170: The warm fragrance wafts in the afternoon

The sun climbed to the zenith, and its warm, melting light flowed onto the bluestone slabs of the Rain Embroidery Courtyard, making the vermillion-lacquered gate appear even brighter. Even the verdigris on the door knocker seemed gilded.

The Embroiderer, holding Shen Xingwan's hand, had been waiting below the steps inside the gate for some time.

The moss growing out of the cracks in the bluestone slabs, still damp with morning dew, gradually stretched out under the sun, looking like a ring of jadeite adorning their feet.

The sound of carriage wheels came from afar, growing closer, making a crisp, fragmented noise as they rolled over the street's bluestone pavement.

The smile on the Embroiderer's face widened slightly, and she gently patted Shen Xingwan's hand:

"They're here."

When Shen Xingwan raised her eyes, her plain-colored dress accentuated her figure, which resembled a new willow by the pond. Her initial shyness, like a thin layer of frost, gradually melted under the Embroiderer's warm gaze.

Following that line of sight toward the entrance, she saw the carriage curtain lifted by a slender, jade-like hand. A silver bracelet flashed with fragmented light in the sun—the first person to descend was Mei Shuang. Her plain dress draped over her slender figure, and her cold, clear eyes softened slightly upon seeing the Embroiderer, like a mountain stream where snow had just begun to melt.

Next was Jiang Ya. Her lake-blue skirt was dusted with a little travel grime, and her beautiful face showed weariness, yet she still resembled a lotus flower dampened by rain, timidly lowering her gaze, making her especially lovable.

Finally came Lan Yanliu. A pomegranate-red dress enveloped her voluptuous figure. As soon as she landed, she stretched with a lazy arch of her back. Her silver hairpin swayed by her temple, and the charm in her flowing gaze spilled out, like the roses climbing the courtyard wall.

"You're finally back."

The Embroiderer smiled and stepped forward to greet them, the continuous lotus pattern embroidered on her cuffs swaying gently in the breeze:

"The journey was bumpy; you must be tired?"

"We're fine."

Mei Shuang spoke first, her voice clear as a spring. When her gaze inadvertently swept over Shen Xingwan beside the Embroiderer, her brow furrowed slightly with a hint of confusion:

"This is..."

Jiang Ya and Lan Yanliu also looked over. Jiang Ya's curiosity was obvious, like a bouncing rabbit tucked inside her. Lan Yanliu, however, squinted, her scrutinizing gaze hiding a hint of inquiry, as if she were examining a novel piece of embroidery.

Only then did the Embroiderer remember to introduce them. She took Shen Xingwan's hand and said to the three women:

"This is Younger Sister Shen Xingwan. She just arrived at our Rain Embroidery Courtyard and will be one of the family from now on."

Then she turned to Shen Xingwan:

"Xingwan, these three are Younger Sister Mei Shuang, Younger Sister Jiang Ya, and Younger Sister Lan Yanliu. I hope you all get along well in the future."

"I greet the three younger sisters."

Shen Xingwan spoke softly, and as she slightly bowed her head, the silver tassels by her temples gently swayed, her demeanor proper.

"So it's Elder Sister Xingwan. You look so gentle, Elder Sister." Jiang Ya smiled first, her voice soft and sweet, as if dipped in honey.

Lan Yanliu also shed her lazy air, stepped forward, walked halfway around Shen Xingwan, and smiled:

"Another charming younger sister has arrived. This courtyard will be even livelier from now on."

Although Mei Shuang's temperament was cold, she was not lacking in etiquette, and she nodded:

"Hello, Elder Sister Xingwan."

Seeing that the three women showed no sign of exclusion, Shen Xingwan felt relieved and showed a sincere smile on her face:

"Hello, three younger sisters."

A few simple greetings dispelled the unfamiliarity of their first meeting, like a spring breeze sweeping over a lake, spreading a shallow layer of warmth.

Seeing that the women were getting along harmoniously, the Embroiderer smiled contentedly:

"It's sunny outside, hurry inside. Xuan'er and Consort Yu have probably prepared the candied fruits and pastries you like."

With that, she led them toward the inner courtyard. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the eaves, stretching their shadows long. Laughter gradually arose along the way, mixing with the gentle chime of the copper bells on the eaves, melding into the warmth of the Rain Embroidery Courtyard... The sun was setting in the west, and the warm, golden afterglow lazily spilled onto the bluestone paths of the Rain Embroidery Courtyard, coating the exquisite pavilions and towers with a soft halo. Even the moss in the corner of the wall radiated a gentle warmth.

Inside the garden, the vegetation was lush, and floral fragrance drifted, interwoven with the women's crisp laughter, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Inside the main hall at this moment.

The Embroiderer was whispering something to Liu Xuaner. On the embroidery hoop in Liu Xuaner's hands, a peony was gradually taking shape.

Chen Yufei picked up a piece of almond pastry and tasted it in small bites, crumbs clinging to the corner of her lips, like a dusting of snow.

Mei Shuang stood leaning against the window, her cool gaze resting on the flowering trees in the courtyard.

Jiang Ya sat quietly to the side, holding a celadon teacup in both hands, her fingertips gently stroking the rim.

Lan Yanliu was half-reclining lazily on a soft couch, her fingertip twirling a strand of hair by her temple, her flowing gaze carrying a hint of casual charm.

Shen Xingwan was seated beside the Embroiderer, listening quietly and occasionally offering a comment, trying hard to blend into this unfamiliar atmosphere.

Seeing the increasing weariness between their brows, the Embroiderer stood up and smiled gently:

"Sisters, you must be exhausted from the journey. Why don't you return to your respective rooms to rest? We can gather again at dinner."

Hearing this, the women, indeed tired, stood up one after another to take their leave, guided by maidservants to their respective rooms to rest.

The spacious hall suddenly fell silent, leaving only the chirping of birds outside the window and the occasional sight of a few falling petals.

Situ Jun returned from discussing matters with Wang Cheng. As he stepped into the Rain Embroidery Courtyard, he did not deliberately conceal his Qi.

His steady footsteps, mixed with the unique Dragons Saliva Incense scent on his body, were like a silent declaration, causing the women in the various side rooms of the courtyard to stir slightly, secretly intending to make him wait for a while.

Seeing that no one came out, Situ Jun smiled helplessly.

He turned and walked toward the small study where the Embroiderer often stayed.

Pushing the door open, he saw the Embroiderer sitting on a low couch by the window, threading a needle in the sunlight. On her lap lay an unfinished Moon White male sleeping robe. Silver thread was embroidering a continuous vine pattern onto the plain silk, the stitches as fine and dense as threads spun by spring silkworms.

The sunlight outlined her soft profile, her eyelashes casting shallow shadows beneath her eyes. Her focused expression exuded the tranquility of peaceful years.

"Husband?"

Hearing the sound, the Embroiderer looked up, a smile blossoming in her eyes. She put down her needlework and prepared to stand up.

Situ Jun strode forward. Before she could stand, he bent down, wrapped one arm around her slender waist, and lifted her chin with the other hand:

"You've worked hard!"

Saying this, he smiled slightly, bent down, and captured her vermillion lips.

The Embroiderer let out a soft moan, obediently tilted her head back, wrapped her arms around his neck, and responded passionately.

In the intertwining of their lips and tongues lay their mutual understanding and a deep, bone-marrow devotion.

After a long time, he retreated slightly, resting his forehead against hers, and said hoarsely:

"You've been busy all day, are you tired?"

Yet, his fingertips had already deftly unfastened the topmost Frog Button on her collar, revealing her neck, which was delicate as jade.

The Embroiderer's cheeks were flushed, her breathing slightly quickened, and she shot him a playful glare:

"In broad daylight... and the sisters are all here."

Although she said this, her body nestled even softer into his embrace, allowing him to hold her.

"What are you afraid of?" Situ Jun chuckled softly, his tone carrying a hint of intimacy. "My wife, I will be intimate with you whenever I want."

Before his voice faded, he had already swept her up horizontally and walked toward the brocade couch in the inner chamber.

The Embroiderer let out a small gasp, burying her face in his firm chest. The scent of Soapberry Fragrance on his body lingered at her nose. Her shyness hid indulgence, like a half-opened flower silently consenting to the bee's gathering... Situ Jun did not stay long in the Embroiderer's room. After comforting the person closest to his heart.

With a sweep of his Divine Sense, he strolled confidently to Mei Shuang's residence.

Mei Shuang's room was simple and elegant, with bamboo stalks placed in a vase of clear water on the desk. Just like her person, it exuded a sense of detached indifference.

She was standing in front of the writing desk, copying a Winter Plum Blossom Painting, her expression focused, with her characteristic coolness between her brows.

Situ Jun silently walked up behind her, his tall figure instantly enveloping her.

Mei Shuang's brush tip paused, and a small spot of ink bled onto the Xuan paper, like a drop of ink falling onto snow.

She did not turn around, only saying softly:

"Husband."

Situ Jun embraced her from behind, resting his chin in the hollow of her shoulder, his warm breath brushing against her sensitive earlobe.

He held the hand she used to grip the brush, guiding her to freely sweep a few strokes across the paper. The originally cool and aloof plum branches immediately gained a few degrees of vigorous strength, as if they had acquired bone.

"The painting is good, but... it lacks some Life Qi."

His voice was low and carried a suggestive meaning.

Mei Shuang's body instantly tensed, a hint of shame and annoyance flashing in her cool eyes as she tried to break free:

"Husband, you..."

"Shh..."

Situ Jun easily restrained her weak resistance.

His fingers, separated by the thin Carp Playing in Water and Lotus Flower Embroidery, seemed to be stroking the dense stitches.

"We haven't seen each other for so long, did you miss me?" He said, kissing her hair bun.

Mei Shuang's breathing became erratic, and her cool facade crumbled inch by inch.

She bit her lower lip, but her body honestly trembled slightly under his 'demonic grasp,' finally dissolving into a suppressed moan as she softly collapsed backward into his broad embrace.

Situ Jun took the opportunity to pick her up and walked toward the bed in the inner chamber. A thread of hidden romance permeated the cool air.