Chapter 15

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Zhu Dacheng used most of the silver coins to buy essential grains like rice and flour, all of which were coarse flour. Several sacks were loaded onto the ox cart. He stood by the place where Yan Shi was to part ways, waiting briefly before seeing Yan Shi approaching steadily from not far off, carrying a bathing tub and leading a horse.

Startled for a moment, he quickly jumped down from the ox cart to help.

The bathing tub was loaded onto the cart. Zhu Dacheng glanced inside and saw many items, including several basins, but there were only two sacks of flour—and surprisingly, both contained fine flour.

Yan Shi took the two sacks of fine flour from the bathing tub and hung them on the horse’s back. He then wrapped the other items into a bundle and carried it on his back, leaving only the bathing tub on the ox cart. Tilting his head, he asked Zhu Dacheng, “Can you manage alone?”

Zhu Dacheng, accustomed to the youth’s taciturn nature, immediately understood and nodded hastily. “I can handle those few refugees. You’d better hurry back. Xiao Yu must be anxious.”

Yan Shi mounted his horse and glanced once more at Zhu Dacheng but did not move right away.

After Zhu Dacheng hitched the ox cart and left the town, entering the official road, Yan Shi followed at a distance for a while.

When a group of refugees gathered, Zhu Dacheng took out an iron cudgel hidden on the cart and struck one refugee on the head, blood spurting out. The sudden force scared the refugees away.

Yan Shi, riding his horse, seemed thoughtful and did not follow further. He flicked the whip and swiftly rode back toward Chen Family Village.

After more than half an hour, he finally slowed down, passing by the shabby house where Chen Xiu’e and Zhu Dacheng stayed. Seeing no one there, he headed toward the edge of the village.

When the group arrived at Chen Family Village yesterday, it was already dusk. Since Yan Shi and Zhu Dacheng left early this morning, most villagers still did not know strangers had come. Now, seeing a handsome young man in a martial robe on a tall horse, they all looked over curiously.

Yan Shi ignored them and quickened his pace toward the village’s outskirts.

Finally, he stopped the horse and dismounted in front of the dilapidated house.

Chen Xiu’e, hearing the noise, came out and was surprised to see Yan Shi. “So soon!”

She glanced behind him and, seeing no Zhu Dacheng, knew Yan Shi had returned first. She hurriedly said, “Go check on Xiao Yu quickly. She’s feeling unwell and is lying down now. I’ll go back and tidy up my own place.”

Upon hearing that Li Mianyu was unwell, Yan Shi frowned slightly, quickly tied the horse, and entered the house.

Li Mianyu lay on the earthen kang, eyes tightly closed, hands folded gently over her lower abdomen. Aside from rosy cheeks, her body was only covered by a white cloth.

Yan Shi looked at her, then stepped outside to untie the sacks of grain from the horse and carried them inside.

Before he could put them down, Li Mianyu opened her eyes. Her bright, delicate eyes gazed faintly at him. “You’re back.”

Yan Shi was momentarily speechless, a chill running through him. His dark eyes looked at her quietly. He softly replied and gently placed the rice and flour on the ground, then removed the large bundle from his back, setting it on the kang.

Li Mianyu sighed, lowered her eyes, and rubbed her belly. She glanced at Yan Shi again, rubbed her belly once more, and after three such motions, her eyes reddened and tears began to fall. With a trembling voice, she said, “Yan Shi... I’m pregnant.”

For a brief moment, confusion flickered in Yan Shi’s dark eyes, but he soon nodded and began untying the bundle beside him.

Li Mianyu saw his calm reaction and felt a lump in her throat. She sat up abruptly, looking at Yan Shi with a mixture of grievance, discomfort, and accusation. “I said I’m pregnant!”

The youth’s cat-like eyes gazed at her, still confused, but after a pause, he asked, “Pregnant with what?”

Li Mianyu, eyes moist, could no longer hold back. Covering her belly, she stammered, “Yan Shi, I’m pregnant. My monthly cycle should have come a few days after we left the palace, but it never did. We sleep together every day, so I’m pregnant.”

She spoke incoherently, clearly flustered.

Yan Shi was stunned, struggling to say each word carefully. “Pregnant?”

Li Mianyu nodded and beckoned him closer. “Come sit by me. Why do you keep your distance? Don’t you want to acknowledge it?” Alarmed, her voice cracked with tears, half scolding, half upset.

Confused, Yan Shi obediently sat beside her. His slender, upright figure leaned close, his dark eyes fixed on her. Before he could speak, his hand was caught and pressed onto her belly.

Li Mianyu choked up. “Here, there’s a little one. See? My belly has grown a bit.”

Yan Shi murmured softly, “That’s your stomach.”

Li Mianyu paused. “Then where’s the little one?”

Yan Shi slid her hand a little lower.

She rubbed the spot, still tearful. “Here also feels bigger... Don’t care where, anyway, I’m pregnant. The child is yours; I’ve only ever slept with you.”

Yan Shi took a deep breath and whispered, “It’s impossible for you to be pregnant.”

Li Mianyu, annoyed, retorted, “Are you trying to deny it?”

Yan Shi’s handsome eyes remained fixed on her. “For a child to be conceived, a man and woman must consummate their union. We haven’t consummated anything; we just lie together.”

Li Mianyu blinked, half her tears drying, curious. “What does ‘consummate’ mean? I’ve read many books but never came across this word.”

Yan Shi replied, “The union of yin and yang.”

Li Mianyu was annoyed by his vague explanation. “How do yin and yang unite?”

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She was very close to him, and Yan Shi’s hand still rested on her soft belly. His ears gradually reddened, but his handsome face remained stern. “It’s like practicing martial arts. Once you’ve practiced, you’ll understand. Your future husband will teach you.”

Li Mianyu had never spoken about this with Yan Shi before. Though he was handsome, his stern look could be intimidating, and her spirit subtly diminished. She did not respond immediately but secretly felt relieved. “So sleeping with you won’t cause me to have a child?”

Yan Shi said, “...Unless we consummate.”

Though she still didn’t fully understand consummation, she thought since Yan Shi said her future husband would teach her, she definitely wouldn’t consummate with Yan Shi, so they would have no child.

But thinking of Cui Yunqi, a blush rose on her face. Suddenly, she looked at Yan Shi with sparkling eyes and whispered, “I’m afraid I’ll embarrass myself in front of Cui Yunqi someday. You’re the secret guard given to me by the imperial grandfather—my man. Could you teach me what consummation really means first?”

Yan Shi lowered his gaze without replying immediately, his eyes fixed on Li Mianyu.

Those dark, moist eyes seemed to draw her in, making her heart flutter. She stepped back slightly, but the youth leaned in a little closer and asked, “Do you really want me to teach you?”

Li Mianyu, though clueless, sensed the danger and shook her head quickly. But recalling she was a princess who shouldn’t be dominated by her guard’s aura, she puffed up her cheeks. “No, I think it’s better if Cui Yunqi teaches me later.”

After saying this, she exhaled, and seeing Yan Shi so close, she suddenly pushed him away.

Yan Shi sat upright accordingly, turning his face aside, his ears tinged pink.

He said no more but reached out and grabbed the large bundle from the end of the kang, placing it between himself and Li Mianyu.

Li Mianyu’s attention was immediately drawn to the bundle. She reached out and untied it. The first thing she saw were two pairs of cloth shoes—plain red, unembroidered. Though she was still wearing Yan Shi’s shoes, seeing these brought a happy expression to her face. She wanted to put them on immediately but was curious about the other items and set the shoes aside for now.

Next, she saw three sets of new clothes. She felt both joy and disappointment. The colors were old-fashioned; even Aunt Qingling wouldn’t wear such hues. Touching the fabric, she muttered, “Still so coarse.” But thinking that she was now using Yan Shi’s private money, she said nothing further, though her face remained downcast. Continuing to rummage, she found a stack of yellow paper and looked up at Yan Shi.

Yan Shi’s gaze shifted from her face to the papers. “For changing clothes.”

Li Mianyu frowned and muttered, “So stiff.”

Yan Shi said, “Rub it before use.”

Not wanting to delve deeper, Li Mianyu noticed a small wrapped cloth bundle and curiously opened it. Seeing several thin straps, her face flushed immediately. She glanced at Yan Shi with moist eyes but quickly withdrew the bundle, turning her back to examine it carefully.

The fabric was plain, unembroidered, not silk or satin, but reasonably soft.

Blushing, she carefully rewrapped the bundle. She recalled Yan Shi had asked at the shop for a bellyband—one she would wear—probably touched by his hands, which made her even redder in the face. Hastily hiding the bundle behind her, she turned to look at other items.

There was little else: two thin quilts, half a bolt of plain cloth, some needles and scissors, an oil lamp, a few bowls and chopsticks with salt, and some sundries.

Her gaze lingered on the needles for a moment before she looked up at Yan Shi with a shy, reproachful expression.

Yan Shi looked at her and said softly, “The shop doesn’t sell socks or underpants.”

Li Mianyu’s face, just calming down, flushed anew. She looked at Yan Shi, stammering to say something but held back.

She didn’t know how to sew; she couldn’t make socks or underwear herself... She missed Aunt Qingling and wondered what to do.

Never mind... Underpants should be easy—just sew them.

But all her undergarments were soft satin, delicate against her skin. After wearing Yan Shi’s rough undershirt for a month, the skin near her thighs was sore. If she continued wearing such rough fabric...

Li Mianyu didn’t know how to voice this and quietly asked, “Is there no softer cloth?”

Yan Shi saw her puffed cheeks, paused, and in a serious tone said, “We can’t afford it now. I will earn money and buy better cloth later.”

Li Mianyu looked up. The youth’s face was handsome and serene, his dark eyes fixed on her. His stern expression seemed a little fierce. She thought of many things—how strong Yan Shi was, able to carry her through the air, and how she now had to rely on him, unable to refuse. She nodded.

After a moment, she suddenly realized, “You didn’t buy anything for yourself?”

Yan Shi’s eyes flickered briefly. “I have two sets of clothes to change. That’s enough.”

Li Mianyu’s gaze softened with affection. She said solemnly, “I’m a princess. I should be supporting you, not the other way around. How can I let you earn money to support me? I’ve thought of a perfect way to make money. When I earn enough, I’ll buy you new clothes—silk and satin like Cui Yunqi’s.”

Yan Shi looked at her, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “What way to make money?”

Li Mianyu’s eyes were clear as water as she said seriously, “Writing memorial texts. The deceased’s relatives can pay in advance. Then I’ll have money to buy paper, ink, brush, and inkstone. I’m full of ideas—I can write five pieces a day without problem.”

Yan Shi was speechless.

He looked at Li Mianyu’s serious face, then cast his eyes downward and smiled briefly.

The youth’s clear voice startled Li Mianyu. She stared at Yan Shi’s soft expression as he smiled, suddenly realizing he was laughing at her. Annoyed, she glared at him. “What are you laughing at?”

Yan Shi pressed his lips and whispered, “I’ll find you some richer dead people.”

Li Mianyu smiled contentedly and patted Yan Shi on the shoulder. “Very good.”

As she spoke, she touched her belly. “Yan Shi, I’m hungry. What did we eat for lunch today?”

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Yan Shi took out a package wrapped in oiled paper from his bosom and handed it over. Li Mianyu took it—still warm—and opened it to find a meat pie. She smiled, pursing her lips before biting. Though it was far inferior to palace food, compared to dry corn cakes, it was much better.

“Have you eaten yet, Yan Shi?” Li Mianyu’s eyes brightened after swallowing, looking up.

Yan Shi nodded. “Mm.”

Li Mianyu felt reassured and ate the pie in small bites.

Yan Shi stood and picked up the rice and flour piled by the wall. “I’ll clean up the kitchen.”

The house’s owner had left in haste, leaving many items in the kitchen, such as an iron pot, but everything needed thorough cleaning and the stove required repair.

Li Mianyu nodded.

After stepping outside, Yan Shi stood in the courtyard for a moment, then led the horse behind the house where there was grass. He stroked the horse’s mane, lost in thought briefly, before a faint smile curved his lips.

He returned inside carrying water to the kitchen.

—

Inside the room, incense burned through the night in a focused vigil, but Cui Yunqi dreamed restlessly. He developed a fever in the middle of the night, which lasted until just past noon the next day.

A servant entered with medicine. Cui Yunqi leaned against the bedhead, his pale face shadowed. “Have you found any trace of the princess?”

“None. We searched all routes from Nanqing Temple in every direction,” the servant said respectfully, head bowed.

Cui Yunqi’s tone darkened. “Were all refugees entering Longxi Commandery that day questioned?”

“Yes, none had seen a young lady of beautiful appearance.”

Cui Yunqi closed his eyes and was silent for a moment, then waved the servant away. The servant hesitated and said, “Master Lu came by earlier. Seeing you unwell, he left a letter, instructing that if you woke, you should be given the letter.”

He took a letter from his bosom and handed it over.

Cui Yunqi recognized the wax seal as Lu Yuanjun’s and opened the letter.

It mentioned two matters. First, an iron mine in a mountain range in Longxi, reported to the commandery government half a month ago but not yet handled. Now Lu entrusted Cui Yunqi to manage it.

Iron mine... Cui Yunqi ordered the servant to bring the Longxi map. He unfolded it on the desk and identified a mountain hollow, quietly instructing, “Cheng Quan, take some men to survey this area in the next two days. If there’s a village, do not alarm the residents.”

The servant nodded and left to carry out the order.

Cui Yunqi’s eyes rested on Lu Yuanjun’s flowing, elegant handwriting describing the second matter: “My sister Shuyue is virtuous, gentle, and graceful—the only daughter of our father. She can surpass the Princess of Ningguo and make a fine match. Our father and the prime minister intend to arrange a marriage, which will ensure Mingde’s status in Longxi. I hope Mingde will agree.”

Lu Yuanjun affectionately asked Cui Yunqi to respond formally to show closeness.

Cui Yunqi smiled faintly and threw the letter into the incense burner.

—

Li Mianyu sat in the room eating the pie. After a long while, she had eaten only a third but felt full. She rewrapped the rest in the oiled paper, put on her old shoes, and went to find Yan Shi.

At the kitchen door, it was dark inside. Li Mianyu did not step in but peered inside. Seeing no Yan Shi, she was puzzled when she suddenly heard the youth’s clear voice behind her: “Looking for me?”

Li Mianyu turned, startled, and relaxed her hand.

Yan Shi caught the meat pie, glanced down, then looked up at her. His long lashes framed dark, round pupils. “Not eating?”

Li Mianyu blushed, eyes flickering. “Why did you take off your clothes?”

Yan Shi had removed his gray, dusty martial robe jacket. He wore only his undershirt, sleeves rolled up, revealing long, strong forearms. It was hot today; his collar was slightly open, his chest faintly visible. The undershirt was soaked with sweat, clinging as if he wore nothing.

Sweat dripped from his jaw, slid down his neck to his chest...

Li Mianyu struggled to avert her gaze and spoke softly, “I can’t finish it. Here, you eat.”

Yan Shi glanced at her, looked down at himself briefly, said nothing, and casually bit into the pie.

“Xiao Yan!” Zhu Dacheng’s voice came from nearby. Li Mianyu quickly looked over.

Zhu Dacheng was driving the ox cart, and a young lady sat atop it.

Yan Shi followed Li Mianyu’s gaze and turned slightly to look. Li Mianyu’s eyes flickered. Suddenly, she reached out and tugged his collar, pulling down both sleeves.

She frowned and scolded him, “So many people coming and going in the village; you mustn’t expose your body like this anymore. Don’t disturb the young lady.”