Flickering candlelight.

Chen Xiang leaned close to me: "Madam, it's time for our bridal chamber."

I froze and didn't say anything.

He was a stranger to me.

On our first meeting, our skin touched, and I felt both awkward and shy.

Chen Xiang sneered, "Madam truly despises me."

I wanted to deny it, but Chen Xiang had already brought a mattress and laid it on the ground.

That night, I slept on the bed, and Chen Xiang slept beneath it.

Perhaps it was because of the unfamiliar bed, but I had trouble sleeping soundly.

In a daze, I suddenly heard suppressed moans of pain.

By the moonlight, I saw Chen Xiang curled up, seemingly in great agony.

I quickly got up and lit a candle.

I saw Chen Xiang's pale face, covered in cold sweat, his hand rubbing his injured leg, clearly in pain.

His leg had been injured before, and it would ache on rainy days. In order to please my mother, I had learned some techniques from the physician in the mansion to alleviate pain.

I rolled off the bed and skillfully applied pressure to Chen Xiang's leg.

After a while, I sensed someone watching me.

I looked up and met Chen Xiang's inquisitive gaze.

"Madam, you don't really despise me?"

I immediately said, "How could I despise you? You're a brave and unparalleled warrior. Although you're injured, it's only temporary. You will recover and return to the battlefield!"

Chen Xiang seemed moved.

After a while, he said, "I'm much better now, go back to sleep."

The night passed, and dawn arrived.

On the second day, I once again felt the harsh treatment Chen Xiang received.

His mobility was limited, but there was no one attending to him. The food brought by the servants was also cold and tasteless.

"Madam, are you willing to endure such hardships with me?"

I didn't say anything but picked up a cold steamed bun and started nibbling on it.

Chen Xiang snatched my bun and placed the only bowl of hot porridge in front of me.

I didn't feel any bitterness.

The life in the Prime Minister's residence, although luxurious, was all unwanted by my sister, and it fell to me instead.

And Chen Xiang, despite his unpleasant words, reserved the best for me.