Chapter 78

Pushing open the door of the bridal chamber adorned with a large red "喜" (happiness) character, inside, a pair of large red candles illuminated the room brightly. The bride saw the kitten enter and immediately stood up, her face flushed as she looked at him. After a while, she softly called out,

“Husband!”

The kitten was initially taken aback, then he laughed and walked over, pulling the bride into his arms. “Although we are officially married today, we are actually an old married couple. Don’t call me that anymore; it sounds awkward. Just call me Kitten, like my brothers do.”

“But, how can I do that?”

“Why not!” The kitten held the woman and sat down on the bed. “It sounds more intimate. Those terms like 'husband' and 'wife' are the stuff of pretentious scholars. We can be straightforward. Come, call me once and see how it sounds.”

The woman fidgeted uneasily in the kitten’s arms, her mouth opening and closing. Under the kitten’s repeated urging, she reluctantly called out. The kitten responded happily, puckering his lips and giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

The woman lowered her head shyly, though they were an old married couple, today was different.

Suddenly, the woman lifted her head. “Kitten, your brothers are still lying on the floor in the main hall. That’s not good!”

The kitten laughed heartily, stroking the woman’s hair. Her thoughtfulness, still worrying about his brothers at this moment, made him even happier.

“It’s fine. Those rascals can sleep like dead dogs even in a mud puddle. When they wake up tomorrow, they’ll be as lively as ever.” The kitten grinned mischievously, his hands roaming over the woman’s body.

“No!” The woman shook her head, placing her hand on her abdomen. The kitten immediately sobered up. Yes, the woman was carrying his child.

“How long has it been? When I left last time, why didn’t you tell me? If you had, I might not have gone.”

The woman shook her head. “I knew that even if I told you, you would still go. It would just add to your worries.”

“You really understand me. You’re right; in that situation, I would still have gone.” The kitten nodded. “But I won’t go to the battlefield again. I won’t be a soldier. From now on, I’ll stay with you and our son.”

The woman nodded, smiling happily, and snuggled into the man’s arms.

The two of them embraced, quietly, without a word, savoring the hard-won happiness.

A thud sounded as something hit the window, making a crisp noise. The kitten’s eyes flashed, and he stood up, walking to the window and opening it. In the dark corner of the yard, a vague figure stood there.

“Kitten!” The woman, who had followed the kitten to the window, became tense, tightly gripping his arm.

“It’s fine, just an old acquaintance.” The kitten gently patted the woman’s head, pressed his hand on the windowsill, and nimbly leaped out. He strode toward the shadow, as if he knew who it was.

“Today is your wedding day. This is a gift from your senior brother.” The shadow extended a bundle. “A small token, not much, but I wish you and your wife a long and happy life, mutual respect, and many children. May you live a long and prosperous life.” He looked toward the window, bowing slightly to the woman.

The kitten looked at him coldly. “How did you know I was getting married today?”

“I heard it from Guo Jiuling. He came to your wedding. I’m your senior brother, but you didn’t even send me an invitation.” The shadow sounded dejected.

“If I had really sent you one, would you have dared to come openly?” The kitten chuckled. “I don’t have a senior brother; I haven’t had one for ten years.”

“After all these years, you still can’t forgive me?” The shadow sighed.

“How can I forgive you?” The kitten said coldly. “Because of you, I was expelled from the sect, shunned by the righteous, and had to wander the江湖 (jianghu, the world of martial arts and chivalry), becoming a thief. I was caught and almost executed, and my parents died of grief over my situation. You, however, have had a smooth and successful career. How can I forgive you?”

The shadow lowered his head. “Over the years, I have actually been grateful to you. No matter what, you never revealed those things.”

“Would anyone have believed me if I did?” The kitten said calmly. “I have forgotten you and the past. From now on, don’t appear before me again. We are just strangers. I only want to live a peaceful life.”

The shadow nodded. “I understand. But please accept this gift. It’s a token of my apology, though it can’t make up for what happened. I am very sorry. One wrong step led to a series of mistakes, ultimately harming you.”

The shadow sighed and turned to leave.

“Wait.” The kitten suddenly said. “No matter how much I hate you, I still thank you for wearing mourning clothes and seeing my parents off when they passed away.”

The shadow’s body paused slightly, then disappeared into the darkness.

The kitten picked up the bundle and returned to the room. When he opened it, the woman gasped in surprise. Inside were shiny gold bars.

“How much is this?” The woman exclaimed. “How can your friend be so rich?”

The kitten wrapped the bundle and tossed it under the bed. “He’s a high-ranking official now, corrupt and greedy, so naturally, he’s very rich.”

“Why have I never heard of you having such a friend?”

“He’s not my friend; he’s my enemy.” The kitten’s lips were tight, his face grim.

“An enemy?” The woman stared at him.

“It’s a matter between men, and it happened a long time ago. I’ve forgotten about it. Come, my dear, let’s not let these things ruin our beautiful day. The night is short!” He laughed, picked up the woman, and carried her to the bed.

“No, it will hurt the child.” The woman pushed against his chest.

The kitten chuckled. “There’s more than one way. It’s our wedding night; you can’t expect me to just look, can you?”

“You’re so naughty!” The woman laughed softly.

Carrying the woman past the small table, the kitten puffed out his cheeks, and with two puffs, the red candles on the table went out. The room instantly plunged into darkness, and the sound of rustling and occasional laughter filled the air.

In the main hall, three men, one using the other as a pillow, snored loudly. In their dreams, the wild dog bared his teeth, the monk had a lecherous smile with drool at the corner of his mouth, and the scissors showed a rare gentle smile.

Three men with stories to tell, each lost in their own dreams.

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