Wife is hell

Chapter 106 The Kiss (8800 words)

Upon hearing Su Meixin's words, Jiang Mu was taken aback, almost thinking he had misheard:
"Madam, what are you taking me to do?"

Su Meixin lazily turned to the side, her red lips curving into a playful smile, her voice alluring and captivating:
"You're a smooth talker, quick-witted and eloquent. You can give her a good scolding and vent my anger."

"Don't!"

Jiang Mu was startled and waved his hands repeatedly, "Madam, please spare me, I want to live a few more years."

"Giggle..."

Seeing his appearance, Su Meixin couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh, her body trembling, and even the graceful curves under her long black brocade dress swayed gently.

She slightly raised her chin, her fox-like eyes, both charming and alluring, gazing at him with a beaming smile.
"What are you afraid of? Since you are my adopted son, I will protect you. Besides, at most, Consort Yue will just castrate you in a fit of anger; your life will be safe."

Jiang Mu: "..."

He simply shut up and stopped saying anything.

"Okay, okay, I'm not kidding anymore."

Seeing that he wasn't responding, Su Meixin also felt bored. She gently touched the pearl hairpin at her temple and spoke in a more serious tone.
"I'm taking you there not because I really want you to get into a fight. I just think that meeting her will simply involve discussing poetry, literature, and other refined topics."

I am just a merchant and know nothing about these literary pursuits, so I'm bound to have an awkward silence.

I invited you to come along because I wanted to use your words to lend a hand if necessary, so that I wouldn't be too embarrassed. It would be a way to save face for me.

But not today, probably the day after tomorrow. I'll come pick you up then.

Jiang Mu pondered to himself.

While it may not sound as dangerous as getting into a fight, getting involved in a meeting between these two big shots is troublesome in itself.

If one is not careful, one may still offend Consort Yue.

He was about to find a reason to politely decline when Su Meixin seemed to read his mind and spoke first:
"Of course, I won't let you help me for nothing. If you're willing to help me this time, I'll give you a 'spiritual item,' how about it?"

"A spiritual object?!"

Jiang Mu's eyes lit up immediately.

He asked to confirm, "Is what you say true, Madam?"

Su Meixin changed her posture, crossing her right leg over her left. Her black brocade skirt slipped down, revealing half of her slender calves covered in thin silk, her toes dangling gently from her embroidered shoes.
"Of course it is true. I always keep my word."

"make a deal!"

Jiang Mu was immediately tempted.

His favorite things now are spirits!
"Rest assured, Madam, I will do my utmost to support you in this matter!"

"That's more like it."

Su Meixin was amused by his quick change of expression and chuckled again. She casually waved her hand, indicating that he could leave.

Jiang Mu hesitated for a moment, then asked somewhat embarrassedly:

"Um... Madam, you just said I could eat whatever I wanted at this restaurant... But it's almost lunchtime, could you ask the kitchen to prepare some food for me to take home?"

If you're going to take advantage of a freebie, you might as well.

Eating at this restaurant isn't cheap; I'll take some back for my aunt and sister Yu-yu to try.

"Ok?"

Su Meixin was taken aback for a moment, then laughed out loud. Her eyes darted around as she glanced at him sideways. "You rascal, you're quite good at taking advantage of others, you never seem to have enough."

She turned to her maid, Lili, who was waiting nearby, and gave her instructions.
"Go tell the kitchen to select a few exquisite signature dishes and prepare a proper meal for Young Master Mu."

Then he said to Jiang Mu...
"I will have my servants deliver it to your residence. You don't need to carry it yourself, so as not to lose face."

"Thank you ma'am!"

Jiang Mu thanked him and left, satisfied.

As Jiang Mu's figure disappeared at the top of the stairs, Su Meixin's smile gradually faded, turning into a cold indifference.

She got up and walked to the railing on the second floor, her gaze sweeping over the bustling street and landing on the heavily guarded palace across the street.

Her slender fingers, painted with nail polish, tapped lightly on the cool railing, one tap here and there.

"What tricks is this old man up to?"

The woman muttered to herself, "Does the Spirit Cult really have such audacity to kidnap the princess?"

-

Jiang Mu returned home with light steps.

However, upon entering the courtyard, they found that guests had arrived.

It is a man and a woman.

Jiang Mu recognized the man; he was none other than Zhao Ke, the Xuan Envoy Wei, with whom he had previously clashed.

I remember this person used to have a very close relationship with Gan Yuanyuan.

The woman who came with him was dressed in a neat and tidy outfit, with a tall and straight figure and a capable and dashing temperament.

However, her appearance was rather ordinary.

They're the type that blends into a crowd and doesn't stand out much.

Upon seeing Jiang Mu return, Zhao Ke introduced him to the woman: "Lord You, this is Mu Jiang."

The woman first looked Jiang Mu up and down, her gaze seemingly able to penetrate his clothes, making Jiang Mu feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Immediately, a gentle smile appeared on her face, and she took out an identity token from her bosom: "Hello, Lord Mu. I am You Xin'er, the inspector of the Spiritual Object Pavilion of the Floating Pagoda."

"The Spiritual Object Pavilion of the Floating Pagoda?"

Jiang Mu was taken aback.

He suddenly remembered that Tang Jinxian had indeed mentioned this department.

The various spirits captured by the patrol office are usually sent to specialized institutions like the Floating Pagoda for purification.

Once the spiritual object has been successfully purified, it will be assigned to a suitable cultivator.

It became their exclusive magic weapon.

The spot for spirit fusion that Tang Jinxian had secured for him ultimately led him to obtain this Ghost God Spear.

The source of the Ghost God Spear is this Floating Pagoda.

The process generally involves the General Director of the Patrol Office approving the application first, and then submitting it to the Spirit Object Pavilion for review.

Once the application is approved, the Spirit Item Pavilion will select a suitable spirit item from its inventory and issue it to the applicant.

As this information flashed through his mind, Jiang Mu couldn't help but wonder about You Xin'er's intentions.

He returned the greeting with his hands clasped.
"Lord You, you flatter me. I dare not accept the title of 'Lord'. I am but a minor official in the county government."

"Lord Mu is too modest."

You Xin'er smiled and said, "Before this, we had already conducted a preliminary investigation on you and learned that you had participated in handling two cases of spiritual disasters and made great contributions to the Patrol Department."

That's precisely why Chief Tang made an exception and applied for a slot for spirit fusion for you. It would be extremely inappropriate to still treat you as an ordinary yamen runner.”

Jiang Mu smiled but didn't respond.

He glanced at Zhao Ke, who had been wearing a cold expression as if everyone owed him money, and asked directly:
"May I ask what brings Lord You here today?"

You Xin'er's gaze fell on the Ghost God Spear at Jiang Mu's waist, and she explained her purpose:

"Lord Mu, it's like this. According to the rules, we need to regularly track and inspect every spiritual item issued by the Spiritual Item Pavilion to ensure its safety in use."

Master Mu must also be well aware that although the spirit has been purified, its nature is special and there are still many uncertain risks.

There have been several cases in the past where purified spirits caused things to go out of control, resulting in a lot of trouble. In addition…”

She paused, her tone becoming even gentler.
"As far as we know, Master Mu, your current cultivation level does not seem to have officially entered the realm of 'Spiritual Being'."

For cultivators, the ability to control spiritual entities is closely related to their own cultivation level. If one's cultivation level is insufficient, the controllability over spiritual entities naturally requires even greater attention.

Jiang Mu understood.

This is a door-to-door "after-sales follow-up visit" plus "risk assessment".

He nodded, indicating his understanding.

"I see. Lord You is here for a routine inspection of spirit objects, and also to see if I, the owner of this spirit object, am qualified, right?"

"Yes."

You Xin'er smiled and nodded, "Lord Mu, could you please let me take a look at the spirit item?"

"can."

Jiang Mu was quite cooperative.

After all, what they said was reasonable and well-founded, and it was just routine.

He took the Ghost God Spear from his waist and handed it over.

You Xin'er took the spear and placed it flat on the stone table in the courtyard.

The purplish-gold gun barrel, bathed in sunlight, gleamed with a restrained luster, giving it an exceptionally cold and austere appearance.

The subtle patterns engraved on the gun barrel appear and disappear, like the breath of a living creature.

The moment the woman's eyes met his, she couldn't look away; two burning flames seemed to ignite deep within her eyes.

She stroked it for a moment, then took out a strange, jet-black stone about the size of a fist from the deerskin pouch she carried with her and gently placed it on the gun barrel.

"Om-"

The black stone emitted a blinding light.

"this?!"

You Xin'er's pupils contracted, a look of disbelief flashing across her face, and she murmured,

"The quality is so high? That's strange... Why wasn't it detected during the incoming inspection?"

She would sometimes tap the gun barrel with her fingers, and sometimes close her eyes to sense it.

After studying it carefully for a long time, the woman's face showed increasing confusion and surprise.

Finally, she looked up and said apologetically to Jiang Mu:

"Lord Mu, may I take it back to the Spirit Item Pavilion for a more detailed examination? Please rest assured, the process will be quick, and it will be returned to you in its original condition within five days at most."

Jiang Mu frowned: "Does it need to be tested?"

"Yes."

You Xin'er smiled apologetically, tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, and explained earnestly,

“I just carefully sensed it, but I couldn’t detect any trace of your aura merging with it on this spiritual object. This is quite unusual.”

"You may not know this, but many spiritual artifacts, after being purified, may appear docile and harmless on the surface. However, once they are deeply integrated with their host, their hidden malevolent energy may be activated, and they may even gradually erode the mind of their master."

"Once the spirit's self-awareness quietly awakens, it will cause a huge 'spiritual disaster' and turn against its master."

"This is by no means an exaggeration; there are many cautionary tales in the case files. We are doing this for your safety."

Jiang Mu suddenly realized.

His method of integration was different from others; there was no integration at all.

Therefore, it's impossible to leave such a clear imprint.

However, taking away a spirit that has already recognized its master for testing simply because it "doesn't show any aura" seems like making a mountain out of a molehill, or rather... being too eager?

Seeing his hesitant expression, You Xin'er added:

"If Lord Mu does not believe it, he can ask Manager Tang for verification. Bringing spiritual items with abnormal quality or suspected fusion issues back to headquarters for re-inspection is one of the standard procedures of the Spiritual Item Pavilion."

“I, You Xin’er, hereby guarantee that as long as I confirm that this spiritual object is free of any hidden dangers, I will personally return it to you.”

She smiled again.
"Besides, Lord Mu, you've already bound yourself to it. This thing is yours, and no one can take it away. We're just conducting a routine check to ensure your safety."

Having heard the other party put it this way, Jiang Mu couldn't very well refuse outright anymore.

After all, the rules are out in the open.

If he insists on refusing, he will appear guilty.

"OK then."

He nodded. "Then take it for inspection. I hope your organization can complete the inspection as soon as possible, since it's always inconvenient to be without a suitable weapon."

"Rest assured, Lord Mu,"

You Xin'er solemnly promised, "Travel between the Floating Pagoda and Yan City is convenient. If all goes well, I will personally deliver this item back to you within four days."

Seeing how confident the other party was, Jiang Mu didn't think much of it. Anyway, he had a backup plan and wasn't afraid of losing it.

-

You Xin'er and Zhao Ke left Jiang Mu's courtyard and boarded the carriage waiting at the alley entrance.

Inside the carriage, You Xin'er carefully placed the Ghost God Spear, whose tip and shaft were wrapped in special talisman paper, across her knees.

She stretched out her fingers and gently stroked the gun barrel again and again, her eyes burning with passion.

"Lord You, what is the true nature of this spirit item?"

Unable to contain his curiosity, Zhao Ke asked in a low voice.

"Very high! Extremely high!"

You Xin'er looked up at him with a smile on her face and said, "Even in our Spirit Item Pavilion's Class A warehouse, it would definitely be among the top-grade items."

Your message was delivered very promptly this time. If it had been a little later, when the spirit creature had merged more deeply with the Namu River and its spirituality had become completely internalized and stable,
If we were to temporarily take it under the guise of testing, not only would it be illegitimate, but even if we forcibly acquired it, its spiritual essence would be damaged, greatly diminishing its value.

Her tone held a hint of relief, which quickly turned to frustration.
"It's also our fault for being negligent back then. We thought Tang Jinxian was just asking for an ordinary spiritual item for her subordinate to save face, so we did her a favor."

Unexpectedly, they misjudged the situation, allowing such a valuable treasure to fall into the hands of a lowly yamen runner.

"Sigh, when it was first put into storage, I don't know which idiot inspected it, thinking it was just a low-quality, broken spiritual item."

Zhao Ke hesitated for a moment, but still asked the question that was on his mind most:
"Then... if the test results show that there's nothing wrong with this spiritual item, do we really have to return it to him?"

"Give it back to him?"

You Xin'er slowly shook her head: "Of course not."

"Won't?"

"Such a superior spiritual object should not be wasted on a mere constable. I only said that it would be returned if the inspection found nothing wrong. But what if the inspection reveals a 'problem'?"
For Mu Jiang's safety, this dangerous object, fraught with hidden dangers, naturally cannot be returned to him.

Zhao Ke understood instantly.

Whether or not it is safe or not, the final interpretation rests entirely with Lord You in front of us.

If she says it's safe, then it's safe.

If she says it's dangerous, then it must be dangerous.

But he still had some concerns:

"But Mu Jiang is, after all, Manager Tang's subordinate, and judging from Manager Tang's protective nature, if that kid causes trouble, Manager Tang will definitely demand it from the Spirit Item Pavilion..."

"We should naturally give Manager Tang face."

You Xin'er had already made plans.
"Therefore, after returning to the Floating Pagoda, I will personally select a spiritual item from the storehouse as compensation and apology to Mu Jiang."

At the same time, I will write a detailed test report, highlighting the potential risks of this gun, and use sufficient evidence to shut up Manager Tang.

As a superior, Chief Tang wouldn't risk his subordinate's life for the sake of a weapon, would he? This logic holds true everywhere.

After all, we were also thinking about the safety of her subordinates.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ke felt a chill run down his spine, but he felt an overwhelming sense of pleasure.

He was happy to do anything that would annoy Jiang Mu.

But Zhao Ke was still somewhat puzzled:
"Actually, sir, with your status as the inspector of the Spiritual Object Pavilion, you could have simply taken this spiritual object away. Why be so polite to a mere yamen runner? Give him a substitute spiritual object."

Even if Manager Tang has a lot of power, if something goes wrong with a spirit item, he can't possibly get to the Spirit Item Pavilion's jurisdiction.

You Xin'er's smile faded, and she said seriously:
"Zhao Ke, you must remember that Mu Jiang's abilities are quite remarkable."

His ability to solve two cases of spiritual disasters and the high regard Tang Jinxian holds for him demonstrates his extraordinary potential.

Helping others is helping yourself. Striving to build good relationships rather than creating enmity is the best long-term approach. If the relationship becomes too strained, and he later rises to prominence, it's we who will suffer the consequences.

To be honest, if this spear weren't so incredibly valuable, I wouldn't want to be the villain.

You Xin'er sighed:
"In short, this Ghost God Spear is of extraordinary quality. Those high-ranking officials will definitely fight over it, and there is absolutely no way it will be returned to Namujiang."

However, we can't afford to become his mortal enemy. So when I get back, I'll choose a relatively decent spiritual item as compensation, just to save face.

I believe that once Mu Jiang learns of the danger of this item, he won't say much, and might even be grateful to us. After all, we did it for his own good.

Zhao Ke was still somewhat dissatisfied.

In his view, Jiang Mu was not worthy of possessing any spiritual objects.

This is why he secretly reported the matter to You Xin'er, who had a close relationship with the Spirit Object Pavilion, without informing his direct superior, Ke Linyue.

But seeing how highly Lord You valued Jiang Mu's potential, he dared not say anything more and could only bow his head in response:
"Your Excellency's wisdom and foresight are truly remarkable; it is my fault for not considering things thoroughly."

-

After seeing You Xin'er and Zhao Ke off, Jiang Mu approached Yan Wenxiu, who was tidying up the tea set in the hall, and asked expectantly:

"Auntie, how did it go? Did you go to propose marriage today?"

Yan Wenxiu was wiping the table with a rag when she heard this. She paused, turned around, and glanced at him.
"went."

"how?"

Jiang Mu's heart jumped.

Yan Wenxiu put down the rag and sighed, "That girl Yuyan refused." "Refused?!"

Jiang Mu was taken aback, a sense of loss instantly welling up in his heart, mixed with a bit of surprise.

It shouldn't be...

He subconsciously clenched his fist, then slowly relaxed it, feeling relieved.

Marriage is something that cannot be forced.

Since Yu-yu had no interest in him, he couldn't force her.

He was trying to convince himself to accept the outcome when he saw Yan Wenxiu pick up the pot of cooled tea, pour the remaining liquid onto the flower roots in the corner, and her tone suddenly changed:
"However, she has agreed to marry you."

"???"

Jiang Mu was stunned and looked at Yan Wenxiu in astonishment:

"No... Aunt An, what exactly do you mean by that? Are you refusing or agreeing? You're confusing me."

Yan Wenxiu sighed.

Turning around, with a complex expression on his face, he looked at Jiang Mu and said:

She refused to become your legal wife, but agreed to be your concubine.

This means that if you truly want to marry her, you must first formally marry a principal wife, and then take her as a concubine.

"Concubine?"

Jiang Mu was stunned.

What kind of brain circuit is this?

Why would someone give up the position of a proper wife and choose to become a concubine?
He couldn't understand the logic behind it.

Jiang Mu felt something was wrong and decided to get to the bottom of it. "No, I have to go and ask her myself!"

After saying that, he turned and walked out of the courtyard.

Yan Wenxiu watched her nephew's hurried departure, shook her head helplessly, and muttered to herself:
"If Yuyu is truly willing to be a concubine, it might not be such a bad thing... At least, there might still be some possibility between Lingyun and Xiaojiang."

But... if he has three or four wives in the future, wouldn't that be too unfair to my daughter?

Thinking about this, the woman fell into a deep dilemma.

-

Jiang Mu quickly arrived at the neighboring courtyard.

As dusk approached, the setting sun cast a warm orange glow over the small courtyard.

Shi Yuhua was squatting in front of a large wooden basin in the yard, washing clothes.

The woman was still wearing that simple blue cloth dress, with the sleeves rolled up high, revealing a section of her slender, white arm.

She washed it very carefully.

Her little hands gripped the clothes, rubbing them vigorously on the washboard.

The white foam from the soapberry occasionally splashed onto my arms.

A few stray hairs, dampened by the water mist, clung to her snowy cheeks, swaying gently with her washing movements...

It is as gentle and graceful as a watercolor painting from the Jiangnan region.

Hearing footsteps, Shi Yuhua raised her head.

Upon seeing that it was Jiang Mu, two blushes appeared on her fair and pretty face.

She lowered her eyelashes slightly, a hint of shyness in her eyes, but a gentle smile involuntarily curved her lips, as if to say hello. Then she lowered her head again and continued with her work.

The kneading motion seemed to be a few degrees gentler than before.

Jiang Mu had a lot of questions on his mind.

But when he saw the woman before him, so serene and beautiful, the words of questioning suddenly stuck in his throat, and he didn't know how to speak.

There was also an empty basin next to it, filled with wet clothes that needed to be wrung out.

He walked over silently, picked up a plain dress belonging to Shi Xueying, and twisted it forcefully with both hands.

The water cascaded down with a "whoosh," making a crisp sound as it tapped against the bottom of the basin.

Shi Yuhua paused slightly.

She raised her beautiful eyes, looked at the man's broad back, and then at his large hands that were wringing his clothes with force. Her eyes were like water, flowing with a gentle light.

Shi Yuhua continued washing clothes with her head down, but her movements seemed to be a little lighter.

The clothes were wrung out until they were half-dry, and Jiang Muyang shook them open and draped them over a bamboo pole.

After finishing all that, he pulled over a small stool and sat down next to Shi Yu with an air of nonchalance, watching her wash without saying a word.

Both of them remained silent.

The only sounds were the rustling of leaves in the breeze and the occasional patter of water.

It was peaceful, yet wonderful.

During this time, a strand of hair would occasionally fall down from Shi Yuhuan's temples, obscuring her vision. Jiang Mu would then reach out and tuck that strand of hair behind her ear.

The moment their skin touched, Shi Yuhuan's eyelashes trembled slightly, but she never looked up.

She let a deeper blush creep up her neck.

After the last piece of clothing in the basin was washed, Jiang Mu took the initiative to step forward and help her wring out the water.

Having finished all the work, Jiang Mu clapped his hands and turned to leave.

just,

A slightly cool hand gently tugged at his sleeve.

Jiang Mu turned around.

Then he saw Shi Yuhua tilting her head slightly, looking at him reproachfully.

In those clear, watery eyes, besides a hint of resentment, there was also a hidden sense of grievance.

Looking at her like this, Jiang Mu suddenly laughed: "Actually, I already know the answer."

Yes, the moment Jiang Mu saw Shi Yuhua, he understood her thoughts.

Why did Shi Yuhua want to become a concubine?

It was because she felt that she was mute and unable to have children, and therefore unworthy to be his wife.

She feared that once she became the legal wife, not only would she be unable to continue the Mu family line, but Jiang Mu would also become a laughing stock in the eyes of others, and would be talked about behind his back.

Therefore, she preferred to be a concubine.

Shi Yuhuan pursed her soft, red lips, raised her hand to gesture in sign language, and her eyes held a hint of sadness:
"Xiao Jiang, actually... I was really happy when I heard Aunt An say that you like me yesterday."

"Of course I wouldn't mind marrying you."

"But I can't hurt you."

She gestured very hard, and her eyes were a little red.

"Therefore, at most I can only be your concubine. Being your wife is absolutely out of the question."

Jiang Mu gazed at the deep-seated inferiority in the woman's eyes, feeling both pity and helplessness.

He said softly:
"Sister Yu-zhu, if I told you that there's absolutely nothing wrong with your health, and that everything will be alright once you become my wife, would you believe me?"

Shi Yuhua shook her head slightly, a bitter smile appearing on her lips.

She doesn't believe it.

When Yan Wenxiu came to propose marriage during the day, she had already relayed Jiang Mu's story about the divine doctor that Manager Tang had invited.

But she knew in her heart that Lord Tang had never sent any miracle doctor. It was just a white lie that Jiang Mu had woven in order to marry her smoothly.

She appreciated his kindness, but didn't want to live in this illusory comfort.

Her muteness is real.

It's true that she has difficulty conceiving.

She only believed what she personally experienced and did not want Jiang Mu to suffer those criticisms and pressures for her sake.

So at this moment, no matter how much Jiang Mu assured her, it all sounded like a gentle deception to her.

She prefers to accept an "imperfect" version of herself.

She stayed by his side in a way that wouldn't be a burden to him.

Jiang Mu looked into Shi Yuhuan's clear yet stubborn eyes and felt secretly annoyed.

If I had known she would be so stubborn, I should have planned ahead.

But then she thought that with Shi Yuhua's gentle yet very opinionated nature, she would be extremely cautious whenever his happiness and future were involved.

He would never easily gamble on a slim hope or take the risk of potentially dragging him down.

"I just want to marry you, what should I do?"

Jiang Mu sighed.

Shi Yuhua blushed, her face glowing with a delicate and pure light, after being provoked by his straightforward "love confession".

She avoided the man's burning gaze, gesturing with her slender fingers:

"Xiao Jiang, if you truly want to be with me, you should quickly find a better, healthier girl and marry her properly."

"As long as she allows you to take a concubine, Sister Yu-yu will willingly marry you."

"You will regret this."

Jiang Mu stared at her intently.

Shi Yuhua's eyebrows curved into a smile, her expression like moonlight falling on still water, as she gestured earnestly:
“In my heart, Xiao Jiang, Sui Sui, and Bao Lu are all my most important family members.”

"Whether it's being your wife, your concubine, or... your sister."

"As long as it makes you happy, Xiao Jiang."

"I don't care."

Looking into the woman's eyes, he saw a pure and genuine emotion, untainted by any impurities.

Jiang Mu's heartstrings were plucked hard.

It's like a block of solid ice being melted by the warmest ray of sunlight, which melts its softest part.

He suddenly felt a mischievous urge and leaned closer with a wicked grin, lowering his voice: "Then... Sister Yuzhu, can we consummate our marriage right now?"

Shi Yuhua froze.

Her eyes, as clear as autumn water, were wide open, like those of a startled fawn.

Her face was so red it looked like it was about to bleed.

She bit her lower lip hard, curled up into a ball, and lowered her head, not daring to look at Jiang Mu anymore.

Jiang Mu was just joking, but seeing her embarrassed and anxious expression, he felt even more affection for her.

He knew that if he used force at this moment, given Shi Yuyuan's indulgence towards him, she would most likely not resist.

But that would inevitably leave a permanent scar on the other person's heart.

Shi Yuhua is a very traditional woman.

In her mind, a woman's first time is only perfect if it happens on her wedding night.

He genuinely loved this gentle and kind girl next door; how could he possibly hurt her for a moment's desire?

but……

The wedding night is out of the question, but other intimate moments... should be... okay?

With a sudden thought, Jiang Mu reached out and embraced the woman's slender waist.

With a little effort, he pulled her into his arms.

Shi Yuhua was startled, her fingertips pressed against his chest, trying to break free.

Through the thin summer cloth, I could clearly feel the warmth and heartbeat in the man's arms.

She struggled, but couldn't break free. She looked up and met his smiling eyes, and instantly lost all strength.

She could only lean softly against him.

Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes held a hint of bewildered resentment.

Shi Yuhua is tall, but she still looks petite next to Jiang Mu, being just half a head shorter.

He held her tightly in his arms, her nose filled with his cool and masculine scent, and her heart pounded wildly like a rabbit's.

She was even more nervous and flustered than when she had to make those intimate gestures to comfort him while he was unconscious and in pain.

"Sister Yu-yu".

Jiang Mu gently rested his chin on the top of her fragrant hair and whispered, "My heart is broken by you now."

"Shouldn't you... try to comfort me?"

"?"

Shi Yuhuan slightly raised her watery eyes, somewhat confused.

Jiang Mu smiled and said:

"Shouldn't you kiss me?"

Shi Yuhua's face turned even redder.

She quickly buried her burning face even lower, her hands nervously clutching the hem of her clothes, unsure of what to do.

Jiang Mu feigned a sigh:

"Sigh, since you're willing to marry me as my concubine, a kiss isn't a big deal, is it?"

Shi Yuhua remained silent.

"It seems that Yuju is still quite shy."

Jiang Mu sighed inwardly.

Just as he was about to give up the idea and loosen his grip—

The person in his arms suddenly moved.

She tiptoed very lightly and quickly, like a dragonfly skimming the water, and pressed a cool and soft touch onto his cheek.

The touch was fleeting, carrying the unique warmth of a woman's lips and a faint, sweet fragrance.

It was as if the evening breeze had brushed across the lotus petals, leaving behind a touch of dampness and a sense of unease.

Jiang Mu was stunned for a moment.

Subconsciously, I touched the spot where I had been kissed; a tingling, damp sensation still lingered there.

He looked down at the woman in front of him, whose neck was flushed pink, and chuckled, "Okay, a kiss on the cheek is fine too."

After saying that, he lowered his head.

A kiss was placed on the woman's porcelain-white cheeks, which were flushed with an alluring blush.

Shi Yu's body trembled, as if she had been electrocuted, and she was so weak that she could barely stand.

Jiang Mu caught him and prevented him from sliding down.

Taking advantage of the moment when the person in his arms was dizzy from the intimacy, Jiang Mu brought up the old topic again, his voice seductive:

"Sister Yu-yan, how about we get married first? As for the status and everything else, it's all up to you, whatever you say, okay?"

However, the moment the topic of official status was brought up, Shi Yuyuan immediately snapped out of her daze and shook her head vigorously.

His eyes regained their previous clarity and determination.

Jiang Mu felt somewhat helpless.

It seems that marrying her right away is not an option.

Fortunately, he still had a way to convince Sister Yu-yu that her body could indeed recover completely.

The female ghost in green, who had been floating by and watching the drama unfold, couldn't help but click her tongue and stir things up:

"Young man, at least give me a little kiss. With such a warm and soft beauty in your arms, it would be too much of a gentleman to just kiss her on the cheek."

Jiang Mu ignored the female ghost and released his arm.

The beauty in his arms was so embarrassed she was about to faint.

Now that she was free, she immediately took a small step back, her face flushed, and dared not look at him.

Once her breathing had calmed down a bit, Jiang Mu gazed at her intently, his tone serious:

“Sister Yuyu, listen carefully. Whether you become my wife or my concubine, I, Mujiang, will definitely marry you in a grand and glorious ceremony, with you wearing a phoenix coronet and embroidered robes and carried in a sedan chair by eight men.”

Shi Yuhua instinctively wanted to shake her head.

But when she saw Jiang Mu's resolute gaze, all the words of refusal stuck in her throat.

She moved her pink lips slightly, but in the end, she simply lowered her head.

A bittersweet feeling welled up in her heart.

Not far away, a figure stood quietly on the roof, taking in the tender yet slightly tense scene in the courtyard.

"This brat is actually a gentleman... but it seems we need to give him a little push and put him on the right track."

(End of this chapter)