Chapter 14: The Delicate and Beautiful Songstress vs. The Strong and Robust General

In the end, Wei Chenheng couldn’t resist Ning Wanguan, leading her to the streets.

Although Lotus Town was small, it had everything. Coming out of the tailor shop, they directly entered the market.

On both sides of the street were teahouses, taverns, pawnshops, and workshops. In the open spaces along the street, numerous vendors of various sizes displayed a wide array of goods, along with various delicious snacks wafting enticing aromas.

The bustling crowd was ever-present, with porters shouting as they sold their goods, and women carrying bamboo baskets selling lotus flowers.

The lively calls, singing, and cheers created a vibrant atmosphere in the small market.

Ning Wanguan looked around with curiosity.

Since arriving in this world, she hadn’t been to a market, and everything she saw was fascinating.

At a small stall selling hairpins, she browsed left and right, drawn to every piece.

Every item she touched caught Wei Chenheng’s attention, and he purchased everything she showed interest in.

The vendor couldn’t contain his laughter, exclaiming, “Young master, your generosity truly favors your wife!”

Ning Wanguan was momentarily stunned and looked up at him. “You’re not really buying everything, are you?”

He nodded, his tone leaving no room for doubt, declaring, “Buying everything.”

Ning Wanguan couldn’t help but cover her mouth with a smile; indeed, men looked their best when paying.

“Choose one for me, husband.”

The vendor, hearing this, eagerly brought out all the most expensive hairpins from his stall, introducing each one. “Young master, these are finely crafted and perfect for your wife.”

These hairpins weren’t particularly precious—merely ordinary ones with rough craftsmanship. Wei Chenheng glanced at them and felt they weren’t worthy of Ning Wanguan.

However, noticing that she didn’t seem to care much about the craftsmanship and that girls often pursued beautiful designs, he patiently started to select one. Ultimately, he chose a jade camellia tassel pin. He inserted it into her bun, and when she gently moved, it made a pleasant ringing sound. A hint of an enigmatic smile formed on his lips.

“It suits Wanwan very well.”

“Really?”

Before Wei Chenheng could respond, the vendor handed over a bronze mirror. “Madam, take a look for yourself; you’re truly stunning.”

Ning Wanguan gazed into the mirror; the jade camellia tassel pin was merely an added touch, but ultimately, it was her face that made it shine.

“Do you like it?”

She smiled sweetly, “I like whatever my husband chooses.”

Wei Chenheng handed over a piece of silver, speaking gently and politely, “Please pack up everything my wife has chosen as well. Thank you.”

“Certainly, young master.”

After buying the hairpin, Ning Wanguan strolled a bit longer when Wei Chenheng led her into a teahouse. The waiter greeted them warmly, and Wei Chenheng ordered a few dishes, along with two bowls of the most famous local delicacy, lotus soup.

When the two bowls of icy lotus soup were served, Ning Wanguan understood why Ah Sheng raved about it. The lotus soup had a sweet, smooth texture, cool and refreshing, with a subtle lotus fragrance that not only soothed the heart and lungs but also revitalized energy.

After tasting just a little, her eyes sparkled with delight.

Wei Chenheng found her utterly adorable; every time she enjoyed delicious food, her eyes lit up with brilliance, full of spirit.

“If you like it, should I get another bowl?”

She quickly shook her head, “No, no, if I eat more, I’ll get fat.”

His beautiful peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly, “I think my wife is a bit too thin; there’s hardly any flesh to hold onto when I carry you.”

However, while she was thin, all her flesh was concentrated in her chest, not even filling the palm of his hand.

“If I get fat, my husband won’t like me anymore.”

“I love you in any form.”

Ning Wanguan raised her hand and scooped up a spoonful of lotus soup to block his mouth, playfully scolding, “You can’t trust a man’s words.”

Wei Chenheng opened his mouth to eat the lotus soup, a faint smile appearing on his face, and he didn’t continue speaking.

The waiter brought the dishes, and the two began to eat.

During the meal, Ning Wanguan finally asked the question that had been on her mind, “Does my husband often come to Lotus Town?”

Wei Chenheng picked up a piece of crispy meat and placed it in her bowl, saying, “I’ve only been here once.”

“That doesn’t seem right.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Both Manager Wang and Manager Ma are very hospitable and respectful towards you. It doesn’t seem like they are being overly cautious about your identity as a general; it feels more like you’re an old acquaintance they haven’t seen in a long time.”

She slowly continued, “Moreover, regarding the Twin Peaks, if you were just passing through, you wouldn’t be so familiar with the terrain. To me, it feels like this is your second hometown, very familiar.”

Wei Chenheng raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised at her keen observation.

“Am I right, husband?”

Wei Chenheng smiled gently, “You had guessed it correctly. But I didn’t lie to you; I really have only been here once. I just stayed for a short while, so it’s not quite a second hometown.”

Ning Wanguan rested her chin on her hand, looking at him intently, urging him to continue.

“Half a year ago, I returned to Jin City from the border and passed through here. I saw bandits in the mountains, so I took my soldiers to eliminate them. The people of Lotus Town have long suffered from the oppression and extortion of bandits and were in great distress. Because of this, I stayed in Lotus Town for about half a month and became somewhat familiar with it.”

His tone was casual, as if telling a story that had nothing to do with him.

“The hot springs in the mountains and the wild peaches were discovered during the bandit elimination. They looked interesting, so I thought of bringing you to see them.”

Ning Wanguan was taken aback for a moment and then suddenly realized, “No wonder they treat you with such courtesy; you are essentially a great benefactor to all of Lotus Town!”

“It was just a small effort; calling me a benefactor is a bit much. In fact, the court also sent troops to eliminate the bandits, but the terrain of Twin Peaks is complicated, and those bandits are quite cunning, so they couldn’t be wiped out completely. I also suffered a bit when I was in Twin Peaks, which is how I got a good grasp of the terrain to take them down in one go.”

“Then I think those bandits are not as clever or brave as you, husband.”

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, clearly pleased; she knew how to flatter him.

“What happened next?”

“What happened next?” He paused for a moment, then smiled, “There was no next. After eliminating the bandits, I left Lotus Town.”

“No wonder.”

“No wonder what?”

“No wonder I heard a few children singing a nursery rhyme in the market today.”

“Mm?”

She smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling with joy, “Bandits hide in Twin Peaks, the people suffer from oppression. The young general rides a white horse, silver spear and blue sword to eliminate the bandits.”

Wei Chenheng was momentarily stunned. He didn’t think eliminating bandits was anything remarkable, but seeing the spark of admiration in Ning Wanguan’s eyes, he realized she viewed it as an honorable and proud achievement.