My Wife, Ah-Yuan
Chu Yuan had originally planned to go stay at the Nie Residence today, but halfway there he encountered Nie Siran and abruptly changed his mind.
“Turn back to the residence.”
He ran a small abacus in his heart and suddenly realized that life was rather pleasant without Lu Ronghuai at his side. He could eat whatever he wished, and no one would nag at his ear or forbid him from eating more.
Very well, the Nie Residence could wait. Ever since his pregnancy, Eldest Brother had also taken to restraining him.
Nie Siran did not know of Chu Yuan’s little schemes and asked directly, “You are not returning to your maternal home?”
“I am not going. I intend to go out every day, stroll about, and eat good things.” Chu Yuan lifted his small chin and spoke with determination.
Nie Siran: “?”
Chu Yuan boarded the carriage and returned to the residence in high spirits.
Upon arriving at the gates of the Prince Li Residence, just as Chu Yuan stepped down from the carriage, Xian Shuang suddenly came forward to support his arm.
?
Xian Shuang’s expression remained calm. With his head lowered, he supported Chu Yuan into the residence. His lips barely moved, and his voice seemed to emerge from his abdomen.
“Master, someone is keeping watch at the rear south street corner.”
“Mm, enter first.” Chu Yuan’s expression did not change. He even turned back with a smile and beckoned Le Shu to follow.
The three of them chatted and laughed as they entered. The gates of the residence quickly closed behind them.
In the shadows at the street corner, someone swiftly slipped away.
“Have men been sent to follow?” Chu Yuan placed his hands into the copper basin, enjoying a brief moment of coolness.
“Yes.”
Xian Shuang nodded. The moment that person turned away, the Prince Li Residence’s shadow guards had already followed silently.
Xian Yu and Xian Yue entered.
Xian Yu placed his hands on his hips in anger. “His Highness has only just departed, and already someone grows restless. It truly makes one’s hands itch to twist off their heads.”
Xian Shuang stepped beside him. “The one behind this has not yet been identified. It would be unwise to startle the snake in the grass.”
Xian Yu choked back his words, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. “I know. I am merely venting.”
“... Oh.”
Xian Yue said, “Your Highness Consort should move to the Nie Residence as soon as possible. We can handle matters here.”
Le Shu nodded rapidly.
Only after entering the room did he learn that Chu Yuan had been watched. He was so frightened that he did not dare leave Chu Yuan’s side even a single step.
He thought to himself that if, by some misfortune, danger arose, even if he could not protect the Prince Consort, he could at least shield him with his own body.
Chu Yuan dried his hands with a brocade handkerchief. Turning around, he met four pairs of concerned eyes.
He curved his lips, dimples faint at his cheeks, and his eyes bright beyond compare. “Enough, do not worry. Let us observe for two days first.”
Soon, the shadow guard returned.
“You lost him?” Xian Yu’s voice rose in disbelief.
The shadow guard nodded in shame. “That person did not notice me, but later another appeared, lifted him, and leapt across roofs and walls. In the blink of an eye... he was gone...”
Xian Yu said, “There is someone who can evade the pursuit of the Prince Li Residence’s shadow guards?”
As he spoke, he turned to look at Xian Yue, his gaze questioning. “Is this what you have trained for His Highness? Such useless men?”
The shadow guard grew even more ashamed, wishing he could dig a hole and bury his head.
Xian Yue crossed his arms and gave a cold laugh. “To take someone away under the watchful eyes of the Prince Li Residence’s carefully trained shadow guards, their martial skill is far above ours.”
Xian Shuang speculated, “Their skill is likely comparable to His Highness.”
Xian Yu stroked his chin, clicking his tongue in wonder. “Such a mysterious expert exists within Ye Jing?”
So far, they had not encountered anyone capable of defeating His Highness. He wondered how many chances this person would have if they truly fought.
Le Shu grew nervous. “Then... can you defeat this expert?”
The three replied in unison, “We do not know.”
Le Shu: “...”
Chu Yuan said, “Since we were not discovered, that person will likely return. Tomorrow, we will go out again.”
All of them objected.
The Prince Consort was with child. It was far too dangerous.
“We will only visit the painting shop briefly and return soon.” Chu Yuan knew they were worried and explained. “At present, we do not know what the other side intends. The enemy is hidden while we are exposed. Taking initiative will be more advantageous.”
Over the following days, Chu Yuan went out each morning, visited the painting shop, and strolled through the streets. Before the sun grew too harsh, he would return. In the afternoon, when the heat intensified, he stayed within Fuju Courtyard, resting beneath the parasol tree and painting.
On the third day, the shadow guards brought new information.
The person watching outside the residence had eventually twisted through several turns and entered the Xuan Ning Marquis Residence.
Xian Yu said, “So it was them.”
Chu Yuan was drinking green plum juice. Hearing this, he set down the white-glazed porcelain cup, a glint flashing in his eyes. “No.”
Everyone turned to him.
Chu Yuan looked at the shadow guard. “You saw him enter the Marquis Residence with your own eyes?”
The shadow guard nodded.
“He was alone?”
“Reporting to the Prince Consort, yes. This subordinate even waited for a while. He did not come out.”
“It is not right.” Chu Yuan pressed his lips together. He tapped the table lightly with two fingers. “He discovered you and deliberately led you to the Marquis Residence.”
The shadow guard’s face turned pale.
Chu Yuan said, “Prince Li and the Xuan Ning Marquis have long been at odds. The other party clearly understands this. By leading you there, suspicion would be least aroused.”
Moreover, Lu Ronghuai had once told him that while the Xuan Ning Marquis had some mind, it was not much. He could not possess such alertness.
“This is not your fault.” Seeing the guard’s guilt, Chu Yuan spoke gently. “The one behind this is meticulous and exceedingly cautious. They likely anticipated we would discover them and prepared a diversion in advance.”
“What should we do next?” Xian Yu asked.
Chu Yuan pondered. “This person is deeply concealed. They cannot be uncovered in a short time. Xian Yue, continue surveillance and report immediately upon any change.”
“Yes.”
“It grows rather stifling staying in the residence. Tomorrow, we will move to the Nie Residence.”
Another reason was that the weather had grown extremely hot. Jiang Ni needed to examine his pulse frequently, and it was inconvenient. Staying at the Nie Residence would be easier.
Chu Yuan said, “Xian Yu, go to the Nie Residence shortly and deliver a message. Ask Eldest Brother to come tomorrow with his attendant.”
“Xian Yue will remain in the residence and impersonate me. Xian Yu will also stay. As the steward, your absence would arouse suspicion.”
“Xian Shuang and Le Shu will go to the Nie Residence tomorrow night. Do not let anyone discover it.”
They all nodded.
The next day, Nie Siran arrived with his attendant, carrying a packet of pastries. He strolled leisurely into the Prince Li Residence.
Half an hour later, Nie Siran walked out of the residence, his folding fan swaying. His attendant followed closely with lowered head.
Only after entering the Nie Residence and the gate closing did the attendant lift his head, stretching with a smile in his eyes.
“Ah, keeping my head lowered all the way has made my neck ache.”
Nie Siran smiled and reached out, removing the false face from him, revealing that peerless countenance.
Hearing the commotion, Jiang Ni came out. In the next moment, he immediately led him inside, asking along the way whether he felt hot or thirsty, and ordered cooling foods to be prepared.
His own son was left outside, not even granted a glance.
Nie Siran was accustomed to it and followed with a smile.
Chu Yuan continued to stay in Zhuqin Garden. On the fourth night, Xian Yue came to find him.
“Prince Consort, the background of Zhang Ze’s first wife has been erased. After a long investigation, this subordinate has finally uncovered a clue.”
“What is it?”
“Zhang Ze’s first wife was also from Ye Jing, named Zhu Fang. She once worked as an embroiderer in a workshop.”
“After Zhang Ze passed the examinations and took office in Ye Jing, he met her. When he was transferred to Ping Cheng, he brought her with him. Not long after, she passed away.”
Chu Yuan said, “Was the workshop located?”
Xian Yue shook his head. “No. The workshop no longer exists. It has become a cosmetics shop. This subordinate inquired, but no one has heard of her.”
The trail ended there.
“Continue the investigation.”
“Yes. There is another matter.”
Xian Yue had been impersonating Chu Yuan these days. Following Chu Yuan’s instructions, he visited the painting shop every other day. Today, upon returning, he received a verbal decree from Noble Consort Xu.
After court today, Emperor Hongjia collapsed in the rear hall. The entire Imperial Medical Institute was summoned. Only by the afternoon did he regain consciousness, but his spirit greatly weakened.
Noble Consort Xu ordered all princes and princesses to enter the palace tomorrow to pay respects, displaying filial piety.
Xian Yue said, “Prince Consort, this subordinate will go to the palace in your stead tomorrow.”
Chu Yuan nodded and yawned lazily. He had no concern for Emperor Hongjia’s condition and did not wish to make the journey.
“Be careful. Take Xian Yu with you.”
“This subordinate understands.”
Seeing Chu Yuan growing drowsy, he did not wish to disturb him further. He took out a letter and withdrew.
“This is a letter from His Highness.”
Chu Yuan’s eyes immediately brightened as he took it.
Le Shu smiled and opened the shade of the night-luminous pearl lamp, brightening the room, then quietly withdrew.
Chu Yuan’s heart quickened. Seven days since they had parted and yet it felt like a very long time. He eagerly opened the letter.
“[My wife, Ah-Yuan, I think of you constantly...]”
He read the three full pages seven or eight times before finally returning to bed under Le Shu’s urging.
He could not sleep.
After lying there for a while, he sat up again, rose from the bed, uncovered the lamp, and walked quickly to the desk.
Le Shu had been dozing by the door. Seeing the room lit again, he knocked lightly and entered.
Chu Yuan was already seated at the desk, grinding ink.
He hurried forward. “Prince Consort, allow this servant.”
“Very well.” Chu Yuan was in excellent spirits. The smile at his lips would not fade.
“Why is the Prince Consort so happy?” Le Shu asked knowingly.
Chu Yuan’s cheeks reddened. He fanned himself lightly. “It is nothing.”
Le Shu said, “Oh? The Prince Consort received a letter from His Highness and is overjoyed, is that not so?”
“Too talkative.” Chu Yuan feigned anger, lightly tapping his arm with the fan, though his smile would not disappear.
In the letter, Lu Ronghuai wrote many things. He wrote of the trinkets he had bought along the road, of how he missed Chu Yuan so much that he could not sleep at night, and many other such matters.
Chu Yuan looked at the bold and unrestrained handwriting, the familiar tone. When Lu Ronghuai wrote of Lu Lingshuang attempting to escape, his words carried cold mockery. He then wrote at length, reminding Chu Yuan to take care of himself and the child, not to indulge in cold foods, not to stay up late reading...
Through the lines, Chu Yuan seemed to see that handsome man he longed for.
His emotions stirred. This was their first long separation. He had much he wished to say and countless thoughts held within his heart.
He wrote swiftly, filling three pages in no time.
“Mm, this should suffice.” He let out a breath and set down the brush.
Le Shu said, “His Highness wrote three pages, and the Prince Consort also wrote three. You are truly in harmony.”
Chu Yuan dried the ink and folded the letter. Hearing this, he shook his head.
“I have not yet finished writing.”
“Then why not continue?”
Chu Yuan gave a playful smile. “He wrote three pages, so I will also write three. If I write more, he will think I miss him even more. I must not let him grow too proud.”
Le Shu stared blankly for a long while. “... This servant understands.”
“This is the affection between husband and husband.”
✧ A Word from the Author ✧
Lu Gou: Understood. Next time I will write one hundred pages.
Yuanyuan: Buy one get ninety-nine free then I write one page.
Lu Gou, upon receiving the letter: perished.
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