Vinegar

Suyin had drifted off to sleep, and upon waking, she felt a comforting warmth enveloping her. As she slowly opened her eyes, she realized she had been resting on Qin Fuhua's broad chest. His firm yet gentle embrace had provided an unexpectedly cozy pillow, and she couldn't recall the exact moment she had surrendered to sleep the night before.

Intrigued, Suyin took a long, appreciative look at his face.

His long, dark eyelashes fanned out gracefully, giving him an ethereal quality as if he had stepped out of a classical painting. Even in slumber, there was a hint of vigilance in his expression.

A soft smile crept onto her lips as she watched him, fascinated by the serene strength he exuded.

"Han Suyin, don't be a creep," she whispered to herself, shaking her head with a mix of embarrassment and amusement.

She carefully extricated herself from the bed, making sure not to disturb him.

Her eyes caught sight of a neatly folded pair of women's clothes on the nearby table.

A chuckle escaped her as she noticed the elegant attire. Did Qin Fuhua prepare these for her? The dark blue hanfu was exquisite, adorned with delicate embroidery, and beside it lay a golden flower hairpin and a pristine white fur coat, draped neatly over the chair.

"I'll be back. I'm going to take a bath and change," Suyin murmured, not entirely sure if Qin Fuhua was awake to hear her.

As she stepped out of the tent, Qin Fuhua opened his eyes, a hint of amusement dancing in them. He had been awake before Suyin, choosing to remain still so she could rest peacefully on his chest. He had felt her curiosity and the gentle study of his features as she gazed at him before finally getting out of bed.

The Prince of Qin's eyes softened, and a small grin curved his lips as he let out a chuckle, charmed by Suyin's endearing silliness.

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Suyin emerged from her bath in the secluded area near Qin Fuhua's quarters, her thoughts preoccupied with the cloth she had discovered in the enemy's camp. She needed to discuss its significance with Qin Fuhua and determine if it was connected to the tangled web of trouble they were currently in.

As her mind wandered, she headed back to the large dome, only to bump into Zhaohui on the way.

"Ah," Suyin exclaimed softly, preparing to bow in apology.

Zhaohui waved her off with a casual grin.

"How are you feeling? Is your injury better than yesterday?" She reached out instinctively, wanting to check his wound, but he hid it behind his back, shaking his head.

"I'm feeling much better, thanks to you," he smiled. "Thank you for the wrap yesterday. I hope it wasn't too much trouble... I was surprised you even did that." His voice grew softer, and he avoided her gaze.

Suyin smiled warmly, patting his right shoulder. "Don't worry about it. You've helped me so much; I'm glad I could return the favor."

She was relieved to see Zhaohui recovering. If he had been seriously hurt because of her, she wouldn't know how to face the villagers or him, feeling responsible.

"I... Um," Zhaohui began, but before he could continue, Suyin felt a hand wrap around hers, pulling her away from Zhaohui. She looked up in surprise.

It was Qin Fuhua, his expression unreadable as he dragged her back to his quarters. She managed a quick wave to Zhaohui with her free hand before focusing on the stern figure leading her away.

Suyin's eyes fixed on Qin Fuhua's back, noting the tension in his stride. He seemed to be in a foul mood, and she couldn't fathom why.

Once inside the large dome, Qin Fuhua released her hand.

Suyin tried to read his face, but he turned away before she could gauge his expression.

"Why did you pull me away like that? I wanted to check on the others," she protested, placing her old clothes on the table. She shook her head at the sight of the tattered sleeves, realizing they must have looked displeasing to the soldiers and to Qin Fuhua.

Qin Fuhua turned to her, arms crossed, and began to approach. The intensity of his gaze was almost suffocating, causing Suyin to take a step back.

"D-Did... I do something?" she stammered, confused by his sudden change in demeanor. They had shared an intimate moment the night before; why was he now so angry?

He closed the distance between them, his right hand slamming against the wall beside her, trapping her in place. His face was inches from hers, his eyes cold and penetrating.

"So that was why your robe was ripped," he said icily. "You tore your clothes to aid another man. Does your kindness towards me mean nothing?"

Suyin's mind raced as she pieced together the reason for his anger. Before she could explain, Qin Fuhua leaned in closer, his nose brushing against hers.

"The way that man smiled at you—it was not a friendly smile. It was one of admiration," he continued, his voice low and stern. "When we first met, you tore your sleeves for me. Now you do the same for another man?"

Suyin sighed, shaking her head. She tried to turn away from his intense gaze, but he didn't move.

"I didn't mean anything by it. It was just an act of kindness. There's nothing more to it," she said, frowning.

Was he jealous? The Prince of Qin, known for his cold demeanor, was upset over such a trivial gesture. It was hard to believe.

Qin Fuhua didn't relent. He leaned in further, nipping at the exposed skin of her neck as she attempted to avoid eye contact with him.

Suyin yelped at the unexpected boldness, a rush of heat flooding her senses.

After the brief bite, Qin Fuhua took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. "If you ever mention another man's name in front of me again, you'll see what happens," he warned, his voice a dangerous whisper.

He stormed out of the tent, leaving Suyin in a whirl of confusion.

The silence that followed his departure made her cheeks burn a deep crimson. What was he thinking, biting her neck like that? And why had she yelped in response?

Suyin fanned herself with her hands, trying to steady her racing heart. The intensity of Qin Fuhua's actions left her flustered, and she felt as if she might faint from the sheer emotional whirlwind he had stirred up.

Lately, his boldness had become so unpredictable that she could no longer read his intentions.

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Qin Fuhua hurried out of the tent, his temper and emotions boiling over as he sought refuge by the side of his quarters. He couldn't contain the storm of feelings that had erupted within him after witnessing Zhaohui's attentiveness to Suyin.

The way Zhaohui had smiled at Suyin, particularly when he noticed the ripped sleeves the day before, gnawed at Qin Fuhua's mind. He had observed it, trying to dismiss it as his jealousy, but seeing Suyin's torn sleeves the night before while holding her had confirmed his suspicions—Zhaohui's intentions were far from being friendly with her.

The previous night had been particularly tormenting for Qin Fuhua. He had intended to discuss the matter with Suyin calmly, but his resolve crumbled when he saw them engrossed in friendly conversation.

The sight had ignited a possessive fury within him.

Covering his eyes with his right hand, Qin Fuhua struggled to understand his own actions.

Why had he been so bold with Han Suyin? Had he missed her so profoundly that his fear of losing her to another man drove him to such extremes? His heart pounded with the realization that his feelings for her ran deeper than he had ever admitted, even to himself.

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Suyin had been spending her time with Teacher Zhou Lin, Shao Feng, and Yuan Fu, all of whom were diligently tending to the soldiers' wounds. As they worked, Suyin and Teacher Zhou Lin discussed the events of the previous night.

"So, you're telling me that Qin Fuhua led the fight with you all?" Suyin asked, her voice filled with curiosity and admiration.

Teacher Zhou Lin nodded solemnly.

"I have never seen the Prince like this before. I'd say, not many of us have seen this softer side of him—leading the army and helping his own soldiers as much as he can," Teacher Zhou Lin said, glancing at his students as they meticulously cared for the injured.

"What do you mean you've never seen this side of him before?" Suyin's curiosity grew.

She had always sensed there was more to the Prince than his stern exterior.

"Years ago, when he was a teenager, he was known for his ruthless distrust of betrayal and traitors. He killed anyone he suspected, even slightly," Teacher Zhou Lin explained, nodding thoughtfully.

"There was a general who was jealous of Qin Fuhua. This general, only a few years older, was a great leader but with a short temper. He deceived Qin Fuhua and his soldiers, mixing his own men with the Prince's, leading to a tragic confrontation in the forest."

Teacher Zhou Lin's face darkened as he recounted the harrowing tale. "I arrived in a hurry to tend to the Prince's wounds. His eyes were void of emotion. He had killed his own soldiers along with the traitors including the general because he didn't know whom to trust."

Suyin turned to Teacher Zhou Lin, who gave her a kind smile.

"Look. He's made many enemies and still has much to learn. I'm glad you're there to alleviate at least some of his worries," he said.

Suyin returned his smile, nodding. "I know he's had a lot on his mind lately," she said, watching Shao Feng and Yuan Fu approach them. "But I'll do my best to take care of him."

"Look how quickly he's learned, Teacher Zhou Lin!" Yuan Fu exclaimed, showing his arm wrapped in a neatly applied bandage, with Shao Feng standing proudly beside him.

"He's a quick learner, isn't he?" Suyin laughed, admiring the advanced wrap Shao Feng had practiced on Yuan Fu.

"Well, well, well. Why don't you think about joining our medical scholars in the Palace? There's room for one more," Teacher Zhou Lin suggested, studying Shao Feng with a proud grin.

Shao Feng's face immediately lit up with excitement as he looked at Teacher Zhou Lin.

"I think so too. Since he's helped us and Sister Suyin, we could use all the help we can get," Yuan Fu agreed.

"I..." Shao Feng's bright expression suddenly dimmed. He was a commoner, and he knew that the medical scholars in the Palace were typically of noble birth. He was hesitant, and his eyes were glued to the ground now.

"It doesn't matter who you are, what gender you are, or where you come from," Suyin said seriously, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Then, her face brightened with encouragement. "I'm sure your mother would be proud of you."

Shao Feng bit his lip, trying to contain his happiness as he turned to Teacher Zhou Lin. He bowed deeply, clasping his hands together in a gesture of respect.

"Teacher Zhou Lin, please accept me into your medical school," he pleaded earnestly.

Suyin smiled like a proud parent, feeling a warmth in her heart. As she looked outside, the blue skies were clear, and the sun shone brightly. She was certain that Shao Feng's mother, too, was looking down with pride, happy to see her son in a better place than before.