18: Chapter 18 Taking Another Concubine, Gentle and Graceful in His Arms

The wedding date had been set, and the Zhou family was busily making preparations.

Xu Changkun did not slack off either; he sent the betrothal gifts early, which were in no way inferior to those he had given when marrying Wang Qingxuan.

On this day, the Xu Family was once again decked out in festive decorations.

The frequent marriage and taking of concubines became a hot topic of conversation among the people of Qinghe Town, and it made many secretly envious.

The bridal sedan chair arrived at the door, and firecrackers rang out in unison.

Zhou Xiaoyun was dressed in a phoenix coronet and ceremonial robes; beneath her bridal veil, she felt both nervous and expectant.

"Bow to Heaven and Earth—!"

"Bow to the high hall—!"

"Bow to each other—!"

"The ceremony is complete—! Send the couple to the bridal chamber!"

Amidst the boisterous laughter of the guests, a familiar notification sound rang out once again:

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the concubine-taking mission "Spreading Branches"! ]

[Reward: Lifespan +10 years, Reward: Low-grade Spirit Stone ×20]

[Please complete "Scattering Leaves" as soon as possible to obtain more rewards.]

Xu Changkun's lips curled slightly as he held the red silk ribbon, leading his fourth concubine into the bridal chamber.

Red candles burned brightly, filling the room with a joyous atmosphere.

On the table sat the nuptial wine and several plates of snacks and fruit. After bowing, the maidservants quietly withdrew and gently closed the door.

Xu Changkun picked up the weighing rod from the table and walked to the bedside.

Zhou Xiaoyun sat upright on the edge of the bed, her hands nervously clasped on her lap, the large red veil rising and falling slightly with her breathing.

The red veil slid down, revealing a delicately made-up, charming face.

Her willow-leaf eyebrows were curved, and her almond-shaped eyes were brimming with tenderness. Her crimson lips made her skin appear even whiter than snow, as delicate as if it could be broken with a single touch.

At this moment, her cheeks were flushed crimson, and her eyes were lowered, not daring to look directly at Xu Changkun. The shyness shining through her gentle demeanor was exceptionally moving.

"Xiaoyun." Xu Changkun sat down beside her.

She trembled slightly and responded in a low voice, "Mn..."

Xu Changkun took her slightly cool, small hand in his: "Don't be nervous. From now on, this is your home."

"Uncle Xu..."

Zhou Xiaoyun's voice was like that of a mosquito; she lifted her eyes to look at him, then quickly lowered them again, her ears turning completely red.

"Still calling me Uncle Xu?" Xu Changkun smiled, his fingers gently stroking the back of her smooth hand.

Zhou Xiaoyun bit her lower lip, her voice trembling: "Hus... Husband."

This call of "Husband" was so soft and sweet that it melted Xu Changkun's heart.

He gently stroked her cheek: "Xiaoyun, you are truly beautiful today."

The two drank the nuptial wine. Slightly tipsy from the alcohol, Zhou Xiaoyun's face grew even redder, and her eyes became moist and glistening.

Xu Changkun gently removed her phoenix coronet, letting her black hair cascade down, which accentuated the long, fair curve of her neck.

"Xiaoyun," Xu Changkun said softly as he stroked her hair, "After today, you are my wife. I know you are obsessed with medicine; in the future, I will leave the care of the family's herb garden to you."

Zhou Xiaoyun snuggled into his arms: "This wife understands. I am very happy to be able to help you, Husband."

She paused, her voice becoming even softer, "Husband, the night is deep... let us rest."

By the time she finished, her voice was barely audible, and she buried her burning cheeks into his chest.

Xu Changkun reached out and held her tightly.

There were no more words, only two hearts slowly drawing closer.

...

The next morning.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully "Scattering Leaves"! Concubine Zhou Xiaoyun has successfully conceived.]

[The offspring's mother has a Green Spiritual Root aptitude, reward super-doubled!]

[Reward: Lifespan +20 years!]

[Reward: Cultivation level increased: Qi Refining Stage 7!]

[Reward: One copy of the Burning Heaven Sword Technique]

[Reward: marrow cleansing pill ×20! Low-grade Spirit Stone ×30!]

A massive surge of vitality poured into Xu Changkun's body, and his spiritual power became more vigorous and refined than before.

Xu Changkun felt that his physical state had returned to its peak, and he was full of energy.

He looked at the sleeping Zhou Xiaoyun in his arms, a flash of tenderness in his eyes, and kissed her smooth forehead gently.

Zhou Xiaoyun seemed to sense something in her sleep; a sweet smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, and she burrowed deeper into his embrace.

When the sun was high in the sky, Zhou Xiaoyun finally woke up.

She changed into a new light pink dress, her hair simply pinned up. Although not as gorgeous as her ceremonial attire from yesterday, she possessed a unique, fresh, and gentle charm.

Lin Fenglan and Li Xiue had already risen, and upon seeing Zhou Xiaoyun, they both smiled and invited her to sit.

"Sister, come and sit quickly. Did you rest well last night?" Lin Fenglan asked gently; she was the furthest along in her pregnancy, and her movements were already somewhat inconvenient.

"Sister Xiaoyun, from now on we are family, so don't be shy." Li Xiue also smiled.

Zhou Xiaoyun bowed respectfully and offered them morning tea.

Lin Fenglan took the tea and pulled her to sit beside her: "Good sister, please, no more formalities. From now on, we sisters will get along well and manage this home together."

Wang Qingxuan also came over and nodded at Zhou Xiaoyun: "Since you understand medicinal herbs, if there is anything you need help with regarding the spirit fields in the future, you can tell me."

Zhou Xiaoyun was pleasantly surprised and quickly thanked her.

Seeing his wives and concubines getting along harmoniously, Xu Changkun felt very comforted.