After a day of obsessive entanglement, the next morning, Shi Lan, with her lips swollen like sausages, angrily punched Zhu Yi.
"It's all your fault. How can I face anyone like this?"
Zhu Yi's lips were bright red, and there were some lines at the corners of his mouth. Hearing this, he also felt wronged. "How can you blame me? As soon as I saw you looking at me like that, I just," he glanced at her quickly, turned his face away uncomfortably, and said, "I just couldn't help it."
Shi Lan was furious. So it was her fault that she had been so captivated by his kisses.
Seeing that she was unhappy, Zhu Yi quickly went up to hug her and, just like last night, breathed into her most sensitive ear and coaxed her softly, "Okay, don't be angry. I will definitely be more careful in the future." As he spoke, he was afraid that Shi Lan would fight with him, so he quickly raised his voice and shouted outside, "Go and get some ice."
A voice answered from outside the door, and a moment later, Xingbi came in carrying a block of ice about a foot in size.
Zhu Yi waved for her to leave.
I took a small spatula from the tray, cut off a piece, wrapped it in several layers of soft towel, and carefully pressed it against her lips.
The cool touch relieved her discomfort. Zhu Yi was worried that she would be uncomfortable with her neck straight, so he sat down next to her, put his arm around her, and let her rest her head on his shoulder.
Shi Lan squinted, nestled obediently in his arms, and enjoyed his service.
After two more ice cubes were brought out, Shi Lan felt her lips were getting numb from the cold and quickly shook her head to indicate that she didn't want any more.
Zhu Yi tilted his head and looked at her for a while. Seeing that her lips were much better, he then ordered someone to come in and help her wash up.
Today is the day Shi Lan returns to her parents' home. To make it a solemn occasion, Zhi Cui has chosen a bright red double-breasted shirt with gold trim, paired with a ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) subtly featuring peony patterns, a peony-patterned headdress, and a gold and red silk sash with intertwined jade pendants.
Yesterday, Shi Lan overshadowed Qian Shi too much. She wasn't dressed up with such dazzling jewelry, but her beauty was already exceptional. Even with simple hairpins and a plain face, she was far more beautiful than the aging Qian Shi.
In terms of age, the only one in the manor who can be compared to Shi Lan is Qian Zhiqing. Unfortunately, she fell ill some time ago and no matter how much she tried to recover, she never did. Coupled with her repeated travels, she looks several years older than Shi Lan, who has always been pampered in the manor.
Shi Lan played with Zhi Cui for a while, then got up, turned around in front of the mirror a couple of times, and turned to ask Zhu Yi, "How is it?"
Zhu Yi looked amazed, and even her nod was somewhat stunned.
Shi Lan felt a little embarrassed by his actions. Her heart skipped a beat, and she lowered her head slightly, blushing as she scolded, "Silly girl."
Zhu Yi blinked, came to her senses, and chuckled.
Zhi Cui lowered her head and covered her mouth, secretly laughing.
Shi Lan was very satisfied with Zhu Yi's reaction. In any case, she had embroidered this outfit to show him in the first place, and now that he had seen it, there was no harm in changing into plain clothes.
Shi Lan instructed Zhi Cui to find a new dress in a pine-flower color and change into it. Turning her head, she saw Zhu Yi inadvertently reveal a hint of melancholy, which made her even more satisfied.
Xingbi set breakfast on the table.
After they finished eating, they got up and left.
The gifts for the bride's return visit had already been prepared, and Shi Lan followed Zhu Yi into the carriage.
Once inside, Shi Lan realized that the seemingly ordinary carriage was much larger than she had imagined. Soft cushions, exquisitely upholstered walls, and a table in the center that looked old but was actually made of expensive wood all subtly revealed the owner's grandeur.
Shi Lan merely raised an eyebrow at this, and Zhu Yi, seeing her reaction, smiled, but was extremely satisfied.
The carriage moved slowly forward and soon arrived at the Ningyuan Earl's residence, which was also of noble birth.
Wang knew long ago that her daughter was returning home today and had informed Shi Yunbai well in advance.
At this time, the gates of the Earl's mansion were open, and the steward was waiting in advance. Upon seeing the carriage, he hurriedly sent someone in to call for someone.
After the two got out of the car, Zhu Yi was taken to the front yard by Shi Yunsong and Shi Yunbai, while Shi Lan was taken to the back yard by Wang Shi.
Shi Lan first went to Fuxi Hall to pay her respects to the old lady, and then followed Wang Shi back to Qixia Courtyard.
Once inside, Madam Wang dismissed all the maids and servants. Upon learning why she was dressed in mourning clothes, she clicked her tongue and ignored them. Instead, she leaned close to Shi Lan's ear and whispered, "Has the young master been treating you well these past few days?"
Shi Lan knew what she was asking, but she and Zhu Yi were not an ordinary couple, and she didn't want to lie to Wang Shi, so she nodded shyly.
When Wang first met her, she noticed her slightly red lips and the blush on her face, and knew that the two of them had been doing well these past two days. Now, having received Shi Lan's confirmation, she was even happier.
That's how parents are. As long as their children are happy, all the twists and turns and hardships they went through are just a prelude to happiness. As long as they live well in the future, that's all that matters.
The mother and daughter sat together intimately, and Wang taught Shi Lan many things about the bedroom arts between husband and wife.
Shi Lan had heard about and seen most of these things, but she had never actually been involved in any real battles. Hearing Wang Shi speak, her ears couldn't help but feel hot.
When Wang saw that she was so embarrassed that she almost hid her head under the table, she couldn't help but laugh.
“Silly child, marriage is a natural thing. If you and the prince want to live a harmonious life together, you can’t avoid this step no matter what,” Madam Wang said, putting her arm around her shoulder. “My good daughter, you must remember your mother’s words.”
Shi Lan knew that Madam Wang truly cared for her, and what she was telling her was based on her life experience. Thinking that Zhu Yi might not regain consciousness for a long time, and that she didn't know how much longer she would have to endure this, and that there was also Qian Zhiqing in the mansion who was eyeing her covetously, she suppressed her shame and kept Madam Wang's words in mind.
At noon, a banquet was held at the mansion. During the banquet, Zhou and Liu, having received gifts from Zhu Yi, spoke highly of him. Wang, seeing her two sisters-in-law praising her son-in-law, felt proud.
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