TFSRITA Chapter 171

Surrounded by a soothing fragrance, he fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

After overworking his mind, the young lord didn’t stir even when the servants began their morning routines. Instead, he rolled over and continued to sleep soundly.

Yan Qing, sympathetic to his rare opportunity to sleep in, didn’t wake him and quietly ate breakfast alone.

Shortly after breakfast, five individuals arrived, led by the teacher she had specifically requested.

The leader was a muscular man with a rugged face. Though not particularly tall, his presence was commanding. His tanned, sturdy frame and deep, steady voice made an immediate impression as he bowed and said, “Greetings, Young Madam!”

“Greetings, Young Madam!” echoed the four men behind him.

Though their voices were loud, they couldn’t quite match the imposing aura of their leader.

Yan Qing didn’t mind. She asked them a few questions about their backgrounds in a calm and pleasant tone before directing them to the outer courtyard to select their accommodations.

Once they were settled, Yan Qing returned to find Ji Jiaxun groggily sitting up in bed. His sleepy, dazed eyes and rosy lips gave him an endearingly cute appearance.

“You’re awake. Time to get up,” Yan Qing reminded him. “You’ve got lessons to study.”

Ji Jiaxun woke up instantly, groaning in dismay but reluctantly dragging himself out of bed.

Yan Qing stayed nearby, seemingly idle but content to keep him company since she had little else to do.

It was still early; in these times, with limited entertainment, most people woke up between five and six in the morning. By comparison, Ji Jiaxun’s 7:30 wake-up time was considered quite late.

After breakfast, Yan Qing sent him off to study and went to begin her training under Master Wang, the martial arts teacher she had hired.

Instead of staying cooped up in the study, Ji Jiaxun found a shady spot under a tree. The pleasant weather made it an ideal spot to read while keeping an eye on Yan Qing’s training.

When she trained, Yan Qing didn’t wear her usual elegant attire. Instead, she donned simple, practical cotton garments. Her hair, typically styled into intricate buns, was pulled back into a neat ponytail, with no loose strands or makeup—just a fresh, clean look that was striking in its simplicity.

Ji Jiaxun, mesmerized by the sight, stared openly until a sharp glare and a cold voice snapped him back to reality. “What are you staring at? Focus on your studies!”

He quickly ducked his head, and the sound of his steady reading filled the air.

Despite breaking a sweat during her training, Yan Qing was quick to correct him if he got distracted, keeping him diligent for the better part of an hour.

After finishing her session, she washed up and grabbed Ji Jiaxun, dragging him over to Master Wang. “He’s all yours now,” she announced.

“No problem!” Master Wang replied with a firm nod.

Ji Jiaxun looked bewildered. “Wait, I’m training too?”

“Of course,” Yan Qing said matter-of-factly. “Unless you’re content being weaker than me forever?”

Ji Jiaxun flushed, stammering, “That’s not weakness! You’re my wife, and I’m happy to let you win!”

“Well, I’m not happy that my husband can’t even beat me in a fight,” she retorted, rolling her eyes before striding back indoors.

Left behind, Ji Jiaxun looked utterly dejected. His delicate, handsome face wore a crestfallen expression that would’ve melted the heart of any doting mother.

But no one was there to coddle him. Master Wang barked, “Stop sulking! A real man doesn’t whine. Start with some horse stance practice!”

Ji Jiaxun tried one last desperate excuse. “But I haven’t changed into training clothes!”

“Training clothes? What training clothes?” Master Wang growled.

Ji Jiaxun puffed out his chest, indignant. “This is fine silk! What if it tears?”

Master Wang, momentarily taken aback by the audacity, managed to hold back his frustration. “Fine, go change. Quickly!”

Taking the opportunity, Ji Jiaxun dashed off, calling over his shoulder, “I’m not slacking, just changing clothes!”

As he ran, Xiao Liu, one of the younger servants, struggled to stifle a laugh. Their young master, who usually cared little for money or possessions, suddenly seemed remarkably attached to his silk attire—a detail best left unspoken.

Once inside the bedroom, Ji Jiaxun froze in his tracks. There, holding a change of clothes, was Yan Qing. She stared at him in surprise, clearly not expecting his sudden entrance.

“Get out!” she yelled, her face flushing red.

Ji Jiaxun bolted as if his life depended on it. In his haste, he tripped over his own feet and hit the ground with a loud thud. But without a word of complaint, he scrambled back up and sprinted out, ignoring the scrape on his knee.

Standing under the blazing sun, Ji Jiaxun felt a wave of heat wash over him, though it had little to do with the weather.

Meanwhile, Master Wang was in the courtyard, practicing his punches with explosive force. Even the four recruits were in awe, attempting to mimic his movements on the nearby training ground.

When Ji Jiaxun emerged, Master Wang caught sight of him and immediately saw through his attempt to stall. But he let it slide. After all, physical training was tough, but the emotional blows would linger longer.