On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

In Qifengxuan, time seems to flow exceptionally slowly and gracefully.

A cool room isolates the afternoon heat.

The faint scent of lilies rises from the gilded crane incense burner, interweaving with the fragrance of the sycamore leaves outside the window, refreshing the heart.

The sunlight filtered through the thin mica window screen, filtering out the dazzling edge and leaving only a soft halo, which sprinkled on the mirror-like golden brick floor and on the two quiet figures in front of the window.

Shangguan Wan'er sat upright on the rosewood embroidered cushion by the window, her posture as straight as a bamboo and her demeanor graceful.

She was wearing a simple and clean moon-white brocade long skirt. The hem of the skirt was embroidered with lotus patterns with extremely fine silver thread. When she walked, the dark patterns floated and shone brightly, making her skin look whiter than snow and her temperament even more pure and elegant.

Her long, satin-black hair was loosely tied into a bun, with only a phoenix-shaped hairpin inlaid with kingfisher feathers and pearls inserted diagonally. The tassels hung lightly, swaying slightly as she lowered her head, reflecting a warm luster.

She held a plain white silk handkerchief in her hand, and her slender jade fingers were holding a silver needle as thin as a hair, and she was concentrating on embroidering a half-opened magnolia.

The needle tip moves on the brocade lightly and precisely. The tips of the petals are slightly upturned, as if carrying the freshness of morning dew. The stamens are clearly visible, revealing a lively vitality.

Her expression was focused and peaceful, as if the whole world was condensed between those stitches.

Next to her sat a woman with an equally gentle temperament, it was Yue Wu.

She was almost thirty years old, wearing a light green Hangzhou silk jacket with delicate crabapple branches embroidered on the collar and cuffs, and a moon-white pleated skirt. Her figure was plump and well-proportioned, like a ripe peach, exuding a warm luster.

She has a face like a silver plate, beautiful eyebrows and a pair of clear and bright almond-shaped eyes. She has a bit of shrewdness and tact gained from her experience in the market, but she is still gentle and graceful.

"Sister, this magnolia is embroidered beautifully," Yue Wu whispered softly, her voice like a spring breeze brushing against willow branches, filled with heartfelt admiration. "The tips of the petals are filled with spiritual energy, as if they will bloom at any moment. Even the dewdrops on the stamens look real. When I look at them, I can almost smell their elegant fragrance."

She held a celadon covered bowl in both hands, sipping warm jasmine tea with a respectful and elegant posture.

Shangguan Wan'er heard this, her lips curling slightly into a faint smile, like ice just beginning to melt, her eyes as gentle as jade. "It's just some boudoir pastry, just to pass the time. But you, Sister Yue Wu, the other day you made some new 'Lotus Pastry', and my grandfather (Lin Zhenxian) tasted it and praised it highly, saying it was even more exquisite than the pastries in the palace's imperial kitchen. He even sent someone to ask this morning if there was any left."

She put down her needle and thread, picked up the plain white silk handkerchief beside her, and gently wiped her fingertips.

A charming blush spread across Yue Wu's face, with a hint of pride and a touch of embarrassment. "Sister, you're too kind. My humble cooking skills can't compare with those of the imperial kitchen. I just thought that the old prince (Lin Zhenxian) has a good tooth and likes to eat something crispy, so I tried making some. It's my blessing that the old prince likes it."

She put down the teacup, lowered her voice, and smiled helplessly.

"It was…it was those two little bastards, Chengyu and Chengshu, who were making a scene in Songhe Hall yesterday, circling around the dim sum plates, looking on eagerly. I just turned around to grab a plate when I heard a 'clang' and nearly knocked it over! I was so scared, but luckily Madam was quick to catch me."

Shangguan Wan'er couldn't help but chuckle. The sound was like pearls falling on a jade plate, crisp and sweet, and tinged with doting helplessness. "Those two naughty monkeys, spoiled by Grandfather, have become even more lawless. I'll have Madam talk to them later. Rules must be established."

"Don't, Madam!" Yue Wu waved her hands quickly, a look of genuine fondness on her face. "Children, it's good to be lively. Seeing their chubby faces, I am also happy. Besides, snacks are made for people to eat. If the children like them, I can't be happier."

She paused, a sly glint in her eyes.

"But... next time I make some snacks, I have to hide them carefully. I'll wait until the old prince has tasted them before serving them to those two greedy little cats!"

The two were chatting quietly about family matters when a maid's gentle but clear announcement came from outside the door: "Madams, the prince has arrived."

Shangguan Wan'er and Yue Wu immediately put down their work, stood up with their robes bowed, and moved in unison, with the dignity and respect unique to aristocratic families.

When Lin Zhen entered the pavilion, he saw Shangguan Wan'er bowing gracefully, her skirt unmoving, her posture as elegant as a painting: "I respectfully welcome my husband."

Her voice was clear and soft, like a mountain spring, with a refreshing tranquility.

Yue Wu followed closely behind, folding her hands in front of her, kneeling and bowing, her posture gentle and graceful: "I pay my respects to my husband."

Her voice had a subtle sweetness, like a honey cake fresh from the pot.

"Get up quickly." Lin Zhen stepped forward, stretched out his hand to help Shangguan Wan'er up, his eyes gently falling on her beautiful face, looking at her carefully.

After more than a year of separation, she seemed to have lost some weight, but her calm and dignified demeanor became more mellow and moving.

"Wan'er, there's no need to be so polite." He said gently, his fingers inadvertently brushing across the back of her slightly cool hand, bringing a slight electric current.

He looked at Yue Wu again and said gently, "You sit down too."

"Yes, I'm here to talk to my sister and ask for some advice on needlework." Yue Wu stood up with a gentle smile on her face. Her eyes moved between Lin Zhen and Shangguan Wan'er with just the right amount of respect and a hint of joy for Wan'er.

The three of them took their seats.

Maids filed in and served three cups of freshly brewed Rain-Previous Longjing tea. The tea soup was emerald green and clear, and the aroma was rich.

There were also plates of exquisite snacks placed on the small rosewood table, the most eye-catching of which was the "Lotus Pastry" made by Yue Wu herself.

The pastry is layered, as thin as a cicada's wing, fried until golden and crispy, and shaped like a lotus bud about to bloom, with the tips of the petals slightly curled up, as if still carrying the freshness of morning dew. It is so exquisite that it is hard to bear to eat it.

There are also some neatly cut seasonal fruits next to it.

"My husband, did you sleep well last night?" Shangguan Wan'er picked up the celadon teacup and gently skimmed off the foam with the tea lid. Her movements were graceful and calm, and her voice was calm, as if it was just the most ordinary greeting.

But the slightly drooping eyelashes and the faint white color on the knuckles when holding the teacup revealed a subtle tension.

Lin Zhen's heart paused slightly, knowing that Wan'er must be teasing him.

He met her gaze frankly, with a hint of apology and honesty: "Miao Yan just returned from the front lines. She's a little impatient, and she's been pent up with longing, so she was a bit fussy last night. However, she's been suffering. She fought in the ice and snow of Beiyan, and has seven scars on her body. Each one was earned so that she could come back alive to see me. I understand this feeling."

His voice was low, filled with heartache for Liu Miaoyan and guilt towards Wan'er.

Shangguan Wan'er raised her eyes and glanced at him. Her clear eyes were calm. She only hummed softly, took a sip of tea, and then slowly said:

"Sister Miaoyan fought for the country, risking her life, and making great contributions. She deserves to be comforted. She has a fiery temper, and her wholehearted devotion is entirely devoted to her husband. I understand."

Her words were plain, but each word was clear, with the breadth of mind and discretion of a wife.

"It's just that...husband, you should also take care of your health and not overwork yourself."

"I save that." Lin Zhen nodded, his eyes falling on her beautiful face, with deep gratitude and tenderness.

"Wan'er, you've worked so hard this past year. Everything in the palace, from the upbringing of those two naughty boys Cheng Yu and Cheng Shu to the care of Grandfather, and your filial piety to me, has been your responsibility. Whenever I think of this in Hu County, I feel both gratitude and guilt."

He reached out and gently placed his hand on the back of her hand which was resting on her knee. The slightly cool touch made his heart tighten.

Shangguan Wan'er's hand trembled slightly, but she did not pull it back, allowing his warm palm to cover her.

She raised her eyes and looked at Lin Zhen softly, her eyes sparkling with tears. "My husband, you are too kind. This is my duty. My husband was in Hu County, expanding the territory and building a huge port. That was the real hard work. The deep-water port, the industrial park... Although I was secluded in my boudoir, I also heard about the difficulties and dangers. The Japanese pirates were all around, and every step was a terror. Now that my husband has returned safely, I feel very at ease."

Her words were still calm, but the last sentence, "I feel very peaceful in my heart," was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples in her eyes, revealing her deep affection and sense of relief.