Chapter Twenty-Two: Morning Run by the River, Porcelain Vase!

September 12th, early morning.

The sky was a pale gray, separating the sun from the world. Even the chilly autumn wind, biting as it was, could not sweep away the clouds that blanketed the heavens. It was a typical gloomy morning, yet the clouds overhead were not rain-laden, and so there was no fear of being drenched by an unexpected shower.

Leaving the Duke of Pei’s residence and heading east for two li, one encounters a stone arch bridge spanning over ten meters, named Ding Bridge. Beneath it, the river’s surface rippled quietly, the waves spreading to the shore only to dissipate against resistance.

This was the Luo River—a tributary of the great Liao River, one of the two major waterways of the Xu Dynasty. It ran north to south for three hundred li, entering Dingxing from the northern city and exiting through the southern gate, splitting the city neatly in two. Or rather, the ancient Dingxing, so utterly dependent on water, had grown on either side of the Luo River.

Willows lined both banks, their branches drooping gracefully. Yellowing leaves detached from their trees, swirling and drifting down, landing either on the shore or in the water. The culprit behind each ripple was none other than these willow leaves.

The riverside was carpeted with leaves in varying shades of gold. If the sun had been shining, the banks of the Luo would have seemed gilded, as if the earth itself were strewn with treasure.

Smoke curled from the chimneys of riverside homes, the aroma of breakfast drifting through the air, awakening appetites. Occasionally, a woman could be seen at the water’s edge, washing clothes, her back arched in a perfect, natural curve down to her hips.

Such beauty was like a living painting, vivid and brimming with the warmth of everyday life.

Running along the riverbank, Han Fu took in the scenery with delight. Save for yesterday’s wedding procession, this was his first morning run since moving into the Duke’s residence.

The ancient air, untouched by industrial pollution, was astonishingly fresh. Han Fu savored it, and with the cool breeze, felt invigorated—the last traces of sleepiness vanished.

Sweat beaded on his forehead; after a stretch of running, his breath grew heavy, fatigue setting in. Yet his pace remained steady, his mind calculating the time. He eyed a small riverside courtyard about five hundred meters ahead, planning to turn back there.

The timing for washing up and breakfast would be just right.

It was still early, and few people were out. Han Fu encountered only a handful along the way. Each stared at him in surprise, unable to fathom why anyone would run along the river so early.

Some travelers stopped in their tracks, women paused their washing. As Han Fu approached, they instinctively became wary, only relaxing once he had passed.

To them, Han Fu’s behavior was odd. In all their years, they had never seen anyone running along the river...

Unmoved by their stares, Han Fu pressed on, reaching his planned endpoint before doubling back.

Calculating the distance, it was two li from the Duke’s residence to the riverbank, two li from Ding Bridge to the courtyard—a round trip of eight li, or four kilometers. For Han Fu’s current constitution, it was neither too much nor too little.

By the time Han Fu returned to the Duke’s residence, he was drenched in sweat. The gatekeeper, seeing his state, stared in astonishment, watching him walk away in confusion.

“Did he fall in the river? But his clothes aren’t wet...” the gatekeeper muttered, shaking his head as he closed the door.

“Master...”

As Han Fu reached the courtyard gate, Ping’er ran out to meet him, asking, “Where did you go so early in the morning? Why are you soaked in sweat?”

The little maid had already started calling him ‘Master’ instead of ‘Young Lord,’ a change that had come in the past two days.

Earlier, she had come to assist Han Fu in washing up, knocking on his door for ages without a response, only to find the room empty when she finally entered.

She knew he and the lady had not shared a room last night. As her personal maid, she and Lian’er had kept watch at the courtyard gate. When Han Fu returned last night, he had told her he would be staying in this courtyard.

Lian’er, like Ping’er, had grown up alongside Bai Li Mingsu, their mistress, and though they were servants, their bond was like that of sisters.

Lian’er had gone home to visit her family a few days ago, and on the day of Bai Li Mingsu’s wedding, she returned just before noon, having traveled day and night.

Because of this, Bai Li Mingda had secretly slipped Han Fu a small porcelain bottle yesterday, speaking mysteriously: “Lian’er is back, and I fear you may not handle things well. Keep this medicine—it may come in handy. But remember, only visit the two maids after Mingsu is with child...”

Annoyed by this rambling, Han Fu had chased Bai Li Mingda out of the room, finally finding some peace.

He kept the porcelain bottle close.

From today, Ping’er’s main duty was to attend to Han Fu, while Lian’er served Bai Li Mingsu.

Yet on the very first day she was to serve him, he had vanished...

The little maid grew frantic, pacing in circles, about to seek out Bai Li Mingsu when she spotted Han Fu at the gate, rushing over in relief.

But seeing him drenched in sweat, she was startled and confused, thus her question.

After only a few steps of running, Ping’er’s cheeks were tinged with a delicate blush, making her appear even more adorable.

Han Fu, smiling, waved his hand. “Don’t worry, I was just tired from running.”

“Running?” Ping’er’s delicate face was full of puzzlement.

“Yes,” Han Fu replied, heading toward his room. “I ran along the Luo River. Unless it’s windy or rainy, I’ll do this every day.”

Ping’er followed closely behind, asking, “Why run?”

“To strengthen my body, of course.”

“Running strengthens the body?” The little maid was baffled. In her mind, physical fitness meant wielding swords and lifting stones, like Guard Chief Ge or Young Master Zhou Yuan.

“It’s just a different focus...” Han Fu replied. Thinking a detailed explanation would take too long, he teased, “Lifting stones makes you stronger, running makes you faster. Imagine one day, if I face an enemy I can’t defeat, I can always outrun him—a vital skill for survival.”

“Pfft...” Ping’er laughed, like a lily shyly beginning to blossom, both enticing and innocent.

Her mood lightened, and she said, “If Miss and I encounter an enemy and run together, won’t you leave us far behind in no time?”

Han Fu, hands in the water, paused at her words and turned with a serious look. “Never. If that day comes, I’ll carry you both and run.”

“Ha ha...”

Ping’er couldn’t suppress her laughter any longer, forgetting her reserve and laughing freely. Her belly ached from it, and she bent slightly, tears welling in her eyes from mirth.

Her life was usually so uneventful; she had never shared such a lighthearted conversation.

“Master, how could you carry both Miss and us?” Ping’er feigned disbelief, then grew thoughtful and said earnestly, “If that day ever comes, just carry Miss. Lian’er and I are only maids, our lives aren’t as precious as yours and Miss’s...”

Han Fu, washing his face, froze and looked at Ping’er, surprised at the depth of her sentiment. This girl was so sensitive, able to spin a joke into sorrow...

Perhaps this was the innocence of youth.

“There will never be such a day...” Han Fu thought, and resumed washing.

When he finished, he took the towel Ping’er offered.

“I’ve been listening outside for ages...” Bai Li Mingda’s figure appeared by the door.

The two had been so engrossed in conversation, they hadn’t noticed his arrival.

He stepped into the room, glanced at Han Fu, then at Ping’er.

Was there worry in his gaze?

Han Fu found it baffling, unsure what brought Bai Li Mingda here so early.

Ping’er, feeling the strange gaze, edged away.

“You’re getting along well—I’m very pleased...” Bai Li Mingda said to Han Fu, then turned to Ping’er and solemnly declared, “But remember, Ping’er, until Mingsu is pregnant, you must not share a room with Han Fu.”

What nonsense... Han Fu wanted to cover his face, or give Bai Li Mingda a good kick to send him back to his own courtyard.

“Young Master Bai Li... you... I... Master...”

Instantly, Ping’er’s cheerful face flushed deep red, her words tangled. Embarrassed, she stamped her foot and fled with the copper basin.

Han Fu was left speechless. When Bai Li Mingda turned to him, he asked irritably, “Why have you come so early, brother?”

“For business, of course.” Bai Li Mingda said seriously, pulling a porcelain bottle from his sleeve and quickly handing it to Han Fu. He whispered, “You and Mingsu are married but have not consummated. I’ve seen and worried about it. I know you’re anxious too, so I had someone find this overnight...

“Just one drop, given to her, and even the fiercest wife will become gentle. You...”

“Goodbye,” Han Fu pushed Bai Li Mingda out the door.

“Hey, brother-in-law, listen to me—”

Bang! The door slammed shut and was bolted.

As for the porcelain bottle?

Yes, he kept it close.