Chapter 25

Su Si finally managed to push him away, her lips already feeling hot and sore from his sucking. She touched her lips and glared, “What kind of person are you?!”

Since they confirmed their relationship, he had kissed her at least seven or eight times at every opportunity. In his eyes, the idea of maintaining a proper distance between an engaged couple was nonsense. Not once had he ever just given her a peck; his kisses were as forceful as he was, leaving her worried each time that someone might see them, a social death scene.

Su Si quickly glanced around. Fortunately, apart from the guard downstairs, no one had noticed the two of them above. She then withdrew her gaze and glared at him, “I remember we haven’t gotten married yet, right?”

Kissing whenever he wanted, is this appropriate? She protested.

Yang Yanzong: “No difference.” After all, they would be married soon.

Having gone through so many storms, he was naturally free to do as he pleased; otherwise, why would he strive to climb up? Was it to find a way to restrain himself?

Ridiculous. He scoffed.

Su Si understood immediately; this was the mindset of a game rule-maker. Indeed, as the old saying goes, character determines destiny.

Tsk, tsk, putting everything else aside, this man was truly dangerous and charming.

He’s charming and deadly, but honestly, it’s better for ordinary people not even to consider trying to handle him.

“Hey, hey, what are you doing… mmm!”

The little girl was still slightly panting, covering her lips. Her tender fingers were under her lips, which had just been kissed red. Her face flushed pink, lightly pouting in mock anger, her big, round eyes wide open, black and white distinct, like a misty spring forest, so lush and green that it seemed they might drip with water at any moment. A budding apricot peeking out in early spring, the garden full of delicate colors couldn’t be contained, a misty rain, sharp and pointed, young and enchanting. These two completely different and contrasting styles and colors strangely converged on this youthful girl before him, yet there was no sense of incongruity.

Unsure what she was thinking, her black-and-white eyes spinning around, the corners of her lips slightly curling up, sly as a little fat cat that had stolen a fish, savoring a secret only she knew.

Yang Yanzong’s gaze deepened. He stared at her for a while, feeling dissatisfied. He expressed his dissatisfaction directly, tightening the arm he had just released, pinching her chin, and raising an eyebrow: “What are you thinking about?”

Su Ci: “Nothing.”

She blinked her eyes and flashed a toothy smile, looking like a model student, very obedient. The premise was that her eyes weren’t so bright; otherwise, she would still look a bit honest.

Yang Yanzong let out a soft hum and lightly bit her cheek. She finally let out a small gasp, and he then firmly captured her lips. As a result, Su Ci covered her face, worried that there might be a bite mark. She didn’t want to bite back, so after a brief argument, she didn’t dare sit on the railing anymore. The height was just right for a kabedon, which wasn’t a good place. She quickly jumped down and pulled Yang Yanzong to walk down. It was better to enjoy the moon, and most importantly, there were people below, so it was safe.

Yang Yanzong was pulled around the small courtyard by her. The two guards at the gate looked straight ahead with serious expressions, but Su Ci felt that they were sneakily glancing over.

Su Ci: “…”

Just as Su Ci was about to move to the backyard, Yang Yanzong stopped her, “Let’s go back.”

He embraced her as they went up to the second floor and escorted her back to her room. “Get some rest early. We’ll head back to Suiping tomorrow.”

When Suiping was mentioned, his expression changed slightly. The faint leisure in his eyes disappeared, replaced by a deep and profound look. It was time to go back. Yang Yanzong curled his lips.
…

Yang Zhongying’s condition improved, and all the gloom was swept away.
After all, Yang Yanzong’s journey to Wuchuan was a series of victories, achieving the best possible outcome. It could be expected that all the previous obstacles and difficulties in Suiping would be resolved. Isn’t that something to be happy about?

Anyway, Su Ci was in a good mood, and so were the people around her. Unlike the ominous feeling when they came, the return journey was smooth. The next day, they boarded the passenger ship heading north back to Suiping. The ship sailed smoothly upstream for seven or eight days, arriving at the private dock in Suiping where they had departed.
The dock was crowded with people eagerly waiting, including Su Di, Su Yan, and even Mrs. Chen and Su Rong. Both families had faced hardships and were scattered, but now they were safe and sound, finally reuniting with joy.

Mrs. Chen received the news early and brought the two girls from her family to meet them. As soon as the boat docked and they saw each other’s faces, regardless of their previous relationships, they couldn’t help but tear up, holding hands tightly and crying out all the accumulated fear and anxiety.

Su Di immediately boarded the ship to see his sworn brother. “Big brother, how is your injury?!”

“It’s fine, it’s fine, much better.”

Su Di and Yang Zhongying were both very emotional. The two had become sworn brothers in their youth and later joined the army together. Despite their families’ shallow foundations, they advanced and retreated together from the beginning. Over the years, their bond had deepened, and they were like real brothers.

As the stretcher was carried down, Mrs. Yan and Concubine Yan were already crying like tearful messes in front of the deck. Unlike the heir, Concubine Yan was unaware of the situation. Her only sister had been exiled to the frontier, and her fate was unknown. She had been genuinely worried and anxious every day, so she asked the princess to allow her to come and meet them today. When the sisters saw each other, they hugged and cried. Amidst the joyful reunion of laughter and tears, one person’s mood was not so pleasant, and that was the heir, Ji Yan.

After crying for a while, Concubine Yan suddenly noticed her son standing silently by the side. She quickly looked up and smiled, waving, “Heir, heir, come and see your Aunt Yan.”

Yang Yanzong and Ji Yan exchanged glances. One stood at the edge of the dock, and the other at the end of the platform steps. Amidst the noisy laughter and crying, their eyes met.

Ji Yan smiled, showing a pleased expression—he wasn’t here for himself today; he was here on behalf of the Sixth Prince to personally welcome Yang Yanzong.

When Yang Yanzong’s victory news arrived, the Sixth Prince was discussing foreign affairs with his advisors and the heir. Upon hearing the news, he slapped the table and exclaimed ‘good!’ thrice.

Ji Yan walked quickly, and the crowd made way for him. He went straight to Yan Sibling and Yang Yanzong. “Aunt Yan, are you well?”

He bowed his head to greet Mrs. Yan and then looked up. No matter what he was thinking, he didn’t show it. Smiling, he said to Yang Yanzong, “Shenxing, well done! Your journey to Wuchuan was commendable; even my father praised it highly.”

Representing the Sixth Prince to welcome the meritorious officials, he naturally had to show enough concern and enthusiasm. He smiled and patted Yang Yanzong on the shoulder.

Yang Yanzong cupped his hands towards Suiping City. “Your Highness overpraises me. I am unworthy.” He looked grateful. His tone was somewhat calm yet utterly sincere, and his performance was impeccable.

A royal advisor who had come out laughed heartily, “Hey, Shenxing, you’re being too modest!”

“Exactly, exactly, haha, Brother Yang, let’s go. The prince is still waiting.”
After that, the two sides parted ways.

Su Ci followed the main group back to the camp and home while Yang Yanzong and the heir mounted their horses and immediately returned to the Sixth Prince’s residence to report.

The Sixth Prince was indeed waiting in the mansion. The front hall doors of the mansion were wide open, and the Sixth Prince, dressed in a silver-red robe with blue trim and a dragon pattern, sat in the main seat, wearing a purple-gold crown, looking spirited and joyful.

This was the highest honor for welcoming their triumphant return. Yang Yanzong’s success not only extricated the Sixth Prince’s residence from the mire of collusion with Liu Ying’s brothers in illegal silver mining but also reversed the previous difficult situation where they were constantly pressured by the Fourth and Seventh Princes’ residences.

The heir and Yang Yanzong quickly entered. Yang Yanzong flicked his robe and knelt on one knee with a “pa” sound, but before he could fully kneel, the Sixth Prince had already taken a step down and personally helped him up, “Good, good, very good!”

He scrutinized Yang Yanzong, who stood tall and straight with a dignified appearance. The more he looked, the more satisfied he became, praising him repeatedly, “Well done, Shenxing! You are indeed young and promising, a great fortune for me!”

The trusted aides and advisors present also nodded and smiled, congratulating the Sixth Prince on gaining such a talented assistant.

Yang Yanzong cupped his hands, “It is all thanks to Your Highness for entrusting me with this important task. I dare not take credit.”

“Hey, credit is credit. If there are mistakes, they should be punished, and if there are merits, they should be rewarded. Isn’t that right?”

Everyone laughed heartily, “Exactly!”

“Good!”

The Sixth Prince clapped his hands and laughed, then personally took Yang Yanzong by the arm. “Shenxing, come! A banquet has been prepared in your honor. Follow me!”

The official document reinstating Yang Yanzong to his position had been formally issued by the Ministry of Personnel and approved by the cabinet. From then on, he successfully entered the inner circle of the Sixth Prince. The Qingfeng and Baishun camps were rightfully returned to his command, and even Su Di and Yang Zhongying were reinstated to their positions. Most importantly, everything he had planned had succeeded.

At the banquet, toasts were exchanged frequently. Talented people are always held in high regard, and the Sixth Prince’s original trusted aides often raised their glasses to him, having pleasant conversations. The atmosphere at the banquet was vivacious. If one person wasn’t entirely happy, it was probably the heir.

“Shenxing!”

Ji Yan forced a smile. Yang Yanzong couldn’t be suppressed anymore; his schemes had failed, and he had been bitten back. But this wasn’t news to him. Being a man of depth, he had already reined in his emotions; at least now, there was no trace of them on his face. The heir understood that he should reconcile with Yang Yanzong at this moment. The other party was no longer in a position to be manipulated. Most importantly, he had returned with great merit and was the focus of the entire mansion. As Yang Yanzong’s cousin, it was most appropriate to bury the hatchet regardless of previous conflicts.

“The political situation is unpredictable, and we are often compelled by circumstances. I hope you can understand.” Ji Yan put his arm around Yang Yanzong’s shoulder, slightly bowing his head, and spoke in a seemingly sincere tone.

Yang Yanzong smiled. Since the heir had lowered his head, he naturally wouldn’t be ungrateful. “The heir is right.”

“I’m glad you understand. Tomorrow, I’ll host a small banquet, and we brothers can have a good drink.”

“Good!”

One lowered his head, and the other accepted it, thus reconciling on the surface.

Of course, this was only on the surface. What lay beneath was known only to the parties involved.

At the grand banquet, they drank a lot, both looking slightly tipsy. Their personal guards were ready to support them at any moment. After reaching an understanding, they were each escorted back by their respective attendants.

Yang Yanzong closed his eyes slightly, his face flushed with the rising alcohol, but there was no trace of drunkenness in his half-closed eyes.
After turning around, he curled his lips and let out a cold snort.
…

The Sixth Prince ordered a carriage to be prepared for Yang Yanzong and had his personal attendants escort him to the gate to board. As the wheels rumbled, Yang Yanzong restrained his smile, leaning against the soft couch, his body swaying rhythmically with the carriage.

Of course, such a grand celebratory banquet was significant and joyous, but amidst the toasts and exchanges, people inevitably wore various masks, unlike the pure simplicity of a small family banquet.

The external banquet ended, and it was the right time for a small family banquet at home.

Yang Yanzong was in a good mood and not genuinely drunk. He drank half a cup of sobering soup and changed out of his wine-scented clothes. By the time he reached home, his mind was clear, and no trace of drunkenness was left.

After the extreme comes the calm, a joyful reunion, and a return to the old place. Naturally, a reunion banquet is in order.

The two families returned home and settled Father Yang, then busily prepared. They had been ready for most of the day, only waiting for Yang Yanzong to return and start the banquet. The small hall had a few extra couches removed and was set up with two large and one small banquet table. Mrs. Bai and the two concubines from Yang Zhongying’s house even received a small table, which shows the level of joy today. Everyone gathered together, chatting and laughing while eating sunflower seeds and drinking tea. Even Yang Zhongying was in good spirits, having someone carry him out on a reclining chair propped up with soft pillows and chatting with Su Di while Yang Yanxin, Yang Yanzhen, and Lin Yichu occasionally joined in.

The women’s side was even livelier. Mrs. Yan and Concubine Yan held hands and didn’t let go, while Su Ci and Su Yan huddled in a corner, whispering and occasionally causing Su Yan to exclaim in admiration. The sisters whispered and laughed loudly.

Taking advantage of a bathroom break, Mrs. Chen nudged Su Ci. Su Ci widened her eyes, and her mother looked disapprovingly at her. She handed her a new teacup, and motioned upwards with her mouth, “Go, quickly change your Aunt Yan’s tea.”

As a future daughter-in-law, Su Ci had to do the appropriate things as she was about to enter the family.

Su Ci had no choice but to take the teacup and walk over.

She obediently called out, “Aunt Yang,” and the other party looked up and nodded. She smiled and replaced the teacup on the table. As for Concubine Yan, there was no need. Seeing that her cup was still new, Su Ci casually placed the tea tray aside and stood smiling behind Mrs. Yan.

In ancient times, this was the annoying part. Unmarried girls had no place to sit in front of elders and usually had to stand, like when Concubine Yan came before, she and her sister always stood. However, serving tea wasn’t something Su Ci couldn’t accept. Thinking about modern times, there were also tasks like pouring tea and serving water to elders out of respect, which she often did. This was Yang Yanzong’s mother, so standing and serving were acceptable as long as it wasn’t excessive.

Mrs. Yan smiled, nodded, and took the tea, but Su Ci’s casual placement of the tea tray made her smile fade a bit —Even if Concubine Yan’s tea was new, it wouldn’t have hurt to change it since it was brought over. Both actions were reasonable, but from the former, it could be seen that Su Ci was quite at ease and not nervous about meeting her future mother-in-law.

Mrs. Yan felt slighted and immediately became unhappy. She had always disliked the Su sisters. Su Yan was always loud and boisterous, waving weapons around and constantly talking about recruiting a husband. When Father Yang discussed with her about making one of the Su daughters the eldest daughter-in-law, she almost immediately jumped up and said there was no way she would accept Su Yan as a daughter-in-law.

Fine, if not Su Yan, then Su Ci. But Mrs. Yan didn’t really like Su Ci either. She used to be very quiet, but now she seemed more lively, though still not to Mrs. Yan’s liking.

Unfortunately, Yang Zhongying greatly valued the eldest son’s marriage and made the decision himself. When he said it was a discussion, it was actually just informing her, leaving no room for her opinion.

Mrs. Yan’s smile faded, and Su Ci noticed. Mrs. Yan turned to continue chatting with Concubine Yan. In those days, juniors serving elders usually stood to show respect and humility, like Su Rong on the other side.

Su Rong was pulled over by Concubine Yan to talk. She served tea and snacks, occasionally making a few jokes, causing Concubine Yan to laugh and even bringing a smile to Mrs. Yan’s face.

Su Ci didn’t say anything, either. Standing quietly, she changed the tea when needed and picked up a few small plates of snacks when a maid brought them. She wouldn’t have to stand long, as it was already dark, and Yang Yanzong should return soon. The banquet was about to start.
Sure enough, about half an hour later, the sound of wheels and hooves came from outside—Yang Yanzong had returned.

“Alright, alright, Dalang is back, let’s start the banquet!”

Laughter filled the air as everyone stood up. The women quickly cleaned the tables and took their seats as the dishes were served.

Neither the Su nor Yang families were from wealthy backgrounds, so they didn’t have the habit of keeping many servants. Moreover, their previous servants had scattered due to the upheaval earlier in the year. Now that they were back, Yang Yanzong was cautious about letting people in. Given the turbulent times, the household staff had to be carefully selected, preferring quality over quantity. Additionally, with the presence of personal guards, there was no shortage of manpower for tasks like sweeping the courtyard, chopping firewood, and fetching water. Currently, each family has two maids: one cook and one responsible for laundry and cleaning.

Today, with a banquet at home, the kitchen was bustling. There weren’t enough hands, so the personal guards brought the dishes to the door and served them to the girls, each taking a table.

After finally serving all the dishes, Su Rong poured wine and tea for everyone. Su Ci thought for a moment and served tea to Yang Zhongying and Mrs. Yan —Su Yan and Su Rong served Su Di and Mrs. Chen.

Mrs. Yan didn’t tell her to sit down, only responded with a “hmm.” Su Ci blinked, wondering if she was expected to continue standing and serving.
It seemed impractical. Su Ci noticed Su Di and Mrs. Chen’s slight eyebrow movements, but they remained calm while Father Yang’s face darkened.

Before Father Yang could speak, Yang Yanzong glanced at her and said, “Sit.”

“We’re family, no need to be polite.”

He had just ordered one of the tables to be removed. Since Father Yang and Su Di were sworn brothers, the two families didn’t need to be overly formal with each other. He had the table removed and the food taken out for the personal guards to eat in turns. The two families sat together, and there were just two seats left beside Yang Yanzong—originally for Yang Yanxin and his brother. However, before Yang Yanzhen sat down, he glanced around and pulled his brother to sit elsewhere.

Su Yan plopped down next to Mrs. Chen, leaving Su Rong and Su Ci.

Su Ci blinked, and after Yang Yanzong told her to “sit,” all eyes were on her. She confidently walked over and sat next to Yang Yanzong, even turning to smile at him.

Yang Yanzong nodded but said nothing. His expression remained calm, and he showed no affection towards Su Ci, but his change in attitude was noticeable to everyone.

Yang Zhongying was delighted. Su Di and Mrs. Chen exchanged glances, feeling relieved, while Mrs. Yan was unhappy but remained silent.

“Alright, despite the ups and downs, we made it through. As the saying goes, ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ I toast to everyone with tea instead of wine!”

This was a family banquet, and as the eldest of the sworn brothers, Yang Zhongying gave the opening speech. Though his face was still pale, his spirits were much better. After speaking, he drank the medicinal tea in his cup.

Everyone raised their cups and started eating, chatting, and laughing. Even Mrs. Yan soon smiled. Only Mrs. Bai and Su Rong felt a bit uneasy.
When Yang Yanzong told Su Ci to “sit,” Su Rong’s heart skipped a beat, and Mrs. Bai’s smile became forced, unable to maintain her expression.