By a twist of fate, the illegitimate son of the Marquis's family marries the county princess.

Chapter 96 A Man's Dignity Must Not Be Lost

After dinner, Pei Rujing took Wen Zongji to the plum grove to admire the plum blossoms.

The reason why Plum Garden is named this way is because there is a plum grove in this estate.

The plum blossoms in Beijing bloom relatively late, reaching their peak in late February. Although they are beginning to fade now, you can still see plum blossoms in full bloom.

Walking along the path through the plum grove, Pei Rujing looked up at the night sky: "Plum blossoms are most beautiful during the day."

Now that night has fallen, they can barely see the plum blossoms nearby thanks to the faint moonlight and the light from the surrounding lanterns.

Wen Zongji thought it was quite good: "Although we can't see clearly, we can smell the fragrance of plum blossoms, and the image of a plum grove will naturally come to mind. Now that the plum blossom season is coming to an end, we can tell from the plum petals on the ground that many have fallen. If we come during the day, it probably won't be as stunning."

Pei Rujing thought so too, and then glared at Wen Zongji: "It's all your fault. If you had come right after the examination, you could have seen the plum blossoms in full bloom. It would have been very beautiful."

Wen Zongji turned to look at her, a smile playing on his lips, and said, "The most beautiful scenery is already right beside us. What difference does it make whether we see the plum grove or not?"

Pei Rujing was puzzled until she noticed that Wen Zongji's gaze was fixed on her. Only then did she understand what he meant by "the most beautiful scenery." Her heart was filled with sweetness, and all her regrets vanished instantly.

Her tone softened unconsciously: "You just know how to coax me."

Wen Zongji raised an eyebrow: "Isn't it common knowledge that Princess Anhe's beauty is unparalleled in the capital?"

Pei Rujing stared at him: "You knew me even before we got married?"

"...I've vaguely heard about it."

Actually not.

The original owner truly devoted himself to studying the classics.

He was practically invisible in the manor; Wen Chuanhong never took him to banquets, and he had no way of knowing Pei Rujing.

Pei Rujing raised her head, looking arrogant: "You'll be very proud to marry me."

very good!

The county magistrate has forgotten how they got married.

Wen Zongji grasped her hand: "It's not pride, it's an honor I've never had."

Pei Rujing's eyes were full of laughter, but her words were sharp and unforgiving: "The old lady said that men are good at using sweet words to deceive people. Are you deliberately trying to fool me?"

Wen Zongji looked wronged: "Your Highness, please understand, I am the most honest person I can be, and I never lie."

Pei Rujing chuckled: "Have you forgotten that you lied to your sister just before leaving the manor?"

Wen Zongji was taken aback; he had forgotten about that.

Before they left the mansion, Wen Shuyu happened to come to Yunguang Courtyard to find Pei Rujing.

They couldn't accompany her since they were leaving the manor, but it wouldn't be right to say they were going out of the city to travel without her. However, Pei Rujing didn't want to take Wen Shuyu with her.

Wen Zongji then said that he and Pei Rujing were going to the Princess's residence.

Wen Shuyu was naive and never imagined that Wen Zongji would lie to her.

Now it has become a boomerang, striking Wen Zongji squarely.

Fortunately, he was always thick-skinned: "A younger sister is meant to be deceived. I'm letting her experience the cunning of men early on, so she won't be fooled later. But a wife is different; a wife is meant to be pampered."

"Hahaha--"

Pei Rujing was amused by Wen Zongji's sophistry and laughed so hard she fell into his arms: "Wen Zongji, you really are a scholar, so glib and eloquent."

Wen Zongji put his arm around her waist to prevent her from falling, a mischievous smile playing on his lips: "Am I being too smooth-talking? Shouldn't the county princess have a taste first?"

Pei Rujing paused in laughter, her face flushing slightly from his teasing, but she quickly regained her composure: "I've tried it, he is indeed glib."

Wen Zongji slowly approached: "The most recent sample is the most convincing. Why don't we try it now?"

Pei Rujing nimbly broke free from his embrace: "No way! In broad daylight, you lecherous scoundrel, don't try anything funny."

Wen Zongji looked up at the night sky, where stars were already appearing: "Broad daylight?"

Having gotten carried away with the lines from the storybook, the county princess forgot it was evening. She stiffened her neck and said, "Anyway, that's the gist of it... Alright, we've been walking for quite a while now, I'm going to soak in the hot springs."

Having said that, he turned and left Merlin first.

Wen Zongji shrugged and followed behind her.

If someone is so eager to walk into a trap, they naturally can't refuse the delicious food that's offered to them.

……

The next day

It was already bright outside.

The two people in the room were still asleep. Pei Rujing nestled in Wen Zongji's arms like a little bird, clinging tightly to each other as if they were inseparable.

After an unknown amount of time, Wen Zongji's brow twitched slightly, and he was the first to wake up.

He had barely moved when he realized that his right arm was numb and he couldn't feel it.

Meanwhile, the culprit, who was resting his head on his arm, was fast asleep.

Wen Zongji carefully lifted Pei Rujing's head, freeing his arm.

Pei Rujing woke up after a short massage to help clear her meridians.

She groggily opened her eyes, saw Wen Zongji, and instinctively snuggled into his arms again, murmuring, "Husband~"

Wen Zongji felt a tightness in his lower abdomen upon hearing this, and subconsciously recalled how Pei Rujing had called him "husband" while helping him relieve his pain last night.

Previously, Wen Zongji had always helped Pei Rujing feel comfortable, but last night while soaking in the hot spring, both of them were wearing undergarments, and Wen Zongji really couldn't control himself and had to force Pei Rujing to use her hands.

Pei Rujing was very angry afterwards, and it took Wen Zongji a long time to calm her down.

However, Wen Zongji was young and vigorous, and one act of venting his anger was far from enough to satisfy him.

Back in the room, the two snuggled together, whispering sweet nothings. Soon after, Pei Rujing's hand came in handy for the second time.

This time, however, he was patient. He first made Pei Rujing feel comfortable, and when she was in ecstasy, he pretended to be pitiful and said nice things to coax her into helping him.

Recalling everything that happened last night, Wen Zongji's eyes deepened. He rolled over and pinned Pei Rujing beneath him, his voice hoarse yet seductive: "Be good, your husband is here—"

After saying that, he kissed her, immediately prying open Pei Rujing's lips.

Pei Rujing wasn't fully awake yet, but her whole body was already completely familiar with Wen Zongji. She opened her arms and hugged Wen Zongji's neck, subconsciously responding to his kiss.

In an instant, the atmosphere in the room became ambiguous again, quiet yet intense, filled with tenderness.

……

It was quite some time before the two of them actually got up and washed up.

After having breakfast, their original plan was to visit the surrounding counties.

Although it can't compare to the prosperity of the capital, it still has its own unique charm.

But their relationship took another step forward last night, causing Pei Rujing to become exceptionally clingy to Wen Zongji, not wanting to move at all and only wanting to stay with him and talk.

Wen Zongji then changed his itinerary and decided to set off again tomorrow, staying at Meiyuan Garden for one day today.

That day, the two spent most of their time in the room, occasionally playing Go or reading together.

But they often can't stay serious for long before they start sticking together.

Even a simple glance can stir feelings between them.

Wen Zongji never imagined that he would also have such a time of indulging in sensual pleasures.

The crucial point is that they haven't even consummated their marriage yet!

Seeing the untold charm in the county princess's eyes, Wen Zongji silently increased his training time for the health-preserving boxing.

A man's dignity must not be lost!