Chapter 54, first published on Jinjiang Literature City (2-in-1): "I want you to feed me..."
The group traveled south and arrived in Lingzhou about two days later. Before leaving for Chaolu, they had arranged a place for them to stay.
Two residences located outside Lingzhou Prefecture City occupy a street in the vicinity. One belongs to Chaolu and Ruanyu, and the other to Chaer and Yuzhu.
Yu Zhu had no objection to this. She wasn't used to living under the same roof with others anyway, so being separated was exactly what she wanted. She just hoped the mansion would be bigger, and preferably separate Bao Yin from it as much as possible.
"I said, couldn't you wait until you get to Lingzhou to do all this? Why do you have to do it in the carriage?" Yu Zhu, who was in the same carriage as her, could no longer bear it.
Baoyin looked up and smiled, "Sister-in-law, these herbs are all fresh. They must be crushed and used in medicine within twelve hours of being picked to maximize their medicinal effects. I'm sorry, sister-in-law, is the smell too unpleasant?"
Yuzhu: "You still know that? I can't take it anymore, I'm going to your brother's place."
Baoyin paused for a moment, then timidly agreed.
But Yuzhu couldn't stand Charles's carriage either. Charles would fall asleep as soon as he got in, as if he hadn't slept in ages. Yuzhu kicked him and said, "What were you doing before we set off! You're so sleepy!"
Char yawned: "I didn't want to either. Before we set off, I stayed up for two nights in a row, discussing our trip to the Central Plains with my father and fourth brother. The night Karl had his accident, I only managed to close my eyes for an hour..."
Yu Zhu said disdainfully, "Isn't Chao Lu the same as you? I've never seen anyone else like you!"
“Chao Lu is an iron man, but I am not,” Charles said dismissively.
Yu Zhu felt a bellyful of anger with nowhere to vent it until the carriage arrived in Lingzhou and Ruan Yu invited her to ride with her. Only then did Yu Zhu feel a little better.
"It's still best to stay here with Fourth Sister-in-law." As soon as Yuzhu got into the car, she couldn't help but start complaining. After a long rant, she finally remembered to ask Ruan Yu, "I heard from Fourth Brother that you weren't feeling well. Are you sick?"
Ruan Yu smiled and said, "I've had my period and it seems I've caught a slight cold, but it's nothing serious. I'll be fine after a couple of days of rest."
As a woman herself, Yuzhu empathized and nodded.
Chaolu rode his horse to the window: "We'll be in Lingzhou soon. Father Khan's idea is still that we conceal our identities for now. We can go to the government office to negotiate, but you can stay at home..."
Ruan Yu: "I understand, I've noted it all down." The family still traveled under the identities of Wei Jun and Ruan An'an. As for Cha Er and Yu Zhu, they were their cousins, both merchants from Liangzhou.
Chao Lu nodded: "We've arrived just ahead."
The carriages came to a stop one after another, and the surroundings seemed very quiet.
Ruan Yu and Yu Zhu got off the carriage together. It was indeed a quiet alley with two houses facing each other. Yu Zhu's eyes lit up immediately: "I've heard about these houses in the Central Plains before, but I've never lived in one!"
Baoyin and Charles also got off the carriage. When Baoyin saw them, she bowed and whispered "Brother." Charles nodded.
"Chaolu, you've found a good place!" Charles stepped forward with a smile. Chaolu smiled back, "It's alright. Third Brother doesn't look too well?"
"Much better, I won't miss any important business this afternoon."
"Okay, let's settle down and rest for a bit first."
Afu directed the servants to carry the luggage inside, and Xuanniang and Qingguo accompanied Ruanyu into the house.
What Ruan Yutong and Yuzhu said earlier was true; she discovered that her period had started while she was still on the road yesterday.
Ruan Yu's menstrual cycle has always been irregular, so she was a bit flustered. Fortunately, Xuan Niang was prepared and settled in Lingzhou today.
"Please rest, Madam. I'll tidy up the bedroom first, and then I'll make some brown sugar ginger soup."
Ruan Yu agreed and slowly moved back to her dormitory.
The environment here was much better than she had imagined. Every brick, tile, and piece of furniture showed the taste of the previous owner, who must have been rich and noble. She didn't know where Chaolu had gotten in touch with him.
"The bedding in the bedroom has all been changed to new ones. Fourth Master must have had someone clean it beforehand." Xuan Niang came in carrying a mattress: "Madam, please rest." Since leaving for Lingzhou, the servants have all changed how they address her.
Ruan Yu hummed in agreement and leaned back on the couch.
"Yu Yu." Chao Lu walked in shortly after and immediately saw Ruan Yu leaning against the couch, looking listless and not in a good mood.
Chao Lu hurried over: "Yu Yu, are you still feeling unwell?"
Chao Lu naturally knew that Ruan Yu had started her period yesterday. He had been pestering her all night, and now he seemed even more uncomfortable seeing her. His brows were so furrowed that they could almost trap a mosquito.
"I'm fine..."
Chao Lu didn't believe him: "Why don't we ask a doctor to come and take a look?"
Ruan Yu said helplessly, "Really, it's not necessary. This is perfectly normal."
Xuan Niang came over, smiling as she handed Ruan Yu a cup of hot water and then stuffed the freshly filled hot water bottle into Ruan Yu's quilt.
"Fourth Master, this is how Madam is on the first day of her period, but it gets better in the following days."
Chao Lu: "If it's always like this, why don't you find a doctor to treat it?"
Xuan Niang smiled and said, "This servant will take it to heart."
Ruan Yu felt much better after holding the hot water bottle: "Okay, you can go ahead and do your work. I want to sleep for a while."
Chao Lu quickly tucked the blanket around her: "Alright, there are two cooks in this house, and your favorite chef has come along too. Just have them make whatever you want to eat. I have to go out with my third and sixth brothers in a bit, and I'll be back this afternoon."
Ruan Yu nodded in agreement.
After Charles returned, he washed up and changed his clothes, looking much more refreshed. Yu Zhu immediately went to take a bath. When Charles came out, Bao Yin was in the outer room.
"What are you doing here? Go back to your room and rest."
Upon hearing this, Baoyin turned around and smiled at him: "Brother, you don't seem to be in good spirits. I just made some brain-boosting pills with mint. You can carry them with you and you'll feel better."
Charles took a deep breath, and sure enough, there was a hint of mint in the air, which invigorated him.
He smiled and said, "Okay, thank you for your thoughtfulness."
Baoyin smiled slightly and put down the sachet in her hand: "By the way, I also made one for Fourth Brother and Sixth Brother, but I'm not sure if they want it... I don't dare to go, brother, please deliver it for me."
"good."
Baoyin left after she finished speaking. Charles watched her retreating figure thoughtfully. She was just a tabby cat from the countryside, so timid in trying to please people. Yuzhu was really a bit aggressive on the road.
The reason for choosing Lingzhou as the location for this trip is that the imperial court's Protectorate is to be built here, which means that Pei Du is also in the Lingzhou government office. His last trip to Liangzhou was just a side trip during his inspection.
Lingzhou is much larger than Liangzhou, so it's understandable that they chose this location.
The Chaha tribe had officially sent a letter to Lingzhou Prefecture when they set off, and Pei Du was already aware that people from the grasslands were coming.
This morning, Pei Du was somewhat absent-minded.
Could it be them?
Liu Yun suddenly strode in from outside: "Sir, Prefect Zhao said that people from the Chaha tribe have arrived. It seems that there are three, four, and six Taijis. There are quite a few people."
Pei Du slowly raised his eyes.
really.
I wonder if she came along.
Chao Lu was in a bad mood while sitting in the government office, but of course he wouldn't show it.
He came to the Central Plains this time as a Taiji (a high-ranking official), so even if we meet, we will only discuss serious matters...
"Gentlemen, this is the Prefect and Lord Pei, who is in charge of the Protectorate this time."
Chaolu, Charles, and Turing all stood up and bowed deeply to each other. Chaolu looked at the person in front of him, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
...
After Chao Lu left, Ruan Yu slept in her room for a while, and when she woke up, her abdominal pain had subsided considerably.
"Madam is awake? The bird's nest soup in the kitchen is ready, shall I bring it in for you?"
Ruan Yu: "Okay."
She slowly got up, took a moment to feel herself, and found that she didn't feel particularly uncomfortable. So she got up and prepared to take a stroll in the courtyard.
Not long after she got up, Qingguo came over to say, "Madam, the Third Madam and Miss Baoyin have arrived."
Ruan Yu was taken aback for a moment, then invited them in together.
Yuzhu had already bathed and changed her clothes, and looked radiant.
"Sister-in-law!"
Ruan Yu smiled and said, "Third Sister-in-law looks so beautiful in the clothes from the Central Plains!"
Yu Zhu twirled around: "I didn't expect this either. This is the first time I've worn this. Thank you, sister-in-law, for giving it to me."
Baoyin also changed her clothes, and Ruanyu was a little surprised when she saw her: "Little sister looks very pretty too."
Baoyin smiled and said, "Not as good as Fourth Sister-in-law and Sister-in-law."
Yu Zhu ignored her and pulled Ruan Yu aside: "The reason I came here this time is because I really long for the Central Plains. Will you take me out shopping? I heard that the New Year celebrations in the Central Plains last until the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. The streets should still be very lively now!"
Qingguo glanced at her, somewhat displeased. Didn't she know that her mistress wasn't feeling well? The Third Madam was always so willful.
Ruan Yu: "I'm sorry, Third Sister-in-law, I'm afraid I really can't go out for the next two days. I'm always like this when I have my period, I feel very tired. How about in a few days? There's no rush, Third Sister-in-law?"
Yuzhu: "Oh... I forgot again. Okay, then let's do it in a few days!"
Baoyin suddenly asked, "Is Fourth Sister-in-law feeling unwell during her period?"
"Yeah, a little."
Baoyin: "I know a little about medicine. If you trust me, I'll bring you some medicinal incense in a little while. You can light it and smelling it will make you feel much better."
"You know about this?" Ruan Yu was genuinely surprised.
Yuzhu glanced at her: "Is this how you won over Mother? When Mother had a headache, she used your medicinal fragrance?"
Baoyin lowered her eyes: "Mother's use of incense does indeed relieve a lot of discomfort."
Yu Zhu snorted.
Seeing that the atmosphere was not right, Ruan Yu quickly said, "Okay, bring it over in a bit and I'll try it. Oh, by the way, I also have a gift for you, some green fruit."
Qingguo turned around and went inside to get it.
Bao Yin smiled gratefully at Ruan Yu.
"What's this?!"
Yuzhu looked at the gift for a long time after receiving it.
Ruan Yu smiled and said, "These are all things for young girls, such as round fans, sachets and purses. Girls in the Central Plains like these. I thought that since my third sister-in-law and younger sister have just arrived here, they might not pay attention to these details, so I prepared an extra set for you."
Yuzhu liked it very much: "Thank you so much, sister-in-law, it's really beautiful!"
Baoyin was also pleasantly surprised: "Thank you, Fourth Sister-in-law."
"You're too kind," Ruan Yu said with a smile.
She politely declined Yuzhu's invitation to go out. Not long after, Yuzhu left. Ruan Yu didn't want to worry about whether she would take Baoyin shopping with her.
Qingguo took the tea away: "This Miss Baoyin seems quite honest."
Ruan Yu: "I don't know or comment on it, I'll just maintain the relationship."
"Yes, that's right."
At dinner, the small kitchen prepared black-boned chicken and red date soup, white fungus and lily porridge, as well as a plate of stir-fried greens and bamboo shoots. Finally, braised pork belly was prepared for Chaolu. As darkness fell, Chaolu returned on horseback.
"Jade."
Ruan Yu leaned against the soft couch, holding a hot water bottle in her arms.
"My husband is back."
After entering the room, Chaolu took off his cloak, sniffed it, and said, "We're having braised pork tonight. I like it."
He didn't know when it started, but his tastes gradually became more like those here. He ate whatever Ruan Yu ate, without being picky. He stopped eating those simple boiled bones that he used to eat.
"Let's eat." Ruan Yu lifted the quilt, preparing to get up. But Chao Lu rushed over instantly, squatted down before her, and specially put on her shoes.
Ruan Yu was taken aback.
"Let me carry you over." Chaolu stood up.
Ruan Yu: "No need!"
It's just a few steps! Absolutely not!
Chao Lu leaned forward and asked, "Aren't you feeling better? Can I touch you?"
Ruan Yu: "...I don't feel bad anymore, I won't feel bad forever."
"But I can smell blood."
Ruan Yu pushed him away, ignoring his words, smiled at Lu, and followed her to the dining table.
Chao Lu enjoyed the dinner very much, and Ruan Yu noticed it too.
"Did the talks at the government office go smoothly today?"
"Can you tell? Not bad."
Ruan Yu became completely interested: "Could you tell me more about it?"
Chaolu gave her a deep look and told her about the conversation at the yamen.
"The local officials are quite clever, aren't they? They agreed without much thought. The next step is to discuss the details. By the way, regarding the agency you mentioned, they proposed calling it the Mutual Market Supervision Bureau, with two officials in charge of trade between the two ethnic groups."
"Mutual Market Supervision..." Ruan Yu nodded: "That's a good name. It's great that they're willing to cooperate. After all, this is something that benefits the people of both countries. So, what are the next steps?"
Chao Lu: "Let's discuss it again tomorrow. The Protectorate is under renovation, and that Pei guy seems to be planning to rebuild the Great Wall."
When Pei Du was mentioned, Chao Lu looked at Ruan Yu.
Ruan Yu remained expressionless and placed a piece of meat on his plate: "This is the Emperor of Chang'an's business, we won't interfere."
Chao Lu curled his lips and leaned in before she put down her chopsticks: "I want you to feed me."
Ruan Yu paused for a moment, a hint of helplessness flashing in her eyes.
"Eat up." She held the chopsticks to Chaolu's lips, and Chaolu ate with satisfaction.
After the meal, Qingguo and Afu came in to clear away the dishes, and Afu brought in hot water.
Ruan Yu: "I took a bath during the day, you go take a bath, I'll soak my feet in hot water."
Chao Lu glanced at it and said, "Okay, wait for me."
Ruan Yu asked, puzzled, "What are you waiting for me for?"
"I want to soak my feet too, it's freezing."
"..."
Chaolu rushed to the bathhouse and washed his hair and took a bath in one go.
Ah Fu was tending the charcoal brazier: "Fourth Master, the fire in the brazier isn't warm yet."
"Go away, when have you ever seen me afraid of the cold? Go and rest, don't worry about me."
Ah Fu had no choice but to agree.
Chao Lu washed very quickly, and when he returned, he startled Ruan Yu.
"You're so fast! Did you even wash properly?!"
Chao Lu leaned closer: "Don't believe me? Check it out, smell it?"
Ruan Yu pushed the person away in disgust.
Chao Lu snorted: "I washed up and changed before leaving, so I'm not dirty. The bathroom was too cold, and the charcoal brazier wasn't burning properly. It's much warmer here..."
Afu: "..."
Ruan Yu: "Fine, whatever you say."
She was soaking her feet in a wooden tub filled with herbs, steaming hot. Ruan Yu's small feet were dangling in the tub, the insteps like peeled lychees, the water like dewdrops on the lychee flesh, inexplicably alluring.
Without hesitation, Chaolu moved a small stool over and sat down opposite her.
"what you do--"
Before Ruan Yu could finish speaking, Chao Lu shoved his big foot in as well. Because it was so big and he did it so forcefully, water splashed up, and both of their calves and ankles got wet.
"I soak my feet too, didn't I just tell you?"
"Can't you just get another basin!"
The basin was only this big. As soon as Chao Lu put it in, Ruan Yu felt as if her feet were being stepped on and she couldn't move at all.
"This is such a hassle, I'd better finish washing up and go to bed sooner." Chao Lu said, and started moving around.
Ruan Yu blushed, her gaze sweeping over the maids and servants, all of whom lowered their heads.
She gritted her teeth: "All of you step back. Leave this to Fourth Master."
The last few words were deliberately emphasized, and everyone responded with a "yes".
Chao Lu chuckled softly, "I'm not afraid. It's just pouring out some foot bath water."
Ruan Yu: "...Shut up."
Chao Lu stopped talking and just did it.
He stepped lightly on Ruan Yu's feet, finding them incredibly soft and delicate.
"Yu Yu, I won't use too much force, I'll rub it for you."
Ruan Yu refused and immediately tried to pull it back, but unexpectedly, Chao Lu exerted a little force and she couldn't move.
Her ankle was gripped by the man's large hand. Chao Lu's voice was a little hoarse: "I'm a very good massager, you've tried it before."
What massage?! Ruan Yu thought of what happened in the carriage and just wanted to slap him.
It's more like they're taking advantage of us!
However, probably knowing that she was not feeling well, Chao Lu really stopped there, giving her a good massage and kneading, without doing anything else excessive.
Ruan Yu was ticklish, and she giggled halfway through when she was tickled. Chao Lu immediately let go of her, taking great care of her feelings throughout.
Gradually, Ruan Yu stopped resisting.
It wasn't until the basin of water had cooled down that Chao Lu took a handkerchief and wiped her down. Then he helped her put on her stockings, wiped himself down haphazardly, put on his shoes, and picked Ruan Yu up.
He tucked it into the blankets.
Then the man turned around and went out to pour water and tidy up, busying himself for a long time.
When Chao Lu returned, Ruan Yu tried to move to the outside: "I might have to get up in the middle of the night to change my menstrual pad, you sleep inside."
"No need."
Chao Lu suddenly hugged the person around the waist and pushed them further inside. "Call me when you get up, I'll go with you. It's very dark, what if you fall? I like it when you sleep inside, I hold you, it's so nice."
Ruan Yu didn't know what this strange habit was, but Chao Lu did like to sleep with his arms around her, and she liked it too, it made her feel very safe.
The two reached an agreement and then rested.
Suddenly, Chao Lu smelled something.
"What does it taste like?"
Ruan Yu then remembered: "Oh, Bao Yin came during the day and brought some incense, saying it would help relieve menstrual discomfort. I used it and it was quite effective."
Chaolu lowered the bed curtains to block out the smell and leaned closer: "I like your smell. If you're feeling unwell, I'll warm you up."
His large hand suddenly covered Ruan Yu's lower abdomen, warm and comforting, which made Ruan Yu feel much more comfortable.
It seems to be even more effective than that incense.
Ruan Yu gradually recovered from her fatigue, and drowsiness began to wash over her.
Chaolu habitually hugged her from behind, pecking at her ear intermittently, until she gradually fell asleep.
She was feeling unwell, and at that moment he truly had no other thoughts on his mind.
...
The eastern courtyard was peaceful, but the western courtyard was somewhat restless.
Most of the drinking and socializing today fell to Charles, who is good at it. Although he washed up when he got back, there was still a smell in his room.
Yuzhu looked disgusted and moved further inside.
Charles would never force a beauty, but for some reason today, after seeing Yuzhu, a fire suddenly burned in his eyes. He grabbed her, pulled her, and pinned her down.
"Charle, what are you doing!"
Charles stared at the jade bead and suddenly kissed it.
Yuzhu was stunned for a moment.
In fact, her and Charles's marital relations have decreased a lot in the past two years. Yu Zhu is proud. When she first married Charles, he treated her like a treasure. However, Charles always liked to flirt with pretty girls outside. Although he would not actually do anything, it made Yu Zhu very uncomfortable.
No matter what, she was the most beautiful woman in Arshan, so of course she couldn't stand her husband's gaze falling on other women. Gradually, their relationship wasn't as good as before.
Charles reeked of alcohol, and Yuzhu was reluctant to do "that" with him, showing some resistance.
But Charles was very fierce tonight. He suddenly grabbed Yuzhu's wrist and raised it above his head.
"Zhuzhu, don't be so cold to me. Do you know that Qiqige is pregnant?"
Yuzhu was stunned for a moment.
"When? How come I didn't know?"
"You don't know because your second brother doesn't want to make a fuss. Your second brother is about to become a father, and we've been married for two years. Have a child for me."
Yu Zhu: "...My elder brother and sister-in-law haven't arrived yet...what's the rush?"
"Do you think your elder brother and sister-in-law don't want it? They still have to be able to get it."
Jade Pearl: "?"
There were many implications in those words, and she wanted to ask more questions, but Charles suddenly pressed her down.
Yuzhu was no match for a grown man, and moaning sounds came from inside the tent.
Turing lived with Chaolu in the East Residence, each in a small courtyard.
It was late at night, and there was no one there.
All that could be heard were the cawing of crows outside.
Turing looked up at the water clock, then suddenly got up and walked out.
A moment later.
In a secluded spot at the end of the alley, a man in black stood respectfully before Turing.
"Young Master, I am incompetent and could only kill Gerru. Taren was not poisoned."
Turing was dressed in black, showing no trace of the cheerful young man he was during the day.
“It’s not your fault. Taren is very cunning. You did a good job killing Gerru. But this matter is not over... Karl is definitely not peaceful right now. You must go there immediately. You know my purpose.”
"Yes, please rest assured, young master, I will do my utmost to prevent Taren from taking the position."
"Hmm." Turing suddenly took something from his pocket and put it in his hand.
"This is a new formula developed by Little Iris that can cause hallucinations. Use with caution..."
"Understood!"
After accepting the item, the man in black disappeared in a few leaps.
The boy stood still for a moment, then slowly turned around. Suddenly, his eyes caught sight of a dark figure not far away, and almost instantly, the hidden weapon in his hand shot out—
"come out!"
-----------------------
Author's Note: Big Dog's Diary
Seeing Pei, whom I dislike, made me unhappy, but after eating braised pork and being fed by Yu Yu, I was happy.
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