Chapter 79

Su Ci happily rolled around on the bed twice, then heard Yang Yanzong calling her from the bathroom, “Ci’er, Ci’er, bring me some soap!”

She slipped on her shoes, jumped out of bed, and ran to the bathroom door. She lifted the curtain a bit and poked her head in. Yang Yanzong was leaning on the bathtub’s edge with one arm, his long hair loose, looking at her. The soap he was using had slipped to the bottom of the tub. He casually tried to grab it several times but couldn’t reach it, so he shouted for Su Ci to bring him a new one. The drawer with the new soap was right in the corner, and he usually got it himself.

Su Ci laughed and teased him, lifting her skirt and tiptoeing over the water stains. She opened the drawer, took out a piece of soap, and tossed it to him. “Here.”

He then directed her to get his nightclothes and a large towel, clearly not wanting her to leave.

Su Ci didn’t leave. She sat on the top step of the three-tiered wooden ladder next to the bathtub, holding his clothes and towel, leaning on the edge of the tub, and smiling at him.

Yang Yanzong’s long hair was half loose, and the steam softened his sharp eyebrows and eyes. They both smiled, staring at each other. After a while, he leaned over and kissed her lips.

Su Ci kissed him back. He became happy, and Su Ci pinched his shoulder. “Hurry up and wash!” He glanced at her sideways. “Why don’t you wash me?”

“In your dreams!” Su Ci spat at him, refusing.

Yang Yanzong pulled her, and she dodged. They played around, splashing water all over the bathroom floor. Finally, Yang Yanzong wiped himself with a towel, put on his nightclothes, and carried her back to the room.

After drying their hair, they rolled on the bed. Su Ci wrapped her arms around his neck and suddenly laughed. “It’s almost August! I… I’ll make you a sachet, okay?”

August 2nd was Yang Yanzong’s birthday. In the past, due to various busyness and reasons, and more importantly, because Su Ci didn’t think much about it, they never celebrated it. By the time she remembered, it was already over.

This year, she wanted to celebrate properly and give him a gift.

Yang Yanzong was surprised. “You can do that?” He had known her for so long and had never seen her use an embroidery frame. She was skilled with needles, but unfortunately, that was for stitching human skin, a surgical skill.

Making a sachet? Could she do it?

His tone was very doubtful, and Su Ci, feeling insulted, pinched him. “Do you want it or not?”

Yang Yanzong immediately changed his tune: “Of course, why not!” He glanced at her with a smile, “Then I’ll be waiting.”

He leaned down to kiss her, laughing, “With two months’ time, making a pouch should be doable. But it has to be more than just two pieces of cloth sewn together, okay? At least some embroidery.”

Su Ci chuckled softly, thinking, does he know me that well?

The two were tangled up in laughter and kisses on the bed. Yang Yanzong wanted to have his way with her again, which was pretty much a daily routine whenever he was home. Su Ci wasn’t having it; she grabbed his hand, “No, let’s take a break today.” She whispered, “I’m sore and soft inside, no more.”

After being with him so much, her waist ached, and she felt sore inside. It wasn’t unbearable, but she couldn’t take any more for now; they needed a two-day break.

She said she felt uncomfortable, so Yang Yanzong stopped. “Where does it hurt? Here?”

He turned her over, and they lay spooning, chest to back. His hand slipped into her lower abdomen, pressing against her. His hand was large and warm, and pressed against her slightly cool skin, it felt extremely comfortable. Su Ci hummed, “Yes.”

Very comfortable, her hand resting on his palm, don’t go.

Yang Yanzong didn’t move; his palm pressed against hers, and he gently massaged her. He kissed her temple and spoke softly, “Go to sleep.”

Good.

Su Ci smiled and turned her head back, receiving a peck from Yang Yanzong. She adjusted her position and obediently closed her eyes.

The large ice basin in the corner emitted a slight chill, the silk thin quilt wrapped around their stomachs. In the quiet of the deep night, they whispered to each other for a while, then finally embraced tightly and fell asleep.

…

The night passed without a word.

The next day, Su Ci set off for Changyi. Nanny Zhang and the others quietly packed her luggage before dawn. Early in the morning, after bidding farewell to her parents, she was ready to depart.

Yang Yanzong accompanied her.

There wasn’t much to say at Hongruitang. Yang Zhongying gave a few instructions and advised them to leave early to avoid the midday sun. But at Shou’antang, things were more troublesome. When Mrs. Yan heard she was coming, she said, “Send her back, don’t let her come. I can’t handle this daughter-in-law. She’ll shorten my life! Get out!! Damn Su family girl, I must have had terrible luck for eight generations to have you marry into this family…”

Yang Yanzong’s face immediately darkened. He had been busy lately, leaving early and returning late. This was the first time he accompanied Su Ci to pay respects. He angrily shouted, “Are you all dead? Can’t you persuade her??”

Everyone just stood around in the courtyard, listening. How could they dare only to stand there and listen to such words?!

Feng, carrying a bowl of medicine, came out of the small kitchen and bumped into Yang Yanzong in the courtyard. He was furious, and after scolding everyone, he glared at her. Feng shivered and quickly rushed into the room.

Who knows how Feng persuaded her, but it quieted down inside. Then Mrs. Yan started crying, “Heartless, always siding with his wife. I raised him for nothing, raised him to this age for nothing…”

Yang Yanzong’s face was ashen. He directly pulled Su Ci away. “From now on, when you come to pay respects, just do it in the courtyard.”

Not coming wasn’t an option. Filial piety was still vital, and appearances had to be maintained. But Yang Yanzong decided Su Ci shouldn’t enter the house anymore.

Mrs. Yan’s endless dissatisfaction, constant complaints, and various disheartening behaviors had finally made Yang Yanzong feel an uncontrollable anger. He couldn’t understand what had happened to his mother.

Originally, Yang Yanzong was in a great mood this morning. He had been affectionate with Su Ci, even asking her to give him a ‘handjob’ once. They had a loving breakfast together and walked hand in hand to the back residence. But after a round at Shou’antang, his face turned frighteningly dark.

On the other hand, Su Ci wasn’t angry at all. She didn’t take Mrs. Yan seriously. To her, Mrs. Yan’s presence was like a small grain of sand in her happy life—slightly annoying but not significant in her large social circle.

“Yes, I know.” She tugged Yang Yanzong’s hand and softly coaxed him, “Don’t be angry. You said you’d see me off today, so no sulking.” She glanced back, and when A Kang and A Zheng weren’t looking, she tiptoed and kissed his forehead.

A light peck softened his brow. She quickly glanced around and then smiled at him, swinging his hand back and forth, her smile as bright as sunshine.

It lifted his mood from cloudy to sunny. “Take it slow on the road. Avoid the mountain path and take the main road. Travel by carriage.” Yang Yanzong, now in a better mood, held her hand and led her to the second gate. He didn’t even ride his horse but joined her in the carriage.

He accompanied her for twenty miles out of the city before he had to stop. Softly, he reminded her, “When you get to Changyi, take good care of yourself. The medicinal meals are prepared. Have one every day, don’t forget.” He pinched her earlobe, “Don’t cause trouble on the road. Be good, and don’t make me worry, okay?” He knew Su Ci well and feared she would get bored staying in the carriage for several days.

Su Ci giggled, “I’ll make the sachet, right?” She even winked at him.

The sachet hadn’t even been started, but she had already mentioned it several times. Yang Yanzong found it amusing and endearing. He couldn’t help but smile, “Alright, I’ll be waiting.” He pressed her head back into the carriage and carefully instructed A Kang and A Zheng about safety. Finally, he stepped back.

Su Ci stuck her head out of the window and waved at him. He smiled slightly, watching the half-old green-curtained oil carriage gradually disappear from sight. Only then did he mount his horse and head back with A Zhao and the others.

---

Yang Yanzong definitely didn’t have the time to accompany her to Changyi for a short stay. He wouldn’t easily leave Yangdu now.

The subtle friction with the Kun family was escalating, and it wouldn’t be long before the barely maintained peace would be shattered.

Yang Yanzong didn’t want Su Ci to stay in Yangdu because Empress Dowager Kun, unlike the old emperor, didn’t need to consider gender differences and could easily make things difficult for Su Ci. So, he sent Su Ci away from Yangdu.

Su Ci understood and decided to relax and enjoy the hot springs.

No one in Yangdu knew she had left.

Su Ci traveled discreetly in a half-old, not-so-new green-curtained oil carriage, slowly making her way to Changyi. A Kang and A Zheng wore ordinary attendants’ clothes and rode mixed-colored horses, guarding the carriage at a leisurely pace. She joked about making a sachet but didn’t actually do it. The bumpy ride made reading or doing needlework, which required focus, hard on the eyes.

She traveled low-key and didn’t want to draw attention. She stayed in the carriage the whole way, even though the scenery outside was occasionally beautiful. After sitting for four days, she was bored out of her mind. She urged A Kang and A Zheng to speed up, hoping to reach the hot spring villa by the next afternoon. Following her orders, they increased their speed.

Unexpectedly, they encountered an unforeseen situation.

---

That day, they reached Changyi’s eastern border and stopped about eighty miles from the hot spring villa. They had planned to arrive the next evening, but arriving a day early put the innkeeper in a difficult position. “Guests, the rooms aren’t ready yet!”

The small town, Qingniu Town, was picturesque, with green hills, valleys, and three streams running through it. The scenery was beautiful, and the people were simple and honest. However, there were few inns, and only one decent one. The chubby innkeeper looked apologetic. Su Ci didn’t make things difficult for him. She lifted the curtain and looked around. “Alright, let’s rent a house for the night.”

It didn’t have to be an inn. She was more interested in the quaint houses with black tiles, green walls, and vines.

A Kang took out a piece of silver and tossed it to the innkeeper. “No problem, boss. Recommend a house we can rent.”

The innkeeper, relieved and happy to get the silver, was very enthusiastic. Being a local, he knew the best options. “There’s one at the east end of town, my uncle’s old house. It’s sturdy with green bricks, just a bit small. If you don’t mind, you can check it out!”

They went to see it and found it quite nice. The house, though old, was clean and well-kept, with three main rooms, four side rooms, and a somewhat dilapidated fence enclosing the backyard. The backyard was lush with fruit trees, blending with the surrounding greenery.

The only small drawback was that it hadn’t been lived in for a long time. The overgrown weeds and bushes outside the fence hadn’t been cleared, but they had sulfur powder to deal with any snakes. A Kang and A Zheng were very experienced with this.

The owner had also planted vegetables in the backyard, and there was a smell of fermented manure in the corner, but moving the bucket a bit farther solved that problem.

“This place is just half a mile from the valley stream. The wind is strong and cool at night, and in summer, you can sleep with the doors open without feeling hot! If it weren’t for my uncle’s four generations living together and not wanting to leave his great-grandson, he wouldn’t have moved.”

After looking around, Su Ci was quite satisfied and nodded to A Kang.

A Kang smiled, “Alright, alright, this will do.” He tossed a small piece of silver to the innkeeper, “Please arrange some food for us.” He had checked the kitchen and the woodshed. The woodshed was filled with dried firewood, and although the kitchen hadn’t been used for a long time, the stove was still in good condition, and the iron pot could be used.

They were careful and protective of Su Ci, appearing relaxed but actually very cautious. If possible, they preferred to cook their own meals with the provided ingredients.

Smoke curled from the chimney, and Su Ci tasted the food the young men had prepared. It was surprisingly good. She teased, “If you ever get tired of this job, you could become a chef!”

Everyone laughed heartily, teasing the young man with fair skin and big eyes who had cooked. He laughed and cursed, blending in with the group.

After a pleasant dinner, night fell. If conditions allowed, Su Ci would bathe, but traveling made it inconvenient. She settled for a quick wash with a small bucket.

A Kang and A Zheng refused to stay in the main house, so Su Ci ended up occupying all three main rooms. She used the left room as a bathroom. A Zheng brought in water, one bucket cold and one hot, and quickly left. She closed the doors and windows, mixed the water, and began to wash.

Just as she was about to finish, drying off and changing into clean nightclothes, she remembered Yang Yanzong’s reminder to apply the pearl cream. She muttered complaints about his fussiness but smiled. As she was about to untie her clothes to apply the cream, she heard a sudden “rustling” sound outside the east window!

It sounded like something large crushing the vegetation!

Immediately after, she heard her guards running over and shouting, “Who’s there?!”

The night in the village was tranquil, so the rustling and the guards’ shouts were very clear.

Su Ci became alert. She dropped the pearl cream, grabbed a thin cloak from the chair, and wrapped it around herself. She pushed open the window, jumped out, and landed outside.

A Kang and A Zheng quickly surrounded her.

Su Ci looked towards the dark area outside the fence. There were no sounds of fighting or falling, only a surprised “Huh?” from the two guards who had run over.

It didn’t seem dangerous. A Kang called out, “Da Dong, what’s going on?”

“There’s a person!” Da Dong shouted back, “This person seems to be seriously injured!” His voice then turned to surprise, “This person, this person seems to be…”

Su Ci raised an eyebrow and walked over, holding her cloak. It wasn’t far; there was a hole in the fence. After taking about ten steps, she saw a young man in an ivory robe lying among the dense grass and low trees.

Ivory was a very noble color in ancient times, but it was not affordable for ordinary people because the dye was very expensive. Only high-quality dye could produce the correct color. Although the man’s clothes were dirty and covered in blood, from a distance, the ivory robe was as bright as moonlight.

Su Ci took two more steps closer and finally understood Da Dong’s surprise. She had sharp eyes and noticed the man had deliberately removed his outer garment. Inside, he wore a plain robe with no decorations, but Su Ci immediately saw the four-clawed dragon pattern on the back of his collar. It was a royal robe.

Su Ci’s heart skipped a beat. Da Dong lifted the man’s shoulder, revealing the face of the unconscious young man. His skin was as white as snow, his eyebrows dark, and his lips were pale without a trace of blood. His delicate features were very familiar—it was Prince Qian!

Was it really Prince Qian?!

Da Dong checked his breath. “He’s barely alive.”

Prince Qian was covered in wounds and blood. The most severe injury was a large gash from his right shoulder to his left abdomen. His ivory royal robe was soaked with blood. He had just climbed out of the valley stream, staggered to this spot, and collapsed, alerting Su Ci and her group.

Su Ci thought for a moment and smiled. “Since fate has brought us together, saving a life is more meritorious than building a seven-story pagoda.”

She glanced at A Kang, who understood and led some men to the valley stream. A Zheng immediately directed others to carry Prince Qian back.

Prince Qian’s injuries were severe. The gash from his left shoulder to his right abdomen was the most critical, but fortunately, it hadn’t penetrated his chest or abdominal cavity, so he could still be saved. He had numerous other cuts and sword wounds. Luckily, he encountered Su Ci, who had the skills and medicines needed. Otherwise, he would have been doomed.

Boiling water, cleaning, disinfecting, treating wounds, and stitching—Su Ci worked tirelessly for half the night to stabilize him. Prince Qian had so many wounds that she had to take a break halfway through the stitching. After treating the major wound and applying medicine, his vital signs stabilized. His breathing was weak but steady.

Su Ci didn’t stay in the small town for long. After a brief rest, she loaded Prince Qian into the carriage at dawn, cleaned up the scene, checked out, and headed straight for the hot spring villa.

---

Drip, drip. The sound of the stream and water dripping on stones reached Prince Qian’s ears as he slowly opened his eyes. The anesthesia had worn off, and he woke up. He still had a slight fever but managed to sit up slowly, feeling his wounds and clean clothes. He looked around the simple room. Judging by the view and the building’s style, it seemed to be a wealthy family’s villa. He didn’t wonder for long. The door opened, and after a few guards, a petite, smiling young woman walked in.

“You… are Madam Yang?” Prince Qian was surprised. He recognized Su Ci, having seen her before. Yang Yanzong was quite a prominent figure.

“Yes, Prince Qian. You’ve finally turned the corner. It’s truly a cause for celebration.”

“This is my family’s villa in Changyi.” Su Ci was a bit puzzled. “Prince Qian, didn’t you fall into the water? How did this happen…” She glanced at his chest and abdomen.

Prince Qian lowered his eyelashes, then looked up with a slightly bitter smile. “It’s an old enemy.” He cupped his hands in thanks. “Thank you, Madam Yang, for saving my life. I will repay this kindness another day!”

Su Ci smiled. “You’re welcome, you’re welcome.”

Prince Qian paused, then spoke softly. “Changyi, is it? Madam Yang, could you do me a favor?” He touched the jade pendant on his neck and took it off. “Could you please take this jade pendant to the Zhang pawnshop on Dongqing Street in Ping County, Yangdu?”

Prince Qian remembered Su Ci. She was the girl who always looked at him with bright eyes whenever they met. He had seen such looks many times since he was young and had grown accustomed to them. Although he didn’t mind, he knew what those looks meant. Feeling embarrassed to ask for help without offering a proper reward, he hesitated but had no choice. He apologized in his heart and asked Su Ci for help.

But who would have thought that this young girl, who always looked at him with bright eyes, would toss the jade pendant and smile? “Prince Qian, are you planning to leave?”

“Isn’t that a bit inappropriate?” Su Ci clicked her tongue. “I saved your life, Prince Qian. Shouldn’t you stay a bit longer?”

She understood why Prince Qian wanted to leave—he was afraid Yang Yanzong would find out!

But after all the effort she put into saving him, letting him go just like that didn’t seem right.

Prince Qian’s injuries clearly weren’t from just falling into the water!

Yang Yanzong and the Kun family were in a fierce conflict.

Prince Qian, as the young emperor’s father, had been with the Kun faction for a long time. Su Ci looked at him and smiled. “As the emperor’s father, how can I let you leave so gravely injured?”

She admired his looks, but even the most handsome face had to take a back seat when it came to serious matters. She didn’t save his life just because he was handsome.

Su Ci crossed her arms and smiled. “Prince Qian, just rest here. My husband will be here soon.”

She tossed the jade pendant to A Kang. After finishing up, she and her people hurried to the hot spring villa overnight. She had already ordered heavy protection for this small courtyard.

Su Ci pretended not to notice Prince Qian’s sudden change in expression and continued to smile. “Prince Qian, you’ve been with the Kun family for a long time. You must have some leverage.”

A celestial man, a handsome face—she didn’t believe he was completely detached from worldly affairs. His son had been under the Kun family’s control for a long time. She didn’t believe Prince Qian hadn’t placed some people or made other preparations.

Prince Qian’s face changed dramatically!

Su Ci didn’t care and simply instructed them to take good care of him, implying that he shouldn’t be allowed to die, and then she left.

Back in her room, she wrote a letter to Yang Yanzong. After thinking for a while, she smiled and filled a large sheet with writing.

She dried it herself, folded it, sealed it with wax and fire lacquer, and handed it to A Zheng. “Urgent, deliver this to your master!”

---

That night, Yang Yanzong received a love letter. At that time, he was still working late in the study, exhausted from days of continuous mental and physical effort. His temples were throbbing slightly.

When he received her urgent letter, he wondered what it was about and immediately opened it. His heart skipped a beat.

The letter was filled with, “Husband, what are you doing? … I miss you. Soaking in the hot spring alone, even the stars don’t seem as beautiful. I want to eat candied haws, but you’re not here…”

The letter was full of longing, sweet whispers, and playful complaints. Her charming face seemed to leap off the page. It wasn’t until the end of the letter that she mentioned she had saved Prince Qian, who was currently at the villa.

Finally, she added, “I miss you, come quickly!”

Yang Yanzong’s heart warmed. His trusted subordinates were still standing in front of him. He instinctively covered the letter, steadied his voice, and gave a few instructions, sending them away. He then reopened the letter and couldn’t help but laugh. “This girl!”

So naughty.

But he couldn’t resist reading it again from start to finish. His lips curled into a smile, and even the fatigue of the past few days seemed to melt away.

After reading it several times, he carefully cut out the part about Prince Qian, put the rest back into the envelope, and placed it in a secret compartment.

After savoring the moment, he missed her too.

He had already missed her, and her love letter made it impossible to sit still. Prince Qian, huh?

Alright, bring it on!