Alarm bells were ringing loudly in Su Qinghe’s mind.
Well… she quickly pulled her hand back and scooted further toward the edge of the bed. Husband, didn’t you always hate it when I acted like this before? You used to say I was unruly and lacked virtue or shame.
She lowered her eyes, putting on the look of a wronged, obedient young wife. I remembered every word you said. I’ve changed now. From now on, I’ll always behave properly and will never do anything to make you angry.
Looking at her expression, the irritation that had been building inside Xiao Hanyuan faded away inexplicably, replaced instead by a sense of stifled frustration he couldn’t quite name.
That was then, and this is now, Xiao Hanyuan said, pressing his lips together, sounding somewhat awkward and stiff.
The meaning behind those words was clear enough. One could even say it was a kind of hint.
Su Qinghe’s heart skipped a beat.
What did he mean by that? Could it be that this ice-cold man had finally been won over by her warmth and affection?
But that simply wouldn’t do!
Her plan was to run away eventually!
If she became truly involved with this dangerous man, how could she ever leave later? Even if she managed to escape, what if she ended up carrying his child? That would be like carrying a ticking time bomb with her everywhere she went.
That won’t work either! Su Qinghe grabbed the quilt and wrapped herself up tightly like a silkworm cocoon, then lay down with her back facing him.
We have to get up early tomorrow to set up the stall in town. Plus, I still need to prepare those pig intestines early in the morning. Let’s go to sleep now. I’m already exhausted.
With that, she reached out and blew out the oil lamp beside the bed.
The room was instantly plunged into total darkness.
Xiao Hanyuan sat in the dark, listening to the sound of somewhat ragged breathing coming from beside him. He ground his teeth together in frustration.
Braised pig intestines.
Was there nothing in this woman’s mind other than food and money?
He looked down at his still open robe and exposed chest, then over at Su Qinghe wrapped up like a tightly bound dumpling. A deep sense of defeat rose within him.
Had his charm faded that much recently?
Or had she truly lost all interest in him?
Xiao Hanyuan lay down, resting his hands behind his head. Staring up at the pitch-black ceiling, he found himself completely unable to fall asleep.
The woman beside him, however, drifted off quickly. Before long, the steady, rhythmic sound of her breathing filled the room.
Xiao Hanyuan turned onto his side. By the faint moonlight filtering in through the window, he gazed at her back.
He let out a soft sigh and closed his eyes, resigned to his fate.
…
The next day, before the sun had even risen, the Su family courtyard was already bustling with activity.
Su Qinghe had gotten up extremely early. She ground the soybeans that had been soaking overnight into a pulp and boiled a large pot of rich, fragrant soybean milk. She then brought out the pig intestines and scrubbed them repeatedly with flour and vinegar until not a trace of unpleasant odor remained.
Xiao Hanyuan was in charge of building the fire and moving heavy items.
He was dressed in a black short tunic today, with his sleeves tied tight at the wrists, giving him a sharp, capable look. However, his handsome face was set in a sour expression, and there were dark circles under his eyes.
It was obvious that his mood had suffered from last night’s unfulfilled desires.
Su Qinghe pretended not to notice as she hummed a little tune and bustled busily around the kitchen.
Husband, carry that stove over to the cart, Su Qinghe directed him. And bring that bucket of soybean milk too — be careful not to spill it.
Without saying a word, Xiao Hanyuan lifted the iron stove, which easily weighed over fifty kilograms, with just one hand and placed it effortlessly onto the wooden cart.
He moved with such ease and strength that Su Qinghe clicked her tongue in amazement.
With that kind of power, it was truly a waste that he wasn’t working as a laborer somewhere.
Once everything was packed and ready, the two of them pushed the cart and set off toward town.
Just as they passed the village entrance, they spotted a carriage parked by the side of the road.
Standing next to it was a man — Chief Constable Zhao, who just yesterday had been arrogant and untouchable.
At this moment, his arm was suspended in a sling. His face was plastered with a fawning smile, his cheeks scrunched up so much that his eyes were almost squeezed shut.
The moment he saw Xiao Hanyuan, Chief Constable Zhao’s legs turned to jelly, and he nearly fell to his knees right there.
Ah, Madam Su! he called out, bowing and scraping as he hurried over. You’re up so early — heading into town to set up your stall? His attitude was more obsequious than if he were meeting his own father.
Su Qinghe looked at him warily, stepping forward to shield Xiao Hanyuan behind her. Chief Constable Zhao, are you here to collect some kind of fee again? We haven’t even opened for business yet.
No, no, no! You’ve got it all wrong, Madam Su! Chief Constable Zhao shook his head so vigorously it looked like it might roll off his shoulders. I’m here to bring gifts! To apologize! I’ve come to beg your forgiveness!
As he spoke, he waved to the yamen servants behind him.
Two runners immediately hurried over, each carrying several silk-wrapped boxes.
Chief Constable Zhao personally opened them up.
Inside was an old wild ginseng root, tied with a red silk ribbon — clearly something that had been growing for many years.
Next was a pair of jade Ruyi scepters, deep green and of exceptional quality.
And finally, a full fifty taels of gleaming silver.
Su Qinghe’s eyes widened in shock.
Had this man lost his mind? Or had that snake bite last night damaged his brain?
Chief Constable Zhao… she began, completely confused by the situation.
Chief Constable Zhao didn’t dare even glance at Xiao Hanyuan. He kept his eyes fixed on Su Qinghe, smiling ingratiatingly. Yesterday, I was blind and foolish. I failed to recognize true nobility and ended up offending you both. These small gifts are hardly worthy, but please, Madam Su, do me the honor of accepting them. From now on, anywhere within this region, if you but speak a word, I, Zhao, will go through fire and boiling water for you. I shall never hesitate or shrink back!
With that, Chief Constable Zhao dropped heavily to his knees. His knees hit the hard-packed earth with a dull thud that sounded painful just to hear.
Su Qinghe was startled and instinctively took a step back.
This was the same man who usually strutted around town like a crab, arrogant and untouchable. How had he turned into such a spineless weakling overnight?
She saw that Chief Constable Zhao’s forehead was covered in cold sweat, streaming down his fleshy cheeks. He didn’t dare lift his eyes to look at Xiao Hanyuan even once. Trembling violently, he held the silk boxes up higher toward her.
This… this is everything I own… he stammered. I beg you… please, accept this humble offering…
Xiao Hanyuan looked down, his cold gaze sweeping over the arm hanging in its sling.
He didn’t speak. He simply stood there, his posture straight and tall as a pine tree, radiating an invisible, suffocating pressure that filled the entire area.
Chief Constable Zhao shook like a leaf in a gale, his teeth chattering audibly. My Lord… no, my Ancestor! Yesterday I was blind and witless. I was possessed by foolish courage and dared to offend one as great as you! You… you are magnanimous, please overlook my petty mistakes. Think of me as a fart — just let me go with the wind!
A flash of realization crossed Su Qinghe’s eyes.
Something wasn’t right here.
This went far beyond simple fear of being beaten again.
Although Xiao Hanyuan had shown his skill yesterday, he had only dislocated one arm. If that were the only issue, Chief Constable Zhao might avoid them in the future, but he would never be terrified to this extent.
Bringing gifts like a centuries-old ginseng and fifty taels of silver… the scale of this offering was almost as much as if he had surrendered all his family wealth.
Unless…
A sudden thought flashed through Su Qinghe’s mind, making her heart skip a beat.
Unless Chief Constable Zhao had discovered Xiao Hanyuan’s true identity!
The moment that thought occurred to her, cold sweat instantly broke out all over her back.
If this dangerous man realized his secret was out, given his current temperament, he would likely kill Chief Constable Zhao on the spot to eliminate any future trouble.
Killing a corrupt official might not be such a terrible thing, but doing it in broad daylight… once blood was spilled and the authorities began an investigation, the peaceful life they had built here would be over immediately.
And worse — what if Chief Constable Zhao, in his panic, shouted out the word Prince right in front of Xiao Hanyuan?
Then all the lies she had told — about being childhood sweethearts, about him being a famous actor from a troupe — everything would be exposed instantly.
At that point, she, the false wife who had been lying through her teeth this whole time, would probably end up dying a much more miserable death than Chief Constable Zhao!
No, she absolutely could not let them continue this conversation!
Su Qinghe’s eyes darted around quickly. A greedy smile immediately plastered itself across her face as she reached out and took the silk boxes from Zhao’s hands.
My goodness! Chief Constable Zhao, you are far too kind! she exclaimed loudly. Since these are gifts of apology, it would be rude of us to refuse!
She turned around and stuffed the heavy boxes and the silver straight into Xiao Hanyuan’s arms.
Husband, look! This old ginseng is a treasure! It’s perfect for nourishing your health and strength! And with this silver, we’ll have plenty of capital to open our own shop later!
Xiao Hanyuan frowned slightly. He looked at the pile of items in his arms, clearly reluctant to accept the dirty money from such a corrupt official.
Just take it! Su Qinghe winked frantically at him, pushing him by the back toward the house. It’s early morning and the dew is heavy. This ginseng is extremely valuable — it can’t stand moisture or dampness! Hurry and take it inside and put it away properly. We can’t let the sun ruin its medicinal properties!
Xiao Hanyuan stumbled forward a few steps as she pushed him, looking helpless.
Just leave them in the courtyard then, he said.
No, absolutely not! That’s fifty taels of silver! What if someone walking by takes advantage and steals it? Su Qinghe argued without letting him finish. Go inside quickly. And while you’re there, bring out the money chest. We need to lock this away securely so we can rest easy!
Xiao Hanyuan looked at her, completely captivated by her money-obsessed act. A faint look of helpless affection flickered deep in his eyes.
Fine, he agreed.
He didn’t argue any further. Holding the pile of boxes, he turned and walked into the house.
The moment Xiao Hanyuan’s figure disappeared behind the door curtain, the bright, happy smile vanished completely from Su Qinghe’s face.
She turned around and walked back to Chief Constable Zhao, who was still kneeling on the ground. In her almond-shaped eyes, there was no trace of the innocent, playful woman from moments ago — only sharp intelligence and cold severity.
Chief Constable Zhao, she said, lowering her voice. Stand up and speak.
How dared he stand? Chief Constable Zhao remained on his knees, pressing his forehead hard against the dirt. M… Madam Su… I truly know I was wrong…
What exactly do you know? Su Qinghe crouched down so her eyes were level with his.
Chief Constable Zhao’s body stiffened. He lifted his head slightly to glance at her, then quickly lowered it again.
That single glance was filled with pure terror.
Just as she suspected.
Su Qinghe now understood exactly where things stood.
You are a smart man, Chief Constable Zhao, she said slowly and calmly. Since you have guessed the truth, you must keep your mouth tightly shut. He does not wish for a fourth person to ever learn his identity.
Chief Constable Zhao was so frightened he began kowtowing repeatedly. I understand! I understand perfectly! I will take this secret to my grave! Even when I turn to ash, I swear not to utter a single word of it to anyone!
It’s just… Chief Constable Zhao stood up slowly. I am simply puzzled… why would His Highness be here in such a remote place…