Chapter 1: The Wedding Night

Red candles flickered, and festive lanterns hung high across the sprawling estate. Exquisitely crafted double-happiness paper cuts adorned every door and window, while long bands of crimson silk crisscrossed majestically between the carved corridors.

Today was the historic wedding day uniting the empires of Da and Shu, and the General’s Manor was bathed in an air of jubilant festivity.

Princess Evelyn of Anyang sat poised upon the magnificent carved-wood canopy bed inside the bridal chamber, surrounded by an ocean of blinding red that felt almost surreal—like a lifetime away.

Suddenly, hearty bursts of masculine laughter drifted in from the outer reception hall. Had this been an ordinary marriage among common folk, such cheer would be heartwarming. But to Evelyn, that laughter sounded sharp and piercing.

She closed her eyes for a brief moment, her mind drifting back to that fateful day before she departed Shu...

"The iron cavalry of Da has trampled five nations, and now our turn has come. The mandate of heaven has shifted. Our military strength is waning and cannot withstand Da's might; your Imperial Father can no longer bear to watch our loyal soldiers die in vain or our people driven into exile."

"Evelyn, my child, your father has no choice left. We must submit to Da. For centuries, Da and Shu have been uneasy neighbors. Father has failed you, forcing you to go to Da as a bride of peace, wedded to Arthur to prove our absolute sincerity..."

Evelyn understood the grim reality. There were no other options left.

As the eldest daughter of the Emperor and the sole princess of Shu, shouldering this burden of peace was her inescapable duty.

Evelyn understood, but that did not mean she felt no grievance.

Arthur’s reputation preceded him everywhere. He was a veritable god of slaughter, a living Yama whom even underworld spirits would detour to avoid. By conservative estimates, at least eight or nine hundred lives had been taken by his blade.

During the years Arthur spent conquering the surrounding five kingdoms, Evelyn had heard countless horrifying tales about him.

Some whispered that Arthur possessed a ferocious, demonic countenance with bulging eyes like a temple guardian; others claimed he had three heads and six arms, and had once torn off enemy heads on the battlefield with his bare hands to use as drinking cups.

By now, Arthur had practically become a terrifying bogeyman used by mothers to frighten crying children into silence at night.

Evelyn had never imagined in her wildest dreams that her destined husband for peace would be none other than him!

At the thought of this, a heavy sense of suffocation gripped her chest. A sudden tickle rose in her throat, and a violent fit of coughing broke out.

The red candle beneath the western window flickered gently. Her personal maid, Pearl, hurried over with a cup of warm water upon hearing the sound.

"Your Highness, why are you coughing again? I've checked the water temperature—it's just right. Please drink some to soothe your throat."

Evelyn’s throat felt unbearably itchy. She lifted her bridal veil slightly and took several small sips of warm tea before the coughing finally subsided.

The warm red candle glow cast upon Evelyn's face brought a fleeting hint of life to her typically porcelain-white complexion.

"Your Highness, are you hungry? There are pastries on the table. Shall I bring you a piece?"

Pearl’s heart ached for her mistress. Evelyn had been born with a delicate, fragile constitution, practically raised inside a sea of medicinal brews.

From Shu to Da, the grueling journey had lasted over a month, leaving Evelyn’s health even worse than before. No wonder her chronic cough had flared up again.

Evelyn shook her head. She had no appetite whatsoever; even if she were starving, a persistent blockage in her chest made every delicacy impossible to swallow.

"I have no appetite," she murmured.

Anxious, Pearl urged, "You still need to take your medicine later, and there's no telling when the banquet in the front hall will end. If Your Highness doesn't wish for pastries, should I go to the small kitchen and prepare some proper food for you?"

"Let's just take the medicine first."

Given her poor appetite today, the fact that she was willing to take her medicine was already a relief. Pearl hurried off to prepare it.

A short while later, Pearl returned carrying a porcelain bowl of dark medicinal decoction. Once it cooled to a tolerable temperature, Evelyn picked up the bowl, furrowed her delicate brows, and drank it down in one go.

Having drunk bitter medicine for over a decade, today's brew tasted exceptionally harsh.

Pearl immediately offered a dish of sweet-and-sour preserved fruits.

Right at that moment, footsteps sounded outside the door.

The footsteps were steady and measured, not heavy. Evelyn was no fool; she knew precisely who was arriving at this hour.

Even knowing who it was, a wave of tension washed over her.

She even began to conjure mental images of what awaited her outside: a towering demon with three heads and protruding eyes, holding a skull goblet in one hand, baring fangs while drunkenly stumbling through the bridal doors?

Terror gripped her.

"Pearl, where is my veil?"

Panicking, Pearl rushed forward and draped the red silk veil back over Evelyn’s face.

This thin layer of red fabric served as Evelyn’s final line of psychological defense.

The chamber door was pushed open gently and then shut firmly behind the visitor. The cold early autumn wind outside tried to slip in like a stealthy tail, only to be abruptly clipped off as the door clicked closed.

The room fell into profound silence. Hearing footsteps approach her position, Evelyn instinctively clenched her fists, her palms slick with nervous sweat.

The man spoke.

"Da has many rigid customs, but I've never cared much for them. My brothers finished their drinks and went back to their quarters, and I dismissed the matchmaking matrons as well. You've traveled far and suffered much fatigue on the road, so as for the tedious wedding rituals..."

Before he could finish his sentence, a weighing rod rudely yet steadily slid beneath Evelyn’s bridal veil.

The man continued, "Lifting the veil concludes the ceremony."

Curiosity overcame Evelyn's lingering tension and fear.

The man's voice was not unpleasant at all.

Much like his footsteps, it was steady and grounded, carrying a crisp, refreshing undertone—resembling a towering mountain filled with pine and cypress touched by a gentle, soothing breeze.

As the red silk was lifted by the wooden rod, the familiar dread and anxiety rushed back to claim Evelyn.

She lifted her gaze cautiously, meeting a sea of vibrant festive red.

Arthur stood before her dressed in formal bridal robes embroidered with exquisite celebratory patterns. They did not look gaudy in the least, suggesting the monarch of Da indeed attached great importance to this political union rather than treating it carelessly.

She took note of the man's physique. To put it without exaggeration, he was the tallest man she had ever laid eyes on—a towering figure with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, blocking her view like a small mountain.

Yet Evelyn did not display her fear and anxiety outwardly. When traveling abroad, she represented not just herself, but the dignity and majesty of Shu.

In that instant, Evelyn resolved that no matter how monstrous or terrifying Arthur appeared, she would have to face him sooner or later. She preferred a swift resolution over cowering in fear and inviting contempt.

After all, she was a proud princess of Shu.

She raised her head, staring forward without a trace of cowardice.

Because Arthur stood against the light initially, she could only make out a blurred silhouette.

Evelyn felt a brief wave of relief: Arthur did not have three heads and six arms as rumor claimed.

That was fortunate, immensely fortunate...

At worst, he was simply ugly. At worst, she would avoid looking at him when they spoke and merely listen to his voice.

A moment later, as her eyes adjusted to the lighting, a fleeting flash of profound astonishment crossed her face.

This man... bore no resemblance whatsoever to the rumors!

High bridge of the nose, tightly pressed thin lips, and beneath arched, sword-like brows lay a pair of deep, ink-dark narrow eyes.

The pristine handsomeness and bold, heroic vigor were harmoniously blended across the man's striking face.

He was actually... rather handsome...

Was this the living Yama whom everyone feared? Was this the child-frightening monster general?

Seeing Evelyn staring intently at him, Arthur instinctively touched his cheek. "What is it? What are you looking at?"

Evelyn admitted she was partial to good looks, but her pride remained intact.

Although the nations were now united in marriage, for the past century, Da and Shu had stood at daggers drawn. Furthermore, the purpose of this union was hardly a joyful bonus. Asking her to beam warmly at the man before her right away—

She simply could not do it.

"Nothing at all. The General must be exhausted. Since the ceremony is complete, let us rest."

Her tone was slightly prickly, though it was hard to pinpoint exact faults; it carried the innate pride and majesty characteristic of a princess.

Before Arthur could reply, Evelyn had already stood up and walked toward the carved bronze mirror, casting a glance at Pearl.

Pearl understood immediately, stepping forward to help her mistress remove her elaborate hair ornaments, heavy ceremonial robes, and brush out her long hair.

With numerous guests in attendance, Arthur had consumed quite a bit of wine and felt a mild dizziness.

While Pearl tended to Evelyn's hair, Arthur removed his outer robe and lay down on the inner side of the spacious canopy bed.

Once her hair was brushed, Pearl quietly withdrew.

Turning around, Evelyn walked back to the bedside and saw that Arthur had already relaxed, leaning against the inner side of the bed with his eyes closed in rest.

The man’s outer robe was gone, leaving only his inner tunic. The powerful contours of his waist and abdomen rose and fell with his steady breathing, barely concealed by the thin fabric that did nothing to hide his formidable physique.

Evelyn’s heart drummed wildly against her ribs. Unsure what to do, she stood frozen in place for a moment.

Noticing that Evelyn remained motionless for a long time, Arthur opened his eyes and turned his head. Perhaps due to the wine, the corners of his eyes were slightly flushed and misty.

In a deep, hoarse voice, he asked, "Why are you still standing there?"

Evelyn's lips parted slightly. Was he expecting her to serve him?

She would do no such thing!

Yet instantly, flashes crossed her mind: her father’s silver hair, her mother’s wrinkles, her two young, clueless younger brothers, and the weeping citizens kneeling as she departed...

Murmuring a soft "Nothing," she sat down on the edge of the bed but stubbornly refused to lie down.

Evelyn could not help feeling anxious.

They had once belonged to opposing camps. Now circumstances had shifted, and through a twist of fate, they were legitimate husband and wife.

As his wife, intimacy was an inescapable reality.

So what if Arthur possessed striking looks?

She still had no desire to share a bed with him.

"The General should sleep first," Evelyn said coolly. "As the General knows, I was born with a frail constitution. After a month of grueling travel, I am still recovering from illness. I trust the General will understand."

Arthur knew she was wary of him. How could he fail to notice Princess Anyang's guarded posture and aversion?

In truth, Arthur understood why Evelyn treated him with such coldness and disdain.

Shu and Da were never amicable neighbors. Generations of Da emperors strove to unify the Central Plains, and his family had fought across battlefields for generations. Before their marriage, he and Evelyn were enemies on opposing sides.

Had his army not surrounded the capital of Shu, leaving them no way out, Princess Anyang would never have been forced to marry him.

Being married off to a man like him without a pleasant disposition was entirely understandable.

"Speak, then. What do you propose?"

Evelyn had pondered many things for a long time.

Accustomed to living alone since childhood, she was unaccustomed to sleeping next to anyone else—especially an unpolished, rough military man like Arthur.

Since he asked directly, she saw no reason to hide her intentions.

Evelyn turned around, presenting Arthur with a stubborn, indignant back. "General, it is hardly appropriate for the two of us to sleep on the same bed."

Failing to anticipate such a response, Arthur felt his drowsiness dissipate. He propped himself up into a sitting position. "Princess Anyang, now you and I are husband and wife."

A faint whiff of wine drifted past Evelyn’s ear from behind.

Frowning, she tilted her head to avoid the scent, her expression resolute.

Arthur acutely perceived the haughtiness and outright disgust underlying the young woman's words and demeanor.

He could easily have crushed Shu entirely.

Had the Emperor of Shu not prioritized his people—earning Arthur's deep admiration as an enlightened ruler—he would never have married Princess Anyang to end the war through political alliance.

Considering she had traveled far from home all alone, Arthur chose to tolerate her and dropped the subject.

"Sleep," he said simply, lying back down.

It was the first time in her life Evelyn had ever been ignored, and she doesn't like this feeling intensely.

Refusing to back down now, Evelyn mustered her courage, reached out, and abruptly pulled the lavish quilt off Arthur's body.

Struck by a sudden chill, the man opened his eyes instantly, fixing his narrow, hawk-like gaze upon her.

"What are you doing?" Arthur demanded.

"I... I'm not doing anything."

The delicate young woman pulled the quilt down onto the floorboards and reached to grab the pillows from the bed.

Was she planning to sleep on the floor?

Arthur reacted instinctively, his hand shooting out to catch Evelyn by the wrist. Years of military conditioning guided his muscle memory; pulling her wrist smoothly, he hauled Evelyn back onto the mattress and leaned over, pinning her beneath him.

It was a fluid, practiced takedown maneuver.

Before Evelyn could utter a sound, a surge of blazing body heat mixed with wine washed over her.

With the man's massive frame towering above, her petite body was instantly imprisoned within a blazing shadow.

Only then did real terror strike Evelyn. She had momentarily forgotten, blinded by his handsome face, that Arthur was fundamentally a cold-blooded, merciless general.

Arthur looked dark and imposing, resembling a wild beast ready to burst from its cage at any second.

She pressed her hands against his hard chest, pushing with all her might.

Yet that solid, burning chest felt like an unyielding wall of copper and iron, not budging an inch.

Chapter 2: Living Together

Arthur had fought across endless battlefields over the years, capturing and overpowering uncounted foes. Some were hulking soldiers built like oxen; others were swift and elusive assassins. Yet he had never once restrained a helpless, fragile woman.

Evelyn’s pale wrist was exceptionally delicate and thin. He had pinched it lightly with just two fingers, gripping a bone structure so soft it felt almost weightless—far less solid than the leather horsewhip in his grip. But while her hands were restrained, her legs refused to stay still. She kicked and thrashed, struggling like a feisty kitten brandishing tiny claws.

To someone of Arthur's strength, her resistance did not hurt in the least; rather, he found it strangely intriguing. Her wrists were soft, her body even softer, and the unavoidable physical contact carried a distinct, unspoken subtlety. That was until soft, muffled sobs began echoing from beneath him.

Arthur snapped out of his trance, instantly stunned. Why was she crying? He knew she was the most revered princess of Shu, and marrying him far from her homeland was indeed a sacrifice, but circumstances being what they were, what else could be done? He merely wanted to stop her from acting recklessly; he hadn't done anything to her.

"Ow... It hurts!"

The moment he heard the word "hurts," Arthur released his grip immediately. Evelyn’s wrist, where he had pinned her down, was already flushed red. At a speed visible to the naked eye, clear finger marks surfaced on her skin. This wrist was as delicate as a newly sprouted winter plum branch, looking as though a gentle snap would break it in two. He had barely exerted force; how had it turned so red? Was she crying from actual pain?

"Stop thrashing," he said, looking down at her as a faint fragrance drifted into his nostrils. "It’s late autumn, and winter is right around the corner. Your body cannot handle sleeping on the cold floor."

Evelyn’s eyes were rimmed with red as she stared back at him pitifully. Looking at her aggrieved gaze, Arthur felt this situation was far more troublesome than dealing with armed enemies on a battlefield. "...Fine. I'll sleep on the floor."

Evelyn lowered her eyes, avoiding his gaze. "If that is truly unacceptable, either the General or I can move to the side chamber..."

Arthur cut her off abruptly. "Neither of us is sleeping in the side chamber." Moving into separate quarters on their wedding night would spark endless rumors once word spread. This was a political alliance intended to consolidate diplomatic relations between two realms; no such blunder could be allowed.

Noticing Arthur's hesitation, Evelyn knew her words had struck a chord. "General, both you and I understand full well the true purpose behind this marriage. You surely realize that we are fundamentally two completely different people. Rather than growing to resent each other, it would be better for both of us to take a step back. So long as the General agrees, Evelyn is willing to play the part of a loving couple in public. However, when we are alone, I hope we can establish a three-part pact. Consider it a form of mutual respect between husband and wife."

"A three-part pact?" Arthur was merely curious, which was why he permitted her to continue, though he had no intention of agreeing blindly.

"You... you release me first..." He was still leaning over her, making her feel utterly stripped of authority in such an overly intimate position, which made Evelyn profoundly uncomfortable.

Arthur slowly pushed himself up, creating distance between them. As he stepped back, the faint, delicate fragrance waned slightly. She composed herself awkwardly. "In truth, there aren't many conditions—just one primary rule. My health has been poor lately, and I require quiet rest. Unless I give my consent, I ask that the General does not touch me."

Evelyn straightened her rumpled clothing, running her slender fingers through her dark, long hair again and again. The smooth strands cascaded down her shoulders, periodically revealing a vivid cinnabar mole nestled upon her pale neck. Arthur lowered his gaze, observing that behind her proud demeanor lay a subtle trace of nervousness. Moving his eyes downward, he noticed her chest rising and falling rapidly, her inner tunic trembling with each frantic beat of her heart.

He could tell she was genuinely terrified. Yet that lovely face insisted on putting up a strong front, desperately maintaining her imperial pride like a stranded little phoenix trying to smooth its feathers amid a roaring storm. Arthur felt a sudden, sharp pang in his heart, leaving him completely unable to utter a word of reprimand. He stood up on the wooden floorboards. "I have zero interest in forcing anyone into anything."

Fearing he might go back on his word, Evelyn scrambled back onto the bed and dropped the heavy bed curtains shut. "In that case, the General may sleep on the floor for now. As time passes, whether the General chooses to sleep elsewhere or take another maiden as your wife, Evelyn will have no objections."

The red candles continued to flicker gently. Arthur silently watched the red bed curtains settle into place, deep in thought. He quietly extinguished the lamp, laid out his quilt, and stretched out flat on the wooden floor. Having practiced martial arts for many years, Arthur possessed an exceptionally strong constitution; during wartime campaigns, he had often slept out in snowfields. With winter not yet arrived, sleeping on the floor felt far from cold.

As the night deepened, the delicate woman resting on the canopy bed gradually settled into a steady rhythm of breathing. Arthur turned onto his side, staring at her small silhouette through the red curtains, his mind drifting back to the striking astonishment he had felt the moment he lifted her veil. A disdainful smirk touched his lips as he fixed his eyes on the crimson drapery separating them. What did she take him for? If he truly wanted her, could her little defenses ever stop him?

·

Evelyn did not sleep soundly that night. Every time she woke in the dark, she would peek at the man sleeping on the floor, only closing her eyes again once she confirmed he was fast asleep. Arthur, lacking her heavy worries and having consumed wine at the banquet, slept remarkably soundly until dawn. As the sky turned a pale grayish white, Evelyn was still fast asleep. Arthur had no habit of sleeping in; every morning, he spent half an hour practicing his fists.

When the morning sun rose, Evelyn opened her eyes. The red candles inside the room were still crackling softly, but the floor was already empty. She cared little about Arthur's whereabouts; his absence was better, saving her from forcing uncomfortable interactions with him. Ringing the small brass bell by the headboard, her two chief handmaidens, Pearl and Dew, hurried inside upon hearing the signal.

Pearl, being sharp-eyed, instantly spotted the reddened skin on Evelyn’s wrist. Her throat tightened with emotion. "...Your Highness, did General Arthur bully you last night?" Both Pearl and Dew had grown up alongside Evelyn, accompanying her as part of her dowry to care for her daily needs. Evelyn could not bear to see her maids distressed. Besides, Arthur was not as domineering or impolite as she had envisioned. When she presented those demands on their wedding night, he had actually agreed without forcing her, which demonstrated a commendable sense of boundaries. Covering her wrist with her sleeve, she maintained her princessly dignity. "No, he wouldn't dare."

With tearful eyes, one maid busied herself styling Evelyn's hair while the other searched the wardrobes for today's gown. Today marked her first day as a bride, and according to tradition, she needed to pay respects and offer tea to her parents-in-law. Evelyn stared at her reflection in the bronze mirror, letting her handmaidens tend to her. Shifting her gaze, she observed the chamber through the mirror—the place where she would reside for years to come. Last night, she hadn't found time to look closely. Now that daylight flooded in, she noticed her wedding chamber with Arthur was not lavish. The craftsmanship of the furniture lagged far behind what she was accustomed to in her princess manor in Shu, appearing somewhat plain. Yet it was evident that everything was brand new with no signs of wear, clearly prepared specifically for her. Feeling valued eased Evelyn's heart, making her uninclined to be picky. For a family of military generals, having such thoughtfulness was more than enough.

"Dew, go fetch the intricate jewelry box that Mother gave me last year."

"Yes, Your Highness."

After serving Evelyn her daily medicinal decoction, Pearl and Dew followed the princess out of the bedchamber. As soon as the door opened, they ran straight into Arthur walking toward them. Having just finished his martial practice, sweat drops glistened upon his forehead under the morning sunlight, trickling down from his brow into his collar. Evelyn cast a brief glance, feeling a slight aversion, and greeted him neutrally, "The General has returned."

She wore a peach-pink gown embroidered with narcissus patterns, draped in a snow-white fox-furred collar cloak. Due to her cold constitution and fear of chill, she clutched a carved hand-warmer, rubbing her tiny hands together continuously. As a cool autumn breeze blew past, Evelyn pulled the fur collar tighter around herself, embodying a delicate, sickly charm that held a unique, striking elegance. Arthur could not help stealing a few extra glances.

"Have you had breakfast?" he asked.

"Not yet. I am going to pay my respects to Father and Mother, and I will eat upon returning." Evelyn paused before asking, "I wonder if General Arthur will be joining me?"

"Of course." Arthur had returned specifically to wake Evelyn. In a deep voice, he replied, "Let's go then." He turned, preparing to head straight toward his parents' courtyard.

Evelyn was utterly stunned. "Wait—"

Arthur turned back. "Will the General not wash your face and change into clean attire first?" To meet his parents for the very first time after marriage, he was being shockingly casual.

Arthur paused. Though he found it tedious, he raised no objections, heading toward the washroom while calling out to his manservant, "Iron Bull, prepare water."

Iron Bull... Such an uncultured name was something she would never have given a servant back in Shu. Evelyn knit her brows slightly, while Pearl and Dew could not resist covering their lips to stifle a quiet chuckle. The courtyard was bathed in bright sunlight, and knowing Arthur would take time to wash and change, Evelyn stepped back inside to wait on a carved wooden chair. The sound of splashing water echoed from the washroom, stopping shortly after, followed by the crisp rustling of fabric. Before her seat had even warmed, Arthur emerged from the washroom.

The man had tied his hair up neatly, changing into a dark maroon robe. He was not as dark-skinned as typical martial men, and wearing the red robe made his complexion appear considerably fairer. However, his temples remained wet, with several strands of hair clinging to moisture, making it easy to imagine how boisterously and hastily he had scrubbed his face. Evelyn stared at him for a moment longer, wanting to speak, but deemed it unnecessary. "Let us depart."

·

Old Master Arthur and Lady Wang resided in the Five Blessings Hall of the main courtyard. When the young couple arrived, the senior pair was already seated. Arthur's father was under fifty years old, having once been a brave and formidable warrior. However, after sustaining severe injuries during a campaign, he could no longer take the battlefield. Out of compassion, the Emperor of Da had appointed him to a comfortable, idle post within the capital. After the tea ceremony and formal greetings concluded, Old Master Arthur left for his official duties. Lady Wang held Evelyn's hand, keeping her behind, clearly having words to share.

Besides Evelyn, Lady Wang had two other daughters-in-law born from prominent families and wealthy merchant houses, both possessing refined looks and character. Lady Wang herself had been a beauty in her youth and prided herself on having seen absolute beauties, yet she found herself mesmerized by Evelyn's delicate, aristocratic elegance. After a moment's pause, she composed herself. "Your Highness, traveling all the way from Shu to Da must have been exhausting. I originally intended to prepare some precious gifts for our first meeting, but considering your vast horizons, you've likely seen them all, so..."

Saying this, Lady Wang slipped a jade bracelet off her wrist. "This belonged to the Grand Princess. When she passed away, she entrusted it to my care, and I have kept it safe ever since. Now that Arthur has started a family and you are his wife, giving this bracelet to you is most fitting."

Evelyn knew that the "Grand Princess" Lady Wang referred to was Arthur's birth mother—the biological elder sister of the Emperor of Da. The Grand Princess had tragically passed away during difficult childbirth while delivering him. Lady Wang had originally been the Grand Princess's personal maid and was later made the Old Master's secondary wife, bearing two more sons. All of this had been mentioned by her Imperial Father before her departure for Da. Hearing his birth mother mentioned, Arthur leaned forward slightly, his probing gaze landing upon the bracelet.

Lady Wang placed the bracelet into Evelyn's hands. Evelyn calmly put it on, expressed her gratitude to Lady Wang, and signaled Pearl to bring forward the gift box prepared earlier. "Mother, this is prepared for you and Father." Lady Wang looked inside, finding a hundred-year-old wild ginseng and a carved jade Buddha of peace. She had initially worried that because Shu and Da shared a hostile past, a princess married from afar might be difficult to get along with. Now it appeared her worries were entirely unfounded. The poise of a royal princess was truly distinct. Glancing back at her unromantic son, Lady Wang felt a wave of concern. "There is one more matter to trouble Your Highness today. Previously, Arthur was unmarried and consumed by war, fighting on the frontlines since his teenage years. His marriage was delayed until now, marrying you at twenty-five. I lack the capacity to manage the household affairs; previously, the estate was managed by your second brother's wife. Now that you have married into our family, as the eldest sister-in-law, this responsibility should naturally be handed over to you."

"Yes," Evelyn agreed softly. "Mother is being too formal; you may simply call me by my name." Lady Wang's words were both facts and an expression of goodwill.

After chatting briefly, Evelyn and Arthur returned together to their own Ruyi Hall. Arthur had one remaining day of leave, but Evelyn intentionally avoided him, so the couple spent little time together during the day. Only when night fell did they return to their bedroom to rest. After bathing, Evelyn was the first to step into the canopy bed, swiftly dropping the bed curtains shut. Only then did Arthur enter the washroom to bathe. As soon as he stepped through the door, an extraordinary, delicate fragrance greeted his nostrils. The scent was familiar—the exact same fragrance Princess Anyang wore last night.

The man's gaze shifted toward the wooden bathtub, where fresh flower petals floated on the water surface. On a nearby shelf stood jars of fragrant powders, skin creams, specialized soap cakes, and hair oils, along with three separate towels made of different fabrics. Arthur stood frozen for a moment. Did a woman's bath truly require such tedious, complicated preparations? He turned around, washed his face with plain water, wiped it dry, and returned to the bedroom, finding the lamps already extinguished. Arthur lay down on his floor bedding. The lingering floral scent on his skin acted as a strange sedative, and just as he was drifting off to sleep, a violent fit of coughing broke out from inside the bed, showing no signs of stopping.

"Princess Anyang?"

There was no answer from behind the red curtains. Evelyn was coughing so severely that she couldn't speak at all. Coughing was a chronic ailment of hers, flaring up with particular violence during autumn and winter. The royal physicians in Shu had prescribed long-term conditioning remedies for her, but they yielded little effect; only taking licorice pills when a coughing fit struck offered any relief. Evelyn’s throat burned with an unbearable itch, and her eyes turned red from coughing. She reached out her hand, intending to shake the bell to call Dew inside, when she suddenly saw a distinct, well-defined hand holding a teacup, extending through a gap in the bed curtains.

Chapter 3: Misunderstanding

Evelyn had been thoroughly exhausted over the past few days. Even though her coughing woke her tonight, drowsiness still weighed heavily on her. In her dazed state, she suddenly saw a hand extending toward her through the gap in the curtains...

Startled out of her mind, Evelyn turned pale with fear and frantically began shaking the brass bell.

Dew, who was keeping night watch outside the bedroom, assumed something catastrophic had occurred inside. Dispensing with proper etiquette, she pushed open the door and rushed in.

"Your Highness, what happened?"

Dew lit the lamps, instantly illuminating the bedroom with a bright, warm glow. She stood at the doorway with a face full of anxiety, only to see Evelyn pressing one hand against her chest while her other hand tightly clutched the red silk ribbon tied to the bell.

The crimson bed curtains had already been pulled aside. Evelyn raised her eyes in panic, only to discover Arthur holding a teacup, looking thoroughly bewildered.

As her mind cleared, she realized she had been sleep-dazed. This was no longer her royal palace in Shu, nor was that hand belonging to some villain—it was Arthur's hand.

Once the terror subsided, a faint sense of melancholy washed over her, followed by another round of muffled coughing.

Dew understood immediately—the princess was having another coughing fit. She promptly pulled out a vial of licorice pills she kept on her person and handed one over. "The weather has grown even chillier over the past few days. No wonder Your Highness is coughing again. In a moment, I will fetch a thicker quilt for you."

Evelyn nodded, taking the licorice pill and holding it in her mouth.

Just as Dew turned to pour water, Arthur had already extended the teacup in his hand toward Evelyn.

The man possessed large hands with long, defined fingers. Resting between his fingers, the small teacup appeared significantly smaller than usual.

Evelyn hesitated, intending to decline, but the bitterness of the licorice pill in her mouth was truly unbearable. She accepted the cup after all and took a few delicate sips.

"Thank you."

Arthur stood straight beside the canopy bed with his head lowered, overlooking her entirely from above. Having removed her lavish hair ornaments, Evelyn's dark, silky hair cascaded smoothly down her shoulders like a shining waterfall. Bathed in the warm glow of the candlelight, her delicate and fragile demeanor created a faint, deceptive illusion of gentle sweetness. Taking tiny, measured sips of water, she seemed lost in distant memories.

Arthur turned his head slightly. "No need to thank me. You were coughing incessantly; I couldn't sleep either."

Dew returned with a thicker quilt, placed it down, and quietly withdrew from the chamber.

Evelyn glanced sideways at him, looking like a defensive little hedgehog. "I was born with this ailment. It's not just tonight—I will cough like this every single night hereafter. If it disturbs the General's rest, you had best think of a solution as early as possible."

What solution could there be? Either continue listening to it, or move somewhere else to sleep. The latter was obviously out of the question.

With a face as stern as still water, Arthur reached out his hand to retrieve the empty teacup from Evelyn. "Finished? If you're finished, go to sleep."

The teacup had a narrow mouth and was quite small. As it was handed back and forth, the man's rough finger pressed lightly against Evelyn's hand.

Arthur's palm was perpetually warm, whereas in stark contrast, Evelyn's hands and feet were born ice-cold. Yet for reasons unknown, even though her fingertips were freezing, Arthur felt as if he had been singed by an unfamiliar flame, his heart thumping rapidly several times.

Evelyn jerked her hand back abruptly, casting a vigilant glance at him.

Arthur assumed she was merely feeling aversion toward him, indulging in her princessly fastidiousness once more. "Princess Anyang, I washed my hands."

While Evelyn did find him unrefined, she had not meant it that way this time; having Arthur press against her hand simply made her heart flutter in panic. She had no intention of explaining further to him, a proud smirk curling upon her lips. "The General thinks too much. You do not even sleep in the same bed as me; whether you washed them or not has nothing to do with me."

Arthur stood speechless for a moment. "...So I was just being overly sentimental?"

He held the teacup, staring down at Evelyn. The candle wick flickered gently, casting a small shadow from the woman's long eyelashes. Supporting herself on the bed with one hand, her exquisite, graceful figure lay on her side. The undulating curves of her waist, neck, hips, and arms reminded him of the rolling hills he had passed by during the campaign against the Realm of Wei a year ago.

She was indeed breathtakingly beautiful. Her frail, sickly state cleverly softened her inherent pride, making one simultaneously desire to tear her apart and to risk one's life to protect her. A woman like her seemed naturally capable of igniting every man's instinct for conquest. No wonder the ruler of Wei had repeatedly sought her hand in marriage from the King of Shu back then—and when rejected, had even mobilized troops against Shu.

Regrettably, those Wei troops had been intercepted halfway by Arthur and completely annihilated. Arthur couldn't help but wonder: with Princess Anyang's temperament, how long could she have survived under the thumb of that tyrannical ruler of Wei?

Evelyn had never been stared at by a man in such an intense manner before. Uncomfortable, she swiftly pulled the bed curtains closed with a crisp swoosh.

His thoughts pulled back to reality, Arthur set down the teacup, extinguished the light once more, and lay back down on his floor bedding.

He turned his head toward the blurred silhouette inside the bed curtains. "Have you had this illness for eighteen years?"

"Yes."

"Incurable?"

"It can only be kept at bay with medicine."

"Ah." After a pause, Arthur asked again, "Then how did you contract this illness?"

Arthur was not particularly curious by nature, yet tonight he felt a strange desire to know more details about her. Evelyn turned over on her side. "Even if the General knows, what difference would it make? You cannot cure it either."

Silence fell inside the bed curtains. Seeing that the woman on the bed had no desire to share the story with him, he did not press any further.

The three-day wedding leave passed quickly.

Upon returning to court, the Emperor did not revoke Arthur's military tally. Instead, while ordering him to keep a close eye on regional skirmishes across various territories, the Emperor also entrusted the Southern Imperial Encampment in the capital to Arthur for personal training.

The Southern Encampment was closest to the General's Estate, yet galloping there on horseback still took nearly an hour. At the fourth quarter of the Tiger hour (around 4:00 AM), Arthur set off from the estate. By the time he arrived at the Southern Encampment, Evelyn was only just leisurely waking up.

Her mother-in-law, Lady Wang, had entrusted her with managing the household, and over these past few days, she had been taking inventory of the storerooms. Seeing her princess grow noticeably thinner, Pearl could not help but feel heart-pained. "Does Your Highness still plan to continue the inventory this afternoon? There are still several trunks that haven't been moved into the storeroom yet. I see that the General Estate's storeroom is nearly packed full anyway—why don't we just leave those few trunks stacked in Ruyi Hall?"

"It's fine. I have other uses for the items inside those trunks."

In truth, the General Estate didn't possess an excessive amount of property. The task taking up most of her time was actually organizing the lavish dowry she had brought with her from Shu.

After taking a short afternoon nap, Dew entered to report that the Second Mistress from Chunxi Hall, who was previously in charge of household management, had arrived to handle the handover.

This year's autumn had arrived earlier than last year's. Following a bout of rain last night, the weather today had grown several degrees colder. By the time Evelyn finished conversing with the Second Mistress, the sun was already slanting toward the west.

Such weather was truly unsuited for venturing outdoors. Returning to her bedroom, Evelyn picked up her familiar carved hand-warmer, staring blankly out the window, her mind lost in unknown thoughts.

Meanwhile, Arthur had already set off from the Southern Encampment. Galloping swiftly on horseback through the night, the biting cold wind stung like whips against his ears.

While Arthur remained unfazed, his younger brother, Arthur Chengwu, found it somewhat unbearable. Holding the reins with one hand and covering an ear with the other, Chengwu spurred his horse forward to catch up with his elder brother's back. "Eldest Brother, getting married really changes a man! If this were before, you definitely would have stayed overnight at the camp. To rush all the way back in such cold autumn weather... once Sister-in-Law finds out, she'll surely be overjoyed!"

"Keep your mouth shut while riding, lest the north wind fills your belly before you even reach home."

Arthur cast a sharp side-glance at his third brother. Chengwu was only seventeen years old and lacked military merit, so he had been training under Arthur's guidance. He spoke without filter or decorum; if outsiders overheard him, it would inevitably invite teasing gossip about his eldest brother and sister-in-law.

After reprimanding him, Arthur still felt the need to explain the reasoning to his younger brother. "Princess Anyang and I have only recently wed. Even if the weather is freezing, I must return. With His Majesty above us and the Sovereign of Shu beyond our borders, if unfounded rumors spread that Princess Anyang and I are on bad terms, it will impact diplomatic relations between Great Da and Shu. What does an hour's ride matter compared to that?"

"That makes sense, but..." Chengwu looked astonished. "I thought you were rushing home because you couldn't bear to be away from Sister-in-Law. Eldest Brother, do you not like Princess Anyang?"

Like her?

Arthur had only seen Princess Anyang a handful of times. He could only say that he did not dislike her. To him, it was primarily a responsibility toward Great Da and Shu. Since Princess Anyang had become his wife, taking care of her was simply his duty as well. As for whether he liked her or not, he had never given it any thought.

Seeing Chengwu clutching his ears, Arthur deliberately poked at him. "What? Winter hasn't even arrived, and it's far from the coldest period—are you already giving up?"

"Who says I'm giving up? Eldest Brother, don't you know my horsemanship?" Unable to take the provocation, Chengwu clamped his legs against the horse's flanks, surging ahead by a horse's head in a burst of speed.

An hour later, the two brothers returned under the starlight, the sky having turned completely dark. As they halted in front of the main entrance, they found the second brother, Arthur Yanyan, waiting at the gates. Standing alone in the crisp autumn wind with an elegant, scholarly demeanor, he looked as though he had been waiting for a long time.

Arthur dismounted cleanly. "Why are you standing out here?"

Seeing his elder brother blanketed in cold night air, Yanyan stepped forward and offered a respectful greeting. "Eldest Brother, you've had a hard journey. I specifically waited out here for your return."

Handing the reins to the groom, the three brothers walked inside together.

Arthur asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"...It's nothing major."

That meant there was something. Arthur knew his second brother well—he was ordinarily steady and cautious; unless something required attention, he wouldn't stand waiting in the freezing wind for his return.

Crossing the front veranda brought them to a junction. Beyond the moon gate lay separate courtyards for the three brothers. Seeing that they were about to part ways, Yanyan dismissed Chengwu, looked around carefully to ensure no one was listening, and finally opened his mouth toward his elder brother in awkward hesitation.

"Eldest Brother, you are built tall and formidable. At times, please remember to be a bit gentler with the Princess, lest she sends a family letter back to Shu to complain of grievances."

Arthur was left thoroughly bewildered.

Realizing his elder brother hadn't grasped his meaning, Yanyan laid his cards on the table.

"Today, my wife went to pay her respects to the Princess and happened to see Sister-in-Law's wrist... Eldest Brother, pardon my disrespect, but please look at the vast difference in size between you and the Princess. You are newly wedded and lack experience; at times, you really must be lighter on your hands."

Arthur stood utterly speechless.

Yanyan was the only civil official in the family, serving in the Court of Diplomatic Relations where he handled foreign affairs. He was accustomed to thinking deeply and paying strict attention to decorum and boundaries. Influenced by him, the Second Mistress was similarly observant of such matters.

Earlier today, while conversing with Evelyn, she had accidentally caught sight of the bruise on Evelyn's wrist. Evelyn's wrist was fair and slender, pure like mutton-fat jade, yet marred by an unfitting ring of blue-red bruising—a mark easily recognizable as being pinched forcefully by someone's hand. As for who caused it, the answer was obvious.

The Second Mistress mistakenly assumed that the Eldest Brother had treated Princess Anyang too roughly during their intimacy, leaving behind those marks. Considering both their status and the diplomatic relationship between Da and Shu, she had shared her concerns with her husband. Consequently, Yanyan felt compelled to come and advise his brother on matters of the marital bed.

Arthur opened his mouth to explain, yet found himself completely at a loss for words. After all, the fact that he and Princess Anyang were not even sharing the same bed was something that could not be revealed to anyone.