Chapter 25, first published on Jinjiang Literature City, Part 2 (combined with the first update).

After struggling in her dream, Ruan Yu finally opened her eyes slowly. Her cheeks were abnormally red, and she stared at the top of the tent, her head feeling numb.

Chao Lu stopped, but was still panting heavily. Ruan Yu, realizing what had happened, opened her eyes wide and stared at him in a daze.

Chaolu lifted the blanket, sat up straight, and picked the person up again, holding the tiny figure in his arms.

The person in his arms was clearly dazed.

He reached out and pinched Ruan Yu's earlobe: "I don't have a maidservant, I don't understand, do you not understand either?"

Thinking about this made him a little angry, especially when he thought about how she had subtly asked him last night, which made him feel even more embarrassed.

Ruan Yu blushed and realized what was happening.

I knew this person could be enlightened, but I didn't expect it to happen so quickly...

As Chaolu stared at her, he saw that she was indeed more knowledgeable than he was, and the fire in his heart grew stronger and stronger.

He gave a wicked smile and made a move to pounce on him—

"Your Highness!" Ruan Yu stopped him at the critical moment, her eyes filled with tears, and her hands gently draped over his shoulders.

"What's wrong?" the man asked in a hoarse voice.

Ruan Yu pursed her lips: "Could it be in a few days? I'd like to wait until after the Zulu Festival..."

Why?

Ruan Yu pursed her lips and tried to lower her voice: "Since Your Highness knows, you should also know about matters between men and women. A woman's first time is quite painful. Xuan Niang has told me this many times. Your Highness is so great, and the difference between you and me is very real. If Your Highness insists, I'm afraid I won't be able to do much tomorrow or the day after. Tomorrow is Zhamuyan, followed by Zulu Festival. If I do this, won't I become a laughing stock for everyone?"

Chao Lu was a little puzzled: "Is it that serious?"

While Ruan Yu's words contained a bit of her own ulterior motives—for example, she was so tired that she didn't want to serve anyone—they were also mostly sincere. She had already met Chao Lu Na, and she really couldn't imagine this happening; she was still somewhat afraid.

Seeing that she looked pitiful with her eyes downcast, Chaolu said somewhat irritably, "Alright, alright!"

Ruan Yu was overjoyed, not expecting him to actually agree.

"Thank you, Your Highness. You are so kind."

Chao Lu suddenly stared at the person, a smirk playing on his lips, and leaned in to pin him down: "Where is it good?"

Ruan Yu: "...Anywhere is fine."

Chaolu laughed, burying his face in her neck again. He could wait two more days, but that didn't mean he wouldn't find his own fun—

Ruan Yu felt a little resistant when she thought about what he had just done, but resistance was useless, because once this man had figured it out, it seemed like he couldn't stop...

In the middle of the night, Ruan Yu was exhausted and fell asleep in his arms. It was the first time Chao Lu had ever held someone in his arms, and the two slept intimately in each other's embrace.

The man let out a long sigh, feeling that he had wasted so many days! He squeezed Ruan Yu's slender wrists and fingers, then moved them to her back and chest, finding every part of her delightful. He was like a young boy playing with a beloved treasure, unable to put her down.

...

We finally arrived at Zhamuyan.

Early in the morning, Da Hadun began his busy work with great seriousness.

This time, Jamuyan was noticeably more serious than before. During the preliminary examination, Dahadun sent out invitations to several Khatuns and some prominent court ladies to have tea at Khatun's tent. Lady Qiu, Haila, and Ruan Yu were sure to be there, but because his mother-in-law was present, they got through it peacefully.

On the day of the palace banquet, the celebrations were even more extravagant.

Ruan Yu also became nervous and started preparing early in the morning.

Xuanniang and Qingguo came in: "Khatun, shall we change our clothes now?"

"Let's change it, so we don't end up in a mess later."

The maid also brought over two pairs of custom-made shoes. Qingguo went over to look at them, and took the pair that matched her dress better today. "Kudun, the shoes have arrived."

Ruan Yu nodded, tried it on, and found the size to be just right.

Just as Qingguo was about to go get the second pair, someone outside announced that Hela had arrived.

Ruan Yu waved for them to leave and walked out herself, saying, "Sister."

Hela, carrying Buhe, called out, "Auntie!"

Little Buch happily ran up to him.

Hela smiled and said, "My mother asked me to come with you to pick you up. Today, my mother and father are sitting together, and we'll be downstairs."

Ruan Yu nodded: "Okay, thank you for your trouble, elder sister."

Chao Lu returned from training shortly afterward. As soon as he entered the tent, his gaze was fixed on Ruan Yu and he couldn't take his eyes off her.

Ruan Yu turned her face away, not wanting to pay attention to him, but Hela noticed: "You think your wife is pretty? Watch your eyes."

Chao Lu: "Hmm, beautiful." But his gaze didn't leave her, as if he could see her through her clothes.

Ruan Yu glared at him, and Chao Lucai awkwardly came back to his senses.

"Let's go. Father Khan said we should all go to the Golden Tent for a meal."

Hela: "Okay, what about Mother? She went there too?"

"right."

Chao Lu walked up to Ruan Yu and offered her his arm, but Ruan Yu didn't even look at it and pulled Haila away with her.

Chao Lu: "..."

He had no choice but to follow silently.

They arrived at the golden tent.

Ruan Yu stopped laughing and became serious. According to the rules, she had to sit with Chao Lu. As soon as she sat down, Chao Lu took her hand from under the table.

Ruan Yu was startled.

The man remained nonchalant, even greeting passersby as they walked by. Ruan Yu was forced to nod and smile along with him, but under the table, the man deliberately pinched her fingertips.

As soon as the others left, Ruan Yu immediately pulled her hand back and pinched him hard, but unfortunately, Chao Lu was as hard as a stone and she couldn't pinch him.

Chao Lu curled his lips and put away his mischievous thoughts.

Soon, Dahadun and the Khan arrived together. Everyone stood up and bowed, and Hurile raised his hand.

"Today was originally the Zhamuyan competition, which is a women's event, but Hadun said that the grassland has had a bumper harvest this year, which is worth celebrating. So, we'll take this opportunity to entertain everyone. There's nothing important today, so let's eat, drink, and listen to the music!"

"Thank you, Great Khan! Thank you, Khatun!"

Saren smiled and sat down with Hurile, and the others followed suit.

The Khan was right, so Ruan Yu and Chao Lu had nothing to do today. Since she didn't participate in the Jamuyan event, she only needed to stay here and applaud.

Big Hatton announced the start of the match, and gradually, the music began.

Ruan Yu looked around and saw that the Khatuns were all in their seats, dressed in their finest attire, with a morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) beside them.

Chao Lu: "What are you looking at?" He poured her a glass of goat milk wine.

Ruan Yu withdrew her gaze and said, "I hope it's really okay if I don't participate? They won't suddenly call me, will they?"

Why do you think that?

Ruan Yu: "...Because when I was learning the zither, the teacher always called on me, so I was really a little scared..."

Chao Lu: "So you can play the piano?"

Ruan Yu: "Of course I can, but this is different from the morin khuur, it's the guqin."

Chaolu understood.

"No, even if someone calls you, ignore them."

Ruan Yu: "...Thank you." She wasn't comforted at all.

The competition officially began, and noble ladies began to come in and perform. Ruan Yu had participated in many such events when she was in Chang'an, so she was used to it and could sit still.

However, Chao Lu couldn't sit still for even a moment. Making him sit there and not be able to enjoy the music was even more unbearable than physical punishment.

He couldn't wait to run out and ride his Xiangwu hunting right now!

Ruan Yu noticed his unease and coughed as a reminder.

Chaolu glanced at her, then took her hand again.

Ruan Yu was startled, and the next moment she heard the man's deliberately uttered voice: "If you won't let me look around, I'll have to find something to do myself."

Ruan Yu struggled but couldn't break free, so she had no choice but to let him go.

The five selected women had all finished their performances, and two of them played quite well. Ruan Yu glanced at them a few more times, and when she looked over, the Third Prince, Charles, also looked over. The two even exchanged a glance, and Charles gave her an awkward smile.

Ruan Yu quickly looked away. She had heard about Charles's reputation for philandering, but Yu Zhu hadn't said anything, so she naturally wouldn't meddle.

The woman was also shaken after being glanced at by Charles; everyone here knew Taiji.

There was another one, who came on last. Although she wasn't as graceful and beautiful as the previous one, she had a healthy beauty all over her body. Charles wasn't interested in such a woman, and the woman obviously wasn't interested in him either. However, as the performance was about to end, she glanced at Chaolu.

Although it was just a quick glance, Ruan Yu managed to catch it.

She raised her eyebrows slightly and looked at the woman. The woman was taken aback, then lowered her head guiltily. She even played the last note wrong, which attracted the attention of the woman above, Da Hadun.

"What a pity, it was originally quite good."

The woman quickly bowed her head and said, "This humble woman is not skilled enough; please forgive my lack of knowledge, Great Hadun."

Saren smiled and said, "It's alright. You haven't received much training, so this is already quite good." After saying that, he glanced at the Khan and said, "Khan, the folk women's performance has ended. Next up are the women from various tribes."

Hurile: "Hmm."

Chao Lu was completely unaware of what had just happened. He was busy eating. Ruan Yu glanced at the woman several times, and thinking of Chao Lu's repeated taunts towards her, she suddenly smiled and nudged him with her leg.

“Look.”

Chao Lu looked up, puzzled.

Ruan Yu asked softly, "Look at the one who just played the piano, wasn't it beautiful?"

Chao Lu then glanced at the other person and casually said, "It's alright."

Ruan Yu was surprised: "Ordinary? I thought it would be your type."

Chao Lu was taken aback.

Why would you think that?

The man frowned. What did she mean by that?!

They're already starting to look for people for him?!

Ruan Yu curled her lips and said, "I think she is very beautiful. She has a healthy complexion and a well-proportioned figure. She doesn't look like she would fall over if the wind blew her down. She must be very strong."

Chao Lu: "What does that have to do with me?!"

Ruan Yu: "..."

Afu behind him chuckled softly and stepped forward to remind his master. Chaolu raised his eyebrows after hearing this: "So you're jealous."

Ruan Yu: "...If you say so, then so be it."

Why bother arguing with an idiot who can't even tell when someone is being sarcastic or sarcastic?

Chao Lu was in a very good mood, obviously very good.

Even after she confirmed it, he grinned. The commotion was quite loud, attracting the attention of the other Taijis and Dahadun. Ruan Yu quickly sat up straight and pulled her hand back.

The afternoon was over, and the ladies finished their performances one by one. Some people breathed a sigh of relief without making a sound. It was probably time to have their meal and leave, right? They didn't know what Big Hadun was thinking. Why did he have to make them come to a women's event? They were so bored!

Chaolu was clearly eager to leave, but suddenly, Saren stood up.

"Gentlemen, I am honored to have you all grace us with your presence today. Your performances have been quite wonderful. However, I suddenly remembered the origin of the name 'Zhamuyan.' It was originally a symbol of friendly exchanges between the Han Chinese and our Mongols. It was like this back when our ancestor was alive. But later, as the number of women from Chang'an in the tribe decreased, it became something for our own people to enjoy."

But now… my son has married a princess from Chang'an this year. I hear she's a beauty and a talented woman from Chang'an. Yu'er, why don't you play a tune today?"

Ruan Yu raised an eyebrow. Sure enough, this was what was waiting for her.

When Saren stood up, she sensed something was wrong.

Chao Lu's eyes narrowed instantly, a sharp glint appearing in them. His arms, which had been casually resting on his knees, tensed up instantly. Ruan Yu, fearing that he might suddenly stand up and confront her, patted him on the shoulder to reassure him.

Madam Qiu and Hela's expressions gradually darkened, while Una and the others gave Ruan Yu a meaningful look.

Ruan Yu comforted Chao Lu, then stood up with a smile: "Da Khatun is absolutely right. However, I did decline the Jamuyan competition earlier. I grew up in Chang'an and I don't know how to play the morin khuur, but I do know some guqin. If you don't mind, I would like to dedicate a piece to the Great Khan and Da Khatun."

Hurile raised an eyebrow, about to say something, when Saren added, "Siqdun, as I just said, Zhamuyan only plays the morin khuur. It is a testament to the friendship between the two nations. Whether you play well or not, just give it a try. The important thing is the sentiment. Besides, no one on the grasslands plays the guqin. Even if you wanted it, I couldn't conjure it up right now."

What a wonderful point! It's all about the sentiment!

It's obvious they're trying to embarrass her!

But Ruan Yu didn't expect there to be no guqin here. She fell into deep thought for a moment. Seeing this, Madam Qiu smiled and said, "There is no guqin, but I have a pipa. An'an, do you know how to play it?"

Ruan Yu's eyes lit up: "That's fine too."

Hadun's face darkened: "Madam Qiu, I, Hadun, have already said that this Zhamuyan—"

“Alright,” Hurile suddenly spoke.

"The pipa it is, what's the point of arguing? She doesn't know how, why force her?" Hurile's gaze towards Saren held an undeniable authority. Saren pursed her lips: "Yes..."

Madam Qiu turned to Aunt Qing and said, "Bring me my pipa."

The once quiet palace banquet became lively again, and everyone looked on with a hint of anticipation.

Everyone knows that Lady Qiu's pipa music is exceptional! It's just a pity that I haven't heard it for so many years.

Everyone eagerly awaited to know just how capable this Sikhun was.

The pipa was quickly brought over, and Ruan Yu took it with both hands. She was now in the center, and everyone was looking at her.

When others were playing earlier, Chao Lu leaned back slightly, as if he wanted to lie down, but now he straightened up and leaned forward slightly.

His gaze was unwavering.

Ruan Yu examined the pipa and confirmed that it was indeed a... treasure.

It's just that it hasn't been used for many years, so it shows some signs of age.

Ruan Yu had never told anyone, not even her legitimate daughter and her father, that she was not only good at playing the guqin.

She can play the zither, flute, and xiao; as for the pipa...

Ruan Yu smiled slightly, tested the sound briefly, then calmed herself down and gently plucked the strings with her slender fingers...

The hall gradually quieted down, with only a few melodious sounds wafting up the curtains. Just moments before, some people had looked on with amusement, while others had looked on with disdain. Now, they were all shocked.

Ruan Yu's fingertips gently plucked and strummed, the melody initially slow and gentle, like wind chimes swaying in a breeze, or like a black-awning boat gliding across the water in the Jiangnan water towns. Suddenly, a sharp note would rise, but it wouldn't be harsh; instead, it would be a vibrant, crisp sound...

Then it turned low and melodious, the sound so delicate it seemed to swirl around the candlelight. When it resumed its melody, it became a long, drawn-out melody, its aftertaste lingering in the rafters before slowly dissipating into the twilight...

Before she knew it, Da Han had slowly sat up straight, and Madam Qiu's expression changed from surprise to relief, followed by a moment of melancholy as if she had remembered something...

The noble ladies who had just performed all had different expressions now.

Is it that they can't play it? Or is it that they don't want to play it?

If you can play the pipa and the guqin, why would you say you can't learn the morin khuur?

Moreover, comparing the timbre, Una pinched her palm and glanced at Da Hadun, whose face was equally gloomy...

Chao Lu's gaze also froze, unblinking.

She sat there in a dress, her back perfectly straight, her posture so beautiful! Her wrists moved nimbly, and the light seemed to favor her.

Chaolu didn't understand music, but at that moment, only one thought occupied his mind—

hey-hey.

hey-hey.

Afu glanced at his own prince and suddenly felt he couldn't bear to look at him.

The song ended.

The hall fell silent for a moment.

But soon, Hurile led the applause.

Then, as if everyone had come to their senses, applause erupted.

Whether they were from the Central Plains or Han Chinese, they all looked at Ruan Yu with excitement.

"The warbling of orioles glides beneath the flowers, the murmuring of springs struggles to flow down."①

Today, the visit to Sikedun made me feel as if I had returned to the bustling city of Chang'an, and experienced it firsthand.

An old minister spoke up, and Ruan Yu quickly stood up and bowed slightly. She recognized the man as Lord Song, the Imperial Envoy stationed in Chahar from Chang'an, a man of high rank.

The other person smiled slightly at her.

Da Hadun then smirked, “As expected of a talented woman from Chang’an, you were too modest earlier. It turns out you had prepared a big surprise for us all along, including… Madam Qiu.”

Saren's gaze was clearly unfriendly. In fact, Ruan Yu also found it strange. This pipa had obviously not been used for many years, but the tone was very accurate, and it had been wiped clean beforehand. Did her mother-in-law have already thought of this...?

Thinking of this, Ruan Yu immediately said, "Hadun is too kind. Your daughter-in-law did prepare in advance, but it was not a pipa piece, but a painting."

"painting?"

Ruan Yu raised her eyes: "Actually, I already knew about the history of Jamuyan. I thought that although I don't know how, I could still do my part to add color to today, so I painted a picture and presented it to the Khan and Khatun."

Hurile: "Bring it up and let me see."

Ruan Yu glanced back at Xuan Niang, who then turned and left.

Now, Chao Lu was also puzzled. What painting?

Could it be that girl from that day?

Before long, Xuan Niang brought out a scroll and slowly unrolled it with Qing Guo in front of everyone...

The painting depicts a scene from Zhamuyan, but not inside a golden tent. Instead, it shows a scene on the grassland where people are singing and dancing around a campfire. The musicians are not limited to women; the men are also skilled in singing and dancing. The scene is joyful and touching, and anyone who sees it will feel happy.

"A beautiful painting!"

It was Charles who said this. Everyone knows that he is quite knowledgeable about painting and is very obsessed with it. At this moment, his eyes were fixed and he couldn't bear to look away for even a moment.

Upon seeing this, Yuzhu pouted unhappily.

Hurile came down.

He stared at it for a long time.

"Not bad, a good painting."

Ruan Yu smiled and said, "Daughter-in-law, I'm just passing on my knowledge. I'm new here, so I had to ask my mother-in-law for the paints. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to paint such a picture."

Hurile's eyebrows twitched slightly, and he glanced at Madam Qiu over there out of the corner of his eye.

Suddenly, he raised his voice and said, "Issue the order: Today, the sound of the Sikedun pipa has brought great fortune to our Chaha. I hereby bestow upon him a box of gold and jade and ten animal hides."

Ruan Yu immediately bowed and said, "Thank you, Father Khan."

Hurile reached out his hand, and Xuanniang and Qingguo immediately rolled up the painting and handed it over.

"I will treasure this painting. If you want some paint, I will find some and send it to you."

"Thank you, Father..."

The Khan got up to leave, and Saren asked anxiously, "Doesn't the Khan need dinner?"

Hurile glanced back at her: "No need, Hadun. From now on, Zhamuyan doesn't need to be confined in the palace, and there's no need to set any first or second place. Let them all go to the grasslands!"

After saying that, he turned around and strode away.

Several ministers immediately shouted, "The Great Khan is wise!"

He followed them outside.

Once everyone left, how could the banquet continue? Many people got up to take their leave, but the women were in a hurry.

The rankings haven't been determined yet!

Una looked anxiously at Dahadun, while Saren felt a deep sense of powerlessness and silently sat down.

Chao Lu had already jumped up and rushed to Ruan Yu's side.

"They're gone."

Ruan Yuben still felt a little uneasy, but seeing that Yuzhu had also turned and left, and Haila was also about to get up, he felt relieved and followed Chaolu out.

Chaolu pulled the people along, walking very fast, and the direction was not towards their residence.

"Where are you taking me?" Ruan Yu asked, puzzled.

Chao Lu: "I'm so bored! Let's go horseback riding, wanna go?"

Horse racing...?

Ruan Yu glanced at the vast grassland. She had always looked forward to riding horses on it, but now…

"I'll run two laps and then come back!" Chao Lu noticed her worry, and Ruan Yu smiled and said, "Alright."

With Chao Lu around, she had nothing to fear.

Chao Lu led out Xiangwu. Ruan Yu was a little scared at first, but he walked to Ruan Yu's side, looked at her and said, "Don't be afraid. It has calmed down a lot now and is very well-behaved. If you don't believe me, touch it. It won't resist you."

Ruan Yu was pulled by Chao Lu's hand and tentatively patted Xiang Wu's head. Xiang Wu kicked its hoof and exhaled, but it was indeed very obedient.

Chao Lu smiled at her: "See? I'll carry you up."

After saying that, he lifted Ruan Yu by the waist. Ruan Yu cooperated with his movement and barely managed to sit still. The next moment, Chao Lu also mounted the horse. Ruan Yu leaned back and fell into his chest.

She couldn't help but widen her eyes.

"So high..."

She hadn't expected it to be so high, and looked around in amazement.

Chao Lu looked down at her, taking in her joy, surprise, and a hint of nervousness.

The man lowered his eyes, seemingly lost in thought. Suddenly, he lowered his head, turned Ruan Yu's face around, and kissed her fiercely several times in front of her unsuspecting gaze!

Pop—

The voice was exceptionally loud!

Ruan Yu's cheeks flushed instantly, not from embarrassment, but from the way he teased her!

He really is a barbarian!

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

Author's note: [Milk tea][Milk tea] I'm here.

Happy Qixi Festival to all the babies! Sending red envelopes! [Roses][Roses][Roses][Roses][Roses]