After Marrying a Stuffy Old Traditionalist

#Serene, Desireless, and Cold × Patriarchal, Old-Fashioned Stickler#

Shen Linghui was born frail. The doctor warned her against straining herself, so she is indifferent to everything. The words she says most often are, “Anything's fine. Whatever works. I don't mind.”

Zhou Xingzhi is the eldest son of a ducal family and the future head of a house with a century of history. He values rules above all, and is dignified, restrained, disciplined, and proper. The words he says most often are, “No. Absolutely not. The rules must be upheld.”

The two families arrange a marriage to unite their houses.

Shen Linghui: “Fine. Anything works for me.”

Zhou Xingzhi: “Our parents have decided. I will obey.”

After they marry, Zhou Xingzhi has no interest in consummating the marriage, and his wife's frail health makes it impossible anyway. His wife is understanding: “Then I'll find you a concubine.”

Zhou Xingzhi answers solemnly, “The family precepts say that a man of the Zhou family may take a concubine only after turning forty if he has no children.”

His wife is still understanding. “Oh, then we can consummate the marriage when you're thirty-nine. No rush.”

Shen Linghui doesn't put up with being mistreated. Her husband is old-fashioned and dull, and often lectures her. She listens, forgets it all, and carries on as usual the next day.

After a long time, one day she suddenly asks, “Why aren't you saying anything today, husband?”

Her old-fashioned husband kneels on one knee to pull cotton socks onto her feet, then presses down on the back of her neck and raises his head to nuzzle her cheek. “When I talk, do you listen?”

Shen Linghui rests her foot on his knee and whispers in his ear, “Say something I like.”

Zhou Xingzhi replies, “The rules must be upheld. Tonight, we should perform the rites of Zhou Gong.”

Theme: The importance of good communication.