Chapter 71 – Ah Ruan Can Do Whatever He Wants to Me

Chapter 71 - Ah Ruan Can Do Whatever He Wants to Me

The forest grew deeper as the sky darkened. The winter woods resembled a lurking beast, silent and eerie, cold and fierce, brimming with danger.

Wen Ruan wasn't particularly afraid, after all, Zhu Yan was by his side. He was merely surprised by Zhu Yan's decision to lead him further into the heart of the forest. "Where are you taking me?"

Don't you find it dangerous?

Zhu Yan replied calmly, "I could secretly lock you up and sell you."

Wen Ruan: ...

That would indeed be perilous.

"How about you reconsider?"

His subtle hint—wasn't it clear who was at fault and lacking confidence? He had just been apologizing! Moreover, he only revealed half of what he wanted to say, leaving the other half unspoken!

Zhu Yan hummed in response, turning his head to look at Wen Ruan with intense and bold eyes. "Then how about locking you up... and doing whatever I want?"

Wen Ruan glared at him. "Zhu Yan!"

As a noble prince, shouldn't you listen to yourself and consider your words!

Zhu Yan chuckled.

Somewhere along the way, he found great pleasure in these moments when he could rile Wen Ruan up.

During those thirteen years, he despised when others called him by his name. Whenever people mentioned those two characters, their expressions and tones were always the same—disgust and fear, as if his name was something tainted they didn't want to touch. Of course, as a prince, and one with the worst temper at that, no one dared to shout his name in broad daylight. At most, they would whisper insults behind his back. In places where he appeared, hearing his own name became a rare occurrence.

Sometimes he was satisfied with this, while other times he wasn't. When his mood swung, he would make those unfortunate enough to cross his path suffer immensely. It wasn't until now that he understood the root of this dissatisfaction.

The first time Wen Ruan called him by his name was when he couldn't bear being bullied anymore. Breathless from kisses, his face flushed red, and his body weak, unable to push him away, he disregarded all caution, manners, and rules, angrily shouting his name in an attempt to make him stop.

Wen Ruan was inexperienced; how could he possibly stop then? In that moment, his heart felt full, as if for all these years, he had been waiting for that very voice—not one that revered or feared him from afar, not one that shunned him out of disgust, but one that called his name boldly, as if there was no significant difference between him and any ordinary person under the heavens.

He didn't wish to become an ordinary person, but he yearned to be treated like one by someone. He desired straightforward interactions, free from the constraints of etiquette and rules, filled with laughter, anger, and the simple joys of life.

How fortunate he was that Wen Ruan gave him that.

"Call my name again." Zhu Yan dismounted his horse and swiftly moved to embrace Wen Ruan's waist, lifting him up. Stepping on the dense forest branches, he used his lightness skill to soar through the woods.

The sudden change in perspective startled Wen Ruan, causing him to tightly wrap his arms around Zhu Yan's neck. "What madness has gotten into you!"

Zhu Yan replied, "My name, call it again, hmm?"

With such a pointed reminder, how could Wen Ruan forget the previous incident involving kisses? It was embarrassing, but wasn't it even more humiliating for Zhu Yan? He had been in such a state!

And yet, he still talked about doing whatever he wanted...

Recalling the sight of Wen Yu earlier, doing whatever he wanted here couldn't possibly be a good thing.

Wen Ruan narrowed his eyes, gripping Zhu Yan's shoulders tightly. "What beautiful fantasy is Your Highness indulging in? Hmm?"

"I was wrong, I spoke out of turn," Prince Jian emphasized adaptability and flexibility. "It's about finding a place where Ah Ruan can do whatever he wants to me."

Wen Ruan: ...

"Who cares!"

Zhu Yan let out a soft laugh.

Wen Ruan's ears instantly heated up. What use was stubbornness? Based on his limited experience, he did indeed care. How dare Zhu Yan mock him!

"So, we're really not returning to camp?" He quickly changed the subject. "We're just going to leave the horses?"

Zhu Yan responded, "Didn't you also think that Bi Luhun wouldn't be able to return to camp?"

As for the horses, there was no need to worry. He would whistle to guide them, ensuring they wouldn't get lost.

Wen Ruan's lips curved upward. "He must be in deep trouble, regretting his actions."

After Zhu Yan eliminated the assassins targeting him, he led Wen Ruan around the outer perimeter without hunting. Several times, they narrowly passed by Bi Luhun, witnessing him being pursued by assassins... If not for wanting to clearly understand the origins and routes of the assassins, he wouldn't have ventured near the edge of the forest, encountering Wen Yu and the others.

This group of assassins was clearly different from the previous ones. Ruthless and merciless, they showed no signs of stopping, unlike the previous attempt which was merely a superficial scare. This was clearly the work of another mastermind.

In the past, Wen Ruan simply chose to ignore the political machinations within the court, not because he didn't understand them. The eunuch guiding him in the palace belonged to someone, but the hints dropped and the atmosphere created in the hall indicated one thing—someone had a grudge against Bi Luhun and intended to cause trouble.

Of course, most people in Da Li viewed the Beidi delegation unfavorably, but the manipulation suggested a deeper purpose. If someone was incited by this atmosphere and believed that a minor act of intimidation was harmless, the orchestrator of this storm would 'seize the opportunity' and enter the fray, using others as pawns to eliminate targets.

Wen Ruan couldn't determine who arranged the first wave of assassins—the Second Prince, the Third Prince, or someone else. But these individuals certainly didn't anticipate someone else following suit, putting Bi Luhun's life in grave danger.

These assassins had no intention of letting him leave the forest alive.

Bi Luhun's provocation in the hall and his bet with Wen Ruan likely stemmed from some confidence, perhaps believing that Da Li had spies, ensuring his safety from harm. One wonders if he now regrets his actions.

But he couldn't just die like this; the crucial details of the mutual trade agreement were yet to be finalized.

"There's no need to worry," Zhu Yan said as he carried Wen Ruan through the forest, his breathing steady and effortless, as if the weight in his arms was nothing more than a soft feather. "Bi Luhun does possess some skills, and he can withstand the cold. With the dense forest and numerous obstacles, he can hide and survive. It won't be easy for him to die. Lan Tian will also keep an eye on things later."

Wen Ruan remarked, "So you've already anticipated this and had contingency plans in place. You never intended to help me train, yet you put on such a convincing act."

Zhu Yan: ...

"Ah Ruan is angry, it must be my fault. If I don't humble myself, what if Ah Ruan doesn't want me anymore?"

Wen Ruan responded, "When did Your Highness learn to be so eloquent?"

Didn't you used to be so proud?

Zhu Yan: "Self-taught."

There's no other way; I have to learn the shamelessness of the He family's eldest son to maintain a loving and harmonious marriage.

Wen Ruan's lips curled up slightly: "Your Highness can continue to strive. Unlike Your Highness, who is skilled in martial arts and fearless of the cold, I am very afraid of the cold. I can't endure this weather. If—"

"How could I let you feel the cold?" Zhu Yan gently held Wen Ruan's head from behind, burying his face in his chest to prevent it from being scratched by branches. "This forest is deep, the mountains are high, there are wild beasts, and there are dangers, but—"

"It's not without good places."

When Wen Ruan landed on the ground, he suddenly felt a warm, vibrant warmth, moist and comforting, rising from the soles of his shoes. Soon, his head and face didn't feel cold anymore. When Zhu Yan released him, he took off the fur collar around his neck.

"A hot spring?"

Wen Ruan widened his eyes in awe.

It was as if a small circle had suddenly opened up in the dense forest. In this small circle, there were no trees or weeds, just a tiny valley with rugged rocks and bubbling hot springs. The place wasn't large, just a small circle. As one moved inward, they gradually felt the warmth. But take a step outward, and it was still bitterly cold, with water freezing into ice.

Zhu Yan: "In my youthful arrogance, I once stumbled upon this place by accident. Its location is hidden, making it hard for outsiders to discover. Moreover, the path here is extremely dangerous, often overrun by fierce beasts. This place remains unknown to others. Do you like it, Ah Ruan?"

Wen Ruan nodded repeatedly, how could he not like it: "This place is incredibly wondrous!"

"Although this place is fun, there are dangers too. Wait here for a moment, I'll be back soon."

Zhu Yan used his lightness kung fu to make several trips, surprisingly gathering a pile of things quickly. For example, dry firewood, water-filled flasks, ingredients for roasting meat, including freshly hunted meat, and even a large amount of dry grass.

There was no cave here, but there was a deeply recessed stone wall. With the geothermal heat from the hot spring, it wasn't cold at all. Laying down the dry grass, finding a few branches, and casually draping two outer robes over them created a comfortable little tent.

Wen Ruan was no longer cold, fully revived, following him running around: "You're amazing, to find such a place!"

Zhu Yan glanced back at him, his gaze deep: "Your husband has many amazing qualities. Remember to experience them well in the future."

Wen Ruan: ...

Why does this sound so improper?

Zhu Yan's gaze changed quickly, as if the previous insinuation was an illusion. He took the cloak draped over Wen Ruan's arm: "Can you really go without it? Aren't you cold?"

"Not at all," Wen Ruan shook his head, staring eagerly at the nearby hot spring, "Can I soak in it?"

Zhu Yan: "Yes. But I have to accompany you."

Wen Ruan looked at him suspiciously.

"What are you thinking about?" Zhu Yan casually placed his cloak on the dry grass and turned around. "After all, it's a natural hot spring, unmanaged. There might be sharp stones or small snakes below. If I'm not here, you'd be at risk of getting hurt."

Wen Ruan: ...

He understood the sharp pebbles, but what were the small snakes? Hot springs have special environments; there might not even be fish, let alone snakes... Wait, which kind of snake are you talking about? Don't think of something dirty again!

But Zhu Yan seemed composed, showing no signs of impropriety, looking righteous and solemn, as if anyone who thought of anything dirty would be defiling his purity.

"Let's eat first, okay?"

"...Okay."

Wen Ruan obediently followed him to the side, watching Zhu Yan start a fire and display his roasting skills.

Starting a fire wasn't difficult, but creating a beautiful and warm bonfire was a bit more challenging. Prince Jian was unexpectedly an expert at this task, completing it quickly and well. He even rolled up his sleeves, revealing his muscular arms, giving off a reliable and strong man vibe. Any young maiden or married woman outside would surely blush and their hearts race at the sight.

Roasting meat was also impressive. Prince Jian was a man of refinement, not simply placing the meat on the fire to roast. Before the fire was lit, he had already started marinating the meat. It was unclear what wild onions, garlic, or unknown aromatic spices he found in the forest. The aroma wasn't noticeable during the marination, but when it was placed on the fire to roast, the fragrance filled the air, making one eager to taste it, regardless of whether it was cooked or not.

Of course, it still had to be cooked before eating.

Wen Ruan knew that Zhu Yan was intentionally showing off, his lips curling up high. He was very accommodating, praising him repeatedly, and even ate until his belly was full.

To say the least, Prince Jian's skills were indeed impressive, reaching a level where he could open a restaurant.

But... why is there more?

Bathed in the firelight, Wen Ruan saw the silly roe deer tied to a tree in the distance.

Zhu Yan: "That's for you to eat tomorrow."

"Tomorrow morning?" Wen Ruan was skeptical, "Won't it be too greasy?"

Zhu Yan: "I carefully selected the prey, ensuring tender and fresh meat. You may feel greasy now because you're full, but tomorrow morning will be different."

The conditions in the wilderness were limited, and Wen Ruan wasn't particularly picky. He was just making conversation. After a while, seeing that Zhu Yan had almost finished eating: "Quickly, let's go soak in the hot spring!"

He deliberately chose a spot far from the bonfire, where the light was dim, undressed, and got into the water. But he didn't completely undress, keeping his underclothes on. After all, it was late at night, and they were both men alone. He was afraid someone might get carried away.

But he clearly underestimated Zhu Yan.

Zhu Yan was indeed tempted, struggling internally. His gaze held restrained passion, and the veins on his arms bulged, but he didn't approach Wen Ruan. He didn't even dare to come over and hug him, let alone kiss him.

He seemed worried about losing control, not wanting to disrespect him here.

Some things might sound exciting, but they also posed some danger...

Zhu Yan didn't want Wen Ruan to get hurt in such a place, nor did he want him to suffer an injury without timely medical attention or medicine.

The weather was so cold, and various dangers lurked in the forest. He couldn't bear to see Wen Ruan grit his teeth and endure discomfort while accompanying him in battle.

They were already married, and life was long. There was no need to rush. He could wait.

Wen Ruan understood, feeling warmth in his heart, akin to soaking in the hot spring. He felt relaxed, content, embraced by gentleness.

He didn't want Zhu Yan to feel too distressed and, with a smile, looked at him for a moment before initiating the conversation, "Tell me, what happened? Now that we have time, how did you end up owing your life to someone?"

Zhu Yan moved closer, lowering his eyes, "I've experienced numerous assassination attempts since I was young, several each year. Two and a half years ago was the most perilous one. I had some matters to attend to then, misjudged something, and while searching for the lute bone... inattentive for a moment, I fell into an assassin's trap."

Wen Ruan: ...

What 'searching for the lute bone', it was about killing people, wasn't it? Using this excuse every time, not afraid of getting caught.

Zhu Yan: "Due to the border affairs from my early years, I have many old grudges with the Beidi people. They desperately wanted to kill me, and I would occasionally go over there to kill them, familiarizing ourselves with each other's methods. I was certain it was their handiwork back then, but it was strange why they could attack me in the heart of the Central Plains, their reach extending so deep..."

"But there wasn't much time to think. The assassins chasing me were kamikaze soldiers. I wasn't in the capital then, on my way to Jiang Nan, choosing a relatively remote road, unfamiliar with it. Although I didn't let them kill me, I couldn't completely shake them off either, accidentally getting bitten by a venomous snake, my vision becoming increasingly blurry..."

"I instinctively searched for a direction to escape, stumbling into a mountain shrouded in thick fog, vaguely sensing others being drawn in, attracting the assassins' attention. I quietly slipped into the mountain, evading all the assassins, and after confirming my safety, passed out in relief."

Wen Ruan recalled the person he met in the salt fields, Qing Sanshan, who said he once encountered Zhu Yan in danger, passing by without making a sound, only secretly helping Zhu Yan divert the assassins... It matched, probably this very incident.

Upon returning, he was immediately tied up with matters, not finding the time to properly discuss this with Zhu Yan.

"You were incapacitated, unconscious, bitten by a venomous snake, and injured... saved by a teenager?"

"Yes."

Zhu Yan lowered his gaze, looking at the steam rising from the water, his voice somewhat slow, "The teenager helped me treat my wounds, applying medicine and bandaging them, his hands gentle. His skin wasn't as delicate as an ordinary person's, not calloused, but rough from doing work, his voice not particularly pleasant, quite hoarse. He said he had just recovered from a severe cold, his throat still not well."

"He seemed familiar with the local environment, knowing I was poisoned by a snake, and coincidentally knew how to counteract it, reassuring me that he had already administered the antidote, needing time to clear the residual poison. In five or six days, my vision would slowly return, but also seemingly unfamiliar... He encountered me because he got lost, blaming the fog for coming at the wrong time, unable to discern directions, even losing track of previous markers, trapped for a while, grateful that he carried medicine with him, otherwise he could only watch helplessly, unable to save me."

"He entered the mountain to find some plant, his personality somewhat carefree, enjoying teasing people into talking, I was very grateful to him."

Zhu Yan turned his gaze, fixing Wen Ruan with a steady look, "Why aren't you speaking?"

Wen Ruan: ...

Starlight sprinkled down, the hot spring rippling under the breeze, the steam obscuring the view of each other's eyes.

His voice held a hint of resentment, "That teenager wouldn't have left you without waiting for you to fully recover, would he? Once the mountain fog dissipated, he happily abandoned you and ran away, didn't he?"

"Yes."

Zhu Yan nodded, his gaze towards Wen Ruan growing increasingly intense, boundless and deep, "But how does Ah Ruan know?"