Chapter 10: The Soft and Beautiful Songstress vs. The Strong and Sturdy General

The next day, when Ning Wanguan woke up, Ah Sheng had already organized the caravan and was preparing to set off again.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, she blushed and asked Wei Chenheng, “Why didn’t you wake me? Did I delay our departure?”

Wei Chenheng chuckled lightly, “I did call you, but you were sleeping soundly.”

“Really? I didn’t feel a thing.”

Wei Chenheng ruffled her hair and said gently, “If you’re tired, you can sleep a little longer; it’s not a big deal.”

After quickly eating some dry rations, Ning Wanguan followed Wei Chenheng onto the carriage, and the caravan continued its journey. According to Ah Sheng, although the Twin Peaks seemed small, it would actually take three to five days to walk out.

As for the history of the mountain, Ah Sheng spoke at length, sharing what he had seen and heard, “There is a deity on these Twin Peaks, quite remarkable. It is said that the people living at the foot of the mountain come here to pray for children, and it works every time.”

Ning Wanguan chuckled at this; could this deity compare to her miraculous childbearing pills?

“Besides the deity, the wild fruits on this mountain are also delicious. There’s a type of wild peach in summer that’s really tasty and can be found everywhere in the mountains. Madam Wanwan, did you pick any peaches last night when you went out with the young master?”

Ning Wanguan’s face flushed; there was no time to pick peaches last night. She stammered, “It was late and the dew was heavy, and it was pitch dark, so I couldn’t see the peaches. I just… wandered around with my husband before coming back.”

Even through the curtain, Ah Sheng could be heard sighing in regret.

“That peach is delicious, and it only grows on this mountain. You can’t find this taste anywhere else. Madam Wanwan, if we pass by and I see peaches, I’ll pick a few for you. Right now, we’re heading to the frontier; by then, not to mention peaches, even vegetables might be hard to come by.”

“Thank you, Ah Sheng.”

“Madam Wanwan is too polite.”

She turned her head and met Wei Chenheng’s gaze. His brows and eyes looked elegant and gentle under the soft sunlight, with a hint of teasing.

“No need for Ah Sheng to find them; I can take you to pick peaches tonight.”

“No.”

“Why not?” His deep eyes were very calm, “Do you only want to eat the ones picked by Ah Sheng?”

She mumbled softly, “Is that really picking fruit? You clearly have ulterior motives.”

He smiled, “Is Wanwan feeling shy?”

Ah Sheng started chatting with Ning Wanguan through the thin curtain.

“Madam Wanwan, let me tell you, there’s a lovely little town at the foot of the mountain, famous for its beautiful lotus flowers… There’s a dish called lotus flower soup…”

Ning Wanguan was quite interested and asked, “Is lotus flower soup delicious?”

“It’s very delicious! That lotus flower soup is even better than lotus seed soup, and it’s only available in summer; it’s a specialty of this place…” Ah Sheng continued to enthusiastically introduce the local specialties.

“Wanwan, if you want to eat it,” he said, “when we get there, I’ll take you to try it.”

“Will my husband eat it?”

The man’s gaze was gentle, “I rarely eat sweets. But if you love it, I can accompany you.”

Ning Wanguan felt happy inside.

Ah Sheng outside the curtain asked her, “Madam Wanwan, are you listening to me?”

Ning Wanguan replied, “Mm, I’m listening.”

Ah Sheng grew more animated, “If Madam Wanwan wants to try that lotus flower soup, there’s also a dish called lotus leaf chicken, which is roasted over high heat and is also very delicious. After we descend the mountain, shall we first take a stroll around that town?”

He lifted his lips and chuckled softly, “Wanwan, Ah Sheng is asking you a question.”

Ning Wanguan said, “Go away! Ah Sheng!”

Ah Sheng answered himself, “After wandering for half a day, we can just pick up some dry rations for the journey.”