Chapter 102

Gu Ci got up and paced to the front of the tent. Outside, the snow fell grandly and silently, large flakes descending from the sky and landing with a profound weight. The snow in the northern region was immense, and even when brushing against the face, it carried a heavy thickness.

Times were tough. Though they had achieved a minor victory against the Liang army and his rank had been promoted, military life was not the same as everyday living—hot water was even a luxury.

After washing his hands and face, Gu Ci removed his armor and lay down, still dressed, on the marching bed.

A soldier brought a brazier, but Gu Ci instructed him to take it to his elder brother’s tent. The tent, while not comparable to a proper house, was still slightly warmer than an ice cavern. His elder brother’s right arm had yet to heal, and he needed warmth more than Gu Ci did.

Nianxi often teased that he was like a furnace, and now, it seemed, that comparison had its use.

Thinking of Nianxi, the corners of Gu Ci’s lips gradually curved into a faint smile. At the moment, his beard was scruffy, and he was unkempt—marching and fighting battles made it difficult to bathe even once every ten days or half a month. While he himself could not detect any particular odor, he imagined it was far from pleasant. In the past, whenever he saw her, he would inevitably groom himself. If Nianxi were here now, she might not even recognize him.

Gu Ci slowly closed his eyes.

A few days ago, after an intense battle during which the Liang army launched a midnight attack, they had fought for three days and nights before finally repelling the enemy. Only then did he truly understand what his father meant when he said that even in dreams, one could still be fighting the enemy.

He needed rest to recover his strength.

Every night before sleeping, thinking of Nianxi was the most joyful and relaxing thing to do.

Life is long, and there will always be someone who becomes the anchor for your soul—for instance, the attachment to parents in youth or the love of a partner in adulthood.

For nearly a year since Gu Ci met Nianxi, he constantly felt her warmth and sweetness. Nianxi had become the closest person to him. In the desolate northern frontier and the cruel battlefield, she was like a guiding light, bringing warmth and serenity to his heart after the endless carnage.

During his spare moments, Gu Ci often reminisced about his past—from practicing in the martial field in his youth to joining the military through the imperial examination as he grew older. His life had been so smooth and uneventful that it felt mundane until he met Nianxi.

From their first meeting, he naturally felt a sense of fondness. Very quickly, that fondness turned into affection, and affection turned into admiration. Fortunately, he received a response and tasted the utmost sweetness and joy.

Until he left, Nianxi never knew the extent of his fervent, fiery love. But was there any need to tell her?

Such deep emotions—he didn’t want them to become a burden to her.

Nianxi was a girl who needed care, like a rose in a greenhouse, requiring devoted love to nurture her into full bloom.

Of course, he yearned to be the lucky person to do so. But the world is unpredictable. If someone else came along who admired and cherished her as much as he did…

Gu Ci turned over in his narrow marching bed, which emitted a sharp, grating sound. Gradually, the face of Pei Jian appeared in his mind, and Gu Ci thought gloomily that he wasn’t magnanimous enough to offer his blessings. Even if times change and the world shifts, if possible, he would strive with all his might—he would never give up on Nianxi.

Before falling asleep, Gu Ci drowsily thought about asking the chef tomorrow if there were any almonds and milk curds. He missed the almond pudding Nianxi used to make.

…

Nianxi had little interaction with Duke Fu’s household in her previous life. Although she was not well-versed in politics, Pei Jian did not have close ties with the King Jing faction. As the King Jing family’s maternal relatives, Nianxi only encountered Duke Fu’s household at a few grand palace banquets, where she met the Duke’s family ladies.

After being reborn, her father’s official rank was not high, and the Duke’s household, as one of the top noble families in the capital, had even less interaction with her.

Thus, when Nianxi thought about returning the money given by Lu Huai, after much consideration, she concluded that personally visiting him would be the quickest way.

Unfortunately, Young Master Lu was not at home.

Since Lu Wensheng had not yet married and the head wife of the household was absent, there was no mistress in charge of the main residence. Nianxi, without a visiting card, felt it would be inappropriate to abruptly visit the Old Madam. After some thought, she put the silver bills back into her pouch and decided to come up with another plan later.

Unexpectedly, as she turned to leave, a carriage stopped right in front of her.

Lu Wensheng stepped down from the carriage in a blue robe with intricate patterns, the light creating a diamond-like shadow at his feet. Seeing her, he faintly smiled and greeted her gently, “Miss Wen.”

Nianxi thought briefly, then stepped forward to pay her respects. “Duke Fu,” she greeted.

She proceeded to explain the purpose of her visit briefly. It had snowed just yesterday, but today, the skies had unexpectedly cleared, though the weather remained bitterly cold.

Lu Wensheng discreetly glanced at Nianxi’s slightly reddened nose and said in a soft tone, “Xiaoqi has gone to the palace and won’t be back for a while. Please, Miss Wen, step inside the residence to discuss matters.”

Nianxi hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded in agreement. The matter concerned Lu Huai, and as his father, it was understandable for Lu Wensheng to wish for clarification.

The entrance to Duke Fu’s residence was bustling with people and was not an ideal place for conversation.

Nianxi followed him into the Lu residence, passing through a corridor that exuded a rustic elegance. They arrived at a reception hall meant for entertaining guests. The windows and doors were all open, and the attendants and maids standing under the corridor were quiet, indicating that this was a place for serious discussions.

Lu Wensheng sat in the armchair, his brows and lashes giving him a harmless, gentle appearance. Sunlight streamed in, further emphasizing his refined and leisurely demeanor, like a gentleman carved from jade. Once the maid had served the tea, he spoke unhurriedly, “Today was rushed. Please forgive me.”

Nianxi expressed her gratitude and, not wanting to appear overly eager, lifted the teacup and took a sip of the warm tea. Gradually, warmth spread through her body.

This hall seemed to be the Duke’s usual place for hosting guests, reflecting his orderly way of life. Even this small guest hall exuded a sense of cleanliness and elegance.

After setting down the teacup, Nianxi took out the silver notes and handed them over. “I’ve waited for him for several days, but Lu Huai has yet to come. Such a large amount is hard to accept, so after careful thought, I decided to return it to him.”

Lu Wensheng received the notes, which were folded neatly and carried a faint fragrance, likely from being kept by her over the past few days. He unfolded and glanced at them, raising a hand to rub his brow. Reserved by nature, Lu Wensheng couldn’t help but reveal a trace of helplessness as he muttered softly, “This Xiaoqi…”

He shook his head with a slight smile, then looked up to focus on Nianxi. “I will explain it to Xiaoqi. Thank you for your trouble, Miss Wen.”

“Duke Fu,” Nianxi said earnestly, her shimmering eyes filled with seriousness, “My intention was to return the silver notes to Lu Huai. Though he is just a child, he is truly intelligent and should not be viewed as an ordinary one.”

Nianxi hesitated over these words; speaking so frankly given their limited acquaintance might have been inappropriate. However, she was close to Lu Huai and truly liked the child. After much thought, even though it could be seen as overstepping, she decided to say it anyway.

“He noticed my shop has been quiet lately, so he stepped in out of kindness. Please don’t punish him too harshly. His intentions were purely good. Besides, he understands reasoning—as long as it’s explained to him slowly, he will grasp it.”

Nianxi had seen how Lu Wensheng disciplined Lu Huai. His methods exuded a silent but overwhelming pressure, making it intense.

Though Lu Wensheng appeared to be a gentle and refined gentleman, he was not an easily approachable person. Occasionally, when he turned to look outside, his eyes carried an aloof sharpness, creating an invisible divide. He was courteous yet distant, keeping others at arm’s length.

After speaking, Nianxi couldn’t help feeling a bit uneasy. She worried that her words might cause Lu Huai to be punished because of her.

Unexpectedly, Lu Wensheng’s response addressed a different matter entirely. “Why would the shop be quiet? The day Xiaoqi and I visited, it was bustling with people, and business seemed very lively.”

Nianxi was slightly taken aback and met his calm, refined gaze. She quickly shook her head and said, “It’s nothing worth mentioning.”

Lu Wensheng didn’t press further. He nodded lightly, smiled faintly, and said, “With the Old Madam protecting him, I wouldn’t be able to punish him anyway. Rest assured.”

The phrase “rest assured” caused Nianxi’s face to flush. This was, after all, someone else’s family matter, and yet here she was, an outsider, interfering.

Now that the matter was settled and the silver notes had been returned, Nianxi stood to take her leave.

Lu Wensheng asked in a low voice, “Would you like me to arrange a carriage for you?”

Nianxi promptly declined, “My carriage is just outside the gate. Thank you for your kindness, Duke Fu. Please don’t trouble yourself.”

Hearing this, he allowed a faint smile to grace his lips. He accompanied her to the corridor outside the hall, stopped there, and had a maid escort her out of the residence.

Having carried the silver notes for several days, Nianxi finally resolved the matter. With her mind at ease, she instructed the carriage to take her home.