Wang Ci knew exactly what kind of man Zhou Xing was — the kind who would rather destroy something than let anyone else have it. But on the other hand, she was also certain of one thing: as long as Fengguang stayed by his side, she would be safe and protected.
So Wang Ci stated her condition plainly.
“I can agree to let you marry Fengguang. But she’s only just come of age — still very young. If she were to conceive so soon, it could harm her health. So…”
“Madam Xia, you have nothing to worry about,” Zhou Xing said with a polite smile. “Fengguang won’t be having children that soon.”
Whether she could have children yet was another matter entirely.
He had finally found this precious treasure of his — how could he allow anyone, even a child, to come between them so soon?
Wang Ci didn’t catch the hidden meaning in his words. To her, childbirth was always a risk — a woman stepping halfway through the gates of death. Hearing his assurance, she relaxed and replied firmly,
“Then you can rest easy as well. No one will oppose this marriage.”
After all, in the Xia household, her word was law.
Fengguang tilted her head and asked in surprise, “So my mother just… agreed to let me marry you?”
“Madam Xia was moved by how deeply I care for you,” Zhou Xing said warmly. He picked up a piece of osmanthus cake and held it to her lips. “Your favorite sweet. I had it made especially for you.”
She took a small bite, her eyes lighting up. “It’s so sweet — I love it!”
Of course she did. He’d sent word to the capital to have the best pastry chef in the city rush the confections over by express courier — how could they not be delicious?
“Just don’t eat too much,” he reminded her.
“Why not?” she asked, blinking as she finished the piece in his hand. She noticed a few crumbs on his fingertips and, without thinking, leaned in to gently lick them away.
Zhou Xing’s gaze darkened. His voice was low when he said, “Because I want you to keep that beautiful smile — it’s for your teeth.”
Before she could respond, he kissed her — sudden and warm.
The kiss was sweet, almost cloyingly so, yet he found himself wanting more, wanting to drown in that sweetness completely. Zhou Xing had never liked sugary things before. But when the sweetness came from her, he couldn’t get enough.
Sweetness was addictive. But she was right there beside him — and if addiction was the price, he’d gladly pay it.
That month, on the fifteenth, the eldest daughter of the Xia family was married. Naturally, not to the coroner Yang Jie, but to the refined young gentleman who had recently moved to Tong County.
Some gossiped with pity: the young master was said to be disabled, unable to walk — what a shame for such a beautiful bride.
Fengguang only rolled her eyes at the rumors, muttering that those busybodies had nothing better to do. Then, smiling brightly, she would throw herself into her husband’s arms — to tease him, or perhaps, to let herself be teased in return.
Zhou Xing kept only one visible attendant by his side — a guard named Yifu. As for how many others worked for him in secret, Fengguang had no idea. Nor did she need to know.
The two of them lived peacefully in Tong County for a year. But when spring came again, a sealed letter arrived from the capital.
It was an imperial decree. The Emperor, having not seen the Crown Prince for some time, missed him dearly. He had written personally to summon his son back to the palace — and requested that the Crown Princess accompany him.
Fengguang grew uneasy. “Zhou Xing… why would the Emperor suddenly want to see you? Maybe we shouldn’t go back.”
He chuckled softly and tapped her nose. “It’s an imperial summons, love. If I refuse, that would be an act of defiance.”
She clutched his hand tightly. “But I can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right…”
Zhou Xing’s smile faded just a little.
“It’s not that you think something’s wrong,” he said quietly. “It’s that something truly is.”
Meow meow On TPH Chapter 26.1