"Return to the Duke of Chu's Mansion? But what about Wen Jing..."
"Don't worry about Wen Jing. I'll have Sixth Younger Brother keep an eye on him. As for the affairs of the Chief Minister's residence, they can be handed over to Second Sister-in-law for now. Everything must prioritize you." Yan Zheng said slowly, clearly a decision made after careful thought.
Chu Ruoyan nodded: "Alright, then I'll return to my maiden home in a couple of days."
"Not in a couple of days. Return tomorrow."
As soon as Yan Zheng spoke, Chu Ruoyan's heart instantly tightened: "You're leaving tomorrow? So urgently?"
Yan Zheng reached out to stroke her cheek: "Ayan, with the loss of Xiao Pass, Hangu Pass is in imminent danger. I was originally supposed to leave tonight..."
Before he could finish, the woman's slender finger pressed against his lips: "I understand. Don't worry. You needn't worry about me or the Yan family. Just take care of yourself and come back to me whole and unharmed."
Yan Zheng couldn't help but embrace her: "Mhm!" Burying his head in her hair, he took a deep breath of her unique scent. He finally understood why his father always took his mother to the battlefield—the agony of separation was truly too heart-wrenching!
Chu Ruoyan also leaned tightly against him, savoring their final moments together.
After a long while, she pushed him away, forcing a smile: "Is there anything else you need to tell me?"
Yan Zheng thought for a moment and said seriously: "Yes. Do not see Feng Ying. Also, if anyone from the second or third branches comes looking for you, refuse them all... And Roumin. That woman is deep and skilled at deception. Even if you must see her, ensure Yun Lang is present... Oh, and regarding your Second Sister's matter, set it aside for now if you can. And your Aunt's side..."
"Alright, alright. If you keep giving instructions like this, you might not finish by dawn."
Yan Zheng fell silent. After a quiet moment, he grasped her shoulders: "Ayan, in short, wait for me to return for everything! If the worst comes to the worst, don't hesitate. Have Shadow cut a path through and take you away. He is capable of it!"
Chu Ruoyan's heart trembled violently, and the tears welling in her eyes could no longer be held back.
This was the true meaning behind him leaving Shadow for her!
It was a precaution, in case she truly had connections to the previous dynasty, so that Shadow could protect her life in any dangerous situation!
"You... you..."
She stammered two 'you's, but ultimately words failed her, choked with emotion.
The woman looked up and kissed the corner of his mouth. The man's breath hitched, but he hesitated slightly: "The child..."
However, the young lady paid no heed, using her lips to directly silence his words.
Yan Zheng's senses scattered. He swept her up in his arms and carried her towards the bed curtains.
As for the child?
After so many times, it should be accustomed by now!
A night of spring passion.
The next day, she woke to find he was already gone.
Just like countless times before, he could never bear to leave while she was awake.
Yet it was also different, because this departure, no one knew when he would return, or even... if he would return.
Chu Ruoyan clenched the bedsheet beneath her, taking several deep breaths to adjust her emotions: "Nanny Zhou..."
With a creak, the door opened, but it was Yulu who entered.
She said cautiously: "Miss, Nanny went to see someone off. Do you have any instructions?"
Chu Ruoyan was taken aback, then smiled: "Seeing off Old Xu?"
Yulu nodded, relaxing only after seeing her mood seemed normal: "Miss, you wouldn't believe it. Before dawn, that old man came running into the courtyard, insisting that Nanny cook him some red eggs. When Nanny refused, he took out a wooden box, saying all his worldly possessions were inside, and entrusted it to Nanny... Anyway, he pestered her for two hours. Nanny was afraid he'd disturb your rest, so she dragged him out, saying she'd see him off!"
Chu Ruoyan couldn't help but laugh. This twilight romance was beyond her comprehension.
After rising, washing up, and stepping out, she saw Steward Fang waiting outside: "Madam, everything is prepared. Shall we depart now?"
She gave a slight nod. Yan Wenjing ran over and hugged her: "Third Aunt, you must come back early with Third Uncle!"
His voice was thick with a nasal tone, clearly having just cried.
Chu Ruoyan pinched his little cheek: "Don't worry. But little Wenjing mustn't neglect his studies and must listen to your Sixth Uncle, understand?"
Yan Wenjing nodded emphatically. She then looked at Madam Li, who had followed him over: "Second Sister-in-law, during the time my husband and I are away, the household affairs will trouble you."
Madam Li smiled, saying it was no trouble at all; she had been idle anyway, and being busy was good.
Then Yan Zhao came in and said: "Third Sister-in-law, the carriage is ready. Let's go."
Yan Zheng was afraid her returning alone might invite gossip, so he had Xiao Liu escort her, treating it as a return to her maiden home for recuperation.
Even such small details were meticulously arranged. Chu Ruoyan realized she seemed to be missing him already...
Duke of Chu's Mansion.
Having received the news, Lady Jiang the Younger and Chu Ruolan came out to welcome her.
Chu Ruoyan spoke with them for a while, then asked: "Where is Second Sister?"
Lady Jiang the Younger choked up. Chu Ruolan stomped her foot: "Second Elder Sister refuses to come back. Mother and I went to persuade her several times, but she says a married woman has no face to return home. She's currently staying with that female accountant who taught her bookkeeping."
Lady Jiang the Younger, afraid she would worry, added: "Eldest Miss, don't worry. Lan'er and I went to see her. The place is humble, but clean and tidy. We tried to slip her some silver privately, but you know Ruoyin's temperament—gentle on the outside, strong-willed inside. She absolutely refused to take it, ah!"
She let out a long sigh, her head aching. "Who knows what sin this child committed? A perfectly good marriage, and it gets ruined like this! I've begged Father several times, but he's so stubborn. He says just returning the land deed isn't enough. He must publicly announce to the world that Ruoyin has no connection whatsoever to Prince Qin before he'll allow her to marry into the family..."
Chu Ruoyan hadn't expected things to develop to this point. After a moment of silence, she said: "Sixth Younger Brother, you may return first. I need to go out again to pay my respects to Grandfather."
Yan Zhao assented. As he turned to leave, he glanced at Chu Ruolan.
Chu Ruolan, constrained by her mother, could only desperately signal him with her eyes. But Lady Jiang the Younger noticed and scolded: "If your eyes are uncomfortable, see a doctor. Come, go back with your mother!"
Chu Ruolan's eyes were full of reluctance. Yan Zhao also gritted his teeth and forced himself to leave.
Seeing this scene, Chu Ruoyan didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Aunt had just said Grandfather was stubborn, tearing apart Second Sister and Cousin Huaian. But wasn't she being just as stubborn with Third Younger Sister now?
"Aunt!" Unable to bear it, Chu Ruoyan spoke up. "After paying my respects to Grandfather, I'd also like to go see Second Sister. I just don't know where she's staying and would like to ask Third Younger Sister to show me the way."
Lady Jiang the Younger was taken aback but didn't suspect her: "Very well. However, I hope the Eldest Miss will bring Lan'er back as soon as possible. She hasn't looked over the gift list sent by the Yan family yet. After she reviews it, we need to send a reply."
The Yan family? Yan Xiuan, the Deputy Minister of War?
Chu Ruoyan's mind was made up. She took Chu Ruolan's hand and boarded the carriage.
Before she could even speak, the girl began firing off words like rapid gunfire: "Eldest Sister, you must help me! My mother and Madam Yan hit it off immediately, and now she insists on marrying me to her son! She keeps saying he's older so he'll know how to cherish a wife, and he holds a position in the Ministry of War so he has prospects... Good heavens! What do his prospects have to do with me? I won't marry him!"
Chu Ruoyan teased her: "Really won't marry? After your falling out with Gu Feiyan, didn't you want to outdo her? Among the unmarried young officials at court now, his rank is the highest..."
Chu Ruolan's eyes widened: "I won't marry! Even if he becomes Prime Minister, I won't marry him!"
Seeing that she was about to truly upset him, Chu Ruoyan quickly said, "Alright, alright, I was only teasing. By the way, why does your mother forbid you from associating with Sixth Younger Brother?"
