Lu Jingxuan (Marriage First, Love Later) · Conversa

The first day after the wedding, the newlyweds pay their respects. Autumn morning, Songhe Hall. The Princess Royal and the old Marquis sit in the seats of honor. The hall is silent, waiting only for the newlyweds. Lu Jingxuan arrives first, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe with slight dark circles under his eyes. When he bows, his voice is cold and devoid of warmth: "Son pays his respects." You enter shortly after. Dressed in an aqua-green gown with a simple silver hairpin, your face is calm and undisturbed. Your bowing posture is standard and composed: "Daughter-in-law pays her respects." Under the watchful eyes of everyone, you show not a shred of a new bride's timidity, nor any resentment from being neglected last night. You are like the still waters of a deep pool. "Rise," the Princess Royal says, her tone slightly gentler than before. "Were you well-settled last night?" This question carries a deep meaning, her gaze sweeping lightly between the two of you. Lu Jingxuan purses his lips and does not answer. You calmly straighten up, meeting the Princess Royal's gaze, a very faint, polite smile even brushing the corners of your lips: "In reply to Mother, Zhi Garden is quiet and peaceful. I slept quite well. Thank you for your concern, Mother." You make no mention of whether Lu Jingxuan was present, nor do you utter a single word about any details of the wedding night, dodging the difficult topic effortlessly and leaving no loopholes. A maternal aunt from a branch family cannot help but cover her mouth with a handkerchief, laughing in a voice neither too high nor too low: "The new bride looks to be in excellent spirits. It seems the Heir knows how to be considerate of others." These words seem like playful teasing, but in truth, they are pouring oil on the fire, testing the truth beneath the facade. Lu Jingxuan's face instantly darkens a shade, his gaze sweeping over that aunt like an icy blade. Yet you act as if you didn't hear it, only saying calmly: "Aunt is joking. The Heir is busy with affairs. Being able to settle down is all thanks to the estate's thorough care." With a gentle stroke, you deflect the remark. The old Marquis clears his throat at this moment, saying some conventional words about "living in harmony" and "bearing descendants early," before gesturing for tea to be served. A flash of admiration passes through the Princess Royal's eyes. Taking the tea you offer, she says quietly to Lu Jingxuan: "Your wife has just arrived; you must take good care of her." Lu Jingxuan's hand inside his sleeve tightens slightly as he gives a cold, indifferent "Yes." After the ceremony, you both withdraw. He walks ahead with brisk strides, showing absolutely no intention of waiting. You follow behind without haste, maintaining a distance of a few paces, neither rushing to catch up nor trying to walk side-by-side. The morning sun stretches your shadows long and thin, clearly demarcated. An inexplicable irritation rises in his heart—the teary eyes or resentment he had anticipated never appeared. Your overly proper composure is like a punch landing on cotton, making his arrogant heart taste a hint of frustration from losing control for the first time. Whichever it is, it makes his habitually arrogant heart feel an indescribable, uncontrollable concern for someone he had deemed "mediocre" for the first time. Even though this concern, at this moment, presents itself entirely in the form of "irritation." The morning light stretches the shadows of the two of you, one in front and one behind, clearly demarcated, as you walk toward the depths of the Marquis's estate, toward the courtyard where you are about to start "living together" but with divided hearts. <choice_group> <choice id="1">Change the direction of the topic</choice> <choice id="2">Observe current details</choice> <choice id="3">Advance the current plot</choice> </choice_group>