Chapter 9

Wen Ning’s luggage wasn’t particularly heavy. She had five or six sets of clothes for all four seasons—a luxury provided by Wen Mother, who allocated fabric coupons every two or three years to have new outfits made.

In contrast, the three boys in the Wen family wore hand-me-downs: the eldest’s clothes passed to the second, and then to the youngest.

Though Wen Ning’s clothes were made of ordinary fabric, they were patch-free—a rarity in the village.

Wen Mother had also packed a generous supply of provisions, including four or five sections of hastily made sausages and cured pork, as well as wild vegetables and local specialties.

After offering Old Cousin Liu a cigarette in gratitude, Lu Cheng carried a bag in each hand and led Wen Ning to the train station.

Having served in the military for over a decade, Lu Cheng was strong and fit, making the luggage feel light. However, the added weight of Wen Ning clinging to his arm created unexpected resistance.

She’d initially hooked her arm through his, but Lu Cheng’s stern glance in the bustling street made her pout and let go.

Instead, she grabbed the luggage strap for leverage, letting his strength pull her along. Under her breath, she muttered, “Old stick-in-the-mud.”

Lu Cheng’s foot faltered, and the usually composed Regimental Commander nearly tripped.

How did the Wen family’s daughter suddenly become like this? Does she really think she’s some kind of ancestral figure?

The Wen family had truly spoiled her.

He, a grown man, had joined the army at fourteen and spent over a decade surrounded by rough soldiers. He’d never encountered anyone so delicate and pampered.

This is truly a headache!

……

Songyang County’s train station wasn’t large. The area was remote, and trains were infrequent—each one packed with passengers.

After disembarking from the donkey cart, Wen Ning took a deep breath of the cool breeze, easing her discomfort. She waited in the hall, guarding the luggage while Lu Cheng went to fetch hot water.

He returned with a large, olive-green military canteen. Wen Ning, used to dainty cups, found it novel. “This canteen is so big,” she said, intrigued.

It had a strap and could be slung across the body. Wen Ning cradled it like a treasure as she drank, her cherry lips pressed against the spout. She finally felt comfortable.

“Regimental Commander Lu, here,” she said, handing it over. “Remember to give it back when you’re done. I want to carry it.”

It was new and fun—something she’d never seen in the Great Liang Dynasty.

Lu Cheng’s eyelid twitched. He took the canteen, gaze lingering briefly on the spout, where droplets still clung. He gulped down several mouthfuls, then handed it back stiffly.

If she wants to carry it, let her.

Wen Ning, delighted, slung the canteen on her back. She spotted a boy nearby holding an ordinary water bottle and proudly patted hers, making the child’s eyes widen with envy.

Amid the growing buzz in the waiting hall, the green train rumbled into the station. Passengers rose to their feet, ready to stretch their legs.

Wen Ning stared in awe at the massive, dragon-like machine. Its churning wheels and colossal body amazed her.

Can this thing really hold so many people?

“Let’s go,” Lu Cheng said, grabbing their luggage. “Hold on to your strap like before. If you lose it, don’t blame me.”

Wen Ning frowned and glared at the back of his head. Couldn’t he say, “Stay close, don’t get lost, I’ll worry”? Isn’t that what male leads say?

Clutching the strap, she followed him into the crowd.

Perhaps thanks to Lu Cheng’s military uniform, they boarded smoothly and found seats in the crowded carriage.

Wen Ning, riding a green train for the first time, looked around in wonder. She watched the platform pass by, then turned to gaze at the packed passengers around her, completely awestruck.

This era is full of surprises. My family would never believe this kind of contraption exists.

She made a silent promise to tell her parents and siblings all about it when she returned.

The journey to Lu Cheng’s military base would take three days and two nights. With a long whistle, the train began its northward trek.

……

The train rattled through the countryside. The carriages were packed to bursting, with people even standing in the aisles.

Wen Ning sat by the window, Lu Cheng beside her. His olive-green uniform drew admiring glances from the other passengers.

Wen Ning looked at him, pride welling up inside. My man truly is exceptional. No wonder I chose him.

She had always scorned the pampered sons of the capital, vowing to marry the most capable man. Now, seeing Lu Cheng’s solemn face, she realized she had, in fact, gotten her wish.

“Is it always this crowded?” she whispered.

“We’ll see if it improves at the next station.”

“The hot water’s gone,” Wen Ning said, shaking the canteen. She held it out to him, clearly asking him to refill it.

Lu Cheng sighed inwardly. Taking the canteen, he pushed his way through the crowd. Before he left, he turned back. “Stay put.”

“I know.” Wen Ning nodded sweetly.

Even with his training, Lu Cheng had to struggle through the crowd. After filling the canteen, he returned, but paused upon hearing Wen Ning’s voice.

“My man’s so good to me,” she said brightly. “He went to fetch water because he was worried I’d be thirsty. I told him not to bother, but he insisted.”

Lu Cheng’s hand froze mid-step.

The woman across from Wen Ning chuckled. “Your man is truly something. No wonder he’s a soldier—so devoted!”

“That’s right,” Wen Ning chirped. Spotting Lu Cheng, she beamed. “They were bragging about their husband, so I said ours couldn’t lose! Did you hear them praising you?”

Lu Cheng stood in silence as the surrounding aunties began praising him profusely.

“Soldiers are different—strong, honorable, and devoted!”

“Everyone envies you! If you weren’t married, I’d match you with my daughter, haha!”

Lu Cheng, always dignified, felt his face burn. Beside him, Wen Ning looked pleased with herself.

Truly… the Wen family’s daughter is my nemesis.

Wen Ning was fiercely protective of her loved ones. In the past, as a princess, even her servants were the best in her eyes. Now that Lu Cheng was her husband, he was even more precious.

As soon as he left, the people around her had started asking about their marriage. Wen Ning refused to be outdone.

Lu Cheng didn’t seem to appreciate her effort. But Wen Ning ignored that, content to gaze out the window at the golden autumn landscape.

Silence fell between them unless Wen Ning spoke first.

The family opposite them sensed something wasn’t quite right. The soldier beside her didn’t seem like the doting type.

Wen Ning suddenly turned away from the window. “It smells awful here.”

Lu Cheng’s eyelid twitched. He’d never met such a difficult person.

Yet her face radiated conviction.

The stench of body odor and luggage was unbearable after days of travel. Wen Ning’s stomach churned.

“Lady, bear with it. That’s just how trains are,” the man across from her said, clearly thinking she was pampered. “Never ridden one before?”

“That’s right. It’s my first time,” Wen Ning said calmly, unfazed.

“Why should I have to bear it?” she added seriously. Noticing an old woman holding some orange peels, she asked, “Granny, may I have some of those?”

The old woman, charmed by her manners, handed her several. “Smelling these helps.”

“Thank you, Granny.” Wen Ning gave her two fruit candies in return.

She inhaled the citrusy aroma and felt instantly refreshed. Holding the peel near Lu Cheng’s nose, she said, “You should smell this too.”

Her pale arm suddenly appeared in front of him. Lu Cheng leaned back instinctively, trapped by the seat behind him. “You smell it. I don’t need it.”

Amused, Wen Ning muttered, “So ungrateful.”

Watching his face darken, she struggled not to laugh. Teasing him really was fun.

……

Night fell. The carriage filled with snores and deep breathing. Only Wen Ning remained awake, unable to get comfortable.

Leaning on the window hurt her head. Reclining was awkward. She glanced at Lu Cheng, eyes closed in sleep.

His stern features had softened slightly in rest. Wen Ning’s eyes drifted to his broad shoulders.

Looks like a good pillow.

She leaned her head against him, finally finding a comfortable position.

Lu Cheng’s eyes snapped open. No one had ever rested against him before. Just as he was about to move, he looked down.

Wen Ning’s face was peaceful in sleep, her lashes casting delicate shadows.

She shifted again, leaning in closer as if seeking the perfect angle.

Lu Cheng clenched his hand into a fist but didn’t move. He closed his eyes again.

Forget it. Just let her sleep.