Chapter 4

I had no idea what had gotten into Cui Shiyu lately.

Every day he rushed home as faithfully as if he were reporting for roll call.

I behaved myself for a while.

But his expression grew less and less pleasant.

He even seemed irritable.

“I don’t know what’s gotten into the Eastern Palace. They keep seizing officials to serve as imperial commissioners in other provinces. Young officials, every last one.”

“I have a feeling it’ll be my turn soon.”

My heart lurched. “You’ve met the crown prince?”

Cui Shiyu gave me a strange look.

“The crown prince fell ill last spring and has refused all visitors. His orders reach us through the senior ministers who go in and out of the Eastern Palace every day. I never met him when I was appointed.”

I let out a long breath. “Excellent.”

“What’s excellent about it?”

“Er… if he doesn’t know you, naturally he won’t send you away.”

“True.”

That very night, Cui Shiyu was posted to Lingnan.

The trip there and back would take three years.

“My dear, you’re coming with me.”

His expression was very dark.

“M-me?”

“Yes.”

Cui Shiyu began packing for me. “Three years without your husband to shell your crabs. How will you enjoy them?”

“Other people can shell them,” I protested.

“Who? Who else has been shelling your crabs while I’m away?”

“The… the maids…”

Seeing me clutch my chest, he fell silent.

“Your health is poor.”

“Exactly. Lingnan is so far away, and the climate is hot and damp. No good for convalescence.”

“If I fall ill, how could you concentrate on your duties and return to the capital sooner?”

Cui Shiyu found that very persuasive.

After careful consideration, he plunged into his study.

My palms began to sweat. Only yesterday, I had found that set of iron chains in there and sold it for twenty taels.

If he found out, our marriage would be finished for good.

He returned a little later, looking distinctly displeased.

“Have you been in my study, my dear?”

“I never go into places like that.”

“My iron chain is gone.”

I couldn’t believe he would say it outright.

“You’ve got some nerve mentioning it! What were you planning to do with that thing?”

“Tether a dog.”

Fine. So he wasn’t even pretending anymore.

I, Li Zhao, had my pride. I wasn’t about to become anybody’s dog.

But then, as if resigning himself to something, Cui Shiyu hurried out. When he came back, he was holding… an actual dog.

A little one.

White.

It made soft little yipping sounds.

Adorable.

“I meant to give it to you in two years, but I’ll be gone for three. I won’t be here for your birthday, so I’ll have to give it to you now.”

My birthday came once every four years. Given his posting, he really wouldn’t make it back in time.

I was stunned.

“The chain was for the dog?”

Cui Shiyu frowned. “What did I just say it was for?”

“…”

“A pity. It was quite expensive, and now it’s simply vanished. Be strict with the servants while you’re at home, my dear. Don’t let the maids and attendants get bold enough to start stealing.”

You’re the thief.

I held the dog and said nothing.

Before he left, Cui Shiyu reminded me over and over,

“The dog is all the company you need, my dear.”

“Dogs are better than people. They can guard the house and warm your bed.”

Then, apparently still uneasy, he added,

“I must speak to Brother Qin too, and ask him to look after you.”

“Don’t worry, my dear. He’s my sworn brother, an upright man of good character. I can trust him with you.”

“I’m leaving. Remember, mutual respect is the proper foundation of marriage.”

“Beware of pretty flowers that dazzle the eye and corrupt the heart.”

Then he told the dog, “Dad’s leaving. Watch over your mother. Don’t let any other man take advantage of her.”