Chi Wu ushered Cheng Ying to the inner seat, taking the spot beside her. "It's nothing, Grandma. How could you suddenly say you're tired? After all these days of fussing from your eldest uncle, second uncle, grandaunt, and the rest, we should be the ones feeling bad. They all worked so hard for us. I’ll properly thank the uncles, grandaunt, and maternal uncle later."

Chi Wu started off with mere pleasantries, treating them like true family members organizing everything.

Cheng Ying thought to herself that having a man around was indeed good; she didn't have to worry about a thing and could just sit next to her grandaunt cracking melon seeds.

The feeling of being a woman relying on her man was truly wonderful—an experience she'd never had across two lifetimes.

Second Uncle said, "Yingzi’s wedding is a major event. Don't talk about us brothers not helping; even if we did, it's what we ought to do. Wuzi is family from now on. You’re the one establishing a household for the third brother. Don't be so polite. Yingzi is entrusted to you from now on. If you ever do anything wrong, you tell your eldest or second uncle, and we'll help you discipline her. Just don't grow distant from her."

It was a fiercely protective statement: mistakes shouldn't lead to anger, but should be brought to the elders. We raise our own children—listen to this. Their second uncle didn't seem as simple as he appeared.

Cheng Ying felt her eyes sting a little. This was what an elder felt like. If her own father were here, he would probably say the same thing.

Chi Wu felt that any elder who cared for his wife was endearing, almost as much as caring for himself. "It won't happen, Second Uncle, rest assured. I will treat Yingzi well. You all watched me grow up; you can trust me."

Second Uncle became a little emotional. With the third brother gone and the eldest keeping his distance, he felt he was speaking for all three brothers now. "Rest assured, I am relieved. Yingzi, when you come back for the New Year, don't forget to bring Wuzi to see your father. Alright, I have nothing more to say. You two must live well and peacefully. Mother, do you need anything else?"

The old lady’s spirits seemed low after a day of excitement. "No, I’m just waiting to hold a great-grandchild."

Second Aunt turned, not realizing her husband, who usually kept quiet, could say something so profound. I’m not capable enough. If he could have a girl, my man would probably dote on her. "Alright, let's get you back to your room to rest early. Grandma has no more to say; we are all relieved. It's been a noisy day; let's go back."

Second Aunt was treating Cheng Ying like her own daughter. Even if it was just a momentary illusion, the feeling was heartwarming.

Cheng Ying blushed. It was their wedding night; what else would they go back to the room for? Everyone understood without being told.

Grandaunt secretly kicked Cheng Ying on the side. Cheng Ying thought, I’m your niece, can’t you just wink at me like you’re my best friend? That’s too much.

Chi Wu’s thick skin showed itself then; it was clearly thicker than Cheng Ying’s. "Not tired, just a bit dizzy from drinking too much."

They had practically announced they were heading to the room. Cheng Ming gritted his teeth, about to curse him out—this shameless thing.

Grandaunt turned away, nearly bursting into laughter.

Cheng Ying’s face darkened. How fake does that sound? My own Miao Miao drank so much for him she ended up lying down in the back room. And can you please stop being so shameless? Everyone is watching. You disgrace.

Cheng Ming chimed in, "Indeed, I’m dizzy too. Very dizzy." A blatant tease.

Second Uncle stood with his mouth open, pausing for a split second before saying, "Then hurry back to your room to rest. Yingzi, quickly brew Wuzi a cup of water to sober up."

Second Uncle probably hadn't seen Chi Wu act so brazenly before, so he was a bit slow to react.

Cheng Ying, flushing with embarrassment, followed Chi Wu out, not forgetting to give Cheng Ming a kick on the foot. Say a few less words, or you’ll die from holding them in.

Cheng Ying could hear low laughter behind them, followed by Cheng Ming’s voice: "Wuzi is just shameless. Second Uncle, you'll know in time!"

Cheng Ying felt she hadn't kicked hard enough.

Then there was the old lady scolding Mingzi for talking nonsense. Even the usually composed Cheng Ying couldn't stay calm.

It was because everyone already knew why the two were retiring to the room. She felt a bit timid.

Chi Wu held Cheng Ying’s hand tight and didn't let go, giving her no chance to back out. He was eager to enter the bridal chamber anyway.

But at least he knew to blush. Those few steps were taken quickly.

When the two returned to the room, Cheng Ying looked at the cheerfully decorated bridal chamber and finally felt something—nervousness.

However, what Cheng Ying was nervous about wasn't consummating the marriage; she was nervous about whether Chi Wu actually dared to do it. The bridal chamber wasn't just talk. What if he pulled the covers over his head and ignored her?

Just recently, this rascal had said he wouldn't dare. This issue was too vexing. Did she have to be the bold one and pounce on him?

Cheng Ying sank into her own turmoil.

Chi Wu rubbed his hands. "Yingzi, you should wash up. Soaking your feet will be comfortable. It's rare you can wear these shoes for a whole day."

Cheng Ying looked down at the red cotton boots on her feet. "They really aren't as comfortable as the shoes Grandma made." With that, she slipped them off.

She stretched out her bare feet without any shyness. Ah, slippers were much more comfortable.

Although Chi Wu was impatient, he knew he had to serve his wife well first. Chi Wu brought water for her. "Soak them."

Cheng Ying teased, "Thanks. If Grandma finds out later, she’ll lecture me all over again."

Chi Wu grinned, "It’s fine, Grandma won’t know."

While Cheng Ying soaked her feet, Chi Wu prepared a basin of water for himself, and the two sat on the large red kang, washing each other's feet.

Chi Wu turned to look at Yingzi. "How do you feel about today? Did I do well?"

Cheng Ying retorted, "Are you talking about the frostbitten plants outside, or the pile of scrap paper in the courtyard? Remember to clean it up yourself later; I’m not handling it."

Chi Wu said, "You don't like it? I thought of this specially. I bought colored paper and made those boys fold with me half the night to make it."

Cheng Ying didn't know how to praise him properly. "You put a lot of thought into it. You like that kind of thing?"

Saying that, she reached her hand under the quilt spread out behind her—what was this? The kang wasn't swept clean.

Lifting it, she gasped. It was all colorful paper slips. She glanced back at Chi Wu; it seemed he genuinely liked that gesture.

Cheng Ying pursed her lips, pulled her feet out. "I prepared something for you too, wait a moment!"

Saying that, she got off the kang, slipped on her slippers, and left the room. When she returned, Cheng Ying was holding a basin.

Before Chi Wu could figure out what it was, Cheng Ying splashed the contents out.

The motion of splashing water was certainly unrestrained, broad and sweeping. Good heavens, they were all fresh, tender petals, and they were all rose red—so festive!

Chi Wu stood with his mouth agape, watching the cascade that fell to the floor, unsure of his feelings. Amazing? No time to think now. Surprising? My wife just outshone me; why didn't I think of that? Beautiful? Truly beautiful, several levels above what I did. The only flaw was the rather unrestrained way his wife threw them. Do I like it? Absolutely. Chi Wu felt that if he didn't do something now, he would be letting Yingzi down, and dishonoring the atmosphere.

Cheng Ying raised an eyebrow, looking at their effort. "Do you like it? Want some more?" Cheng Ying asked quite seriously. If Chi Wu wanted more, Cheng Ying would absolutely bring in another basin of petals, no problem.

Her slippers crunched across the floor, treading on a thick layer of fallen petals—the only misstep.

Chi Wu stepped over the thick carpet of petals and pulled his wife into his embrace. "I like it."

After that, silence fell between them, and they smoothly moved onto the kang.

Cheng Ying felt relieved. This went quite smoothly; perhaps her worries were excessive. The crucial thing was that Chi Wu paused at the critical moment.

Cheng Ying's heart turned icy cold. Is it right for the woman to take the lead at this moment? Will Chi Wu resent me later? "What's wrong?"

Chi Wu said, "Wait for me a moment." With that, he got off the kang.

Cheng Ying’s mood plummeted. Wait at a time like this? Could it be he really didn't dare?

She watched as Chi Wu returned, holding a small booklet, and placed it on the kang next to their heads, where they could both see it at any moment.

Cheng Ying thought, What kind of support tool is this? Damn it, I've never seen anyone so cultivation-focused. What's wrong with him? "What is that?"

Chi Wu took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly. "My courage."

Cheng Ying’s head was a little muddled. What custom was this? "What custom?"

No one answered her. Chi Wu, armed with his 'courage,' had already transformed into a wolf and had no time to entertain Cheng Ying.

As Cheng Ying was turned over and flipped around, she happened to catch a glimpse of what Chi Wu called his 'courage': the marriage certificate.

Cheng Ying felt her perspective was narrow. It was the first time she realized a marriage certificate could serve as a source of bravery.

The spring breeze of the night was fierce. When Cheng Ying woke the next morning, she gritted her teeth, her face dark, thinking about how Chi Wu had claimed he didn't dare the night before. If this was him 'not daring,' what chaos would ensue if he truly dared? She had been utterly deceived.

The door opened, and Chi Wu entered, vibrant and energetic. "Yingzi, you’re awake! Grandma is waiting for us for breakfast. Hurry up and get ready!"

He handed Cheng Ying a set of everyday clothes.

Cheng Ying glanced sideways at Chi Wu. Chi Wu’s hands were slightly trembling—not from fear, but from excitement. This alluring manner is so provocative. "Yingzi, how about I tell Grandma you’re still sleeping and skip breakfast for now?"

Cheng Ying snapped, "Get lost." Her voice was hoarse.

Chi Wu quickly brought over a glass of water. "Moisten your throat, moisten your throat."

Cheng Ying said, "You were quite capable."

Chi Wu puffed out his chest. "If you can say that today, it is absolutely the pride of me as a man."

Cheng Ying bared her teeth. "Didn't you say you didn't dare?"

Chi Wu replied, "Didn’t I have my 'courage' then?"

Go to hell with your nonsense! Cheng Ying ignored her disheveled state and yanked Chi Wu down, biting him.

Chi Wu yelped, "Ouch, ouch, take it easy, take it easy! Someone might see later!"

Cheng Ying was so angry she almost cried. She had suffered too great a loss. Chi Wu, just you wait.

She felt thoroughly tricked. The key was that even someone with her mature intellect felt wronged about suffering this kind of loss—it was embarrassing, she couldn't let go of it.

Chi Wu acted meekly, moving to the side, pretending to be perfectly docile. "Yingzi, you didn't like it?"

Cheng Ying fell silent, looking at this big-tailed wolf. She felt like biting him again. But then again, they were married; how could they avoid this?

Chi Wu, who took an inch and ran a mile, chuckled and didn't move away, instead helping his wife get dressed.

When Cheng Ying tidied the room, the kang was covered in shredded paper slips, but not a single petal could be found.

Cheng Ying’s movements were slightly stiff. The atmosphere last night had been so good that she hadn't considered the strangeness of bringing out a whole basin of petals. It was a bit awkward to explain.

She looked at Chi Wu. He hadn't asked a single question. Cheng Ying asked, "Where are the petals?" Chi Wu replied, "Cleaned them u—"