The woman before her was dressed in a goose-yellow, cross-collared silk jacket adorned with gold embroidery, and a matching pleated skirt with floral patterns. The goose-yellow color accentuated her skin.
Su Xiaoqi was fair-skinned and beautiful, with smiling eyes and a depth of feeling that made her quite captivating.
Shen Yun found himself unconsciously gazing at her.
He had always known his wife was beautiful, but he hadn't realized she was *this* beautiful.
It made him want to look at her again and again, unable to tear his eyes away.
"Shen... Husband?" Su Xiaoqi reflexively wanted to call him by name, but changed her mind halfway.
"Wife..." Shen Yun finally snapped back to reality and reached out to caress Su Xiaoqi's cheek.
Su Xiaoqi was also looking at Shen Yun at the same time.
The man before her was dressed in a moon-white robe embroidered with dark bamboo patterns, a woven gold belt cinching his waist, and a circular warm jade pendant.
This jade pendant was a gift from Mr. Gu to them as a couple.
Hers was worn around her neck, while Shen Yun's was tied to his waist.
Neither of them had explicitly stated it, but they both cherished the jade pendant and wore it close to their person.
He stood tall, his face handsome and refined, his usually deep and enigmatic eyes now focused, staring directly at her.
Su Xiaoqi's heart pounded. Her breathing quickened, and she couldn't help but ask softly, her lips slightly parted, "Yes? Husband, is something wrong?"
The Shen Yun she usually saw was a gentle and polite scholar, either serious or humble, rarely showing such a lapse in composure.
What was happening to him?
"Wife, do you know how beautiful you are." So beautiful that he couldn't bear to look away.
Su Xiaoqi blinked, recalling her reflection in the mirror just moments ago.
Today, with Madam Zhao's special efforts in dressing her up, her appearance had indeed improved significantly, making her even more beautiful.
But she hadn't expected it to surprise Shen Yun so much.
She had always thought he was someone who wouldn't be moved by a woman's beauty.
As Su Xiaoqi was thinking this, she was caught off guard when Shen Yun suddenly leaned closer and, before she could react, captured her lips.
"Mmm..." Su Xiaoqi looked up, her eyes wide. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly regained her senses.
Shen Yun's movements were very gentle, a soft pressing, like a dragonfly touching water.
But he didn't pull away, his lips touching hers little by little. Just when Su Xiaoqi thought he was about to release her, he slowly intensified the kiss.
Then, after a delicate deepening, he pulled back slightly, allowing her to catch her breath, before returning to tease and play.
Su Xiaoqi went from surprise to a tingling sensation. Losing patience, she chased after him when Shen Yun momentarily withdrew.
Her sudden action made her seem eager, eliciting a low chuckle from Shen Yun.
Finally, when Su Xiaoqi realized her behavior might be a bit too forward and tried to pull away, she found her waist already held tightly by Shen Yun. Unable to retreat, she could only tilt her head back, allowing him to kiss her as he pleased.
Su Xiaoqi's compliance pleased Shen Yun. After a round of kisses, he finally released her, and Su Xiaoqi immediately began to pant for air.
"Wife, I originally..." Shen Yun deliberately left his sentence unfinished.
He had been considering Su Xiaoqi's breathing and hadn't intended to be so eager, but she had been impatient and had chased after him.
Soft jade, so tender – who could resist?
"Hmph, Husband just likes to bully me." Su Xiaoqi stomped her foot playfully, her cheeks flushed red.
Shen Yun was even more delighted. He held her in his arms, wishing he could fast-forward to the grand examination and its results, after which they could have their wedding night!
Ah, but that was just a thought.
It was only early February, still a month before the imperial examinations.
He still had to visit those scholars and learned men according to the list Mr. Gu had given him.
"Oh right, Husband, what did you come in to look for me for?" Su Xiaoqi remembered Shen Yun had been holding something when he entered.
With their distraction, Su Xiaoqi had completely forgotten.
"Letters." Shen Yun picked up the letter envelopes that had been placed on the desk and drew out several.
Su Xiaoqi glanced at the top one. It was made of fine smoke-rain paper, adorned with pale pink peach blossoms, and carried a faint floral scent even before opening.
She knew it was from Du Yiyi.
When they were apart in the past and couldn't meet, they often wrote letters to communicate.
Su Xiaoqi broke free from Shen Yun's embrace and sat on the armchair by the window, quickly opening the letter to read.
She read through it in a flash and then excitedly told Shen Yun.
Du Yiyi was coming to the capital.
She checked the date and added, "No, this was written by Yiyi a month ago, before she set off. It took this long to reach us. Based on their travel pace, they should have arrived in the capital by now. It mentions their family has a house at the intersection of Changxing Street and Shuili Street. I imagine they've arrived by now. After I finish with these matters in the next two days, I'll prepare some gifts and go visit."
Shen Yun nodded in agreement and reminded her that she could send a calling card first to inquire.
"Good idea. I'll write it after I finish these letters." Su Xiaoqi agreed, and with joy, picked up the other two letters to read.
One letter was from the backyard of the supermarket, and the other was from Furong Manor.
Su Xiaoqi thought for a moment and reached for the one from Furong Manor first.
It was written by Shen Erdan.
Before they left, they had instructed that once they had a place to stay in the capital, they should send a letter home, and then have Shen Erdan write a letter every ten days to report on the family's situation. This was the first letter they received from Shen Erdan after sending their initial message home.
Su Xiaoqi wanted to hand it to Shen Yun first, but he said he had already read it.
Su Xiaoqi then read it, and after finishing, she felt relieved.
Shen Erdan's letter didn't mention anything else, only that everything was well at home. Steward Li had already made all the arrangements for the spring planting.
Grandmother and Mother were both strong and healthy, without any ailments.
Grandmother had been diligently using her medication, soaking her feet, and receiving massages for her leg. She was already able to stand, but due to the prolonged paralysis, her muscles had atrophied, so she still needed more time for recovery. However, victory was in sight, and Grandmother was in better spirits than ever.
As for Madam Zhao, under his and the maids' supervision, she had stopped doing needlework at night, and her eyesight had improved significantly. She no longer cried, and her vision was no longer blurry.
His studies were progressing as usual, and he had received much praise from his teacher.
Additionally, because he had always been frail, Mr. Huo, who taught martial arts in the courtyard, hoped he would practice alongside Xiao Yi and the others. He had already agreed and was practicing daily.
His sister's side was also going smoothly. The two Chen Jin Ji stores in Mianzhou City were doing very well, and according to his sister, they had made a lot of money this month.
There were also other minor matters, all of which Shen Erdan had obediently included in the letter.
Su Xiaoqi's eyes curved as she read, a happy smile on her face.
"As long as they are doing well, I am relieved," Su Xiaoqi said, her eyes twinkling.
Shen Yun nodded. After reading the letters, his thoughts were exactly the same as Xiaoqi's.
However, he quickly unfolded the letter from Zhao Liushun and presented it to Su Xiaoqi.
She only glanced at it before frowning and sighing.