Chapter 71: My Heart Delights in You.

Jiang Chenbi’s words were like a sharp sword, cleaving through the inexpressible malaise in Cui Wangshu’s heart. Meeting the woman’s resolute gaze, Cui Wangshu tugged at the corner of her lips into a smile, her voice choked with emotion. “You can’t deceive me.”

Jiang Chenbi’s brows and eyes softened with tenderness as she lifted her hand to wipe away the glistening teardrop at the corner of Cui Wangshu’s eye. She smiled and said, “I promise, I won’t deceive you.”

Cui Wangshu bit her lip and pulled her into her embrace. She lowered her head and pressed a devout kiss to the side of her neck, her voice hoarse. “I believe you.”

Jiang Chenbi wrapped her arms around Cui Wangshu’s back, nestling herself into her embrace.

Even if the road ahead was uncertain, at least in this moment, they loved each other. For people, that one instant was enough.

Cui Wangshu pulled back from the embrace and took Jiang Chenbi’s hand, leading her outside. Tonight was the Spring Festival, and the Shangshu Residence had been specially decorated—more vibrant red, less stark chill.

She remembered that Jiang Chenbi disliked the cold emptiness, so after returning from Luozhou, she had specifically ordered the place decorated. Yet Cui Wangshu still found the Shangshu Residence rigid and lifeless.

It was only after Jiang Chenbi returned that Cui Wangshu realized the residence came alive with her presence.

Back in the room, Cui Wangshu opened the cabinet, revealing a red silk ribbon inside. Jiang Chenbi smiled and asked, “Why do you still keep this in your room?”

Cui Wangshu pursed her lips. This was the ribbon she had taken from the tree in Jiang Chenbi’s courtyard that day. She hadn’t known what she was thinking at the time, but she had hidden it away in her room. Unexpectedly, it came in handy tonight.

Both women’s long hair hung loose. With only the red ribbon in hand, Cui Wangshu took a lock from each of them and bound them together.

The strands intertwined, tightly secured by the red ribbon—just like them, entangled with each other.

Gazing at their bound hair, Cui Wangshu lowered her eyes and said, “Time is short. I hope you don’t mind the simplicity.”

Jiang Chenbi gently touched the knotted section of the ribbon, her eyes softening. She curved her lips and said, “Growing old with you—no grievances here.”

Slightly raising her gaze, Jiang Chenbi could see the deep affection in Cui Wangshu’s eyes, fixed unwaveringly on her as if she were the only one in heaven and earth.

Jiang Chenbi tilted her head up slightly, her hand climbing onto Cui Wangshu’s shoulder as she delivered a kiss to her lips.

Cui Wangshu tightly drew her into her arms. The kiss was light and gentle, nibbling softly on Jiang Chenbi’s lower lip as their tongues entwined.

The two tumbled onto the soft bed. Jiang Chenbi’s hand gently brushed Cui Wangshu’s collar, her voice low as she asked, “Is this alright?”

Cui Wangshu paused, a flicker of hesitation passing through her eyes. Earlier in the bath pool, concealed by her long hair, Jiang Chenbi hadn’t noticed the wound on her chest. But now, it seemed impossible to hide.

There was no such thing as a perfectly sealed wall in the world.

Her throat bobbed as Cui Wangshu turned her head away. “It’s fine.”

Between them, aside from the time the Love Gu had flared up in Cui Wangshu, it was always Cui Wangshu who took the lead. Even when they aligned to release their desires, she held the initiative.

Tonight marked their union, and Jiang Chenbi wanted to possess her once more. Her fingertips lightly teased open the collar, her palm gliding over smooth, creamy skin—only to encounter a scar at her chest.

The room fell silent, save for their breathing. Cui Wangshu turned her head away, refusing to meet Jiang Chenbi’s eyes. Jiang Chenbi’s gaze fixed on the fresh, scabbed red wound, silent.

The atmosphere grew oppressively still. Jiang Chenbi lowered her lashes, veiling her emotions, and asked softly, “When did this happen?”

Her tone was too calm—eerily so. Cui Wangshu’s throat tightened, her voice rough. “Half a month ago.”

Jiang Chenbi gently touched the skin beside the wound, still faintly red. Half a month, and it had only just begun to heal—evidence of how deeply the blade had pierced.

No wonder Cui Wangshu had refused to undress. Last night, despite her arousal, she hadn’t surrendered. It was because of this…

Jiang Chenbi’s eyes locked onto the wound, her face expressionless, her pupils dark and frightening.

Cui Wangshu didn’t want her staring. She reached to pull her clothes closed, but Jiang Chenbi’s single “Don’t move” froze her in place.

With the collar open, the marred skin lay bare in Jiang Chenbi’s view. The silence was suffocating; Cui Wangshu felt her heart panic under that gaze.

Jiang Chenbi was a flamboyant person, always venting her emotions extravagantly for that thrill. Yet now, she said nothing—no accusations, no anger—just silence.

It was the calm before the storm that terrified most.

After a long while, Jiang Chenbi reached out, pulled Cui Wangshu’s clothes closed, meticulously fastening the collar. She drew the outer bed curtains and lay down beside her.

She did all this without a word, her calm utterly unlike her usual style.

Cui Wangshu turned her head to look at Jiang Chenbi’s silent back. She shifted closer, embracing her from behind. Jiang Chenbi didn’t push her away, allowing the quiet hold.

Cui Wangshu’s gaze dimmed. She pressed a gentle kiss to her neck and asked hoarsely, “Is the scar too ugly? Did it ruin your mood?”

Jiang Chenbi paused, then abruptly turned without a word, pinning her to the bed. In swift motions, she undid Cui Wangshu’s clothes, her red lips pressing down—but gently.

Cui Wangshu breathed lightly, lying on the bed, meeting Jiang Chenbi’s emotionless, vacant eyes. Her heart trembled. She reached to cover herself, but Jiang Chenbi gripped her hands firmly.

Jiang Chenbi’s pupils finally focused, staring down at her. After a long moment, she gave an almost imperceptible nod and said softly, “Be good.”

Seeing her finally speak, Cui Wangshu’s nose stung. She endured Jiang Chenbi’s skilled touches, unable to bear those distant, unfamiliar eyes. She yanked the quilt over her face.

Watching this, Jiang Chenbi’s gaze darkened, her lashes trembling. She lifted the quilt from Cui Wangshu’s face.

Without the cover, Cui Wangshu raised her hand, blocking her eyes with the back of it to hide her tears.

With a soft sigh, Jiang Chenbi leaned down, moved her hand aside, and kissed the corner of her eye. The tears were kissed into her mouth—bitter. She paused, then trailed kisses from her eye down to her neck.

She lifted her head again, cradling Cui Wangshu’s face, biting her lip and invading her mouth.

Their breaths grew ragged, both panting lowly. Jiang Chenbi’s fingertips teased lightly, making her bloom in her hand.

Their entwined hair, inconvenient now, was unbound, the red ribbon falling to the pillow’s edge.

This intimacy was silent and cold, laced with scant desire. Neither spoke, as if locked in a contest. After once, they stopped.

Jiang Chenbi lowered her eyes, gazing at Cui Wangshu with closed eyes, steadying her breath. Emotions complex in her gaze, she rose, fetched a damp cloth, and wiped her clean.

Hesitating, she drew Cui Wangshu into her arms. Cui Wangshu’s face pressed to Jiang Chenbi’s chest, inhaling her familiar scent.

Her lower lip bitten white, she couldn’t help clutching Jiang Chenbi’s clothes at her chest.

Jiang Chenbi closed her eyes, suppressing the heat in them, silently receiving the scalding tears on her chest.

Their wedding night passed in silence.

The next morning, Cui Wangshu instinctively reached beside her, touching Jiang Chenbi’s warm body. She paused, then shifted closer, embracing her from behind.

Jiang Chenbi faced away, slowly opening her eyes—clear and composed, though she had been awake for some time.

Cui Wangshu pursed her lips, her voice hoarse. “Cui Daoyuan and Li Cong are both wary of me. If I didn’t do this, they wouldn’t lower their guard.”

Jiang Chenbi closed her eyes briefly, her voice also hoarse. “I know.”

Precisely because she knew, she didn’t know how to face Cui Wangshu. Heartache and fury intertwined; she couldn’t bear to lash out at her, especially when she asked if the scar had ruined her mood.

If possible, Jiang Chenbi would rather the dagger had pierced her own heart. The moment the scar was exposed, one thought consumed her.

She would kill Li Cong herself.

Considering Cui Wangshu’s vulnerability in desire, unwilling to let her wallow in unease, Jiang Chenbi took a deep breath and sighed. “Give me some time, alright?”

She wasn’t one with a good temper; she needed time to process her emotions to avoid taking them out on Cui Wangshu.

Cui Wangshu lowered her eyes. “Alright.”

Jiang Chenbi turned, hugging Cui Wangshu. Cui Wangshu’s hand covered her back, waiting quietly.

It felt like forever, yet quick. Jiang Chenbi stirred in her arms, lifted her head, and pressed her lips to Cui Wangshu’s. After lingering, she rose. “Time to get up.”

Cui Wangshu’s eyes brightened. She touched her lips, still warm from Jiang Chenbi, and couldn’t help smiling.

After washing, Jiang Chenbi eyed Cui Wangshu’s cautious expression, her emotions tangled, heart aching dully.

Forget it.

Her lips curved into a playful smile, eyes crinkling. She stepped forward, hooking Cui Wangshu’s neck, chuckling lightly. “It’s only the first day of marriage, and you’ve already lost interest in me?”

Cui Wangshu’s gaze fell to her lips, throat bobbing. She asked softly, “Is it alright?”

Jiang Chenbi laughed lightly, tilting up to bite her lower lip, murmuring, “You get one chance.”

Cui Wangshu’s breath hitched. She gripped her waist, pulling her close, the other hand cradling her face. Her tongue tip pried past her teeth, slipping inside.

Meeting Jiang Chenbi’s welcoming tongue, Cui Wangshu sighed inwardly. The kiss started restrained but grew fervent, her hand on her cheek pinching lightly.

Pinning her face, Cui Wangshu kissed deeply and lingeringly. Jiang Chenbi, held fast, could only receive the kiss laced with release.

Her hand patted Cui Wangshu’s back gently, urging her to relax.

Cui Wangshu’s breathing quickened. She lifted her, setting her on the table, arms tight around her waist, the kiss trending downward.

Jiang Chenbi braced behind her on the table, not stopping. Her chest clothes undone, Cui Wangshu’s warm breath fell on her skin—scorching yet tender.

Table items swept to the floor by Cui Wangshu, shattering. Jiang Chenbi lay there, gazing tenderly, indulging her.

Cui Wangshu leaned down, peppering fine kisses on her face—first brow, then eyes, nose tip, finally the slightly swollen lips.

Easing her motions, Cui Wangshu licked her lips tenderly, restraining herself. Their breaths mingled chaotically; a soft sound escaped Jiang Chenbi’s throat.

Cui Wangshu paused, scooped her up, and carried her to the bed.

Freshly risen, they returned to it. Fortunately, Cui Wangshu had played the invalid lately; Li Cong had told her to rest after the Spring Festival.

Unrestrained, fueled by last night’s emotions, they poured it all into this intimacy.

It lasted until afternoon; they napped again. Cui Wangshu woke first, propping her chin, lying on her side watching Jiang Chenbi, eyes sated.

She lifted a hand, twining a lock of hair around her finger, strands playing in her palm.

Exhausted deeply, Jiang Chenbi slept longer. Awakening to Cui Wangshu’s gentle gaze—held in that pose who-knew-how-long—she curved her lips. “Why not sleep more?”

Cui Wangshu’s eyes traced the marks on her neck, lips hooking. “I’m full.”

Jiang Chenbi shifted slightly; Cui Wangshu leaned in, pecking her lips, then deepening. Jiang Chenbi dodged, chuckling. “Didn’t you say you were full?”

Cui Wangshu’s gaze glued to her face, voice husky. “With you, I’ll never be full.”

Jiang Chenbi smiled, deciding to address it properly. She touched Cui Wangshu’s face softly. “No more using methods like that in the future, alright?”

Cui Wangshu met her genuine concern, recalling the Imperial Mausoleum where Jiang Chenbi had risked her life—yet wouldn’t allow it for her.

“Alright, I won’t anymore.” Cui Wangshu had no intention of heeding; if it happened again, she’d choose the same. But she’d try to avoid it.

Jiang Chenbi lowered her eyes. “Just as you don’t want me harmed, I don’t want to see you in peril.”

Cui Wangshu smiled faintly. She knew. To grow old with this woman, she’d cherish her body more. Softly, “As you command… my wife.”

Jiang Chenbi froze, realizing the address. Recalling yesterday’s ribbon binding, they were truly wedded wives.

Her ear tips burned red, and Jiang Chenbi bit her lip in shy embarrassment, softly murmuring, “Mm…”

Cui Wangshu watched her bashful expression with great interest, her lips curving as she called out again, “Wife.”

A flush colored Jiang Chenbi’s cheeks as she lifted her gaze, her eyes shimmering with emotion as she looked at Cui Wangshu, gently drawing a smile. “I’m here.”

Cui Wangshu gazed at her, feeling a tingling numbness ripple through her heart. Jiang Chenbi’s clear voice was like a mountain stream, slowly flowing through her heart and stirring a shiver.

With earnest eyes, Cui Wangshu brought Jiang Chenbi’s hand to her lips and planted a tender kiss there. Looking at her solemnly, she said, “Jiang Chenbi, I take delight in you.”

Boom—

Jiang Chenbi stared at her in a daze, her heart feeling as if it might leap from her chest the next second. Her breathing grew shallow, yet a faint sense of suffocation still pressed on her chest.

Seeing her lost in thought, Cui Wangshu’s eyes softened with tenderness. She repeated earnestly, “Jiang Chenbi, my wife, I take delight in you, for lifetime after lifetime, never changing.”

Jiang Chenbi’s eyes reddened uncontrollably. She bit down hard on her lower lip, the sharp sting confirming that it was all real. Raising her hand, she grabbed Cui Wangshu’s collar, closed her eyes, and kissed her. Tears slid down her cheeks and into their mouths.

Jiang Chenbi’s voice was hoarse and choked with sobs as, across the long river of five years, she finally voiced those words aloud. “Cui Wangshu, I take delight in you.”

“For lifetime after lifetime, never changing.”

Distress flickered in Cui Wangshu’s eyes. She gently wiped the tears from the corners of Jiang Chenbi’s eyes and drew her softly into her embrace.

Snow began to fall again in the Capital City, the cold wind biting fiercely, but the charcoal fire burning inside the room kept the chill at bay.

In the outskirts, snow piled thickly on the tree branches, weighing them down as if they might snap at any moment.

A figure darted through the woods at extreme speed, the wind whistling around her. Snow sparsely tumbled from the branches.

The woman’s slender back was wrapped in a black cloak. She stood beneath a tree, her aged eyes gleaming with greed as she stared distantly toward the Capital City.

The sound of hoofbeats approached from behind. The old woman glanced sideways with a frown and flashed away, speeding through the underbrush.

The hoofbeats drew nearer before stopping under the tree where the woman had stood. Ying Lan leaped from her horse, reached out to touch the shoe print beneath the tree, and her gaze darkened. Gritting her teeth, she said, “She just left—pursue her!”

She mounted swiftly, and several figures in white rode off on horseback, their faces veiled in white cloth.