“Full, full…” Xu Yi nodded repeatedly but then realized the potential double meaning and felt even more embarrassed.

“Eat a bit more, so you don’t get hungry on the road.”

“You… stop talking…” Xu Yi was aware that others were watching and couldn’t believe Jin Yu might want to ‘feed’ him in public. Though he wanted to be with her, they weren’t quite there yet.

Jin Yu looked puzzled at Xu Yi’s behavior, finding it strange he was so embarrassed. Noticing the other eyes watching them, she felt awkward.

After finishing the meal, Xu Yi, still blushing, followed Jin Yu, clutching her clothes. Jin Yu heard noise outside and said, “I’ll go check outside, wait here. I’ll be back soon.” Holding Xu Yi’s hand, she added, “Wait here properly.” She was worried about him, always overthinking despite being slightly older.

Xu Yi nodded, “I understand…”

Jin Yu sighed in relief, noticing Cloud Mei looking pale, and said, “From now on, you’ll ride in our carriage for better care.”

Cloud Mei was surprised, “Mistress, are you serious? Can I?”

Jin Yu nodded, “Yes.”

Cloud Mei smiled, her complexion gradually improving.

The carriages in the courtyard began to move against the cold wind.

Everyone was settled in the carriage. Su Xi calmly looked at the red marks on Xu Yi’s neck while Cloud Mei looked envious. The marks confirmed what she had heard last night. Xiao Lian sulked in a corner, occasionally glancing at Xu Yi’s marks and glaring at Jin Yu, her eyes wet with tears, feeling left out.

Jin Yu ignored Xiao Lian’s tantrum and focused on comforting Xu Yi, holding his delicate hand. Xu Yi, feeling the gazes, blushed and buried his head in Jin Yu’s embrace, hoping they hadn’t heard anything from last night.

After a while, feeling the stares, he explained, “Last night, I just slept with Miss Jin, we didn’t do anything else…”

This only drew more attention. His explanation seemed like a cover-up, and no one believed him. Xiao Lian added, “You’re lying.”

Xu Yi, eyes welling with tears, helplessly clutched Jin Yu’s clothes for support. If he could see, he would be even shyer at the smile in Jin Yu’s eyes. Jin Yu pulled Xu Yi into his embrace, maintaining his usual gentleness, but his voice carried a hint of laughter, “Alright, it’s nothing. From now on, we’re family.”

Xu Yi blushed, unable to explain, worried about being misunderstood, yet feeling a subtle sweetness inside, giggling softly.

Yunmei’s eyes flickered. “Family?” she asked. Xiaolian looked aggrieved, thinking if they were family, he was excluded.

As the sun rose and the weather warmed, the carriage continued on its route, its passengers sitting quietly, some falling back asleep. Though their destination was unknown, they knew loved ones would be waiting.

After several days of travel, Jinyu lifted the carriage curtain to look outside. They were on a mountain road, nearly arrived. Inside, everyone had fallen into a deep, exhausted sleep.

The carriage wound along the mountain road and entered a large, elegant mansion, a stark contrast to Jinyu’s vermilion gates.

As the carriage stopped, its passengers began to wake drowsily. Xiaolian rubbed his eyes and asked, “Are we at an inn again? I want to sleep with my brother tonight.”

Suxi’s hand on her belly stiffened, her expression conflicted about what Xiaolian might say.

Xu Yi, unable to see, reached for Jinyu. She comforted him by grasping his hand and pulling him into an embrace.

Yunmei sat quietly, her long eyelashes shielding her expression, occasionally trembling slightly.

Jinyu reassured them, “We’re not at an inn; we’ve arrived at our destination. We don’t need to jostle around anymore.”

Xiaolian excitedly lifted the window curtain, startled to see a row of servants standing respectfully. He quickly dropped the curtain and turned to Jinyu, “Why are there so many people? They seem… so…”

“Don’t worry about them. You can move around freely and ask for help,” Jinyu interrupted.

Xiaolian suspiciously glanced at Jinyu and cautiously lifted the curtain again.

Seeing the servants still standing respectfully without looking their way, he relaxed and began to admire the scenery.

“Young master, this way please,” another servant called out.

Yun Mei’s eyes dimmed as he glanced at Jin Yu. “It’s fine. They will take you to your room, with Xia Rong personally taking care of you, and there are some servants in the courtyard.”

Yun Mei wanted to ask if she would abandon him again like in the Jin residence, leaving him lonely. He moved his lips but ultimately remained silent, looking dejected as he followed the household servants away.

Xu Yi, gripping Jin Yu’s clothing, stood behind her with a red face. Jin Yu held his hand. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” After days in the carriage, he must be tired.

“No, no…” Xu Yi hesitated, lowering his head. “Getting married… you said… when we arrive at the new home, you would… would marry me…”

Jin Yu laughed, picking him up and walking in a certain direction. “I still remember, I won’t forget. Where’s your wedding dress? I want to see it.”

Xu Yi’s face turned red, burying his face in Jin Yu’s embrace. “The wedding dress is with Hua Yan. Please put me down; people will see…”

“They’ve already seen,” Jin Yu’s voice was calm.

“You…” Xu Yi bit his red lip, unable to comprehend her openness. How could she say such a thing, not caring who might hear?

The household servants were stunned, having never seen their master laugh while carrying a man.

Heng Zi, observing Jin Yu’s back, looked at the shocked servants and ordered, “Go about your own business and do not inquire about the master’s affairs.”

“Yes, Manager Heng,” the servants bowed respectfully.

#

Jin Yu held Xu Yi on her lap, and he nestled into her embrace, his face flushed. “We’re already in the room, you can put me down,” he said, concerned about being ridiculed.

“Master, the water is ready,” a servant reported respectfully.

After Jin Yu ordered the servant to leave, she gently stroked Xu Yi’s back. “The servant has gone now; no one will see.”

Xu Yi’s face grew hot. How could she act this way? Even if the servant left, they could still be overheard. It felt as though everyone knew what they had done, and it was still daytime. Was she going to embarrass him now?

Xu Yi’s voice was barely audible, “Hua Yan is still here…”

Jin Yu glanced at Hua Yan, whose face was a mix of worry and relief. “Hua Yan, put the luggage away and you can leave.”

Hua Yan was stunned. “Miss Jin, I should stay and help the young master bathe…”

“I’m here; I won’t mistreat your young master,” Jin Yu stated firmly. Reluctantly, Hua Yan moved toward the door.

“Hua Yan, don’t go…” Xu Yi, nervously clutching a handkerchief, pleaded, “Don’t leave me alone…” He felt anxious about the upcoming bath. It was embarrassing; they weren’t even married yet. If she bathed, he couldn’t stay and listen. If they bathed together, it would be mortifying.

Hua Yan hesitated, looking back at Xu Yi, then glanced at Jin Yu’s serious expression before quickly leaving.

“Hua Yan…” Xu Yi’s eyes filled with tears as he heard her footsteps fade. “Don’t go…”

Jin Yu stroked his hand comfortingly, “Let Hua Yan go. I will treat you well, better than she could.”

This person, how could she say such things? Xu Yi blushed, embarrassedly withdrawing his hand from Jin Yu’s.

Jin Yu looked at her empty hand, then at Xu Yi, who was lowering his head shyly. Previously, he had always wanted her to hold and embrace him, but since she had last kissed him, he had become especially shy and sometimes even pushed her away. She wasn’t a beast, and while Hua Yan’s wariness was understandable, Xu Yi’s behavior puzzled her. Jin Yu gently took his hand, kissing his rosy cheek, “Xu Yi, do you dislike me?”