Chapter 23, first published on Jinjiang Literature City, Chapter 23 (three chapters combined).

The bathroom was filled with steam, and white vapor rose from the large bathtub. Ruan Yu was carried in by Chao Lu and placed directly into the tub. Water splashed everywhere, and she didn't even have time to wipe the water droplets off her face. Instead, she stared wide-eyed at the man in front of her, her heart pounding in her throat.

Chao Lu's short robe was casually open, revealing his muscular chest and lean waist. The man looked down at her, taking in Ruan Yu's panic and fear.

That's all the courage I have.

Like a rabbit.

Chao Lu deliberately moved closer, bracing himself on the edge of the tub as if to come in. Ruan Yu immediately shrank into the corner of the tub like a fish: "You, you... I don't want to be here..."

Even if they were to consummate their marriage, it couldn't be here! They are husband and wife, and should behave properly! If it were their first time in the water, Ruan Yu felt she would be traumatized for life!

Chao Lu understood her words and smiled slightly: "Why?"

Ruan Yu: "...There's no reason why, you can leave."

Chao Lu didn't actually have a taste for wine, women, or brothels; he was just trying to scare her.

"Then what if I insist?"

Ruan Yu's eyes suddenly reddened, as if she dared not speak out against her anger.

"Your Highness is a brave and valiant man, why do you bully a weak woman like me?"

She was genuinely aggrieved. Her husband had abandoned her on their wedding night, and now he wanted everything she wanted, doing things so unbecoming of a husband and wife! Even intimate moments in the water shouldn't be now! Besides, she had already suffered humiliation at Dahadun's place today!

When Chao Lu saw that her eyes were red, half of his teasing intentions disappeared. Seeing that she wanted to shrink into the corner of the bathtub, his roguish expression slowly faded.

Finally, the man straightened up and said, "Hurry up and wash, I want to wash my hair."

Ruan Yu: "?"

Chao Lu casually picked up a bucket of water and went to the other side, where there was no bath tub, only a simple chair and a shampoo stool—that's where Ruan Yu washed his hair last time.

Ruan Yu realized at this moment that Chao Lu probably didn't mean to get serious with her.

She breathed a sigh of relief, but lost all interest in taking a bath.

She wasn't shameless enough to shower in front of a man, nor did she want to watch a man shower.

Ruan Yu thought for a moment, then quickly got up, dressed in clean clothes, and went around to the screen.

Chao Lu looked at her with some surprise: "You're done?"

Ruan Yu: "...Hmm, I'll serve Your Highness first."

Ruan Yu gestured for Chao Lu to lie down, but for some reason, the man's expression became complicated again.

Actually, he didn't mean that he absolutely needed her to serve him.

Ruan Yu had been carrying the candlesticks for so long today, her arms were trembling, it would be too much for him to make her serve him while he washed his hair. So even the idea of ​​bathing with her was just something Chao Lu wanted to tease.

"Your Highness?" Ruan Yu urged when she saw that the person did not respond.

Chao Lu snapped out of his daze and composed himself: "Never mind, you've been working hard all day. Let Xuan Niang come in and serve you. I'll wash later."

After saying that, he strode out.

Ruan Yu stared at the man's retreating figure, utterly bewildered.

But it would be better if she didn't have to serve me!

She took a deep breath and called to Qingguo and Xuanniang.

Finally, her bath was over, and she comfortably went into the inner tent. Qingguo turned to get the medicine, but she didn't return for a long time.

Just as Xuan Niang was wondering what was going on, Chao Lu came in as well.

He must have already taken a bath, as he had changed into a dark red robe, his hair was casually tied back, and his body was still slightly damp.

"No need to look anymore, I brought the medicine."

Xuan Niang and Qing Guo paused and glanced at Ruan Yu sitting in front of the mirror.

"Yes...then we'll take our leave."

Ruan Yu was getting her hair done when she heard this and looked at him in surprise. Chao Lu slowly walked up behind her and said, "Didn't I say I would apply the medicine for you? Why are you so surprised?"

Ruan Yu pursed her lips, "I dare not ask Your Highness to serve me."

“It’s alright, it’s not the first time.” Chao Lu suddenly grinned at her, his expression clearly meaningful. He then leaned closer, his nostrils instantly filled with the delicate floral fragrance emanating from her…

Chao Lu's eyes darkened, and he suddenly reached out and pulled Ruan Yu back onto the bed.

Ruan Yu stared wide-eyed at the person in front of her, her heart pounding again. Was Chao Lu really going to be with her tonight...?

If we stop teasing her, it wouldn't be so bad...

Ruan Yu immediately began to prepare herself mentally, but lacking experience, she could only stare blankly at the man.

Chao Lu knelt down beside her leg: "Open your arms, let's apply the medicine."

Ruan Yu obediently did as she was told.

She was used to wearing Chang'an clothing, and at this moment she was wearing a light pink wide-sleeved ruqun that reached her chest. The outer garment could be easily pulled off, leaving only a high-waisted strapless inner skirt.

The outer robe was removed, and Ruan Yu's fair arms and shoulders gleamed under the light. Chao Lu lowered his eyes and began to apply medicine to her.

A cool, refreshing sensation came from her arm, and the slight soreness quickly disappeared. Ruan Yu glanced at the medicine bottle in his hand: "What kind of medicine is this? It seems different from the previous one?"

"Yes, it's a secret medicine bestowed by Father Khan."

The secret medicine... it sounds very precious. It turns out that Chaolu really cared about her arm and even changed her medicine.

Ruan Yu whispered, "Thank you, Your Highness..."

Chao Lu glanced at the person, his gaze suddenly shifting from her collarbone to a few inches below.

He didn't quite understand girls' clothes. Wasn't it uncomfortable to have something so tightly wrapped around her neck? And the thin rope around her neck, and the little pocket that barely covered anything...

Ruan Yu had already opened her other arm to wait for him to continue applying the medicine, but he didn't come. She looked up and saw that Chao Lu was staring at that spot again.

Instantly, Ruan Yu's cheeks burned.

Chao Lu also came to his senses, coughed lightly, and couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you uncomfortable with it being so tight?"

Ruan Yu: "...What?"

"Xiao Yi".

Ruan Yu's ears were burning: "The clothes are a little small, Xuan Niang is making new ones..."

Is it too small?

Chaolu came to his senses and understood.

He suddenly remembered that when she first arrived, she was indeed much thinner than she is now. So it seems... she has gained some weight in the past two weeks.

"Not bad, it's pretty good."

Ruan Yu: "?"

What exactly is he evaluating?

After applying the medicine to both arms, Chao Lu put the medicine bottle away.

"Wait until I get dressed, then let it absorb for a while."

Ruan Yu: "Can I get under the covers? It's a bit cold."

Chao Lu thought for a moment, then got up, took something, and draped it over Ruan Yu's shoulders.

It was a white cloak, and Chaolu helped her tie the strap around her neck so that it wouldn't touch her arms.

As soon as she put it on, Ruan Yu felt much warmer; it seemed to be no ordinary fur coat.

"This is a snow wolf pelt; there's only one like it on the entire grassland." Chaolu's tone was tinged with pride; clearly, this was his trophy.

Ruan Yu looked down and saw that it was indeed beautiful, pure white without a single stray hair, much better than her rabbit fur coat.

Chao Lu stared at her: "Do you like it?"

Ruan Yu smiled and said, "I think everyone who sees it will like it, but it is very precious. I dare not take away what Your Highness loves."

Chaolu stared at her for a while, then pursed his lips and didn't mention the matter again.

After waiting a while, Ruan Yu leaned closer to take a look: "The medicine should have been absorbed by now, can you go to sleep?"

Chao Lu glanced at it and hummed in agreement.

Ruan Yu yawned and made a move to crawl into the bedding.

Chao Lu turned off the lights and lay down a while later.

In the darkness, sound and touch are amplified. The fresh scent of Ruan Yu's bath mixed with the smell of medicinal oil is seeping into Chao Lu's heart. Strangely enough, the fusion of these scents is somewhat bewitching, and he finds himself unconsciously moving a little closer to her.

He didn't know what was wrong with him. Before entering the bathhouse, he was clearly impatient. But after putting her in the tub, seeing her pitiful appearance, his lust seemed to subside a bit.

Why should he consider her feelings?

It's perfectly reasonable for a husband and wife to sleep together.

But seeing her thin arms trembling, he ultimately couldn't bring himself to do it.

but……

This doesn't mean that Chaolu would wrong himself. Thinking of the sweet taste he hadn't had enough of last night, Chaolu suddenly licked his lips.

...

Ruan Yu was a little tired. After lying down, she felt as if she had fainted, and soon she fell into a deep sleep.

But a moment later, she had a strange dream.

In her dream, she was surrounded by a fluffy creature. At first, Ruan Yu felt very warm from its body and liked to rub against it, feeling comfortable and relaxed all over. But soon, the feeling became strange. Hands began to roam over her body, sometimes kneading her shoulders, sometimes spreading to her chest, and then continuing downwards, covering her legs with large hands, the touch hot and sticky.

Ruan Yu felt unwell and began to groan unhappily.

As a result of her whimpering, the other person seemed to get even more excited.

He didn't hold back, and when he pinched her, Ruan Yu gasped in surprise. She felt that she was fully conscious, but her eyelids felt incredibly heavy.

It felt like a nightmare; I couldn't open my eyes no matter how hard I tried.

Until a weight pressed down on her, like a large rock.

Ruan Yu gasped for breath and finally opened her eyes.

The person lying on top of her was naturally Chaolu.

When she began to realize this, Chao Lu also noticed that she was awake. Instead of stopping, he became even more aggressive, not only holding that spot but also pinching it cruelly. Ruan Yu subconsciously opened her mouth, and Chao Lu took advantage of the situation to penetrate her.

I'm eating the delicious food I didn't get enough of last night again.

Ruan Yu's head was spinning and in a complete mess. She thought that since things hadn't gone smoothly in the bathhouse, she would have given up the idea when he came back. But now it seemed that she had underestimated him!

Ruan Yu was exhausted, but hearing his excited panting, she knew she probably couldn't avoid it tonight... so she could only try her best to relax and accept him.

But this is the way it is.

She was completely unmoved!

This person is probably not a dog!

After biting her lips, he went to bite her ears, and then tried to bite further down her body—

Ruan Yu couldn't help but push his head, using considerable force—

"Can you be a little gentler...!"

The man finally paused, raised his head, his face full of joy, and his eyes sparkling.

Ruan Yu stared blankly at him, and the next moment, Chao Lu picked her up in his arms.

"What are you doing...!"

Ruan Yu instinctively grabbed his shoulders, knelt on the bed towards Lu, then stretched out his thighs and let Ruan Yu sit on his lap. He then cupped the back of her head and continued his grand scheme...

Ruan Yu supported herself on his shoulders with both hands, but she was weak. Her eyes were watery, and her cheeks were as red as persimmons. Her arms were still weak, and she couldn't hold on for long. Soon she could only lean on Chao Lu's shoulder and pant softly.

The man's hand, which was behind her head, slowly moved down and easily encircled her slender waist...

Ruan Yu was waiting for his next move, but the man only lingered on her waist, remaining motionless below...

But she could clearly feel that it was hard and radiating intense heat...

Midway through, Chao Lu moved his leg slightly, and Ruan Yu was so frightened that he froze, but he quickly stopped...

Ruan Yu's neck and face were red from his nibbling, and finally, she raised her head from under Lu Ken's nose.

He looked up at Ruan Yu's face, and Ruan Yu's ears turned even redder. In this posture, she was looking down at him...

Chaolu's eyes were exceptionally bright, as if the boy had acquired some beloved treasure.

He finally understood why men were always so eager to sleep with women.

The taste is truly indescribable.

"Go to sleep."

Chao Lu lifted her skirt and looked at the medicine on her arm; he must have been careful not to rub it off.

Ruan Yu stared at him for a long time, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes, but after a while, she softly said okay.

Her sweet dream was undisturbed after that, but Chaolu went to the bathroom three times in the middle of the night...

-

The next day, unsurprisingly, Ruan Yu overslept.

I almost jumped out of bed when I woke up.

"Qingguo! Why didn't you call me!"

I was supposed to go to my mother-in-law's place early this morning to continue practicing!

Xuan Niang and Qing Guo hurriedly came in: "Don't worry, Your Highness. It was the Fourth Prince who said you were tired yesterday and didn't want to be called."

Ruan Yu asked with a bitter face, "What about my mother-in-law?"

"His Highness the Fourth Prince has already spoken to him, and the Madam has also sent someone to inquire about what happened last night."

Ruan Yu felt a little relieved and slowed down her movements.

Xuanniang and Qingguo helped her wash up. Ruan Yu was indeed tired yesterday. Not only was she scolded by Da Hadun, but after returning, Chaolu acted like a madman...

She felt sleepy even sitting in front of the mirror.

Xuanniang went out to get clothes, and Qingguo knew nothing about matters between men and women. Only Jin'er had a shifty look in her eyes when she was next to Ruan Yu.

Qingguo: "What are you looking at? You're not paying attention!"

Ruan Yu also opened her eyes.

Jin'er: "K-Kedun's neck..."

Qingguo looked over, and Ruanyu also glanced at the mirror.

Qingguo exclaimed in surprise, "Khedun! What happened to your neck? It's all red and purple!"

Ruan Yu: "..."

Qingguo: "The Grand Chancellor made a move yesterday?! Wait, I was right there the whole time... Was that His Highness...?"

Qingguo was too young to understand, but Jin'er clearly knew about matters between men and women. Her cheeks were flushed. Ruan Yu said helplessly, "Jin'er, go find me a dress that can cover my neck, and also get some cosmetics."

"yes……"

Jin'er went outside, and Ruan Yu looked at Qing Guo: "I'm fine, don't make a fuss."

Qingguo: "Khedun, you must speak up if you've been wronged!"

Ruan Yu smiled wryly: "It's not that I feel wronged."

It's just that one dog doesn't know its own strength.

"It's not that I feel wronged..." Qingguo saw that her young lady did not look wronged or in pain, and then remembered His Highness's instructions that morning. She suddenly came to her senses and awkwardly replied.

This is really...

Xuan Niang walked in with Jin'er. She smiled and glanced at Ruan Yu, probably already knowing what was going on.

"It's good that it's cold now, so the Khatun should wear this." Xuanniang held up a pink padded jacket with a white rabbit fur trim around the neck.

“Okay.” Ruan Yu nodded.

When Ruan Yu arrived at Madam Qiu's place, Hela was also there. Just as Ruan Yu was about to bow, Hela pulled her aside and said, "They were looking for you yesterday! What did they ask you to do?! You child, why didn't you tell them!"

Ruan Yu smiled and said, "It's alright, sister. It's just that I'm practicing holding candlesticks."

"You practiced for two hours yesterday, and now you want to practice again? What else could it be but doing it on purpose!" Hela was clearly very angry.

Madam Qiu also looked at her: "An'an, are you hurt?"

"My mother-in-law isn't here, but my arm is swollen and sore. I already applied medicine last night."

Madam Qiu: "Chao Lu told me this morning that I should rest today, and they probably won't call me over there."

Ruan Yu: "I'm actually doing alright..."

"It's alright. I saw that you did very well yesterday, so there's no need to push yourself."

Ruan Yu paused for a moment, then said, "Thank you for your concern, Mother-in-law..."

Hela: "Have you had breakfast yet? There's still some here."

"have eaten."

Hela looked at her and laughed again: "Your pink dress is so pretty. What's it called? I'll make one for myself tomorrow. But why is the neckline so covered up? Aren't you hot with a brazier burning inside the tent?"

Ruan Yu was startled: "Thank goodness, I'm not hot..."

Madam Qiu gave her a meaningful look and smiled, "This is called a beizi. The collar is sewn on directly and cannot be taken off. If you like it, your mother will make it for you tomorrow."

Hela was overjoyed: "Thank you, Mother!"

Lady Qiu: "I heard that Chasu was punished with a month of confinement after returning, and he also gave up his position as heir apparent. Haila, your father Khan promised me that he would not force you in the future. You have worked very hard these past few years. If you have the opportunity later, you should go to the Central Plains to relax."

Hela pursed her lips: "My daughter knows. His affairs have long been none of my business. As for the Central Plains... isn't Liangzhou the closest to us? Women have been there during the White Festival in the past and said it's even more lively there."

The White Festival is the Spring Festival in the Central Plains. Madam Qiu smiled and said, "Yes, when the time comes, you and An'an can go together."

Ruan Yu was genuinely pleasantly surprised.

"Thank you, Mother-in-law."

"Alright, after you've paid your respects, go back and rest. An'an, there are still several days until Zulu Festival, no need to rush."

"Thank you, Mother-in-law, I understand."

After leaving Lady Qiu's tent, Ruan Yu and Haila strolled around the grassland together, chatting for a while.

“An’an, you know what? Before, I always thought that Da Khatun targeted us because we weren’t born of the true nomadic people of the grasslands, and that my mother’s status was low. But as I grew up, I increasingly felt that it wasn’t like that… For example, there are indeed some women around Chasu… Men are all base; they won’t even glance at women they truly despise. My father had many women around him, including some from Chang’an, but they were all different from my mother. Why do you think that is?”

Ruan Yu remained silent for a moment, unsure whether she should say something.

"What does Dabiegi think of the Great Khan's treatment of you?"

Haila thought for a moment: "It's pretty good! I remember riding a big horse on my father's back when I was little. I was Dabieji. My father had few daughters but many sons. But later, Dahadun always made things difficult for us, and my father gradually came less often. Plus, there was the matter of me going to the Haryan tribe, so I felt quite resentful towards him. And then there's Chaolu. You know, Chaolu lived in another tribe for a while when he was twelve? He was so young, yet my father was so ruthless. In three years, Chaolu moved between three tribes. Although he was a Taiji, everyone treated him like a hostage. That's how it was back then. The Chaha tribe was in turmoil, and to secure the position of hegemon, bloodshed and sacrifice were inevitable..."

Ruan Yu: "I don't understand matters of state, but as far as I can see, Da Hadun is also targeting me... Perhaps it's not just because of Chang'an... So many princesses have been sent to marry foreign rulers throughout history. If everyone had this idea, why would we choose to marry a foreign ruler to Chang'an?"

Hela smiled at her: "You're right, so I don't think that way anymore. What's so great about it? Even if Da Khatun doesn't have a Bieji, I'm still Da Bieji, Chaolu is still Taiji, and you are the princess and the Khatun of my grassland."

Ruan Yu smiled and said, "Yes, what you said is right. Yesterday was the first time Da Hadun called me, and I responded. I found out about it after that."

"Okay, then go back and rest."

Back in her tent, Ruan Yu sat for a while before resting. She hadn't slept well the night before, and she rested until noon...

When she woke up, the small kitchen had prepared lunch. Qingguo came in and said that Afu had been waiting outside for quite a while.

Ruan Yu was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Quickly, call him in."

Afu's arrival indicates that something has happened in Chaolu.

Afu trotted in: "Greetings, Si Ke Dun."

Ruan Yu: "What is it?"

Afu laughed and said, "It's nothing. His Highness sent me to ask Si Ke Dun for a name."

"What?"

"The spirited horse Your Highness tamed earlier still hasn't been named. Your Highness said he was going to ask you last night, but he forgot. The horse farm is waiting for him today, so he sent me to ask."

Ruan Yu: "..."

Are you sure you want me to name it?

Afu grinned from ear to ear, "If His Highness said it himself, then it's definitely true."

Ruan Yu had no idea what Chao Lu was up to.

After thinking for a moment, she said to Qingguo, "Get some paper and pen."

Regardless of what Chaolu thought, judging from what Afu said, it seemed that many people were watching his horse today.

Given this, Ruan Yu certainly didn't want to lose face.

There have been many famous horses throughout history, and naming them after their colors is common practice, but that's a bit too cliché...

After much thought, Ruan Yu wrote the two characters "骧武" (Xiang Wu) on the paper.

“骧, the swaying of a horse”, this is the most appropriate word to describe the spirited horse that was tamed in Chaolu.

Ruan Yu folded the paper up: "Take it."

Afu respectfully accepted the gift: "There is one more thing. Your Highness has not had lunch, so this servant may not..."

Ruan Yu paused for a moment, then said, "You can go and deliver it."

Afu: "Alright! This servant takes his leave."

As Ruan Yu watched Afu's retreating figure, she felt that Chao Lu was acting a bit strangely today.

But she didn't think much of it. In the afternoon, when she had some free time, she looked at the paper and pen she had just retrieved and turned to go to the study.

...

Racecourse.

Afu came running over excitedly.

The three princes were all around Chaolu. Charles was the first to see Afu's figure and immediately widened his eyes: "Damn it, it really came."

Chao Lu immediately turned around, and after seeing clearly, raised an eyebrow.

Bayar and Damu both laughed heartily: "Fourth brother, that's impressive."

Afu stepped forward with a smile, his voice booming: "Your Highness! This is the name sent by Si Ke Dun! This is lunch!"

Chao Lu raised an eyebrow: "Lunch?"

Ah Fu: "The Khatun said you've had a hard time riding! He specially instructed me to bring this! He reminded you to remember to eat!"

The other three Taijis looked on with great surprise and curiosity. Chao Lu casually said, "Put it down."

He first opened the paper—

"Xiangwu..."

Damu's eyes lit up.

"A good name."

“‘Xiang’ describes the posture of a horse running with its head held high, and ‘Wu’ embodies strength and momentum. This name is very suitable for my fourth brother’s horse!”

Chao Lu's eyes lit up.

"It'll have to do."

The next moment, he immediately instructed Afu: "Go tell the blacksmith to carve the words 'Xiangwu' on the iron hoof, and also the saddle."

Afu immediately smiled and agreed.

The other three saw through it but didn't say anything: "Haha, Fourth Brother got a good name, let's go have some drinks together!"

Chao Lu shook his head: "She brought lunch, but it's not good, so I won't eat it. You guys can go ahead, I want to practice horseback riding again this afternoon, so I won't drink any more alcohol."

"..."

-

Ruan Yu spent the entire afternoon in the study.

Although she had asked Chao Lu for a desk last time, she hadn't really had a chance to use it. Today, taking advantage of the time she had, Ruan Yu was painting.

She came in a hurry and didn't have time to bring paints or anything like that, so all she has now is simple black ink.

She couldn't think of what to draw, but then she remembered that Chaolu had asked her to name the horse, so she simply drew a picture of a horse running.

When Chaolu returned, he couldn't find anyone in the tent. He heard that the person was in the study, so he paused for a moment and went to look for him.

As soon as I entered, I saw Ruan Yu concentrating intently on drawing something.

Chao Lu walked over casually: "You really can't stay still all day, don't you know how to rest your arms for a while?"

Ruan Yu didn't even look up: "Painting is much easier than holding a candlestick, and it doesn't take much effort. Your Highness, if you're hungry, please have your meal first. I want to finish this painting."

Chaolu: "What are you drawing?"

He couldn't resist leaning closer to take a look, when Ruan Yu suddenly exclaimed urgently, "It's not dry yet! Your Highness, please don't reach out!"

Chao Lu: "...I didn't reach out, I just came closer to take a look."

"Don't get too close... You're taking up too much space, you'll be crushing us later."

Chao Lu clicked his tongue.

However, he also saw clearly what Ruan Yu had drawn, and his mood became pleasant.

"Draw my horse?"

Ruan Yu hummed in agreement, not noticing his smug tone.

Chao Lu smiled and said, "Alright, then you can draw. I'll just watch from here and won't come near you."

After saying that, Chaolu went to his own desk, which was diagonally opposite Ruan Yu, sat down, and began to look at her while propping himself up on his arms.

Ruan Yu went with him.

The horse racing painting only needs a few details to be completed. She always likes to finish things in one go, and she was very focused.

Naturally, he didn't notice Chao Lu's gaze.

Chao Lu was also very focused.

Watch her intently.

He stared at her intently for a long time without blinking.

From her hair to her face, then to her neck, to her arms and waist, finally stopping at her moving hand, and finally back to her hair.

I've seen everything that's worth seeing.

The warm evening sun shone in from outside the tent, enveloping her perfectly, making her look as if she were coated in a layer of amber-colored honey.

sugar……

Chao Lu's Adam's apple bobbed again.

Thinking about how it tasted last night makes me a little hungry again.

He lowered his eyes, realizing for the first time why this kind of thing could be addictive.

It wasn't even dark yet, and he already wanted to go back to sleep.

"Alright..." Ruan Yu finally breathed a sigh of relief, put down her pen, straightened up, and rubbed her sore wrists.

Chao Lu jumped up immediately: "Let me see!"

Ruan Yu placed paperweights at the four corners of the painting.

"Don't move yet, wait for the ink to dry."

Chao Lu leaned closer and stared for a while without moving, but his gaze was fixed on her.

"How is it?" Ruan Yu asked with a smile.

Chao Lu coughed lightly: "Very imposing..."

That's the truth.

"Why am I not included?"

Ruan Yu asked, puzzled, "Why do I need you?"

"Isn't this my horse?"

“But this is a horse racing painting, and there’s no rule that it has to include people. Besides, I didn’t just draw one horse; this is His Highness’s, and there are so many more. If I were to draw you, wouldn’t I have to draw a person on every single horse?”

Chao Lu frowned: "Whose horses are the rest?"

Ruan Yu: "...It's not anyone's; it's just something I imagined!"

Chao Lu fell silent.

Ruan Yu: "Let's have a meal, I'm hungry."

Chao Lu gave chase.

“I quite like your name. I’ve had the blacksmith engrave it,” he said, leaning closer to Ruan Yu.

Ruan Yu glanced at him, and then remembered this matter.

"Why did Your Highness ask me to name him?"

Chao Lu: "You've definitely read more books than me. You're a talented woman from Chang'an, so you probably can't come up with a bad name."

Ruan Yu choked for a moment: "Talented woman...where did you hear that from?"

Chao Lu: "Princess, my mother said that you are all from well-to-do families, and that you have been rich in poetry, literature and other arts since childhood. I see that you can also paint, which is quite impressive."

Ruan Yu became even more curious: "...I should have told Your Highness that I am not..."

Chao Lu's gaze suddenly froze as he looked at her: "Then you are also a daughter of the Marquis's family."

Ruan Yu then realized that he knew everything.

As expected, Chang'an has spies from the grasslands.

"Does Mother know?" Ruan Yu pursed her lips.

Chaolu: "I don't know about that. I only have my own information. I don't know anything about my father's side either."

Ruan Yu suddenly felt a little flustered and quickened her pace.

...

During dinner, Ruan Yu was also thinking about this matter, her mind elsewhere.

Chao Lu noticed and suddenly put a piece of meat on her plate, saying, "What are you thinking about?!"

Ruan Yu composed herself and said, "It's nothing."

Chaolu: "You are my Khatun. I knew about this before the marriage. What are you worried about?"

Ruan Yu: "...Me, my stepmother and my younger brother..."

"You want to know news about them?"

Ruan Yu's eyes lit up: "Is that alright?"

She had never mentioned it before because of her awkward position and dared not ask, but now that Chaolu already knew, she had nothing to hide.

Husband and wife, husband and wife are one.

Ruan Yu suddenly felt that if Chao Lu could help her, she would be willing to live her life with him sincerely.

Chao Lu: "It's not easy to get news from Chang'an, but since you've asked, I'll give it a try."

Ruan Yu was genuinely happy, and she sat up straight, her eyes filled with eager anticipation.

Chao Lu put down his chopsticks, finding it amusing: "If you care so much, why didn't you ask before, or tell me on your own initiative?"

Ruan Yu lowered her head: "I came with a mission... how dare I speak..."

"Mission?" Chaolu laughed.

"The emperor of Chang'an married you, a weak woman who can't even kill a chicken. What mission do they expect you to undertake? Is this the style of an emperor? If they really wanted you to accomplish something, marrying you a real princess would have been a better chance. But they're afraid that my northern frontier will wrong them. Isn't that ridiculous? If I were you, I would eat and drink well and outlive them. When I'm seventy or eighty years old and hear that someone in Chang'an has died, I'd be so happy that I'd eat an extra half bowl of rice."

Ruan Yu: "..."

She stared at Chaolu in shock, too shocked to cover his mouth and stop him from saying those words.

"You, you're talking nonsense..." Ruan Yu looked outside nervously.

Chaolu: "What's there to be afraid of? This is the grassland, far from the emperor's reach. It would be a miracle if they knew."

Ruan Yu pursed her lips: "Don't underestimate the Emperor. You were able to find out about me before the marriage, but how do you know that Chang'an doesn't know about this place?"

Chao Lu thought for a moment and said, "You've reminded me. It's time to clean up a bunch of ears. Kill them if you find any."

"you……!"

Does the emperor have ears here? Of course he does, but killing him arbitrarily is definitely not an option.

Seeing her furious, Chao Lu smiled.

"Are you full?"

It was getting dark, and he didn't want to waste time talking about politics; getting some sleep was the most important thing.

"I'm full..."

Chao Lu immediately got up and took off his clothes: "Let's wash up, let's wash separately to save time."

Ruan Yu: "?"

Fifteen minutes later, she understood why this person was in such a hurry.

Ruan Yu liked to sleep against the wall, but on a large couch, she was forced into a corner by the man.

This time, Chaolu hugged her from behind, completely enveloping her in his shadow.

They started doing manual labor again.

"You...look at my neck...can you please stop biting me here!" Because Ruan Yu had complained to him in a coquettish tone before they started, Chao Lu had seen it, so this time he went along with her wishes and changed the location.

Ruan Yu had her back to him, feeling that even this was suffering...

Ruan Yu's forehead was covered in sweat, and strands of hair clung to her temples. She gripped the cushion beneath her. Something was wrong...

This animal hide, I don't know where it came from, looks new, and there's a strange sense of incongruity in this scene.

Ruan Yu couldn't see Chao Lu, so she naturally didn't know that the man behind her was getting darker and darker, but as his hot breath brushed against her ear, he seemed to be getting more and more excited.

She really thought the man behind her looked great in that animal skin!

But Ruan Yu's belt was perfectly intact, not a single thread out of place...

What's this?

Chao Lu also felt something was wrong; there was a strange feeling, but he couldn't quite place it.

The gaze finally fell downwards...

Ruan Yu felt a chill on her waist.

Or is it coming?

…………

She bit her lip: "Your Highness...may I lie down?"

My mother said this would make me feel better.

Chao Lu: "Wait a bit before you sleep!"

Ruan Yu: "?"

He didn't seem to understand what she meant. Sure enough, Chaolu lifted her waist and pressed his knee between her legs.

Ruan Yu turned around in disbelief, only to see Chao Lu... grabbing her foot without a care...

Night had fallen.

Several birds were perched on a tree outside the tent, making cooing sounds.

The breathing inside the tent was barely audible, but most of it came from Chao Lu.

Suddenly, the bird flapped its wings and flew high, and its voice turned into a hoarse hoarse sound.

It looks like he's laughing.

Chaolu finally stopped, covered in sweat.

Ruan Yu was similarly picked up by him and carried into the bathroom.

Chao Lu looked down.

Her fair and delicate legs were rubbed red.

Tsk, she really is delicate.

"Let's apply the medicine."

Ruan Yu stared blankly at the person in front of her.

She wasn't in much pain because...

Her gaze traveled from top to bottom and landed on a certain spot on Chao Lu's body. The man was shameless and acted very casually.

No, there's nothing wrong with that.

He's willing to go to all that trouble for her, so why wouldn't he...?

Ruan Yu suddenly thought of a possibility and her eyes widened.

"Did you have any maids who knew how to serve you before?"

Chaolu was wiping her body and applying medicine when he heard this and paused for a moment.

"What's that?"

Ruan Yu: "...That is, did your mother and father arrange any maids for you when you were fifteen or sixteen years old?"

Chao Lu frowned: "It was arranged, but I didn't want it! I'm only used to being served by men, I don't like maids. But why are you asking this?!"

Ruan Yu was stunned for a while, then suddenly burst out laughing.

"N-nothing. Let me apply the medicine."

Chao Lu was puzzled and glanced at her several times.

Tsk, do you think he's a bit too amazing, and you can't handle him?

Chao Lu had never considered the idea of ​​having a concubine. If she dared to make decisions on her own, he would teach her a lesson!

-----------------------

Author's note: Hahahahahahahahaha, or, the day before yesterday, a sister said that Chaolu is no good.

I said it too early, let me repeat myself. [Milk tea emoji]

Just kidding, haha, it'll be quick. Just these two chapters, and I'll definitely let that gluttonous girl have some.

There's nothing I can do, that big, stupid dog is just too dumb!