Half a month later. That morning, as Teng Yu’yi slept soundly, she felt a tickling sensation on her face, light as willow catkins. It danced from her cheeks to her forehead, and when she impatiently turned over, the tickling followed to the nape of her neck.
“Lin Chengyou, you’re so annoying,” Teng Yu’yi mumbled. A laugh sounded behind her, and Lin Chengyou simply fished her out from under the quilt. “Have you seen what time it is? We agreed to go to the West Market today. If you sleep any longer, it’ll be dark.”
Teng Yu’yi still couldn’t open her eyes. “I’m tired… I practiced martial arts all day yesterday, my arms and legs feel like they’re about to fall off.”
Lin Chengyou’s heart ached for her. He tucked his wife back into the blankets. “We can go tomorrow if you’d like. After all, we don’t leave for Puyang until the day after.”
Teng Yu’yi hesitated. “Aren’t you supposed to hand over your cases to your colleagues at the Court of Judicature tomorrow?”
Seeing that she still wanted to go, Lin Chengyou considered for a moment. He took clothes from the rosewood rack by the bed and let his wife lean against his shoulder to continue dozing while he lifted her arm to haphazardly help her into her inner robe.
“You keep sleeping, I’ll trouble myself to dress you.”
Teng Yu’yi was extremely ticklish. After being bothered by Lin Chengyou for a while, she burst out laughing. “That’s not how you tie the middle skirt… you’ve tied that knot backwards. Hey hey, Lin Chengyou, I give up! I’m awake, I’ll do it myself.”
Lin Chengyou took the opportunity to pull her out of bed.
“Where are Father and Mother?” Teng Yu’yi asked with her eyes still closed.
“The palace is holding an archery ceremony. Father and Mother took your younger siblings to the palace early this morning.”
Teng Yu’yi opened her eyes to look. Lin Chengyou was already fully dressed in a round-collared robe of glaze green with linked pearl patterns. Golden threads were woven into the brocade, creating a shimmering effect even indoors, let alone in sunlight. Such a rich color would overwhelm even fair-skinned women, yet it suited Lin Chengyou perfectly.
Teng Yu’yi steadied herself at the bedside. “Wait for me, I’ll go wash up.”
Lin Chengyou stopped her. “I helped you dress, you should help me with my accessories too.”
He wore a jade crown on his head, but his waist still lacked ornaments. They smiled at each other as Teng Yu’yi took the jade pendant and golden fish pouch to fasten them one by one.
The elderly maids heard laughter from within and didn’t dare enter. Gradually noticing something amiss in the sounds from within, they tactfully retreated to the side chamber. About half an hour later, they finally heard Lin Chengyou call from inside: “My lady is awake, bring in the washing items and soup.”
The maids hurriedly complied.
They filed in one after another, looking up to see Lin Chengyou’s brocade robe all wrinkled – this was what the young master had just put on this morning, and such fabric shouldn’t wrinkle so easily…
The elderly maids didn’t dare look at the disheveled bed, they just silently took another new robe from the rosewood wardrobe and placed it on the table.
Lin Chengyou’s face turned red, but fortunately, Teng Yu’yi had already hidden in the washroom before the servants entered.
After washing up, Teng Yu’yi came out to see Lin Chengyou in a fresh white peony-patterned robe.
He was lounging on the couch, idly flipping through a book.
Teng Yu’yi sat at the mirror table while Lin Chengyou raised his eyes to watch her dress.
After arranging her hair, Teng Yu’yi wouldn’t let Chunrong and Biluo add any more accessories. She only took out a string of lustrous deep red rose cluster necklace from her jewelry box, making it put it around her neck.
Lin Chengyou tossed aside his book. “Let me.”
This Mohe treasure necklace was his sixteenth birthday gift to Teng Yu’yi. From selecting the materials to choosing the craftsman, he had put in countless efforts back then. He only regretted that she couldn’t remember him at the time due to the poison’s suppression – when giving the gift, he didn’t even dare let her see his name.
After fastening it, Lin Chengyou looked up to meet his wife’s clear eyes. The flower clusters against her slender white neck and glossy black hair created an incomparably elegant sight.
Leaving the room, Lin Chengyou held Teng Yu’yi’s hand as they walked along the corridor.
“Look at this sun, look at this weather. Shall we have lunch at Mingyue Tower today? I remember you like their wine and dishes.”
But Teng Yu’yi had a sudden idea: “Why don’t we go eat bianshi instead?”
Lin Chengyou glanced at her. “What’s so good about bianshi?”
“I’m not talking about the ordinary kind sold in shops. I mean the bianshi made by your Hu friend. That time when we were investigating at Caifeng Tower, you brought Juesheng Qizhi to buy some, and I happened to try it. I remember there were twenty or thirty different fillings in just one portion of bianshi.”
Speaking of this, Teng Yu’yi’s appetite was already whetted. She counted slowly on her fingers: “There were mushrooms, abalone, transparent rice cakes, and sticky sweet cream… I’ve never had such exquisite bianshi in my life. Afterward, I sent Butler Cheng to buy some, but your friend Hemo wouldn’t even open the door.”
Lin Chengyou listened carefully to her for a while, then smiled: “I’m impressed you remember so clearly. If you want to eat this, it’s easy enough. I’ll have Hemo make you eight or ten portions.”
They took a carriage to Pingkang Ward. After getting off, Lin Chengyou led Teng Yu’yi through several twists and turns until they arrived at an eatery.
There was only one waiter in the shop who, upon seeing Lin Chengyou, hurriedly invited the owner Hemo from the back.
Teng Yu’yi observed him. He was a Hu-Man in his early thirties with a rather peculiar appearance – a nose like a round garlic bulb but lips thin as paper, born with azure glass-like eyes and a light ochre beard. When he spoke, surprisingly, it was in perfect Luoxia accent. Although nowadays foreign Hu people take pride in learning Central Plains culture, those who could speak so authentically were truly rare.
Perhaps due to pride in his learning, this Hu man carried a somewhat arrogant air when dealing with people.
Lin Chengyou made introductions: “This is my wife, Lady Teng.”
Then to Teng Yu’yi: “Ayu, this is my friend Hemo.”
Hemo had already put away his proud expression and made a respectful clasped-hand bow to Teng Yu’yi.
Teng Yu’yi returned the greeting with equal solemnity.
After the exchanges of courtesy, Hemo pointed to the nearby Caifeng Tower: “Many have inquired about the price, but none have closed the deal. Merchants interested in buying are put off by the death that occurred there, while those who don’t mind such things think the asking price is too high.”
Lin Chengyou listened absently, then suddenly thought of something and turned to look at Teng Yu’yi.
Teng Yu’yi was also examining the vacant building.
The two immediately understood each other’s thoughts.
Soon after, the bianshi was served. The taste was truly exceptional – Teng Yu’yi ate two portions in one go. Very satisfied afterward, she said to Lin Chengyou: “Not just in Chang’an, you couldn’t find better bianshi than this in all the world.”
Lin Chengyou put down his wine cup: “If you like it so much, why not have Hemo make several portions for you to take home?”
Teng Yu’yi waved her hand: “Eating too much at once would spoil the novelty. Better to leave something to look forward to.”
The couple cleaned their hands and faces before leaving the shop, walking with tacit understanding toward Caifeng Tower.
Since the performers and courtesans had been dispersed, this place had been vacant for a long time. Only two constables guarded the entrance. Compared to the bustle of neighboring establishments, there was a strange desolate feeling before the tower.
Lin Chengyou stated their purpose, and the two constables rushed to unlock the door.
As the door opened, a faint musty air wafted out. Lin Chengyou held Teng Yu’yi’s hand as they entered.
Teng Yu’yi looked around. It had been over a year since she had to stay in this brothel to avoid the corpse’s evil.
Revisiting this place gave her a profound sense of how things had changed.
Lin Chengyou seemed touched as well. He walked a circle around the hall, then lifted his robe to crouch by a round table in the corner and look up – this was where he had found the poisoned needles that Peng Yugui had hidden underneath.
Then Teng Yu’yi said: “I want to buy this building.”
Lin Chengyou wasn’t surprised at all. He dusted off his hands and stood up: “Alright, whatever you want. I’ll have someone inquire about the price tomorrow. Though I wonder what you’ll do with it once you buy it – run it as a brothel?”
He looked his wife up and down after saying this: “That doesn’t seem quite suitable, Teng Yu’yi…”
Teng Yu’yi raised her eyebrows: “Who says I want to be a brothel madam? Can’t it be used for something else? In my opinion, this place would make an excellent spice shop.”
She gestured around them. “The upper floor can be private rooms for receiving distinguished guests, and the top floor can be storage. The layout is perfect as is, just needs some minor repairs. This area has never lacked officials and nobles, and there are many famous courtesans too. My shop can create custom fragrances according to each person’s preferences – we can charge premium prices for that. Also, this time don’t give me money – I want to buy this shop with my savings. I’ll be responsible for any profits or losses.”
Lin Chengyou listened to his wife’s methodical planning and grew serious, knowing she had likely already made up her mind. He smiled and said, “If you won’t let me contribute money, at least let me help with the work. You’ve always loved creating fragrances, so a spice shop would be easier for you to manage than other businesses. But we’re leaving for Puyang the day after tomorrow – even after buying it, you’ll need someone to help manage things–“
After a moment’s thought: “Leave this to me. I’ll find you some reliable managers and stewards.”
Teng Yu’yi nodded with a smile: “Then… alright. Oh yes, remember Juaner Li and Baozhu? Butler Cheng said they opened a Hu-style pastry shop nearby, but because they have no support, they often get bullied. I plan to find them and let them work in my shop. There are many courtesans in Pingkang Ward struggling to make a living – it wouldn’t be bad to only hire women in my shop.”
Lin Chengyou turned to look at her: “Not just Pingkang Ward – many women are struggling to make a living elsewhere in Chang’an too. If your spice shop does well, you could take in more unfortunate women. The ancients spoke of ‘providing grand houses for the world’s poor scholars’ – now we have Teng Yu’yi’s ‘providing shelter for the world’s widows and lonely women.’ Doesn’t that sound magnificent? Besides, it’s a virtuous deed.”
What started as Teng Yu’yi’s sudden inspiration had turned into Lin Chengyou thinking of ways to accumulate merit for her. Considering it carefully, this arrangement would indeed help those in need, so she said happily: “Let’s establish this spice shop in my mother’s name. Whether we earn much or little, we’ll use it to support these impoverished women. If any merit is accumulated, it should all go to my mother.”
As the couple discussed and wandered, they unconsciously reached the back courtyard. Passing by the abandoned small Buddhist shrine, they ducked in together. Spider webs covered the beams and dust covered the floor. Teng Yu’yi found the remnants of the evil spell Peng Yugui had cast, crouched down to show Lin Chengyou, and they both marveled again at what had happened.
Leaving the shrine, they looked up to see the locust tree in the garden.
Teng Yu’yi slowed her steps. That time, she had been forced to practice martial arts under the tree after drinking the Fire Jade Spirit Root Soup, while Lin Chengyou had lain in the tree laughing at her. Thinking of this, she turned to glance at Lin Chengyou. He had clearly remembered it too, and pulled his wife toward the exit: “There’s nothing worth seeing in this neglected garden. It’s getting late, we should go to the West Market.”
“Hey hey, wait.” Teng Yu’yi let go of him, turned back to the locust tree, and leaped up, floating lightly to the treetop.
Finding a sturdy branch to sit on, she smiled and beckoned to Lin Chengyou: “Come up here too.”
Lin Chengyou stood beneath the tree looking up. Teng Yu’yi sat on the branch swinging her legs. These days his wife had practiced diligently, her martial arts improving by leaps and bounds. Looking up through the branches, he could only see a corner of her silver-red silk dress. The spring breeze occasionally lifted her skirt, revealing the vermillion peony-embroidered shoes beneath.
Lin Chengyou felt something stir in his heart, an indescribable tickling sensation. He lifted his robe and gathered his qi to leap up, but halfway there, two hot gusts of wind suddenly assailed him from above. Lin Chengyou dodged sideways, recognizing them as the two large butterflies released from his wife’s agate incense ball. Knowing she was deliberately making mischief, he quickly flipped in mid-air, instead grabbing the tree trunk to dart behind.
Just as he was about to surprise Teng Yu’yi from behind, those two Shadow Jade Insect Wings unexpectedly shot out from an angle, once again blocking his advance.
Despite Lin Chengyou’s quick thinking, he couldn’t resist twice while airborne. He had to release the trunk and fall back toward the ground.
He heard his wife’s soft giggles from the tree.
Lin Chengyou steadied himself below, looking back up – who else but Teng Yu’yi would think to tease him this way?
“Deliberately making fun of me?”
Teng Yu’yi laughed: “I’m not stopping you – come up if you can.”
Lin Chengyou glanced to both sides, stepped onto the trunk, and shot straight up like an agile ape.
The Shadow Jade Insect Wings blocked him again, but this time Lin Chengyou neither dodged nor avoided them. Instead, he tossed up a handful of meat strips. Smelling the fragrance, the two-spirit insects indeed hesitated for a moment.
Teng Yu’yi knew this was bad and called out urgently: “Hey, don’t get distracted! He’s very crafty!”
But Lin Chengyou had already taken advantage of this moment to circle the trunk. By the time the Shadow Jade Insect Wings tried to pursue, it was too late.
Teng Yu’yi was dumbfounded as Lin Chengyou gracefully stepped onto the treetop and sat beside her, lifting his robe.
Teng Yu’yi had no choice but to recall the insect wings to her sachet, shaking her head and sighing at it: “Gluttons, gluttons. This is what happens when you don’t learn your lesson. He knows you’re most fond of Junnu’s snacks and deliberately used them to trick you.”
As she spoke, she glanced at Lin Chengyou and tried to jump down while he wasn’t paying attention.
Lin Chengyou was quick. He grabbed Teng Yu’yi back: “After teasing me, you’re trying to run?”
Teng Yu’yi fell sitting beside Lin Chengyou and laughed: “Yes, I teased you – what are you going to do about it?”
Lin Chengyou caught his wife’s wrist and pulled her in front of him, gazing at her unblinkingly.
Teng Yu’yi blinked. As Lin Chengyou’s face drew closer and closer, she simply closed her eyes and puckered her cherry-red lips, planning to push him away and run when he tried to kiss her.
But she miscalculated – Lin Chengyou made no further move for a long while. Teng Yu’yi opened her eyes to find him smiling as he watched her.
Having meant to tease him but ended up being teased instead, Teng Yu’yi felt both embarrassed and annoyed. She pushed him away angrily and made to jump down, but Lin Chengyou tightened his arms and lowered his head to kiss her.
Teng Yu’yi immediately bit him. Lin Chengyou let her. When she finally released, he asked softly: “Why are you angry?”
“Angry at you.”
Lin Chengyou laughed silently: “I haven’t gotten angry at you yet, but you’re already angry at me.”
“What do I have for you to be angry about?”
“Why were you born so beautiful? I can hardly take my eyes off you.”
Teng Yu’yi clicked her tongue: “You’ve offended me – those sweet words won’t work on me anymore.”
As she spoke, she took advantage of Lin Chengyou’s distraction to cup his face and bite him hard again. Lin Chengyou pressed his lips and teeth, biting her lips in return, though he couldn’t bring himself to be harsh – but the teasing intent was clear. Teng Yu’yi bit playfully, her heart as sweet as honey.
Their laughter seemed to reach each other’s hearts. The branches were full of spring vigor. Originally there had been several orioles hopping about in the treetop, but affected by this flowing passionate emotion, they all flew away with a flutter of wings.
After who knows how long, the two finally came down from the tree. Lin Chengyou looked back to see flower petals all over Teng Yu’yi’s hair. He held her shoulders and patiently helped her tidy up. After finishing one side, Teng Yu’yi rose on tiptoe to pick petals from Lin Chengyou’s hair. It took quite a while before they were all clean.
Teng Yu’yi looked up at the sky, her apricot eyes reproachful: “Look, just look how late it is! It’s all your fault – if we don’t hurry, the West Market will be closed.”
“Yes, yes, it’s all my fault–” Lin Chengyou drawled, “Shall we go then?”
Outside the door, Lin Chengyou smiled at the constables: “Please tell Director Liu that we’ll take the Caifeng Tower.”
After saying this, he led Teng Yu’yi to their carriage.
On the way, Teng Yu’yi fidgeted with the sachet at her waist, saying regretfully: “My two Shadow Jade Insect Wings have good magical power, they’re just too gluttonous. A bit of meat is enough to disturb their focus – who knows how they’ll fare when encountering evil spirits and demons in the future.”
“Why rush?” said Lin Chengyou, “For spirit insects like these, being fond of food is their nature. Soul Lock Beast was the same when it first came to me. You’ve only been training them for half a month – after more discipline, they’ll learn what’s important. With you as their master, they won’t go wrong.”
Teng Yu’yi felt somewhat reassured.
At the West Market, Teng Yu’yi was busy browsing the wine shops and fishing supply stores. Lin Chengyou reminded his wife: “No need to buy too much food and wine – Kuannu and the others have prepared plenty, and I’m sure Master Yuanjue and your father-in-law have prepared lots of dried food too.”
But Teng Yu’yi said: “We’ll be on the boat most of the journey – eating only dried food gets dreary. Better to catch some fish and grill them – guaranteed to be both delicious and entertaining.”
Lin Chengyou found this quite reasonable. He pointed to the red clay stoves and fishing equipment on the shelf and said to the shopkeeper: “We’ll take all of these.”
After buying the fishing gear, Teng Yu’yi declared grandly: “Once we’re on the boat, I’ll let you all taste my grilled fish skills.”
Lin Chengyou nodded with a smile: “Then I’ll help you – heating the wine and such.”
He then took Teng Yu’yi to another shop to buy bait. After buying various items, they happily went to buy wine.
Passing by a stationery shop, they heard someone call out: “Ayu.”
Teng Yu’yi turned to see Zheng Shuangyin, Deng Weili, and the others.
Author’s Note: The editor made me write this side story, wuwuwuwu. There’s one more side story coming. Notice: no thrilling or exciting segments, don’t buy if you don’t like it – it’s all about A’Da and A’Yu’s daily life, let me write to my heart’s content.
These days on Weibo people often ask if the end of the last Gong Yu – Chapter was “A’Da from the previous life holding A’Yu’s corpse” – it wasn’t. More content was added later. If you’re reading the official version, clear your cache and refresh the directory to see the bonus section. If you’re reading a pirated version, goodbye.
I saw the long reviews of the last chapter! When the physical books are released, I’ll send out signed copies in order. I’ve given away physical books through the Weibo lottery before, but unfortunately, one time the winner was someone who had never read the book – it was awkward for both parties when verifying the password. So I don’t want to do a lottery this time. Thinking about it, writing a long review probably means you like this story (I’m deeply honored), so this method is ideal. Long reviews of the side stories will also get books, just remember to give zero points if you write a long review.