Chapter 9 Care: "Thank you, my husband, you're so good to me~"

The next day, the north wind was even stronger, and Xuan Niang brought out thick clothes.

"Khedun, it's windy today, put on a cloak."

Ruan Yu sat in front of the mirror doing her makeup, nodding in agreement, "Where is His Highness?"

"His Highness did not go to the Golden Tent or to the training today. He went to the sheepfold early this morning. I wonder what he did."

"Sheep pen?" Ruan Yu was taken aback.

She guessed that Chaolu hadn't gone to training, but she didn't expect him to have gone to the sheepfold so early in the morning. Just as she was about to ask Xuanniang to inquire, she heard Qingguo rushing in—

"Khedun! His Highness is back! He's had a bucket of fresh goat's milk brought back, along with three fat sheep!"

"He wants to eat mutton?" Ruan Yu could only think of this possibility. Wow, he's really going to catch a sheep to eat meat so early in the morning?

But the next moment, she heard Afu's voice: "Hurry up and pluck all these wools."

The three of them, master and servant, were stunned for a moment, and then Afu came in with a smile: "Khatun, His Highness said it's getting cold and asked me to catch a few fat sheep to make a new wool blanket for you. I can prepare it for you today or tomorrow. His Highness also said that he wants to have breakfast with you today, and it will be ready soon."

After Afu finished speaking, Ruan Yu almost doubted her ears.

What did he say?

Chaolu went to the sheepfold early in the morning to catch sheep so that he could make a wool quilt for her.

Not to mention Ruan Yu, even Xuan Niang and Qing Guo had strange expressions.

Finally, Qingguo laughed and said, "Your Highness treats the Khatun so well!"

Ruan Yu: "..."

Xuan Niang, however, was more astute. She glanced at the curtain and whispered, "I was negligent. I'll get a thick quilt right away."

"It's alright." Ruan Yu didn't have time to think too much, because Chao Lu wanted to have breakfast with her, so she told Qing Guo to hurry up and went out after washing up.

At the outer table, Chaolu was already waiting.

"Your Highness's arm...?" Ruan Yu's eyes widened as she approached, because Chao Lu had actually removed the bandage from his neck.

Chao Lu glanced down and said with a sneer, "It's just a minor injury, don't make a fuss... no need to immobilize it, it'll be fine in a few days!"

Ruan Yu gasped, and after thinking it over, advised, "It takes a hundred days to recover from a broken bone, Your Highness should be careful..."

Chao Lu clicked his tongue and frowned: "One hundred days?!" Making him immobilized by this wooden plank for one hundred days? Don't be ridiculous!

"You don't care, I know what I'm doing." The man's tone was a little impatient.

Since he had said so, Ruan Yu had no choice but to give up.

Breakfast was served quickly, and it was a rare treat that there was corn and pumpkin porridge.

Ruan Yu was pleasantly surprised and picked up the spoon.

Although her identity was false, she was still a young lady raised in the Marquis's mansion for more than ten years. Ruan Yu had excellent manners when dining. She made almost no sound, and did not speak or look to the side. She simply ate her meal without making any unnecessary movements.

So when Chao Lu looked at her, Ruan Yu didn't notice at all.

Chaolu was indeed watching her. Seeing that she hardly touched any meat, yet happily drank her porridge, he finally realized—

She does like it.

Thinking back to what she had said last night, he unusually picked up a steamed dumpling for her and said, "If you like it, I'll call a chef from the Central Plains today."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the room, including Ruan Yu, was stunned.

Ruan Yu slowly raised her eyes, meeting Chao Lu's dark gaze. She glanced at Afu's wide-open mouth out of the corner of her eye, and finally came to her senses.

He clearly overheard what she said to him last night.

Not only did I listen to her advice, but I also gave her feedback first thing in the morning.

Shearing sheep and preparing breakfast were both part of the work.

Although she felt a little strange, this was exactly what Ruan Yu wanted to do. Looking at the surprised expressions of the maids, she was certain that the news of her being ignored by the four Taiji a few days ago must have spread.

So Ruan Yu smiled slightly and took the opportunity to say, "Thank you, my husband. You're so good to me!"

She did not address Chaolu as "Your Highness," but instead called him "Husband" for the first time.

Now, it was Chao Lu who was stunned.

Her voice is very pleasant, or at least gentle.

After saying this, Afu and all the servants lowered their heads, keeping their eyes down, afraid that they might see something they shouldn't have.

Chaolu, who had been leaning slightly forward, slowly sat up straight again...

He didn't respond to Ruan Yu's words, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

The way they ate was noticeably faster.

-

After having breakfast, Ruan Yu was still thinking about what to do today, but unexpectedly, Has suddenly came to report: "Your Highness! The Khan summons you and Siqdun!"

These words startled both Chao Lu and Ruan Yu, who were inside the tent.

Ruan Yu, in particular, tensed up almost instantly: "Father Khan is looking for me...? What could it be?"

Chao Lu glanced at her, then stood up: "It's alright, keep up. I guess it might be related to the Chang'an delegation leaving."

Oh right, the Chang'an delegation is almost back home, Ruan Yu almost forgot about it.

So Ruan Yu didn't delay and immediately got up and followed Chao Lu out.

Upon arriving at the golden tent, Chaolu saw that his two elder brothers were there. He led Ruan Yu up the steps and bowed, saying, "Father Khan, your son has brought his new bride to see you."

Ruan Yu quickly bowed and said, "Greetings, Father Khan."

Hurile looked at the person in front of him and nodded: "Chaolu, how is your injury?"

Chaolu: "Thank you for your concern, Father Khan. I'm much better now. The army doctor examined me yesterday and said that I just need to rest."

"I was too busy yesterday and forgot to reward you. You have done a good job in taming the wild horse. Is there anything you would like to be rewarded for?"

After Hurile finished asking his question, everyone in the hall turned their gaze to Chaolu, including Ruan Yu, who also glanced at him out of the corner of his eye.

Chaolu seemed to hesitate for a moment before saying, "Your son wants Father Khan's bow."

After he finished speaking, Hurile seemed to be stunned for a moment, then a smile curled his lips—

"You only want a bow? Chao Lu, are you sure?"

"Yes, son is sure."

Hurile laughed: "Good, someone, bring me my Black Iron Bow!"

Before long, a servant beside the Khan brought over a huge bow and arrow. Ruan Yu glanced at it discreetly and felt it was incredibly imposing. A Xuan Tie bow? Was it made entirely of Xuan Tie? That bow must be extremely powerful.

Hurile laughed: "You had your eye on him during the spring hunt. I was a little reluctant to let him go, but I never expected that he would end up in your hands after all this time."

Chaolu seemed genuinely pleased, accepting the gift with both hands: "Thank you, Father Khan!"

Hurile was also very satisfied: "This bow, and the horse you tamed yesterday, are all yours! Oh, and I'll also give you a hundred bolts of silk for your bride."

Ruan Yu was surprised to find herself included, but quickly recovered and performed a deep bow: "Your daughter-in-law thanks Father Khan."

Hurile's gaze suddenly stopped on Ruan Yu's hair bun. She was wearing the gold hairpin that Lady Qiu had given her just two days ago. The Khan seemed to be in a daze for a moment, and then added, "You have been taking care of Chaolu hard lately, so here's another gold belt as a reward."

Ruan Yu: "!"

Everyone was taken aback. Una stood there stunned for a while, and Ruan Yu was also somewhat flustered. She bowed and thanked them, but didn't know what else to say.

Hurile: "The Chang'an delegation is also leaving today. You and Chaolu should go and see them off on behalf of the Khan. The Khan is a little tired."

Chao Lu immediately agreed, glanced at Ruan Yu, who slowly came to her senses, bowed again, and then withdrew with Chao Lu.

"Why did Father Khan suddenly give me a reward?" Ruan Yu couldn't help but ask after leaving the golden tent.

Chao Lu didn't understand either, and pursed his lips.

"Perhaps it's because the Chang'an delegation is leaving."

Ruan Yu felt that this was very likely, after all, she was a princess sent from Chang'an, and the Khan gave her face when she left, so the Emperor would know when she returned to Chang'an.

Thinking about it this way, Ruan Yu was very happy.

If the emperor knows, the Marquis's residence will surely know as well.

This is how life is for my mother and younger brother...

Chaolu noticed her good mood and found it amusing for no reason: "Are you that happy?"

Because of gold? Silk?

Ruan Yu smiled and looked at him: "Isn't Your Highness also very happy? You've obtained the precious bow and the fine horse."

Chao Lu glanced down at the large bow in his hand and remained silent.

Ruan Yu didn't take it to heart, because she was in a really good mood.

-

The delegation was currently packing their luggage in a hurry.

These were all acquaintances of Ruan Yu.

After all, we spent two months together on the way here.

The ambassador who brought him here was Dong Yu, the Vice Minister of Rites in Chang'an. When he saw Ruan Yu and Chao Lu, he stopped from a distance. After they approached, he bowed and said, "Greetings, Four Taiji and Four Qadun."

Ruan Yu had a fairly good impression of this person. He hadn't been neglected because of her awkward status on the way here, so Ruan Yu smiled and said, "You've worked hard these past few months, Lord Dong. I wish you a safe journey home."

Dong Yu: "No matter how hard I work, it's not even half as hard as the Khatun's. Has the Khatun recovered these past few days?"

Upon hearing this, Chao Lu suddenly glanced at Ruan Yu beside him.

Ruan Yu smiled and said, "I'm much better. Thank you for your concern, sir."

Dong Yu: "After this journey, I fear I will rarely have the opportunity to return to the grasslands. Is there anything, Khatun, you wish to bring back to Chang'an?"

These words surprised Ruan Yu somewhat. After pondering for a moment, she glanced cautiously at Chao Lu.

Chaolu understood her meaning and looked up at the distance.

"My brother is over there. I'll go there right away. Please hurry."

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Ruan Yu's eyes lit up.

Chao Lu nodded and strode forward.

Ruan Yu immediately looked at Dong Yu: "Sir... about my mother..."

Dong Yu: "I understand the Khatun's concerns. I just heard a couple of days ago that Madam Sun moved to a new house, and the Marquis's mansion even specially hired a martial arts instructor for the young master."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Yu's eyes reddened slightly.

"It's good, it's good."

Looking at her, Dong Yu was also filled with emotion.

If there were a way, who would be willing to leave their hometown and marry into this harsh and cold place? Women who are sent to marry foreign rulers are meritorious, and their families should be treated with respect.

However, the person in front of him had a rather awkward identity, which made him feel a bit of pity for him.

After hesitating for a while, Dong Yu decided to say a few more words: "Khatun, I'm being presumptuous, but although His Majesty is thousands of miles away, he must be keeping a close eye on the situation of the Chaha tribe. If you... can do your best for Chang'an, Lady Sun will surely be better off in Chang'an..."

Ruan Yu pursed her lips: "I understand that principle, but I'm just a woman sent for a political marriage, what can I do?"

"I cannot instruct the Khatun, but having spent two months with her, I know she is intelligent and quick-witted, and will surely be able to establish herself on the grasslands. I also have some news here... The Aohan tribe is currently eyeing us covetously, and His Majesty is also closely monitoring the situation. I have heard that the Great Taiji seems to want to volunteer for the expedition, but the Great Khan has yet to decide on a candidate... If the Fourth Prince could be the general leading this expedition..."

Ruan Yu's expression changed slightly.

Dong Yu knew he had said too much, so he bowed and said, "I have spoken presumptuously, please do not take it to heart, Your Excellency."

Ruan Yu snapped out of her daze and smiled, "Thank you for your guidance, sir."

"Your Majesty, I dare not. I will depart now. I wish the Khatun all the best on the grasslands."

"I also wish you a successful career on your journey, and perhaps one day in the future I will need your help again."

Ruan Yu bowed slightly and smiled gently.

A note from the author:

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[Laughing out loud][Laughing out loud][Laughing out loud]