The rain in the Northwest is different from the drizzle in Jiangnan; it always carries a chilling aura. After leaving Lu Shuangyi's place, Shang Shaoyan couldn't help but think of Qiao Xiuyu.
I wonder if he's done his business in Shuzhou...
Qiao Xiuyu went to Shuzhou for two reasons: first, to create the illusion that Shang Shaoyan was on his way back; and second, to personally hand over several secret recipes to Xu Xian.
Floral soaps, papermaking, and textile machines are just some of the things that are added on top of the good things.
Shang Shaoyan sent people to bring back many plant seeds from the Western Regions and overseas, such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn. She kept some in the Northwest and gave the rest to Qiao Xiuyu, who then sent them to Shuzhou.
Shang Shaoyan dared not ask anyone else to deliver these things, so he could only ask Qiao Xiuyu to do it. Fortunately, Qiao Xiuyu was always sensible, and although she was reluctant, she still went.
Shang Shaoyan did some quick calculations and realized that he and Qiao Xiuyu had been separated for two whole months. Logically, he should have finished his business and should be back by now. It should be within the next few days.
The rain grew heavier and heavier, gradually blurring his vision. Shang Shaoyan's nose was filled with the fishy smell of rainwater and mud as he slowly walked towards the city gate.
She has been waiting for Qiao Xiuyu here every day lately. It has to be said that the most distressing thing about ancient times was the inconvenience of transportation and communication. It took a long time to find out anything.
Not to mention she's also in a relationship.
Shang Shaoyan waited at the city gate for half an hour, chatting casually with the soldiers guarding the city. When it was almost lunchtime, she prepared to return to the military camp.
"Princess, why do you have to come and wait every day?" Before leaving, a soldier advised, "If the Seventh Prince returns, we will come and report to you. It's raining so hard today, it's inconvenient for you to do this every day."
Shang Shaoyan chuckled, but before he could speak, another soldier laughed: "So you still don't have a wife! The county princess and the seventh young master have a good relationship. They don't feel bitter, tired, or inconvenienced. What does it have to do with you?"
Shang Shaoyan laughed along: "You guys are always making fun of me. If you're so capable, let's meet at the training ground tomorrow!"
The two soldiers quickly smiled and begged for mercy, and the laughter of the three men echoed in the rain.
As Shang Shaoyan turned to leave, he suddenly heard the sound of horses' hooves.
The two soldiers heard this too and quickly looked down, but the rain was too heavy and they couldn't see anything. They were about to go down to check when they turned to Shang Shaoyan, who had stopped, and said, "Princess, you should go back first. It's probably not Seventh Prince. In this heavy rain, someone like Seventh Prince certainly couldn't endure this hardship..."
Shang Shaoyan, however, did not think so.
Although her seventh son looks frail, he is actually very resilient—not that Shang Shaoyan is narcissistic, but given Qiao Xiuyu's deep love for her, it is only natural that he would rush back in the pouring rain.
She did not leave; instead, she descended the city wall before the two soldiers.
Upon approaching, the first thing that catches the eye is a group of people dressed in black. Shang Shaoyan, holding an umbrella, struggles to make out the person's appearance.
Closer and closer...
The newcomer's face became clearer and clearer. The rain curtain was like a canvas, and nature was using all its beauty to gently outline the familiar and longed-for profile of Shang Shaoyan. Shang Shaoyan felt his heart beating faster and faster.
Sword-like eyebrows, peach blossom eyes, a delicate jawline, and long, jet-black hair...
Who else could it be but her seventh lover?
Shang Shaoyan couldn't help but laugh and call out, "Qiao Zhuo! Qi Lang! I'm here!"
Qiao Xiuyu reined in her horse, then nimbly dismounted and stood in front of Shang Shaoyan, smiling and opening her arms wide: "An'an, I'm back."
As the rain subsided, their vision cleared, and Qiao Xiuyu saw the woman he had been longing for, dressed in Hu clothing and wearing long boots. A surprised smile bloomed on her bright and charming face, and she threw away the umbrella in her hand and ran into his arms.
Qiao Xiuyu's arms were suddenly full. He hugged Shang Shaoyan tightly and said with a smile, "Run slowly, be careful not to fall."
Shang Shaoyan clung to Qiao Xiuyu, wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, and said in a sweet voice, "I won't! Do you know how much I've missed you?"
Qiao Xiuyu smiled and held her more securely: "I miss An'an too."
Shang Shaoyan exclaimed "Oh!" and got off Qiao Xiuyu with some annoyance. He quickly pulled him toward the city gate, saying, "Look at you, you didn't even use an umbrella. What if you catch a cold? I was just too anxious... Come on, let's go back quickly. I'll ask someone to boil some water for you so you can take a nice hot bath. I'll also make you some ginger soup."
At this moment, the city guard said with a grin, "Seventh Prince, you don't know, the county princess has been coming to the city gate to wait for half an hour every day for the past seven days."
Shang Shaoyan glared at the two of them, his cheeks slightly flushed, and quickly said, "Don't listen to their nonsense! By the way, next time don't be so careless with your health. When it rains, stop and rest, and continue your journey after the rain stops..."
Qiao Xiuyu nodded obediently, agreeing to everything Shang Shaoyan said, while gazing intently at him with her naturally affectionate peach blossom eyes.
Feeling a little uncomfortable under such gazes, Shang Shaoyan cleared his throat and then took the umbrella from the guard: "Qilang, let's go back quickly."
The city guards watched the two men enter the city with a mocking look in their eyes. Shang Shaoyan glanced back and saw the two men winking at him: "..."
She shook her head with a slight laugh, then pulled Qiao Xiuyu along as they jogged in the rain: "You can't get wet anymore, let's hurry..."
After the two returned to the mansion, Shang Shaoyan began to prepare hot water and ginger soup for him. After Qiao Xiuyu went to take a bath, she thought for a moment and decided to show off her skills to Qiao Xiuyu. Shang Shaoyan had learned some dishes from the cooks in the army these past few days and wanted to see if she could make them.
Although she has never tried it before, it should work, right?
Isn't it just steaming rice, stir-frying vegetables, and stewing soup?
Shang Shaoyan began with great confidence.
...
Qiao Xiuyu was indeed quite tired. He leaned against the edge of the wooden tub, feeling drowsy.
The hot water successfully soothed his fatigue from traveling day and night for the past few days. The scent of the incense that Shang Shaoyan used to use lingered around his nose. He vaguely remembered that it was called "Spring Tidings in the Snow".
He was very happy, not only because he met Shang Shaoyan, but more so because his feelings had been reciprocated.
Since the two of them came to the Northwest, Qiao Xiuyu had been feeling uneasy. He was afraid that Shang Shaoyan's feelings for him were just a passing fancy, or that he still had reservations.
But since Shang Shaoyan entrusted him with an important task, Qiao Xiuyu felt half relieved.
As for it being a spur-of-the-moment thing... just looking at how Shang Shaoyan looked when he saw her, no one would say, "This young lady doesn't love this young man."
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