Chapter 44 : My lady, my patience is limited

Cui Yunzhao chatted with Lin Xiu Gu for a while longer. Seeing that Huo Tan looked somewhat fatigued, Lin Xiu Gu quickly decided to end the conversation.

“Why don’t you both go rest now? It’s quite late. Any issues can be discussed tomorrow.”

Cui Yunzhao and Huo Tan then rose and left the main hall.

As they were leaving, Gu Yinhong happened to emerge from the opposite side, lifting the door curtain with a basin in her hand, clearly intending to fetch some water.

Seeing the two of them, Gu Yinhong was momentarily stunned and shyly smiled. “Cousin, Cousin-in-law.”

Cui Yunzhao nodded politely in response, and she and Huo Tan walked out briskly.

Gu Yinhong stood in the main hall, dazed for a moment, before pursing her lips and heading to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Qiao Pozi was washing dishes. She had to manage the kitchen chores, boiling water, and washing dishes daily, which left her little idle time.

She was already displeased with the work and had a sullen expression. When she saw Gu Yinhong enter, she couldn’t help but mock her. “Oh, so the Old Lady wants you to fetch the water for her?”

Gu Yinhong flinched slightly, seemingly not very adept at handling people like Qiao Pozi. She went directly to the water tank, carefully washed the basin, and then turned to look at Qiao Pozi.

“As a junior, I naturally need to serve my Aunt.”

Qiao Pozi snorted. “Our Old Lady is always making trouble for people.”

She wasn’t worried about Gu Yinhong learning to mimic her, as she was the most diligent in front of the Old Lady, and the Old Lady wouldn’t believe her if she said anything behind her back.

Gu Yinhong said nothing in response.

Qiao Pozi glanced outside and then went back to washing dishes with a clattering noise, clearly unhappy with her task.

“This family is really stingy. Even with so much money and marrying into such a noble family, they don’t think to hire more servants. I’m left to manage this whole household alone.”

“Oh, my poor old back.”

Qiao Pozi was grumbling to herself. She couldn’t say these things to the master family and had long held grievances against the clumsy and inept Fu Pozi. Now that a clueless cousin’s daughter had appeared, she felt emboldened and began to complain endlessly.

After a few minutes of muttering, she looked up and saw that Gu Yinhong had her back turned as she took hot water from the pot.

Qiao Pozi couldn’t help but sneer.

Thinking of becoming Ninth Young Master’s concubine with this character, she must be dreaming.

Just as Qiao Pozi was lost in her thoughts, Gu Yinhong suddenly spoke up.

“Earlier, I overheard my aunt discussing that the household might be managed by the eldest sister in the future. The eldest sister is a capable person. If you really can’t manage, you might want to ask the eldest sister.”

Qiao Pozi’s face changed abruptly.

“What?”

Gu Yinhong did not turn around. She carefully filled the basin with hot water, her movements steady.

“I only vaguely overheard it,” Gu Yinhong said, turning to look at Qiao Pozi with a shy smile, “I need to go back now. You continue with your work.”

Qiao Pozi quickly dropped the porcelain bowl she was holding and wiped her hands on her clothes. She immediately tried to grab Gu Yinhong.

Gu Yinhong, who had momentarily unsteady hands with the basin, managed to avoid her grasp.

“Qiao Pozi, you…”

Qiao Pozi gave a forced smile.

She wiped her hands on her clothes again and made an effort to appear ingratiating. “Oh, Miss Cousin, you’re truly kind-hearted.”

“Was what you said accurate?”

Gu Yinhong lowered her eyes, looking somewhat nervous.

“I… I only overheard a bit. Qiao Pozi, please don’t tell anyone I was eavesdropping. If others find out, it would be terrible for me.”

Saying this, Gu Yinhong’s eyes even began to redden.

Qiao Pozi quickly responded, “Of course not. In this household, I like Miss Cousin the most.”

She even used honorifics, which was rare.

“Miss Cousin, did you really hear that?”

Gu Yinhong nodded.

Qiao Pozi asked again, “Did Madam say anything else?”

Gu Yinhong pressed her lips together and then quietly said, “I didn’t hear clearly, but I vaguely heard my sister-in-law mention that the household servants should be managed by the eldest sister.”

Qiao Pozi became flustered.

“Oh, what should we do?”

Gu Yinhong looked at her in confusion. Qiao Pozi cleared her throat, trying to calm herself.

“I mean, with Elder Sister living as a widow, how could she manage the family affairs? All the servants were chosen by the Old Lady. Elder Sister wouldn’t dare to go against the Old Lady, would she?”

Though she said this, she wasn’t very certain, and her tone was wavering.

Gu Yinhong didn’t respond, merely murmuring, “Qiao Pozi, I need to go deliver water to my aunt.”

Qiao Pozi finally snapped out of her daze, quickly clearing the way. “You go ahead, go ahead.”

She repeated these words, clearly dazed by Gu Yinhong’s news. Gu Yinhong nodded and left.

She didn’t concern herself with the anxious Qiao Pozi behind her and went directly to the main hall, entering the room on the west side of the Old Lady’s quarters.

The Old Lady was sitting in a chair, eating sugar cakes.

After the ruckus at the welcome feast, the Old Lady hadn’t eaten much and was now feeling a bit hungry. The sugar cakes had been secretly bought by Gu Yinhong and were very sweet, which she enjoyed.

Seeing Gu Yinhong return, the Old Lady said, “Rest early tonight. Tomorrow, go tell your brother that the matter has been settled.”

Gu Yinhong nodded and squatted beside the Old Lady to massage her legs.

She did these serving tasks with a compliant expression, showing no sign of grievance.

The Old Lady was comfortably served and couldn’t help but close her eyes in contentment.

“This is how a junior should act. None of those children in the family show any filial piety towards me.”

Gu Yinhong remained silent.

The Old Lady sighed to herself. “Oh, if only you could be the granddaughter-in-law. Then, those rewards from Ninth Young Master would be…”

Before the Old Lady could finish, Gu Yinhong suddenly spoke up.

“Aunt, I overheard earlier while fetching water that my sister-in-law suggested the household should be managed by the eldest sister.”

The Old Lady nearly jumped up.

She fumbled, dropping a piece of sugar cake, which rolled around on the floor, scattering sugar everywhere.

Ignoring the fallen cake, the Old Lady grabbed Gu Yinhong’s hand. “Is that true?”

Gu Yinhong winced in pain but did not cry out, only allowing the Old Lady to hold her firmly.

“I didn’t hear clearly, but it was something like that.”

The Old Lady’s expression darkened.

Her narrow eyes squinted, and the cold light in them clearly indicated her anger.

“Goodness, this mother-in-law and daughter-in-law pair are going to make trouble for everyone,” she said.

“I’ve said it before, we shouldn’t have married a high-born lady. Look at this, she’s nothing but a troublemaker. Ever since she came into the family, there hasn’t been a single peaceful day.”

“Oh, my fate is truly bitter.”

Gu Yinhong squatted beside her, remaining silent.

After the Old Lady finished her complaints, she took a deep breath and reached for another piece of sugar cake. Only then did Gu Yinhong speak up.

“Aunt, you need to take care of your health. You shouldn’t eat too many sugar cakes. Just a couple more bites, and that should be enough.”

The Old Lady suddenly looked at her.

Gu Yinhong seemed a bit scared and couldn’t help but shrink back slightly, but still said, “Aunt, I’m just thinking about your health.”

The Old Lady nodded. Looking at the sugar cake, she lost her appetite and put it back in the box.

“You’re so good, and the Gu family treats me so well.”

“That Lin Xiu Gu is really hateful. I said at the time, if Ninth Young Master was to marry, he should marry a girl from our Gu family. They’re filial and hardworking,such good daughters-in-law.”

“But she wouldn’t listen, always bringing up your uncle. It really stabs my heart.”

Gu Yinhong’s face turned crimson, and she stood silently at the side.

The Old Lady looked at her fair face and nodded thoughtfully. “Qiao Pozi does have a point.”

She reached out and held Gu Yinhong’s hand, her face showing rare tenderness.

“Yinhong, do you like your cousin?”

Gu Yinhong’s face reddened even more. She lowered her head, silent as a typical young maiden in love.

The Old Lady smiled.

“Your cousin is such a good man. With his looks, you wouldn’t find better in Bo Ling. His stature, tsk tsk.”

The Old Lady clicked her tongue and continued, “Your sister-in-law was appointed by General Lu. She’s a daughter of the Bo Ling Cui family. We can’t afford to offend her. Even if I don’t like her, I have to grudgingly accept it.”

The Old Lady squinted her eyes. “Yinhong, having two women serving one man isn’t really such a big deal, is it? You’re so gentle and considerate. Once you’re married, maybe your cousin will like you even more.”

“There’s no need to be the official wife.”

Gu Yinhong’s face was completely flushed. She couldn’t say a word.

The Old Lady didn’t seem to think her words were shocking. She patted her thighs and said, “I was so stubborn before. Why didn’t I think of this?”

“As long as you have a child with your cousin, our family will still be in your control.”

The more she talked, the more outrageous it sounded.

Gu Yinhong hurriedly said, “Aunt, you can’t say such things. I’m not married yet. If others hear this, what will they think of me?”

“Besides, I see how affectionate my cousin and sister-in-law are. How could he possibly agree to marry me as… as…” Gu Yinhong couldn’t bring herself to say the word, looking very dejected, “I’m just dreaming.”

She spoke with her eyes reddened, looking extremely pitiful.

The Old Lady patted her hand, her gaze particularly affectionate, and her tone very gentle.

“You’re just too timid,” the Old Lady said. “Things are up to people. You don’t need to worry about whether your cousin agrees or not, nor do you need to worry about your sister-in-law.”

“Our family’s matters don’t need her interference.”

The Old Lady held Gu Yinhong’s hand, inspecting her up and down, her eyes resting on her slender waist with satisfaction.

“If it comes to that, Ninth Young Master will have no choice but to agree.”

The Old Lady smiled triumphantly. “Good child, don’t be afraid. I’m here for everything.”

Cui Yunzhao and Huo Tan returned to the east courtyard.

The couple washed up and changed clothes, then sat in their warm bedroom, exchanging a smile.

Huo Tan spoke first, “Thank you for your understanding today.”

Cui Yunzhao waved her hand, not continuing on that topic, but instead sighed. “Father is truly admirable.”

Though he was no longer here, he was still protecting his children.

Huo Tan nodded, a touch of nostalgia in his voice. “Father was really wonderful. When I was young, he personally taught me martial arts. He guided me hand in hand without showing any impatience.”

Huo Tan seemed lost in memory. He paused for a moment and then smiled wistfully. “It’s a pity he passed away too early. I didn’t get a chance to fulfill my filial duties.”

Cui Yunzhao reached out and held his warm hand. “Being filial to your mother is just as important.”

Huo Tan took her hand in his, pulling her into his embrace.

Warm and soft, with a beautiful person in his arms.

Huo Tan took a deep breath. “You’re truly wonderful.”

Cui Yunzhao looked down at him.

From above, his thick eyelashes cast shadows over his bright eyes, and his sharp, hawk-like nose revealed his character.

Seeing him like this, Cui Yunzhao was struck by the realization that Huo Tan was still only nineteen.

When is Huo Tan’s birthday?

Cui Yunzhao thought to herself and then asked out loud.

Huo Tan was taken aback by the question and paused for a moment.

He raised his eyebrows and looked at Cui Yunzhao, noticing she seemed to be asking out of curiosity without any hint of reproach. He pulled her a little tighter into his embrace.

“My birthday is on the day of the Vaidurya Bodhisattva’s birth.”

Cui Yunzhao remembered his birthday was on the third day of the sixth lunar month but had never heard it was on the day of the Vaidurya Bodhisattva’s birth. It was something he had never mentioned in his past life.

This was indeed quite unusual.

Huo Tan smiled and said, “Yes, my father used to tell me that the Vaidurya Bodhisattva is the protector of the Three Realms, vanquishing demons and upholding righteousness. I should follow the Bodhisattva’s example, do good deeds, and not concern myself with the future.”

Cui Yunzhao had never heard this perspective before and found it very novel. She couldn’t help but smile.

“Your father really knew how to teach his children.”

Huo Tan nodded and continued, “It’s also a matter of fate. My parents said they prayed at the Shouxin Temple for me, and when they went back to express their gratitude, my mother went into labor there and gave birth to me in the temple.”

Cui Yunzhao had heard of this story before, particularly after Huo Tan became emperor. It was often proclaimed as a miraculous tale, suggesting he was born under divine favor and blessing, adding a layer of mystique to his background.

Such stories are common for founding emperors, and Huo Tan was no exception.

But at that moment, Huo Tan was still just an ordinary military envoy.

Cui Yunzhao had thought these tales were concocted by his advisors later, but hearing it now, it seemed to be true.

“You mentioned before that you were prayed for at the temple, but I didn’t know you were born there.”

Huo Tan nodded.

He held Cui Yunzhao’s slender waist tightly, feeling her soft body secure in his arms. The scent of osmanthus from her was sweet and enchanting, making him reluctant to let go.

Huo Tan took a deep breath and murmured, “The Buddha’s compassion.”

“The temple wasn’t a place for childbirth, but my mother’s condition was critical. The abbot of Shouxin Temple couldn’t adhere to the rules and quickly set up a meditation room for my mother to give birth.”

“I was born in Shouxin Temple, which is why I’m named Huo Tan.”

Cui Yunzhao was moved by the story and sighed, “Amitabha.”

She was so absorbed in Huo Tan’s story that she didn’t notice their close position until she felt a bit warm and realized she had been sitting in his lap.

Her face flushed slightly. She reached out to push him away, but Huo Tan held her firmly.

“My lady,” Huo Tan’s voice was low and husky, filled with temptation, “It’s been half a month. We should be quite familiar with each other by now, don’t you think?”

Huo Tan tilted his head, his warm breath lingering on Cui Yunzhao’s white neck, making her unable to move.

Cui Yunzhao suddenly felt a flutter of excitement.

She remembered the scenes from the afternoon, recalling Huo Tan’s strong chest and those attractive muscles.

It was indeed something to yearn for.

She had come to terms with it and didn’t reject intimacy with Huo Tan, especially as it also brought her joy.

However…

Cui Yunzhao lowered her eyes and gently tapped Huo Tan’s brow with her finger, “My lord, why the hurry?”

Sometimes, the anticipation makes the reward even sweeter.

Cui Yunzhao had come back to life to ensure her happiness.

Huo Tan understood her reluctance but wasn’t discouraged. He simply tilted his head back and kissed her, savoring every moment.

The fragrance of osmanthus filled the air, as if a year-round osmanthus tree was blooming quietly in the room.

It was delightful, beautiful, and stirring.

Huo Tan said near her lips, “My lady, my patience is limited.”

His kiss became more assertive.

After their wedding, their relationship seemed to grow closer each day. Such kisses had become routine, and Cui Yunzhao was gradually getting accustomed to his assertiveness and passion.

But sometimes, Huo Tan’s intensity was overwhelming, making her feel breathless.

At that moment, Cui Yunzhao felt she could hardly breathe.

Huo Tan had learned the rhythm and pleasure of their intimacy, and when he heard Cui Yunzhao’s soft moans, he knew it was time to stop.

Eventually, Huo Tan reluctantly released her.

With their kiss concluded, both were slightly sweaty.

Huo Tan rested his forehead against Cui Yunzhao’s and gazed into her half-closed eyes.

“I hope that day will come soon.”

Cui Yunzhao gave him another gentle push, and Huo Tan regretfully let her go.

She moved back to her seat, took a sip from her teacup, and cleared her throat before speaking, “I propose that the eldest sister manage the household. What do you think?”

She hadn’t discussed this with Huo Tan in advance. The matter had come up suddenly today when Lin Xiugu had brought up household management, and Cui Yunzhao had only been able to voice her thoughts on the spot.

Huo Tan, however, was never one to dwell on such matters.

He looked at Cui Yunzhao with admiration and said, “My wife is both elegant and wise, with careful consideration. I admire that.”

“You may not be very familiar with household matters, but after this half-month of getting to know everyone, you’ve managed to see things clearly. Your decision is something I hadn’t considered. It’s truly commendable.”

Huo Tan was never stingy with his praise.

Cui Yunzhao, however, was not swayed by his sweet words. She said, “If the eldest sister agrees, that would be ideal.”

“People need to have things to do, it keeps their mind occupied and brings peace to the heart,” Huo Tan remarked, glancing at her again.

After a moment of silence, he suddenly said, “Sometimes, I feel like my wife is much older than me. Her words and actions have a sense of maturity and poise.”

Cui Yunzhao paused, surprised by his comment. She quickly masked her astonishment and shot him a cold look.

“What, My lord, are you displeased with my age?”

Huo Tan was momentarily taken aback.

After a moment, he shook his head and laughed.

“I was wrong. Please forgive me, My lady.”

Cui Yunzhao sighed in relief.

Huo Tan, as always, was incredibly perceptive.

As night fell, there was little left to discuss. Huo Tan mentioned the rewards he had received, and that someone from the military office would come by, and she would be responsible for receiving them.

Cui Yunzhao agreed with a nod.

Huo Tan had a lot of money, and he had shown Cui Yunzhao the accounts after returning home. Most of what he had were valuable items, mostly spoils of war, and were usually kept locked away because there was no need for such precious items in their home.

But this time was different.

“As for the twenty acres of land, if you don’t have the time to manage it, let the eldest sister take care of it. It will be a good opportunity for her.”

Huo Tan knew Cui Yunzhao was not a petty person, so he suggested this.

Cui Yunzhao nodded, yawned, and murmured, “I understand. Don’t worry about it. I’ll handle it.”

Huo Tan smiled with a hint of helplessness. After laughing, he felt quite content.

Since his father passed away, it felt as though he was carrying a heavy stone on his shoulders. There was no one to rely on or consult, and he had walked to where he was today, step by blood-soaked step, gritting his teeth.

Superiors praised him as a fearless hero, and his subordinates looked up to him as a guiding light. His family depended on him, hoping he would bring them honor and success.

But now, his wife told him, “Don’t worry about it. I’m here.”

This feeling was quite extraordinary.

For some reason, Huo Tan suddenly felt much lighter. Having someone to talk to, someone to help him with his medicine, and someone who would always be by his side, supporting and encouraging him this was truly comforting.

Huo Tan suddenly smiled.

In the darkness, within the tent, he silently smiled.

Then he helped Cui Yunzhao cover up with the quilt, closed his eyes, and fell asleep.

The next morning, Huo Tan did not leave early.

When Cui Yunzhao woke up, she faintly heard the sounds of blades clashing outside. She lifted the curtain and softly called out, “Li Qing?”

Li Qing quickly came in, hung up the curtain, and said with a smile, “Good morning, Miss.”

Cui Yunzhao nodded and asked curiously, “Is the husband at home?”

Li Qing replied, “The Young Master said he wanted to have breakfast with you. But since he woke up early and had nothing to do, he’s practicing his sword in the courtyard.”

Cui Yunzhao got up, put on her robe and embroidered slippers, and went to sit by the tea table by the window.

The window was only slightly ajar for ventilation. Cui Yunzhao pushed it open to see outside.

There, a tall figure was practicing under the tree.

In the cold winter, Huo Tan wore only a close-fitting narrow-sleeved military uniform and wielded his usual Tang knife.

With his back to her, his figure was lithe and elegant, like a pine or bamboo.

The knife was neither heavy nor cumbersome. When in motion, it had a light, graceful quality. Yet Cui Yunzhao knew the knife was incredibly sharp.

The snow had not yet settled, and the courtyard was blanketed in white. Huo Tan stood in the snow, moving with the wind, and the blade glinted like rays of light spreading across the sky.

His movements appeared relaxed, but each strike was powerful, with a resonant clang if listened to closely. The sharp blade cut through the wind with unstoppable force.

Cui Yunzhao had seen Huo Tan practice before, but never had she looked at it with admiration.

This time, she truly appreciated the beauty of his strength.

Every move Huo Tan made was decisive and powerful, reflecting how he could be invincible on the battlefield, protecting his country.

He seemed to sense Cui Yunzhao’s gaze, quickening his rhythm. In an instant, he performed a set of Long Wind Eight Steps, moving from afar to close, until he reached the window.

Before Cui Yunzhao could fully react, Huo Tan turned, walked swiftly, and positioned the tip of his blade right at the window ledge.

At that moment, snow fell from the eaves as if heralding another snowfall.

The daylight was bright, and the sky was clear and blue, with the sun high above.

Huo Tan stood under the falling snow, his smile pure and clear. He gazed steadily at Cui Yunzhao, his eyes filled with a captivating light.

After a moment, the snow ceased.

Huo Tan reappeared outside the window, right in front of Cui Yunzhao.

“Good morning, My lady.”

Cui Yunzhao exhaled a breath of warm air, savoring the freshness and chill of the winter day.

She looked back at Huo Tan and said, “Good morning, My lord.”

Then she smiled brightly.

“Your swordplay is truly beautiful,” Cui Yunzhao said with a smile.