Chapter 60: Yes, the Clothes Were Made by My Wife!

Ye Liyan allowed Shen Yian to hold her hand as they strolled through the prince’s mansion. Her sapphire eyes held a hint of shyness as she carefully noted every plant and stone. In a short while, this would be her new home.

Shen Yian deliberately avoided leading Ye Liyan around the area where he had fought with the Martial Guard Division on the night of the assassin’s attack. Though repaired, there were still some imperfections. Ye Liyan was perceptive; she would easily notice these flaws and might worry unnecessarily.

After a brief tour, Shen Yian led Ye Liyan to a pavilion in the back garden.

It was the warm summer season, and the garden was in full bloom. A water wheel turned slowly in the pond, and a stream of water cascaded down the rockery like a white ribbon.

The single large willow tree was well-maintained, its thousand green branches swaying and making a “shh-shh” sound in the gentle breeze.

It was a pity Shen Yian hadn’t kept any small animals; otherwise, it would have presented a picturesque natural scene.

In the pavilion, everything had been prepared and was beautifully arranged on wooden trays.

At the arched entrance in the distance, Chang Hai watched the two figures seated in the pavilion and wiped away beads of sweat from his forehead. 

“Whew, I was so nervous.”

“Thank you for your hard work, Old Cheng, running back and forth like that.”

Mendu placed his large hand on Cheng Hai’s shoulder.

Cheng Hai shook his head slightly. 

“Helping His Highness is our duty.”

“Well said. But there are two girls in the front courtyard. I’ll leave them to you. Take them for a tour.”

Cheng Hai was startled, only now remembering the two tagalongs.

“Why me?”

“His Highness gave me instructions through voice transmission.”

Mendu grinned. 

“I’m off to arrange the lunch banquet.”

Cheng Hai’s eyes showed a hint of resignation as he turned to follow Mendu to the front courtyard.

As noon approached.

“Just say what’s on your mind. There aren’t so many tedious rules and etiquette here with me,” Shen Yian said, his eyes flickering as he noticed Ye Liyan seemed to have something weighing on her mind.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Your Highness, Liyan boldly wishes to see you wear those robes…”

Ye Liyan lowered her slightly reddened face, her eyes full of hope.

“Right now?” 

Shen Yian chuckled, taking her small hand and leaning forward. 

“How about you help me put them on?”

As expected, the robe Ye Liyan made for him should be an outer garment, not underwear. 

No harm done!

They were at home now, what was he afraid of?

Bah, how feudal, it’s all so feudal!

Whoosh!

Ye Liyan’s usually cool face, not yet recovered from its slight blush, turned completely red.

Indeed, when beautiful girls blush, they’re not only breathtakingly beautiful but also incredibly cute.

“Your… Highness, this isn’t…”

“It’s alright, just consider it getting familiar in advance,” Shen Yian replied shamelessly.

After all, after marriage, every day they would… ahem…

Even he blushed a little at his own thoughts.

In the end, Ye Liyan was still coaxed by Shen Yian into his study.

Since she hadn’t officially married into the family yet, entering his bedroom directly would clash with Ye Liyan’s years of education and likely cause her great stress. So Shen Yian thought of a compromise and had the wooden box brought to his study.

Shen Yian waved his hand and gently closed the door.

With a single man and woman alone in the study, the atmosphere suddenly became subtle.

Ye Liyan stood to the side with her head lowered, as if trying to bury her little face in her chest.

“May I open it now?” Shen Yian asked softly, looking at the wooden box.

“Please do, Your Highness.”

Shen Yian placed the box on the table and slowly opened it.

A neatly folded robe came into view, mainly purple with silver accents. Unfolding it revealed a design of mountains at the base, surrounded by cloud patterns and several cranes in flight, exuding nobility and elegance.

Beautiful.

This was Shen Yian’s first thought, and his second was an eagerness to try it on.

“Liyan.”

“Your Highness.” Ye Liyan took the robe and responded softly.

Shen Yian gazed at her tenderly as he gently undid the sash at his waist.

Outside the study, in an unnamed corner.

Fu Sheng, who had been sitting absentmindedly against the wall in the shadows, instinctively glanced to his side.

Black mist distorted the space, and Yin Hai’s form quickly materialized.

“Mr. Yin Hai?” Fu Sheng was startled.

“Mm.”

Yin Hai responded, his gaze fixed quietly on the distance.

After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the study door opened, and Shen Yian walked out wearing the new clothes, looking radiant.

The clothes fit perfectly. He had to admire Ye Liyan’s keen eye, able to gauge his measurements just by looking.

He couldn’t do that himself; even with two lifetimes of experience, he could only estimate one particular measurement.

Ye Liyan followed closely behind, her little face red, her hand unconsciously touching the corner of her mouth. His Highness really… he suddenly kissed her again.

It was well past noon, and the chefs from the Drunken Immortal Pavilion had been busy all morning preparing a grand feast.

The head chef wiped the sweat from his brow with a towel. This half-day had been more tiring than when the Drunken Immortal Pavilion was at full capacity, as they were afraid of making any mistake that might anger His Highness.

“Thank you for your hard work, everyone. Have some water!” Mendu said with a smile. “I’m afraid we’ll have to trouble you again in the evening.”

The head chef asked curiously, “Lord Mendu, may I ask which esteemed guest has come to the prince’s mansion today?”

He was very curious about which guest could warrant such grand treatment from His Highness.

“It’s a secret,” Mendu smiled mysteriously.

“This lowly one spoke out of turn.” 

The head chef realized he had asked something he shouldn’t and quickly clapped a hand over his own mouth.

After lunch, Shen Yian resisted the urge to go out and show off his new clothes, instead engaging in an in-depth discussion and study of zither skills with Ye Liyan.

During his time living in the imperial palace, there were dedicated tutors teaching the princes the Six Arts and other subjects. 

He had a basic grasp of playing zither- he could manage the simplest tunes, but anything more difficult was beyond him. It wasn’t really presentable.

Their discussion of zither skills was actually more about the Way of Sound.

He was contemplating how combining the Way of the Sword with the Way of Sound might create a captivating effect.

Next time he faced an army, he could set up a zither at the frontlines.

With one light pluck, thousands of sword intents would burst forth.

One melody of mortal life, and thousands of troops would be defeated.

Ye Liyan taught him the Way of Sound without holding anything back.

Naturally, he also taught Ye Liyan the Way of the Sword unreservedly.

As the setting sun and rosy clouds hung in the sky, a man and woman each wielding three-foot swords danced together in the garden. They moved as gracefully as startled swans, as fluidly as swimming dragons, their crisp and clean movements so in sync they seemed like a single person.

As they finished the final sword move, Shen Yian sheathed his sword behind his back and looked at Ye Liyan with eyes full of adoration.

As expected of his future formidable wife.

Ye Liyan already had a foundation in cultivation, and with the added benefit of her Heavenly Eye, she quickly caught up to his rhythm after learning the basic sword moves. She even entered a brief state of self-meditation during the practice.

“Huff…”

Ye Liyan exhaled, her forehead covered in fine sweat. This complete set of sword moves had taken quite a toll on her.

“Tired out?”

Shen Yian took out a handkerchief to help wipe away her sweat.

“Thank you, Your Highness. Liyan is not tired,” Ye Liyan replied softly with a happy smile.

“How did it feel?”

“Liyan feels like she has a completely new understanding of it.” Ye Liyan looked at the sword in her hand, feeling something indescribably profound. In her daze, she felt as if the sword in her hand had come alive.

Shen Yian sighed in admiration. With this talent, she could crush a whole group of self-proclaimed sword prodigies.

As evening fell, the prince’s mansion became noticeably livelier. Ye Tiance, who had just returned to the Duke’s mansion from the palace, was also invited by Shen Yian.

He was in high spirits today, and as the host, he took the initiative to sample some good wine from the Drunken Immortal Pavilion with Ye Tiance.

Ye Tiance didn’t stand on ceremony either, drinking familiarly with Shen Yian.

Stars dotted the night sky. It was now the second watch of the night.

At the main gate, two carriages from the Duke of State’s mansion slowly disappeared into the dark streets. Shen Yian suddenly exhaled a breath of alcohol, the slightly tipsy look on his face instantly vanishing.

“It’s not too late yet.”

“Mendu, prepare the carriage. Load up a set of local specialties. I’m going to the palace for a bit.”