516: Chapter 516 The Relationship Revealed to the Public

The dragon and phoenix candles had burned halfway, the wax dripping and hardening into layers, forming a half-inch high jade-like platform on the table.

The warm glow of the candlelight spread out, tinting the interior of the brocade curtains with a gentle and lingering crimson hue.

Situ Jun held the soft, fragrant beauty in his arms, his fingertips brushing very lightly over her dark hair scattered across the pillow. His movements were so gentle they were almost reverent, for fear that even a slight increase in pressure would disturb the person in his embrace.

Ye Nianrui snuggled securely in his arms, her cheek pressed against his warm, firm chest, her ear filled with the steady, powerful rhythm of his heartbeat.

The turbulent emotions from moments ago gradually settled, leaving behind a heart and soul full of security and sweetness.

She looked up slightly, her eyelashes trembling like butterfly wings. Her gaze fell upon the sharp, cold lines of his jaw. Her voice still carried a hint of lingering hoarseness, yet it was as soft as if it had been soaked in warm water, tender and captivating:

“Husband, even now... I still feel like I'm dreaming.”

Situ Jun lowered his head, his lips lightly brushing against her smooth forehead. He gave a low chuckle, his voice deep, husky, and intoxicating:

“It is not a dream.”

His fingertips rubbed the slightly cool back of her hand, his tone steady and serious. Every word fell deep into her heart:

“I have made you wait too long and let you live in fear for too long. From now on, I will not let you suffer a single grievance or a moment of suspicion.”

Ye Nianrui's nose prickled, but it wasn't from sadness; she was simply so happy she couldn't contain herself.

She raised her hand and gently touched his cheek, her fingertips trembling slightly:

“I am not afraid of waiting, nor am I afraid of hardship. I was only afraid... that I was not worthy.”

“Silly talk.”

Situ Jun caught her hand and pressed it firmly against his heart, letting her truly feel the intense rhythm beating for her:

“To me, the tens of thousands of miles of Northern Border mountains and rivers, the power and status, are far less important than having you all by my side, and even less than a single word of willingness from you. You braved dangers for me, managed affairs inside and out for me, and waited for me with deep affection—how did I, Situ Jun, ever deserve to have such devotion?”

He paused, his eyes as deep as the night and as hot as a blazing fire:

“Zhu Changpo's outburst actually woke me up. I should no longer hide you behind me, letting you live under the gossip of others. You should stand by my side as my wife, uniquely favored for a lifetime, with no one allowed to bully you.”

Ye Nianrui's tears fell again, but this time, they were accompanied by a faint smile, a sweetness that seeped into her very soul.

She took the initiative to tilt her head up and lightly kissed his lips, as gentle as the flutter of a butterfly's wing, timid yet sincere.

Situ Jun's eyes darkened instantly. He took the lead, pressing his lips against hers tenderly but irresistibly, melting all the unspoken words of love and long-suppressed deep affection into this long, gentle kiss.

Outside the curtains, the night breeze brushed by, carrying a faint scent of flowers; inside, there was lingering warmth and the peace of steady years.

...

The next morning, as the sky was just beginning to brighten, the first ray of dawn pierced through the window lattice, falling gently before the bed.

Ye Nianrui woke up in a cocoon of secure warmth.

The person beside her had already woken up but hadn't risen. He just propped himself up on his elbow, quietly gazing at her with a look so tender it could melt a person.

Seeing her open her eyes, Situ Jun's fingertips lightly brushed away the stray hairs by her cheek as he laughed softly:

“Awake? Were you exhausted by last night?”

Ye Nianrui's cheeks instantly turned crimson. Thinking of everything from last night, she shrank into the brocade quilt in shame, leaving only a pair of watery eyes to give him a reproachful glance.

That glance was full of charm and shyness, her eyes curving beautifully. It made Situ Jun's heart soften, wishing he could pull her into his arms again right then and there.

“Husband...”

Her voice was light and soft, carrying the lazy sweetness of someone who had just woken up.

“It's getting late. There are still many things in the manor to take care of...”

“With Zhu Changpo and the others there, the sky won't fall.”

Situ Jun reached out and pulled her back into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head. His tone held a hint of barely perceptible longing:

“Today, I won't do anything. I only want to stay with you.”

Ye Nianrui was startled, but then her heart overflowed with sweetness. She leaned obediently in his arms and said no more.

To be able to lean against him so without reservation, enjoying this moment of peace that belonged only to the two of them, was the most luxurious happiness in the world to her.

Before long, the sound of a maid's light footsteps came from outside the door. She reported in a low voice through the door:

“City Lord, Madam Ye, Yun Niang has already prepared breakfast, and... the Young Master is also awake. Madam Xu is helping to soothe him.”

The phrase “Madam Ye” made Ye Nianrui's heart tremble, her face burning with shyness.

Before, she was just the “Steward Ye” in everyone's mouth, without a title or status, silently following him. Now, she had finally become Situ Jun's wife in name and in fact.

Situ Jun chuckled and patted her back:

“Get up then. Don't keep Yun Niang and Aunt Xu waiting. From now on, we are one family.”

Ye Nianrui nodded and got up to change her clothes.

The maids entered carrying the pre-prepared attire. It was no longer the plain-colored dresses of a steward, but a formal red silk skirt embroidered with lotus patterns. It was elegant and dignified, making her complexion look rosy and her eyes gentle, her temperament completely refreshed.

Her long hair was swept up high, secured with a pure gold kingfisher hairpin. Two round pearls hung from her earlobes. Every frown and smile exuded the dignified air of the mistress of the house.

Situ Jun stood to the side, quietly watching her dress, his eyes full of admiration and doting.

This was his wife, the person he would protect in the palm of his hand for the rest of his life.

When the two walked out of the courtyard together, Su Yunniang was holding Little Fengyan in the East Courtyard hall, waiting. Aunt Xu, Liu Xuaner, and the others were also already at the table.

Su Yunniang wore a simple and elegant long skirt, her temperament gentle and quiet. Seeing Ye Nianrui, a sincere smile appeared on her face as she stepped forward:

“Sister Nianrui.”

That one call of “Sister Nianrui” completely acknowledged her status.

Ye Nianrui hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, her eyes growing warm:

“Sister Yunniang.”

Little Fengyan stared with big, round eyes, looking at Ye Nianrui curiously. He reached out a chubby little hand and babbled indistinctly:

“Ee-ya... ee-ya...”

Though it was just the ignorant babbling of a child, it made Ye Nianrui's heart melt.

She carefully reached out and gently touched Little Fengyan's soft hand. The thought of wanting to become a mother grew even stronger in her heart.

Su Yunniang looked at the two of them smiling at each other and said softly:

“Sister Nianrui, from now on we are one family. We will serve our husband together, manage the City Lord's Manor together, and maintain the peace within this manor together.”

Ye Nianrui nodded heavily, her eyes slightly red. This time, it was entirely out of joy and peace of mind.

She was finally no longer alone. She had a husband, sisters, and a true home.

Situ Jun stood to the side, watching the harmonious and warm scene before him, his heart feeling open and secure.

With his loved ones by his side, his family accompanying him, the city secure, and the years peaceful.

...

The sun rose higher, and sunlight filled every corner of the City Lord's Manor.

Situ Jun took Ye Nianrui's hand and climbed the high tower of the City Lord's Manor to overlook the entire Northern Border City.

The streets were bustling with traffic, the people lived and worked in peace, and children played and laughed. It was a scene of tranquility and harmony.

Ye Nianrui leaned gently against his shoulder and said softly:

“Husband, look. The Northern Border is truly wonderful.”

“It is very wonderful.”

Situ Jun lowered his head and pressed a gentle kiss into her hair, his tone deep and lingering,

“But to me, the Northern Border with you all is the true paradise on earth.”

He raised his hand and gently pulled her into his arms, his gaze tender and expectant:

“Perhaps before long, you will be carrying our child. If it's a boy, I will teach him martial arts and military drills to guard the territory. If it's a girl, I will teach her music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, making her gentle and bright.”

Ye Nianrui's cheeks turned slightly red, her heart racing. She gave a soft “Mm,” her heart filled with anticipation.

The wind brushed past the city tower, fluttering their sleeves. Their figures, leaning against each other, were frozen into eternity under the sunlight.

Once, she was a steward without a title or status, waiting silently and not daring to ask for more.

Now, she was the rightful Madam, receiving his wholehearted devotion and a lifetime of honor and favor.

...