Chapter 64: C64. Calming the Storm, Peace Offering.

Chapter 64

The Commander-in-Chief of the Fifth Army carried the weight of the nation on his shoulders. Leading the formidable Five Armies meant Cao Xun was a man buried in duty, consumed by his obligations. But Yunzhu wasn’t the sort of woman to sit idly, waiting for him to carve time out of his schedule. If he didn’t take control, the rare afternoon break would be his only chance to set foot in her mansion.

And yet, there she was again—unexpected, slipping quietly into the rear house as if the place belonged to her alone.

The Lady’s ice-cold demeanor was a thin veneer, masking the simmering frustration underneath. Every languid tilt of her head, every sly glance, told him the truth: her anger had almost melted away. What she wanted—what she demanded—was for him to break, to bend, to kneel at her altar and beg for her forgiveness.

His voice cut through the tension, low and edged with both frustration and longing.

“You’re heartless. Six nights—six—standing outside, waiting for even a sliver of pity, but you left me out in the cold.”

A beat, his gaze searing into hers.

“If I didn’t come back today, would you still push me away, torment me for another endless stretch of nights?”

His confession dropped, raw and unguarded. “My colleagues mock me, you know. They laugh behind my back—knowing I left my post, risking it all—just to chase after your mercy.”

He softened, tone huskier now, pleading but charged with intent. “Stop with the tears. Let’s not pretend, Yunzhu. You’re punishing me. You know it. And gods, I miss you. I miss you more than I’ll ever admit.”

The stark contrast of his vivid red uniform against the cream waistcoat beneath was nothing short of sinful—made even more tantalizing by how it showed through the sheer fabric that hung between them.

Cao Xun didn’t waste another second. He swept in, claiming her mouth with kisses that left no room for argument, his lips and hands finding her weaknesses like a man starved. The soft hollow of her neck, the delicate edge of her ear—he knew where she faltered, where she melted. And she did.

Her eyes fluttered shut as her arms curled around his neck.

When he finally pulled back, he caught the faint pink staining her cheeks, her lips flushed and glistening like ripe cherries waiting to be bitten.

He lingered over her mouth for one last, bruising kiss, but when she started to push at his shoulders, he relented.

“I can’t stay any longer. Duty calls. Will you let me make it up to you tonight? Dinner?” His voice carried an intimate promise, one only they could understand.

Yunzhu didn’t bother answering. She turned away, clutching the quilt to her chest, her body curling into itself—a silent protest at his untimely departure.

Cao Xun’s mouth curved into an indulgent smile. He stole another kiss, slipped through the gauzy curtains, and straightened his uniform with a soldier’s efficiency before disappearing into the afternoon sun.

The room, once filled with fire and heat, fell into silence again.

Yunzhu opened her eyes, her lips curling into a bitter, knowing smile. Foolish. How foolish to think his persistent favors and honeyed words meant he took her—took them—seriously.

“Men,” she muttered under her breath. “As if groveling for a day could erase the barbs they so casually fling.”

Cao Xun thought a brief absence and soft whispers were enough to mend the cracks he had carved. How insulting. How typical.

But then, she reminded herself with a quiet steeliness, I never married for love. She wouldn’t let herself forget that. Love was a luxury she couldn’t afford, so she’d play her part—like she always did.

By dusk, Cao Xun returned, punctual as the ticking of the evening clock. He paused at the veranda, his sharp gaze flicking to the small door in the middle, now ajar. A smirk tugged at his lips.

When he reached the back house, he found her lounging on the divan, head resting lazily on one arm while a ledger lay open beside her.

A flicker of amusement passed through him when he realized it was her dowry records. Without a word, he took the book, set it aside, and leaned over her—pressing a kiss to her forehead, lingering just long enough for her to feel the heat of his breath.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she said nothing. And he knew—whatever game they were playing, the night had only just begun.

Yunzhu glanced up at him before lowering her gaze, her eyes dark and coy, carrying a hint of exhaustion that made her look all the more tempting.

Cao Xun’s voice was low and warm as he asked, “So, have you been buried in those ledgers all afternoon?”

She hummed softly in response, the sound light and almost teasing.

With a smirk, Cao Xun reached over and pinched her earlobe between his fingers. “Hmm, your dowry must be hefty enough to put a man to sleep just by skimming through the numbers.”

Yunzhu was, in fact, worn out. A fleeting look at the darkening sky outside confirmed she’d been dozing for quite some time. Stretching her limbs lazily, she pushed herself upright and murmured, “Bring the food; I’m starving.”

Cao Xun didn’t wait for a second request. With casual strength, he scooped her up effortlessly, cradling her as though she weighed nothing, and carried her straight to the main room.

Yunzhu didn’t resist. She wrapped herself against him like she belonged there, settling easily in her seat as the meal was brought in. She ate at her own pace—graceful and composed—as though this moment was entirely hers to savor.

Cao Xun, ever the entertainer, started recounting stories from the government office. His voice held that lazy charm, his words animated as he spun anecdotes designed to draw her laughter. And they did. Yunzhu’s smile, small yet bright, was enough encouragement for him to keep going.

When his stories finally petered out, she returned to her meal, content to enjoy his presence without the need for words.

As the evening wore on, Cao Xun mentioned casually, “The Hu family’s wedding banquet is on the tenth. After that, I’ll take you to visit your father-in-law.”

Yunzhu gave him a brief nod, her answer smooth and direct: “Of course.”

Cao Xun’s gaze lingered on her, trying to read something deeper, but he chose not to pry.

Once the meal ended, as was his custom, he asked, “Shall we walk in the garden?”

Yunzhu met his question with a small smile, her agreement both soft and clear.

The garden was Yunzhu’s quiet sanctuary—a place where she flourished, her sharp mind and lingering sweetness unfolding like blossoms in the moonlight. She walked beside Cao Xun with effortless grace, sharing bits of herself in stories that flowed like silk. Sometimes, her words painted vivid images of the present—admiring the delicate flowers and leaves around them. Other times, she drifted into memories of her parents chasing rare plants or her brother teasing her until her cries echoed through the cicada-filled summer air.

She spoke of old friends, names like Sun Yurong, Xie Lang, and Sun Guangfu falling from her lips like secrets shared in confidence. Each story carried a mix of joy, pride, or flickers of indignation, leaving no moment untouched by her emotion. Cao Xun listened intently, as though every word she spoke was meant solely for him.

Tonight, however, Yunzhu was quieter. She strolled at his side without complaint, her steps light against the garden path as the night drew in.

Later, under the soft glow of lamplight, Cao Xun sat beside the bed, his eyes fixed on the woman sprawled across it—her face serene, her presence so utterly familiar yet devastatingly tempting. His voice broke the silence, a rough edge beneath the calm. “You’re still upset with me.”

Yunzhu blinked, surprised, as she turned to meet his gaze. “Upset? How could I be? You already abandoned your post for me. I’m not unreasonable.”

Cao Xun’s lips tightened, unconvinced.

To prove her point, Yunzhu shifted closer, her soft smile like a balm meant just for him. Sliding an arm around him, she kissed his shoulder, her lips warm against the cool fabric of his robe. “Do you really think I speak without thought? I’m not angry. I just see things more clearly now. I’ve been careless before, I won’t deny that. But you don’t need to worry anymore. I understand what it means to carry myself as a proper lady. I’ll never make things hard for you again, nor give anyone the satisfaction of speaking ill of us.”

Her voice was gentle, laced with calm assurance, but her touch—the soft brush of her fingers and the heat of her body—was anything but restrained. It left Cao Xun restless, emotions surging in him like a fire he struggled to tamp down. Yet her sweet, obedient words cooled him just as quickly, leaving him torn between desire and exasperation.

He looked at her, this maddening woman who could stir him so completely, and yet always seemed to have the upper hand.

He grabbed her hand, his voice deep and unwavering, “To me, you’ve never been reckless. My only fear is that you might look at the Emperor the same way you once looked at Cao Shao—believing you can bend him to your will like you did before.”

Yunzhu’s laugh rang out, rich and teasing, her eyes glimmering with that irresistible, imploring charm of hers. “You give me far too much credit. I’m just a woman discarded by him, my marriage undone. How could I possibly control him? The Emperor wouldn’t dare entertain such wild fantasies. But you—you’ve been my savior across lifetimes.”

Cao Xun stared at her, his gaze serious, unreadable.

She narrowed her eyes, a spark of playful irritation dancing across her face. “Why are you looking at me like that? Did I say something I shouldn’t have?”

Cao Xun broke eye contact, turning away.

With a sultry sigh, Yunzhu leaned into him, her body pressing against his, her voice softening into something dangerously sweet. “Alright, don’t be mad. Just sleep already.”

*

On the tenth of July, the air buzzes with celebration as Mr. Hu Bochang, the distinguished Minister of War, prepares to marry off his cherished granddaughter.

The grand halls of Duke Dingguo’s mansion are alive with anticipation, with the four esteemed masters ready to raise their cups in honor of the occasion.

Cao Shao took his first steps into the west courtyard to accompany his mother, Pan Shi. By the time they reached the main courtyard, his brother and sister-in-law were already there—dressed and poised. His elder brother wore a bold, regal purple brocade robe, while Yunzhu kept her look strikingly subdued: a modest honey-hued turban and almost no jewelry to speak of. A woman of quiet restraint, her appearance seemed to whisper deference—perhaps mindful of Duke Ningguo’s lingering recovery.

Cao Xun, ever the picture of composed elegance, greeted Pan Shi as “Mother,” and Cao Shao followed with a formal bow to his brother and sister-in-law.

But Pan Shi’s sharp gaze flickered toward Yunzhu, scrutinizing her plain attire. “How strange,” she remarked with a tilt of her head, her voice tinged with teasing scorn. “For a moment, I almost mistook you for some new concubine. So unlike you.”

Yunzhu’s lashes fluttered downward under Pan shi’s withering look, her demure silence a perfect imitation of every obedient young wife born into noble bloodlines—those who dare not challenge their elders but refuse to be broken, either.

Cao Shao’s chest tightened at the sight. Memories of the day his brother had dragged Yunzhu into this marriage burned through him. It baffled him still: how had a woman as proud and unyielding as Yunzhu chosen to bow her head to such humiliation?

Unable to stomach the insult, Cao Shao spoke up, his voice sharp and unwavering. “When has my elder brother ever thought of taking a concubine, Mother? Let’s not indulge in such talk.”

Cao Xun, mild-mannered and ever the peacemaker, offered a placating smile. “Second Brother means well. Mother, forgive him. Perhaps it’s age playing tricks on your eyes and tongue.”

The slight hung in the air—delicate, deadly.

Pan Shi froze, her lips parting as if to counter, but her youngest son’s sudden loyalty and Cao Shao’s unapologetic laughter bit deep. She stiffened, cheeks flushed with indignation, and with no further words, turned on her heel and left in a storm of silken skirts.

Cao Shao glanced at the ground, biting back satisfaction, before silently following after his mother.

Cao Xun turned to Yunzhu, his tone as measured as ever. “Are you prepared to deal with the elder madam’s temper in the future?”

Yunzhu’s voice was soft yet unwavering, her calm cutting through the lingering tension. “It isn’t about giving in to her. Pointless bickering would only cheapen me further.”

His gaze sharpened. “I do not want my wife to live in fear of others.”

Yunzhu met his eyes, resignation resting like a shadow over her serene features. “Understood. I know what to do.”

Without another word, Cao Xun led the way forward, and Yunzhu followed, her steps light, as though the clash moments before had left no mark.

The family traveled in pairs, the women in separate carriages.

Cao Xun and Cao Shao rode side by side, their horses moving in tandem. Cao Shao cast a glance toward his mother’s carriage, then turned back, voice low but steady. “I apologize for Mother’s behavior earlier. Her words were... unkind. Allow me to make amends on her behalf.”

Cao Xun’s tone was gentle, unbothered. “There’s no need for that, my dear brother. It isn’t your burden to bear.”

Cao Shao studied his brother—his face as calm, his demeanor as lighthearted as ever. And yet, something didn’t sit right. It was as though his elder brother’s cheer was a mask, thin and cracking, hiding something darker beneath.

Was it their mother’s hostility toward Yunzhu?

Or something else?

A thousand questions surged in Cao Shao’s mind, but he held them back, knowing he had no right to ask.

*

As they arrived at the Hu Mansion, the place was already buzzing with dignitaries and high-profile figures, all eager to make their presence known. Minister Hu Bochang, standing tall with his two sons, was at the entrance, personally welcoming everyone who walked through the door.

When he spotted Cao Xun, his lips curled into a smile, and he stepped forward, eager to greet him. "Your presence truly elevates our family, Cao Xun. It's an honor to have you here."

Cao Xun, with his usual charm, returned the compliment. "Master Shangshu, your home exudes such understated grace. If every house in the capital mirrored yours, this city would be the very definition of elegance."

There was something almost strange about Cao Xun’s words; they carried a layer of meaning that caught Hu Bochang off guard, especially considering they’d never shared a prior conversation. Yet, Hu Bochang couldn't help but be intrigued by the praise.

While the two men exchanged pleasantries, Pan shi and Yunzhu stepped out, catching Hu Bochang’s attention. His eyes were drawn to Yunzhu—not out of some old man’s lingering lust but because she was the kind of beauty you couldn’t help but admire, no matter your age.

After a brief ceremony, Yunzhu followed Pan shi into the adjoining courtyard where the other female guests gathered. But the grand scholar, still absent from the scene, hadn't yet made his way over to meet the bride. Instead, the mother and daughter-in-law, who clearly shared some unspoken tension, made their way to greet her first.

Hu Bochang, with his commanding air and the sharp, noticeable eye bags he inherited from his lineage, stood with the kind of presence that demanded attention. While his wife, concubines, and daughter-in-law were all undeniably beautiful, the bags under their eyes spoke volumes of the family legacy they carried.

Yunzhu, observing the situation, couldn’t help but think that the scholar had certainly gained more than he bargained for with this marriage. She wondered, though, what would have happened if Sun Yurong had decided to claim him for herself. Would the scholar have resisted?

Not related to the bride by blood, they moved away from the bride's side, heading toward the banquet hall. The atmosphere in the room was already charged, with some women catching up with old friends while others took their time entering.

Seated at the same table as Pan shi due to her social status, Yunzhu could feel the weight of the moment. A few other mother-daughter-in-law pairs joined them, and when the tea was brought, one eager daughter-in-law poured tea for her mother-in-law with a practiced grace.

Pan shi, noticing how Yunzhu seemed resigned to her place, caught her gaze with a knowing look, glancing at the teapot before her. Yunzhu smiled back, offering no words but plenty of meaning in the silent exchange.

Pan shi couldn’t help but feel a strange satisfaction—she hadn’t spoken directly, which spared her the humiliation of being embarrassed in front of everyone. She turned away, content to bask in the attention of the other women, savoring their compliments.

But Yunzhu, always a mystery, was more complex than anyone could easily understand. Pan shi, having lived with her long enough, knew that the surface was only the beginning.

At the nearby table, Du shi, a woman around the same age as Yunzhu, was practically burning with jealousy. Before Yunzhu made her grand entrance, Du shi had always simmered with envy whenever her sweetheart paid any attention to her. That jealousy, it seems, had no bounds, and Du shi wasn’t shy about playing dirty. Behind the scenes, she whispered vicious lies, calling Yunzhu a seductress. Word of that got back to Yunzhu fast, and she wasted no time. Lian Qiao, like a swift shadow, slapped Du shi across the face twice, once on each side—quick, clean, and a lesson Du shi would never forget.

Now, Du shi carried that grudge like a weapon. Her husband's cousin, Shen Kuo, was about to gain favor with Emperor Qianxing and become commander of the Jinyi Guards. Du, sensing a golden opportunity, decided it was time for a little payback. After all, Yunzhu’s stepmother-in-law, Pan shi, didn’t exactly adore Yunzhu’s looks either.

The banquet hall was crowded, so the junior maids stayed outside to avoid disturbing the guests. Du shi, ever the schemer, lifted her almost-empty teacup and made her way toward Yunzhu. As she approached, she feigned a stumble, and in one swift motion, she spilled the tea all over Yunzhu’s back and shoulders. The hot liquid soaked through her clothes, leaving Yunzhu drenched.

Du shi gasped, putting on her best innocent act. "Oh, I’m so sorry, it wasn’t intentional. I only meant to serve Madam Pan."

Her words cut through the air, but the room went silent, all eyes turning toward the scene. Some people were entertained by the drama, while others were curious to see how Yunzhu would react. Lian Qiao, quick to the rescue, rushed in, grabbed a handkerchief, and immediately started dabbing at Yunzhu’s soaked attire.

But Yunzhu, calm and poised, knew exactly what was happening. She recognized Du shi and saw the malicious intent in that spilled tea.

Pan shi, ever the tactful one, stepped in, soothing Du shi with sweet words, assuring everyone that it was a harmless accident and that Yunzhu wouldn’t hold it against her.

But Yunzhu just smiled, a glint of something dangerous flashing in her eyes. She lightly restrained the handkerchief from Lian Qiao’s hands and whispered, "Hold her down."

Lian Qiao’s fury was barely contained, but she had been waiting for this. At Yunzhu’s command, she lunged forward, grabbing Du shi’s arm with a strength that made Du shi wince in pain. Before Du shi could even call for help, Lian Qiao gripped her neck, forcing her head down in front of Yunzhu.

Yunzhu, still unbothered by the chaos around her, elegantly picked up the teapot. With slow, deliberate precision, she poured the hot tea straight onto Du shi’s hair, making sure every drop hit its mark. The room gasped in shock as the warm tea dripped down, and the drama unfolded like a scene straight out of a fiery tale.

Pan Shi's face twisted with anger, and she snapped at Yunzhu, "This is absurd! Let her go, now!"

Yunzhu didn’t flinch. She let the tea pour, watching as the dark liquid drenched Du’s black hair and shoulders, dripping down in slow, deliberate rivulets. She set the teapot down with a soft clink and addressed Du shi, her voice smooth yet sharp. "Ignorance can be forgiven. But provoking someone like me? That’s a whole different matter. You should know by now—patience and forgiveness are not in my repertoire."

The room fell into a heavy silence.

Yunzhu’s gaze shifted to Madam Shangshu, who had arrived amidst the commotion. With a sultry smile, she spoke, "Seems like a little accident occurred. I must head home to change my attire. My apologies, I simply can’t stick around for the ceremony."

Madam Shangshu glanced at Du shi, still sitting on the floor, hair in disarray, weeping and clutching her arms to her chest. Words failed her, and she could only watch as Yunzhu made her exit.

Yunzhu didn’t feel anger as she left; in fact, there was a certain satisfaction in her step, a calmness as if she had just shed a weight. The chaotic scene behind her seemed so far away as she stepped out into the night, leaving the drama behind.

She hadn’t stayed long, but the real excitement had just begun.

As the wedding procession of the Number One Scholar neared the Hu Mansion, the last firecracker had barely faded when a group in white mourning attire stormed through the alley. Their wails echoed, shocking the crowd. "Hu Bochang, you’re the one who’s responsible for the deaths of loyal men! You’ve corrupted justice, and because of you, my son is dead! I have nothing left to live for, nothing but vengeance! I tried to expose you before, to ruin your name, and now I’ll make sure you die in disgrace!"