Feeling even more embarrassed with his new wife's directness, Gu Yi mumbled a defense, "Daddy allowed me to eat it."
Hearing the word "Daddy," Zheng Yu's heart bloomed, and she couldn't stop smiling.
With Gu Yi still veiled, Zheng Yu didn't linger. She rose, picked up the ceremonial scale prepared by the servants, and walked solemnly and slowly towards Gu Yi. She then gently lifted the veil from her beloved's head.
Beneath the veil, a delicate face appeared, entirely different from his usual unadorned look. His dark hair was all tied up, no longer the loose, flowing style of a young master, but a neat bun. The usual liveliness was replaced by a touch of grace and shyness.
Their eyes met, and Gu Yi, as if scalded, immediately averted his gaze, his lips pressed tightly together, his cheeks flushing visibly.
Gazing at the shy expression before her, Zheng Yu was captivated. Knowing Gu Yi was bashful, she bent down, gently took his hands, which were neatly placed on his lap, and guided him to sit on a stool. She poured two cups of wine, handing one to Gu Yi.
"Yi'er, this is the 'hejin' wine. After drinking this, we will be true husband and wife."
"Mm, I know." Gu Yi nodded slowly, aware of this tradition.
They slowly raised their wine cups, their arms entwined, and drank the wine.
After drinking, Gu Yi's complexion became even more rosy in the reflection of the red silk that filled the room. A few drops of wine lingered on his red lips, exuding an alluring sheen, appearing even more moist and tempting under the candlelight.
Never having drunk wine before, Gu Yi's face flushed under its influence. His eyes lacked their usual sharpness, and it was unclear whether it was from the wine or from shyness.
Zheng Yu stood up and walked behind Gu Yi, helping him remove his hair ornaments. His dark hair, smooth as brocade, naturally cascaded onto his shoulders as the hairpin was removed.
Gu Yi started to rise, but Zheng Yu held him down, "Don't move, I'll help you."
Zheng Yu reached for a pair of scissors nearby and cut a barely noticeable lock of hair from behind Gu Yi. She then turned, pulled a lock from her own hair, and cut it. The two locks of hair were tied together with a red thread, their intertwined strands symbolizing their union, each becoming a part of the other.
Binding their hair as husband and wife, their love unwavering.
The dishes on the table were still warm. Zheng Yu personally went to the bed and removed the red dates and peanuts that had been spread on top, stopping Gu Yi from getting up to help.
"You haven't eaten anything today. Eat something first; I'll tidy these things up." Zheng Yu gave Gu Yi a reassuring look and smiled as she tidied everything on the bed.
After they finished eating, Zheng Yu called for a servant to clear the table. The bridal chamber's night had just begun.
Gu Yi sat beside Zheng Yu on the bed, his hands tightly clasped together, his heart racing. Under the influence of the wine, the exposed skin turned red, and the color on his face deepened subtly.
Looking at her little husband, who kept glancing at her, Zheng Yu chuckled softly and slowly drew closer.
Hearing Zheng Yu's laughter, Gu Yi's face grew even redder. The clothes in his hands were crumpled from his nervous grip.
Sensing Zheng Yu's approaching presence, Gu Yi pursed his lips and cautiously raised his eyes, only to meet Zheng Yu's gaze directly. His eyes flitted away in panic, unsure where to look.
Seizing the moment, Zheng Yu moved to Gu Yi's side, her large hand reaching out to instantly pull Gu Yi's waist into her embrace. Startled, he let out a cry, instinctively tucking his hands to his chest, keeping their upper bodies apart to prevent them from pressing together.
Gu Yi's face grew increasingly flushed under Zheng Yu's breath. The atmosphere around them became more intimate, and the red candles flickered twice at the opportune moment. The large red bed curtains slowly descended, veiling the room in a tender glow.