Chapter 98: C98. One Month Old Celebration.

Chapter 98

On the fourth day of the first lunar month, Duke Ningguo’s mansion threw an extravagant banquet, packed with high society flair. Yunzhu, still confined at home during her postpartum recovery, couldn’t attend. That left her husband, Cao Xun, to show face on his own.

The Li family, however, had no intention of inviting Pan Shi or Cao Shao, still bitter over the broken marriage agreement that had left tensions simmering between the families.

Before stepping out the door, Cao Xun pulled Yunzhu into his arms, his voice low and soothing. “I won’t be gone long. Just dinner, and I’ll come straight back to you.”

As soon as he left, Yunzhu’s body loosened, shedding the tension she’d unconsciously carried. She finally allowed herself to breathe.

Her days at home were uneventful, dominated by her newborn, Little Yu, who spent most of his time either nursing or sleeping under the care of his wet nurse. With so little to occupy her, Yunzhu occasionally cradled her son, more for comfort than necessity. The lack of stress worked wonders on her body—two weeks in, and she was nearly fully recovered.

The only thorn in her side? The frustrating postpartum custom forbidding bathing or hair washing.

The thought alone made her seethe. Though her body felt rejuvenated, her hair hadn’t touched water in weeks. The maids, careful to avoid any chance of her catching cold, could only manage a feeble attempt at wiping it clean. It wasn’t enough. The thought of Cao Xun catching the faintest whiff of sweat during one of his embraces was unbearable.

Cao Xun, ever the doting first-time father, had stayed close to her during her recovery, leaving the house only when absolutely necessary—once for court duties and once for obligatory New Year visits to the Li family. Today marked his first outing in weeks, and the moment he left, Yunzhu seized her chance.

As soon as the sun’s warmth crept in at noon, she called for her maids to prepare a bath.

The preparations were meticulous. The room was heated to a comfortable warmth, and every precaution against the cold was taken. The midwife had forbidden her from sitting in the tub, so she stood instead, letting the water cascade over her skin as she scrubbed herself clean. When she was done, she wrapped herself in thick robes and reclined on the couch while Shiliu carefully combed out her hair.

As the hot water kissed her skin, Yunzhu let out a soft, sensual sigh, a sound that seemed to ripple through the room.

Lian Qiao, observing with a mix of amusement and concern, quipped, “You might be feeling indulgent now, but if Master Cao finds out, there’ll be hell to pay.”

Yunzhu’s reply was razor-sharp and unapologetic. “Let him. You’re all under my protection. If he dares to raise his voice, I’ll handle him myself.”

Meanwhile, Cao Xun, blissfully unaware of the rebellion brewing at home, had spent the morning entertaining his in-laws. The second his duties were done, he rushed back, eager to see his wife and child.

The house was quiet when he arrived—Little Yu, no doubt, had been lulled to sleep by the wet nurse. As he approached the secondary room, the two maids outside looked suspiciously flustered, their eyes darting as if they knew something they shouldn’t. Ignoring them, Cao Xun pushed through to the inner chamber.

There, the faint floral dew scent of Yunzhu drifted through the air, teasing his senses and drawing him closer.

The curtain of the Babu bed swayed gently, and when he pulled it aside, the sight before him stopped him cold.

Yunzhu lay with her back to him, her long, raven-black hair spilling across the silk bedding in a wild, untamed cascade. Freed from the scarf she’d worn for weeks, her hair gleamed in the dim light, thick and soft, brushing against her bare shoulders and rosy cheeks. The scene was unintentional yet tantalizing, her natural beauty heightened by the subtle defiance in her indulgence.

Cao Xun was used to her hair being perfectly in place, so seeing her in this carefree, undone state caught him off guard, throwing him off his usual composure.

Little did he know, Yunzhu had been wide awake, feigning sleep the moment she heard him return.

When she felt him standing silently by the bed, she turned to meet his gaze. Her delicate features were a siren's call—her lively, glistening eyes pulled him in like moonlight on water, her flushed cheeks daring him closer. Caught off guard, he instinctively looked away. Sitting down at her bedside, he gently ran his fingers through her loose hair, his face betraying a mix of worry and surrender. His voice, though calm, hinted at scolding: “Did you just wash your hair, or did you bathe too?”

If his earlier discomfort lingered, Yunzhu didn’t notice. She wasn’t in the mood for lectures and stretched out a soft, inviting hand toward him, her voice honeyed with playful persuasion. “I feel wonderful now. Come here. Hold me.”

Cao Xun hesitated, his fingers brushing her hair as he asked, “When did you wash it? Are you feeling unwell?”

Her outstretched hand dropped as she scowled at him. “Forget it. If you won’t hold me, then I’ll just sleep.”

Turning away from him, she left him no choice. Cao Xun sighed deeply, the sound of his robe being discarded breaking the tension. Moments later, the bed dipped under his weight as he slid under the quilt and wrapped his strong arms around her, pulling her into him. His face disappeared into her soft, fragrant hair.

“Even without washing it, you smell intoxicating,” he murmured against her ear. His voice was gentle but firm. “But you’re careless. What if you catch a cold?”

Her reply came lazily, her tone teasing yet dismissive. “If I get sick, so be it. I couldn’t care less. But if you keep saying things I don’t like, you’ll be sleeping in the front yard tonight.”

He stayed silent, though his silence spoke volumes.

Just as she tried to shift the mood, asking about the banquet at his parents’ estate, she felt it—the unmistakable press of him, rigid against her. She froze, stunned for a moment, before twisting to look at him.

Cao Xun’s jaw was tight, his eyes shut in forced discipline. “Go to sleep,” he commanded, his voice low and strained.

But sleep was the last thing on Yunzhu’s mind. She couldn’t help but laugh, the situation too delicious to ignore. Rolling into him, she placed her hands flat on his shoulders and nestled herself into his arms, her lips curling into a mischievous smile.

As his breathing grew heavier, his self-control wavering, she leaned in, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to his neck. The tension in his body was palpable, but his hands found her head, holding it in place.

“No more games,” he growled, his voice thick and commanding.

Yunzhu didn’t relent, her voice a seductive whisper. “Games? Is it a crime to enjoy you? Or… do you not enjoy me?”

Cao Xun tried to think of a response, but it was pointless. He wasn’t fully healed yet.

Yunzhu, knowing this all too well, couldn't resist the temptation to tease him before slipping away for the night.

But Cao Xun, who had been holding himself back before, couldn't stay away. He moved in, wrapping his arms around her from behind, letting his lips trail down her neck, relentless in his desire.

Yunzhu, sensing his intensity, turned in his arms and slid her hands up to his neck, pulling him closer.

His voice was rough, strained with lust, as he watched her give him that rare, seductive look. "Aren't you worried I won’t be able to hold back?"

Yunzhu met his gaze with a sly grin. "If you can't hold back, I won't bother making it easy for you."

She couldn’t help but enjoy watching him fight with himself, but she knew he’d never cross the line. He respected her limits, even if it made him ache.

*

On the 18th day of the first lunar month, Baby Yu, the young heir of Dingguo Mansion, celebrated his full moon.

Yu symbolizes radiance and splendor. The young heir was born in broad daylight, hence he was named Cao Yu.

Cao Xun had an heir just after the new year. The Empress Dowager and Emperor Xining bestowed their rewards, while visiting relatives and friends generously prepared gifts.

Cao Xun hosted the male guests in the front, while Yunzhu entertained the female guests in the company of her mother and sister-in-law. Despite Pan Shi's presence, it was evident to everyone that she and Yunzhu were not on good terms, and the female guests had chosen to ignore her, save for mere pleasantries. Pan shi's icy demeanor made her unfavorable among the guests when it came to socializing.

Liu Jing, the wife of the Marquis of Huai'an, arrived with her two children.

Sixteen-year-old Zhang Hu remained in the front yard.

In the front yard, numerous male guests had gathered, including elders such as Li Yong and Xie Zhen, as well as young officials like Li Yao, Xie Lang, and Cao Shao. There were also young men around sixteen or seventeen years old, such as Li Xian and Zhang Hu.

Even though Zhang Hu had been in mourning for his father for the past three years, most of the male guests were familiar with him and knew about his past association with Emperor Qianxing, as well as his ongoing feud with the current Emperor Xining.

While the elders were adept at concealing their thoughts, some of the younger men were impulsive and disdainful, looking at Zhang Hu with ridicule.

Zhang Hu opted to remain in a quiet corner away from them, sipping tea and lowering his eyes.

Suddenly, a figure approached him.

Zhang Hu turned and saw Li Xian, dressed in a jade-colored brocade robe.

Li Xian smiled, "Long time no see."

After the New Year, Li Xian, also known as Sanlang Li, had turned eighteen. He was tall and imposing with a striking appearance. When he wasn't smiling, he seemed aloof, but his smile was warm and inviting, like a refreshing breeze.

Zhang Hu stood up and greeted him, "It's good to see you, Third Young Master."

Li Xian skipped the formalities and sat with Zhang Hu, explaining, "With so many guests today, my brother-in-law is occupied with socializing, so he asked me to entertain the young marquis."

Zhang Hu smiled wryly, "Third Young Master, you can just call me by my name."

Li Xian nodded, "My brother-in-law sees you as a nephew, so we can consider ourselves relatives, and there's no need for formalities between us."

Zhang Hu pondered if Li Xian had ulterior motives due to his upright nature.

Not one for small talk, Li Xian got straight to the point, "My brother-in-law intends to send you to the border for training. I also have the same ambition. Why don't we travel together and support each other?"

Zhang Hu appeared astonished. "You... you want to go to the border as well?"

Upon Emperor Xining's ascension, Li Xian had garnered the Emperor's trust to such an extent that not even Cao Xun could attain. He became the epitome of accomplishment in the Emperor's eyes.

Li Xian smiled warmly and replied, "Yes, individuals like us, trained in warfare, can only serve the imperial court to our fullest potential by engaging in military camp training."

Zhang Hu's mind raced, unable to contain his curiosity. "Is the Emperor willing to let you depart from the capital?"

The young Emperor was a ruler who demanded absolute loyalty, and few embodied it like Li Xian. His unwavering presence was essential at the Emperor’s side.

Sensing Zhang Hu’s hesitation, Li Xian fixed him with a sharp, deliberate stare and laid it out clearly: “The Emperor doesn’t just want loyalists—he needs warriors. Men bold enough to defend the borders, strong enough to carry the weight of this nation when he cannot.”

It didn’t matter if Zhang Hu had once stood beside Emperor Qianxing or if he had a knack for turning enemy captains into allies. What mattered was whether he could deliver results. And if he could, the Emperor would wield him like a blade.

Li Xian’s admiration for the late Marquis of Huai’an was unshakable. He didn’t need familial ties or brotherly obligations to lend Zhang Hu his guidance—he would do it out of sheer respect for the potential he saw.

As Li Xian’s eyes burned with a fierce determination, his gaze cut through Zhang Hu’s doubts. The weight of the moment swelled in Zhang Hu’s chest, bringing an unexpected sting to his eyes.

First, he’d been lifted by the support of his father’s old comrade, Cao Xun. And now, Li Xian had stepped forward, placing his faith in him with unflinching certainty. What more hesitation could he justify?

The echoes of his late father’s words rang in his mind—a life spent guarding the border was an honorable one. Zhang Hu squared his shoulders, inhaled deeply, and reached out his hand.

“Fine,” he declared, voice firm with resolve. “Let’s head to the border and face whatever comes, together!”

*

After the banquet wrapped up, Cao Xun, ever the attentive host, held Liu Jing and the others back for a bit longer, calling Zhang Hu over to greet Yunzhu and finally meet baby Yu.

When Zhang Hu arrived, it was as if the weight he'd been carrying vanished. The despair that had dulled his gaze was replaced with a sharpness, a fresh spark of youthful energy and purpose lighting up his eyes.

Yunzhu, ever perceptive and intrigued, maintained her admiration for Zhang Hu—his connection to Zhang Xingjian and his wife only deepened her respect. After they left, she couldn’t help but tease Cao Xun: "You’ve got this grand idea of treating Brother Hu like your nephew, but let’s be real—there’s not a single young soul around you. You’ve barely just managed to have a son, and now you’re trying to act like you know how to be an uncle? Do you even know what you’re doing?”

Cao Xun smirked, unbothered by her jab. “I’m both an uncle and a mentor. A proper mentor doesn’t pamper; discipline makes disciples exceptional. I can’t spoil him like I spoil you.”

Yunzhu tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and mock amusement. “Spoil me? You always seem so gentle—except, of course, when you decide to turn on me. Other than that, I’ve never seen you be harsh to anyone.”

That jab hit its mark, leaving Cao Xun momentarily stunned and silent.

Before he could recover, Yunzhu turned her attention to their son, baby Yu, swaddled and sleeping peacefully. Her face softened as she studied him, and a sly smile crept onto her lips. “Fine, go sharpen your mentoring skills on Zhang Hu. Maybe after you’ve practiced enough, you’ll be ready to handle baby Yu.”

Sliding up behind her, Cao Xun wrapped an arm around her waist, his eyes fixated on their son as he leaned in to whisper in her ear. “And what happens if I mess it all up?”

Yunzhu didn’t miss a beat. “Then I’ll take him back to my family and let my father handle his education. At least he knows how to raise a proper man.”

Cao Xun chuckled low, knowing better than to argue. “Understood. I’ll consult with my father-in-law. If anyone knows how to mold a boy into a man, it’s him.”

Yunzhu arched a brow, her mind racing with possibilities. If their son grew up like her younger brother, she’d consider it a win. But if he ended up like her older brother...

She shook her head, her tone softening, though her sharpness lingered. “No, forget that idea. Just figure it out yourself. I trust you—don’t make me regret it.”