Noticing the still-wet bloodstain on the floor, Qi Zhenzhen realized Gu Sinian had a nosebleed.
She wasn't wearing clothes, but she was standing behind a screen! Before stepping out, she had specifically checked; while not very thick, the screen was definitely not transparent. So, how did Gu Sinian get a nosebleed?
Qi Zhenzhen slowly put on her clothes. As she lowered her head, she saw her silhouette cast on the screen and understood…
While a little embarrassed, Gu Sinian's reaction was even more amusing. The tender and affectionate look he had just displayed made him seem like a seasoned lover. But comparing that to him running out with his nose covered, the difference was stark. There was a saying in later generations: he looked like a king, but turned out to be a pawn.
When Qi Zhenzhen came out, Gu Sinian had already dealt with his nosebleed.
"Husband, is your nose alright?" Qi Zhenzhen asked with a smile.
Gu Sinian tilted his head slightly, his eyes not daring to meet Qi Zhenzhen's, his face flushing visibly.
Qi Zhenzhen was quite satisfied seeing him like this. After all, she had been the shy one earlier, and now that roles were reversed, she felt much more balanced.
"The weather was too hot today, and it's a bit dry," Gu Sinian mumbled.
"So, husband, your nosebleed was because the weather was too dry?" Qi Zhenzhen played along.
"Yes," Gu Sinian insisted.
Qi Zhenzhen walked to the dressing table and reached for a headscarf. Before sleeping, her hair needed to be wrung dry. Sleeping with wet hair would surely cause a headache the next day.
Before Qi Zhenzhen could grab the scarf, it fell into Gu Sinian's hands.
"I'll help you dry your hair," Gu Sinian said as he took action.
After the scene in the bathing room, Qi Zhenzhen's mindset had completely shifted. Shyness was nonexistent. As husband and wife, as long as nothing unexpected happened, they would be living together for decades. If she were shy every day, how would they manage?
Gu Sinian's movements were gentle, and Qi Zhenzhen's hair was quickly wrung dry.
After drying her hair, Gu Sinian didn't immediately go to the bathing room to wash. Instead, he continued to comb Qi Zhenzhen's hair. In his words, Qi Zhenzhen had worn many hairpins and ornaments today, and her scalp must be tight. Combing it would provide some comfort.
It was indeed comfortable, so comfortable that Qi Zhenzhen felt like humming.
Gu Sinian was truly a treasure.
After attending to Qi Zhenzhen, Gu Sinian finally went to the bathing room.
Qi Zhenzhen stood up and looked around. Although there was no one else in the room, she still felt a sense of guilt, as if she were a thief. After all—
After a moment of hesitation, Qi Zhenzhen reached into her dowry chest and took out a cloth-wrapped package. It was something Madam Yun had solemnly given her. Although she hadn't looked, she could roughly guess what it was – likely some explicit illustrations for marital relations.
Taking a deep breath, Qi Zhenzhen opened the book. To her surprise, there were no explicit drawings, but rather lines of elegant calligraphy.
This was a book that taught through words.
Qi Zhenzhen breathed a sigh of relief. This seemed easier to accept, at least it wasn't as awkward to look at.
Upon closer inspection, the book not only taught about marital relations but also detailed the issues a woman should pay attention to during her first time. According to the book, doing so could significantly reduce pain.
The wisdom of the ancients was truly not to be underestimated.
Closing the book, Qi Zhenzhen sincerely marveled at how practical it was. Especially the illustrations on the last two pages, depicting a woman exercising to improve flexibility. According to the book, consistent practice would make the body extremely supple, not only improving flexibility but also stamina. Setting aside its context, it was an excellent exercise method for women of the inner chambers.
As she was thinking, Gu Sinian emerged from the bathing room wearing a red robe. The cross-collared sleeping garment revealed his neck and collarbone. His wet hair was casually loose, and a few water droplets still glistened on his collarbone, exuding a unique charm under the dim lamplight.
It turned out that not only beauties looked good under the lamplight; handsome men did too.
Qi Zhenzhen, having just read the book and still savoring its contents, was suddenly presented with such a vivid scene. How could she remain composed?