Chapter 2

Jiang Manyue was halfway through her meal when she suddenly remembered to ask Wen Yusheng if he wanted to eat with her. She called toward the inner room. “Um... do you want to eat some with me?” Her voice was soft and sweet, a delicate tone rarely heard from other women. At least, Wen Yusheng had never heard a woman speak like that in all his years. Women either had clear, ringing voices or spoke with a strong, powerful tone. However, Jiang Manyue was five years younger than him, so perhaps it was only natural for her to be this soft and delicate. “No need. Thank you.” He turned a page of the book in his hands. Along with the quiet sounds of Jiang Manyue eating, the room felt peaceful and harmonious. After finally finishing her meal, Jiang Manyue wiped her mouth and called out to Wen Yusheng. “Where am I sleeping tonight?” Wen Yusheng’s hand paused. Originally, he had planned to wait until Jiang Manyue wanted to consummate the marriage before bringing up the matter of sleeping separately. He hadn’t expected her to be so considerate and bring it up herself. “Xiaokui, come in and tidy things up.” Xiaokui, who had been waiting outside the door, entered with two servants. They quickly cleared the table. Then, from somewhere, they brought in a small bed and placed it beside the large bed. After Xiaokui and the others withdrew, Jiang Manyue finally entered the inner room and got a clear look at Wen Yusheng’s face. Wen Yusheng didn’t look like the son of a merchant family. Instead, he looked more like a young master from an aristocratic household. His features were handsome and refined, with an air of elegance and nobility. At that moment, he was leaning against the headboard. Under the flickering candlelight, his appearance seemed even more ethereal and beautiful. While Jiang Manyue was sizing him up, Wen Yusheng was also observing her. Just as he had expected, she was petite. However, her eyes were clear and bright, making her rather pleasant to look at. This was technically their first proper meeting. Wanting to break the silence, Jiang Manyue introduced herself first. “Hello, my name is Jiang Manyue. I hope we’ll get along well from now on.” Wen Yusheng gave a slight nod in response. The beds were already prepared. Jiang Manyue scratched her cheek and said somewhat awkwardly, “Um... can I take a bath first? I smell like alcohol.” Wen Yusheng nodded. Her habit of keeping clean suited him perfectly. Xiaokui appeared once again and directed the servants as they hurried in and out of the room. Jiang Manyue smiled apologetically at him. “Sorry to trouble you, Xiaokui.” Xiaokui looked at her strangely before respectfully replying, “You’re the Madam. It’s my duty.” He had originally thought Jiang Manyue was nothing more than a crude country girl from some poor, remote village. He hadn’t expected her to be quite well-mannered. The bathing area was connected to the bedroom. Jiang Manyue went inside, quickly stripped off her clothes, and climbed into the bathtub. These conditions were far better than those in her thatched hut. She could finally say she was living off her husband’s wealth now. Being supported by someone else sure was wonderful! The sound of splashing water soon filled the room, carrying through the wall into the bedroom. Wen Yusheng put down the book in his hands and lay on the bed, closing his eyes to rest. From the sounds of the water, he could tell exactly what Jiang Manyue was doing. Before long, Wen Yusheng heard her singing. He opened his eyes and stared at the canopy above the bed. Was Jiang Manyue this happy because she would have no worries about food and clothing from now on, or was it because she had married him? By the time Jiang Manyue came out, Wen Yusheng was already asleep. The bed curtains had been lowered, and only a vague silhouette could be seen behind them. Jiang Manyue quietly climbed onto her small bed and lay down. She was completely exhausted today. But the room was warm, the bed was comfortable, and the blankets smelled wonderful. Jiang Manyue soon fell fast asleep. After she fell asleep, Wen Yusheng opened his eyes and looked at her back. His tightly clenched fist slowly relaxed. The next morning, Jiang Manyue was awakened early. Still half-asleep, she sat up while clutching her blanket, looking completely dazed. Wen Yusheng was already fully dressed and sitting on the couch nearby, drinking tea. Seeing that Jiang Manyue was still half-asleep and looked as though she might collapse and go right back to sleep at any moment, Wen Yusheng called Xiaokui over. Xiaokui entered carrying a basin of water for washing her face. He wrung out a cloth and wiped Jiang Manyue’s face. With the cloth covering her face, Jiang Manyue instantly woke up and frantically waved her hands. “I can do it myself! I can do it myself! You don’t have to! Mmph!” Xiaokui had naturally intended to finish washing her face because it was his master’s order. However, seeing Jiang Manyue squirming and struggling, he couldn’t help secretly laughing. After helping Jiang Manyue wash up, Xiaokui was about to help her get dressed as well. This time, Jiang Manyue immediately dodged away. Having a man help her put on her clothes still felt rather awkward. Xiaokui looked at the reluctant Jiang Manyue, then turned to Wen Yusheng. Wen Yusheng put down his teacup and said, “You may leave. Since she doesn’t like it, let it be.” His voice was no longer as cold as it had been the previous night. There was even a hint of gentleness in it. For now, he was fairly satisfied with Jiang Manyue. Whether her manners toward men were genuine or merely an act didn’t matter to him. As long as she was obedient, that was enough. Xiaokui acknowledged him and withdrew. Jiang Manyue took her clothes behind the folding screen and changed into the brand-new, beautiful outfit. Once she was dressed, Jiang Manyue sat before the bronze mirror and began combing her hair. She only knew how to do a simple updo. After carefully gathering all her long hair into a neat bun, Jiang Manyue smiled in satisfaction. “My hair turned out pretty well today.” Once she was ready, Jiang Manyue walked over to Wen Yusheng. “Let’s go.” Wen Yusheng’s gaze fell on Jiang Manyue’s hair. His brows furrowed slightly, but he said nothing. He simply stood up and led Jiang Manyue out. On the second day after their wedding, they were supposed to serve tea to their elders. The two walked one after the other without saying a word, making the atmosphere somewhat awkward. Following behind them, Xiaokui secretly sighed. His master was being willful again. According to custom, Jiang Manyue should have been walking in front, but Wen Yusheng insisted on doing things the other way around. Jiang Manyue, however, knew nothing about these customs. Since Wen Yusheng was leading the way, she simply followed behind him. She thought it was actually quite nice. At least he wasn’t leaving her behind and ignoring her. When they reached the doorway, Wen Yusheng stopped and waited for Jiang Manyue to catch up. The two then entered the room together. Wen Yusheng’s mother and father had been waiting for them for quite some time. When they saw the two walk in side by side, both of them smiled. They had originally worried that Wen Yusheng might make things difficult for Jiang Manyue or simply ignore her. But now, it seemed that their son was fairly satisfied with Jiang Manyue. They only hoped that the two would live well together this time and grow old side by side. Jiang Manyue knew the rules for serving tea to one’s elders. She picked up a cup of tea and knelt directly before the two elders. “Mother, Father, please have some tea. I wish you good health and blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea.” Wen Yusheng’s father was the first to accept the tea from Jiang Manyue, smiling happily. “This child certainly knows how to sweet-talk people. Come, get up. Take your gift.” Wen Yusheng’s father had not been particularly satisfied with Jiang Manyue at first, but Wen Yusheng’s mother had taken a liking to her and persuaded him. Their son was excellent in every way, but his temper was far too stubborn. Back when Wang Qingyun had visited the pleasure district, he had refused to see her for half a year. Jiang Manyue, on the other hand, had a reputation for having a gentle and mild temperament, making her the perfect complement to Wen Yusheng. Besides, Wen Yusheng was already twenty-five. If they delayed any longer, they might not even be able to find someone like Jiang Manyue. Jiang Manyue held the heavy red envelope, her eyes curving into a delighted smile. Wen Yusheng, kneeling beside her, glanced at her. Money-grubber!