Chapter 71: A Clever Ruse Backfires (Please Keep Reading)

December, the weather was cold.

Seeing that Brother Li and Sister Wen had been in the main house for two hours without emerging, and with nothing but silence coming from inside, the sensible Little Green Tea made her way to the kitchen and began stoking the fire, preparing the meal.

Another hour passed, and Li Guanxuan stepped out of the main room with an invigorated air. The table was laden with fine wine and dishes, and their aroma alone spoke to the quality. Truly, his considerate little sister—she knew that three hours of exertion would tire him, and had specially prepared a feast to replenish his strength. Li Guanxuan sighed inwardly. Spotting Song Zhiqiao standing there with a flushed face, he said:

“Sit, let’s eat together. Rongxin will likely be another hour or two before she comes out.”

“Alright, yes,” Song Zhiqiao replied, her cheeks as crimson as sunset clouds.

She knew well, though Brother Li hadn’t spoken directly, that as long as Wen Rongxin agreed, she would soon be welcomed into the family. Winning the favor of the primary wife was the next step—only then could she rightfully make this home her own.

After the meal, Wen Rongxin had rested enough. She was already full, so she skipped dinner, but when she emerged, her steps were somewhat uncertain.

“Husband, go to the cultivation room first…” Wen Rongxin said, her face still flushed.

Li Guanxuan, understanding her intent, rose and left the hall, knowing his wife was arranging for him to take a concubine. Before departing, he told Song Zhiqiao:

“Take good care of your Sister Wen.”

“I will,” Song Zhiqiao nodded obediently, though she was a bit anxious inside. Her admittance to the Li family depended entirely on the primary wife.

After Li Guanxuan left, Wen Rongxin took Song Zhiqiao aside for a private conversation between women.

Night fell, and snow drifted softly from the sky. Li Guanxuan returned to his room and once again devoted himself to tireless labor, while the tree-lined paths outside were covered in white frost.

Half an hour later, Wen Rongxin called a halt. If things continued, she felt she might faint again. Li Guanxuan, who had been conserving his energy for a month, reluctantly withdrew.

“On the thirteenth of this month, let Husband bring Sister Song into the house,” Wen Rongxin murmured, leaning against her husband’s broad chest.

“You’ve spoken to her?” Li Guanxuan asked.

Wen Rongxin nodded gently, spring in her eyes and a smile on her lips, speaking softly, “Sister Song is exceptionally clever, and under your influence, she’s become steady and well-behaved—perfect as your third wife. If she advances to a second-tier array master, you won’t have to work so hard.”

Moved by her thoughtfulness, Li Guanxuan kissed her forehead and sighed, “My dear, you’ve endured much.”

“No, no, not at all… Your constitution is special. If I were the only woman here, that would truly be hardship,” Wen Rongxin explained hurriedly, her voice as faint as a whisper.

What a joke—she alone could never bear Li Guanxuan’s intensity. Without another sister in the household, she might have already ascended to immortality by other means.

Li Guanxuan grinned with satisfaction. Because of the Fur Blossom Spirit Tree he carried, he had to cultivate with various women to gain more immortal energy and little rewards. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have needed to spend sixteen hours daily in intimate union—a regimen that nearly drove his kidneys to crisis! Thankfully, the Deer Antler Spirit Wine revived him, making him a champion once more.

Cultivators truly possessed bodies unlike ordinary folk.

Still, women couldn’t be chosen at random. Their cultivation must be lower than his; too high, and he couldn’t manage, too wild, and they were unsuitable. The case of Qin Jiyue was entirely unexpected; he hadn’t anticipated encountering a devil cultivator disguised as a man.

Fortunately, after her ordeal in Falling Moon Valley, Qin Jiyue became docile, never involving herself in further incidents—each day, she diligently cultivated alongside him, sincerely seeking the path.

So, one female cultivator like Qin Jiyue was enough. He doubted he could handle a second. Yet, thanks to her presence, Li Guanxuan had learned many secrets of the Fur Blossom Spirit Tree, and Wen Rongxin received a blossom granting longevity.

Now, Song Zhiqiao, with her low cultivation, high intelligence, and gentle demeanor, was an array master, perfectly suited for marriage.

…

On the thirteenth of December, Peaceful Court was festooned with lanterns and ribbons as Song Zhiqiao officially entered the Li family.

Next door, Cao Mang, seeing another beautiful cultivator wed to Li Guanxuan, was nearly beside himself with envy, pestering Li Guanxuan to craft him a wife, promising that spirit stones would be no issue.

That night, the moon was bright and the stars sparse.

After the customary rituals, Song Zhiqiao sat upright at the edge of the bed, awaiting her beloved.

With a creak, the door opened.

The familiar masculine scent enveloped her, and Song Zhiqiao’s heart beat faster. After tonight, she would be a married woman.

Li Guanxuan entered, feeling a bit sentimental. When Qin Jiyue was wed, she cared little for ceremony, even boasting on her wedding night. But Song Zhiqiao, raised in a scholarly family, observed every ritual with care—just as Wen Rongxin insisted.

Li Guanxuan approached Song Zhiqiao, lifted her red veil, and gazed at her phoenix crown and bridal attire, her delicate face lightly adorned with makeup. The wine’s warmth stirred him, and he raised his head slightly in respect.

“Li, Brother Li…”

Song Zhiqiao spoke softly, both joyful and shy.

“Hm?” Li Guanxuan looked at her.

“Husband~”

Song Zhiqiao quickly corrected herself, her voice gentle, overflowing with love as she embraced Li Guanxuan.

As soon as she wrapped her arms around her beloved, she felt something press against her throat. She sat up straighter, her face flushed as she coquettishly said, “Husband, put out the lights.”

“Don’t misunderstand. This is only a gesture of respect,” Li Guanxuan explained.

Song Zhiqiao nodded shyly.

Li Guanxuan waved his hand, extinguishing the candles, then shrugged off his red robe with a smile. “According to tradition, when I raise my head in salute to you, you should welcome me with open arms.”

As a woman of talent, Song Zhiqiao understood instantly. She reached out, hooked her arms around his neck, and summoned her courage. “I will give my all.”

Li Guanxuan was very pleased.

Song Zhiqiao possessed Wen Rongxin’s shyness, Qin Jiyue’s boldness, and was obedient and sensible besides…

In the future, when Jiyue emerged from seclusion, perhaps his dream might be realized.

A kiss sealed their union, and as Li Guanxuan gently carried her forward, the room seemed to grow damp in the darkness.

The old wolf brush rose again, accompanied by a soft moan; the “Double Happiness” character pasted on the window glowed scarlet.

Compared to Wen Rongxin’s tender sweetness and Qin Jiyue’s commanding voice, Song Zhiqiao was graceful and restrained. Yet, faced with such intimacy, her voice rose despite herself.

Half an hour later.

Li Guanxuan wrapped his arms around her slender waist, easily making mischief.

“Sister, this isn’t a waist—it’s a blade made for killing,” Li Guanxuan couldn’t help but sigh.

“Mm… naughty brother,” Song Zhiqiao replied, clinging to him like a koala, her face radiant.

…

PS: Another chapter tonight, possibly at midnight. Please send your recommendations~