Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 459

“Don’t do this kind of thing in the future,” Gu Yin nodded toward the sea of ​​flowers in front of her. “It must have been quite hard.”

Wu Qingyi believed that she had already figured out that he had arranged this sea of ​​flowers, as she was always quite astute. “It wasn’t very strenuous work; my subordinates were mainly responsible for it.”

Gu Yin took his hand in hers. It was tanned and calloused, with the roughness of a manual labor worker. She didn’t believe his claim. Transferring such a large field of wildflowers was definitely not something he could have done alone. However, Wu Qingyi was not one to sit idly by while others worked. When others pitched in, he would do more than his fair share.

Considering that he was a dignified and high-ranking general in the country, and in addition to his official duties, he found time for such endeavors, it was no wonder he didn’t return home until midnight every day.

Gu Yin teased, “You’re lying. I just noticed that your hands are rougher than before, like sandpaper. Are you sure it wasn’t hard work?”

Wu Qingyi responded warmly, “I really wasn’t lying to you, but even if it was, it’s not a big deal. It’s not hard work, it’s just meaningful.”

In any case, considering how much she appreciated it and had agreed to marry him formally, the previous efforts felt insignificant.

Wu Qingyi released her hand and placed it on her shoulder instead. Gu Yin leaned against his shoulder, reminiscing about the night they shared deer blood curd and playfully said, “I finally understand now.”

He inquired, “Understand what?”

“I know why you said back then that it wasn’t the right time,” Gu Yin slyly winked at him, “I’m glad you told me today; otherwise, I might have thought…”

Wu Qingyi queried, “Thought what?”

“That you didn’t like me.”

“How could you think that?”

“Or maybe you had a hidden ailment,” Gu Yin added with a hushed tone.

As she spoke, the warm breath she exhaled brushed against Wu Qingyi’s ear, causing a tingling sensation. He was momentarily distracted, and when he heard the second part of her sentence, he couldn’t believe his ears. “What did you say?!”

He appeared to be genuinely upset, and Gu Yin instinctively prepared to dodge.

But he reached out and stopped her, and as Gu Yin rose, she stepped on the damp soil and stumbled backward, ultimately falling onto her back.

Fortunately, their sitting spot was at the edge of the flower field, where the lush grass acted like a cushion, so Gu Yin wasn’t hurt.

After confirming that she was unharmed, Wu Qingyi held her. His handsome and determined face was directly in front of Gu Yin, who was now on her back, and he kissed her.

This kiss wasn’t a light peck like before; it was passionate and intense, carrying a hint of fervor.

It was as if he wanted to consume Gu Yin whole.

Since she knew it was him, Gu Yin wasn’t afraid of being harmed, so she didn’t resist. After a moment of surprise, she slightly parted her lips, drawing on the limited knowledge she had gained from modern times.

Wu Qingyi was caught off guard by the unexpected shift, and soon he went from being the aggressive kisser to the one being led by Gu Yin.

As the kiss came to an end, his breathing was labored, and his eyes were clouded. Yet, he couldn’t resist adding fiercely, “Hmph, I’ll make you pay sooner or later!”

This remark caused Gu Yin to burst into laughter once more.

Of course, when reflecting on that incident and the “encounter” on their wedding night, Gu Yin couldn’t help but regret it, often wanting to kick herself for her earlier lack of experience.

 …… 

On the last day of the Spring Hunting, Emperor Zhengyuan, feeling a bit fatigued from the previous day, had already agreed not to take anyone on the excursion that day. He allowed Gu Ye and Lu Xu to move freely and spend the day as they wished. There was no need for them to be present in front of him for safety.

Lu Xu, being the younger of the two, had played exuberantly for two days and was too tired to get up on the third day.

Gu Ye, though somewhat weary, was older and had practiced martial arts for a while. He had maintained the habit of rising early to perform a set of exercises, so he had recovered after a sound night’s sleep.

Around noon, Gu Ye rose from bed lazily, and Xiao Luzi promptly approached to assist him.

Gu Ye dressed, washed up, and his stomach grumbled twice.

Naturally, when he was hungry, he would seek out his mother. As Gu Ye was about to leave, Xiao Luzi, who seemed to have an uncanny sense for his intentions, spoke up, “Your Highness, don’t worry. The General’s wife went out with the General early this morning and hasn’t returned yet.”

Gu Ye halted. He recalled having advised his uncle that he should spend more time with his mother.

His uncle had gone hunting for two consecutive days, and now it was Gu Ye’s turn to have some time to himself. He was a sensible young man, and he didn’t want to disturb them at this time.

Gu Ye paused and asked Xiao Luzi to bring some food from the kitchen.

A small table of dishes was promptly prepared, and Xiao Luzi instructed everyone else to leave. As he bowed to serve Gu Ye, he whispered, “Your Highness, I’ve done everything you instructed me to do.”

Gu Ye was slightly taken aback.

Xiao Luzi continued, “Your Highness, you were occupied with other matters and may have forgotten. You mentioned that you wanted to discipline Lady Lu but couldn’t directly break off the marriage between the Feng and Lu families. I took the liberty to send a container of deer blood…”