Chapter 13: The Delicate and Beautiful Songstress vs. The Strong and Sturdy General

The caravan crossed the Twin Peaks and soon passed by the Lotus Town, which Ah Sheng seemed very familiar with, driving straight to the Lai Fu Inn.

Wei Chenheng got off the carriage first and extended his hand to help Ning Wanguan down, which drew some curious looks from bystanders, as Ning Wanguan was dressed in a scholar’s boyish outfit, while Wei Chenheng appeared as a refined gentleman.

A gentleman helping a scholar down from the carriage immediately sparked discussions among the onlookers.

Upon hearing that Wei Chenheng had arrived, the innkeeper, Wang, quickly set aside his work and came out to greet them warmly.

“General Wei has arrived; I apologize for not welcoming you properly!”

Wei Chenheng nodded, “Innkeeper Wang, not many people know about my travels this time, so please do not make a fuss.”

Upon hearing this, Wang quickly smiled and said, “Understood! Understood! Please, Master Wei!”

Knowing that Wei Chenheng wanted to keep a low profile, Wang directly took their group to a private room on the second floor and arranged accommodations for them. Seeing Wei Chenheng tightly holding the small scholar next to him, Wang couldn’t help but ask, “Who is this young man?”

When it came to Ning Wanguan, a hint of a smile appeared on Wei Chenheng’s cold and handsome face. “This is my wife.”

Wang suddenly realized, quickly saying, “So it’s Mrs. Wei! My apologies!”

Ning Wanguan returned the greeting, “Innkeeper Wang is too polite.”

After some pleasantries, Wang immediately arranged for food to be sent to their room. After eating and drinking to their fill, Wei Chenheng wanted to take Ning Wanguan out to stroll around the town, feeling that her coarse linen clothes did not suit her.

Ah Sheng quickly said he was going to buy lotus soup, while Wei Chenheng led Ning Wanguan to the most famous tailor shop in the town.

The shopkeeper recognized Wei Chenheng at a glance and greeted him with a smile, “General Wei! What brings you here today?”

“I’d like to purchase a few garments for my wife; I’d appreciate your help in selecting them.”

“Oh, so it’s Mrs. Wei! Please, this way.”

The shopkeeper led the two of them to a VIP room, and before long, servants began bringing in various silks, satins, and brocades in all colors and patterns for Ning Wanguan to choose from.

“Don’t be fooled by the size of my shop; I have everything from Shu’s Huanchuan brocade to Suzhou’s Song brocade, Kesi, and even silks from the Western Regions!”

Ning Wanguan was somewhat taken aback. This small Lotus Town was indeed full of hidden talents. However, these fabrics looked quite expensive, and she felt reluctant to indulge in such luxury, especially since they still had a journey ahead. Wearing something so extravagant would be quite inconvenient.

“There’s really no need to be so extravagant…”

Seeing Ning Wanguan’s hesitant expression, Wei Chenheng gently asked, “Do you like them?”

“I do like them, but…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Wei Chenheng made the decision for her, “Then I’ll take them all. Please have the shopkeeper tailor a few fitting outfits for my wife.”

The shopkeeper was overjoyed and readily agreed.

Ning Wanguan quickly pulled Wei Chenheng aside and whispered, “Husband, these fabrics are not cheap. As a general, if you spend so much money on these luxurious items for me, people will think you’re wasteful!”

He looked down at her, a slight smile playing on his lips, and gently said, “Is my wife worried about me?”

Ning Wanguan lowered her brow slightly, a hint of worry on her face. “We are a family now; I share in both your glory and disgrace. I don’t want you to be talked about because of me.”

Hearing her refer to them as a family, Wei Chenheng felt a stir in his heart and thought he should treat her better.

With tenderness in his eyes, he said, “Over the years on the battlefield, aside from my salary, I have received a considerable amount of gold from the emperor, which I haven’t spent much of. To me, wealth is just material; you can’t take it with you when you die. If it can buy what makes Wanwan happy, then it’s worth spending.”

She was momentarily taken aback.

Seeming to sense her concern, he added, “You don’t need to worry about where this money comes from. Every penny is earned through my struggles on the battlefield. Spending it on you makes me happy too. Isn’t that more meaningful?”

A man who was usually taciturn could speak so eloquently about principles. Ning Wanguan found herself unable to argue with him and could only agree.

Yet in her heart, she felt quite delighted. It turned out that the things she liked were evident in her eyes, and he could see right through her; he knew she loved these beautiful silks.

Seeing that Ning Wanguan no longer declined, the shopkeeper immediately arranged for a tailor to come in and take her measurements. Based on her preferences, he prepared several sets of garments in various fabrics.

“The fastest we can do is ten days to half a month. When will the general be leaving?”

“We depart tomorrow.”

The shopkeeper was somewhat surprised but quickly proposed a solution. “Once the garments are ready, I will send someone to deliver them to you in the northern frontier.”

“Thank you for your trouble.”

“It’s no trouble at all.”

Because they had to hurry, Wei Chenheng temporarily bought a few ready-made outfits. Fortunately, Ning Wanguan had a good figure, and even the sample clothes fit her well. She chose a few sets that were more understated for daily wear.

She changed into a light purple soft gauze dress, returning to a more feminine appearance.

Her waist was as slender as a willow, and with a charming smile, she lifted her skirt and curtsied to him. “Husband, I greet you.”

He smiled gently and pulled her into his embrace.

Ning Wanguan raised her arms around his neck, looking up at him with eyes as clear as a spring. The sight stirred his desires, recalling the feeling of pinning her down on the couch and teasing her.

“Wanwan, let’s return to the inn and rest.” He reached out to stroke her red lips, aware that they were in a public place and it wasn’t the right setting for his impulses.

Noticing the change in his gaze, Ning Wanguan realized he was getting inappropriate thoughts again. Her face flushed, and she softly pleaded, “Since we rarely get out, can you accompany me for a walk, husband?”

His eyes flickered, revealing no clear expression as he asked, “What’s in it for me if I accompany Wanwan?”

“What kind of benefit do you want?”

The man’s long fingers lightly tapped her rosy lips, his voice hoarse as he asked, “This?”

She immediately understood what he meant, that wicked man.

“Hmm?”

The light tone didn’t sound like he was asking for her opinion but rather commanding her.

She lowered her eyelashes, her ears burning, and shyly said, “I haven’t tried it.”

His eyebrows raised slightly, and in a husky voice, he said, “I take that as you agreeing.”

Ning Wanguan pushed him away in annoyance, saying, “I absolutely don’t want to! You’ve really become so wicked. The husband I knew before was not like this; now you think of ways to tease me every day. I’m afraid that before we even reach the frontier, I’ll have already been worn out by you.”

The amusement in the man’s eyes could no longer be concealed. He grasped her small hand and affectionately kissed it.