Qing'an Ci Chapter Seven (Ongoing)

"Ouch..." Sun Pengcheng hurriedly rubbed his arm. Having served as Su Xiu's pillow all night, it had gone completely numb.

"Let me see. I won't let you use my arm as a pillow when we sleep at night anymore," Su Xiu said, gently rubbing it for him, her heart aching for him.

"I only want you to use it. I have to. There, it's not numb anymore. Let's get up," Sun Pengcheng said tenderly while continuing to massage his arm.

"Your mouth is as sweet as honey. Alright, let's get up." Su Xiu felt enveloped in a sense of happiness from his words.

After washing up, Sun Pengcheng went to prepare the carriage. He planned to leave early in the morning to avoid any unforeseen complications.

Once they were ready, they prepared to depart. With Old Zhang away, Sun Pengcheng had to drive the carriage himself, as he didn't trust the other servants. Su Xiu and Red Girl sat inside.

Everything was set, and they prepared to leave. Sun Yu and Lady Liu were unaware of their departure; they left just as the sky was beginning to brighten.

Sun Pengcheng drove the carriage rapidly. Along the way, the scenery was picturesque and breathtaking.

By morning, the sun had risen. Thanks to the medicine, Lu Yiran’s condition had improved significantly. She realized now that no matter how much she made a fuss, Sun Pengcheng’s heart was no longer with her. Instead, she had only ended up sick, and the feeling of illness was truly unbearable.

In the morning, Lady Liu came to see her. "Ran'er, how are you feeling today?"

"Thank you for your concern, Mother. I am much better, but... I would like Sun Pengcheng to keep me company. I am all alone..."

"Today is the day Cheng'er and Su Xiu return to her maiden home. They will be back tonight; I will have Cheng'er come to see you then. For now, rest well, and eat and take your medicine on time," Lady Liu said, seeing through her intentions and offering comfort.

"I want to see him before he leaves. Seeing him makes my heart feel at ease!" Lu Yiran pleaded with Lady Liu.

"Huan'er, go call the Young Master over. Tell him it is my order," Lady Liu said to the maid, Huan'er.

"Yes, Mistress, I’ll go right away." Huan'er turned and headed toward Su Xiu's room.

A while later, Huan'er returned. "Mistress, Eldest Young Mistress, the Young Master and his wife are not at home. I fear they have already left."

"It seems he left early just to avoid me. Mother, thank you for your concern. I will eat and take my medicine properly, please don't worry." Lu Yiran’s schemes had failed, and she grew despondent.

"You, don't worry. Mother is on your side," Lady Liu said, sitting on the edge of the bed and stroking Lu Yiran's hand.

When it came down to it, Lu Yiran’s maiden family was wealthy and powerful, and the two families had business dealings. Ever since the marriage between the Lu and Sun families, the Sun family’s businesses had gradually expanded. That was why Sun Yu and Lady Liu never dared to offend her. Otherwise, she would have been cast aside long ago for failing to conceive a child after being married to Sun Pengcheng for so long. In truth, the Sun family simply dared not cross the Lu family.

On the way home, Su Xiu’s mood improved. They were almost there.

"Hong'er, when we get home today, don't speak out of turn, so Father and Mother don't worry," Su Xiu whispered into Red Girl's ear.

"Yes, Miss, I know. Don't worry. I will take good care of you in the Sun household as well, especially since the young master favors you so much!"

"You, don't go talking nonsense in the Sun household!" Su Xiu cautioned her.

To be honest, the two days Su Xiu had spent married into the Sun family felt like years. She had expected a simple life, but it turned out to be far from easy.

Looking outside, Su Xiu saw that they were nearly home. A daughter returning to her parents' house after marriage feels an indescribable joy; after all, she had spent her entire childhood there.

Lady Wang (Su Jinran’s second wife and Su Xiu’s mother) was standing outside when she saw Sun Pengcheng driving the carriage toward them.

There was a banquet at the Su residence that day. Sun Pengcheng helped Su Xiu down from the carriage.

"Shopkeeper Su, your daughter is back? You must have your son-in-law drink plenty with you at today's wedding feast!" guests arriving for the banquet said, offering polite remarks and handing over their gifts.

"Indeed, indeed. My son-in-law can hold his liquor. Don't worry, everyone eat and drink well today. I, Su Jinran, will certainly keep everyone entertained..."

After sitting in the carriage for several hours, Su Xiu was tired. Combined with the early start, she decided to take a nap in her maiden bedroom.

Sun Pengcheng stayed by her side to keep her company. "You should rest, too. You've been getting up so early; you must be exhausted from these past few days."

"So concerned about me? Your husband isn't tired. As long as you stay healthy and well-fed, that’s all that matters. You sleep; I’ll watch over you."

"Where is Su Kang? His sister is returning home after marriage today, and he ran off early in the morning!" Su Jinran said with some anger.

"He said he was going to pick up a friend who had helped him before and is now a companion, so he could bring him here for the feast," explained Lady Liu (Su Kang’s mother and Su Jinran’s first wife).

"Could it be that poor brat with the surname Zhao? How can he associate with just anyone? With so many guests waiting for toasts, as the eldest brother, he's nowhere to be found. What kind of behavior is this?"

Su Kang had indeed left early to fetch his friend for the celebration.

"Son-in-law, good son-in-law..." Su Jinran called out to Sun Pengcheng outside.

"Father-in-law, what are your instructions? I will do my best," Sun Pengcheng said, quickly getting up to open the door.

Over the years, Sun Pengcheng had traveled with Sun Yu and had learned much; he was well-versed in social graces and etiquette. Su Jinran actually liked him quite a bit—he was talented and handsome—it was just...

"It’s nothing major. All the guests have arrived, but your brother-in-law is nowhere to be found. Accompany me to toast the guests. Sigh! I’ve spoiled Su Kang rotten."

"Brother-in-law might be busy with something. It’s alright, I will accompany you. I am half a son to you, after all!"

"If only my own son had half your sweetness. Let’s go, the guests are waiting!"

"Everyone, listen to me for a moment. Today is the happy occasion of my daughter's return. Thank you all for coming. Everyone here is a friend or family of the Su household, and I am honored that you made time in your busy schedules to join us. My son-in-law and I would like to offer you all a toast. This is my son-in-law..."

"My name is Sun Pengcheng. You are all elders here; you may call me 'Little Sun.' Thank you for taking the time to attend our homecoming celebration. Little Sun offers you all a toast." With that, he downed the drink.

"The Su family's son-in-law is truly a refined talent. One can tell at a glance he isn't an ordinary man. When you strike it rich, don't forget us!" The guests chatted away, and Su Jinran, full of smiles, forgot all about Su Kang.

"Father, I'm back! Look, I’ve brought a friend."

Hearing Su Kang’s voice, the guests turned to look. He had brought a friend dressed in plain clothes, creating a sharp contrast with the lavish attire of the guests.

Su Jinran wished he could crawl into a hole.

However, Sun Pengcheng recognized the person standing beside Su Kang instantly: it was Zhao Chenxi. His heart was filled with fury, but he had to suppress it.

"Everyone, eat and drink well. Thank you for coming to celebrate my sister’s wedding. This is Master Zhao, a friend with whom I’ve shared life-and-death experiences..." Su Kang introduced his friend enthusiastically.

"Chenxi, sit here," Su Kang said, arranging for him to sit with their relatives. In truth, if Chenxi were dressed differently, he would not look out of place; he was just as handsome as Sun Pengcheng and Su Kang. If it weren't for his skin being slightly roughened by the hardships of life, his looks would be no less than theirs.

Chenxi felt uneasy; he had been dragged here by Su Kang. The moment he arrived, the atmosphere turned cold, and guests began whispering. Chenxi kept his head down, remaining silent.

Then, the crowd-pleaser, Master Li, spoke up. "Look at this Master Zhao. Though his clothes are simple, he has a powerful aura. Young and handsome, he is sure to achieve great things. I have a daughter who is unmarried; perhaps we could consider..."

"Exactly! This dear friend of mine is talented and gifted," Su Kang chimed in.

"Thank you all for your high opinion of me. If there is ever a way I can be of service in the future, I will do my utmost!" Chenxi said, neither humble nor arrogant. Poverty was only temporary; one’s ambition remained.

Hearing this, the crowd’s opinion of him shifted. Chenxi sat with Su Kang, waiting for the main event.

A while later, Sun Pengcheng and Su Jinran appeared. Sun Pengcheng had seen Zhao Chenxi before he even walked out, and he was livid. Why did he have to appear at every important occasion? Sun Pengcheng wanted to embarrass him!

"Today is the homecoming celebration for myself and Su Xiu. Thank you to all the relatives and guests, as well as Master Zhao who just arrived. I, Sun Pengcheng, offer you all a toast." He emphasized the names 'Master Zhao' and 'Su Xiu' with extra weight.

*Wait... Su Xiu? Sun Pengcheng?* Chenxi heard the two familiar names and looked up instantly. He recognized Sun Pengcheng, but Sun Pengcheng acted as if he didn't know him. Chenxi had no choice but to raise his glass and drink.

*Su Xiu is a woman?* Chenxi was confused. Sun Pengcheng stared straight at him. Chenxi felt the severe warning in his gaze and shivered, but he did not back down—he hadn't done anything wrong.

Since Su Kang and Chenxi met, they had been seeing each other privately. Su Kang found Chenxi to be truly learned and diligent.