Chapter 104
On that cold afternoon, the mist from the bathroom swirled up, wrapping everything in a heat-soaked, sensual haze.
Cao Xun stood there like solid iron, his military training as unshakable as ever. Each water droplet that hit him only made a low, thudding soundâbouncing off his body as though it couldnât even touch him, the force only growing heavier.
"Am I getting old?" he whispered in a voice that was rough and low, his breath hot against her ear.
Yunzhu shook her head, fast and sharp. In the past, she wouldâve teased him back, but now... now she found herself with no sharp words to fire back.
Cao Xun turned her over with a move so smooth it left no room for escape, ending the struggle with gentle force, taking control, as always.
The towel was already in place, and he wrapped her up with his arms, pressing her against the warmth of his chest, one hand caressing her body, the other wiping away the sweat that clung to her skin.
âWinter's cold,â he murmured, âyou have to take care of yourself.â
Once the sweat was gone and Yunzhuâs breath slowed, she felt irritated by his commanding touch, yet there was a longing deep inside her for the warmth of his presence.
She pinched him playfully, her hands weak, but she kept them on him, her fingers tracing his arm. âYou hurt?â she asked, her voice soft, a hint of concern sneaking in.
Cao Xun let out a low chuckle. "Iâve fought twice. Injuries? Not a chance.â
She raised an eyebrow. âI shouldnât ask anymore.â
Cao Xun took her chin, lifting her face to his as he kissed her hard. âYou should. I like hearing it.â
Yunzhu smirked and slapped him again, not soft, but playful.
He caught her hand, his grip firm. âLots of generals made their names in this battle. But not many fought like I did. Arenât you happy about that?â
She glared at him, her eyes sharp. "Youâre the chief commander. Most of those victories are yours. Stop pretending to be modest with me."
He grinned, his voice lowering. âStill, itâs the generals who defeat enemies and capture them that get the real praise.â
Yunzhu shoved him lightly, her eyes piercing. "That's because you donât care about the credit. If you did, no one could touch you."
Cao Xun smiled, leaning in to kiss her cheek. âSmart woman. Iâve underestimated you.â
Yunzhu climbed on top of him, her body pressing against his as she stared into his eyes. âSo, whatâs the Emperor going to do when you get back?â
The rumors were out there, but Emperor Xining, while not believing them, let them run wild. Yunzhu suspected the Emperor feared Cao Xunâs military prowess. Any emperor worth their salt would be concerned with such a rising star, someone whose success was undeniable, yet perhaps also pretending ignorance for the sake of peace.
Cao Xun smiled, but the glint in his eyes wasnât lighthearted. âHe mentioned the rumors. He plays like he trusts me, but thereâs doubt in his heart.â
Yunzhu shot back, âAnd what are you going to do about it?â
Cao Xunâs gaze grew serious, his tone calm but sharp. âWait and see. If heâs got the skills, Iâll hand over the reins slowly. But if heâs all talk, Iâm not going to sit quietly.â
Cao Xunâs voice was sharp and unapologetic, slipping from his lips with a casual boldness that made it clear he wasn't worried about the consequences. There was no room for hesitation when he spoke to Yunzhuâshe knew him too well to be shocked or intimidated. Sheâd seen the fire in him the moment he first voiced his discontent.
"You're fearless, arenât you?" Yunzhu teased, poking him playfully. Her eyes gleamed with curiosity, a daring challenge in her tone. "Donât you worry that one day someone might just try to end you for good?"
Cao Xun smirked, his response dripping with confidence. "Iâm aware of the risk. That's exactly why I make sure I'm always one step ahead. If anyone thinks they can take me out, theyâll find out Iâm prepared for it."
The game of power was simple. As long as those in charge held the throne, they could eliminate anyone they saw fit, with no hesitation, no remorse. Little Emperor and Emperor Xining, both could wield the kind of power that made life or death a casual decision.
But for all their authority, neither of them had what it took to truly command respect from Cao Xun. He had loyalty, yesâbut only to those who earned it. When he saw wisdom, he stood by it; when he saw weakness, like in Little Emperor or his junior nephew, Emperor Xining, he couldnât be bothered to play the sycophant.
Yunzhu wasnât afraid of the power Cao Xun wielded; she was afraid of a man who lacked the courage or the strength to protect her. With him by her side, she had no doubt he would keep her safe.
*
In the spring of the eighth year of Xiningâs reign, after the morningâs work was finished, Yunzhu wandered into the garden to find Cao Bing. But he was lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the peony buds, and she gave him a playful reprimand that had him grinning. Tired of the game, Yunzhu slipped away, deciding to enjoy the peach blossoms with Lian Qiao.
A while later, she encountered Cao Bing again, but this time, he wasnât alone. A man dressed in green robes was with him, their connection obvious from the easy familiarity between them. The man was Cao Shao, and despite the years that had passed, he still looked youthful, untouched by time. At thirty, he had the same boyish charm, the same gentle smile that greeted Yunzhu. "Iâd like to be recognized as Cao Bingâs second uncle," he said, as if nothing had changed.
Upon hearing that Cao Shao was back, Yunzhu wasted no time inviting him and the others to a dinner at sunset, the kind that promised more than just food. When the evening came and Cao Xun returned, Yunzhu couldnât help but watch him chatting away, laughing with his brother Cao Shao, their children playfully running around, the picture of a happy family.
To the untrained eye, Cao Xun and Cao Shao could easily pass as blood brothers. But Yunzhu knew better. She could see the raw, genuine admiration that Cao Shao held for his brother, a kind of deep respect that went beyond words. Only Yunzhu truly understood the unspoken bond that tied Cao Shaoâs heart to Cao Xunâs work, an unwavering loyalty that wasnât just skin-deep.
As for Pan Shi, she wasnât around anymore. After Cao Yu was born, Pan Shiâs bitterness boiled over, and she tried to hurt the child. Cao Xun, with his usual decisiveness, didnât waste any time getting her sent off to a family temple to find some peace. He told Cao Shao about it, knowing his brother wouldnât be able to defend their mother, especially with all the evidence stacked against her. And, truth be told, Cao Shao was almost relieved that his mother was out of the pictureâit had tormented him for too long.
When Yunzhu arrived, Cao Shao stood to acknowledge her. "Sister-in-lawâs here," he said with respect.
Yunzhu, with a smile that was both warm and knowing, waved him off. "No need for formalities, brother-in-law. Youâre family. Sit down."
And just like that, the air lightened, and Cao Shao resumed his seat.
Dinner was being prepared as the brothers talked, the conversation flowing smoothly, the maids bustling around, serving food at Yunzhuâs request. Cao Xun uncorked a bottle of wine, pouring a glass for Cao Shao, the two of them sharing a quiet drink.
Yunzhu, though, was more focused on the children, her attention hardly on the menâs discussion. She didnât need to listenâshe had seen this play out too many times before.
As the night deepened, the gathering slowly began to disperse. Cao Bing, though, wasnât ready for bed. He wanted to stay out and play in the garden.
When Cao Xun moved to scold him, Cao Shao cut in with a grin. "Brother, Iâm not tired either. Let me take Cao Bing for a walk."
Cao Xun, the ever-stern figure, didnât argue. He just stayed quiet, watching as Cao Shao effortlessly took charge.
With Cao Shao scooping Cao Bing up in his arms, the boy eagerly clung to his second uncle, and the three of them left, Cao Shao nodding to his brother and Yunzhu before stepping outside.
Yunzhu didnât pay much mind to the whole thing. Cao Shao had always been the one with the soft touch, and Cao Xun, cold and relentless, wasnât really the type to spoil a child. It felt natural for Cao Shao to indulge the boy, while Cao Xun could only stand there, unmoved.
Out in the backyard, Yunzhu caught sight of Cao Xun looking a little...off. She raised an eyebrow, teasing him lightly. "Whatâs wrong, are you upset that Cao Bing prefers his second uncleâs company? If it bothers you, do something about it. But if you stay quiet, no oneâs going to notice your sulking, not even me."
Cao Xunâs gaze shifted to herâsitting there at the dressing table, her silhouette soft and her eyes bright. He didnât answer immediately, but when he did, his tone was quieter, almost reluctant.
"Iâm not happy about it," he confessed, his eyes narrowing. "He still looks to you. That makes you happy, doesnât it?"
Yunzhu remained silent.
Yunzhu pulled the earring from her left ear and reached for the one on her right, her eyes flicking over to him with a sly, knowing look. "Hasn't he moved on already? I didn't even catch it this time. He should've gotten past it ages ago. Some people just can't let go and stir up drama on purpose."
Cao Xun held her gaze, unblinking. "You really didn't notice?"
She shrugged, unfazed. "No, didn't even care to. He's not worth my attention."
Cao Xun observed her, his voice low. "After all these years, he's become quite the man."
Yunzhu raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "He was good-looking to begin with, but don't let him age too gracefully. By thirty, he'll look like he's losing it."
Cao Xun fell into silence, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Yunzhu, uninterested in continuing the topic, gathered up her jewelry and handed him a comb. "Come on, help me with my hair."
Without a word, Cao Xun moved toward her, his fingers starting to untangle and smooth her hair.
Yunzhu caught sight of him in the mirror, his eyes dark with a mix of bitterness and something else, but his hands were gentle as they worked through her locks.
With a teasing grin, she let a strand of hair fall over her chest and softly purred, "I'm young and beautiful now, and youâre happy to listen to me. But when my hair goes gray, will you still comb it for me?"
Cao Xun paused, his gaze flicking to the mirror. She was watching him with those penetrating black eyes.
His voice was steady, but something deeper lingered. "As long as you command me, Iâll obey you for the rest of my life."
Even if his hands were too frail to lift.
Yunzhu was pleased by his words, her arms wrapping around his waist in a sudden embrace. She whispered into his chest, her voice soft but commanding, "Then youâll be mine for the rest of your life."
His lips curled into a smug smile. "Now weâve made our little dealâthere will be no one else."
#The End#
âââTN:
"That's a wrap. Hope youâre enjoying the revamped version I threw together. Catch you on the next one."