The day, which had begun at the fourth watch of the morning, had dragged on for a full twelve hours. Wang Qingyao was exhausted, hungry, and hot.
Once everyone had left and Yin Zhu had closed the door, she poured herself a cup of water and drank three cups in quick succession before she felt even slightly recovered.
Zhizi took out fresh clothes from the chest where they were kept, and Zhenzhu directed the young maids outside to bring hot water. The maids helped her remove her phoenix coronet and robes, and she felt a wave of relief, as if she had lost twenty pounds.
She took a comfortable hot bath and nearly fell asleep in the tub.
After changing into her everyday clothes, a table laden with dishes was brought in, specially prepared for the newlyweds.
Wang Qingyao was ravenous and said nothing, simply sitting down to eat at a leisurely pace.
She ate with little expression on her face. The young maids who came and went delivering things cast curious glances at her: the Princess Consort doesn't seem very happy? That's understandable; the Prince Consort won't live past twenty-five, so the Princess Consort has little reason to be cheerful.
The young maid thought regretfully: Actually, their Prince Consort is a truly excellent man, apart from his short lifespan!
Wang Qingyao had eaten most of her fill when she heard a young maid announce from outside, "The Prince Consort has returned!"
Xiao Yun strode into the room. Wang Qingyao quickly stood up to greet him, "You should eat something too." She added, "Your Prince Consort's chef is truly excellent, this must be five-star quality, right?"
No one understood what "five-star" meant, but they could tell it was praise.
Xiao Yun walked to the opposite side of her and peered closely at her face, "You're still as beautiful. That heavy makeup earlier made you look like..." He wanted to say like a ghost, but then he thought better of it, realizing that speaking of ghosts on their wedding day was inauspicious, and swallowed the word.
Wang Qingyao let out a soft laugh.
The red candles flickered, casting a glow on her face, which was like jade, lustrous and radiant. Her smile became even more endearing.
Xiao Yun couldn't resist and reached out to gently pinch her cheek. His hand didn't let go, and his thumb softly caressed her face.
Wang Qingyao finally felt a hint of the shyness of a bride for the first time.
This gesture was so suggestive, what would he do next?
Would they go straight to bed?
But he hadn't bathed yet, and she found that distasteful.
The maids quietly withdrew.
Only the two of them remained in the room. Xiao Yun leaned down and kissed her cheek. As he was about to make a further move, Wang Qingyao shifted her body and dodged.
"Eat something first."
"I'm not hungry," Xiao Yun's voice was a little hoarse. He only wanted to "eat" her.
"Then take a bath first."
The bathwater Wang Qingyao had used earlier hadn't been emptied yet and was still warm. Xiao Yun didn't mind, he took off his clothes and got in.
Wang Qingyao heard the sound of water and exclaimed, "Oh! That's water I've already used."
"It doesn't matter," Xiao Yun said.
Wang Qingyao, who had clairvoyant eyes and usually saw through Xiao Yun completely, now felt restless, unsure of how to present herself while waiting for him.
Lying on the bed seemed too forward. Sitting upright felt too demure.
She had extensive theoretical knowledge but zero practical experience.
At this moment, her heart was pounding with nervousness, and she could only keep encouraging herself.
Just treat it like work. Close your eyes and it'll be over. What's there to be afraid of?
Think about the benefits of being the Princess Consort...
He's a handsome man, after all. Maybe he's well-endowed and good in bed!
Xiao Yun bathed quickly, finishing in a few minutes and coming out.
Seeing Wang Qingyao's unease, he took out a book from the bottom of the chest for her to read.
Both of them were first-timers, so they needed to study it well.
What followed was a natural progression.
But it didn't leave Wang Qingyao with a pleasant impression.
It hurt!
There was nothing but pain!
It was nothing like what was written in the books!
It wasn't enjoyable at all!
But Xiao Yun seemed to be enjoying himself.
He was young and strong, having abstained for twenty years. Suddenly indulging, how could he be satisfied in one go?
Moreover, Wang Qingyao was tired, sleepy, and uncomfortable all over. She just wanted to take a bath and go to sleep.
"It's past the hour of Hai," she said. "Aren't you supposed to maintain your health?"
"Once in a while is fine," Xiao Yun said shamelessly, kissing her neck and nuzzling her. His lower body was already poised for action.
Wang Qingyao, startled, sat up. "We'll fight another day. I have to get up early tomorrow."
Her choice of words was amusing, and Xiao Yun laughed heartily, letting her off for now. "Alright, alright, we'll fight another day."
He called for hot water to be brought in, and Xiao Yun clung to her, bathing together. They frolicked in the tub for a while longer. By the time everything was done, Wang Qingyao's eyes were heavy, and she fell asleep the moment she lay down on the bed.
Xiao Yun lay down beside her, pulled her into his embrace, and gently stroked her dark hair, his touch very tender.