Chapter 3 Epilogue 2: Bathing and Passionate Kiss

As dusk settled, the drizzle ceased.

Yuezhi, Cui Xianglan, Huachun, and Su Jingyun returned from the government office after completing the final handover procedures. They chatted all the way, and as soon as they stepped into the backyard, a warm aroma mixed with the smell of food wafted over them, dispelling the slight chill on their bodies.

The back room was brightly lit, and the table was already fully set.

The four of them stood frozen at the doorway, speechless.

Yuezhi forced a bitter smile. She knew Pei Heng was a good cook, but she rarely saw him prepare such a large meal by himself. He usually only cooked for her. What was going on tonight?

Cui Xianglan, Huachun, and Su Jingyun, who were standing beside and behind her, looked on in astonishment, their eyes wide open.

Looking at the dozen or so delicious dishes on the table in the back hall, and then at the majestic and noble emperor who was so imposing that one dared not look him in the eye, with his sleeves slightly rolled up and a thin layer of sweat on his forehead, it was as if he had seen some incredible mirage.

The three looked at Yuezhi with suspicion, worried that they had inadvertently stumbled into the surprise Pei Heng had prepared for her. But Yuezhi shook her head slightly: she didn't know what was going on either.

The four hesitated to proceed.

Pei Heng carefully placed the plate of tender, white sea bass garnished with scallions down, took off his apron, stood by the table, looked at the four of them, and finally his gaze landed on Yue Zhi's face. He showed a hint of shyness and said in a friendly tone, "You're all back? The dishes are all ready. Wash your hands and come eat."

The group dazedly washed their hands and sat down one by one, looking at the dazzling array of dishes before them: braised sea cucumber with scallions, crab roe tofu, braised pork belly, steamed chicken in lotus leaves, stir-fried pea shoots, braised pork and bamboo shoot soup, steamed sea bass...

No one dared to touch their chopsticks, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.

Pei Heng's gaze swept over everyone, he cleared his throat, and his voice softened considerably: "This time I brought Yuezhi and the children back to the capital, taking them away from you. I feel a little guilty."

He paused, then said sincerely, "This meal is a small token of my appreciation, both a farewell and a heartfelt thank you for your meticulous care of her and her child over the years."

Since arriving at this house this morning, he has never put on any imperial airs, nor has he been as gloomy and indifferent as before. Instead, he exudes a down-to-earth charm and smells of baby milk, like an ordinary man who cares for his wife and children.

Even so, the three cannot ignore the differences in their social status.

Hearing this, they were flattered and said, "Not at all, we dare not accept your thanks. We are friends with Yuezhi, and it is only right that we take care of him and the child."

The atmosphere became a bit more tense.

Yuezhi snapped out of her daze, picked up her chopsticks, took a piece of braised sea cucumber with scallions, and savored it carefully. The sea cucumber was soft, chewy, and had a rich scallion flavor; the cooking time was perfect.

She nodded and gave Pei Heng a gentle and encouraging smile: "It tastes great, thank you for making such a big meal... You should all try some too, Pei Heng is a very good cook, the taste is just as good as the chef at Zuixianlou."

With her taking the lead, Cui Xianglan became bolder. It was indeed dinnertime, and she was very hungry, so she picked up a piece of crab roe tofu in front of her.

The tofu was incredibly tender and smooth, and the crab roe was fresh, fragrant, and rich, melting in the mouth. Cui Xianglan couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

"Oh my! This tofu is so fresh! Young Master Pei, your cooking skills are truly excellent!"

Upon hearing this, Pei Heng's expression softened somewhat, and he replied, "It's good that Madam Cui is pleased. Yuezhi told me that when she first settled in Qingzhou, she wanted to start a small business. Without your strong support and assistance, she would have faced many more difficulties. I will always remember this kindness."

Cui Xianglan was taken aback when he brought this up. She waved her hand and laughed, "Oh, I can't accept that! Yuezhi is smart and capable, and she has her own ideas. I just lent a hand, did the accounting, and helped out. In the end, it's because she's good at making pastries and brewing wine, and she's talented."

Even so, her eyes and brows revealed the joy of being recognized and praised, and she lowered her face, smiling happily.

As she spoke, Huachun picked up a piece of steamed chicken wrapped in lotus leaves with her chopsticks. The chicken had a light lotus leaf fragrance and was tender and juicy. After eating it, she couldn't help but pick up another piece.

He whispered to Su Jingyun next to him, "Brother Su, try this, the meat is so tender."

Su Jingyun tasted it as instructed and nodded in agreement.

Pei Heng turned his gaze to Hua Chun and Su Jingyun, his tone becoming more solemn: "Speaking of gratitude, the people we should thank the most are Miss Hua Chun and Doctor Su."

The two immediately put down their chopsticks and became respectful.

Pei Heng raised his hand to indicate that they did not need to stand on ceremony, and continued, "When Yuezhi gave birth, I was not able to be by her side. You two took care of everything, from childbirth and postpartum care to taking care of the two newborn children. On behalf of Yuezhi and the two children, I thank you both."

Su Jingyun quickly cupped his hands in greeting, "Your Majesty...you flatter me. It was my duty, and I dare not take credit for it."

Hua Chun blushed slightly and said softly, "Young master, you flatter me. It is my honor to be able to take care of the mistress and the young master. The mistress treats me so kindly, and I dare not not repay her kindness."

Pei Heng said earnestly, "It is already commendable that you have done your best in your duties. I will remember your kindness to Yuezhi and the children."

He spoke sincerely, without a trace of his usual aloofness, and a warm feeling welled up in the hearts of Su Jingyun and Huachun.

Most of the property and money that Yuezhi gave to the three of them were originally given to her and her child by Pei Heng. Since they couldn't take them with them now, giving them to trustworthy friends was the result of their discussion.

After a heartfelt exchange, the conversation flowed freely at the dinner table, and the group became less reserved and restrained.

Pei Heng pointed to the steaming bowl of pickled bamboo shoots and pork soup in the middle, with its milky white broth: "This soup has been simmering for a long time. Everyone should have a bowl to dispel the dampness and cold and warm their stomachs."

Cui Xianglan, being the most lively, took the initiative to stand up, picked up a soup ladle to serve soup to everyone, and said with a smile, "It's all thanks to Yuezhi and the two little darlings that we can taste this rare delicacy."

The group laughed, and the atmosphere in the back room became warm and lively.

Pei Heng's lips curled up as he secretly glanced at Yue Zhi beside him. Seeing her smiling eyes, listening attentively, and eating with relish, occasionally serving food to Cui Xianglan and Hua Chun, the guilt in his heart gradually faded away.

In the candlelight, amidst the clinking of glasses and the sounds of laughter, this family dinner with everyone present became the warmest and most touching memory of this rainy night.

As the night deepened and the banquet ended, Yuezhi and Pei Heng walked side by side into the corridor and headed towards the small courtyard.

Looking at the lingering raindrops dripping from the eaves, Yuezhi gently took her hand and whispered, "Aheng, thank you."

Pei Heng put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him, gazing at the deep night with a low, satisfied voice.

"I should be the one saying thank you. They came together because of you, and I also learned because of you that the warmth of human connection and deep friendship are far more precious than loneliness and a cold dragon throne."

Yuezhi smiled, leaned on his shoulder, and walked alongside him, moving in unison.

The night was hazy. This was her last night in Qingzhou. All her worries had been settled. She had enjoyed herself to the fullest and had no regrets.

*

The morning sunlight streamed gently into the carriage through the swaying curtains.

Inside the carriage, Yuezhi leaned on Pei Heng's shoulder, looking at Yunxi who was still smacking her lips in his arms, and then looking down at Yan Qing, who was sleeping soundly with a rosy face in her arms, feeling a sense of peace in her heart.

The carriage swayed gently as it headed toward the dock.

Pei Heng held his daughter firmly in his right arm, and wrapped his left arm around Yue Zhi's shoulder, embracing her and her son in her arms. His broad shoulders held the family tightly in his arms.

"Yuezhi." Pei Heng turned his head, gently pressed his lips to her forehead, and sighed, "Sometimes when I think about it, it feels like a dream."

Yuezhi nestled against him and softly murmured, "Hmm?"

"More than ten years ago, I was abandoned by my father and my mother was unwilling to take me with her. I thought I had no hope for this life and could only live a lonely and miserable life in the north."

He took a deep breath and tightened his grip on her arm. "Back then, if you hadn't stayed by my side, I would have died somewhere long ago, being lazy and ignorant of farming... But now, I have you, and I also have Yunxi and Yanqing. Yuezhi, thank you, thank you for not giving up on me back then, and thank you... for giving me this chance again this time."

Her voice trembled slightly, her tone was soft, and she spoke of intimate words between husband and wife, her words filled with unparalleled tenderness.

Yuezhi felt a pang of sadness. She looked up at his defined jawline and sighed with a smile, "Aheng, don't always thank me..."

"I can't remember the specifics of how my parents sold me when I was a child, but that feeling of being afraid of being abandoned stayed with me for many years."

She leaned on his shoulder, her breath filled with his reassuring scent. "It was you, it was you who pulled me back time and time again, making me understand with your burning love that the past is the past, we can choose the life we ​​want, and we don't have to live in the shadows of the past... From now on, I'm not afraid anymore."

In just a few words, she expressed the changes in her heart over the years. Pei Heng felt a warmth in his heart as he listened and lowered his head to kiss the top of her head.

At this moment, the two little ones in my arms were probably awakened by the jolting of the carriage, and they stirred one after the other.

Yan Qing opened her big, dark eyes, looked at Yue Zhi with a blank expression, and softly called out, "Mother..."

Yuezhi's heart melted instantly. She lowered her head and rubbed her son's forehead: "Is Yan awake?"

Yunxi, who was standing nearby, was also awakened by her brother's voice. She squirmed in Pei Heng's arms, rubbed her eyes, and mumbled, "Mother..."

Looking at his two adorable children and the gentle-looking Yuezhi, Pei Heng felt his eyes well up with tears, and his chest was filled with an unprecedented sense of satisfaction and happiness.

What merit or ability does he possess to have such a perfect life?

Yuezhi saw him looking at the children with eyes that seemed to be dripping with honey, and her heart stirred. She gently guided the two children.

The two one-and-a-half-year-old toddlers followed their mother's finger and gaze, curiously looking at the handsome, loving face so close to them.

The children were already familiar with his appearance and smell, and they opened their little mouths, trying their best to imitate that simple syllable.

"Beep...beep..." Yunxi made the sound first, her little voice muffled.

Yan Qing followed suit, pouting her little lips: "Sweetie!"

Despite their unclear pronunciation, the two children's well-behaved and earnest nature still touched Pei Heng's heart.

He froze for a moment, then a surge of overwhelming joy and emotion washed over him, his eyes welled up with tears that rolled down his cheeks uncontrollably.

For him, those indistinct calls of "Daddy" meant true forgiveness, and that his family had finally accepted him completely.

He was laughing and crying at the same time, too excited to utter a single word. He could only turn his body to the side and bury his face deeply in Yuezhi's warm neck, his shoulders trembling slightly.

Feeling the dampness on his neck, Yuezhi's heart softened. She freed one hand and gently patted his back, as if comforting a child.

After a while, Pei Heng raised his head, his eyes still red, and couldn't help but lean over and kiss Yue Zhi hard on the face. Then he lowered his face and placed a gentle kiss on Yun Xi and Yan Qing's tender little faces.

"Oh, our Yunxi and Yanqing are both Father's good children." His voice was hoarse, overflowing with happiness.

Before long, the carriage stopped, and outside was the bustling dock. The sounds of the surging sea and the crashing waves against the ships could be heard.

The guard reported, "Young master, madam, we have arrived at the dock."

Pei Heng took a deep breath, took out a handkerchief to wipe his face, and regained his composure. He picked up his daughter with one arm and steadily supported Yuezhi with the other: "Let's go home."

The sunlight dispelled the morning mist and shone on the shimmering sea. The family boarded a large ship and headed north.

*

The large ship sailed on the sea, leaving a long trail of shimmering gold-flecked waves behind it. The sound of the waves was gentle, and a few seagulls flew alongside the ship at a leisurely pace.

The setting sun touched the sea, dyeing most of the sky a warm orange-red.

Pei Heng wrote official documents in the cabin. He had been in Qingzhou for nearly a month and had gained an understanding of the surrounding Huzhou and Lizhou areas. He did not need to wait to return to the capital. He began to formulate plans on how to develop these three coastal prefectures.

This place is further south than Jiangnan, and government orders arrive slowly. Drafting an imperial edict and sending it to the prefectures at this time would be faster and more efficient, ensuring the edict reaches its intended recipients directly and reducing instances of local officials paying lip service while secretly resisting.

After finishing his official duties and putting down his pen, it was already late at night, and all that could be heard was the rhythmic sound of the river water lapping against the boat.

He got up and walked out of the cabin, asking the maid, "Where are the two children?"

"Reporting to Young Master, the two young masters are fast asleep in the second room inside."

Pei Heng nodded, dismissed the maid, and strolled toward the bedroom. Just as he was about to enter, he was stopped by the maid at the door.

"Madam just ordered hot water and is taking a bath."

Pei Heng understood, raised his hand to dismiss them, and gently pushed open the door alone.

Several soft candles were lit inside the cabin, creating a misty atmosphere filled with the faint scent of gardenias.

Turning around, I immediately saw the figure hidden behind the screen. The woman's slender silhouette was vaguely reflected on the plain white silk screen. Her long, black hair was loosely tied up, revealing her long, slender neck.

She was tilting her head slightly, scooping up water with her hands. The water flowed down her smooth shoulders and arms, gleaming warmly under the lamplight. Hearing someone coming at the door, and not hearing the maid announce it, she knew it was him. She didn't shoo him away, tacitly allowing him to "intrude."

Pei Heng didn't say anything, turned around and closed the door, walked to the screen, and leaned against it to watch quietly.

This warm and ordinary scene was as precious as a dream to him. A month ago, he didn't even dare to hope that he could be so close to her again.

Perhaps the sound of water masked her hearing, or perhaps she was lost in her own thoughts, but Yuezhi did not hear his approaching footsteps.

She paused slightly, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. She instinctively pulled herself further into the water, her voice soft and moistened by the steam: "...Are you done?"

"Mm," Pei Heng replied, and walked towards her.

The water in the bathtub was clear and warm, with a few flower petals floating on the surface. Yuezhi's cheeks were flushed, whether from the steam of the hot water or from shyness at his gaze, the blush spreading from her cheeks to her shoulders, and her throat was a little dry.

He stopped beside the bathtub, glanced at her lightly, dipped his fingertip into the tub to test the water temperature, and casually brushed it across her arm submerged in the water, sending a slight shiver through him.

"Is the water still hot?" he asked in a low voice.

"I'd only been soaking for a little while when you arrived." Yuezhi lowered her eyes, tiny water droplets clinging to her long eyelashes.

Seeing her shy demeanor, Pei Heng felt a surge of love in his heart and couldn't help but lean down and place a kiss on her smooth forehead.

"I've been exposed to a lot of dampness these past two days, so I should take a warm bath to soothe my body."

Pei Heng didn't bother her. He went to sit down by the bed and began to untie the sash of his outer robe. He didn't look at her, but the rustling sound of the fabric rubbing together was particularly clear in the cabin, where only the sound of water could be heard, making Yue Zhi's ears itch.

She lost her previous peaceful state of mind, and her peripheral vision involuntarily glanced over, just in time to see a small patch of his firm chest exposed through his slightly open collar. For some reason, his fair skin had a slight blush.

Yuezhi exhaled a breath of hot air, looked away, but a ticklish feeling rose in her heart.

Since the matter of leaving the prefecture was settled, he has been either going to the military camp outside the city or discussing the construction of a new port with the officials of Qingzhou. He has been very busy.

We rarely slept together last night, and because we had to catch a carriage and boat today, we weren't in the mood for that kind of thing and went to bed early.

Yuezhi thought to herself: He's been busy with work lately and has also been taking care of her and the child. Isn't he too tired? I'll give him a head massage before bed.

Just then, I heard him get up from the bedside and his footsteps came toward the bathtub.

Sensing his approach, his shadow seemed to loom over her. Just before his warm hand was about to land on her bare shoulder, Yuezhi spoke first, her voice deliberately carrying a casual tone.

What are you doing here? Is the bed made?

As soon as the voice faded, the person behind him stopped moving. Then, a very soft chuckle came, carrying a hint of understanding and a touch of helpless indulgence.

Even without turning around, Yuezhi could imagine him looking down at her with a slight raise of his eyebrows and a smile on his lips.

“Alright, I’ll do as you say, Madam.” Pei Heng readily agreed, and his footsteps moved toward the bed.

Hearing the subtle sounds of tidying the bedding behind her, Yuezhi secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but the invisible, sticky, ambiguous feeling in the air seemed to intensify, and she always felt that his thoughts were not so honest.

She tried to do something to dispel it, so she started a conversation, her voice light and cheerful: "It must have been their first time on a boat. Yunxi and Yanqing were excited for most of the day, and all their mischievousness was worn away. They fell asleep quickly at night and didn't make a fuss at all."

“I thought they wouldn’t be used to traveling by boat, but I didn’t expect the children to be like you, able to adapt to anywhere.” Pei Heng replied, his hands still moving.

"The fish soup for dinner was incredibly delicious. I wonder if I'll ever be able to find it again outside of this sea area."

“That’s easy. I’ll have someone go and buy some more. We’ve already run into more than a dozen fishing boats today. We can get you some fresh shrimp and crabs tomorrow.”

Upon hearing that there would be fresh shrimp and crab to eat, Yuezhi's eyes lit up immediately, but then she hesitated, "It's getting hotter and hotter. If we buy so much seafood, it won't keep."

"Don't worry, there's ice in the hold."

Hearing this, Yuezhi was completely relieved and asked, "Zui Xian Lou is famous for its seafood stew noodles. Can the chefs on the ship make it?"

"Can."

"Then I'd like to eat hawthorn cake too."

"good."

"Sour plum juice!"

"have."

In their back-and-forth conversation, nothing was left unsaid. Yuezhi's slight concern lessened considerably, and she was delighted by his thoughtful arrangement. After talking and laughing, the water gradually cooled down.

She splashed some water on her face and just as she was about to get up to reach for the cloth in front of her, a warm, dry hand suddenly reached out from behind her, gently supporting her neck and holding her delicate neck in its palm.

The force was not strong, forcing her to lean back, her raised face meeting his lowered face. Before she could exclaim, he kissed her lips from above.

His kiss was gentle, his lips lightly touching, caressing, and sucking, with a tentative, gradual approach.

Yuezhi froze for a moment, her neck trembling slightly from his heat. With each breath, she could feel the warmth flowing from his palm. Under his patient and lingering advances, her body involuntarily went limp, and she closed her eyes.

All around was quiet, even the sound of water had stopped. She unconsciously raised her still wet arm, placed her palm on his cheek, and stroked his ear.

She knew that area would turn red; he was a sensitive person, and if she took the initiative even slightly, his ears would turn bright red.

A gentle rub of his earlobe will elicit a satisfied sigh from him, as if a pent-up itch has been relieved.

Hearing a soft groan escape his throat, Yuezhi felt a surge of joy: exploring her lover's body was such a captivating pleasure, and she seemed to have missed out on so much happiness... Fortunately, it wasn't too late to start now.

In her drowsy state, taking advantage of a moment when he needed to catch his breath, Yuezhi mumbled, "The water's cold... I need to get up and dry myself off..."

Pei Heng wouldn't joke about her body. He briefly released her lips, stepped back a little, his forehead pressed against hers, his breathing a little heavy, suppressing the dark currents surging in his eyes.

Without saying a word, he used his arms to reach into the water, wrapped them around her waist and the back of her legs, and lifted her out of the cool water.

With a splash, water cascaded down, and Yuezhi gasped softly, instinctively reaching out to hug his neck.

His snow-white nightgown was splashed with water, the fabric of his clothes clinging to the stone, revealing the young man's full chest muscles. The water flowed down and quickly soaked into his abdominal muscles, the dampness spreading and clearly outlining his figure.

Even what we were so proud of is now barely visible.

Yuezhi was still wet, and when she was held upright in his arms, if she lowered her legs even slightly, she would touch things she shouldn't. So she had to bend her knees, like soft clouds floating around towering peaks, to avoid getting any more wet.

Her smooth knee pressed against his firm abdomen, and she quickly felt the hot touch, causing her body to tremble.

She frowned slightly and said coquettishly, "We're on a boat, aren't you afraid that if I suddenly pick you up, we'll both fall down?"

Pei Heng pulled over a large, soft cloth and wrapped it around her from head to toe. "If the boat is stable, I'm stable too. Don't be afraid."

Yuezhi couldn't tell whether he was stating a fact or boasting, so she could only maintain her current position, hugging his neck tightly and gently poking his neck with her fingertips.

"Put me down, it feels weird to be held like this."

No matter how hard she tried to tense her calves, she couldn't ignore the upward momentum, a sense of tension like an arrow about to shoot into her heart.

"Let's hug a little longer."

His voice was hoarse as he wiped her dripping hair and back with a cloth, then tilted his head back to kiss her. This kiss was much more urgent than before, burning hot, lingering from her lips to her chin and down to her wet neck.

Pei Heng carried her to the newly made bed, which still smelled of fresh soap.

The lamplight flickered slightly, casting swaying shadows on the wall.

The sound of the waves faded into the distance; the night was just beginning.