Chapter 92
Generations of blood ran thick through their veins, binding them together. Xie Lang, the grandson of Marquis Pingxi, stood side by side with his ancestor, Cao Xun, the connection between them stronger than time itself. A bond forged in the fire of history, built amid the chaos of war.
The night before, as the flickering candlelight danced across Cen Haoâs face, the two spokeâwords heavy with the weight of the past and the sharp edge of warâs anticipation. They exchanged glances, shared tension, before finally retiring for the night, each lost in thought, but bound by a shared destiny.
Morning broke, and the two young men rose, the routine of breakfast nothing more than a formality before the call of duty. But when word came that Cao Xun had called for a doctor, Xie Lang and Cen Hao wasted no time, rushing to his side.
Ah Jiu was the first to relay the message, always on point, always in control.
The doctorâs hands were steady as he took Cao Xun's pulse, Yunzhu standing nearby, ever watchful. Cao Xunâs eyes flicked over to her, a question hanging in the air.
Yunzhu, unflinching, arched a brow. âWant me to leave the room?â
She wasnât about to tiptoe around formalityâif Cao Xunâs condition wasnât anything serious, they all knew theyâd be traveling to Jiayuguan together, no need to pretend it was more than it was. She wasnât here for the show, unless, of course, Cao Xun had other plans.
Cao Xun smiled, his voice as smooth as ever. "No need. They are like younger brothers to me. We donât need any of that nonsense."
With a nod from him, Ah Jiu ushered the two men inside.
Yunzhu, the sister-in-law to both, gave a simple greeting, but Xie Lang, dismissive of her, only had eyes for Cao Xun. His focus never wavered as he walked past her, Cen Hao following close behind.
The doctor finished his examination, his tone clinical, as he spoke, "The Duke has caught a wind-cold. No immediate cause for concern. I recommend a three-day herbal remedy. Weâll adjust it as needed."
Wind-coldâa minor inconvenience, but something everyone would face. It was the sort of thing that made you cough, made your head throb, but nothing serious in the grand scheme of things.
Cao Xun glanced at Yunzhu, his voice laced with dry amusement. "See? I told you itâs nothing. No need for all this fuss."
Yunzhu didnât flinch, her voice cool. "Of course, it starts mild. But if you start treatment early, itâs over faster. Do you really want to wait until itâs worse before doing something about it?"
Her words were sharp, no room for debate. She wasnât about to let him slip into stubbornness.
Xie Lang chuckled, stepping in with a smile, "Sister-in-law is just looking out for you, making sure you donât drag this out."
Cao Xun shot him a glance, his tone dismissive. "Itâs a cold. It wonât stop me at the military camp."
Yunzhu had had enough of his stubbornness and signaled Lian Qiao to follow her as she walked off toward the backyard, unbothered by his resistance.
Soon, the official residence was abuzz with the arrival of Marquis Pingxi and his military officers. Yunzhu donned her cloak, her presence steady and composed as she walked out beside Cao Xun.
The military officers, aware of her lineage, saw no issue with her accompanying her husband to Jiayuguan. They understood the gravity of the mission, and to them, formalities were a matter of little importance. In the world of war, there was only one truth: survival, no matter the cost.
Marquis Pingxi flashed a sly grin at Yunzhu before shifting his attention to Cao Xun. "Chen Hao mentioned you're feeling under the weather," he remarked, his voice dripping with mock concern. "The weather's a mess today, so how about you take it easy and rest for a couple of days before we head out?"
Cao Xun laughed it off, brushing off the comment with a wave. "It's just a cold, stop making a big deal out of it."
Yunzhu watched closely, her eyes narrowing as she saw a rare flicker of genuine embarrassment cross his face.
Truth be told, Marquis Pingxi hadnât meant it seriously. Even though Cao Xun was in his early thirties and could be stubborn about taking medicine, he didnât seem too bothered by it.
Yunzhu climbed into the carriage, while Cao Xun and the rest rode on horseback.
Outside the city, a vast expanse of snow-covered mountains rose majestically in the distance, their peaks standing tall and imposing. The sight was awe-inspiring, but Yunzhu couldnât help but focus on something elseâtwo low, raspy coughs carried by the wind.
Cao Xun.
Her brow furrowed, but she couldnât do anything about it. Surrounded by military personnel, calling him over wasnât an option, and turning back was out of the question.
After an hour, they finally reached Jiayuguan Pass.
The carriage halted. As soon as the door opened, Cao Xun stepped forward to help Yunzhu down. The moment she emerged, she caught sight of his flushed face and the way his eyes shimmered with an unusual moistureâhe looked almost pathetic.
Marquis Pingxi and the others werenât paying attention, so Yunzhu quickly brushed her hand against his forehead.
Cao Xun clasped her hand, guiding her down gently. "Donât worry about me," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Enjoy the view, Iâm fine."
What could Yunzhu do? She couldnât just ignore him with so many people around. She had to play her part and uphold his dignity.
The soldiers had cleared the snow from the stone steps leading up to the city tower, but the icy surface was still treacherous. Cao Xun gestured for Marquis Pingxi to go ahead, then took Yunzhuâs hand, walking closely behind. Xie Lang and Cen Hao followed in tow.
Yunzhuâs attention was on the towering city wall nearby, the vast snow-covered landscape stretching out before her.
Meanwhile, Cao Xun wasnât in the mood for sightseeing. With one hand still gripping Yunzhuâs, he slipped a handkerchief from his sleeve and wiped his nose discreetly, making sure she wasnât looking.
He wiped again, his gaze catching a glimpse of Cen Hao behind him from the corner of his eye.
The city wall loomed high above, but Cao Xun wiped his nose a third time. On the third go, Yunzhu bumped into him.
Cao Xun froze, unable to hide his surprise.
Yunzhu shot him a glare, clearly unimpressed. They had reached the top now, so she pulled her hand away and told him to go and talk business with Marquis Pingxi and the others. Sheâd rather explore on her own.
With Lian Qiao staying behind and Ah Jiu below, Cao Xun nodded for Xie Lang to accompany her instead.
Xie Lang, worried about keeping his eyes in check, instinctively nudged Cen Hao. "You know this place better, why donât you show us around?"
Cen Hao, ever the good sport, agreed without hesitation.
Cao Xun, already walking ahead with Marquis Pingxi, could only sigh.
Marquis Pingxi had no clue what was swirling in Cao Xunâs mind. He strutted ahead, blabbering excitedly about his repairs to the city wall, his brutal training methods, and the gritty trials faced with the border countries. It was all business, but his passion was palpable, and Cao Xun couldnât help but perk up and listen. When Marquis Pingxi finally wrapped up, Cao Xun turned around, only to realize theyâd already walked past a beacon tower, leaving Yunzhu and the others behind.
They were high above, while Yunzhu, surrounded by two strapping young men, stood below. One flanked her left, the other, right. Out of nowhere, Yunzhu stumbled slightly, and both Xie Lang and Cen Hao reached out instinctively to catch her, their hands touching her at the same time.
Though they immediately withdrew, Cao Xunâs brow twitched in annoyance. But Yunzhu, unaware of his gaze, quickly realized that the stone steps werenât going to work for her, so she pivoted and made her way back to the main tower.
Cen Hao, ever the charmer, started spinning talesâstories passed down from when the old man was stationed hereâwhile Xie Lang stood by quietly. Yunzhu listened intently, her lips curling into a seductive smile, one she didnât even know was there.
It was clear to both Xie Lang and Cen Hao that she was thinking about the old Duke. But Cao Xun, who had just returned, had no idea.
His eyes fixed on Cen Hao, who was standing strong against the wind, grinning like a fool. Just as he was about to look away, he suddenly coughed, and Yunzhu, hearing it, turned around to see him. His hand was pressed to his lips, and his face was flushed, even redder than before.
She frowned in concern, and Marquis Pingxi, seeing him, slapped a hand on Cao Xunâs shoulder with a knowing smirk. âThatâs enough for today. Go rest up. Weâll practice later.â
Cao Xun didnât argue.
Back at the official residence, Yunzhu wasted no time. She led him to the serene backyard and instructed him to lie down on the traditional kang bed. Exhausted, Cao Xun shed his outer robe and sprawled out, his eyes fixed on her as she stood over him. After a momentâs pause, he smirked and asked, âWhat about A Jiu and Lian Qiao? Take them out shopping?â
She liked roaming the streets when visiting cities, always drawn in by the local accents and the odd little treats in each place.
Cao Xun knew it was his excuse to tempt her into joining him, wanting to keep her entertained and happy. He didnât want her to get bored.
Yunzhu shot him a sharp look. âWith you like this? How could I possibly be in the mood to shop alone?â
Cao Xun raised an eyebrow. âThen what do you want to do instead?â
Yunzhu thought for a moment, then shrugged. âI havenât finished the book I picked up in Ganzhou last time. I asked Lian Qiao to bring it to me.â
A while later, Yunzhu perched herself on the edge of the kang, nibbling on snacks and flipping through the pages of her book. After a few moments, she caught him staring at her and raised an eyebrow. âSupposed to be resting, and yet you canât stop looking at me?â
With no other choice, Cao Xun closed his eyes.
He could hear the rustling of pages turning, the occasional soft chuckle escaping her lips as if she'd stumbled upon something that really amused her.
Cao Xun couldn't pinpoint when exactly he drifted off to sleep, but when he came to, the night had already settled in.
Yunzhu had stepped out for a quick stroll, and when she returned, she found him trying to sit up, the covers lifted, looking like he was about to make a move.
She rushed to his side, a sense of urgency in her touch, pressing him gently back down. "It's freezing out there. Just lie still. Don't make yourself uncomfortable."
He sighed, feeling a little defeated. "I need some water."
Yunzhu didn't hesitate. "Iâll get it for you."
A moment later, she returned, bringing him a cup. "I heard from Ah Jiu that the chef in the official residence makes incredible noodle soup. How about we have that for dinner?"
"Sounds good," he muttered, his voice raspy.
Yunzhu stepped closer with a bowl of tea, her movements deliberate. As he took a sip, she gently brushed her fingers against his forehead, the warmth still lingering.
"The doctor said the room needs fresh air. I'll open the window for a while. You stay put under the covers."
She moved gracefully around the room, adjusting the windows, letting in the cool night air while he watched, his gaze lingering on her every move.
"Why donât you call Lian Qiao to help out?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Sheâs not feeling well," Yunzhu replied, with a casual tone. "I told her to rest."
Today, Lian Qiao was dealing with her cycle, and Yunzhu wasnât the type to push her maid when she wasnât well. As for the others, they were only fit for the smaller tasksânot for entering the intimate spaces of the couple.
Cao Xun couldnât lie there any longer. "Iâve napped long enough. I need to move around, or I wonât sleep tonight."
There was truth to that, so Yunzhu helped him sit up, pulling him gently by the sleeve.
After a quick wipe of his face, he felt better and joined her in the main room for dinner.
Once the meal was over, he suggested, "Maybe I should sleep in the front room tonight. Donât want to risk passing this illness to you."
Yunzhu scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You were sick last night. Youâve probably already given it to me. Tonightâs probably your last chance."
He raised an eyebrow, unsure how to respond.
"Fine," she relented with a smirk. "Just drink your medicine and lie down."
The bitter taste of the medicine hit him hard, but when he met her gazeâthose eyes, soft yet intenseâsuddenly, the bitterness didn't seem so bad.
Anticipating he might sweat it out, Yunzhu spread another quilt beside his bed, keeping a careful distance.
A lamp flickered softly, its warm light contrasting the cold air that slipped through the cracks in the window.
The wind outside howled like a beast on the prowl.
Yunzhu pulled the covers tighter around herself, inching closer to him in the stillness of the night.
He reached out, his arm extending from under the covers, eager to pull her closer. But she shot him a sharp look. "Donât move, stay covered."
He grumbled in response. "..."
Maybe he'd rested too much during the day, but now he was wide awake, and with a devilish smirk, he asked her, "You don't mind me looking like this, do you?"
Yunzhu shot him a seductive glance, her lips curling as she replied, "Dislike? Who's to say you wonât catch a cold and make it worse?"
Cao Xun paused, lost in thought for a moment, then muttered, "I never really caught anything before, but I guess age is catching up with me."
Yunzhu raised an eyebrow. Really? Who was always the one talking about getting old? If anyone could own those signs, it was him. After all, the proud Marquis Pingxi embraced his age with swagger.
But since he was so stubborn about not wanting to rest, Yunzhu moved in close, curling up against him, her voice low and soothing, "Youâre not old. You're just worn out, too busy carrying the weight of everything on your shoulders."
He was the one always focused on the border, always worrying about the soldiers, the drills, the strategies. On top of all that, he was still concerned about her, checking on her, making sure she didn't wear herself out or end up going back to Beijing if she was unhappy.
When she was younger, Yunzhu mightâve only cared about comforts like food and entertainment. But now? Now she saw all the little ways Cao Xun showed his care.
She nestled against him, her breath soft against his chest, "Donât worry. Weâre all here. I wonât go back to Beijing alone."
He wasn't stupidâhe knew exactly what she was doing. Trying to get under his skin with her teasing.
Cao Xun smiled, fully understanding, and said, "Even if you're here by my side, I still donât want you to go through anything difficult or feel like youâre lacking."
No matter how well her family treated her, he was damn sure heâd do the same.
Yunzhu smiled back, that sultry smile of hers, "If I ever felt wronged, Iâd tell you. If Iâm quiet, then itâs because Iâm not."
But then, his mind wandered, thinking of Cen Haoâs youthful face. His voice was softer as he took her hand, "Wouldn't you feel wronged staying with me, your husband?"
If she ever wanted out, sheâd have her pickâsomeone who matched her in looks, talent, background, and youth.
Yunzhu shook her head, her eyes locked onto his with sincerity, "I have no regrets."
The journey had revealed something deeper. No one else might admire her beauty the way others did, but Cao Xun? His love was rich with a depth that no one could replicate.
"Get better soon. Iâm waiting for you to keep serving me," she whispered.
Cao Xunâs lips brushed the top of her head as he smiled, "Alright."