Chapter 24, first published on Jinjiang Literature City, 024, two chapters combined.
The Zhamuyan Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle) competition arrived before the Zulu Festival.
The day before, Da Khatun sent invitations to all the noble ladies of the grasslands. Unlike in the past, Da Khatun said that the Khan would also be coming this time, which caused quite a stir in the Chaha tribe.
Even the Khan is going?
So this Zhamuyan event was like a palace banquet?
In other words, when women went to the palace to perform, it's likely that quite a few nobles also went there.
Dahadun gave an affirmative reply, and immediately, many women on the grasslands were eager to try. Some of them, especially those of lower birth, naturally wanted to seize this opportunity to rise in status. If they were lucky enough to be noticed by a nobleman, it would be a chance to change their fate.
Jamuyan usually takes one day for the first test, one day for the second test, and only then can he be invited to perform in the Golden Tent. Because this year's weather is relatively good, Dahadun took the initiative to propose to the Khan to hold a palace banquet, which can be considered as taking care of the people, and Hurile agreed.
The noble ladies do not need to participate in the preliminary and secondary examinations. Only on the last day will they compete with five women from the common people who have made it to the finals. In fact, the chances of these women winning the first place are not high, but for them, being able to enter the Golden Tent and show their faces is already a great honor.
These were all things Xuan Niang had found out, and Ruan Yu listened attentively.
"Is the Khatun still participating?" Xuanniang asked.
A few days ago, Ruan Yu asked them to bring out their morin khuurs (horsehead fiddles), and they practiced for a few days. However, after the Zulu Festival was finalized, Ruan Yu lost interest in preparing for it.
"Never mind," she said after thinking for a moment.
Xuan Niang sighed, "You had already refused Da Khatun before, but I'm always afraid something might happen, after all, Da Khatun..."
Ruan Yu naturally understood what Xuan Niang said, which was why she wanted to practice it back then.
If it weren't for the Zulu Festival, it would be fine, but now that they're going to take the lead during the Zulu Festival, Grand Khatun might very well cause trouble in Jamuyan...
Ruan Yu thought for a moment.
"Forget it, I'm not good at playing the morin khuur, and forcing myself to practice would only make me look foolish. I'd rather think of another way."
"The Khatun means..."
"Let's go to my mother-in-law's place and ask her."
...
Ruan Yu stayed at Madam Qiu's place for most of the day, and had not returned by dusk, but Chao Lu returned first.
He didn't see anyone in the tent and subconsciously assumed that Ruan Yu had gone to the study again, so he went to look for her.
To his surprise, he didn't see it in the study either. Chao Lu then realized something was wrong and sent someone to ask.
Knowing that she was with her mother, Chaolu felt a little relieved; his mother should send someone back soon.
Chao Lu's gaze was drawn to the painting on the table that Ruan Yu hadn't put away yet. To be honest, Chao Lu really liked this horse racing painting, and he leaned over to examine it closely for a long time.
He was thinking of asking Ruan Yu to come over.
But I didn't know how to bring it up.
A short while later, Afu came in to deliver a message: "Your Highness, the Khatun has returned!"
Chao Lu nodded, took one last look, and then turned and left.
Ruan Yu instructed Xuan Niang in the tent: "You must personally supervise them to ensure there are no mistakes. I'm worried that some of the craftsmen lack experience."
Xuan Niang: "Don't worry, Minister, I will definitely handle this matter well."
"Greetings, Your Highness." A maid's voice came from the doorway. Ruan Yu told Xuan Niang to leave first.
"What are you saying, babbling on and on?" Chao Lu walked in.
Ruan Yu smiled and said, "It's nothing. I'll have Xuan Niang frame the painting. Your Highness must be hungry. I'll have them prepare the meal right away."
"Framed painting? You mean that horse racing painting?"
Ruan Yu: No, it's another one. I painted another picture at my mother's place today, and she has some paint there.
Chao Lu was taken aback, somewhat disappointed: "For my mother?"
Ruan Yu smiled and said, "Well, not really. Oh, I'll tell you after I finish drawing it."
Chaolu lost interest; it wasn't a gift to him, and he didn't want to know anymore.
Dinner was served quickly, consisting of dishes that Ruan Yu liked, but Chao Lu looked visibly uninterested.
"Why doesn't Your Highness use it? Is it not to your liking?"
Chao Lu said calmly, "I can eat anything." He was just still thinking about that horse racing picture.
Chao Lu couldn't help but look at Ruan Yu several times. It was clearly a painting of his horse. It was only natural that he wanted it, right?
...
During dinner, Ruan Yu accidentally ate too much. She had been focused on painting during the day and hadn't eaten lunch, but now that she had eaten too much, she felt bloated and decided to take a walk in the yard.
At first, Chao Lu didn't understand what was going on, but after he figured it out, he went for a stroll with her. Ruan Yu walked quickly around the mansion tent, feeling like she was about to run, but Chao Lu was still walking slowly.
Having long legs and a long stride has its advantages, Ruan Yu glanced at him discreetly.
It was getting dark, and Chao Lu urged, "I'm sleepy, let's not go any further."
Ruan Yu said meaningfully, "Hmm, I won't share it anymore."
What, you're sleepy...
It was only a short time, and she was certain that Chaolu just wanted to go back and do that kind of thing.
But... thinking about yesterday, Ruan Yu really wanted to laugh.
He doesn't know how.
Before she got married, she had received some education in this area. Her parents would give her a booklet before she got married, and her stepmother had also told her about it...
So when Ruan Yu arrived on the grassland and first saw Chao Lu's physique, she was even more worried and afraid, but unexpectedly...
Chao Lu turned back to look at her again: "Can't you walk anymore...?"
Ruan Yu chuckled inwardly: "No, no."
...
She was still a little scared, especially when the man completely enveloped her, she felt a sense of tension as if a small mountain was pressing down on her.
But I don't feel too much discomfort physically...
When it was over, she was out of breath, and her cheeks were as red as peaches that had just been pulled from the water. Chao Lu was even worse, covered in sweat, and he was nestled against her neck, refusing to lift up. After her breathing gradually calmed down, Ruan Yu felt that he was too heavy, so she reached out and poked him: "Your Highness, shall we take a bath?"
Chao Lu slowly raised his head and stared at her.
Her little mouth was red and tempting from eating so much, and Chaolu could never get enough of it.
But for some reason, he always felt a sense of unease, like scratching an itch through a boot.
In particular, the swelling sensation not only did not decrease at all, but became even more intense.
He had always assumed that all men dealt with this reaction in the same way; the rough men in the army would say things like, "It feels so good to have your little mouth sucking on me, you're practically biting me to death," and so on...
Chao Lu stared at Ruan Yu's mouth, his voice hoarse: "Wait a minute, do it again."
Ruan Yu: "..."
Chao Lu quickly tugged at his cumbersome belt, reached out, and in the next instant bent Ruan Yu's calf up, biting Ruan Yu's lip with a slightly fierce look.
“You have to bite me,” he said.
Ruan Yu: "?"
Before she could even react, Chaolu continued to devour her...
This person is definitely born in the Year of the Dog!
...
The next morning, as expected, Ruan Yu slept in a little longer.
Chao Lu dressed himself and went out, instructing, "No need to call her."
All the maids should be.
Chao Lu went to see Madam Qiu. Unless it was an important occasion, he always got up very early and greeted her even earlier. Most of the time, Madam Qiu was getting ready and chatting intimately with her son before Chao Lu would leave.
However, today, Chao Lu was clearly hesitant to speak.
Madam Qiu saw through it and asked with a smile, "Chao Lu, what do you want to say? There's no need to hide it from your mother."
Chaolu thought for a moment: "There is indeed something I would like to ask Mother. I... I really like a painting, but..."
Chao Lu stammered as he expressed his thoughts.
"My son doesn't know how to bring it up."
After he finished speaking, not only did Madam Qiu laugh, but the other maids in the hall also couldn't help but chuckle.
"You are good in every way, but sometimes you are just stubborn. I remember when you were little you loved to eat sweets. If you loved to eat them, you would pretend you didn't like them and wouldn't ask me for some. It was as if asking for them would cut off two ounces of your flesh. How come you are still like this after all these years?"
Chao Lu awkwardly touched his nose.
Madam Qiu continued, "However, I understand, after all, she is your wife, not me or your sister. But Chaolu, have you ever given your wife anything?"
Chao Lu was stunned.
He gave it to Ruan Yu?
It seems not.
"That's it. Put yourself in others' shoes. If you want something, shouldn't you also give something in return? Besides, you're a man."
Chaolu suddenly realized: "Mother, I was negligent before, I understand."
"Hmm." Madam Qiu smiled and said, "If you take the initiative and be more attentive, make your wife happy, and then express your love for the painting, wouldn't that be enough?"
Chaolu smiled: "Thank you, Mother! Your son takes his leave!"
He actually had another question in his mind, but he certainly couldn't ask his mother about it.
Chaolu turned around and went to the horse farm; he needed to make the most of the day.
Ruan Yu has slept well and will continue practicing holding the candlestick today.
During breakfast, Xuanniang came in. "Khatun, the painting has been sent. It was recommended by Madam, so there shouldn't be any problem. Also, the clothes for Zhamuyan and Zulujie have been sent. Would you like to take a look?"
Ruan Yu nodded: "Bring it in, I'll try it out."
Xuan Niang agreed.
Both of these are very formal Mongolian robes. Ruan Yu is no longer the thin, frail girl she was when she first came to the grasslands. She has taken good care of herself recently, so she can naturally wear them without feeling any strain.
"The Khatun looks great in this too!"
Ruan Yu looked at herself in the mirror and was quite satisfied. "Then let's put it away for now."
Qingguo suddenly asked, "Why aren't there any shoes?"
One of the maids explained, "The shoes are more complicated, and the embroiderer said they might be two days late."
Qingguo: "Okay, I got it. Keep an eye on things."
Ruan Yu continued preparing for the Zulu Festival today, only taking a short break around noon.
Chao Lu, without a moment's rest, went directly from the racecourse to Yunqi Town.
There are also towns near the grasslands, the closest of which is Yunqi Town, because it is located at the foot of the Khan and the surrounding trade is quite prosperous.
Further south from Yunqi Town lies the border with Liangzhou.
As Chaolu rode through the city gate, many of the grassland people recognized him: "It's Si Taiji! Si Taiji is here!"
Chaolu did not stop, but galloped all the way! It wasn't until Xiangwu stopped in front of a building that Chaolu dismounted.
"Oh, Fourth Prince! What a rare guest!"
This is the silver shop in Yunqi Town. The person who came out to greet them was naturally the shopkeeper of Yunqi Town. Everyone here knows Taiji and Bieji from the grasslands, but Chaolu does not know them.
"Who are you……"
“My name is Baoli, and I am the manager of the silver shop.”
Chao Lu nodded, then coughed, covering his mouth with his fist, "Do you... have any jewelry suitable as a gift for a woman?"
Bao Li smiled and said, "This is the first time that the Fourth Taiji has come. I run a jewelry shop. The Third Taiji used to come the most often. He would always pick out some rare items. I'll take you to have a look too."
Chao Lu nodded and followed him to the second floor.
In the morning, he pondered for a long time. The best gift for a woman... was jewelry. He'd noticed she seemed to like it, so Chao Lu inquired about this place and followed Bao Li upstairs. The man eagerly brought out many wooden boxes and opened them in front of Chao Lu: "Your Highness, please look, these are the shop's prized possessions. Each piece of jewelry is contained in only one wooden box. This is a hairpin, this is a necklace, and this is a bracelet."
Chao Lu looked over.
They were indeed dazzling, but to him they all looked the same.
Chao Lu racked his brains, trying to recall what Ruan Yu usually wore.
It seems there are a lot of hairpins?
He reached out and picked up the gold hairpin.
"Oh my, Your Highness has excellent taste! This is made of pure gold and inlaid with rubies!"
Chaolu looked at the dazzling flower at the top; it was indeed exquisite. However, it seemed similar to the one her mother had given her back then, yet she hadn't seen her wear it more than a few times.
Chao Lu's mind flashed back to her appearance that night... Back then, Ruan Yu had no jewelry on her head, yet she was exceptionally beautiful. Chao Lu's eyes narrowed: "I don't want these vulgar things. Do you have any fine jade?"
Bao Li was stunned.
"Jade? Does Your Highness wish for a jade pendant, bracelet, or hairpin?"
"No, I just want a piece of jade, the uncarved kind."
Bao Li: "Oh... let me think. Jade is abundant in the Central Plains, but rare in the North. I'm afraid I don't have any particularly good pieces right now, but if Your Highness wants some, I can try to find some for you."
Chao Lu nodded and took out a piece of gold from his purse and threw it over.
"Once found, deliver it directly to the Taiji's tent."
Bao Li accepted it with delight: "Don't worry! I'll definitely get it done for you!"
After Chaolu left, the shop assistant asked in confusion, "Manager, why did Si Taiji call all these beautiful pieces of jewelry vulgar?"
Bao Li smiled: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The Third Prince always picks out a lot of expensive items, but he always gives them to different people. However, this is the Fourth Prince's first time here, and he is newly married, so naturally he will put more thought into it."
"But I think these are beautiful too..."
Bao Li laughed and said, "You should learn from this. If the Fourth Prince comes again, don't bring these things. As for that jade, I'll have to search for it carefully..."
After leaving the silver shop, Chao Lu felt much better. He slowed down and took a closer look at Yunqi Town.
The streets were quite lively. In recent years, with trade with the Han people, people's lives have improved a lot, and there seems to be more of the snacks from the Central Plains.
Has and Yang Chong were with him today, and Has couldn't help but ask, "Why doesn't Your Highness want those things, but goes to the trouble of finding a piece of jade?"
Chao Lu glanced at him, and Yang Chong spoke first: "This shows that His Highness wants to give Si Ke Dun a special gift, rather than a simple finished product."
Chao Lu raised an eyebrow, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
"You know a lot."
Yang Chong smiled and said, "Your Highness is too kind. You bought the jade because you wanted to carve something for Si Ke Dun yourself, right? I think it's wonderful. My father said that he also gave my mother a wooden hairpin, which she has worn for many years."
"A wooden hairpin?" Has laughed heartily.
Isn't it shabby?
Yang Chong smiled and said, "No, Mother is reluctant to wear better things when she is working. This wooden hairpin is lightweight and practical. Mother never leaves it behind. On the contrary, those expensive ones end up sleeping in the cabinet."
After listening, Chao Lu seemed to be deep in thought.
"You're right."
Haas: "I don't understand any of that! It's all so complicated, Your Highness! We haven't had lunch yet, let's find somewhere to fill our stomachs first!"
Chao Lu nodded: "Choose whatever you like."
"Hehe, thank you, Your Highness!"
The three of them eventually went to a noodle shop. Chaolu wasn't particular about food and casually ordered a bowl of noodles. The noodle shop was obviously run by a woman from the Central Plains, and the taste was very similar to what Ruan Yu liked. Chaolu didn't know what was wrong with him, but he couldn't help thinking about her.
"Hey you old pervert! Showing this kind of thing to your mother! I'll scratch your face until it's bruised and battered!"
Suddenly, the proprietress at the door was blushing and scolding a middle-aged man from the grasslands, but her tone was clearly teasing and she wasn't really angry.
The other person chuckled, then reached out and touched the back of her hand. "Sweetheart, take a good look, they're all exquisite! Treasured items!" With that, he strode away.
The proprietress, with her glare and stomp of her foot, exuded charm. The open-mindedness of the grassland people gradually influenced many people from the Central Plains.
Has chuckled: "Guess what that man gave me?"
Only Has likes to talk about such things. Yang Chong never responded and remained silent. Chao Lu noticed that the woman's face was strangely red and casually asked, "What is it?"
Haas chuckled: "It's definitely some kind of erotic novel or erotic picture!"
Yang Chong coughed and almost choked.
Indecent stories and erotic illustrations?
Chao Lu frowned.
Haas: "I had one before. My dad told me to learn it properly so I could use it at my wedding! Are you kidding me? Do I even need to learn it?"
Yang Chong changed the subject: "When are you getting married?"
"Kai Chun'er, the betrothal gifts were just delivered last month."
Congratulations in advance!
"Don't bring it up yet, come over for drinks later!"
Has's words suddenly reminded Chaolu that he had a copy of it before his wedding... but Chaolu was in a bad mood at the time and didn't want to get married at all, so he never opened it. He just tossed it somewhere.
Chaolu felt as if a cat had suddenly scratched his chest.
"Eat quickly, and then hurry back!"
Hass was still puzzled: "It's still early..."
-
Ruan Yu spent the entire day practicing diligently.
There shouldn't be any major problems now, so I can just pray that nothing goes wrong on the day.
As dusk approached, Xuanniang came in and asked, "Kudun, shall we prepare the meal now?"
Ruan Yu glanced outside: "Has His Highness not returned yet?"
"His Highness just sent Afu to tell you that he will be back late, saying that he has something to do in his study first."
Ruan Yu didn't think much of it: "Okay, then bring it over first. You can help me apply the medicine later, my arm is still a little sore."
"Yes, this servant will go right away."
Chao Lu hadn't returned by the time it was completely dark, so Ruan Yu decided to go to sleep.
Xuanniang massaged her shoulders for a while and then applied medicine.
"Your Highness's secret medicine seems to be better than the ordinary one. It soothes the pain very quickly after application?" Xuan Niang asked.
Ruan Yu said softly, "Yes, he said it was a gift from the Great Khan."
Xuan Niang smiled and said, "His Highness is very considerate to you, Miss."
Ruan Yu smiled and did not deny it.
Xuan Niang's gaze suddenly fell on some red marks on Ruan Yu's body. After thinking for a moment, she still asked, "Has the Khatun and His Highness... consummated their marriage?"
Ruan Yu didn't expect her to ask this suddenly, but since Xuan Niang was the person she trusted most, Ruan Yu wouldn't hide it from her. She answered somewhat awkwardly, "Not yet."
Xuan Niang was truly astonished: "Why is this?"
She suddenly squatted down at Ruan Yu's feet: "Before, His Highness was a bit awkward, and you weren't fully recovered. But now I see that your relationship with His Highness is much better than before, so why haven't you gotten together yet..."
Ruan Yu coughed lightly, but ultimately didn't say the words "he can't," only saying, "He...you know his physique, I...I can't take it..."
Xuan Niang suddenly realized.
"It was my oversight! Please wait a moment, Your Excellency!"
Xuan Niang turned and left, but soon returned.
He now had a porcelain box in his hand.
Ruan Yu had seen it before, on her wedding night, but it wasn't used and was quickly put away.
Xuan Niang opened it and saw that inside were some... cylindrical ointments.
Xuan Niang whispered, "Miss, you'll definitely have some trouble handling it the first time. This ointment melts when heated and won't affect your body at all. If this were in the Central Plains, I wouldn't have brought this out, but I saw that even the Fourth Prince... so I'm telling you in advance, please don't be upset. There's nothing to be ashamed of. The important thing is to have a smooth experience, so you don't end up suffering pain and grievances..."
Ruan Yu was in a state of confusion, and her cheeks turned as red as persimmons again: "Mmm, I understand."
She placed the porcelain box that Xuan Niang had brought in the drawer and memorized its location.
Xuan Niang smiled and said, "Well then, this servant will take her leave. You should rest early."
...
Chaolu had actually returned long ago. But today, he went straight to his study.
It took quite a while to find that booklet.
He rummaged through things, making Afu curious: "What is Your Highness looking for? This servant will help you look."
"Go away, go do your own thing!"
How could Chaolu let anyone else handle this? So he simply coaxed Afu away.
He didn't know why, but he felt that if he couldn't find this thing today, he wouldn't be able to eat or sleep well!
They were as anxious as ants on a hot pan.
The dignified Fourth Prince, much like an impatient child, finally found it under a pile of books. Chao Lu eagerly sat down at the desk, took a deep breath, and opened it by candlelight...
If you don't look, you're fine, but once you do, it's like opening up a whole new world for the man.
He sat motionless at his desk for an hour, and finally noticed something was wrong.
Chao Lu suddenly felt his mouth and throat go dry.
...
After Ruan Yu fell asleep, she quickly drifted off to sleep.
I was just sleeping when I had another dream.
She dreamed of her mother, who was bathing her.
The water was a bit cool in the summer. She was wearing a thin dress. The bathing process for noble ladies was actually quite complicated. There were several kinds of oils, including those for fragrance, massage, and moisturizing.
Ruan Yu also found it cumbersome, especially the massage one. Every time she used it, she had to take a small brush, made of some kind of bristle, probably pig bristles, and brush it carefully inch by inch.
It hurts a bit.
She cried out in pain, and her mother scolded her: "Everyone does this, they wish they could have it! If you don't endure the pain, how will your skin become smooth and delicate?!"
"What's the use of being delicate..." Ruan Yu often muttered to herself.
But she dared not say anything, afraid of upsetting her mother, and silently endured it all.
The grasslands are wonderful; they don't have these kinds of rules.
But now... Ruan Yu feels that feeling has returned.
She slept even more soundly, and naturally had no idea what was happening.
This time, the small brush isn't as hard or painful as the one from Chang'an.
But this feeling made Ruan Yu feel a little strange...
Inside the pitch-black tent, some were deep in sleep, while others were busy at work.
Only the birds on the branches outside fluttered away again.
This time, they didn't make any cackling noises.
It looks like she's shy.
The branches swayed back and forth, and the moon rose in the inky sky, but soon it hid behind the clouds again.
The grass on the grassland swayed gently, rising and falling like waves. Cattle and sheep cracked their whips, leisurely chewing their fodder, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility on the grassland.
In her dream, Ruan Yu couldn't help but reach out, trying to grasp something, but her fingertips only found emptiness. She tried to open her eyes, but the feeling of a nightmare enveloped her, and finally, she couldn't help but sob out loud...
-----------------------
Author's note: Here it comes! The deadline is the 31st, so I'll be posting as soon as I finish writing these next few days. There's no fixed schedule. I'll try to write as much as possible before the 30th.
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