Chapter Thirty-Two: Tender Affection and Sweet Sentiments

As evening settled in, aside from the Crown Prince's Grandson, both Yang Yaohong and Qin Haizhou emerged from the dining hall, slightly tipsy. Yang Yaohong's cheeks were flushed, his handsome eyes tinged a little red and somewhat hazy.

He glanced at the still gloomy sky and said, "Brother Qin, it's getting late. Chengjing and I will take our leave now. We've imposed for too long. My apologies. Tomorrow at noon, let's meet at Taiping Gate."

Earlier, at the banquet, Yang Yaohong had arranged with Qin Haizhou to visit Purple Gold Mountain together the next day.

Hearing their plan, the Crown Prince's Grandson wished to join as well. Yang Yaohong did not immediately agree, for going to Purple Gold Mountain meant leaving the city, and he insisted that only if the Emperor allowed would it be possible. Privately, he hoped the Emperor would refuse.

The Crown Prince's Grandson thought Yang Yaohong's reasoning sound; after all, it was a trip outside the city, so his grandfather's opinion mattered. He nodded in agreement.

The three chatted as they walked toward the front courtyard, just as Mu Qinghan emerged from a room in the rear. She wore a long dress in lake green, accentuating her tall and delicate figure. Her hair was styled in a simple feminine bun, complementing her refined and graceful appearance, lending her an air of gentle elegance.

Yang Yaohong could not help but silently praise her beauty. He had never seen Mu Qinghan present herself in feminine attire; seeing her now, he found her charm comparable to that of Yin Ruoxin, though lacking her allure and softness. Yet, Mu Qinghan's understated grace offered its own unique appeal.

Qin Haizhou noticed Mu Qinghan as well, his mind concerned for his sister's injured foot. He hurried over, bowed, and asked, "Miss Mu, how is my sister's injury?"

Mu Qinghan returned the bow and replied, "Xueyao has only a sprained foot. I've treated her; just ensure she doesn't strain it for a few days. I've given the prescription to Mrs. Qin. After a couple doses, she'll recover in a few days."

Qin Haizhou was relieved by her words, smiling sincerely, "Thank you, Miss Mu."

Mu Qinghan replied with a gentle smile, "Xueyao is like a sister to me. No need for such courtesy, Brother Qin."

Yang Yaohong, familiar with Mu Qinghan, guessed she was here at Qin Haizhou's residence to treat Qin Xueyao's injury. The Crown Prince's Grandson also knew Mu Qinghan, and the two approached her together.

As the Crown Prince's Grandson stepped forward, Mu Qinghan prepared to bow in greeting, but he gently motioned for her to desist, quietly saying, "No need for formalities. I am traveling incognito; the Qin family does not know my identity."

Mu Qinghan nodded with a faint smile in response.

Yang Yaohong also stepped forward to greet her, "Greetings, Miss Mu."

When Mu Qinghan departed earlier, she had seen Yang Yaohong with the Crown Prince's Grandson and Qin Haizhou. She was surprised how, in just over twenty days, Yang Yaohong seemed transformed—taller, stronger, more handsome—and, having apparently had some wine, appeared even more charming and distinguished in his conversation with Qin Haizhou.

She had intended to return to her room and avoid the group, but Qin Haizhou had seen her and approached, so she could not evade them.

Earlier that afternoon, Mu Qinghan had been invited to the Qin residence to treat Qin Xueyao's injured foot. After the treatment, the sisters had chatted for a while. Qin Xueyao was very close to Mu Qinghan and shared everything, including recounting Yang Yaohong's words, all while cursing him as shameless.

"Don't be fooled by Yang Yaohong's refined appearance, sister Mu. Who would expect him to say such things! He's a real scoundrel. I think you did well to slap him that day—if only you'd hit him harder, or a few more times!" Qin Xueyao spoke as if she bore deep resentment, indignantly raising her small fist in protest.

Mu Qinghan smiled, glancing at her, and lightly patted her flushed cheeks, "Three men talking; why are you so curious? They didn't know you were eavesdropping. You even learned to crouch by the wall. No wonder you hurt your foot!"

Though Qin Xueyao hadn't mentioned anything about her brother, she blushed and her heart raced as she spoke. Mu Qinghan, too, listened with embarrassment.

She was well-versed in medical theory, including matters of male and female ailments and relations, but those were textbook studies—never discussed with others, and even then she would blush.

Just moments ago, Qin Xueyao had vividly reenacted Yang Yaohong's words, ending with a sincere question, "Sister Mu, is it true that the child's gender is determined only by the man, and has nothing to do with the woman?"

Mu Qinghan frowned slightly, pondering seriously with a reddened face, and gently shook her head, "I've never seen such a record in any book."

Qin Xueyao, blushing and pouting, said, "I knew Yang Yaohong was making it up. If it were so important, how could he not remember where he saw it? Hmph!"

Mu Qinghan only smiled, not wholly denying Yang Yaohong's claim. She resolved to search her books when she returned home for any relevant references.

Before arriving at the Qin residence that afternoon, Mu Qinghan had already heard that Yang Yaohong had been appointed as Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince's Grandson by the Emperor, who had publicly announced it to the capital at noon. She had been surprised at his youth and talent, thinking he and Sister Nangong would make a fine pair.

Therefore, when she heard from Qin Xueyao about Yang Yaohong's assertion regarding the child's gender, although she had never seen or heard such information, she did not outright condemn his words. She thought, for something so important, Yang Yaohong would not casually say it just to please Qin Haizhou. If it were true, it would greatly improve women's status in society.

Now, as Yang Yaohong greeted her, she recalled Qin Xueyao's recounting and the slap she gave him at Hong Temple Fair, feeling a bit embarrassed. Her face reddened, she avoided his gaze, only glancing at him before lowering her head to reply, "Greetings, Master Yang."

Yang Yaohong was inwardly amazed, thinking how elegant Mu Qinghan appeared in feminine attire.

After exchanging greetings, Qin Haizhou led Yang Yaohong and the Crown Prince's Grandson toward the front courtyard. Mu Qinghan excused herself, saying she needed to check on Xueyao, and turned back into the house.

Just as Yang Yaohong and his companions were about to reach the front courtyard, he heard Mu Qinghan call his name from behind. The three turned, seeing her standing not far off. The Crown Prince's Grandson and Qin Haizhou waited while Yang Yaohong walked over, puzzled, "Miss Mu, may I ask why you called me?"

Mu Qinghan knew her action might seem improper, but her concern for Nangong Qingyi made her pause and call him. Seeing Yang Yaohong's curious expression, she blushed slightly and said, "That day at the Hong Temple Fair, I was in the wrong. I sincerely apologize to you, Master Yang."

Yang Yaohong smiled, "I've long forgotten it. There's no need for you to dwell on it, Miss Mu."

Mu Qinghan, lowering her head, felt annoyed. If not for his inappropriate behavior that day, she would not have slapped him. He claimed to have forgotten, yet told her not to worry.

Yang Yaohong, seeing Mu Qinghan's shy demeanor, asked, "Ahem... Is there anything else, Miss Mu?"

Mu Qinghan remembered why she had called him. She raised her head, gazing into his slightly hazy eyes from the wine, her face flushed, and spoke with seriousness, "You are now Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince's Grandson. Your words and actions must be mindful. Read useful books regularly, not frivolous ones! And I'm not a 'miss'; call me Doctor Mu or simply Miss Mu." With that, she turned her head away.

Yang Yaohong found her words odd; lately he'd only read history and humanities, nothing frivolous. Still, he appreciated her well-meaning reminder about his new position, although he felt he hadn't made much of an impression on her. But what difference was there between Miss Mu, Doctor Mu, and Miss Mu? Just titles, he thought, not delving further. He nodded amicably, "Thank you for the reminder, Miss Mu. I will be mindful."

Having said her piece, Mu Qinghan had nothing more to add. Though curious about Yang Yaohong's claim regarding the child's gender, she could not bring herself to ask him for confirmation. She glanced at him, then lowered her gaze to the ground, "No more matters. Please go ahead."

Yang Yaohong didn't mind Mu Qinghan's attitude, smiling, "Then I'll take my leave. Goodbye, Miss Mu." With that, he turned and walked back to the Crown Prince's Grandson and Qin Haizhou.

Mu Qinghan stood where she was, watching Yang Yaohong's departing figure, her brows slightly furrowed, her beautiful eyes filled with complex emotions—doubt, confusion—silently murmuring, "Yang Yaohong, Yang Yaohong."

Yang Yaohong and the Crown Prince's Grandson boarded the carriage and, after bidding farewell to Qin Haizhou, departed. The Crown Prince's Grandson accompanied Yang Yaohong to the street where the Nangong residence was located before returning to the palace.

Yang Yaohong alighted, noticing another carriage parked across the street. From behind its lifted curtain, Yin Ruoxin's exquisite face appeared, her moist, beautiful eyes brimming with affection as she gazed at Yang Yaohong.

Yang Yaohong walked steadily to the carriage window, and Yin Ruoxin had already lifted the side curtain, watching him approach. His attire today gave her a sense of renewal, making him seem both suave and ethereal. Every time they met, he felt both familiar and unfamiliar to her, causing her heart to flutter wildly. Yet, whenever she saw him, her heart seemed to sink blissfully into the happiness he brought.

Yang Yaohong stood by the window, smiling, his still slightly hazy eyes full of tenderness as he gazed at Yin Ruoxin. She, seeing his gaze fixed on her, felt a sweetness like honey, and, equally affectionate, teased, "Did you drink?"

Her jade hand rested on the window edge. Yang Yaohong naturally placed his hand on hers, gently kneading her soft, delicate fingers.

He nodded, still gazing at her tenderly, "Mm. Just a little. Some matters kept me late. How long have you been waiting here?"

The intimacy of his gesture made Yin Ruoxin's heart seem to melt, and she blushed with a sweet smile, "Not long, I just wanted to see you."

"Not long? You've waited all afternoon! Grand Tutor, indeed!" came an indignant voice from within the carriage—it was Ruyi, clearly defending her mistress.

Yin Ruoxin had learned at noon that Yang Yaohong had been appointed Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince's Grandson. She felt joy—not because he had become an official, but because his life was now secure. Of course, she was also proud of his sudden elevation, but she truly missed him and had waited here all afternoon.

Yang Yaohong chuckled softly, gazing with affection at Yin Ruoxin, whose cheeks had reddened from Ruyi's words, shy and bashful.

Yin Ruoxin did not reproach Ruyi, continuing to look at Yang Yaohong tenderly, shaking her head slightly, smiling with gentle helplessness.

Yang Yaohong continued to gently knead her hand, nodding with emotion, "Mm... I'll be busy for a while. I may not be able to see you, but if I have time, I'll come."

Hearing that he might be unable to meet soon, Yin Ruoxin frowned slightly, placing her other hand over his, turning her palm to grasp his hand. Both hands wrapped tightly around his, as if afraid he might escape, her expression full of reluctance as she nodded.

Yang Yaohong patted her hand lightly, smiling, "You must behave, no mischief!"

Yin Ruoxin cast him a coquettish glance, "Hmph! It's you who shouldn't be mischievous! When you can't see me, you must think of me. When you do, I'll feel it."

Inside the carriage, Ruyi listened to their words, her face blushing deeply, thinking anxiously, Oh dear, the mistress is truly bewitched by Master Yang, she's not herself anymore.

Yang Yaohong laughed, "You can sense it? I've been thinking of you since we parted yesterday. Could you feel it?"

Though they had only recently confessed their feelings, Yin Ruoxin's love for Yang Yaohong was intense. His sweet words nearly overwhelmed her; her mind seemed to spin, her face flushed and hot, her heart pounding as if it might leap from her throat. Her eyes grew moist as she gazed at his handsome face, slowly lifting his large hand to her own cheek, gently caressing it.

Yang Yaohong felt his heart melting at her gesture, but he also recalled the Emperor's admonitions. Gently stroking her smooth cheek, he said earnestly, "When I can't see you, you must be good. Don't rush things; wait for me. I worry that if anything happens to you and I can't save you, then I'll have to go with you. So you must behave."

Yin Ruoxin, resting her cheek in his palm, nodded vigorously, tears finally slipping down her face.

Inside the carriage, Ruyi was moved to tears by their tender exchange, further strengthening her resolve to help Yin Ruoxin and Yang Yaohong be together.