581: Chapter 581 Warmth in the Hibiscus Tent

Seeing that his drunkenness was growing, Su Yunniang spoke softly, her tone full of concern and tenderness, fearing he might harm his health.

"Husband, the wine is finished and the etiquette is complete. It is time to rest."

As soon as she finished speaking, the room that had been filled with laughter and chatter a moment ago instantly became incredibly quiet.

A Dragon-Phoenix red candle burning nearby suddenly popped with a bright spark; the faint "crack" was exceptionally clear in the silent room, sounding like the rapid heartbeats of everyone present, as emotions surged beneath the surface.

The women looked at one another and lowered their eyes, their cheeks flushing a deep crimson, overcome with bashfulness.

Some nervously twisted the corners of their clothes, while others tightly gripped their skirts, even subconsciously lightening their breathing for fear of disturbing the current atmosphere.

A sweet yet subtle tension filled the air, an ambiguous and lingering sentiment so thick it could not be dispersed.

With the wine rising to his head, Situ Jun looked at the group of women dressed in bright red bridal gowns, their eyes full of shyness. His heart burned with heat, and his Bloodline surged slightly.

His Adam's apple bobbed several times as he took a deep breath, slowly suppressing the restlessness in his heart. His voice was low and raspy, yet carried an ultimate tenderness:

"All of you, come here. Come to my side."

Hearing this, the women stepped forward one after another as instructed, surrounding him in small groups. They gathered tightly around him, each with eyes full of affection and shyly moving beauty, filled with lingering love.

He reached out, pulling Su Yunniang and Li Danying to his left and right. His gaze swept over everyone present, and his voice was low, speaking each word as if to imprint them into the deepest parts of their hearts:

"Tonight, there is no first or last, no distinction between primary and secondary wives. Every one of you is my lawfully wedded wife, the love of my life, and the person I will protect for all my days. I, Situ Jun, swear to the heavens that no matter how much wind and rain lie ahead, and regardless of the final outcome of the Thousand-Year Covenant, my promise to you will never change in this life; my sincerity toward you will never alter. For all eternity, I will never leave or forsake you."

His tone was not loud, and even carried a hint of post-drinking raspiness, but every word was powerful and resonant. They landed heavily in the hearts of the women, striking their softest spots and causing a surge of tender emotion.

Tears shimmered in Su Yunniang's eyes, crystalline droplets swirling in her sockets, yet they did not fall.

She gently leaned her cheek against Situ Jun's shoulder, feeling the warmth and security there. Her voice was soft yet firm, filled with trust and attachment:

"We believe you. In this life and all lives, we will always believe in you and accompany you."

The other women also felt their eyes redden, filled with emotion and certainty. They nodded heavily, echoing her words. Their hearts were full of trust for the man before them and anticipation for their future together, their sentiments entwined in mutual understanding.

...

The mandarin duck embroidered silk quilt was slowly spread out. The fabric was soft and smooth, still retaining the warm fragrance of the sun, feeling gentle to the touch.

Layers of mermaid-silk gauze curtains hung down lightly, enveloping half the bridal chamber like mist and smoke, filtering the bright light of the Dragon-Phoenix candles into a soft, hazy glow.

The warm red candlelight spread layers of soft light across the gauze. A subtle, ambiguous aura quietly drifted—not intense or flamboyant, but gently wrapping around this world of red finery, waiting for the beloved.

Inside the curtains, the beauties each had their own charm, yet all hid hearts full of bashfulness.

Su Yunniang lowered her eyes, her slender fingers unconsciously twisting the embroidery of her red silk robe, the corners of her eyes slightly flushed with a tender spring passion hidden in her gaze. Lin Suwan looked up at the man beside her, her eyes clear and affectionate, her gaze never leaving him as he was the only one in her sight. Chen Yufei's delicate shoulders slumped slightly, her jade-like cheeks stained with a shallow rosy hue; in her bright eyes was a fiery joy she couldn't suppress, shy and moving...

The candlelight flickered and shadows shifted. Each stunning face was wrapped in soft light—some gentle, some noble, some delicate, or some spirited. Each had her own elegance, yet all were rare beauties of the world.

Inside the room, the Dragon-Phoenix wedding candles burned brightly, their jumping flames licking the wicks. The warm red glow filled every corner, dispelling the slight chill of the night, leaving the room filled with a melting warmth.

The silk quilts were drawn close, and red shadows leaned against each other. Without the need for words, the lingering affection had already permeated every inch of the air in the room, tender to the bone.

Tonight, the red candles burned long, reflecting the warmth within the hibiscus curtains. A night of intimacy and all manner of tenderness transformed into the most private affection in their hearts...

The next morning.

The soft morning light turned into fine golden rays, slowly spilling through the carved lattice windows.

The light was shallow and gentle, falling on the bed, the candlesticks, and the window frames, illuminating the bridal chamber with a quiet brightness.

The Dragon-Phoenix red candles that had burned all night were already spent. On the exquisite bronze candlesticks, droplets of deep red wax had condensed, cooling into a warm jade-like color. They looked like small pieces of red jade, glowing softly in the morning light, silently witnessing the deep affection of the previous night—speechless, yet full of warmth.

The paper-cut of mandarin ducks playing in water pasted on the window frame was hit by the slanted morning light, casting sparse shadows on the bluestone floor.

In the interplay of light and shadow, those mandarin ducks seemed to come to life, leaning on each other and slowly swimming in the shimmering phantom waves. It was full of auspicious warmth, just like the people in the room, their hearts leaning together.

Inside the light gauze curtains, the breathing was even and long; the room was quiet and silent.

The beauties slept soundly. The passion of the previous night had faded, leaving only a lazy tranquility.

Jet-black hair spread across the silk mattress like a waterfall, strands intertwining and shimmering with a gentle light. Contrasted against the bright red quilt, it was a scene of moving elegance.

Faint blushes remained on their cheeks, their eyes were curved in sleep, and their lips bore slight smiles—the peace and sweetness that only comes after being tenderly doted upon.

Between the thin curtains, a faint lingering scent of ambiguity still drifted, mixed with the elegant floral fragrance from the women. It wove into a mellow and gentle aroma that filled the air, making one willing to sink into it and never wake up.

Situ Jun was the first to wake.

When he opened his eyes, he saw black hair scattered across the bed—some tangled in the patterns of the silk quilt, some draped lightly over his arm. The soft strands brushed against his skin, carrying a faint fragrance that was both lingering and alluring.

His gaze softened instantly. He moved extremely lightly, for fear of disturbing those beside him. His eyes slowly swept over each sleeping face, his gaze filled with an inseparable doting and deep affection.

Su Yunniang leaned quietly against his chest, her warm cheek pressed against his skin. Her features were relaxed, and she slept peacefully. This was likely what it looked like when the years were quiet and good.

Li Danying leaned lazily nearby. Her usual noble and dignified air as a Princess had completely faded; one jade-like leg was draped casually over his knees. Her sleeping posture was innocent and romantic, with a smile lingering on her lips, adding a rare touch of playfulness.

Chen Yufei was curled in the crook of his arm, her delicate body pressed tightly against his warm embrace like a docile kitten. Her face was full of dependence, sleeping without any defenses.

Jiang Yan rested on his shoulder, her slender jade hand still tightly clutching his lapel. Even in deep sleep, she had not let go. It was total trust, the peace of mind that comes from completely giving oneself over.

Hong Mei lay casually at the foot of the bed, pillowing her head on the soft silk quilt. She slept freely and uninhibitedly, without any forced posture, her frankness making her particularly lovable.

The other beauties were also sleeping soundly—some leaning against each other, some pillowed on his arm, some embracing the soft silk. The massive bed was surrounded by people full of joy, everyone's expression peaceful and lips smiling; they had surely fallen into tender and sweet dreams.

The fine morning light fell gently on their faces, making their skin look lustrous and their features gentle. Their tranquil appearance made it impossible for Situ Jun to look away.

He lay quietly, not daring to move an inch. His gaze carefully brushed over every face that had accompanied him for so long, deeply engraving this beautiful scene of morning light and beauties in his arms into his heart, to be cherished forever.

He sighed inwardly. Even if a thousand years of time were to wear away or the world were to turn over, he would firmly remember the warmth and tenderness of this moment.

The Great Perfection he sought in this life was likely nothing more than this.

It was not the supreme power to dominate the four seas, nor was it the peerless glory of a high Cultivation.

It was this moment—the faint morning light, a bed full of red finery, and his loved ones all sleeping peacefully in his arms. No worldly disturbances, no worries about the road ahead, only the quiet years and the stability of the present. This was the greatest fortune in the human world.

The red candles had burned to ash, but the residual warmth had not dissipated for a long time. The intimacy of last night still lingered in every corner of the room.

Warmth remained within the hibiscus curtains. Though the spring night was short, the deep affection carved into their marrow was like a steady stream, never to be extinguished.

Situ Jun slowly lowered his head.

First, he placed a gentle kiss on Su Yunniang's smooth forehead, hiding his heart full of tenderness. Then he leaned down to kiss the top of Li Danying's black hair, his eyes full of doting. He then lightly touched Liu Xuaner's brow, making a silent promise to never leave or forsake her for all eternity. Finally, he kissed the hair at Jiang Yan's temples, all his pity and love contained within...

He kissed each beauty beside him one by one, kissing them gently and reverently, for fear that a slightly heavier touch would disturb their peaceful dreams.

Ten thousand surging waves of tenderness were all transformed into these light kisses, falling on their brows and imprinted on their hearts, unchanging in this life and eternal in affection.

After kissing them all, he slowly lay back down and closed his eyes, a warm smile lingering on his lips.

Embracing a bed full of warm fragrance and soft jade, feeling the rise and fall of the gentle breathing beside him and the touchable warmth of their bodies, he once again sank peacefully into a dreamland, willing to drown in this tenderness for years and years, never to wake.

...

Outside, the morning bell of the Northern Frontier Ancient City slowly rang. The sound was thick and long, passing through the towering city walls, skimming over the long streets and alleys, and entering thousands of households, gently waking this capital city that was still immersed in the joy of the grand wedding.

The people in the city began to wake one after another. Looking up, they saw the red lanterns hanging high throughout the city were still bright, and the crimson silk ribbons on the doorframes fluttered lightly in the wind. Everywhere they looked was filled with festivity.

Recalling the grand scene of the City Lord's wedding yesterday, everyone's faces beamed with heartfelt joy. Neighbors met and smiled at each other, their eyes full of the most sincere blessings.

The City Lord's wedding was a celebration for the whole city. This intense joy, accompanied by the warm spring sun, continued to spread leisurely through the city, not dissipating for a long time.

For the next several days, the festive atmosphere within the City Lord's Manor remained thick.

Red silk wrapped around the corridor pillars, and lanterns hung high throughout the night. In the courtyards and pavilions, laughter and chatter were everywhere, and the tenderness of being together day and night never ceased.

Situ Jun temporarily set aside the complicated official business on his desk and cast away all worldly trifles. He devoted himself to accompanying the beauties at his side, turning all the companionship he had owed them from his past travels into the tenderness of being together day and night and meticulous doting.

In his leisure time, he would accompany everyone in looking after the young children, personally holding Situ Fengyan's small hand and playing in the courtyard. Childish words and songs rose and fell, full of the joy of family, as laughter echoed between the pavilions.

Or he would walk hand-in-hand with the beauties through the quiet paths of the courtyard, admiring the clear moonlight together, watching the blooming flowers before the hall, and chatting about domestic matters. Affection flowed quietly between their eyes.

Or the whole family would sit around a water pavilion, brewing a pot of clear tea, leisurely talking about the past and counting the wind and rain they had walked through together.

He poured out all the tenderness of his life to make up for the regrets of past partings, giving his full heart of deep affection and doting without reservation to these women who had always stayed by his side with all their hearts.

Every night, the red candles in the bridal chamber burned long, the room filled with laughter and tender sentiments. Their love grew even more mellow and lingering through their daily lives together.

Situ Jun was intoxicated by the tender years surrounded by his charming wives, his heart full of the Perfection of having his wishes fulfilled. The beauties also indulged in his meticulous care, their eyes full of spring, their hearts and minds filled with stability and happiness.

This period of time spent together day and night, far from the noise of the world and belonging only to the family, had no bitterness of parting, only the joy of companionship. It was beautiful and peaceful, leisurely and long, fulfilling their mutual affection and expectations, becoming the most precious and tender years of their lives.