Chapter 73: The Prime Minister scolded me for being a “weak scholar” and never showed mercy^^…
"Brother!"
Ye Jindian reached out and pulled him.
With a "swish", the sleeve she was holding broke in her hand, and the soft lavender fabric fluttered in the wind.
Everything happened in a flash, and it was too late for her to do anything else to save the situation.
My head suddenly buzzed, and I lost my hearing for a moment. My vision blurred, and I saw only a shadowy figure flicker, then, as if bouncing back from the bottom, I hooked my footrests and sat up straight.
Zhang Min reined in his horse and turned to look at her.
The light shone through the green gauze-like branches of the tall trees in the east, and it was mottled and pale, illuminating a slightly pale face.
His heart skipped a beat and he jumped off the horse without thinking, ran back a few steps, grabbed the reins and her hand.
"Tiantian?" He looked worried. "Are you okay?"
His words seemed to come from afar.
Ye Jindian's dry white mouth was torn open, but she could not speak. She just closed her eyes and rubbed her ears.
Fu Feng saw the accident and quickly rode over.
"Are you frightened, sister-in-law?" He dismounted, pulled out a bamboo box from his cloth bag, and handed it to Zhang Min. "Perilla water, ginseng slices, and malt sugar. Take a sip and you'll feel better."
Zhang Min took it.
After a while, the dizziness disappeared and Ye Jindian opened her eyes.
Zhang Min looked up at her and said, "Tiantian, would you mind getting off the horse and resting for a while?"
"Business is more important." Ye Jindian shook her head. "Let's go to the manor to test the crossbow first. I'll sit by and watch, and I can rest a bit."
This matter is not just about one person, so why should we delay others because of her?
Zhang Min pursed his lips tightly, slowly loosened his grip on her forearm, pulled out the bamboo tube and handed it to her.
"Then you can drink a couple of sips of the perilla water first to catch your breath."
Ye Jindian did not refuse and drank half a bottle of perilla water.
Zhang Min handed over another bag of malt sugar.
She also took out a pill from the box with the lid opened and put it in her mouth.
"That's it..." That's all.
There were still three words on his throat, but before he could utter them, Zhang Min, who had jumped onto the horse, pressed them back into his stomach.
Ye Jindian: "Brother, you——"
"If you're going to resort to some high-sounding rhetoric about Luofu being married and men and women not being able to touch each other, forget it." He gestured to Fufeng, signaling him to take his mount. "You look so pale right now; it's unsafe to ride alone. If Zhang Baishi can't even muster this much decency, then he's unworthy of being your husband. He's only fit to be a stinking, hard stone in the toilet."
If she were in danger, even if the person who came to her aid was his mortal enemy, he should feel lucky and grateful, nothing else.
Fu Feng: “…”
Li Hu: “…………”
The Prime Minister scolded him without mercy.
"Brother." Ye Jindian was helpless, "My husband is not that kind of person."
Zhang Min squeezed the horse's belly and said, "That's enough."
The horse raised its foot and stepped forward.
Ye Jindian leaned back and subconsciously stretched out her left hand to grab his forearm, but then she remembered something and quickly grabbed the pole with her right hand to steady her body and avoid bumping into him.
However--
The scene of that day emerged in her mind.
The beautiful husband was leaning on the windowsill with one hand and resting the other on her waist. He had broad shoulders, a narrow and strong waist, and a hot chest. The faint fragrance of apricot blossoms invaded his breath along with the damp rain vapor.
The only differences at this time are the weather and body odor.
Moreover, the spicy scent of pepper and angelica behind me seemed to be much weaker than before.
She moved her fingers, wanting to measure the size of the arm, but she sighed and suppressed this dangerous thought.
Even if there was only a slight chance, she didn't want to hurt either of them.
Let’s take another look.
*
There is water in front of the manor and mountains behind it, and there are large fields across the river.
They came from a country road on the side of the field, dismounted and held the reins to avoid trampling the farmers' crops.
Although this piece of land was awarded to Zhang Min by the emperor, many farmers were afraid of war breaking out again and did not want to return to their hometown, so they rented the land here to make a living.
The fields were filled with men and women wearing headscarves, bending over and busy weeding and catching insects.
The crowing of chickens and the chirping of birds in the woods, and the occasional barking of dogs, can be heard from the distant houses along with the gurgling of the water.
Ye Jindian and the others led their horses across the bridge and headed towards the back mountain.
Passing by the deep bamboo forest, with layers of dark shades, a clear stream runs through the side of the forest. The sunlight shines on the water, carrying boats and leaves, and the ground is bright green.
Walking through it, I felt extremely cool.
Beside him, a craftsman was carving a stone tablet. The sound of the metal and stone was very pleasant and not sharp.
A group of young ladies picking mulberry leaves and tea came from the opposite direction, chatting and laughing, with joyful steps.
They led their horses aside, clearing the forest path.
Suddenly, someone saw Zhang Min and Fu Feng, and rushed over, calling them "Grand Steward" and "Right Prime Minister" one by one, and stuffed them with a handful of purple mulberries soaked in cold stream water.
Ye Jindian, who was accompanying her, was also lucky enough to have a huge handful of food stuffed into her mouth, and she had to lift her clothes to receive it.
The girls' laughter, like silver bells, merged with the tinkling sound of running water and the melody of metal and stone in the woods.
It sounds really nice.
She moved aside silently.
It was the first time I saw someone bump into the "Right Prime Minister" instead of dodging him, which was a bit strange.
What was even more surprising was that a young lady in the group actually recognized her and called her "Miss Ye".
She looked in the direction of the sound and saw a strange face.
"Miss Ye, it's me." The stranger seemed to know about her amnesia and took the initiative to explain, "The ex-wife of Wulang next door, Xu Erniang."
It's her.
Ye Jindian remembered, but still didn't recognize the person.
They both asked in unison: "Why are you here?"
“…”
The two smiled at each other.
Xu Erniang covered her lips and smiled as she replied, "After Wulang and I divorced, your husband interceded with the Right Prime Minister on my behalf, allowing me to settle down here safely. He said someone told him that women are inherently strong, and it's not their fault if they meet the wrong man. Even without men, we can still survive on our own."
Ye Jindian subconsciously turned to look at Zhang Min.
Seeing her glance towards the Right Prime Minister, Xu Erniang continued, "Most of the sisters in this village are young ladies rescued from all over the place by the Right Prime Minister. The Right Prime Minister also said that he could fight and drive away the enemy who was eyeing us covetously, but he couldn't make a living for us. He only gave us a chance to make a living with our own hands."
Ye Jindian's brows jumped.
"But even if it's just this, we're very satisfied." Xu Erniang crossed her arms and bowed to her. "I haven't had the chance to thank you, sir, for this matter, so I'll have Miss Ye convey it on my behalf."
Ye Jindian withdrew her gaze, lowered her eyelids, and then raised them again.
She agreed gently, "Okay, I will definitely convey this to my husband on behalf of the Second Lady."
Xu Erniang asked her again: "Young Lady Ye and the Right Prime Minister came here, is..."
"I'm currently working as a craftsman in the Military Equipment Bureau, under the jurisdiction of the Right Prime Minister." Ye Jindian knew the seriousness of the matter, so she didn't reveal everything. Instead, she made up an excuse and said, "I came here to pick out some high-quality mulberry wood to make some bows."
The two chatted for a while longer.
Fu Feng had baskets hanging from his arms, and he finally persuaded the group of young ladies to leave.
Xu Erniang said she would not bother her anymore while she was doing her business, and after stuffing her with a handful of mulberries, she left with the group of chattering and lively young ladies.
There were so many mulberries that she had to bend banana leaves into the shape of a bamboo hat to hold them and free her wet hems.
After putting their things away, they continued forward, bypassing the mulberry forest and heading up the mountain.
There is an ancient and simple residence on the mountain, with doors on the north and south and windows on the east and west. The walls are thick but bright and transparent.
Ye Jindian took out a measuring rope and measured the height of the window: "It's the same height as the window sills of the houses in the city."
In this way, the error will not be large.
The waiting secret guards hid when they saw them arriving, and asked Fu Feng and Li Hu to test the crossbow. Ye Jindian was there to direct them on how to assemble the crossbow and the carrier into one and set it up on the windowsill.
The method was so simple and convenient that Li Hu became jealous.
His body trembled slightly with excitement, but his hand twisted the twister steadily, loading the arrow into the chamber: "Now, I can brag that I can easily pull the eight-stone crossbow!"
You know, there are not many people who can pull a bow to its full capacity of one stone, and to be able to pull a bow to its full capacity of three stones requires a person with natural supernatural powers; to be able to pull a crossbow to its full capacity of three stones requires a lot of practice, and to be able to pull a crossbow to its full capacity of eight stones requires a person of extraordinary courage, like the reincarnation of Lu Fengxian; if one can pull a crossbow to its full capacity of twelve or sixteen stones like the world-famous Wei Wuzu before unification, then he is a genius that can only be found in a thousand years.
Li Hu aimed at a tree as thick as his arm in the distance and activated the trigger.
"call out--"
The carrier and crossbow jolted back, piercing the tree trunk.
When he saw Li Hu for the first time, his body was shocked and his feet and legs went numb.
Looking at Ye Jindian again, the look in her eyes was no longer that of her sister-in-law, but of some god, filled with awe.
Zhang Min stepped aside to block the attack and ordered Fu Feng, "Go outside and see if the crossbow is concealed."
Li Hu: “…”
Tsk, such a stingy prime minister.
Ye Jindian walked around the stingy Prime Minister and looked at the wear and tear of the crossbow and the carrier, as well as the changes in the windowsill and sleepers.
She curled her lips and said, "The changes are effective. The loss has been reduced."
This way, the weapon will be much more durable.
Fu Feng also came back soon, with a bit of excitement: "We can only see the arrows, which is not an eye-catching thing. If we are ambushing in a high place, people below can't see it."
Zhang Min was also excited: "Okay!"
With this powerful weapon, we will not be afraid of fighting with the Beiwan people in the mountains.
Li Hu turned around and picked up the other two crossbows, urging Fu Feng: "Go, go, try this one!"
The power of a crossbow with a capacity of more than twelve stones is much higher than that of a crossbow with a capacity of eight to ten stones. The carrier stuck in the ground shook the stones and left a white mark. The two men could hardly hold it down, so Zhang Min reached out and pressed it down at the critical moment.
Li Hu rubbed his numb calf and said, "I think it's the shoes. If the crossbow can be installed, it's impossible that the aftershocks cannot be controlled."
Fu Feng also shook his sore hands: "Try again. It must be your first time using it, so you're not very skilled."
Ye Jindian: “…”
Among the three people, there is not a single one who is not stubborn.
The two tried again. Although Zhang Min didn't need to take action this time, the hands pressing on the carrier and the feet stepping on the carrier were indeed uncomfortable.
If they keep trying, they might have to treat injuries.
"For crossbows with a capacity of more than twelve stones, I will try to replace the wood of the carrier with jujube wood, and then discuss it with Miss Xie Er to see if the carrier can be improved." Ye Jindian took out a pen and paper and wrote down the problem.
Zhang Min comforted him, saying, "Just do your best. Being able to shoot the bow twice is already an advantage."
He has the initiative, that's enough.
*
That night.
The moon is dim and the stars are dense, and the courtyard is filled with cries of joy.
Outside the window, the branches on the eaves are dense and the sky is clear. There are two birds standing on the branches and sleeping soundly.
Xiao Huang didn't bark or make a fuss. He just lay down under the window and slept, silently accompanying his owner who was still awake.
After Zhang Min finished washing the clothes and dried her hands, she came back and saw Ye Jindian sitting on the windowsill, reading the notes in the night.
The lady's beautiful hair was slightly loose, and the loose hem of her dress flowed along the wall, with half of it dragging on the wooden board, piling up into a soft cloud.
He walked forward and stopped.
After Ye Jindian raised her eyes to look at him, she smiled and walked forward: "My lady, you seem to be particularly worried today."
Because——
Did you notice anything from what Mrs. Xu said?
Ye Jindian put away the notes, turned around and faced the window, but did not fall to the ground.
Zhang Min pressed down on the windowsill with one hand and pulled the back of her slightly cold hand with the other, rubbing it with his thumb in an attempt to warm it. When that didn't work, he gently pulled it up, rubbed it against his face, and then stuffed it into his neck to warm it.
"Summer nights are also cool." He moved closer, pressing his knees against the wall, wedging himself between her knees, and leaning over to look into her eyes, "Be careful of stomachaches."
Guishui is coming again.
She can't get cold.
Ye Jindian moved her fingertips and pinched his neck, making him turn red all over.
——His chest, his neck, his cheeks, the corners of his eyes and his earlobes all glowed a moist pink.
Zhang Min swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on the slightly dry lips. "Are you thirsty, madam? I'll go get you a cup of warm water to moisten your lips."
"Um."
Ye Jindian let go of her hand.
Zhang Min turned around to pour the peach and apricot scented tea, took a sip first, and then handed it to him when the water temperature was just right.
Ye Jindian drank it in one gulp.
"Do you want more?" Zhang Min raised his hand to wipe away the water marks on the corner of her mouth and reached for the cup. "Why are you drinking so quickly? Are you thirsty? Do you want some salt?"
Ye Jindian shook her head, but did not hand the cup to him. Instead, she held it high.
It was not yet late at night, and the atmosphere outside was still bustling and cheerful. A faint red light was visible at the end of the sky, and cheers were carried into the house by the wind, accompanied by the croaking of frogs and chirping of crickets in the courtyard.
Zhang Min looked up at her in confusion: "Madam?"
The wind picked up again.
Her hair poured into his chest, tightly wrapped around him like spider silk.
Ye Jindian lowered her head.
The two people's breaths were entangled, and the fragrance of peach and apricot was rich and overwhelming.
"My wife—"
His voice was a little hoarse.
Outside, a bang erupted, and brilliant white fireworks exploded, illuminating the clear blue night. Even the shadows of the dense green branches were visible. Two birds, neck-to-neck, shuddered and fluttered away. One after another. The fireworks continued to explode, adding a few more colors, a dazzling brilliance that fell like a shower of stars.
In the alternation of light and darkness, the peach blossom eyes saw their own reflection in the black eyes clearly.
She kissed the corner of his lips and said, "I'm not worried. I just think about you all day long."
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