Chapter 179
As Su Zhelan stepped out of the grand gates of Su Yan's residence, she was immediately captivated by the dazzling and bustling scene before her.
In stark contrast to the border town he knew, the night market in the capital was like a flowing galaxy, brightly lit, fragrant, with all kinds of stalls lined up one after another, and shouts, laughter, and music intertwined, full of the vibrant atmosphere of everyday life.
His initial intention to head straight for the general's mansion was quickly thwarted by the unprecedented splendor he had never witnessed before. His pace slowed unconsciously, and he looked around with curiosity.
The crystal-clear sugar figurines, the lifelike dough sculptures, the various pastries that exude an enticing aroma, the steaming wonton soup... many of these were novel foods and trinkets that he had never seen or even heard of before.
The stall owners, seeing that he was a stranger and had a handsome face, greeted him with extra warmth.
Su Zhelan touched the heavy purse given to her by Madam Su in her arms, hesitated for a moment, but finally couldn't resist the temptation. She took out some copper coins and bought a small bag of golden and crispy fried sugar cakes sprinkled with sesame seeds. She ate them in small bites as she walked, her eyes constantly scanning the dazzling array of goods on both sides, feeling that she couldn't take it all in with just one pair of eyes.
He walked along, stopping frequently to eat and look around, and when he came to a fork in the road, he would ask the stall owners or passersby for directions to the General's Mansion.
When he finally stood on Xuanwu Street, which was much more solemn and had imposing stone lions standing in front of the gate, following the directions, he was already carrying a small bag of odds and ends of food and a small toy.
The "Imperial-Built General's Residence for the Northern Garrison" before him was grand and imposing, with its vermilion gates tightly closed. Armored soldiers holding halberds stood solemnly in front of the gates, creating an atmosphere completely different from the bustling marketplace he had just experienced, exuding an inviolable majesty.
Su Zhelan stood beside the pair of enormous bronze lions, took a deep breath, tidied her slightly wind-blown hair and clothes, and then mustered her courage to walk to the door. She politely said to one of the soldiers on guard, "Sir, please announce my name. My name is Su Zhelan, and I wish to see... Young Master Sheng, Sheng Xuan."
The soldier glanced at him and saw that although he was young, he had a handsome appearance, a clean demeanor, and spoke politely, unlike an ordinary person. He nodded and said in a deep voice, "Please wait a moment." Then he turned around and entered the mansion through the side door to announce his arrival.
Su Zhelan obediently stepped aside and stood in the shadow of the stone lion, waiting. While waiting, he suddenly felt a little hungry. He looked at the still warm bag of sugar cakes in his hand and another fried dough stick wrapped in oil paper, which he didn't know the name of but smelled very good. He thought that since he was waiting anyway, he carefully opened the oil paper package, took out a piece of sugar cake, and started eating.
He was engrossed in his food when he suddenly heard hurried footsteps approaching, accompanied by a familiar, loud voice filled with surprise and disbelief:
"Su Zhelan?! Is it really you?!"
Su Zhelan suddenly raised her head, still holding the sugar cake in her mouth, and saw the heavy side door of the General's Mansion being suddenly pulled open, and Sheng Xuan's figure rushed out like a whirlwind!
He had clearly run out from inside; his hair ornament was even slightly askew, and there was a thin layer of sweat on his forehead. He was only wearing a dark-colored casual robe for easy movement, without even having had time to put on an outer robe. His eyes were incredibly bright, fixed on Su Zhelan, his face filled with undisguised ecstasy and excitement.
"Why are you here?!" Sheng Xuan strode up to Su Zhelan in a few big steps, still slightly out of breath, his eyes scrutinizing him up and down as if to confirm that this was not an illusion. "You...you came here alone? Are you alright? Did you run into any trouble on the way?" he asked in rapid succession, his tone full of concern.
Su Zhelan was somewhat bewildered by his sudden appearance and the barrage of questions. She subconsciously took the half-eaten sugar cake from her mouth, blinked, and then nodded, her voice still slightly muffled from eating: "Um… I asked for directions… It's alright, the capital is very peaceful…"
Sheng Xuan finally let out a long sigh of relief, as if she had been put at ease. Then her gaze fell on the pastries he was holding, and she couldn't help but burst into laughter. She reached out and ruffled Su Zhelan's hair very naturally: "Oh! You know how to enjoy yourself! You went to the night market? And you even brought me food?"
Su Zhelan felt a little embarrassed by his laughter and whispered an explanation, "...I bought it for myself..." But she still held out the oil paper package in her hand, "...Would you like to try some? It's still warm..."
Sheng Xuan accepted the cake without hesitation, stuffing a piece into his mouth and crunching it as he ate, mumbling, "Delicious! I'm starving! I just got back from the palace and haven't had a chance to eat yet! Come on, don't stand outside, come inside with me!"
As he spoke, he reached out and grabbed Su Zhelan's wrist with remarkable ease, then turned and walked excitedly toward the General's Mansion.
Sheng Xuan, holding Su Zhelan's wrist, walked briskly through the layers of corridors and courtyards within the General's Mansion. Although the mansion was large, it exuded the simplicity and solemnity of a military family, a stark contrast to the opulent grandeur of the Su family mansion.
As they approached a moon gate, a young woman dressed in a light purple dress, with a gentle and elegant demeanor, walked towards them, followed by two maids carrying various items. Upon seeing Sheng Xuan, she immediately smiled warmly.
"Uncle's back?" Her voice was soft, and her gaze immediately fell on Su Zhelan, who was being held tightly by Sheng Xuan. A hint of curiosity and knowing smile flashed in her eyes. "And this is...?"
Upon seeing her, Sheng Xuan immediately stopped, his smile widening as he greeted her familiarly, "Sister-in-law! Still up so late?" He shook Su Zhelan's hand, which he was still holding, and introduced her with a hint of pride, "This is Su Zhelan, whom I often mention to you! Zhelan, quickly, call her sister-in-law!"
Su Zhelan was a little embarrassed by Sheng Xuan's undisguised enthusiasm, but she quickly followed Sheng Xuan's example, bowing slightly and greeting her in a clear voice, "Hello, sister-in-law."
The woman—General Sheng Chi's wife—brightened at the words, her smile deepening. She stepped forward, naturally extending her hand to gently grasp Su Zhelan's. She looked him up and down carefully, her voice full of warmth and surprise: "Oh my! So you're Su Zhelan! I'm so glad to finally meet you in person! My husband's younger brother mentions you in eight out of ten of his letters home! He says you're smart, sensible, a good doctor, and especially well-behaved. I'm tired of hearing it!"
As soon as she said that, Su Zhelan's face turned red instantly, and she subconsciously looked up at Sheng Xuan.
Sheng Xuan blushed deeply when her sister-in-law exposed her secrets. Her ears burned, and she hurriedly interrupted her, raising her voice several octaves as she stammered, "Sister-in-law! You...you're talking nonsense! I didn't! Stop talking!"
As he spoke, as if afraid his sister-in-law would say something even more shocking, he pulled Su Zhelan away forcefully, saying, "Well... sister-in-law, we'll go back first! You should get some rest!"
Seeing Sheng Xuan's flushed face and his desperate attempt to disappear into the ground, Madam Sheng Chi couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle. She stopped teasing him and simply nodded gently to Su Zhelan, saying, "Good boy, come and play often in the future."
Sheng Xuan felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He practically dragged Su Zhelan through the moon gate and fled the scene.
Only after navigating several more corridors, confirming that his sister-in-law couldn't see or hear him, did Sheng Xuan slow his pace, though the blush on his ears hadn't completely faded. He released Su Zhelan's wrist, awkwardly touching his nose, and muttered, "...My sister-in-law just loves to joke, don't listen to her nonsense..."
Seeing his unusually embarrassed expression, Su Zhelan lowered her head, the corners of her mouth involuntarily curving upwards slightly. She murmured "Mmm" and didn't ask any more questions.
The two walked a short distance and finally arrived at a secluded courtyard. The courtyard wall was slightly higher than the others, and the gate was a heavy black lacquered wooden door. There was not much decoration at the entrance, only two lanterns hanging there, illuminating the simple character "锐" (ruì) carved on the lintel, exuding a sense of neatness and composure.
"We're here!" Sheng Xuan pushed open the courtyard gate, stepped aside to let Su Zhelan go in first, and his tone returned to its previous cheerfulness, "This is where I live, please make yourself at home!"
The courtyard was much more spacious and simple than Su Zhelan had imagined. There were not many flowers and plants to decorate it. The ground was paved with flat bluestone slabs. There were stone locks and archery targets in the corners, and weapon racks stood against the walls. The air seemed to be filled with the faint smell of leather, metal and sweat, and was full of Shengxuan’s unique, masculine and vibrant atmosphere.
Sheng Xuan slammed the courtyard gate shut from the inside, cutting off all outside noise. Almost simultaneously, he turned around abruptly, stretched out his long arm, and pulled Su Zhelan, who was still standing in the courtyard, into a tight embrace.
He buried his face in Su Zhelan's neck, like a big dog that had finally found its master, greedily inhaling the faint scent of Su Zhelan, a mixture of the sweetness of herbs and the aroma of the night market. His fluffy head rubbed restlessly against his neck and shoulders, making Su Zhelan itch so much that he couldn't help but shrink back.
"Finally...finally you've come..." Sheng Xuan's muffled voice came from the nape of his neck, trembling slightly and filled with a sigh of relief. His arms tightened around him, as if he wanted to meld him into his very bones. "I've missed you so much..."
His other hand was also restless, stroking Su Zhelan's back and waist, feeling the delicate yet warm touch under his palm. The force was not strong, but it carried an undeniable possessiveness and the preciousness of something lost and then regained.
Su Zhelan felt uncomfortable from his sudden and overly enthusiastic hug and caresses. His cheeks flushed rapidly, and even his ears turned bright red. He tried to gently pull away, but Sheng Xuan held him even tighter, showing no intention of letting go.
"You...you let me go first..." Su Zhelan's voice was barely audible, tinged with a desperate plea, "...It's hot..."
Sheng Xuan reluctantly loosened his grip slightly, but his arms remained wrapped around Su Zhelan's waist. Looking down at his flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes, he grinned, revealing a set of white teeth: "I won't let go! I finally managed to catch you, how can I let go so easily?"
Su Zhelan felt even more embarrassed by his gaze and reached out to pull away his arm that was wrapped around her waist: "Stop fooling around..."
Sheng Xuan then laughed heartily, grabbed Su Zhelan's hand that was pulling at him, and intertwined their fingers, leading him towards the main house: "Come on, let's go inside!"
He pulled Su Zhelan into the room. The interior furnishings were just like the style of the courtyard: simple and sturdy, without too many unnecessary decorations. The tables, chairs, and beds were all made of heavy solid wood, and bows and swords hung on the walls. The air was filled with a clean scent, like a mixture of pine and sunshine.
Sheng Xuan closed the door behind him, pulled Su Zhelan to the center of the room, and, by the light of the oil lamp on the table, scrutinized him again, his gaze so intense it was almost melting. He raised his other hand and gently stroked Su Zhelan's fingers, which he held in his palm, his fingertips tracing the cool fingertips and the delicate back of his hand, the movements so gentle they were almost reverent.
“Su Zhelan…” he called softly, his voice much lower and hoarse than usual, carrying an indescribable seriousness and… a hint of barely perceptible grievance, “I was in the palace all day thinking about you… wondering if you would come… seeing that you really came, I… I’m so happy.”
He paused, his gaze fixed on Su Zhelan's eyes, as if to make sure he understood every word: "I'm even happier than if I had won a battle or received a reward."
Sheng Xuan was still immersed in the joy of their reunion, stroking Su Zhelan's fingers, when suddenly he remembered something important and quickly asked, "By the way! Where are you staying now? Is it convenient in the capital? If you're not comfortable staying here, perhaps..."
Before he could finish speaking, Su Zhelan answered softly, "I live in... the Su residence. My master took me back."
"The Su family?" Sheng Xuan was taken aback upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashing across his face. Then, as if remembering something, he suddenly slapped his forehead and exclaimed in realization, "Ah! I knew it! So it really is that Imperial Su family! Your master... he really is the young master of that family?!"
Although he had heard Gu Linzhao mention it a few times before, it was far less shocking than hearing it confirmed by Su Zhelan. Thinking of Su Yan's aloof and otherworldly appearance, and then of the Su family's immense wealth, Sheng Xuan's expression became quite interesting, a mixture of surprise and amusement.
Seeing his expression, Su Zhelan couldn't help but smile and nod.
Sheng Xuan processed the information for a moment, then became happy again, shaking Su Zhelan's hand: "That's good! The Su family is good! They will definitely take good care of you, much better than outside!" Although he was a little disappointed that Su Zhelan couldn't stay with him, he was more concerned about Su Zhelan's comfort and safety.
The two talked in hushed tones for a while longer. Sheng Xuan wished he could make up for all the longing he had felt during the day. He snuggled up to Su Zhelan, pinching his fingers and smelling the scent of his hair. He felt that no amount of intimacy was enough.
Unbeknownst to them, the night deepened, and the sound of the night watchman's clapper came from outside the window.
Hearing that voice, Sheng Xuan's eyes darted around, and he started plotting something. He leaned close to Su Zhelan's ear, softening his voice with a hint of coaxing: "Zhelan...look, it's so late, it's dark outside, and the road is so far...why don't you stay here tonight? My bed is big enough, I promise you won't be cramped! Tomorrow morning, I'll personally take you home, okay?"
As he spoke, he deliberately rubbed his chin against Su Zhelan's forehead, his eyes full of anticipation.
Su Zhelan felt ticklish from his rubbing, her ears burning, and her heart wavered. But then she thought of the exquisite courtyard her wife had specially prepared for her, her loving and concerned eyes, and her words, "Come back soon."
He shook his head, his tone soft but firm: "No... Auntie specially prepared a place for me to stay. If I don't go back, she will worry... I can't let Auntie down."
Seeing his resolute attitude, Sheng Xuan knew he couldn't persuade him otherwise. Although he felt a little disappointed, he didn't want to put him in a difficult position. He sighed, like a deflated balloon, and rubbed his chin against Su Zhelan's head, saying in a muffled voice, "Alright, alright... I knew you were soft-hearted and couldn't bear to keep your elders waiting."
He straightened up, perked up, and took Su Zhelan's hand as they walked out, his tone becoming cheerful again: "Let's go! I'll take you home! It's so late at night, I can't let you walk alone."
Seeing that he was no longer insisting, Su Zhelan felt relieved, and couldn't help but smile. She gently hummed in agreement and let him lead her out.
In the darkness, Sheng Xuan carried a lantern and carefully protected Su Zhelan as the two walked side by side toward Su Yan's residence.
The streets were no longer as noisy as before. Sheng Xuan continued to nag Su Zhelan about what to be careful about in the capital. Su Zhelan listened quietly, nodding occasionally, her heart filled with a sense of security and warmth.
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