Cui Ming and Hong Ye have already placed the meat sauce and wine goblets on the table beside the bed.
The couple should eat the meat sauce together, then drink the cross-cupped wine, and then consummate the marriage.
Qin Yuan's right sleeve was pinned down by Gu Jinghui's left sleeve for quite a while.
This signifies the husband's authority over the wife.
It implies that in the future, Qin Yuan is to follow wherever Gu Jinghui leads.
She had rehearsed her words, just as she was about to speak, her chin was gently lifted by two of Gu Jinghui's fingers, and when she raised her eyes, she met his bright, star-like eyes, his pupils reflected only her.
Qin Yuan's throat suddenly felt a bit dry, her fingers slightly curled, clutching her sleeve.
"Marquis…"
"Call me husband."
"Husband."
Qin Yuan's voice was soft, with a faint hint of shyness.
Only then did Gu Jinghui lower his hand, saying, "We should eat and drink now."
"Mm."
Qin Yuan stood up, faced west, and sat behind the table, while Gu Jinghui came over to sit opposite her. They both raised their chopsticks and picked up the meat sauce.
This meat sauce was made from the same animal, and after eating it, they could truly be considered as one flesh.
Then came the drinking of the cross-cupped wine.
Gu Jinghui squinted slightly, watching as her little face gradually turned red, his Adam's apple moved as he said, "Your tolerance for alcohol is indeed poor; truly the daughter of a civil servant, so delicate and weak."
Qin Yuan lowered her eyelids and said nothing.
The wine goblet in her hand was taken by Gu Jinghui and placed aside.
"Clear it away."
Hong Ye and Cui Ming cleared the items away and closed the room door, waiting outside.
Only the two of them were left inside the room.
Gu Jinghui held Qin Yuan's hand, pulling her into his arms, his warm chest behind her, the smell of wine blending with his deep breathing enveloped her ears.
"Should we go to bed now?"
Qin Yuan's phoenix coronet had not yet been removed, and the maids had been sent away by him, so she had to do it herself. Qin Yuan fumbled clumsily, and when Gu Jinghui tried to help, it only became more chaotic.
Qin Yuan urged him, "Husband, why don't you first go and change?"
Gu Jinghui seemed to realize he was just causing trouble, and reluctantly withdrew his hands to the washroom.
Qin Yuan called Hong Ye and Cui Ming back in to help remove her hair ornaments and change into her nightclothes.
The nightclothes were also rushed by the Jixiu Pavilion, embroidered with a pattern of a hundred sons, with a lining of mandarin ducks playing in the water. The waist was slender, and the chest bulged slightly, looking extremely attractive.
Hong Ye muttered, "I just can't believe the Marquis would bear it."
Qin Yuan urged her, "Just find the Marquis's nightwear and place it on the embroidery stool by the bed."
Dispelling Hong Ye, Qin Yuan went to the washroom to freshen up.
When she came out, the room was silent. Gu Jinghui lay on his side of the bed, also wearing red nightclothes, with long hair like ink spread over the jade pillow, his eyes closed tightly as if he had fallen asleep.
Qin Yuan moved quietly, and as she approached, Gu Jinghui opened his eyes and softly said, "You sleep inside."
"I'll sleep outside to serve you better."
These were things taught before marriage.
Qin Yuan's voice was soft and gentle, yet very firm.
"No need," Gu Jinghui said, "I usually get up early to practice martial arts, better not disturb you. I used to have servants serve me, and in the military, I'm used to doing things myself."
Qin Yuan understood this was about his habits.
"Alright."
Qin Yuan sat at the end of the bed, took off her red embroidered shoes, revealing a pair of delicate, fair jade-like feet. Gu Jinghui's gaze inadvertently fell on her, causing Qin Yuan to feel uneasy. She climbed over him clumsily, and felt his body suddenly stiffen. Then everything spun around, and she was pulled into a broad, solid chest.
It was warm and smelled of soap.
"Husband," Qin Yuan exclaimed softly in surprise.
Outside, there was a stifled laugh, someone eavesdropping at the wall.
Qin Yuan's face grew hotter.
Outside the curtain, dragon and phoenix candles cast their light inside, rendering Gu Jinghui's face even more handsome in the red candlelight, featuring a resolute face, a graceful chin, a high nose bridge, and deep eyes, truly entrancing.
Qin Yuan stopped struggling, softly cuddling in Gu Jinghui's embrace, smiling as she said, "Husband, I have a question for you."
Gu Jinghui's hand, reaching for her collar, slowly wrapped around her waist.
"What is it?"
Qin Yuan asked, "Why do men and women marry?"
Gu Jinghui seemed slightly taken aback, then said, "To honor the ancestors above, to continue the lineage below."
Continuity, perpetuating the family line, isn't that what it's about?
Qin Yuan continued, "Since that's the case, why did the Marquis delay marriage?"
Gu Jinghui's hand slipped from her waist, his voice cooled, "I was busy with warfare, where was the time to return and marry? Could it be you mind my age, or that I am crude?"
Qin Yuan hurriedly tugged his sleeve, saying, "The Marquis is in prime age, handsome and valiant, where's the talk of being old? Being able to marry such a great man like the Marquis brings so much joy, how could I resent it? With our marriage, the Qin and Gu families have formed a long-lasting alliance, I will surely consider the honor of both families, planning for the Marquis everywhere."
"Then what does Yuan'er mean?"
Gu Jinghui's voice grew a bit more intimate.
Qin Yuan furrowed her brows, looking up at his sharp chin, saying, "Yuan'er just married into the Marquis Mansion, inevitably feeling anxious… Yuan'er worries that you might have concubines or other intentions, it's always better to ask clearly."
"Concubines?"
Facing Gu Jinghui's ambiguous gaze, Qin Yuan's heart constricted as if a beast had locked onto her, making her hairs stand on end.
After a long pause, Gu Jinghui finally said indifferently, "I don't have concubines, but…"
"But what?"
"This matter must be clarified with you. Back then, when I was fighting at the Northern Border, I was ambushed from behind, and it was a subordinate who took the blow for me, allowing me to survive. I promised to take care of his wife and children."
"Was it Lady Zhao's husband?"
Gu Jinghui glanced at her, "Yes."
"Husband, being so loyal and righteous, how do you plan to arrange for them?"
"I've adopted the two children as godsons, and will care for them as my own in the future. Naturally, Lady Zhao is also going to reside in the mansion…"
Gu Jinghui hesitated mid-sentence.
This hesitation was rather subtle.
Qin Yuan said seriously, "Lady Zhao was also at the bridal chamber today. I wish for a lasting love with you, seeing that she is still in mourning, it's inevitable to feel offended. My sixth sister-in-law prompted her to leave, but Lady Zhao insisted on seeking justice from the Marquis, I worry about offending esteemed guests, and that the Marquis might have other intentions towards her."
Gu Jinghui's expression darkened.
Qin Yuan understood she had dampened his mood.
But tonight, a Lady Zhao with obligations and children to support would surely cause trouble, she had to speak plainly beforehand.
Since Gu Jinghui valued this marriage, and agreed on binding the two families strongly, he should cautiously respect her dignity, avoiding any disgrace.
Whether they would consummate or not, Qin Yuan didn't mind.
Suddenly, there was a commotion in the courtyard.
Gu Jinghui frowned with displeasure.
Qin Yuan, however, smiled and said, "It seems Lady Zhao comes to seek the Marquis."
Gu Jinghui: "?"