Meanwhile, in the capital city of Shenfu, red candles burned brightly, and the festive atmosphere had not yet dissipated.
The guests, who had been making a ruckus all day, finally dispersed. Inside the bridal chamber, the dragon and phoenix candles crackled, illuminating the room with a festive red hue. He Mingshu sat gracefully on the wedding bed, which was covered with a quilt embroidered with a hundred sons and a thousand grandsons. Her phoenix coronet and wedding robes had been removed, leaving her in only a soft, bright red undergarment. Her black hair, like clouds, accentuated her snow-white skin and exquisite features. She lowered her head slightly, her hands clasped on her knees, her dignified demeanor tinged with the shyness and nervousness of a new bride.
After seeing off the last group of colleagues who had come to make a ruckus at the wedding night, Shen Wenqing returned to the bridal chamber, still faintly smelling of alcohol. His usually serious face was flushed, and his eyes shone brightly and tenderly as he gazed at his bride under the lamplight. He waved away the maids who were standing by.
Only the two of them remained in the bridal chamber. The soft glow of the red candles enveloped them, and the air seemed thick and sweet.
He took a deep breath, picked up the scale rod, and slowly lifted the red veil embroidered with dragons and phoenixes.
Beneath the veil lay a face of unparalleled beauty. Her eyebrows were like willow leaves, her almond eyes shyly sparkling, her nose delicate, her lips cherry-red, and her skin as white as snow. In the candlelight, He Mingshu slightly raised her eyes, her gaze shifting with the shy elegance of a bride, breathtakingly beautiful. Shen Wenqing felt his breath catch in his throat, his eyes seeing nothing else.
"Shu'er..." Shen Wenqing walked to the bedside and sat down, his voice deep and mellow, with a hint of barely perceptible tension. He reached out and gently covered He Mingshu's folded hands.
He Mingshu trembled slightly, raised her eyelids, and met his burning gaze with her clear, autumn-water-like eyes. Two blushes rose on her cheeks, making her even more beautiful: "Husband..."
That one word, "Husband," melted Shen Wenqing's heart instantly. He took her hand in his, finding it soft and delicate. "Wife," he whispered, his voice deep and tender, brimming with affection.
Drinking the nuptial wine symbolizes that the two will share joys and sorrows and become one.
Without further hesitation, he leaned down and, with tenderness and care, kissed the cherry lips he had longed for. The moment their lips touched, they both trembled slightly as if struck by lightning. At first, it was an awkward and tender exploration, but gradually, their passion surged like a tidal wave, their lips and tongues intertwined, their breaths mingling.
Shen Wenqing's strong arms encircled He Mingshu's slender waist, gently pressing her down onto the bed covered with brocade quilts. The crimson curtains quietly fell, obscuring the room from the light of the spring blossoms, leaving only the flickering candlelight and the suppressed, blush-inducing soft moans and gasps within. The dragon and phoenix red candles burned silently, shedding joyful tears, witnessing the most intimate union of this perfect couple.
The next morning, sunlight streamed into the new house through the exquisite window frames.
Shen Wenqing woke up first, looking at his wife's peaceful sleeping face beside him, his heart filled with contentment and tenderness. He gently got up, afraid of disturbing her. However, He Mingshu still woke up, and when she opened her eyes, she met her husband's gentle gaze. Recalling the intimacy of the previous night, a blush rose on her face again.
"My husband is awake?" Her voice carried the languor of early morning and a hint of shyness.
"Mmm," Shen Wenqing leaned down and kissed her forehead, "It's still early, why don't you rest a little longer?"
"No, I still need to serve tea to Father and Mother." He Mingshu sat up, her inner robe collar slightly open, revealing a small section of her beautiful neck and collarbone, where faint, ambiguous red marks still lingered. Shen Wenqing's eyes darkened, his Adam's apple bobbed, and he forcibly looked away, calling a maid in to help him with his toilette.
In the main hall, Mr. and Mrs. Shen were already seated at the head of the table. Mrs. Shen, dressed in a dark purple robe with the character "福" (fortune) on it, smiled broadly, her eyes filled with satisfaction and anticipation for her new daughter-in-law. Mr. Shen, as always, wore a serious expression tinged with contentment.
He Mingshu changed into a dignified yet festive rose-red jacket embroidered with gold lotus patterns, her hair styled in a married woman's bun, adorned with the red-gold and ruby hairpin added by Shen Yuewei, making her appear even more elegant and noble. Accompanied by Shen Wenqing, she moved gracefully to the two elders.
A maid had already laid out a brocade cushion and served hot tea. He Mingshu knelt down gracefully, raised the teacup with both hands, and said in a clear and melodious voice, "Daughter-in-law Mingshu offers tea to Father and Mother, wishing them good health, longevity, and all the best."
"Good, good child!" Madam Shen smiled broadly, quickly took the teacup and took a sip, then took out a heavy, red gold bracelet inlaid with jewels and put it on He Mingshu's wrist. "Get up quickly! From now on, we are family!"
Father Shen smiled and drank the tea, then gave him a gift (a set of fine writing implements), and instructed him: "Wenqing is a quiet person, so you will need to be more tolerant of him in the future. When husband and wife are of one mind, their strength can break metal."
"Your daughter-in-law will keep your father's teachings in mind." He Mingshu replied respectfully, with poise and grace.
Shen Wenqing watched his mother and wife get along harmoniously, feeling even more comforted. He helped He Mingshu up, and the family was filled with joy.
Looking at her son and daughter-in-law standing side by side, a handsome couple, the regret in her heart caused by her daughter's absence seemed to be lessened by the joyous atmosphere and the perfect harmony before her. She smiled and instructed the servants to prepare breakfast, her mind racing: Wei'er has the Crown Prince's protection in Jiangnan, Wenqing has married a virtuous wife, and Wenbai… seems to be developing feelings for that Miss Lin. The Shen family is thriving; she, as a mother, should be content. However, when her gaze swept over the brightly blooming pomegranate tree in the courtyard outside the door, the deep longing and concern for her daughter far away remained ever-present in her heart.
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