Chapter 11

Entering the Bridal Chamber Again

    The following morning,

    Shan Shan dressed in a soft pink attire, prepared to leave the house to go to the market with the goal of contacting a carpenter to commission some furniture. The money she had earned the previous day was also enough to buy some silverware, not for decoration, but to be turned into powerful hidden weapons.

    As she contemplated this, her eyes briefly gleamed maliciously.

    In that moment, she was suddenly flicked on the forehead. "Ouch!"

    "What are you planning now?" Zhao Wei asked in a flat tone, lowering his hand from Shan Shan's forehead and pinching her cheek instead.

    "Ow!" The cheek's owner exclaimed softly, replying somewhat evasively, "I'm going to order the Liberated Bed and a windbreak plank, then go shopping for a few things."

    Zhao Wei raised his eyebrows and looked at her skeptically. "You should wait a few days for the mystery doctor affair to cool down before going out and spending extravagantly. It would be safer."

    He released his grip from her soft cheek and ordered coolly,

    "In the meantime, dissolve all the antidotes into the water source again, to prevent anyone else from getting poisoned. Understand?"

    Shan Shan widened her eyes and forced a smile, "Oh...I forgot."

    Zhao Wei sternly said, "Now that you remember, go take care of it immediately."

    "Got it..."

    He continued with his command, "Once you're done, come eat."

    "Um..."

    "Today, you don’t go anywhere. Rest at home."

    "Hmm?"

    "That’s an order!"

    With that, he turned his tall frame and disappeared into the kitchen, leaving the petite woman staring after him, perplexed.

    After scattering the antidote into the water source,

    Shan Shan was confined at home by Zhao Wei for the entire day. He ordered her not to get involved in any more activities and to just sit still, doing nothing. Thus, she had a lot of free time. If she wasn’t eating, she would have been sleeping. Despite not having snacks like a noble young miss in an aristocrat's manor, the three main meals were still filling.

    Shan Shan couldn't help but think, perhaps fancifully, that she was like a piglet being fattened by a hunter, prepared for him to devour.

    After a heavy lunch, she felt sleepy and leaned against a tree in the front yard, watching her husband practice his tendon-stretching techniques. As she watched, the powerful movements seemed to lull her to sleep.

    When she woke up again, it was already dusk. She saw that dinner was prepared and set on the table in the corner of the room, and she found herself lying in bed.

    Blinking in confusion, she wondered: How did she end up in the room?

    As she pondered, she heard a voice from the table, "Come and eat."

    Having slept for so long, she was hungry again. Shan Shan didn’t hesitate and quickly got out of bed to join her husband for dinner. But then she heard him ask,

    "Normally, the leisure time for women in general, if they are not embroidering or playing chess, they would dance or play the zither. Don’t you think so?”

    The person addressed furrowed her brows slightly and with a voracious appetite, she began eating the vegetables with her chopsticks. After chewing and swallowing, she replied in a calm voice,

    “Umm...I can do those things too.”

    Zhao Wei narrowed his eyes as he picked some meat for Shan Shan and said,

    "It’s strange, I can hardly imagine you sitting quietly embroidering. I only see a wild girl from the forest, eager to practice martial arts."

    Shan Shan looked up at her husband with a slightly defiant expression,

    "Ye Niu sees right through me. I really can’t sit still and be prim and proper."

    Zhao Wei listened and began to understand the woman in front of him bit by bit. He merely wanted to prepare her in advance, thinking of slowly introducing her to these practices.

    "Martial arts training requires a master, but you rush ahead without following the steps. Moreover, shouldn’t a married woman be gentle?"

    Given that sooner or later he must return to the palace and resume his role as the crown prince, and she, being his wife, would have to accompany him, it was essential for her to possess the basic qualities of women in the royal palace.

    Shan Shan’s face fell as she replied pitifully,

    "If I don’t practice or find something to occupy myself, I might as well be lifeless. Please don’t force me to be just a housewife. It's too difficult."

    "I can’t help but enforce this since we are married. You adapt to the chicken if married to a chicken, and to a dog if married to a dog. Whatever I become in the future, as my wife, you must adapt to me,"

    Zhao Wei stated plainly, hinting at deeper meanings.

    Shan Shan frowned in thought, "Umm...if a wife must adapt to her husband, then I can try to fulfill the basic duties of a woman. But can I also incorporate who I truly am?"

    Zhao Wei raised his eyebrows questioningly.

    Shan Shan continued with a relaxed demeanor, as if it was a simple matter she could easily accomplish,

    "Embroidery, if done properly, should be poisoned into the pattern along with the stitches so that anyone who wears it will rot and die. Playing chess can also be a way to lure and assassinate enemies face-to-face, taking advantage of the moment of deep thought to shoot a piece through the eye socket. Dancing can also use a piece of fabric as a lethal weapon to decapitate people around, and playing the zither can incorporate melodies that enchant and trap listeners, secretly releasing poisoned needles to take lives," she concluded and asked excitedly, "Is that possible?"

    Zhao Wei suddenly choked on his soup.

    After a full meal, Shan Shan, who had slept all day, was now fully awake, as bright and alert as a bat hunting at night.

    She took Zhao Wei to sit by the stream and count the stars. The atmosphere was perfect for a couple to enjoy a sweet night together, admiring the beautiful moon.

    Under the night sky, only the sparkling stars and the bright moon cast their silvery light on the man and woman sitting side by side, creating two long shadows on the grass.

    They both had secrets, but their expressions did not need to hide their true selves. Their gestures and words were open and honest, forming an ideal relationship.

    Shan Shan gazed at the sky, lost in thought. There was a crescent moon resembling a saber, one of the powerful weapons she used in her past life.

    "Ye Niu, do you know the Moonlight Blade?" she murmured.

    "The Moonlight Blade?" he responded.

    "Umm…there are also the Crescent Moon Sword, the Blood Leather Whip, the Solar Blade, the Poison Needle Bracelet, the Death Ring, the Crescent Iron Pike, and the Waistband Sword."

    There were actually a lot more. In her past life, Shan Shan could easily transform objects around her into deadly weapons. She asked the man beside her, "Have Ye Niu heard of these weapons?"

    "Umm...I won't hide it, I have read about them in the legendary master Xian Yong Shi's scripture. He had a top disciple."

    This sentence made Shan Shan turn to Zhao Wei with eyes sparkling more than the stars above. Excited, she said, "So, my Ye Niu is a scholar who loves to learn."

    Zhao Wei smiled subtly under his mustache and said calmly,

    "Everything beneath the heavens is interesting, especially the stories of high-skilled female martial artist recorded in history."

    Her excitement visible in her eyes, she asked,

    "What about the Shadowless Sword, do you know of it?"

    "Umm..."

    Zhao Wei gazed at the dark curtain of the night ahead, unconcerned by the darkness that obscured and answered casually.

    "I've read in the scripture that the Shadowless Sword is difficult to counter. But above all the martial weapons of that female martial artist, there was a movement called Clouds Veering that was as high as the skies and as low as the rivers, light as a breeze, and fast as lightning, killing without blinking, existing almost as if not existing, untouchable. The sword and its owner are both nameless, its form outstanding."

    Shan Shan's eyes widened. "Outstanding form, really?"

    "Umm..."

    Zhao Wei replied in his gruff voice, his expression indifferent, but his eyes shone with admiration. He appreciated formidable martial artists, regardless of their gender. He continued,

    "The legends say that woman had an ugly face and a ruthless nature, each strike merciless, not wasting time for others to beg for life—the great assassin above all killers, a devilish fiend, feared by everyone, even the emperor."

    Though his voice was still hoarse from his ongoing throat recovery, making it somewhat eerie to listen to, at the end of his statement, Shan Shan burst into clear laughter, her spirits lifted. She leaned her head on Zhao Wei's shoulder, tightening her embrace around him, and said with a touched tone, "Thank you for the compliment."

    Zhao Wei frowned, confused. "What are you talking about?"

    Shan Shan didn't respond, simply resting her head on his broad shoulder like that.

    She didn't know when exactly her master had sent her through time, but it must have been hundreds of years later since her past life had become merely a legend, recorded in the scriptures.

    Shan Shan closed her eyes and rested quietly on Zhao Wei's shoulder, her body pressed close to his.

    He then wrapped his arms around her waist, spreading warmth from his body to hers in a pose not unlike their nightly shared slumber.

    They continued to chat idly, his low husky voice mixing with her lively one, drifting on the cool night breeze for a long time, creating an aura of a loving couple around them.

    No worries, no fears, no burdens, no ties—living joyously. Even though their surrounding only had an old, dilapidated house, no grand structures or luxurious items, no high-class garments, it didn't matter to them.

    The sky remained dark, deepening into late night, dew sparkling, the chill wind intensifying, yet offering a strangely comforting warmth that stirred the heart immensely.

    Shan Shan continued to snuggle close to her strong-bodied husband, his hand encircling her waist, sending warmth throughout her body, giving a delightful feeling. She particularly enjoyed this evening’s atmosphere. Many nights had passed with her husband remaining distant; they slept together but separately, nothing more than sharing a bed and sound asleep. Thinking about this, her eyebrows furrowed slightly, her eyes dreamily distant, wondering if it would be possible to enter the bridal chamber again tonight.

    For today, she hadn't exerted any effort, wasn't tired, wasn't sleepy, and most importantly, the last time someone shared the bridal chamber with her husband, it wasn't her as Shan Shan, but as Qing Lin before her death.

    "What are you thinking about?"

    The hoarse voice seemed as if it came from heaven, deep and surprisingly pleasant to the ears.

    Shan Shan responded almost thoughtlessly,

    "I was wondering if we could enter the bridal chamber again?"

    As soon as she finished her question, she heard what sounded like a chuckle in his throat.

    "So, you were thinking that."

    Shan Shan nodded rapidly like a pecking bird, suddenly feeling a firm grip around her waist, and looking directly into Zhao Wei's eyes.

    Despite his unattractive face, his eyes were sharp and powerful, exuding a compelling devilish charm that was so seductive. When they met their eyes, it was both terrifying and irresistible at the same time.

    Unconsciously, her lips were lightly touched, as if a drone was playfully teasing a tender flower. Shan Shan was so lost in the moment that she didn't even notice when his lips firmly clasped hers for a long time.

    The night wind passed, leaving a trace of chill around them, yet her body felt unbearably hot.

    The lips that moved against hers became more insistent and heated as time passed, their breath mingling in the warming air.

    What started as teasing soon became dominating; the tip of his hot tongue entwined deeply, and his arms wrapped around her more firmly.

    Shan Shan felt dizzy, almost to the point of fainting.

    The next moment, her body seemed to spin as if floating.

    In a state of semi-conscious delirium, she felt a chill on her back that was bare without her knowing. She then found herself lying on the bed, above her was the large body of a man, equally bare, pressing down from when she couldn't tell.

    "Ah! Ye Niu,"

    she exclaimed, regaining her senses as her legs were parted, feeling something intensely hot pressing in the middle of her body—his enormous hardness was pushing against her softness. He slowly invaded her being, then remained deeply embedded.

    Instinctively, her slender hands rose to cover her chest, her small frame trembling slightly.

    Shan Shan, in her previous life, had always been engrossed in martial arts and killing; matters of desire were far from her, remaining a pure maiden untouched by any man.

    Since the spirit entered Qing Lin's body, she had already passed the crucial moment, only pain lingered.

    The experience of making love was never fully realized.

    Her eyes fluttered rapidly, her body tensed stiffly, becoming just a naive young miss, no longer herself.

    "Forget our first night, tonight I will cherish you,"

    Zhao Wei whispered softly, tightening his hold on her slender waist, bending down to kiss her warm lips, patiently using his hot lips to calm the trembling figure beneath him. He tenderly traced kisses down her fair neck, his touch as light as a feather down to her soft flesh, using the warmth of his strong arms to envelop and comfort her gently.

    The tender touch from the man above her gradually allowed Shan Shan to relax with ease, then morphed her excitement into an overwhelming delight. She sensed a profound emotional experience, heating her body to an almost unbearable degree, a tingling sensation surging through her veins, making her blood race.

    This strange yet enthralling sensation brought a beautiful smile to her face, showcasing her overflowing sweetness. Her typically playful eyes suddenly sparkled with emotion as she sincerely stated as if in a dream,

    "What was our first night like? I can't remember at all."

    Zhao Wei laughed softly, "Certainly pleasant.”

    Shan Shan smiled sweetly, closing her eyes, and reaching up to embrace his strong neck.

    His eyes glimmered with tenderness, then grew passionate as he moved in rhythm with the arising emotions, leaning down to lavishly endow her with sensations of ecstasy.

    The night stretched on, and dawn approached too soon[PL1] ...The dew began to settle, and the first light of dawn appeared.

    Shan Shan was still nestled in his warm chest, the sensual tingling in her heart persisted. She had been loved so many times. The profound intimacy of the night with her husband left a deep emotional impression, and she now understood its depth.

    Since her husband had tirelessly instructed her, sacrificing his sweat and liquid, she felt obligated to reciprocate.

    She lifted her head from his chest like a fledgling ready to forage and reached for her clothes, preparing to rise.

    Zhao Wei, still with his eyes closed, suddenly pulled on her arm, asking in a low voice,

    "What's the hurry?"

    "Uh..."

    "Sleep!"

    He commanded firmly, and Shan Shan lay back down.

    Zhao Wei tightened his embrace, securing her quietly in place. This act, if not possessive, couldn't be described otherwise.

    Pleased, she smiled and eventually spoke sweetly,

    "Ye Niu."

    "Hmm…?"

    "Do you enjoy it when women flatter you?"

    Zhao Wei opened his eyes, raising his eyebrows, but said nothing.

    Shan Shan continued, "Do you like sweet-natured women? Do you enjoy it when women flirt to please you?"

    This time, Zhao Wei frowned, "Why do you ask?"

    She grinned mischievously, "I just want to please you, be sweet, and play the enchantress for you, why not?"

    Under his mustache, his lips curved into a thin smile, though it was invisible, yet reached his eyes, softening his usually cold, emotionless face to reveal a gentleness. He gently stroked her smooth hair and said with his deep, hoarse voice,

    "If you can manage it, I'd certainly like it, but it's not necessary right now."

    Shan Shan blinked rapidly, puzzled, hearing him explain calmly, "Actually, you've been doing it all along these past few days."

    "Hmm?" she frowned, "When did I ever flirt with you?"

    The young man narrowed his long eyes and stared intently, playfully twirling her hair.

    "You probably aren't aware of it."

    "You're joking, right? I haven't even done anything yet."

    "You have."

    "I haven't..."

    "Of course, your charm is unlike any woman in the world. But enough of that! If you still have energy, let's continue..." With that, his larger frame suddenly rolled over to straddle her smaller one.

    "Oop!" Shan Shan heard laughter rumble in her husband's throat, followed soon by only her own moans.

 [PL1]เป็๞ประโยคเดียวกับบทที่ 3 แต่รู้สึกว่าที่แปลมาในบทนี้เข้ากับบริบทแล้วค่ะ เลยไม่ได้ใช้ "The night was long, the love was short.”