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Qingqing also carried Sweet Pea into the northern room of the East Wing, where Sweet Pea would reside in the future. Sweet Pea was reluctant to move and began to cry out, only to be silenced by Qingqing. In a low voice, Qingqing said, “Behave. Tomorrow, I’ll speak up for you and let you go out to the wild for ten days again.”
Sweet Pea then fell silent and shot a fierce glare at the stinky man who had driven it and Little Yue out of the upper chambers.
Upon entering the upper chambers, Jiang Zhanwei suddenly noticed the room was bathed in a vibrant red, resembling a newlywed’s room. He smiled at Lu Man and proceeded to freshen up in the washroom.
Having showered before dinner, he only washed his face and rinsed his mouth now.
After he came out, Lu Man went in. As they passed each other, the sight of his robust body and the familiar yet distant cold fragrance caused Lu Man’s heart to tremble. She still felt a bit wary of that scent.
A large wooden tub was filled with hot water, with flower petals floating on the misty surface.
Lu Man settled into the large wooden tub, soaking in the hot water, allowing the tension and excitement of the day to dissipate. She felt useless, realizing she had been somewhat disoriented upon seeing Jiang Zhanwei. Perhaps this was the power of asserting one’s dominance?
From Jiang Zhanwei’s tender and affectionate letters, it was clear he didn’t want to divorce her and wasn’t interested in a contractual marriage. Observing his behavior today further confirmed her previous speculations – he wanted to continue their relationship.
However, Lu Man wasn’t ready to divorce Jiang Zhanwei either. She preferred to maintain their contractual marriage, mutually benefiting each other. She had doubts about his sincerity and couldn’t forget his past rudeness and calculated actions. Even if he did genuinely care for her now, she still couldn’t shake off the resentment she harbored.
Undeniably, deep within Lu Man, she was drawn to certain qualities of this man. Especially today, his calm, masculine aura, a fleeting tenderness, a gentle smile, his affection for Jiang Yue, all gave her a sense of security and a desire to rely on him.
After spending a long time in this other world, she had put in a lot of effort – caring for family, showing respect to elders, raising her daughter and siblings – earning praise for being virtuous and kind. She even created a “miraculous medicine”, treating numerous patients and uncovering significant secrets. Her relentless efforts weren’t just for a good life but also for a sense of belonging in this other world. Only she knew how exhausted and fearful she was, longing for a solid and warm shoulder to lean on, to rest, and grow old with in this world.
Yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this man wouldn’t be her true companion. She feared falling for him completely, leading to irreparable consequences in the latter part of her life.
Just like the night two years ago, she foolishly immersed herself in it, only to be jolted awake the next day. Even from just one night of intoxication, she had taken so long to heal. If she were to invest all her emotions day by day, month by month, year by year, fully committing without reservations, and still make the same mistake in the same place, she would be foolish and unforgivable even to herself.
He said, let time prove everything!
Time can witness true love and also witness change.
A man skilled in calculation always sees the pros and cons, what’s easy to change intentions. Moreover, he was a dominant, calm, adept at concealing, and somewhat awkward man. She couldn’t see through him, couldn’t outsmart him, and might end up enduring his temper. She could only protect herself well.
She was an ordinary woman, not particularly clever. Creating so many “miraculous medicine”, treating so many patients, all of it was accomplished under the protection of the Princess Changting. Without such a strong reliance, the “miraculous medicine” and their formulas might not have belonged to her, and those she treated might have faced uncertain fates.
She was powerless to change anything, only able to compromise, as he wished, to be a real couple with different dreams in the same bed.
Tonight, just like before, she couldn’t refuse. Initially, it was because of what he called “instructions” and the power he held as a husband and the duties she had as a wife.
Today, there were more reasons for her compliance. Besides their respective powers and duties, she also wanted to provide her daughter with a facade of harmony and happiness in the family, to reassure her caring relatives, to let the truth about the “switch child” case be known, to clear He family’s name. Additionally, in times of fatigue, she wanted a sturdy shoulder to lean on…
However, she must control her emotions, absolutely not fall in love with him, not get trapped in his gentle trap. Absolutely, absolutely, she must be cautious.
When he felt it was time to separate, or even when she had the confidence to end things, they would part ways. Or if both felt they could continue living this way, they could spend a lifetime together. In ancient times, how many couples truly stayed together because of love?
After conflicting for a long while, after coming to a realization, Lu Man took a long breath, stood up, and felt the water had cooled slightly.
Arriving in the bedroom, Jiang Zhanwei, dressed in white silk attire, sat on the bed waiting for her, having dismissed all the servants. A single red candle illuminated the room from the tall table, casting a dim and yellowish light.
In the room, the absence of a small bed and her little angel was replaced by a dominant and inscrutable man.
The howling wind outside grew stronger, the thick window paper rustled with its distinct sound, making the room feel warm as spring, yet eerily silent.
Jiang Zhanwei waited for a long time, feeling impatient, before finally summoning Lu Man.
She hadn’t washed her hair today, letting her black locks fall loosely with a slight curl at the crown of her head. Due to the prolonged bath, her cheeks were as rosy as rouge, exuding a bit more vibrant and charming demeanor than usual.
She slowly approached him with her head slightly lowered, taking slow steps. When she was about a yard away from him, her footsteps hesitated briefly. In her eyes, he could sense a heightened tension and distance, lacking the calm and tranquility of the moment before.
It seemed she still hadn’t let go of her grievances and doubts towards herself.
Her reaction was within Jiang Zhanwei’s expectations. He blamed himself. How could he have treated such a lovely and delicate woman in such a manner?
Jiang Zhanwei felt a sense of urgency but remained quietly watching her, patiently waiting. As she cautiously made her way towards him, he raised his hand to touch her, but noticed her body tense up, her wide eyes filled with fear as she looked at him.
He sighed inwardly, retracted his hand, and said, “The injury on my back is still a little painful. Can you have a look?” With that, he turned around.
Upon hearing his words and unable to see Jiang Zhanwei’s face, Lu Man instantly shed her previous nervousness, regaining her confidence and composure as a physician.