CH 21

The vast expanse of the galaxy stretched out above them, with a brilliant moon shining high in the sky and nocturnal birds flapping their wings and soaring above the roof of the houses.

Pei Xuan closed the windows to keep out the gentle evening breeze. With her slim and tall figure adorned with the black light of the night on her back and legs, she wore only a jacket that accentuated her thin frame. 

Under the moonlight, she looked like a goddess riding the wind, and even in the dimly lit inner room, her delicate figure was enough to take one's breath away.

As Pei Xuan turned to face her, Cui Ti quickly looked away, her heart racing and face flushed. She fanned herself, and Pei Xuan walked over with a concerned look in her eyes, "Wife, are you feeling hot?.”

"Yes, it's a little hot."

"Then, I’lI open half of the window.”

Cui Ti who was able to see Pei Xuan clearly felt a variety of emotions.

Soon, the small half of the window was opened, and the wind blew in, refreshing the couple in the room.

"Is it still hot?.”

Cui Ti turned her face away, her black hair unable to conceal her red ears. Pei Xuan suddenly realized that her straightforward invitation to bed might have been too blunt.

Pei Xuan couldn't help but feel a surge of joy as she saw Cui Ti's cute, blushing ears. 

But as quickly as the feeling came, a warning tugged at her heart. It would be easy to consummate the marriage if she were a man, but she was a woman.

The fate of the entire Pei family rested on her shoulders, and Pei Xuan's breath hitched for a moment before she straightened her shoulders and regained her composure, leading Cui Ti to the bed by her wrist with a gentle touch.

The bed curtains embroidered with silver-patterned maple leaves were new and elegant, and Cui Ti followed Pei Xuan's lead and softly called out, "husband".

But behind Pei Xuan's calm exterior, a fierce battle raged within her. Her parents' explicit and secret instructions clashed with Cui Ti’s soft voice. She was fond of Cui Ti, but it wasn’t yet the time to reveal her true gender. Then, what was she to do?.

"Husband?,” Cui Ti called out in concern.

Pei Xuan let go, walked a few steps and blew out the candles. The inner room became dark, only the stars and moonlight from the window shone in, and she could barely make out her wife.

She coughed lightly and walked slowly towards Cui Ti.

Seeing this, Cui Ti nervously pinched the corner of her clothes.

Pei Xuan couldn’t help asking, "Are you afraid that I don't want you?.”

Her own blush was hidden by the cover of the dark night, but also relying on the fact that her wife was blind. She tried to calm herself down by thinking of Song Zizhen and Zheng Wuji's conversation at the wine table, specifically, the description of a ghost.

Song Zizhen often said that men are lustful and they pretend to be courteous in public but once they enter the bridal chamber, they transform into wolves, impatient and eager to undress their wives to taste heavenly pleasure. 

"I wish I could strip a woman naked in the blink of an eye, and have intercourse with her right away,” these were his exact words, and Pei Xuan still remembers them vividly. The reason for recalling as such is because of a shocking scandal that had recently occurred in Xijing.

When Pei Xuan was twelve, she saw a fierce-looking wolf locked in a cage. Its eyes were menacing, and its aura was full of certainty, but she couldn't bring herself to be fierce towards Cui Ti. Despite being a "man," Pei Xuan didn't do anything to Cui Ti on their wedding night, which made it hard for her to sleep peacefully that night.

Placing one hand on Cui Ti's shoulder, Pei Xuan tried to look fierce, but she couldn't help feeling the inexplicable joy of being with her new bride. 

Cui Ti slowly raised her eyes to look at Pei Xuan, and even though she couldn't clearly see her subtle expressions, she was still captivated by her.

In Pei Xuan's mind, Cui Ti's gaze was a sign of acquiescence or even encouragement. 

The Xijing ceremony for newlyweds is about mutual respect, and Pei Xuan knelt beside Cui Ti, hugging her gently and kissing her forehead. 

The rolled-up bed net was lowered as they began settling in for the night.

Incense was lit in the purple gold stove on the table, and Cui Ti's belt was pulled up. 

In the dimness, she mustered up the courage to steal a glance at Pei Xuan, who knelt beside her left hand. She held her back with her slender fingers, her body trembling. Cui Ti took a deep breath and untied the belt that concealed her alluring figure.

"Wife…,” Pei Xuan remarked lingeringly, like a fairy that only exists in a storybook, or a mermaid that emerges from the sea, her voice was clear, moist, gentle, and enchanting, not at all intimidating.

Cui Ti knew that the beginning of this new life was different, and it will be that way in the future. After Pei Xuan spoke, her hands and feet suddenly lost strength, she was limp, and she hastily closed her eyes.

She cursed the entity that bestowed her with spiritual eyes, but at this moment, she also silently expressed gratitude towards it.

In order to express her hidden ‘excitement’, Pei Xuan deliberately leaned over to Cui Ti’s ear and breathed rapidly. Her scorching breath hit Cui Ti's ear and cheek, as she recalled how she was still a virgin in her past and current life, so how could she bear such teasing?.

“No...” Cui Ti wanted Pei Xuan to relax.

But Pei Xuan still kept breathing against the tip of her ear, as if messing with her heart, and not allowing her to resist, and not listening to her "no".

Before Cui Ti knew it, she was lying on Pei Xuan's body, her mind in disarray.

A tender hand ran along her left shoulder, then as she did a light nip on the corner of her own lips, it sent shivers down her spine. 

The sound of their labored breathing filled the room. Cui Ti's lower abdomen was sore, her lips were slightly parched, and her body slightly raised, welcoming Pei Xuan’s kisses.

The scent of incense from the purple gold stove filled the air as it started to work, and Pei Xuan stopped the kiss, as if engaged in a battle, with sweat beading on her forehead.

It was over, and Pei Xuan wrapped her arms around Cui Ti, burying her face in the nape of her neck and rubbing against her. Her eyes were filled with an intense attachment as her heart beat fast.

She held Cui Ti subconsciously, relishing in the sensation of having her wife’s delicate body completely under her control. 

Soon after, Pei Xuan took out a small jade bottle from under the pillow, uncorked it, put it on the tip of her nose and sniffed it lightly.

In this restless night, she didn’t dare sleep, and could only listen to the gentle breathing of her wife who was beside her and waited for dawn.

As the moon disappeared behind the clouds, Pei Xuan could no longer keep her eyes open. The woman in her arms was sleeping peacefully, and her lips were still sweet from their kisses.

At dawn, the rooster crowed, and the servants in the courtyard tiptoed around, trying not to disturb the young masters' peaceful sleep.

Cui Ti had gone to bed early the previous night, and now she woke up early, with the only thing she could clearly remember from before falling asleep being Pei Xuan's kiss. 

But despite the intense pleasure of their kisses, she had fallen asleep, feeling somewhat embarrassed and ashamed of herself.

Last night, Cui Ti was unsure of Pei Xuan's next move, but she expected her to be respectful and only embrace her or kiss her forehead, given her upright and independent character.

Even in their previous life as husband and wife, their intimacy was only brief and fleeting, just a mere taste…

However, Cui Ti suddenly understood. No wonder she felt that this drowsiness seemed familiar. 

She smiled, sniffed the remaining fragrance from the gold stove in the inner room, and finally looked helplessly at the sleeping Pei Xuan.

To avoid the second night of their wedding, Pei Xuan had added something to the incense burner.

She carefully rummaged under the pillow, and found a small bottle without much effort. 

Cui Ti refrained from moving too much since Pei Xuan held her tightly, and she blushed as she kissed her cheek with a wet and soft kiss that was different from the previous night's experience.

Suddenly, Pei Xuan who was asleep moved, dissatisfied that her dream was disturbed, and she exerted a little force on the hands locked around her waist, forcing Cui Ti's chest to squeeze against her, causing a numbing sensation throughout her body.

She wanted to wake her up but decided to close her eyes tightly, pretending to be oblivious to the world around her. 

A bird perched on a branch outside the window, cocking its feet and chirping a melodious tune before flapping its wings and taking off towards the sky.

…

Early in the morning, in the Xining Mansion, the red lanterns hadn't been taken off, but they seemed to be in a rare festive mood.

Mr. Xining directed his subordinates to tend the flowers and plants in the courtyard, sometimes shouting, making the gardeners dizzy, and after bearing with it, Mrs. Xining said bitterly: "It's just flowers. Look at them, east, west, north, south, all of them are beautiful.”

Mr. Xining wasn't bothered by his wife's frankness. He was wearing a new suit, gifted to him by the shopkeeper of the Embroidered Jade Workshop, to celebrate his daughter's marriage to Pei Xuan.

In Xijing, everyone knew of Pei Xuan's talents, abilities, and the prestige of his family. 

Mr. Xining was elated to recall how the wealthy shopkeeper had fawned over him, holding him in the highest regard.

Recalling that particular scene, Mr Xining smiled sheepishly and asked his wife, “Who cares if you can't tell the difference between the flowers from the east to west? Does this suit not look good on me, my dear?.”

"It’s stylish." Mrs. Xining curled her lips, closed her eyelids and said, "It's very stylish. If you wore it to a fashion meeting, people might think you are the emperor's prime minister."

Mr. Xining ignored the sarcastic tone in her words, continued to laugh, and looked carefully at the courtyard for a while, and then began to give orders again. Putting any potted plants or flowers here will affect the feng shui.

He enjoyed the feeling of being surrounded by his servants, but was tired after shouting for a few minutes and then spoke loudly, "Today is different from the past, we need to be more organized, so Cui Ti and Mr. Pei will be welcomed to a beautiful home”

Hearing his orders, all the servants bowed their heads.

The courtyard was bustling with activity. However, Cui Dai, who now lives in the Baisho courtyard did not bother to help, since last night she couldn't sleep and when she closed her eyes, all she could think of was that blind woman!

That arrogant, and dumb woman who dared climb to a higher status!

Yet the only son of the Pei family fell in love with that blind woman for whatever reason. 

Cui Dai secretly felt pity for Pei Xuan, and gritted her teeth enviously at that blind woman.

With a loud thud, she sat up and angrily exclaimed, "What are you talking about?!"

The reprimanded maid turned pale and quickly kneeled down, responding, "Young Miss, Master seems to have taken a liking to the prickly ash tree in our yard, and I was in a hurry to retrieve..."

Before the maid could finish speaking, Cui Dai rubbed her eyes. The lack of sleep made her feel irritable and her eyes felt itchy, and she asked, "The ash tree? Why does Father want it so early in the morning?.”

After getting dressed and freshening up, she went to see Mr. Xining. As she stepped outside, she was taken aback by the changes in the mansion's appearance. While her father's new clothes and smiling face were a sight to behold, Cui Dai felt that her mother who stood aside was more dependable.

"Mom, father, this is..."

Mrs. Xining snorted, "It is a congratulation gift to our son-in-law."

"What?" Cui Dai's eyebrows twitched and she surveyed the courtyard, "Then why does father want the tree in my yard?.”

"Your sister likes it."

"Sister?" Cui Dai's eyes widened as she realized. "He's doing this just to please her?.”

Mrs. Xining laughed hollowly, "Of course. It's only proper hospitality."

The contrast between her parents' attitudes and the sudden changes at home reminded Cui Dai that Cui Ti was returning soon.

It was the third day of marriage, which marked the end of the wedding ceremony. 

Recalling such an important fact, Cui Dai was in a sour mood and couldn't help but exclaim angrily, "Is my dad possessed by some kind of demon? How could he–!"

Such a dog-licker he is!

(T/L: Dog licker is basically someone who does anything to hold favor with the person)

He was the one who ignored Cui Ti in the past, but now he is treating her like a precious treasure!

Cui Dai furiously rubbed her arms, angry at her father's actions, "Cui Ti likes the pepper tree, so what's he doing with the ones in my yard?.”

She started to march towards Mr. Xining, but her mother stopped her.

"Stay put, today's protagonist is not you. Just be a spectator and let them do what he wants,” her mother advised.

"This is not a good thing," Cui Dai complained. She was used to being the center of attention and felt suffocated when ignored. She turned to her mother and asked, "Mother, Cui Ti got married, so what about my marriage?.”

Mrs. Xining initially resented the shameless request but couldn't resist her daughter's coquettish charm. "It's better to marry into a high-ranking family. If you want to have someone similar to Pei Xuan, there are many options besides the royal family. I'll help you find out more later," she said earnestly.

"I don't care. I want to find a husband whose family is not too far from Pei Xuan’s reputation," Cui Dai insisted.

Only a spoiled daughter dared to argue with her mother about marriage. Mrs. Xijing gently caressed her daughter's head and acted like a loving mother.  

"Okay, I'll listen to you," she promised, causing Cui Dai's mood to improve.

Frustrated and seething with anger, Cui Dai stormed off, unable to bear her father's constant attention to the unwelcome blind woman.

Mr. Xining let out a few sighs upon hearing about his daughter's anger from his wife. 

However, he refrained from chasing after her as he had more pressing matters to attend to.

….

Soon after, the carriage was loaded with various gifts and driven through Furong Street, and they made their way towards Peony Street.

Bai Tang, being a perceptive woman, noticed the tension between Pei Xuan and Cui Ti and decided to ride a gentle pony instead of joining them in the carriage.

It was evident from Pei Xuan's expression that she wanted to be alone with her beloved wife, though she didn't voice her desire.

The carriage was spacious, and the silence filled the air, making Pei Xuan feel annoyed. 

Pei Xuan broke the silence, clearing her throat, "Wife, we will arrive at father-in-laws residence soon." 

Cui Ti responded with a quiet "okay" while twisting her handkerchief, her head lowered.

Pei Xuan couldn't take her eyes off Cui Ti's captivating features, and a smile crept up on her face as she gazed at her. As the carriage jolted through a bumpy road, Pei Xuan quickly moved closer to prevent Cui Ti from falling: "Watch out."

Cui Ti's heart raced as she felt Pei Xuan's arms around her, a sensation she remembered all too well. 

She knew better than anyone that Pei Xuan was not the harmless woman she pretended to be, having witnessed her drunken and mischievous behavior. Besides, she couldn't forget the way Pei Xuan had treated her with frivolity in their past lives, from undoing her belt to touching her shoulders and biting her lip. 

Even in this new life, Pei Xuan had used hypnotic fragrance on her just a day after their marriage.

As the carriage continued to sway, Cui Ti couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow for the constraints Pei Xuan faced in her disguise as a man. Despite this, Pei Xuan hugged her tenderly, cherishing every moment of the ride, and even grateful for the bumps and jolts that brought them closer.

They remained silent in each other's embrace until the carriage finally steadied. 

Pei Xuan held on for a few more breaths, then whispered in Cui Ti's ear, "Ma’am, we’re here~.”

As soon as she spoke, Cui Ti was thinking wildly and her breath was unstable.

Who would have thought that the elegant and well-dressed Pei Xuan, who was admired by all, would be so passionate and lustful in the privacy of their bedroom?.

Pei Xuan had always been the pride of Xijing, from her days as a student to a celebrated scholar, yet she maintained a simple and unpretentious demeanor. 

"The Madam and Young Master have returned!" the doorkeeper shouted, announcing their arrival.

Cui Dai reluctantly went out with her parents to meet the blind newlywed girl.

"Wife, please let me.” 

As Pei Xuan remarked, she carried Cui Ti who was stunned and her arms then obediently wrapped around her neck. Pei Xuan, who people assumed was a weak person, was able to carry a person in her arms and got out of the carriage in full view of everyone.

It was an intimate gesture that caused a stir among the onlookers. Due to Cui Ti's blindness, it was understandable to be guided by her spouse, but the embrace was a little too intimate.

Mrs. Xining’s eyes fluctuated with emotion, Cui Dai became jealous, and Mr. Xining was so happy that he wanted to applaud.

After all, the more important his daughter was in her husband's family, the more it reflected his extraordinary status as a father-in-law.

Pei Xuan paid no attention to the curious gazes and greeted Mr.Xining and his wife with a polite bow after putting Cui Ti down.

As they opened the door, gifts in large and small packages were brought into the house, and the servants of the Xining family had to go back and forth 3 times before they could empty the carriage.

Upon entering the courtyard, Pei Xuan was met with lively decorations and festivities, and her eyes fell upon a pepper tree that had been planted in a prominent spot. 

With a smile, she inquired about it and upon learning that it was Cui Ti’s favorite, she gave a thumbs up in approval.

Settling in, Mr. Xining warmly entertained his ‘son-in-law’ Pei Xuan, who was not only highly talented, but also knowledgeable, making conversations with her very enjoyable. 

Meanwhile, on the female side, Mrs. Xining refused to treat her with coldness or indulge her, all for the sake of maintaining a good relationship with the Pei family.

Cui Dai, who had become nothing more than a background character, found an opportunity to slip into the Bai Shao courtyard, putting on a smile on her face before shutting the door behind her.

Thankfully, Cui Ti had a caring husband who always remembered to support her, and she found solace in Pei Xuan's affection, who always placed her first in everything.

As soon as dinner came, Cui Dai was so angry that she didn’t bother attending and knowing this, Mrs. Xining’s face froze.

Looking at the empty seat, Pei Xuan put down her chopsticks and asked, "What's wrong with the young sister? Does she not want to talk to her brother-in-law?.”

"Don’t worry!,” Mr. Xining definitely couldn't admit that her youngest daughter in a fit of anger decided to not attend.

After a while, Cui Dai came over slowly, apologized to her ‘brother-in-law’, and presented a box of jewelry, saying that it was a congratulatory gift and also the reason why she went back to her room.

Though the excuse appeared watertight at first, it was filled with loopholes.

Pei Xuan smiled with a deep meaning, determined to show the Xining family how precious Cui Ti was to her, and not a burden or a troublesome person.

"Okay, let's eat." As soon as Pei Xuan spoke, Mr. Xining happily moved his chopsticks.

In some ways, Mr. Xining was a shameless person, who received a god heaven gift of a ‘son-in-law’ but still behaved like everything was normal.

The more commanding Pei Xuan was, the more fortunate he felt that this marriage had turned out well.

At the dinner table, Pei Xuan removed the small fishbone for her wife. 

Cui Ti tilted her head to look at her serious profile, and felt a warm current flow through her limbs, and suddenly understood why the immortal came to open her spiritual eyes on a crane.

The purpose is to let her see with her own eyes how benevolent and beautiful her husband is.

Pei Xuan was the epitome of a caring and considerate partner, who constantly showed her affection in little ways, enough to make up for all the pain and suffering she had endured before. 

Overwhelmed with emotions, Cui Ti couldn't help but exclaim, "Husband~.” in gratitude for their marriage.

She wondered why she was so lucky to have been sent back to the past, but nevertheless, thanked the higher being for this opportunity.