Chapter 12: Two Breakfasts

Shuqiao discovered that married dignity required finding one's own sash.

The general's room contained two belts, a sword strap, and a length of packing cord.

None matched his green robe.

Yunting lay on one elbow watching the search.

"The cord is too short," he said.

"I hadn't considered it."

"You measured it against your waist."

Shuqiao dropped the cord on the table.

They had slept together, and the general now knew exactly how much composure his husband could misplace.

Shuqiao didn't regret the night.

He regretted that Yunting had such an excellent memory for small things.

The sash finally appeared on the carved horse beside the lamp.

He retrieved it without looking toward the bed.

His husband laughed, got up, and fastened the end Shuqiao had tied incorrectly.

The general's fingers rested at his waist longer than the task required.

Shuqiao leaned back against him.

He wanted a whole morning before his family acquired any part of it.

"I can send the messenger away," Yunting said.

"Feed him first," Shuqiao replied.

His husband kissed the side of his neck.

The scholar shut his eyes briefly and forgot to complain about being understood.

Mingzhong brought breakfast to the courtyard table.

Yanzhi occupied the cabbage chair, reading an invitation over a bowl of porridge.

"There's a luncheon at your uncle's house," he told Shuqiao.

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