanny, can you tell me where my mother's dowry is?"

Nanny Li knew this was a test of loyalty, and she had to tell the truth.

So she leaned in and explained everything in detail, saying,

"Part of the late mistress's dowry was used to supplement household expenses, and the rest was kept by the old lady in her courtyard after her passing. The dowry list of every new bride in the Cheng family is stored in the disciplinary committee. The old lady hasn't touched it and has been safeguarding it for you. The gold, silver, jewelry, and household items were all added to your dowry list. However, a shop and 2,000 taels of silver notes were lost by the Second Master in gambling."

Cheng Yian exclaimed in shock, "Father gambled away my mother's dowry?"

Nanny Li replied, "Indeed. When the Second Master first returned to the capital, he was deeply troubled after learning about you and your mother. He fell into a depression for a while and spent his days drinking and gambling away. As you know, our fourth branch has always relied on the year-end dividends from the family. The old lady had handled a few matters and had no money to repay the Second Master's gambling debts. In desperation, she resorted to using your mother's dowry."

Cheng Yian closed her eyes, too angry to speak.

Nanny Li continued,

"Yesterday, the old lady revealed the truth to you because she had no other choice. She couldn't come up with the money to repay the debt, and the Second Master, as you know, has been earning little and spending much over the years. He has a whole family to support and relies on the monthly allowance from the family. Large sums can only be covered by the year-end dividends."

Nanny Li advised, "I'll be honest with you. As the year-end approaches, when the main branch receives their dividends, seize the opportunity to reclaim the money from the Cheng family."

Cheng Yian glanced at Nanny Li and knew she was sincerely offering her counsel. "I understand."

"Nanny, you must have some allies in the Cheng family. If you hear any news, let me know immediately."

Nanny Li quickly replied, "Of course."

In her previous life, Cheng Yian had trusted her grandmother wholeheartedly and never learned to build connections. Now, Nanny Li would be her eyes and ears in the Cheng family.

Two days later, Cheng Yian led her entourage to Xiangshan Temple to hold a memorial service for her late mother. She stayed on the mountain for two days and returned to the city at the end of the month. On the night she returned, a major case broke out in the Jiaozhou garrison, and the emperor ordered Lu Xusheng to personally handle it. With Lu Xusheng away for an extended period, Cheng Yian remained in the mansion, spending her days embroidering and sipping tea with her sisters-in-law and cousins.

The capital was teeming with noble families and officials, hosting countless banquets of all sizes.

During the time Lu Xusheng was away, Cheng Yian attended three banquets.

On the thirteenth day of the ninth month, it was the fiftieth birthday of the wife of Minister Zheng from the Ministry of Personnel.

This Minister Zheng was none other than Cheng Yiyan's maternal uncle and Cheng Mingyu's brother-in-law, making him a key figure in both families.

Princess Minglan attended.

The Zheng family also had ties with the Lu family, so Cheng Yian accompanied the mistress and her sister-in-law, Liu Shi, to the banquet.

Cheng Mingyu had been living a reclusive life in recent years. Apart from being busy at the censorate, he hardly attended any banquets. He sent his son with generous gifts but did not show up in person.

Princess Minglan, familiar with Madam Zheng, hadn't attended specifically for Cheng Mingyu and thus felt no disappointment. However, during the opera performance after the midday banquet, she happened to glance at the crowd and noticed a young woman wearing an osmanthus-yellow jacket, sitting quietly by the window in the flower hall. The setting sun cast a glow around her, her skin was snow-white, and her eyes and brows carried a subtle, breathtaking charm.

For some reason, the princess was moved. Her lady-in-waiting noticed her gaze and informed her,

"That is Lu Xusheng's newlywed wife, Cheng Yian from the fourth branch of the Cheng family."

And just like that, in full view of everyone, Cheng Yian was forcibly taken away by the princess.

The Zheng family couldn't stop her in time, and the Lu family's mistress hurried back to the mansion to report,

"This is terrible! Send word to Xusheng immediately. His wife has been taken away by the princess."

Second Mistress Wang Shi and the old lady were both shaken.

This incident was both surprising and unsurprising.

Princess Minglan was notorious for her domineering behavior and unpredictable actions. In the past, she had resorted to many outrageous acts to compel Cheng Mingyu to meet her, including causing trouble for the female members of the Cheng family.

Therefore, Cheng Yian was not the first member of the Cheng family to be "summoned" to the princess's residence.

However, today's abduction of her by the princess truly shocked the entire capital.

Even the usually lenient steward of the princess's residence felt a sense of apprehension and hurriedly advised, "Your Highness, she is Lu Xusheng's wife. Lu Xusheng is not someone to be provoked."

Princess Minglan sat gracefully in her phoenix carriage, resting on a tiger skin blanket, recalling that glance she had just taken. There was a sense of déjà vu in the pleasing sight. Her long nails rested lazily on her snow-white cheek as she spoke indifferently,

"Whether he can be provoked or not, it's already done. Precisely because she is Lu Xusheng's wife, she holds weight."

Over at the Lu residence, pandemonium ensued. Since the incident occurred under the First Mistress's watch, she was so distraught that tears streamed down her face.

"Perhaps I should take people to the princess's residence to demand her return."

At this moment, the Second Mistress demonstrated her sense of responsibility. Instead of taking the opportunity to blame the First Mistress, she remained calmer than anyone else. She shook her head and said, "No need. The princess wants to force Cheng Mingyu out. No matter how many people the Lu family sends, it will be futile." After a moment of thought, the Second Mistress instructed the maid beside her, "Quickly fetch my ceremonial robes. I need to enter the palace to see the Empress."

The only solution was to have the Emperor intervene and compel the princess to release her.

Princess Minglan was the only sister of both the late Emperor and the current Emperor, the only princess in the entire Great Jin Dynasty. Her fiefdom was extensive, and she commanded a thousand personal guards. Her influence in the court was immense, and she gave face to no one except the Emperor. Occasionally, even the Emperor could do nothing when she acted out.

Ru Lan and Ru Hui were locked in the side room, while Cheng Yian was brought to the princess's warm hall. The so-called warm hall was actually the main hall with curtains hung around it, screens closed, and two charcoal braziers placed inside.

In the center of the warm hall was a long, intricately carved rosewood table, on which sat a large cloud-and-dragon inkstone and a row of exquisite and valuable Huzhou brushes. Every item was luxurious and extravagant.

The princess had a passion for painting. Upon returning to her residence, she immediately took her place behind the large table, had silk spread out, pigments prepared, and began to paint.

Cheng Yian knelt on a small mat opposite her, quietly observing this princess who was notorious for her madness.

The princess was domineering, arrogant, and capricious. She had no children, was alone, and had nothing to fear. Yet, she held great power and was capable of anything. With Lu Xusheng not in the capital, unless Cheng Mingyu stepped forward, there would be no resolution.

Would her uncle come?

Cheng Yian did not believe she held that much weight. More importantly, if she submitted today, there was no guarantee that the princess wouldn't repeat her actions tomorrow, which would spell endless disaster for the women of the Cheng family.

Therefore, Cheng Yian had to save herself.

Recalling the princess's various behaviors in her past life, she quickly came up with a plan.