Chapter 202
The dust settled, and the imperial edict was issued. Sheng Xuan was relieved of his post as deputy commander of the Western Camp of the Capital Region, and received the leisurely title of "Light Cavalry Captain"; Xiao Qiyun was already the carefree Prince Chen. The two were like horses that had completely broken free of their reins, spending their days with Su Zhelan indulging in pleasure throughout the vast capital, wishing they could make up for all the time they had missed in the past.
Sheng Xuan was full of energy and had a strong playful spirit, always drawn to lively places. He dragged Su Zhelan to the Cuju field in the south of the city, playing until he was drenched in sweat, while making sure Su Zhelan sat in the best seat with the best view, cheering him on. On a whim, he even dragged Su Zhelan to the roof of the tallest restaurant on Zhuque Street in the middle of the night, drinking under the starlight and the city lights. He wasn't afraid of being scolded by the night patrol officer, and instead revealed his identity with a grin, scaring the officer half to death.
Xiao Qiyun, on the other hand, preferred elegance and leisure. He would book the quietest painted boat on the Qujiang Pool, prepare music, chess, books, and tea, and play chess with Su Zhelan in the breeze, listen to the rain and sip tea, staying for half a day; he would take Su Zhelan to visit reclusive scholars and appreciate ancient books and paintings; as dusk fell, he would hold Su Zhelan's hand and stroll along the secluded palace path covered with fallen ginkgo leaves, whispering sweet nothings that only they could hear.
Surrounded by the two, Su Zhelan's previously lingering faint worries have now been smoothed out by the prosperity of the capital and the warmth of everyday life, leaving only ease and comfort.
All of this naturally fell into the eyes of Su Yan and Gu Linzhao.
Su Yan often bumped into Sheng Xuan at the door, gesturing excitedly to Su Zhelan about what he had seen and heard that day, or Xiao Qiyun's carriage had just brought Su Zhelan back, and the two stood on the steps saying goodbye in hushed tones, with the smile still lingering in Su Zhelan's eyes.
When Su Zhelan sees him, she immediately restrains her playful nature, bows respectfully, and calls him "Master".
Su Yan's gaze swept over his little apprentice's noticeably rosier complexion and bright eyes, then over the two noble-looking "idlers" beside him, whose eyes were fixed on Su Zhelan. His usually calm and serious face softened imperceptibly.
He didn't ask any more questions, just nodded and said, "Come back and rest early if you're tired, don't be too playful." Then he turned and went inside.
For him, the best thing is that Su Zhelan can be safe and happy.
Gu Linzhao was more direct. Sometimes he would even join their outings, or lean against the gate of the mansion, watching Sheng Xuan noisily stuff all sorts of novelties into Su Zhelan's arms, and watching Xiao Qiyun carefully brush the fallen flowers off Su Zhelan's shoulders.
He would wink at Su Zhelan and tease her, "Wow, our Zhelan is quite the hot commodity these days. The two of them are always hanging around her. What a show of it!"
Su Zhelan blushed at his words, and Gu Linzhao walked away laughing, his eyes filled with a relieved smile. He was genuinely happy for Su Zhelan, seeing him finally emerge from the shadows of the past and being cherished and cared for so tenderly, as if he himself had also breathed a sigh of relief.
On this day, the capital was brightly decorated and the streets were deserted as everyone flocked to see the emperor's most beloved princess off to her wedding. The procession stretched for miles, with phoenix carriages and canopies, jewels displayed everywhere, and magnificent ceremonial guards amidst deafening drums and music—truly the epitome of royal luxury.
People crowded both sides of the street, eager to witness this rare spectacle.
Sheng Xuan and Xiao Qiyun naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity to show Su Zhelan the excitement. They booked a private room at the best restaurant on the street early on, and by opening the window, they could take in the entire scene below.
Su Zhelan leaned against the window, watching with great interest. He had lived in a quiet courtyard for a long time and had never seen such extravagant wealth and liveliness. He saw the princess's carriage slowly pass by, adorned with pearls and jade, dazzling the eye. On both sides, the guards wore gleaming armor, and the palace maids and eunuchs held palace fans and incense burners in an orderly manner.
His eyes were filled with pure wonder and admiration. Like all the onlookers, he was awestruck by the imperial grandeur. Occasionally, he would turn back to Sheng Xuan and Xiao Qiyun and say with a smile, "What a grand spectacle..."
However, the two people beside him had no time to spare for the bustling city below.
Sheng Xuan leaned against the window frame with his arms crossed, his gaze following the massive procession that symbolized legitimacy and status, but his eyes drifted away.
Looking at the prince consort, dressed in a bright red wedding robe and exuding confidence, standing beside the princess, seeing the envious glances of the people along the way, and hearing the deafening celebratory gongs and drums, he felt a pang of sadness for the first time.
He glanced at Su Zhelan, who was watching intently beside him, and then at Xiao Qiyun, who was calm and composed opposite him. A strange sense of anxiety and possessiveness arose within him.
The word "status" sprouted like a seed in his heart. He thought: Why should that prince consort be able to openly and legitimately be witnessed by the world? Was he and Su Zhelan destined to continue this ambiguous relationship? Even if Su Zhelan didn't care, he had to fight for it, he absolutely had to! At least… he had to get it before that guy!
Xiao Qiyun sat upright at the table, slowly sipping his tea, seemingly calm, but his eyes held a deep sense of calculation. He thought more deeply and further ahead than Sheng Xuan.
A princess's marriage showcases the majesty of the royal family and the strictness of etiquette. Every procedure and every step of this grand ceremony emphasizes "legitimacy" and "belonging."
He looked at Su Zhelan's profile, which was simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, and felt a surge of affection mixed with a strong sense of dissatisfaction. His Su Zhelan deserved the best of everything in the world, including a respectable identity. Was he to be left forever like this, like a shadow that couldn't see the light of day, dependent on his and Sheng Xuan's protection?
Even though the three of them tacitly understood each other, in the eyes of outsiders, Su Zhelan's position was ultimately illegitimate.
Completely unaware of the turbulent thoughts swirling within the two beside her, Su Zhelan pointed to a lion dance troupe downstairs and said to Sheng Xuan with a smile, "Look at that, they're really entertaining!"
Sheng Xuan snapped out of her daze, forced a big smile, and leaned over to chime in, "Yeah, yeah! Do you like it? Let's get one for ourselves sometime!" But in her heart, she secretly resolved: Once we get back, I'll figure out how to talk to Su Zhelan and how to finalize this! I absolutely cannot lose to Xiao Qiyun!
Su Zhelan, sandwiched between the two, sensed their sudden increased attentiveness and a subtle sense of confrontation. Although somewhat puzzled, she simply assumed it was because they were in a playful mood and didn't think too much about it, remaining immersed in the bustling scene before her.
The princess's carriage gradually disappeared into the distance, and the noisy sounds of gongs and drums slowly faded away.
The crowd of onlookers dispersed, still wanting more, but in the private room of the restaurant, a new seed was quietly sown.
A silent battle over "status" has quietly begun between Sheng Xuan and Xiao Qiyun. And the only bargaining chip and the center of this battle is Su Zhelan, who is still gazing out the window with a smile in her eyes.
After some time, things in the capital gradually calmed down.
That evening, Su Yan summoned Su Zhelan to his study, with Gu Linzhao also present.
Su Yan's expression remained as calm as ever. Looking at Su Zhelan's rosy and peaceful face, a hint of barely perceptible relief flashed in his eyes. He said, "With matters settled here, there are no more concerns in the capital. Gu Linzhao and I will soon be setting off back."
Upon hearing this, Su Zhelan was slightly taken aback, and reluctance immediately appeared in his eyes. He had long regarded his master and Gu Linzhao as family. He opened his mouth, but the words of entreaty could not be uttered, because he understood that his master's heart lay in nature, and the capital was not a place for him to stay for long.
Seeing Su Zhelan's expression, Gu Linzhao smiled and put his arm around his shoulder, asking in a relaxed tone, "Kid, tell me, what are your plans after this? Are you going to continue coming back with us to practice medicine in the countryside? Or..." He paused, glancing meaningfully out the window, "...stay in the capital and continue your 'itinerant doctor' practice?"
Su Zhelan remained silent for a moment, her gaze shifting between Su Yan's serious yet concerned face and Gu Linzhao's smiling eyes.
He recalled his promise to Sheng Xuan and Xiao Qiyun, the entanglements in the capital that were not yet fully resolved, and his own vague yearning for a wider world. He took a deep breath, raised his head, and his eyes hardened.
“Master, Gu Linzhao,” he said clearly, “…I should become a traveling doctor for now.” He looked at Su Yan with gratitude and determination, “You have taught me so many skills, I shouldn’t be confined to one place. I want to see more of the world, and…to gain some experience. I will definitely come back to see you.”
Su Yan didn't show any surprise upon hearing this, but gave him a deep look, a gaze that seemed to see through all his unspoken thoughts. He nodded and said only one word in a deep voice: "Okay."
All the unspoken words of advice were contained in this one word. He raised his hand and patted Su Zhelan's shoulder firmly, everything understood without being said.
Gu Linzhao laughed heartily and vigorously ruffled Su Zhelan's hair: "Good lad! You have ambition! Alright, it's settled then! A traveling doctor it is, the world is your oyster."
He leaned closer, lowered his voice, and said with a mischievous smile, "Anyway... here in the capital, there must be some people who 'can't bear' you going on your journey, right? Remember to send a message back often to let us know you're safe and sound, and don't let your master worry about you."
Su Zhelan's ears burned slightly at his words, and she nodded emphatically: "Definitely! I will write to you often!"
On the day of their departure, the sky was clear and bright. Su Yan and Gu Linzhao's luggage was simple, just as it had been when they arrived. Su Zhelan saw them off all the way to the pavilion outside the city. Sheng Xuan and Xiao Qiyun also came along in tacit agreement, standing quietly a little distance away, giving the master and apprentice space to say goodbye.
Su Yan glanced at Su Zhelan one last time, his gaze sweeping over Sheng Xuan and Xiao Qiyun behind him, and said to Su Zhelan in a deep voice, "Take care of yourself, and don't listen to those two little bastards."
He then turned around nimbly, mounted his horse, and his back remained as upright as a mountain.
Gu Linzhao chuckled and hugged Su Zhelan, whispering quickly in his ear, "If you've been wronged, just go home. You know the way." He then mounted his horse, casually waved in the direction of Sheng Xuan and Xiao Qiyun, and rode off alongside Su Yan, their figures gradually disappearing at the end of the official road.
Su Zhelan stood there, watching her master and Gu Linzhao's figures disappear into the distance until they were no longer visible. Only then did she let out a soft sigh, feeling both the bitterness of parting and the anticipation and relief for the future.
He turned around and saw Sheng Xuan and Xiao Qiyun walking towards him.
Almost simultaneously, Sheng Xuan and Xiao Qiyun's eyes briefly met in the air. That instantaneous eye contact silently sparked a tacit understanding—a complex emotion mixed with the excitement of "finally waiting for this day" and the vigilance of "the competitor is still here."
Without Su Yan and Gu Linzhao watching from the sidelines, the long-suppressed possessiveness in their hearts—the desire to completely bring Su Zhelan into their territory—was released as if the last shackle had been broken, and quietly began to boil.
Sheng Xuan strode forward first, his face beaming with an undisguised, radiant smile. He put his arm around Su Zhelan's shoulder, the grip light but carrying an undeniable intimacy and a sense of declaration, his voice booming with a relieved joy: "Finally gone! Now it's peaceful! Come on, Zhelan, let's go back to the city! I have a new chef from the Western Regions at my place; his roasted lamb leg is absolutely amazing. We have to try it tonight!"
He spoke with absolute certainty, his gaze fixed intently on Su Zhelan, his arm tightening slightly, exuding an air of domineering "this person is mine," while his peripheral vision glanced defiantly at Xiao Qiyun.
Xiao Qiyun's steps remained unhurried, a gentle yet unfathomable smile playing on his lips. Unlike Sheng Xuan, he didn't reach out directly, but instead walked to Su Zhelan's other side, naturally extending his hand to gently brush away the perhaps nonexistent speck of dust clinging to Su Zhelan's shoulder.
His movements were gentle, yet carried a more subtle sense of possessiveness. His voice was deep and pleasant, like a warm current flowing through him, precisely cutting off Sheng Xuan's words: "It's windy outside the city. You must be tired after standing here for so long. My residence has prepared calming ginseng tea and light meals. You can go back and rest to warm up."
He spoke to Su Zhelan in a gentle and considerate tone, as if he were entirely thinking of her, yet subtly negating Sheng Xuan's seemingly "greasy and noisy" arrangement. He looked up at Sheng Xuan, his smile deepening, carrying a subtle, condescending tolerance.
Su Zhelan was sandwiched between the two men, one on each side, feeling the starkly different sensations of Sheng Xuan's hot arms and Xiao Qiyun's cool fingertips. Even the most oblivious person could sense the sudden, almost tangible, subtle tension in the air.
His ears burned slightly, a mixture of amusement and a strange flutter in his heart. His master had just left, and these two... seemed to have immediately become somewhat... "unrestrained"? He recalled his master's parting words, "Don't agree to those two little rascals," and suddenly felt a profound meaning within them.
"I..." Su Zhelan opened her mouth, trying to say something to ease the strange atmosphere.
"Listen to me!" Sheng Xuan immediately interrupted, tightening his arms around Su Zhelan and practically carrying her towards his ostentatious carriage. "The lamb leg won't taste good if it gets cold! I've also hidden away several jars of fine wine!" He tried to tempt her with food and wine.
Xiao Qiyun followed at a leisurely pace, his voice still gentle, yet carrying an undeniable force, precisely hitting Sheng Xuan's "weakness": "Su Zhelan's emotions have been fluctuating today, and she has also caught a chill. It is not advisable for her to eat greasy or spicy food immediately, let alone drink alcohol. It is best for her to eat light food and rest well."
His words sounded reasonable and full of concern, yet they rendered Sheng Xuan's arrangements utterly worthless. He looked at Su Zhelan, his eyes gentle yet carrying a profound meaning that brooked no refusal: "The carriage is warmed up, let's go."
Su Zhelan was being pulled along by the two men, one passionate and fiery, the other gentle and tender, yet both exuding an air of unyielding authority. He felt like a piece of meat being eyed by two lions, both amused and exasperated. He glanced at Sheng Xuan on his left, whose face seemed to say, "If you don't come with me, I'll carry you," and then at Xiao Qiyun on his right, whose expression seemed to say, "I'm doing this all for your own good, how can you bear to refuse?"
Finally, he sighed helplessly and whispered, "...Stop arguing. I...I'm a little tired today, and I want to go back and rest first." He didn't say where he was going, trying to bluff his way out of it.
Sheng Xuan frowned, about to insist, but Xiao Qiyun preemptively spoke up, his tone full of consideration: "Alright. Then let's go back to my place first. It's close by and quiet, and I won't let anyone disturb your rest."
With a single sentence, he both agreed to Su Zhelan's request and subtly set the destination at his own residence.
Sheng Xuan immediately objected, glaring at him: "Why should I go to your place? My place is closer!"
Xiao Qiyun glanced at him indifferently, his tone calm yet carrying a trump card: "My residence has the best calming incense from the Imperial Medical Bureau, which will benefit Su Zhelan. If General Shengxuan is interested, he can come to visit again tomorrow."
He once again invoked the banner of "for Su Zhelan's own good," leaving Sheng Xuan speechless. He could only glare angrily at Xiao Qiyun, wishing he could go up and fight him.
Just as tensions were about to rise, Su Zhelan, caught in the middle, took a soft breath. The sound wasn't loud, but it entered the conversation with remarkable clarity, carrying an undeniable calm:
"Really, it's not necessary."
These two words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing the crackling sparks between Sheng Xuan and Xiao Qiyun. Both of them froze, their gazes turning sharply to Su Zhelan.
Su Zhelan gently pulled away from Sheng Xuan's arms and took a small step to the side, slightly increasing the distance between herself and Xiao Qiyun. He raised his eyes, calmly meeting their astonished gazes, his tone gentle yet firm: "Tranquilizing incense... I can make it myself, and its effects are no worse than those from the Imperial Medical Bureau."
He paused, looked at the deserted official road in the distance, then glanced around at the familiar scenery, and said softly, "Master and Gu Linzhao are gone, I should... go back to the manor to pack up."
Sheng Xuan and Xiao Qiyun were both stunned, not realizing for a moment which residence "return to" meant.
Su Zhelan looked at them, a faint smile, tinged with weariness and longing, appeared on her lips: "Of course I should go back to the Su residence. My things are still there. My uncle and aunt have treated me kindly, and my brothers and sisters have also taken good care of me. It is only right and proper that I go back to say goodbye properly and pack my things."
His words were reasonable, but there was a hint of sadness in his tone, as if he had already sensed the sorrow of parting.
Upon hearing this, Sheng Xuan and Xiao Qiyun's expressions changed slightly. They immediately understood the subtext in Su Zhelan's words—he wanted to move out of Su Yan's residence, which meant that his plan to leave the capital was already underway.
"Packing your things? You're leaving?!" Sheng Xuan immediately grasped the key point, no longer caring about where they would go tonight, and anxiously asked, his hand unconsciously gripping Su Zhelan's wrist tightly, as if that would keep her there.
"When are we leaving? Didn't we agree..." He stopped mid-sentence, because they never seemed to have truly "agreed" anything; it was all just an unspoken expectation between him and Xiao Qiyun.
Xiao Qiyun's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, but he quickly suppressed his emotions and softened his voice, which carried a coaxing tone: "Why the rush? Although Su Yan has left the capital, everyone in the manor still treats you like family. Staying a few more days won't hurt. As for the travel, we need to plan carefully and be cautious. Let's... plan together."
Su Zhelan shook her head, her gaze somewhat blank as she looked towards the direction of Su Yan's residence in the distance. Her tone was gentle yet carried an undeniable determination: "Master himself has already left, so it's not right for me to keep bothering him. Although Uncle and Aunt are kind, it's not a long-term solution."
He paused, his voice lowering, almost muttering to himself, "The itinerant doctor's baggage needs to be packed and prepared gradually. The exact departure date is still undecided, but... it will be soon."
"How long is 'soon'?" Sheng Xuan pressed relentlessly, gripping his hand slightly tighter, like a large dog afraid of being abandoned, her eyes filled with anxiety and grievance.
He paused, as if he had thought of something, his eyes lit up, and his tone became ardent and domineering, "How about... how about you move in with me! My yard is huge, and there are plenty of empty rooms! Once you're ready, we'll go together! I'll protect you!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qiyun's eyes turned slightly cold, but his expression remained gentle. He stepped forward and gently placed his hand on Su Zhelan's other arm. His voice was deep and pleasant, carrying a reassuring power: "General Shengxuan's mansion is frequented by military personnel. The noise and commotion may not be conducive to making preparations in a calm manner."
He first calmly rejected Sheng Xuan's suggestion, then looked at Su Zhelan with deep and focused eyes, his tone so gentle it was almost tender: "Zhelan, if you find the Su Yan residence inconvenient to stay in for long, you might as well move to the Prince's residence. There is a quiet and secluded courtyard in the residence, where no one will disturb you. Everything is provided, so you can live there in peace and prepare your luggage at your leisure. If you need anything, just tell me, and I will take care of it for you."
Su Zhelan was stared at by the two men's burning gazes, and listened to their completely different yet equally urgent arrangements. The sorrow of parting in her heart was stirred up in a turbulent state.
Ultimately, seemingly swayed by Xiao Qiyun's words about a "quiet villa" and "absolutely no one to disturb them," she hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly.
“Alright…” His voice was soft, with a hint of compromise, as he looked at Xiao Qiyun, “Then… after I return to the manor to say goodbye to my uncle and aunt, as well as my brothers and sisters, and pack my things… I will then go and bother Your Highness for a few days.”
"Really?!" A fleeting glint of light and triumphant joy flashed in Xiao Qiyun's eyes, but he quickly suppressed it, only raising the corners of his lips slightly and speaking in an even gentler tone: "How could I be bothering you? I am more than happy to have you come. The villa is already prepared and ready to welcome you at any time."
He could almost see a future where he could spend quiet, undisturbed time alone with Su Zhelan.
Sheng Xuan, standing to the side, immediately became indignant. His eyes widened like a large dog whose tail had been stepped on. He tugged at Su Zhelan's sleeve, his voice filled with disbelief, grievance, and jealousy: "Why go to him?! Why?! My yard is bigger! I have more rooms! I can prepare the best for you! Why didn't you choose me?!" He was so anxious he was almost jumping up and down.
Su Zhelan was both amused and exasperated by his blunt jealousy and childish questioning, which dispelled much of her earlier low spirits.
He turned his head and looked at Sheng Xuan's aggrieved expression, as if to say, "You'd better coax me or I'll throw a tantrum." He couldn't help but reach out and gently poke his puffed-up cheek with his fingertips, his tone filled with deep helplessness and a hint of barely perceptible doting:
“Because you’re too noisy…” he drawled, as if coaxing a tantrum-throwing child, “always making a racket, like you’re trying to tear the roof off. Right now… I just want to pack my things quietly and think about the future. Your place… I’m afraid your brothers and colleagues will be wearing down your doorstep, how can I possibly have peace and quiet?”
He was speaking the truth; Shengxuan's General's Mansion was indeed much more lively and bustling than Xiao Qiyun's Prince Chen's Mansion. But this truth also carried an affectionate complaint and indulgence.
Sheng Xuan was taken aback by his question. Hearing the reason, although he was still unconvinced, his agitated temper subsided considerably. He pouted and muttered softly, "I... I can make sure they don't come... I can be very quiet..." But this explanation sounded rather unconvincing, and even he himself felt guilty.
Looking at him like this, Su Zhelan couldn't help but chuckle softly, then ruffled his hair again: "Alright, I know you're good to me. It's just a few days of peace and quiet at his place, it's not like we won't see each other at all. You...you can come see me anytime, right?" He softened his voice at the last sentence, with a hint of reassurance and promise.
Sheng Xuan, after being coaxed and rubbed, still felt a pang of jealousy, thinking Xiao Qiyun had gotten a great deal, but he wasn't so resentful anymore. He grumbled and grabbed Su Zhelan's hand: "Then it's a deal! I'll go every day! You can't find me annoying! And!" He suddenly looked up, glaring fiercely at Xiao Qiyun, and said, "You have to reserve the biggest guest room for me! I want to stay there too!"
Xiao Qiyun watched as Sheng Xuan was calmed down by Su Zhelan's few words, a knowing yet slightly mocking smile playing on his lips. He didn't care about Sheng Xuan's childish provocation, and simply nodded calmly: "Of course."
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