Four Harmonies and Good Fortune

Chapter 556 Foot Soaking
Xie Yuyan leaned against the pillow, looking at the book in his hands.

Tea and a plate of cherry cheese were placed on the table. She picked up a cherry and put it in her mouth.

The cherry was coated with a thin layer of cheese, and upon tasting it, a delicate milky aroma filled the air, causing her to relax and smile contentedly. She had suddenly craved this yesterday and had asked the cook to make it, but the cook had failed several times. It was only after Zhang herself prepared it that this dish was finally ready.

When new scholars passed the imperial examination, the court would hold a cherry banquet. The most delicious dish at the banquet was this cherry, each one made like a crystal-clear pearl. Thanks to the new scholars, there was no shortage of fresh cherries in the market, so we made some at home to celebrate the occasion.

Xie Yuyan reached out to take another one to eat when she saw a figure walk in. She looked up and stared intently. When she saw who it was, a look of surprise appeared on her face.

Wang Yan stood not far away, his long robe dripping with rain, his hair wet, a strand clinging to his cheek, making him look somewhat pitiful. Even his clear eyes were now misty.

Although Xie Yuyan said that there was no need to announce Wang Yan's arrival, she was soaking her feet at the moment, so why didn't Mother Yu stop her?

Just as she was thinking this, she heard Yang Qin's voice coming from outside.

"Who was in the yard just now? I think I saw someone go into Sister-in-law's room."

Xie Yuyan immediately understood that Wang Yan had bumped into Yang Qin when he entered the room, which was why Mama Yu had no choice but to let him into the house to hide.

Xie Yuyan smiled unconsciously.

Lord Wang, who was presiding over a case in the Ministry of Justice prison, never expected to be mistaken for a thief as soon as he stepped outside and almost caught red-handed.

Outside, Madam Yu said, "Where is anyone else? I'm guarding here. If there were anyone, how could I not see them?"

"Don't be careless."

Xie Yuyan could almost picture Yang Qin's solemn expression. After studying at the academy, Yang Qin had made great progress and was becoming more and more like a worried old man. Ever since the assassins entered the South City Wharf last time, he would carry a lantern and walk around the courtyard every day when he came back. Sometimes he would follow Su Man and the others on patrol, and he learned a lot about guarding and patrolling.

“I just saw footprints outside, and they look like a man’s size,” Yang Qin said with particular seriousness. “I have to go ask my sister-in-law.”

Xie Yuyan remained silent, instead exchanging glances with Wang Yan.

Madam Yu said in a low voice, "Madam just came back from outside and has just changed her clothes and rested."

Hearing this, Yang Qin stopped in his tracks: "Sister-in-law, are you resting?"

Madam Yu nodded: "There have been so many things to do these days, it's no wonder you're tired."

Yang Qin replied, "Sister-in-law is too busy. If I were a little older, I could help her with chores."

At this point, he sighed, "Then... I won't go in. Mom will go in and check. I'll wait for news outside."

Mother Yu dared not open the door in front of Yang Qin, fearing that Wang Yan's footprints might be left inside the house and spotted by the sharp-eyed Jiu Lang. She simply looked at the clay stove next to her.

"Then Jiulang will help to light the clay stove. We'll cook some warm soup for Madam in a bit."

Yang Qin was still a child, and he trusted his mother implicitly. Without a second thought, he immediately ran over to help, and only then did his mother dare to push open the door and enter the house.

Since Lord Wang started coming to see Madam Yu frequently, Madam Yu has had another job: keeping watch. And... she can't let anyone else help her... Alas, when the truth comes out, she will surely be considered an accomplice.

After walking a few steps, Madam Yu saw Lord Wang standing beside her. The moment her gaze fell upon him, all the resentment she had felt earlier vanished completely.

Wen Kui of Daliang, the prime minister's son, stood there like a drowned rat.

Despite the fierce wind and rain, Lord Wang still came to the South City Wharf to see Madam; this sentiment alone is enough to overcome everything.

Mother Yu didn't dare to say much. She quickly found a towel and handed it to Wang Yan, then found a robe from the inner room.

Xie Yuyan looked towards the door. Yang Qin was still there. She didn't know what to say, but this robe was indeed prepared for Wang Yan and was to be given to him in a few days. She didn't expect it to come in handy today.

Wang Yan's eyes lit up, and a smile immediately spread across them. He took the robe from Madam Yu's hands. Madam Yu lowered her voice and said, "I'll go borrow some inner garments from Su Man."

“No need,” Wang Yan said, “it will dry in a moment.”

How could Madam Yu agree to that? If Lord Wang really got too cold, Madam Wang would be worried sick.

However... Mother Yu looked at Xie Yuyan's feet.

“Go ahead,” Xie Yuyan said, “the water is still warm.”

Mrs. Yu nodded and left.

Yang Qin's voice came from outside immediately: "How is it?"

Madam Yu said, "It's alright, Madam is asleep. I'll go get some things for her, Ninth Master..."

Yang Qin said, "I'm here to make soup for my sister-in-law."

Madam Yu was helpless, but... it was better to leave Ninth Prince outside the door, as it would also serve as a reminder to Lord Wang to restrain himself and not do anything too outrageous.

While Mama Yu and Yang Qin were talking outside, Wang Yan inside had already rolled up his sleeves, picked up the kettle, and carefully added some hot water to the wooden tub Xie Yuyan was soaking her feet in.

The rising steam licked at the tips of his hair, which were still chilly.

Xie Yuyan lowered her voice: "Your boots are wet too. Is it very cold outside?"

The first heavy rain of the year, which initially included hail, was nothing to worry about for someone who regularly exercises.

But Wang Yan wouldn't tell A Yan the truth, nodding and saying, "It was cold. When we were almost at the courtyard, I had Sang Dian lead the horse away, and I walked all the way here myself."

Xie Yuyan looked at Wang Yan and felt that he was much thinner than usual, and his back was not as straight.

"Take off your boots and soak your feet in hot water to ward off the cold."

As soon as she finished speaking, Wang Yan's boots and socks fell to the ground. The next moment, he picked up a small stool and, before Xie Yuyan could even realize what was about to happen...

His feet also went into the wooden tub.

It was the wooden tub she used to soak her feet.

The wooden tub contained mugwort, which covered Xie Yuyan's feet. When Wang Yan put his feet in, the water rippled and revealed his fair and lustrous feet.

Xie Yuyan couldn't help but question, "You..."

The tub was big enough and full of water. He deliberately avoided touching her with his feet, but... it was already too intimate. If his robes hadn't been wet, he would have sat right next to her as usual.

Having lived two lives, Xie Yuyan had never been like this with anyone before.

It wasn't just about getting closer in distance; it was about completely intruding into her life.

"Go read your book!" Wang Yan said. "I'll add more water if it gets cold."

He spoke so casually, but if you looked closely, you would notice that his ears were already red.

This was the first time Wang Yan had ever been so shameless as to insist on sharing a wooden tub with someone else to soak his feet.

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