Chapter 64: The Assassin Has Arrived

Du Wanchun stood frozen in place, her breath completely stolen by the warmth of his lips. Her heart felt as if it would stop at any moment.

She was enveloped in a soft, lingering fragrance.

As the approaching footsteps grew closer, Zhou Ruizhen’s kisses became more urgent.

In the cramped space, sweat gradually formed on both their foreheads. Du Wanchun tightly clutched his clothing and shifted slightly.

Sensing her movement, Zhou Ruizhen cupped the back of her head and deepened the kiss.

At that moment, the black-clad man had already approached from behind. When he spotted the couple locked in an embrace through the narrow gap, his face instantly showed surprise and embarrassment. Without hesitation, he quickly turned and left.

Only after the man had walked away did Zhou Ruizhen slowly release Du Wanchun, whose face was flushed red like dripping blood. He reached out and gently wiped the corner of her lips. “I’m sorry, just now…”

“It’s fine, husband.” Du Wanchun shook her head and looked at him, her eyes curving into crescent moons. To break the awkwardness, she asked, “Who was that man just now? Why was he following you?”

Zhou Ruizhen snapped back to his senses and frowned as he looked in the direction the man had left. “I don’t know who he is. He might have been a thief trying to rob me.”

Du Wanchun was skeptical but chose not to press further. She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the street. “Husband, let’s hurry back. Otherwise, Mother will be worried.”

“Mm.” Zhou Ruizhen allowed her to hold his hand and followed behind her, responding softly as they left the alley together.

They found Madam Zhou at the town gate.

Seeing them, Madam Zhou’s face lit up with relief. “Ruizhen, where were you just now?”

Zhou Ruizhen helped Du Wanchun onto the carriage swiftly. As he urged Zhou Zhao to hurry and drive, he replied, “I was being followed on the way here, so I was delayed.”

“Followed? By who?” Madam Zhou was startled. “Could it be—?!”

Zhou Ruizhen quickly reassured her. “I think it was just a thief targeting my money. But don’t worry, I’ve already shaken him off.”

Madam Zhou let out a long sigh of relief. “That’s good.”

She looked him over carefully and, seeing that he wasn’t injured, finally felt at ease.

Du Wanchun also reassured her. “Yes, Mother, let’s go home quickly.”

Madam Zhou lifted her head to look at Du Wanchun’s face. Noticing her flushed cheeks and reddened lips, she immediately asked, “Wanchun, what’s wrong? Why is your face so red?”

Du Wanchun instinctively reached up to touch her face and lips. The memory of their kiss flashed in her mind, making her blush even more. “Mother, I’m fine. It’s probably just the heat.”

As she spoke, she fanned herself with her hand.

The weather was getting hotter, and the carriage did feel a bit stuffy.

Madam Zhou quickly lifted the window curtain to let the outside breeze in.

The warm wind brushed against Du Wanchun’s face. She lifted her gaze slightly—just in time to catch sight of Zhou Ruizhen’s lips.

They were just as red as hers.

Instantly, she felt her face grow even hotter.

Madam Zhou, noticing her increasingly flushed face, pulled the curtain again and asked in confusion, “Still too hot?”

Du Wanchun awkwardly turned her head toward the window. “No, Mother, it’s much better now.”

Madam Zhou picked up a fan and gently fanned her.

Zhou Ruizhen sat quietly beside them, his fingers tightly gripping the comb and rouge he had carefully guarded.

He hesitated, wondering how he should give them to Du Wanchun.

However, by the time the carriage arrived home, he still hadn’t given her the comb and rouge.

The family got down from the carriage and began unloading the newly purchased oil and fabric.

Once everything was moved inside, Madam Zhou retrieved a small wooden box from the carriage.

The box appeared simple yet elegant, adorned with intricately carved lotus flowers.

Madam Zhou strode over to Du Wanchun and handed it to her. “Wanchun, you don’t even have a proper jewelry box. I bought this for you. Now you can store the silver earrings and red hairpin your mother left you.”

Du Wanchun took the box and opened it. Inside the lid, a small bronze mirror was embedded.

The mirror was smoother and clearer than the one she used daily, reflecting her image with remarkable clarity.

She was delighted and immediately smiled at Madam Zhou. “Thank you, Mother!”

“Silly child, no need to be so polite. Once things get better, I’ll buy you an even nicer one.” Madam Zhou beamed.

For an ordinary farming family like theirs, having such a jewelry box was already a luxury.

But Madam Zhou still felt it wasn’t enough—she always wanted to give the best to her sons and daughter-in-law.

Holding the jewelry box, Du Wanchun grew fonder of it with each glance and happily walked toward the courtyard.

Zhou Ruizhen walked ahead, pausing at the doorway to glance back at her. Seeing the joy on her face, the corners of his lips curled up slightly in a quiet smile before he turned and stepped inside.

But just as he crossed the threshold, a sword was suddenly pressed against his throat.

“Well, Your Highness, you certainly weren’t easy to find.”

The man from the alley earlier stood before him, gripping a long sword, his sharp eyes filled with icy determination as he slowly approached.

A flicker of surprise flashed in Zhou Ruizhen’s gaze. His eyes fixed on the blade as he instinctively took a step back.

Du Wanchun, who had been walking toward the house, froze in shock at the sight before her, stopping in her tracks.

Madam Zhou, still smiling, stepped forward. “Wanchun, what’s wrong?”

But as soon as she lifted her head, she saw the sword at Zhou Ruizhen’s throat.

“Ruizhen!” Madam Zhou cried out in alarm.