However, Mian Tang felt quite confident about the wine recipe.
That day, she had persistently asked Zhao Quan whether he had checked her husband’s pulse to understand the root of his illness.
Zhao Quan, a little annoyed, replied that since her husband always suffered from insomnia, it was likely due to a lack of energy and yang blood.
Mian Tang kept the divine doctor’s diagnosis firmly in mind. After consulting medical books, she spared no expense in preparing an entire vat of medicinal wine for her husband.
Today, the wine had just reached the right color, so Mian Tang filled a jug and brought it to her husband.
After handing the jug to her husband, Mian Tang happily went to a small tent nearby to change into a wrap for the hot spring bath.
Since it was an outdoor bath, not wearing clothes would be against the current customs of Dayan.
As a male servant, Mo Ru would have to leave when Liu Niangzi came out.
While Mian Tang was away, Mo Ru whispered, “My lord, I have tested the wine; it’s not poisonous. However, Liu Niangzi’s skill with recipes is inconsistent. If you ask me, you should avoid drinking it…”
Just as Mo Ru cautiously advised, Mian Tang popped her head out of the small tent, reminding her husband, “Dear! Let Mo Ru warm the wine for you. It needs to be warm to be effective!”
Cui Xingzhou smiled at her, nodded, and then waved Mo Ru away.
Mo Ru, always careful, would naturally test for poison. Since the wine was not poisonous, drinking it wouldn’t be harmful.
Moreover, Mian Tang had put in a lot of effort into preparing it. If he didn’t drink it, she would surely feel bad.
Although Mian Tang was unreliable, no one in the neighborhood had ever died from her concoctions. Cui Xingzhou decided to treat it as something to clear heat and dampness.
Seeing that the prince seemed inclined to drink, Mo Ru sighed and warmed the wine for him, watching with concern as the prince sipped the brown liquid.
After taking a few sips, Cui Xingzhou noticed that Mo Ru hadn’t left. Raising an eyebrow, he said, “Why are you still here?”
Mo Ru quickly exited the screen.
Meanwhile, Mian Tang was in the tent, changing into her bathing robe.
The robe was prepared by Mama Li, who said that noblewomen in the capital favored such tightly wrapped bathing robes for outdoor hot springs. Even when submerged, the skirt wouldn’t float up. The robe had a strapless design, revealing Mian Tang’s snow-white shoulders and slender arms.
Perhaps because she hadn’t practiced martial arts for a long time, her arms had become more graceful. Wearing the tight-fitting skirt immediately highlighted her curvaceous figure.
When Mian Tang came out of the small tent with her long, dark hair flowing, she looked like a flower fairy, exuding an unconscious charm beneath her pure appearance.
She usually walked without much care, but now, restricted by the narrow skirt, she could only take small steps. Her waist naturally swayed, showing a girlish charm.
Cui Xingzhou, bathing after her, was sitting on a mat in a wide robe, drinking wine. As he turned his head, he saw a beautiful woman with a peach blossom complexion walking gracefully through the green forest, brushing aside the branches. Cui Xingzhou’s breath caught.
He thought he had grown accustomed to Liu Mian Tang’s beauty, but she always managed to surprise him with different kinds of charm, making him feel he couldn’t get enough…
Mian Tang, holding the narrow hem of her skirt, walked towards the water pool. As she neared the pool, her bare foot slipped on the wet surface, almost falling.
Cui Xingzhou immediately got up and strode over to support her arm, helping her slowly step into the pool.
Her delicate wrist was so soft that letting go felt reluctant…
Once she was seated, Mian Tang looked up at her husband and said, “You go enjoy the wine. I’ll join you in a bit!”
Cui Xingzhou looked down at her face, hidden in the rising steam, and thought the soldiers of the Northwest were truly lazy and indulgent.
Without proper supervision, they had just piled up this small pool. If it were larger, he could have soaked it with Mian Tang…
But Mian Tang was unaware of her husband’s dissatisfaction.
Mama Li had thoughtfully prepared a basket of dried flower petals and a box of her homemade moisturizing sheep oil balm for Mian Tang.
Earlier, Fang Xie had sprinkled some petals into the pool and applied the balm to Mian Tang’s face, letting the steam do the rest.
Now, Mian Tang rested her head on a soft towel, leaning against the pool wall, surrounded by the fragrance of flowers, feeling her soul nourished.
Though Mama Li had a stern face, her attention to fine details in self-care was impeccable.
From using specific tea to rinse after eating fish to different fruit juices after eating garlic, everything had its unique method.
Even the daily routines and rules were so meticulous they could be annoying.
Initially, Mama Li only fussed over the two young maids, not bothering Mian Tang much.
But lately, the old lady seemed displeased with everyone in the household, subtly reminding Mian Tang to mind her manners and diet.
Whenever this happened, Fang Xie and Bi Cao would look at their mistress with sympathy.
When Mian Tang grew tired of the nagging, she subtly reminded Mama Li that no matter how well she taught her, she was already married. Learning all these rules wouldn’t change her fate of not marrying into a noble family, so Mama Li should save her efforts.
Mama Li apologized, saying she had overstepped.
But Mian Tang could sense that Mama Li still harbored grand ambitions, often sighing at her breaches of etiquette.
To be fair, some of Mama Li’s attentiveness was genuinely pleasant.
For instance, the fragrant petal bath was truly delightful. As Mian Tang carefully sat in the pool, she felt the warm water soothing her.
She couldn’t help but lie comfortably on the edge of the pool, watching her husband eating and drinking in the nearby tent. Occasionally, he would look up, his deep gaze meeting hers.
At this moment, Ninth Master Cui, with his long hair loose, exuded a masculine charm. The muscles faintly visible under his wide robe collar added to his appeal…
Meeting her husband’s deep gaze, Mian Tang smiled sweetly.
After soaking enough, Fang Xie and Bi Cao wrapped her in a large towel and helped her back to the tent to change into a loose white robe. Feeling a bit thirsty from the hot bath, Mian Tang decided to join her husband on the mat.
When Mian Tang sat down, she noticed her husband had already drunk more than half of the medicinal wine she had brought.
Feeling greatly satisfied, the female doctor asked her husband how he felt after drinking it. Cui Xingzhou, lying on a soft cushion with his eyes half-closed, responded only when Mian Tang nudged him, “It’s a bit bitter…”
Mian Tang took a sip from the jug and tasted it, saying, “It is a bit bitter. Should we add some rock sugar next time?”
Cui Xingzhou remained silent, eyes closed, seemingly tired from the wine.
Assuming he was sleepy, Mian Tang went ahead and ate the boiled spring eggs. Paired with salty food, the wine tasted better. Remembering the precious ingredients she used, Mian Tang didn’t waste any and finished the remaining wine.
After eating, perhaps due to the hot spring, Mian Tang felt a bit warm.
She drowsily leaned against Cui Xingzhou.
The warmth of her husband’s body and his sandalwood scent made Mian Tang more restless.
She wrapped her arms around Cui Jiu’s neck and softly called, “Husband…”
The lazy call, accompanied by a fragrance, reached Cui Xingzhou’s ears.
He suddenly opened his eyes, and Mian Tang, half-dazed, saw that her husband’s eyes were bloodshot!
Mian Tang leaned closer, her freshly washed face glowing, tempting one to taste its smoothness. Her long, dark hair cascaded down, brushing against Cui Jiu’s pillow, further teasing his face. “Husband, you…”
She intended to ask if he was feeling unwell, but before she could finish, Cui Xingzhou suddenly extended his long arms and pulled her into his embrace.
Mian Tang felt her husband’s throat tremble slightly, his hands burning hot.
Then, he abruptly stood up, carrying Liu Mian Tang towards the small tent…
Bi Cao, thinking her mistress was unwell, hurried to follow and assist, but before she could get close, she heard Ninth Master Cui’s slightly hoarse command, “No one comes in! Stay away!”
Bi Cao was stunned, but Fang Xie, quick-witted, pulled her away from the tent.
After a while, faint sounds came from the tent, making Bi Cao’s face flush. She quickly led Fang Xie further away, out of the screened-off area around the pool.
Once outside, Bi Cao’s sharp eyes noticed the servant Mo Ru standing close to the screen, ear pressed against it, looking as if someone had slept with his wife.
Bi Cao rudely pinched his ear and whispered, “The master and mistress are resting. What are you eavesdropping for?”
Mo Ru, annoyed, flicked her hand away forcefully and huffed, “You know nothing!”
For other libertine young masters, such wild baths and daytime frolicking with concubines in the wilderness were normal!
But this was his master—the unshakeable Prince of Huaiyang!
Was his master that kind of person? Everyone knew the Prince of Huaiyang had a steadfast demeanor and wasn’t one to indulge in women! Mo Ru, deeply shocked, concluded that the female thief must have done something to ensnare his master!
He wanted to
Rescue the prince to prevent any rash decisions. But he had heard the prince’s order to Bi Cao.
As a servant, how could he brazenly disrupt his master’s pleasure?
For a while, Mo Ru felt like an ant on a hot pan, pacing outside the screen.
Unfortunately, the tent was far from the screen, and after the initial screams from Liu Niangzi, the rest of the sounds were intermittent.
Adding to his distress, the two maids, convinced Mo Ru had some unsavory hobby, shooed him away like a bothersome chicken.
Half an hour later, Mo Ru couldn’t hold back any longer.
He rushed into the screen, intending to check on the prince. If the prince was indeed under a spell, he would do his duty to rescue him!
Calling out if the prince needed water, Mo Ru’s earnest concern only received a swift and clear command from his master: “Get out!”
The lazy yet deeply annoyed tone left Mo Ru no choice but to retreat, much to the amusement of the two maids.
The King of Huaiyang indeed had been duped, and he was certain it was due to the wine.
When he was young and studying, he had once enjoyed socializing with his classmates. At those gatherings, the accompanying dancers and singers often used stimulants in the wine to enhance the atmosphere.
Those young gentlemen were aware of it, but they half-heartedly played along, using the opportunity to indulge. At first, Cui Xingzhou was unaware and once mistakenly drank it, clearly remembering the rush of blood it caused.
However, he was not one to indulge. He was stricter than a monk in certain aspects, maintaining self-discipline rigorously. At that time, amidst the wild revelry of the banquet, he was the only one sober and unmoved, even pushing away the advances of the women with disdain.
His steadfastness earned the admiration of his peers, earning him the nickname “Sai Xia Hui.” After that, people consciously avoided involving him in such entertainment.
After all, no one enjoyed being watched with clear, judgmental eyes, like livestock being scrutinized, while they let loose.
This wasn’t because Cui Xingzhou intentionally upheld a gentlemanly demeanor but because he believed that if he couldn’t control his desires, how was he different from insects and beasts?
Cui Xingzhou had a strong need for control. He would not allow his desires to be manipulated by others, let alone by lowly women like dancers and singers.
But today, it seemed the good name of “Sai Xia Hui” could no longer be maintained.
Halfway through the drinking, Cui Xingzhou noticed something unusual about the wine. Honestly, compared to what he had previously drunk, the potency of this wine was negligible.
He thought a brief rest would suffice.
Yet, from the nearby pool, the sound of splashing water kept drawing his gaze. Every time he looked over, she was there, smiling innocently at him.
Later, she emerged from the bath, intoxicatingly fragrant, and sat softly beside him. Her wide robe and dark hair, along with her delicate face that resembled a peeled egg, made her look enchanting.
As she leaned against him, he suddenly felt the potency of the drug surge through him like a tidal wave, overwhelming his rationality, and every part of his body screamed to take her into the tent.
Especially when she leaned in close, her breath fragrant, looking at him with those eyes, Cui Xingzhou’s rationality completely vanished. He only thought of taking her into the tent and having his way with her.
And so he did. An hour later, his rationality slowly returned.
The woman in his arms had fallen asleep.
She was exhausted, clinging to his neck and sleeping soundly. Beads of sweat still adorned her forehead, and her eyes were red as if she had been greatly wronged.
Cui Xingzhou kissed the corner of her mouth gently, content and lazy like a well-fed lion, basking in his pride and satisfaction.
She was even sweeter than he had imagined, but Cui Xingzhou had never expected their first time to occur in such a wild and remote place.
For the strictly self-disciplined King of Huaiyang, this was a major deviation from the norm.
He carefully untangled her wrist, preparing to get up for a drink of water. However, as he stood up, he inadvertently stepped on Mian Tang’s white robe.
The robe, which had been under them during their passionate moments, now had tiny spots of blood, stark and striking like plum blossoms in the snow.
Cui Xingzhou paused, bending down slowly to pick up the robe. He confirmed it was indeed Mian Tang’s blood.
But how could this be?
Cui Xingzhou’s eyes widened in disbelief as he turned to look at the still-sleeping Mian Tang. Her eyes were still red, reminding him of how she had cried and repeatedly said it hurt…
As Lu Wen’s wife and concubine, how could she still be a virgin? Could it be that Lu Wen was impotent and could only feign intimacy?
Although he couldn’t figure it out immediately, a surge of indescribable joy filled Cui Xingzhou’s heart. His Mian Tang had never been touched by another man; he was her first!
In stark contrast to Cui Xingzhou’s ecstasy, Mian Tang felt as if she had been run over by a wild horse and cart.
She had heard that she was injured by a speeding carriage, but after waking up, she lost her memory and forgot everything. Now, this all-encompassing ache felt very much like that accident.
When she woke from her nap, she found herself in her husband’s arms.
He had been watching her, so when her long eyelashes fluttered, he immediately brought a cup of warm water to her lips.
“Husband, you… you…”
Mian Tang had hoped to have a child with her husband but never imagined it would happen in the wilderness. The intimacy exceeded her expectations, and recalling her loss of composure, she felt a bit resentful but too shy to express it.
Cui Xingzhou said calmly, “I was abrupt with you, but the wine you prepared… had quite an effect…”
Liu Mian Tang blinked, struggling to sit up and covering herself with a small quilt, asking anxiously, “Was there a problem with the wine I prepared?”
When Cui Xingzhou asked about the ingredients in the wine, she honestly listed them all.
Cui Xingzhou then openly told her that the ingredients were potent aphrodisiacs used in brothels for pleasure. Giving him such a concoction recklessly could be fatal.
Hearing this, Mian Tang, forgetting her shame and anger, said with reddened eyes, “Husband, I didn’t mean to harm you. The medical book said so, and it didn’t mention it could be deadly!”
Cui Xingzhou didn’t respond, just patted her back in comfort. He couldn’t openly say that over-supplementing a man could potentially harm a woman.
So, the two of them soaked in the hot spring again, without even calling for the maidservants, with Cui Xingzhou personally attending to Mian Tang.
After such indulgence, Mian Tang found it difficult to mount a horse, her legs trembling as she walked.
Therefore, she rode back in a carriage, nestled beside her husband.
Looking up at her husband, she saw him smiling down at her. For some reason, Mian Tang felt his smile was more genuine than usual.
No wonder the older women in the northern streets always advised her that a man needed regular attention, or even the best of marriages would grow cold and distant!
Mian Tang didn’t remember how she had been intimate with her husband before. But now, warming the cold porridge of marriage from time to time felt quite addicting!
…
Cui Xingzhou had no idea that Liu Xiaoniang’s heart was brewing a pot of passionate porridge.
He just held Mian Tang tightly in his arms, thinking that there was no rush to return to the Golden Armor Pass tonight. They could stay a few more days in Wuning Pass…
Spring was coming to the northwest, with flowers budding and ready to bloom in the cold wind!
However, in the south, Huizhou was soaked in continuous rain.
The changes in the northwest iron mines had started with Yun Niang’s eagerness to please her adoptive father.
Yun Niang unintentionally revealed the secret that Mount Yang in the northwest had iron mines to the King of Sui.
What she said without intent, he heard with purpose.
Upon learning from his adopted daughter Yun Niang that the barbarian tribe was in turmoil and now led by A Gu Shan, the King of Sui’s heart was moved.
The barbarians had iron mines but couldn’t leave their land, lacking the techniques and equipment to smelt the ore. They could only sigh at their treasures. However, the King of Sui had the craftsmen and equipment needed for smelting, though the limited iron mines in the Great Yan were controlled by the royal court, leaving him empty-handed.
This turmoil presented an opportunity. He sent a few eloquent and capable men, disguised, into the barbarian lands.
These men, skilled and resourceful, spent a month familiarizing themselves with the barbarians’ situation. They spent a great deal of money, made many connections, and finally met the new barbarian leader, A Gu Shan.
Unlike the old chief, A Gu Shan had long harbored ambitions for expansion.
The King of Sui’s initiative to discuss cooperation delighted A Gu Shan. The old merchants who worked with the previous chief were not loyal to him, so there was no need to keep them.
Collaborating with the King of Sui would be profitable and provide insight into the Great Yan, essentially having an insider.
Thus, the two sides struck a deal. A Gu Shan ordered the massacre of the previous merchants to make way for the King of Sui’s people.
Thanks to the groundwork laid by the previous merchants, the King of Sui’s men found everything well-arranged, requiring little effort on their part. The King of Sui savored this newly acquired profitable venture.
The business was thriving and highly lucrative. The King of Sui was proud of his foresight, but suddenly received reports that the merchants sent to purchase ore from the barbarians had gone missing. By now, they should have returned, but there was no sign of them.
Furious, the King of Sui suspected the merchants had absconded with the funds. He harshly reprimanded his subordinates in charge and ordered a search along their route while detaining the merchants’ families.
However, officials reported that none of the families were at home; only the household staff and stewards were present. Upon questioning, they learned that the families had suddenly gone on trips and had not returned.
This did not surprise the King of Sui, as those merchants would not leave their families behind if
They planned to flee. He still flew into a rage.
Soon after, spies reported that the merchants’ families had been spotted in Zhenzhou. Following them, they discovered the families were under the protection of Zhenzhou’s soldiers.
The profitable venture that the King of Sui had just started to enjoy had been snatched away by the King of Huaiyang.