Once inside the study, Jiang Chengyuan sat at the desk as usual. This time, without being prompted, Yun Shuyue chose a seat on the Eight Immortals chair by the wall. She knew today’s conversation might take a while.
As she hesitated over how to begin, Jiang Chengyuan spoke first: “Madam, you don’t wish to accompany me to Rong County?”
Yun Shuyue’s lashes trembled. So he had already seen through her. Still, what she thought in her heart could not be spoken too bluntly—otherwise she risked alienating him.
“It’s not that I don’t want to go. I just feel that since you’re traveling on official duty, if I follow, I might cause trouble for you…” She tried to phrase it gently, hoping to give him a graceful way to decline.
But she had miscalculated. Jiang Chengyuan, eyes still on the documents before him, replied evenly: “You needn’t worry. I won’t be the only official on this trip. Several from the Ministry of Revenue will accompany us. My role is simply to supervise their work.”
Yun Shuyue: “…”
She hesitated, unwilling to give up, and pressed further with reason and concern: “Even so, my lord, you hold the highest rank. To bring your wife along on such a mission might invite gossip.”
In the few short days since their marriage, Jiang Chengyuan had already felt pushed away several times. Suddenly, he lifted his gaze from the papers—his dark eyes, deep as a cold pool, locked onto hers. “Madam truly doesn’t wish to stay by my side?”
Yun Shuyue flustered: “Of course not! I only think that a man should put the nation above all. If personal feelings delay state affairs, His Majesty might blame you. I only worry I’d burden you.” Her eyes darted nervously, like a child caught sneaking sweets.
For a fleeting moment, Jiang Chengyuan almost wanted to laugh. “Since that’s the case, then it’s settled. Better this way, so Mother won’t fret over us appearing estranged.”
His words reassured Yun Shuyue somewhat. So he had only wanted her to come along to ease the old madam’s worries about their marriage. Yet the thought of Great Pine Mountain outside Rong County still filled her with dread.
She understood now—things had reached a point where, whether she wished it or not, she would have to go.
The disaster in Rong County had stirred His Majesty’s wrath, and so their departure was set for three days later. That morning, the Prime Minister’s carriage was already waiting at the gates.
Before they left, Gu Lanfang fussed over them with endless reminders: be cautious on the road, rest well, take care of each other. The departure was so rushed that she tried to prepare everything they might need along the way.
At the last moment, she took a large bundle from a maid and handed it to Yun Shuyue: “Inside are pastries from Furong Pavilion. I’ve also had fruit packed in the carriage. The weather isn’t too hot now, so it’ll last for three to five days. Save them for the journey.”
It was the first time her mother‑in‑law had spoken so much to her. Yun Shuyue accepted the bundle, touched: “Thank you, Mother.”
Gu Lanfang drew her aside, whispering: “Shuyue, for a woman, the most important thing is marrying a good husband. On this trip, you must take the chance to deepen your bond with Yuan’er. Don’t miss such an opportunity, do you understand?”
Yun Shuyue: “…”
Under her expectant gaze, Yun Shuyue could only nod.
Just then, Chun Liu stumbled out, clutching her stomach weakly, and rushed to Yun Shuyue’s side: “Miss, I want to go with you.”
Yun Shuyue frowned: “In your condition, will you be caring for me—or will I be caring for you?”
Chun Liu’s eyes brimmed with tears: “But you need someone to serve you! Why did I have to fall ill now of all times? You’ll be gone at least two months—how can you manage without me?”
Yun Shuyue leaned close and whispered: “Stay home and recover. In a few days, I’ll find an excuse to come back.”
Chun Liu’s dull eyes widened suddenly, then she quickly lowered her head. It seemed her mistress’s agreement to travel was only a temporary measure.
As soon as she boarded the carriage, Yun Shuyue noticed that the benches on either side had been removed. In their place were two large wooden chests, leaving only a single main seat inside—slightly larger than a single bed. The seat was layered with thick cushions, topped with soft fur, and even stocked with a quilt for warmth.
Yun Shuyue’s head throbbed. Her mother‑in‑law had gone to great lengths to ensure the couple’s closeness.
When Jiang Chengyuan entered, he saw her hesitating at the doorway. One glance inside told him everything. He stepped past her and sat at one side of the main seat.
Yun Shuyue exhaled in relief and sat beside him.
To reach Rong County from the capital, they had to leave through the eastern gate. At the city gate, officials from the Ministry of Revenue were already waiting. Naturally, Jiang Chengyuan had to give instructions, so Yun Shuyue followed him down from the carriage.
The officials were surprised to see the Prime Minister’s new wife, her beauty like that of a celestial being. After offering greetings, one joked:
“The Prime Minister is truly blessed to have married such a lovely lady!”
Jiang Chengyuan’s smile was faint, and he did not reply.
Awkward, the man turned to greet Yun Shuyue, who returned the courtesy with a graceful bow.
In the capital, Jiang Chengyuan was known for his cold reserve and serious nature. Since he gave no response to their teasing, the officials dropped the matter. He carefully outlined the risks and precautions for the journey, then they set off.
This mission was guarded by five hundred trained soldiers. Yet while disciplined, they were unfamiliar with the terrain around Rong County. The bandits of Great Pine Mountain numbered no more than three hundred, but their knowledge of the land had allowed them to seize nearly fifty thousand taels of silver in past raids.
Sitting side by side, Yun Shuyue glanced at Jiang Chengyuan, who had already closed his eyes to rest. Her brows furrowed as she pondered how to warn him about Great Pine Mountain. To reach Rong County safely, they would need to avoid it. But that was the shortest route—detouring would delay them by nearly two days.
Life and death were at stake. Yun Shuyue dared not take it lightly. She whispered, testing the waters: “Husband?”
Jiang Chengyuan opened his eyes: “Madam, please speak.”
Yun Shuyue considered her words carefully: “I once heard my brother say that near Rong County, bandits often appear around Great Pine Mountain. In recent years, they’ve robbed many merchants and common folk. Since you’re escorting disaster relief funds this time, word must have already spread. I fear the bandits may covet it.”
Jiang Chengyuan did not reply immediately. He pondered for a moment, then turned to study her, his dark eyes heavy: “Madam, what do you suggest?”
Under his gaze, Yun Shuyue felt guilty, feigning uncertainty: “This matter is grave. I dare not speak recklessly.”
Not speak recklessly…
Jiang Chengyuan suddenly felt the urge to tease her: “This mission is guarded by the capital’s strongest soldiers. Mere bandits—Madam need not fear.”
Mere bandit? He didn’t know—those very “mere bandits” had nearly cost him his life!
Yun Shuyue had hoped her warning would make him cautious. But seeing his calm, unmoved expression left her both anxious and helpless. Her hands dropped to her lap, fingers twisting restlessly.
Jiang Chengyuan noticed her unconscious gesture. Yet since she didn’t speak further, he chose silence as well—curious to see who would break first.