Chapter Four: The Most Fortunate Life

As soon as Peach Blossom finished speaking, the door was opened from within by Su Yang. He stood there in a bright red wedding robe, exuding both scholarly grace and youthful charm, a combination that could easily make the hearts of many young, alluring women flutter with desire. Peach Blossom was briefly stunned, a blush blooming on her cheeks.

"Come in, come in," Su Yang beckoned her. Seeing no response, he simply reached out and pulled her inside.

"Ah... Young Master, you mustn't! We can't break tradition. Where is your bridal veil?"

"Young Master?"

"Where did all this marinated beef come from?"

"And... are those peanuts?"

"Is this wine?"

Peach Blossom stared at the food and drink spread across the table, her mouth agape in astonishment.

"You must be hungry after fasting all day. Eat quickly," Su Yang said, picking up a cup of wine and downing it in one gulp. Then, he grabbed a piece of marinated beef and stuffed it into Peach Blossom's open mouth.

"Mmm... Young Master, we can't break trad... it's delicious!"

Su Yang was well aware of how a wedding ceremony unfolded. He had stashed the marinated beef and peanuts in his clothes ahead of time. As for the jug of wine, that was meant for the nuptial toast later in the evening—he would simply add some water to it when the time came. What they were drinking now was rice wine, mild in strength but pleasantly sweet, something even Peach Blossom could enjoy a few cups of.

"Peach Blossom, are you drunk yet?"

"Not yet."

"Shall we get some more?"

Su Yang lifted the now-empty wine jug, winking. "Just say it's for the banquet in the front courtyard. If you don't go, I will."

"No, no... I'll go," Peach Blossom replied, her courage bolstered by the drink. She grabbed the jug and ventured out. Indeed, alcohol emboldens even the timid.

Obedient, sweet, innocent—very good indeed!

Before long, Peach Blossom returned, not only with the original jug but an extra four or five.

"Well done, Peach Blossom," Su Yang praised. "Come, drink!"

Flushed with pride at her master's compliment, Peach Blossom raised her cup to clink glasses with Su Yang.

Three rounds of wine later—

"Little Peach Blossom, let's have a nuptial toast."

"Young Master, yes...!"

"One more nuptial toast...!"

"Young Master, why do I feel a bit dizzy?"

"Mmm, me too... Shall we lie down and rest?"

"Alright."

The two, quite tipsy, slipped off their shoes and socks, climbed into bed, and nestled together, the scent of a young maiden in the air.

Lying in Su Yang's embrace, warmth suffused Peach Blossom, allowing her to drift into a deep, peaceful sleep. As time passed, the corners of her lips curved into a smile, as if she were dreaming of something pleasant.

Night fell.

With most of the guests in the front courtyard having departed, Wang Chunxiao was pushed to the rear courtyard by her maid, Xi Chun, in preparation for the bridal chamber.

"Miss, you've been sitting all day. Would you like to move around a bit?" asked Xi Chun, pushing the wheelchair.

"There are too many eyes about. Best not," Wang Chunxiao replied.

Once in the courtyard, Xi Chun struck a brass gong, announcing the bride and groom's entrance into the bridal chamber. Any matters would have to wait until morning; no one was to disturb them. A night of spring is worth a thousand pieces of gold.

The ringing echoed throughout the Wang family residence. After setting down the gong, the maid wheeled her mistress toward the room.

Inside, the crisp sound of the gong jolted Peach Blossom and Su Yang awake. Finding themselves in each other's arms, so close and intimate, their eyes widened in shock, cheeks flushing with panic.

"This is bad. The young mistress is coming to consummate the marriage," Peach Blossom whispered, scrambling out of bed and hastily slipping on her shoes, utterly at a loss.

"Under the bed," Su Yang instructed, shoving her beneath. He swept the table's remnants under the bed as well, and just as he lowered the bridal veil, the door opened.

In the dim room, Su Yang sat quietly on the bed, unmoving, but beneath it, Peach Blossom's heart thudded wildly.

If the young mistress were to find out...

She, who hadn't even had a chance to taste the new groom, had already been preempted by her maid, sharing a bed with him...!

That would be the end of her.

She must not be discovered—absolutely must not! Hiding under the bed, Peach Blossom prayed fervently. Xi Chun whispered, "Miss, I'll wait outside. Just call if you need me."

Xi Chun withdrew.

Wang Chunxiao wheeled herself before Su Yang. Gazing at the man before her, she felt a complex mix of emotions. With the scale rod beside her, she lifted his red bridal veil, revealing the scholarly, handsome face full of youthful vigor.

What a pity—such a spineless man.

Only now did Su Yang see Wang Chunxiao's face: slender and serene in bearing, but her complexion was dark, pockmarked with freckles—making it difficult for him to feel any kind of desire.

As Su Yang pondered how to evade the wedding night, Wang Chunxiao spoke. "Our marriage exists only to preserve my family's wealth. I must be frank with you about this."

"As for consummation, let us forgo it. Neither of us find the prospect appealing."

"My family will ensure you want for nothing, but when appearances require it, you must play your part loyally."

"This cup, I drink to you."

With that, Wang Chunxiao raised her glass and drained it in one go. "Xi Chun."

Xi Chun entered at her mistress's call, wheeled Wang Chunxiao out, and left without a backward glance.

"Miss, is the young master handsome?" Xi Chun couldn't help but ask curiously.

Wang Chunxiao recalled Su Yang's features: undeniably handsome, full of youthful spirit—a breath of fresh wind caressing the cheek. Ultimately, she shook her head. "He's a spineless man; looks are irrelevant."

"Such a person, even if he passes the exams, will accomplish little. He's lost the backbone of a scholar. I doubt he'll ever become an official. I truly wonder how he ever became a licentiate."

"Young Master? Has the young mistress left?"

A small, timid head peeked out from under the bed, eyes darting nervously around the room.

"She left long ago. You can come out now," Su Yang replied.

"Whew... That scared me to death. If the young mistress had found me, I surely would've been beaten."

"I'll take my leave now," Peach Blossom stammered, hurrying toward the door, but Su Yang caught her and pulled her into his arms. The startled girl curled up like a frightened bird, her bright eyes fixed on him. "Y-Young Master?"

"Do you want to serve in my chambers in the future?"

"Young Master, that would never do—it would break all the rules."

"To hell with the rules. What bride runs away on her wedding night? Tonight, you and I will share the bridal chamber. Will you consent, or not?"

"I'll ask you only once. If you refuse, I shall never trouble you again."

"Regardless, I am now master of the Wang household. When the time is right, I'll bring you into my chambers to serve me. From then on, I'll see to your safety. What say you?"

Su Yang gazed earnestly at the maid in his embrace, his voice resonant and magnetic, his handsome face inches from hers. For a moment, Peach Blossom was entranced.

Her resistance stemmed only from fear of breaking the rules. She was but a maid; if there was a chance to remain with Su Yang for the long term, she would gladly accept.

Though he was a son-in-law living in his wife's house, he was still a scholar, cultured and elegant, not to mention so handsome and full of promise. Who could say he wouldn't succeed one day?

This felt like a pie falling from the sky—perhaps the best fate she could ever hope to grasp.