Chapter 70 (First published on Jinjiang Literature City) (2+3 updates) Having a wife...
Ruan Yu did just that, throwing herself on top of him and punching him a few times, letting out a low laugh as she hit Lu's chest. After Ruan Yu finished hitting him, he took her hand in his and kissed it.
"Your mother's reply will arrive tomorrow, but unfortunately I won't be there. I'll have Afu deliver it to you."
Ruan Yu was taken aback, her expression softening instantly: "Really? Why didn't you say so sooner?"
"There are too many uncertainties on the road, and we might not be able to get there, so I didn't say anything to avoid disappointing you. Now that we're almost there, it doesn't matter anymore."
After hearing this, Ruan Yu lowered her eyes and said, "There's no need for us to be so distant. It doesn't matter if we lose it. Just tell me the truth."
Chao Lu laughed and said, "Okay, we'll talk about it next time."
Ruan Yu knew he probably wouldn't say it again next time, but she was still a little happier. She snorted and then tried to get off Chao Lu.
But suddenly the man's large hand reached out and grasped her slender waist. With a slight force, Ruan Yu was unable to move.
"What are you doing...?"
As she straddled Chaolu, a secret impulse suddenly rose within him—
"that's all."
"What do you mean?" Ruan Yu didn't understand his meaning at first, but when she met Chao Lu's increasingly deep and intense gaze, what else could Ruan Yu not understand?
"You...you can't even think about it!"
Although she's calmed down now, it doesn't mean she's willing to do "that" with him!
Chao Lu shifted his waist, but Ruan Yu suddenly let out a muffled groan.
It was hot, and the clothes were thin. When the fabric touched a certain spot, Ruan Yu's cheeks immediately turned bright red.
"What's wrong, Yu Yu?" Pian Chaolu asked rudely.
Ruan Yu gritted her teeth, "I want to go down."
But Chao Lu remained silent, his grip as firm as iron, preventing the man from moving an inch.
However, her vulnerable spots were firmly controlled and cruelly bullied.
Ruan Yu let out a sob and finally collapsed, but Chao Lu caught her in his arms, turned his head, and bit her earlobe.
Ruan Yu suddenly gripped the mattress beneath her.
The couple's intimate moments had indeed lost their former awkwardness, but this was still their first time, and Ruan Yu was still a little scared.
"Don't be afraid, I'll support you." Chao Lu was strong and could lift her with one hand, so this was no problem for him either. Ruan Yu was initially afraid, so Chao Lu steadily supported her until she gradually got used to it...
Chao Lu stared intently at her, not wanting to miss a single expression on Ruan Yu's face, until she could completely accept him.
Chao Lu couldn't help but let out a muffled groan, his eyes filled with an unyielding lust. That desire grew stronger and stronger, unfathomable.
Unfortunately, Ruan Yu didn't have much strength, and after a few moves she complained that she was very tired, her arms were sore and her legs hurt.
Chao Lu sighed and half-stood up to help her.
Even while suspended in mid-air, he moved with ease, but when Ruan Yu lowered her eyes, she inevitably saw something...
She bit her lip, her face flushed, and simply closed her eyes tightly.
"Yu Yu, open your eyes and look."
Chaolu didn't like her closing her eyes, so he half-coaxed and half-persuaded her.
Unfortunately, Ruan Yu refused.
Chao Lu was also helpless. He didn't dare to really use his strength. After thinking for a while, he could only hold the person and turn over again, changing to the position that Ruan Yu liked the most.
"Hmm!"
Caught off guard, Ruan Yu suddenly opened her eyes! Chao Lu chuckled, his figure blurring into an afterimage in her vision…
Ruan Yu quickly closed her eyes again, angrily leaving several fingernail marks on Chao Lu's back...
...
The next day, while it was still dark in the tent, the man got up as Ruan Yu was still half asleep.
He seemed to be kneading a spot he particularly liked again, and Ruan Yu, unable to bear it any longer, opened her eyes: "Aren't you leaving?"
Chao Lu chuckled: "You can keep sleeping. I'm leaving now. I'll be back at noon."
"Whatever you want." Ruan Yu remembered his wickedness, turned over and ignored him. Chao Lu was not discouraged. He leaned over and kissed her snowy back twice more before getting up and putting on his coat.
As soon as the wooden door creaked open, Ruan Yu drifted back into her dream.
I'm so tired.
By the time she had had enough sleep, it was almost 9 AM.
Ruan Yu called Xuan Niang in, lowered her eyes and instructed, "Chao Lu is going back to the grasslands today. Get ready and pack his luggage."
Xuan Niang asked in surprise, "How long will Fourth Master be gone?"
"It might only be two days. Prepare more food for the journey. The temperature difference between day and night is large recently, so make sure you have enough clothes too."
Xuan Niang smiled and replied, "You're so kind, Madam. I'll go right away."
Ruan Yu sighed softly; she was considerate.
It's also because I'm soft-hearted.
...
Early in the morning, Chaolu went to the yamen and loaded all the wheat seeds, a total of more than a dozen carts.
When it was time to depart, Pei Du came to see them off.
"I've troubled you a lot this time, Your Highness. You've helped me a great deal."
Although Chaolu no longer harbored the same hostility towards this man as before, their relationship wasn't particularly close either. He said in a businesslike manner, "Each takes what they need. Did you try out the plow? How was it?"
Speaking of this, Pei Du smiled. In fact, he had immediately ordered someone to make it that day, and originally intended to send it to Ruan Yu the next day. However, he did not expect that Chao Lu had the same idea as him.
The two made very similar things, so Pei Du saw no need to join in.
"We've already told the farmers to give it a try. If it works well, we'll start mass production."
Chao Lu: "Alright, let's go!"
Pei Du bowed and saw them off.
A dozen or so carriages stopped at the Wei residence. Chao Lu had only returned for lunch, and Turing had left with him this time. Charles wasn't going; it was too much trouble, and so many people weren't needed.
When Chaolu returned to his room, a table full of fine wine and food was already prepared. He chuckled and called out, "Yuyu."
Ruan Yugang returned from the study.
"You're back, let's eat."
She was holding a painting, and Chaolu knew that the painting about appreciating lanterns had been finished.
"Let me see?" He leaned closer.
Ruan Yu stepped aside: "It's not framed yet. We'll see it when you get back."
"You can't be that stingy, can you?"
Ruan Yu: "If you say that again, I really won't show it to you."
"Alright, alright..." The couple was about to part again, and Chao Lu didn't want to upset her, so he turned around and sat down at the dining table. A Fu helped him wash his hands, and Ruan Yu also came over.
"I've had Xuan Niang prepare your provisions and luggage. Is there anything else you need?"
Chao Lu shook his head: "I have everything I need. I'm sure there won't be any problems with what you've arranged. I'll just go directly. It won't take more than two days."
Ruan Yu didn't say anything, but during the meal, she still put a lot of meat that Chao Lu liked on his plate.
Before leaving, everyone saw them off at the gate of the house.
Chao Lu mounted his horse and said, "Go back, all of you! No need to see us off, it's not like we're going on a long journey!"
Charles: "Fourth brother, be careful on the road. You're too conspicuous carrying so much wheat."
"Okay, Third Brother, don't worry."
Ruan Yu didn't say anything, but watched him go. She smiled at Lu and then looked away.
"drive!"
The procession slowly disappeared into the distance.
Yuzhu yawned, seemingly a little sleepy.
Baoyin suddenly asked, "Sister-in-law seems unusually tired lately?"
Yu Zhu: "What? Can't I even handle spring drowsiness and summer fatigue?"
Bao Yin paused for a moment and lowered her eyes: "That's not what I meant."
Yu Zhu was indeed a bit tired and had no desire to continue shopping with Ruan Yu.
He turned around and went back to his own yard.
Ruan Yu glanced at Bao Yin and smiled, "Bao Yin, would you like to go for a stroll in the street with me? I still need to check out the shops."
Baoyin smiled and said, "Okay, thank you, Fourth Sister-in-law."
The storefronts are all built by professional teams. As long as Ruan Yu pays them and checks on them regularly, it doesn't take much effort at all.
However, when she arrived in the vicinity today, she unexpectedly encountered Pei Du, who was being paraded through the streets.
The other person also saw her and was slightly taken aback.
Now that they had seen it, they couldn't pretend they hadn't. Ruan Yu slowed her pace, and Pei Du dismissed the others and walked towards her.
"I have met the Khatun."
Ruan Yu smiled and said, "You're still so polite, sir."
Pei Du smiled and said, "The Fourth Prince should have returned to the tribe today, right? Is the Khatun out for a stroll to clear his head?"
"Hmm, while you're at it, take a look at my shop."
Pei Du paused for a moment, then looked up and asked, "Here?"
Ruan Yu smiled and said, "Yes, it's just a small-scale affair."
What kind of business are you planning to start?
Ruan Yu shared her plans with him.
Pei Du nodded: "The fact that the Trade Market Supervision Bureau is about to be established shows that the court also values this opportunity, which is excellent."
"These are all shallow opinions; the things that adults do are far more important."
Pei Du smiled and said, "There's no need to be self-deprecating; it's all good. By the way, I've already put the plow into use in the nearby villages and towns, and it's working well. We'll have the workshops mass-produce them after the spring planting season ends."
Ruan Yu nodded: "It is wonderful if it can benefit the people. You have worked hard, sir."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Ruan Yu took her leave first, and Pei Du didn't stop her, stepping aside to let her pass.
After Ruan Yu had walked a distance, Bao Yin suddenly turned back and glanced at her, then leaned close to Ruan Yu and said, "That Lord Pei seems to still be looking this way..."
Ruan Yu looked somewhat embarrassed: "Perhaps they're looking at something else."
Baoyin smiled and said, "Fourth Sister-in-law is right."
With nothing much to manage at the shop, Ruan Yu prepared to go to the cloth shop to buy a few more bolts of cloth.
Baoyin suddenly spotted a pharmacy not far away.
"Fourth Sister-in-law, I'd like to go and buy some herbs."
"Okay, go ahead, we'll meet up here in a bit."
Baoyin nodded.
The fabric shop was quite crowded and lively, probably because everyone was preparing for summer clothes.
Once spring plowing is over, it will get hot soon.
In a city as large as Lingzhou Prefecture, there are bound to be a few beggars. There are some near the entrance of the cloth shop, who will beg when young women and women come and go.
"Please, Madam, have mercy..."
Ruan Yu was always soft-hearted. Even though she knew some of it was just an act, she would always have Xuan Niang carry some loose change with her and give some to anyone she saw, treating it as a good deed.
Today was no different. Several beggars expressed their gratitude repeatedly, but one old woman suddenly raised her head and stared at Ruan Yu. Ruan Yu was just stepping past the entrance of the cloth shop and did not notice her gaze.
Although the old woman's clothes were a bit worn, her face was clean, and she didn't look like a beggar.
But she remained staring intently at Ruan Yu amidst the beggars, until Ruan Yu had completely disappeared inside, at which point she silently withdrew her gaze.
-
The weather on the grasslands is colder than in the Central Plains.
Chao Lu crossed the border of the Central Plains in just over two hours, and was immediately met with the cold wind from the northwest.
Afu: "Madam is so thoughtful, she even prepared warm clothes for you."
“That’s right.” Chao Lu said with a hint of pride, and simply draped Ruan Yubei’s thick cloak over his shoulders.
"It's great to have a wife. Yu Yu even prepared some pancakes. You can share them. Don't eat that awful jerky all the time."
Afu: "...Eh."
Chao Lu glanced at him again and smiled: "Don't worry, I'll have Yu Yu arrange something for you next year. You've been with me the longest and you're almost old enough to settle down."
Afu: "This servant is not in a hurry. It's alright to serve you for a few more years."
"Silly...getting married won't stop you from following me."
Afu smiled: "Alright, Your Highness, this servant will leave it to you."
Chao Lu nodded: "I'll make the arrangements when we get back!"
Since Hurile and Lady Qiu returned, the Chaha tribe has been arguing daily about deposing Dahadun.
Hurile gradually began to have headaches. During the day, his ministers tried to persuade him with their earnest words, but he was too lazy to listen. However, he went to Lady Qiu's place every night without fail.
In Hurile's own words, only Awan could bring him peace in this vast grassland.
Lady Qiu greeted him every day, but some of the other Haduns on the grasslands had their own opinions about it.
Now that Saren is under house arrest, more people are coming to Naren's place.
After all, they are sisters, and most of them wanted to sound out what the other person was saying.
However, Naren was no pushover and wouldn't let them see through her. So, these people would always leave exactly as they arrived, with Naren respectfully seeing them off in the same manner.
But when no one was around, Naren's people were also a little worried.
Naren had a hard childhood, and her aunts were not as well-off as her other aunts. Seeing that she had aged a lot, Naren respectfully called her Granny You.
"Hadun, you and Big Hadun are from the same branch of the tribe. We've been getting a lot of urgent letters from the tribe leaders lately, and they're getting more and more urgent every day. Why haven't you replied yet?"
Naren smiled and said, "Do you think the Khan is blind and incompetent? He's angry with my sister right now. Do you really think the Khan won't keep an eye on me? How naive you are."
"Then... will the location of Great Hadun be...?"
Naren lowered her eyes and took a sip of tea.
"Don't worry, it won't move."
Granny You's eyes flashed.
"Do you think I'm interested in that position?" Naren asked, puzzled.
"Of course not."
"What's so good about it? My sister has been in that position for so many years, but she has no status, no favor, and even her power... she's just a foil to the Khan."
Granny You hurriedly said, "Hadun, you mustn't say that..."
“I’m not wrong, I don’t think my sister is as comfortable as I am. By the way, how are things going over there? I’m going to go see my sister.”
After Naren finished speaking, a maid ran in and whispered a few words. Naren said, "Since everything is arranged, I'll go now."
...
Saren remained secluded in his own tent.
They were not short of food, clothing, or daily necessities.
She was already heartbroken. When Naren went over, she sighed, "Last time I saw you, you looked much older than before, and now you look even older. Sister, you should never treat yourself like this..."
"You've arrived?" Saren asked weakly.
"Why would the Great Khan let you come?"
Naren smiled and said, "Sister, you've always been so naive. Do you think I can't do anything if the Khan doesn't agree? You're my own sister. If things hadn't been so difficult a few days ago, I would have come long ago."
Saren sighed, "I'm sorry to have troubled you... How is Damu?"
Naren sat down on the edge of the bed: "He's fine, just as listless as you. He brought Una back."
Saren frowned: "How could he... sigh!"
"Sister, Damu is a very loyal and affectionate person, so please don't pressure him."
Saren's eyes were empty: "I wasn't forcing him, it's just... sigh, sister, you should understand my good intentions."
Naren lowered her eyes.
"My sister's plan failed when she sent people to Lingzhou last time."
At this point, Saren suddenly became excited: "You..."
"Shh..." Naren lowered her head.
"Don't worry, sister. We've been sisters for years, so of course I'll help you out. You know... you're so foolish, so stubborn, always fixated on Chao Lu... Don't you see who's really the one who changed everything...?"
Saren's breathing quickened: "Naren, you mean..."
"Sister, this is the last time I'll help you. Don't worry, I've made all the arrangements."
"But... what's the use?"
“Who says it’s useless…” Naren whispered, “You just can’t understand a man’s heart. Once a woman has him firmly in her grasp, his willpower will falter…”
A hint of confusion flashed in Saren's eyes; she didn't understand.
She never understood these things growing up. Her father had also told her that she was straightforward and single-minded.
When she saw Naren, a hint of unfamiliarity flashed in her eyes.
-
When Ruan Yu came out of the cloth shop, she was carrying quite a lot of things.
Qingguo was overjoyed, "Madam is preparing to make clothes for Fourth Master again, isn't she!"
Ruan Yu laughed and said, "There's no other way. I have a lot of clothes, but he has too few. I have to prepare some. Making clothes takes a long time, so it's better to prepare in advance."
As Ruan Yu spoke and laughed, she stepped out the door. Suddenly, a commotion arose at the door, and the crowd jostled together. Yang Chong immediately stepped forward to protect Ruan Yu, but Ruan Yu was still accidentally bumped by a woman.
After the other person straightened up, they immediately apologized: "I'm so sorry, Madam!"
Ruan Yu: "...It's nothing."
Yang Chong: "Another petty thief was just guarding this place, trying to steal something. Is Madam alright?"
Ruan Yu shook her head.
But when she touched the back of her neck, she felt as if she had been pricked by a needle.
But it wasn't a big deal, so she didn't take it to heart.
Baoyin also came out from the other side, "Fourth Sister-in-law!"
"Is it over, Baoyin?"
As soon as Bao Yin got close to Ruan Yu, her expression suddenly changed.
"Fourth Sister-in-law, you..."
Ruan Yu asked curiously, "What's wrong?"
Bao Yin circled around behind Ruan Yu, her brows and eyes suddenly darkening.
"It's nothing, it's nothing..."
Ruan Yu said, "Alright, let's go back then. The market is too noisy."
Baoyin: "Okay, let's go back."
-
As soon as the carriage stopped at the gate of the courtyard, Ruan Yu heard cheerful voices coming from the other side.
A young maidservant rushed in to announce the good news—
"Fourth Madam, Third Madam is pregnant!"
Ruan Yu was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and asked, "Really?"
"Really! The doctor just diagnosed it today!"
Bao Yin was also taken aback: "How long has it been?"
"The doctor said that the pulse diagnosis was early, but it was basically confirmed. Third Master was overjoyed!"
Ruan Yu: "It's good news. Please congratulate my third sister-in-law on my behalf. I'll change my clothes later and go to offer my congratulations in person."
"Fourth Madam, there's no need to worry. My Third Madam is always very tired and should be sleeping right now."
Ruan Yu glanced at the house across the street: "Okay, I understand. You can go ahead and do your work."
The young maidservant bowed and then happily went home.
Baoyin seemed to be deep in thought.
"Fourth Sister-in-law, I'll go back first to see you."
Ruan Yu nodded: "Then please give my regards."
Baoyin smiled and said, "Don't worry, Fourth Sister-in-law."
After returning to her room, Ruan Yu instructed Xuan Niang and Qing Guo to put away all the fabrics she had bought, and then went to her study.
If Chaolu doesn't come back today, she'll be bored staying alone in the inner room.
As it was getting dark, Xuanniang brought over dinner.
"Madam, shall I go in?"
After a long while, there was no response from inside.
Xuan Niang was puzzled and called out again, "Madam?"
Still not.
Asleep? No, that doesn't seem right either.
Xuan Niang finally pushed open the door and entered. The room was quiet. Ruan Yu was lying on the table, seemingly asleep.
Xuan Niang smiled, a hint of heartache flashing in her eyes.
Although the lady doesn't usually say it, she's always worried about things outside, and she must be tired.
The letter from Chang'an had just arrived, and she brought it over along with dinner. Knowing that Ruan Yu must be anxious to read it, she went up and gently patted her on the shoulder.
"lady?"
"Madam? A letter from Chang'an has arrived."
When Xuan Niang called out for the third time, she suddenly realized that something was wrong.
Her expression changed, and she reached out to probe.
"Madam, Madam?!"
Startled, Xuan Niang took two steps back and immediately ran out—
"Help! Help! Something's happened to the lady!"
…………
Pei Du finished a busy day at the government office and was finally able to get into his carriage to rest.
There was not a single person in the pitch-black city.
Until the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from not far away—
"Who goes there!"
Liu Yun immediately drew his sword.
The man opposite dismounted and bowed, saying, "I am Yang Chong!"
Pei Du was taken aback: "Liu Yun, step down."
The carriage curtain was lifted, and Pei Du frowned: "What's the matter so late at night?"
Yang Chong gritted his teeth: "If I had no other choice, I would not have troubled you, sir. My wife suddenly fainted today and has not woken up yet. The grassland herdsman said that it may be a kind of poison from the Central Plains. The only thing we can do in the whole Lingzhou is to trouble the physician by your side!"
Pei Du was greatly alarmed!
"Get a doctor immediately!"
Liu Yun turned and left.
"Tell me in detail, how did this sudden incident happen!"
Yang Chong: "My wife and I went out today. Apart from a brief encounter with a woman at the entrance of the cloth shop, there was no one else around. It seems that she is the most suspicious! But the grassland veterinarians are indeed helpless."
Pei Du frowned: "I will go with you!"
Yang Chong made the decision to seek Pei Du's help, but at this point, he really had no better solution.
When His Highness returns, he will surely ask to be punished.
-----------------------
The author's note: My daughter is alright; this is to pave the way for the mystery of her background later on.
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