Because Jiang Chenghan had been too rough, Yan Jingshu didn't wake up at his usual time. At first, the Dowager Lady Yan and Xie Huan were worried, but after the Dowager Lady quietly entered and saw he was merely sleeping soundly, and detected the unusual scent in the room, she understood what had happened.
Reassured that Yan Jingshu was fine, the Dowager Lady went out and told the concerned Xie Huan. Although Xie Huan didn't see Yan Jingshu, he trusted the Dowager Lady's words and then left for school reassured.
Yan Jingshu woke up close to noon. This time, without Jiang Chenghan to massage him, the moment he moved, he felt an aching soreness in his waist as if it had been run over by a cartwheel. His thighs were also very uncomfortable, not to mention the overused place from the previous night.
Yet, all these physical aches and pains were instantly eclipsed by a powerful surge of longing that rose in his heart the moment he fully realized Jiang Chenghan had departed. He lay in bed motionless and lost in thought for a long while. It was only when he heard the cries of their child, Jiajia, that Yan Jingshu was finally jolted into full awareness. Shaking off his stupor, he quickly rose from the bed, dressed himself with practiced haste, and hurried out to attend to his child.
Although Jiang Chenghan had forbidden Yan Jingshu from going to Tianming Pass, Yan Jingshu had never truly abandoned the idea. He just hadn't found a suitable and reasonable opportunity that would allow him to see Jiang Chenghan at Tianming Pass without making him angry.
However, Heaven favored him once again. Just two months after Jiang Chenghan left, due to natural disasters in the south this winter, the rations provided by the court were insufficient. Following Jiang Chenghan's covert instructions, Xi Muyuan gathered and purchased large quantities of food, cotton, live pigs, sheep, and other supplies from various places, then donated them to the army in his personal name.
Tianming Pass, where Jiang Chenghan was stationed, was the first pass bordering Bei Di and the most crucial one with the largest garrison. Shortages of provisions were absolutely not allowed. Therefore, the moment Kou Shijun received the supplies donated by Xi Muyuan, he immediately allocated one-third to be sent to Tianming Pass, assigning Zhang Zhao to lead the escort team.
Knowing Jiang Chenghan was at Tianming Pass, Xi Muyuan visited the Jiang family before departure to see Yan Jingshu, asking if he had any letters or items to pass to Jiang Chenghan, offering his help to deliver them.
Yan Jingshu originally intended to write a family letter to Jiang Chenghan. But halfway through writing, a thought struck him, and he conceived a different idea...
Thus, five days later, when Jiang Chenghan, who was training soldiers inside Tianming Pass, learned that Xi Muyuan and Zhang Zhao had arrived with provisions, he led men to open the pass gates to welcome them. Behind the two, he saw a most familiar figure.
Although Xi Muyuan and Zhang Zhao were following Kou Shijun's orders to deliver the provisions, to guard against unforeseen events, they still could not enter Tianming Pass itself. They unloaded the supplies outside the pass entrance, to be moved into the pass by the Tianming Pass soldiers under Jiang Chenghan's command.
The provisions were numerous and would take time to move. Jiang Chenghan ordered a tent set up for Xi Muyuan and Zhang Zhao to wait in—Yan Jingshu naturally followed them inside.
However, both Xi Muyuan and Zhang Zhao were very perceptive. They only sat briefly in the tent before one excused himself to check on the unloading progress, and the other said he needed to relieve himself, leaving the tent one after the other.
The moment they left, Jiang Chenghan walked over to Yan Jingshu, pulled him into his embrace, and spanked him three times on the backside. "Why are you so disobedient? Didn't I tell you not to come?"
Even though Zhang Zhao and his men had escorted him, that didn't guarantee absolute safety. What if they encountered ruthless bandits or roving outlaws on the road? What if he caught a chill from heavy snow? What if he fell ill from bad food? What if he was thrown from a startled horse?
This time, Jiang Chenghan was truly a little angry and used a bit more force, even producing a sound with the spanks. Yan Jingshu was utterly stunned.
For the first time in both his past and present life, Yan Jingshu had been spanked, and on that spot no less, and by Jiang Chenghan. Overwhelming shame and grievance, accompanied by a slight pain, surged through him.
Yan Jingshu pressed his lips tightly together, his eyes instantly reddening. Yet, the hands clutching Jiang Chenghan's lapels still couldn't bear to let go.
Jiang Chenghan regretted it immediately after spanking him. He would have almost preferred it if Yan Jingshu had shouted or fought back; that anger would have been easier to face. Instead, his husband’s silent acceptance, his complete lack of resistance, only intensified Jiang Chenghan’s own frustration and self-reproach. He couldn't help covering the spot he had just bullied with his large hand and gently rubbing it.
"I'm sorry, does it hurt? It was my fault, I was too impulsive. Don't be angry with me, alright?"
Somehow, Jiang Chenghan's apology made Yan Jingshu's grievance vanish instantly. It was just that having that spot rubbed by Jiang Chenghan was embarrassing, causing a faint blush to spread across his cheeks. He said softly, "I'm not angry. Don't you be angry with me either, alright? I just missed you too much. I just thought, even if it was only for a glimpse of you, it would be worth it. So I begged Brother Zhang and Mr. Xi to let me come with them..."
Hearing Yan Jingshu's light, soft voice, Jiang Chenghan felt as if a warm, gentle spring was bubbling in his chest. He couldn't help but hold the person in his arms even tighter.
"I'm not angry. How could I be angry with you? I missed you too, I also wanted to see you. I'm actually very happy you came."
Only then did Yan Jingshu smile, his eyes seeming to shimmer with light, full of joy and satisfaction, as he rested his head against Jiang Chenghan's broad chest.
Holding him, Jiang Chenghan could no longer restrain his desire. He cupped Yan Jingshu's face and kissed him, then moved downward, lingering on his neck and collarbone.
Before long, the voices of Zhang Zhao and Xi Muyuan could be heard outside. Zhang Zhao was asking Xi Muyuan about the unloading progress, and Xi Muyuan replied that it was almost done and they would be able to depart soon.
Knowing these words were meant for them, Jiang Chenghan gave a final, firm kiss on Yan Jingshu's collarbone, then raised his head. He adjusted Yan Jingshu's collar, fastened his fur-lined cloak, ensured the marks on his neck were concealed, waited for Yan Jingshu's breathing to calm and his complexion to return to normal, then stood up and walked out of the tent with Yan Jingshu.
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