Chapter 19: The Delicate Beauty vs. The Stalwart General

“I had no idea.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle softly, his gaze fixed on her. “So, my dear Wanwan has so many thoughts in mind.”

“So, will Husband respect my opinion?”

“I will.” A faint smile lingered between his brows and eyes, his peach blossom eyes lifting slightly at the corners. The gloominess that had once lingered instantly vanished.

He was gentle yet restrained, rational yet composed.

“But you must also promise me that if your body can’t take it, you have to tell me.”

Ning Wanguan agreed without hesitation. “No problem!”

She would never make things hard for herself.

That evening, while Wei Chenheng was away, she quickly took out her Hundred-Treasures Pouch and retrieved a Fetal Protection Pill and a Vitality Pill. The former was to safeguard the baby, while the latter would boost her resistance and reduce the effects of pregnancy-related discomfort.

After some thought, she also took a Scar-Removing Pill—just in case.

The journey over the next few days continued, but Ning Wanguan quickly noticed that the convoy had slowed down. They would stop frequently along the way, making it feel less like a rushed journey and more like a leisurely excursion.

Meanwhile, Wei Chenheng had taken his role as her personal bodyguard quite seriously, meticulously tending to her every need.

By late autumn, the convoy had finally arrived in Beijiang. The grasslands had already turned barren, and the weather had begun to turn cold.

By now, Ning Wanguan’s belly had started to show slightly—she was around four months along.

The military camp’s conditions were indeed harsh, but her tent was already the best available. Within his capabilities, Wei Chenheng ensured she had the best of everything.

She had been living in the military camp for half a month and had gradually adapted to its lifestyle. With Wei Chenheng growing busier after resuming his duties, he worried that she would feel lonely, so he assigned a maid to attend to her.

The maid was named Cui’er, a quiet and reserved girl. Wei Chenheng had originally intended for her to keep Ning Wanguan company, but now, the two of them simply stared at each other in silence.

Fortunately, aside from being quiet, Cui’er was diligent in her work, allowing Ning Wanguan to enjoy some peace and leisure.

Two months passed in the blink of an eye, and she had now reached her sixth month of pregnancy. Her belly was even more prominent, her movements had slowed, and she tired more easily than before.

As early winter arrived, heavy snow blanketed the grasslands, and the wind howled fiercely outside the tent.

Cui’er added more firewood to the stove, and a leg of lamb roasted to a golden crisp sizzled over the flames. With just a sprinkle of coarse salt, the meat was crispy and tender, without any gamy taste.

The mouthwatering aroma made Ning Wanguan’s cravings flare up.

Her appetite had recently grown, and she especially craved meat. It seemed the little one in her belly shared her carnivorous tendencies.

Cui’er removed the lamb from the fire and poured a cup of warm goat’s milk, preparing to serve Ning Wanguan her meal. Just then, the rousing sound of a war horn echoed outside the tent.

The triumphant melody made Ning Wanguan’s eyes light up. She exchanged a glance with Cui’er and asked excitedly, “Is the General back?”

Cui’er nodded. “It sounds like him. He’s back three or four days earlier than expected.”

Ning Wanguan dashed out of the tent. Cui’er quickly grabbed a cloak and caught up, draping it over her shoulders. She exclaimed, “Madam, slow down! Be careful, the snow is slippery!”

Only then did Ning Wanguan cradle her belly and slow her pace, though her heart still pounded wildly. Her eyes remained fixed on the direction of the war horn.

Cui’er held onto her tightly, worried she might slip.

Before they had walked far, a magnificent blood-red steed galloped toward them through the snow.

The warhorse charged forward with an imposing presence.

Atop the horse, the general was clad in armor, his brows sharp and eyes bright. His features were strikingly handsome, exuding the steady composure of a man who had weathered countless battles and bloodshed. He was like a war god descending from the heavens, bathed in moonlight.

The warhorse let out a deep whinny, and just a meter away from her, the general reined it to an abrupt stop.

With a swift and effortless movement, he dismounted. He was still covered in the dust of his journey, but the first thing he did was pull her into his arms.

“Husband…”

Wei Chenheng cast a deep glance at her before lowering his head, pressing a feather-light kiss into her palm. But as he held her hand, he noticed how cold it was. His brows furrowed as he rubbed it between his own, asking, “Why are your hands so cold?”

“I’m not cold!”

She reached out and caressed his handsome face. It had been more than two months since they last saw each other, and he looked noticeably thinner. “You’re the one who looks like you’ve lost weight.”

Without another word, he swept her into his arms, carrying her like a prized treasure as he strode toward the tent. “Let’s go inside first.”

Once inside, he skillfully set her down on the soft bedding.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and nestled closer.

“Husband, I missed you so much.”

Wei Chenheng gazed down at her, his voice gentle and warm. “I missed you too, Wanwan.”

He had missed her to the point of near madness.

Her small face pressed against his chest, and she could feel his heartbeat—strong and fervent. Her own heart followed suit, beating just as wildly.

“Your hands are still cold.”

He took her hands and breathed warm air onto them, then led her to the stove. Picking up a log, he tossed it into the fire, causing flames to flare up, filling the tent with warmth.

Before long, the heat had turned her cheeks rosy, and her body gradually warmed up.

Wei Chenheng carefully sliced the roasted lamb into small pieces and fed them to her one bite at a time.

She chewed happily, her eyes sparkling as she stared at him. “Husband, you eat too.”

He smiled gently and placed a small piece into his mouth, chewing slowly and savoring the taste.

After their meal, they instructed the servants to bring in hot water. Wei Chenheng then began removing his armor, preparing to bathe and change into fresh clothes.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Ning Wanguan admired the sight before her—an image of masculine perfection.

It seemed his skin had tanned a little under the sun, and his muscles appeared even more defined and powerful than before.

Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed when Wei Chenheng finished bathing. With only a simple robe draped over him, he walked toward her.

As he approached, she smiled softly.

He lowered his head, gazing at her with deep reverence, as if marveling at the miracle of life.

Ning Wanguan’s eyes were filled with warmth as she whispered, “Husband, in just a few more months, we will be parents.”

Wei Chenheng couldn’t help but tug at the corners of his lips, a smile breaking through.