01. Marriage

"Oh, Bingyi..." She wanted to ease the atmosphere, but when her eyes slightly adjusted to the dim light and she could make out the general arrangement and outlines of the furniture in the room, she suddenly realized that Liu Bingyi, who had originally been standing right in front of her, had vanished.

I like it, mind your own business

"Please use it, newcomers." The maid bent down to invite the two to dine.

Madam Xu took out the prepared ceremonial robe and draped it over her daughter, tearfully advising her: "You are already an adult, and your mother is very happy for you"

"Mmm." She struggled in protest as his tongue smoothly slid into her mouth, the familiar sweet scent causing his blood to boil, igniting a fire that raged within his body

The illness has become increasingly severe, with veins bulging: "I say you are foolish, and you still do not admit it! You idiot, how can you mention such matters to outsiders!"

Having endured the initial pain, she gradually regained her spirits, yet still tugging at his hair, she sobbed, "What should I do if the pain keeps me awake?"

As the carriage arrived at the door, at that moment in front of the eastern room of the Xu family’s inner residence, Xu Pingjun, dressed in a flowing garment with curved hems and her hair styled in a three-ringed false bun, stood bashfully facing the south. Her eyes, like water, sparkled with life, and her vermilion lips were slightly curled, delicately outlining a cherry-sized point of rosy red. Her face was adorned with a blush, and her thick, curled eyelashes veiled her eyes that seemed to be on the verge of speaking yet held back.

I assure you that I will not make a mistake...

She was truly in unbearable pain! He could even hear the obvious tremor in her voice as she spoke. His heart ached like a knife, and he lowered his head to kiss the corner of her lips, which were damp and slightly salty, the taste of her tears.

Madam Xu nodded and waved her hand to signal her son-in-law to get in the car. Liu Bingyi had been riding in the main vehicle before he arrived, but on the way back, he abandoned the vehicle and took the reins himself to drive for his wife. Among the followers, some played the sheng and beat the drums, while a young boy in front clapped his hands in admiration. Amidst the blessings and laughter of the crowd, Liu Bingyi waved the long whip and shouted, "Giddy up!"

"Can you be quiet for a moment?" He turned over in frustration, straddling her, pinning down her legs, and finally freed his hands to cup her cheeks, successfully sealing her lips.

As the vehicle approached the main gate of Shangguanli, Shi Dan prepared to replace Liu Bingyi at the wheel, suggesting that he switch to the main car for the return journey. However, Liu Bingyi shook his head in refusal, saying, "No need." He pressed his lips together and smiled slightly, "I would like to... personally drive her back."

"Stop playing, it itches so much." She laughed and pushed him with her hand, "I tell you, I didn't eat enough just now, I will definitely wake up hungry in the middle of the night. Is there anything to eat in this room? Hurry up and look for it..."

"Um..." she moaned in a dazed manner

However... this...

She pushed him away forcefully, and he grasped her hand, eagerly explaining, "I'm sorry, it's too dark, I couldn't see clearly." As he spoke, he tried to approach her again

"No time!" he panted, lowering his head to kiss her lips

"Shut up!" It concerns a man's pride; he became angry and said, "Isn't it all for you? If I weren't afraid of hurting you, I would have..."

"Hmm, what are you doing?" She slightly regained her consciousness, propping herself up in an attempt to stop him

Although the light is dim, it is impossible for Xu Pingjun not to know what he has done, given how close the two are. The bare body of the man pressed closely against her outlines clear lines in the darkness. She stammered, "What... what are you doing..."

Ping Jun could not help but be moved: "Alright." After a pause, he embraced his mother, still nestling against her shoulder as he did when he was a child, whispering softly, "Jun'er cannot bear to part with you..."

The ceremonial cup is indeed a gourd cut in half, with the handles tied together by a string. The illness has caused me to share half of the gourd with Ping Jun, drinking opposite each other. The wine is abundant, yet it no longer possesses the same rich and fragrant taste as before; the gourd is astringent and bitter, and the wine poured into the cup has been tainted by this bitterness

After the convoy arrived at Xuanmingli, Liu Bingyi jumped down from the carriage and deeply bowed towards the carriage curtain, saying, "Please, madam, disembark."

In the room where one cannot see their hand in front of their face, Liu Bingyi across from her remained silent, yet she could strongly feel his presence. The quiet dormitory suddenly became stiflingly hot, sweat soaking her intimate clothing, and her heart raced as if it were about to leap out of her throat, causing her great discomfort

Sweat dripped from his forehead as he remained motionless, his face pale with shock as he slapped her cheek, "Pingjun! Pingjun! Are you alright?"

Under his forceful and lingering kiss, Ping Jun succumbed completely, her arms weakly wrapping around his neck

In the bedroom, there are six bean containers covered with a long cloth, and four other containers also covered, making it impossible to discern their contents. Against the northern wall of the room stands a vessel, which one can easily guess contains wine. Next to the wine vessel are four goblets and a pair of wedding cups

"Ah!" She suddenly opened her eyes wide, jumping up in pain, "What are you doing? What are you poking me with? It hurts!"

At this moment, Ping Jun had already realized that these foods were not truly meant for satisfying hunger, but were merely a part of the marriage ceremony in her husband's family. She did not dare to act recklessly and carefully followed the next instructions of the maidservant.

I don't care whether you are right or wrong; in any case, you have hurt me, so you are at fault

The sky had darkened, and the attendants in front of the carriage lit torches to guide the way. Liu Bingyi felt an overwhelming sense of joy, as if he were about to soar into the heavens. Having been irreverent since childhood, he found it rare to be so serious at this moment. The carriage was not moving quickly, yet he held the reins tightly in his hands, not daring to let his guard down even slightly, his palms were so tense that they were drenched in sweat

He assumed that she had agreed, and immediately took action, his hands clumsily attempting to undo her belt

"You do not understand, you do not understand..." Peng Zu patted Shi Dan's head, "You are still young, so you will not understand."

Madam Xu had already reddened her eyes; amidst her joy, there was a deeper sense of reluctance. As she helped her daughter Shi Jin tie the ceremonial sash, she choked with emotion and said: "Be diligent and respectful, and do not neglect your duties to the palace, day and night"

The person lifting the cauldron stepped back, and the maidservant came forward with a dagger to cut the meat from within the cauldron, dividing it into bowls. A food table was set up in front of the newlyweds, and six dishes of beans and two containers were also opened. The beans contained vinegar sauce and pickled vegetables, while the containers held millet and sorghum. These delicacies were neatly arranged in front of the newlyweds, and Liu Bingyi smiled slightly, bowing to Ping Jun, saying, "Madam, please."

His breath, hot and scorching, sprayed against the back of her ear, leaving her earlobe damp and cool. The soft tip of his tongue gently licked, sending a tingling sensation that coursed through her body like an electric shock. She trembled all over, her legs could no longer support her, and she collapsed weakly.

"You still want to argue! You are truly a scoundrel... I will tell mother that you are bullying me"

Ping Jun only wanted to get up from the bed, so he kept struggling and twisting, which made the illness feel an even greater pain between his legs. Once the blood-spirited youth became impulsive, how could he still endure it? He let out a roar and forcefully pinned Ping Jun down, his body arched like a leopard, suddenly charging forward with all his might.

"Um..." she continued to cry, without restraint

A long gasp was followed by a sobbing cry, and in an instant, his previously resolute heart turned to nothingness

Liu Bingyi held Pingjun's hand as they descended the western steps of the hall. Xu Guanghan did not see them off, and instead, Madam Xu accompanied them all the way to the entrance of the residence. The Xu family was bustling with guests, and the entrance was crowded with relatives and neighbors who had come to witness the ceremony. Some young children in the neighborhood laughed and looked up in curiosity, and the sharp-eyed among them spotted the newlyweds coming out from the door, clapping their hands and exclaiming, "Look, look! Sister Pingjun is so beautiful!"

The soft body of the young girl exuded waves of enticing fragrance in his embrace, her skin beneath his palm smooth as cream, and wherever his fingers touched, her body temperature rose steadily.

He was already prepared to endure the mournful and piercing cries of Ping Jun, but he did not expect that the lovely person beneath him would emit a sound akin to a cat's meow. The cry was soft, yet carried a long tremor, and it suddenly ceased with a final gasp.

He threw the clothes he had taken off onto the bed, then lunged forward to embrace her, causing her to gasp in fright.

Long before, a young child saw the welcoming procession in front of the gate in the neighborhood and hurried back to inform the Xu family that Xu Guanghan had no sons. Therefore, he sent Dai Changle out to receive the guests

An unfamiliar sensation, never before experienced, filled her heart and soul. She did not know how to cope with such an unprecedented feeling, and could only gaze vacantly, lost in confusion, emitting vague moans of desire.

He kissed her forehead and said, "Shall I tell you a story?"

The couple sent their daughter downstairs, and Dai Changle had already welcomed Liu Bingyi into the door, standing at the steps of the front hall. Upon seeing Xu Guanghan and his wife come out, Liu Bingyi performed a bow at the steps before removing his shoes to enter the hall. Xu Guanghan stood on the east side, facing west, while Zhang Pengzu walked out from behind Liu Bingyi, placing the prepared wild geese on the ground. Liu Bingyi secretly glanced at the radiant Xu Pingjun, then made an effort to maintain a dignified posture and knelt down to perform a deep bow of respect to Xu Guanghan and his wife.

Sleep... sleep... sleep...

Do you dare

Liu Bingyi sat opposite Pingjun, who carefully observed his every move; whatever he did, she followed suit. Liu Bingyi took out food items such as pickled vegetables, fermented fish, millet, and offerings for the ancestors, placing them aside for the ritual. The maidservants then stepped forward to arrange the dishes, dividing the lung and spine bones into two bowls. Due to her nervousness, Pingjun felt an increased hunger in her stomach. Just as she was about to pick up her chopsticks to eat, she saw Liu Bingyi lift his bowl and raise it towards the sky, continuing the ancestral offering. Pingjun felt greatly embarrassed, relieved that she had not made a grave mistake, and hurriedly imitated him by first offering the food to the ancestors.

In the darkness, he misjudged her lips and accidentally kissed her nose. Pingjun exclaimed, "Why are you biting my nose? I'm not joking with you, hurry up and find something to eat. This is not my home, and I have no idea where the kitchen is."

After tasting the lung and spine, the maidservant brought over the wheat porridge. Liu Bingyi and Xu Pingjun took a bite of the porridge and a sip of the gruel, using their fingers to dip into the sauce. Pingjun's appetite gradually awakened, but to her surprise, after only three bites, the maidservant had already taken the bowl away. Even Liu Bingyi could not help but show a look of disappointment, slightly pouting his lips.

Ping Jun felt a sense of relief as the awkwardness diminished, unable to suppress a smile of contentment.

You are foolish! Brother Bingyi has already been given a title, from now on you should call him Brother Ciqing

He held her tightly, feeling heartbroken, and blamed himself, wishing he could cut himself twice to share her suffering: "I am sorry, it is my fault"

A boy of similar age next to her shoved her, "Fool! That's called handsome, do you understand? If you don't understand, don't speak carelessly, it's really embarrassing"

The feverish temperature of her body penetrated through the thin fabric to her spine, and her limbs were stiff, unable to move even an inch

Xu Hui let out a chuckle, and Ping Jun's face flushed; she lowered her head and stepped into the room

"Mind your own business!"

Liu Bingyi said, "Mother, rest assured, I will definitely take care of Pingjun."

Liu Bingyi had the best impression of his second uncle, Shi Zeng. Although his time spent at the Shi family was not long and he was too young to remember much, upon seeing his mischievous cousin Shi Dan, who often bullied him in childhood, he suddenly recalled the various kindnesses shown to him by his second uncle Shi Zeng and his third uncle Shi Xuan in the past

Several years ago, Shi Liangdi's elder brother, Shi Gong, had already passed away. Now, although Madam Shi Taifu of the Shi family, Shi Zhengjun, is still alive, she is advanced in age and nearing the end of her life. The affairs of the family have long been entrusted to Shi Gong's eldest son, Shi Gao. After the wedding invitation from Liu Bingyi was sent to the Shi family in the State of Lu, Shi Zhengjun, upon learning that her great-grandson was to marry, was filled with joy and specially sent her grandson, Shi Zeng, to the capital to attend the banquet. Shi Gao's son, Shi Dan, envied the scenery of Chang'an and thus came along as well

"Sick..." A trembling call was choked in her throat, and as her waist tightened, she was embraced from behind and forcefully pulled back, falling into that familiar embrace.

The maid, smiling gently, took away the four goblets and finally retrieved the wedding cup, pouring wine into it before handing it over.

Liu Bingyi came up and held Pingjun's hand, placing the other end of the ribbon into her hand. Their eyes met, filled with affection, and they smiled at each other.

The residence of Xuanmingli was rented by Shi Zenghua.

"You hurt me!" she shouted anxiously

The illness had effortlessly lifted her, who was powerless, onto the bed

Ah! I don't want to! It will hurt, please go away!

Ping Jun did not dare to speak, blinking a pair of watery big eyes, exchanging glances as if in doubt

As the meal was cleared away, Liu Bing had already taken off the outer ceremonial robe made of fine silk. Ping Jun tightly grasped her belt, her face flushed with embarrassment, and after a long while, she bit her lip and slowly removed her outer garment. Xu Hui, with a cheerful smile, took the clothing, offered a greeting, and then exited with the maidservants in the room.

Waaah

Try again!

Xu Guanghan smiled and said to his daughter beside him, "Go ahead."

"Hmm." His breathing grew heavier, his hands propped on either side of her, barely supporting his own weight

The moment the door closed, the room suddenly darkened, and Pingjun exclaimed in surprise, "How could they have taken away all the lights and candles?"

At this moment, someone brought in three cauldrons from outside. The thatch on the cauldrons had already been removed. The one on the south side contained fourteen roasted fish and a dried cured rabbit. In the middle were two pieces of lung, two sections of spine, and two pieces of sacrificial lung. The northernmost cauldron held a sacrificial pig, its four hooves removed.

As the passion gradually faded, he slowly retreated, lying down beside her, using one arm as a pillow for her and tightly wrapping the other around her, gently patting her back, "It's alright, it's alright. I promise you, as long as you are unwilling, I will never... bully you like this again."

Just as Xu Pingjun was lost in thought, the sickly hand trembled and reached up, climbing along her waist and abdomen.

He seized her two hands that were causing trouble with his left hand, while his right hand continued to exert force and pull in a chaotic manner

The embrace with clothes on and the embrace without clothes feels completely different. She became utterly confused again, and Liu Bingyi quickened his movements. Although it took some effort, he ultimately stripped her completely bare.

Xu Hui helped Xu Pingjun into the second vehicle, and just as the curtain was about to be lowered, Pingjun could not help but call out, "Mother..." A deep sense of reluctance was beyond words

Liu Bingyi, wearing a ceremonial cap adorned with tassels tied beneath his chin, sat upright in the carriage, dressed in a robe of crimson and black. As the horse-drawn carriage slowly entered the grand gate of Shangguanli, an involuntary smile spread across his face.

Thus, he was the first to raise his chopsticks, picking up a piece of lung and bringing it to his mouth for a bite. Ping Jun smiled gently, and only then did she feel at ease to start eating.

He panicked, saying, "No! No! I haven't started yet... I-I will be careful..." Sweat trickled down from his temples into his collar as he released her hand and stripped himself of his clothes.

Stan couldn't help but be taken aback; under the firelight, his cousin's resolute and upright features surprisingly revealed an undeniable tenderness. He was not well acquainted with Liu Bingyi, so he could not understand the reason behind his actions. He had witnessed many wedding ceremonies, but only in common households would one choose to drive the carriage themselves when marrying a wife. For gentlemen of their status, the etiquette merely required that they personally drive the carriage to make three circles before stopping. What kind of groom would abandon the black carriage and choose to drive the bride home himself?

At dusk, the evening glow paints the horizon a brilliant red, resembling the exquisite blush of a bride's face adorned with rouge

Three carriages entered Shangguanli in succession, with the main carriage being a black one, a luxury typically reserved for scholars and officials, and only permitted for commoners to use during weddings. Thus, as the procession set off from Xuanmingli, it attracted the attention of passersby, many of whom loudly expressed their congratulations and offered continuous blessings

Ping Jun replied, "Agreed"

"Don't... don't move." He held his breath, beads of sweat the size of mung beans covering his forehead

Ping Jun's gaze swept around the room before finally settling on the bed, where the bedding was neatly arranged, and two summer pillows were closely pressed together. Her heart raced, and she suddenly felt an inexplicable tension, her slender fingers tightly gripping the ribbon in her hand

What will happen next, she only has a vague understanding. This morning, Mrs. Xu held her hand and hesitated for a long time, ultimately failing to clearly explain to her daughter what would occur after the wedding ceremony in the evening. From her mother's evasive expression, she could only speculate that it might not be something that would bring joy to a woman; otherwise, her mother would not have such a strange look.

Stan brushed his hand away, saying, "You are only one or two years older than I am, how can you be so rude?"

The person across from her had already noticed the unusual behavior of his wife, his gaze becoming increasingly gentle. He opened his mouth slightly, winked at her with his left eye, and secretly made a funny face.

"Ping Jun! And _Tu_Shu" He released her, took a long breath, then exhaled, hurried and anxious, "Can you give it to me?"

At the moment of astonishment, Zhang Pengzu laughed heartily, patted his shoulder, and nonchalantly pulled him away, saying, "He wants to show off his driving skills, just let him be."

"Why am I afraid? I still have to tell Sister Yi and Brother Pengzu. You had previously made a solemn promise to them, saying that after marrying me, you would never bully me again..."

Xu Hui lifted the curtain and helped the bashful Xu Pingjun get out of the carriage. The newlyweds arrived at the door of their bedroom, where they saw three large tripods placed in front. Each tripod had a crossbar running through its ears and was covered with thatch. Pingjun, not quite understanding, curiously gazed at the three tripods. The bride had already entered the room first, standing by the table, and upon turning back to see Pingjun still standing at the door, she smiled and said, "Come in"

"The sick older brother is also very handsome!" a six or seven-year-old girl praised

Liu Bingyi set down the bowl and said to her, "Go ahead, you can eat now"

Xu Guanghan gazed at his daughter, who was about to be married, and in accordance with the rites and laws, he earnestly offered her his final counsel: "Be cautious and respectful, and do not disobey your duties day or night"

Lying flat on the bed, she tightly closed her eyes, her hands pressed against his solid chest, feeling the vibrations of his heartbeat beneath her palms, the sound of his rapid breathing in her ears, and the ambiguous scent at the tip of her nose

Madam Xu, wiping away her tears, smiled and said, "How could you possibly be reluctant to part with your old mother? I fear your heart has already flown away before you did." Seeing her daughter shyly tugging at her scarf and remaining silent, she continued, "Go on, go on, a grown daughter should not be kept at home. As parents, we will not hold you back for long. It will soon be dark, and the roads will be difficult to navigate; if you delay any longer, there will be a curfew."

He nervously spread her legs apart, wrapped his waist around her, and then lowered his head to kiss her haphazardly.

She broke into a smile and sweetly replied, "Alright"

After a brief taste, having set down the roasted liver, the maid once again poured wine for the two with a cup, but after they finished drinking, she did not bring any more food.

I don't want it!

As the wine entered her throat, she suddenly recalled her mother's words. The bond between husband and wife, much like this ceremonial wine, should be one of sharing joys and sorrows, facing hardships together, and never parting.

Lord Ping took a deep breath, sitting upright at the table, with his eyes focused on his nose and his nose on his heart, not daring to even breathe heavily. These servants were all family members who had followed Shi from the State of Lu, and Lord Ping was afraid that any lapse in etiquette on his part would invite ridicule.

"Ah... it tickles..." She opened her eyes, wanting to avoid the tickling sensation due to her sensitivity.

"It hurts... it hurts..." Her legs trembled violently, her hands covering her eyes, crying inconsolably, "How... how can you do this... bully me..."

After the meal, the maid washed her hands and poured the wine, first serving Liu Bingyi. Liu Bingyi knelt to receive the cup, as before, first offering a toast to the ancestors before drinking. The maid then poured wine for Xu Pingjun, who followed the same procedure. Only after the wine was finished did someone bring out roasted liver, and the newlyweds similarly offered a toast to the ancestors before tasting it

Peng Zu Da Le, addressing the illness in the vehicle, laughed aloud and asked: "How is it that your grandmother's cousin is so amusing?"

He chuckled and said, "Can't you see? I've taken off my clothes to keep you company while you sleep"

"Sick... my lord... husband!" She suddenly felt an overwhelming fear, inexplicable, trembling with terror, wanting to scream.

Is it very painful