Chapter 40
Three years later, Ashina Yu still remembered her taste.
When he opened the lid of the food box, the aroma of oil and spicy food instantly burst out.
The oily spicy chicken was soaked in a thick sauce, and even the vegetables at the bottom were mixed with sesame oil. These were all the heavy flavors she preferred three years ago.
What's more, I was exhausted after a whole morning and hadn't eaten a single grain of rice. My stomach was already rumbling with hunger, so this meal full of greasy and saucey food came at the perfect time.
Looking at the table full of tempting dishes, Shen Ah Heng forced himself to be patient and looked up first and asked: “Have you eaten? Do you want to eat some together?”
Ashina Yu had just finished massaging her shoulders, his hands hanging by his side. He shook his head slightly when he heard this, and said softly, "I've had enough. I specially asked them to make it according to your taste. Just eat it."
Then she won’t be polite!
Shen Ahheng originally wanted to be more reserved, but the aroma really made her stomach feel empty, and she couldn't stop her chopsticks from moving.
The spicy chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the aroma is so fragrant that it makes your tongue numb. The braised pork melts in your mouth, and the salty aroma is slightly sweet, which just neutralizes the spiciness.
Shen Ah Heng ate so quickly that he didn't even notice the sauce on the corner of his mouth. In the blink of an eye, he finished all the dishes in the food box.
Shen Ah Heng touched his round belly and looked at the empty food box in front of him, blushing a little after realizing it belatedly.
I was trying to look dignified just now, but it all went wrong when I ate it.
Shen Aheng’s cheeks were hot, and he scratched his head embarrassedly: “That…I accidentally ate too much…Actually, I didn’t want to waste it.”
Finally, he made up for himself.
Ashina Yu did not show any disgust, but just lowered his eyes and put away the dishes and chopsticks, his movements were so skillful as if he had done it a thousand times.
Now that he holds a high position, he still fiddles with the greasy dishes in front of her. His movements are exactly the same as they were three years ago, so skillful that it seems as if it has been ingrained in his bones.
Shen Ah Heng looked at his profile as he lowered his eyes and quietly wiped the food box, feeling a little guilty and uneasy in his heart, and whispered: "That...you don't have to do this now."
"It's okay, I'm used to it." Ashina Yu finally raised his eyes, his eyes as gentle and obedient as they were three years ago. His knuckles tightened slightly, and his tone was full of matter-of-factness: "In the past, I was the one who collected them at the mountain temple."
Looking at him like this, even though he didn't say anything aggrieved, Shen Ah Heng felt a little guilty for some reason.
One of the most important figures in the Yaochen Sect, she actually treated him like a servant and waited on him for several months...
What if the people from Yaochen Sect find out and try to kill her? What should she do then?
Shen Aheng scratched his face and was about to say "Just let me do it myself", but he swallowed the words back when they reached his lips. Seeing how obedient he was, he had finally become a little normal now. If he really made things clear, in case he got suspicious again, he might lose his temper and quarrel with her again.
Now that he can speak the Central Plains dialect fluently, it is not easy to deceive him, and it is even more difficult to coax him.
It’s better to have less trouble than more!
After returning to his residence and washing up, Shen Ah Heng lay down in bed. After eating and drinking enough, his whole body was warm. The warmth wrapped around his sleepiness, and he fell asleep in a short while.
The next morning, just as the sky was getting light, Shen Ahheng was still struggling with the red plate of spicy chicken from yesterday in his dream, when a gentle "knock knock" sound came into his ears.
At first she thought she was dreaming, so she turned over and continued to sleep, but the knocking on the door was very patient, one knock at a time, neither fast nor slow, and it pulled her out of her sleep.
“Who is it?”
Shen Ah Heng was almost mad to death. He suddenly struggled out of his dream, threw off the quilt, and rushed to the door in his slippers. When he opened the door, his voice was still filled with sleepiness and irritability, and his eyes were not fully open: "What are you taking pictures for! Can't you see that I'm sleeping? What time is it now! Can't you let me sleep in?"
Ashina Yu at the door was dressed neatly, and when his eyes fell on her, his pupils shrank slightly.
Maybe because she was in a hurry to come out, Shen Aheng's hair was still uncombed, and it was messy and frizzy like a ball of cotton wool. A few strands of hair were softly stuck to both sides of her cheeks. She was only wearing a plain white nightgown.
The loose pajamas wrapped around her small body made her look like a lazy little cat that had not yet woken up.
The pair of eyes that usually seemed bright and clear were now covered with a layer of mist, and the look on their faces as they looked at him in anger revealed a sleepy and soft look.
Ashina Yu quietly clenched his hands in his wide sleeves, suppressing the possessive desire surging in his heart. He spoke very softly, not wanting to startle her: "Ah Heng, it's almost dawn. We should set off for the capital."
When Shen Aheng looked up, he saw Ashina Yu wearing the same gray robe he wore yesterday, his hair tied meticulously, even his belt tied neatly, and he looked energetic. He couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed and yelled at him: "Why are you rushing so early? I haven't slept enough!"
Ashina Yu didn't refute, but only smiled gently, her voice soft and gentle: "I heard from the owner of Yuelai Inn that it might rain heavily in the next few days, and the mountain road is prone to collapse. I thought that leaving early could avoid it."
"If you're still asleep, go to the carriage and continue sleeping. I'll help you pack your things." He paused, his eyes falling on her messy hair, and his tone softened. "I'll help you pack your things. It'll be done soon."
Just as Shen Ah Heng was about to respond, he suddenly remembered that he had a lot of personal handkerchiefs and spare clothes stuffed in his suitcase. His face flushed, and he quickly stepped back a few steps. He suppressed his grumpiness and waved his hand: "No, no, you wait for me outside! It's just a few things, I can pack it myself!"
As she said this, she couldn't help but glare at him secretly, looking lively and a little awkward.
When she was in Qingxiu Mountain, although she relied on him to serve her diligently all day long, she still cleaned her own "doghouse" by herself.
Ashina Yu looked at her irritated expression, a satisfied smile spreading quietly in his eyes. He did not refute at all, but took two steps back obediently as he was told, leaning against the door frame and replied, "Okay, I'll wait for you here, no rush."
Shen Aheng slammed the door shut, rubbed his hot face with his hand, and finally woke up completely.
After a quick wash, she turned and walked into the house, looking at the clothes spread out on the bed and the odds and ends piled on the table.
In the past three years, she has been wandering around, often staying in one place for less than one or two months. She has long been accustomed to traveling light. Now, all her things added up to just two small suitcases, which she packed up in a short time.
After finally changing his clothes, Shen Ah Heng carried the medicine box firmly on his back and then walked towards the door.
As soon as I opened the door, I saw Ashina Yu still standing in the corridor. The morning light fell on his shoulders, and there was no impatience on his face. I was stunned for a moment and asked in surprise: "You haven't left yet?"
Ashina Yu's gaze fell on her, his tone still gentle: "Is everything packed?"
Shen Ah Heng scratched his hair and nodded: “Well, it’s all done.”
Ashina Yu said nothing more, turned his head and ordered the two guards behind him: "Go, help Master Shen carry the box to the carriage."
The two guards stepped forward immediately, and Shen Aheng quickly stepped aside and watched them carry the two small boxes away.
After the guards left, Ashina Yu saw the medicine box on Shen Aheng’s back, and immediately stepped forward and stretched out his hand to take it: “Give it to me, I’ll help you carry it.”
Shen Ah Heng quickly took a half step back, protecting the medicine box strap with both hands, and shook his head: "No, no, this is my job, there are some medicinal herbs and needles in it, I'd better carry it myself."
Ashina Yu's hand paused in mid-air, the light in his eyes dimmed quietly, and he quickly hid his emotions, saying only "OK" softly. He withdrew his hand with some regret and walked towards the stairs first: "Let's go, the carriage is waiting downstairs."
Shen Aheng followed Ashina Yu downstairs. It was still early, and the lobby was empty. The door had not yet been opened to welcome guests. Only the faint morning light came in through the window lattice.
Xiao Wu was bending over to wipe the counter, rubbing the wet cloth back and forth in his hand. He raised his head when he heard footsteps and saw Shen Aheng coming down with a medicine box on his back. He immediately realized that she was leaving.
The cloth in his hand fell onto the counter with a "plop". Just as he was about to move forward, he suddenly caught a glimpse of the gaze of the person in front of him out of the corner of his eye.
There was no emotion in his eyes, but there was a sense of oppression that made people afraid to approach. Xiao Wu shuddered instantly and stopped in his tracks, not daring to move.
He quickly stood up, his voice filled with reluctance and timidity: "Young Master Shen, you are leaving so early..."
When Shen Ah Heng heard Xiao Wu’s words, he smiled and waved at him: “Yes, I will come back to see you guys after I stay for a while. Next time I come back, I will definitely stay at your inn!”
Xiao Wu looked at her smiling face, his eyes instantly reddened. He clutched the cloth in his hand, feeling reluctant to leave. However, when he saw the person next to her, he didn't dare to move forward. He could only hold back a tear and said, "Then... Mr. Chen, be careful on the road! I'll wait for you to come again!"
Shen Aheng nodded and followed Ashina Yu to the door. When she turned around, she could still see Xiaowu clinging to the edge of the counter, his eyes red as he watched her reluctantly.
There were two ebony carriages parked at the entrance of the inn. The roofs were covered with dark golden brocade from the Western Regions, embroidered with lotus patterns that she could not understand with silver thread. They shone coldly in the morning mist. Two strings of bells hung from the edges of the curtains. They were not ordinary copper bells. They looked gorgeous, but also had an indescribable weirdness to them.
The two guards standing nearby saw the two men coming out. One of them stepped forward, reached out to lift the curtain, and the other guard knelt on one knee on the ground, posing as a "stepping stool."
Shen Ah Heng was startled and quickly took two steps back: “You, what are you doing?”
Ashina Yu's eyebrows twitched, and he glanced at a guard beside him. The guard immediately walked over, kicked the kneeling guard, and shouted, "Who told you to be so blind here? Get out of here!"
The guard quickly responded twice, got up and returned to his original position.
After a while, another guard brought a low stool and placed it under the carriage.
Ashina Yu then turned around, pointed at the stool, and extended a hand to Shen Aheng: “Hold me, go up slowly.”
Shen Ah Heng bent over and sat in the carriage. As soon as her butt touched the cushion, she couldn't help but "hiss". The cashmere cushion was incredibly soft. She felt like she was sinking into a cloud, and even her bones felt half comfortable. She reached out and touched the cushion next to her. It was embroidered with the same lotus pattern as the outside of the carriage. Even the walls of the carriage were hung with thin gauze curtains, which blocked the wind without being stuffy.
Shen Ah Heng had never ridden in such a nice carriage.
After a quick look, his eyes fell on the small table in front of him. He saw two plates of exquisite pastries on the table, one plate of plum blossom cakes and the other plate of peach blossom cakes, both covered in icing sugar. The sweet fragrance mixed with a faint milky smell wafted over.
Shen Ah Heng couldn't help but swallowed quietly, his hand almost reaching out, but he withdrew it with restraint.
Before she could take a closer look, the carriage curtain swayed slightly, and Ashina Yu bent down and sat in. In her pale, slender hands, she held an exquisite food box, which she placed on the small table. "You got up early, so you must be hungry. Eat something to fill your stomach first."
As soon as the food box was opened, Shen Ah Heng's eyes couldn't help but light up. Inside was not only warm porridge, but also a dish of juicy pickles, several large meat buns with thin skin and generous fillings, and even the chopsticks were neatly arranged. Shen Ah Heng couldn't help but be amazed. This is called eating casually. This meal is much more exquisite than her usual breakfast. It's really not simple.
The world is big, but having enough food is the most important thing.
Shen Aheng's reserve only lasted for a moment before she gave up. Anyway, Ashina Yu had already seen how she played tricks on people, so there was no point in pretending.
So he grabbed the chopsticks and was about to pick up a bun, but just as he raised his hand, he paused. He turned around and took out another pair of chopsticks from the food box, stuffed them into Ashina Yu's hands, and said, "You got up earlier than me, so you must not have eaten yet? Let's eat together, don't waste it."
Ashina Yu stared at the chopsticks she handed over, the emotion in his eyes wavering, not quite clear, and then he took it gently, with a hint of smile in his voice: "Okay, let's eat together."
A moment later.
Shen Ah Heng put down the empty bowl, his stomach full of food, and the anger he had from being woken up so early in the morning had completely disappeared.
In addition, the carriage was moving steadily and smoothly, without any bumps. The warm sunlight shone through the gauze curtains. My eyelids gradually became heavy and I couldn't help yawning.
Ashina Yu looked at her sleepy face and said in a softer voice, "It's still two or three days' journey to the capital. You got up in a hurry this morning and didn't get enough sleep. You have nothing else to do, so why not lie down and rest for a while?"
Shen Ah Heng rubbed his eyes. He was very sleepy after the meal, so he nodded without saying anything politely and leaned back on the cushion. He curled up in a comfortable position and said vaguely, "Then I'll take a nap. Call me when you're ready."
Ashina Yu responded, "Okay."
I don't know how long it took, but Shen Ah Heng was half asleep when he suddenly felt a wet itch on his neck, as if he had been gently bitten by a small insect, with a slightly warm touch.
She subconsciously raised her hand and waved it, and the wet and hot feeling paused and did not continue.
But Shen Ah Heng's mind was not fully awake yet, his eyelids were too heavy to open, so he just shook his head randomly to suppress the itch, slowly withdrew his hand, huddled into the cushion, turned over and continued to sleep.
By the time Ashina Yu woke Shen Aheng up again, it was already dark outside the car.
As soon as Shen Aheng sat up, he couldn't help frowning. No matter how comfortable the carriage cushions were, they were not as good as a proper big bed. After sitting in the carriage for most of the day, his waist and legs were sore and stiff.
Perhaps it was because she noticed that Shen Aheng was not feeling well, so when she entered the lobby of the inn, Ashina Yu didn't ask much, but directly ordered a few dishes according to her taste, and even specially added a bowl of hot soup.
Having not eaten for most of the day, Shen Aheng was very hungry. He finished his meal in a hurry without even saying anything more. He just said to Ashina Yu, "I'm going back to my room to sleep," and then he couldn't wait to go upstairs, forgetting to even take the medicine box.
Ashina Yu looked at her back, a smile spreading in his eyes. He did not call her, but asked the waiter to prepare hot water for washing. He also ordered someone to send two more soft pillows to her room, then picked up her medicine box and went back to his own room.
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