The Marquis Mansion's Elite Class-Chapter 438

Zong Zhao took a long time to come out, while Xu Wan sat on the bed reading a new romance novel. It had been recently delivered at Zong Zhao’s request, with the promise that the story was exceptionally sweet—and sure enough, she soon found herself giggling.

Reading in bed wasn’t the most proper posture, but leaning against the headboard, half-buried under the blankets on this still-chilly winter day, filled her with warmth and comfort.

When Zong Zhao finally emerged, he saw Xu Wan with a bright smile, her eyes curved in delight. His heart stirred, and he walked over, asking, “Is the new novel good?”

Xu Wan felt her heart melting from the sweetness. Beaming, she replied, “So good! The author writes so well—just a slight brush of fingers feels so thrilling, so sweet and adorable.”

Zong Zhao glanced at the book, satisfied. “Tomorrow, I’ll buy all the other works by this author. If they write this well, their other stories must be just as enjoyable.”

“That makes sense.” Xu Wan was about to continue reading when a pair of large hands suddenly blocked the page.

She looked up, puzzled. “Do you want to read it too?”

Zong Zhao gazed at her. “I don’t want to read that.”

His eyes burned with intensity.

Nothing else existed in his vision—only her.

It was then that Xu Wan suddenly remembered they had other matters to attend to tonight. She blinked in understanding.

One moment, the sweet romance novel was being praised.

The next, it was tossed unceremoniously into the corner of the bed.

Zong Zhao’s lips curved as he leaned down to kiss her. His lips moved meticulously, from her mouth to her neck, leaving Xu Wan weak and pliant. She closed her eyes, arms wrapping around his neck as she felt him slip under the covers.

Two braziers warmed the room, and the spacious bedding quickly grew hot. Clothes were soon discarded, and in her dazed state, Xu Wan opened her eyes to find Zong Zhao hovering above her, his kisses sending shivers down her spine.

Nervously gripping the sheets, she murmured, “Zong Zhao, you…”

“I’m here…” He lifted his head, his deep eyes locking onto hers before his soothing kisses returned. Whispering in her ear, he reassured her, “Don’t be afraid… don’t be afraid. I know what I’m doing.”

All her tension dissolved into his embrace, replaced only by soft moans beneath his touch.

Outside, the wind howled fiercely, growing wilder by the minute.

What had begun as a gentle breeze soon turned into a raging storm, bending the evergreen branches in the courtyard again and again, relentless in its dominance.

Inside, the braziers made the air thick with warmth and sweat.

Exhausted, Xu Wan couldn’t lift a finger. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, dazed and uncertain.

Zong Zhao kissed her eyelids, his voice rough. “Let me carry you to wash.”

Xu Wan reached out weakly, her arms limp.

The bathing room was already prepared with hot water. Cui Zhi wasn’t home, and Cui Liu worked silently—she had finished her tasks without stepping into their bedroom before retreating discreetly.

Noticing the absence of others, Xu Wan suddenly realized something. “Did you intentionally leave Cui Zhi at the Minister’s Mansion?”

Cui Zhi was her closest maid, always teasing her without restraint—especially about calling for water afterward. Though Xu Wan found it embarrassing, she never had the heart to scold her.

But Zong Zhao had noticed.

How was he so observant?

Carrying her toward the bath, his mood visibly pleased, he grinned wider. “You don’t like it when Cui Zhi teases you, do you? I thought I’d let her handle other duties for a few days before she returns to attend you.”

Xu Wan gave him a knowing look, silently praising the general. “So clever.”

As she sank into the tub, the hot water soothed her weary body, every pore relaxing in relief.

Zong Zhao leaned over the edge, bending down to murmur, “I want a reward.”

He had grown bold—no hesitation, no shyness.

“Huh? What reward?”

Before she could react, the water level in the tub surged, rising past her chest.

……

Pressed against the edge, she felt weightless.

That night, she slept dreamlessly.

Xu Wan awoke feeling deeply rested, her sleep undisturbed.

The bed curtains were drawn, but even so, she could tell the sun was blazing outside—likely noon again. Yesterday, she had slept in with company, but today, she was alone.

She sat up abruptly and called out, “Cui Liu, what time is it?”

Cui Liu entered, pulling back the curtains. “Madam, it’s midday. Are you hungry? I’ll have the meal served.”

“Ah, yes. And… where is the general?” Xu Wan asked.

Cui Liu replied, “The general went to the bookstore. He said he wanted to pick out more enjoyable novels for you. He should be back soon.”

“Good.” Xu Wan couldn’t suppress a smile. Her earlier annoyance at him leaving her to sleep alone vanished instantly.

Cui Liu brought her fresh clothes.

As she dressed, Xu Wan caught sight of the marks covering her body, her cheeks flushing. Thankfully, it was Cui Liu attending her and not Cui Zhi—otherwise, she’d be too mortified to face anyone.

“Let ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌‍me help you, Madam,” Cui Liu offered.

Xu Wan waved her off. “No need, no need. I can walk just fine. Don’t treat me like an invalid.”

Cui Liu didn’t insist but stayed close.

Xu Wan slipped on her shoes and stood—only for her legs to buckle weakly beneath her. She nearly fell, but Cui Liu, standing nearby, caught her.

“Don’t worry, Madam,” Cui Liu explained calmly. “It’s common for women to feel weak after their first time. It’ll pass by tomorrow.”

Xu Wan: “……”

You’re far too knowledgeable.

Then again, Cui Zhi and Cui Liu were both five or six years older than her, already married with experience in such matters.

Cui Liu suggested sensibly, “Madam, why not sit on the bed? I can bring your washbasin here, and the small dining table as well. After eating, you can read in bed. Leave everything else to me.”

Touched, Xu Wan said, “Cui Liu, you’re so thoughtful.”

Quiet people could be just as attentive.

She’d never realized how considerate Cui Liu was before.

Cui Liu, now earning triple her usual wages, silently vowed: I can be even more attentive!

As Cui Liu bustled about, Xu Wan settled back onto the bed—only for memories of the previous night to flood her mind, staining her neck and ears crimson.

They had consummated their marriage.

It had really happened.

…With Zong Zhao.

The man whose heart held only her.

Just thinking of his name, his face, and the huskiness of his voice made her pulse race.

She was so happy.

So blissful.

So this is what it feels like to be with someone you love—sweet as honey.

When Cui Liu returned with water for her to wash, she noticed Xu Wan’s radiant expression and ventured a rare congratulatory remark: “Congratulations, Madam. May you and the general soon be blessed with a child.”

Xu Wan wiped her face, smiling. “Thank you.”

But the moment the words left her lips, a sudden realization struck her.

If she were to get pregnant now, she would inevitably face a multitude of challenges—morning sickness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating—but Chengcheng and the others had only two months left before the provincial examination, followed by the palace examination in three months.

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