Hua Yan felt that Lu Chengsha’s state was somewhat off. Ever since her sister-in-law pointed it out, Lu Chengsha had been subtly, cautiously, and expectantly glancing at her belly, as if just realizing the possibility of something happening.
Although her lower abdomen was still very flat, she couldn’t stand him looking at her like that.
Hua Yan had to warn him, both embarrassed and ashamed: “…Stop looking! Don’t get your hopes up!”
Lu Chengsha reluctantly nodded, “Mm.”
However, when the two of them slept together at night, it was hard not to want to be intimate.
The Zhou family was very considerate, arranging for their room to be in a quiet location where not much noise could be heard at night, only the faint sound of insects chirping.
The thin and soft quilt covered their bodies, concealing their intimacy. Hua Yan’s head was pressed down on the bed by Lu Chengsha as he kissed her. She let out soft sounds, her temples already sweaty. Both of them restrained themselves, making no loud noises. Then she heard Lu Chengsha whisper in her ear, “…Will it really happen this way?”
There was a hint of uncertain doubt in his voice.
Hua Yan instantly sobered up.
What a mood killer!
She immediately said, “…Can you temporarily forget about this?”
Lu Chengsha replied, “But I…” He paused and continued, “I want to be prepared.”
What are you preparing for! It’s not even your role…
Hua Yan rolled over, pressing down on him, and said, “In any case, it’s still early. Let’s talk about it when it happens.” She bit his lip, her cheeks flushed, “Let’s not think about it now…”
Initially, she had thought about it, even worried about what would happen if he didn’t like it, but the whole thing was too embarrassing. Hua Yan, usually carefree, decided not to dwell on it.
Lu Chengsha, however, was still struggling: “…I don’t know anything yet.”
Hua Yan asked, “What do you need to know?”
Lu Chengsha was momentarily speechless. It was because he didn’t know that he wanted to find out.
“I’m not thinking about it, so you shouldn’t either!” She bit Lu Chengsha again, her teeth gently grazing his chin. She even stuck out her tongue a bit to lick him, mumbling, “…Let’s enjoy ourselves first.”
Lu Chengsha’s body trembled, and he grabbed her waist, losing control thereafter.
***
Setting aside other concerns, the days at the Zhou residence were exceptionally leisurely. While the younger generation had to get up early for their studies, Hua Yan could sleep as long as she wanted. When she woke up, there was always someone ready to bring her a face towel and washbasin and ask if she wanted breakfast, which Hua Yan found particularly novel.
The Zhou family was simple, with few servants, most of whom were long-time family retainers with honest and straightforward personalities. They treated her with utmost respect, perhaps because of her second uncle’s instructions or maybe out of sympathy for her having lost her parents early and possibly having a tougher life. They went out of their way to ensure she was comfortable.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Hua Yan reciprocated their kindness, managing to give away most of the gifts she had bought on the way, which meant she could buy new ones again.
The Zhou residence was next to an academy, and in the morning, one could hear the clear sounds of students reading aloud. The courtyard had towering trees with chirping birds. Hua Yan, basking in the morning light and the scent of flowers, took Lu Chengsha out for breakfast.
However, Lu Chengsha’s sword was too conspicuous and looked quite out of place while strolling through the city.
So, Hua Yan asked him to leave the sword behind.
Usually agreeable to everything, Lu Chengsha unusually struggled this time. He was practically inseparable from his sword, and leaving it behind felt like losing a part of himself. He even considered letting Hua Yan go out alone while he stayed back at the Zhou residence.
With her arms crossed, Hua Yan said, “…No way, what’s the point of me going alone!”
Lu Chengsha clutched his Wuren sword, visibly torn.
Hua Yan, with a straight face and without a hint of blush, said, “And can you be at ease with me going alone? What if I run into bad people!”
Lu Chengsha was even more conflicted.
In the end, he relented, though he took his time, oiling the sword and wiping it clean meticulously. Hua Yan leaned against the door frame, nearly tempted to ask whether the sword or she was more important—a question she deemed too foolish!
As they headed out, Lu Chengsha didn’t say much, but his demeanor faintly conveyed a sense of grievance.
Hua Yan wanted to console him but couldn’t help stifling a laugh internally.
Passing by a weapons shop, Hua Yan suggested, “Uh… How about I buy you a dagger to make do?”
Lu Chengsha immediately shook his head, “I only want my sword.”
Hua Yan replied, “A dagger isn’t a sword!”
Lu Chengsha insisted, “Even so, it’s not the same.”
After walking a bit further, he suddenly rubbed the back of his neck, “It’s too light, I’m not used to it.” His tone was genuinely aggrieved.
Hua Yan almost burst out laughing on the spot. She pulled him to a corner of the street and quickly kissed his cheek, saying, “Alright, bear with it for now.”
Lu Chengsha reluctantly responded with a soft “Mm.”
The pace of life in Baijiang City was leisurely, with people strolling slowly through the streets, speaking in gentle tones. Hua Yan had specifically asked Madam Xue about the best places to eat and visit in the city, planning to explore each one.
Following her directions, they walked two streets and found various restaurants and food stalls, all fresh and steaming with delicious aromas. Many vendors called out to passersby, and there were even boats along the river selling pastries and seasonal fruits.
As they wandered along the streets, they realized that in addition to walking, traveling by boat was a common mode of transportation in the city, given the winding waterways and numerous arched bridges.
Having seldom ridden in a boat, Hua Yan impulsively bought a small, paddle-equipped boat and prepared to explore the waterways with Lu Chengsha.
However, despite their efforts, they barely moved. Hua Yan asked, “You don’t know how to row either?”
Lu Chengsha’s face reddened slightly.
A nearby boatman chuckled, “You’re rowing wrong and using the wrong strength…”
Hua Yan immediately sought guidance, “How should we row then?”
The kind boatman demonstrated the proper technique with the oars and, concerned they might still struggle, began to offer more advice, “If you still can’t get the hang of it, then…”
Before he could finish, Lu Chengsha said, “Thank you, that won’t be necessary.”
As he took the oar from Hua Yan, she harbored a bit of doubt.
To her surprise, he quickly mastered the technique and soon had the boat moving smoothly and swiftly. He even started racing other boats, and Hua Yan laughed in the breeze as he overtook them.
Eventually, their small boat sped ahead, leaving the others behind and entering a vast lake. Hua Yan then remembered she hadn’t explored the boat market yet. Lu Chengsha, realizing this, awkwardly suggested, “…Shall we go back?”
“Forget it,” Hua Yan replied, “we’ll visit next time.”
As evening fell and the sunset descended, silence enveloped them, leaving only the shimmering waves. Lu Chengsha stopped rowing, and the boat drifted gently on the green water. Somehow, they found themselves close together, and before they knew it, they were softly kissing on the serene lake.
Hua Yan braced herself against the boat’s edge with one hand and Lu Chengsha’s approaching body with the other, tilting her chin upward. The boat swayed gently with the waves, creating a subtle dizziness.
Their silhouettes merged with the twilight, and they didn’t return until night had fully fallen.
***
The cuisine in Qingzhou was indeed exquisite, visually appealing, and delicious. Some restaurants were even set up on painted boats, offering a tranquil and elegant atmosphere with the sound of silk and bamboo instruments played by musicians. Diners could enjoy both the food and the beautiful scenery.
This reminded Hua Yan that, when she was young, she had actually learned qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting from her father. Although she wasn’t particularly skilled, she had dabbled in them. After all, her father initially hoped to raise her as a refined lady.
With this in mind, Hua Yan bought a guqin, intending to play it for Lu Chengsha in the courtyard and show off a bit.
As her fingers plucked the strings, memories resurfaced. She became engrossed in her playing, and after finishing a piece, she excitedly asked Lu Chengsha, “How was it?”
Lu Chengsha listened attentively, nodded, and said, “It was beautiful.”
Feeling a bit proud, Hua Yan asked, “Did you expect me to be able to play the qin?”
Lu Chengsha nodded, a hint of amusement in his dark eyes, “Mm.”
Unexpectedly, her little cousin’s voice called out from not far away, “…Cousin, please stop playing! The tutor will check our recitations tomorrow, and by the way—you played three notes wrong.”
Hua Yan, annoyed, retorted, “I haven’t played in seven or eight years; what’s so strange about getting a few notes wrong? Go back to studying!”
Her cousin dragged out his reply, “Okay, okay, got it.”
Initially, Hua Yan thought she was just visiting for a few days and didn’t consider how she would get along with everyone. To her surprise, she quickly became familiar with the Zhou family, especially her younger cousins, who weren’t the least bit shy around her.
Her cousin sister even whispered to her gossipily, “Brother-in-law seems cold, but he’s so considerate towards you. Father was secretly worried that if he treated you badly, you would have to endure it since your parents aren’t here…”
Hua Yan, amused and exasperated, said, “He’s not cold at all! He’s very gentle and easy to talk to.” Very passionate at night, too.
Her cousin sister exclaimed, “…Are you sure you’re talking about Brother-in-law?”
“Really, don’t worry. If anyone bullies you, just tell me. I and…” She patted her chest, her voice shyly pausing, “…your Brother-in-law will help you teach them a lesson!”
Although she said this, they didn’t seem entirely convinced.
After all, the two of them arrived with no subordinates, just one carriage and the two of them, hardly looking like they came from a prominent, affluent family.
Later, Lu Chengsha mentioned that her second uncle had been inquiring about his family, wondering which blacksmith shop they were from and whether they might be interested in opening one in Baijiang City. If funds were an issue, they could help out with that, even with finding a shop and hiring staff.
Lu Chengsha didn’t know how to respond. He didn’t want to lie, nor did he want to undermine her. In the end, he only managed a vague reply.
This was quite frustrating for Lu Chengsha. Having left Tingjian Manor for so long, he never anticipated having to explain his background and family situation to others.
Although he tried to assure her uncle that he would treat her well, her uncle still patted his shoulder, emphasizing that a man’s strength was meant to protect the family and country, not to bully the women at home.
Lu Chengsha remained silent for a while, eventually nodding in agreement.
He didn’t share this incident with Hua Yan, so she remained unaware of the persistent probing by her relatives.
***
A few days later, Hua Yan received a visit from her aunt, whom she had never met. The woman seemed younger than Madam Xue but appeared older, with prematurely graying hair and a weathered face. Upon seeing Hua Yan, she teared up and immediately embraced her.
This aunt had faced misfortune in life; her husband passed away shortly after they married, leaving her with a daughter to raise alone.
Hua Yan was taken aback but felt a warmth in her heart. She returned the embrace.
After holding her for a while, her aunt let go, wiped her eyes, and asked, “How did your father pass? Did he go peacefully?” She touched Hua Yan’s hair, “You look so much like him.”
Though Hua Yan resembled her mother more, she didn’t correct her aunt and simply smiled, “He passed away peacefully, but he was still worried about the family, so I…”
“Good that you’re back.” Her aunt hugged her again, carrying a scent that reminded Hua Yan of her father.
Hua Yan felt her heart soften.
“Your father was the kindest, always doting on me when we were young, but I…” Her aunt sniffled and began to cry again, “If you need anything in the future, just let me know. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
Hua Yan patted her back, comforting her, “It’s okay. My father lived a happy life… I think!”
Unfortunately, her aunt had to leave after a meal, but before she left, she secretly gave Hua Yan a pair of gold bracelets, saying they were prepared upon hearing of her existence, hoping one day to give them to her.
Hua Yan accepted them without much thought. However, back home, she noticed her second uncle sighing.
Madam Xue remarked, “The Zhao family still hasn’t given up?”
Her second uncle replied, “Unfortunately, elder brother is too far away to handle this matter.”
Hua Yan curiously asked, “What’s going on?”
The two seemed reluctant to tell her, but after her persistent questioning, Madam Xue explained, “Your aunt’s daughter is fifteen, beautiful as a flower, but she caught the eye of the Zhao family’s son. He keeps harassing them, insisting on making her his concubine. Your aunt refuses, but they pressure her daily, turning her hair white with worry. We want to help, but the Zhao family is well-connected with the magistrate, wielding great power in Baijiang City. There’s little we can do…” She sighed again.
Hua Yan immediately understood.
Madam Xue patted her, “It’s enough that you know. Don’t worry about it; we’ll find a way eventually…”
Hua Yan suddenly asked, “Isn’t the Qingcheng Sect nearby?”
Madam Xue was taken aback, “How do you know about the Qingcheng Sect?”
Hua Yan was even more surprised, “You know the Qingcheng Sect—wait, do you know about Tingjian Manor?”
Madam Xue shook her head, “Qingcheng Mountain is not far from here, about ten miles outside the city. The Qingcheng Sect is at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain. We know about them, but they are all martial artists, and the authorities don’t interfere with them. They’re quite intimidating, so we avoid them.”
Hua Yan pondered, “…What if the Qingcheng Sect dealt with Master Zhao?”
Madam Xue was confused, “I’m not sure about that…”
Her second uncle reacted quickly, surprised, “Yan, do you know people from the Qingcheng Sect? Could it be…”
Hua Yan cleared her throat.
Unexpectedly, her second uncle turned his gaze to Lu Chengsha, “…Could it be that your family’s swords are sold to the Qingcheng Sect?”
Hua Yan: “…”
Lu Chengsha: “…” He felt slightly offended.
Hua Yan couldn’t hold back, “No, uncle. His family does more than just sell swords! Why don’t we have him demonstrate…” She gestured to Lu Chengsha.
Lu Chengsha thought for a moment, then without a word, went to the yard, found an iron shovel, and easily broke it with his internal strength, continuing until it was a lump of scrap metal.
The Zhou family members: “…!”
Her little cousin was astonished, “…Could Brother-in-law be a street performer!”
Her cousin sister added, “…Like those who break stones on their chest?”
Hua Yan was exasperated, “Of course not! Your brother-in-law is very powerful! He kills… kills very quickly…” She quickly added, “Not a butcher! Just much stronger than anyone in the Qingcheng Sect!”
Her second uncle finally snapped out of his shock, “…Is he really that powerful?” He couldn’t help but remember patting Lu Chengsha’s shoulder repeatedly with veiled threats, suddenly feeling nervous.
Hua Yan had no hesitation in praising Lu Chengsha, boasting about his skills at length. Lu Chengsha frequently glanced at her as she spoke, until she finally stopped, and then seemed to remember something, “Oh, actually, I’m also very skilled…”
Her big eyes looked around, “Why don’t I perform something too.”
Her little cousin, always cheeky, suggested, “…Breaking stones on your chest?”
Hua Yan angrily said, “Shut up!”
I’m backkk ✨💕 Finally caught up—just dropped the 13 missed chapters for you guys! (≧▽≦)ﾉﾞ