Chapter 285 – Princess of the Prairie Rules the World – Tang Tang’s “Sadness” (10)
That evening, Tuoba Jingyao returned to the tent and saw the young boy sitting on the blanket with a downcast expression.
“Where did you go?” Bai Tang asked, his tone full of grievance, making Tuoba Jingyao feel uneasy.
Tuoba Jingyao stepped forward and embraced him. “What’s wrong? I just walked around the tribe this afternoon and checked on the sheep…”
He tenderly cupped Bai Tang’s cold hands and brought them to his lips to warm them with his breath. The weather had turned chilly, and the boy’s body was even more fragile than he had imagined. This troubled Tuoba Jingyao deeply.
But Bai Tang pulled his hands back and raised a finger to his lips in a “shush” gesture.
He pointed outside—the shadow of someone had just flitted past.
Someone was eavesdropping.
People often came and went outside the tent. While it was normal for clan members to move about freely, if something like this happened, it would be hard to tell whether the intruder was one of their own or a spy.
Tuoba Jingyao instantly became more alert. The tribe was too lax, lacking any real sense of danger. If they were to enter and rule the Central Plains one day, this kind of attitude simply wouldn’t do.
He cooked some noodles and warmed up a bowl of goat’s milk, coaxing the boy to eat more. Only when Bai Tang, teary-eyed and cradling his round little belly, insisted he couldn’t eat another bite did Tuoba Jingyao finally stop.
“When I was gone this afternoon, did someone say something to you?” Tuoba Jingyao asked, holding the boy and gently rubbing his stomach.
Bai Tang felt utterly pampered and let out a contented sigh. “Mm-hmm, someone told me… that you’ve been getting close to Rong Ningjing…”
Curled up in the warm bed, Bai Tang was cuddling Tuoba Jingyao when he said this. The moment Tuoba Jingyao heard it, any hint of drowsiness vanished.
His muscles tensed as he held the boy tighter and quickly promised, “That’s not true. I only like you, Tang Tang. In this life, I only want you.”
Trying to sow discord between him and Tang Tang—what a sinister move. A flash of murderous intent flickered in Tuoba Jingyao’s eyes. He wrapped the boy in his arms with domineering yet gentle determination.
“Tang Tang, you’re mine…”
Bai Tang’s ears turned bright red. He turned his face slightly, avoiding Tuoba Jingyao’s breath brushing softly against his ear.
“I-I know~”
The little squirrel was shy. In the past, whenever this kind of moment happened… it usually led to things that were hard to describe.
Bai Tang was both shy and full of anticipation. In this lifetime, his husband-to-be wasn’t the most emotionally intelligent—what if he took the initiative and Ah Yao still didn’t understand what he meant? That would be incredibly awkward.
Thinking of that, it felt like a bucket of cold water had been dumped over Bai Tang. It wasn’t impossible, after all. He suddenly remembered the last time and felt a pang in his heart.
But time changes people. Tuoba Jingyao was no longer the emotionally clueless, rigid young man he used to be.
He gently kissed the boy’s cheek, and with the boy’s silent consent, whispered affectionately, “Tang Tang, may I…?”
The boy’s face flushed red, and he gave a barely perceptible nod.
With that shy approval, the man nervously and clumsily began to undo Bai Tang’s clothes.
Outside the tent, two shadows flickered briefly. In the next instant, the candle was snuffed out, and nothing more could be seen or heard from outside. Only faint, broken whispers drifted out, scattered and carried away by the night breeze.
…
The next morning, Bai Tang buried his face in the blankets. The spot beside him was already cold.
Before he had time to think too much, Tuoba Jingyao lifted the tent flap and came in, carrying a steaming breakfast.
He set the bowls and chopsticks on the small table by the bed, took Bai Tang’s hand, and said,
“Tang Tang, let’s get married.”
“Okay~”
Seeing the boy’s bright smile and hearing his soft reply, Tuoba Jingyao’s heart felt as sweet as if it had been drenched in honey.
“My dear wife, from now on… I’m counting on you.”
After last night, Tuoba Jingyao seemed like a completely changed man. It was as if his emotional channels had finally been unblocked—his sweet talk flowed smoothly now. And it wasn’t just words; he backed them up with real actions.
He transferred all his wealth and property to Bai Tang’s name and invited the most respected elders in the tribe to witness it.
Bai Tang had no family in the tribe, so Gong Na—the man who had rescued him in the beginning—stood in as Bai Tang’s family and formally received Tuoba Jingyao’s vow on his behalf.
Gong Na was deeply fond of Bai Tang and said to him, “If the chieftain ever treats you badly, you come back. I’ll stand up for you.” From that moment on, he became Bai Tang’s family in the tribe.
Aqi said, “Tang Tang, from now on, you’re my big brother. The doors of our home will always be open to you.”
The boy beamed brightly. “I will remember that, little brother Aqi.” Then he turned to Gong Na and called sweetly, “Gong Na, A-baa~”
His voice was as soft and sweet as cotton candy, striking straight at the hearts of everyone present.
Gong Na was so lucky.
Why hadn’t they been the ones to save the boy back then?
It’s a pity to let such a blessing go to an outsider—if things had been different, maybe even the chieftain wouldn’t have stood a chance.
Under the envious and congratulatory gazes of the crowd, Tuoba Jingyao personally handed Bai Tang the key symbolizing the Tuoba family’s power.
“From now on, everything I own belongs to Tang Tang. I belong to Tang Tang too.”
With everyone around cheering and teasing, Bai Tang nodded in agreement.
His joyful laughter drifted off into the distance.
Because the tribe’s scheduled migration couldn’t be delayed, and Tuoba Jingyao didn’t want to make do with a rushed ceremony—nor did he want Bai Tang to feel slighted—and with many responsibilities awaiting after the spring thaw, the wedding was set for the following summer.
Everyone was in high spirits and returned to their tents to pack.
Tuoba Jingyao looked at Bai Tang apologetically. “I’m sorry. I promised we’d get married, but now the wedding has to wait until next summer.”
“It’s okay! I don’t mind at all.”
Bai Tang smiled, eyes curving into crescent moons, and in his clear gaze, there was only one reflection—Tuoba Jingyao.
Tuoba Jingyao held the boy close, fully content.
Tang Tang was finally his.
The title was his, the witnesses were present—only the wedding ceremony remained.
The last day before the tribe’s migration also happened to be the last visit from traveling merchants that year. They wouldn’t return until spring.
That afternoon, Tuoba Jingyao took Bai Tang to the trading post. A crowd had already gathered, everyone bringing hand-made wool blankets and other goods to trade with the merchants.
Bai Tang’s little nose twitched—he seemed to smell pine nuts.
Tuoba Jingyao sold the wool blankets he had been stockpiling for three months and, in return, bought a large quantity of dried native nuts from the merchants.
Seeing them, Bai Tang couldn’t help but drool.
Tuoba Jingyao chuckled and pinched the boy’s cheek.
“I’ll roast some for you when we get back.”
The nuts were raw and easy to store. As long as they were kept properly, they’d last the entire winter without issue.
In the past, before each migration, Tuoba Jingyao would usually purchase items like seeds and cloth. By the time winter ended, most of the food stores would be nearly depleted. Having some vegetable seeds meant they could start planting as soon as spring arrived—these crops would grow and mature quickly for an early harvest.
Gong Na had already finished his own trading and noticed Tuoba Jingyao holding Bai Tang’s hand while browsing goods. At their feet sat a large sack of nuts.
He looked surprised. “Why are you buying so many pine nuts?” He added a bit of advice, “Now that you’re married, things aren’t the same as before. You have to think about the future. Young man, this isn’t how you manage a household…”
Bai Tang glanced at the sack of pine nuts at his feet—it really was a bit much. He gave a sheepish smile. “I’ll be more careful next time.”
As the saying goes, once goods leave the stall, they’re not refundable. The merchant, overhearing their conversation, quickly chimed in, “This is top-quality stuff—fresh too! No issues, no returns!”
This was his last trip before heading home to spend the winter with his wife and children—he couldn’t go back empty-handed!
His words left Bai Tang, who had been considering returning the nuts, at a loss for what to do.
Tuoba Jingyao gently patted the boy’s head and said softly, “It’s fine. Tang Tang manages our household account now. If Tang Tang wants to buy something, he can buy it.”
He leaned close to whisper in Bai Tang’s ear, “We’ve got a hefty family fortune. Tang Tang can spend however he wants.”
Wealth should never be flaunted—Tuoba Jingyao mainly kept his voice down so the merchant wouldn’t overhear. If word got out about who had money, the man would surely jack up the prices.
Bai Tang had never sat down to seriously calculate Tuoba Jingyao’s assets, so he didn’t really know how wealthy they were. But hearing him say that… he believed it.
“Then I’m buying them~” the boy said cheerfully, jumping back into the frenzy of shoppers.
Tuoba Jingyao followed closely behind, shielding him so no one could bump into Bai Tang.
Gong Na let out a sigh. It was good that the chieftain doted on Bai Tang, but he shouldn’t indulge him so recklessly. Bai Tang didn’t know any better—but why was the chieftain going along with the nonsense too?
The shopping frenzy was in full swing, and the lively noise and excitement even drew Qiu’er out of the house.
He looked at all the fresh and shiny new items outside—delicate trinkets and unique goods—many of which he didn’t have.
Qiu’er stared longingly, wishing he could join the buying spree too.
Xiao A said, “We have points, and the main system space has everything. It’s so crowded out there—no need to fight with them over stuff…”
“But the points are for buying life-saving items! I just want to try something new~” Qiu’er looked at Xiao A with big puppy eyes, his gaze so soft it melted Xiao A’s heart.
“…Fine, just a little bit. We still have to leave enough for others to get through the winter.” Xiao A gave in.
Qiu’er planted a big kiss on him. “Xiao A, you’re the best! Love you—pen heart~!”
Silently, Xiao A slipped closer to the basket of dry goods, carefully taking items from the bottom and storing them in their system space—anything Qiu’er had his eyes on, he’d grab a bit of.
Of course, he wasn’t stealing. He paid the exact price set by the merchant for the tribe members, leaving the silver coins in the merchant’s pouch. It’s just that while others were buying in quantities of tens of pounds for lower bulk prices, Xiao A took only small amounts but still got them at the lowest rate. All in all, it was a bargain—but the merchants wouldn’t lose money.
Qiu’er hugged the pile of dried goods in his arms. “Xiao A, you’re so good to me! Can we have hotpot tonight?”
Wood ear mushrooms, shiitake, seaweed, dried shrimp—hotpot! Hotpot!
Just thinking about it made Qiu’er drool.
Xiao A laughed. “Alright, go wash the pot.”
Qiu’er was the kind of person who only knew how to eat, not cook. He could manage washing dishes or cleaning the pot, but when it came to actual cooking, it was always Xiao A who took care of it.
“Okay~”
Qiu’er cheerfully ran back to the little white house with his arms full of dried goods. As he ran, items kept falling—he left a trail of mushrooms behind him.
Xiao A could only shake his head and laugh. Oh well, if his sweetheart was happy, he’d just spoil him.
…
Outside, Bai Tang continued carefully selecting items. In the end, he filled two large baskets—not just with food, but also with daily necessities and household supplies.
Gong Na nodded approvingly. “That’s more like it. You can’t just think about eating and having fun—you have to think about how to live a proper life.”
Having lived through hard times, Gong Na had grown frugal with age and couldn’t change even now. Seeing that Bai Tang had listened to his advice, he was very pleased and praised him sincerely.
He truly meant well, and Bai Tang smiled sheepishly. “Gong Na A-baa, I’ll remember that.”
His reply was crisp and clear, with not a trace of hesitation.
Elders loved obedient and well-mannered children the most. Even though Bai Tang wasn’t technically a child anymore, in Gong Na’s eyes, he was no different from his own son, Aqi.
Just as he finished speaking, Aqi came over carrying some mostly useless toys. Gong Na widened his eyes and gave him a smack.
“You rascal, buying all this junk! Do you think wool blankets grow on trees?”
Aqi protested with a wronged expression, “They’re not mine! They’re Rong Ningjing’s. She bought a bunch of stuff and asked me to help carry it!”
Like most girls, Rong Ningjing loved to shop. Ever since she came to this world, she’d had to do everything by hand—growing, sewing, cooking. With no Taobao or Tmall, she couldn’t even enjoy the thrill of opening a package. It was miserable.
Now that a traveling merchant had finally arrived—and it was the last shopping chance before spring—of course Rong Ningjing wouldn’t miss it.
Besides bargaining with the merchants for daily necessities, she also bought plenty of things meant to nourish and replenish a woman’s body.
To most people, those items were considered luxury goods. But Rong Ningjing had once fallen into icy water, and it was impossible that her body hadn’t suffered damage from it.
Her family believed that a woman would eventually marry, and if her health was poor and she couldn’t bear children, it could ruin the happiness of two families. So rather than scolding her for “extravagant waste,” Rong Ningjing’s parents actually supported her.
After hearing Aqi’s explanation, Tuoba Jingyao also asked, “Which merchant did she buy it from?”
Bai Tang’s health wasn’t great either. Rong Ningjing had told Aqi that medicinal diets for nourishing the body could be eaten by both men and women.
Tuoba Jingyao began seriously considering giving Bai Tang some nourishing food too. At the very least, it would help him get through the winter more comfortably. By late autumn, Tang Tang’s hands and feet were already icy cold—how could he possibly endure the full winter like that?
Aqi pointed to a merchant not far away. “That one.”
For safety reasons, the merchants always traveled in caravans. Each merchant sold different kinds of goods, so anyone looking to buy had to find the appropriate vendor on their own.
Few people bought medicinal herbs—usually only the tribe’s healers would show interest.
Tuoba Jingyao didn’t even need to bring Bai Tang through the crowd. He went straight to the merchant selling herbal medicine.
When they arrived, Master Xin was enthusiastically discussing wellness and health with Rong Ningjing.
“Rong Ningjing, you have great talent,” Master Xin said, stroking his beard. “If you weren’t a girl, I’d have taken you as my disciple by now.”
Master Xin wasn’t originally from the grasslands—he had come from the Central Plains. After misfortune struck his family, he fled here for refuge and had been living on the steppe ever since—for fifty years.
He came from a long line of physicians, and the family rule was strict: medical knowledge was to be passed down to sons, not daughters. So no matter how much he admired Rong Ningjing’s talent, he had never taken her as a disciple.
Rong Ningjing didn’t take his words to heart—she knew it was just a polite compliment and didn’t treat it seriously.
But what the speaker said in passing, the listener took to heart.
Among Master Xin’s apprentices, several had come along to purchase medicine with him—including Long Qian.
As he listened to Master Xin praising Rong Ningjing, jealousy flared in his eyes.
Rong Ningjing again. It was always her. Master Xin had already said he wanted to take her as a disciple. If she kept showing off, it wasn’t impossible that he might break tradition and accept her.
Hadn’t the youngest apprentice also been taken in after Master Xin had sworn he would no longer accept any more students—only to change his mind when he discovered the boy’s talent for medicine?
Just as Long Qian was struggling to contain his emotions, Tuoba Jingyao arrived with Bai Tang.
Bai Tang politely greeted him, “Good day, Master Xin~”
Master Xin had a very good impression of the adorable and beautiful young boy. Smiling warmly, he greeted,
“So, the chieftain and the chieftain’s wife are here too!”
That one phrase—chieftain’s wife—made Bai Tang’s face flush a deep red.
“We—we’re not married yet~” the boy mumbled bashfully.
Although the wedding hadn’t been held yet, the vows had been made, and the witnesses were all there. Tuoba Jingyao had even written Bai Tang’s name into the Tuoba family genealogy.
Whether in the eyes of others or in reality, Bai Tang already bore Tuoba Jingyao’s mark.
“What? If we’re not married, does that mean Tang Tang doesn’t want me anymore~?”
Bai Tang was still flustered from Master Xin’s teasing when Tuoba Jingyao leaned in and whispered right into his ear again.
Ever since they had officially confirmed their relationship, Tuoba Jingyao had completely changed. It was as if some emotional switch had been flipped—way too far. Whenever he had the chance, he whispered sweet nothings into Bai Tang’s ear, and when no one was around, he got increasingly handsy and shameless.
Whether that change was a blessing or a curse was up for debate. For Bai Tang, it was probably a bit of both—he was thrilled that his flirty glances were no longer wasted on a clueless man, but at the same time… his poor waist was now under serious strain.
A man who had never known carnal desire might not understand romance, but once he had a beloved wife, he truly came to cherish the feeling. Saying he was afraid to let Bai Tang fall from the palm of his hand or melt on his tongue wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
“Don’t tease~” the boy said shyly, casting a quick glance at him.
With eyes soft and seductive like silk threads, Bai Tang cast a glance at Tuoba Jingyao—who immediately had a certain kind of reaction on the spot. Thankfully, his clothes were loose enough that no one else could tell.
Tuoba Jingyao didn’t dare tease Bai Tang any further—he was only torturing himself.
Master Xin was a shrewd man. How could he not see what was going on between the two? His smile deepened.
“You two make such a loving couple.”
People only truly get to know each other through time spent together. At first, Master Xin had been hesitant about Tuoba Jingyao and the boy being together, mainly because of Bai Tang’s frail health. But now, he was quite happy to see the younger generation living in such harmony.
Rong Ningjing had been wanting to talk to Bai Tang for a while, but Tuoba Jingyao kept him so close that she couldn’t get anywhere near him.
She eyed the blushing boy and noticed he had put on a bit of weight, and his complexion had improved too. Still, his arms and legs remained thin.
She said, “The quality of the herbs here is pretty good. You should buy some and make nourishing soups during the winter. It’ll be good for your health.”
She had hit the nail on the head. Master Xin even took Bai Tang’s pulse on the spot. After letting go of the boy’s wrist, he turned to Tuoba Jingyao and said, “He definitely needs a good tonic. At night—are his hands and feet cold?”
Tuoba Jingyao quickly set aside his playful demeanor and replied seriously,
“They are. Not only that—he’s a light sleeper and wakes easily.”
Even though Bai Tang was the subject of the conversation, he didn’t get a word in.
He quietly rubbed his belly and grumbled internally—he just wasn’t used to the bed, that’s all.
In the tribe, people typically lay blankets on wooden planks for bedding. But blankets had no softness or give, and Bai Tang—pampered more and more by the male lead in his previous world—had grown quite delicate. Though he didn’t complain, he genuinely hadn’t been sleeping well. Especially since the howling winds at night were terrifying.
The herbal merchant noticed everyone crowding around the boy, chatting about him, and took a few more curious glances himself. But when he looked closer, it was as if he had seen a ghost—his expression changed, and he quickly lowered his head, not daring to look again.
No… he’s supposed to be dead. How could he be here?
It must be a coincidence. Just someone who looks similar—yes, that’s it… similar.
Meanwhile, Master Xin and Rong Ningjing began listing out a series of medicinal herbs for strengthening the body. As name after name spilled from their mouths, Bai Tang’s delicate little face scrunched up.
Ugh, not more herbal medicine…
He complained to the two systems through his consciousness: “Qiu’er, can you please stop giving me male side characters with weak bodies? I don’t want to drink medicine anymore~”
“I’m sorry, Tang Tang. That’s not something I can choose,” Qiu’er replied, lowering his head in shame.
“It’s okay~” Bai Tang knew he was asking too much. After all, Qiu’er wasn’t the one who wrote the original plot and couldn’t control it.
Xiao A picked up a shrimp from the pot and held it up to Qiu’er’s mouth.
“Here, Qiu’er, open up—ah—”
“Ah~ Mmm~ So yummy~” Qiu’er ate contentedly.
Bai Tang left them with a “You two take your time,” before cutting off the connection.
It was unethical to disturb systems in love, and he was definitely not an immoral little squirrel.
While Bai Tang was chatting with the systems, Master Xin and Rong Ningjing had already packed up a large bundle of medicinal herbs for him, and Tuoba Jingyao paid for it.
“If there’s anything else you need, feel free to look around…” the herbal vendor said.
Master Xin called over Long Qian and the other disciples to help pick out herbs, while Bai Tang looked pitifully at Tuoba Jingyao and protested, “I’m not sick—I don’t need any medicine~”
Tuoba Jingyao gently pinched the boy’s delicate nose.
“I know. This is just to nourish your body, not medicine. I promise I’ll make it taste good—not bitter at all, okay?”
Tuoba Jingyao knew that Bai Tang hated anything bitter.
In the past, just to coax him into taking his medicine, he had signed many “unequal treaties”—like no meat in the morning or evening, only a small piece at lunch, or if he drank soup and felt full, then he wouldn’t have to eat rice… and so on. To get Bai Tang to take his medicine, Tuoba Jingyao had agreed to all of it.
Afterward, when mealtime came, he racked his brains and tried every method to cook delicious food for Bai Tang, just so the boy would eat a little more.
It could be said that Tuoba Jingyao’s cooking skills had improved leaps and bounds compared to when he was single. Back then, the only thing he could proudly make was roast whole lamb. Everything else was just thrown together to fill the belly. But now, his skills had grown tremendously—all for Bai Tang.
“…Alright then~” Bai Tang never could win against Tuoba Jingyao, so he gave in, looking as if he were about to cry.
Tuoba Jingyao patted his head gently.
“Let’s not bother Master Xin any longer. We’ll head home, and I’ll make you some sweet milk to drink.”
“And don’t forget the roasted nuts.”
Since he had to drink medicine anyway, he might as well ask for some extra perks.
“Alright. However much you want to eat, Tang Tang decides. I’m just responsible for making it for you,” Tuoba Jingyao said, once again abandoning all principles just to make his sweetheart happy.
Bai Tang was in much better spirits. He said to Master Xin, “Then Ah Yao and I will head back first. Goodbye, Master Xin.”
Master Xin smiled.
“Go on, go on. Make sure to pack everything properly when you get back—don’t leave anything behind.”
“Goodbye, Ningjing.”
“See you tomorrow,” Rong Ningjing waved at Bai Tang.
Watching the two walk away, chatting happily as they went, Rong Ningjing couldn’t help feeling envious.
When would she get to have such a sweet romance? Sigh~
“Ningjing! You’re here! Hurry, hurry and explain to my dad for me, I’m dying here…”
As soon as Tuoba Jingyao and Bai Tang left, Aqi came running over, gasping for breath.
He had always been the most mischievous one. He’d once spent family money on useless junk and refused to return it, which made Gong Na so furious he chased him all around the tribe with a sheep-herding stick.
Aqi had dashed from one tent to another, avoiding capture the whole time. But eventually, night fell, and he couldn’t just not go home—so he willingly walked into the trap and got caught. Gong Na gave him a solid beating.
He had a record, so even though years had passed, Gong Na didn’t believe him for a second this time. He was sure the rascal had seen something novel and bought it just for fun.
Gong Na was no longer as spry as he used to be, and when he finally caught up to Aqi, Master Xin and the others stopped him and tried to calm him down.
Rong Ningjing explained, “Uncle Gong Na, those things were really bought by me. I just asked Aqi to carry them for me.”
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she apologized.
She did feel guilty—she had dragged Aqi into this. Everything the merchant caravan brought this time was fresh and fascinating to someone from the modern world like her. In her excitement, she completely forgot that the one doing the heavy lifting for her was Aqi.
Author’s Note:
Bai Tang: I don’t want to drink medicine~
Tuoba Jingyao: Be good~ This isn’t medicine, it’s a medicinal meal. It’s not bitter. Drink it and you’ll get to eat nuts too.
Bai Tang: …Alright then (enduring it for the sake of nuts).
——————————————
Rong Ningjing: Um… sorry about that.
Aqi: Thanks a lot, really.
Me (the author): Hahahahahahahahahahaha