Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 820 Wedding Night [Thank you! Bow again! 8k words owed]

outside the house,

It was already dark, and the streetlights were just coming on.

Inside the bridal chamber,
The wedding candles have been lit.

With her hairpin removed, Chai Zhengzheng walked around the room with her hands behind her back.

After touching her wedding dress, Chai Zhengzheng asked softly, "What time is it?"

"Reporting to Aunt and Madam, it is 7:45 PM."

"Ah."

After nodding, Chai Zhengzheng couldn't help but raise her hands and stretch out in a big yawn.

The wide sleeves of the wedding dress slid down, revealing Chai Zhengzheng's fair and smooth arms.

The room fell silent once more after the conversation ended.

Chai Zhengzheng walked to the window.

The sounds of laughter, chatter, and commotion outside the courtyard could be faintly heard through the paper windows.

Amid the noise, there were also voices of persuasion and reprimands, as if someone had drunk too much at the table and behaved inappropriately.

Chai Zhengzheng listened for a short while.

"Sister Yunmu is back."

Following the maid's announcement, Yunmu hurried in.

“Miss, Qingcao came to tell you that the young master’s toasting is almost over.”

"Oh!"

After responding, Chai Zhengzheng hurriedly returned to the bedside.

Yunmu and Fuyi followed, one helping Chai Zhengzheng straighten her clothes, and the other carefully putting the flower hairpin on Chai Zhengzheng's head.

Soon, Chai Zhengzheng sat down on the edge of the bed, gently waving the round fan in her hand.

About fifteen minutes later
"May the Prince be well."

"Ah."

Hearing the maid's greetings from outside, Chai Zhengzheng quickly held up her fan and stood up.

With a round fan blocking the view,

"Puff! Puff!"

Chai Zhengzheng suddenly could hear her own heartbeat.

Whether it was because of the thick clothing or the many candles lit in the room, Chai Zhengzheng felt her cheeks getting hot.

Before Chai Zhengzheng could think further,
The sound of the door opening and closing could be heard.

Chai Zhengzheng looked up through the fan and saw a figure walking towards her.

Suddenly, Xu Zaijing, who had just entered the room, stopped and turned his head, saying, "You may all leave."

Upon hearing this, Chai Zhengzheng felt her heart beat even faster.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Yes, uncle."

Hearing the smiling reply from the maid beside her, Chai Zhengzheng felt both nervous and overjoyed.

Subsequently,

The curtains rolled up against the wall inside the room were lowered, completely blocking the candlelight from the outer room that shone through the screen.

As a result, the bridal bedroom became a more private space.

Soon, Xu Zaijing walked up to Chai Zhengzheng.

As Xu Zaijing walked over, the breeze carried not only the scent of incense but also a hint of the rich aroma of alcohol.

"call--"

The smell of alcohol in front of Chai Zhengzheng became even stronger.

In fact, the closest Chai Zhengzheng had ever been to Xu Zaijing was when they walked side by side for a while after leaving the palace.

Another instance is during the Lantern Festival, when the two sat side by side.

But all of this happened in public.
Today is the first time that Chai Zhengzheng and Xu Zaijing are alone in a room.

"You must be exhausted today."

Xu Zaijing's calm voice came through.

"Ok!"

Just as Chai Zhengzheng was about to speak, she realized that her throat was a little uncomfortable.

"cough."

Clearing her throat, Chai Zhengzheng continued to look at Xu Zaijing standing in front of her through the fan: "Not tired."

"Could I move this fan?"

Xu Zaijing asked.

Chai Zhengzheng nodded slightly.

"Ah."

As soon as he responded, Chai Zhengzheng felt his hand holding the fan get hot.

But Xu Zaijing had already taken her small hand in his.

The fan that had been blocking the two of them was slowly moved aside by Xu Zaijing.

Chai Zhengzheng suppressed her shyness and glanced at Xu Zaijing with bashful eyes.

Seeing Xu Zaijing looking somewhat dazed and holding his breath, Chai Zhengzheng blinked her beautiful eyes, which were as clear as autumn water.

Xu Zaijing exhaled again.

Chai Zhengzheng's eyebrows twitched very slightly.

"Do I smell a bit like alcohol?" Xu Zaijing asked, holding Chai Zhengzheng's hand.

After shaking his head, Chai Zhengzheng looked at Xu Zaijing, raised his other hand, pinched it between his index finger and thumb, and said, "It's not big, just a little bit."

Seeing the curious look in Chai Zhengzheng's eyes, Xu Zaijing smiled and asked, "What's wrong?"

Chai Zhengzheng pursed her lips: "When my brother and his wife got married, they drank plain water, and at most they spilled some real alcohol on their hands and sleeves. Why did you actually drink it?"

Xu Zaijing smiled and said, "It's easy to deal with other banquets, but His Highness the Crown Prince's banquet is not something that can be done so easily! My brother-in-law took the opportunity to toast me several more times."

"Oh."

Seeing Chai Zhengzheng nod, Xu Zaijing released her small hand: "Let me help you remove this flower hairpin crown! It looks quite heavy."

After smiling and nodding, Chai Zhengzheng leaned closer to Xu Zaijing, making it easier for Xu Zaijing to remove his hairpin and crown.

At this moment, all Chai Zhengzheng could see was Xu Zaijing's broad chest.

After removing her hairpin and crown, Chai Zhengzheng suddenly looked up, as if sensing something. Seeing Xu Zaijing's puzzled expression, Chai Zhengzheng asked, "What's wrong?"

"Hmm—you've taken a shower?"

Upon hearing this, Chai Zhengzheng didn't know where to look, so she could only lower her head, nod a few times, and mutter, "Hmm! How did you know? Did you hear it from the maid?"

"No, I just smelled a faint fragrance on you that comes from after a shower."

As Chai Zhengzheng listened to Xu Zaijing's words, her face flushed with embarrassment, she was trying to figure out how to respond when her body suddenly stiffened.

Feeling the hands on her waist slowly tighten, Chai Zhengzheng's cheeks flushed as she nestled against Xu Zaijing's chest.

"I've been traveling all day and I smell of alcohol and sweat. I'm going to take a shower." Xu Zaijing's voice came from above.

"Ah."

About fifteen minutes later
Chai Zhengzheng looked at Xu Zaijing, who was walking back to the bridal chamber with his hair down and wearing a silk dress, in surprise: "Why so fast?"

"Quickly?" Xu Zaijing asked with slight doubt.

As he spoke, Xu Zaijing waved to Yunmu, who was removing Chai Zhengzheng's hairpins and jewelry: "You may leave now."

"Yes, uncle."

Yunmu blushed and lowered her head, then quickly walked out, holding Chai Zhengzheng's hairpins, wedding dress, and other items.

Once again, there were only two people inside the room.

Chai Zhengzheng stood up somewhat flusteredly, covering her hair and saying, "I...I haven't finished removing my hairpins and ornaments yet."

After a while,
Under the wedding candles,

Xu Zaijing placed several pieces of jewelry one by one on the dressing table.

"Oh!" came a gasp.

"I... I can walk by myself, don't carry me," Chai Zhengzheng whispered.

"Huh? What do you mean 'you'? What do you mean 'me'?" Xu Zaijing's slightly teasing voice came from behind.

"My lord, please don't hug me—"

The bridal chamber fell silent.

After a while.

"Huff, huff." Chai Zhengzheng, who was being held by Xu Zaijing, took a few deep breaths.

Before Chai Zhengzheng could catch her breath, she felt her back go limp and she was placed on the bed.

Suddenly, everything went dark. Under the cover of the exquisite bed curtains, she could no longer see the candles in the bedroom.

The jewelry that Xu Zaijing had just helped Chai Zhengzheng remove was still lying quietly under the wedding candles.

After the wedding candles had burned down to a third of their length, it seemed as if the curtains had been lifted, and the candlelight on the dressing table flickered a few times as it was blown about.

"Here, the water temperature is just right, have a few sips."

"Ah."

After the sound of drinking water was heard.

"Where should I put this plain handkerchief?" Chai Zhengzheng asked in a seductive voice.

"Give it to me," Xu Zaijing said.

"Oh, I'm going to wash up."

"Need not."

"Uh-huh--"

As they spoke, the bed curtains, being lifted or lowered, stirred a gentle breeze, causing the candlelight on the dressing table to flicker a few more times. Inside the room...

Outside the bedroom,

At the edge of the curtain,
Yunmu and Fuyi listened to the sounds coming from the bedroom, their faces flushed.

When the candle outside the curtain was half burned, only Fuyi stood there by the curtain.

Yunmu walked in from outside the door carrying a pot of warm water.

After exchanging a glance with Fuyi, Yunmu frowned and shook his head, looking at Fuyi who was nodding, and said with some heartache, "Why isn't it over yet?"

Walking to the curtain, Yunmu thought for a moment, took a deep breath, and called out, "Young master, the water you're drinking is getting cold. I'll bring you some warm water."

"Enter."

"Yes."

Lifting the curtain, Yunmu walked in carrying warm water.

Smelling the smell in the air, Yunmu looked extremely embarrassed.

After quickly changing the water to warm water, Yunmu hurriedly walked outside.

Before they even stepped out from behind the curtain, Xu Zaijing's voice came: "Have the stove boil some hot water and prepare it."

"Yes, uncle."

I do not know how long it has been.

The wedding candles inside the house burned out.

Yunmu and Fuyi, who had been standing outside the curtain, were now sitting on embroidered stools, nodding their heads repeatedly.

suddenly,

The curtain was lifted.

Yunmu woke up quickly and looked at Xu Zaijing, who was wearing pajamas and carrying Chai Zhengzheng, as he came out: "Young Master?"

"Go test the water temperature in the bathtub."

"Yes."

After Yunmu finished speaking, he glanced at his daughter, who was being held by Xu Zaijing, and found that she was sleeping soundly.

Yin Shi, 2:45 AM (after 3:30 AM)
Chai Zhengzheng suddenly woke up.

Listening to the rhythmic heartbeat in her ears, Chai Zhengzheng, who had forgotten what had happened before, was somewhat bewildered and stunned for a moment.

"woke up?"

A sound came from above.

Upon hearing Xu Zaijing's voice, memories of last night rushed into Chai Zhengzheng's mind.

Before Chai Zhengzheng could speak, she felt something between her waist and abdomen.
The thin blanket covering Chai Zhengzheng was being fanned twice in a regular manner for some reason.

Feeling a bit shaken, Chai Zhengzheng suddenly had a sudden inspiration and said softly, "My lord, no, I have something to ask you."

After speaking, Chai Zhengzheng felt a discomfort in her throat, probably because she had talked too much.

"Well?"

The thin blanket stopped fluttering, and Chai Zhengzheng breathed a sigh of relief. After a quick glance, she asked, "My lord, do you know about Sixth Sister's birth mother, the concubine?"

Xu Zaijing rubbed his back, which was smoother than the finest brocade, and asked in confusion, "Why are you asking about this?"

"After our arranged marriage, my mother searched for the most skilled embroiderer in the capital to embroider for me."

"Among them, my mother said that looking at that Wei Xiaoniang, it seemed like she was repaying a debt of gratitude."

Hearing Chai Zhengzheng's words, Xu Zaijing breathed a sigh of relief: "My mother-in-law is right."

"Previously in Yangzhou"

After Xu Zaijing finished speaking, Chai Zhengzheng couldn't help but exclaim, "My God! There's actually such a thing!"

Xu Zaijing said, "Zhengzheng, this is a private matter concerning my cousin Sheng. This matter is only between you and me. Do not let anyone else know about it."

"Hmm—My lord, what are you doing? Aren't you tired?!"

"I've finished answering your question! We need to get back to our own business."

Outside the curtain,
Upon hearing that Xu Zaijing was stirring up trouble again, Yunmu and Fuyi sighed helplessly.

After an unknown amount of time, Chai Zhengzheng, exhausted to the point of fainting, looked at Xu Zaijing, who had stood up by the bedside, and asked, "My lord, where are you going?"

"It's time to train."

After Xu Zaijing finished speaking, he looked at his wife and found that Chai Zhengzheng had already started to gasp softly.

"Girl, wake up!"

"Madam, wake up!"

Hearing the voice calling her name, Chai Zhengzheng opened her eyes in a daze.

"Miss, get up and take a bath! I just asked Yunxiang, and the young master is almost finished with his training! He'll take a bath after he's done!"

Chai Zhengzheng closed her eyes again, and said with a bit of morning grumpiness, "He can take his own bath, I'm going to sleep a little longer!"

Listening to Chai Zhengzheng's 'voice quality', Yunmu and Fuyi couldn't help but exchange a glance.

"Miss! Madam! If your bath coincides with the time when your husband is bathing, it won't be us who suffer!"

"Huh?" Chai Zhengzheng suddenly woke up.

"Help me up! Ouch—" Chai Zhengzheng frowned.

Yunmu was about to continue supporting Chai Zhengzheng.

"It hurts! My back is going to break!" Chai Zhengzheng said in a trembling voice.

"Miss, please bear with it, I'll massage it for you," Yunmu said.

With the soreness subsiding slightly, Chai Zhengzheng got out of bed, her back and legs feeling weak.

While her personal maid was helping her bathe, Zifang, who had been resting the night before, looked at the red marks on Chai Zhengzheng's body and complained, "The young master is so heartless."

Chai Zhengzheng lay in the bathtub with her eyes closed, without saying a word.

Fuyi said from the side, "Actually, the son-in-law is quite good."

“Mm,” Yunmu agreed.

Chai Zhengzheng opened her eyes in the bathtub, looking at Yunmu and Fuyi with a mixture of disapproval and disapproval.

Yunmu understood Chai Zhengzheng's gaze and asked curiously, "Miss, last night you and your husband were bathing in the tub, have you forgotten?"

"When did I bathe with him last night?" Chai Zhengzheng asked, her face flushed.

“Miss, it will be before midnight (11 PM),” Fuyi said.

Yunmu nodded and said, "After you two returned to your bedroom, the young master kept asking for a dry towel for an hour, just so he could dry your wet hair, Miss."

Upon hearing this, Chai Zhengzheng touched her hair in a daze.

Looking at Fuyi and Yunmu, who seemed genuine, Chai Zhengzheng felt a surge of sweetness in her heart.

"After all that commotion last night, the young master still has the energy to get up early and exercise! Girl, tonight you..."

Chai Zhengzheng closed her eyes resignedly: "Let's talk about it tonight."

After showering,

When wearing new clothes,

Yunmu said from the side, "Miss, the Duchess sent someone over earlier, saying that you should go to pay your respects later and get some more sleep."

“That’s because my mother-in-law is kind-hearted; we need to go early.”

"Yes."

While talking,
With the help of the maid, Chai Zhengzheng sat down in front of the dressing table.

Looking at himself in the bronze mirror,

Chai Zhengzheng knew that she would no longer appear in the mirror with her girlish hairstyle.

Backyard main hall

The Duke of Dai and his wife sat at the head of the table with smiles on their faces.

Xie Shihua and others stood behind the two, and Ning Mei, dressed in new clothes, was also there.

Chai Zhengzheng, carrying a tray filled with dates, chestnuts, embroidery, and dried meat, entered the main hall with Xu Zaijing.

Upon approaching the Duke of Dai and his wife, Chai Zhengzheng and Xu Zaijing knelt down together.

After exchanging greetings, Chai Zhengzheng was helped up by Xie Shi and Hua Lan, one on each side.

After serving tea.

"Zheng'er, come and sit down!" Madam Sun greeted him with a smile.

Feeling the gazes of her two sisters-in-law, Chai Zhengzheng nodded with a blush on her face and said, "Yes, Mother-in-law."

After taking her seat, Mrs. Sun nodded to Mrs. Dan.

After the jewelry given to the bride was brought out by Dan's mother, Madam Sun smiled and said, "Zheng'er, this is a token of my appreciation as your mother-in-law."

Xie and Hualan also sent gifts.

After accepting it, Chai Zhengzheng offered her his heartfelt thanks.

To Sun's surprise, the jewelry Chai Zhengzheng gave was not as extravagant as the gifts from the three women, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

On the contrary, the gifts given to Ning Mei and the next generation of children were of extraordinary value.

The greeting didn't last long. Seeing that Chai Zhengzheng looked tired and kept covering her mouth to yawn, Madam Sun quickly told Xu Zaijing to take his new bride back to her own courtyard.

Three days have passed in the blink of an eye.

On this morning,

On the day Chai Zhengzheng returned to her parents' home,

Madam Chai stood at the second gate, craning her neck and looking towards the main gate.

quickly,

A four-horse carriage then drove up to the second gate.

As her handsome son-in-law stepped out of the carriage, Madam Chai couldn't hide her joy and pride, nodding and smiling repeatedly.

But when Chai Zhengzheng helped Xu Zaijing out of the carriage and saw her daughter's dark circles under her eyes, Madam Chai's smile quickly vanished.

Looking at her mother's changing expression in front of her, Chai Zhengzheng lowered her head shyly and tightened the collar of her clothes around her neck.

(End of this chapter)