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墨書 Inktalez
At that moment, it would be troublesome if Xia Muxin found him distasteful.
However, this scene made everyone else burst into laughter, clutching their stomachs. Seeing this, Xia Muxin's mouth twitched; it seemed she would have to find an excuse to sleep with her mother tonight, or perhaps with Yan Zhouwan.
Moreover, Shen Muhan's gaze was now unabashedly lewd, making her too afraid to look up at him.
The children, seeing the adults laughing, also giggled innocently, but their laughter sent chills down Xia Muxin's spine.
As the pot bubbled away, she urged her uncle to lower the heat a bit and ladle the cooked soy milk into the Wooden Basin. After adding some thickening agent, she arranged the bowls on the table. Once the mixture had settled sufficiently, she filled the basin, added sugar, and carefully placed each bowl in order. She stirred the sugar into the tofu pudding and filled each bowl with a spoon.
"Alright, give it a taste, but be careful not to burn the kids."
Throughout it all, Shen Muhan's eyes never left her. Yet she felt guilty and couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze. It wasn't until one bowl after another was taken away that she timidly looked at the still impassive Shen Muhan. Noticing a wicked smile on his lips, she lowered her head and presented him with a bowl.
Having bowed her head like this, if he still wanted to be angry, she would just accept it.
Shen Muhan took the bowl with a faint smile. He tasted it first and found it quite good—smooth and melting in his mouth. Seeing the three children stretching their necks and swallowing saliva while staring at him, he began to feed them one by one from the bowl of tofu pudding.
Xia Muxin smiled and filled up the small basin on the table again. Everyone enjoyed their meal; when one bowl wasn't enough, they simply asked for another. As she had expected, two-thirds of the large Wooden Basin was consumed. Summer Forest had even taken a big bowl into Summer Old Man's room and came out with a beaming face.
"Muxin, your grandfather said it's delicious; he ate a whole big bowl!"
Xia Muxin forced a bitter smile; she had forgotten to remind her father that this tofu pudding was thickened and rather cooling in nature—something not suitable for someone of his age to eat too much of. But now that he had eaten it, mentioning it would only make him feel guilty and worried. Besides, eating it wouldn’t cause much harm; she just feared that at his age, he might not handle it well.
"I'll go check on grandfather."
Shen Muhan looked at her as she applied the ointment, and from her expression, he could tell what she was worried about. After feeding a few children, he stood up and spoke.
Xia Muxin smiled at him, feeling a sense of admiration. This man was truly her lucky star; with just a glance, he knew what she was thinking.
Before long, Shen Muhan came out again and said that their father was doing well and had already fallen asleep.
The last batch of tofu was completed by Aunt Xia and the others, while Xia Muxin washed her hands and began to cook.
Shen Muhan followed her into the kitchen and insisted that no one else enter.
The meal was directly steamed on the stove used for making tofu with hazelnuts. Xia Muxin didn’t need to worry; she just had to prepare the ingredients. Due to time constraints, she didn’t have enough time to make a variety of dishes, so she took out many side dishes for Ming Yi and the others to help wash and set the table, while also preparing three hot pots.
Xia Muxin had always loved eating fish, and she made it in various ways. The children learned from her and enjoyed drinking fish soup, so there was always fish available at home. Tonight, the main dish would be fish hot pot.
The family grew many types of vegetables, and with the freshly made tofu today, even though this meal was simple, it would still be delightful.
Additionally, she planned to make Braised Pork, which they all unanimously agreed upon and loved.
With plenty of ingredients on hand, cooking it was a breeze.
A few days ago, they had also made sausages and had cured meat available. She sliced the sausages and cured meat and placed them in the steamer to steam.
Next, she prepared a pot of Radish Marrow Soup and stir-fried some fatty intestines; that would be about enough.
“Have you missed your husband?”
Just as she took out the ingredients, a pair of hands wrapped around her waist from behind. Shen Muhan held her gently and playfully bit her earlobe before asking in a leisurely tone.
Xia Muxin shivered all over as a jolt of electricity coursed through her body. The hand holding the garlic trembled, but she feigned calmness and said, "You should go out first; I'm cooking. It will be hard to work once it gets dark."
"Who says that? I'm just waiting for it to get dark," Shen Muhan replied, deliberately opposing her. Seeing her remain so composed, his large hand ignited a spark on her body, even reaching under her clothing to cover her chest. He sighed, "It’s been a while since I’ve touched you; has it gotten smaller?"
Xia Muxin rolled her eyes, wishing she could find a hole to hide in. What was he saying? They had spent so little time together this year that she could count it on her fingers. It was perfectly normal for things to change after several children had been weaned.
However, hearing those words from Shen Muhan was a different matter entirely. She had always thought of him as a normal man with typical physical needs, which was why he had been urging her to marry him. But after their marriage, she realized he was more like an insatiable wolf. In that moment, she understood that it wasn't merely physical desire; he wanted her for herself.
Of course, this realization made her feel proud; after all, he belonged solely to her, didn't he?
"Stop talking nonsense; women who have weaned their children are like this," she explained, not connecting Shen Muhan with the doctor in this matter.
Shen Muhan's lips curled into a mischievous smile. Not only did he not withdraw his hand, but he also became more daring. Xia Muxin found herself unable to focus on her work and finally turned to meet his gaze.
"Now that's more like it!"
However, before she could say anything, Shen Muhan wickedly smiled and uttered four words, then covered her mouth...
Once he did that, things spiraled out of control. It was a close call; he almost took her right there in the kitchen.
In the end, it was Xia Muxin who blushed and pushed him away. Shen Muhan's eyes were filled with desire, but he knew he had been too eager. He helped Xia Muxin straighten her clothes and obediently squatted by the stove to start the fire.
Xia Muxin's pretty face was so red it seemed like it could bleed. She didn't look at him but hurriedly grabbed some spices to wash. After that, while cooking, Shen Muhan didn't make any more moves, and gradually, Xia Muxin relaxed.
"By the way, will Father-in-law and Mother-in-law come here for New Year this year?"
At the same time, she recalled a question. Shen Muhan's parents had suddenly returned to Kyoto two months ago. Having spent time together, Xia Muxin had grown accustomed to them; after all, they were Shen Muhan's parents. Since she had already brought their son home, there was no reason not to take care of them. Moreover, they weren't young anymore and had a grandfather older than her own grandfather. She genuinely wanted the family to be together.
They truly loved their grandchildren from the bottom of their hearts, and Xia Muxin felt a pang of guilt at the thought of leaving them behind in Kyoto.
Now that she was a wife and mother herself, she understood that unspoken bond of blood relations. Even if separated by thousands of miles, that connection remained unbroken. Shen Muhan and Shen Muqing loved them; they just didn't know how to express it.
Thus, she wanted to convey that unexpressed love on behalf of Shen Muhan and help them truly feel it.
Shen Muhan was somewhat surprised by Xia Muxin's question. Although his parents had changed their attitude towards her significantly, the underlying conflicts still existed. He didn't want to be caught in the middle watching either side suffer. He understood well that his parents were different from Xia Muxin's; once they accepted someone, that person became family to them—just like Ming Yi and the others.
However, his parents were different; they had high standards and were used to being above others. A one-day stay would be novel; a month would be acceptable for appearances' sake. But after a year, all their flaws would be exposed. By then, Xia Muxin's parents would likely find it difficult as well, no matter how good-natured they were.
If they made things difficult for Muxin, it would hurt him deeply—something he wished to avoid at all costs.
So he decided to let things follow their own course: if they wanted to come, he wouldn't stop them; if they wanted to leave, he wouldn't hold them back.
Yet seeing his wife willing to do this brought him comfort. He smiled and said:
"I can't control them; let's just go with the flow."
Xia Muxin understood his meaning and nodded, continuing her tasks.
Of course, no matter how much she tried to shorten the time, dinner was still half an hour later than usual tonight.
Moreover, it was under the illumination of the Night Pearl that they finished their meal.
For Shen Muqing and Ming Yi, who were aware of the situation, it wasn't a big deal. However, for the Xia Family, it was different; they were left speechless. It was said that this was something only the emperor's consort could use. At this moment, they had it in their home, and not just one but several, used for lighting. If this got out, it would be a scandal.
"Alright, does anyone still want to go out and meet people? This is a gift from the emperor for our wedding; it just arrived a bit late."
Xia Muxin knew that once the Night Pearl was revealed, her family would surely be astonished. They might even grab her hand and ask if this news would lead to trouble. So, before any of those nonsensical questions arose, she explained it to calm them down so they could sleep peacefully tonight.
Her explanation successfully silenced her family since they were now aware of Shen Muhan and Shen Muqing's identities.
After dinner, Er Dan took Jihua back home. On the way, Aunt Xia handed him a torch because Xia Jihua was pregnant, and a fall would be disastrous.
During this time, Xia Muxin invited a few people to stay at their home. After all, they were adults, and sharing a bed wouldn't provide a good night's sleep. Er Dan and his wife were very hospitable and busily urged them to leave.
The children were yawning continuously; they usually ate early and went to bed early. Today, not only did dinner take half an hour longer than usual, but they also lingered over their meal. As soon as the bowls were set down, they felt drowsy.
"I'm going to fetch some water to wash the kids; you keep an eye on them."
Sister-in-law Ermiao took care of her own children while Summer Forest went to check on Summer Old Man. Aunt Xia and Xia Tieshu began cleaning up the dishes. Ming Yi and the others naturally weren't foolish enough to linger around at this time; they had already gone to their respective rooms. Xia Muxin placed the children in Shen Muhan's arms and gave him some instructions before heading to the back hall.
Before long, water was brought in, and the couple washed the children's faces and feet. Shen Muhan went to pour out the water, then carried the two boys upstairs, while Xia Muxin followed behind, holding Yuan Yuan.
Once they reached upstairs, all three children were already asleep, tucked into their little beds. Xia Muxin, feeling tired herself, stretched lazily.
However, Shen Muhan quickly grabbed two sets of clothes and pulled Xia Muxin close. Before she could react with surprise, he covered her mouth. Once he sensed her response and felt her breath against him, he whispered in her ear:
"Come with me to take a bath."
Xia Muxin's cheeks flushed, but she couldn't break free and had to let Shen Muhan lead her into the bathroom.
Shen Muhan filled the bathtub with water, and the entire bathroom was filled with steam. They had a habit of lighting a kerosene lamp in a brick box at the corner of the main room; as long as someone saw it, they would know there was someone in the bathroom and wouldn't come near. Moreover, with the cold wind howling outside and a certain distance between the room and the bathroom, even if they made noise, no one would hear them.
Shen Muhan couldn't wait any longer; he quickly stripped Xia Muxin bare and pulled her into the bath with him, leaning over her directly.
Xia Muxin was startled by his eagerness but did her best to cooperate because she knew Shen Muhan's stamina better than anyone else. Besides, she had no intention of sleeping that night.
"Um... Husband, I hope you can develop a kind of stimulant. If you plan on keeping me awake one day, just give me one or two pills."
They had been in the bathroom for nearly half an hour now; the water was gradually cooling down, and the steam was dissipating. They could see each other clearly. Xia Muxin didn't dare to look directly at Shen Muhan, who was busy with her; she only spoke in a hoarse voice.
To be honest, she was exhausted. Three times already, yet he managed to come up with thirty different positions in that cramped bathroom. Her body ached from it all, and her words naturally carried a hint of complaint.
However, Shen Muhan simply rested his head on her chest and laughed. Xia Muxin didn't understand what he found funny but couldn't help but laugh along without reason.
"Just hold on a little longer."
A deep, magnetic voice resonated from Shen Muhan's chest, followed by the sound of two people breathing heavily.
Xia Muxin was dressed in clothes provided by Shen Muhan, and he had carried her to the room. However, once inside, he had taken her again, but she was already accustomed to it and soon drifted off into a daze.
She couldn't tell when it had all stopped.
The next day, Xia Muxin was jolted awake by a sharp pig's squeal. Her head felt heavy and dizzy as she opened her eyes just a crack, realizing that it was already bright outside. She reached out beside her but found nothing, indicating that Shen Muhan had already gotten up.
The three babies were also nowhere to be seen, and she wasn't wearing nothing; instead, she was dressed in a white undergarment.
Feeling lazy, she sat up, her waist aching terribly. She couldn't help but sigh; it seemed she would have to get used to this more frequently. It was quite different from how things felt when they were together before...
Slowly getting dressed, she made her way downstairs and was startled to see Yan Zhouwan carrying a basin filled with blood. It took her a moment to realize that they were slaughtering pigs today; it seemed to be pig's blood.
"Muxin, you're up! How do we handle this?"
Yan Zhouwan exclaimed upon seeing her, as if she were a savior.
"Um..."
Xia Muxin was taken aback by the question; she wasn't very sure either. She vaguely remembered something about adding lime to help the blood coagulate, but she couldn't confirm it.
"I'll take care of it."
Just then, Shen Muhan walked in as if he had timed his entrance perfectly. He took the wooden basin from Yan Zhouwan's hands and said softly. Yan Zhouwan stuck out her tongue and hurried away.
"Hehe... Husband, you know how to do this? Then I'll go check on how the pig is being slaughtered."
Xia Muxin felt a bit awkward, especially after Yan Zhouwan's earlier grimace. Her brother and sister-in-law were also a couple, yet it was strange that she hadn’t gotten up this late. Moreover, whenever Shen Muhan was home, she tended to sleep in more often than not. Just thinking about it made her face flush.
She wanted nothing more than to leave the source of her embarrassment—Shen Muhan.
"Everything over there is done; you can go enjoy the cool breeze," he said.
However, Shen Muhan held a basin in one hand and pulled Xia Muxin into the kitchen with the other.
Pouting, Xia Muxin reluctantly followed him inside.
Seeing him sprinkle a bit of lime into the pig's blood made her grind her teeth in frustration.
"Did I hurt you last night?"
Once they finished their tasks, Shen Muhan began his usual teasing. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder and breathing softly into her ear.
Xia Muxin shivered at his touch but didn’t respond. In truth, she wanted to shout; if she admitted that it hurt, he might take it easy on her next time.
Of course, that was impossible. He would only take her to Dayao Village to enjoy their little world together.
So, silence was the best answer.
- End of Chapter -
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