Chapter 32, Chapter 10: The Heir Apparent's Wife
Seeing his expression, Yu Wanwan lectured with even more enthusiasm.
However, the results are significant.
Now, his understanding of Da Rui is no less than that of the native Lin Mingche.
In the second month of their secluded study, the brothers finally emerged from their retreat.
They had no choice but to leave, as there was only a little over a month left before the provincial examination, and they needed to set off early to return to their ancestral home.
The ancestral home of Marquis Chengqing was in Cangyan County in the south.
Cangyan County is characterized by its mountainous terrain and deep valleys, making it a strategically important and easily defensible location that has been a battleground for military strategists throughout history.
The Chengqing Marquis lineage earned their marquisate by guarding this strategic military location for generations and defending against the southern barbarians.
Back then, the three southern barbarian tribes united and, taking advantage of the war between Da Rui and its neighboring country, and when the old Marquis Chengqing was ordered to send troops to aid them, they launched a surprise attack on Cangyan Pass, catching Da Rui completely off guard.
The still young Marquis Chengqing led the soldiers of Cangyan County in a fierce battle against the southern barbarians. He successfully stopped the barbarians and then pursued them, defeating them and forcing them to flee in terror. They were severely weakened and forced to submit, becoming the first step in the expansion of the Great Rui territory, and began to pay tribute every year.
It was from the time the barbarians submitted that the Great Swiss Empire rose to prominence, winning battle after battle, and only then did it become the prosperous and unified Great Swiss Empire of today.
After the war ended, Emperor Rui, grateful for their great contributions, granted the Chengqing Marquis family permission to relocate to the capital, and changed their hereditary title from one rank down to a perpetual hereditary one.
Xu Qingzhou recalled these stories of his father's generation and sighed softly.
Moving to the capital and inheriting the throne is a great honor.
However, for the Chengqing Marquis lineage, who had served in the military for generations, the military power was stripped from their hands through a different, gentler method.
No wonder that after the young master did that absurd thing, Marquis Chengqing so decisively abandoned him and instead supported Xu Mingche.
They have almost lost their military power. If they still cannot gain a foothold among the civil officials, then their marquis's mansion will one day become an empty shell of a noble family, all show and no substance, and gradually disappear into the long river of history.
"Zhou'er, listen to Yao Yao the whole way, and don't be willful, understand?"
Xu Qingzhou snapped out of her daze, lowering her eyes to hide the thoughts that hadn't yet subsided.
"Don't worry, Mother. Just wait for me to pass the imperial examination and come back to make you proud!"
Lady Hou gave him a reproachful look, shook her head, and then turned to Yu Wanwan to give her instructions one by one.
Yu Wanwan didn't find it troublesome and patiently agreed to each request.
Xu Qingzhou is innocent.
Hasn't he performed well enough lately?
I just don't trust him that much.
He didn't know that it was precisely because he had behaved so well during this period that Madam Hou was even more worried.
He was always afraid that once he was no longer under the Marquis's supervision, he would revert to his old ways.
Xu Qingzhou had no way to deal with this.
"Alright, Mother, it's time for us to set off."
If we don't set off now, we won't reach the next city before dark and will have to sleep outdoors.
It's been raining a lot lately, and the further south you go, the more rain there is, so sleeping outdoors isn't a good option.
Lady Hou understood this principle and could only regretfully stop talking.
After bidding farewell to Lady Hou, Yu Wanwan and the other two boarded the carriage and set off for Cangyan County.
They were returning to their ancestral home to participate in the provincial examination, traveling light with only three horse-drawn carriages.
One car belonged to Yu Wanwan and Xu Qingzhou, another to Xu Mingche, and the third was for the guards.
The carriage passed by Zuixianlou.
Even without Xu Qingzhou's patronage, Zuixianlou remained bustling; in fact, its business thrived even more because of the young master's actions back then.
Even during the day, guests continue to arrive in droves.
This is also where Zuixianlou's cleverness lies. They cultivate famous singers and courtesans, selling the concept of elegance and refinement. Even if they engage in those transactions in private, on the surface, they maintain a different level from brothels.
Otherwise, what the young master did back then wouldn't have been so easily overlooked.
Yu Wanwan leaned against the car wall and looked out the window.
"Young Master, aren't you going to say goodbye to your sweetheart?"
"What sweetheart?"
Xu Qingzhou didn't react for a moment and looked up blankly.
It wasn't until he met Yu Wanwan's meaningful gaze that he remembered.
"..."
He gritted his teeth, got up and walked over to her, reached over her shoulder, and slammed the window shut.
He didn't leave after closing the window; instead, he placed one hand on her shoulder and looked down at her.
"Is Madam jealous?"
Otherwise, he would have almost forgotten about it, how could she still remember!
Yu Wanwan didn't dodge, and the curve of her lips remained unchanged.
What do you think?
Xu Qingzhou couldn't stand her calm and collected demeanor, so he suddenly lowered his head, and the distance between them was instantly shortened.
"What does Madam want me to think?"
Their breaths mingled together, tender and affectionate.
Xu Qingzhou had never been so close to a woman before. Looking at her face, which was so close, he could not see a single pore; it was smooth and translucent.
He couldn't help but drift off into thought.
In an era without so many skincare products, how did she manage to maintain such great skin?
Yu Wanwan almost kicked him.
Fortunately, she regained her composure in time, leaning against the car wall, tilting her chin up to observe his expression, and noticing his distraction and the subtle tension in his eyes.
I thought he had evolved, but it turns out he's still just a paper tiger with a strong exterior.
She chuckled softly, tilted her head slightly, and the last bit of distance between them disappeared.
"Does my husband want me to know if I'm jealous or not?"
Suddenly, a soft, warm touch appeared on his lips, gently caressing them with each opening and closing of the lips, instantly escalating the intimacy between them.
Xu Qingzhou's pupils contracted, and he abruptly retreated.
But he forgot that he was standing in front of her, with nothing behind him.
He stumbled and fell directly into the carriage.
Yu Wanwan raised her hand and pretended to cover her eyes, but through her fingers she took in his disheveled appearance.
A dull thud echoed in the carriage.
"Your Highness?"
There was a knock on the carriage door, and the servant's voice came in.
"What happened?"
Xu Qingzhou snapped out of his daze, suppressing his racing heartbeat, and responded in kind.
"It's nothing, I just accidentally knocked over a cup."
No one asked any further questions.
Xu Qingzhou pursed her lips.
It seems that her presence still lingers on it.
Soft and fragrant, with the scent of plants after the rain.
He quickly released his lips, not daring to purse them again, nor daring to look at Yu Wanwan. He got up on his own, sat obediently in his seat, and lowered his head to flip through the book without saying a word.
I'm a little confused.
Yu Wanwan lowered her hand, fanning herself, and watched him struggle with his awkwardness and attempts to cover up his blunders, feeling exceptionally pleased.
In particular, that moment just now gave her even more of the protagonist's aura, making her feel warm all over and even happier.
A kiss is definitely more effective than a hug.
Unfortunately, such opportunities are rare; otherwise, she really wouldn't mind taking a few more puffs.
"My husband hasn't answered my question yet!"
"..."
What did she just ask?
Xu Qingzhou's mind was in complete chaos, and he couldn't grasp any of his thoughts.
He could feel her gaze on him.
Without even looking, he could imagine the schadenfreude that lingered in those tender, watery eyes.
Xu Qingzhou tried her best to suppress her unease, calm herself down, and think about the question she had just asked.
All she could recall was the feeling of that warm, soft touch; she couldn't remember a single question about what she had asked.
"..."
Xu Qingzhou couldn't help but despise himself.
Why are you making such a big reaction to just a kiss?
It's not like we haven't kissed before...
Damn it, we've never actually kissed!
His first kiss was gone just like that.
Yu Wanwan noticed his embarrassment and very considerately asked him again.
"Does my husband want me to be jealous, or not?"
[...Is this your idea of being considerate? Didn't you see the male lead is almost fully cooked?]
If she were truly considerate, she should have pretended nothing had happened and let the male lead have some peace and quiet, right?
Yu Wanwan is innocent.
He couldn't remember my question, so I reminded him that he was wrong?
I think you're doing this on purpose!
I didn't do it, I didn't do it, don't talk nonsense!
I'm not that kind of person!
[...]
If it weren't incorporeal, I'd roll my eyes at her.
That's exactly the kind of person she is!
Xu Qingzhou's grip on the book tightened, crumpling the pages.
Hope? Or not?
How should I answer this?
Is there a standard answer?
No way, he doesn't care what the standard answer is, he has to get his revenge!
Xu Qingzhou took a breath, composed himself, and raised his eyes.
He didn't dare to meet her gaze, and casually looked at the window behind her.
"You are my wife, so naturally I want you to be jealous."
After saying the first sentence, Xu Qingzhou felt much more relaxed.
He adjusted his emotions, delivered his best performance, and softened his expression.
"Only in this way can we prove that you have me in your heart."
Xu Qingzhou spoke with increasing ease, then turned his gaze to her, his eyes filled with tender affection.
"I wonder if Madam wants some vinegar?"
vomit!
I feel disgusted, I'm about to throw up.
Yu Wanwan shuddered and gave him a strange look.
This male lead is impressive; he adjusted so quickly.
But... do you think you can get revenge by saying some disgusting things?
over thinking.
Yu Wanwan looked back at him with a smile, neither dodging nor avoiding him.
She has a pair of round, almond-shaped eyes, which are full of gentle smiles.
Her eyes, though seemingly the most innocent-looking, held an indescribable tenderness when she gazed at him, captivating him inexplicably.
Xu Qingzhou's heartbeat, which had finally calmed down, started racing again, and heat rose to his ears.
He tightened his grip, stubbornly refusing to back down.
Stay calm, he can win!
Oh no, why is she still watching?!
Is this question difficult to answer?
Why did it take so long to watch?!
Yu Wanwan shook her head casually only after his ears had turned completely red.
"I don't want to!"
His tone carried a hint of regret, yet his whole demeanor exuded a lightheartedness.
"..."
Grass!
A type of plant.
Xu Qingzhou was defeated again and became withdrawn on the spot.
After teasing him, Yu Wanwan was extremely satisfied and waved to him.
"Husband, come here."
"..."
Now, whenever I hear her call me "husband," my scalp tingles, and I don't want to go.
That's what he thought, but in reality, he still reluctantly moved over.
"do what?"
He seemed a little listless, but Yu Wanwan didn't seem to mind.
She pushed the book out of his hand, tilted her body, and lay directly on his lap.
"?"
Xu Qingzhou's body stiffened, his hands hanging in mid-air, unsure of where to put them.
"you……"
"I'm going to sleep for a bit, don't move."
"..."
Xu Qingzhou almost couldn't hold back and threw her off.
Looking at the woman who closes her eyes and doesn't care about anything, I felt a mix of emotions.
I don't know if I was more nervous or speechless.
He raised and lowered his hand several times, but in the end he didn't touch her. He covered his eyes and sighed.
My life is miserable.
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