MFMH C77

Chapter 77 – Where Is Not Home

Half-asleep, he suddenly felt a chill on his body. Gu Changfeng’s brows twitched as he slowly opened his eyes…

“Good morning, Changfeng.” Shen Yanbei’s voice was hoarse as he laughed, kissing at his neck.

To wake and find the one he longed for lying beside him, collar slightly loose, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of honey-colored skin—having hungered for days, Shen Yanbei could not help but crave the feel of the firm muscles hidden beneath those clothes. After a moment’s hesitation, knowing he could not resist his wife’s allure, he gladly partook of the most delicious “breakfast” imaginable.

“Morning…” A faint flush spread across Gu Changfeng’s stern features, his lashes trembling. The youth’s cool hands roamed his body, sparking trails of fire. A certain place, already sensitive in the morning, was roused even more under this touch, springing to full vigor.

“Did you come especially to fetch me last night?” Last night he had been hazy, only vaguely recalling Gu Changfeng bringing him home, bathing him, and changing his clothes.

“Mm…” Gu Changfeng let out a low breath, the flush deepening.

“Because you couldn’t rest easy without me?” Shen Yanbei loved him best like this—restrained, struggling—so he employed both lips and hands to bring him exquisite sensation.

“…No.” Gu Changfeng tilted his head back slightly, speaking with effort.

Shen Yanbei nipped at his lips in mock punishment, chuckling: “Liar.”

Gu Changfeng’s gaze flickered. He pressed his lips together and stayed silent.

“How should I punish you then?” By their usual rules, when Gu Changfeng was at fault, Shen Yanbei would demand only a kiss. But this time, Shen Yanbei had no intention of letting him off so easily.

“How about this?” Shen Yanbei whispered by his ear. “You move yourself.”

With a boom, crimson flooded Gu Changfeng’s face, burning all the way to his ears.

“It’s decided then. Whoever errs must move on his own.” Shen Yanbei arched a brow, wrapping him close and rolling them over.

His ink-black hair spilled loose, spreading across the bed. The youth curled his lips lazily, smiling at him with languid allure.

Gu Changfeng stared, throat bobbing.

As the years passed, the youth’s once slightly frail body had grown longer, stronger, more vigorous. The aura of a mature man clung to him now, and in splendid robes he was dazzlingly handsome. Yet in private, stripped of his gentle facade, he was willful and unruly, often leaving Gu Changfeng defenseless.

“Changfeng…” Shen Yanbei reached to caress his face, the unspoken invitation clear in his tone.

As if bewitched, Gu Changfeng bent down to kiss his brows and eyes…

The room’s temperature steadily rose. From behind gauzy curtains came muffled gasps. The strong man’s body moved above, waist taut, abdominal muscles taut and flowing with power, sexily irresistible. The youth beneath could not help but rise up to kiss and worship him…

When the clouds dispersed and the rain ceased, Shen Yanbei lay thoroughly sated, holding him close in tender warmth.

Gu Changfeng, bare-backed and covered in kiss marks, lay on his stomach, voice hoarse: “After I received the imperial decree, the servants of the household all changed their faces. Those who once ignored me now rush to flatter.”

“These people are skilled at following the wind. If you dislike it, drive them out. There’s no need to overthink.” Shen Yanbei closed his eyes, pressing against that broad back, relishing the smooth, firm texture of his skin. He adored it.

Gu Changfeng grunted in reply, then continued: “One gardener secretly came to me. He said that after my father left for the frontier, one night he stumbled upon Madam Gu Qingyao’s trusted nurse forcing a disheveled maid—her build sturdier than most women—into the main courtyard. By the next day that maid was beaten to death with the charge of plotting harm against the Madam with scissors.”

“Later, Madam Gu Qingyao became pregnant. Before giving birth, that nurse committed some offense and was cast out. Meanwhile, many of the maids who had served in the main courtyard were one by one beaten to death or sold off…”

Shen Yanbei frowned slightly. Such actions reeked of guilt, as if to cover up a hidden truth by replacing everyone around her.

Gu Changfeng’s voice was heavy: “I asked a doctor. Infants not carried to full term, born prematurely, often suffer congenital weakness and fall ill easily.”

“You suspect that younger brother of yours was forced into birth early?” Premature infants, with underdeveloped organs and immune systems, were indeed frailer than those born at full term.

However…

“Is the gardener’s testimony reliable?” Shen Yanbei asked seriously.

“It is.” Gu Changfeng’s expression turned grim. “His daughter once served that child. When the child caught a chill and fever, Madam Gu Qingyao punished her, had her beaten, then sold her to a broker.”

“I see.” Shen Yanbei nodded. “Still, beware. He may harbor resentment and be fabricating a tale, using you as a weapon.”

Gu Changfeng inclined his head. Shen Yanbei kissed his neck lightly: “Since you lack trustworthy allies in that household, bring in Zhou Yu. That boy is quick-witted. Let him dig for news.”

Recalling the hardships Gu Changfeng had endured in the Duke’s manor, Shen Yanbei’s gaze darkened. “Servants who chase favor can be useful too. If you want to unearth evidence of that woman’s infidelity, summon one alone, make heavy promises, let them spy on each other.”

Gu Changfeng’s heart warmed. He leaned over to kiss Shen Yanbei’s cheek. Shen Yanbei paused, then smiled dangerously: “Kiss me again and we’ll be stuck abed, starving till noon.”

Gu Changfeng’s expression grew awkward. The two teased each other until the sun was high.

Though Shen Yanbei loved lazing in his wife’s arms, he could not bear to see him go hungry. Reluctantly, he pulled away from that irresistible body. “I’ll make breakfast. What do you want to eat?”

“Nothing fancy, just an egg pancake.” With the one he loved, even pickles and radish were delicacies.

“All right.” Shen Yanbei smacked a kiss on him before rising.

Their courtyard had a kitchen, where he cooked at leisure when free. Knowing Shen Yanbei would rise late today, Zhou Yu had already put porridge and bone broth on to simmer, and minced some meat. When Shen Yanbei entered, the boy was rolling dough. His studies might be poor, but in martial training he had talent. Gu Changfeng had taught him swordplay; now he chopped and diced ably enough.

“Master, is Teacher awake?” Zhou Yu pointed at the stove. “I’ve heated water. When he’s up, I’ll bring it.”

“Go on then.” Shen Yanbei smiled, taking up the rolling pin to press the dough thinner, intending to make wontons.

“Brother Shen, what’s for breakfast?” Su Qingze yawned as he came in, unsurprised to see Shen Yanbei at work. Whenever Gu Changfeng was around, Shen Yanbei always seemed inclined to cook.

“Plain porridge, egg pancakes, and wontons.” Shen Yanbei used chopsticks to scoop a bit of meat onto the dough, then folded and pinched it closed. “Did you meet the Emperor last night?”

Su Qingze smiled sheepishly. It had been his first time seeing Zhao Yu as emperor. Surrounded by guards, clad in a bright yellow robe embroidered with a five-clawed dragon, his face stern, his eyes fathomless, he exuded innate majesty. Utterly unlike the Zhao Yu he usually knew.

Yet the moment Zhao Yu looked at him, all that majesty vanished. His features softened, warmth returned, and in an instant he was once again the familiar Ah Heng.

“I once heard a saying: ‘A romance without marriage as its goal is mere trifling.’ It means that when two people date, it should be with the intent to grow old together. Otherwise, one is just toying with the other’s feelings.” Shen Yanbei spoke casually.

This notion was entirely new to Su Qingze.

“In truth, I think it means both should take responsibility for each other. Don’t play around.” Shen Yanbei lowered his voice. “You’re still young. If you can’t yet bear responsibility for your decision, then wait. He won’t force you.”

Having learned of the Emperor’s manipulations, Shen Yanbei felt conflicted. Such deceit in a relationship was ruinous to trust; anyone fiercer would have cast him off outright! But given his special station, perhaps his unusual mindset arose from his experiences. What was certain, at least, was that the Emperor truly cared for Su Qingze—enough to use any means to keep him.

“I understand.” Su Qingze nodded, gratitude swelling in his heart. Only true friends would caution him again and again to be prudent, not rash. Others would have simply congratulated him on a match with the Emperor.

After breakfast, they followed Shen Yanbei into town to hire laborers for renovating the tavern. With two prior ventures, he was adept at instructing on design. Craftsmen in the capital were all highly skilled. After signing contracts and paying deposits, work was set to begin.

Next, they rented a carriage to visit Louxia Village, just outside the city, to inspect the chili crops.

The warm days of late spring and ample sun had brought the seeds sprouting as planned.

Shen Yanbei checked germination rates and soil moisture, instructing villagers to water properly at noon. With warm weather but no rain, chili seedbeds needed consistent dampness.

In the experimental fields, only spring wheat could be sown at this season. Shen Yanbei had obtained plump, quality seeds to cultivate. Though inferior in taste to winter wheat, spring wheat matured quickly—in three or four months—so if yields could be boosted, countless poor families would be fed.

“My lord, all the animal dung, straw, and leaves you ordered gathered have been piled here.” The village head bowed before a reeking hill of manure. When Shen Yanbei had paraded through the capital as Zhuangyuan, villagers had recognized him as the man who purchased a hundred mu of their land. Word spread swiftly, and all of Louxia Village was filled with pride.

If the Zhuangyuan himself farmed here, the harvest must be extraordinary! The villagers tended his fields with renewed diligence, and admired him from the heart. Zhuangyuan were usually known for their flowery prose, yet this one turned his hand to agriculture, clearly mindful of the common folk.

“My thanks, neighbors.” Shen Yanbei was pleasantly surprised by the swift collection. Wheat demanded rich soil. The twenty mu he had bought were originally soybean fields. With sufficient organic fertilizer, the wheat seedlings would thrive. But manure could not be used raw—it required composting and fermentation. He explained the process to the headman.

Watching the youth explain composting so earnestly at the field’s edge, Gu Changfeng was reminded of their days farming in Shenjia Village.

Those had been the most precious, unforgettable days of his life.

Noticing Gu Changfeng staring, Shen Yanbei asked with a smile: “What are you thinking?”

“What shall we plant in our own fields this year?”

Shen Yanbei blinked, then softly asked: “You’re homesick?”

“Mm.” Gu Changfeng’s eyes grew wistful. He missed the rice paddies, the chickens and ducks, the tavern…

Shen Yanbei squeezed his hand. “I’ve bought land, and we’re opening another tavern. Let’s also buy a house.”

“Good.” The melancholy vanished at once. With him, anywhere could be home.

Speaking of home reminded Gu Changfeng of something. “Have you written to the village head with the good news?”

“Don’t worry, I did. I sent it off yesterday.” Shen Yanbei pulled him along.

“Uncle Zhong will be thrilled.” Gu Changfeng smiled. When Shen Yanbei had placed first in the provincial exam, Shen Dezhong had nearly burst with pride. Now, with the Zhuangyuan title, the old village head would be overjoyed.

“It’s a pity we can’t return this year for Qingming to honor our parents.”

“No matter. They’ll understand.” Shen Yanbei’s heart softened. His wife was so filial. If his mother were still alive, she would surely be smiling ear to ear.

“Court duties shouldn’t occupy Qingming. That day, let us go offer incense to Father-in-law.”

Gu Changfeng’s eyes brightened. “Yes!”

Soon came the day to report to the Hanlin Academy.

Besides Shen Yanbei, the second-place Liu Zhixian and third-place Ouyang Yue were also appointed as editors, working alongside him.

“Brother Shen, to which elder have you paid your respects?” Ouyang Yue asked with veiled intent.

Shen Yanbei touched his nose. “To none.” By custom, new jinshi often sent gifts to their examiners, akin to paying allegiance. But all jinshi were the Emperor’s disciples. Private factions were unwelcome. He would not risk Zhao Yu’s displeasure.

Ouyang Yue’s eyes widened. “Brother Liu has already bowed to the Chancellor. I thought you would surely choose Elder Zhang.” At the exam, the Emperor and Zhang Youzheng had both stood beside Shen Yanbei as he answered. Everyone assumed he would follow Zhang.

“The Chancellor, Elder Zhang—it matters not. We all serve His Majesty, and so do we. Why then divide into yours and mine?” Shen Yanbei dismissed lightly.

“True, yet without aligning, you may never rise…” Ouyang Yue frowned, about to explain the risks. But seeing Shen Yanbei’s smiling eyes, clear as a mirror, he grew doubtful.

Could it be that not aligning was the better path? Or did this Zhuangyuan have some backing?

If Shen Yanbei knew his thoughts, he would happily have told him: of course he had backing—he had family ties!

But unaware, he only smiled and entered the Hanlin Academy.