Chapter 188: The Three Women

Chapter 188

The Three Women

After receiving the royal decree for marriage, Kang Wang and Nie Ying began preparations to return to Huangjing City. They planned to hold the official wedding ceremony in the capital after Nie Ying gave birth. Xian Fei, being in the capital, would help with the arrangements and select an auspicious date for the event. Before their departure, Nie Shuang, Nie Ying, and Princess An Le gathered together for the first time at Yong An Hou Manor. Kang Wang gave his wife some space to converse with the women, retreating to talk with the Hou and Song Qilin. The six twins briefly greeted their aunts before it was time for their afternoon nap, and the nannies took them away. Only Da Ge remained, sitting closely beside his beloved Aunt Yingying, refusing to leave. His small hand clutched her sleeve, remembering how long it had been since he last saw her. He couldn’t bear to be apart from her again for such a long time. Seeing that the eldest young master didn’t want to go, the nanny didn’t dare force him, and Nie Ying softly said,

“It’s alright, let him stay with me. Once he falls asleep, you can carry him away.”

Hearing this, Bao Bao flashed a wide, toothy grin, gazing up at his beautiful aunt with a shy expression, causing everyone to burst out laughing.

“Bao Bao! Already appreciating beauty at such a young age, are you? This little one has good taste. It’s a good thing my elder brother isn’t here; otherwise, there might be a fight. Kang Wang is quite protective of his wife,”

An Le teased, and everyone laughed again.

Normally, Da Ge wasn’t used to sitting still for long, but as he sat next to Aunt Yingying, listening to his mother and aunts talk, his eyelids grew heavy. His chubby body slumped, and soon he lay down, resting his head on his aunt’s lap and drifting off to sleep. The women lowered their voices, and once he was fully asleep, the nanny came to carry him away.

The three women sat together, sipping tea in the pavilion, surrounded by lush greenery. A warm breeze blew, making the atmosphere refreshing. Each of the women was strikingly beautiful. Princess An Le, meeting Nie Ying up close for the first time, couldn’t help but compliment her constantly.

“Now I see why Kang Wang couldn’t keep his monk-like resolve. With a beauty like you, Sister Yingying, no wonder he couldn’t resist. He hasn’t touched a woman in years, so it must’ve been hard on you.”

With that, Princess An Le giggled, but Nie Ying’s face turned bright red. Although she had heard of the princess’s straightforward and mischievous nature, she didn’t expect the princess to speak so openly about male-female relations right from their first meeting.

“Yingying, don’t be alarmed. The princess is always this direct. And now that you’re her sister-in-law, you’re practically family.”

Nie Ying nodded in agreement, though she still felt a little embarrassed. Princess An Le admired Nie Ying’s gentle and graceful demeanor, as who wouldn’t be drawn to beauty? Hearing about Nie Ying’s escape from the Mu family and how she successfully took over the tea house business from Nie Shuang in Huangjing City, the princess grew even fonder of her. Both Nie Shuang and Nie Ying were only a few years older than her, yet they had accomplished such bold and daring feats that most women wouldn’t even dare to dream of. Inspired by their strength, An Le found herself wishing she could be as capable as them.

"Sister Nie, Sister Yingying, you are both incredibly talented. Now that I’m married into the Hou Manor, I don’t have much to do on a daily basis. Why don’t you teach me some of your business skills? For instance, with the Xiangyun Tea House in the capital, even though the head manager handles it, I’m still a partner. It would be nice if I could help out."

Nie Shuang smiled and asked,

"Doesn’t you dislike reading, Your Highness? Business involves a lot of calculations and reviewing so many account books. Won’t you get bored quickly?"

An Le shook her head and said energetically,

"If it’s a task you assign me, I’ll be sure to handle it responsibly." She paused briefly before continuing, "And if I can’t manage it myself, I’ll definitely find someone to help."

Nie Shuang, seeing the princess’s determination, didn’t refuse. She thought that since the princess was interested in learning, she would give her the opportunity. The Xiangyun Tea House in the capital had become a popular place for the upper class to frequent. The tea ceremony had become a highly fashionable art form, not only signifying status but also becoming the art that represented refined taste. Jiang Ru, from the Jiang family tea plantation, continued to innovate new tea blends. Now, there was no need for grand product launches—people eagerly awaited each new release.

"If you can manage the capital branch, that would be wonderful, Your Highness. When I have some free time, I’ll share some business tips with you."

Hearing Nie Shuang’s response, An Le beamed with joy, thanking her profusely. In contrast, the princess’s personal maid looked uneasy. In the past, whenever Princess An Le took an interest in studying something, the maid had to learn it as well, so that if the princess got bored or lost interest, she could take over the work that the princess left behind. If the princess truly pursued business, the maid feared she might end up being the best merchant maid in the region.

The three women continued their conversation happily until the afternoon sun began to sink lower. Nie Ying excused herself to leave, and as she stepped out of the pavilion, she saw Kang Wang, Song Qilin, and Song Ren waiting nearby for their wives. The sight made all three women smile, and they exchanged knowing glances with their husbands. Each man seemed unable to bear being away from his wife for long. Song Ren, who had just returned from his duties, hadn’t even changed out of his official attire, yet he was already there waiting. Blushing, the three women said their goodbyes and made plans to meet again when Nie Ying returned to the capital for her wedding ceremony.

As Song Qilin held his wife’s hand and walked her back to their quarters, they passed through the flower garden. The serene atmosphere of the Hou Manor in the evening brought a sense of warmth to the heart. His large hand gently squeezed her soft one as he asked with concern,

"Are you tired, Shuang Shuang? When we get back to the Xu Yang Quarters, do you want to bathe or eat first?"

"The children are probably awake by now. Let’s eat first, then bathe, so the children don’t have to wait too long."

As they approached their quarters, they could already hear the loud chatter coming from inside—mostly from Bao Bao and Xiao Hua Hua, along with the occasional baby’s cry. The couple exchanged glances and smiled. Though their large family could be chaotic, every time they saw their children, it brought them endless joy.

As soon as the children saw their parents enter the room, both the older and younger triplets squealed with delight, scrambling toward them like little puppies. Song Qilin and Nie Shuang took turns holding and kissing each one until the group of chubby little dumplings finally settled down.

The dinner was already laid out, and the couple sat down together, washing their hands in the basin that Xiao San brought, before enjoying their meal.

Song Qilin looked around at the warm scene in front of him and couldn’t help but sigh quietly. He had to prepare to return to his post at the northern border soon. The six months of leave granted by the Emperor had flown by far too quickly. Glancing at his beautiful wife and their six children, his heart felt heavy. They were all so precious and lovely, his greatest treasures. Having spent such an extended period together this time made it all the more difficult for him to think of leaving.

The little ones, unaware of their father’s worries, ate while playing. Especially Da Ge, whose cheeks puffed out as he chewed, a grain of rice stuck on his round face. Whenever he came across vegetables, he made as if to spit them out, which Xiao Tong quickly noticed and cried out.

"Eldest Young Master, you can’t spit vegetables under the table again."

"Bao Bao,"

His mother’s calm voice rang out, causing Da Ge to freeze.

"Didn’t I tell you that you need to learn to eat vegetables? Look at Bei Bei—he’s not picky like you."

Bao Bao glanced at his younger brother. Bei Bei sat quietly, eating whatever the nanny fed him without any fuss, seemingly indifferent to the taste. When Bei Bei noticed their mother scolding his older brother, he only cast a brief glance out of the corner of his eye and continued ignoring him, making Bao Bao feel utterly defeated.

Being the eldest was truly difficult...

He turned to Xiao Hua Hua, but his little sister was busy turning her head away, refusing to eat. Their father put down his chopsticks and picked her up, sitting her on his lap. Taking the bowl from the servant, he gently fed her himself.

Xiao Hua Hua ate far less than her two older brothers, so her father didn’t force her to eat what she didn’t like. He spoke to her sweetly as he fed her bits of egg and meat. Bao Bao couldn’t help but think it was unfair, but when he saw his mother’s watchful gaze, he pressed his lips together. He didn’t want to disappoint her.

Reluctantly, Bao Bao swallowed the vegetables, then opened his mouth wide to show his mother. Nie Shuang laughed and patted his head.

"Good boy, eating so well makes Mother happy. Da Ge, you’ll need to teach Xiao Hua Hua to eat her vegetables just like you."

After being praised by his mother, Da Ge beamed and nodded eagerly.

"Teach Hua Hua veggies."

Nie Shuang picked the stray grain of rice off his cheek and planted a kiss on his chubby face affectionately. Delighted, Da Ge climbed onto her lap and hugged her. The younger triplets, seeing Da Ge in their mother’s lap, began to cry out, wanting her attention too. The nannies, who were feeding soft food to the younger ones, scrambled to soothe them, but when they wouldn’t calm down, they had to bring them closer to their mother.

Song Qilin, still holding Xiao Hua Hua, came over to help. Despite the presence of a small army of nannies, the couple’s household was a whirlwind of activity. Bao Bao and Bei Bei, having finished their meals, started running around, which only made Xiao Hua Hua, still being fed, cry to be let down so she could join them. Worried she wouldn’t eat enough, Song Qilin tried to remain firm. But his little girl, with the skills of a professional, let loose a stream of tears, her big round eyes glimmering with reproach as she sobbed pitifully.

"Shh, Xiao Hua Hua, stop crying. Eat a little more, and I’ll take you out for a moonlit walk, alright?"

But the little girl shook her head vigorously. She wanted to run around with her brothers, leaving her doting father at a loss.

"Xiao Hua Hua, don’t be stubborn with your father."

At the sound of her mother’s authoritative tone, the little girl stopped crying as if on command. Song Qilin looked at his daughter, half-amused and half-bewildered. So small, yet already so cunning, just like her mother.

That evening, it took a good deal of coaxing and scolding before the children finished their meal, but for the couple, moments like these were more precious than anything.

After putting the children to bed, Nie Shuang finally asked her husband,

"Qilin, is something troubling you?"

The young man sighed and reached out to pull his graceful wife onto his lap, burying his face into the crook of her fragrant neck as he mumbled,

"I’ll have to return to the northern border soon. It worries me—our children are still so young. You’ll have to manage both the business and the kids all by yourself. It must be exhausting."

Nie Shuang chuckled, wriggling her neck away from his ticklish stubble.

"It’s not like I haven’t been through this before. Back when I was running away from you, I took care of our children alone. Now we have both Grandfather and Grandmother to help, and the staff at Xiangyun Tea House have been trained well, so there’s no need to worry. You’re thinking too much."

Seeing that his wife didn’t seem distressed at all about his departure, Song Qilin felt a little pouty and playfully nipped at her ear.

"You don’t miss your husband at all, do you? I’ve been thinking about you all this time. If it were any other woman, she’d be clinging to me, crying her eyes out by now."

The close proximity and his deep, husky voice sent a ripple through Nie Shuang. She placed her hand on his broad chest and smiled at him challengingly.

"Do you want me to cry?"

Song Qilin grinned, leaning in to whisper in a low, seductive tone,

"I’d rather hear you cry out in another way."

His bold words made the capable Lady Boss blush furiously. She averted her gaze but tried to maintain her defiant attitude.

"Hmph! Who says it’ll be me doing the crying?"

Her words only deepened the grin on her husband’s face. He looked at her with fondness. Despite her tough words, her flushed cheeks and averted eyes betrayed her true feelings entirely.

"It’ll be me, of course. My Shuang Shuang is so strong and capable, how could your husband possibly compare?"

Hearing him willingly concede, Nie Shuang smiled with satisfaction. She leaned in first to press a sweet kiss against his lips, which quickly escalated into a more heated exchange. The sounds of their heavy breaths and passionate kisses filled the room. His large hand slipped under her robe, cupping the fullness of her breast, kneading it gently to arouse her, eliciting a soft moan from her lips. Carefully, he lifted her and laid her down on the bed, slowly removing the clothes on his strong body.

Nie Shuang gazed into his intense eyes. His muscular body, sculpted and strong, sent heat coursing through her as she admired him. Climbing onto the bed, he loosened her waist sash and pulled aside her robe, revealing her beautiful, curvaceous body. Her breasts were round and perfect, with delicate pink tips that made Song Qilin nearly lose control just by seeing them. He wanted nothing more than to pin her down and ravish her. Flustered, Nie Shuang crossed her arms over her chest and playfully pushed him away.

"Qilin...I’m tired."

Song Qilin let out a low laugh, knowing full well that his wife was teasing him. His sharp, intense gaze burned with desire as he pulled her close, pressing her soft chest against his firm one. His voice came out hoarse as he whispered,

"I understand. But if Shuang Shuang pleases me, then you can sleep."

As soon as he finished speaking, he gently pushed her back onto the bed, hungrily kissing and sucking at her soft breasts. The roughness of his stubble brushed against her delicate skin, while his tongue teased and flicked, drawing moans from the beauty beneath him. His large hands roamed her exquisite body, both arousing her and slipping deeply into her moist warmth before he entered her, once she was fully ready. Her long, slender legs instinctively wrapped around his strong frame, and their bodies intertwined as one.

He indulged in her body with passion, repeatedly thrusting into her fragrant softness, clinging to her as though he feared she would disappear. Nie Shuang was tortured by him for half the night until she was utterly exhausted. Finally, when her husband seemed about to start again, she quickly raised a hand to press against his firm chest.

"That’s enough for tonight. Otherwise, I won’t be able to get up early tomorrow morning,"

She said in a sleepy, adorable voice, making Song Qilin’s heart flutter with affection, tempting him to love her even more.

"Shuang Shuang, you’re the wife of a General. Why must you wake up so early?"

"If Father and Mother come and don’t find us again like last time..."

Nie Shuang’s face flushed as she trailed off, causing the General to chuckle softly.

"Something like that? Father and Mother understand. We’re a young couple; it’s natural to be a little close."

Nie Shuang shot a glare at her husband. Though he usually gave in to her in most matters, this was one area where he always seemed to find an excuse to continue their intimate encounters.

"A little close!? Last time, Mother had to wait half the day just to discuss the older triplets’ birthday plans with me. And before that, when Father and Mother came to visit the children, we almost never greeted them because you were too busy..."

Seeing his wife’s frustration, Song Qilin didn’t argue further. He merely responded obediently,

"I understand..."

Seeing his reaction, Nie Shuang sighed in relief and was about to close her eyes when her husband spoke again.

"If you’re shy, I’ll have the servants inform them early in the morning so they can come in the afternoon instead."

With that, he leaned down and kissed her deeply. Nie Shuang could only let out a muffled sound in protest, but soon there were only moans and the creaking of the wooden bed that echoed throughout the night.