Chapter Thirty-Eight: Inferior to the Harmony of Qin and Se

Today, Ming Rou returned to the estate, and naturally, Princess Jiang could not contain her joy. She sent people to greet her early at the gates. Since Ming Rou married and left, apart from the day she returned with Du Zhong for the customary visit, this was only the second time she had come home.

A family banquet was arranged, and as Ming Rou looked at the familiar dishes from her past, her heart warmed. She sighed, “Mother, the food at the Du household is simply dreadful. I suggested hiring another cook, but Du Zhong wouldn’t allow it.”

“You do look a bit thinner,” Princess Jiang said, gazing at Ming Rou with concern. “It’s such a rare occasion for you to come home, and yet your father and brother are not here. Our family still cannot be fully reunited.” She frowned.

“When will father return?”

“It’s hard to say.”

Ming Wan spoke softly, “Sister, the Du family is prestigious. Wouldn’t it be easy to hire as many cooks as you wish?”

“But Du Zhong is so stingy. He can’t bear to spend the money on a cook. His whole family is tight-fisted.”

“Don’t speak carelessly. The Du family has always been renowned for their diligence and thrift. Now that you are married into their household, you must adapt to their way of life,” Princess Jiang said, her tone a little sharper.

“The last time I came home, Du Zhong was with me, so I couldn’t speak freely. Even now, you won’t let me share private words with my own family. Mother, you’re too strict,” Ming Rou complained. This time, she had returned alone, not even bringing Cai Chun, simply for a bit of freedom.

Princess Jiang smiled helplessly. Ming Rou was truly spoiled by her, pampered beyond measure.

“If you put it that way, is there nothing you like about the Du family?” Princess Jiang asked.

Ming Rou lowered her head, thinking for a moment before hesitantly replying, “Du Zhong is all right, but he’s so cold to people. I can never guess what he’s thinking—one moment this way, the next that way, leaving me at a loss.” Ming Rou rested her chin in her hands, her gaze distant.

Ming Chu burst out laughing and whispered, “Sister, your face is red!”

“What?” Ming Rou quickly covered her face with a handkerchief, annoyed. “It’s not! I’m not, don’t be ridiculous.”

Princess Jiang smiled knowingly.

At dusk, Princess Jiang and Ming Rou walked in the estate, stopping by the lake. Princess Jiang asked, “Tell me, what do you think of Du Zhong as a person?”

“Him? If you say he’s cold, sometimes he’s unexpectedly gentle; if you say he’s gentle, he spends all day with a cold face.”

“He’s hard to fathom,” Ming Rou said, stepping away. “I don’t want to figure him out—I don’t have the time.”

“And how is your relationship?”

“Relationship?” Ming Rou raised her brows. “Mother, let me be honest. Since our wedding, we haven’t consummated the marriage. We’re married in name only.”

Princess Jiang was surprised. “Why?”

“We were never truly in love. I didn’t want to, and he didn’t force me.” Ming Rou brushed at the willow branches, recalling the night between them.

On the second night after their wedding, Du Zhong returned from the Court of Judicial Review very late. When he came back to the room, she had dozed off against the bed, unable to hold out any longer.

When Du Zhong opened the door, a chill swept in, waking her slightly. Then she heard his voice.

“Are you expecting me to carry you to bed again tonight?” His tone seemed teasing.

She woke instantly, leaping up like a startled rabbit. The man before her still wore his blue official robe, arms folded, watching her with leisure.

Steadying herself, Ming Rou glared at Du Zhong, thinking, I am the eldest daughter of the Jiang estate—I fear no one.

“Du Zhong, from today on, I sleep in the bed, you sleep on the floor.”

“Oh? What makes you think I’ll listen to you?” Du Zhong put away his smile and approached her step by step.

She shrank back, speaking softly, “What are you—what are you doing?” Her body already retreating.

Du Zhong drew closer, lowering his gaze to hers. “Why can’t I sleep in the bed?”

A sharp chill still clung to him, but his breath was warm as it brushed her neck. Her face flushed red, and she quickly turned away, avoiding his eyes. “Go away. I don’t like you being this close.”

“Why should I care whether you like me?”

“You!” Her cheeks burned. “Du Zhong, don’t be so overbearing!”

Du Zhong smiled, “All I want is to sleep in my own bed. How is that overbearing?” He leaned in deliberately, drawing even closer to Ming Rou.

Her heart pounded fiercely. At last, she could not bear it. She shut her eyes and pushed Du Zhong away with all her strength, then ran to the door and glared at him, her face full of anger.

Du Zhong lounged comfortably on the bed, chin slightly raised, as if enjoying the show.

“Shameless!” Ming Rou cursed him. Du Zhong raised a brow, “First time anyone’s called me shameless.”

Du Zhong patted the bed. “It’s late. Time for rest.” He straightened his clothes, then sat down in a chair. “I never force anyone. If you’re unwilling, I won’t insist.” He poured himself a cup of tea and drank, eyes lowered.

She frowned, eyeing him suspiciously, unsure how to respond.

“Do you mean what you say?”

“A man keeps his word.”

She stared at his cold, handsome profile. “Where are you sleeping?”

Du Zhong pointed to the chair.

Sitting in a chair all night? That must be terribly uncomfortable, she thought to herself. Du Zhong lifted his gaze, noticing her thoughtful expression, his tone teasing again, “Could it be you can’t bear to see your husband spend the night on a hard seat?”

“What? Not at all!” she denied hastily. “I’d be delighted if you sat on that bench every night.” Yet inwardly, she wondered if he could read her mind.

She asked warily, “What if you suddenly change your mind?”

“Sleep soundly—I won’t break my promise to a woman.”

She climbed into bed, still doubtful, keeping a close eye on Du Zhong.

He drank cup after cup of tea, his expression always calm, occasionally glancing at her. Eventually, she could not stay awake and fell asleep. When she woke the next morning, Du Zhong was gone; Cai Chun said he’d gone early to the Court of Judicial Review.

He should stay there forever—she really didn’t want to see him.

Ming Rou continued, “Later, I added a small couch to the room, and he sleeps there every night.”

Princess Jiang sighed with worry. “Ming Rou, a married woman should follow her husband. You’re being far too wilful. You’re not a child anymore.”

“Mother, stop nagging me—I don’t want to hear it!” Ming Rou flung her sleeves and left. Princess Jiang watched her daughter’s retreating figure, sighing incessantly.

Only three days passed before Princess Jiang urged Ming Rou to leave the estate.

“After all, you are now a member of the Du family. You shouldn’t remain away from home for so long,” Princess Jiang said.