Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law

The next day, as the golden rooster crowed at dawn, the gentle morning light danced on the eaves, passed through the foliage, and entered the attic through the windowsill.

On the marital bed, Chen Mo woke up. His routine was very disciplined, always waking at this time.

He propped himself up and glanced at the young girl sleeping soundly beside him, her cheeks as soft as petals, tear stains still visible, her hair in disarray, pure and endearing. A sense of affection welled up in his heart.

Last night, he found that Xiaolu knew nothing, intending to rest after consummating the marriage, so there would be no regrets. Who would have thought that Xiaolu's small body harbored great energy.

After several rounds of battle, the two finally ceased hostilities.

He leaned down to gently kiss the girl's smooth, jade-like forehead and quietly got up to change into his wedding robe.

In the bridal room, he had no clothes of his own, so he temporarily wore the wedding attire.

After leaving the attic, he saw Xiaoling approaching with toiletries from a short distance away.

"Good morning, young master," Xiaoling greeted with a smile and then came over to assist Chen Mo with his morning wash.

"Don't wake Xiaolu just yet; she was a bit tired last night. Let her sleep a little longer," Chen Mo instructed after finishing his wash.

Xiaoling blushed slightly and replied, "Yes."

Chen Mo adjusted his attire and softly said, "Xiaoling, please prepare a warm bath for me. Does the courtyard have any suitable clothes for me? If not, you can go to the Government Office to fetch some for me."

It was already summer, making one easily sweat. After a night of exertion, the scent indoors was mixed with incense and not noticeable, but as soon as he stepped outside, the vibrant, lively air immediately greeted him.

"Yes, there is. After the young master sent the poetic lyrics to the young lady, she personally made a set of robes for you. I'll bring it over shortly," Xiaoling replied with a smile.

Chen Mo nodded in acknowledgment.

Once Xiaoling left, he found an open space and began to absorb the Solar Purple Qi.

This small courtyard was exceptionally exquisite, truly worthy of a wealthy family. The setup was beautiful, with a dripping water well connected at the back. Surrounding the well were three rooms, and in the center was a small pond with a few goldfish swimming inside.

Sitting cross-legged by the dripping pool, as strands of Solar Purple Qi were absorbed into his body, the dantian's great sun shadow gradually filled up.

And as the great sun shadow became more full, the entire sun began to look more substantial, radiating a blazing aura.

Chen Mo looked inward, sensing that once the entire sun was filled, the vast ocean beneath it would begin to boil.

[Name: Chen Mo.]

[Age: 17.]

[Cultivation Technique: Purple Sun Transformation Skill (Proficient 1223.5/10000).]

[Realm: Qi Absorption (Fifth Grade)]

[Power: 712.]

[Skills: Great Sun Qi Slash (Basic 495842/5000000), Cloud-Chasing Arrow (Intermediate 4688/50000).]

"Young master, the hot water is ready," Xiaoling approached and spoke softly.

Xiaoling was already accustomed to the purple aura surrounding Chen Mo, having witnessed it twice before while assisting the young lady in delivering items.

"No rush, let's wait a moment. Go check on Xiaolu," Chen Mo replied.

"Yes."

...

Yi Shiyin was already awake, sitting on the bed in a manga style with her thighs together, knees close, and lower legs spreading apart on either side, forming a T-shape.

She intended to get up and dress, but upon realizing her husband was gone, she felt an inexplicable emptiness and panic, wanting to go out and look for him. However, as she picked up her dress and saw the plum blossoms on the sheets, she froze, the hair on top of her head standing on end.

Her face, down to the tips of her ears, quickly turned red. If one looked closely, steam seemed to rise from her head, like a steam princess.

Her mind filled with images from the night before, causing the dress in her hand to tighten, and her eyes brimming with a mix of shyness and joy, a rush of indescribable emotion welling up inside her.

To her surprise, this matter was indeed beyond words. Though a little... at first, it later felt like soaring into the clouds.

"Just as Nanny Wang said..."

Yi Shiyin held her face in her hands, feeling her cheeks burn.

At that moment, Xiaoling's voice came from downstairs, "Miss, are you awake?"

Startled, Yi Shiyin hurriedly dressed, feeling embarrassed for having indulged in such thoughts.

As she finished dressing and prepared to get out of bed, she couldn't help but cry out in surprise, her E Mei tightening in pain. She steadied herself quickly to avoid falling.

"Miss, what's wrong?"

Hearing the commotion, Xiaoling immediately hurried up concerned.

Upon entering, she saw Miss leaning over and holding onto the bed.

Yi Shiyin pursed her rosy lips, "It's nothing. Where is my husband?"

"It seems he is cultivating at the courtyard well," Xiaoling answered.

Though Xiaoling was also a maiden, as a servant familiar with service, she understood more than Yi Shiyin. Seeing the Miss's state gave her a general idea, prompting her to ask with a smile, "Miss, how do you feel...?"

The two shared a close relationship, and Yi Shiyin pursed her pink lips, confessing truthfully to Xiaoling.

Despite this, Xiaoling felt a hint of disappointment, realizing that Miss could withstand the young master's affection, leaving her no chance to assist in the future...

Unaware of Xiaoling's thoughts, Yi Shiyin requested Xiaoling to bring over a pair of scissors.

Xiaoling found the scissors: "Miss, why do you need the scissors?"

"I want to cut it out and keep it well." Yi Shiyin looked at the plum blossom on the sheet, which was her first testimony as a married woman.

"By the way, Xiaoling, help me prepare hot water, I want to bathe." Yi Shiyin said.

Xiaoling nodded and said, "Miss, the master also wants to bathe, do you want to join him?"

Upon hearing this, the hanging hair on Yi Shiyin's head stood up again, and she softly said: "Then... let's bathe together."

Afterwards, she dismissed Xiaoling and took out the booklet from yesterday, studying it carefully.

Last night, she was supposed to serve her husband, but it ended up the other way around, which was not acceptable.

...

In the small courtyard, there was a separate bathhouse, a wooden mountain and water screen forming a semicircle, leaving only an entrance for people, with a bathtub inside. The sparse sunlight from the window made it not seem dim.

Chen Mo undressed, stepped on a wooden stool, and soaked into the steaming bathtub, resting his head on the edge of the barrel, his hands open, also placed on the edge, closing his eyes to enjoy.

In the immersion of hot water, his mind and spirit relaxed a lot.

At this moment, Chen Mo heard the rustling sounds behind him, thinking it was Xiaoling, he casually said: "Xiaoling, no need to serve me, I can wash by myself."

"Husband, it's me."

Yi Shiyin walked over, her feet as white as snow stepping onto the wooden stool, her ten jade-like toes as delicate as bamboo shoots, her straight and slender calves slightly bent, entered the barrel under Chen Mo's surprised gaze.

Whether it was from soaking in hot water or from shyness, her clear and enchanting face turned red, her large eyes like those in anime filled with a dreamy watery look, she softly said: "Husband, let me serve you in your bath."

"It's not necessary."

"But I want to, I didn't serve you well last night, and I feel bad in my heart."

"Alright then." Seeing Yi Shiyin was determined, Chen Mo slightly nodded, letting her do as she wished.

"Husband, lean back against me." Yi Shiyin said.

Chen Mo complied.

Yi Shiyin took the towel by her side, put it in her hand, first massaged Chen Mo's shoulders, then started to rub his back with the towel.

Although her movements were a bit clumsy, they were very attentive.

Until a moment later, Chen Mo felt that soft rubbing sensation behind him, he opened his eyes wide, about to speak, when Xiaolu's hands circled to his front, first caressing his chest, then directly moving into the water.

Chen Mo took a light breath and said: "Xiaolu, who did you learn this from?"

"Husband... do you like it?" Yi Shiyin's lively voice carried a bit of tremble. Naturally, she learned this from the booklet, as her head kept steaming with heat and her dumb hair slumped down.

"I like it, but Xiaolu, you don't have to try so hard to please. Even though you're married to me, how you lived before, you can continue the same way in the future." Chen Mo didn't want Yi Shiyin to feel pressured.

"I understand, but I just... want to give my best to my husband." Yi Shiyin said.

Chen Mo: "..."

Truly a treasure found, initially thought of bringing Yi Shiyin into the family and treating her rationally without deep feelings, since the two of them, in a sense, were bound by interests with no genuine emotional connection.

But now, with the girl's sincere care, what man wouldn't be moved, what man wouldn't feel affection.

Chen Mo turned around, one arm holding the girl's fragrant shoulder, the other pinching her chin, kissed her.

With last night's limited experience, Yi Shiyin learned to cooperate, even to respond.

For a long time, lips parted.

"Husband, did you also feel moved?" Yi Shiyin, her face flushed red, glanced at the water, implying unspoken words.

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow, as he naturally caught the message of invitation, only to be too surprised that Xiaolu's figure, so petite, only about 1.6 meters tall, not tall, yet she surpassed Han Anniang and the Xia Sisters.

A true testament that one cannot judge a book by its cover.

"Xiaolu, are you... really sure you can?" Chen Mo uncertainly asked.

Xiaolu slightly raised her head, her jade-like face tinged with blush, her expression affirmative.

Seeing this, Chen Mo picked her up as if holding a child.

...

After breakfast, Chen Mo accompanied Yi Shiyin to pay respects to Yi Qianchi.

Yi Shiyin wore a loose long skirt, its hem dragging on the ground, and she held Chen Mo's arm, so even as they walked, nothing seemed amiss.

Chen Mo also changed the way he addressed Yuan Wai Yi, now calling him father-in-law.

Afterward, the two of them got on a sedan chair and returned to the mountain stronghold.

Yesterday, Han Anniang did not come, firstly because of her status, secondly because of her relationship with Chen Mo, it was not appropriate for her to show up publicly, and thirdly because she didn't want to come from the bottom of her heart.

After all, watching the man she loves marry another woman, what woman could endure that?

Yi Shiyin was one of those naturally likable women, who gave off an aura of friendliness, impossible for others to dislike.

Upon first seeing her, Han Anniang instinctively liked her and expressed her approval.

ps: Just one more transitional chapter.