Chapter 57 – You Understand Me

Chapter 57 - You Understand Me

The autumn wind was clear and dry, not sharp on the skin but rather had a soft warmth to it. The air was filled with the scent of grain mixed with a hint of earth, and as they galloped through the streets and alleys, wisps of osmanthus sweetness were carried along.

Today was the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for full moons and family reunions. It was expected that by nightfall, thousands of lanterns would light up the city, illuminating the bustling world below.

Seeing that they had left the city gates behind, Wen Ruan asked, "Where... are we going?"

"Didn't you want to go to the estate?" Zhu Yan's voice blended with the wind, sounding somewhat distant.

Wen Ruan: "You... knew?"

Knew he wanted to go to the estate?

Zhu Yan: "Why do you think I wouldn't know?"

Wen Ruan: ...

Could it be he talked in his sleep? No way, Nanxing never mentioned he had this problem.

Zhu Yan: "A-Ruan, I am your husband."

Wen Ruan felt an inexplicable heat in his cheeks. What did being a husband have to do with anything? Just because they were married didn't mean one could do whatever they pleased or say whatever they wanted.

"Yah—"

Behind them, hurried hoofbeats approached, accompanied by an angry shout, "What's wrong with you two? You agreed and then took off without waiting for anyone!"

It was Fang Xiao Hou.

Two... a couple... what agreement?

Wen Ruan was surprised. The first three words were accurate enough, but who did they agree with? Zhu Yan?

Zhu Yan, holding Wen Ruan close, had been riding at a moderate pace, concerned about his comfort. But when Fang Rui caught up, he urged the horse forward, instantly increasing their speed. Before Fang Rui could even reach them, he was left far behind again.

Fuming, Fang Rui shouted, "Prince Jian, you're shameless! You actually rode your fastest horse!"

Zhu Yan replied calmly, "If you can, catch up!"

"Fine, you'll see. Today, I will definitely catch up to you and take my good brother from you!" Fang Rui couldn't resist the challenge and immediately called out to Wen Ruan, "A-Ruan, don't be afraid! Prince Jian won't dare to ignore you! If I catch up today, you'll ride with me the whole way, not sit with Prince Jian. Tonight, you're not allowed to sleep with him; we'll get drunk together!"

Wen Ruan: ...

What was he talking about?

Before Fang Rui could finish his shouting, "Don't be afraid to answer back, Prince Jian agreed!"

Wen Ruan understood now, looking back at Zhu Yan. "...Did you make a bet?"

What nonsense had he discussed with Fang Rui!

Zhu Yan raised an eyebrow. "Is that not allowed?"

This look...

With the control of the horse's direction still in the other party's hands, Wen Ruan was a bit worried about his own safety. "Allowed, allowed. You're a prince, do as you please."

"Good boy."

Zhu Yan was quite satisfied, urging the horse to gallop faster.

Wen Ruan: ...

But deep down, men probably enjoyed this kind of thrill—the rush of speed, the release of the soul, the vastness of the sky and earth, allowing one to roam freely. It was as if not only the horizon but also the heart expanded, with nothing to hold one back, nothing that couldn't be broken. Life was always free, as long as one could forge ahead bravely!

They quickly left Fang Rui behind, the sound of his voice fading away in the howling wind.

However... they saw a carriage.

A line of six, all with the same green shafts and black cloth, all bearing the Huo family crest. These were standard Huo family transport carriages, a unit of six being the smallest operational group. Huo Xuning, Young Master Huo, wasn't sitting inside but was instead driving the lead carriage himself, taking his time and occasionally glancing back, as if waiting for someone...

"Ah, Prince, A-Ruan, you've arrived?"

Wen Ruan: ...

Well, they were waiting for them.

"How come you—" Wen Ruan tried to greet him, but alas, the horse was beyond his control, speeding past. He could only twist his head around to speak while the words were still forming.

"A-Ruan, you better not lose," Huo Er Shao waved lazily, appearing incredibly relaxed. Though not joining the chase or the bet, he didn't mind the spectacle, calling out to the distant Fang Xiao Hou after greeting them, "Little Marquis Fang, give it your best shot! All the fine wine in these carriages is from my sister-in-law's dowry, top-quality stuff, can't go wrong!"

Wen Ruan was incredulous, turning his head to shout, "Have you no shame? You'd dare to touch Miss Guan's dowry!"

Huo Er Shao kept his hands in his sleeves, sighing helplessly. "Well, what can I do? My sister-in-law spoils me, and even my eldest brother can't intervene!"

Wen Ruan: ...

When you say such things, at least try to look sincere instead of grinning like a fox!

Seeing the two of them getting further away, Huo Er Shao, fearing they wouldn't hear, cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted with all his might, "A-Ruan, don't lose—If you do, you'll have to try out new makeup looks for me!"

Wen Ruan turned back, speechless. "This... Did you bet on this too?"

His Highness Prince Jian remained silent.

Wen Ruan was slightly agitated. "Do you know what trying out new makeup looks means for the Huo family? How it's done?"

The Huo family had two main businesses that they prided themselves on—one was clothing, and the other was cosmetics. Their attitude towards creating makeup looks and product combinations was very serious, with an extreme pursuit of perfection. If they were testing new products or strategies, it would involve a complete set—from hair to toes, clothing and accessories, everything would need to be coordinated. The makeup on the face was the most crucial part. Regardless of whether it was beautiful or not, one would have to sit there for half a day, allowing others to apply makeup all over!

The silence was too long, not quite fitting the current atmosphere...

Wen Ruan narrowed his eyes. "Do you think... it doesn't matter if you lose? Do you want to see?"

Zhu Yan: ...

"It was them who insisted on dragging me into this bet." Prince Jian knew how to avoid the main point.

Wen Ruan was exasperated. I believe you like a dog!

"Woof—woof woof!"

Speaking of dogs, here came one.

Dao Dao, the slender greyhound, had agile limbs and ran incredibly fast, dashing straight towards the horse Wen Ruan and Zhu Yan were riding. His eyes were bright black, and his fur shone in the dark. Compared to the city streets, this path akin to a mountain forest was more suitable for him to unleash his full potential. He leaped over obstacles, almost as if he could fly!

"Dao Dao!" Wen Ruan immediately forgot about his makeup, his face filled with delight. "You're here too!"

"Woof woof!" Dao Dao greeted him cheerfully.

It was clear that he enjoyed running like this and relished every moment, but Wen Ruan was still somewhat worried. After all, a dog wasn't a horse: "Don't tire him out..."

Zhu Yan was calm and collected. "It won't happen."

"Don't worry, Your Highness!" Lan Tian was also galloping behind them, holding a lute in his hand. "I'll accompany Dao Dao when he gets tired!"

Zhu Yan squeezed his horse's sides, and both the dog and person were soon left behind.

Wen Ruan was still looking at the lute in Lan Tian's arms. "You sent Lan Tian back to the mansion just to fetch your lute?"

"What else?" Zhu Yan looked as if it was the most natural thing in the world. "You promised me that you would listen to my lute music. Today is Mid-Autumn Festival, the moon is full, people are together, and the weather is nice. It's perfect for a tune."

Wen Ruan: ...

Fine, fine then.

They arrived at the manor in a frenzy, despite it being mid-afternoon. The kitchen was already bustling with activity, smoke rising continuously from the cooking. They were boiling bones and meat, stewing rich chicken soup, mixing cold dishes with spicy oil, and the unique aroma of Sichuan pepper wafted through the air. It was unmistakably Li Yue'e's cooking.

Preparing dinner so early?

Even the head of the manor, Liu Dahai, had brought a group of men over to join in the fun. Some were delivering items, setting up grills, and arranging tables and chairs in the courtyard... There were many people, from both their own manor and Prince Jian's manor.

When they saw Wen Ruan arrive, everyone came forward to pay their respects, spouting auspicious words without restraint—

"Congratulations to Young Master and Prince Jian on your happy marriage!"

"Thank you, Young Master, for granting us a bountiful harvest and a prosperous future!"

"With Young Master around, next year will surely be blessed with favorable weather and a good crop yield!"

"The moon is full, and may Young Master have such days every year, and such moments every year!"

Wen Ruan also spotted Nanxing mixed in the crowd. No one could outrun Zhu Yan's horse, so he must have come ahead of time to oversee everything.

"Was this also ordered by Your Highness?"

No wonder Nanxing disappeared shortly after arriving at the Marquis of Wen's residence. The item he left behind had to be retrieved by Zhu Yan, the prince himself.

Zhu Yan: "Today, you would want to spend it like this."

Lively people, vibrant atmosphere, sincere smiles...

Wen Ruan's eyes welled up with emotion. Indeed, he wanted to spend it this way.

Mid-Autumn Festival, to him, was never a special holiday. From the moment he arrived in this world, he had no family, no reunion. In previous years, he never felt lonely, but this year... he had experienced a bit more than usual. Marriage, the crisis in the palace, unsettling events had emerged, making him feel a little vulnerable. He desperately wanted to see some genuine warmth that existed, something he could touch, something that belonged to him.

A carriage approached the entrance. Before it even stopped, Luo Linchang jumped down from the carriage pole. "I heard there's good wine today, and you didn't even bother to inform this old man?"

"You know you're an old man now," said his friend, Chen Yongan, following closely behind. However, his posture was much more refined and elegant, imbued with scholarly charm.

Luo Linchang rolled his eyes. "What do you know? Age doesn't matter at the drinking table. Anyway, Little Ah Ruan has plenty of rooms here. If we get drunk, we can just sleep it off. Tomorrow is a day off!"

Wen Ruan had heard Luo Linchang mention his good friend, Chen Yongan, before. He was well aware of Mr. Chen's character, and although they had never met, they had been friends in spirit for a long time. Now that they finally met, Chen Yongan was indeed a fine person.

They came forward to pay their respects and greet Prince Jian.

When Chen Yongan saw Wen Ruan, he smiled and asked Luo Linchang. "Is this the friend you often mention? Indeed, he has a fine character."

"Not only that," Zhu Yan said, "This prince once promised to recommend your great talent—"

Chen Yongan was slightly taken aback. "It's actually Young Master?"

He was surprised for a moment before his expression turned to one of relief. If that was the case, it was fortunate for the Da Li dynasty.

Just as Wen Ruan had heard his name and had helped him privately, Chen Yongan had also heard of Wen Ruan. This young master had done everything since returning to the capital... Prince Jian was right; he was truly a great talent.

These two were among those in the imperial court who hadn't chosen sides. They moved freely, and they came to Wen Ruan's manor, not for Prince Jian. They liked the atmosphere of the manor, which was completely different from official banquets.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Fang Rui had already caught up, carrying a jar of wine under his arm, glaring at Zhu Yan—

"I'm telling you, Prince Jian, I wasn't losing just now. I was afraid you were rushing too fast and it was dangerous. I didn't want to hurt my good brother!"

Prince Jian's expression remained unchanged. "Oh, is that so? Fang Xiao Hou, take care of yourself."

Fang Rui was about to charge forward. "You—"

Young Master Huo arrived, grabbing his arm. "You good-for-nothing Fang Xiao Hou, you dared to steal my wine and leave without waiting for me!"

Wen Ruan looked at his dirty, flower-covered face. "You..."

"Lan Tian, what are you staring at? Haven't you ever fallen flat on your face before?" Young Master Huo, unable to save face, grunted, "Don't think that just because you won, the matter of makeup is over. Prince Jian promised me that if I brought these wines today, he would pledge you to me for a day, allowing me to try out a full round of makeup on you from head to toe!"

Wen Ruan raised his eyebrows at Zhu Yan.

Prince Jian had already turned away, as if he hadn't heard anything being said here, and tossed a peanut into the distance—

"Woof!"

This was Dao Dao's favorite game, and seeing it from afar, the black dog immediately rushed over, leaping up to catch it. It caught it, but spat it out immediately.

What kind of rotten peanut was this? Its hardness was too low to withstand the dog's canine teeth; it crumbled at the first bite, with no kernel inside, only sand and dirt. This was a defective peanut! It couldn't be eaten!

Dao Dao wasn't happy, tilting his head, his black eyes staring straight at his master—was this something to throw at Lord Dog?

Amidst the chaos of flying chickens and barking dogs, the sky gradually darkened, and the last rays of the sunset fell. Before long, the moon rose in the east, its disk bright and clear.

Dishes were already being served on the table. Li Yue'e always had a creative mind, and almost every dish had a name related to the moon, from cold dishes to hot ones, from soups to desserts. Each one was worth savoring, especially the mooncakes. Even the molds chosen were beautifully engraved, imprinting a round moon, a simple osmanthus tree, and a lively little rabbit looking up at the moon.

Everyone remained outside, setting up in the courtyard, enjoying the moonlight and the fragrance of osmanthus, toasting with cheerful banter and feasting heartily.

Someone started a bonfire in the courtyard, and Li Yue'e had actually prepared chicken, rabbit, suckling pig, and lamb chops in advance, ready to be skewered and roasted directly!

Fang Rui loved this part the most, immediately shouting that he wanted to do it himself. Young Master Huo couldn't bear to see him ruin things, claiming that he was the best at this, rolling up his sleeves and rushing to take over...

Wen Ruan had never experienced such a boisterous Mid-Autumn Festival, but he felt it was quite nice.

It was then that the sound of the pipa began to play.

Zhu Yan was playing.

Wen Ruan still didn't know what the tune was; he had no talent in this area. But it didn't affect his appreciation. Beauty was universal, wasn't it?

He saw Zhu Yan sitting under the moonlight, his hair like a waterfall, shoulders straight, waist erect, brows slightly lowered, eyelashes long and still. Sitting under the moon, bathed in its glow, he was not inferior to the moonlight itself, possessing the humility of jade and the sharpness of light.

Looking down further, his Adam's apple was still prominent, the lines sharp, with a strong presence. The fingers on the pipa were beautiful, long and powerful, especially when the bones pressed against the strings with a heavy stroke—it gave a sense of thrill.

This wasn't some Prince Jian; this was a male enchantress...too skilled!

The pipa music was melodious and poignant, echoing in the courtyard. Everyone momentarily forgot about drinking, all listening intently.

"What a beautiful scene..." Chen Yongan closed his eyes. "Never having been there myself, my heart yearns for it."

Luo Linchang tapped his fingers on his calf, his voice soft. "Isn't that so? Old Meng Wei Yi has missed out. If it weren't for his wife, daughter, and grandson at home, he wouldn't have been able to resist. This wine, this music...tomorrow, I must tease him about it."

Fang Rui and Young Master Huo stopped their squabbling, and even the black dog Dao Dao lay quietly by the fire, not causing any trouble.

When the song ended,

Zhu Yan pressed the pipa strings and looked at Wen Ruan. "Do you know, Ah Ruan, what song this is?"

Wen Ruan: ...

Are you trying to make things difficult for me?

"I...don't understand music theory, not a shred of talent."

Zhu Yan smiled. "Then learn to understand."

Wen Ruan: "But..."

He didn't want to learn; he really wasn't interested at all.

But looking around, he saw that Zhu Yan had prepared this lively atmosphere for him. How could he not appreciate it? He held back his words.

It was indeed very lively, with no rules binding anyone. Everyone was playing. After finishing cooking, Li Yue'e had nothing else to do, leading the young girls of the manor to worship the moon, burn incense, weave bracelets, chat, and tease the men, all in high spirits. The head of the manor led the men in drinking games, even incorporating small gambling where the loser had to dance on the spot. Some simply drank without playing anything, while others played guessing games with dice...

Nanxing played something more sophisticated, combining dice point guessing with spy game rules.

Zhu Yan watched Lan Tian go from unfamiliarity and being tricked to gradually integrating, fully engrossed in the game, forgetting even to serve her master—

"Did you teach her this?"

"Yes," Wen Ruan smiled. "In the village, there isn't much entertainment. During the idle times between farming, we'd amuse Nanxing."

Of course, what he taught wasn't limited to these.

"Nanxing can be considered my student."

"A student?" Zhu Yan looked at Li Yue'e. "Is she also your student?"

Wen Ruan nodded. "Yes, though I met her a bit later. I might need to teach her for a few more years."

What he did and what he taught was never intentionally hidden from Zhu Yan, or rather, from anyone. Zhu Yan naturally knew, "Your knowledge, you're not afraid of others learning it."

Wen Ruan: "I'm only afraid that others won't be able to learn it."

Zhu Yan: "Have you never thought that if it falls into the hands of evil people—"

"Wouldn't that mean there are more good people who have learned it?" Wen Ruan never cared about this. Knowledge was knowledge; it couldn't be spread while first distinguishing between good and bad people. Time was long, and hearts changed. A good person now might not always remain so, and the same went for bad people. "If we guarded against this, it would be hard to have a better future."

"My elder brother also said something similar."

Zhu Yan lowered his eyes, his voice tinged with sadness along with the moonlight.

An elder brother?

Wen Ruan didn't think this elder brother referred to the Second or Third Prince, which meant it was likely...someone who was no longer alive?

"Crown Prince?" He tried to speak.

Zhu Yan didn't avoid the topic, responding with a hum, "I seem to be unable to learn his magnanimity."

Wen Ruan somewhat understood that Zhu Yan was apologizing for not being more forthcoming.

Without the ability to be so open, some things were just too hard to say out loud.

Wen Ruan's profile was bathed in moonlight, his smile obedient and warm. "There's nothing wrong with that."

Zhu Yan: "It can make people afraid."

"Fear is also a kind of power, a force that binds," Wen Ruan said. "It's good, but I might disappoint you—I'm not really afraid."

Under the bright moonlight, the two no longer spoke of the past, only of the present.

Zhu Yan: "Both Shi Muyun and Fang Rui believe my gift wouldn't satisfy you, but I think it would."

"You mean the corpse?" Wen Ruan laughed. "I'm not unsatisfied at all. I've said before, Your Highness has been very good to me; I owe you a debt of gratitude."

Zhu Yan nodded. "A-Ruan has always been generous."

Wen Ruan: "Your Highness is as well, protecting me so many times. I remember them all."

Zhu Yan hummed in agreement. "I will continue to protect you in the future."

"Woah—Nanxing, hit him!" Wen Ruan suddenly sat up straight, watching Nanxing and Fang Rui's martial arts sparring in the distance. It seemed like they had reached a certain level in their game where they needed to fight it out.

Zhu Yan recalled how Fang Rui always mentioned the masked man who knew formations and now had a bit of an epiphany. "Did you teach them this?"

Wen Ruan sighed. "Does Your Highness think I look like someone who knows martial arts?"

Zhu Yan shook his head.

"In the village we live in, there are two retired soldiers with disabilities, making it difficult for them to work. Nanxing and I discussed it, and whenever we have time, we help them out. The two veterans felt embarrassed and started teaching Nanxing martial arts," Wen Ruan lazily propped his chin on his hand, leaning against the table. "But his footwork and strategies, I did offer some suggestions."

He knew Fang Rui knew martial arts, but rarely saw him fight. Now, watching him, he suddenly found the broad and sweeping moves somewhat familiar...

"Did you teach the young marquis his martial arts?"

"Not exactly," Zhu Yan chose his words carefully. "Perhaps it could be considered an influence?"

Wen Ruan knew that Fang Rui's family had a long line of military generals, and the current patriarch was guarding the border. He asked Zhu Yan, "Have you been to the border and fought in battles?"

Zhu Yan: "Not really, I've served as a vanguard a few times and won several battles."

Perhaps this topic piqued his interest, as Zhu Yan asked Wen Ruan, "Do you know when we're most likely to win against the Northern Di?"

Wen Ruan shook his head. Apart from music, he was quite inept at military matters. "I only know that autumn is when they are most prosperous."

The cattle and sheep are already fat, and the vegetation still thrives—it's the time when they lack nothing.

"They enjoy raiding south during this season," Zhu Yan said. "Aside from stockpiling for winter, there's another reason—their military supplies are abundant, and their morale is high. If we prepare for a large-scale campaign at this time, we often don't win."

In that case...

Wen Ruan understood. "Spring would be better then?"

Zhu Yan: "Attacking in spring, we mostly win."

At that time, the abundant food is gone, their women and livestock start to become pregnant. No matter how tough they appear on the surface, they are actually vulnerable. As long as the Great Qing army dares, they can win.

Wen Ruan remembered the Northern Di envoy that had been announced long ago but kept getting delayed. "What you're saying is...the envoy is intentionally delaying to put pressure on us and gain leverage?"

That means there will be a fight...

Zhu Yan: "Yes."

Unknowingly, he began to caress the pipa in his hand again. His playing was strong and bright, like rain and wind, as if composing a scene of a sunset over the desert, a lonely smoke over a long river.

So we need to give them a lesson...to tell them that Da Li won't let them have their way, right?

Wen Ruan realized something. "Are you going personally? Are you leaving the capital?"

Zhu Yan stopped the pipa strings, something surging in his eyes. "You guessed it."

"Your music," Wen Ruan pointed at his pipa. "I don't know what tune you're playing, but I feel there's yearning, nostalgia, and an unyielding ambition in it...you seem like you won't stop."

After saying this, he noticed Zhu Yan's piercing, dark gaze, as if something was flickering within...

Wen Ruan: "I, did I get it wrong?"

"It's me who got it wrong. It's good that you don't understand music," Zhu Yan stared into Wen Ruan's eyes, his gaze burning hot. "You don't have to learn or understand it for the rest of your life."

As long as you understand me.

Wen Ruan was a little confused. "Huh?"

Zhu Yan lowered his gaze and set down the pipa. "Before, I was always looking for the perfect pipa, but now I realize what I should be looking for isn't a pipa, but a person."

No matter how good a pipa is, if it can convey every nuance of the music, it still means nothing to someone who doesn't understand. But if there's someone who doesn't understand any music, yet can understand the emotions behind every string pluck I make...

It's best if they only understand me, only me, without needing to understand anyone else or any other instrument.

The intensity of the other's gaze was too much for Wen Ruan. "No, you should keep looking for a pipa. I don't understand music theory; I truly can't critique or discern the subtleties of technique."

"Alright, whatever A-Ruan says, it shall be."

Another new melody began, without the solemnity of a setting sun over a vast river or the assembly of troops on the battlefield. Instead, it was soft and intimate, as if bidding farewell.

Wen Ruan smiled. "Your Highness, go with peace of mind. I'm perfectly safe here; many people will look after me."

He indeed understood.

Zhu Yan noticed his fingers trembling slightly and stopped playing the pipa. "Don't forget to take your medicine pills."

Because Wen Ruan truly detested drinking medicine and always wanted to discard it, Zhu Yan specially asked the old physician to change the prescription, turning it into pills. One per day, simple and not too bitter, Wen Ruan reluctantly accepted them.

"I won't."

"In the next two days, I'll arrange for nine secret guards around you. You might not see them, but remember not to dismiss them. Let them follow you at all times. On the surface, Nanxing will still be your primary companion," Zhu Yan lowered his gaze. "You don't have to worry about them; they'll arrange their own accommodations."

Wen Ruan was stunned for a moment. "You actually... guessed that I would leave, didn't you?"

Zhu Yan remained silent, but the pipa music resumed, answering him.

A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of osmanthus flowers.

Full moon, full circle of people, gatherings filled with joy—no one dislikes reunions, no one enjoys farewells. But some things must be done by someone.

Just as Zhu Yan decided to personally head north, unwilling to let his country be controlled by the envoy's demands, Wen Ruan also discussed strategies early on with Young Master Huo and Lady Liang regarding the border trade. The wine recipe and sugar-making methods were being rigorously tested, and he had to make a trip to the seaside himself to produce new salt.

Zhu Yan aimed to dampen the envoy's arrogance, while Wen Ruan focused on their finances. This time, he wouldn't let the other side have their way!

Others might only talk about these matters, but they weren't like others.

Wen Ruan wanted to ask Zhu Yan, do you find it hard to part with me?

But then he felt it unnecessary to ask; everything was too clear already.

He sensed Zhu Yan's approach, his eyes, his breath, drawing ever closer...

But he didn't dodge.

Zhu Yan paused, burning his lips with an intense gaze. "Wait for us when we return, okay?"

This bewitching man knew how to entice, his voice low and hoarse, matching the prominent Adam's apple, full of allure. Wen Ruan didn't know how he agreed, blurting out a word without thinking.

"...Okay."