<Upon learning that Jiang Li and Huo Jue would be staying for dinner at Zhu Fu Street, Yang Hui Niang decided to close the tavern early.
Just as she was about to ask Jiang Li what she wanted for dinner, she overheard a few young women whispering secrets in the kitchen. Being no stranger to such matters, Yang Hui Niang smiled knowingly and left to buy meat and fish from the market, planning to prepare a nourishing soup for the newlyweds.
Meanwhile, Jiang Li had been teased relentlessly by Zhang Yingying and Liu Yan in the kitchen, emerging with cheeks so flushed they could have dripped blood.
At dinner, her mother enthusiastically served both her and Huo Jue large bowls of the fortifying soup, claiming it would "replenish their energy," which only made Jiang Li even more self-conscious.
Stealing a glance at Huo Jue, she found him completely unperturbed, even thanking Yang Hui Niang with a faint smile and complimenting the soup.
Jiang Li: "..." So it was just her overthinking things.
Yang Hui Niang, pleased by Huo Jue's praise, piled more stir-fried lamb kidneys onto his plate.
As the saying goes, a mother-in-law grows fonder of her son-in-law with each passing day—and that was exactly how she felt now.
Her son-in-law wasn't just handsome and scholarly; most importantly, he treated A Li well. Few men would accompany their wives back to her family home on the very first day of marriage.
She had once opposed the match, but now she couldn’t help feeling grateful to the Zhang family. Otherwise, her stubbornness might have cost A Li this happiness.
With Huo Jue, A Li had no in-laws to contend with, only a refined and understanding elder sister. Such a family dynamic was nothing short of ideal.
Her only concern was Su Yao in the capital.
Su Yao had never gotten along with A Li, and now, as the daughter of a marquis, she wielded considerable influence. Even if Huo Jue became the top scholar in the imperial exams, offending the Marquis’s household was unthinkable.
With this in mind, Yang Hui Niang couldn't help but advise, "You’ll be leaving for the capital next month. Once there, you must remain composed and avoid unnecessary conflicts—especially you, A Li. The capital isn’t like Tong’an. Even a falling flowerpot might hit an official or two. You must tread carefully in everything."
Jiang Li, who hadn’t heard a word from Huo Jue about their impending move, was taken aback. "We’re going to the capital next month? Then... will you and A Ling stay in Tong’an?"
Seeing her daughter’s confusion, Yang Hui Niang chuckled. "Who said we’re staying? The Yang Family Tavern is our ancestral business. I’ll need to settle matters here before joining you in the capital."
During her visit to Ruyi Garden, Huo Jue had already discussed this with her. When he left for the capital to take the imperial exams, she and Jiang Ling would accompany them.
The capital boasted the Imperial Academy and Lushan Academy, both far superior to Zhengde Academy—ideal for Jiang Ling’s education.
Moreover, Huo Jue had no parents, and Madam Wei would return to the Duke’s residence upon their arrival, leaving no elders to oversee household affairs. If anything happened, there’d be no one to turn to.
Thus, after Huo Jue’s earnest request, Yang Hui Niang agreed after only a brief hesitation.
Her only reluctance was leaving behind the family business. But as the saying goes, "A tree may wither when transplanted, but a person thrives." If necessary, she could always bring the tavern to the capital—who knows, maybe all of Shengjing would fall in love with Yang Family’s wines!
At her mother’s words, Jiang Li’s budding melancholy dissipated. She glanced between Yang Hui Niah and Huo Jue. "Can’t we all leave together?"
Huo Jue set down his chopsticks and replied gently, "Of course we can."
But Yang Hui Niang immediately objected, shooting Jiang Li a reproachful look. "Nonsense! Of course not! The spring exams begin in early February. I won’t be ready to leave until December. The journey to the capital takes at least a month, and any delays could jeopardize the exams. Stick to the original plan—you two leave next month."
Her reasoning was sound, especially since it concerned Huo Jue’s exams. Jiang Li had no choice but to abandon the idea of traveling together.
---
By November, the temperature in Tong’an had plummeted. The city’s pear and apricot trees stood bare, their fallen leaves carpeting the ground in gold.
On the third day of the month, Jiang Li rose early, drowsily sitting before her bronze mirror as Tao Zhu and Tao Bi attended to her toilette.
These two maids had been assigned to her by Nanny Tong—Tao Zhu was steady and composed, while Tao Bi was lively and cheerful. Over time, Jiang Li had grown fond of them and come to rely on their service.
Pursing her freshly rouged lips, Jiang Li asked, "Where is the young master?"
Tao Zhu replied respectfully, "The young master left before dawn to inspect the carriages and horses."
Jiang Li hummed in acknowledgment and didn’t step out until after breakfast.
Today marked their departure for the capital, and the residents of Zhu Fu Street had gathered to bid Huo Jue farewell, wishing him success in the exams and a triumphant return.
By the time Jiang Li emerged, the street was packed.
Yang Hui Niang, Jiang Ling, Zhang Yingying, and Liu Yan were all there. At the sight of them, Jiang Li’s eyes welled up. This was her first time leaving Tong’an, her mother, and her brother, and the thought filled her with reluctance.
Yang Hui Niang, equally emotional, handed Jiang Li a package of candied fruits. "Snack on these during the journey. Don’t be sad—we’ll join you in the capital soon."
Jiang Li blinked back her tears and murmured a soft agreement.
After a prolonged farewell, the carriage finally began moving as the sun climbed higher.
Their entourage included several passenger carriages and a contingent of mounted guards from the Xue family—elite, towering men whose imposing presence drew stares from onlookers.
Jiang Li shared a carriage with Tao Zhu and Tao Bi. Once inside, her spirits dampened. Even Tao Bi’s jokes failed to lift her mood, and silence soon settled over the compartment.
Jiang Li closed her eyes, a hollow sense of uncertainty creeping in—like stepping onto a tightrope, suspended between the familiar and the unknown.
The feeling was sudden and, admittedly, a little melodramatic.
After moping for hours, she finally sniffled and lifted the carriage curtain, searching for Huo Jue.
He rode a chestnut stallion at the head of the procession. The moment she peered out, he turned, sensing her gaze.
Her eyes were red-rimmed, her expression damp and forlorn.
Huo Jue paused, then tugged the reins, steering his horse toward her window. "Would you like to ride for a while?"
Jiang Li glanced at his mount. "I don’t know how."
"That’s all right. We can share a horse."
The idea intrigued her. She’d never even touched a horse, let alone ridden one.
Huo Jue halted the carriage, opened the door, and lifted her onto the saddle.
The moment she settled in, she gripped the reins in white-knuckled terror, afraid she might topple off at any second.
Huo Jue mounted behind her and murmured, "Relax. I’ve got you. You won’t fall."
Only then did she ease slightly, leaning back against his chest, enveloped in his faint, woody scent.
Suddenly, her dangling feet found solid ground.
She turned to look at him, studying his face for a long moment before smiling. "Make the horse go."
Her voice was soft and sweet, laced with laughter and a hint of unspoken reliance—but the earlier despondency was gone.
Huo Jue glanced at the downy wisps of hair at her forehead, then flicked the reins. The horse broke into a gentle trot.
The afternoon sun was mild, the autumn breeze crisp and refreshing.
Fields and orchards stretched endlessly on either side of the road, with distant mountains rising in layered peaks.
Watching the pair ride ahead, Nanny Tong chuckled. "A Li is so easily cheered up. I doubt these two will ever quarrel."
Wei Huan fanned herself with a peony-painted silk fan, smiling without comment.
---
Jiang Li spent the entire afternoon on horseback. Huo Jue indulged her, but by the time they stopped at an inn for the night, she discovered the price of her enjoyment.
Tao Zhu, standing guard outside the privacy screen, heard several hisses from the bath and asked, "Madam, do you need assistance?"
Jiang Li, submerged in water, ignored the stinging pain on her inner thighs. "N-no, I’m fine. You may retire. You and Tao Bi must be exhausted."
Tao Zhu didn’t dare leave. She remained at her post.
About half an hour later, the sound of water sloshing signaled Jiang Li’s exit. She emerged in plain sleeping robes.
Spotting Tao Zhu, she raised an eyebrow. "Why are you still here? Where’s Tao Bi?"
At the mention of Tao Bi, Tao Zhu lowered her eyes, suppressing a flicker of irritation. "She went to fetch tea for you, Madam."
Jiang Li accepted the explanation without suspicion.
After tucking her in, Tao Zhu slipped out quietly—only to nearly collide with Tao Bi, who trailed behind Huo Jue with a teapot.
Tao Zhu masked her displeasure and bowed.
"Where is Madam?"
"She just retired," Tao Zhu replied, then added carefully, "She seems... unwell."
Huo Jue’s expression tightened. Without another word, he strode past them and into the room.
Tao Bi moved to follow, but the door slammed shut inches from her nose.
Flustered, she hesitated, unsure whether to stay or leave.
Tao Zhu scoffed under her breath, touching the teapot—stone-cold, as expected.
She shot Tao Bi a frosty glare and walked away without a word.
---
Inside, a single candle flickered weakly by the bed.
Behind the lilac bed curtains, a slender figure lay curled beneath the covers.
Huo Jue drew the curtains aside, letting in a sliver of light. Jiang Li turned to face him, her usually rosy lips pale.
"Where does it hurt?" he asked quietly, reaching to feel her forehead.
Jiang Li caught his hand. "I’m fine."
He held her gaze until, after a pause, she mumbled, "Just... some chafing on my legs. It’s nothing serious. It’ll heal in a couple of days."
Understanding dawned on his moon-pale face. He climbed onto the bed, pulled back the covers, and deftly removed her undergarments.
"Let me see."
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