Chapter Ninety-Three: Warmth and Happiness

Zhan Yan’s face flushed a deep red the moment she heard him. Good heavens, how had she not realized that her husband was actually a wolf—a vividly colored wolf at that? She jabbed him sharply in the eye and scolded, “Zhongli Yu, can’t you be serious for once? It’s broad daylight, and you’re dragging me into such nonsense—and saying such shameless things!” In truth, Zhan Yan was quite conservative; openly discussing such matters made her feel deeply embarrassed.

Zhongli Yu feigned grievance and said, “Yan’er, I’m serious about everything I say. There’s nothing improper—please believe me.”

Zhan Yan was momentarily at a loss for words, then weakly replied, “Zhongli Yu, be mindful of prenatal education.”

Raising an eyebrow, Zhongli Yu glanced at her and asked, “Prenatal education? Do you really think he can understand?”

Quickly, Zhan Yan insisted, “Of course he can! Soon enough, he’ll be moving around inside the belly.”

“Really? Let me hear.” Zhongli Yu pressed his ear against her small abdomen and listened for a long while, but there was no movement.

Seeing his silly expression, Zhan Yan couldn’t help but laugh softly, her heart warming. She gently steadied his head and explained, “Fool, it’s only been a little over three months. He won’t be moving that soon. At least another month must pass before you can feel the baby’s movements. But now you can start communicating with him. While he’s still in the womb, if you speak to him often, he’ll remember your voice after he’s born.” She shared the knowledge she had from her past life.

Zhongli Yu looked up, visibly delighted. “Is what you say true, Yan’er?”

Zhan Yan nodded.

He leaned in again and softly said, “Baby, I’m your daddy. You’re in mommy’s belly—be good and don’t trouble her, okay? When you come out, daddy will love you very much.”

At that moment, Zhan Yan felt nothing but happiness. She stroked his head gently and said, “Husband, the grapes in Wuyou Valley are ripe. Let’s go pick some.”

Pulling away from her belly, Zhongli Yu said affectionately, “Yan’er wants grapes already? I remember how much you love them.”

“Mm-hmm, I’m craving them. And I want to visit Wuyou Valley—it’s been so long since I last went.” Since marrying Zhongli Yu, so many things had happened that she hadn’t had the chance to return.

“All right, I’ll take you there now. But first, let’s have lunch. I don’t want you to get hungry.”

“Good, we’ll eat first and then go.”

They had a simple lunch together. Qing Xian had already harnessed the carriage and waited outside. Seeing Zhongli Yu and Zhan Yan approach, he immediately bowed respectfully.

Because Zhan Yan was pregnant, Qing Xian drove carefully, not daring to take any risks. He hadn’t forgotten the last time the young master had the carriage carried by others; now he was alone and had to be extra cautious. If the carriage jolted and made her uncomfortable, the consequences could be severe. The slow ride took nearly an hour before they reached the outskirts of Wuyou Valley. The entrance was hidden and difficult to find for outsiders. Zhongli Yu helped Zhan Yan down from the carriage, then sent Qing Xian back while he personally led her into the valley.

The people of Wuyou Valley hadn’t seen Zhan Yan for a long time. Upon her return, they were overjoyed and greeted her with deep respect.

An old man approached, his smile broadening as he saw Zhan Yan and Zhongli Yu. “Young Master Youran, Valley Mistress, you’ve come! Just a few days ago, we were talking about how the grapes were ripe but wondering why the Mistress hadn’t come to pick them yet. I remember you come every year to make your grape wine.”

The people of Wuyou Valley only knew Zhongli Yu as Feng Youran and were unaware of his other identity. Since this was a secluded paradise with little contact with the outside world, they knew nothing of external affairs.

Zhan Yan smiled warmly. “Yan Bo, thank you for remembering me. See, I’ve come. How’s this year’s grape harvest?”

Yan Bo chuckled. “Valley Mistress, how could we not remember you? Without you, we wouldn’t have such a wonderful life today. Rest assured, this year’s grape harvest is excellent—better than previous years. You should go pick some fresh ones to taste.”

Zhan Yan nodded happily. “Good, I’ll go right away. You take care of your work, Yan Bo.”

“Of course.”

Within Wuyou Valley, the air was filled with birdsong and the scent of flowers, vibrant with the energy of spring—a truly serene and blissful place. Looking around, Zhan Yan felt completely at ease. Zhongli Yu also thought this was indeed a paradise; if he could set aside all worldly entanglements and live here in seclusion with Yan’er, it would be splendid. He kept this thought quietly to himself.

The valley residents greeted Zhan Yan warmly, their lives evidently peaceful and content—men tilling the fields, women weaving cloth, rising with the sun and resting with its setting, free of strife and war. Everything was tranquil and beautiful.

They strolled leisurely to the vineyard, where clusters of plump, purple grapes hung heavily on the trellises, ripe and tempting.

The grape pickers welcomed them cheerfully. “Valley Mistress, Young Master Youran, you’ve come!”

Zhan Yan smiled brightly. “Yes, I missed you all and thought I’d come by to pick some grapes.”

“Valley Mistress, we’ve saved the best grapes for you, including those you use for winemaking. Don’t worry.”

“That’s wonderful.”

A sharp-eyed woman noticed Zhan Yan’s slightly rounded belly and joyfully said, “Valley Mistress, are you expecting?”

Zhan Yan glanced at the woman—Lin Sao, who already had two children and thus was experienced. Just one look and she guessed Zhan Yan was pregnant. Zhan Yan smiled and replied, “Lin Sao, your eyes are keen—you spotted it right away.”

Everyone congratulated her happily, even more delighted than if they themselves had welcomed a child.

After chatting with the villagers for a while and gathering the finest grapes they offered, Zhan Yan headed toward her former residence. Zhongli Yu quietly followed, watching her interact tenderly with the valley folk.

Returning to the courtyard, they found it spotless and well cared for—someone must have been regularly tending to it. Zhan Yan was deeply moved by the simplicity and kindness of these people.

“Husband, this place is really wonderful,” she whispered.

Zhongli Yu nodded. “I think so too. Once I’ve settled this matter, we’ll come live here permanently, alright?” Knowing she disliked conflict, he wanted to stay by her side. Whatever she liked, he was willing.

Zhan Yan shook her head. “No.”

He looked at her in confusion. “Why not? Don’t you like it here?”

“Husband, you have your life and responsibilities. Dongling needs you. I don’t want you to give up what’s rightfully yours for me.” She spoke with reason. Though she loved this place, she wouldn’t have Zhongli Yu make sacrifices he might regret later on her account.

“But, Yan’er…” He wanted to say he didn’t enjoy being a prince, that he wished to abandon that status to live a simple, unburdened life with her.

“Shh.” Zhan Yan put her hand gently over his mouth to stop him. “Husband, life is long. You can come here often if you like, but once you give something up, if one day you regret it and want it back, you may never find it again.”

“But Yan’er, I don’t like being a prince. I just want to live freely with you.” He always knew she loved freedom and hated constraints, but ever since their marriage, they hadn’t had many carefree days.

“Wherever you are is my happiness nest. Let’s not change anything now—just live peacefully, okay?” Some wished for chaos in the world, but she only hoped this matter would be resolved quickly so they could live a quiet life, watching people live and work in peace. That too was a kind of happiness.

“All right, then. Let’s not change anything and just live well,” Zhongli Yu agreed, no longer arguing. He had a lifetime to make her feel cherished and wanted her to be the happiest woman in the world.

“Yan’er, sit down a moment. I’ll wash these grapes.”

“Good.”

Zhan Yan watched him walk carefully to the well, draw a bucket of water, and wash the grapes with such meticulous care. The noble prince was serving her—a thought that made her smile widely. Seeing his delicate fingers gently scrub each grape with painstaking attention was a beautiful scene indeed. She couldn’t resist going to the study to sketch the moment.

After finishing, Zhongli Yu turned around, surprised to find Zhan Yan nowhere in sight. The serene environment had relaxed him so much that he hadn’t noticed her leave.

“Yan’er?” he called anxiously.

“I’m in the study, husband,” she replied promptly.

Relieved, Zhongli Yu carried the grapes into the study. Zhan Yan was focused on her painting—a man in a light blue brocade robe, his jade-like fingers resting on a large, plump grape. The robe’s hem, embroidered with pear blossoms, fluttered in the autumn breeze. A faint smile played on his lips, as if the grapes in his hands were priceless treasures.

Soon, the painting of the handsome man washing grapes was complete. Zhan Yan nodded in satisfaction.

“Husband, look, the way you wash grapes is really pleasing to the eye,” she said.

Zhongli Yu looked at her affectionately. “Yes, Yan’er, your artistry is remarkable. This painting truly captures the moment. We must keep it well—this is your first portrait of me.”

“You’re mistaken, husband. This isn’t the first time I’ve painted you.” Tilting her head, she recalled that she had also painted his portrait in the study when he went off to battle.

“Oh? You painted me before?”

“Of course, it’s in the study at Chun Manor.”

“When did you paint it?”

“When you went to war. I missed you, so I painted it.”

“Yan’er, so you were thinking of me too,” Zhongli Yu said happily.

“Otherwise, where would I get the grapes? I want to eat them.”

“All right, I’ll peel them for you.”

He peeled the grapes elegantly, as if he had done it a hundred times before. If anyone knew that a prince, the master of Youran Pavilion, was personally peeling grapes for his wife, they’d surely be flabbergasted.

Zhan Yan accepted his service naturally, feeling nothing odd about it. Today’s grapes tasted sweeter than any she’d eaten before.

“Husband, shall we stay in Wuyou Valley tonight?” She looked around her cozy little home, feeling warm. This trip, they had no attendants following them—just the two of them in the courtyard. She wanted to enjoy a day without being waited on.

“If you like, we’ll stay here tonight. But I have to go out for a bit.”

“Where are you going?”

“I can’t cook, so I’ll buy some food from the tavern. Otherwise, you and the baby might go hungry.”

“Cooking? That’s no problem for me. Tonight, I’ll cook for you and let you taste your wife’s cooking. How about that?” Zhan Yan said eagerly. Since marrying him, she hadn’t yet cooked a meal herself.

Zhongli Yu’s eyes lit up with anticipation. “Really? Then I’ll be waiting eagerly for my wife’s cooking. I can help too!”

Zhan Yan took his hand. “No problem. Let’s check the kitchen to see what ingredients we have and what we can make.”

Just as they were about to head to the kitchen, there was a knock at the door. Zhan Yan called out, “Please come in, the door isn’t locked.” Several people entered, led by Yan Bo, who carried a chicken. Others held baskets, evidently bringing gifts.

Before Zhan Yan could speak, Yan Bo said, “Valley Mistress, I heard you’re expecting—congratulations!”

Zhan Yan smiled. “Thank you, Yan Bo.”

Yan Bo chuckled. “Mistress, now that you’re pregnant, you need nourishing food. This chicken is from my own farm—I caught it to make soup for you, perfect for strengthening your body.”

“Valley Mistress, these are fresh eggs for you. Eat them often—they’re good for the baby,” said a woman, handing over a basket.

“Valley Mistress, I caught this fish in the river today. It’s for you.”

Zhan Yan was deeply touched. She hadn’t expected such kindness. Though this was her first long absence from Wuyou Valley, everyone had been thinking of her. After they left, she carefully examined the baskets. Though the contents were simple household goods, to her they were priceless tokens of care.

“Yan’er is well-loved,” Zhongli Yu said gently.

Zhan Yan smiled proudly. “Of course. Your wife has a kind heart—everyone loves her. Aren’t you jealous?”

Zhongli Yu chuckled at her self-praise. “So, my kind-hearted, beloved wife, can we start cooking now?”

Looking at the chicken and fish, she said, “Yes, but you’re in charge of killing the chicken and fish. Tonight, we’ll have chicken soup, white-cut chicken, and pan-fried fish.”

“All right, no problem.” Zhongli Yu had never done this before, so Zhan Yan guided him patiently. Quick-witted as he was, he picked it up immediately. In less than half an hour, the chicken and fish were prepared, hardly seeming like a first attempt.

Zhan Yan cut the chicken in half—one half for soup, the other for white-cut chicken. She pan-fried the fish and stir-fried a green vegetable that had been given by the villagers. With three dishes and one soup ready, she prepared a delicious dipping sauce and set the table.

Zhongli Yu was amazed by the colorful, aromatic, and flavorful home-cooked meal. Who would have thought his wife could cook so well? What else could she not do? Truly, he had found a treasure.

“Husband, let’s eat,” Zhan Yan said, amused by his stunned expression.

“All right. Thank you for your hard work, wife. Eat plenty,” he said, ladling her a bowl of chicken soup.

Zhan Yan dipped a piece of chicken in sauce and placed it in his bowl. “Husband, try this white-cut chicken—see if it’s overcooked.”

He took a bite and found the meat tender and flavorful. “Delicious,” he praised.

They ate happily together. When Zhan Yan was full, Zhongli Yu cleared the rest of the dishes, saying they couldn’t waste a meal made by his wife. As a result, he overate. In his nearly twenty-one years, he had never eaten to excess before—this was a first, but he was content.

Zhan Yan laughed. “Husband, if you like it, I’ll cook for you again next time. No need to force yourself to eat so much.” The chicken weighed at least four pounds, and the fish over a pound. She had only eaten a small portion; the rest was all in his stomach. No wonder he was stuffed.

Zhongli Yu patted his belly with satisfaction. “Yan’er, even if I’m full, it’s happiness.”

Zhan Yan didn’t know what to say. She realized she hadn’t treated him well before; she had never cooked for him. Now, after just one meal, he was so pleased. She resolved to cook for him more often in the future.

After dinner, they took a walk around Wuyou Valley. The air was fresh, the surroundings peaceful and harmonious. Birds had returned to their nests, signaling the end of the day’s work. This was a land of bliss, living up to its name—Wuyou, meaning “carefree.” People lived without worries because they were content. As long as there was no greed or attachment to the outside world, one could live here carefree for a lifetime.