kindness

In late April, Yang Qiong and three thousand men returned from their hunting trip.

"Why did you return so late?" Chi Ying asked the forward scout, puzzled. They were supposed to return by mid-April.

The scout knelt and replied, "We rescued a group of Buxia tribe nomads fleeing from the Northern Di tribes in Yange Mountain, which delayed our return. We hope Your Highness won't blame us."

Chi Ying was shocked, "Why were the Buxia nomads being chased by the Northern Di? Did you ask why?"

The scout responded, "They didn't know. The Northern Di pursued them from Chaoyan Mountain to Yange Mountain, capturing over a hundred women. Without encountering General Yang, they might never have escaped."

Chi Ying gasped, feeling dizzy. Cui Yi rushed to support her, asking, "How many did you save?"

"Less than two thousand, mostly old, weak, sick, and disabled. Their chieftain was nearly killed but was saved by General Yang and carried back on a stretcher."

Cui Yi comforted Chi Ying softly, "At least they're alive. Shall we go greet them?"

Chi Ying nodded numbly, still in shock.

Yi immediately dismissed the vanguard to rest and personally accompanied Chiying to the city gate to welcome them. When Yang Qiong went out, he took three thousand men with him, riding swiftly on light horses. However, upon his return, he brought back several carts of beast meat and hides, along with nearly two thousand nomads, many of whom were injured or elderly, women, and children, so naturally, they couldn't move quickly.

"Your Highness, Lady," Yang Qiong saw Chiying's expression and knew she wasn't concerned about the hunting results at the moment. He pointed behind him, "The people are at the rear." Chiying nodded hurriedly and rushed toward the end of the procession.

Cui Yi stood still without moving. Yang Qiong was somewhat surprised: "Your Highness isn't going?"

Cui Yi shook his head: "I just came out for a walk. Reading reports all day has almost made me cross-eyed."

Yang Qiong was amused but then heard him say, "You did well." Yang Qiong immediately regained his composure and said, "I thought Your Highness would be furious and not allow Lady to see that person, after all..."

Cui Yi smiled indifferently with narrowed eyes, "They did save Chiying's life. If we don't do something for them, it will weigh heavily on her heart, and by extension, on me as well."

Hearing this, Yang Qiong felt relieved and glanced at the rear of the procession, smiling, "Your Highness is unmatched in martial skills, and Lady is wise and resourceful. You two are a match made in heaven, beyond the reach of ordinary people."

"Ordinary people..." Cui Yi shook his head thoughtfully, following his gaze to the rear where a Busa woman was leaning on Chiying's shoulder, seemingly crying. Chiying stroked her head while bending down to talk to someone on a stretcher. The man reached out, and Chiying held his hand.

Instantly, Cui Yi exploded with jealousy, veins popping on his forehead: "No, I have to go check!" With that, he sped over.

Yang Qiong stood there with an awkward expression, completely speechless.

Bu Muer had been practicing martial arts since childhood and was physically strong. Thanks to timely medical treatment, his life was no longer in danger, though he needed bed rest for over a month. Full recovery might take two to three months, during which strenuous activity was prohibited, including horseback riding. This meant the Busa people had to stay within the pass until the end of summer.

Though Bu Muer didn't say much, his unwillingness was evident on his face—understandable, as no one likes to accept charity from a rival, especially when that rival is clearly winning.

"I've taken care of the others, so you don't need to worry. Just focus on resting here. If you need anything, just tell the servants," Chiying reassured him, sitting on a stool beside the bed as soldiers moved things in and out.

Bu Muer remained cold and distant, merely responding with a simple "Mm" to her words, neither rejecting nor accepting their kindness.

Sangduo whispered nervously, "Brother, you should at least say thank you." Chiying quickly replied, "There's no need to thank us. Didn't you shelter me when I was in trouble? To me, you're like family. Saying thanks would be too formal."

Sangduo lowered her head slightly, glancing repeatedly at Cui Yi, who sat outside watching vigilantly. Since seeing Chiying shake hands with Bu Muer at the city gate, Cui Yi had followed them everywhere like a large shepherd dog, afraid that Chiying would be "taken away" by Bu Muer. His wary demeanor seemed unwelcoming to Sangduo, especially considering her previous meddling in their relationship months ago, fearing Cui Yi might still hold a grudge.

One room filled with volcanic tension, another with icy silence, Sangduo found it unbearable. Deciding it was better to leave, she tugged at Chiying's sleeve: "Sister Chiying, you must have a lot to do. You don't need to stay here. I'll take good care of my brother."

Chiying guessed she felt uncomfortable and nodded: "Alright, I'll go now. If you need anything, just find me or send someone to inform me. I'll come over when I'm free."

Sangduo agreed and escorted Chiying and Cui Yi out. Cui Yi cast a displeased glance inside, meeting Sangduo's eyes, causing her to lower her head quickly, afraid to breathe.

"Let's go, don't disturb their rest," Chiying urged. Cui Yi's eyes flickered, as if wanting to say something, but ultimately decided against it and left with her.

After they left, Sangduo sighed in relief, rushing into the room and sitting beside the bed, reproachfully saying, "Brother, even if you're unhappy, we owe our lives to the Han prince. Even if you don't say thank you, don't show such a face. It makes things difficult for Chiying."

Bu Muer remained silent, causing Sangduo to lose hope: "That martial prince looked serious and unhappy. I wonder if he'll cause trouble behind Chiying's back."

Cui Yi wasn't that petty. Busy with endless reports under Chiying's pressure, he had no time to care about their welfare, only accompanying Chiying during her daily visits to check on Bu Muer. Yan Prefecture lacked proper doctors, but luckily, Chiying had prepared in advance, learning basic diagnostic skills from Cheng Fengyi and copying numerous prescriptions for various ailments. With expensive medicines and tonics sent from the capital, though not professional, they sufficed. After half a month, Bu Muer's injuries improved significantly, allowing him to walk again.

Meanwhile, Baili Zan, who had gone to Dongchang to buy grain, finally returned after crossing mountains and rivers.

Baili Zan appeared energetic and spirited despite his long journey. Chiying laughed, "Mr. Baili, you look radiant. Did you undergo some transformation?"

Xiaotaosu, having missed its owner for so long, eagerly leaped onto Baili Zan. He happily picked it up, "Thanks to Your Highness and Lady, everything went smoothly. Oh, you fat cat, you've gained weight eating well with Lady in my absence."

Xiaotaosu angrily swatted at him with its paws. Chiying struggled to suppress her laughter: "Mr. Baili, Xiaotaosu is pregnant. In a month or two, the kittens will bring liveliness to the palace."

Baili Zan's eyes lit up: "So, I'll become a grandfather? Good job, my little girl." He rubbed Xiaotaosu's face affectionately, receiving a few gentle nudges in return as it snuggled in his arms.

Everyone in the yard laughed. Xie Yong asked with a hint of a smile, "Mr. Baili, how much grain did you buy?"

Baili Zan cheerfully raised one finger. Xie Yong guessed, "A thousand dan?" "Ten thousand dan," Baili Zan answered happily, "Grain prices in Dongchang are lower than in Jiangnan, so I bought as much as possible—five hundred carts full. It was quite nerve-wracking returning with so much."

Xie Yong paled, hardly believing his ears. A scholarly man like Baili Zan had purchased ten thousand dan of rice, twice what he had borrowed. How low were grain prices in Dongchang?

"Mr. Baili bought ten thousand dan, plus five thousand dan borrowed from Xuanzhou, enough to last until autumn harvest," Chiying couldn't hide her joy, "Mr. Baili, please rest first. Tonight, we'll celebrate Xiao Cuixian's first birthday with a feast."

Baili Zan smacked his forehead, "Almost forgot." He pulled out a paper package, handing it to Chiying, "For Lady and Miss, nothing fancy, just for good luck."

Curious, Chiying opened it to find two small amulets—one red with "safe every year" inscribed, for Xiao Cuixian, and another golden one with "early blessing of a son."

Chiying: "..."

Cui Yi peeked over and instantly beamed, "Great gift!"

Chiying blushed, torn between anger and amusement, ready to scold him, but Baili Zan wisely slipped away. She stomped her foot in frustration.

That night, the palace hosted a rare lavish banquet. The kitchen prepared several large dishes, including venison and rabbit meat recently hunted by Yang Qiong, fresh fruits from Cao Qian's fields, and Dongchang wine brought back by Baili Zan. Everyone gathered around the table to celebrate Xiao Cuixian's first birthday.

Cui Yi drank merrily, raising his cup, "Friends, since you chose to follow me, work hard. When I become emperor, you'll all be rewarded!"

Most of the men at the table cheered, echoing his sentiments. Chiying found it both amusing and exasperating. Once they settled down, she leaned close and whispered, "Your Highness, promises shouldn't be made lightly. Some things shouldn't be said too confidently."

Cui Yi paused, then nodded appreciatively, his voice hoarse, "I understand. Thank you, my love."

His gratitude encompassed her constant guidance, risking her life to bear their daughter, and standing by him through thick and thin.

Chiying smiled gently, "We're one, no need to thank."

Cui Yi smiled, continuing to enjoy the meal and drinks with everyone.