Crimson Gold: Rebirths and Redemption

Chapter 5

The morning after, there were finally red on her bedding, seeing her marked body, he turned red and apologised for his actions but she smiled and kissed him in response, short and sweet and he kissed her back with everything she's worth.

He fulfilled his duties many night after as her husband, and soon after, Xunmi discovered that she was pregnant.

The night was quiet as Xunmi waited in the dimly lit chamber. The soft glow of lanterns painted a tranquil scene, casting a warm ambiance. Her gaze lingered on the moonlit courtyard beyond the window, lost in contemplation. The moments she spent alone allowed her thoughts to wander through the complexities of her marriage.

Jiang Weimin entered, his footsteps echoing through the silent hallway. He looked weary, the weight of his responsibilities etched on his face. Despite the late hour, his eyes held a certain brightness, a glimmer of anticipation. Xunmi, sensing his presence, turned to face him, a gentle smile curving her lips.

"You're back," she greeted, her voice a soothing melody in the stillness of the night.

He nodded, a subtle acknowledgment, and the corners of his lips curled into a tired smile. "I didn't expect you to wait."

"I told you I would," she replied, her eyes reflecting the shine on his. "How was the party?"

He sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. "As expected, politics and pleasantries. It's a different battlefield, one where words cut deeper than any sword, the Gong family is hoping to find support for the crown prince but with how unstable it is...only someone stupid enough to back a tiger would do that."

Xunmi approached him, her steps echoing a silent understanding. Without a word, she reached for a small tray on a nearby table, pouring a cup of warm tea. She extended it to him, a simple gesture laden with care. He accepted it with a grateful nod, the warmth of the tea a comforting embrace.

As he sipped the tea, Xunmi observed the fatigue etched on his face. The subtle lines spoke of a man burdened by duty and responsibility. She longed to alleviate the weight that rested on his shoulders, to be the solace he sought in the midst of chaos.

"Come, sit," she invited, guiding him to a cushioned seat by the window. The moonlit courtyard provided a serene backdrop, a canvas for their quiet conversation. They sat in companionable silence, the only sound the soft rustle of robes and the occasional sip of tea.

"You don't have to bear the weight alone," Xunmi spoke, her gaze meeting his. "I am your wife, and your burdens are mine to share."

He looked at her, the weariness in his eyes softened by a flicker of gratitude. "I never imagined I would find solace in the chaos of my own life."

"We find strength in unexpected places," she replied, her voice carrying a reassuring tone. "And in each other, we discover the resilience to face whatever challenges may come."

"And I am lucky to have you with me", his hands move to envelop her body, as Xunmi grows pink.

"W-wait! I have something to tell you", She gently pushed him away, "I..."

"Come now, tell me or are you prolonging what you know will happen?", his sly smirks widen, as his moves to her waist once more

"..I am with child," she whispers, her eyes glistening like a pond basked by the moonlight, reflecting a mix of emotions, anticipation, joy, and a touch of vulnerability.

Jiang Weimin's eyes widened, the gravity of her words settling in. A profound silence enveloped them, broken only by the soft rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. He reached for her hand, a gesture that conveyed more than words ever could, his eyes starts to glistened as hers, and he smiles, warm and loving, moving her hand to his mouth.