Chapter Twenty-four: Thank You

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By evening, the rain had ceased.

Yang Yaozong felt it inappropriate to return to the Nangong Residence wearing the new clothes Yin Rushin had bought him. Ruyi had already washed and ironed his old garments. After changing, he folded the new clothes and handed them back to Yin Rushin. Now that their relationship was settled, she accepted the clothes from him without reservation. Yet, recalling that his long robe still had the bellyband he’d left inside, her cheeks flushed faintly.

Yin Rushin left Ruyi in the back courtyard, accompanying Yang Yaozong to the small courtyard’s gate. She handed him the umbrella she’d been holding, her beautiful eyes filled with shy anticipation as she softly asked, “After your audience with His Majesty tomorrow, will you be able to come by again?” She truly did not wish to part with him.

Yang Yaozong took the umbrella, smiling, “I can’t say for sure. If the Emperor truly needs me or gives me some task, I might not have the chance to come. And…it wouldn’t be right to have Xiaohua deliver messages for us.” Although their feelings were now clear, he was, after all, a live-in son-in-law. It wouldn’t do for the servants of the Nangong Residence to run messages for Yin Rushin on his behalf. So he looked at her, somewhat awkward.

Yin Rushin nodded, her cheeks red. “I understand... If I’m free tomorrow, I’ll wait for you at the entrance to the street by the Nangong Residence. If I’m busy, I’ll send Ruyi to wait for you there. As long as I see you or hear from you, I’ll be at ease. In the future, I’ll have Ruyi pass by the street entrance around mid-morning every day. If you have anything to tell me or want to come to the courtyard, you can meet her there, and she’ll bring your message to me. And if you want to come but I’m occupied, I’ll have Ruyi let you know.”

Yang Yaozong gazed tenderly at this clever, thoughtful beauty before him. “Won’t that be too much trouble for Ruyi, running back and forth every day?”

Yin Rushin brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, smiling softly. “It will be a bit, but the two residences are close. If they were farther apart, such arrangements would be impossible. I already treat her as a sister and feel bad about troubling her so much. I’ll find ways to make it up to her. I’ll have her buy fruits, pastries, and vegetables at the shops near the Nangong Residence's entrance, so it won’t attract suspicion. But if something urgent comes up and you can’t reach me or Ruyi…” Her brows knit in concern. Suddenly, her eyes brightened, and she smiled radiantly. “If that’s the case, you’ll just have to trouble yourself—or send someone to Drunken Red Dust and ask for Madam Wu. Just leave your message or letter with her.” She knew Yang Yaozong had never visited pleasure houses or brothels. So this suggestion was half in jest, watching for his reaction.

Yang Yaozong saw her mischievous expression, raised his brows, and chuckled. “Looks like I’ll have to frequent the places where scholars and literati gather, make some new acquaintances, and perhaps enhance my reputation with a few cultured pursuits.”

Yin Rushin knew the “cultured pursuits” he referred to meant drinking and composing poetry with courtesans. Seeing his mischievous smile, she bit her lip in mock anger. “You’re only allowed to go to Drunken Red Dust!” She huffed again, annoyed but secretly delighted that her teasing had been turned back on her.

Yang Yaozong found her mock sulking charming and teased, “Alright, if I go, it’ll be to Drunken Red Dust.” He laughed heartily.

Yin Rushin realized he’d seen through her little ploy. She shot him a glare, then let out a soft, delighted laugh.

Yang Yaozong glanced at the darkening sky, his tone gentle. “I should be going.”

Yin Rushin gazed at him with longing and nodded, but then recalled how he’d been chased earlier that afternoon. Her brows furrowed, and after a moment’s thought, she said, “Wait a bit. I’ll have Ruyi fetch a sedan to escort you back.”

Yang Yaozong was surprised. “No need. It’s close—I can walk back myself.”

Yin Rushin’s worry deepened. “When you came earlier, the Prince of Qin’s second son chased you. I know his temperament—if he sets his sights on someone, he’ll do anything to get them. I’m afraid he might still be lurking near the alley, waiting for you to emerge. As long as you safely reach the Nangong Residence, he’ll find out who you are—Nangong Qingyi’s husband—and restrain himself. At least he won’t dare pursue you further.” She preferred to call him Nangong Qingyi’s husband rather than admit he was a live-in son-in-law.

Yang Yaozong was taken aback. He didn’t know much about the Prince of Qin’s second son, but he could guess his character from the way he’d pursued him that afternoon. He hesitated, then agreed. “Alright, I’ll do as you say.” Truthfully, he was a bit afraid of another entanglement.

Yin Rushin smiled. “Rest in the pavilion for a while—I’ll go find Ruyi.”

She first went to her embroidery tower in the back courtyard. In the small parlor, she called softly, “Sister.”

Yin Ruyun appeared from a side door, her expression complicated. She’d overheard everything that had happened between her sister and Yang Yaozong that afternoon and now knew his identity.

Yin Rushin, too, realized her sister must know everything. Though they were close, she still felt shy discussing her relationship with Yang Yaozong in front of her. Now, needing her help for something personal, she forced herself to appear calm, cheeks tinted red. “Sister, could you do me a favor? Please check if the Prince of Qin’s second son or any of his men are lurking between here and the Nangong Residence, especially near Black Clothes Alley. I don’t want others to know about me and Yang Yaozong yet, or for what we’re doing to implicate him.” Although Yang Yaozong had guessed at her actions earlier, he didn’t know the details, and she still wished to protect him from danger.

Yin Ruyun gazed at her sister—not as a saint or valley mistress, but as her own kin. Hearing their conversation and witnessing Yang Yaozong’s knowledge and wit, she was impressed by his intellect and moved by his willingness to act for the sake of his people and for her sister. But she still doubted his capabilities; he was, after all, a live-in son-in-law. How could he possibly offer her sister a happy future? She wanted to persuade Yin Rushin, but saw that her sister was already hopelessly in love. For the first time, her sister was asking for help to protect a man. Still, she had to speak her mind. “Have you thought this through? You and Yang Yaozong may have no future together.” She spoke as a concerned elder sister.

Yin Rushin had long since made up her mind. No matter what, she would devote herself to Yang Yaozong without regret. Her expression was resolute and content, remembering the tenderness in his eyes. She smiled sweetly at her sister, not hiding her love.

Yin Ruyun, seeing that expression, had her answer. Though she acknowledged his talents, she still wondered what it was about Yang Yaozong that inspired such unwavering love. Yet, seeing Yin Rushin’s determination, she said no more, turning swiftly and vanishing from sight.

Yin Rushin then found Ruyi, who was busy preparing dinner, and explained her plan. The two returned to the front courtyard. Ruyi went to arrange for a sedan, while Yin Rushin walked to where Yang Yaozong was sitting on a bamboo couch. Remembering how she’d been reclining there earlier when he leapt over the wall and startled her, she blushed deeply. Yang Yaozong, seeing her flushed face, also recalled the scene and smiled gently, patting the seat beside him.

Yin Rushin nodded and sat quietly at his side, not daring to meet his gaze.

Finding her shyness endearing, Yang Yaozong said softly, “You play the zither beautifully, don’t you? Will you play and sing for me sometime?”

As one of the four leading courtesans, Yin Rushin was a master of the arts and agreed readily. “Certainly. What would you like to hear?”

Since coming to this era, Yang Yaozong had heard some melodies, but none had truly captivated him. So he replied, “I’m not sure what I like—but whatever you play, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.” The words were sweet nothings, the kind shared by lovers.

Yin Rushin smiled, biting her lip. “You’re so good at coaxing people with words.”

The courtyard was quiet. Yin Rushin leaned gently against Yang Yaozong’s shoulder, her head resting there, hands fiddling with a handkerchief, gazing ahead. After a moment, she asked softly, “You heard my conversation with the Prince of Qin’s second son this afternoon, didn’t you?” It was a question she already knew the answer to, but she wanted to know his thoughts on what had transpired between them. She didn’t want him to feel suspicious, even if she couldn’t explain everything.

Yang Yaozong was surprised she brought this up. He glanced at her head on his shoulder, then looked away at the scenery. “Mm,” he murmured. He realized why she asked, and felt a sweet warmth in his heart—she cared so much about his opinion.

Yin Rushin continued, “Aren’t you curious why I dare speak to the Prince of Qin’s second son like that? Or why he seems to respect me? Or what my relationship is with the ‘elder brother’ he mentioned?” Her questions tumbled out anxiously. If he said he was curious, she wasn’t sure how to answer.

Yang Yaozong had already guessed her worries. He spoke gently, “I am curious.”

Hearing this, Yin Rushin stiffened, then slowly sat upright, biting her lip as she considered how to explain.

Yang Yaozong leaned back comfortably, folding his hands behind his head, and regarded her with a gentle smile. “I think your dealings with the Prince of Qin’s second son and his brother must be related to what you’re working on. I may be curious, but even if I asked, you might not be able to tell me. Right now, I don’t have the power to help you. Why should I press you and add to your troubles? I know you care about me and don’t want me to misunderstand or feel distant from you. That makes me happy. I’m curious, but I’ll rely on myself to unravel the mysteries—or wait until you’re ready to tell me. I know you’re worried about involving me, afraid I’ll be in danger—you made that clear when you wanted to send a sedan for me. So I won’t demand answers. Since I love you, I trust you. You won’t deceive me. So don’t fret about it; just trust me as I trust you. But I do worry about you, and don’t want you distracted and at risk by worrying for me. As for me—well, I admit, I’m a bit jealous. How will you comfort me?” His last words were playful, sweet as only lovers’ words can be.

Hearing his gentle words, Yin Rushin’s anxious eyes grew soft with surprise and gratitude. Her love for him deepened, filling her heart to the brim. Her eyes glimmered with emotion as she replied with a coquettish smile, “However you wish me to comfort you, I will.” As a passionate woman of the Miao people, she showed her affection without reserve.

Yang Yaozong could not help but blush and laugh bashfully.

Yin Rushin, seeing his shy delight, giggled. In a gentle whisper, she called him “coward!” Then she nestled her head against his shoulder once more and, from the depths of her heart, softly said, “Thank you.”

Those three words held multitudes: thanks for his care, his understanding, his respect, his trust, his protection, and for the concern he showed her people.

Yang Yaozong understood, responding quietly. In his heart, he, too, said, “Thank you.” He was grateful for her care, her concern, her affection, and her love. It was she who made him feel, in this world, that he was no longer alone.