Chapter 12 Unspoken Feelings

Her forehead was wrapped in a freshly changed cotton bandage for her wound, which made her look frail under the hazy moonlight.

Meng Jun gently touched her warm cheek and carefully observed for a while. Once he was sure she was fast asleep, he moved closer.

He picked up the medicine beside the pillow and gently twisted open the lid.

Earlier when applying the medicine on her back, Meng Jun had wanted to also treat the few small cuts on her hands. But Li Ruantang was very casual about it, insisting that women aren’t that delicate and such small wounds don’t need medicine.

The young husband let out a soft hum, held her wrist and placed it on his knee, meticulously applying the medicine a few times.

Who says small wounds don’t need medicine? He had heard that the young master previously engaged to Sister Wei had accidentally stepped on a rusty nail. After a few days of high fever, his bones disintegrated.

Although he didn’t understand medicine, he knew wounds should not be taken lightly regardless of size.

After applying the medicine, the young husband held Li Ruantang’s hand and carefully examined it a few times under the moonlight. She had cut her hand while picking flowers, yet there wasn’t a single thorn on the flower crown she gifted him.

Actually, she was quite attentive too.

Meng Jun smiled, feeling short-changed. The young husband puffed his cheeks and gently blew on her wound, reciprocating the gesture.

Only after doing all this was he satisfied enough to lie back down on the pillow. Just like the previous night, he soon dozed off and rolled into Li Ruantang’s embrace.

The small mountain village quieted down at night, with occasional dog barks quickly dissipating in the cold air.

Li Ruantang, who had been “asleep”, slightly fluttered open her long lashes. Nestled in her arms, the soundly sleeping Jiujiu, not knowing what sweet dream he was having, had a smile on his face.

With just a slight movement of her arm, the young husband immediately clung to her again, only feeling at ease in her embrace.

“Silly Jiujiu.”

Li Ruantang smiled faintly, not as stiff as the previous night. The hand she raised still had a faint medicinal fragrance. Her ears turned slightly red as she gently placed it on the young husband’s back, pulling him into her arms.

This bed felt unexpectedly spacious. Even in her dreams, the peach blossoms filling her arms started to take on substance.

Li Ruantang usually woke up early.

After hearing about the situation at Changshan Ravine from Hu Sanniang last night, she had the intention of going to take a look herself. However, she couldn’t directly tell her young husband, otherwise his eyes would redden with anxiety again.

Li Ruantang felt sweetness in her heart. She carefully tucked in Jiujiu’s quilt, and before leaving the room, she went back to ruffle his hair, then quietly walked out.

In the kitchen, Zhou Fulang and Hu Youning were busy. Seeing her come out, Zhou Fulang was stunned for a moment. He wiped his hands and greeted, “Madam Li, you’re injured, how come you’re up so early? Did we disturb you?”

“No, not at all.” Li Ruantang smiled slightly, “I’m used to waking up early.”

“Then please wait a moment, Madam Li. I’ll go wake up the Mistress right away.” Zhou Fulang brought out a small stool and placed it in the courtyard, inviting Li Ruantang to sit. He then turned to the stove and whispered, “Ning’er, keep an eye on the noodles in the pot.”

The morning breeze blew. Although the clouds weren’t as thick as yesterday, it was still misty.

The stove fire was burning strong, making the person’s face by the stove turn red.

Hu Youning had just added water to the pot. With a glance, his eyes met Li Ruantang’s gaze.

“Ma-Madam Li.” Hu Youning stuttered, his hand holding the bowl edge also trembling slightly.

She still had a faint smile, looking gentle yet distant.

“Good morning, Sir Hu.”

Li Ruantang noticed Hu Youning’s nervousness. Thinking of Fu Lanxian who had visited before, she couldn’t help but make a guess. Most likely, this young man had been greatly frightened and was a bit scared to speak with women.

She quickly turned her face and said softly, “Today, I have an improper request that I’m afraid will trouble Sir Hu again.”

“Please instruct me, Madam Li.” Hu Youning pursed his lips and glanced outside.

Her complexion looked better than yesterday. It seemed that eating more nourishing food was indeed effective.

He thought randomly, and the cool breeze carried Li Ruantang’s voice in, “I haven’t told Jiujiu about my trip to Changshan Ravine today.”

Hu Youning saw the upturned corners of her lips, different from her previous smile.

Li Ruantang rubbed her still numb arm. Her young husband was very clingy, like a little tail. He also tended to overthink and feel sad. If he knew, he would probably curl up into a ball, feeling wronged.

“I’d like to ask Sir Hu to take good care of Jiujiu today.” Her eyes curved as she paused and added, “And please keep this a secret for me, Sir Hu.”