(MATURE CONTENT CHAPTER)
"It's just temporary," Ling told her younger sister Bian. "I do not think I am prepared," Bian said turning away her head. Bian just turned 16 years old. Ling is 19 years old, more experienced in the consort role, and very feminine. Unlike her older sister, Bian buried her nose in books and never interested in being a consort. Although, she must follow her mother and sister footsteps to learn how to serve a noble Lady. Her family were consorts of Lady Ding's family. Originally, her older sister Ling was the main consort of Lady Ding, who Ling served since she was a young child. Due to Ling's current illness, Bian must replace her sister as a consort for Lady Ding for the time being. Bian is extremely worried because she had only trained for the past six months and felt very unprepared to serve Lady Ding. "I will follow right after I feel better," Ling turned to cough into her handkerchief.
Since Ling served Lady Ding from a young age, Ling knew likes and dislikes of Lady Ding. Bian had to learn all the likes and dislikes within three days, before setting out the long trip to General Cao Cao's main manor.
"Consort Ling, do you think he will have a deep voice since he is a general?" Lady Ding asked Ling while Bian brushed Lady Ding's hair the way her older sister taught her. "He may," Ling responded smiling at Lady Ding.
Lady Ding is the only daughter in her family. The arranged marriage is a major duty of hers, to marry to a powerful figure for her father to gain status. Lady Ding grew up with many brothers, whom loved and spoiled her very much. This caused Lady Ding to be very playful and manipulative at times. Although, Lady Ding had just turned 19 years old, she still had a heart of a child.
"Ouch," Lady Ding yelped. "I'm sorry Lady Ding," Bian stopped brushing her hair and stepped back. Lady Ding gave an angry look at Bian. "How are you?" Ling quickly jumped in asking knowing Lady Ding's temper while dealing with her beauty. Lady Ding took a deep breath trying to remind herself to be more ladylike and patient since her wedding date is close. "Consort Bian is still learning, please forgive her," Ling protected her little sister. "Continue," Lady Ding said as she fixed her side bangs and used oil to brush the little hair from being static.
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Three days has passed in such a quick manner. Servants and consorts packed Lady Ding and Consort belonging into the carriage. It will take three days and two nights to reach General Cao Cao's manor. Everyone bids their goodbyes and blessings to Lady Ding. "Don't forget me," Bian pleaded Ling as both of them held hands. "Do not worry," Ling said, "you must remember every little thing."
The trip was long during the days and short during the nights. During the days, Bian walked outside along with the servants carrying the carriage. During the nights, Bian slept in the carriage with Lady Ding. By the morning of the third day, Bian's feet were hurting. "Are we there yet, Consort Bian?" Lady Ding opened the linen from the window of the carriage. "Almost there Lady Ding," Bian said. "Let me know when we are almost there," Lady Ding said and then covered her yawn. "Yes," Bian said in contagious of the yawn and covered her yawn too. Honestly, she was extremely tired, too. Even though she was slept in the carriage with Lady Ding at night, with the bumpy road, she couldn't even properly sleep.
Soon, the manor was getting more visible. "Stop," Bian told the servants. The servants stop and dropped the carriage. Bian knocked on the window to let Lady Ding know. "Lady Ding, we are almost there," Bian said. Lady Ding opened the linen to see the manor slightly visible. "Come in here and help me," Lady Ding commanded. Bian entered the carriage and helped Lady Ding put on the most beautiful accessories in her hair and colored her face beautifully. "Do I look pretty like a goddess?" Lady Ding asked Bian. Bian nodded, "more beautiful than a goddess." Lady Ding smiled at Bian's compliment.
Meng De (Cao Cao's home name) woke up early to the birds calling. "Give me my best outfit," Meng De told Servant Bo. Meng De slipped into his best outfit to accept his future wife. This wife that his parents arranged for him. As long as Meng De can remember, he has always been going to war with his brothers to protect the empire. Out of his brothers, he is the oldest one ever to be married, reaching the age of 21. Meng De never had time for leisure or girls even when his brothers told him to attend events in order to pick out a noble daughter. Instead, he allowed his mother to select for him, accepting whoever is given to him.
"Lady Ding is known to be only daughter of her family. She is beautiful, ripe, and very obedient. There are rumors that Lady Ding is very playful, but I know she is a very proper daughter," Mother Yan told Meng De. "No drawing of her?" Meng De asked his mother. "I have seen her, trust my eyes," Mother Yan said.
That was all the description Meng De remembers about his new wife from his mother. He waited by the court yard full of servants ready to serve the new Lady of the household. In the General Cao Cao's manor, the court yard is the center surrounded by 6 wall like a hexagon. One side is the kitchen/dining room/living room, the next side is the consort and servants halls with their bathrooms, the next side is General Cao Cao's room (bedroom, study room, and bath room), the next side is the guest rooms, the next side is General Cao Cao's main wife manor (bedroom, children room, and bath room), and the final side is Mother Yan's room (bedroom and bath room).
"Is she here yet?" Mother Yan walked into the court yard asking her son. Meng De looked at the door opening into the manor. "Lady Ding has come," one of the servants called.
The two large doors opened into General Cao Cao's manor. Bian looked ahead to spot the infamous General Cao Cao standing in the middle of the large court yard, hands behind his back, serious face, nice looking outfit, staring down the carriage as if he was ready to fight the carriage. He observed all the servants carrying the carriage and then looked straight at Bian. Bian knowing she cannot have eye contact with a general, quickly diverted her eyes downward.
As the servants dropped the carriage, Bian headed straight to help Lady Ding out of the carriage. Some consorts from Meng De's side started to swift their way to Lady Ding but Meng De waved at his consorts to stop. He watched the peculiar consort alone help Lady Ding out of the carriage alone. Lady Ding walked straight towards Meng De and bowed to greet him. "General Cao Cao, I am Lady Ding," she said bowing down. "You are home, Lady Ding" Meng De said. "Yes, General Cao Cao," Lady Ding lifted her head to look at future handsome husband. He looked exactly like the rumors people had said: tall, broad shoulders, muscular everywhere, and perfect skin complex for a general. Meng De nodded and looked at his mother. "Good day to Mother Yan," Lady Ding greeted her future mother in law. Mother Yan smiled at Lady Ding and greeted her back. "Come inside and eat breakfast," Mother Yan had prepared breakfast all morning long for their arrival.
After the quiet breakfast, Meng De left back to his manor to continue his work. Before the official wedding, Meng De and Lady Ding must not be alone together because Lady Ding is still considered single. Even so, Meng De is uninterested in romance. "What do you think of Lady Ding?" his mother entered his study room. Meng De smiled at his mother and directed her sit on the tea table. "Mother, you exaggerate too much sometimes," Meng De said. Mother Yan frowned understanding her son did not like Lady Ding. "Although you may not like her looks, you will like her character," Mother Yan said. "I did not say she is not beautiful, she is beautiful," Meng De said thinking about all those layers of color on her face. "That is reassuring to know that you are fine," Mother Yan said and excused herself to let Meng De continue his work.
Into the afternoon, Meng De took a break from his work and decided to take a walk outside in the courtyard. His manor is cross from Lady Ding's manor. He watched as the servants walked back and forth out of her manor as they brought in Lady Ding's things inside her new place. He spots Lady Ding's main consort. "What was her name?" Meng De trying to remember her name. "Bian?" he mumbled remembering what Lady Ding called the peculiar consort at the breakfast table. He watched her standing there as Lady Ding commanded the servants what to do. He laughed inside seeing a lazy consort not doing anything but instead a Lady had to do it. "Mother may be right," Meng De said as he recalls his mother saying, "although you may not like her looks, you will like her character." Meng De observed the pale-skinned slim peculiar consort who was more beautiful, without colors in her face, and simply dressed and black hair braided into a long tail. The moment he saw her entering the door of his house, she was breath-taking. A beauty he had never came across. Is this what his brothers were taking about? Although, she is not a noble lady. Also, her character is unlikable, just standing around doing nothing while her Lady has to do it all.
Consort Bian turned to see the General Cao Cao staring at their activity, bringing a chill down her spine. He was tall, and his muscles showed through the simple outfit he wore. His glare was silent but overthrowing. The moment their eyes meet, Consort Bian lowered her head avoiding his look. "Consort Bian," Lady Ding called. "Yes, Lady Ding," Bian rushed towards her Lady. "Let's go inside," Lady Ding said. Bian nodded and followed her Lady inside the room. As she closes the door, she looked out to see General Cao Cao walking back to his room.
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"Please wake up," Consort Bian begged Lady Ding. It was the day of the wedding, from a week they have entered the Cao household. Lady Ding wasn't used to waking up before the sun. "Wait a little more," Lady Ding said turning over. "We have so much to do before getting you dressed beautifully for your day," Bian told Lady Ding, who just went back to sleep more. Bian wasn't like her sister Ling, who would constantly nag Lady Ding to get things done. If it was her sister Ling, Ling can probably would've thought of ways to get Lady Ding all ready before anyone can judge Lady Ding.
"Is Lady Ding awake yet?" Mother Yan was outside the door. Bian heard Lady Yan at the door and quickly rushed to step outside before Mother Yan come inside to see that Lady Ding have not gotten ready. "Lady Yan," Bian greeted her. "Where is your Lady?" Mother Yan asked. "She is awake and taking a bath right now," Bian lied. Mother Yan smiled at how noble Lady Ding is. "I want to bring this essence oil for her," Mother Yan handed to Bian. "I will pass it to my Lady," Bian said as she walked back through a small opening of the door in order to hide that Lady Ding is still sleeping in.
"Wake up," Bian told Lady Ding, "Lady Yan just came by." "Just tell her I am awake," Lady Ding waved at Bian to get the job done. "She brought this essence oil for you," Bian said as she placed the essence oil onto the vanity. "Does it smell good?" Lady Ding asked. "I have not smelled it yet, Lady Ding," Bian said. "Well do it, Consort Bian" Lady Ding said half-asleep. "Yes," Bian said as smelled the essence oil. "It is lavender," Bian informed Lady Ding. "Ew," Lady Ding said sitting up, "such an unlikable taste from her." "Are you awake now?" Bian said heading to Lady Ding and trying to get her out of the bed to bath quickly since she has been taking time away from other things that needs to be done.
The sun is bright outside and Bian is only half way putting the wedding outfit on Lady Ding. "Are you doing it right?" Lady Ding kept asking. "I think," Bian said as tries her best to put the wedding outfit on Lady Ding from what her sister taught her. After a couple fixes here and there, Bian sighs, "all done." Lady Ding looked at herself in the silver bowl for a reflection. "Thank you," Lady Ding twirled in her wedding outfit. "I am very beautiful, thanks you Consort Bian," Lady Ding smiled at Bian. "I shall reward you," Lady Bing said. "You are very welcome," Bian smiles at her accomplishment.
Bian watched her Lady and learned that even though Lady Ding may feisty and have her own opinions at time, she can gentle and caring at times to the people close to her. Bian understands Lady Ding's character as days goes by for the last month she has been with Lady Ding's side. "You are very beautiful," Bian complimented her Lady.
"Would you like this essence oil?" Bian brings the Lady Yan's oil to Lady Ding. "No," Lady Ding waved accidentally tipping the oil to Bian's outfit. "Ew, I do not like that smell at all," Lady Ding walked to her vanity to smell her sweet pea oil. "I'm sorry," Bian said not understanding the aura likes of Lady Ding. "Do not just stand there," Lady Ding said after sniffing her sweet pea oil and offered, "go find one of my outfits to wear, your outfit is dirty now." Bian looked at Lady Ding and herself, they were completely different sizes. Lady Ding was a full woman, with full breasts and beautiful size hips. As for Bian, she was a lot slimmer and had nothing to show for. "Can I please return to my room to change?" Bian asked knowing she was not supposed to leave Lady Ding in case Lady Ding needs something that only Bian can do. "Yes," Lady Ding said still admiring herself. Bian asked of the consort to stay and tend for Lady Ding while she quickly went to get a change.
It was a busy day. Decorations were put up the day before setting up other things. The hall of dining room is filled full of tables and chairs for guests. All the consorts are currently cooking and servants running errands back and forth. Bian tries walking across the court to the consort's hall to get a change but everyone was yelling and screaming for things to be done. Bian felt uncomfortable in her outfit walking across the court yard so she decided to take the long way, which means walking past the General Cao Cao's manor.
She has been trying to avoid walking there alone ever since she arrived. Ever since General Cao Cao's gave her the scariest look, she was afraid to even be alone in the house without another consort or without Lady Ding.
Already dressed and ready for the day, Meng De opened his doors to startled Bian, who was walking by. Bian quickly bowed her head to greet him, "General Cao Cao." With just a nod response, Bian tried to quickly escape from his stare. "Wait," Meng De commanded. Bian froze. "What is that smell?" Meng De came closer to Bian. "I am sorry," Bian knowing it's the strong lavender smell from the oil, "it is my outfit that smells, I will go change right away." Bian tries escaping again. "Stop right there," Meng De's voice echo on the hall scaring Bian. "Who are you to leave when I have not given you permission," Meng De walked towards Bian. Bian was confused since she has never been faced with this situation before.
"Consort Bian?" a consort called. "General Meng De," the consort greeted Meng De seeing Bian and Meng De in the hallway. Consorts and servants were closer in relationship to General Cao Cao, therefore they call him General in respect to his home name. "What do you need Consort Bian for?" Meng De asked. "Lady Ding is asking for her," the consort said. Meng De looked at Consort Bian filled with fear. "Didn't you said you were going to go change?" Meng De asked Bian. Bian answered, "yes General Cao Cao." "Tell Lady Ding to wait longer," Meng De told the consort, who left to pass the message. "You can go now," Meng De told Bian. Bian lowered her head even more while leaving.
Meng De balled up his fist to control himself after consort Bian left. "She is a consort," Meng De reminded himself. Why does he had to encounter her first in the morning? Even though Bian was a consort, her physical features were attracting. Her pale-skin plumped lips, and round eyes just makes him wants to always look at her closer. Not to mention her slim figure, Meng De can quickly just carry her up with one arm and see her face to face.
Meng De has been wrong about her when she came in the first day to his manor. He thought she was lazy to do things but to find out that she is actually a very calm person. She was different from Lady Ding, who yells across the halls and gives out harsh demands. Bian may not be seen as the best consort out there but she was doing what she needed to do. Because every morning for the past week, before the sun rises, Meng De wakes up to practice martial arts, he would spot Bian already awake and preparing a bath for her Lady and then joins in cooking breakfast with the rest of the other consorts. He would see glimpse her stirring the big pot of soup as her hair falls on the side of her face beautifully, and she would beautifully move her hair out of her face by putting it behind her ear. He would try his best to compliment the soup of the morning, bringing awkwardness to everyone since he was the tough type.
"Proud for you," Meng De's brothers toasted him wine. Meng De's brothers were either from his father's mistresses or cousins from other Prime Ministers. More and more guests were filling up the halls of the large manor. Many congratulate Meng De and his new wife. All the ladies had heard story Lady Ding and was proud for Meng De picking such a beautiful noble lady in such a polite town. After the bowing to the gods and parents, Meng De continue to join people in drinking while Bian led Lady Ding back to Meng De's manor to prepare for their night of consummation.
Lady Ding dismissed everyone except for Bian. "Consort Bian, stay with me longer," Lady Ding said nervously of her duty during her first night ever. Bian understood what was going on but she had to leave soon, "I can stay for a while." Bian told Lady Ding. Lady Ding smiles through the red cover on her face. Bian stood there looking around the large room connected to the study room. General Cao Cao's room was the biggest manor out of all the manors in this large Cao's manor. Bian examines the books stacked on the ground. Bian haven't read for the longest and missed reading. Maybe she can ask for some books from Lady Ding. "I heard General Cao Cao stopped you a while ago," Lady Ding tried starting a conversation. Bian nodded. "Come here," Lady Ding said. Lady Ding knew Bian was younger than her and was new to this consort role so Bian was afraid of General Cao Cao. Lady Ding promised Consort Ling, her best friend, to take good care of Consort Bian. "Next time tell me," Lady Ding said as she grabbed onto Consort Bian's hands. Bian was quiet. "He is a general, he may take your life anytime if you disobey him, and I will not be able to help you," Lady Ding said, "even so, you are my people, I will fight for you." Lady Ding sniffed. Bian tried to see if her Lady was crying. It would mess up her makeup and Bian was worried. "You are the only person I have left from home that is with me right now," Lady Ding said, not wanting to be abandon. Lady Ding always knew, as the only daughter of her household, she will always be married off for any kind of matter just to help her family. She had always wished for more sisters, so she can escape this fate. Sometimes, she would envy Consort Ling for having a little sister, Consort Bian, to replace when Consort Ling was sick.
"I have to go now," Bian said pulled away her hands. Bian decided to act fast before Lady Ding starts crying and messes up her makeup. "Yes, go," Lady Ding said. Bian looked at Lady Ding one last time trying to see through the red cover of Lady Ding's face to see if she did cry. Still Bian couldn't see anything, gave up and left the room.
Closing the door softly, Bian turned to face General Cao Cao walking towards her. She tries to walk away in the opposite way, in a rushing pace to avoid General Cao Cao. "Where are you going?" Meng De held onto Bian's arms tightly, catching her before she was able to rush away any further. Bian endured the pain and lowered her head, "General Cao Cao," she greeted. "I asked, where are you going?" Meng De asked again. Bian can smell the alcohol from his talking, "I am heading to join the wedding," Bian said and lower her head even more. "The wedding is that way," Meng De said as he released Bian's arm. Bian looks at Meng De moving back and forth knowing he was drunk. "You should go rest," Bian said softly trying not to upset Meng De. "Yes," Meng De nodded away. Then quickly, he gripped Bian by her chin and lift up her face to his face, "who are you?" Bian yelped in pain trying to push him away.
Ming De grips tighten as he tries to make her out. Tears came out of Bian's eyes because of pain. "Consort Bian," Bian tried saying with the struggle from her chin being held onto. Ming De opened his eyes more and blinked couple of time then slowly released Bian's chin. "I know you are Consort Bian," Ming De sighs and looks at his room where he was supposed to enter to enjoy the night with his new wife. "You may go," Ming De sighs at Bian. Bian quickly shuffled away to run away from him. Meng De looked at the little lady walking away from him, as if he had trained his heart to follow duty and obey what is provided from him. "Who are you to disturb this heart?" Meng De blinked slowly drunk and sighs. He enters his manor.
Meng De lifted Lady Ding's knees higher as he thrusts inside of her. "Ah," Lady Ding moaned in each thrust. Meng De sucked on her full breasts even causing her moans to be louder. Pain and pleasure was all around her body, Lady Ding couldn't control her noises she was making as she dug her nails into her pillow.
Mother Yan and other perverted consorts celebrated at the consummation of Meng De and Lady Ding on the wedding night. Still new to this type of relationship, Bian decided to clean up instead of observing the consummation. "May she bore a healthy child," Mother Yan prayed to the gods. All the consorts prayed after her. Bian stops sweeping the floor and pray after too, for her Lady Ding to give an heir to the household.
Right after Bian opened her eyes after her prayer, a servant accidently dropped a glass tea cup loudly. "What happened?" Mother Yan asked as she walked towards the sound. "I am sorry," the servant picked up the glass. Mother Yan sighs and walks away. "Did you see that?" the consorts by the servants gossiped, "he was not even close to that glass cup at all, it fell by itself." Bian continues to sweep, uninterested in gossiping. Lady Ding and her sister Ling loved gossiping but Bian would rather read and mind her own business. Bian looked up to the full moon, it may had just been a breeze that blew the glass up, she thought.
After a whole month after the wedding, Lady Ding has come back to settled in her manor instead of General Cao Cao's manor. It was because of his busy workload, Lady Ding couldn't stand being a room with him just in his study room all day long. She decided to head back to her manor. Although, she often visits General Cao Cao to bring him tea or snacks. He also visits her at night to consummate. Being Lady Ding's consort, Bian had to learn the patterns of their romance from one manor to another.
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"I think I am in love with him," Lady Ding smiled telling Bian while sewing. "That is good news," Bian cheered on Lady Ding. "Although he seems tough on the outside, he is very gentle with me when we are together, and especially at night," Lady Ding said. Bian tried tuning Lady Ding out because she wasn't ready to hear about those kinds of stuff. Although, she had to learn how to communicate those kinds of perverted talks with her Lady to keep her Lady out of boredom, she just couldn't. "I only want him to show me that side and no one else," Lady Ding smiled brightly at Bian. "Yes," Bian grinned back her Lady. "You smiled," Lady Ding even smiled more. "Yes," Bian tried smiling more to be sincere, "I am very happy for you." "Consort Bian has a smile, can actually smile," Lady Ding teased her. Honestly, it has been a long time since Bian smiled. She wasn't the type to easily smile until she warms up to you. Bian looked at Lady Ding playing with her, she may have come to be great friends with Lady Ding, in order to smile.
"Lunch is ready," one of the consorts informed Consort Bian and Lady Ding. "Tell mother that I do not feel well and will be skipping lunch," Lady Ding informed the consort. "I want to rest" Lady Ding told Consort Bian. Bian notices that Lady Ding has become more soft spoken and more happier after her marriage, as if she had mature. Lady Ding does still have her playful side but more thoughtful in keeping her opinions in. Bian stood up to help guide Lady Ding to rest on the bed. Lately, Lady Ding has no appetite and more tired during the day. Bian was worried that Lady Yan will complain that Lady Ding is lazy.
"Lady Yan," the consorts greeted Mother Yan outside of Lady Ding's room. "Mother is here?" Lady Ding said getting up quickly after just barely laying down. "Mother," Lady Ding quickly greeted her mother in law by the door. "I heard you are not feeling well," Mother Yan said as she helped Lady Ding to sit on the tea table. "It is just a cold," Lady Ding said. "Meng De called for a physician to come see you," Mother Yan said. "Just a sleep then I will recover," Lady Ding said not wanting to bother anyone. "Consort Bian," Mother Yan called. "Yes," Bian responded. "Take this medicine and brew it for Lady Ding," Mother Yan said. "Yes," Bian said as left the room to the kitchen to brew the medicine. After a finishing brewing the medicine, Bian slowly walking towards Lady Ding's room with trying to spill the hot medicine.
"Who is that for?" Meng De interrupted Bian's concentration and stopped her. "It is for my Lady Ding," Bian responded. "Has the physician come to see her?" Meng De asked. Bian shook her head, "I left to brew medicine for Lady Ding as Lady Yan asked, I have not seen a physician." "Let me know what the physician says," Meng De walks away. Bian was confused. If he cared for her, he should visit her, not tell Bian to inform him. Bian broke inside understanding Meng De's little care for her Lady Ding. Even though she is young and does not understand romance, she knows about love. She has heard stories without love and how much one person has to suffer waiting for love forever.
"Do not fear," the physician told Mother Yan, "Lady Ding healthy and is pregnant." Lady Ding jumped at the surprise and smiled brightly towards Bian, who just walked in the with the brewed medicine. Bian was also happy for her Lady. Mother Yan discussed other things physician and sent him off. "Consort Bian," Mother Yan called for Bian as she sees Bian with the brewed medicine, "bring that for Lady Ding to drink." "What is it mother?" Lady Ding asked. "It's a nutritious drink for you and your baby," Mother Yan patted Lady Ding's hands. "You knew?" Lady Ding asked. "I just made a guess," Mother Yan smiled in happiness, "go ahead and rest after the drink." Lady Ding finished the drink in two gulps and waved for Bian to take away the bitter medicine. "I want to tell General Meng De," Lady Ding said. "Daughter in law, you rest, and I will tell him," Mother Yan insist. Lady Ding was overly excited but listened to her mother in law because she was too tired anyways. "I'm having a baby for the man I love," Lady Ding rubbed her stomach. "I am happy for you," Bian said as she fixed the blanket onto of Lady Ding to rest. Bian was also very excited for her Lady. It is an accomplishment for her Lady if her Lady is able to bore an heir for the household.
Ming De came to see Lady Ding that night of. Bian tries to shake off the thought of him not loving her Lady. She may be mistaken of his intentions because he has been extremely busy. Suddenly, Ming De announced in the morning of his departure to war the next day. "I may be gone for long months, mother and everyone else will take care of you," Ming De informed Lady Ding.
Bian felt bad for Lady Ding and maybe a little for General Cao Cao, for both of them lovers to be separate in these harsh and vulnerable time of their marriage. Bian promised to help take good care of Lady Ding even if General Cao Cao does not make it to ever see his own child.