Chapter 87
Cao Xun's mission this time took him on a long patrol along the Great Wall, starting at Shanhaiguan in the east and finishing up at Jiayuguan in the west. He'd be spending three to five days in each place, overseeing his troops. By the time he wrapped it all up, he might not make it back to the capital in time for the New Year.
Yunzhu, feeling an itch to experience the local culture and indulge in the regional flavors, thought about tagging along. But, she couldn't help but feel a little anxious about the rough journey ahead.
So, she turned to her mother for advice.
Meng shi, with a hint of longing, responded, "I definitely want you to go. Iâve always wanted to explore outside the capital but never had the chance."
Yunzhu raised a concern. "Iâve heard the inns along the way are pretty terrible..."
Meng shi waved off her worry. "It wonât be as cozy as home, but how will you ever experience the worldâs wonders if you stay in your comfort zone? Besides, you won't be at an inn every night. Local officials will take good care of you when you reach their cities."
Just as Meng shi was about to urge Yunzhu to go, she suddenly clutched her stomach, a slight grimace on her face. Yunzhu turned and caught a glimpse of her sister-in-lawâs flushed cheeks.
With a warm smile, Meng shi explained, "Sheâs pregnant. You're going to be an aunt next year."
Yunzhuâs heart melted at the thought of little A Nian, her sister-in-lawâs daughter, and the idea of a nephew or niece on the way filled her with joy.
Without missing a beat, Yunzhu rushed to her sister-in-law's side.
After hearing the exchange between her daughter and daughter-in-law, Meng shi turned to Yunzhu and said, "The babyâs not due just yet. If you stay at home, time will drag on forever. Why donât you go for a walk with Fushan? When you return, the year will almost be over, and it'll only be a couple of months before your sister-in-law gives birth."
Yunzhu hesitated, "But what if weâre still on the road when the New Year comes?"
Meng shi reassured her, "Donât worry. Weâll have many more New Years together. If you miss this one, you might not have another chance to travel with Fushan again."
Generals are often called away to war and canât bring their families along.
Yunzhu had been uncertain at first, but after the encouragement from both her mother and sister-in-law, her hesitation faded away.
When Cao Xun asked her about it, she teased, "I didnât want to go, but my mother insisted she take care of everything for youâyour food, clothes, and daily needs. I thought she was nagging, so I had to agree."
Cao Xun, looking at her with admiration, said, "Your mother worries too much. Itâs my great fortune that my wife wants to come along with me. How could I possibly ask you to take care of me? Itâs my duty to serve you, not the other way around."
His sweet words made Yunzhu roll her eyes.
Cao Xun grinned and pulled her into a hug.
After a moment of tender affection, Yunzhu warned, "Iâll go, but if it gets too tough, Iâll turn back with someone first."
The northern route, from Shanhaiguan to Xuanzhou, was just a few days away from the capital, so she could easily return on her own whenever she wanted.
Cao Xun gave her a reassuring smile. "Alright, do as you please. I wonât force you."
*
In mid-June, the hottest month in the capital, Cao Xun, the uncle of the Emperor, departed for a sultry border patrol outside the capital with a team of a hundred guards, accompanied by his elegant wife.
On the journey out of the city, Yunzhu sat in Cao Xun's spacious and elegant carriage, accompanied by Lian Qiao.
The bamboo curtains on both sides of the carriage windows were raised, allowing a gentle breeze to flow through, providing cooler air than expected.
"Madam, would you like to have some peeled peaches?" Lian Qiao offered a fruit basket with convenient fruits for the journey.
Yunzhu declined, "No need for now, please give me a bowl of water."
Lian Qiao promptly poured a bowl of water for her.
As Yunzhu was about to drink, a familiar clear voice echoed from the window, "General, should we head to Jizhou first, or proceed directly to Shanhaiguan?"
Both Jizhou and Shanhaiguan were on the east side of the capital and were important towns on Jiubian.
Cao Xun responded, "We'll go to Jizhou first."
In the carriage, Yunzhu looked out the window in disbelief.
As expected, a horse was riding beside Cao Xun, with a young military general in a green robe seated on its back. It was the handsome "bamboo horse" Xie Lang, whom she recognized.
As if he noticed her attention, Xie Lang smiled at Yunzhu from his horse, then turned to go behind.
During the noon rest in a wooded area, Cao Xun returned to the carriage.
Finally, Yunzhu had the opportunity to ask him: "Why is Xie Lang here too?"
Cao Xun took a sip of herbal tea and explained, "He was recommended by the Marquis. I asked him to accompany me for training."
The young general should be visiting the border more frequently, and Cao Xun was glad to have Xie Lang join him.
Yunzhu looked at him pensively.
Cao Xun smiled and said, "Don't worry, Xie Lang has let go. You don't need to feel uncomfortable."
Yunzhu chuckled, "I'm not so egotistical as to think that he still holds a torch for me. Perhaps it's not appropriate for you to bring me along when there's an acquaintance nearby."
Cao Xun inquired, "Shall I ask him to leave?"
Yunzhu paused.
Xie Lang was delighted to join the border patrol at first glance. Moreover, he and Yunzhu had grown up as friends since childhood. How could Cao Xun misuse his authority and spoil Xie Lang's opportunity?
She glared at Cao Xun.
Cao Xun was captivated by her elegant eyes.
*
On the third day of the journey, the group found themselves walking with no village or store in sight. Suddenly, the sky darkened with heavy clouds, indicating an imminent downpour.
Scouts had already ventured out to explore the road. As the wind grew stronger, they quickly returned, pointing towards a short mountain two miles away. They urged, "My lord, there's a Taoist temple on the mountain. Seek shelter from the rain there!"
Cao Xun promptly led the group there.
The horses galloped swiftly, and the carriage jolted along the uneven dirt road. The violent bumps made Yunzhu feel nauseous. She had to step down from the carriage and sit with Lian Qiao. The two embraced each other, steadying themselves with a hand on each side.
Hurrying onwards, they eventually reached the foot of the short mountain where the raindrops began to fall, though not too dense at that moment.
The mountain road was too narrow for carriages and horses to pass, so Cao Xun instructed Xie Lang, "Find a place to tether your horses and ascend first."
Knowing he had to take care of Yunzhu, Xie Lang nodded and departed with the group. Cao Xun then instructed Lian Qiao to join them and clean up Yunzhu's room at the Taoist temple.
Lian Qiao, who had been jolted along the way, was pale as she caught up with Xie Lang, holding an umbrella and baggage, and soon disappeared along the mountain trail.
Cao Xun opened his umbrella and lifted the curtain, seeing his young lady sitting on the ground, leaning on the couch with slightly disheveled hair, pouting and staring angrily at him.
Cao Xun smiled and remarked, "At least it's cooler than before."
Yunzhu maintained her glare.
Cao Xun reached out, "Come, I will carry you up. The coachman still needs to find a place for the carriage."
Only then did Yunzhu lean out while holding onto the carriage board.
Just then, a drop of rain hit the carriage shaft, splashing wet marks the size of copper coins. The gloomy sky made the low mountain in front appear even more remote, not the grand mountain scenery Yunzhu had imagined.
Not in the mood to appreciate the scenery, Yunzhu lay on Cao Xun's broad back and took the umbrella from his hand, "I'll hold it."
Cao Xun replied, "It will rain heavily later. Take care not to get your back wet. Don't worry about me."
With that, he swiftly set off on the mountain road.
The mountain, although short, was steep, and the Taoist temple was built inside it, resulting in a narrow, winding road. When Cao Xun was halfway, the rain became fierce and rapid, hitting the umbrella repeatedly. Yunzhu lost strength in her right arm and had to switch hand support midway.
She didn't want to get caught in the rain, but it was relentless. Her clothes around her waist were quickly soaked, along with the feet hanging on her sides.
As she lowered her head, she saw Cao Xun carefully stepping into the muddy mountain road. His trouser legs were already wet and clung to his legs.
The coolness was refreshing, and Yunzhu felt a slight chill. Subconsciously, she pressed closer to him, and an inaudible sigh reached his ears.
Cao Xun smiled and asked, "Do you regret coming out with me?"
Yunzhu remained silent.
Cao Xun commented, "It's truly unavoidable to experience summer rain."
Yunzhu urged, "Focus on walking and don't slip."
Cao Xun joked, "If you fall, you'll fall on me."
Yunzhu was familiar with that playful banter, and with him as a cushion, there seemed to be nothing to worry about.
After walking for a span of time, a dusty little Taoist temple finally emerged at the end of the mountain road.
Xie Lang, holding an umbrella, awaited at the door, accompanied by an old Taoist priest in civilian clothes, his face adorned with wrinkles. He exuded an air of elegance, distinct from Li Yong.
Yunzhu lowered the umbrella.
Cao Xun exchanged pleasantries with the old Taoist priest and escorted Yunzhu to the guest room.
Finally placing Yunzhu down, only their heads and upper bodies remained dry, as the rest of their attire was drenched from the rain.
Yunzhu subconsciously gazed around the equally ordinary guest room.
The wooden windows were adorned with delicate paper, barely protecting the room from the elements, and cobwebs clung to the corners of the roof. Lian Qiao diligently wiped down the bed board, the rag in her hand soiled with mud.
As Lian Qiao worked, she reassured her mistress, "Do not worry, madam. The temple's master mentioned that this is a remote spot, and cleaning is often overlooked due to the scarcity of passersby. Thankfully, there are still some clean linens in the temple, awaiting my attention. I will send them over to you soon."
A towel hung on the edge of the wooden basin. Cao Xun picked it up, walked to the simple table and chairs by the window, and quickly wiped them down.
Lian Qiao fretted, "My lord, please rest and let me handle this!"
Ignoring her, Cao Xun wiped the wooden bench and set it aside to dry, moving on to the tabletop.
With his considerable strength, he thoroughly and carefully attended to the cleaning.
Observing Cao Xun at work, Yunzhu remembered his playful promise before leaving Beijing, of wholehearted service to her.
Feeling overwhelmed, she couldn't ask the Taoist priests or guards for help. Lian Qiao's slow pace made it clear that Cao Xun would have to assist her.
After changing the water basin and tidying the room, Cao Xun went on to clean the old double-door wardrobe, windows, and window sills.
Yunzhu gazed in awe at his diligence.
One was a maid accustomed to such tasks, and the other, a powerful and attentive man. In a short time, the shabby guest room was clean and pristine.
In due course, clean mats, quilts, Taoist robes, and ginger soup were brought from the Taoist temple.
Cao Xun instructed Yunzhu, "You freshen up first, and I'll speak with the temple owner. We'll be staying here overnight, so we must maintain decorum."
Yunzhu noted the pot of ginger soup and two bowls on the table and reminded him, "You should have a bowl of ginger soup too, to prevent catching a cold."
Cao Xun had already stepped outside but paused and re-entered in response, "Certainly."
The ginger soup was steaming hot.
After a moment, Yunzhu asked him to fetch a basin of water from the tub to freshen up before donning his Taoist robe.
Cao Xun smiled, "It's just a bit of rain, nothing to be concerned about."
Yunzhu replied, "It's your call, but if you wake up with a headache tomorrow, we're heading back."
Cao Xun didn't respond, closed the door, and began to change out of his robe.