Chapter Eight: The Bridal Chamber

Rekindling his closeness with Wen Zhiyan went far more smoothly than Chang Wei had anticipated. He had assumed that, despite her fall from grace, having been pampered and indulged for over a decade, Wen Zhiyan would struggle to accept the change in their statuses. Yet she quickly adapted to their new roles.

Once, Chang Wei had admired her from afar, yearning for the favor of fate to be with her. Now, Wen Zhiyan waited every day in her chamber for his arrival; the day he appeared felt like a tremendous blessing, filling her with joy.

At first, she inquired about news from the barracks—whether certain uncles still held their posts, their health. Later, her questions grew more detailed: Did Chang Wei know if her father had ever communicated with the enemy nation? And where her father had kept those letters?

Chang Wei understood then that Wen Zhiyan’s escape from exile back to the capital was motivated by more than mere survival.

“Zhiyan, are you trying to investigate General Wen’s affairs? This is a murky matter, involving many people. Do you realize…” he began.

Wen Zhiyan sat on the bedside, carefully mending the torn sleeve in the flickering candlelight, her voice gentle: “Brother Chang, the Wen family’s century-old lineage has crumbled into ruins in an instant. I can’t fathom how Father could have committed such acts… If not for this obsession, I might not have survived until now.”

Tears fell drop by drop onto his sleeve, spreading on the coarse linen. Chang Wei couldn’t bear to see her cry and promised, “We absolutely do not believe General Wen would betray his country. Rest assured, now that I move among the court, I will do my best to investigate news of the general.”

“That’s wonderful,” Wen Zhiyan said joyfully, embracing him. “I have no one to rely on but you, Brother Chang… Once this is all over, I wish to live the life of an ordinary woman, with a small courtyard and two children…”

The hopeful expression on her face stirred a longing in Chang Wei as well. She had been the one he loved at first sight in his youth—once an unattainable figure, now fallen from the clouds and within his reach.

With that thought, Chang Wei took a hairpin from his pocket. “I saw this on the street after duty today and thought it would look lovely on you.”

He handed the hairpin to Wen Zhiyan, feeling a slight unease, fearing she might disdain something so plain. But she accepted it happily and joyfully pinned it into her hair.

She admired herself in the bronze mirror, turning this way and that, occasionally glancing back to ask Chang Wei if it suited her. The candlelight illuminated her face—soft and fuzzy, like a ripe peach.

Moved, Chang Wei suddenly stood, strode over, and pulled Wen Zhiyan into his arms, unable to hide the passion in his voice: “I want you.”

“Brother Chang,” Wen Zhiyan did not shy away but gently rested her head on his shoulder. “I am not free now… but don’t worry, Brother Chang, I have saved some silver and will redeem myself soon…”

Hearing this, the fire burning five or six parts in Chang Wei’s heart surged to seven or eight. Restraining his desire, he kissed her forehead fiercely twice.

“Wait for me, I will definitely buy you out!”

Grasping his sword, Chang Wei pushed open the door and strode into the spring night, flushed with excitement. The warm breeze, carrying the scent of flowers, filled him with delight. His steps were light, his heart especially joyful with a secret goal.

From then on, Chang Wei grew even more diligent in his duties. If colleagues fell ill or had family matters requiring a shift change, he eagerly volunteered, earning as much salary as possible.

Gradually, Wen Zhiyan grew dissatisfied with the small amounts he brought home. Seeing her pouch half-empty, her face would show disappointment.

Chang Wei could not bear to see her unhappy. Rather than handing over each paycheck immediately, he saved for days until the pouch bulged with silver.

With a heavy pouch, Chang Wei arrived at Drunken Breeze. The girls led him like old acquaintances to Wen Zhiyan’s door. He entered, pretending indifference, handing her the pouch, carefully observing her expression, hoping to see joy.

Instead, Wen Zhiyan sneered coldly. “Brother Chang, do you really treat me like a pet? Two half-pouches added together are still the same amount. Is this your so-called genuine care for me—just fooling me?”

It was already summer. Chang Wei had walked briskly, sweating profusely, unsure how to beat the heat. Wen Zhiyan’s few words chilled him as if plunged into ice. The sweat on his back froze instantly; he shivered from within.

“It’s been so long. Brother Chang promised to investigate Father’s affairs but has found little useful news. If you no longer care for me, just say so. Don’t give me hope only to disappoint me again.”

Chang Wei hurriedly defended himself, “How could I do that? My monthly salary is fixed. All the pay I earned in the barracks I gave to you. I’m only a third-class imperial guard. Eavesdropping in the palace is nerve-wracking enough…”

“Since you’re in the palace, you know how valuable information there can be. You just don’t want to expend effort for me,” Wen Zhiyan interrupted.

Tears fell as she gently pushed Chang Wei outside. “If Brother Chang wants a future with me, I will wait for you.”

The door closed softly but thunderously, shattering his heart into pieces.

Head bowed and steps heavy, Chang Wei retraced his path, replaying her words in his mind. The man who had only wielded a blade and followed orders was for the first time interpreting the meaning behind another’s words.

If he guessed right…

Spreading rumors in the palace was a lucrative trade, but full of cunning people. Chang Wei almost got tricked at first.

Later, years of training in the military, combined with his honest, sturdy appearance and strong muscles, caught the attention of the palace ladies. His willingness to help with chores won their favor, and gradually he gathered more information.

His pouch swelled like a balloon, as did his desire for Wen Zhiyan.

He visited the capital with Ya Zi, finding a quiet courtyard convenient for palace entry. Chang Wei happily looked at the cellar and told Ya Zi, “It’s getting cold; in winter, my lady can pickle radishes here.”

That winter, Chang Wei handed over a full box of silver and took back Wen Zhiyan.

Everything inside was arranged carefully by Chang Wei. Though simpler than her room at Drunken Breeze, this was their little home.

A bright red “double happiness” character adorned the window. That night, Chang Wei stayed in Wen Zhiyan’s chamber.