Chapter 5

His expression remained calm, and his tone was notably gentle.

The world often described Commander Lu as a fierce and terrifying figure, comparable to the underworld judges. Yet, Lu Feng’s temper has improved significantly over the past two years.

When he first broke his leg, he was prone to anger and violence, cycling through several attendants, even kicking his milk brother so hard that he vomited blood. At that time, he resembled a trapped beast at the end of its rope, his eyes red with fury. Jiang Wanrou didn’t dare even breathe loudly in his presence.

The imperial court had strict requirements for selecting officials, which were summarized by the four standards: “appearance, eloquence, calligraphy, and judgment,” with “appearance” being the foremost criterion. For someone like Lu Feng, whose leg was disabled, even as the Duke’s son, he was ineligible to become a court official. That incident years ago had essentially ended his promising career. Once hailed as a favored son of heaven, he had fallen to a state of ruin. Coupled with his fiancée leaving him for another, how could his temperament not become twisted?

Thanks to Huaiyi’s arrival, Jiang Wanrou was pregnant shortly after entering the household. Although Lu Feng remained indifferent toward her, he never laid a finger on her. The emperor, ultimately sympathetic to the Lu family, broke protocol and appointed Lu Feng as the commander of the Jinglong Bureau. While Lu Feng was ruthless in his methods at the prison, his temper became increasingly composed.

Jiang Wanrou speculated that this change might have been due to the stabilizing effect of power, as well as the fact that the prisoners bore the brunt of his violent tendencies—leaving others to face less of his wrath.

Over the past two years, Lu Feng’s injured leg has recovered well. When walking quickly, a slight limp was noticeable, but at a slow pace, it was almost imperceptible. His temperament had mellowed considerably, especially around his wife, where he was generally gentle. However, he rarely smiled, maintaining a perpetually cold expression. Jiang Wanrou could only deduce his thoughts and intentions from his tone and subtle expressions.

Jiang Wanrou was highly perceptive, so even though Lu Feng did not seem angry, she immediately sensed his displeasure.

He didn’t want her to return to the Marquis’ residence.

If it were a trivial matter, Jiang Wanrou might have casually made a few polite remarks and dropped the idea. To be fair, Lu Feng treated her quite differently now—one might even call it “affection.” She understood where this “affection” came from. She had borne him a legitimate son, managed household affairs, and always behaved with utmost obedience, never daring to irritate him. She would go to great lengths to ensure he was never even slightly displeased.

But this matter was different…

With a calm expression, Jiang Wanrou picked up a piece of braised eggplant and placed it on Lu Feng’s plate, speaking softly, “Husband, you’re overthinking. The New Year is approaching, and I’ve prepared invitations and gifts for all the residences. I’ll have to make the rounds eventually. Besides, I haven’t seen my mother in a while—I’m not sure how her health is. Wouldn’t it be better if I paid her a personal visit to put my mind at ease?”

The “mother” Jiang Wanrou referred to was her biological mother, Concubine Li of the Ning’an Marquis’ residence. Given Jiang Wanrou’s current status as the esteemed Madam of the Lu household and a mother herself, the Marquis’ residence should have petitioned for an honorary title for Concubine Li, if only for Huaiyi’s sake. However, Concubine Li’s identity was too embarrassing, and her health was poor, requiring her to remain bedridden and take medicine year-round.

Years ago, Jiang Wanrou considered this idea and went out of her way to serve Lu Feng with gentle care to gain his favor. In the end, it was Concubine Li herself who refused the title. Jiang Wanrou had no choice but to send gifts to the Marquis’ residence frequently, partly as a gesture of goodwill and partly as a warning to ensure Concubine Li was treated well.

Upon hearing her words, Lu Feng nodded and said, “Madam is right. In that case, Lord Gao recently gifted me a century-old ginseng root. You can take it back with you. Once things settle down, I will accompany you to visit your mother.”

Lu Feng did not make things difficult for her and even addressed her mother as “mother-in-law,” granting her a measure of respect. This warmed Jiang Wanrou’s heart, and she served him several of his favorite dishes during the meal. The couple shared a warm and harmonious dinner.

Lu Feng seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood that day. Later that evening, after their intimacy, he gently stroked Jiang Wanrou’s bare shoulder and, for the first time, engaged in casual pillow talk.

He said, “Things outside have been unstable lately. Take more guards with you when you go out.”

Jiang Wanrou, drenched in sweat, lay against Lu Feng, her voice sweet like candied fruit. “Mm, I understand.”

Although he had only asked for her once, Jiang Wanrou’s body was sore, but her mind remained clear. After thinking for a while, she slowly asked, “Has something happened outside? Recently, the residence has received many invitations. Husband, could you give me some insight? I feel uneasy.”

Recently, there had been only one major event in the capital—the case involving Prince Gong. The Cui family had been sending people almost daily to pay visits, and she needed to provide them with an explanation.

Lu Feng chuckled hoarsely and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Don’t worry. Do what you need to do. You can start preparing for the New Year.”

Jiang Wanrou was startled. Did this mean the case would be concluded before the year ended?

She had already sensed as much. Ever since Lu Feng took over the Prince Gong case, his demeanor had been icy and stern, and she had avoided approaching him. Over the past few days, his mood had visibly improved, leading her to suspect that the case had reached a resolution.

Her thoughts escaped her lips without much reflection.

Lu Feng usually refrained from discussing political matters with her, but with the case’s resolution nearing and following a moment of intimacy, he spoke candidly: “Indeed, Prince Gong… no, from now on, he’s merely a commoner. Qi the Commoner will be confined to the palace for life, unable to leave without imperial decree.”

So harsh? This truly solidifies Prince Gong’s guilt.

Jiang Wanrou thought to herself that aside from criticism over establishing the Jinglong Bureau, the current emperor was otherwise considered a wise ruler. The previous emperor’s incompetence had left the people struggling to survive. Back then, the emperor, as the Duke of Youzhou, led an uprising, and since ascending the throne, he had governed with benevolence. Prince Gong had been his most beloved son, yet he had the heart to confine him and strip him of his noble title, reducing him to a commoner.

An emperor’s decree is final; even if the ruler grows older and softens, it would be nearly impossible to reinstate Prince Gong’s title. With no crown prince yet appointed and the royal siblings embroiled in fierce rivalries, they wouldn’t allow Prince Gong to rise again.

The imperial family is ruthless—truly merciless.

Even while thinking this, Jiang Wanrou voiced, “The emperor is compassionate.”

Indeed, the case involving Prince Gong implicated both the previous dynasty and the imperial harem. Not only was the court purged, but several favored concubines in the harem also lost their lives. Considering that the mastermind behind it all was merely demoted and confined, one might even call it an act of mercy.

But would Prince Gong, born into privilege and glory, even want such mercy?

Jiang Wanrou had never experienced the fall from grace herself, but she had witnessed Lu Feng’s descent into madness. Many had forgotten that Lu Feng was once the most composed and dignified young man in the capital, even admired by the unruly Gu family’s young master, who called him “big brother.” If only that incident had never occurred…

“Ah—”

Lu Feng pinched the soft flesh of Jiang Wanrou’s waist, his cold eyes narrowing slightly. “What are you thinking about? Focus.”

Moments ago, he had been gentle, reluctant to torment her. It seemed his kindness had its limits.

“I was thinking about before—”

Jiang Wanrou paused, gently hooking her fingers around his, her pale body brushing against his chest.

“I was remembering… back when I was thirteen, and you brought me pine nut candy.”

She smiled radiantly, reaching out to caress his cheek. “At that time, I didn’t know that such a handsome gentleman would one day be my husband.”

This wasn’t a lie. Lu Feng had been engaged to Jiang Wanxue, and the Jiang family, eager to secure this prestigious match, often invited Lu Feng to their residence. Jiang Wanrou had occasionally encountered him in the garden, but to avoid suspicion, she would quickly bow and leave. However, there was one time when her mother had a severe coughing fit, and the servants withheld her mother’s medicine. Jiang Wanrou went to plead with the Old Madam, but the Old Madam was napping, and her attendant dismissed her casually. Unable to hold back her frustration, she wept quietly in the garden.

It was then that he handed her a handkerchief and gently asked what was wrong. She said nothing—she just cried.

What could she do? She knew his identity—he was her elder sister’s fiancé. Could she tell him that her stepmother mistreated her mother? He was an outsider, the betrothal gifts hadn’t even been delivered yet. Could he intervene in the inner workings of the Marquis’ household? Even if this noble young man took pity and helped her just once, she and her mother would still have to live under the stepmother’s rule. Wouldn’t that just make their lives even harder?

Unable to hold back her tears, she bit her lip fiercely, refusing to say a word. Lu Feng, likely annoyed by her crying, thrust a packet of pine nut candy into her hands and said, “Eat the candy. Stop crying.”

Her mother loved sweet treats. Drinking bitter medicine day after day, being able to savor a piece of candied fruit was a great comfort. But Jiang Wanrou herself didn’t like sweets—they reminded her of the pervasive medicinal taste and her mother’s relentless coughing fits.

Yet, that pine nut candy on that particular day—it was truly sweet.

With misty eyes, she accidentally blurted out, “Prince Gong brought this upon himself. It’s just a pity for Third Sister; her days are bound to be difficult.”

It was unmistakable—Jiang Wanrou felt Lu Feng’s hand tighten around her waist.

Her rationality returned, and she regretted her impulsive words. Unsure how to recover, she stammered, “I-I misspoke.”

Jiang Wanxue was a forbidden topic for Lu Feng. Jiang Wanrou had often speculated about his feelings toward her. The two had been betrothed as children, and Lu Feng had remained virtuous for her, never even keeping a maidservant by his side. Later, Jiang Wanxue schemed to break off the engagement and rose to the lofty position of Princess Consort. Jiang Wanrou believed he must hate her.

The deeper the love, the deeper the hate. Only love can give rise to hate.

Thus, Jiang Wanrou had never mentioned Jiang Wanxue in front of Lu Feng. Now that they were both married to others, and she had given birth to Huaiyi, the household affairs were running smoothly. For Jiang Wanrou, her focus was on raising Huaiyi well and living comfortably as the esteemed matriarch of the Lu family in the future.

Jiang Wanrou now had wealth, leisure, and status. Her mother had also been able to pass away peacefully, thanks to her. She spent her days enjoying flowers, listening to opera, and raising her child, with no one daring to mistreat her anymore. What more could she ask for? As for who might occupy his thoughts, she didn’t care.

Yes, she shouldn’t concern herself with such trivial matters.

Jiang Wanrou suddenly smiled, flipped herself onto Lu Feng, and playfully wrapped her arms around his neck, laughing coquettishly, “This time, I’m on top—”

Lu Feng extended his long arm and flipped her over, reversing their positions. Jiang Wanrou closed her eyes, her dark lashes trembling slightly, but no further movement came.

“Settle down.”

After a while, Lu Feng’s hoarse voice sounded from above. Jiang Wanrou opened her eyes and saw that Lu Feng had already fallen asleep. She stared at his sharp jawline until her eyes grew sore, then slowly closed her eyes.

The night passed without dreams.

The next morning, Cui Zhu brought the usual bowl of dark, bitter medicinal soup. However, this time, she also placed a box of pine nut candy beside it. The square pieces of candy were wrapped in sticky rice paper and coated with golden honey, their sweet aroma wafting into the air.

Cui Zhu cheerfully announced, “This was specially sent over at the master’s request—he said it’s something Madam loves.”

Jiang Wanrou stared at the candy for a while before saying, “I don’t like sweets.”

The one who loved candy was Jiang Wanxue. It was only later that Jiang Wanrou realized the truth: how could a man like Lu Feng carry a packet of overly sweet candy? It turned out she had mistakenly taken something meant for her elder sister.

Cui Zhu was momentarily stunned. In all her years serving Jiang Wanrou, she rarely saw her eat anything sweet. It was actually the master, Lu Feng, who had a fondness for it—most of the pastries from Jingguang Courtyard ended up in his stomach.

Not daring to speak ill of her master, Cui Zhu hesitated before asking, “Should I distribute the box among the other maids?”

Jiang Wanrou had always been kind and generous toward her servants, often giving them gifts, so Cui Zhu’s suggestion was not offensive. However, Jiang Wanrou unexpectedly responded vaguely, “Just leave it there.”

“Today, I’m heading to the Marquis’ residence. Start preparing.”

Whenever Jiang Wanrou went out, she needed not only maidservants but also a significant number of guards. The Marquis’ residence was her maternal family, and propriety demanded that gifts accompany her visit. Cui Zhu quickly accepted the task and hurried off to make arrangements.

After eating breakfast alone, Jiang Wanrou picked up the bowl of now-cold medicinal soup and once again poured it onto the orchid grass by the window.