Perfect Match – CH 050

Chapter 50

Teng Yue had prepared a small table of food in his study. The dishes were all Deng Ruyun’s usual preferences, and he had even warmed a small pot of peach blossom wine.

The aroma of the food and wine wafted into Deng Ruyun’s nostrils, causing her stomach to rumble.

He quickly pulled out a chair for her, urging her to sit down and eat a few bites, but he did not sit down himself. He went to the door and instructed Tang Zuo, seemingly asking for something.

Deng Ruyun looked over suspiciously, seeing Tang Zuo quickly go and return, handing him the item.

He took the item and turned back into his study. Deng Ruyun glanced at it and froze.

He held a bright red silk flower in his hand, exactly the same as the one everyone had been crowding at the door, trying to snatch from his chest.

“Why did you throw it out and then take it back?”

Everyone wanted to share in his good fortune, hoping it would bring them smooth sailing in everything they did. Deng Ruyun wanted it too, but she could not get it.

She asked, and Teng Yue smiled and shook his head.

“Once something is given away, it cannot be taken back, but if you want it, I…”

Deng Ruyun was startled. “You did not give away a fake one, did you?”

Her question immediately made Teng Yue laugh out loud. The man held the large red flower he had won on the battlefield to her face.

“What I gave you was not fake, and I will not take it back. But I wanted to share in today’s joy with you,” he said, looking into her eyes, “so I asked the Commander for two, and I saved one for you.”

The victory flower was vibrant and delicate, and he placed it in her hand.

“I did not have time to attend the opening of Yuyun Hall, so consider this my apology. Is that alright?”

Deng Ruyun did not want him to still remember this. He had already apologized to her once before going to war. What was so important that he still held onto it after all this time?

She looked at him silently; the red flower reflected his face as he placed chopsticks in her hand.

“Are you not hungry? Eat up.”

He said, then looked at her hand, which was tightly clutching the red silk flower. “It seems Yunniang really likes this, but the flower is already yours, so it will always be yours. You cannot lose it. Eat up!”

Only then did Deng Ruyun realize that she was clutching the red silk so tightly that it was crumpled.

She quickly let go, and he served her soup and some vegetables.

Deng Ruyun was indeed hungry and softly said, “Thank you,” but before she could finish the word, he looked back at her.

“Do not say anything else; just eat.”

Seeing how intently he was watching her, Deng Ruyun could not help but find it amusing. She picked up her chopsticks.

The food was exceptionally delicious, but Tang Zuo came over after only one meal, so he could only let her eat first. “I am going to the banquet to have a couple of drinks with them, and then I will be back.”

Deng Ruyun nodded, hearing the commotion outside, as if someone was looking for him, and hurriedly urged him to go.

Outside the study.

Someone was looking everywhere for Teng Yue, and unable to find him, they could only ask Kong Hui, “Where’s Teng Yue? His family is holding a welcome banquet. What’s with them asking us to drink for him? What’s he busy with?”

The speaker was Wang Fuxiang, Teng Yue’s comrade-in-arms from Ningxia. Wang Fuxiang had suffered a minor injury and, disliking the chaos in Ningxia caused by the power struggles between Prince Enhua and the Chief Eunuch over military merits in the war, had taken advantage of his injury and the rewards to come to Xi’an for a couple of days of peace and quiet.

He, Kong Hui, and Teng Yue were close friends, so hosting a banquet for Teng Yue was no problem for him. He simply said, “You should at least let us know what he’s up to, right?”

He had just arrived from Ningxia and was unaware of the situation, but Kong Hui had some guesses.

However, he could not say it aloud, but Wang Fuxiang remarked, “He would not have set up a separate table in his study, would he? I just saw someone bringing food to his study.”

He was about to go to the study to find out what was going on. And, before Kong Hui could respond, he was already outside the study in the outer courtyard.

The guards at the door were about to bow when they saw him, but he went straight to the study door.

Kong Hui could not stop him, fearing he would barge in, but just then, Teng Yue came out.

Teng Yue looked up and saw his two brothers had found him, raising an eyebrow, “What are you doing here?”

His words, however, angered Wang Fuxiang, who was already displeased with him.

“I should be asking you that! Why are you having a private meal here? Who did you invite?”

Teng Yue did not want to talk to him, only saying, “What do you know so much about? Go back to your table.”

The three of them talked at the study door, while Deng Ruyun, listening from inside, dared not speak.

Naturally, Teng Yue would not let anyone see the person he hid in his study, so he shoved Wang Fuxiang.

But Wang Fuxiang snorted, “You pushed me again? You’ve changed, Teng Yue, you’ve changed! You do not tell your brothers what’s going on anymore?”

Upon hearing this, Kong Hui could not help but laugh out loud, while Teng Yue’s ears turned red, and he pushed him even harder, “What do you mean I did not tell you? Go eat your meal!”

He would not let him see, and Kong Hui just laughed from the side. Wang Fuxiang saw that the two of them knew this secret, while he, in Ningxia, was excluded.

He was a reckless man to begin with, and now he was even more reckless. He suddenly stepped forward, and before Teng Yue and Kong Hui could react, he pushed open the door.

Deng Ruyun had found Wang Fuxiang’s words, “You’ve changed, Teng Yue, you’ve changed,” somewhat amusing.

But the next instant, the study door was flung open, and a burly man’s face appeared in the doorway.

Deng Ruyun was startled and jumped to her feet.

Wang Fuxiang, however, froze. He had assumed there was some great secret in the room, only to find a girl standing there like a startled rabbit.

He stood there, staring intently, while Teng Yue’s face turned pale.

The man grabbed him by the back of his collar, dragging him several meters away. Not content with that, seeing him still staring into the study, he swung his fist, ready to strike him in the eye.

Although Teng Yue was not as burly as Wang Fuxiang, he was as strong and muscular as a leopard, capable of knocking a Tartar off his horse with a single punch.

Kong Hui, fearing this punch would send Wang Fuxiang straight to the clinic, rushed forward to stop him.

“Yu Chuan, spare him! He’s just a brute!”

But Teng Yue only saw Wang Fuxiang’s gaze still drifting towards the study, and he felt an urge to punch him, his teeth clenched.

Deng Ruyun, hearing Teng Yue and his men about to fight outside, also knew things were going to get messed up.

Unexpectedly, Wang Fuxiang suddenly spoke.

“I…I’ve seen her before, and it seems more than once.”

These words made Teng Yue pause slightly in his punch, but Deng Ruyun’s heart skipped a beat inside the room.

Wang Fuxiang had indeed seen her before. It was when she secretly followed Teng Yue, and once, she was almost mistaken for a spy for the military camp by Wang Fuxiang. Luckily, she ran away quickly.

Teng Yue did not know about that past incident, and Deng Ruyun had no intention of letting him know. Now, hearing Wang Fuxiang mention it, her heart was pounding.

In the courtyard, Kong Hui asked in surprise, “How could you have seen Yu Chuan’s wife?”

Wang Fuxiang then came to his senses. “That’s Yu Chuan’s wife…”

He dared not look any longer; Teng Yue’s face was as black as the bottom of a pot, and his fists, as hard as stone, were covered in blue veins. He quickly apologized and begged for forgiveness.

“I really did not mean to offend my sister-in-law, but I really felt she looked familiar. It must have been in Jinzhou; I saw her when I first met you.”

Kong Hui nodded beside him. “Madam Teng is indeed from Jinzhou.”

Teng Yue had lived in Jinzhou for many years and did not remember ever seeing Yunniang. This boorish fellow had only been in Jinzhou for half a year. “What a coincidence! Where did you meet her?”

He asked, making Deng Ruyun in the study sweat profusely.

But Wang Fuxiang could not remember. “I cannot remember; maybe…maybe on the street.”

As he spoke, he repeatedly apologized to Teng Yue. Seeing that he did not seem to be lying, Teng Yue finally withdrew his fist with an unfriendly expression.

Kong Hui, who had intervened to break up the fight, breathed a sigh of relief and was about to advise Wang Fuxiang to behave himself when the man said something else.

“I think I frightened my sister-in-law just now. Should I go in and apologize to her?”

Upon hearing this, Kong Hui saw Teng Yue about to throw another punch and quickly pulled him outside.

“Come on, give her what?! Just bring an apology gift tomorrow. Do you want to be beaten up now?”

Seeing Teng Yue’s expression, Wang Fuxiang did not dare to say anything more. He simply said he would go outside to entertain the guests for Teng Yue and hurriedly left.

Teng Yue took a few deep breaths in the courtyard before turning back to his study.

Seeing his Yunniang sweating from fright, he became even angrier, but seeing that she was still shaken, he quickly went forward and hugged her.

“Did that fellow frighten you?”

Deng Ruyun quickly shook her head. “Not at all.”

Teng Yue, however, asked, “He said he saw you in Jinzhou. Did you see him too, Yunniang?”

Deng Ruyun echoed Wang Fuxiang’s words, saying, “I think I saw General Wang on the street.”

But Teng Yue suddenly asked her, “Have you seen me before?”

Deng Ruyun smiled. “Of course.”

Teng Yue’s eyes lit up, then he heard her say, “Generals returning victorious like today is not uncommon in Jinzhou. I certainly saw that.”

So that’s how they met.

A small disappointment crept into Teng Yue’s heart.

The meal was interrupted like this, and it was getting late. Seeing that the banquet was more than halfway through, Deng Ruyun ate for a while and then went home.

But as she left, she concealed Teng Yue’s large red silk flower in her sleeve, and her steps became inexplicably lighter.

After the wedding banquet ended in the afternoon, the Teng Mansion was tidied up and finally returned to tranquility.

At Canglang Pavilion, Old Madam Lin summoned Teng Yue and asked him a few questions about his military affairs. She seemed to want to treat the family to a family dinner at Canglang Pavilion, but Teng Yue said he was tired and suggested they postpone it.

Old Madam Lin readily agreed, but Deng Ruyun noticed that a small feast had been brought to Liumingxuan from the kitchen, along with warm peach blossom wine.

Teng Yue was still somewhat irritated, looking sullen and a little aggrieved.

“That fellow ruined lunch; we will have a different meal tonight.”

Deng Ruyun: ?

She could not help but chuckle.

Seeing the smile bloom in her eyes and brows, Teng Yue’s heart blossomed like spring flowers, and he personally poured her a small cup of wine.

“I heard Yuyun Hall changed its resident physician. Is that enough? Should I find you two more?”

Deng Ruyun was surprised by his quick thinking; he’d only just returned home and already knew about the change.

With Bai Chunfu gone, the patients were inevitably disappointed, but Shopkeeper Qin had found two more physicians, which was barely enough.

She said, “No need. Two are enough. Besides, Sixth Young Master Bai left some notes and medical records; that should be enough for the new physicians to familiarize themselves with.”

Hearing her tone of gratitude towards Sixth Young Master Bai, Teng Yue grunted twice and could not help but say,

“He’s gone; perhaps he’s even left Xi’an.”

Unexpectedly, she replied, “He has not left Xi’an. He’s currently staying at Yangxiu Workshop.”

Deng Ruyun was simply telling him the truth, but after saying that, she felt something was amiss. She saw Teng Yue’s brows furrowed deeply.

“Why did you inquire about where he lives?”

Deng Ruyun repeatedly said she had not inquired, “He told me himself.”

“Then you’ve remembered it,” he added.

But Deng Ruyun could not simply pretend she’d forgotten, could she? She could only place a piece of food on his plate. “General, please eat.”

Teng Yue was naturally a little annoyed, but thinking about how Wang Fuxiang had caused trouble at noon and how he could not let Sixth Young Master Bai bother him again in the evening, he quickly became magnanimous. He thought, what difference did it make if Sixth Young Master Bai lived in Yangxiu Workshop? His wife could not possibly go to that person, could she? There’s no reason for her to, was there?

He dropped the subject, placed a piece of food on his wife’s plate, and mentioned that he had sent two cartloads of medicinal herbs from Ningxia, which were still on their way due to the war and would not arrive for several days.

The two chatted as they slowly began to eat.

Teng Yue first inquired about recent events at Yuyun Hall. Hearing that Sixth Young Master Bai had smoothed things over with Old Wan and the troublemakers, he nodded secretly in approval. Then he spoke of the situation in the army, mentioning the fierce battle between the Chief Eunuch and Prince Enhua in Ningxia. Although a powerful dragon could not suppress a local snake, Prince Enhua’s Mansion, having already faced court repercussions due to Teng Yue’s complaint, dared not go too far, and currently, the Chief Eunuch’s faction had gained the upper hand.

Deng Ruyun listened with interest. “With Prince Enhua’s prestige, how could he possibly be content to be subservient to a mere eunuch?”

Teng Yue chuckled, noticing that Deng Ruyun had drunk a small cup of peach blossom wine, her face slightly flushed, but her eyes still gleaming with interest. He poured her another half-cup.

The fragrant aroma of wine wafted around the candlelight, causing the lamp wick to crackle.

Outside, darkness had long since fallen. The spring breeze of the night gently knocked on the door, then quietly slipped away as it watched the couple inside slowly drinking and talking.

Deng Ruyun asked, and Teng Yue chuckled in response.

“Of course not. After all, Prince Enhua has long harbored ulterior motives and is eager to make his move.”

He lowered his voice slightly after saying this.

“Remember the bandit leader we caught before? The person he implicated, I actually found in the army.”

Deng Ruyun immediately looked up as the man spoke softly.

“The one who took over the stolen military supplies was none other than Prince Enhua’s men.”

This made Deng Ruyun gasp. Fearing she had made too much noise, she quickly raised her hand to cover her mouth.

Teng Yue found it amusing. “Do not be afraid, Ruyun. This is our own home. With me here, no outsiders can hear.”

Only after he said this did Deng Ruyun peek out a few words through her fingers. “Why is he secretly accumulating so many military supplies? Is he raising a private army?”

Such a large amount of military supplies clearly indicated it was not just a small private army.

Deng Ruyun’s eyes widened at this thought. “Would Prince Enhua…would he not be planning a rebellion?”

Teng Yue provided the answer: “I think so.”

Deng Ruyun gasped again.

However, Teng Yue said that while Prince Enhua’s actions had not been obvious before, “the Chief Eunuch’s men are gaining more and more influence in Ningxia. I think Zhu Zhenfan, since he’s had this intention for a while, will not wait much longer.”

After all, if they waited too long, the Chief Eunuch’s men would control the Ningxia area, and Prince Enhua’s Mansion would not be able to rebel even if they wanted to.

Deng Ruyun understood this perfectly well; she guessed Prince Enhua was already poised to strike.

She only asked Teng Yue, “And what about you?”

She had heard that Prince Enhua greatly admired him. Even after the incident involving Princess Rongle, Prince Enhua did not consider Teng Yue a thorn in his side; some even said he praised him for his courage and integrity.

However, Teng Yue clearly had no intention of joining Prince Enhua’s ranks. As for the Chief Eunuch, that was someone everyone in the world wanted to curry favor with.

But Teng Yue said, “I do not want to go to Prince Enhua’s Mansion. As for that Chief Eunuch… does Yunniang know Shi Zeyou?”

The sudden appearance of this name caused the lights to dim slightly.

Deng Ruyun saw Teng Yue’s gaze narrow slightly.

She knew who this person was. Shi Zeyou was a former comrade of Teng Yue’s father, but also the very person who had persecuted him for many years.

After the powerful figure he had curried favor with fell from grace, Shi Zeyou was also implicated and had no contact with the Teng family for many years. The old grudges seemed to have been buried deep in the ashes.

However, Deng Ruyun had also heard Old Madam Lin mention that this man had changed his allegiance and was now in office again.

Perhaps this was why Old Madam Lin was often anxious, fearing he would make a comeback against the Teng family.

At this moment, Teng Yue suddenly brought it up, and Deng Ruyun heard him say…

“This man has already boarded the Chief Eunuch’s ship; how could I possibly remain on the same boat as him?”

The words fell to the ground but echoed in Deng Ruyun’s ears.

So that was his thought, but it seemed Old Madam Lin thought differently…

But these words passed quickly. Teng Yue flicked the candle on the table, brightening the light slightly.

His expression hardened, and he said, “Let’s not talk about this anymore. Let’s eat.”

He placed some food on Deng Ruyun’s plate, then, as if remembering something, he suddenly pulled a small brocade pouch from his robes.

The pouch was only about half the size of his palm, but it appeared even smaller in his hand.

He handed it to her, urging her to open it and take a look.

Deng Ruyun opened it and saw that it was a bracelet in the style of the Western Regions. It appeared to have patterns carved on animal bone, adorned with feathers and green stones, and even inlaid with jade. This small bracelet strung with so many things was not only exquisite but also likely very valuable.

Teng Yue said, “I’ve heard this bracelet is used for strengthening the body and warding off evil spirits. In the border regions, it also symbolizes praying for smooth trade routes and abundant wealth. Do you like it? Why not keep it with you and wear it?”

This item was certainly not ordinary in value, but seeing his expression, Deng Ruyun suddenly asked, “General, you did not steal this from the Tartars, did you?”

Teng Yue, who was about to drink from his wine cup, choked upon hearing this.

“I did not steal it. Wang Fuxiang gave it to me. The Tartars came all this way; they must have left something behind, right?”

Deng Ruyun suspected that he had indeed stolen it; it probably belonged to a Tartar leader. Not only did the Tartars suffer a defeat at his hands, but he also stole their bracelet.

Seeing his serious expression, she wanted to laugh but was too embarrassed to, yet she could not suppress her laughter, muttering to herself.

But then he pulled her into his arms, holding her on his lap, encircling her, and pressing his forehead against hers, asking, “Are you disgusted by this thing? Or are you laughing at me?”

Deng Ruyun suppressed a laugh, saying, “I am not disgusted by this thing.”

“Then… you are laughing at me?”

Deng Ruyun could not hold back any longer and burst out laughing.

Teng Yue himself could not help but laugh, and Deng Ruyun laughed even harder, bending over backward.

But suddenly, his laughter stopped, his gaze fixed on her face, and he pulled her closer to him.

He lowered his head, his warm lips landing on her smiling eyes.

His voice was slightly husky, gently whispering in her ear.

“Yunniang, did you miss me?”

… …

Liumingxuan asked for water during the night and again just before dawn.

The next day, Old Madam Lin heard about it when she woke up. After dinner, as she walked around the mansion, she saw Teng Yue coming out of Liumingxuan’s room. He looked radiant, and his eyes were filled with a gentle smile.

He stepped forward to greet her, adding a casual remark:

“Yunniang was a little tired yesterday, so I told her to rest a bit more and did not let her go to Canglang Pavilion early.”

Old Madam Lin did not have the custom of morning and evening greetings and did not care about this, but she secretly observed her son’s expression.

Now, Teng Yue said that Kong Hui and the others needed to see him and asked him to go out first.

Old Madam Lin wanted to ask him a few more questions, but upon hearing this, she could only nod and let him go.

Unexpectedly, Teng Yue did not return by evening, nor did he send a message home.

He always sent word home before leaving, but today there was no word at all.

Old Madam Lin and Deng Ruyun were both uneasy. Old Madam Lin even sent people to look for him at Kong Hui’s and Wang Fuxiang’s places, but there was no news; neither of them was home.

Old Madam Lin stopped searching and paced back and forth in Canglang Pavilion.

Deng Ruyun could not sleep either.

Around midnight, Teng Yue suddenly returned, bringing with him a person covered in blood.