Wind rises in the west
The snow and wind in the western mountains have gradually subsided, but the warmth of the charcoal fire still lingers.
The turmoil caused by the emperor's serious illness was suppressed by the news that the imperial hospital had "temporarily stabilized" the situation, but the shadows of "severe damage to vital energy" and "empty succession" gnawed at the nerves of the capital like a cold fog in early spring.
The Shen family closed their doors to visitors in the Western Hills, using the excuse that the mistress was taking a break from the cold, which allowed them a moment of peace and quiet.
However, with the year of the Nko competition approaching, this tranquility was finally broken.
As spring melted the snow, several renowned scholars visited the Shen family's villa one after another, with a clear objective—the twelve-year-old prodigy, Little Stone, was finally granted the official name Shen Yu by the scholars to participate in the imperial examination.
"My lord, my lady! Your son is a prodigy! He has a thorough understanding of the Four Books and Five Classics, and his insights into policy essays far surpass his age!" An old scholar was so excited that his beard trembled. "He took the imperial examination at the age of twelve. This was not forced; it was a natural progression!"
"A rough gem should be carved early! Missing this year's examination would be a great loss to the literary world!" The headmaster of the academy also strongly advised.
Upon hearing the praise, Shen Yan's lips curled into a slight smile, his heart filled with immense pride. He naturally knew of Xiao Shitou's strength.
But when he heard that he would be taking the exam in his hometown of Kaoshan Village in Qingzhou, and that Ling Zhan would definitely accompany him, his smugness instantly froze.
No! The lady is actually taking Little Stone and leaving the capital!
Kaoshan Village—atop that mountain peak, was Ling Zhan's most carefree world, where he gathered herbs and practiced martial arts, utterly unrestrained. How could the gilded cage of the capital, filled with intrigue and backstabbing, compare to the freedom of the mountains and fields? What if she…finds it boring and lingers a little longer? Even…” Shen Yan dared not delve deeper. The days without Ling Zhan felt like her backbone had been ripped away; that long-lost, utterly lost panic, like when she was homeless, began to gnaw at her relentlessly.
He was used to her aloof aura and her powerful presence; he couldn't bear to be apart from her for even a moment!
After seeing off the great scholar, only three people remained in the hall.
“Mother, what the teachers said…” Little Stone’s eyes were clear and filled with longing.
"What do you think?" Ling Zhan asked.
"I want to give it a try," Little Stone nodded earnestly.
"Okay." Ling Zhan nodded, turned to Shen Yan, and was about to start arranging the itinerary.
"lady!"
Shen Yan suddenly stood up, his face full of exaggerated "worry," "Qingzhou is a long and dangerous road! Little Stone is young, how can I be at ease taking him on such a long journey alone, Madam?"
He paced back and forth, frowning. "How about I accompany you..."
"No."
Ling Zhan coldly interrupted, "You need to stay in Xishan. The situation in the capital is unclear, and you are too conspicuous. You must not leave the capital." His reason was irrefutable.
Shen Yan was speechless, his eyes darting around, his expression instantly changing. Beneath that 'wise and righteous' facade lay an unconcealed 'grievance.' He leaned close to Ling Zhan and lowered his voice, 'Madam... I understand that Xiao Shitou's future is important. But I...' His Adam's apple bobbed, his voice taking on a barely perceptible hoarseness, 'Without you, the capital feels like it's been crippled. After the preliminary examinations, there's the provincial examination; the days are too long... I can't bear it.'
Ling Zhan looked at him quietly, his little thoughts completely exposed.
The hall was silent for a moment.
She finally nodded almost imperceptibly: "If I pass the preliminary examination, I will go to Linzhou Prefecture and check on the family property along the way. I will return after the provincial examination."
“Madam—!” Shen Yan knew that persuasion was useless, so he could only pat his chest and assure her, “Don’t worry, Madam! I’ll take care of things at home! Little Stone, do well on your exams!” With a clear return date, he felt reassured, though reluctant to part with his wife.
A few days later, the spring chill was still in the air.
At the entrance of the villa, a simple blue-canopied carriage awaits departure.
Ling Zhan was dressed in a neat blue cloth dress, without any makeup, and his brows carried the usual cool and aloof air of the mountains, as if he could blend into the distant mountains at any moment.
Little Stone wore new scholar's clothes, carried a book box on his back, his little face tense but his eyes firm.
Shen Yan, along with Shen Xing and Shen Chen, saw them off. The two children chattered around the carriage, saying they hoped their father, Yang, could also come to the capital to work.
Ling Zhan nodded, indicating that he would consider it.
Shen Yan pressed herself tightly against Ling Zhan, ruthlessly shoving a bulging, crookedly stitched brocade pouch into her hand: "This is for the journey... your favorite silver needle tea... and a small hand warmer..." Before she finished speaking, she swiftly pulled out a warm, smooth jade pendant, and without a word, fastened it to her waist belt. Her fingertips trembled almost imperceptibly, and her voice was extremely low: "My mother left this... wear it close to your body... to keep you safe." Her clumsy movements revealed an undisguised earnestness and devotion.
Ling Zhan glanced at the jade pendant at his waist and the brocade pouch in his hand, his eyes flickered slightly, and finally he softly hummed in agreement.
She glanced at Xiao Shitou's tense face and said calmly, "Stay close to me and don't talk much on the way." She then got into the car with her son.
The wheels rolled and drove away.
Chen Yan stood frozen in place, watching the carriage disappear as a black dot.
His forced composure crumbled, his shoulders slumped, like an abandoned dog, lost and worried overwhelmed him.
"Father, Mother and the others have gone far away." Shen Chen tugged at his sleeve.
Shen Yan snapped back to reality, sniffed, straightened his back, and murmured in the direction he had disappeared, "Madam...come back soon...West Mountain...I'll be waiting for you...Peach Blossom..." He turned to his son and forced a smile, "Come on! Go back! Dad will continue to teach you how to row! I guarantee you'll be better than Little Bull!"
The spring breeze from the Western Hills swept through the courtyard.
Shen Yan had never felt so clearly that without Ling Zhan, even the warm pavilion felt empty and cold.
She used to be able to leave whenever she wanted, but she had never felt this way before: longing for someone so much.
Suppressing her sorrow at the thought of parting, Shen Yan pretended to be 'at ease' teaching her son at the Xishan villa.
Just a few days later, this loneliness was torn apart by a cold imperial edict from the deep palace.
"Empress Dowager's decree: Spring is in full bloom and the flowers in the Imperial Garden are in full bloom. Considering His Majesty's recent recovery, the Earl of Anping is hereby granted permission to bring his oxen to the palace tomorrow to attend the 'Spring Appreciation Gathering', so that they may share in the Emperor's grace and find some solace in his loneliness."
The eunuch's voice echoed in the empty courtyard. Shen Yan knelt to receive the decree, his lowered eyelashes gleaming with a cold light like an icy blade.
Comforting his loneliness? He's only been "lonely" for a few days! The Empress Dowager's "comfort" is truly "timely"!
The following day, at the Imperial Palace, in the Imperial Garden.
A hundred flowers bloom in competition, their subtle fragrance wafting in the air.
The noble ladies, with their fragrant clothes and elegant hairstyles, their exquisite adornments, all paled in comparison the moment that figure stepped through the archway of the imperial garden.
The Earl of Anping has arrived.
Today, he did not choose the vibrant colors he usually wore when visiting "Yunshangji".
It seems to be intentional, a rare and pure state of mind.
He wore an exquisitely white brocade robe embroidered with silver dragons and clouds, a color so striking it was almost unbelievable. The white, as pure and cold as the snow of the Tianshan Mountains, made his already fair skin appear almost translucent, radiant and glowing. The robe's tailoring was masterful, perfectly accentuating his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs. As he moved, the silver-embroidered dragons and clouds shimmered in the sunlight, gleaming with a cold yet luxurious luster like mithril.
What's most captivating is his face.
Her long eyebrows slanted upwards, naturally exuding a touch of dashing elegance. Her once-famous peach blossom eyes, now subtly tinged with a natural blush at the corners, slightly upturned, shimmered with a captivating light, as if she were intoxicated. Beneath her high, straight nose, her thin lips, the color of a newly blooming rose, held a subtle, enigmatic smile, inviting contemplation. Her long, ink-black hair was loosely gathered at the waist with a single, unadorned white jade ring, a few stray strands falling beside her cheeks and brushing against her perfectly sculpted jawline.
He was breathtakingly beautiful, androgynous.
Every step is in sync with the heartbeat of the heart.
All the admiring, envious, and inquisitive gazes around him fell upon him like dust, failing to stir even the slightest ripple in his eyes. He casually led the now-young Xiaoman Niu with one hand, while the other remained behind his back, his steps unhurried.
Little Bull wasn't on duty today. Wearing a brand-new royal blue brocade robe, he looked proud and tightly gripped his father's cold fingers.
"Your subject, Shen Yan, accompanied by his son, Shen Niu, pays respects to Your Majesty the Empress Dowager. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace." Shen Yan's voice was clear and melodious, like the clinking of jade stones, carrying just the right amount of respect as he bowed slightly. His posture was elegant and graceful, the hem of his moon-white robe drawing a cold arc.
"No need for formalities, please take a seat."
The Empress Dowager sat on the phoenix throne, her gaze lingering on Shen Yan for a long time, her eyes flashing with undisguised amazement and complexity.
Finally, her expression softened into a kind smile. "Lord Anping, you look even more radiant than before. This moon-white robe suits you perfectly, making you look like a banished immortal from a painting. Please sit down, little ox, come to me."
Little Bull glanced at his father, received an encouraging look from Shen Yan, then let go of his hand, ran to the Empress Dowager, and respectfully bowed: "Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"
"Good boy/girl."
The Empress Dowager smiled and patted the little bull's head, then asked casually, "Eh, where is that big guy Frostblade today? I remember it as majestic and intelligent as ever. I haven't seen it for a while, and I've missed it. Little bull, why didn't your father bring Frostblade to show me?"
"Your Majesty."
Shen Yan's captivating smile was tinged with a perfectly timed somberness. His long eyelashes drooped, concealing the cold light in his eyes, and his voice softened, carrying a hint of forced composure: "That big fellow, Frostblade, is my wife's most beloved pet, the most unruly and difficult to tame. His Majesty is unwell, and I worry about him day and night. My old ailment has relapsed, and I am weak and feeble. My wife is far away in Qingzhou, and for the time being, no one can control it. A few days ago at the Western Hills Imperial Estate, it ran off to some deep mountain to reign supreme. I sent people to search for several days, but there was no trace of it. Alas, the vast forests bestowed by the emperor are just right for its wild nature. Now that my wife is not here, my body... is truly powerless to control that 'mountain king' who only obeys my wife's orders."
The Empress Dowager was indeed moved and asked with concern, "Has your old ailment flared up again? Have you summoned the imperial physician? You child, you're too worried! His Majesty is blessed by Heaven, you must take care of yourself too. Look how pale your little face is..."
Her gaze swept over Chen Yan's excessively pale skin, the frailty adding to her breathtakingly fragile beauty.
"Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty."
Shen Yan raised her eyes, and a thin layer of water appeared in her peach blossom eyes, shimmering and making her appear even more vulnerable.
"The imperial physician examined her and said... she is suffering from emotional distress and worry, and needs to rest and calm her mind. However..."
He raised his eyes, a thin layer of tears welling up in his peach blossom eyes, shimmering and adding to his vulnerability. His gaze drifted towards the palace walls, filled with an intense, overwhelming longing. "My lady is far away in Qingzhou, toiling tirelessly for our young son's future. I am alone in this empty courtyard. Even with the garden full of spring colors, I feel a bone-deep loneliness. My heart... is always in turmoil, restless and uneasy. This 'heartache'... I fear only the return of my lady can cure it."
Just then, Madam Huo arrived gracefully with a beautifully dressed young girl. The girl was about fifteen or sixteen years old, with a delicate and gentle appearance. She wore a tender pale yellow palace dress and was none other than Huo Ying's eldest daughter, Huo Ning. The moment she saw Chen Yan, her cheeks flushed red, and she lowered her head shyly, not daring to look directly at the dazzling light. Even her small earlobes turned pink.
"Your subject/daughter, Huo Li Shi/Huo Ning, pays respects to Your Majesty the Empress Dowager." The mother and daughter bowed.
No need for formalities.
The Empress Dowager smiled and waved, "Ning'er, your pale yellow dress today is like a tender willow in early spring, fresh and lovely. Come, greet the Earl of Anping."
Huo Ning stepped forward as instructed, bowed gracefully to Shen Yan, and said in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, "Ning'er greets the Earl of Anping."
She quickly glanced up and then lowered her head again.
Seeing her daughter's reaction, Madam Huo's smile deepened, and she continued, "Greetings, Lord. I heard that you have been unwell lately, and I have been very worried at home. I specially copied several scrolls of scriptures for calming the mind and praying for blessings, and also prepared some of the best tonic herbs. I originally intended to send them to the Western Hills, but I was afraid of disturbing your peace. Today, since it is the right time, I brought them to present to you, hoping that you will recover soon and enjoy a long and healthy life."
She gestured to a maid to bring out an extremely exquisite sandalwood brocade box.
Shen Yan sneered inwardly: The true intentions have been revealed!
"Mrs. Huo, Miss Huo, you are very kind."
Shen Yan's lips curved into a distant yet perfect arc, his peach blossom eyes crinkling, yet devoid of any warmth. "I, Shen, am but a lowly being, what merit do I possess to deserve such concern and care from Miss Huo? I am truly humbled." His gaze swept lightly over the exquisite brocade box without lingering, instead turning gently to the little bull, his voice instantly warming: "Bull, come here."
The little bull immediately rushed back to Shen Yan's side like a fledgling bird returning to its nest, standing close to him.
Madam Huo's smile remained unchanged as she looked at the little bull with loving eyes: "This must be the young master of the manor, right? He's so robust and energetic, he looks like a blessed man. No wonder the Empress Dowager and His Majesty both like him."
The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Yes, I like it too. The name 'Little Ox' sounds affectionate and has a kind of honest and simple charm. But, Earl Anping," she changed the subject, with the concern of an elder, "the child is growing up and needs a formal name. The name 'Shen Niu'... cough cough," the Empress Dowager couldn't help but chuckle, covering her lips with her handkerchief, "is a bit... too simple. I see that this child has a full forehead and a square jaw, he is a blessed person. How about I, in my good mood today, bestow upon him a formal name? It would be a refined matter."
Upon hearing someone say his name was unpleasant, Little Bull's face instantly tightened, and his brows furrowed into a knot. "Your Majesty! Father calls me Little Bull, and I love it!! Father, don't you agree?!"
He gripped the hem of Chen Yanyue's white robe tightly, tilted his head back, his eyes filled with complete trust and a stubborn protectiveness of his father—the epitome of a doting father.
"Oh……"
Shen Yan was genuinely moved by her son's honest and protective nature, her chest heaving as she chuckled softly.
The laughter was like a spring breaking through ice, clear and melodious, instantly melting away the deliberately cultivated coldness and aloofness around him, and his peach blossom eyes sparkled. He reached out and ruffled the little bull's head with undisguised affection, and when he looked up at the Empress Dowager, the smile in his eyes had not faded, but his tone carried an undeniable gentleness and firmness.
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager's favor is deeply appreciated by my son and me. However, this child takes after his mother; once he's made up his mind, nothing can change it. He only accepts the name I gave him." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the slightly stiff faces of the Huo family mother and daughter, his voice clear and steady, "'Chen Niu' and 'Little Wild Ox,' are names I chose, and I think they are excellent. They are easy to pronounce, sound affectionate, and convey a sense of resilience and tenacity, which suits the Shen family's spirit. His formal name? No rush. When he's older, if we wish to change it to something more 'elegant,' we can ask Your Majesty the Empress Dowager for your opinion. For now, he likes it, and I am satisfied; that is enough."
The smiles on Madam Huo's and Huo Ning's faces froze.
Shen Yan not only possesses an alluring and captivating beauty that can charm both men and women, but his protective attitude towards his adopted sons is also evident in his insistence that he named them "Shen Niu" and approves of it! This undoubtedly tells everyone that the status of these adopted sons in his heart is beyond question, and no outsider is allowed to interfere with changing their names!
Shen Yan seemed oblivious to their embarrassment, turning his gaze to Huo Ning, his alluring smile deepening, carrying a hint of scrutiny and aloofness.
“Miss Huo is kind and gentle, and I appreciate your thoughtfulness in copying the scriptures by hand.” Shen Yan turned to Huo Ning, his alluring smile deepening, but his eyes held a cold scrutiny. “However, the root of my ‘heart ailment’ lies in ‘worry’ and ‘loneliness.’ With my wife not by my side, even the most miraculous elixirs and prayer scriptures are like scratching an itch through a boot, unable to relieve my distress. A heart ailment requires a heart remedy; without addressing the root cause, all efforts will be in vain.”
He spoke with a pointed tone, his gaze sweeping lightly over Madam Huo before returning to the Empress Dowager. Instantly, he switched to a respectful yet somewhat "frail" demeanor, placing one hand on his chest. "Your Majesty, I suddenly feel a severe tightness in my chest. I fear I may be disrespectful before Your Majesty and wish to take Niu'er over there for some fresh air. I hope Your Majesty will grant me permission."
"Go quickly!"
The Empress Dowager quickly said with concern, "Your health is the most important thing! Don't push yourself. Just take a walk around the neighborhood. If you really feel unwell, go back to your residence to rest as soon as possible."
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."
Shen Yan rose gracefully and took Xiao Man Niu's hand. Her moon-white figure turned gracefully amidst the vibrant colors of the garden, her robes brushing against the delicate petals, leaving behind a cool and stunningly beautiful silhouette that stirred the hearts of all, and the various expressions on the faces of the people in the imperial garden.
Madam Huo stared intently at the receding, pale figure.
His eyes were complex and unreadable, a mixture of shock, anger, resentment, and a barely perceptible sense of apprehension.
This Marquis of Anping is breathtakingly beautiful, but also incredibly difficult to deal with!
His entire body screams, "Keep out, my wife!"
...But would the Huo family easily give up what they value because of a small setback?
Iron plate? Hmph, even the hardest iron plate can be pried open!
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