Chapter 9 The lady took the initiative to pull his hand!!! The lady took the initiative to pull...
The thorn was a little deep.
After pulling it out, warmth surged up, and Ye Jindian saw that the back of his hand was also scratched, and a red line suddenly appeared across the white skin.
At first glance, it is even more vivid than black hair falling on white paper.
Alas, her husband's body is indeed more fragile than Liuli's, and he must be taken good care of.
She said to Zhang Min, "Let's first ask the neighbors to help us report this to the authorities."
It was too unsafe for the two of them if the thief stayed here.
Zhang Min reached out and wanted to take the candlestick she picked up.
Ye Jindian turned and dodged: "Your hand is still injured. Be careful not to spill the lamp oil and cause new injuries. I will go."
After taking two steps, she felt a little uneasy and looked back at him.
"I'll be back soon, just wait for me here, okay?" Her tone was soft and slow, as if she was afraid of scaring him by speaking loudly.
Zhang Min held his hand, which still had the warmth from her fingertips, and nodded blankly.
A good-looking person with a dazed look in his eyes isn't just stupid; he can be called "pitiable." Especially in a misty courtyard on a spring night, standing in a green shirt, staring straight at you, he can hold you back even more than a willow tree.
At least Ye Jindian felt reluctant to leave him here alone.
But thieves have to be watched.
She gently reminded him, "There's a smooth, polished shoulder pole in the corner. Use it for self-defense. If the thief breaks free, you can hit him, okay?"
Zhang Min nodded and followed suit. He turned around and took it and held it in his hand to reassure her.
Only then did Ye Jindian feel at ease to leave the yard and push the door to go to the neighbor's house.
As soon as the footsteps disappeared, two people appeared on the wall again.
Li Wuji: "Alas, the morals of the world are declining."
Gongsun Shuo: "Alas, people's hearts are no longer the same as they used to be."
The dignified Duke Dingguo, who followed the current emperor to conquer the world, actually pretended to be weak to win the heart of a beautiful woman. How depraved!
Zhang Min turned around and rolled his eyes at them: "If you really have nothing to do, just go to the government office and have someone arrest the thief."
It would also be better to let his wife sleep early.
Li Wuji refused to do so. "It's rare to see our Jade-faced General, who once wished he could cut off his face and transform into Shura, using this—" He gently patted his face, "a thin face that never changes no matter how much he treats it, to appease others. How can we not show our support?"
The word "thin-faced" sounded particularly meaningful when he said it.
Gongsun Shuo was not that unkind, but he also had a mischievous look on his face, as if to say, "I also want to stay and broaden my horizons."
Zhang Min narrowed his eyes, raised his foot to pick up a stone from the yard, kicked it in their direction, and added a word -
"roll."
The two of them dodged to the left and right and were forced to separate. They could no longer hug each other and laugh at him.
"Wow." Li Wuji patted his chest, his face full of exaggerated fear. "General, please show some mercy. Otherwise, if one of my men falls, I won't be able to explain it to my sister-in-law."
Zhang Min's ears twitched, and he heard hurried footsteps outside. He picked up the carrying pole and swung it around, forcing the two malicious bastards away.
"Husband."
Ye Jindian, who had just returned from a quick run, held onto the door hinge and took two quick breaths. The lamp oil in her hand swayed a bit, spilling some onto the compacted ground.
The ground suddenly became as shiny as a mirror, reflecting the moon in the sky.
The moon suddenly dimmed. It was Zhang Min who quickly put down his shoulder pole and strode over to help her. "Why are you in such a hurry? Be careful not to get a stitch in the side."
He held his arm across for her to hold on to, and reached out to pat her on the back, but after hesitating for a few seconds, he still clenched his fist and lowered it, just looking at her with concern.
Ye Jindian stood quietly for a few breaths, then she caught her breath. She raised her hand and gathered the shrunken candle flame to let it breathe as well.
She raised her eyes, smiled at Zhang Min and said, "I'm afraid that there's no one around, and you're alone facing the thief, and your heart..." She still took his face into consideration and changed the words, "...worrying about why I haven't returned yet."
This really touched Zhang Min's heart.
Luoying and Fufeng have not yet resolved the matter of Wulang next door. It is really unsafe for her to go there late at night even with the protection of secret guards.
He was indeed thinking about it.
Seeing the change in his eyes, as if he was really worried about this matter, Ye Jindian changed the subject and took his hand into the inner room: "Wulang has helped to report to the authorities. Husband, you don't have to worry about this matter anymore. I will apply the medicine for you first, okay?"
Hearing these words, Zhang Min felt as if a handful of mulberries were pressing down on his heart, and the juice that oozed out made his heart soaked with sour and sweet feelings.
But my wife gave him medicine...
He had an idea and glanced down at the hand that was holding his again. He pursed his thin lips to suppress his overly ostentatious smile.
——This is the second time the lady has held his hand.
Her hands were covered with calluses, which felt like roasted honey, thin and slightly hard; her fingers and flesh were distinct and strong, and she pulled him inside with an unquestionable yet gentle strength.
The four fingers that were being pulled were wrapped in her palm, feeling warm, dry and very comfortable.
He could even feel the pulsation of the veins in her palm.
"Dongdong-dong-dong"
Very calm and full of vitality.
He was almost immersed in the subtle feelings and unable to extricate himself.
Ye Jindian pulled him to sit on the wicker armchair in the inner room, found the medicine box for treating external injuries, and took out the ointment.
Afraid that her hands were dirty, she wiped them with a cloth before scooping out a little white, slightly cool ointment with her index finger. She bent down and blew on his wound, then applied it gently in circles.
Zhang Min seemed to be in some pain, and his fingers twitched suddenly as violently as a frightened white rabbit.
Ye Jindian held his wrist firmly, glanced up at the trembling thick eyelashes, and could not help but sweep her thumb over them soothingly, whispering softly, "It will be fine soon, just bear with it."
Her movements were gentler and slower, with her fingertips circling back and forth on the radial side of the index finger on the back of her hand.
Seeing that he had stopped struggling, Ye Jindian lowered her head in peace, no longer looking at how his expression was changing.
It was not until this moment, when she looked intently at the back of her hand under the lamp, that she realized that her handsome husband's slender and well-proportioned hands were also a rare treasure.
Even though there are some small wounds on it and a thin callus on the palm, the merits cannot be overshadowed by the flaws and the brilliance cannot be concealed.
At first glance, the whole hand looks like seal script, with even thickness, graceful lines, steady but not sharp; but once force is applied, blue veins suddenly stand out, and the joints and radius bones push against the thin flesh, revealing that the hand is hidden without leaving any trace.
Moreover, the overall direction of the protruding veins is like continuous mountains, revealing a wild and unrestrained style.
——It is completely different from the first impression he gives people.
Zhang Min was a little nervous when she looked at him, thinking that the marks on his hands were not handled properly and he was exposed.
He looked at her cautiously and asked, "What's wrong?"
As he leaned forward, he stretched his hands upwards and loosened them, and the blue veins and radius sank down, becoming dormant.
The evenly proportioned flesh and fair skin once again prevail, giving people the feeling of a weak scholar.
Ye Jindian blinked, thinking that she was probably too sensitive.
She shook her head gently and put the medicine away: "Be careful, don't get it wet or rub it anywhere else. Apply it for two or three days, and the wound will stop hurting."
"good."
Zhang Min held up his hands, pressed down one end with the upturned corners of his lips, and then the other end.
Ye Jindian looked at the easily satisfied smile and thought, she must be overthinking it. Her husband was such a gentle and elegant scholar!
At Luoying's urging, the soldiers from the Prime Minister's Mansion, belonging to his guard corps, quickly changed into the uniform clothes and black boots of the government office, came forward with swords in hand, and grabbed the still unconscious thief with great momentum.
According to convention, the leader must question the two people separately.
The subordinates looked at their prime minister's handsome face with drooping eyebrows, gentle and innocent, and they could not hold back any longer. They covered their faces with the book for a long time before moving away and asking questions seriously.
In fact, it wasn't too serious. The corners of his mouth couldn't be suppressed at all. It was just that he had his back to Ye Jindian, so he didn't reveal it.
"Okay." At the end, he suppressed his breath and smile, pretending nothing had happened, and warned, "If, if you have any questions, I will summon you again."
This was the first time he acted so arrogant and domineering in front of the Prime Minister. His subordinates couldn't control their lips at all. If they said one more word, they would die of laughter on the spot.
He quickly reached out and rubbed his face. Under the smiling, yet threatening gaze of his own prime minister, he tried his best to keep his expression steady. He waved his hand and spoke in a resounding, righteous voice:
"Collect the troops, take the thief back, and take him to the prison for trial."
Zhang Min: “…”
He wanted to discuss with His Majesty about replacing the palace soldiers.
When they went out, the leader's face was red and distorted. He was not careful and tripped over his left foot and fell out.
With a "dong" sound, he knelt firmly.
Ye Jindian heard a chaotic sound of scabbards rubbing against each other, and turned around in surprise, seeing the leader who had been so majestic just now half-kneeling on the ground.
“???”
"I'm fine." The leader raised his hand, sacrificing his own reputation to preserve the illustrious reputation of Jingzhao Prefecture's thief-catching officer. "I just happened to make my wife angry, so I punished myself by kneeling in front of the door. I haven't recovered yet, and my legs are a little weak."
The others could hardly hold it back any longer, so they quickly picked him up and ran away as if to escape.
Ye Jindian: “…”
She almost suspected that these people were imposters, but after thinking about it, she felt that it was not possible.
How could such a ridiculous thing happen under the feet of the emperor?
The next day, I went to the market to buy vegetables.
Upon hearing that the case had been solved and a notice had been issued, Ye Jindian went to take a look. Sure enough, it was consistent with what they had said last night, and her doubts were completely dispelled.
In the prime minister's residence, Zhang Min was scolding his subordinates until his mouth was dry and he wanted to pry open their brains to see what was inside.
"I usually tell you to read more, but it's not that you don't listen, but you only regret not having read enough when you need it, right? Ah!" He slammed the table, a look of disappointment on his face. "Do you want to listen to what nonsense you said last night? Is that the kind of nonsense a normal person would say in public?"
Whoever makes his wife angry, punishes himself and asks for forgiveness and says it so casually.
The subordinates were scolded so badly that they could not even raise their heads and could only accept the punishment.
They murmured, "Thirty lashes are good enough, and we can just study."
Those words were so cunning that they would jump out and hit their eyes as soon as they opened their eyes, making them dizzy and drowsy.
Zhang Min glared at them: "You don't study, and you think you're right?"
If they are framed by someone one day and can't even figure out what conspiracy it is, do they still want to live the rest of their lives in peace?
The subordinate pursed his lips, shut up and said nothing.
"And you—" Zhang Min turned his head and pointed at Luo Ying, "Why haven't you bought the courtyard next door yet? The evidence is solid that Wu Lang, who's from an unknown family, has committed a crime, but you can't even catch him. How did you manage to be a good official?!"
Strictly speaking, this matter is not the Prime Minister's private matter.
When it came to official business, even the lively and energetic Luo Ying didn't dare to joke around. She simply bowed her head, admitted her fault, and gave herself a deadline: "Within seven days, this man will be brought to justice. Please be patient, Your Majesty."
The Prime Minister cannot rest in peace.
Even as the world was first settled, turmoil continued. The present peace and tranquility felt more like a thin sheet of paper. Without a careful coating of tung oil, repeated drying and brushing, it would tear at the slightest prod, unable to withstand the slightest wind and rain.
But even if it is pasted with tung oil, it is still inevitable to be hit by wind and rain.
Your Majesty is wise and benevolent, and will not treat these meritorious officials unfairly. However, holding a high position is inherently dangerous, and with both new and old officials in the court, a struggle for power is inevitable.
He still had His Majesty's goodwill, but if these men made mistakes, His Majesty would not tolerate them. He only hoped that these people would be more vigilant and alert, and work more efficiently, cleanly and impeccably, and learn to open their eyes and see through all the cold arrows shot at them.
However--
Zhang Min looked at their silent, innocent, and clear eyes, which seemed to contain no trace of gloom, and sighed secretly: These things are indeed beyond the forte of his subordinates, and he was forcing them to do something beyond their ability.
He supported his forehead with his hands and rubbed his temples, taking two breaths to calm his somewhat anxious emotions, then waved his hand and let the group of people go back to do their work.
Luoying and the others looked at each other, wanting to say something but stopping themselves.
Fu Feng shook his head slightly and told them to just follow his orders. He raised the back of his hand and told them to go quickly.
After everyone had left, he comforted Zhang Min, "Prime Minister, don't worry. Your Majesty is a wise ruler and will not scheme against meritorious officials. Moreover, Your Majesty has always been nostalgic. When he was against the Shi family army in the past, he even spared him once because of a meal he had given him when they were young. How much more so, Your Majesty?"
"If you worry about Luoying and the others, there is no need to worry. As long as Fufeng is here, I will make sure they get out safely." He could not promise them high positions, generous salaries, and a life of glory, but he could still take them out safely and retire to the mountains.
Zhang Min patted his shoulder and said, "Among the four camps, Luoying is lively and popular, Cangying is too ruthless and unapproachable, and Xuanshun is smart and capable, but only listens to me and ignores others..." He sighed, "Before this old minister left, His Majesty was still restrained. For the time being, I'll rely on you to keep an eye on them for me."
"I will do my best."
*
Zhang Min was busy in the prime minister's residence until late at night before returning to the courtyard.
He first stood in front of Ye Jindian's door for a while, listening to the even and long breathing coming from inside and calming his mind, before returning to the inner room to sleep for two hours.
The next day at dawn, he got up to study and found that there was no water in the jar. He picked up the empty pole and planned to fill the jar.
Coincidentally, Ye Jindian also got up early.
She stood in the inner corridor, stretched her arms and legs, and listened to the crackling sounds of her bones, as if they were protesting that she had not moved them for a long time.
Just as he was about to take a bow step and stretch his muscles, he saw Zhang Min carrying a load and walking out.
She shuddered, and the mist in her mind dissipated instantly, leaving her as clear-headed as could be.
"Husband!" Ye Jindian hurriedly stopped him and asked, "Where are you going?"
The pale morning light fell on Zhang Min, casting a hazy, soft halo of moisture. The peach, apricot, and bamboo trees planted nearby dripped bean-sized drops of water from their leaves, wetting the hem of his clothes.
He turned around and gave her a gentle smile.
In an instant, the sky became a little brighter.
"Good morning, my lady. I'll go get some water."
Of course she knew he was going to fetch water, but the last time he went out, he came back in a mess, and he was frightened last night...
"How can this be possible? You're so—" She mumbled for a moment, swallowed the word "weak," and changed it to "Well, Sven, a serious scholar. Leave it alone, I'll do it."
She hurried around the inner corridor and walked into the courtyard, reaching out to take the burden.
Zhang Min: “…”
For some reason, I felt a little angry.
He turned away, not letting her snatch the burden away from him. "It's alright. Scholars are not rare. There's no need to be so pampered. Sharing household chores with my wife is my duty as a husband."
Ye Jindian: “…”
Where on earth could she find such a normal man with such good understanding?
Although she was relieved, she still didn't dare to hurt him more.
When she was closer, she could even smell the faint scent of medicine coming from him!
After thinking for a while, Ye Jindian became more firm, pressed his shoulders, and took away the burden: "But compared to heavy work like carrying water and chopping wood, I still prefer you to read quietly."
Fearing that one sentence wasn't enough, she added:
"My husband is handsome, but it would be out of place if he were to fetch water or chop wood. It would be more pleasant for him to read quietly."
Zhang Min: “…”
How could a lady like a useless person who only has a good appearance but can’t even pick water or chop firewood?!
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