Perfect Match – CH 049

Chapter 49

Teng Yue was not originally on the front lines in this campaign against the Tatars, but the Commander-in-Chief, seeing that Ningxia had few capable men, recalled him. He had led troops there and even returned with a minor merit.

The news reached the Teng family and also Liumingxuan.

The entire Liumingxuan was filled with joy. Even Xiuniang exclaimed, “General is truly remarkable! Fighting the Tartars outside the Great Wall, I heard it was a near-death experience, yet he achieved numerous merits against them. And now, after only a few days, he received more good news! Could it be that he is Guan Yu reincarnated?!”

Deng Ruyun almost laughed at her words.

But there was only one Guan Yu, while there were countless generals in the world.

A fleeting image of him with his clothes removed flashed before her eyes. He was tall and strong, his arms powerfully moving, his chest as hard as tempered iron armor. When he held her in his arms, she could not move him an inch.

Yet, this body, as solid as a fortress, was covered with countless scars, large and small. Some were old scabs, leaving only remnants; some were newly grown flesh, their fresh red color still lingering; some were superficial wounds, while others were deep and slashed, perhaps narrowly avoiding death…

He had achieved countless merits at a young age, rising step by step, but such merits and promotions were earned through countless brushes with death.

This time, he had also achieved merit. Had he, in fact, added yet another heavy wound to his body?

Thinking it over, Deng Ruyun returned to the side courtyard and began gathering prepared medicines.

Xiuniang followed behind her. “Why are you packing medicines now, Miss? The General has returned victorious, and the Mansion is holding a celebratory banquet to welcome him. They are busy right now, yet you have not forgotten to make medicine.”

Upon hearing this, Deng Ruyun said, “I did not come to make medicine; I came to…”

She suddenly stopped speaking, looking at the various powders, ointments, and balms she had gathered in her hands, all intended for healing wounds and scars.

She was preparing medicine for him in case he got injured.

But in that instant, the pungent smell of medicine assaulted her nostrils, instantly sobering her up.

His victory was a joyous occasion; even if he were injured, it should not be her concern.

With this thought, she paused before the array of healing medicines.

The medicine bottles, which she had just held in her hands, all seemed to be staring at her blankly, shaking their heads. Even though none of the bottles actually had eyes, Deng Ruyun felt as if she were truly being seen.

She was momentarily confused, pursed her lips, and put the medicines back in their place.

“What did you say, Miss?” Xiuniang asked her.

She said it was nothing. “I just suddenly remembered that I have a lot of medicine here, and it’s useless to leave it here. I will take it to Yuyun Hall and sell it.”

Xiuniang agreed.

Deng Ruyun did not linger in the courtyard and returned to her room.

Teng Yue would not be back for another two days, but news came from Yuyun Hall that the yamen had finished investigating the case of framing Yuyun Hall with counterfeit medicine.

Yesterday afternoon, Shopkeeper Qin came to tell her that these people were indeed acting under someone’s orders. “Madam, guess who it is?”

Deng Ruyun did not need to guess. “Old Wanhe, of course.”

Shopkeeper Qin nodded repeatedly. “Madam is right. That Old Wanhe tried to force us to buy our shop, making such boastful claims, but after a few days, nothing happened. I thought the matter was over, but I did not expect him to be waiting for us here!”

He said that these troublemakers could not withstand a beating and confessed that someone had paid them to cause trouble. The yamen searched for two days, as they said, and they found the person, who happened to be Old Wanhe’s second shopkeeper’s nephew.

Old Wanhe’s second shopkeeper’s nephew had no grudge against Yuyun Hall, so the government directly arrested Old Wanhe’s second shopkeeper.

This second shopkeeper was a formidable character. After some interrogation, he insisted that it was his own idea and had nothing to do with Old Wanhe, the owner.

The owner of Old Wanhe also pretended to be harmed by this man and threatened to sue the second shopkeeper in court.

“…The blame was all pinned on the second shopkeeper. He was thrown into prison, and a beating and exile are inevitable. Old Wanhe, on the other hand, barely escaped unscathed.”

Deng Ruyun was not too surprised. Old Wanhe was a long-established business in Xi’an Prefecture, naturally possessing deep-rooted connections and influence. How could such a single incident bring Old Wanhe down completely?

However, with this incident, Old Wanhe lost its pillar of support and would need some time to recover.

But Deng Ruyun was more curious about the underlying reasons. “Yuyun Hall is just a newly opened small shop; how did it offend them? Is there a reason for this?”

Shopkeeper Qin shook his head. “The second shopkeeper said he was jealous of our business, that’s all.”

Deng Ruyun thought about it and figured that after this incident, Yuyun Hall’s reputation had been established, and with Sixth Young Master Bai protecting them, probably no one would dare to provoke them for a while.

As for the real reason for attracting these strange influences, she could only wait and see.

She did ask Shopkeeper Qin, “Did you pay Sixth Young Master Bai’s consultation fee?”

Since Teng Yue was returning, Deng Ruyun could not go out, so she sent Shopkeeper Qin to the Bai Family Mansion at the Yangxiu Workshop.

But Shopkeeper Qin said no, “I went to the Bai family twice, and their house was always bustling with visitors. Some sent invitations to see him, others to invite Sixth Young Master to a banquet, and still others had relatives sent to help Sixth Young Master with his affairs. I simply could not find him. I thought I’d have the gatekeeper give the consultation fee to Sixth Young Master, but the gatekeeper, seeing such a small amount, treated me like a beggar. He not only refused the money but even gave me some as a reward.”

Shopkeeper Qin chuckled and shook his head, while Deng Ruyun raised an eyebrow in surprise.

She had initially thought the Bai family of Fengxiang and the Grand Princess were indeed of high status, but she had not expected them to be so high-status that even Shopkeeper Qin could not get an audience.

Deng Ruyun felt she might not be able to get in either, but she still asked Shopkeeper Qin to leave the consultation fee behind.

“Leave it here for now.”

… …

Deng Ruyun was born into an ordinary family of pharmacists who made medicine. Thanks to her father’s successful business, she had enjoyed a few days of wealth, but compared to these noble families and imperial relatives, she was not even qualified to carry their shoes.

Take the Teng family, for example. They were a relatively well-off military family, with four generations of ancestors leading troops in battle. By the time of Teng Yue’s father, they had finally achieved some success, but then they encountered a treacherous person.

That treacherous person fawned over high-ranking officials and, relying on his power, suppressed the Teng family relentlessly until Teng Yue’s father died.

The world had always tended to curry favor with the powerful. Now, with the new Emperor on the throne, though young and uninterested in politics, he indulged his chief eunuch, who, in just a few years, seized absolute power.

There was a popular saying: “There are two emperors in the capital: one who sits and one who stands.” The “one who sits” was the true Emperor, but he was young and indulging in pleasure, not truly ruling. The “one who stands” was the real Emperor, wielding absolute power and controlling the world.

This “Emperor Standing on the Throne,” a man of considerable age, was still in his prime, and it’s unknown how many more years he would rule. He also greatly enjoyed the flattery and sycophancy of his subordinates. This prevailing trend of sycophancy had swept through the entire court like a storm.

Many civil and military officials in the court were dissatisfied, but who could bring this powerful eunuch down from his pedestal and restore order to the court?

Deng Ruyun was unaware that after helping Old Madam Lin with preparations at home for two days, Teng Yue was about to return home.

He was returning to Xi’an after achieving meritorious service. The military command had dispatched soldiers to the city gates to welcome his triumphant return. At the Teng Mansion, a welcoming banquet was held, inviting relatives, friends, and neighbors. Everyone wanted to share in the joy, and many people arrived early in the morning. Such a joyous occasion could not be missed by Second Madam Yang; she even brought her youngest daughter, Yang Youling.

Deng Ruyun had not seen Yang Youling for a long time. This second young lady had suffered a humiliating episode in Xi’an Prefecture and had not dared to leave her home for almost half a year. Clearly, Second Madam Yang wanted her to recover gradually, so she dressed her in a brand-new bright red jacket and skirt embroidered with gold thread and introduced her to the public.

Out of respect for the Yang family, no one mentioned Yang Youling, though the young ladies did not particularly interact with her either.

Anyway, this had nothing to do with Deng Ruyun. She did see Third Madam Huang, who had also come with her daughter, Huang Yudai.

This fifth young lady, Huang Yudai, was very outgoing and had good relationships with many noble ladies.

Now, everyone was waiting at the hanging flower gate leading to the Teng Mansion, eagerly awaiting Teng Yue’s arrival. Regardless of age or gender, everyone went to the outer courtyard to greet him and share in his joyous aura.

At this moment, Deng Ruyun instructed the servants to prepare the banquet upon the general’s return. Turning her head, she saw Huang Yudai whispering with several young girls.

“…The Bai family has so many people now! These people are really something. Do they not realize that even if they swarm in like this, Sixth Young Master Bai would have a hard time seeing them all? Honestly, do they have a grudge against Sixth Young Master Bai? They are disturbing his peace and quiet.”

The girls nearby were laughing when one of them suddenly spoke up.

“Fifth Sister, why do you still use such a distant title as ‘Sixth Young Master Bai’? I heard that your Huang family and the Bai family of Fengxiang have recently formed a marriage alliance. Since you are related by marriage, should you not address him as ‘Sixth Brother Bai’? Are the Huang and Bai families planning to strengthen their ties through marriage?”

As she spoke, the young woman looked at Huang Yudai, whose face flushed instantly. She said, “Do not talk nonsense! What kind of taste does Her Highness the Grand Princess have? There are so many prestigious families in the capital; how could she possibly consider our Huang family? Unless my grandfather or father can also achieve great military merit.”

Everyone laughed, but someone said, “Anyway, Sixth Young Master Bai has come to Xi’an; perhaps the marriage will be arranged here.”

Amidst the laughter and chatter, Deng Ruyun caught a glimpse of a bright red dress flashing behind the nearby bushes.

She blinked and looked over, seeing Yang Youling clutching a handkerchief in her hands, with Madam Yang standing behind her.

The young women walked aside, and Yang Youling immediately tugged at Madam Yang’s sleeve. “Mother, Brother Bai has been in Xi’an for quite some time now, and he’s only just shown up. Could he have heard about my past scandals? Did you send an invitation to the Bai family? Is he willing to see us?”

Madam Yang told her not to rush. “You heard it yourself; there are many people who want to see him now. He has to find time, does he not? Let’s wait a few days. I will send it to him again in a few days. But I think what that Fifth Huang girl said earlier is indeed true; Her Highness the Grand Princess has very high standards.”

Yang Youling, however, said differently, “I’ve met Sixth Brother before, so we have a closer relationship than others. Mother, please go and deliver my invitation!”

Madam Yang, fearing her daughter might relapse in front of so many people, quickly said, “Do not worry, Mother will take you to see him. Do not fret!”

Only after she said this did Deng Ruyun see that the fierce look on Yang Youling’s thin face had lessened somewhat.

Just then, someone outside suddenly shouted.

“The General is arriving!”

With this shout, Deng Ruyun saw Old Madam Lin hurriedly order that the door be opened, and maids and servants led the way, guiding everyone towards the outer courtyard.

Old Madam Lin had arranged everything meticulously, but Deng Ruyun, though she had seen him return victorious from battle many times in the streets with other city dwellers, was seeing him at his home for the first time as his relative.

However, with so many people present, Deng Ruyun was not particularly important. With Old Madam Lin, her mother, at the forefront, it would not matter if she stood aside.

She always understood her place in this regard.

She stood in the second or third row of the crowd, near the edge, but no sooner had she settled than Madam Yang squeezed in next to her.

Seeing her positioned so far to the side, she exclaimed, “Oh!”

“You do have some self-awareness.”

Deng Ruyun did not bother with her, but Madam Yang, still seething with anger from her previous encounter and unable to persuade her cousin to discipline this young concubine, harbored resentment.

Now, seeing that Deng Ruyun did not want to talk to her, she still went forward to speak to her.

“It’s good that Teng Yue is back, but I also want to tell you that my niece from the Marquis’s Mansion is also returning to Xi’an. She will be there in a little over a month.”

She was referring to Zhang Zhenhui, the fourth young lady of the Yongchang Marquis’s Mansion, but she also had an important identity. Madam Yang deliberately leaned close to Deng Ruyun’s ear.

“My niece is the one Teng Yue’s mother has chosen for him as his principal wife. You, this little contract wife, should not be so ungrateful. The Teng family will kick you out in less than three years. I advise you to pack your things and prepare to leave. Do not really think you are the general’s wife.”

Deng Ruyun almost laughed.

But she found Madam Yang’s indignant expression amusing. She said, “Then let me give you a heads-up, too. Do not be afraid when I tell you.”

Second Madam Yang snorted, “You dare remind me? Do you think I am afraid of you? Tell me, if I am even slightly afraid, I will call you my ancestor.”

Deng Ruyun smiled and agreed, beckoning Second Madam Yang to bring her ear closer.

Second Madam Yang did not want to listen, but she still tilted her ear.

She smelled the medicinal fragrance wafting from Deng Ruyun’s hand and heard Deng Ruyun speak.

“Your second young lady is trembling; she’s about to have a relapse.”

She spoke softly and slowly, but the words struck Second Madam Yang like lightning. Second Madam Yang glanced at Yang Youling, who was indeed trembling, and nearly jumped up in fright.

“Ah!”

She gasped softly, no longer paying attention to Deng Ruyun. She saw her youngest daughter amidst the noisy chatter, her face pale, her whole body trembling, and cold sweat beading on her forehead—she truly looked like she was about to have a relapse.

Madam Yang, startled, turned pale and hurriedly pulled Yang Youling to a secluded spot.

She had only wanted her daughter to share in Teng Yue’s good fortune, forgetting that her illness could not withstand noise.

The mother and daughter vanished almost instantly. Only Deng Ruyun remained standing by the door, watching the direction the mother and daughter had gone, and softly chuckled.

“Next time we meet, do not forget to call me ‘ancestor.'”

She found it amusing but then quickly felt a little bored.

People were scrambling to grab the red flower on Teng Yue’s chest, but she was annoyed by the noise and wanted to leave as well.

But then, the clatter of hooves reached the doorway.

The clatter of hooves stopped Deng Ruyun in her tracks. She saw, outside the crowded throng, a tall, imposing figure, clad in gleaming armor, a red flower adorning his chest, leap from his horse.

The crowd surged forward, even pushing Old Madam Lin to the back, and Deng Ruyun was nearly breathless from the jostling.

He smiled, a gentle smile playing on his lips as so many people pushed towards him, but his sharp eyes swept across the crowd.

The next instant, he spotted her.

The sunlight seemed to flood his eyes in that instant; his gaze shone brightly, his smile overflowing. He strode towards her, his lips curving into a wide arc.

For a moment, Deng Ruyun also wanted to walk towards him. But the crowded streets, the clamor, and the words Madam Yang had just whispered in her ear made her unable to lift her feet.

Some had said that it was incredibly lucky for a country girl like her to marry the youngest general in Xi’an Prefecture—a windfall that had fallen into her lap.

But how could an ordinary country girl truly marry a young general with such a promising future?

This was nothing more than a contract, one he himself was unaware of.

Their marriage was a contract, and she was merely his contractual wife…

Suddenly, a young man jumped up, “General Teng, the flower before you is mine!”

He leaped in front of Teng Yue, abruptly blocking her view of him.

The crowd, unwilling to let the flower go to someone else, stretched out their hands even more eagerly, creating a festive yet chaotic scene at the door.

Seeing the lively scene before her and his view blocked, Deng Ruyun simply took three steps back, retreating to the back of the crowd.

Finally, she was out of the crowd.

Teng Yue had not even stepped inside when he was already pushed and shoved, unable to move. He smiled helplessly, simply untied the red flower from his robes, and tossed it upwards.

The crowd rushed towards the flower he had thrown, and Teng Yue finally had a chance to catch his breath.

But when he looked back towards the spot by the door, his wife, who had been standing there, seemed to have vanished like a flower in a mirror or a moon’s reflection in water, or perhaps he had simply been mistaken.

*

The Teng family’s welcoming banquet was a lively affair.

In the inner courtyard, Old Madam Lin entertained the female relatives and guests, while Teng Yue stayed in the outer courtyard to drink with the male guests.

With Nanny Wei absent, the two head maids, Qingxuan and Ziyuan, were overwhelmed. Deng Ruyun first assisted Old Madam Lin in entertaining the guests. Seeing Teng Xiao unusually obediently stepping forward to help, she had Teng Xiao stay with the Old Madam in her place while she went to the back to give instructions.

With her arrival, Qingxuan and Ziyuan were much more relieved, thanking her repeatedly and each going to supervise their tasks.

Soon, the guests gathered, and the welcoming banquet began.

Deng Ruyun did not ask anyone to reserve a seat for her. She merely strolled around the courtyard where the banquet was being held, making a perfunctory appearance before heading to the back.

Teng Xiao noticed her. “Oh, sister-in-law, why are you not seated?”

Deng Ruyun quickly replied that she was going to check the food on the stove, “I am afraid there might be some overcrowding today.”

Teng Xiao retorted, “Such a small matter can be handled by a maid. Sister-in-law is the General’s wife; you should be the center of attention!”

This made Deng Ruyun laugh. She leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I am just like you; I am afraid of people.”

At this, Teng Xiao chuckled.

She quickly said, “I understand. Then, sister-in-law, go ahead. I need to eat something before I run off, too.”

Deng Ruyun smiled and nodded at her. Seeing the guests in the courtyard toasting and laughing, enjoying themselves immensely, and with no one paying any more attention to her, she quietly left.

The kitchen was quiet, and everything was proceeding smoothly.

Deng Ruyun had nothing to say, but Xiuniang came to ask her, “What would you like to eat, Miss? You’ve been busy all morning; you should eat something.”

However, Deng Ruyun felt she was not hungry at all, so she waved her hand and said, “Never mind, it’s a bit hot now; I will go get some fresh air.”

She took a few steps into the garden.

The Teng family’s garden was not large, but it was very well maintained. However, she mostly stayed in Liumingxuan and did not often stroll around, only occasionally passing by to catch a quick glance at the scenery.

Deng Ruyun saw that the forsythia by the pond was sprouting buds, and tender green shoots were emerging on the ground. Although the branches had not yet grown leaves, they shielded the bustling banquet area, creating a quiet haven in the garden.

Deng Ruyun walked quietly across a small stone bridge over the pond. The crisp spring breeze dispelled the heat, making her feel as secluded as the garden itself.

Deng Ruyun silently let the breeze blow on her, feeling a little tired and hungry, perhaps from the chill.

But she had no intention of going to the banquet to play the role of a general’s wife, nor did she want to go to the kitchen and cause gossip. She leaned against the artificial hill, arms crossed, and slowly closed her eyes, waiting for the sun to set, waiting for the welcome banquet to end.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps.

At the sound of footsteps, Deng Ruyun stopped abruptly.

She heard the familiar man’s footsteps getting closer and closer. Before she could move away, he stepped across the path hidden by the artificial hill and appeared before her.

“General?”

Deng Ruyun was surprised.

He should be entertaining guests in the outer courtyard. Why was he in the back garden? He strode towards her. The sudden closeness of someone she had not seen for days made Deng Ruyun’s heart skip a beat.

“Yunniang…”

His voice was strangely hoarse, the smell of alcohol on him gone, as if he had searched for someone in the wind for a long time, only to have it all blown away.

Seeing him only looking at her, Deng Ruyun felt a surge of panic.

Was he going to ask her why she was here alone again? Was he going to be angry with her again?

A fleeting panic crossed her eyes, which Teng Yue saw as he looked down.

She spoke, “I was actually on my way to the banquet, but I just came back from the kitchen.”

She tried to keep her gaze fixed on him, but Teng Yue stepped forward and pulled her, chilled to the bone, into his arms.

His embrace was sudden, his warm breath instantly dispelling the spring chill, enveloping her tightly.

And he spoke softly. “Yunniang, you do not need to go to that banquet. If you do not like it, you do not need to go anywhere. Come with me. I’ve already had a meal prepared in my study.”

He looked at her and gently took her cold hand. “I am just waiting for you.”

He had already anticipated that she would not be at the banquet.

If she did not like the noise and bustle here, it did not matter. He would take time to stay with her alone, just with her, only with her.