CH 94

Cao Yun is the true “Old Ox” (Senior Brother, please don’t read if you mind!)

Cao Yun, who never asked for anything from his significant other, felt that his mischievous and tangled junior sister must have a radiant smile.

Finding a true soulmate is difficult, and he didn’t want to settle. Seeing his two martial sisters, who are like family to him, successfully find someone to be with, Cao Yun felt genuinely happy for them. However, he had never considered or thought about his own lifelong matters.

Until one year, Zi Yan invited everyone from the teahouse to her hometown in Jiangnan to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival together.

Zi Yan’s mother, who couldn’t hear, was extremely delighted to know that her daughter’s friends were coming to visit, so she cooked a table full of delicious dishes.

While everyone enjoyed the pastries brought by Jiang Yu and admired the moon, Cao Yun, feeling restless, started carving a wooden moon rabbit, which was used to grind medicine, and presented it to Xun’er beside him. This caused Xun’er to exclaim in astonishment repeatedly.

“Brother Cao, you’re so amazing! Can you teach me, too?” Xun’er looked at the lifelike wooden rabbit in his hand, his eyes widened. “You managed to make it so good with just one hand… Oh, I’m sorry.” He realized that his words were a bit inappropriate, paused halfway, and carefully observed Cao Yun’s expression.

“Sure.” The one-armed man didn’t feel offended at all and nodded gently with a still gentle expression. “As long as you stabilize it and grasp the technique, it’s not difficult.”

So, the two of them, one big and one small, abandoned their meals and hid in the warehouse, tinkering with knives and various pieces of wood.

Late at night, Murong Yan, who was low on energy, had already been brought back to the inn by Ming Qin, riding a horse. The remaining few people were also preparing to say goodbye.

“Brother Cao! Don’t leave.” The young boy held onto Cao Yun’s sleeve and pleaded, “You promised to teach me how to carve hairpins!”

“Xun’er, don’t be naughty.” Chao Chao frowned at her impulsive younger brother and helplessly rubbed his head. “Lord Cao still needs to go back to the inn to rest.”

“But…” Xun’er wanted to say something, but his own sister’s warning expression interrupted him.

Seeing the disappointed look on the young boy’s face, Cao Yun softened his heart and spoke, “If Xun’er doesn’t need to wake up early tomorrow, I can stay and continue our conversation.”

Not entirely certain, Chao Chao looked at her brother’s excited expression and said, “But… Lord Cao, won’t that be too troublesome for you?”

“It’s not a problem.” Cao Yun nodded, signaling to the woman not to worry. He gestured to Song Shu Qing in the distance, indicating that she didn’t need to lead his horse, and allowed Xun’er to eagerly pull him back to the small warehouse on the side.

With his companions all gone, Cao Yun held a carving knife in the candlelight, explaining to the eager young boy. Xun’er’s eyes sparkled, like a sponge thirsty for knowledge, and the man beside him patiently answered the questions he posed.

They stayed up the entire night. Although the sky hadn’t brightened yet, the not-yet-15-year-old Xun’er couldn’t hold on any longer. With one hand holding the partially carved redwood and the other gripping the file, he fell asleep.

Cao Yun’s eyes remained clear as he bent down and lifted the sleeping boy with a single hand. Despite Xun’er having grown taller, the man, once a shadow guard, still effortlessly carried him.

As they exited the warehouse, the man was pondering how to bring the boy inside when the door slowly opened in the darkness.

“Lord Cao.” Chao Chao, who had just awakened, blinked her eyes and spoke in a hoarse voice. “You’ve worked hard.” The slightly dazed woman, unaware that her feet were bare and her hair was disheveled, opened the door for the two of them.

“…It’s alright.” Cao Yun turned his head, his gaze fixed on the door frame as he replied, then waved his hand to decline Chao Chao’s offer to help, and sidestepped into the house with the boy.

After setting Xun’er down and tucking him in, the man bowed slightly to Chao Chao, bidding her farewell in a soft voice. “Then, Cao bids you goodbye for now.”

Cao Yun took hold of the docile horse he had been waiting for, mounted it, and was about to whip the reins when his gaze inadvertently glanced at the woman by the well. He hesitated for a moment.

After a while, he dismounted.

By then, Chao Chao had put on her shoes and socks. The petite figure stood by the candlelight, drawing water from the well. Even in Jiangnan, the autumn wind at night was still chilly, and her hand, gripping the hemp rope, felt a bit sore.

Suddenly, a warm sensation was felt on her shoulders as a black robe embroidered with dark cloud patterns was draped over her. A tall figure appeared behind her, and Cao Yun reached out his hand to take the rope. With a few swift motions, he filled the heavy wooden bucket with water and lifted it up.

“Lord Cao?!” Holding the robe tightly, Chao Chao was surprised, turning around to face the man behind her. “You don’t need to trouble yourself. I can manage on my own.”

Without a word, Cao Yun silently tossed a second wooden bucket into the well and skillfully brought up the water.

“Lord Cao…”

Looking at the somewhat noble woman, Cao Yun handed the half-filled second bucket to Chao Chao and then picked up the first bucket at his feet. He asked, “Where should I put this?”

“Ah… the water trough in the kitchen,” Chao Chao pointed to the back and saw the man stride confidently towards it. She quickly followed.

As Cao Yun poured the water into the brownish trough, he looked at the meager amount of firewood placed against the wall. He instinctively picked up the nearby axe and walked towards a tree stump outside.

“Lord Cao… don’t bother, it’s fine.” Seeing the filled water trough, Chao Chao hurriedly spoke to Cao Yun in the courtyard. “I’ve finished classes, so I can handle it with Xun’er.”

Cao Yun paused, turned around, and after a moment’s hesitation, he addressed the woman in the kitchen. “What does Miss Chao Chao usually have for breakfast?”

“Hmm?” Caught off guard by the sudden question, Chao Chao thought for a moment before responding, “Today… there are some eggs left, so… egg pancakes?”

“Very well. Then, may I trouble you to prepare a portion for me as well, Miss?” There seemed to be a hint of a smile at the corner of the man’s mouth in the faint light. “Is it convenient?”

The woman nodded eagerly. “Absolutely, it’s convenient. Egg pancakes are quick and simple.”

Indeed, as Chao Chao had said, in less than the time it took to brew two cups of tea, she deftly brought breakfast to the wooden table in the kitchen.

However, as she looked at the neatly arranged row of newly stacked firewood in the corner, Chao Chao couldn’t help but feel a strange sense that more time had passed than it actually had.

Even with such a large batch of firewood stacked, the seasoned 『former』 shadow guard didn’t break a sweat. He politely handed the bowl and plate to the woman sitting across from him before starting to eat with his chopsticks.

“Just now…” Pouring a spoonful of soy sauce onto his food, Cao Yun looked at the dish and spoke, breaking the silence at the dining table. “I apologize for disturbing you, Miss.”

“No, it’s not like that.” She quickly waved her hand, explaining, “I usually wake up early. It wasn’t you who woke me up. I have to go to school and, although I have a small donkey, it still takes me nearly half an hour to get there. So, I have to wake up early to avoid being late.”

“I see.” His tone calm, Cao Yun swallowed the bite of egg pancake in his mouth and spoke earnestly. “I truly admire your enthusiasm for learning, Miss.”

“Oh… it’s nothing.” Rarely praised by others, Chao Chao felt a bit overwhelmed. She lowered her head and said, “I just enjoy it… Even though I’m the oldest in the school and the only girl in the class, I’m always being criticized… But I just enjoy it…” Her voice trailed off, barely audible.

“There’s no need for you to underestimate yourself, Miss Chao Chao. Genuine seekers of knowledge are rare in this world, and finding joy in learning is even rarer.” Setting down his chopsticks, Cao Yun’s expression was sincere, his tone resolute. “Although the purpose of learning is not necessarily for official positions, but to understand benevolence and righteousness, there have been women officials in past dynasties, and our current Emperor emphasizes meritocracy.”

“Miss, as a role model for the other girls at school, your future is promising.” Looking at the woman who lifted her head, he slowed down his speech and spoke gently. “Please don’t let the words of others affect your own heart.”

Blinking her eyes, Chao Chao stared at the man with one arm beside her, feeling a bit stunned as her disheveled hair fell onto her forehead.

Just as Chao Chao raised her hand to tuck it behind her ear, Cao Yun reached into his pocket and took out a wooden hairpin, intricately carved with delicate flower patterns.

“I carved this osmanthus hairpin while demonstrating for Xun’er earlier.” He handed over the item with a smile. “It may be just a piece of palace yellow wood, but it can exude fragrance for the world with the wind and dew. It seems to suit you perfectly, Miss. If you don’t mind, please accept it.”

Looking at the smooth wooden hairpin in her hand, adorned with cute clusters of osmanthus flowers, Chao Chao loved it dearly but still felt a bit hesitant. “This… Lord Cao… Thank you.”

“No need for thanks, I have no use for this item myself,” Cao Yun said as he stood up to tidy the table. “It’s a great help to me if you can accept it.”

Until the sky turned a pale white, Cao Yun fearlessly washed the dishes, his gaze sweeping over the kitchen as if confirming something. Finally, he nodded and took a step, leading his horse.

Chao Chao, with her hair already neatly arranged, followed behind him until he mounted the horse. Her half-opened mouth lacked the courage to say anything further to make him stay.

“Well then, I shall take my leave.” Cao Yun firmly grasped the reins with one hand, nodding in acknowledgment.

Just as the horse was about to take a step, the woman suddenly spoke up, “Wait! Lord Cao…”

Slightly tilting his head, the man lowered his gaze to the person standing by the horse.

Taking off the black robe draped over his shoulders, Chao Chao bit her lip and said, “This… I’m returning it to you… Thank you.”

Cao Yun quickly averted his gaze, lifting his head to face the rising sun. He spoke in a gentle tone, “Miss Chao Chao… you… should still wear it.” He squinted his eyes slightly. “It’s cold, don’t catch a chill.”

The absent-minded woman looked puzzled until she saw her reflection in the curved blade on the saddle, realizing she was only wearing a white single-layered garment. Flustered, she hurriedly put the robe back on.

“I’m… I’m sorry…” blushing profusely, Chao Chao lowered her head, feeling embarrassed and annoyed at herself for losing composure in front of him. She worried about how to handle the situation if he misunderstood her as a frivolous woman.

“Miss Chao Chao.”

This time, it wasn’t an illusion. Cao Yun revealed a faint smile, showing the dimples on his chin. “The egg pancakes were delicious,” he turned his head to look at the woman wearing his robe, “Next time, teach me, alright?”

Stunned for a moment, Chao Chao nodded, “Okay, of course, I’ll teach you.”

“Then, it’s settled,” Cao Yun pursed his lips, turned his head, and spurred his horse, swiftly galloping towards the morning light.

Watching the fluttering sleeve of the one-armed man, under the somewhat dazzling morning sun, the person who was always engrossed in books experienced, for the first time, her heart beating so fast.

(Um… And then, during their time in Jiangnan, the two of them often spent time together. Since this is a lily-themed story, this storyline is completely unimportant, so let’s skip it.)

(Let’s shift our focus back to the teahouse in Shu.)

“So, Ah Yun, are you and Chao Chao together or not?”

In the teahouse, Song Shu Qing, munching on melon seeds, leaned back and casually asked the man across from her who was busy with calculations.

Raising his eyes, Cao Yun sighed, “Junior Sister Song, this is the fifth time you’ve asked me since returning from Jiangnan. Do you really want to know that badly?”

“Of course! I care about you, you know! It’s rare to have such a loving colleague. They’re hard to come by in this world,” she exclaimed, exaggeratingly tilting her head back.

“Hmm? But why do I always feel like Senior Sister just wants to gossip?” Ming Qin, sitting beside them, chewed on a green bean cake and innocently shared her opinion.

Murong Yan patted her lover’s head and encouraged, “Ah Qin is right. Song Shu Qing just wants to gossip.”

“Hey! You wicked people!” Song Shu Qing pounded her chest and stomped her feet, turning to look at the two women with a look of exasperation. “How could you misunderstand my good intentions like this?”

Cao Yun set down his brush and raised an eyebrow. “Junior Sister Song, what would you do if Chao Chao and I were truly in love?”

“Uh… of course, I would bless you!” Song Shu Qing said firmly, and then her voice suddenly lowered. “And then, I would threaten you by saying I’d write a letter to Jiangnan, revealing embarrassing things you’ve done, to earn some pocket money from you. Then, I would post a public notice proclaiming to the world that 『Song Shu Qing does not have a taste for young grass; Cao Yun is the true old ox』.”

(Eh? Senior Sister, how do you know that the comments section always calls you an old ox and laughs at you? Are you trying to shift the blame to Senior Brother now? (laughs))

Cao Yun sighed, rubbing his forehead, and picked up the brush again, ignoring his junior sister.

“Lord Cao.” At that moment, Zi Yan came downstairs, holding a letter from Jiangnan in her hand. She handed one of the letter to the man behind the counter.

Taking the letter, the usually composed Cao Yun showed rare signs of anxiety. He thanked Zi Yan and hastily retreated to his room with the letter in hand.

“Tsk, it’s so obvious, yet he refuses to admit it.” With a silent sigh from Zi Yan, Song Shu Qing obediently put her feet down and used her sleeve to wipe the table. “Ever since we left Jiangnan, he sent Chao Chao five carrier pigeons trained by the Shadow Guard. It was clear to me then. He’s really full of himself.” Although she complained, a mischievous smile appeared on her lips.

“But if he likes her so much, why doesn’t Brother Ah Yun go after her to Jiangnan?” Ming Qin tilted her head, expressing her confusion.

“I’m afraid Lord Cao is waiting for some time to pass before going to Jiangnan, perhaps until my sister completes her studies,” replied Zi Yan, who had a better understanding of the situation through her sister’s letters.

“It’s impressive how Brother Ah Yun can like someone yet choose to be separated by distance. I could never do that. I can’t bear to be away from you, Yan Yan, for even a moment,” Ming Qin said admiringly, holding Murong Yan’s hand.

“Me too.” Song Shu Qing embraced the woman standing next to her and exaggeratedly frowned. “If someone asked me to leave my dear Zi Yan, I couldn’t last a second.”

Calmly observing the person in her embrace, Zi Yan said, “So please don’t tease Lord Cao anymore.” She gently adjusted Song Shu Qing’s messy hairline, her movements tender.

“Alright, alright.” Smiling, Song Shu Qing obediently agreed, without the mischievousness that was present just moments ago.

But not long after, taking a sip of tea, she asked with a playful smile,

“Hey, what do you think…?”

“Should Ah Yun address me or or my wife as his sister-in-law after that?”

(End of the “Loyal Dog Training Camp” segment)