The former Edward Thompson had once thought that if one day he were to transmigrate, then if it was an era of peace and prosperity, he would definitely want to be born into an official’s family, idly leading a few lackeys to the streets to harass respectable women. If it was a time of chaos, then he’d raise the banner of rebellion, seize a mountain stronghold, proclaim himself king, and, when the mood struck, lead a band of underlings down the mountain to snatch a few captive brides...

As it turns out, what goes around comes around.

Edward Thompson had only indulged in a bit of daydreaming, and now this kind of thing had really happened to him.

What made Edward Thompson even more terrified was that, if he hadn’t misheard, those people had said that the one getting married was their “chieftain”...

Thinking of a certain dreadful possibility, Edward Thompson’s lips turned pale.

Could it be that this so-called chieftain actually liked men?

Edward Thompson had long heard that in ancient times, homosexuality—especially between men—was quite popular, even given the elegant name “the love of Longyang.” For Edward Thompson, who would rather die than bend, this was one of the hardest things to accept.

Feeling a chill in his heart, Edward Thompson checked himself and found that a certain part of his body didn’t feel any discomfort, and couldn’t help but let out a long sigh of relief.

Thank goodness, his chastity was still intact.

After carefully examining his own attire, Edward Thompson froze for a moment, then fell into deep thought.

He was clearly wearing a groom’s outfit... Could it be that this so-called chieftain was actually the “bottom” in the relationship?

If that were the case, then maybe he could accept it... No, even a “bottom” wouldn’t do!

He was as straight as straight could be—a straight man!

A true man should stand tall and unyielding, never bending no matter what!

Just as Edward Thompson’s thoughts were drifting off to who knows where, the wooden door of the room let out a soft “creak” and gently closed again.

To Edward Thompson, that sound was like it came from the depths of hell, and he shrank further into the wooden bed, not even daring to look up.

What he feared most was that when he looked up, he’d see a burly, rough-faced man with a chest full of hair, giving him a bashful look and saying, “Husband, let’s consummate our marriage quickly!”

“Ugh, how disgusting...” Edward Thompson couldn’t help but shudder, not daring to imagine any further.

The footsteps were light and drew closer and closer. Edward Thompson could already smell a faint, delicate fragrance, one that was very familiar—the exact same scent as on the bedsheets.

“Well, at worst, it’s just death. I’d rather die than let him succeed!” With a face full of grief and indignation, Edward Thompson raised his head, just about to speak. But when he saw the figure in the room, his mouth hung open halfway, his eyes widened, and the words he wanted to say got stuck in his throat.

Skin like congealed cream, eyes like autumn water, a delicate nose, moist red lips, pearly white teeth...

The ancients always liked to use such phrases to describe beauties. Edward Thompson had always thought it was just literary exaggeration—in plain terms, just bragging.

Skin like cream, eyes like autumn water—the ancients seemed to dare use any words. Who couldn’t brag?

Besides, with their aesthetic standards, so-called beauties might not even pass muster by modern standards.

Edward Thompson had once seen photos online of Qing dynasty imperial concubines, and they were truly unbearable to look at. It was said those concubines were chosen from thousands upon thousands of candidates. Edward Thompson couldn’t help but wonder if, after a while, those emperors developed psychological issues...

But when this woman stood before him, Edward Thompson felt that no words of praise would be too much for her.

She just stood there quietly, dressed in flowing white, her hair like clouds, her figure tall and graceful. By Edward Thompson’s estimation, she was at least 1.7 meters tall. If not for the fact that this body, though a bit frail, was about 1.78 meters tall, just her height alone would have made Edward Thompson unable to hold his head up.

“You’re awake.”

The woman spoke softly, her voice as if drifting down from the clouds, clear and melodious.

This was obviously a pointless statement.

Edward Thompson really wanted to say, “Are you blind or something?” but the words stuck in his throat.

He was afraid of being hit.

When under someone else’s roof, you have to keep your head down. A real man can bend and stretch, endure humiliation, and bear heavy burdens... After comforting himself with a few such phrases, Edward Thompson nodded in humiliation.

Just a moment ago, he had even felt the urge to knock out the beauty in front of him and make a run for it.

Although this body was a bit weak, Edward Thompson was still confident he could handle a frail woman.

But he worried that if he made any sudden moves, a group of bandits would immediately rush in from outside, just like they had during the day...

The burning pain above his lower abdomen still hadn’t faded. Edward Thompson had no desire to endure such torment again.

“You can relax, I won’t hurt you.” The woman seemed to see through Edward Thompson’s thoughts. Her red lips parted slightly, and Edward Thompson once again heard that pleasant, melodious voice.

If it had been a fierce bandit saying this, Edward Thompson might have been overjoyed. But hearing “Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you” from the mouth of a gentle woman, Edward Thompson couldn’t help but feel a sense of personal insult.

For a man, how could he possibly endure...