Jin Yu was momentarily taken aback, a hint of bitterness crossing her face. After a silence, she replied, “Zi Yuan, remember, he is no longer my official husband. From now on, he is just Master Su.”

Zi Yuan’s eyes reflected a sudden realization. “Does Master Su know about the master’s previous identity?”

“Not yet, and don’t let him know,” Jin Yu’s tone was calm. Although Su Chen Bi had suffered after her death, this could not fully erase her sorrow. “Let him stay here for now. We’ll discuss his matters later.”

“…Yes.” Zi Yuan lowered his eyes. “After finishing tomorrow’s tasks, I’ll treat Young Master Xu’s eyes.”

“Mm,” Jin Yu’s expression softened with concern. “You should also treat Su Xi. His belly is large, but he hasn’t experienced morning sickness yet. I’m worried. And Little Lian, I told you about his condition. He fainted again recently, and it seems the medication is no longer effective.”

“Master, I understand.”

Jin Yu looked at him. “How are the wedding preparations for tomorrow?”

“Everything is ready.”

#

When Jin Yu arrived at Su Xi’s room, she thought, “What a foolish person,” and indeed, he was waiting for her.

Su Xi was stunned when Jin Yu pushed open the door and smiled, tears welling in his eyes. “You’re here.”

Jin Yu embraced him, gently stroking his frail back. “How have you been these past few nights?”

“The baby and I are fine,” Su Xi’s voice choked as he looked up at her adoringly. It felt like they hadn’t been this close in so long, but he still loved her embrace.

Jin Yu caressed his face, helped him lie down, covered him with a silk blanket, and lay beside him. Though only a few nights had passed, it felt like an eternity. They cherished this moment, breathing in each other’s familiar scent. Su Xi enjoyed Jin Yu’s gentle kisses and soft moans escaped his lips.

They spoke little that night, with Jin Yu breaking the silence. “Tomorrow, Xu Yi will marry me. Do you want to marry me soon or wait until after the baby is born?”

Su Xi fell silent, his eyes moistening. Could he even marry again? He had married once before, and the result…

He remembered the panic of nearly being beaten to death at the Chen family, protectively covering his belly, grateful he hadn’t been pregnant that time.

Jin Yu sensed his turmoil and covered his hand reassuringly. “I’ll wait for you whenever you’re ready to marry me. No matter what, you’ll always be by my side.”

Su Xi stared at Jin Yu, tears forming, then threw himself into her embrace. “I’ll marry, I’ll marry…” He wouldn’t suffer like before, and the baby would be safe.

Jin Yu’s eyes sparkled with a smile as she compassionately stroked his back. “When will you marry? The baby hopes to have a proper mother.”

Su Xi wiped his tears and after a moment, softly said, “Can we wait until after the baby is born? I want this to be a beautiful memory, the last time I will marry. From now on, you’ll have only one wife.”

With a blush on his face, Jin Yu kissed his forehead and caressed his cheeks. “Okay, the baby will happily watch you marry. It will be a lively occasion.”

#

The next day, the mansion was filled with joy. Servants treated each other like honored guests, all delighting in their master’s wedding.

Little Lian, who hadn’t joined such festivities for a long time, energetically wove through the crowd. Here, unlike other mansions, no one looked at him with contempt because of his identity.

After Su Xi put on warm clothing and came out, he saw Little Lian running toward him. “Brother, when will she marry you? It should be this joyful too.”

Su Xi looked at the jubilant mansion and was silent for a moment before a smile spread across his face. He stroked Little Lian’s black hair. “Wait until the baby is born.”

Little Lian reluctantly agreed, a look of envy in his eyes, and pulled Su Xi into the crowd.

When Yun Mei emerged, Su Xi awkwardly lowered his head. Little Lian stood protectively in front of Su Xi, looking at Yun Mei with hostility, wary of any harm he might bring.

Yun Mei was used to Little Lian’s protective behavior and paid it little mind. He nodded at them and walked inside.

Xu Yi had dressed in a bright red wedding dress she had sewn herself, adorned with a blue jade hairpin. Nervously holding Hua Yan’s hand, she repeatedly asked, “Do I look good? Will Miss Jin not like me?”

Hua Yan laughed, “You look better than ever. Miss Jin will definitely like you.”

Xu Yi smiled shyly, her eyes sparkling with joy. When Jin Yu entered, she saw this beautiful scene.

Upon seeing Jin Yu, Hua Yan quickly bowed, “Miss Jin…”

“From now on, call me the mistress, like everyone else in the household,” Jin Yu said calmly.

Hua Yan felt awkward but finally called out “Mistress”, her face slightly red.

Today was their wedding day.

Although Hua Yan thought it inappropriate for the couple to meet before the ceremony, she didn’t want to dampen the young master’s mood and walked out, closing the door behind her.

Only the two of them remained in the room, Xu Yi in her bright red wedding dress, nervously clutching a handkerchief. “You… why are you here… We’re about to get married, someone might see…”

Jin Yu took her hand, causing Xu Yi to blush and look down shyly. Jin Yu spoke softly, “I couldn’t rest easy, so I came to see you. I want to personally escort you and marry you. Growing old together…”

Xu Yi’s blush deepened as she turned her head away, whispering, “What will people think…?”

“Xu Yi, here, there won’t be any gossip. You can do and say whatever you want.”

Xu Yi felt slightly reassured and softly asked, “Are you nervous about getting married? I’m so nervous…”

Jin Yu’s expression remained calm, although her eyes flickered. “Nothing will happen. Don’t be nervous.” She was nervous herself; in her previous life, marrying had cost her dearly. This time, marrying her beloved, she wouldn’t let tragedy occur.

Xu Yi heard distant drums and gongs, sensing the festive atmosphere.

“I wish I could see what it’s like outside. When I saw my sisters getting married at the Xu family, the entire mansion was bright red, with loud firecrackers and drums, and people celebrating…”

Jin Yu listened quietly and replied, “Here, there are many people too. The mansion is red, with firecrackers and drums. Our bridal chamber is almost entirely red. I’ve hung the double happiness character everywhere. Do you like it?”

Xu Yi’s eyes sparkled with joy as she lowered her head shyly, “Yes… I like it…”

After the commotion, Xu Yi was blushing, but her previous nervousness had mostly dissipated. Jin Yu covered her with the red veil, straightened her clothes, and led her outside, “It’s almost the auspicious time now. Do you know what we’re going to do next?”

“……I know.” Under the big red veil, Xu Yi’s cheeks were burning red.

The passage features an intimate romantic narrative between two characters.

“Mu Xi, if there is a next life, will you still let me stay by your side?” The man’s beautiful eyes reflected anticipation. He hesitated slightly before continuing, “I don’t want much, just to stay and look at you.”

She smiled, her eyes brightening, “The person I want will naturally stay by my side.”

The man’s eyes dimmed slightly, “Am I the person you want?”

Gently stroking her smooth skin, she sensed his rapid breathing and smiled faintly, “You are the first man I wanted to keep by my side.”

His eyes sparkled, and he smiled, brushing away a tear. He nestled closely in her embrace, holding her tightly.

Contentedly, she embraced him; he was someone she would always keep close.

As the night deepened, their breathing calmed.

Hearing sounds of clashing weapons and battle cries from outside, she raised her eyebrows, preparing to look.