I can't get up, and I can't push them away.

She simply gave up, adjusted her position, nestled in the man's arms, and rode in the carriage until they arrived at the Minister's residence. Shang Qing called out from outside, "Young Master, we're home."

He was almost falling asleep from the swaying of the carriage when suddenly his nerves snapped open, and he turned to look at Shen Qichuan, saying, "General Shen, can you let go now?"

Shen Qichuan chuckled softly, smoothed the stray hairs from the young master's temples, and asked, "At Pear Blossom Pavilion tomorrow, I wonder if Young Master Qi is free?"

Lampwick: "No time." Saying that, he was about to get off the carriage.

His arm was grabbed by a large hand, and one of his legs was already halfway out. He bent over and turned his head, trying to pull his hand back, but he couldn't. Annoyed, he said in a not-so-friendly tone, "What do you want?"

Shen Qichuan: "Why are you busy?"

Dengxin's eyes darted around, and she smiled, "I have to go see Brother Yu tomorrow. He won the battle, so naturally I have to go and congratulate him."

Shen Qichuan knew about his relationship with Yu Chen. He was in love, but she was not. A cold smile appeared on the corner of the man's mouth, and his gaze at the young master was also somewhat ambiguous.

"Yeah?"

Deng Xin didn't like his gaze. The other party wouldn't let go, so in a moment of impulse, he raised his arm and bit down. Shen Qichuan was suddenly bitten on the hand by the young master's sharp teeth. The pain made him loosen his grip, and Nan Yu also shook off his tightly holding hand.

He hummed before getting off the bus.

They just dusted themselves off and ran away.

He didn't even thank them for bringing him back.

The night was thick and dark, pressing down heavily on the carved carriage. Shen Qichuan sat inside, enveloped in dim light and shadow. He lowered his head slightly and slowly raised his slender fingers to place the hand that had been bitten by the small sharp teeth under the candlelight. The mark on the tiger's mouth was clearly visible, and the skin was slightly broken.

The man stared at the teeth marks, his eyes flickering slightly. After a moment, he suddenly chuckled softly, a gentle and low sound that seemed to contain endless affection.

My baby is always so clumsy.

The gates of the Minister's residence were already closed.

Nan Yu didn't want her father to know that she had gone to Qingfeng Tower.

The original owner preferred men and didn't touch women. Even when she took a concubine, she was just a figurehead. The wife of the Minister was already dissatisfied, but she didn't give her a reason because of her son, otherwise she would have been punished long ago.

Take Shangqing with you to climb over the wall.

He huffed and puffed his way up, then slammed back down.

I fell and my back, legs, and arms hurt. I kept crying out in pain.

Not daring to let anyone know, she and Shangqing helped each other back to the courtyard.

I'm going to wash up and go to bed.

The next day.

The young master woke up and stretched. The maids and servants helped him wash up and then he went to have breakfast. The concubines could only eat in their own courtyards, while Qi's father usually ate in the main hall with his wife.

The young master's several older brothers and their wives were also at the table.

We're just waiting for him.

Lampwick: Good morning!

As he sat down, before he had even settled in, a little chubby boy ran over and called out, "Uncle, Uncle, hug me!"

Nan Yu looked over and saw his elder brother's son, Qi Qi, who was just two years old and could barely walk. The young master held the little guy in his arms and gave him two kisses on the cheek. He was so cute.

"Our Qiqi has gained weight again."

The look of delight was practically overflowing.

Qi's mother: "I prefer to have a child myself, from the family of the Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat..."

Before she could finish speaking, Nan Yu interrupted her, handed the child to the wet nurse, and said, "Mother, Yu Chen is back. I'll go find him in a bit."

The original owner liked Yu Chen, but only the two of them knew it.

Everyone else thought they had a good relationship.

The problem of Ruoqiang has existed since the time of the first emperor, and the rebellion had never been quelled. It was also a thorn in the side of the new emperor. However, Shen Qichuan's expedition this time resolved the Ruoqiang problem in just two years.

The emperor was delighted and held a ten-day banquet.

I still have to go to the dinner party hosted by Qi's father.

Although Yu Chen is not that dazzling, he is truly outstanding among the younger generation. At a young age, he was appointed as a fourth-rank Left Army General by His Majesty. He has a bright future ahead of him, so it would be good for him to make more connections.

Another morning wasted.

I went out after breakfast.

Instead of going to see Yu Chen, Nan Yu went to the theater to watch a play.

Just as she sat down, someone entered the empty seat next to her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a tall figure who seemed quite imposing when he got closer. Curious, Dengxin turned her head to look, and her brows immediately furrowed.

Shen Qichuan.

It's him again.

The General's mansion should be bustling with visitors these days, so why is he, the protagonist, so free?

However, since the other party now holds a higher official position than his father, he still had to address him as "General Shen".

The man's lips curled slightly. As he sat down, his leg pressed down to the corner of his long sleeve. He raised his arm and pulled the cuff out, his elegant and slender hand lightly smoothing the wide sleeve. Then, he casually reached out. Dengxin thought he was going to touch her and shrank back to the left.

He paused, the curve of his lips deepened, and with his well-defined knuckles, he picked up the cup, slowly brought it to his lips, and took a small sip.

The young master's ears immediately turned red.

He coughed twice to cover up his embarrassment.

Shen Qichuan: "Young Master Qi has quite the refined taste. Didn't you say you were going to see General Yu today?"

"What's it to you!"

The wick was still embarrassed. When people are embarrassed, they raise their voices to cover up their guilt. As a result, they raised their voices, making all the guests in the hall look at the two of them.

He realized he had acted impulsively as soon as he finished speaking.

It also resembles a wilted little flower.

His shoulders slumped, his head hung low, and his voice was much softer: "I'll go after the show."

Shen Qichuan smiled, showing great tolerance for the young master's temper. He raised his hand slightly, and a servant behind him brought over a food box. He opened the lid and found two plates of pastries inside. These were new pastries from Lihuazhai, and they tasted delicious. He figured the young master would like them, so he brought two portions with him on the way.

The man's gaze toward the young master had lost some of the ferocity he displayed during battle, and was now filled with tenderness and affection.

"Try some pastries from Lihuazhai."

I took a piece of the wick and put it in my mouth. It was sweet but not cloying, smooth and refreshing, and delicious.

Pear Blossom Studio's pastries have always been known for their exquisite quality and small quantities.

The dish cost only five yuan, and the young master finished it in no time. When he went to drink tea, he saw the man sitting next to him looking embarrassed. The man had bought the tea and hadn't left him a single bite.

He swallowed his tea, chuckled awkwardly, and said, "Sorry, I've finished eating." He then turned to call the servant, "Shangqing, Shangqing!"

Shangqing leaned over and lowered his voice, "Go to Lihuazhai and buy some pastries. I ate all of General Shen's. How embarrassing."

The opera was still being performed on stage, and they were sitting very close together. The young master spoke in a low voice, which was usually unheard by those around him. However, he underestimated Shen Qichuan's hearing. Every word the young master said reached the man's ears.

Shen Qichuan smiled, but didn't say anything to him to tell him not to worry, and quietly watched the show.

Shangqing's pace is fast.

Unfortunately, it's too difficult to buy Lihuazhai pastries.

He queued for ages.

She was worried about the young master, but also wanted to go back to watch the play, which was about to end.

After watching three performances, Shang Qing still hadn't returned. Nan Yu grew anxious and kept glancing towards the door. Although Shen Qichuan's eyes were fixed on the stage, his attention was entirely on the young master, taking in every move he made.