Today's series of events was no less exhausting than yesterday's grand wedding.
In the evening, Sang Ning dined with the elders of the He Family, then spent a long time chatting with Old Madam and the marquis's wife. It was already completely dark by the time she finally returned.
After dinner, Sang Ning had accompanied Old Madam to Ankang Courtyard for conversation. Only the women were present—none of the men joined.
He Siyu had left right after dinner.
So Sang Ning returned alone, with Xia Zhu walking ahead carrying a lantern.
"You must be exhausted today, Madam. You should wash up and rest early," Xia Zhu said.
Sang Ning was indeed tired. "Mm."
As a new bride, all eyes were on her. Not only did she have to carefully navigate interactions with every member of the He Family, but she also had to ensure she followed all the proper etiquette without giving anyone room for criticism. There were so many formalities to observe.
Yesterday’s wedding banquet had been for external guests—primarily the men’s affair. She had simply sat properly in the bridal chamber all day without much to worry about.
But today, within the inner household, was when her real marital life truly began.
Seeing the weariness Sang Ning couldn’t quite hide in her eyes, Xia Zhu felt a pang of sympathy. "You’ve worked too hard, Miss. After marriage, you have to handle everything perfectly. Back at home, Madam would always shield you from these troubles."
Sang Ning shook her head lightly. "It’s not so bad. The He Family… is better than I expected."
Old Madam was fond of her, the marquis's wife was kind, and though the marquis himself was stern, he was fair in his dealings. Her sisters-in-law were also considerate, and the household rules weren’t overly strict.
After all, the He Family was a military household, originally from Youzhou. Compared to the cold, rigid formality of the Xie Family, the He Family actually felt more like a real family.
Sang Ning smiled faintly. "Every new bride has to endure a few exhausting days at first. It’ll get better."
Xia Zhu grinned. "When Miss sets her mind to something, she always succeeds!"
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she lowered her voice angrily. "That little minx Xiangcao actually went to greet the young master this morning! She’s getting impatient, that vixen! You should’ve put her in her place long ago!"
Sang Ning’s gaze sharpened slightly. Of course, she knew exactly what Xiangcao was scheming.
But right now, He Siyu hadn’t yet consummated their marriage.
She didn’t know what was on his mind. This man was unpredictable, his moods shifting like the wind—she couldn’t get a read on him.
But if they delayed consummation too long, who would bear the first heir?
If things dragged on and another woman ended up giving birth to his first son, that would spell real trouble.
The elders of the He Family held her in high regard, which meant she was already halfway to securing her position. The other half? She needed a child.
If it wasn’t her, then it had to be Xiangcao. If some uncontrollable woman took that role, the consequences would be disastrous.
Her mother had once believed her father truly loved her and refused the maidservant her family had prepared as a concubine.
A year later, her father accepted a beautiful woman offered by someone else—Concubine Chen.
She came from a respectable family—her father was even a scholar. She entered the household as a noble concubine, completely beyond her mother’s control. Instead, she used her favor to suppress her mother for three whole years.
Sang Ning’s eyes darkened. She would never allow such a thing to happen.
"Let’s wait and see," she said calmly.
Xia Zhu wanted to say more, but knowing her mistress always had her own calculations, she simply nodded. "Yes."
Sang Ning returned to Liuyun Courtyard—their private residence.
"Madam," the maids and matrons waiting outside the door quickly curtsied.
Sang Ning asked casually, "Where is the third master?"
"The third master returned earlier. He’s probably already bathed and gone to bed," a young maid replied.
They weren’t entirely sure, though. The third master disliked being attended to, so after he returned, he only had the matrons bring in hot water before shutting everyone out.
They assumed he must have finished washing and gone to sleep.
Sang Ning nodded and pushed the door open to enter.
Xia Zhu, having just put away the lantern, was about to follow when Fusheng quickly stopped her, grinning. "Sister Xia Zhu, the third master doesn’t like having people around when he’s resting."
Xia Zhu frowned. "I’m not here to serve the third master! I’m Madam’s personal maid!"
Fusheng reminded her, "But the third master is inside, and he prefers peace and quiet."
Xia Zhu flared up in anger. "So Madam has to go without a maid?"
Her lady had never been treated like this before!
Fusheng chuckled. "It’s fine. If Madam needs anything, she’ll call for you."
Xia Zhu glared at him but had no choice but to wait outside.
Sang Ning stepped into the bedchamber and glanced around but didn’t see He Siyu anywhere.
The bed curtains were drawn back, and no one was lying on the bed.
But from the bathing chamber came the faint sound of dripping water.
She tilted her head slightly in confusion. Still bathing?
Without giving it much thought, she walked into the inner chamber, casually undoing the cloak on her shoulders and holding it out.
"Help me take down my hair."
No one answered.
She turned and realized no one had followed her in.
Pausing, she called out, "Xia Zhu."
Then she heard a door open—but not the bedchamber’s door.
It was the bathing chamber’s.
The door swung open, and a haze of steam drifted out. Through the mist, a tall figure emerged.
Clad only in moon-white undergarment pants, his upper body was completely bare. His high-tied ponytail was damp, strands clinging to his chiseled face, a few loose locks sticking to his forehead.
He strode forward, casually wiping water from his face with a cloth. The movement of his sinewy arm accentuated the defined muscles along his frame.
Lifting his gaze, his dark eyes lazily settled on her. "What is it?"
Sang Ning froze in place, her gaze instinctively dropping to his bare torso—broad shoulders, a narrow waist, the unmistakable ridges of his abdomen, his entire physique exuding raw vitality.
It was a sight she had never encountered in her eighteen years of life.
Her mind buzzed, thoughts scattering. She stared for three full breaths before snapping back to reality, her cheeks burning crimson.
She hastily averted her eyes, flustered, unsure where to look.
"You—why aren’t you wearing anything?"
His tone was indifferent. "I was bathing. I heard you call me."
Sang Ning forced herself to stay composed. "I wasn’t calling you. I was calling Xia Zhu."
But he saw the way her eyes darted, the tips of her ears flushed scarlet.
The corner of his mouth lifted as he stepped closer. The heat radiating from his body felt scorching, an overwhelming presence that seemed to sear her skin.
She instinctively moved back.
But then he suddenly closed the distance, leaning down slightly. His dark eyes locked onto hers, his voice low and rough.
"What do you need? Let me help."
