Mu Houchu looked at her gloomily, seemingly full of resentment.
Xin He was firm this time and refused to fall for his act, pushing him away directly: "Get out!"
Mu Houchu sighed helplessly. They were married, but he still had to endure her anger?
There’s nothing she could do about this stubborn woman.
"Fine, I’ll leave." Mu Houchu left resentfully.
Just as Xin He was about to relax, she saw the man suddenly turn around. Before she could react, he grabbed her chin and pressed a heavy kiss onto her lips.
He suddenly pressed her down, and Xin He’s heart became unsteady. She staggered back, leaning against the wall. He took advantage of this and forcefully kissed her against the wall, not giving her any chance to resist. Mu Houchu finally reluctantly let her go when her tender lips gradually became red and swollen. He lowered his voice and said, "Keep in mind, I’ll be taking this ’debt’ back on our wedding night later."
He gently bit her lips once more and then left.
Xin He’s face was flushed, and she glared angrily at the man’s retreating back. She could not help but touch her ravaged tender lips: "A debt he owes? How can this be considered a debt?"
She suddenly remembered that night at the medicinal spring, where he had almost tormented her to death. She still had to add this ’debt’ to tonight’s affair?!
Xin He couldn’t help but swallow and her face turned pale.
If she had known earlier, she would rather not have married him!
Just as she thought about this, Shulan and Xiaoyu entered: "Eldest Miss."
The two of them were her personal maids. Naturally, they accompanied her as dowry maids.
Xin He touched her slightly swollen red lips, and her expression calmed down. She pretended to be nonchalant and replied, "Mm."
Seeing Xin He’s attempt to cover up her embarrassment, Shulan and Xiaoyu exchanged glances, and they chuckled: "Eldest Miss hasn’t eaten anything since morning. Minister ordered us to bring some food from the kitchen for you to at least fill your stomach."
Xin He snorted lightly. He did have some conscience, after all.
"Bring it over."
Shulan responded, and clapped her hands. The maids outside, who had been waiting, filed in one by one, carrying exquisite dishes, filling the table.
Xin He stared in astonishment: "Is this just a little bit of food? For me to eat alone?"
Shulan laughed: "Minister said that Eldest Miss has a weak body and needs to eat more. These are all your favorite dishes. When you have a good appetite, you’ll be able to eat more and nourish your body."
Xiaoyu chimed in: "Minister really cares about Eldest Miss."
Xin He couldn’t help but blush. Care about her? He cared about fulfilling his desires! Nourishing her body? He really had the nerve to say this!
Shulan didn’t know about this hidden meaning and asked blankly, "What’s wrong with Eldest Miss?"
Xin He forced a smile and responded with a stiff tone: "It’s okay. You can leave first."
Shulan and Xiaoyu knew Xin He’s temperament and that she didn’t like having people around her. They did not say anything else, bowed, and prepared to leave.
"We’ll take our leave." Xiaoyu was about to leave but suddenly thought of something. She said, "Minister also instructed that if Eldest Miss finds the room stuffy, you can go out to the courtyard for a walk. The guests are all in the front hall and won’t come to the back courtyard."
Xin He felt much better knowing this. He probably knew that she couldn’t stand being restrained. According to the rules, a bride would find it hard to even drink a mouthful of water during the day and had to endure the wait in the bridal chamber.
In addition to preparing a pile of food for her, he also let her move around, at least making her feel less suffocated.
Xin He chuckled softly: "I understand."
Xiaoyu bowed and left the room with Shulan.
Xin He touched her empty stomach. She was genuinely hungry. The table was full of dishes made according to her preferences. She didn’t know how he had found out, but considering his vast network of connections in the capital city, it wasn’t surprising.
Xin He didn’t think too much about it and started eating.
——
Compared to the tranquility of the back courtyard at this moment, the front courtyard was bustling with activity.
Almost all the officials from the Imperial Court had arrived, even without formal invitations.
A banquet hosted by Prime Minister Mu was rare, and since it was a wedding banquet, who dared not come?
Despite him not sending a single invitation, officials eagerly brought their families to offer congratulations. Whether their intentions were genuine or not, it showcased the extent of Mu Houchu’s influence and deep roots in the Imperial Court.
Even after handing over the Prime Minister’s seal, as long as he was not away from the capital, all the officials would still respectfully address him as "Prime Minister Mu" when they saw him.
The officials took turns toasting each other, creating a lively atmosphere. Only when Mu Houchu appeared did the whole scene quiet down. Several officials who wanted to get close to him quickly went up with a smile on their faces: "Congratulation on the joyous occasion, Prime Minister Mu."
Mu Houchu’s face was somewhat dark, and the reason was unknown. Everyone looked at him and couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat. Just a moment ago, during the wedding ceremony, he was happy. How could his face suddenly change so much?
Those who didn’t know might think someone had provoked him.
Mu Houchu spoke indifferently: "Just relax, don’t mind me."
The cold breeze blew over everyone, and with him acting like this, who would dare relax? They couldn’t wait to leave!
But who dared suggest that?
The atmosphere was tense for a while, but soon enough, a clever official came forward to make conversation and liven up the mood. The atmosphere warmed up once more, albeit tinged with a little awkwardness.
Chen Hanliang brought a wine cup to Mu Houchu and bowed respectfully: "Prime Minister Mu."
Mu Houchu nodded and casually sat down at the main table: "Is everything going smoothly at the Dali Temple?"
Chen Hanliang hurriedly replied: "Everything is going smoothly. Prime Minister can rest assured. I will manage the Dali Temple properly and won’t give you any worries."
"I trust you to handle things." Mu Houchu took a sip of wine, and his face seemed to improve slightly: "In a few days, I will leave the capital. If there are any pressing matters, use a carrier pigeon to send a message. Keep focused on the emperor’s affairs in the capital, and if there are any changes later..."
Chen Hanliang immediately clenched his fist: "As soon as there is a change, I will prioritize your interests!"
Mu Houchu pursed his lips. He hadn’t thought of any changes, but he knew that some things were not up to him to decide. He couldn’t ensure that there would be no accidents in the future, and he couldn’t ensure that the identity he hid would not be exposed one day.
If that day did come, he wouldn’t wait for doom!
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