After traveling the entire day, they finally reached Sucheng Post Station late at night. Under the dark sky, lanterns at the gate swayed in the wind, casting long shadows of the group.
Tonight, the heavens were without stars or moon, and the night wind carried a chill mixed with dampness.
Seeing the weather change, the Ministry of Revenue officials quickly ordered the grain carts to be tightly covered, lest rain spoil the supplies.
Inside the carriage, Yun Shuyue stirred awake, realizing she had fallen asleep against Jiang Chengyuan’s shoulder. Her head snapped upright, and all traces of drowsiness vanished.
Noticing she was awake, Jiang Chengyuan stepped down from the carriage. The Assistant Minister of Revenue, seeing the Prime Minister arrive late, said brightly: “My lord, everything has been arranged. Please take Madam inside to rest.”
Jiang Chengyuan replied calmly: “No hurry. The night is dark, and rain may fall. Make sure the grain carts are well covered. As for the guards, fifty men per watch, rotating every two hours.”
“Yes, my lord.”
The post station had already been notified of the Prime Minister’s arrival. The local officials responsible for reception had been waiting since early evening.
As Yun Shuyue stepped down from the carriage, two officials in court robes approached. Jiang Chengyuan, having finished his orders, walked to her side. The Sucheng prefect and the station manager bowed: “We greet the Prime Minister.”
Both had heard he had recently married. Seeing him stop beside Yun Shuyue, they exchanged knowing looks and greeted her as well: “This must be Madam. Our respects.”
Yun Shuyue returned the courtesy with a graceful bow.
Jiang Chengyuan asked: “Are there any other guests staying at the post station today?”
The prefect replied: “None. Since the relief funds are being escorted, the station issued orders yesterday to refuse all other lodgers.”
“Mm.” Jiang Chengyuan spoke as he strode toward the post station. The two officials followed closely at his sides, leaving Yun Shuyue trailing behind. After a few steps, Jiang Chengyuan suddenly stopped, startling the men beside him. They looked at him, puzzled.
Jiang Chengyuan turned back, walked to Yun Shuyue’s side, and extended his hand: “The light here is too dim. Be careful not to stumble.”
The two officials, quick to read the situation, discreetly stepped aside. They hadn’t expected the famously cold and decisive Prime Minister to show such tender attentiveness.
Yun Shuyue hadn’t imagined he would pause to wait for her. She hesitated at the sight of his long, elegant hand, then finally placed hers in his.
Jiang Chengyuan frowned—her hand was icy cold. He tightened his grip instinctively. The warmth of his palm spread through her, easing the chill. Hand in hand, she walked beside him into the post station, under the astonished gazes of the officials who had hurried to catch up.
Unable to resist whispering among themselves, they said: “On the wedding day, the Prime Minister refused to carry his bride into the residence. I thought he was displeased with her. But today, it seems their relationship is quite good.”
“The Prime Minister’s cold nature is only for outsiders. With such a beautiful wife at home, how could he remain unmoved?”
“Enough chatter—you don’t feel the cold? Let’s get inside. My hands froze just now helping cover the carts.”
All the while, Yun Shuyue’s mind was fixed on Great Pine Mountain, her expression intent, forgetting that her delicate hand was still clasped in Jiang Chengyuan’s. Distracted by her thoughts, she didn’t even hear the officials’ comments.
Jiang Chengyuan, however, was different. His sharp ears caught every word, clear and complete.
Following Jiang Chengyuan into the room, Yun Shuyue quietly removed her cloak and hung it on the rack. She then poured herself a cup of water at the table, holding it to warm her hands.
Ever since she had mentioned Great Pine Mountain, her expression had been the same—sometimes lost in thought, sometimes frowning slightly.
Before long, the inn servant brought dinner: four dishes and one soup, nothing fancy. After washing their hands, the two sat down to eat.
Yun Shuyue sighed unconsciously.
Jiang Chengyuan set down his chopsticks: “Madam has been troubled all day. Does Great Pine Mountain truly frighten you so much?”
Yun Shuyue, who had been biting her chopsticks absent‑mindedly, looked up at his words. Hearing him raise the subject again, she resolved to press her point: “My lord, I believe we mustn’t take Great Pine Mountain lightly. Even though we have strong soldiers, wouldn’t it be better to reach Rong County without losing a single man?”
Jiang Chengyuan’s gaze deepened as he studied her: “Madam is certain we will encounter bandits?”
Yun Shuyue faltered. Lying was the hardest thing in the world, yet she couldn’t reveal that she knew he would be injured there: “Not certain. I only think that taking risks isn’t wise. You bear heavy responsibility. Prudence is best.”
At that moment, Jiang Chengyuan found himself genuinely intrigued. This woman was full of unexpected surprises—so different from the timid, fragile image Chen Ping had described.
She was not weak or overly sentimental. Instead, she was calm, rational, and even offered her own perspective on the court’s relief mission.
The two sat quietly, studying each other. Yun Shuyue felt his gaze was different today—curious, probing. Thinking he suspected her, she explained: “This relief mission has already angered His Majesty. I only wish to prevent any mishap that might bring blame upon you.”
Jiang Chengyuan nodded: “I will consider Madam’s advice. Now, eat before the food grows cold.”
He finished first and stepped outside. Yun Shuyue finally exhaled in relief. Though uncertain what decision he would make, she trusted his cautious nature—he was not one to rely on luck.
For now, filling her stomach came first. On the road, she had eaten only a few pieces of Furong Pavilion’s sweet osmanthus rice cakes. Delicious as they were, they were better as snacks than as a proper meal.
Yun Shuyue had assumed Jiang Chengyuan had gone to another room to rest. After finishing her meal, she was about to call the inn servant to clear the table. But as soon as she opened the door, she saw Jiang Chengyuan standing there, holding a hand‑warmer.
Yun Shuyue braced herself against the doorframe: “My lord, do you still have business?”
Jiang Chengyuan: “…”
He quickly answered: “No. It’s time to rest.” With that, he stepped inside. Yun Shuyue hurriedly moved aside, flustered, to avoid colliding with him.
The inn servant cleared the dishes from the table. Yun Shuyue hesitated, then sat back down, watching Jiang Chengyuan undo the buttons of his outer robe.
Clearing her throat, she gathered her courage to ask: “My lord, will you be resting here tonight?”
“Where else?”
“Do you not need to discuss matters with the Ministry officials?”
“They are already asleep.”
“Since you’ll be resting here tonight, then I won’t disturb you.”
She moved toward the door—only to find it wouldn’t open. Looking up, she saw a long, broad hand pressed firmly against it. Turning back, she found herself face‑to‑face with his tall, imposing figure, trapped between his presence and the door.