Tiger wife

Repaying Kindness with Marriage part2

Really?" Her eyes were brimming with tears, hazy and blurred.

"Of course."

After a moment, she suddenly said, "I'll go bite that person to death... to save the tiger cubs..."

"You—" He wanted to tell her that life and death have their own conclusions, and she shouldn't be so stubborn. Humans hunt and kill tigers, and tigers prey on humans and other animals. It's the law of the jungle, following nature's course, and she shouldn't interfere. But in her current state, speaking would be a waste of breath. In the end, he let out a soft sigh.

"I'm dizzy..." she mumbled incoherently, sobbing uncontrollably. Her tiny hand clutched his sleeve, and her face nestled against him. Gone was the tiger's ferocity, replaced by the delicacy of a cat. She rubbed and rubbed with her eyes closed, her eyebrows relaxed, and her lips slightly parted, as if she had fallen asleep again.

He let her get close, his eyes darkened, and his fingers ran through her soft hair.

"Sleep, sleep well. When you wake up, you'll feel better."

The wind seeped through the cracks in the wooden wall, making the lamp flicker. The air carried a slight chill, with the natural scent of flowers, plants, trees, night dew, and earth, as well as the musky smell of birds and wild animals.

Suddenly, his eyebrows shot up, his hand paused from stroking her hair, and his gaze sharpened, darting towards the door.

With a slight smile, he stood up, gently lowering her. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, and as he straightened up, he realized this action was completely unthinking, everything so natural, as if he had done it a hundred or a thousand times before. He couldn't help but be stunned, then shook his head with a bitter smile.

Does he like her? Probably. At least, she piqued his interest; such a reckless and impulsive nature was almost endearing. Ten years ago, he walked away from her, never imagining any further entanglement, but now she had barged into his life, leading to another encounter.

"Sleep well," he murmured, then turned, opened the door, and stepped out.

Outside. Under the moonlit night.

He stood still, his sharp eyes slowly scanning before locking onto a spot in the forest ahead. A hazy figure materialized from the shadowy woods, walking towards him.

"That girl caused trouble again? Alas..." The dark figure sighed faintly, her tone cold.

"Yuan is a bit weak, but it's nothing serious."

The dark figure walked a few more steps forward, moonlight spilling onto her long dress, revealing a woman.

"I didn't expect it to be you who saved her." Her tone paused slightly, as if in thought, then she asked, "Are you Young Master Chang of the capital?"

"Yes." Chang Tianci smiled, his expression unfathomable. His former gentle demeanor was gone, and his features instantly sharpened, especially his eyes, which exuded a natural, imposing aura.

"Don't be surprised." Her voice was soft, yet authoritative. "Ten years ago, the person she abducted on the official road was you. That girl said that the injury on her foot healed after she woke up, which turns out to be your spiritual power at work." When she received the news and rushed there, intending to stop the tiger cub from harming anyone, she found only the girl in the wooden house, sitting blankly on the bamboo bed, staring wide-eyed at her own calves.

She had been troubled by this matter for a long time, unable to understand it, but now, connecting the dots, she finally found the answer.

"Yes," he admitted quietly.

After a moment of silence, the woman seemed to be smiling.

"How long has it been since we last met?" As she asked, she continued to step forward, her body finally emerging from the dark cover, fully exposed under the moonlight. She was a beautiful middle-aged woman.

He nodded slightly and said in a low voice, "It's been a hundred years since we last met."

"A hundred years..." Her voice was filled with emotion and a sense of vicissitude, followed by a quiet contemplation, as if she was pondering something. Then, her brows relaxed, and she smiled mysteriously, "I have something to entrust to you. Will you help or not?"

His brow furrowed slightly. "Can I refuse, Auntie Tiger?"

Auntie Tiger laughed, her overly strict demeanor softening.

"Perhaps you wouldn't want to refuse."

"Auntie?!" The girl on the bamboo bed stared wide-eyed at the figure by the window.

Hearing the call, the figure turned around and walked straight towards her.

The sunlight streamed in through the window, and with her back to the light, Huwa couldn't make out her expression for a moment, but she felt guilty. Twisting her clothes with both hands, she stammered, "Auntie, I... I finished my homework before coming out..." Although she had snuck out, she had dutifully completed the cultivation tasks assigned to her. Surely, the punishment would be lighter this way, right?!

The beautiful woman sat down by the bamboo bed, a seemingly enigmatic smile on her face, not as stern as usual. This expression hinted at deeper danger, as if she were secretly plotting something.

Huwa's heart involuntarily quickened. Mustering her courage, she asked again, "Auntie, aren't you angry with Huwa?"

She stroked the girl's hair, a fleeting look of tender affection crossing her face, and said faintly, "Your troubles are getting bigger and bigger. One day, something bad will happen."

"Grand-aunt... those tiger cubs are so pitiful. They want to catch the big ones and the small ones, and they even skin them and pull out their tendons and bones. I feel so sad when I see it. My, my heart aches so much, I couldn't help but intervene. I'm not causing trouble," she said hurriedly, her breath ragged.

"We've talked about this many times. The lives of the world have nothing to do with you and me. Only by having a clear mind and tranquil heart can we advance further. Your temperament... Alas, I shouldn't have led you to cultivate in the first place."

"Grand-aunt..." She bit her lip, not knowing what to say. She couldn't make a promise that she wouldn't make the same mistake again, because she knew full well it would be a lie, and she didn't want to deceive her grand-aunt.

"Your nature is worldly, and your grand-aunt doesn't want to bother trying to stop you anymore. It's futile anyway." She smiled faintly, her tone gentle, "For you, achieving immortality is too far away. As long as you maintain a clear mind and don't fall into the demonic path, do whatever you like."

Huwa instinctively dug at her ears, wondering if she had misheard.

"A-a-auntie, are you serious? No more 'my heart is still as water'?! No more 'gathering my heart and calming my mind'?! Cry loudly when I want to cry, laugh loudly when I want to laugh?! Are you serious?!" Should she be happy? But somehow, she also felt it was incredibly strange.

"Of course. You can cry and laugh as you please, love and hate as you please. You don't have to forget your feelings or suppress your love for the sake of cultivation." The beautiful woman stood up, turned her head to look at her, her tone still calm, "I have arranged a marriage for you; it's time for you to get married."

Huh?!

As if struck by lightning, a flash of light erupted in her mind, leaving it completely blank.

Huzi was dumbfounded, unable to speak for a long time. He swallowed several mouthfuls of saliva and said with difficulty, "I don't want to marry Hei Lingxiao, Auntie, I won't marry him."

Hei Lingxiao had proposed marriage repeatedly. She knew that her aunt was concerned about the safety of the tiger clan and did not want to confront him directly, but now... she was marrying her off to him?!

"No one wants you to marry Hei Lingxiao." She smiled, "It's someone else."

"Someone, someone else?!" Her beautiful tiger eyes widened even more. A human?! Her aunt wanted her to marry a mortal?!

"Have you forgotten who saved you this time?"

"Isn't it Auntie?" Besides Auntie, who else could bring her to this remote mountain cabin so stealthily?! "It was Auntie who used her true energy to protect my vital essence; otherwise, how could I have recovered so quickly?"

She remembered the pain and weakness, her strength drained, in a state of utter helplessness, and then a surge of energy enveloped her whole body, unbelievably warm. Her spirit soared in the vast silvery white, and the surrounding light permeated her limbs and bones, dispelling all discomfort, and then... and then...

Sleep, sleep well, and when you wake up, your body will be comfortable...

That gentle male voice told her so.

Her heart trembled, memories surfaced, pushing through layers of silver light, revealing the man's deep, unfathomable eyes.

"There was... a man... I can't quite remember," she frowned, trying hard to recall but unable to delve deeper.

"He saved you."

Hú Wá was confused. "Impossible... He's just a mortal, how could he save me?!"

"He intended to buy you after you returned to your true form, which is why he didn't let others kill and dismember you. It was because of this that Auntie was able to arrive in time to save you."

Startled, the confusion in Hú Wá's eyes receded slightly, and he mumbled, "Is that so?"

Some memories were lost when her spiritual essence was weak, vague and indistinct, making it impossible for her to refute. She only remembered having spoken to that man, but her impression ended there. As for the content of their conversation and the man's true appearance... her mind was clouded, and she couldn't make sense of it. Suddenly, a thought came to her—

"Auntie, did he... did he see the process of my true form transforming into a human?" Wouldn't that scare him to death?! Then she thought again, why am I even worried?! He's a human, and humans are so hateful; scaring one to death would be a good deed.

"He's fine, and he wasn't scared by you," the beautiful woman said, seeing through her thoughts, lowering her eyebrows and eyes to hide a smile.

With a turn of her head, the tiger cub nodded understandingly, having her own ideas.

"He wasn't scared because Auntie used her divine power to erase his memory, right?"

The beautiful woman did not answer, but slowly walked back to the window. How comfortable the sunlight felt on her body today.

"A drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring. Our tiger clan always repays kindness. He has been kind to you, so you marrying him is a good way to fulfill a destiny."

"I'm not marrying anyone!" Tiger Cub cried out reflexively, her small face flushed, and she jumped up.

"You must marry him." Tiger Granny didn't even turn her head, but continued to enjoy the warm sun pouring in through the window, and said lightly, "I gave him your primordial silver pearl and embedded it between his eyebrows. Your silver pearl is on him, and three hundred years of your cultivation are in his hands. You must marry him to repay his kindness."

Three months later

As early autumn arrived, the wind turned cool, carrying a hint of desolation, yet the entire capital was bustling with excitement over a rare grand event.

Today, the Chang manor was exceptionally lively, with officials and merchants gathering. Gifts were carried in by the cartload, and a grand banquet was laid out in the gaily decorated hall. Congratulations echoed everywhere, making everyone in the Chang manor beam with joy and work tirelessly.

Among the guests, a few acquaintances were already whispering amongst themselves—

"This young master Chang is of excellent character, but unfortunately, he's sickly, coughing every other day. Last time, Matchmaker Chen from East Street let slip that old Master Chang had long wanted to find a wife for his only son and specifically asked her to keep an eye out, promising generous rewards if she succeeded. But how could a prominent family bear to marry their daughter to Chang Tianci? Look at his frail health; he faints at the slightest provocation. There's no telling if she'd be a widow tomorrow."

"Bah, bah, bah, you have a terrible mouth. It's their big happy day today; how embarrassing if someone heard you!"

"If it weren't for the political turmoil five years ago, which implicated all the old masters and masters in the Big Green Mansion and the Big Red Mansion, and they were all slated for immediate execution, why would Old Master Chang be worried about his only son's marriage? He would have already married Miss Yaoguang from the Zhong Manor." The voice lowered even further.

The Chang family had originally been betrothed to the Zhong Manor, which resided in the imperial Big Green Mansion. This engagement was set by the patriarchs of both families when Chang Tianci and the Zhong family's daughter were still infants. The Chang family dealt in wholesale precious medicinal materials, and their business empire had expanded from the capital, extending to several large towns in the south; the Zhong family, on the other hand, lived in an imperial residence, naturally a political family, with both the master and old master of the Zhong Manor holding positions in the imperial court, their power not to be underestimated.

However, five years ago, a political storm swept through the capital. The old master and master of the Zhong family were successively imprisoned. Fearing involvement, Old Master Chang unilaterally broke off the engagement, canceling this political and business alliance.

"Alas, if a man is not for himself, heaven and earth will destroy him. This cannot be blamed on Old Master Chang. That political affair caused such a stir that he was terrified and had to look after his own family. It's understandable that he broke off the engagement with the Zhong Manor," someone said, offering a fair assessment.

"Huh? This brother, you just said that wealthy families were reluctant to marry their daughters off, but I heard that the new bride who married into the Chang family is the cousin of the daughter of the son of the grand-aunt of the Minister. She is skilled in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and can be considered a young lady from a good family."

"Oh, a relative from three thousand miles away, who knows if it's true or false. Maybe Chang Lao paid for it."

"It's not that bad. I've met Chang's only son; he's well-spoken. I've heard recently that he's also helping Chang Lao manage the medicinal herbs wholesale business. Smelling the scent of herbs all day, even if he were sick, most of it would be gone."

"Hard to say..."

Outside, firecrackers suddenly boomed, and stringed instruments played the Phoenix Melody. The whispered discussions automatically ceased. Everyone sat up straight, a big smile on their faces, and their gazes simultaneously turned to the hall entrance. The newlyweds were already being escorted in by the matchmaker and several beautifully adorned maids.

"Entering the hall to a full house, may joy, blessings, wealth, and spring abound." The matchmaker exaggeratedly said, reciting auspicious words at the opportune moment. With a twist of her plump waist and hips, she nearly bumped into the bride adorned in a phoenix crown and robes beside her.

Covered by a bridal veil, she had never been so distraught. With a heavy, strange hat on her head and cumbersome, dazzling red clothes, who had she offended? She just wanted to get her Yuanxu silver bead back.

As she lifted her foot to step over the threshold, before she could even stand firm, the fat aunt next to her squeezed over. Coupled with her rather spectacular and heavy attire, she stumbled. A man's hand reached out from the side and steadily supported her.

"Be careful." The tone was slightly low, very pleasant, but then he started to cough lightly.

Her heart suddenly constricted. She looked up, then remembered her face was covered by a red veil. Subconsciously, she wanted to tear off this annoying thing, but a red bundle was placed in her hands. Congratulations rang in her ears like thunder. She was half-pushed and half-pulled a few steps by many people. Someone held her shoulder, and a gentle nudge hit her back knee. She completely collapsed, kneeling on the soft cushion.

"The bride and groom lean shoulder to shoulder, falling to the ground they become intertwined branches," a high-pitched female voice rang out.

That chubby auntie had been bothering her all morning. She, she couldn't take it anymore. She had to show her a thing or two!

As she was about to jump up, a man's large, warm, and firm hand reached out again, unexpectedly enveloping her hand that was tightly gripping Xi Cai, while his other arm wrapped around her waist.

He knelt beside her, and they were so close that their clothes rubbed against each other. She strongly felt his unique scent, and her heart pounded three times, making her gasp sharply.

Intentionally or unintentionally, he seemed to lean towards her, part of his weight resting on her. He coughed again, and it felt like he was trying his best to hold it in, but it only triggered a more hoarse, violent cough.

"Oh, this child is so pitiful..."

"Are you referring to the man or the woman?"

"Both are pitiful. Their wedding turned out like this, their bodies in such a state. He needs his wife's support to even perform the bowing ceremony. I wonder if they'll be able to consummate their marriage tonight?"

"Tsk, mind your own business!"

The fragmented and indistinct conversations, however, drilled into her ears, clear word by word.

He... pitiful?! Why would they say that? She didn't quite understand the way people in the world thought.

Underneath the veil, her exquisitely drawn brows furrowed in confusion, yet she didn't notice that her hand had moved towards the man, bracingly encircling his waist to prevent him from leaning further, completely unaware of how intimate this scene appeared in everyone's eyes, and how immensely pleased Master Chang and Madam Chang, seated in the main seats, were to witness it.

"The auspicious hour has arrived, the newlyweds bow to the ancestors—"

What followed was utter chaos. She and the man beside her were manipulated by the crowd, bowing once, twice, thrice, then turning around, then facing forward, kneeling and kowtowing in every direction. For a moment, she truly felt pathetic. So that's what that saying meant. She and he were fellow sufferers, weren't they?!

Amidst the chaotic din, her eardrums felt hot. After a long while, once her mind settled, she found herself sitting by the bed. The clamor had been separated by layers of corridors and courtyards. The cushion beneath her was so soft and warm, especially after being infused with the fragrant scent of some flowers and herbs.

She took a deep breath, quite fond of the scent. Her eyes lowered, and from the bottom edge of her veil, she saw the exquisite embroidery on the mattress, vibrant in color and skillfully crafted. Her fingertips moved admiringly over the pattern, gently stroking it. Then, she saw her own fingers, stained with henna, her round nails like ten fresh red flowers.

"Hmm..." She brought her fingertips to her nose, curiosity piqued. First, she sniffed, detecting a natural floral scent, silently curving her lips. Then, her tongue emerged, tentatively l*****g.

Why is there no taste?

She furrowed her brow and extended her tongue to try again. At that moment, the kerchief on her head was suddenly pulled off. She froze in shock, having heard no one approach, thinking she was alone. Her tongue remained on her fingertips, forgotten, her beautiful eyes wide and bright, staring blankly into a pair of bottomless male eyes.

It was these eyes, this gaze, that struck her like a sledgehammer, shaking her to her core.

Instantly, memories flooded back. She had seen him before, not just three months ago when she was in distress, but much, much earlier. It was also in a wooden cabin deep in the mountains that she had seen these captivating dark eyes.

"Did I scare you?" His tone was gentle, his gaze lingering on the tip of her tongue as she stuck it out. His eyes deepened slightly, and just as he was about to say something, he suddenly turned and started coughing, one hand clutching his chest, the other lightly clenched into a fist against his lips.

Hearing his cough and seeing his actions, a realization exploded in her mind.

She quickly jumped up, reflexively put her arm around his waist, and blurted out without thinking, "Don't faint again!"

The coughing gradually subsided, and he turned to face her, his two dark eyebrows standing out against his pale face, slightly raised. " 'Again'?! Have you seen me during an attack before?"

"I, I—" She stared at him, her heart inexplicably racing. She then realized how closely they were pressed together, and quickly pulled her hands away, hiding them behind her back like a child who had done something wrong.

"I know..." He chuckled softly, a faint worry clouding his brow. "You must have heard the rumors outside. Everyone in the capital knows that the Chang family has a son who is sickly and frail." As he spoke, he removed the phoenix coronet from her head and placed it casually on a small table nearby.

"Thank you..." Her neck felt much more comfortable. She gently rubbed the back of her neck, her big eyes glancing at him.

"We are husband and wife, there's no need to be so formal."

A little deer started prancing wildly in her heart. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself and bravely lifted her chin. "You, are you really the young master of the Chang mansion in the capital?"

"Absolutely." Her tone amused him, and he relaxed, gently asking in return, "Are you truly a relative of Minister Shang, Miss Yulan of the Wen family fortress in the Northeast?"

"If it's fake, it can be exchanged." How wonderful it would be if it really could be exchanged! Alas...

There really is a Wenjiabao in the Northeast, and there really is a Miss Yulan in Wenjiabao, but she is fake. Even the Minister who came to congratulate today was enchanted by Auntie.

That wave of dejection surged again. She had promised Auntie to come and repay her kindness, but she was utterly unwilling. She obediently came here, obediently played this fictional role, and obediently suffered at the hands of others, all to retrieve her Primordial Void Silver Pearl. This feeling was terrible; her life didn't belong to her, but was held in someone else's hands, so she could never feel at ease.

Her living soul was nourished in that spiritual pearl, becoming the vital essence for cultivation and alchemy, but Auntie extracted it while she was unconscious and gave it to this man.

She guessed that Auntie must have secretly given him the spiritual pearl and then used her supernatural powers to erase his memory. If her Primordial Void was indeed within him, retrieving it with her own power shouldn't be a problem.

But despite all her calculations, she never expected that the young man she abducted ten years ago would be the one who held her primordial essence.

Now he was right before her, with the same delicate and powerless appearance, his face pale and bloodless, two deep, dark eyes shining with a mysterious light. But the youth had grown into a man, and she was actually married to him. Thinking of this, her heart pounded again, a wave of heat rising to her cheeks. It was simply, simply inexplicable! she cursed inwardly.

"Even if it's fake, I won't change it," the man's low voice was filled with intoxication.

"Ah?!"

He quietly stroked her face, the soft, delicate touch making him smile with satisfaction, and he continued softly, "We are already married. Even if you are not Miss Yulan of the Wen family fortress, you are still my wife."

"You, you—I, I, I—" Oh my god! Her mouth was so dry, her tongue so parched, she wanted water. "I, I, I want to drink, drink something." Was that stammering voice hers?

He nodded gently, his lips kissing her delicate forehead. "It is time to drink something, our nuptial wine. Come." He led her, still stunned, to the table. The round, dark wooden table was laden with exquisite snacks, amber goblets, and auspicious fruits in accordance with custom, a dazzling display of wealth and joy.

He filled two golden goblets, placed one in her small hand, and seeing her dazed expression, he secretly smiled and** hooked his arm through hers, their wrists intertwined.

"Do we really have to drink like this? My hand is twisted like a pretzel." His face moved even closer, his warm breath fanning her cheek. How... how awkward!

"This is custom. The bride and groom must drink the nuptial wine, also known as 'jiao bei jiu' (crossed-cup wine), before the wedding night." He said, bringing his lips to the rim of the cup, his deep eyes fixed on her pretty face. "How could you not know?"

"I know, I, I certainly know, it's, it's just drinking together!" She imitated him, bringing her lips close, their noses almost touching. Her heart pounded so fast. Human customs in this world were so troublesome, confusing her completely.

Can't you close your eyes when drinking the nuptial cup? What, what was he doing, looking at her with those dark, deep eyes, as if he wanted to suck her essence in? Oh! No, no, her essence was already in him.

She had never lost a staring contest before, so of course, she lifted her eyelashes, her bright eyes sparkling, and stared back with all her might.

Unlike his elegant demeanor, she gulped down the wine. As soon as she swallowed it, the alcohol fumes surged up, burning her throat, and she started coughing.

"Cough, cough, cough—so, so spicy, cough, cough... I, I, cough, cough, cough—" Her small face wrinkled up, tears shimmering in her eyes. She didn't want to cry, but the alcohol fumes made her eyes and nose red, making her look incredibly pitiful.

He sighed, a barely concealed smile on his face, and gently stroked her back with his warm hand, while his other hand rolled up his beautiful sleeve to wipe away the wine. "Is this your first time drinking?"

She continued to cough, gradually subsiding, and instinctively grabbed his sleeve to wipe away her tears, oblivious to the fact that she was sitting on his lap.

"Who says so! I, I've drunk many times, my alcohol tolerance is excellent... I can drink a thousand cups and not get drunk!" she insisted stubbornly, trying to control the burning sensation in her stomach.

"Well-bred young ladies don't drink. Where did you learn such a high tolerance for alcohol?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise, a mischievous glint in his dark eyes.

She paused, her small head shaking slightly. "I, I... there are no such restrictions in Wen Family Fort. We can drink to our heart's content, oh... as long as we're happy." Well-bred young ladies don't drink?! Really?

He nodded, but smiled without speaking, picking out a few small snacks and placing them on the empty plate in front of him.

"Are we still eating? You, aren't you supposed to be sleeping?" She had no appetite at all, only wanting him to go to sleep quickly so she could use her magic to reclaim her primordial essence.

Granny said he had been kind to her, and although she couldn't fully understand what had happened that night, Granny wouldn't lie to her. He was her benefactor, and while she was unwilling to repay him with marriage, she would never harm him. She only wanted to quietly and discreetly retrieve what belonged to her, and then she would leave and never see him again.

Never... see him again. For no reason, her heart tightened, and her small hand covered her chest, staring at him in confusion.

"I'll sleep later," he said nonchalantly, using one arm to pull her waist closer with force.

He was seated on a solid wooden chair, and she was on his lap, a posture that made her slightly taller than him by half a head. Her beautiful eyes darted around, and a blush rushed to her cheeks as she finally realized how close they were.

"You, you, you... let me down..." She eagerly tried to move her pretty little bottom away, but the large hand at her waist was like an iron claw, holding her tightly.

"This is good."

"It's not good at all!" She glared, but saw his expression was pale. Although his face was pale, his strength was not to be underestimated. As they were so close, she could feel the strong muscles beneath his clothes. How could he be a sickly person?!

"This is good," he said, not even glancing at her, and continued to arrange the dishes.

"I'm heavy, and you're weak. I'll break your thighs."

She didn't know which word in her sentence annoyed him, but he suddenly stopped, his face slowly turning towards her, his eyes slightly narrowed, a sharp glint flashing and disappearing, making her flustered and afraid to even breathe.

"No, this is good," he said quietly, picking up a small fruit. "Open your mouth."

"I don't—" Before she could finish, the item was already in her mouth. She had no choice but to chew and swallow it. It tasted good, and her attention was diverted. She blinked and asked curiously, "What is this?"