The young women of Dan Country all joined in to ply Qiao Ci with wine, for custom, for fun, and for personal grudges.
After all, Dan Qing was the little celestial male to countless women in Dan Country. To have him so forcefully claimed by someone unknown left the other women feeling disgruntled.
But they couldn't defeat her in a fight, so they took their frustrations out elsewhere.
Qiao Ci showed no fear, accepting every drink offered.
In the end, before she could get drunk, her tormentors were sprawled on the ground, making spectacles of themselves.
Dan Rong was the most dramatic, clinging to Qiao Ci's leg and wailing:
"He is my only full brother, you must treat him well, or I will endure a beating to get justice for my brother!"
"Wuwuwu, my brother, whom I carried on my shoulders when he was little, has grown up. He even peed on my neck when he was a child..."
"My cute and obedient brother no longer needs his eldest sister now that he has a wife-master. My life is too bitter..."
Finally, under Qiao Ci's stern gaze, the First Princess's personal maid took Dan Rong away.
The little black dog happily feasted while watching its host being harassed.
Qiao Ci had arranged special chopsticks, bowls, and service for it at the children's table. Under the children's enthusiastic attention, Little Spoon ate until his mouth was greasy.
Regardless, the feast was enjoyed, and it was a happy occasion~
Rarely getting to see its host in such an embarrassing situation, Little Spoon felt a little admiration for Dan Rong. Seeing Qiao Ci's suppressed grimace, it couldn't help but gnaw heartily on a large rib, contentedly~
After seeing off the guests, Qiao Ci returned to the bridal chamber.
"Tired?" Lifting the red veil from Dan Qing's head, Qiao Ci looked at her delicate, flower-like little husband, her face beaming, her voice gentle.
"Wife-master~" Dan Qing gazed at Qiao Ci with sparkling eyes.
Everything proceeded as it should.
The next day, Qiao Ci woke up refreshed.
The matriarchal society was truly wonderful!
Men in the matriarchal society generally had weaker physical strength, completely opposite to the patriarchal society.
This time, it was Dan Qing who couldn't get out of bed. Seeing Dan Qing gnashing his teeth and hitting the bed in embarrassment, Qiao Ci rolled over and sang with joy, preparing nourishing medicinal meals to replenish qi and blood for him early in the morning, watching him meaningfully throughout.
Dan Qing was terribly embarrassed and explained, "Men in Dan Country are different from men in Mo Country..."
"I understand, I understand~" Qiao Ci nodded repeatedly, like an experienced driver sharing wisdom.
Unable to defend himself, Dan Qing nearly fainted, "Wife-master, you're too infuriating. Dan Qing won't talk to you anymore!"
"Alright, I won't tease you anymore. I can't upset the little husband I worked so hard to marry." Seeing his displeasure, Qiao Ci quickly coaxed him.
Hiding outside the room, the little black dog covered its mouth and chuckled: Isn't host-master just asking for trouble? Making the little handsome guy angry and then desperately trying to appease him.
If this was considered romance, then this little dog didn't understand~
After marriage, the couple lived in harmony, their relationship as sweet as a zither playing in unison.
Seeing that Qiao Ci showed no signs of ambition, Xu Qingfeng finally relaxed.
Qiao Ci truly doted on Dan Qing.
Men's minds were very delicate and sensitive; Xu Qingfeng could tell at a glance whether it was genuine or feigned.
That woman had never truly taken anyone seriously. Even when facing him and the Empress, Qiao Ci had only shown outward respect, maintaining a detached demeanor.
However, as long as Qing'er was present, her eyes would be filled with doting brilliance.
Which man wouldn't wish to possess such profound affection, where one's eyes were solely focused on them? He was grateful that Qiao Ci loved his youngest son and hoped she would always bring Dan Qing happiness.
The Empress truly admired her daughter-in-law. Although she didn't understand why the Imperial Husband had issued such a decree back then.
She wasn't afraid of tarnishing her word and wanted to promote Qiao Ci, as a sort of guarantee for her youngest son, but all her offers were politely declined by Qiao Ci.
Later, Xu Qingfeng learned of this and had a long talk with the Empress. Only then did the Empress realize that Qiao Ci simply loved her son too much and wanted to spend more time with him.
She couldn't help but sigh, "Love for one's children can indeed overshadow heroic ambitions. I spoke with her privately before; her vision and disposition are far from ordinary. Coupled with her martial arts prowess, she would be a formidable weapon for expanding Dan Country's territory. It's a pity~"
Hearing the Empress's sigh, Xu Qingfeng recalled what Dan Qing had told him about Qiao Ci conquering surrounding countries and unifying them when she was Empress. He said, "Indeed, it's a pity..."
Afterward, the Empress bestowed many fine gifts upon Qiao Ci.
Xu Qingfeng also felt he had let Qiao Ci down and privately gave Dan Qing many treasures.
Dan Rong, with her fiery enthusiasm, often visited the Qiao residence, either to mooch food or to pester Qiao Ci into teaching her some moves.
Dan Yue, who frequently accompanied her, started looking at Qiao Ci with increasingly strange eyes.
Dan Qing, being sensitive, noticed Dan Yue's gaze and felt uncomfortable, but could not say anything.
Qiao Ci, who constantly paid attention to him, knew his thoughts.
Therefore, when she was alone with Dan Rong, she stated directly, "You may come alone from now on, but do not bring that little tag-along. My residence dislikes people with muddled intentions."
Hearing this, Dan Rong's face flushed slightly, "Dan Yue and I have never had a good relationship. Recently, he's been pestering me to let him out more to see the world, and I couldn't bear to refuse. Next time, I won't bring him."
"Mmm, make it clear to him that for this lifetime, Dan Qing will be the only one by my side. Tell him to stop trying to attract my attention." Qiao Ci's voice was faint, but her words were exceptionally cruel.
"Naturally, naturally. If you harbored any ill intentions towards Dan Qing, I would be the first to object. This time it was my fault, being too soft-hearted. It won't happen again." Dan Rong reflected on her actions.
While Dan Rong was in the restroom, Dan Yue, who had been eavesdropping, stepped out resentfully, looking at Qiao Ci with a face full of melancholy, "Are you truly so heartless towards me?"
Qiao Ci said exasperatedly, "Should I be affectionate towards you? Dan Qing is your half-brother. Are you trying to steal your own brother's wife? Brother, may I ask about your morals?"
Dan Yue looked at Qiao Ci's heroic posture and beautiful features, murmuring foolishly, "You've fallen in love with the wrong person, do you know that? I should be the man who receives your lifelong affection!"
Qiao Ci: Meow meow meow???
Learning from Little Spoon that it was Qiao Shan causing trouble, Qiao Ci looked speechlessly at the self-proclaimed devoted Dan Yue, "Brother, do you know you've believed the wrong person? We have no connection, and I feel nothing for you."
With that brain, it was no wonder he, as the original protagonist's destined partner, was deceived in body and heart by Qiao Shan's few words.
"No, no one has deceived me. I believe in my heart!" Dan Yue declared his love to Qiao Ci, clutching his chest.
Catching a familiar figure in his peripheral vision, Dan Yue bit his lower lip, as if throwing caution to the wind, and lunged at Qiao Ci, "I know you have feelings for me too, don't be afraid. I'll bear all the blame and condemnation..."
How could Qiao Ci let him get close? Regardless of whether this was a matriarchal society, she instinctively kicked out, sending Dan Yue sprawling awkwardly.
Dan Qing arrived just in time to hear such explosive words and witness such a brutal scene. His beautiful, cat-like eyes widened, making him look incredibly cute.