She mistakenly got into the bridal sedan chair and married a sickly but powerful minister, becoming

Chapter 273 A Message from Another Courtyard

Shen Qingtan pulled her foot back and hid it behind her back, preventing him from touching her again.

She said with a resentful look, "If you keep touching me, my legs will get scabs."

Shen Qingtan had no idea that a mere anklet could have captivated him so completely.

In the evening, when she went to the hot spring to keep her appointment, she thought about it for a long time before deciding to bring her anklet.

She wanted to ask the Fourth Madam some questions to bolster her courage for what was to come.

To everyone's surprise, the fourth wife didn't go; instead, she specially arranged the gathering for the couple.

She wasn't pretentious; she and Zhao Yi were husband and wife, and their hearts were in sync—they should have consummated their marriage long ago.

The fourth wife had prepared things for her with great care, so she boldly used them, wanting to see what it would be like for a man to lose control.

During their few intimate encounters, only she was captivated, almost melting into his tenderness.

The man remained aloof and impeccably dressed. Only when the burning passion in his eyes touched her could she truly feel his affection.

Even so, he remained restrained and calm.

Her deliberate provocation today has resulted in him losing control, and the pool full of bright red petals has rippled out of the water, scattering like shy rain and clouds along the edge of the pool.

He was only concerned with pleasing her and making her happy before carrying her back to Yunlan Residence and taking the final step.

The next moment, the man's hand rested on her waist, massaging her spine inch by inch. The lingering afterglow of her body washed over her, and she trembled in his palm.

Shen Qingtan raised her eyes and glared at the man. His face, which was as cold as white jade, was flushed with a faint blush of passion, and his eyes were full of satisfaction at having his wish fulfilled.

She lowered her head, her forehead resting against his chest.

Zhao Yi pulled her into his arms and asked softly, "Are you hungry?"

"I'm not hungry," Shen Qingtan shook her head and said in a soft voice, "I'm very tired."

Zhao Yi's eyes and brows were full of affection: "You should sleep for a while first, and eat when you wake up."

Shen Qingtan, being new to such matters, was thoroughly exhausted after being tormented by him.

She adjusted to a comfortable position and curled up in his arms to fall asleep.

Hearing her long, even breaths, Zhao Yi tightened his arms, holding her even closer, and affectionately kissed her forehead.

-

The next morning, Shen Qingtan woke up and subconsciously reached out to touch the person beside her. One hand grasped her fingers and they intertwined.

"Awake?" Zhao Yi sat on the edge of the bed, looking at her sleepy eyes, and the corners of his lips slightly turned up: "Have you slept enough?"

Shen Qingtan glanced at Zhao Yi dazedly, then instinctively leaned closer to him, resting her head on his lap and hugging his waist.

"It's time to get up." Shen Qingtan's voice was soft and languid: "Fourth Uncle and Fourth Aunt are in Xishan, and our two families are going to have a meal together."

Zhao Yi pulled her out of the quilt and combed her long hair: "Fourth Aunt sent someone to deliver a message that they went out early to watch the sunrise and will not be back until evening."

Shen Qingtan was taken aback, then instantly understood. She shrank deeper into the blankets, revealing a pair of misty eyes: "Then I'll sleep a little longer?"

Zhao Yi smiled helplessly. Before he could speak, Liu Yue's voice came from outside: "Second Madam, have you gotten up? A message has arrived from the other courtyard."

Upon hearing this, Shen Qingtan immediately woke up from her drowsiness and sat up from under the covers: "Liu Yue, come in and give me your answer."

When Liu Yue pushed the door open and saw Zhao Yi, she paused, unsure whether to speak.