Chapter Seventy-One: There's No Place Like Home

“Father, would you please come back to the Prince Chun’s residence with me first? Once I’ve sent people to tidy up the Prince Zhennan’s estate, you can return home,” Zhan Yan said. She had just returned to the capital and had no idea what state the Prince Zhennan’s residence was in, so she thought it best for her father to accompany her home first, and only return after she had arranged for the house to be cleaned.

Zhan Tianyi looked at his daughter and shook his head. “Yan’er, I’ve been away for sixteen years. I just want to go back and see it now.”

Zhan Yan knew there was no persuading him, so she said, “Let me at least send someone to escort you.”

Her father smiled. “Yan’er, your father is not a child. What are you worried about?”

“Even if you’re not a child, I don’t want you to return alone. Why don’t I go with you first, then return to my own residence?”

“Nonsense. You’re married now. You shouldn’t rush back to your father’s house before returning home. It’s improper.”

“All right, but I insist on sending someone with you.”

“Very well, as you wish.”

In the end, Zhan Yan had Lan Yun and Lan Yu accompany her father back home. She herself returned to the Prince Chun’s residence with Qing Yun, Lan Xiang, and Lan Xue. She thought her grandfather must be anxiously waiting, so she hurried straight there without delay.

Upon reaching the gate, the guards spotted Zhan Yan from afar and immediately ran inside to announce her arrival. Not long after, the old Prince Chun came out in haste. Seeing Zhan Yan, he was so moved he exclaimed, “Girl, has Yu really returned? He’s truly unharmed?”

Zhan Yan gently supported her grandfather, whose body trembled with excitement, and softly reassured him, “Grandfather, rest assured. My husband is well. He went to the military camp first, but he’ll be back shortly.”

“That’s wonderful, truly wonderful.” The old prince said with elation, “Girl, you’ve really been through so much this time.”

“What are you saying, Grandfather? As long as my husband is alive, it’s nothing.”

“You’re a good child. Come, let’s go inside.”

Zhan Yan nodded and followed him in. After chatting with her grandfather for a while and agreeing to dine together that evening, she returned to Pear Fragrance Court. Upon entering, she saw the pears in the courtyard were already ripe, plump and juicy, tempting to the eye. She didn’t rush to pick them, but ordered her attendants to prepare water for her bath. The servants, having heard early that the prince and princess would return, had everything ready, and soon the bath was drawn.

Zhan Yan sank into the large tub, letting the warm water wash away her exhaustion. She felt utterly relaxed. Reflecting on all that had happened in recent days, so much had transpired—now, finally, peace had been restored. She sighed in relief; how wonderful it was to be home. In this familiar place, she realized that this house, somehow, had taken root in her heart. No matter where she went, she always longed for it.

She soaked for nearly half an hour; the water had cooled somewhat, but as it was still summer, the slight chill felt pleasant. She didn’t ask for more hot water, just sat quietly in the tub until drowsiness overtook her. As she rose, she was suddenly enveloped in a familiar embrace. Sensing the well-known scent, she knew Zhongli Yu had returned. She lifted her head and gave him a gentle smile. “Why did you enter without a word? You startled me.”

Zhongli Yu’s voice was hoarse. “Yan’er, you’re tempting me.” She was unaware that her languid, seductive gaze nearly drove him to lose control, wishing to take her right then and there.

Zhan Yan looked down at herself and realized she was naked in his arms. Her face flushed crimson, and she tried to break free, but his hold only tightened.

Flustered, she said, “Zhongli Yu, let me go, I need to get dressed.”

“If you’re going to take it off again, isn’t it troublesome? Better not bother,” he replied, picking her up and carrying her toward the bedroom.

“It’s daytime, Zhongli Yu,” Zhan Yan protested helplessly. Weren’t people in ancient times supposed to be conservative?

“I know.”

“Then why—”

Before she could finish, her mouth was sealed by his lips. He kissed her until she was breathless and weak all over, finally releasing her, his voice husky, “Yan’er, I missed you.” The next moment, he pressed her beneath him. Day or night, what did it matter? Who said daylight was forbidden? He certainly didn’t know. Before long, she was swept away in his tenderness…

Familiar bed, familiar person, familiar sensations—everything was blissful, and they were utterly intoxicated.

The sun slowly sank, disappearing from sight, heralding the onset of darkness. Pear Fragrance Court remained exceptionally quiet, with no one daring to disturb them. After a long afternoon nap, the two finally awoke. Zhan Yan glanced at the hourglass; it was already the hour of You. She hurried to sit up.

Zhongli Yu, seeing her anxious expression, asked in confusion, “Yan’er, what’s the matter?”

“We promised Grandfather we’d dine together tonight. It’s already the hour of You, we should hurry and get up.”

“Don’t worry, Yan’er. Grandfather will understand. We’ve come a long way from Wangcheng, weary from the journey. A bit of rest is nothing.”

Zhan Yan rolled her eyes. They were indeed tired, but not from travel. “Come on, get up, or Grandfather will be worried.” She dressed herself without calling for attendants. Seeing her get up, Zhongli Yu followed suit. Once ready, they opened the door to find Qing Yun waiting outside. Upon seeing Zhan Yan, Qing Yun suppressed a smile and said, “Princess, the old prince said you needn’t hurry. It’s summer, so night falls late. You can rest as much as you like before coming over.”

Zhan Yan’s cheeks reddened slightly; she nodded and said she understood, then took Zhongli Yu’s hand and went to her grandfather’s courtyard.

Arriving there, the old prince was already waiting. Seeing them walk in hand in hand, he smiled broadly, “Girl, you’re here! Come, sit. I had them prepare your favorite dishes—see if they suit your taste.”

“Thank you, Grandfather,” Zhan Yan replied, a bit embarrassed.

“No need for thanks. Look at you—gone for over a month, and you’ve grown thin. You need to eat well and build yourself up.” The old prince looked at Zhan Yan with tender concern, leaving Zhongli Yu aside, as if Zhan Yan were his true grandchild.

“Grandfather, let’s eat,” Zhongli Yu said calmly, apparently accustomed to his grandfather’s manner—deeply caring, yet always acting as if Zhongli Yu were not his own grandson.

The old prince glared fiercely at Zhongli Yu. “You brat, you finally come back. Heroic, are you? So capable? You actually stabbed your own heart with a sword. If you’re so brave, why not pierce the heart of the scoundrel who forced you instead? Why hurt yourself?” Though his tone was harsh, if one listened closely, his voice trembled, revealing just how worried he’d been.

Zhongli Yu patted his grandfather’s back, full of remorse. “All right, I’m back, aren’t I? It’s over.”

He knew his grandfather well—no matter how contradictory his words, his concern was always evident.

“Grandfather, my husband is back, safe and sound. From now on, we’ll live happily as a family.” Zhan Yan hurried to comfort him. “Look, the food is getting cold. Let’s eat.”

The old prince gave his grandson and granddaughter-in-law a gratified look, nodded, and said, “Good, good. Let’s eat.”

That day, the Prince Chun’s residence was filled with harmony and warmth, while at the Prince Zhennan’s estate, the scene was quite different.