Chapter 28

Xue Miaoyun knew about Xun Jinian’s past and suspected that the jade pendants were originally meant for his wife.

“Uncle Xun, we really can’t accept this. You should save it for Brother Xun You and his wife in the future,” she said gently.

Heirloom-level gifts like this were not something Xue Miaoyun could take lightly. Besides, she didn’t lack such things. The belongings left by her mother were all invaluable treasures, enough to be passed down through generations.

“Take it,” Xun Jinian insisted. “One cannot refuse a gift from an elder.”

“Miaoyun, take it. This is your Uncle Xun’s heartfelt gift. As for me, I don’t have much to give, but if I ever have the opportunity, I’ll make it up to you.” His belongings were all with his wife and children. When he came to Shuize Village, he truly came with nothing.

Since they had already spoken like this, Xue Miaoyun no longer declined. At most, she would give a return gift to Xun You’s children later.

“Thank you, Uncles.”

Time passed quickly, and Xue Miaoyun and Cang Ling’s wedding took place as scheduled. Weddings back then were very simple. They had already obtained their marriage certificate, so all they needed to do was swear their vows in front of the leaders’ portraits. After that, there was food, drinks, and toasts.

Cang Ling wanted to throw a grand wedding banquet, but Xue Miaoyun stopped him. There was no need for such extravagance. The impact they had already made was enough. Overdoing it was unnecessary, and their family wasn’t naïve enough to fall for it.

However, Xue Miaoyun still found an opportunity to take out half a side of pork and invited the master chef from the neighboring village, who specialized in banquet preparations.

The quality of the wedding feast was undoubtedly among the best in the entire region.

After a busy day, Xue Miaoyun was exhausted. She watched as Cang Ling sent the guests off after the meal. The leftovers and dirty dishes were cleaned up by someone else. When she returned to the bridal chamber, she collapsed onto the bed.

“I’m so tired. Fortunately, this is a one-time thing.”

Cang Ling, who had entered the room at that moment, heard her words. He sat beside her and gently cupped her cheek with his hand.

“You must be exhausted. I had hot water prepared; you should go take a bath.”

Xue Miaoyun turned over, tilting her head to look at Cang Ling, who was dressed in a sharp military uniform with a red flower pinned to his chest.

The handsome man, perhaps a little tipsy from drinking, was no longer as aloof and dignified as usual. Instead, he had a hint of laziness and tenderness. Xue Miaoyun was mesmerized by his appearance.

“Heh,” Cang Ling smiled, looking at his wife with a sweet feeling in his heart. Unable to control himself, he bent down.

His lips were hot as they gently rubbed against Xue Miaoyun’s lips, causing a mixture of pain and a gradually rising tingling sensation that tempted Xue Miaoyun to respond involuntarily.

Their tongues intertwined, sliding smoothly against each other. The sweetness between their lips felt pure, as though they wanted to entwine their very souls. The increasing intensity of their breaths made time seem to stand still.

Cang Ling’s strong arms wrapped tightly around her slender, soft body. Her softness pressed against his chest, her cheeks flushed, and her lips shimmering with a soft glow—she looked like an alluring lamb. Cang Ling’s breathing grew heavier and more hurried, filled with desire, as he kissed her again.

The world seemed to fade away as their passion consumed them.

“Hiss.” Xue Miaoyun struggled to open her eyes. Her mind was hazy, and it took a while for her to realize that last night had been their wedding night.

It had been so wild. Last night, Cang Ling’s dominance left her with no strength to resist.

She didn’t know exactly how late it was when they finally stopped, but when she became somewhat aware, the morning light was already breaking.

Xue Miaoyun felt sore in her waist and back. Even moving a little was difficult.

“Yun’er.” As she struggled to sit up, the culprit appeared.

Cang Ling looked radiant, a smile always on his face. If his subordinates in the army saw him like this, they would probably be shocked.

Xue Miaoyun’s body lightened as Cang Ling’s large hands wrapped around her waist, lifting her effortlessly into his arms.

Cang Ling felt the soft, graceful curves of his wife in his arms, her warmth and delicate fragrance stirring memories of their passionate night. His thoughts were quickly interrupted when he felt something, and Xue Miaoyun, who noticed, couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief. Without hesitation, she reached for his waist.

“Hiss,” Cang Ling winced at the sudden pain in his waist, and all his previous thoughts vanished. “Wife, I’m sorry!” he said quickly.

He carefully fed her some porridge, saying, “Yun’er, rest well. I’ll make you something delicious for lunch.”

With just the two of them at home, there was no need to worry about anything else. Their world together was perfect.

“Mm.” Xue Miaoyun, indeed exhausted, nodded and was slowly drifting into sleep, her head nodding off.

She felt a deep sense of relaxation, not having to visit elders or cook for the family like other new brides in the village. It was such a relief.

At this time, with transportation being inconvenient, Cang Ling’s parents, who had their own jobs, couldn’t make it to the wedding. In those days, large, extravagant weddings were not the norm. Many young people who had gone to the countryside simply went to register their marriage, and that was it.

Xue Miaoyun fully supported this.

Over the next three days, Xue Miaoyun stayed indoors and got a real taste of what it was like to be married to a man who had been a bachelor for nearly thirty years.

Thankfully, Xue Miaoyun’s body recovered quickly, and their married life soon became harmonious.

“Cang Ling, let’s go to the beach. I haven’t been in so long, and I want to swim,” Xue Miaoyun said, pushing him away as he leaned in for another kiss. She simply couldn’t resist any longer.

“Swim?” Cang Ling’s eyes brightened.

Xue Miaoyun immediately reached up and pinched his ear.

“It’s a good thing your comrades and subordinates aren’t here to see you like this. They’d be scared out of their wits.”

Cang Ling laughed, then lowered his head and kissed her, “You’re my wife, my lady, of course you’re different from others.”

He wasn’t foolish enough to act cold and aloof in front of the woman he had worked so hard to bring into his life. She was the one he loved deeply.

Xue Miaoyun couldn’t help but smile. She had to admit, being the special one in his life made her feel truly cherished.

Cang Ling was indeed good to her—he treated her like she was fragile, never letting her do anything. The firewood in the kitchen was stacked up to the wall. The house was full of food and drink, all prepared by him. Even rarer items were being brought home more often. Every time she said they didn’t need something, he’d still buy it.

Xue Miaoyun really wanted to go to the beach. Even though swimming in the sea wouldn’t affect her physically, she longed to swim and feel the water.

Cang Ling, naturally, wanted to fulfill his wife’s wishes.

So, they drove to a secluded beach.

Xue Miaoyun couldn’t resist anymore. She jumped straight into the water.

“Yun’er!” Cang Ling shouted in surprise.

“I’m here, it’s fine. I’m just going for a swim,” Xue Miaoyun’s head popped out of the water as she smiled brightly.

To avoid making Cang Ling worry, Xue Miaoyun would pop up every now and then, but the intervals were getting longer.

Cang Ling grew increasingly anxious, his eyes locked on the water. Every time he saw her head rise from the water, he would let out a relieved sigh.

Watching his wife enjoy herself in the water, Cang Ling couldn’t help but be amazed.