TheLazyDreamer
patreon
28. In The Bridal Chamber
🕑 Added 2025-04-12 09:07:22 +0000 UTCFate thought for some time before answering.
"There is one pill that is suitable for her."
"You don't know anything about it either?" Su Kang raised a brow.
"I don't know its name or specific function, but it is related to body constitution and lifespan."
"Body constitution? If it can improve hers, then her talent might improve as well," Su Kang thought to himself.
"If it can enhance her constitution, then it should also be suitable for me, right?" he asked. If he could boost his own talent, he might match Li Fang's cultivation speed.
"No, it isn't suitable for you. Before showing any treasures, I use destiny to gauge compatibility. That way, I can determine which items are more beneficial for you in different situations."
"Not suitable for me? Then forget it," he thought.
Su Kang eventually chose to trade the pill for Bai Yunxi. It cost him two thousand destiny points.
They were close to their home on the outskirts of the village when they encountered a group of people who greeted them warmly. These were the same people who had decorated their house for the wedding.
Inside the bridal chamber, the air was thick with anticipation. Crimson silk hung gracefully, and fragrant blossoms perfumed the room.
Bai Yunxi stood quietly at the center, the flicker of candlelight casting soft shadows that danced along the walls.
She smoothed the delicate fabric of her wedding robe, feeling a flutter of anxiety and excitement.
A low table stood at the center of the room, draped in soft silk and adorned with trays of exotic fruits and delicate pastries.
Su Kang stepped inside. The door clicked shut behind him.
Bai Yunxi's breath hitched.
So… it's truly happening.
He walked over without a word and gently took her hands, his eyes never leaving hers. "Xi'er, my wife… you're far more beautiful than I imagined."
Her fingers trembled slightly.
"Husband… thank you." Her voice was barely more than a whisper.
From his sleeve, he drew a small wooden box and carefully placed it in her palms. "This is my wedding gift. It'll help you."
She opened it. A faint herbal scent curled into the air. Inside sat a single green pill, glowing subtly.
Her expression faltered. "Is this… a pregnancy pill?" Her tone carried quiet unease.
Su Kang frowned. "No. It's a rare spiritual pill. It'll extend your lifespan… and strengthen your constitution."
Her gaze lingered on the pill, then flicked to his face. She tried to read the truth in his expression—but his eyes only held concern. Without another word, she brought it to her lips and swallowed.
His eyes widened. "Wait—"
But it was too late.
The pill dissolved instantly. Warmth bloomed inside her, surging fast—too fast. It raced through her meridians like fire chasing wind.
"Xi'er!" He stepped forward, worry etched across his face. "Sit! Circulate your qi—now!"
She dropped into a lotus position with practiced ease. A soft green glow spread across her skin, bathing her in ethereal light.
Her body shimmered, as if the moon itself watched over her.
Then, her features began to shift—fine lines emerging, soft youth giving way to the quiet maturity of her past.
For a moment, she looked like the woman Su Kang had first seen five years ago.
He remained still, hands curled into fists.
Hours slipped by. Slowly, the aged grace faded. Her skin smoothed, her figure softened. The years retreated until she looked like a maiden once more.
Su Kang watched in silence, awed.
By midnight, the glow faded, retreating into her core. She opened her eyes—brighter, sharper, brimming with newfound vitality.
He knelt beside her. "How do you feel?"
She took a moment to scan her body and mind. "I'm good. My soul power feels more pure. "
His brows furrowed. "You shouldn't have taken it without asking. What if it had specific requirements?"
A flicker of guilt appeared in her eyes. "I… I thought it was something else."
"Why did you think that?" he asked softly.
She hesitated, then began to explain.
"Li Xiao once gave me a pill. He said it would be beneficial… I was pregnant three days after our wedding. I think Li Fang's talent came from that pill. I didn't know at the time, but later I learned… it's common practice."
She looked away. "So I thought you… maybe you wanted the same."
Su Kang's jaw tightened. He reached forward and gently cupped her face, brushing her cheek.
"Xi'er, if you're not ready for a child, I'll never force it."
His voice was low and steady—but filled with conviction.
"I understand. Among many families, it's common to try for a gifted child on the first night. They believe the first union between virgin couples leads to stronger bloodlines, better qualifications."
He paused, his tone softening. "You neither want children yet, nor are you a virgin. So why would you think the pill was for that?"
She lowered her gaze, unable to meet his eyes. She felt guilty for doubting him—ashamed that her mind had gone there.
And beneath that shame was fear: fear that she didn't deserve him.
She had thought… maybe she could only offer him children in return for his devotion. That maybe—just maybe—one child would be enough.
"Xi'er," he said gently, "you're still at the Qi Refining realm. Pregnancy would delay your cultivation. You might fail to break through before forty."
Her breath caught in her throat at his words.
"My realm is higher. If you got pregnant, the term might last longer than ten months."
He looked at her, eyes calm but serious. "And since your realm is lower, the child's qualifications might be average. Did you think about all that?"
Her heart sank. She hadn't thought about any of it.
Su Kang sighed as he saw her expression darken.
"You don't owe me anything. You don't have to return a favor. I did all this for my own benefit."
"But now… you're my wife. Your opinion and your desires matter. Don't do things just to make me happy. In the end, that would only hurt me."
She nodded slowly, touched by his words. A warmth unfurled in her chest, gentle and grounding.
"I understand, husband. I'm timid, weak, hesitant… and a coward. But I'll try to change myself."
Su Kang kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment before leaving.
They talked after that—about small things, and important things.
Her fingers brushed against the silver earrings on his ears. "You weren't wearing these five years ago, right?"
"No," he smiled faintly. "I was still in the sect. After I returned to the Su family, I had my coming-of-age ceremony. That's when they gave them to me. It's tradition."
She traced the earrings again, eyes thoughtful.
"Your customs… they're different. I’ve never seen men wear something like this. You're calm, gentle… but sometimes, you feel like something caged."
He didn't seem surprised. "It's likely the blood in me. My family came from the Southern Barren Lands. The culture there is… different from Jiang and the surrounding states."
Her eyes widened. "The Southern Barren Lands? That's... people call it a barbaric place."
"We know." His tone grew firmer, pride lacing each word. "The elite families still whisper behind our backs. But our founding ancestor once said—never forget your roots, even when you gain power."
He looked at her with a quiet, searching gaze. "Do you find it unpleasant?"
She shook her head slowly, her fingers lingering on the earrings.
"No, Husband," she said softly.
Then she leaned in, her breath brushing against his ear as she whispered,
"They're a part of you. And I… like them. Especially when you recite poetry. It gives you a unique charm."
Su Kang blinked, slightly stunned.
It was bold of her to do this.
Is this a glimpse of how she used to be in her younger days?
"How do you know poetry?" she asked, settling in front of him with curious eyes.
"My mother hated the idea of anyone calling her child a barbarian," he said with a quiet chuckle.
"So, she made sure we studied the arts, the history, the cultural traditions of Jiang and the surrounding states. Literature, calligraphy, poetry—she drilled them into us."
"I'm glad my mother-in-law did that," she murmured with a small laugh.
She gazed at him—young and radiant, yet steady.
He had done so much for her without expecting anything in return—protected her son, found her mother, even recovered her father's remains.
Because of him, she had found her family again.
Now, he sat before her not just as a silent protector… but as her husband.
The one who would walk beside her, support her, and help her fulfill the dreams she had long buried.
Her voice trembled slightly.
"Husband… do you love me?"
He looked directly into her eyes and answered without hesitation, "My wife, I love you."
She closed her eyes briefly, savoring the words as if trying to etch them into her soul.
"I want to hear it again… and again," she whispered.
So he said it again and again.
Until finally, she opened her eyes, cheeks tinged with a shy blush, and leaned close—so close he could feel the heat of her breath.
"I'm ready," she whispered, voice barely audible.
"Love me tonight."
