Chapter 33 Warm Water

Chapter 33: Tepid Comfort

This was the first time since his arrival in this world that Jiang Yanzhou ate without tasting anything, despite his sense of taste being perfectly fine.

The soup was fragrant, made with a duck that had been smoked over fruitwood and cured into *lawei*, paired with aged sour radish. The resulting broth had a rich, mellow aroma of rendered fat, appetizing and cutting through any greasiness.

The steamed egg custard was also tender, with minced meat added, melting in the mouth.

But Jiang Yanzhou couldn't taste any of it.

His mind was racing, crammed full with what Xiao Yunlang had just said.

What was Xiao Yunlang going to care about on his behalf?

Injuries, illness, poor sleep?

Not taking himself seriously?

He *did* take himself seriously.

In the modern era, he sought out history books that interested him. After coming to the Qi Dynasty, he strolled through markets appreciating local customs, practiced calligraphy, read novels, and admired antiques—he had always made an effort to satisfy himself.

If that didn't count, he truly didn't know what would.

In the past, when Xiao Yunlang said such things, Jiang Yanzhou would immediately think he was just showing deference to a valued subordinate. But this time was different.

Because Liu Hexuan was in the other convoy!

And there was also Wei Wuyou.

There were two of them over there, yet Xiao Yunlang had come specifically to *his* side.

It was somewhat understandable if Xiao Yunlang draped a cloak over an advisor, but putting on shoes... Would the Crown Prince really attend to other confidants like that?

Jiang Yanzhou couldn't imagine it at all.

Jiang Yanzhou suddenly realized that Xiao Yunlang hadn't come over out of concern after the assassins appeared; he had arrived *before* the incident.

Xiao Yunlang said he stayed behind for *him*.

Did that mean rushing over in the dead of night was also... because of him?

Jiang Yanzhou didn't understand how he had suddenly become the most special among the advisors.

What had he done to deserve this?

Mechanically, Jiang Yanzhou reached for the spoon resting on the rim of his bowl, but after several attempts, his fingers only grasped empty air.

Jiang Yanzhou stared blankly down: ...His fingers seemed to have suffered quite a shock.

It was Xiao Yunlang who finally placed the spoon handle back into his hand.

Upon touching the spoon again, Jiang Yanzhou, like a puppet on strings, mechanically began bringing food to his mouth, his eyes vacant.

Xiao Yunlang showed no impatience, nor did he pressure him. He simply served Jiang Yanzhou dishes, supervising him to eat properly and take his medicine.

By the time the convoy set off again, Jiang Yanzhou had finally regained a sliver of his composure.

Anxious and uneasy, he perched on the other side of the carriage's long couch, trying his best to maintain distance from the Crown Prince within the limited space. From time to time, he would lift his eyes, sneak a glance at Xiao Yunlang, and then quickly look away.

His gaze was too obvious, but Xiao Yunlang acted as if he hadn't seen, holding a book with a blank cover, its contents unknown.

Jiang Yanzhou remained apprehensive, lost in his own tangled thoughts for a while, but soon couldn't continue.

The nausea from the carriage's jolting returned.

Jiang Yanzhou had a slight cough today and needed extra care when passing through densely wooded, damp, and cold stretches of road to avoid catching another chill.

However, adding a charcoal brazier to the carriage would make motion sickness worse, so Jiang Yanzhou draped an extra brocade cloak over himself. It wasn't as thick as a fur-collared greatcoat, but it was sufficient for the season.

Initially, due to the strange atmosphere, he didn't dare relax, sitting with a spine straighter than bamboo. But before long, the carriage's rocking slowly made him slump, leaning against the soft cushions.

His slender, pale hand resting on the cushion, he had just shifted slightly when Xiao Yunlang *snapped* the book shut, propped himself up on an arm, moved closer, and reached out toward him. "Come."

Jiang Yanzhou tilted his head slightly, dark hair spilling over the cushion, lips pressed together as he endured the discomfort, genuinely puzzled: Come where?

Xiao Yunlang's expression remained unchanged. "Come sit on my lap, lean against me. It won't be as bumpy."

Hearing this clearly, Jiang Yanzhou's eyes widened instantly, and he immediately shook his head like a rattle-drum: *How could that be? Was he really supposed to use Xiao Yunlang as a cushion?!*

But Xiao Yunlang's outstretched hand didn't withdraw. Once he decided on something, he had plenty of patience.

"Why not if it makes you more comfortable? I'm not losing anything. Is it because I'm the Crown Prince? If it were Feng Lan or a servant coming in instead, would it be okay then?"

Jiang Yanzhou imagined the scene of himself, fully conscious, nestled in someone else's arms... This time, he shook his head even more vigorously, the pearls in his hair trembling along, his entire body screaming refusal.

From his reaction, Xiao Yunlang seemed to draw some private conclusion, letting out a soft laugh. "So I *am* special. Come here—"

As he spoke, he bent down directly, reaching out with practiced ease to scoop under Jiang Yanzhou's knees and wrap an arm around his shoulders. The young master was slender and slight, light and soft; carrying him required little effort from the Crown Prince.

Jiang Yanzhou's pupils trembled with shock!

He instinctively struggled, trying to shrink back. "Your Highness, wait—!"

Xiao Yunlang: "Careful. Struggling like this, I might bump my head."

Although the carriage was spacious, Xiao Yunlang was tall and did need to be mindful of his movements. With just that light remark, Jiang Yanzhou instantly froze, not daring to move.

Stiffly, he was lifted and gently placed onto Xiao Yunlang's lap. The drifting hem of his robe rose and fell, and he landed in Xiao Yunlang's warm embrace.

Not knowing where to put his hands, he could only rest them awkwardly in front of himself. The whole scene resembled a small prey caught in the jaws of a fierce beast—weak and helpless.

In facing Xiao Yunlang, even a titmouse had more courage than him.

Xiao Yunlang sighed softly, lifting his sleeve to partially shield Jiang Yanzhou's face. "I know you're thin-skinned. Will it be better if you can't see?"

Darkness fell before Jiang Yanzhou's eyes. His legs curled uneasily, but he made no sound and still didn't relax.

Xiao Yunlang's voice came from above, muffled by the sleeve separating them.

"What am I to do with you? I want you to feel better, but you refuse. Say I might bump my head, and you stop immediately. See, putting yourself last again." Xiao Yunlang said, "I'd rather you hadn't stopped just then... When will you learn to put yourself first?"

Jiang Yanzhou felt the sleeve brush lightly against his eyelashes. He couldn't help but close his eyes, listening as Xiao Yunlang murmured softly, "So soft-hearted. What if anyone could bully you?"

Leaning against Xiao Yunlang's chest, he could feel the rise and fall, the faint vibration. The sound of a heartbeat thumped heavily in his ears, one beat after another, and for a moment, he couldn't tell if it was his own or Xiao Yunlang's.

After a moment, Xiao Yunlang sensed the tension in Jiang Yanzhou's waist easing just a fraction.

He looked down to see Jiang Yanzhou stir, extending one plump, pearly-white finger, then two... using all ten fingers, hesitating briefly before prying open a small gap in the sleeve, revealing eyes shimmering with unsteady light.

"...Not everyone gets to push me around."

His voice was muffled beneath Xiao Yunlang's sleeve, sounding almost aggrieved. Paired with his gaze, it seemed to accuse Xiao Yunlang: *You're the only one who gets away with it.*

Indeed, the last one who bullied him was a Uz person, and the one before that who bullied the Crown Princess was the Prince of Jin—neither got the better of them.

Xiao Yunlang's heart had felt heavy since last night, but now, holding the person, he finally couldn't help but chuckle.

After laughing, Xiao Yunlang shifted him up a bit. Jiang Yanzhou, startled, instinctively tightened his grip on the sleeve, making him lean in closer.

But Xiao Yunlang was only making him more comfortable.

"Then remember this: you must not betray yourself either," Xiao Yunlang said, wanting to brush aside the hair on Jiang Yanzhou's forehead, but his fingers twitched and he restrained himself, simply keeping a steady hold on him.

As a cushion, His Highness the Crown Prince made for an exceptionally thorough one.

His arms could support firmly with strength, different from simply leaning against a soft cushion, and the bumps really were much less jarring.

Jiang Yanzhou's discomfort indeed eased, replaced instead by a racing heart.

The cedar scent from Xiao Yunlang's sleeve drifted to his nose. Feng Lan had said the North Garden used cedar to scent the Crown Prince's clothes—cool yet warm, and now, enveloped in Xiao Yunlang's embrace, it seemed to wrap around Jiang Yanzhou entirely.

It was a comforting scent, yet he couldn't calm down at all.

The look in Xiao Yunlang's eyes that he couldn't decipher seemed to grow more numerous and heavier.

Had the ruler's heart become this inscrutable already?

Jiang Yanzhou pursed his lips, feeling that Xiao Yunlang seemed somewhat different...

The carriage moved leisurely forward, and the two inside managed to maintain a delicate balance. Outside, Sui Yedao, in the escort, coughed lightly. "Just now in the carriage..."

Feng Lan's expression remained blank. "You heard nothing."

"The carriage suddenly jolted..."

Feng Lan: "You saw nothing either."

Sui Yedao chuckled. "I previously thought that although this is Her Highness the Crown Princess, he should be treated with the courtesy due to a teacher. Now it seems I was mistaken? Brother Feng, please enlighten me."

Feng Lan fell silent.

*How should I enlighten you? How can I enlighten you?* he thought. *In the residence, we still address him as 'Young Master,' but which master treats an advisor like this?*

Just this morning, to let him sleep longer, he carried him—blanket and all—from the post station to the carriage. He handles everything personally.

He certainly hadn't seen any other household act this way.

Sui Yedao: "Brother Feng?"

Feng Lan replied cryptically. "...Assistant Prefect is a wise man; surely you can comprehend on your own."

Whatever he comprehended, that was his own issue. Hmm.

*

No more assassins were encountered on the way to Congzhou.

Xiao Yunlang gave up riding horseback and stayed in the carriage with Jiang Yanzhou throughout the journey. Yet the carriage's jolting seemed to have no effect on him; he stayed in high spirits the whole time.

As for using Xiao Yunlang as a cushion, Jiang Yanzhou went from initial trepidation, to resigned acceptance from inability to resist, to... gradual adaptation.

Because it truly was much more comfortable.

He slowly relaxed in Xiao Yunlang's embrace. In the following two days, he would even drift off to sleep, leaning against Xiao Yunlang in a daze.

Habit was truly a terrifying thing.

His mind hadn't yet grasped how he received such treatment, but his body had already sunk into the warm embrace.

Jiang Yanzhou stared blankly at the soft cushion in the carriage, gently reaching out to press it.

He leaned against Xiao Yunlang, who in turn leaned against this cushion, one arm encircling his shoulders and back, the other hand free to hold messages and letters coming and going along the way, or to flip through books.

Jiang Yanzhou withdrew his hand from the cushion.

Even the carriage was starting to carry Xiao Yunlang's scent.

...His fingertips seemed to as well.

The carriage door opened, and Jiang Yanzhou turned sharply, meeting the gaze of the entering attendant.

The attendant was taken aback by Jiang Yanzhou's look.

"Young Master?"

...It wasn't Xiao Yunlang.

Jiang Yanzhou lowered his eyes.

"I... I'd like to change the incense in the carriage," Jiang Yanzhou asked softly. "Do we have cedar?"

They were a day's journey from Congzhou. With cedar, perhaps he could feel a bit more settled.

It was rare for the Young Master to ask for something. The attendant happily went to fetch it. The incense they prepared was mostly light and subtly sweet, but fortunately, cedar was also available.

As the attendant carried the incense back, a thought suddenly struck him.

Huh, wasn't cedar the scent commonly used by His Highness the Crown Prince?

*Snow may crush, but the pine does not break; cold trees rustle across mountains and rivers.* On the official road, the thunder of hooves filled the air. A black steed led the way, its hooves flying, its master's robes billowing in the wind, carrying the scent of pine.

The Vice Minister of Justice didn't understand why the Crown Prince, after riding in the carriage for several days, suddenly wanted to ride horseback again. Not just riding, but leading the entire team in a mad dash as if letting loose.

Everyone else seemed exhilarated; even Xu Wenzhi, who had regained some vigor, was taken for a ride. Only he suffered, his ample flesh and large belly bouncing around in the carriage like a ball. Finally, when the carriage stopped, he practically crashed through the door, ejected by the momentum.

At the gates of Congzhou, Zhong Qingfu, Prefect of Congzhou, led the officials in welcome.

His official robes were impeccably neat, his beard trimmed orderly, without any adornments, exuding the austere dignity of a civil official.

Zhong Qingfu's face was amiable; his smile was not fawning but approachable. He raised his hands in salute. "We welcome His Highness the Crown Prince and all..."

Before he could finish, the Vice Minister of Justice twisted around and, without even making it to the roadside, threw up on the spot.

"Bleurgh—!"

His opening not only had substance but also considerable aroma.

Zhong Qingfu: "..."

The faces of the prefectural officials behind him twitched. Everyone instantly held their breath, wishing they could retreat three miles and cover their noses.

What a stench!

But with the imperial censor and the Crown Prince present, they couldn't afford to be discourteous, so they had to hold their breath.

Under such circumstances, Zhong Qingfu managed to remain expressionless and continued speaking: "You've all had a long and tiring journey. Please enter the city first to rest. We can talk business later."

Xiao Yunlang's gaze flicked discreetly over the people behind him: the Vice-Prefect involved in the fraud case was absent, while the Commander of the Congzhou Garrison stood at the back—the military forces of Congzhou were under his command.

However, this commander's sister was married to Zhong Qingfu, making them family. Thus, Congzhou was effectively under Zhong Qingfu's sole authority.

Xiao Yunlang saw through it all but kept a poker face. "We'll trouble Lord Zhong to lead the way."

Once the Vice Minister of Justice was done vomiting, everyone entered the city. Of the one thousand troops Xiao Yunlang had brought, seven hundred were temporarily stationed at the garrison barracks, while the remaining three hundred followed behind him, awaiting further orders.

Zhong Qingfu led the group to the prefectural yamen. His residence was behind it, lacking any extravagant decorations or rare plants. The landscaping, however, was elegant and tasteful, creating a serene and refined atmosphere.

The courtyard featured many small rockeries built from piled stones. The stones themselves weren't valuable, but they were artfully shaped—it was well known that Emperor Yonghe had a great fondness for rare and unusual stones.

While Zhong Qingfu couldn't offer precious gems, during his trips to the capital to report to the emperor, he sometimes brought a few pleasingly shaped stones to curry favor.

The Prefect led everyone to the main hall. After tea was served, Zhong Qingfu finally spoke: "As soon as the Ministry of Justice's order arrived, this humble official immediately had the County Magistrate of Xishan summoned to Congzhou City to be held. The Vice-Prefect has also been suspended from duty and confined to his home awaiting investigation these past few days, not taking a single step outside. Now that Your Highness has arrived, please instruct us on how to proceed."

Zhong Qingfu had only seen Xiao Yunlang from a distance twice in the capital. Although he had heard about the Crown Prince, he had never witnessed his methods firsthand. Therefore, unsure of His Highness's style, he wanted to observe first.

Xiao Yunlang used the teacup lid to gently stir the froth in his cup. "What about the Deputy Magistrate of Xishan County?"

He was the accuser.

"He was dispatched to Qingshan County on official business last month. We have already sent someone to summon him; he is on his way back."

It seemed this Deputy Magistrate was quite shrewd. As long as he was safe, that was fine.

Xiao Yunlang continued stirring the tea foam but didn't drink. After allowing everyone below to catch their breath, he finally spoke: "Official Liu."

Liu Hexuan stood up. "Your servant is here."

"Issue my order. Draft two investigation documents. One is for Assistant Prefect Sui."

Xiao Yunlang continued, "I trouble the Assistant Prefect to personally lead the Imperial Guards to Xishan County. The county yamen, the County Magistrate's residence, and the Xiao family suspected of bribery and involvement in the fraud—all must be investigated."

Sui Yedao bowed. "This humble official obeys the command."

"The other is for Official Wei."

Wei Wuyou immediately stood up as well.

"You will lead thirty soldiers to search the Vice-Prefect's residence," Xiao Yunlang said, then turned to Zhong Qingfu. "None of us are familiar with Congzhou. We must trouble the Prefect to assign a few constables to guide them and lend a hand."

Zhong Qingfu hurriedly replied, "I am willing to share Your Highness's burdens."

Within a few short moments, all matters were arranged in an orderly manner. There was no talk of a welcoming banquet; official business was prioritized first. Zhong Qingfu now understood: the Crown Prince was truly here to investigate, and he was a decisive and efficient leader.

"After Official Liu finishes drafting the documents, he will stay with me at the prefectural yamen to meet those three Xiao family students allegedly involved in the fraud."

Xiao Yunlang tapped the teacup lid unhurriedly and finally deigned to look at the Vice Minister of Justice, who was slumped in his seat, pale-faced, sweating, and looking utterly miserable. "As for you, Vice Minister..."

The Vice Minister of Justice trembled as he tried to stand up.

Xiao Yunlang gave a slight, derisive smile. "Isn't anyone coming quickly to assist the Vice Minister down to rest? No matter what, I am not so heartless as to force an ill man to handle official duties."

Zhong Qingfu inwardly marveled. This most stubborn minister from a powerful family had been effortlessly removed from the game, yet he would have to thank the Crown Prince for his benevolence. This Highness was truly... not to be underestimated.

Everyone dispersed to attend to their assigned tasks. Xiao Yunlang finally took a small sip of his tea. "We will be troubling the Prefect here for the next few days."

Zhong Qingfu hastily expressed that it was no trouble. He bowed his head respectfully. "That such an incident occurred within Congzhou's borders is also due to this humble official's negligence. I am deeply grieved. Once the matter is concluded, I will also submit a memorial to confess my fault and reflect upon myself."

Xiao Yunlang also exchanged a few polite words in return.

Zhong Qingfu seemed to remember something. "There is one more matter. After Congzhou received the Ministry of Rites' document regarding the Crown Princess Consort's convalescence, we prepared two locations."

As he spoke, Zhong Qingfu observed Xiao Yunlang's reaction. He mentioned the Crown Princess Consort, but Xiao Yunlang appeared rather disinterested.

"One is the South Courtyard of this humble official's modest residence. It faces the North Courtyard prepared for Your Highness. They are close, allowing for easy access." Zhong Qingfu continued, "The other is a manor in the eastern part of the city. Although it is farther from the yamen, it has beautiful scenery and spacious courtyards. There is a pharmacy right outside the gate, making it very suitable for recuperation."

Xiao Yunlang frowned and tapped his fingers impatiently on the table. "It's convenient for us to handle official business by staying at the yamen. What's he doing crowding in with us for his recuperation? Let him go to the eastern city by himself."

Zhong Qingfu understood and bowed his head. "Yes, this humble official will make the arrangements immediately."

He thought to himself, indeed, Xiao Yunlang greatly disliked Jiang Yanzhou and did not want to give him any opportunity to interfere.

When he received the Ministry of Rites' document, Zhong Qingfu had been pondering. Earlier this year, during his trip to the capital for an imperial audience, he had secretly met with Jiang Linque and discussed some matters regarding Congzhou's official circles. The Jiang family should know that this fraud case had nothing to do with him.

The Jiang family's business dealings with him in Congzhou were best kept low-key. The Jiang family certainly wouldn't get involved in the fraud case.

Therefore, Jiang Yanzhou couldn't possibly have been sent by the Jiang family. Either he truly came for recuperation, or it was the imperial family's intention.

Although the imperial family used Jiang Yanzhou as bait, even if they suspected something, it should be suspicion about whether the fraud case was related to powerful families, not other matters.

So, as long as Zhong Qingfu followed the Ministry of Rites' procedures and received the Crown Princess Consort according to protocol, no fault could be found.

As for the fraud case, let them investigate. He would cooperate fully. Once the investigation was over and these people were sent away, Congzhou could finally return to peace.

The faster the Crown Prince worked, the easier it would be for him.

Zhong Qingfu stood up to make the arrangements, failing to notice the cold, sharp look in the Crown Prince's eyes as he set down his teacup lid.

Indeed, they needed to finish things quickly.

He's already involved in the private tea trade, yet the tea served to guests isn't even good? Is he so addicted to pretending to be poor?

He wouldn't serve this tea to Jiang Yanzhou later, would he?

... Suddenly, the tea they brought from the Crown Prince's residence seemed a bit insufficient.