Chapter 50: Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" (Are You the One)

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 Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 Chapter 50: 

 

However, Mian Tang was quite confident in the recipe for this wine.

That day, she had pressed Zhao Quan, asking if he had ever taken her husband's pulse and determined the source of his ailment. Zhao Quan, in his usual grumpy manner, said that since Cui Xingzhou was always suffering from insomnia, it was likely due to depleted energy and a deficiency in yang blood.

Mian Tang kept the doctor's diagnosis in mind. After researching medical texts, she spared no effort in using good medicinal ingredients to brew an entire vat of medicinal wine for her husband. Today, it had finally reached the right color, and she filled a jug to bring it to him.

After handing the wine to her husband, Mian Tang happily went to a small tent nearby to change into her bathing wrap in preparation for soaking in the hot spring. Since it was an outdoor bath, going in completely uncovered wouldn’t align with the customs of the Yan Dynasty.

As a male attendant, Mo Ru would have to step outside the screen when Miss Liu emerged.

While Mian Tang was away, Mo Ru whispered, “Your Highness, I checked the wine earlier. There’s no poison, but Miss Liu's skill with formulas can be hit or miss. In my humble opinion, it might be best if you didn’t drink it…”

Just as Mo Ru was cautiously advising, Mian Tang stuck her head out of the small tent, reminding him anxiously, “Husband! Have Mo Ru warm the wine for you. It needs to be taken warm to be effective!”

Cui Xingzhou smiled at her, nodded, and then waved for Mo Ru to leave the area. 

Mo Ru was always cautious, and it was normal for him to check for poison. Since the wine wasn’t harmful, Cui Xingzhou thought it wouldn’t hurt to drink it.

After all, Mian Tang had gone to great lengths to prepare this for him. If he refused to drink it, she would surely feel disappointed.

Mian Tang might be unreliable at times, but as far as he knew, no one in the neighborhood had ever died from her cooking or concoctions. So, Cui Xingzhou decided to treat it as something to clear heat and calm his nerves.

Seeing that the prince seemed inclined to drink, Mo Ru sighed, then carefully warmed the wine. With a worried expression, he watched as the prince sipped the dark liquid, one mouthful at a time.

After taking two sips, Cui Xingzhou noticed that Mo Ru was still lingering and raised an eyebrow, saying, "Aren't you going to leave?"

Mo Ru quickly retreated outside the screen.

Meanwhile, Mian Tang was inside the tent, changing into her bathing robe.

This robe had been prepared by Li Mama. It was said that in the capital, noblewomen were all the rage for wearing such robes with a cinched hem when bathing outdoors. Even when immersed in water, the hem wouldn't float. The robe had a strapless design, and on Mian Tang's body, it revealed her fair shoulders and slender arms.

Perhaps because she hadn’t practiced martial arts in a long time, her arms had become even more delicate. Wearing this form-fitting robe immediately accentuated her curvaceous figure.

When Mian Tang emerged from the small tent, her long, jet-black hair cascading down, she looked like a spirit born from the flowers, exuding an innocent charm that carried an unknowing allure. 

Normally, she walked without much regard for grace, but now, constrained by the narrow skirt, she could only take small steps. The natural sway of her waist as she moved brought out the delicate femininity of a young maiden.

Cui Xingzhou, having finished his bath, was sitting cross-legged on the mat, dressed in a loose robe and sipping his wine. When he turned his head, he saw a beautiful woman with peach-blossom cheeks, emerging from the green forest, gently brushing aside the branches as she walked gracefully towards him. He couldn't help but hold his breath.

He had thought he was already accustomed to Mian Tang’s beauty, but this woman always managed to surprise him with a different kind of allure, leaving him with a sense that he could never tire of looking at her…

Mian Tang lifted the hem of her narrow skirt as she approached the water's edge, but just as she got close, her bare foot slipped on the wet surface, nearly causing her to fall.

Cui Xingzhou swiftly rose and strode over, grabbing her arm to steady her and helping her carefully step down into the pool.

Her slender wrist felt so soft that even as he let go, he found it difficult to part from her touch…

Once settled in the water, Mian Tang tilted her head up and said to her husband, "Go on and drink your wine. I'll soak for a bit and then join you."

Cui Xingzhou gazed down at her lotus-pink cheeks, partially obscured by the rising steam, and couldn't help but think that the soldiers in the northwest must be lazy fools. Had they worked just a little harder in constructing this pool, perhaps made it larger, then he could have joined her in the bath...

But Mian Tang had no idea what was brewing in her husband's mind.

Li Mama thoughtfully prepared a basket of dried flower petals and a box of her own blend of sheep oil moisturizer for Mian Tang. 

Earlier, Fang Xie had sprinkled some of the flower petals into the pool and applied the moisturizer to Mian Tang's face, allowing the steam to help with the treatment.

Now, Mian Tang, resting her head on a soft towel and leaning against the pool wall, felt the fragrance of the flowers envelop her, truly a cleansing and nourishing experience for her soul!

Despite Li Mama's stern appearance, she was meticulous about these kinds of beauty treatments, with a set of methods for every occasion. Whether it was rinsing with a special tea after eating fish or using a particular sour fruit juice after garlic, she had a specific approach for everything.

As for other daily routines, her attention to detail could be quite tedious.

Initially, Li Mama focused her efforts on the two young maidservants, not bothering Mian Tang much. However, recently, Li Mama had begun to display signs of dissatisfaction with everyone in the household and started subtly reminding Mian Tang to pay attention to etiquette and dietary details.

Whenever this happened, Fang Xie and Bi Cao, the two maidservants, looked at their mistress with sympathy.

When Mian Tang became frustrated with the constant oversight, she subtly reminded Li Mama that despite her efforts to teach her, she was already married and did not have the fortune to marry into a high-ranking family. She asked Li Mama to take a break from such efforts, as they might be in vain.

Li Mama, upon hearing this, apologized to Mian Tang, saying that she had overstepped her bounds.

However, Mian Tang could sense that Li Mama still harbored high ambitions and would sigh whenever she noticed any lapses in etiquette.

Yet, to be fair, Li Mama's attention to detail sometimes made things genuinely pleasant. For instance, the floral-scented water for the hot spring bath was incredibly fragrant. As Mian Tang carefully settled into the pool, the rising steam and warm water provided immense comfort.

Feeling thoroughly relaxed, she leaned against the edge of the pool and gazed towards the small tent where her husband was enjoying his meal and wine. Occasionally, he would lift his head and cast a deep, contemplative look in her direction.

At this moment, Master Cui, with his long hair loosely draped, exhibited no feminine traits. The muscles glimpsed beneath his wide robe spoke of a strong, masculine presence.

Returning his gaze with a sweet smile, Mian Tang felt a sense of contentment.

Once she had enjoyed the hot spring bath enough, Fang Xie and Bi Cao spread out a large cloth to wrap her up. After changing into a loose white robe in the small tent, Mian Tang felt a bit thirsty from the warm bath and decided to join her husband at the table for a drink.

When Mian Tang sat down at the table, she realized that her husband had already drunk more than half of the medicinal wine she had prepared.

Feeling a great sense of satisfaction, she asked her husband how he felt after drinking it. Cui Xingzhou, lying on a soft cushion with his eyes closed as if asleep, only responded when Mian Tang nudged him, saying, “It’s a bit bitter…”

Mian Tang took the remaining half of the wine and tasted it herself, noting, “It is indeed a bit bitter. Should we add some rock sugar next time?”

Cui Xingzhou remained silent, keeping his eyes closed in apparent pretense of sleep, though his brows were slightly furrowed, indicating he might be struggling with the bitterness.

Assuming he was tired, Mian Tang proceeded to enjoy the previously prepared hot spring eggs. Paired with savory dishes, the bitterness of the wine was more tolerable. Remembering the precious ingredients she had used, Mian Tang couldn’t bear to waste any of it and drank the last bit of wine herself.

After finishing her meal, Mian Tang felt a bit warm, perhaps due to the hot spring water.

She drowsily leaned against Cui Xingzhou’s side.

The warmth emanating from him and his unique sandalwood-like scent only made Mian Tang feel more restless.

So, she wrapped her arms around Cui Xingzhou's neck and softly called out, “Husband…”

Her languid voice, mixed with a hint of fragrance, drifted into Cui Xingzhou’s ear.

He suddenly opened his eyes, and Mian Tang, half-drunken, noticed that Cui Xingzhou’s eyes were strangely bloodshot.

Startled, Mian Tang leaned closer, noticing his pale, glowing face, which seemed to draw her in with its smoothness. His long black hair spilled over his pillow, brushing his face and adding to the allure. “Husband, you…”

She intended to ask if he was unwell, but before she could finish, Cui Xingzhou abruptly extended his long arm and pulled her into his embrace.

Mian Tang could feel his throat trembling slightly and his hands were burning hot.

Then, without warning, he stood up, carrying Mian Tang towards the small tent.

Bi Cao, thinking Mian Tang might be unwell, hurried to follow. However, before she could get close, Cui Xingzhou’s voice, rough and urgent, commanded, “Stay away! Don’t come near!”

Bi Cao, still in a daze, was quickly pulled away by Fang Xie, who led her further from the small tent.

After a while, when faint sounds emerged from the tent, Bi Cao came to her senses, her face flushed red. She moved even farther away, beyond the barrier surrounding the pool.

However, as they left the barrier, Bi Cao noticed that the servant, Mo Ru, was pressed up against the silk screen, straining to listen, his expression one of shocked disbelief as if someone had violated his wife.

Without hesitation, Bi Cao pinched his ear and whispered, "What are you doing eavesdropping while the master and mistress are resting?"

Mo Ru angrily swatted her hand away and grumbled, "You don't understand a thing!"

If it were any other wayward young lord, such wild bathing and frolic in the wilderness with concubines would be entirely normal!

But this was his master—the steadfast and unyielding Prince Huaiyang!

His master was not that kind of person. Everyone knew that Prince Huaiyang had the demeanor of someone who remained unmoved and was not given to indulgence in women. Mo Ru, in his extreme shock, concluded that the woman must have done something to ensnare his master!

Mo Ru was determined to rescue his master, fearing that Prince Huaiyang might make a grave mistake in a moment of impulse. However, he had overheard Prince Huaiyang's roar directed at Bi Cao and knew better than to disrupt his master's private moments.

As a servant, it was not his place to interfere with his master's affairs. Torn between his duty and his anxiety, Mo Ru paced restlessly outside the barrier.

The tent was quite far from the barrier, and aside from a few initial cries from Liu Mian Tang, the rest of the time was marked by intermittent sounds.

The two maids, suspecting that Mo Ru had some inappropriate interest, had tried to chase him away like a hen protecting her chicks.

But after half an hour, Mo Ru could no longer bear it. Unable to contain his concern, he rushed into the barrier, intent on checking on the situation outside the small tent. If his master was truly in trouble, he felt it was his duty to intervene and help.

As Mo Ru walked and called out, offering water to Prince Huaiyang, his loyal attempts were met with a firm and irritable command to "Get out!" The prince's voice, though lazy, was filled with unmistakable impatience, leaving Mo Ru to retreat, disheartened and mocked by the two idle maids.

It was clear to Mo Ru that something was seriously amiss with the prince, and he was certain that the cause lay with the wine. In his younger years, when he had mingled with his peers, he had encountered similar situations where performers would use certain stimulants in their drinks to enhance the mood.

Although such practices were common among young lords who engaged in playful revelry, Mo Ru recognized the signs of such an effect, recalling his own experiences with the overwhelming and tumultuous sensations it caused.

But he was not a man of indulgence; in fact, he was known for his strict self-discipline, even more rigorous than a monk's in certain aspects. During his younger years, while others at the banquets indulged in excess, he remained steadfast and resolute, pushing away the advances of courtesans with a clear and unyielding demeanor.

His ability to maintain such composure earned him great respect from his peers, who even nicknamed him "The Sage of Humility." As a result, whenever such revelry occurred, everyone was conscious to avoid him, as his unwavering gaze, akin to watching livestock outside a pen, made their indulgence uncomfortable.

This was not a matter of him deliberately adhering to the principles of a gentleman, but rather his belief that losing control over one’s own desires made one no different from animals. He prided himself on his strong need for control, unwilling to let his desires be manipulated by others, especially not by the likes of dancers and entertainers.

Yet today, the reputation of "The Sage of Humility" seemed impossible to uphold.

When he was halfway through the drink, Cui Xingzhou started to sense something was off with the liquor. However, to be honest, the potency and medicinal effects of this drink were not as severe as those he had encountered before.

He thought a brief rest would help him recover.

Yet, the constant splashing sounds from the nearby pool kept drawing his attention. Every time he glanced over, he saw her with an innocent, sweet smile directed at him.

Later, as the beauty emerged from the bath, the fragrance she carried was intoxicating. She settled next to him in her soft, flowing robe, her black hair cascading around her. Her delicate face looked as smooth and fresh as a peeled egg.

As she pressed close to him, Cui Xingzhou suddenly felt the effects of the medicine surge through him like a tidal wave, overwhelming his senses and drowning out all rational thought. Every part of him screamed to take her into the tent.

Especially when she leaned in, her breath warm and fragrant as she looked at him, all his reason was swept away. He could only think of taking her into the tent and indulging in his desires.

In the end, that’s exactly what he did. It wasn't until an hour later that his reason gradually returned.

The delicate woman in his arms was already asleep.

At this moment, she was exhausted, clutching his neck as she fell into a deep sleep. Sweat still clung to her forehead, and her eyes remained red, as if she had endured endless sorrow.

Cui Xingzhou, feeling a lingering satisfaction, gently kissed her lips. His expression was one of satiated contentment, akin to a lion that had just eaten, exuding an air of unending pride and laziness.

She was even sweeter than he had imagined. However, Cui Xingzhou never expected their first encounter would happen in such a remote, wild place.

For the highly disciplined Cui Xingzhou, this was indeed a major deviation from his usual self-control.

He carefully untangled her from his embrace and tried to get up to get some water. However, as he stood up, he accidentally stepped on the white robe that had been laid beneath them during their passionate encounter.

Now, the once pristine white robe was marred by small, spreading stains of blood, resembling plum blossoms in the snow. The sight was shocking.

Cui Xingzhou froze, slowly bending down to pick up the robe. He was certain that these were indeed the drops of blood from Mian Tang.

But... how could this be?

Cui Xingzhou, unable to believe what he was seeing, stared in shock at Mian Tang, who was still asleep with red-rimmed eyes that recalled her previous intense crying and complaints of pain.

She was Lu Wen's wife, so why was she still a maiden? Could it be that Lu Wen was physically incapable and only pretended to be a man?

Despite the confusion, a wave of indescribable joy washed over Cui Xingzhou. His Mian Tang had not been touched by any other man; he was her first.

However, this overwhelming elation contrasted sharply with Mian Tang’s own feelings. She felt as though she had been run over by a frenzied horse-drawn carriage again.

Having heard that her previous injury was caused by being hit by a speeding carriage, she felt that this aching, powerless sensation in her limbs was not much different.

When she awoke from a brief nap, she found herself lying in her husband’s embrace.

As Mian Tang's long lashes fluttered, Cui Xingzhou, who had been watching her intently, brought over some warm water and gently held it to her lips to help soothe her throat.

“Husband, you... you shouldn’t have...” Mian Tang said, her voice faltering with a mixture of embarrassment and concern.

Although she had hoped to have children with her husband, she had never imagined it would happen in the wilderness. The intimacy they shared exceeded her expectations, and reflecting on her earlier lack of control made her feel a bit of blame towards her husband, though she found herself too shy to voice it.

Cui Xingzhou replied calmly, “I was abrupt with you, but the wine you prepared... it was quite potent.”

Mian Tang blinked in surprise, struggling to sit up and cover herself with a small blanket. “Was there something wrong with the wine I made?”

When Cui Xingzhou asked her about the ingredients in the wine, she honestly explained everything she had used.

Cui Xingzhou then bluntly informed her that the tonic and invigorating ingredients she had used were quite powerful, more suited to those seeking pleasure in brothels rather than for a more refined setting. 

He pointed out that such an unrefined concoction could have serious consequences if not handled properly.

When Mian Tang heard Cui Xingzhou's words, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and concern. “Husband, I didn't mean to harm you. It was just that the medical books said to use these ingredients, and they didn’t mention any danger of death!”

Cui Xingzhou didn’t respond directly but gently patted her back in comfort. He couldn’t bring himself to explain that overindulgence in such tonics could also be harmful to women.

The couple once again enjoyed the hot spring, but this time they didn’t call the servants. Cui Xingzhou attended to Mian Tang personally.

However, the previous indulgence had left Mian Tang feeling weak and unsteady. Her legs trembled as she moved, so on the way back, she sat in the carriage leaning against her husband.

Looking up at him, she noticed that Cui Xingzhou’s smile seemed more genuine than usual. It made her recall the advice from the old women on North Street who had warned her to keep her husband satisfied, lest their relationship grow cold and stale.

Liu Mian Tang couldn't remember how she used to be affectionate with her husband before. However, occasionally warming up the cold porridge of their marriage is actually quite something to look forward to and become addicted to!

-----

Cui Xingzhou had no idea that Liu Mian Tang was simmering a pot of passionate and enthusiastic porridge in her heart.

He only held Liu Mian Tang tightly in his arms, pondering that there was no need to rush back to Jin Jia Pass at night; instead, he could stay a bit longer at Wuning Pass...

Spring was just about to arrive in the northwest, with the cold wind and budding spring flowers, ready to burst forth!

Unfortunately, in Huizhou, Jiangnan, it was continuously rainy.

In fact, the changes in the iron mines of the northwest actually began with the eager-to-please Yunniang and her God-Father.

Yangshan had mines in the northwest, which was originally a private secret. Unfortunately, Yun'niang inadvertently revealed this to Prince Sui.

The speaker had no intention, but the listener had a motive.

Prince Sui, having learned from his adopted daughter Yun'niang about the internal strife among the barbarian tribes and the rise of A'Gushan to power, couldn’t help but be intrigued.

Although the barbarian tribes had iron mines, they could not produce iron outside their own land. They lacked both the smelting skills and equipment, only able to admire their treasure in vain. Given his own status, having access to smelting craftsmen and equipment was not an issue, but the limited iron mines in Great Yan were all controlled by the royal court. As a prince, he had no way to obtain them.

This internal strife presented an opportunity. He sent several capable and eloquent subordinates disguised as ordinary people into the barbarian tribes.

These individuals, skilled in their own right, spent a month among the barbarians, becoming familiar with their situation. They spent considerable money and effort, making numerous connections with A'Gushan’s trusted aides and overcoming many obstacles and expenses before finally meeting the new barbarian leader, A'Gushan.

Unlike the old leader, A'Gushan had long harbored ambitions for expansion.

Now, with a prince from Great Yan taking the initiative to negotiate, he was overjoyed. The traders who had previously cooperated with the old chieftain were not loyal to him and were thus dispensable.

By cooperating with Prince Sui, A'Gushan could profit and also use the Prince’s connections to gain insight into the situation in Great Yan, effectively having an insider.

Thus, they colluded and made an agreement. A'Gushan ordered the extermination of the original merchants at the iron mines to clear the way for the Prince’s people to be installed.

Thanks to the groundwork laid by the previous traders sent by Yangshan, everything was already arranged, so no further effort was needed. Prince Sui enjoyed the fruits of this acquisition with ease.

The business was proceeding smoothly and profitably, and the Prince was pleased with his keen judgment. However, he suddenly received a report that the merchants sent to the barbarian tribes to procure the iron ore had gone missing. According to the schedule, they should have returned by now, but there was no sign of them.

Prince Sui was furious, believing that the merchants had abandoned their duty for personal gain and fled with the payment. He severely reprimanded his subordinates responsible for the matter and ordered an investigation along the merchants' route. At the same time, he sent people to capture the families of these merchants.

Soon, officials reported that no family members had been captured. The stewards and servants of the merchants' households were present, but the masters were missing. The stewards were questioned, and it was discovered that in all four cases, the wives had suddenly taken their families on a trip a few days ago and had not returned since.

Prince Sui was not surprised. Since the merchants had planned their escape, they would naturally not leave their families behind. Nevertheless, he was still very angry.

After a while, spies searching for the merchants’ whereabouts reported that traces of the fleeing merchants' families had been found in Zhenzhou. Following them, they discovered that these families were under the protection of local officials and soldiers in Zhenzhou.

Clearly, the juicy prize that Prince Sui hadn’t had a chance to taste had been snatched away by Prince Huaiyang.

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