Chapter 87 Those crabapple blossoms in the courtyard, you…
Chapter 87
After the group had finished their martial arts practice, Shen Yan ordered the kitchen to prepare lunch and invited the Song brothers, Wen Shi and Jia Lin, to stay at the mansion for a meal.
The two brothers already had a good personal relationship with He Hansheng, and Shen Yan was a kind and tolerant elder, so they were quite at ease at the Pinghuai Marquis's residence, and even talked about the martial arts competition they had just had at the dinner table.
Song Jialin couldn't stop praising: "I only knew that my sister-in-law was skilled, but I didn't expect her to be this good! Especially her lightness skill, I'm afraid you can't find another person as good as her in the whole of Huadu."
Shen Suining was secretly pleased by the praise, but she didn't show any modesty. "So if you want to learn lightness skill, why go to other places to find a master? Come to me, and I guarantee you'll be as light as a swallow!"
Song Jialin laughed heartily. They wanted to continue their sparring in the afternoon, so they ate tea instead of wine for lunch, and he toasted Shen Suining.
After putting down her cup, Shen Suining whispered to He Hansheng beside her, "Tell me honestly, did Song Jialin deliberately let me win because of you? The things he said were clearly flattering me, weren't they?"
“No,” He Hansheng affirmed her strength, “All things considered, you are indeed slightly better.”
Only after receiving He Hansheng's approval did Shen Suining feel relieved.
His strength is undeniable, and even though he has lost his inner power, his judgment is still sound. So Shen Suining happily clinked teacups with He Hansheng, saying, "I only trust you."
Although Song Wenshi was taciturn, he also expressed his admiration and recognition for Shen Fengyu's strength. He was not good with words, so he simply picked up a bowl of tea and gestured to Shen Fengyu before drinking it all in one gulp. Out of politeness, Shen Fengyu immediately returned the gesture with a cup of tea.
Shen Suining saw this and secretly began to have doubts.
She had only met the masked man in black once. He must be quite skilled, especially in light-footed movements. It shouldn't be the somewhat clumsy Song Wenshi. And if He Hansheng hadn't deliberately tried to make her happy, and Song Jialin's skills weren't superior to hers, then he wouldn't be the masked man either.
After all, during the confrontation that night, Shen Suining clearly felt the strain, while her opponent seemed to be handling it with ease. It was clear that the masked man's martial arts skills were far superior to hers.
But if it weren't for the Song brothers, Song Wenshi and Song Jialin, who else could they be in Huadu?
Shen Suining fell into deep thought.
At this moment, Shen Yan called out "Ningning", put down his chopsticks, and said, "We've almost finished eating. I'll have your Uncle Xun and Feng Yu spar with Wen Shi and Jia Lin. You and Yun Chu go to my study and help organize the list of soldiers sent by the Ministry of War."
Shen Suining snapped out of her daze, glanced at He Hansheng, and replied, "Okay."
She was so focused on testing whether the two Song brothers were the masked men she had fought before that she forgot that He Hansheng had lost his internal energy and could hardly use his martial arts skills. Seeing them sparring would surely make him unhappy.
But he was used to hiding his emotions, and Shen Suining was preoccupied with other things, so she neglected him for a moment.
After lunch and a short rest, Shen Yan and the others continued to discuss martial arts, while Shen Suining followed He Hansheng to Shen Yan's study.
After Shen Yan returned to court after taking up his post, the number of court affairs increased significantly. Putting aside other matters, as a military marquis, he naturally needed to familiarize himself with the list of generals and soldiers in office as soon as possible. When Shen Suining arrived at the study, he found that it had already been almost completely organized.
She opened the top register, which contained detailed descriptions of each soldier's personality and the strengths and weaknesses of each squad they led—something Shen Yan could not possibly understand in a short time.
Shen Suining looked at He Hansheng, who was sitting at the table, and pouted, "These... you helped my father with all of this?"
"It was nothing, not really a favor," He Hansheng said with a forced smile, picking up the inkstone to grind ink. "You must be tired from the martial arts competition this morning, take a rest."
Shen Suining put down the list in her hand, lifted her dress and sat down next to He Hansheng. Their fingertips touched, and she took the ink stick from his hand. "I'll grind it, you write it. That'll be faster."
He Hansheng paused for a moment, then replied, "Okay."
The two had a clear division of labor and quickly got into the zone. While grinding ink, Shen Suining also paid attention to what He Hansheng needed, and she would immediately get it for him.
Before long, Shen Suining's hand started to ache. She put down the inkstone and stretched her arm. He Hansheng noticed and said, "Take a break. I can handle the rest myself."
Shen Suining didn't speak. After stretching her shoulders and neck, she sat quietly to the side, observing He Hansheng as he diligently organized the list. After a long while, she suddenly asked him, "He Hansheng, is what we're doing now considered a fresh start?"
He Hansheng paused, stopping his writing, and replied, "Of course it counts."
Shen Suining: "So, whether it's dealing with relationships or anything else, as long as you want to, you have the courage, determination, and perseverance to start over, right?"
He Hansheng was slightly taken aback, realizing what she was implying. He lowered his eyes and chuckled softly, without responding, but he looked noticeably better than before.
Shen Suining exhaled softly and continued grinding the ink.
After the two of them had finished organizing the list of names, it was time for dinner. Shen Yan had prepared some fine wine, and everyone was finally able to drink to their hearts' content.
Shen Yan was a sentimental man, and he was happy to see the two juniors today. In particular, Song Jialin was He Changxin's disciple, and some of his martial arts skills were inherited from him. After hearing the others talk about old times, Shen Yan was filled with emotion and drank quite a bit of wine.
Shen Suining also drank some, but not much. At least she was still sober. However, she was a little unsteady when she went out. In the end, He Hansheng simply carried her into the carriage.
After boarding the carriage, Shen Suining was intoxicated by the alcohol, and the bumpy ride made her stomach churn. She groaned all the way until the carriage stopped in front of the Yong'an Marquis's residence, at which point she groggily opened her eyes.
“We’re home, Ningning,” He Hansheng said softly, rubbing her cheek with the back of his hand. “Shall I carry you inside?”
"..." Shen Suining sat up without saying a word, gave him a somewhat resentful look, lifted the carriage curtain and let Shen Fengyu help her down from the carriage.
She had probably just woken up; her body was a little weak, and she stumbled as she got out of the car.
Shen Suining leaned half of her body against Shen Fengyu. When Jing Yue and Jing Hao saw her return, they stepped forward with excitement and bowed, saying, "Welcome back to the mansion, Madam."
"..." Shen Suining pointed at the two of them and exhaled a breath of alcohol, "Don't do these... mushy things."
"Yes, Madam." Jing Yue and Jing Hao exchanged a glance, their faces beaming with joy.
He Hansheng carried Shen Suining's fox fur coat down from the carriage and wanted to put the coat on her, but Shen Suining glanced at him, turned her head and snorted softly, turning her body away so he wouldn't touch her.
This man is really boring. If he hadn't asked that question and had just carried her inside, Shen Suining definitely wouldn't have refused. But once he asked, Shen Suining certainly wouldn't agree. Otherwise, it would seem as if she had taken the initiative to lower her head and make up with him. She didn't want He Hansheng to think that she was such an easy person to talk to, and that he could easily coax her into submission.
He Hansheng was helpless, not understanding why they were suddenly being sullen again. Afraid that she would catch a cold, he handed the clothes to Shen Fengyu so that she could put them on Shen Suining.
The group entered the mansion one after the other. He Hansheng instructed Jiang Yuchu, who was following behind, "Go forward first and have Xiangye cook a bowl of hangover soup and bring it to your room."
"yes."
After seeing Jiang Yuchu off, He Hansheng silently followed behind Shen Suining and Shen Fengyu, always keeping a distance of two or three steps from them. He looked at Shen Suining's back, his expression gentle, his eyes filled with an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.
Even if she doesn't want to be close to him, he would be extremely happy as long as she comes back.
After entering the courtyard of Ta Mei Garden, Shen Suining suddenly stopped and stared blankly at what was in front of her, thinking that she had entered the wrong place.
Ta Mei Garden was originally a typical courtyard house in Huadu, square and neat, with bamboo groves, plum trees and rockeries. Although the scenery could not compare with Shen Suining's residence in Shuyu Villa, it was spacious and comfortable, and one could feel at ease living there after a while.
But now, the Plum Garden seems to have been renovated. Not only have several waterways been dug and small bridges been built, but it has also imitated the structure of a garden in Jiangnan where every step reveals a new scene. With Taihu stone rockeries, rows of wooden boardwalks, and swings everywhere, Shen Suining felt as if he had returned to Yangzhou.
She rubbed her eyes, looking at Shen Fengyu with a confused expression, as if she were half asleep. "You moved Yuquan Villa here?"
Shen Fengyu couldn't help but laugh, turning her head to point to He Hansheng behind her, "It's the young marquis. He started making plans as soon as he returned from Yangzhou. With you away these days, young master, it's the perfect time to get started."
The courtyard was brightly lit, and many river lanterns were placed in the water. It seemed that He Hansheng had informed the servants of Ta Mei Garden that she would be returning tonight, and had them light the lanterns in advance. On both sides of the small bridge leading to He Hansheng's room, the begonias that Shen Suining loved the most were in full bloom.
She had been drinking and was a little slow to react. "It's almost December now. Where can we find so many begonias at this time of year?"
Shen Suining released Shen Fengyu, squatted down while holding onto the railing, and touched the flowers. She immediately realized, "Made of wood?"
Mingke carried a lantern across the bridge to greet her, and said with a smile, "Madam, these flowers were all carved by our young marquis for you day and night! I've been in the manor for so many years, but I never knew that the young marquis could carve flowers. If you had come back two days later, the entire Plum Garden would probably have been full of crabapple blossoms!"
Shen Suining remained stunned for a long time before finally coming to her senses.
She turned around and looked at He Hansheng, who was walking slowly towards her.
He didn't light a lamp, but the courtyard lights were enough to illuminate his path. He walked slowly alone, his silhouette carrying the cold and a touch of loneliness, and appearing somewhat frail due to his unhealed condition.
The night was dark, and the winter water was cold. He Hansheng suddenly stopped, exhaled a breath of white air, and stared at Shen Suining on the bridge, hesitant, as if afraid that she would resist his approach and dare not go forward.
Shen Suining wasn't a heartless person after all. She stood up, called out "He Hansheng," and stood still, urging him impatiently, "Can't you, a grown man, walk a little faster?"
He Hansheng's lips twitched for a moment, then he raised them slightly and strode forward to stand in front of Shen Suining.
He stood under the bridge, half a head shorter than her, looking up at her with a devout gaze like a believer looking at their god.
Shen Suining looked somewhat awkward, whether it was because Shen Fengyu and Mingke were there or for some other reason, she turned her face away from He Hansheng, opened her arms, and said arrogantly, "Hug me."
He Hansheng responded softly, then bent one knee and lifted Shen Suining above his head.
Shen Suining subconsciously reached out and supported herself on his shoulder, sighing, "Can't you change your hugging position? I drank quite a bit tonight, I might throw up on your face in a bit."
He Hansheng looked at her with a smile in his eyes, seemingly unconcerned, and carried her across the bridge and into the house.
The layout of the bedroom was also changed, mainly by adding a rocking chair and a swing bed that Shen Suining liked. He placed Shen Suining on the bamboo couch in the outer room, knelt down, took off her shoes, and placed her cold feet on his waist and abdomen to warm them with his body heat.
Shen Suining leaned back, supporting herself on the bamboo couch with both hands. Looking at He Hansheng's obsequious manner, she couldn't help but exhale and call out to him, "He Hansheng."
“I should be happy that you’re willing to go to such lengths to make me happy, but,” her tone was unreadable, she stared into his eyes and said, word by word, “you are a military commander, a general, and like your father, you will be going to the battlefield to fight the enemy in the future. How can someone as strong as you so easily break your spine and put on such an act in front of me?”
Rather than a wife offering kind advice to her husband, Shen Suining's words sounded more like a heartfelt sympathy for someone like herself.
She was a strong-willed person, and He Hansheng was even stronger than her. However, her ambition was always written on her face, while He Hansheng's arrogance was always hidden in his heart.
Having known each other for so long, Shen Suining has always enjoyed competing with He Hansheng. Whether it's daily trifles, martial arts contests, or even in bed, she secretly wants to prove herself superior to him. She likes the way He Hansheng lowers his head to kiss her and goes crazy for her. But when He Hansheng loses all his inner strength and starts to feel anxious and insecure, or even humbly tries to win her over, she feels annoyed and sad.
That's not how it should be. In her heart, He Hansheng shouldn't be so lowly. He should be the most unrestrained and proud young Marquis He in the entire Huadu City. He should be high above, head held high, charging forward with his head held high, living a carefree life.
He chuckled softly, having gleaned some of her emotions from Shen Suining's drunken eyes. He held her ankle in his arms and, through her thick coat, kissed her knee.
Then he looked up at her, his gaze pure and ardent, without any attempt to conceal it, and said, "I am willing to serve under your tutelage, young master."
"You wish!" Shen Suining laughed angrily, trying to kick him, but he held her tightly and she couldn't move.
His fingers were long and slender, with calloused pads, as he methodically caressed her ankles. Even through her trousers and socks, the sensation was almost unbearably agonizing.
A charcoal brazier was burning inside. Shen Suining was still wrapped in the warm fox fur coat she wore outside. When her eyes inadvertently met his, she suddenly felt hot and her mouth was dry.
The contest began again. Shen Suining remained still. She never liked to be the first to admit defeat. Even though her self-control was indeed inferior to He Hansheng's, she had to see He Hansheng gradually collapse before she surrendered.
Ke He Hansheng was always very patient. He grasped her slender ankle and slowly moved it up through her trouser leg, gently kneading her calf as if he were giving her a regular leg massage, simply wanting to help her relax.
Because she has practiced martial arts since childhood, Shen Suining looks thin, but she is not frail and thin. There is no excess fat on her body. Her lines are firm and powerful. In particular, the explosive power of her core and her amazing endurance make her look both slender and upright, as well as graceful and light.
Shen Suining remained unmoved. He Hansheng's hand moved up again, gripping the back of her knee. His Adam's apple bobbed, and suddenly he used both hands to pull her forward.
"Ningning, do you like the crabapple blossoms in the yard?"
Shen Suining gritted her teeth secretly, then calmly retorted, "So what if I like you? So what if I don't?"
“If you like me, could you lower your head a little? Consider it a reward. If you don’t like me,” He Hansheng raised his head, his nose gently brushing against her face, his desire undisguised, “then please punish me severely, Young Master.”
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