T/N: Before we begin, I’d like to clarify a few things. Since this is an ancient ABO setting, I’ll be keeping the original terms for most things. For reference: ‘Tianqian’ corresponds to ‘Alpha’, ‘Zhongyong’ to ‘Beta’, ‘Kunze’ to ‘Omega’, and ‘Xinxiang’ to ‘Pheromones’. I’ll include footnotes for these later, but I wanted to introduce them now so you guys will be familiar with the terms.
1
On the day Duan Linzhou married Mu Peixuan, it was a rare and auspicious day. The first snow of the season fell from the sky, flurries swirling down to blanket the entire city of Ruizhou.
The wedding procession was grand. On the streets, wrapped in thick clothing with their necks shrunk and hands tucked away for warmth, the townspeople watched curiously as the ceremonial escort passed through with music and fanfare, creating a particularly festive scene.
How could it not be lively?
The one getting married was Mu Peixuan, the Xiao Junwang of Marquis Annan’s mansion. Mu Peixuan had earned fame early in life. Though he was born of the primary wife, he had an older brother already named heir, so he had no chance of becoming Junwang[mfn]”Prince of a Commandery” or “Prince of the Second Rank.”[/mfn]. But when Mu Peixuan entered the capital at sixteen and stayed for half a year, the emperor took a liking to him and granted him the title of Junwang.
Though Marquis Annan Mansion had been declining year after year, thanks to Mu Peixuan, they still commanded a certain level of respect. So no one had expected him to marry Duan Linzhou.
It wasn’t that Duan Linzhou was unworthy. Talking about the Duan family of Ruizhou, the first thing that came to everyone’s mind was just two words: filthy rich. As for Duan Linzhou, he was the living embodiment of the God of Wealth.
The Duan family had once been just an ordinary merchant household in Ruizhou City. But ever since the business fell into Duan Linzhou’s hands, it took less than a decade for their fortunes to soar. Maybe not rich enough to rival the nation, but certainly raking in gold by the day and dominating the region in wealth.
Even so, Duan Linzhou, who was born of a merchant family, was still a Zhongyong[mfn]Beta[/mfn] in status, there was absolutely no way he could be connected by marriage to Marquis Annan Mansion, let alone marry Xiao Junwang, Mu Peixuan.
Mu Peixuan was a Tianqian[mfn]Alpha[/mfn].
Zhongyong lay between Tianqian and Kunze[mfn]Omega[/mfn], neither gifted like the former nor capable of bearing children like the latter. Even among common families, a Tianqian would hesitate to marry a Zhongyong, and a Kunze would be unwilling to wed one either. In short, being Zhongyong was an awkward, undesirable status. Because they had no Xinxiang[mfn]Pheromones[/mfn], they couldn’t perceive it in others, let alone offer it to a partner. A Zhongyong was utterly incapable of helping a Tianqian or Kunze through their Qingqi[mfn]Heat cycles[/mfn].
What mattered most was that Duan Linzhou was in poor health, some even said he was dying.
Duan Linzhou was a genius in business, but unfortunately, he had been bedridden with illness for the past two years. Every winter, it was like he made a trip to the gates of death.
How could such a strange marriage not stir people’s curiosity?
The citizens of Ruizhou who had gathered to witness the ceremony couldn’t help but cast their eyes toward Mu Peixuan, who sat atop his horse. He had yet to reach his coming-of-age this year, and dressed in red, his striking features stood out all the more, and he had a great demeanor. Yet his face was expressionless, showing not the slightest trace of joy befitting a groom.
The onlookers thought, even in decline, Marquis Annan Mansion was still a noble house of old lineage. For a favored son of heaven like Mu Peixuan to marry a merchant, one who was both sickly and a Zhongyong at that as well, how could he possibly be happy about it?
Duan Linzhou was also a full ten years older than Mu Peixuan as well.
After all, it was a union between the Mu and Duan families. Duan Linzhou had the wealth, and since it was his own wedding, he spared no expense. The grandeur of the occasion was such that people would still be talking about it with relish for decades to come.
The crowd shifted their gaze to the lavishly adorned carriage drawn by fine steeds. The curtains hung low, obscuring the figure within, only a vague silhouette could be seen. The person sat upright, dressed in resplendent robes that couldn’t even conceal the slenderness of his frame. As the wind lifted a corner of the curtain, a pair of pale, slender hands was revealed. Those hands, too, were thin and delicately boned, resting atop an ornate gilt hand warmer[mfn]Fyi, the hand warmer that ancient Chinese used is made of copper or ceramic, also known as sleeve censers (xiulu), are a luxury personal accessory. Containing a glowing piece of charcoal embedded in ashes.[/mfn], their sickly whiteness made all the more stark by contrast.
Duan Linzhou, or Boss Duan, was well-known to all. A few years ago, there would have been no shortage of people eager to form an alliance with him. But ever since his illness, Duan Linzhou had withdrawn from the public eye, to the point where the people of Ruizhou could hardly remember what he even looked like.
Before the onlookers could crane their necks to get a clearer view, the servants quickly pulled the curtain down, obscuring everything from sight. This left a lingering sense of regret among the crowd, as if something just out of reach had slipped away.
2
The wedding procession left the Duan Mansion, passed through Heng’an Street, and then Changle Alley. It was a grand sight, moving with great momentum, their steps leaving tracks in the fresh, falling snow as they made their way to Marquis Annan’s mansion.
Marquis Annan’s mansion, was different from the typical noble families, most of which were located in the capital. Marquis Annan’s mansion, however, was in Ruizhou. Two hundred years ago, when the world was engulfed in chaos and the previous dynasty fell into disarray, the ancestors of Marquis Annan gathered rebel forces in the Ruizhou region, establishing themselves as local lords. It wasn’t until the founding emperor of the Daliang dynasty, known as Tai Zu, rode into Lingnan, marching toward Ruizhou, that the ancestors of Marquis Annan, wise as they were, sensed the shifting tides and surrendered to the new dynasty early on.
After the founding emperor ascended the throne, he granted the title of Marquis Annan to the Mu family’s ancestors, with the title passing down through the generations without change.
Two centuries ago, Marquis Annan Mansion held great influence in Lingnan, commanding respect and imposing authority over the numerous tribes south of Ruizhou. To the south of Ruizhou lay Suizhou, Yunzhou, and the vast and rugged Ten Thousand Mountains, shrouded in mist. This region was often referred to as a land of savages, home to many tribal groups.
Unfortunately, in recent decades, the military power of Marquis Annan Man’s had gradually diminished, and there had been few military talents to emerge. The once glorious family now seemed to be fading, much like the setting sun over Mount Yu.
Yet despite this, the marriage of Xiao Junwang of Marquise Annan Mansion still commanded the usual grandeur and ceremony, regardless of who the bride was. The customary display could not be lacking.
The snow grew heavier, turning from light flakes into large, goose-feather-like snowflakes. The procession finally came to a halt before the gates of Marquis Annan’s mansion.
Outside the gates, the crowd bustled with activity. Mu Peixuan cast a brief glance expressionlessly before dismounting. He was tall, with long legs and neatly groomed brows that almost met his temples. His hair was tied back with a golden crown, giving him the appearance of a striking and capable man.
Mu Peixuan was surrounded by attendants as he walked toward the luxurious carriage. Through the curtain, he saw the figure seated upright inside, and a complex mix of emotions stirred in his heart, part of it was frustration he couldn’t swallow, and another part of it was resentment he couldn’t quite hide.
He remained motionless, even as the curtain was drawn open.
“… Junwang.” His attendant Fen Mo reminded him softly.
Mu Peixuan pressed his lips together, then slowly reached out his hand. From inside the curtain, a few pale fingertips extended toward him, like carved jade, the nails neatly trimmed, though tinged with an unhealthy bluish-white hue.
It was a very beautiful hand.
Mu Peixuan was momentarily dazed, and the next instant, that hand rested in his palm. The sudden cold made him shiver, it was icy, with only the faintest trace of warmth left.
He caught a glimpse of the hand warmer inside the carriage. Without it, he couldn’t imagine how frozen that hand would be.
Snowflakes drifted down, landing on their intertwined hands. Snapping back to his senses, Mu Peixuan’s gaze shifted to Duan Linzhou’s face. Unlike a typical Kunze bride who would have their face veiled, Duan Linzhou’s was uncovered. He wore a ceremonial crown, his bearing graceful and composed. His eyes met Mu Peixuan’s, calm and direct.
Their eyes met head-on.
Mu Peixuan paused for a moment, this was the first time he had ever seen Duan Linzhou.
Duan Linzhou had a striking appearance, his features were refined and elegant. Perhaps due to years of illness, his complexion was deathly pale, giving him a cold, distant look. The faint rouge on his lips added a touch of color to his face.
He didn’t shy away from Mu Peixuan’s gaze. On the contrary, he seemed to allow the scrutiny, a hint of a smile appearing in his eyes. Mu Peixuan snapped out of it immediately, inexplicably irritated, and his expression grew even more rigid.
Duan Linzhou coughed a few times, and the fingers resting in Mu Peixuan’s palm trembled slightly. Perhaps it was the drifting snow or the biting wind, but that hand was as cold as falling snow, it was so cold that Mu Peixuan suddenly felt as if it might shatter at any moment.
Next came the wedding ceremony.
No matter the reason behind the marriage, the joyous atmosphere inside the ceremonial hall stood in stark contrast to the wind and snow outside, exuding a rare sense of warmth.
The two bowed to Heaven and Earth, then to the elders. When it came time for the couple to bow to each other, the red silk between their hands tightened ever so slightly as they leaned toward one another.
Mu Peixuan escorted Duan Linzhou to the bridal chamber. The room was adorned with red decorations and festive ornaments, carrying more of a celebratory air than the cold expression on Mu Peixuan’s face.
He didn’t linger, nor did he spare Duan Linzhou so much as a glance before turning around and walking away.
Liu Guang hurried to hand the handwarmer to Duan Linzhou, then instructed others to add more silver coal to the brazier. All the attendants had long served at Duan Linzhou’s side, and they worked quickly, soon the room was warm and cozy.
Still feeling indignant, Liu Guang muttered under his breath, “Young Master, His Highness is being far too inconsiderate. Today’s your wedding day, and he even shows you that kind of face…”
Duan Linzhou gave him a glance. Liu Guang fell silent at once.
Duan Linzhou gently rubbed the handwarmer, his stiff fingers finally seeming to come back to life. He said, “He’s still young, and I forced him into marrying someone he doesn’t like. Naturally, he’d be upset.”
“Let him be.”
3
Mu Peixuan was indeed angry.
This marriage came out of nowhere, completely unexpected. The Old Marquis had passed away six years ago, and now the title was held by Mu Peixuan’s full-blooded older brother, Mu Peizhi.
The marriage had been arranged by their birth mother, Old Madam Zhang, the matriarch of Marquis Annan’s mansion. When word got out that Mu Peixuan was to marry Duan Linzhou, not only was he stunned, but even his friends reacted as if they’d seen a ghost.
Who didn’t know that Duan Linzhou was a Zhongyong? And just a merchant, and a sickly one at that as well?
This marriage was entirely mismatched in every way, nothing about it made sense. And yet, Old Madam Zhang seemed to be possessed, fixated on Duan Linzhou as if bewitched.
She had always been a dignified woman, but for the first time, Mu Peixuan saw her acting with such intensity, hysterical and unyielding. He said nothing. Old Madam Zhang looked at her young son, her eyes warmed, and tears fell again. She grabbed his hand and said, ‘Son ah… just marry that Duan Linzhou.’
Mu Peixuan furrowed his brows tightly and asked, ‘Why must I be the one to marry him?’
Old Madam Zhang replied, ‘I consulted a celestial master who read your fortune. He said there’s a great calamity awaiting you this year. Only by marrying Duan Linzhou can it be averted; otherwise, not only will you be doomed, but our entire Marquis Annan Mansion will suffer.’
Mu Peixuan let out a cold laugh. ‘Absurd. What celestial master? Spouting nonsense and spreading superstition. Fen Mo, go drag that charlatan here for me!’ His voice rose as he flicked his sleeve, ready to storm off and flay that so-called mystic. But Old Madam Zhang sternly dismissed the responding Fen Mo with a sharp word, then turned to Mu Peixuan. After a long sigh, she said firmly, leaving no room for argument, ‘Xuan’er, no matter what, you will marry Duan Linzhou.’
She said, ‘Just take it as doing it for the sake of our Marquis Mansion. If you refuse to marry him, I’ll find a rope and hang myself before our ancestors tomorrow.’
Old Madam Zhang’s words left no room for negotiation. Mu Peixuan found it utterly absurd. He wasn’t a fool. The mother and son stared each other down for a moment before Mu Peixuan finally said, ‘Mother, you insist that I marry Duan Linzhou, but Duan Linzhou may not even be willing to marry me.’
Duan Linzhou was a powerful merchant in Ruizhou. Though he was a Zhongyong and in poor health, it didn’t mean he’d be willing to marry and become someone’s wife.
Old Madam Zhang said, ‘You don’t need to worry about that.’
She continued, ‘You just need to be ready to marry him.’
Mu Peixuan felt even more unsettled, his brows furrowing tighter. ‘Did Duan Linzhou say he wants to marry me?’
Old Madam Zhang paused.
As he expected. His mother had always wanted to find a kunze from a noble family in the capital for him. If it weren’t for some unusual reason, she would never have him marry a merchant.
Mu Peixuan said, ‘Did Duan Linzhou get something on me or on our family?’
As soon as he asked the question, Old Madam Zhang’s expression subtly changed. Mu Peixuan sensed something, he was certain he had no secrets that could be used against him. If it wasn’t him, then it must be something about the Marquis Mansion itself.
He wanted to press further, but Old Madam Zhang said, ‘Xuan’er, don’t ask anymore. All you need to remember is, you must marry Duan Linzhou.’
She added, ‘If you don’t like him, just marry him, and that’s it. With a body like his, who knows how many years he can last? Once he dies, you can marry whoever you want, and I won’t interfere.’
Her words made Mu Peixuan extremely displeased. Looking at her strained expression only irritated him further. But no matter how unwilling he was, this marriage had already been nailed down, there was no turning back.
Before the wedding, Mu Peixuan had once tried to meet Duan Linzhou, but Duan Linzhou was as elusive as a cunning rabbit with three burrows. With several estates at his disposal, he somehow managed to avoid being caught by Mu Peixuan.
It wasn’t until three days before the wedding that someone invited Mu Peixuan to a secluded manor. The place was exquisitely refined. Though it was deep into winter, plum blossoms of various colors bloomed brilliantly, their fragrance filling the air.
When Mu Peixuan stepped into the room, the warmth inside instantly wrapped around him. A few red plum branches arranged in a pale green goose-neck vase added a touch of vitality to the space.
A folding screen stood between them.
The auspicious beast-shaped incense burner was lit, curling wisps of smoke rising into the air. Yet Mu Peixuan sharply caught the faint, bitter scent of medicine hidden within the fragrance.
“Duan Linzhou greets Xiao Junwang,” came a slightly hoarse yet gentle voice from behind the screen. “I’ve been ill for a long time, if my manners fall short, I hope Xiao Junwang will not take offense.”
Mu Peixuan suddenly didn’t know what to say.
He had come to meet Duan Linzhou to figure out the reason behind this baffling marriage arrangement. He had no desire to marry Duan Linzhou. It had nothing to do with Duan Linzhou being a zhongyong or a sickly person, Mu Peixuan simply did not like him.
Mu Peixuan hated nothing more than being forced to do things, let alone being forced into a marriage.
But when he actually stood before Duan Linzhou, he realized things were completely different from what he had imagined. Mu Peixuan had heard of Duan Linzhou before, he was a genius in business, the head of a major merchant guild in Lingnan, with immense wealth. Even many of the places Mu Peixuan and his idle companions frequented hang out were under Duan Linzhou’s name.
One hailed from a noble aristocratic family, the other was a mere merchant by birth, the two should have had no connection at all. No matter how skilled Duan Linzhou was in business, it had little to do with the likes of their pampered, idle circle.
But fate had gone off course.
The young attendant served tea to Mu Peixuan, it was fine tea, Longjing picked before the Qingming Festival.
Duan Linzhou did not come out from behind the screen, he simply said, “This is this year’s new tea, do have a taste, Xiao Junwang.”
Mu Peixuan had no intention of drinking. He looked at the screen and said, “I’ve long heard of your name, Boss Duan. Let’s not beat around the bush today.”
Duan Linzhou let out a light chuckle, followed by a suppressed cough or two, his voice now even more hoarse. “Xiao Junwang is here about our marriage, I presume?”
Mu Peixuan paused for a moment, then said, “Yes.”
Duan Linzhou countered, “What kind of spouse does Your Highness wish to marry?”
The question caught Mu Peixuan off guard. He had never really thought about what kind of person he wanted to spend his life with, but whatever the answer was, it didn’t seem like it should be someone like Duan Linzhou.
Unhurriedly, Duan Linzhou continued, “Apart from not being a kunze, I dare say my looks are passable, and I have a few profitable ventures at hand. I can’t claim to be wealthy enough to rival a nation, but it’s more than enough to ensure that Marquis Annan Mansion never needs to worry about silver and gold again.”
Mu Peixuan was so amused by his matter-of-fact, businesslike tone that he gave a cold laugh and crossed his arms. “Boss Duan really has quite the nerve.”
Duan Linzhou held back two more coughs, then sighed and said, “Xiao Junwang, the situation in the southern border is unstable, and the new young emperor in the capital has yet to establish his footing. Should chaos break out, I fear it would bring great misfortune to Marquis Annan Mansion.”
Mu Peixuan’s heart gave a sudden jolt.
“What I’m about to say may be presumptuous, I ask Xiao Junwang not to take offense,” Duan Linzhou said with a faint smile. “Marquis Annan Mansion of today is no longer what it was a hundred years ago.”
After a long pause, Mu Peixuan gave a cold laugh and said, “So by that reasoning, Boss Duan’s painstaking efforts are all for the sake of my Marquis Annan Mansion?”
Duan Linzhou smiled lightly. “Of course not.”
“Duan is a businessman,” Duan Linzhou said meaningfully, “And naturally would not do anything that doesn’t benefit me. Xiao Junwang, no matter what, Marquis Annan Mansion is still a marquis mansion, while the Duan family, no matter how much gold flows into our coffers, even if we’re as wealthy as a nation, in the end, we are just mere merchants at the bottom of the social ladder.”
“In the future, once we are wed, the Duan family will have to rely heavily on Xiao Junwang’s protection.”
Mu Peixuan fell silent for a moment, then sneered, “Boss Duan truly lives up to his name as a leader in the merchant world.”
Duan Linzhou replied calmly, “Xiao Junwang flatters me.”
He chuckled again and said, “In truth, marrying me is quite the bargain for Xiao Junwang.”
Duan Linzhou continued, “I don’t have long to live. Once I’m gone, the Duan family will be yours. You’ll be free to marry again, have a lovely wife, and take as many concubines as you please. What harm is there in that?”
“I’m merely borrowing a year or two of Xiao Junwang’s time, that’s all.”
4
The banquet was lively. As the Xiao Junwang of Marquis Annan Mansion, Mu Peixuan drew a large crowd, prominent figures from several nearby provinces had come to witness the ceremony. The hall was filled with the clinking of cups and congratulatory toasts, as if this truly were a match made in heaven.
The whispers and laughter were kept behind closed doors.
Mu Peixuan held his liquor well, and with resentment bottled up inside, he accepted every toast that came his way. Only those close to him could see his foul mood, but since it was his wedding day, no one dared to say a word.
After a few rounds of drinks, someone started riling up the crowd to go play tricks in the bridal chamber.
Mu Peixuan was the legitimate young master of Marquis Annan Mansion and even held a title personally granted by the Emperor himself, there was no shortage of idle young masters eager to curry favor with him. With wine loosening their tongues, they paid no mind to how mismatched and strange this marriage was. Following the usual customs, they clamored for some fun, coaxing Mu Peixuan to go see his new “bride” and get a look at the famous Duan Laoban.
Mu Peixuan glanced around at the crowd, meeting several pairs of eyes, some genuinely looking for fun, others clearly waiting to see him make a fool of himself. He tugged at the corner of his mouth and said with a half-smile, “What bridal chamber antics? Everyone knows that this young master’s bride is made of jade. If your rough hands end up breaking something, are any of you going to compensate this young master with a new one?”
Mu Peixuan didn’t like Duan Linzhou in the slightest, but today was their wedding day, there was no way he’d let others make a mockery of them.
He thought of Duan Linzhou’s pale face, the sickly pallor at his fingertips, and tossed his wine cup down in front of him.
“Drink up! Today’s this young master’s wedding banquet, if you don’t drink until you get under the table, don’t even think about walking out the gates of Marquis Annan’s mansion.”
The second young master of the prefect of Ruizhou, Yu Jing, chuckled and said, “Second Mu, it’s fine if we get drunk, but if you get drunk as well, better watch out, Boss Duan might not let you into the bridal chamber.”
Mu Peixuan sneered, “You lot? Not even close.”
Someone, already flushed from drink, shouted, “Drink him under the table! We’ve got to get Second Mu drunk tonight!”
With everyone chiming in one after another, no one brought up crashing the bridal chamber again.
By the time Mu Peixuan finally pulled himself away from the banquet, he was already unusually tipsy. Behind him, the tables were littered with drunk young nobles, some hugging wine jars, others slumped over the tables, evidence of just how much had been drunk.
Fen Mo was supporting Mu Peixuan on the way to the bridal chamber when they ran into Old Madam Zhang and Mu Peizhi, the Marquis Annan. Old Madam Zhang caught a whiff of the alcohol on him and frowned. “Is this how you serve your master? Letting him drink like this?”
Fen Mo lowered his head and said quietly, “It was thoughtless of this humble one. I beg the Old Madam’s pardon.”
“That’s enough,” Mu Peixuan leaned against Fen Mo, eyes half-lidded, and said, “It’s my wedding day, what’s wrong with a few extra drinks?”
His tone was anything but polite. Mu Peizhi looked at Mu Peixuan and sighed. “Ah Xuan, I know this has wronged you…”
Mu Peixuan looked at Mu Peizhi with an unreadable expression. Though the two were born of the same mother, there was no natural closeness between them. Mu Peixuan had been favored by the late Marquis, who had kept him close, while Mu Peizhi had been raised entirely by Old Madam Zhang.
Compared to Mu Peixuan’s striking and flamboyant looks, Mu Peizhi appeared more gentle and composed, with a hint of scholarly elegance.
In terms of appearance, Mu Peizhi resembled the late Marquis Annan, while Mu Peixuan took after Old Madam Zhang, though their temperaments were completely different.
Mu Peizhi paused for a moment, then instructed the attendant at his side, “Bring a sobering decoction for His Highness.”
Mu Peixuan no longer paid the two any mind. Reeking of wine, he passed through the vermilion corridors, and before long, the bridal chamber came into view. Staring at the brightly lit pavilion, Mu Peixuan, for once, hesitated in his steps, a stifling irritability churning in his chest.
He stared for a moment, thinking to himself, What was he so vexed about? If anyone should be nervous, it should also be Duan Linzhou, not him.
With that thought, he lifted his foot and strode toward the room.
There were a few unfamiliar faces in Mu Peixuan’s courtyard, they are servants from Duan Linzhou’s dowry. When they saw Mu Peixuan, they all respectfully saluted and called out, ‘Your Highness’.
The door was pushed open by a servant. When Mu Peixuan stepped inside, his gaze instantly landed on Duan Linzhou, who sat at the edge of the bed.
Their eyes met.
On the table, the pair of dragon and phoenix candles burned brightly. Both of them were dressed in red wedding robes. Only at this moment did Mu Peixuan truly feel the absurdity of it all — the surreal, undeniable fact that he had just married Duan Linzhou.
Duan Linzhou didn’t move. His hands rested quietly on his knees as he watched the young man in bright red wedding robes walk in expressionlessly. The smile in his eyes deepened just a little.
Just as he was about to speak, a sudden cough forced its way out. He paused to steady his breath, then said, “You’ve already had so much to drink, one more cup won’t make a difference.”
Liu Guang stepped forward with a wine cup in hand.
Duan Linzhou said, “Xiao Junwang, please.”
That strange feeling welled up again. Mu Peixuan didn’t move, he simply stared at Duan Linzhou. Whenever he faced this person, it always felt like throwing a punch into cotton: no resistance, no release. And more than that, with just a few words, Duan Linzhou had already seized control of the situation between them, guiding everything effortlessly in his direction, so subtly that one wouldn’t even notice.
Just like their first meeting where they were separated by a screen in the manor three days ago.
Mu Peixuan did not like this feeling.
He looked down at Duan Linzhou from above, scrutinizing him. Duan Linzhou smiled faintly and said, “This is our nuptial wine.”
Mu Peixuan replied, “I know it’s nuptial wine,” his tone slightly slurred, voice indifferent. “But I don’t want to drink it with someone who’s about to die.”
Duan Linzhou paused slightly. Off to the side, Liu Guang clenched his fingers, wanting to speak, but upon seeing Duan Linzhou wave his hand, he fell silent. “Then let’s just skip it,” Duan Linzhou said. “It’s only a customary ritual, after all.”
5
Mu Peixuan was like a bristling porcupine now, anyone who got close was bound to get pricked. Though Duan Linzhou felt a twinge of regret, he also had no intention of pressing too hard. He simply ordered the servants in the room to prepare water for a bath.
Before long, the room was quiet, leaving only Mu Peixuan and Duan Linzhou behind.
Duan Linzhou showed not the slightest trace of a blushing bride’s shyness or unease. His calm composure reminded Mu Peixuan that the person before him was a Zhongyong who was ten years older than him.
Though Mu Peixuan often mingled with the young scions of wealthy families from Shuizhou, indulging in the pleasures of the brothels and flirting and courting women, he was still, at heart, an innocent boy, one who had never even kissed a woman’s lips. Now, confronted by such a composed middle-aged man, he found himself at a loss for words. Moreover, this person was the one who had forced him into this marriage as well.
— But there was no need to be so eager for marriage either.
Mu Peixuan clenched his teeth. It wasn’t that he had no fantasies about his future wife, though vague, his ideal image would undoubtedly be of a gentle and soft one. A tender, fragrant, delicate Kunze.
It wasn’t a Zhongyong who was in the middle.
Looking at the stiff and unyielding Mu Peixuan, Duan Linzhou spoke, “The wedding attire is heavy. Your Highness should take it off first.”
Mu Peixuan glanced at him. Duan Linzhou’s expression was calm, and under the flickering candlelight, a soft glow illuminated his sickly pale face. Before Mu Peixuan could move, he saw Duan Linzhou step closer, inch by inch, until they were standing extremely close. So close that Mu Peixuan could smell the faint medicinal scent coming from Duan Linzhou’s body.
Duan Linzhou reached out to undo the white jade hanging from Mu Peixuan’s waist, but Mu Peixuan instinctively swatted his hands away. Duan Linzhou paused, and Mu Peixuan spoke coldly, “Boss Duan, although you and I are married, you know better than me why we got married.”
“No need for these pointless gestures.”
Duan Linzhou lowered his gaze, a faint smile escaping him as he sighed, “Xiao Junwang, no matter the reason, we are married now. We are husband and wife, and that is an undeniable fact.”
Mu Peixuan furrowed his brows, staring at Duan Linzhou, and asked abruptly, “Why me?”
Duan Linzhou met his gaze and replied, “I’ve already said it.”
“Because you are the Xiao Junwang of Marquis Annan Mansion.”
Mu Peixuan fell silent.
A knock sounded from outside the door, announcing that the hot water had been prepared. Mu Peixuan gave Duan Linzhou one last deep look before turning and walking out.
Duan Linzhou leaned against the table, his expression calm, revealing no trace of joy or anger.
When Mu Peixuan finished his bath in the cleansing room, changed into a light and soft outfit, and returned to the room, he saw Duan Linzhou holding a white-glazed porcelain bowl in his hands, slowly sipping the medicine with a small spoon, one scoop at a time.
The attendant, Liu Guang, standing by, softly advised, “Young Master, the medicine has cooled. Its efficacy will be diminished.”
Duan Linzhou casually responded with a sound as an acknowledgment.
As soon as Mu Peixuan came in, both the master and the servant looked up. Mu Peixuan paused and walked into the room as usual.
Duan Linzhou had already changed out of the elaborate wedding attire. His long, ink-black hair was loose, cascading down his back, and his slender neck resembled that of a crane, with pale skin that seemed to invite attention. It seemed as though Duan Linzhou didn’t notice Mu Peixuan’s scrutinizing gaze. He raised his hand and finished the medicine, then after bowing to Mu Peixuan, Liu Guang quietly collected the medicine bowl and silently exited the room.
The room fell silent again.
Duan Linzhou suddenly chuckled and said, “I thought Xiao Junwang wouldn’t return tonight.”
Mu Peixuan sneered, “Tonight is my wedding night. Why wouldn’t I come back?”
Duan Linzhou looked at Mu Peixuan without saying anything.
Mu Peixuan said, “Since Boss Duan has already offered himself to me, if I don’t come, wouldn’t I be letting Boss Duan down?”
Duan Linzhou was momentarily stunned as he looked at Mu Peixuan. Mu Peixuan was a Tianqian, even taller than Duan Linzhou himself by half a head. His broad shoulders and long legs gave him a commanding presence, and despite wearing a loose robe, his figure exuded an air of dominance. On the other hand, Duan Linzhou had shed his heavy wedding attire, revealing his frail, thin body, weakened by illness. As the two stood together, Duan Linzhou appeared even more fragile and frail in comparison.
Duan Linzhou had not encountered a Tianqian who dared to act so recklessly in front of him for a long time already. Instinctively, he felt a sense of discomfort. But before he could say anything, the faint, damp scent of someone who had just bathed suddenly enveloped him. Mu Peixuan had already reached out and touched Duan Linzhou’s thin ear.
Duan Linzhou’s body froze.
Mu Peixuan sneered, and his long fingers passed through the soft hair, directly and wantonly rubbing the back of Duan Linzhou’s neck.
This is where Tianqian’s and Kunze’s glands grow.
Mu Peixuan has been practicing martial arts since he was young, and his fingertips have rough calluses. He slowly stroked Duan Linzhou’s neck, and noticing Duan Linzhou’s stiffness, he felt a little happy in his heart.
Since the two of them had fought several times, Duan Linzhou had been very comfortable and had the upper hand.
This was the first time he felt so helpless.
Mu Peixuan said, “Boss Duan said that you and I are already husband and wife, so we must be ready to sleep together. But you are a zhongyong,” he said slowly with a critical tone, “What right do you have to share a bed with me?”
6
Mu Peixuan’s words were offensive. Although Zhongyong was indeed inferior to Tianqian, Duan Linzhou had been doing business since he was twelve years old. Today, everyone would politely call him Boss Duan.
Duan Linzhou met Mu Peixuan’s scrutinizing gaze. He smiled gently and simply leaned closer and said nonchalantly in his ear, “Xiao Junwang, how do you know if you haven’t tasted it that I, Duan Linzhou, am not as good as kunze?”
He didn’t mean that Zhongyong was not as good as Kunze, but it’s about Duan Linzhou himself.
Mu Peixuan was deliberately trying to make things difficult for Duan Linzhou, but he didn’t expect to be caught by him and was speechless for a moment.
Duan Linzhou stretched out his hand and hooked Mu Peixuan’s neck. The two of them were close to each other, and there was a sense of whispering in each other’s ears. He said slowly and hoarsely, “The pleasures of the bridal chamber are endless, if one were to be bound strictly by the distinction between tianqian and kunze, wouldn’t that be far too dull? Xiao Junwang…” He said those words so tenderly that Mu Peixuan felt a tingling sensation on his back, and he pushed Duan Linzhou away with force.
Immediately, he met Duan Linzhou’s teasing gaze.
Mu Peixuan tightened his lips and coldly said, “Boss Duan seems to know a lot.”
Duan Linzhou’s back lightly hit the round table behind him, causing him a twinge of pain. He furrowed his brows but didn’t get upset. Instead, he smiled warmly at the irritated Mu Peixuan and nodded, saying, “I’ve been in business for over ten years, so I’ve certainly seen quite a bit.”
Mu Peixuan looked up and down at Duan Linzhou, then sneered.
Duan Linzhou sighed, stretching his hand to rub his lower back, and said, “Your Highness, I think my back might have turned red from that.”
Mu Peixuan replied, “You brought this upon yourself.”
Duan Linzhou sighed again, “Xiao Junwang should be thankful that my health has been improving these past few days. Otherwise, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to withstand Your Highness’s push.”
He continued, “If something were to happen to me, you would be left to mourn.”
Mu Peixuan: “……”
He let out a cold laugh and said, “You married me, don’t tell me you never thought about wearing me out into early widowhood, have you?”
Duan Linzhou chuckled and joked, “So Your Highness had better pray I live a few more years. Otherwise, if something happens to me right after marrying into your Marquis Annan Mansion, despite being perfectly fine back in the Duan family, they might start saying that Your Highness brings misfortune to your spouse. You won’t even have luck finding a second match.”
Mu Peixuan said indifferently, “Boss Duan truly has my best interests at heart.”
Duan Linzhou looked at Mu Peixuan, speaking tenderly, “Of course I have your best interests at heart.”
He was born with a pair of amorous eyes, and as he gazed intently at Mu Peixuan, it was as if a galaxy sparkled within them. Mu Peixuan gave him a single glance, then turned his face away expressionlessly.
A faint smile lingered in Duan Linzhou’s eyes.
He said, “Xiao Junwang, it’s getting late.”
Outside the window, the snow had yet to cease. It fell in a gentle hush, and the creaking of weighed-down branches could be heard under its weight. Duan Linzhou, after all, was frail, having been tossed about the entire day and still forcing himself to match wits with Mu Peixuan, a weariness he could no longer conceal crept into his features.
Mu Peixuan looked at him. Duan Linzhou had wiped the rouge from his lips, leaving his face devoid of color and lending him an even more fragile, sickly air.
Before long, the two of them were in bed. Duan Linzhou was clearly exhausted, his head had barely touched the pillow before his strength gave out completely. In a drowsy murmur, he said to Mu Peixuan, “We’ll put off the bridal night for now. I’ll make it up to Xiao Junwang another day.”
Mu Peixuan had no expression on his face. He thought, Who would want to spend the bridal night with a sickly person like Duan Linzhou? But before Mu Peixuan had finished his words, Duan Linzhou had already closed his eyes. Mu Peixuan stared at the bed curtains in silence. He was the only one who spent his wedding night like this.
Damn Duan Linzhou, damn this marriage.
Mu Peixuan felt depressed and a little aggrieved. He stared at the bed curtains dryly for a long time, until the steady rhythm of breathing beside him gradually soothed his taut nerves, allowing his tense body to finally relax.
He himself knew that he had not slept in the same bed with anyone since the incident. With someone lying next to him all of a sudden, Mu Peixuan felt uncomfortable. He tossed and turned restlessly, like making a pancake. Tianqian had a keen sense of smell, and a strange, bitter medicinal smell drifted into his nose, just like the xinxiang of a kunze’s body, which made Mu Peixuan a little restless.
Mu Peixuan turned around and stared straight at Duan Linzhou. Duan Linzhou, with eyes closed, wore a serene expression in his sleep. His eyelashes were long and curled, showing none of the sharp wit and graceful poise he displayed when awake.
Mu Peixuan watched for a moment, then suddenly felt that Duan Linzhou sleeping like this was rather convenient. Gradually, he closed his eyes as well.
The long night was silent, and the dragon-and-phoenix double candles on the desk burned faintly, their wax tears a deep crimson, flickering steadily until dawn.
