Shao He leaned into his embrace and whispered, "We have just returned from Jingzhou, and if we bring up marriage now, I’m afraid you will be the subject of much gossip, with people saying you are eager to marry to gain advantage through my status."
If they proposed marriage at this critical moment, people outside would certainly gossip. She wasn’t concerned about the views of society, but she was worried about Pei Huaian’s reputation being damaged.
"Don’t worry about what people outside think, I just want you to be happy. Besides, we are going to get married sooner or later, so there’s no harm in doing it a bit earlier."
Pei Huaian, holding Shao He’s hand, gently stroked the back of her hand and said earnestly, "I know you are worried about me, afraid that people will speak ill of me because of our marriage, but I’m not afraid. As long as I have you by my side, I am willing to do anything, especially since your medical skills are so formidable—who would dare gossip indiscreetly?"
"Furthermore, don’t worry too much, I don’t care about these things as long as I have you, which is better than anything else." Pei Huaian, holding his arms around her, turned her towards him and bowed his head to gently kiss her brow.
"But..." Shao He began hesitantly, only to be interrupted by Pei Huaian.
"There are no buts, you don’t need to worry, just wait obediently for me to marry you," Pei Huaian said indulgently as he playfully ruffled her hair.
Shao He looked up at him, her clear and bright eyes shining with determination.
"Hmm! I promise you," Shao He nodded, a slight smile appearing on her face, no longer alone.
After receiving a confirmed response from Shao He, Pei Huaian’s face lit up with joy.
He wrapped his arms around Shao He’s slender and delicate waist, nesting his face in the soft nape of her neck.
Shao He tickled, involuntarily shrunk her neck, and gently pushed at his shoulders.
Pei Huaian held her even tighter, his ear close to listen to Shao He’s breathing.
"If this is a dream, I hope I never wake up. Let me stay in this dream forever."
Hearing his words, Shao He couldn’t help but laugh, breaking away from his embrace to peck his thin lips lightly, asking, "Do you still doubt this is a dream now?"
After a moment of stunned silence, Pei Huaian suddenly pulled her close and fervently captured her tempting red lips.
Shao He was startled by his sudden action and reflexively struggled. Pei Huaian pulled away from her lips before Shao He could catch her breath.
Feeling her surroundings spinning, she instinctively clung to Pei Huaian’s neck, seeing him step by step carrying her towards the bed, her heart starting to flutter with panic.
"Huaian, what are you going to do?"
Pei Huaian, without responding, laid her down on the bed and pressed his body atop hers.
Pei Huaian supported himself with one hand, leaning over to look at the person beneath him.
Her skin was pale and luminous, as translucent and delicate as cow’s milk, seemingly fragile enough to break with a touch.
Her lips were tender and luscious, moist and enticing, tempting one to bite down and taste them eagerly.
"Ah He, days like these are wonderful," Pei Huaian murmured.
Shao He looked up at him, seeing his gaze deep and affectionate, causing her heart to tremble and her cheeks to warm.
"You, you get up first."
Pei Huaian shook his head with a chuckle, his large hand softly caressing Shao He’s face, whispering, "I can’t bear to."
It was the first time Shao He felt so treasured by someone; she could feel Pei Huaian’s love for her.
"Rest assured, I absolutely won’t do anything overbearing until I formally marry you and you come through my door," Pei Huaian said with a deep, magnetic voice.
He knew he was being presumptuous, but he was trying his best to control himself, not indulging in undue actions, as a form of respect to Shao He.
"Huaian, if you wish, I..."
"Shh," Pei Huaian interrupted her and then rolled over to lie beside her, pulling her into his embrace and picking up the blanket to cover them both.
"You’re also tired from the journey, rest early."
Shao He snuggled into his chest, her cheek rubbing against his warm skin.
"Sleep," Pei Huaian advised softly as he kissed her forehead.
Shao He nodded and closed her eyes.
The maids and a young eunuch outside had been waiting, and hearing the room quiet down, they each stretched their necks to peek inside.
"Do you think the Fifth Prince and Doctor Shao have fallen asleep?"
"The Fifth Prince and Doctor Shao are really a perfect match, truly made for each other."
"Yes, yes, a match of talent and beauty, a match made in heaven."
The maids and the eunuch whispered among themselves, careful not to disturb the couple inside, lowering their voices.
The sun was gradually setting, casting a golden-orange glow through the window, tinting the room with its light.
Pei Huaian quietly held his beloved, a happy smile playing on his lips.
A knock on the door sounded, awakening the two who were deep in sleep.
Pei Huaian opened his eyes, saw the still-sleeping figure rise from the bed, and opened the door.
Ah Mo, sensing the murderous intent in his master’s eyes, swallowed back the words that had reached his lips.
Pei Huaian closed the door before Ah Mo could speak and said first, "Go get the clothes that are ready."
Ah Mo turned to leave and quickly returned carrying a tray with a pink garment on it.
Pei Huaian took the clothing and entered the room where Shao He had also awakened.
"Try it on, see if it fits."
Shao He, surprised by his thoughtfulness, took the garment and walked into the inner room.
Pei Huaian silently exited the room and waited outside.
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