Early the next morning, right on time, Widow Xie came over to unlock their door.
As soon as she reached the door of the bridal chamber, she heard a sound from inside.
She quietly pricked up her ears and pressed them against the door.
"Be gentler... You're so clumsy..."
Widow Xie was instantly mortified.
She wanted to leave, but felt she couldn't.
'And to think I thought Guan Shan knew how to be considerate. But here he was, first thing in the morning... Hadn't they had enough last night?'
'Ji Huan's small frame couldn't possibly withstand such rough treatment.'
Widow Xie steeled her resolve, quickly untied the red silk from the door, took a breath, and let out a loud, full-throated cough at the crack of the door.
The noise inside came to an abrupt halt.
It was immediately followed by another sound, but this time it was footsteps.
Before Widow Xie could decide what expression to put on, the door was pulled open.
"Aunt Xie, you're finally here!"
