Chapter 50 Consummated the Marriage.

Chapter 50: Their First Night.

It didn’t hurt, but it made her mold perfectly against him.

At the thought, erotic scenes swayed and flickered through her mind. She didn’t dare lower her gaze to look at her own body anymore and hurriedly averted her eyes.

Whenever she looked, she couldn’t help but think of Shen Jingzhan’s hands exploring her body, and she couldn't control her feelings.

Even when she closed her eyes and stopped looking, those images still flooded her mind unbidden.

She couldn’t comprehend what was happening to her.

In the past few days, she had been perfectly calm. Today, Shen Jingzhan had just returned and hadn’t done anything—merely held her hand for a moment…

Yet here she was, lost in such vivid imaginings.

Even soaking in the bath made her feel feverishly warm. Zhu Yinluan handed the teacup to Ming Ya. “What incense is burning in the incense burner today?”

“It’s the usual kind, my lady. What’s the matter?” Ming Ya found it odd. “Your face is so red—are you feeling unwell?”

Zhu Yinluan quickly shook her head. “N-no, nothing’s wrong.”

“It’s… too hot. Open the window a little wider.” She fanned her flushed face with her hand.

Was it just her nerves playing tricks on her? She couldn’t shake the feeling that the incense today was far more… intoxicating than usual.

But Ming Ya insisted it was the same as always.

Perhaps she shouldn’t have drunk hot tea—something cold would have been better.

Zhu Yinluan glanced toward the incense burner and, through the screen, caught sight of a tall silhouette.

Was that Shen Jingzhan? Had he already finished bathing so quickly?

What was he doing by the incense burner?

Could it be that he, too, found the incense unusually strong today? Strong enough to stir up wayward thoughts?

She wanted to ask but feared Shen Jingzhan might come over to the bath area. If he saw her flushed face and guessed what she was thinking, what would she do?

She had witnessed his keen insight time and again—he always guessed right, not to mention how bluntly he spoke.

So she stayed silent and didn’t look outside again.

Thus, she missed the subtle movement of the man rubbing his fingers together before dropping an unknown spice into the incense burner.

Shen Jingzhan lowered his gaze, watching the wisps of smoke rise from the incense burner, his eyes dark as a deep pool.

Feeling flushed, Zhu Yinluan didn’t linger in the bath. She wrapped herself in a robe and stepped out.

Ming Ya was still applying perfumed oil to her.

The fragrance was potent, so Zhu Yinluan told her to stop. “Didn’t you already apply some while I was bathing?”

“My lady, you didn’t look closely—this one’s different.” Ming Ya held the bottle up for her to see.

“How is it different?” Ming Ya oversaw domestic affairs meticulously, so Zhu Yinluan seldom noticed such details. To her, the bottles all looked the same.

“This was given to Jiao Hui by someone from the heir's household. They said it’s a blend reserved for palace concubines.”

“The heir apparent has distinguished himself in court affairs these days. When the Emperor asked what reward he wanted, he said, if possible, he’d like some perfumed oils and incense for ladies. Besides this oil, there are other fragrances too—all stored away. Would you like to see them now?”

So these new oils and incense were requested by Shen Jingzhan for her—no wonder the scent seemed stronger.

Even if it was just for appearances, he had truly put thought into it.

The Emperor offered him a reward, and he asked for… these things?

“I’ll look tomorrow.” Right now, she wasn’t in the mood.

“Very well.”

Ming Ya went on by Zhu Yinluan’s ear about the benefits of the oil—how regular use would make her skin fragrant and as soft as silk.

Zhu Yinluan listened with eyes downcast.

“…”

Soon after, Shen Jingzhan entered from his quarters. By then, Ming Ya had finished tidying up, doused the lights, and led the maidservants out.

The inner chamber was utterly silent.

Zhu Yinluan kept pace with Shen Jingzhan. The closer they got to the bed, the harder her heart pounded. She wondered if he could hear the pounding beats echoing in her chest.

The dryness in her throat lingered.

She thought about drinking some tea but felt a warmth in her belly—perhaps it was better not to.

Just as they neared the edge of the bed, Shen Jingzhan suddenly stopped.

Zhu Yinluan froze. Her nerves hadn’t settled, and she even spoke up first, asking what was wrong.

Why had he stopped so abruptly?

Shen Jingzhan looked at her for a long moment before saying, “Is Luan’er feeling unwell?”

“What?”

She tilted her face up, slightly bewildered.

Her eyes seemed shimmering with moisture—luminous with innocence, and seemed to see straight through him.

Only a solitary candle remained lit in the chamber, casting flickering light, yet Shen Jingzhan could still see his image mirrored in her gaze.

“Luan’er’s face is very red.”

Not just her face—the tips of her ears and her graceful neck were also flushed pink.

“Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”

He knew full well it was the incense and the specially prepared oil causing this, yet he played innocent, his voice filled with apparent concern.

“I… I’m fine.”

Zhu Yinluan raised a hand to touch her cheek—it was indeed quite warm.

Was it really that red?

In such faint light, yet he had noticed.

"Care for some tea?" he asked.

Zhu Yinluan shook her head again.

"...Let's rest." Worried Shen Jingzhan might press further, she cut him off.

"Alright, if Luan'er isn't feeling well, tell me."

After lying down, Zhu Yinluan's heart still hammered wildly.

Shen Jingzhan lay beside her, and she caught the subtle, clean fragrance of him—somehow, it cooled the restless heat inside her.

She wanted to draw closer.

To touch him. To have him kiss her.

The suppressed, lustful fantasies she had pushed away earlier now resurfaced unbidden.

She had worried that after Shen Jingzhan's return, the Shen matriarch and Mrs. Shen might send someone to eavesdrop. If Shen Jingzhan continued to be intimate with her, how could she avoid it?

Especially after that night when they had spent hours whispering in bed, and he had said...

*If you like it, there’s no need to avoid it.*

In any case, she didn’t like *him*—only his body. Then it would be fine.

Once this thought emerged, it felt as if she had found an excuse for her restlessness.

Yes, she didn’t like him. Sex and love weren't the same thing.

She only enjoyed doing this with Shen Jingzhan, not *him* as a person.

Her body was frail, making conception difficult—she didn’t even need moon tea.

Zhu Yinluan’s clear thinking drowned in the heat in her heart. She kept making excuses for her desire to be close to Shen Jingzhan, convincing herself.

Lying flat, her mind tangled in chaotic thoughts, she thought Shen Jingzhan wouldn’t notice anything—unaware that her shallow breaths had already given her away.

The trapper who'd set the snare had long set the bait.

Waiting for her to succumb to temptation and walk willingly into his snare.

After a few moments, Zhu Yinluan couldn't stand it any longer.

She wanted Shen Jingzhan to kiss her—why wouldn't he make a move?

Had he, after these days of reflection, changed his mind? Did he no longer agree with what he had said before—that intimacy and affection could be separate, that bodies could find pleasure without hearts?

Zhu Yinluan kept waiting, but Shen Jingzhan remained still.

She couldn’t muster the courage to initiate.

After all, she had been avoiding him, and that day, she had even told him to keep their distance in company.

But then another thought crept in—*that day, I said in public. Now, we’re in private.*

Desire coiled tighter in her belly, yet she still didn’t dare cross the line.

Her mind grew clearer, devoid of sleepiness.

Had Shen Jingzhan already fallen asleep?

Was he unaware of the eavesdroppers?

Thinking of this, she considered using it as an excuse to ask him—but just as she gathered her nerve to ask, Shen Jingzhan spoke first.

"Luan'er." He called her by her pet name.

The man’s voice was deep and magnetic, resonating in the quiet night, thrumming with quiet seduction.

Just that single word, yet Zhu Yinluan’s heart trembled. "...Hmm?"

Hearing the softness in her voice, a trace of amusement flickered in the man’s eyes.

"Mother and Grandmother seem to have sent someone."

He had finally noticed.

The weight of her worry in Zhu Yinluan’s heart finally settled. She was immensely relieved—she was spared having to mention it herself.

Though she had mustered the courage to speak earlier, facing Shen Jingzhan, words failed her.

Mostly, she was just glad he had spoken first, glad he wasn't asleep.

"Yes, earlier... Jiao Hui sent someone to inform me." She tried to keep her tone steady.

The cunning vixen believed her reply sounded calm—after years of navigating courtly niceties, she was well-practiced in deception. Surely Shen Jingzhan wouldn’t detect anything amiss?

But she forgot—the man lying beside her was the Secretariat's Chief Minister.

Even the Imperial censors couldn’t best him in debate, and he frequently worked with the Board of Punishments, having interrogated countless stubborn captives.

How could he miss the nerves she fought to conceal?

Silence stretched between them. Zhu Yinluan waited.

Just as she was squirming with need again, the man moved.

He threw back the covers and closed in on her.

His clean masculine scent enveloped her, and though Zhu Yinluan felt a reprieve from the burning, it only stoked the flames.

He drew closer.

Instead of pulling her into his arms, he caged her beneath his arm, his gaze devouring her whole.

In that suspended breath, Zhu Yinluan felt both terror and delicious anticipation, even missing the spark of recognition—her mind went blank.

Her heart raced, her breath hitched against her will.

Even restrained, her breasts trembled with each shallow breath. "..."

Shen Jingzhan drinking in her trembling vulnerability.

She didn't even dare to look at him, her long lashes trembling, her wrists still pressed between them.

She seemed to be pushing him away, but the force was so slight—more like nervously clenching her fists than an actual attempt to resist Shen Jingzhan. It was merely her self-protection.

When his gentle kiss landed, Zhu Yinluan mentally sighed in relief.

The kisses fell upon her face like a dense spring rain, drizzling over her face.

Gradually, she found these kisses weren't enough. With her eyes closed, she sought his lips.

Yet, to her surprise, after only a brief pursuit, she lost contact.

Tipping her small face upward, she stretched her slender neck and body.

Unable to touch his lips, she opened her eyes.

His gaze was too intense, making her somewhat afraid. Though her heart longed to continue kissing him, her body instinctively recoiled.

Pinned beneath him in his embrace, where could she possibly escape? It was pointless.

Neither spoke. Zhu Yinluan couldn't bear his gaze any longer and wanted to tell him to stop looking. Just as she was about to speak, he crushed his lips to hers.

This time, he wasn't as gentle as before.

With forceful intensity, Zhu Yinluan whimpered under his onslaught.

Outside, the young maids listened to the commotion inside, thinking what an affectionate couple they were.

The young master had been busy with court affairs for days and only just returned tonight, yet he was already fulfilling marital duties with his wife.

And tonight’s activities started earlier and were more intense than before.

It had to be said—the mistress's cries were so delicate it made them flush.

She seemed to be begging the young master not to kiss her too hard, not to kiss her... where?

Her voice was too soft to make out clearly.

Zhu Yinluan was indeed pleading with Shen Jingzhan, asking him not to continue.

She clutched his arms, tears clinging to her flushed cheeks, her words slurred and thick.

"Why won’t you let me kiss you?" His voice grew husky, even more compelling.

Zhu Yinluan repeated the same words: "It’s not clean."

How could he kiss her there?

"It’s very clean," Shen Jingzhan insisted.

"Luan'er smells sweet." As he spoke, he kissed her cheek again.

His jade-like fingers parted her resisting fingers.

They were kissing, but their hands were engaged in their own struggle.

Zhu Yinluan’s resistance was obvious, her struggle genuine.

But her hands were too small—how could she possibly win against him? Before long, she was left gasping by his kisses, her hands captured in his grip.

The man held her wrists, immobilizing her.

She tried to kick him, but he trapped her ankles beneath the covers.

In this battle, she lost.

Zhu Yinluan asked him why he insisted on kissing her there.

"Afraid Luan'er can’t take it," he answered plainly.

Then he took what he wanted without hesitation.

Before she could respond, she was overcome by new sensations.

This was different from before—not just physically, but emotionally.

Though Shen Jingzhan had bowed his head for her in the past, this was different.

This was genuine surrender.

He was kissing where another man had claimed her.

Through his actions, Zhu Yinluan truly understood—he didn’t despise her for having been married before.

He was truly accepting her.

She couldn’t help but cry out with his every movement, not just from her emotional release, but from inexpressible bliss.

She had always felt like she was worthless.

She came from nothing, and she had no one to rely on.

Who was Shen Jingzhan? The most elite of capital nobles, wielding immense power, his looks unrivaled.

Yet this man—the dream of every noble maiden in the city—had deigned to please her with his lips.

Zhu Yinluan lowered her gaze, gazing through her tears at his striking features.

It seemed unreal.

But the pleasure coursing through her assured her—this was no dream.

If it were a dream, it wouldn't feel so real.

As tears welled in her eyes, Zhu Yinluan recalled a dream she once had.

In it, she was "mistreated," but the man in that dream was much harsher than Shen Jingzhan. She'd flee, unable to bear it.

Thinking of this, in the midst of comparable pleasure, she suddenly realized—since marrying Shen Jingzhan, she hadn’t had that dream in a long time.

Her mind fragmented, before dissolving completely the moment he surged forward.

Her toes, curled tight for so long, finally went slack.

Her held-back tears spilled over.

But this was just the start.

The man stood up, brushed away the tears on her face with his hand, and kissed her reddened eyes and brows.

Even now, he was considerate of her feelings, asking if she was alright and if there was any discomfort.

Zhu Yinluan was initially too shy to answer, but Shen Jingzhan waited patiently for her response, so she could only nod softly and whisper, "Yes."

Shen Jingzhan smiled and pressed light kisses to her lips a few times.

Then, Zhu Yinluan felt real peril drawing near.

She instinctively tensed, her heart raced with panic, but she did not retreat—desire had overtaken fear.

"May I?" Even at this point, the man still asked.

Zhu Yinluan bit her lip and nodded lightly.

"Then I'll begin, Luan'er." He murmured her name, brushing the hair away from her face.

Zhu Yinluan turned her face slightly, evading his fingertips, and amidst Shen Jingzhan's kisses, she also detected her own scent.

"Don't be afraid." He soothed her.

Shen Jingzhan seemed hesitant, lingering like a stream winding outside the spring mountains.

Zhu Yinluan couldn't help but cry.

She clutched his arms tightly, and before long...

The young maids heard breathless, trembling cries.

Though they were supposed to adhere to decorum, they couldn't help but glance up, exchanging shocked glances.

Though it was said that absence made the heart grow fonder, the young master and his wife were taking reunion enthusiasm to new heights.

This was even more intense than their nuptial night.

Before, though the young mistress had wept softly, her voice had never been so loud, so impassioned.

The young maids stationed outside progressed from shock to awe, then acceptance, and finally resignation.

By the time dawn broke, the request for bathwater finally came from within.

Ming Ya led the servants inside, and the young maids couldn't help but be astonished by the scene of the couple's "battle," though none dared utter a word or make a sound.

"..."

Old Madam Shen waited for a while but did not see Zhu Yinluan, and was about to send someone to inquire.

The Old Mama beside her reported that Shen Jingzhan had returned the previous night, and the two had been engaged quite thoroughly—it was unlikely she would come today.

The young have passionate natures, and Old Madam Shen understood perfectly, saying nothing.

After breakfast, she had Old Mama send some tonics to Zhu Yinluan.

Madam Shen, upon hearing of the matter, also sent gifts to Zhu Yinluan.

Zhu Yinluan slept until evening. When she awoke to the dim glow of candlelight, she thought she was still dreaming.

But as soon as she moved, the soreness in her body jolted her foggy mind awake, slowly reminding her of what had happened the night before.

Last night, she and Shen Jingzhan had made their act genuine.

Though it was supposed to be an act...

Zhu Yinluan didn’t even know what she was lost in thought about.

"Miss, you're awake?" Ming Ya noticed first and hurried over to call her.

While helping Zhu Yinluan up, she informed her about the gifts from Madam Shen and Old Madam Shen, as well as Shen Jingzhan’s whereabouts—he had been summoned by Marquis Shen and had yet to return from the study.

"Mm." Zhu Yinluan carefully sat up.

"My lady seems more fatigued than usual." Ming Ya remarked that she had never been this exhausted before—sleeping so long and even trembling when walking.

"The ginseng tonic sent by Old Madam Shen and Madam Shen is simmering. Are you hungry?"

Zhu Yinluan’s cheeks flamed.

She knew exactly why.

Before, she and Shen Jingzhan had never consummated their marriage—it had all been an act, so of course, there'd been no pain like this.

But now it was because...

The mere thought of last night made her face grow even redder.

"A little hungry."

Seeing her embarrassment, Ming Ya didn’t tease further. "Let me help you freshen up. Dinner will be ready soon. The young master said that if he hadn’t returned by the time you woke, you should eat first."

"What did Father-in-law need my husband for?"

"It’s said to be regarding court affairs. Oh, and while you were asleep, the Grand Marshal’s daughter paid a visit today."

The Grand Marshal’s daughter?

Shen Jingzhan’s teacher’s daughter—his childhood companion?

Zhu Yinluan said nothing, and Ming Ya continued, explaining that Madam Shen had received her.

She didn’t know the details, but "Miss Yao departed with reddened eyes."

Hearing this, Zhu Yinluan guessed it might have been about the Grand Marshal’s affairs.

"Miss?" Ming Ya noticed her distraction and thought she was worried. "Don’t trouble yourself. The young master didn’t meet with Miss Yao today."

Zhu Yinluan wanted to say she wasn’t worried at all, but... Ming Ya seemed to have forgotten that her union with Shen Jingzhan was purely political.

Explaining would be troublesome, so Zhu Yinluan said nothing more.

The evening meal was served, but Shen Jingzhan still hadn’t returned. Zhu Yinluan was truly hungry, and since he had already given his permission, she didn’t wait for him.

Just as she was finishing her meal, she heard movement at the door.

Shen Jingzhan had returned.

He entered briskly, and when he lifted his gaze, his eyes locked onto hers. His striking features gentled with a smile, his voice equally tender.

"Luan'er."

Her chopsticks paused mid-air, "..."

Under his watchful gaze, being called her pet name so tenderly and affectionately, Zhu Yinluan felt flustered again.

How was he such a good actor?

Had she not known the truth, she might have been completely deceived by him.

But even knowing the truth, she could barely resist Shen Jingzhan’s "gentleness," let alone the oblivious Shen family.

Recalling yesterday’s passionate entanglement, Zhu Yinluan coughed lightly.

"Husband, you’re home." She asked the kitchen to prepare more dishes.

Shen Jingzhan declined, "I’ve already eaten at Father’s residence."

He sat beside Zhu Yinluan and, noticing she had eaten quite a bit, smiled. "You never eat much, Luan'er. It’s good to see you with an appetite today."

She couldn’t decipher if there was subtext in his words, but the unease on her face lingered.

How could she explain that she was exhausted from being worn out yesterday?

Naturally, Zhu Yinluan wouldn’t say it.

Though Shen Jingzhan said he’d already eaten, he still joined her with his chopsticks.

During this time, Zhu Yinluan gazed at his handsome face and suddenly realized how serene and lovely the moment felt.

It was as if, unbeknownst to her, she was living the life she had always wanted.

What she never had in the Wei family, she now had in the Shen family?

Shen Jingzhan served the emperor and was buried in responsibilities, yet he kept her informed of everything and always returned to rest and dine with her, no matter how busy.

Wei Ruzuo couldn’t do that. Was he busier than Shen Jingzhan?

Zhu Yinluan let her mind drift, "..."

She didn’t know why she was comparing Wei Ruzuo to Shen Jingzhan.

Wei Ruzuo wasn’t even in the same league.

"What are you thinking about, Luan'er?" He asked whether she’d had enough.

Zhu Yinluan nodded, "Almost." She had already eaten a lot and now just wanted some hot soup.

Shen Jingzhan suddenly asked, "Are you still sore?"

Zhu Yinluan froze, her cheeks growing warm.

She wanted to tell him not to ask such things, but the young maids had already heard. Calling him out now would only make it obvious.

"...Not anymore."

She fought to keep her expression neutral, not wanting anyone to notice her embarrassment.

In truth, she was still sore—her waist and thighs still throbbed.

Shen Jingzhan said, "I went overboard yesterday. After you rested, I rubbed ointment on you. I wanted to check on you, so I wanted to ask."

"I’m much better," Zhu Yinluan replied.

Thinking back to yesterday, at first, she couldn’t take his vigor, but he was gentle.

Gradually, she learned to relish it.