Chapter 148

"This Mo Yi—nothing good ever happens whenever he’s around!"

Fu Tingjun couldn't help but mutter, "I'm not worried about him at all," before asking Zhao Ling, "What about Lord Tao and the others? Do you still need to entertain them?"

"Tao Mu and Lin Chi have to report for duty at the palace early tomorrow morning, so they’ve already headed back." Zhao Ling’s face showed his exhaustion. "A Sen is also helping to look after Mo Yi’s side." He murmured, "When the guests leave, the host finds peace. We can finally have a good rest." He added, "Fortunately, we don't have to greet the relatives tomorrow, so we can sleep in."

Seeing him like this, Fu Tingjun felt a pang of sympathy and hurriedly said, "Then go wash up quickly and get some rest!" She called out loudly for Zhenzhu to come and serve Zhao Ling while he washed.

Zhao Ling gave a soft "Mm" and headed to the washroom.

Fu Tingjun was left alone in the room.

The large red dragon-and-phoenix candles on the table crackled, their dancing flames bathing the room in a crimson glow.

Fu Tingjun looked at the pair of mandarin duck pillows lying side-by-side at the head of the bed, her face burning hot.

Feeling somewhat flustered, she began to straighten the bedding again. Then she heard the door creak as Zhao Ling, dressed in a brand-new, casual daopao , walked in.

"Why aren't you in bed yet?" He let out a yawn, his expression natural and at ease, which helped Fu Tingjun’s tense nerves relax considerably.

"I—I was just making the bed."

"Go to sleep early," Zhao Ling said, sitting down by the bedside. "Even though we don't have to meet the family tomorrow, the people from the wedding shop are coming to settle the accounts, the theater troupe is coming to dismantle the stage, and the courtyard needs cleaning... there’s still a mountain of things waiting for us!"

To Fu Tingjun, these were all minor chores. Her heart relaxed further, and she smiled. "You just focus on sleeping in tomorrow. I’ll take Yuwei and settle the accounts with them; it won't take long. Besides, Master Lyu is here to help."

Zhao Ling nodded, lifted the thin red quilt embroidered with mandarin ducks playing in water, and lay down.

Fu Tingjun remembered her Sixth Aunt teaching her that after marriage, the husband sleeps on the inside and the wife on the outside. That way, if the husband wants tea in the middle of the night, it is easier for the wife to get up and serve him.

She couldn't help but give him a gentle push. "Move to the inside!"

Zhao Ling seemed truly exhausted; he hummed twice with his eyes closed, rolled over, and fell into a deep sleep.

Fu Tingjun was exasperated, yet for some reason, she also felt a sense of peace.

Seeing how soundly he slept, she didn't have the heart to disturb him further. She let down the bed curtains, carefully avoided Zhao Ling as she climbed onto the bed, and lay down under the inner quilt.

Zhao Ling mumbled something indistinctly, and his arm suddenly draped over her waist.

Fu Tingjun jumped, her heart pounding wildly. Her body went rigid, and she didn't dare move for a long time.

Zhao Ling made no further move.

Fu Tingjun turned her head slightly, and what met her eyes was the peaceful face he only wore in deep sleep.

It must have been an unconscious gesture while he slept, she thought.

She took a long breath, slowly calming herself down.

Fu Tingjun had been busy preparing for the wedding these past few days. Although she was tired, it had been masked by the excitement and anticipation of her new life. Now that she had finally relaxed, exhaustion gradually washed over her, and she fell into a deep slumber.

Someone was whispering "Nannan" in her ear, their voice low and slightly husky.

Am I dreaming?

Just like the many lonely nights when she had missed Zhao Ling, his voice, full of laughter and indulgence, would echo in her ears for no reason.

Even with her eyes closed, the corners of Fu Tingjun’s mouth curled up involuntarily, and she gave a sweet, low "Mm" in response.

A hot body pressed against her, and her earlobe was taken into a warm, wet mouth, nibbled gently. A tingling sensation instantly spread through her entire body.

She couldn't help but shiver, and her mind snapped awake.

It was somewhat dark inside the curtains, making one’s senses even more acute.

Fu Tingjun felt a pair of rough, calloused palms cupping the fullness of her chest, kneading gently.

With a mental bang , Fu Tingjun’s face turned scorching hot. Not only did her body feel uncomfortably warm, but even the air she breathed seemed to roll with waves of heat.

"Zhao... Zhao Ling?" she stammered, as if unable to believe it, seeking confirmation, or perhaps trying to convince herself of something.

"Mm," Zhao Ling answered softly in her ear. His voice held a trace of a smile, yet he seemed somewhat distracted as the strength in his hands increased, and his warm lips returned to entwine with her earlobe.

How could a green fruit withstand such wantonness?

For a moment, Fu Tingjun’s mind went blank. Once she realized what was happening, she was overcome with unbearable shyness.

"Zhao Ling..." She didn't know what to do, her voice tight. "You—didn't you say you were very tired?"

Zhao Ling chuckled against her ear, his hot breath brushing her neck and diffusing an ambiguous scent that made her heart race. "No matter how tired I am, I must have our wedding night! Haven't you heard the elders? If you haven't entered the bridal chamber before the hour of the rat, you have to sleep elsewhere. But if you enter before the hour of the rat and don't..." As he spoke, he bit her earlobe again. Suddenly, an indescribable feeling welled up in Fu Tingjun’s chest, making her body go soft. She couldn't help but let out a soft "Ah."

That sound, so delicate and tender, provoked another round of laughter from Zhao Ling. He continued teasingly, "...then it would be bad luck!"

Fu Tingjun felt a sense of triumph in his laughter. Feeling both ashamed and annoyed, she struggled to avoid him, only to be held firmly in his embrace.

Sensing her displeasure, Zhao Ling hurriedly coaxed her in a low voice, "Nannan, be good..." He kissed her cheek. "These past few days, I’ve dreamed of you every night. Have you been thinking of me?"

His voice was low and husky, carrying a slight tremble and a hint of pleading, as if her answer could influence his entire world. Fu Tingjun’s heart softened instantly.

She was shy, yet she didn't hide her feelings, whispering a soft "I missed you too."

Before the words had even fully left her lips, Fu Tingjun was pinned beneath Zhao Ling.

She let out a startled cry, her hands involuntarily gripping his shoulders.

His shoulders were broad and firm, giving her an inexplicable sense of security.

"Nannan..." Zhao Ling murmured her name, his tongue driving deep to pry open her teeth. Like a predator devouring its prey, he wildly plundered every bit of her breath, savoring every inch of her sweetness.

The air seemed to catch fire, leaving only boundless heat within the curtains.

Fu Tingjun’s entire body was burning, and she couldn't catch her breath. Before long, she began to whimper in distress, but she was held down firmly, unable to move... Just when she thought she would suffocate, Zhao Ling suddenly released her.

He was panting heavily, his eyes glowing in the darkness.

"Nannan, my little Nannan..." Zhao Ling murmured. A kiss as light as a falling petal was pressed onto her forehead... but the hand inside her clothes moved passionately and imperiously down her curves...

Fu Tingjun trembled, her gasps escaping her throat as soft moans.

Encouraged by this, Zhao Ling’s movements became even more unrestrained.

Clothes were pulled away from beneath her; the bed curtains swayed above.

Between her legs was something foreign, hard and scorching.

Fu Tingjun’s heart beat like a drum.

She closed her eyes, clutching his shoulders tightly and burying her face in the crook of his neck.

Pain suddenly surged as he forced himself into her.

She couldn't help but cry out "Ah," and bit down on his shoulder...

...

The sun was high in the sky, its orange-yellow light spilling through the window lattices adorned with "Double Happiness" paper-cuts, making the golden curtain hooks gleam brightly.

A rustling sound came from within the red curtains. A pair of steady, large hands reached out, pulling the curtains to the side and hooking them back.

Light filtered onto the bed.

Zhao Ling sat leaning against the headboard, his upper body bare. With his broad shoulders and narrow waist, his handsome face radiated high spirits and joy.

He looked down, gazing at Fu Tingjun sleeping beside him.

Her brows were relaxed, her expression serene, and her red lips were slightly pouted. If not for the faint shadows under her eyes, she would look less like a young woman and more like a carefree child.

I should have been more restrained last night...

Zhao Ling felt a hint of regret and reached out tenderly to stroke her face.

The soft, smooth sensation immediately triggered his memories.

Her body was also this delicate and smooth, soft as if she had no bones... His body instantly grew excited again.

Indeed, he had developed a taste for it. He had spent many years alone before this; he had seen many beautiful women, and it wasn't as if none had ever thrown themselves at him. Yet he had never been moved, let alone like now—where just a light touch of her cheek caused his body to lose control...

Zhao Ling gave a helpless, bitter smile, forcing down the agitation in his heart.

I can't touch Nannan again. I have to let her rest for a few days... or at least a day or two...

As he pondered, the sleeping Fu Tingjun perhaps felt the sensation on her face. She mumbled indistinctly and rolled over restlessly.

The thin quilt slid from her shoulder, revealing her back, which was as beautifully curved as a mountain range and as white as fresh snow.

Zhao Ling’s eyes widened.

Fu Tingjun’s body was not only covered in blue and purple marks, but there was even a ring of teeth marks on her shoulder.

He couldn't help but lightly touch those marks, his hand trembling.

How could this be?

He cherished her like a treasure. Although he had been a bit hurried the first time, during the second time, he had kissed every inch of her body until Nannan couldn't help but moan and cling to him... He still remembered her face, which had become exceptionally charming and beautiful due to desire... Because of that, he had felt very satisfied, happy, and joyful... How could...

Zhao Ling took a sharp breath, helped cover her with the quilt, and leaned down to call "Nannan" anxiously into her ear.

Fu Tingjun’s beautiful eyes opened slightly. She glanced at Zhao Ling and then closed them again.

"Zhao Ling, I can't... I want to sleep..." she murmured, burying her face in the pillow.

"Nannan!" A flash of embarrassment crossed Zhao Ling’s eyes. He brushed the stray locks of hair behind her ear. "Nannan, I have something to say to you..."

Fu Tingjun merely took his voice for the buzzing of a mosquito and covered her ears.

...

In the courtyard, Kou’er asked Zheng Sanniang, who was kneading dough, "Do we really not need to go and call Ninth Master and the Madam? It's almost time for lunch." Her tone was filled with deep concern.

"Everyone has been so tired lately!" Zheng Sanniang said with great composure. "Ninth Master and the Madam had to manage everything, so they must be even more exhausted. Now that things are finally mostly settled, they naturally need to sleep more. Don't cause trouble here." As she spoke, she gestured toward the outside. "If you have the time, why don't you go to the outer courtyard and see if that Lord Mo is awake yet? Lest he comes running in and wakes Ninth Master and the Madam."