Second Marriage

That night, Xiao Youning’s face was covered in tears. She finally realized that the strength of his waist could actually be stronger, and he was usually holding back for her. He let her feel tonight’s provocation to the point that her body was sore.

The next day, they bid farewell to the previous year and welcomed the New Year. The palace was full of joy. After the ancestral ceremony, Zhao Shen formally celebrated with his mother, wife, and imperial family. The Emperor was very happy. A wonderful family banquet was held, which lasted longer than in previous years.

The entire family was cheerful, except for the Eldest Princess, who was under the public’s eyes. She had to change how she acted and bow to Prince Rui’s imperial consort. She could not quell the resentment in her heart and drank alone.

She knew that starting today, she could not dare to do anything to her. She drank alone until she was drunk. She broke etiquette, and was laughing and crying in front of the Emperor. Her husband quickly apologized and brought the Eldest Princess home.

Inside the carriage, her husband said to the Eldest Princess, who was gradually waking up, “I have a woman I am supporting outside, and she should be giving birth next month. The doctor has already said that it is a male, and he will be adopted under your name. He will be my eldest legitimate son, and he will be your eldest legitimate son, do you understand?”

The Eldest Princess did not dare to believe it. The husband who dealt with her negativity, and who she shared the bed with for so many years was looking at her with a cold expression like a stranger.

The husband distanced himself from her and looked away. His expression grew even more indifferent. “You are childless. The Emperor has already permitted me to take a concubine, but I will not bring her back to the residence for you to see. I will bring up the child myself, and I won’t bother you. This is my last piece of affection for you…”

The husband’s voice disappeared, and the slightly drunk princess had tears streaming down her eyes. At this moment, her muddledness cleared.

It turned out that her husband still had feelings for her.

But looking back, it was full of sins and evils that could not be remedied.

——

The family banquet in the palace lasted until almost midnight. This year’s snow was late, and the last snow of the year was falling all over the capital.

“Timely snow is a promise for a good harvest. There will be favorable weather for the harvest next year.” Zhao Shen was a little tipsy and deliberately leaned against Xiao Youning. He did not walk straight and childishly raised his hand to touch the snow.

Xiao Youning could not tell whether he was really drunk or faking it. She dealt with his drunk words and pulled him into the carriage.

Zhao Shen held her in his arms and somehow fell asleep.

Maybe he was really tired these past days, or maybe he felt relaxed with her by his side.

When they reached the residence and woke up, he still felt a little strange.

Xiao Youning giggled happily and pulled him out of the carriage. She also pulled the imperial consort to the front hall.

The mother and son did not know what she was doing. When they reached the front hall, they saw the round table in the center with dough and meat on it. That was when they realized what she was trying to do.

She had a magnificent smile in the bright hall. She removed her headpiece, rolled up her sleeves, and began to knead the dough.

“It’s only New Years when the whole family makes dumplings together!”

Mother and son smiled at each other and joined in with clean hands.

The hall filled with laughter. They wrapped dumplings together. An ordinary activity could bring warmth to a person.

While they stayed up for the New Year, Zhao Shen hugged her in the courtyard to watch the fireworks. During a bright spark, she stood on her toes and kissed him on the cheek. “Do you like boys or girls?”

Zhao Shen’s heart suddenly skipped a beat. He thought she was pregnant, but it was impossible when he calculated the timing.

He controlled his thoughts and hugged her tighter. “Whether it is a boy or a girl, it is a gift from the heavens. What I want most is for you to be safe and happy, and to live a long life.”

She held his hand, interlocking her fingers with his. “I hope we always hold hands like this and grow old together.”

——

Many years later, Prince Rui’s Residence was still the hottest topic in the capital.

No matter if it was Prince Rui’s1 talent or his wife’s achievements, it would always be passed down by the people.

Prince Rui still looked cold and unapproachable, but only the servants of Prince Rui’s Residence knew that their master had a smile all over his face as soon as he came home.

And they also knew that when Prince Rui was at home he had to hold the princess’s hand.

Xiao Youning could do nothing about this man, who was becoming more and more possessive. She looked at her daughter holding her other hand, and her daughter holding her younger brother. Her thick skin turned red.

How could she have said something like that on New Year’s Eve years ago?

She was reminiscing about the events of that year when his disgruntled voice was heard, “Why is Ning’er’s mind wandering?”

She giggled, squeezed his hand, and went next to him.

Although he was a little clingy, she liked it a lot!

The End

The author has something to say:

Our fifth master and Ning’er are perfect, and it happens to be Chapter 66. Well, this must represent the sixth day of the sixth lunar month2!

Footnotes

Since Zhao Shen has completed the ceremony to be a part of the imperial family, he now holds the title Prince Rui六六大顺 (liùliùdàshùn) – it means to wish a middle-aged couple happiness and a good life