Chapter 71 Chapter 71 "Pearl, let go."...
At the beginning of the Yin hour, the night was as dark as ink and the frost was as heavy as snow.
The dry grass on both sides of the official road was covered with ice chips, the sound of horse hooves gradually slowed down, the wind blew the damp and cool air, and the robes were rustling.
Xie Zhiyan lowered his eyes and looked at his wife who was sleeping in his arms, his eyes filled with hidden aggression.
Sheng Puzhu was fast asleep, her eyelashes trembling slightly with her breathing. She slept very well, occasionally making a soft nasal sound like a kitten. The wind was strong, and she unconsciously shrank into his arms, her soft palms still clutching the front of his lapel. The force was not strong, but it seemed to be an instinctive dependence on her body.
Xie Zhiyan seemed afraid of waking her up, so he tightened the reins and slowed down.
The young lady who was bright and charming during the day was as quiet as a snow doll after falling asleep. The moonlight fell on her straight nose, her lips were full and rosy, reflecting a little wet light, and her skin was as delicate as fine porcelain, and a slight pressure would leave a shallow mark.
The white mist coming out of the horse's nose made a very low neighing sound.
Sheng Puzhu frowned and snorted softly, twisting her body and mumbling in dissatisfaction, "Noisy."
Xie Zhiyan raised his hands to cover her ears, his voice low, as if it could be blown away by the wind at any moment: "How did you raise someone so delicate?"
He didn't need her answer, but laughed instead.
"Raise her a little more tenderly."
"That's fine."
The sky was shrouded in darkness, almost bright but with a hint of paleness visible.
In front of the Marquis Mingde's mansion, the lights were bright, and the cold wind blew the lanterns left and right. In front of the vermilion-painted mansion, the old lady was standing on the steps, supported by her two daughters-in-law, one on each side. The heater in her arms had long since gone cold, but she had no time to care.
At this time, the sound of horse hooves came from the end of the long street, and everyone's expressions were cheered up.
Xie Zhiyan reined in his horse and stopped. Sheng Puzhu was wrapped in a black cloak in his arms, with only half of her sleeping face showing.
"Saburo."
"Did you have a smooth journey?" the old lady asked in a hoarse voice.
Xie Zhiyan dismounted and scanned the area, finally stopping at the old lady's worried face. "Don't worry, Grandma, Puzhu is fine."
"Where are Mingshu and Mingya?" Second Madam Zhuang staggered forward.
Xie Zhiyan nodded towards Zhuang and said, "It will be faster for me to ride on horseback with Puzhu. Madam Sheng Er and Madam Sheng San will take the carriage."
Seeing that Zhuang was still worried, he added, "With Prince Anguo and Lu Siqing here, nothing will happen."
The old lady prayed for the Buddha to bless her, and touched Sheng Puzhu's forehead with a trembling hand. She breathed a sigh of relief when she felt the warmth, her eyes slightly red. "I'm glad you're back. You've worked hard today. Take Puzhu to rest."
Seeing that the old lady was exhausted, Xie Zhiyan paused and said, "The snow is heavy in front of the door. Don't hurt yourself."
"It won't be long. I won't feel at ease until I see them come back with my own eyes. Even if I go back now, I'm afraid it won't be safe. It's better to wait here."
Zhuang nodded and reminded him, "You don't have to accompany us. Puzhu is more important."
"Remember to give her a hot bath before bed. It's windy at night and the cold air will inevitably enter her body."
As he was speaking, a carriage approached from the darkness, followed by two horses on the left and right, their hooves making a clattering sound on the ground.
"Grandmother, mother."
The curtain of the carriage was opened and Sheng Mingya jumped out first.
After taking two steps, she remembered that her sister was weak and might need help, so she turned around in a hurry. Unexpectedly, she bumped into Fu Yunzheng behind her.
In front of all the elders.
Sheng Mingya covered her nose and her eyes suddenly turned red, not because of grievance, but because of pain.
Fu Yunzheng was in a panic trying to coax her, but he lacked experience in this area.
The old lady covered her chest with her hands, hesitating whether to curse or not.
Second Madam Zhuang's eyes went dark, her lips moving as if she had no idea how to start the conversation. Her husband Sheng Yanzhang stepped forward and said, "Prince Fu has worked hard today, and it's cold. Why don't you stay and have some hot tea before you go?"
Anyone with a normal mind would not stay to drink tea at this hour. It is clearly an act of driving away guests.
Fu Yunzheng was the one with a bit of a mental problem. He glanced at Sheng Mingya secretly, and said with a smile, "Then I will respectfully obey your command."
Sheng Yanzhang: “…”
Although he was grateful to the other party for protecting his daughter's safety, as for whether to give a generous gift or other thanks, he would of course have to wait until dawn to discuss it. Leaving someone in the mansion in the middle of the night would make a bad impression if it got out.
The restraint of a scholar is like a heavy mountain. Once the words are spoken, they can never be taken back no matter what.
Sheng Mingshu lifted the car curtain and saw her father with a frown on his face, her sister covering her nose with a look of grievance on her face, and her grandmother and mother had not slept all night and their faces were frighteningly pale.
She looked at the blue bricks under the shaft that were soaked by the night dew, and sighed secretly. Just as she was about to jump off the carriage, she suddenly saw a slender hand breaking through the night and reaching out to her.
"Second Madam Sheng, if you don't mind."
"I'll help you."
These words, spoken from his mouth, sounded as if he had mustered up enough courage.
The hand in front of me is more beautiful than ever before.
The joints were distinct like bamboo joints, light blue veins were faintly visible under the cold white skin, there was a very obvious scar on the inside of the wrist, and the narrow sleeves were slightly blown by the wind, revealing a section of cinnabar red lining.
With snow-white skin and red clothes, she doesn't look like a human.
Sheng Mingshu reached out for it as if possessed, and the moment her fingertips touched his palm, her eyes suddenly widened.
She thought a man like Lu Siqing should be cold and heartless, but the hand under her palm was as hot as if it had just been washed in hot water.
Clean and comfortable, hidden in the deep night, it makes people feel soft-hearted for no reason.
Before she could come to her senses, Sheng Mingshu had already been helped down from the carriage by him.
The strength in the palms of those seemingly thin and delicate hands was so irresistible.
"Mr. Lu, how about staying and having tea together?"
Seeing that Fu Yunzheng had already swaggered into the Marquis Mingde's Mansion, Sheng Yanzhang asked a question outside the door.
"Okay." Lu Zhoudu paused but did not refuse.
Sheng Yanzhang pursed his lips and looked at the two of them for a long time, his eyes complicated and difficult to read.
She couldn't help but wonder if she was too old-fashioned. Are the men in Chang'an City so unreserved nowadays?
Fu Yunzheng had been in Yumen Pass for too long and had read few books, so his mind was sometimes not quite right. Sheng Yanzhang felt that he could understand it, but Lu Zhoudu was the youngest minister in the Dali Temple.
Not to mention drinking tea with colleagues on ordinary days, this temple minister, in addition to investigating cases, killing people without blinking an eye, and being able to stop children from crying at night, was also the third place winner of the imperial examination chosen by the emperor three years ago.
Could it be that this young man who grew up reading books of sages is also as stupid as Fu Yunzheng, as he is influenced by the company he keeps?
*
As the sky was about to brighten, Xie Zhiyan pushed open the gate of the courtyard with a cold feeling all over his body.
The room had been cleaned, a new charcoal basin was installed, hot water was available in the bathroom, and the servants had already left as instructed.
Sheng Puzhu didn't know what she was dreaming about, and suddenly she pushed him away with her hand: "My dear, don't do that. It's too much."
"What do you mean by too much?" Xie Zhiyan lowered his head and moved closer. He couldn't help but touch her cheek with his stubbled chin.
"Hmm."
It was just a light touch, but it made her frown in annoyance even in her sleep. Her skin was so delicate that she could not tolerate the slightest discomfort.
Xie Zhiyan walked behind the screen and untied his cloak with one hand, not daring to move too much for fear of waking anyone up.
In the bathroom, the bamboo curtain hung low, and the water vapor was hazy like clouds.
Sheng Puju was soaking in the bathtub with her eyes closed. She was still sleeping soundly, with her neck tilted back. Her cheeks were flushed by the water vapor, and a thin white neck was exposed above the water, rising and falling gently with her breathing.
"Pearl." Xie Zhiyan called her softly, his voice slightly hoarse.
She unconsciously made a "hmm" sound, but instead of waking up, she followed the sound and snuggled closer to his arms.
Sheng Puzhu had a bad habit after falling asleep. She always wanted to grab something to feel at ease.
In the chaos, her small hands fumbled around in the bathtub, and her fingertips suddenly felt a burning sensation. She couldn't hold it tightly, as it was hotter than the water.
Use force on your palms.
"Pearl, let go." Xie Zhiyan suddenly tensed his waist and abdomen, and a suppressed groan escaped from his throat.
There was turmoil in his usually calm eyes, and his voice was hoarse and incoherent.
"No." Sheng Puzhu retorted in a daze. She even rubbed it with her thumb unconsciously, as if to comfort an unruly little animal, and then - she held it tighter.
The water vapor blowing in my face seemed to soak everything.
Xie Zhiyan leaned his back against the tub, using all his composure: "If you don't want it, then don't."
He raised his head, took a deep breath, and held her wrist with his palm facing down. He said in a serious tone with irresistible force: "Don't let go even if you get tired later."
"You're not allowed to cry either."
Sheng Puju didn't know whether she heard it or not. She slept soundly, as if her tense emotions suddenly relaxed. She was trapped in a nightmare and unable to perceive the outside world.
The handkerchief floated in the water, swaying up and down like a fish.
The broad palm embraces the soft little hand holding the bodhi bead.
The lights in the bathroom were bright, and everything was clearly visible. Sheng Puzhu closed her eyes, her eyelashes were wet and thick. She shivered slightly in her sleep, bit her rosy lower lip with her pearly teeth, and hummed a few times in her throat.
It sounds like dissatisfaction and also like a complaint.
On the screen, the shadows of the two people are like mandarin ducks embracing each other. The long and quiet night will eventually come to an end.
After a long time, Xie Zhiyan calmed down.
Sheng Puzhu, who was sleeping, seemed to have learned her lesson and was extremely tired. The second time, no matter how much she was coaxed, she refused to hold the hand.
The snow-white towel was wrapped around her soft fingers, and her wrists and palms were immersed in hot water.
Xie Zhiyan washed carefully, pressing his fingertips lightly on the already red palm, wiping each finger one by one, even leaving the gaps between the fingertips untouched.
After washing her, he stuffed her into a brocade quilt. Afraid that she would be cold, he also brought her a hot water bottle to hold.
Sheng Puzhu reached out and touched it, seemingly half awake, and pushed it away in disgust: "This one is not good, I want the one just now."
Xie Zhiyan's breathing stagnated and his eyes became deep.
The man, who was planning to take another cold shower, sighed helplessly and finally lay down.
If she wants it, he will naturally give it generously.
The hot water bottle was placed casually on the footrest, and he stretched out his long arms to pull the person into his arms, and the body, which also exuded the same soapberry fragrance, was tightly attached to him.
Sheng Puzhu felt happy, the corners of her lips curled up, and her restless hands began to mess around. She had been mumbling that she didn't want a hot water bottle, but when she touched something hotter, she was not so willing anymore.
That night, Xie Zhiyan hardly dared to sleep.
With Zhuang's previous reminder, even if she took a long hot bath, he was still worried that she would have a high fever at night, so he would put his palm against her forehead about every quarter of an hour.
He waited until dawn, and Sheng Puzhu became quiet and no longer as noisy as at night. Xie Zhiyan finally felt relieved and closed his eyes. But when he opened his eyes again, he found that the person in his arms was terribly hot.
"Puzhu, wake up quickly."
"Yeah." Sheng Puzhu forced herself to open her eyes. Her temples were throbbing with pain, and her body seemed to be falling apart. The fatigue surging from her bones made her unable to speak. She could only blink weakly.
What's wrong with her?
"Don't be afraid, I'm here. It's just a common high fever. Take the medicine first." Xie Zhiyan helped her up.
Sheng Puzhu shook her head weakly at him. She had always been in good health and rarely got sick.
The medicine in his hand was pitch black and looked unpalatable. How could the young lady, who was so picky even about snacks, swallow something that looked so unpalatable?
"Be good." Xie Zhiyan softened his voice to coax her, "I asked the imperial physician to add malt sugar to the soup, so it won't be bitter. You'll feel better after taking the medicine."
Sheng Puzhu looked listless. He took only half a sip and then covered his lips with his palms. He felt like vomiting and was about to happen.
Xie Zhiyan knelt on one knee at the edge of the couch and picked her up like a child: "I'll drink with you, okay? This way I can take half and it won't be so bitter."
Sheng Puzhu was already delirious due to the fever. She closed her eyes and rubbed her cheek against his chest, humming weakly. The medicine was bitter, and it was good to have someone to share the pain with.
Little did they know that Madam Du had followed instructions and brought a new bowl and quietly placed it aside.
Seeing her pitiful appearance, Xie Zhiyan chuckled softly, "My Puzhu, you are so good."
He secretly mixed the two bowls of medicine into a larger porcelain bowl. Xie Zhiyan took a big sip and handed the bowl forward.
"Can I not drink it?" Sheng Puzhu frowned.
"No." Xie Zhiyan seemed to be indulgent and coaxing her, but he would never allow her to joke about her body.
In agony, Sheng Puzhu swallowed the medicine in small sips. She felt that her tongue was about to be damaged by the bitterness.
"Why is there more?"
Xie Zhiyan kissed her, his lips and tongue equally bitter, coaxing her intimately: "One last bite."
"Who is the best girl in the world?"
"Of course it's Puzhu who drank the medicine obediently."
She didn't know how many last bites it was, but Sheng Puzhu was coaxed by him, with his affectionate words and unreserved praise. She was immersed in bitterness and satisfaction, and finally fell into a deep sleep.
When I opened my eyes again, it was already half an hour later. I was sweating and my clothes were sticking to my back.
She heard someone talking outside.
"Thank you, Prince. Good medicine tastes bitter."
"Madam Sheng is worried too much, and the cold air she felt after being frightened has entered her body, which is why she has a sudden high fever."
"Write a new prescription and replace the coptis root and sophora flavescens." Xie Zhiyan raised his hand and tapped on the prescription, his voice cold and icy, a voice that carried the weight of sleeplessness. "I know good medicine tastes bitter, but my wife is a pampered child and won't tolerate even the slightest injustice."
"I changed it anyway."
"My dear." Sheng Puzhu coughed softly.
"Is there any other discomfort?" Xie Zhiyan strode forward and put the back of his hand on her forehead.
Sheng Puzhu's breathing was still very heavy, but she forced herself to smile at him, "Don't tell Grandmother and Mother yet. If they ask, just say I had a nightmare and ask the imperial physician to check my pulse."
Xie Zhiyan poured a cup of warm water and fed her a few sips: "Are you worried that the elders will worry?"
"Um."
"My mother is not feeling well, and my grandmother hasn't slept all night. If I get sick again, they will only worry more."
"So, Saburo, take me home, please."
The word "home" is very heavy, as if giving shape and warmth to the vague and intangible feelings, and the call of "Sanlang" almost broke Xie Zhiyan's heart.
He reached out and touched the sweat-soaked hair at Sheng Puzhu's temples.
"Okay, let's go home."
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