Chapter Twenty-One: A Nightly Conversation Between Husband and Wife, and a Sister’s Confusion

Baili Mingsu noticed Han Fu’s gaze.

Clear and tranquil, utterly devoid of aggression, it was as if he were admiring a landscape or an exquisite painting.

A hint of surprise flickered through her heart, and she silently praised Han Fu’s composure—such serenity in this moment was no easy feat. Had it been anyone else, they would likely have rushed impatiently to consummate the marriage already… Thinking this, she made no response to Han Fu’s gaze.

Not only so—even if his eyes had been bold, aside from inner displeasure, she would have had nothing to say. After all, they were now husband and wife; whatever gaze Han Fu wore, or even if he demanded to consummate the marriage at once, it would not be excessive.

At last, the silence ended. Baili Mingsu’s eyelids lowered, her eyes limpid, and her crimson lips parted lightly: “This alliance with the Qin family was not my wish, yet I had no choice.”

Her words were a tacit admission of the contest’s hidden arrangements. Of course, there was little need to conceal such matters—anyone with a discerning mind could see through it. Yet all chose silence, understanding without words.

Han Fu smiled slightly, sensing a certain thought in his new bride’s mind, though not fully certain. After a moment’s contemplation, he said, “Who would have guessed my arrival disrupted your plans?”

Baili Mingsu laughed freely, replying, “Man proposes, heaven disposes. Things have come to this—there’s nothing more to say.”

She raised her eyes, clear and bright, and continued, “My husband is talented and upright, a good man. Though this affair was abrupt, still…”

“How do you intend to proceed?” Han Fu asked with a gentle smile.

It was a curious question, but Baili Mingsu understood.

She laughed again, her beauty blooming even brighter.

Like the light of March, more radiant than the red candles beside her.

Rather than answer, Baili Mingsu raised her right arm, cup in hand, and presented it to Han Fu.

Her red sleeve slipped aside, revealing a segment of jade-like arm, luminous and delicate, as flawless as her cheeks.

“Let us share the wedding cup, husband.”

Her words were crisp and decisive; the title “husband” came naturally, without the bashful demeanor expected of a young bride.

Of course, if observed closely, a faint blush could be seen on Baili Mingsu’s cheeks.

Though her wit bordered on the supernatural, she was, in the end, still a woman.

Even if not as shy as most brides—who would blush furiously and be at a loss for words in such a moment—a touch of embarrassment was inevitable, though it did not cloud her mind or send her fleeing like Bin’er.

Han Fu did not hesitate, taking his cup and winding it around Baili Mingsu’s outstretched arm.

Their arms crossed, forming the traditional posture for the wedding cup.

This custom, known as “hejin,” was akin to the cross-cupped wine of the twenty-first century.

It was a tradition handed down from ancient times in his previous life, and in this world, it remained unchanged.

Each brought the cup to their lips and downed the wine in one swift motion.

Retracting their arms and setting down the cups, their movements flowed seamlessly, as smooth as running water.

Again, they gazed at each other, but their eyes held no trace of the tender affection typical of newlyweds.

With the wedding wine finished, only the thrilling, heart-pounding consummation remained.

“Tonight, would you…”

“I’ve been busy all day and am tired,” Han Fu interrupted, turning toward the door. “Good night, my lady.”

Baili Mingsu was momentarily stunned. “Are you going to sleep elsewhere, husband?”

Han Fu paused and looked back, smiling. “Would you rather I stayed to consummate the marriage?”

Impossible… Baili Mingsu hadn’t finished speaking earlier, but what she meant was that she hoped Han Fu would return to his own courtyard and sleep apart from her.

Thus, even though she always seemed to have the upper hand and rarely lost her composure, when she spoke just now there was some anxiety in her heart.

After all, they were married; to refuse the bridal chamber on their wedding night and sleep separately was indeed somewhat excessive.

She simply hadn’t expected Han Fu to be so direct.

Seeing this, Baili Mingsu secretly breathed a sigh of relief and felt an odd new impression of Han Fu.

She gently shook her head, indicating refusal, and a smile even brighter than before appeared on her lips. “Good night, husband,” she said softly.

The phrase “good night” was fresh to Baili Mingsu; its novelty, combined with the situation, lent it a special charm.

Her mood lightened considerably.

Han Fu shrugged, and as he reached the door, Baili Mingsu’s voice sounded again from behind.

“Husband, have you ever considered His Majesty’s intentions?”

“I am but a son-in-law,” Han Fu replied, turning back with a playful smile. “For someone in my position, as long as I am fed and clothed, that is enough. As for the emperor’s intentions, what difference does it make whether I ponder them or not?”

“My husband may be a son-in-law, but I have never looked down upon you. We are now bound as husband and wife, inseparable for life. Please, do not overthink,” Baili Mingsu said earnestly.

“That may be so, but tonight you refuse to share a room with me,” Han Fu replied with a smile.

Baili Mingsu also smiled. “It was too sudden; I cannot accept it just yet. Please forgive me, husband.”

For a while, they looked at each other—Baili Mingsu’s gaze clear, as if opening her heart.

Han Fu chuckled lightly, then departed.

The door creaked open; Han Fu stepped out and said, “Rest early.”

“No, absolutely not…” Baili Mingda’s voice rang from the window, cutting in sharply. “Sleeping apart on your wedding night is improper! Brother-in-law, go back in and spend the night with Mingsu. You are husband and wife now—even if Mingsu objects, you have every right to insist. Don’t act so timid, like a girl!”

Baili Mingsu saw a figure emerge from beneath the window, quickly rising and rushing toward Han Fu.

Her expression darkened, annoyance rising within.

On the wedding night, her own brother eavesdropping at the wall—utterly absurd.

And he sided with her brother-in-law, not his own sister.

She sprang up and strode to the door.

Han Fu was startled by the sudden shout, but calmed somewhat when Baili Mingda’s slightly plump figure appeared beside him.

Eavesdropping on his own sister… Han Fu was at a loss for words.

No normal person would do such a thing.

“Brother-in-law, hurry inside! Tonight, the bridal chamber—I'm on your side, don’t be afraid…” Baili Mingda insisted, pushing Han Fu toward the room.

“Baili Mingda, come in here,” Baili Mingsu said as she approached, her voice tinged with surprise.

Now angry, she called him by name.

Baili Mingda paid little heed, dragging Han Fu along. “Brother-in-law, come—I’ll go in with you, give Mingsu a good talking-to, then you two can consummate your marriage. Come on… It’s your right, why hesitate…”

Han Fu was speechless, extricating himself from Baili Mingda. “Brother, speak with Mingsu. I truly am exhausted.”

With that, he turned and left, walking faster than usual.

At this moment, not only did Baili Mingsu not wish to consummate the marriage—

Even if she suddenly changed her mind, Han Fu had lost all desire.

Imagine: newlyweds in the bridal chamber, with the bride’s own brother lurking outside, listening to every sound… How awkward!

As for why Han Fu agreed to Baili Mingsu’s request so readily, it was quite simple.

He did not want unnecessary complications.

This world was not the same as the twenty-first century he once knew.

Here, once married, even if the woman was unwilling, a man forcing relations did not violate the law; if word spread, society would blame the woman for lacking virtue.

This was why Baili Mingsu had been so anxious—if Han Fu had insisted on consummation, she would have had no way to resist, forced to comply.

But if that happened, a rift would form in Baili Mingsu’s heart—one that could not easily be healed.

There was a long road ahead; it would not do to lose propriety for a moment’s desire.

Han Fu weighed every situation, measuring its gains and losses with a discerning mind.

“Brother-in-law, brother-in-law—!” Baili Mingda called anxiously, wanting to chase after him, but was stopped and forcefully dragged into the room by his sister.

With matters as they were, there was no turning back. Baili Mingda looked at his sister in anguish, lamenting her lack of sense. “Sister, you are so foolish…”