Misty Rain of the Old Times

Upon seeing Chen Xuan, Zheng Wanqian's pretty face flushed instantly. Her fair cheeks, as white as peeled chicken skin, were as if they had been rouged. Her heart pounded like a rabbit's, and she avoided eye contact, unconsciously clutching the hem of her clothes, at a loss for what to do.

She naturally longed to spend more time with Chen Xuan, but she really didn't know how to face him. The main reason was that the little princess had told her such shocking things last night, which was too embarrassing and had caused a huge shock to her young heart. Things like cheese and coaxing and cajoling, my god, can it be like this? Is this how husband and wife are?

As someone with experience, the little princess was already very satisfied with her and intended to match her with her husband. It was clearly a natural progression, so she already considered her one of her own. Since they would be serving the same man in the future, she didn't hold back and even teased her a bit, saying things that were really funny.

Originally, unmarried women in this era would avoid such things like the plague, like a primordial beast. But people's curiosity is irresistible, and the more they do, the more exciting it becomes. Moreover, since it happens in private behind closed doors, Zheng Wanqian was instilled with a lot of taboo knowledge over the course of the night.

She listened passively or actively at the time, but by the next day, it was too late to regret it. She couldn't forget what she had put in her head, so she didn't know how to face Chen Xuan, since he was the main character in many of the things the little princess said.

When men get together, they talk about women, but it's mostly just an opening line. It usually escalates to a point where they're giving orders and discussing important matters. But when women get together and bring up these things, they get really dirty and the men have nothing to do with it.

Zheng Wanqian originally wanted to run away as soon as she saw Chen Xuan, but the little princess went to see the doctor, saying that she was going to have the Emperor Emeritus diagnosed. To avoid Chen Xuan worrying, she didn't tell him and needed to cover for him and buy time. So when Chen Xuan retrieved the jewelry box, she was with Du Juan and the others. Now she had to stop, after all, she had promised the little princess.

Hearing Chen Xuan's words, her gaze wandered and she stammered, "Young Master Chen... what would you like to talk about?"

In the past, Zheng Wanqian was always overjoyed when they met, her eyes only for him. Chen Xuan was really puzzled by her current state. He noticed that something was wrong with her early in the morning and thought to himself that it must be something his wife had said to her last night that had left the girl at a loss. It was probably about taking her into the family. Even if the girl was more than willing, it was too sudden and she wasn't prepared. She was a little shocked and flustered. So why was his wife causing trouble?

Seeing her like this, Chen Xuan didn't want to provoke her further. After a moment of hesitation, he looked around and asked, "Where's Zhang Yu? She's not here, is she?"

What I'm about to say to Zheng Wanqian should not be known to her for the time being, no matter how good Zhang Yu's relationship with her is. That big mouth often speaks without thinking, so to avoid making things worse, that's why I asked this question.

"Sister Zhang Yu asked me to do something... it's about the promised fees from yesterday's martial arts tournament. The amount is too large, and I'm not comfortable leaving it to anyone I can trust to keep an eye on things," Zheng Wanxi stammered, her mind a jumbled mess, still lost in her own thoughts.

What does Young Master Chen want to talk about? He seems quite secretive, as if he doesn't want others to know. Could it be something like that? Why are they both like this? But this isn't appropriate. He wouldn't say those things to me, a girl. Although I've long been determined to marry him, we haven't officially started dating. Is it appropriate to talk about these things? What if he touches me inappropriately, or even does that? Should I agree, or should I hold back and half-heartedly give in? After all, if I'm lucky enough to marry him, I'll be a concubine. I won't have to worry about losing my virginity to him before marriage. Even if I get pregnant, it will be my honor. Even if outsiders gossip, is it really as lowly as a concubine?

At this moment, the thoughts in her head had completely vanished. It was still because what the little princess had told her last night was too stimulating that Chen Xuan couldn't help but think in that direction.

Her IQ, which was usually so sharp in business, suddenly plummeted.

"Master, Roujia and I are going outside. Call us if you need anything," Dujuan said tactfully upon hearing Chen Xuan's words. She even tugged at the little maid as she spoke. Since the master was being so secretive, it was naturally impossible for her to eavesdrop.

Seeing them leave, Zheng Wanxi's heart tightened again. "Don't go! What am I supposed to do if I'm left alone to face Young Master Chen? Could it be that His Highness the Princess didn't spend time with Young Master Chen last night, and he's angry and wants to do something to make up for it? I'd be happy to do that, but it's only broad daylight!"

Unsure of what she was thinking, Chen Xuan tried to be as gentle as possible, avoiding directness, and said cryptically, "Miss Zheng, if my wife said anything to you last night... well, if it was inappropriate, I hope you won't take it to heart."

As he said this, Chen Xuan thought to himself that with her intelligence, she should be able to understand what he was saying. His wife must have talked to her about marriage or something. It was too sudden, and the girl wasn't prepared. He should comfort her.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Wanxi's heart trembled. She thought to herself, "You can't sleep in the same bed with two different kinds of people. Young Master Chen was indeed talking about that kind of thing. No wonder he sent everyone away. How could you two do this? You two are bullying me alone. How am I supposed to answer that?"

He wished he could disappear into the ground, so he lowered his head, shuffling his toes, and stammered, "No...it's alright, actually it's fine...I don't think it's a big deal, we're not strangers, and...and that day was bound to come eventually."

Zheng Wanqian, her mind a complete mess, regretted her words as soon as they were spoken. She wanted to slap herself. "Oh my god, what am I saying? And I'm saying this to Young Master Chen! Will he think I'm a frivolous and wanton girl?" she thought. "Even though I'm fortunate enough to become a concubine in the Chen family and serve them with my beauty, I haven't even received a promise yet. How can I be so casual about this?"

The two were completely on different wavelengths. Hearing this, Chen Xuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, saying, "Well, it's good that Miss Zheng doesn't mind. Actually, these kinds of things are all about mutual affection and consent. Being too hasty is never appropriate, don't you think?"

"Yes, yes, I already said I don't mind. Actually, I'd be happy to, it would be my honor, as long as Young Master Chen doesn't mind," Zheng Wanqian said, her heart pounding and her face flushed like a peach blossom, her heart filled with shyness. Young Master Chen doesn't dislike me at all. He even said that it has to be mutual and consensual, and he wouldn't force me to do anything. He's so gentle. And sending me away wasn't to do anything to me. Actually, I don't mind. You can be bolder.

Hearing her say that, Chen Xuan was stunned. So how exactly did his wife discuss this with him? Did she agree? If so, wouldn't he be living a wonderful life with women on both sides? He wouldn't be far from having three wives and four concubines.

Putting aside her wealthy background, Chen Xuan wasn't after her family's wealth. She was a beautiful and kind girl, and her words yesterday had already moved him. He understood her feelings and hesitated for a moment before saying earnestly, "I already knew Wanqian's feelings. Since that's the case, I, Chen Xuan, am not a hesitant person and will certainly not let you down."

"Hmm, as long as Young Master Chen doesn't mind... Hmm~ Hmm?" Zheng Wanxi nodded subconsciously. She originally wanted to say that if he wanted to do something to her, he didn't need to care about her feelings and only hoped for pity. However, at this moment, it was as if a keyword was triggered. Her heart, which was already full of Chen Xuan, sensitively noticed the change in address. Her heart skipped a beat, and she instantly came to her senses. Her intelligence regained its high ground, and she realized that the two of them seemed to be talking about different issues, but for her, it was the very thing she had been longing for.

She subconsciously looked up at Chen Xuan, and felt as if the whole world had become beautiful, just like a dream. Young Master Chen said he would not let me down, could it be that he would not let me down?!

Although he had long since adapted to the times and his mindset had subtly changed, he still felt guilty towards the girl. Given the circumstances, Chen Xuan could only try his best to make amends and avoid leaving any regrets.

Having said all that, feeling guilty, Chen Xuan didn't notice her emotional shift. His mind raced, and he spoke gently, "Although Wanqian doesn't mind, such an important life event shouldn't be rushed." He paused, then continued, "Besides, Qianning and I have only been married a short time. If we were to welcome you into the family now, it might cause gossip. So, I'll make a promise for now, and marry you when the time is right. Ultimately, I feel I owe you something, so I'll make it as grand as possible. I don't care what others say, but when you enter the Chen family, you'll receive all the proper betrothal gifts and formalities. We'll welcome you in with great pomp and circumstance, through the main gate. Let's see who dares to say anything then. Wanqian, what do you think? If you have any other requests, feel free to make them, and I'll do my best to satisfy you."

Happiness came too quickly, and Zheng Wanxi was completely stunned. Weren't they talking about something that would make her blush and her heart race? How did they end up talking about marriage?

Isn't this exactly what you want?

"I will do whatever you say, Chen Lang," she said, gazing intently at Chen Xuan and nodding emphatically, her eyes reddening with emotion.

Chen Xuan's words echoed in her mind. Having long been in love with Chen Xuan, she would not hesitate to speak even if faced with a mountain of knives or a sea of ​​fire.

Who would hold a grand ceremony to take a concubine? To have all the proper betrothal and formalities and enter through the main gate? It's unthinkable. Most families would just bring her in from the back, and giving her a red veil was considered a sign of favor. But Chen Xuan promised her without hesitation. How fortunate he was.

It was a twist of fate. Zheng Wanqian, who had always dreamed of this, realized her mistake and agreed without hesitation. She felt that delaying even a moment would be a disservice to her countless days and nights of longing.

Although they are currently engaged in private, it's wonderful. With this promise, their status is essentially confirmed, and they will now belong to the Chen family. All that's left is the formal ceremony.

Despite their lifelong commitment by chance, Chen Xuan felt something was missing. He rummaged through his clothes and found a jade pendant hanging at his waist, which Du Juan had helped him tie that morning. He initially wanted to take it off and give it to Zheng Wanqian, but then felt it was inappropriate. The jade was beautiful, but it lacked something. His mind raced, so he reached up and ran his hand over his head, taking a strand of his waist-length hair and weaving it into a bracelet in mid-air. He handed it to Zheng Wanqian, saying, "Wanqian, please accept this. From now on, you are a member of the Chen family. I, Chen Xuan, will never betray you. As for when to marry you, we need to discuss it with my wife." Even though they were committed to each other, they hadn't known each other long enough. After all, he had only fallen for her yesterday, unlike his relationship with the little princess, which had lasted a long time and had a solid emotional foundation. Chen Xuan didn't dare to make any frivolous moves like holding her hand, lest he frighten her.

Her gaze shifted from his face, and with tears welling in her eyes, Zheng Wanqian took the hair ring with both hands, clutching it to her heart. She looked at him again and said wistfully, "I am so fortunate that you, Chen Lang, have not abandoned me. I await your arrival to take me into your household, and I will wait for you even until the end of time."

Perhaps Chen Xuan didn't care about worldly etiquette, but Zheng Wanqian didn't lose her composure because of Chen Xuan, and she didn't consider herself a concubine and dared not mention marriage.

Since it was always girls pursuing him, Chen Xuan lacked experience and couldn't utter sweet words. Feeling guilty, he scratched his head awkwardly and said, "It won't take that long, at most within one or two years."

Too short a time is inappropriate, after all, they've only been married a short while. If he dares to bring her home anytime soon, Old Deng will tear him to pieces. Too long is also not good, as it would make the girl wait in vain.

Deeply moved, Zheng Wanxi almost laughed at his words. Overjoyed, she bowed respectfully to Chen Xuan and said, "I hope to receive much guidance from you, Chen Lang, for the rest of my life."

"Wanqian, don't be like that, it makes me feel really bad. Um, if I do anything wrong in the future, I hope you will forgive me," Chen Xuan said, bowing with his hands clasped. He was a little amused and exasperated, wondering what kind of situation this was.

With a smile, Zheng Wanqian was overjoyed, almost to the point of jumping for joy. But after her happiness, she had to face reality. She lowered her head slightly, not daring to look at him, and hesitated for a moment before saying nervously, "There is something I need Chen Lang to decide. I don't know what to do."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuan blinked and tentatively asked, "Does Wanqian have any engagement? If so, it's not a big problem; I'll handle it..."

Before he could finish speaking, Zheng Wanqian hurriedly interrupted him, saying, "No, no, I have been loved by my parents since I was a child and have never been engaged. The reason I asked Chen Lang to make the decision is because I am the only one in my family. Now that I have started to take over the family business, I will inevitably have to show my face in public. I don't know what to do. I hope Chen Lang can teach me."

This is a serious issue for her. Things were fine before, but now that she has entrusted her life to him, she can no longer show her face in public. She has to consider her husband's feelings.

After hearing her finish speaking, Chen Xuan waved his hand dismissively and said, "I thought it was something serious. Just let Wanqian be as she always has been. You're a strong woman, so I won't restrict you. Just be careful about your own safety. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know. But I'm not very literate, so I can forget about giving advice. I can only say that I'm tough enough."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Wanqian was deeply moved once again, her heart melting. Although Chen Xuan didn't seem to mind, she still felt somewhat guilty towards him. She earnestly said, "Thank you, Chen Lang. From now on, I will certainly uphold the virtues of a wife and try to minimize going out."

"I already said it's okay, Wanqian, you can decide for yourself," Chen Xuan said with a smile.

Nodding, Zheng Wanqian felt relieved. Then she pursed her lips, lowered her head, and dared not look at Chen Xuan. Her pretty face was slightly red as she said nervously, "From now on, I belong to Chen Lang. Does Chen Lang find my plain appearance unappealing?"

Unable to understand the girl's thought process, Chen Xuan asked in bewilderment, "Why does Wanqian say that?"

Mustering her courage, she glanced at Chen Xuan, then quickly lowered her head, her cheeks flushed and barely visible, and said, "I have already pledged my love to you for three lifetimes, so why... why are you being so polite? Is there something wrong with me that makes you reluctant to be intimate with me?"

Goodness, they were completely on different wavelengths before, but now she's managed to bring them back to their original thoughts. This is indeed what made her very uneasy. Chen Xuan didn't even touch her. At least he should hug her. Otherwise, what kind of private engagement is this?

Of course, she wasn't a frivolous or promiscuous person, but without any intimate contact, she was still somewhat uneasy, worried about being disliked. However, if she were to give herself to Chen Xuan all at once, she would give herself to him if he wanted, but it was too fast, and she was afraid that he wouldn't come and that he would do something reckless.

Unexpectedly, this was what she was struggling with right now. Chen Xuan's heart skipped a beat, his eyes darting around as he unconsciously rubbed his hands together and said, "Well, don't laugh at me, Wanqian, but I'm quite a womanizer. However, we've only just started dating, so it would be impolite of me to lay a hand on you."

Zheng Wanxi was slightly shorter than the little princess, but still around 1.7 meters tall. Unlike the little princess's oval face, she had a full face with almond-shaped eyes and cherry-like lips that resembled blooming rose petals, so delicate that she didn't even need lipstick. Her waist was slender and graceful, and her figure was perfectly proportioned. Her breasts were full, probably a C cup, a size smaller than the little princess's. It was impossible to guess what was bigger, since the clothes of ladies from wealthy families in this era were very loose. It wasn't like she deliberately showed off her figure when they met the day before yesterday.

At this moment, she was as beautiful as a peach blossom, shy and hesitant, seemingly both refusing and welcoming. How could Chen Xuan, a lecherous man, not be moved? However, they had only just started dating and hadn't spent much time together before, so he couldn't bring himself to make any physical advances.

Even the little princesses in the past only dared to be affectionate with each other after spending many times together and developing a deep bond, but they never dared to do anything too outrageous, for fear of being slapped by their father.

"I am Chen Lang's woman, I don't mind," Zheng Wanxi whispered, her voice so low it was almost inaudible, her head nearly touching her chest.

Since the girl had already put it that way, and Chen Xuan wasn't exactly a gentleman, he stepped forward and gently pulled her into his arms, saying, "Wanqian, if you put it that way, then your husband won't hold back. You smell so good."

As he spoke, he took a deep breath, letting it wash over his lungs.

Holding him in her arms, Zheng Wanqian's delicate body stiffened for a moment, but she quickly nestled against him like a pool of spring water. Amused by his irreverent tone, she chuckled and gently closed her eyes, saying, "As long as Chen Lang doesn't mind, I... I will serve you wholeheartedly. I hope you will have mercy on me."

Even if she wasn't ready, she wouldn't refuse Chen Xuan if he wanted her. As a concubine, she had no right to act high and mighty, and she didn't have any concerns about losing her virginity before marriage. Of course, it would be even better if they could go through with the proper rites of marriage.

Seeing that her tone had lightened and relaxed, Chen Xuan said, "Wanqian, you don't need to wrong yourself like this. Although I am not a good person, I know how to cherish women. I will not force you. When you are ready, your feelings will deepen naturally, so as not to betray your deep affection."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Wanxi's heart trembled. She knew that Chen Xuan respected her and did not treat her as a tool for amusement. She thought to herself how lucky she was to have entrusted herself to the wrong person. She nodded gently and said, "Thank you, Chen Lang. I am not wronged at all. I feel happy to have your favor."

Since the woman was already his, Chen Xuan naturally wouldn't be so hasty and abrupt with her, especially since it was broad daylight.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the courtyard, and the little princess appeared at the door. Concealing her emotions, she greeted him as if nothing had happened, "Husband... Oh, did I come at the wrong time?"

She was stunned for a moment, then laughed. Seeing them embracing each other, she was not angry but happy. She had been thinking that she would be unable to have sex with her husband for the next ten months because of her pregnancy, and she was planning to trick Zheng Wanqian into going back to make up for it. It seemed that she didn't need to worry about it anymore. Her husband had already won her over. He was indeed her man. They were on the same page. It saved her a lot of trouble.

Zheng Wanqian, who was being affectionate with Chen Xuan, immediately sobered up upon hearing this. Like a startled little rabbit, she quickly left Chen Xuan's embrace, her cheeks flushed red, and she lowered her head, not daring to look at anyone. Her heart was pounding as if she had been caught in the act of adultery.

...(End of chapter)