Chapter 25

Lu Feng’s body stiffened almost imperceptibly.

Her entire body was soft except for her round belly, which was firm. Lu Feng didn’t dare to exert any strength, fearing he might accidentally hurt her.

Jiang Wanrou lifted her bright eyes and said, “Husband, can you feel it? Our child is very lively.”

Lu Feng pressed his lips slightly and nodded stiffly, “Yes.”

He said, “The imperial physician mentioned that walking frequently is beneficial for your delivery later.”

Jiang Wanrou replied, “That’s true, but the yard in Jinguang Courtyard isn’t large. I can only walk back and forth three times a day…”

Jiang Wanrou subtly changed the subject, secretly laughing in her heart. This was a recent discovery that amused her.

The child was perfectly fine just now and hadn’t kicked her. Lu Feng always carried a somber expression. She used to fear him and wouldn’t dare act up in front of him. She had always maintained a dignified and virtuous appearance because she thought Lu Feng was a rigid and old-fashioned man. To live a peaceful life, wasn’t it best to align with him?

Recently, while applying warm compresses and ointment to his leg, the two of them rarely shared a room together. She realized she might have misunderstood Lu Feng.

He was not a rough and boorish warrior. He was refined and knowledgeable, even telling her that the sky was round. He spoke to her about the stars in the heavens, the mountains, and rivers on the earth—vastness she had never imagined.

He was skilled at playing the qin, his music powerful and majestic, brimming with grandeur.

He played dice with her, his lowered gaze and subtle expressions exuding charm and elegance.

He enjoyed using his broad palms to gently stroke her belly, over and over, as if handling a rare treasure.

That night, the candlelight was so warm, softening his sharp features even further. She couldn’t help but tease him with a harmless joke.

“Husband, look, the baby is kicking you.”

She noticed Lu Feng’s body stiffen.

His touch became impossibly gentle as he repeatedly caressed her belly, his deep voice saying, “Yes, very strong. It seems we have a healthy child.”

Jiang Wanrou: “…”

Later, she didn’t believe it and tried a few more times. To her surprise, Lu Feng, usually so sharp and perceptive, completely believed it.

Jiang Wanrou felt conflicted. Watching Lu Feng earnestly spout nonsense, she experienced a strange sense of satisfaction.

She thought hazily: to be able to lie in front of the renowned Commander of the Jinglong Bureau and even have him go along with it—such a thing must be rare in this world.

Lu Feng’s expression remained unchanged as he spoke a few words about the child but didn’t let the matter slide. “So, how do you plan to make amends?”

Jiang Wanrou: “…”

This man could be easygoing at times, but he was certainly not easy to fool.

She fiddled with the intricate patterns on Lu Feng’s nightwear and softened her voice, “Husband, whatever you wish is fine.”

“I will follow your lead.”

With a man like Lu Feng, going along with him was the best approach. Jiang Wanrou had shared a bedchamber with him for years and was well-versed in handling him.

“Really?” Lu Feng lifted her chin, “No regrets after making your move. Do you still remember?”

Jiang Wanrou felt a bit awkward again.

While applying warm compresses to his leg, the two of them had played a few games of chess. She had initially thought Lu Feng would be impatient, but to her surprise, he turned out to be a very patient teacher. He explained things clearly and simply, allowing her, someone who had never touched chess pieces before, to make a few moves—though, of course, she was no match for someone as skilled as Lu Feng.

She had never won.

Frustrated by her losses, she secretly moved a few pieces when he wasn’t looking. When caught, she remained calm and composed, confidently saying, “Husband, you’re bullying me. I’m just a novice; how could I possibly compete with you?”

“I’ve already given you a three-move advantage. If you still think it’s unfair, speak up—I’m listening.”

Lu Feng calmly reset the pieces she had tampered with and said indifferently, “No regrets after making your move. Your chess ethics are questionable.”

He didn’t raise his voice or scold her harshly, yet Jiang Wanrou’s face turned bright red. Now that the incident was brought up again, she felt a bit embarrassed.

Still, she had left herself an escape route.

She puffed out her round belly and said pitifully, “Whatever punishment Husband decides, I’ll accept. But please, spare our unborn child from suffering along with me.”

Lu Feng placed great importance on this child. Right now, her belly was a treasure, her protective talisman. This charm had a five-month expiration date, after which it would lose its efficacy—so she had to make good use of it.

Lu Feng said calmly, “It’s fine. The child has suffered along with you more than once or twice already.”

“I heard you found the pregnancy medicine bitter and secretly threw it away?”

The smile on Jiang Wanrou’s lips froze. Her playful mood vanished, and a sudden chill ran through her heart.

Lu Feng’s temperament was truly unpredictable—not that he was volatile, but he was inscrutable.

For instance, earlier today, he lightly took someone’s life as if it were no more significant than pulling a weed.

She could feel the moment when he suppressed his anger. At that time, her eyes had reddened—not solely from jealousy, but from fear.

Later, he seemed less angry. That evening, when she returned to their room to assist him with dressing and washing, he wouldn’t let her help. She breathed a sigh of relief, thinking the matter had passed. Yet now, he was bringing up old grievances.

From the moment she married into the Lu household, Jiang Wanrou knew she was bound to this man for life. In ordinary families, if things didn’t work out, there was always the option of separation. But with Lu Feng’s temperament, she feared she might meet her end in the Lu estate. As they lived together day by day, she gradually tested his boundaries. She played the role of a virtuous wife; the two of them treated each other with respect, and life moved along.

Later, she realized that Lu Feng preferred her occasional displays of willfulness and coquettishness. So, she indulged her temper—after all, who wanted to be a lifeless, docile puppet? Their relationship thrived, and she thought she had come to understand this man well. She even took pride in teasing him, emboldened by her pregnancy. But with one unexpected remark, he could instantly put her back in her place.

She could never quite grasp his limits.

He valued this pregnancy greatly, asking the imperial physician for her pulse records daily, yet he didn’t confront her about secretly discarding the pregnancy medicine. Today, she caused a commotion at the Jinglong Bureau, challenging his authority in front of the servants. Though clearly annoyed, he restrained himself from reacting. He was like a deep river—calm and unruffled no matter what was thrown in, yet capable of unleashing a torrential wave without warning.

Jiang Wanrou’s face turned pale.

“You were so bold earlier in the day, and now you’re afraid?” Lu Feng lifted her chin and examined her closely. He enjoyed this gesture; his large hand seemed to trap her firmly within his grasp.

He said, “My wife’s beauty is truly captivating, evoking pity at first glance.”

Actually, it wasn’t as complicated as Jiang Wanrou thought. Most of Lu Feng’s energy was focused on court affairs—the case of Prince Gong, the water bandits in Jiangnan. There were countless matters awaiting his judgment every day. The remaining energy was partly devoted to Lu Huaiyi, and only after that did it extend to Jiang Wanrou.

In terms of status, she was his legitimately wedded wife and the mother of his two children. In terms of affection, she had accompanied him during his humble beginnings. They had shared a harmonious marital life for many years. Lu Feng was very satisfied with his wife and displayed extraordinary patience and tolerance toward her.

He didn’t care that she wasn’t skilled in playing musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, or painting. He was indifferent to her occasional schemes. Her willfulness and arrogance were accepted in full—his wife deserved to live her life freely and boldly.

Her coquettish behavior softened his heart to the extent that he couldn’t bear to speak harshly to her. Unable to resist, Lu Feng gently pinched her slightly plump cheeks and sighed, “Such a silly one.”

She stood there with her swollen belly. What could he possibly do to her? Could he even think of punishing her? She was usually so shrewd—how could she now be acting foolishly? Like a timid little mouse, making him feel even more protective of her.

Jiang Wanrou’s skin was soft and fair, her face reddened from his pinch. She protested, “It was Husband who scared me first.”

She wasn’t a mind reader, after all. As the renowned Commander of the Jinglong Bureau, he always wore a stern expression and rarely smiled—who wouldn’t be intimidated?

Lu Feng raised an eyebrow and said, “Causing a commotion at the government office in broad daylight—any outsider would have been punished with a beating. And yet, you feel wronged after just a few words?”

He repeated her words from earlier in the day but softened his tone in the end.

Jiang Wanrou seized the opportunity, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and speaking in a sweet, coquettish voice: “You said it yourself—that applies to outsiders. I’m not an outsider; I’m your wife, and I refuse to be punished.”

Lu Feng had no intention of truly reprimanding her. He only wanted to caution her. With the child in her belly, she was now the mother of two, and impulsiveness was not an option. Fortunately, today’s incident involved only their own people. She hadn’t considered the consequences if colleagues from the Ministry of Justice or the Court of Judicial Review had witnessed it. Not only would she have been seen defying her husband, but also as jealous and intolerant. The Emperor already disapproved of her. While her pregnancy protected her for now, once the child was born, her days of comfort would be over.

Throughout their years of marriage, had she ever seen him glance at another woman? Yet she let a few words of gossip make her doubt her husband—was this her way of being a wife?

Today, he declined the imperial summons to return, intending to have an intimate conversation with her late into the night. She was different from Lu Huaiyi; Lu Huaiyi would eventually lead his household and naturally required strict guidance. She, however, was his wife, and as a wife, she symbolized balance. She misunderstood, and he carefully explained it to her in detail. The ancients said, ‘Cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the country, and bring peace to the world.’ Regulating the family comes before governing the country and bringing peace to the world. A wise wife should understand his intentions and efforts.

Unfortunately, the two were not like worms in each other’s stomachs (a metaphor for complete understanding). Lu Feng was unaware of Jiang Wanrou’s reverence for him, and Jiang Wanrou did not understand Lu Feng’s tolerance towards her. She clung to him like a drowning person holding onto a driftwood, rubbing against him incessantly. Lu Feng was a healthy, vigorous, and normal man who had endured abstinence for a long time, and her actions set him ablaze with passion.

By the time she realized the hardness pressing against her waist, Jiang Wanrou’s eyes widened in shock. At this point, it was already too late to get off Lu Feng.

She looked at him in disbelief, stammering, “H-husband, my stomach… the baby.”

Lu Feng had great stamina and was particularly rough in that regard; if they had another round now, she would die on the bed. She is really a bit scared, holding her stomach with both hands, “In the future… I will definitely serve my husband well. But… not now.”

Her eyes darted around, looking for something sharp. Men can be irrational at times, and if it ever came to that, she would give him a taste of it to bring him to his senses.

She always has to protect herself and her child.

“Don’t worry, I won’t touch you.” Lu Feng’s voice was hoarse, his dark eyes fixed intently on Jiang Wanrou. Her hair was disheveled, the corners of her eyes slightly red. Due to taking a lot of tonics recently, her fair skin had a faint pink hue.

Lu Feng reached out, his calloused thumb repeatedly stroking her cherry blossom-like lips.

“Good girl, open up.”

As the spring warmth of March truly arrived, the lingering chill of winter was gone for good. Jiang Wanrou’s pregnancy became increasingly stable; she ate well and slept soundly.

Lu Feng became busier, dealing with the Prince Gong case and the mounting audacity of the southern water bandits, who dared to attack scholars traveling to the capital for examinations. The Emperor was furious and planned to send troops to suppress the bandits, though a suitable candidate had yet to be decided.

No matter how chaotic the outside world was, the inner residence remained tranquil. Jiang Wanrou, now feeling rejuvenated, resumed some of the household responsibilities and even had the energy to meet with a couple of guests. Cui Zhu urged her to rest, but Jiang Wanrou smiled and said, “If I rest any more, my bones will grow soft! Let me do something.”

Such leisurely days were pleasant, but spending every day eating and sleeping grew monotonous over time. She was not used to entrusting everything to others, and besides, major household affairs were still in the hands of Madam Zhou and Madam Yao. However, she wouldn’t allow herself to become overburdened. With everything running smoothly in the household and Huai Yi behaving himself, even Lu Feng, a strict father, had praised his son’s improved handwriting.

Seizing a rare moment of peace, Jiang Wanrou—now heavily pregnant—had Cui Zhu wash her long, silky black hair. Outside, the spring sunshine was delightful, magpies chirped noisily on tree branches, and Jiang Wanrou had someone bring out a reclining chair. She settled in the shade of the courtyard, basking in the warmth of the sun.

Jin Guang Courtyard is modest in size; it was originally just a small, vacant yard. Over the years Jiang Wanrou has lived there, she planted peach trees and plum blossoms, grew lush orchids by the window, and had craftsmen install a swing by the pond. Now, in the vibrant bloom of spring, colorful butterflies flutter around the courtyard, koi fish of various hues swim leisurely in the pond. Jiang Wanrou narrowed her eyes slightly, draped in a fine embroidered blanket, and drifted off to sleep under the scattered shade of the trees.

“Mother, Mother—” On this quiet afternoon, Lu Huaiyi’s crisp voice rang out, jolting Jiang Wanrou out of her drowsiness.

“My darling, slow down.” Jiang Wanrou propped herself up, yawned, and instructed Jin Tao, “Go, wipe the young master’s sweat.”

Today, Lu Huaiyi was dressed in a sapphire-blue round-collared brocade robe embroidered with white cloud motifs on the collar and cuffs, making him look like a refined little celestial being.

Lu Huaiyi, unwilling to trouble others, took the handkerchief from Jin Tao himself, thanked her, and turned to Jiang Wanrou, exclaiming with excitement:

“Mother, today, Father didn’t mark any corrections on my writing. He said… he said that every character I wrote was good.”

Of course, Lu Feng would never straightforwardly praise him like that—he had only left two words: “Acceptable.”

Given Lu Feng’s usual strictness, even such sparse approval was a rare commendation, leaving Lu Huaiyi elated.

“Really? My Huaiyi is truly remarkable.” Jiang Wanrou was more than willing to shower Huaiyi with praise. As long as Huaiyi was healthy, everything else was fine. She couldn’t help but indulge him more because Lu Feng was so strict with the child, especially since Huaiyi was such an obedient and well-behaved boy.

Lu Huaiyi, feeling shy, lowered his head and asked, “Mother, was my little sister well-behaved today? Did she trouble you at all?”

The baby was still in the womb, and not even the most skilled doctors could tell whether it was a boy or a girl. However, Jiang Wanrou had recently developed a craving for spicy food, and as the old saying goes, sour for a boy, spicy for a girl. Experienced midwives were almost certain it was a daughter.

Jiang Wanrou felt no disappointment either way. She had already made peace with the outcome—if it was a boy, he would be a companion for Huaiyi; if it was a girl, she would feel her life complete with both a son and a daughter.

Every time Huaiyi visited, he would ask about his little sister. But today, there was something peculiar in his expression.

Jiang Wanrou smiled and said, “Alright, tell Mother what’s on your mind—no need to beat around the bush.”

Lu Huaiyi grinned bashfully and said, “Mother, I’d like to go out of the residence today.”

Although Lu Feng was strict, he generally did not forbid Huaiyi from leaving as long as he was accompanied by enough guards. Jiang Wanrou, however, disliked him going out often. Lately, he had been leaving the residence more frequently, which concerned her.

She softened her tone and said, “Mother won’t stop you, but you must at least tell me where you’re going so I know where to find you.”

Jiang Wanrou rarely argued stubbornly with anyone; this was true for both Lu Feng and Lu Huaiyi. Boys his age were naturally playful—the stricter she was, the more he would push back.

To her surprise, her son wasn’t going out to play but to visit a bookstore. Jiang Wanrou was intrigued and chuckled, “Our residence has a vast collection of books. Whatever you want to read, Mother will find it for you. Why must you go outside to read?”

Lu Huaiyi stammered, “It’s… quiet there. I prefer it.”

Could anywhere be quieter than the estate’s designated study, located in the most serene area with the best Feng Shui?

After pondering for a moment, Jiang Wanrou called Lu Huaiyi over and reached out to fix his slightly disheveled collar.

“Alright, if you want to go, then go. Take the guards with you. Do you have any money on you? Have Cui Zhu go to the accounts room and withdraw five hundred taels for you. When you’re out, you need to have some money with you.”

“No, no.” Lu Huaiyi shook his head like a rattle drum. “Five copper coins will be enough for me. Mother, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

After watching him leave, Jiang Wanrou called Jin Tao over and instructed, “Follow him.”

Jin Tao hesitated and said, “If the young master is truly…” She understood Jiang Wanrou’s concern. Their young master was still too young, and she worried he might be led astray by questionable people outside.

“Don’t disturb him. Just follow him.”

Jiang Wanrou calmly continued, “Huaiyi has grown up. We must consider his dignity. You don’t need to do anything, just note down where he goes, who he meets, and what he does.”

“Understood, Madam.”

Lu Huaiyi excitedly lifted the bamboo curtain and saw an elegant man by the window, holding a book and brewing tea.

“Master Pei.” He walked over briskly, his dark, shining eyes glowing with delight. “I’ve come to thank you, Master Pei.”

Pei Zhang set down the book in his hand and smiled lightly. “I merely offered a little guidance, young friend. There’s no need for such gratitude.”

But Lu Huaiyi knew it wasn’t that simple. Master Pei not only taught him calligraphy but also how to select quality rice paper and evaluate ink. He helped clarify his academic difficulties and provided invaluable insights.

As the saying goes, “A teacher is one who imparts knowledge, teaches skills, and resolves doubts.” In Lu Huaiyi’s mind, Master Pei was no different from a true mentor. He took out a beautifully bound book from his coat, presented it with both hands and bowed deeply.

“Please accept this, Master Pei. It’s a small token of my appreciation.”

Pei Zhang glanced at it—it was Zhuangzi’s Equality of Things. He helped Lu Huaiyi up, his jade-like fingers brushing over the cover as he said warmly, “You’re very thoughtful, young friend.”

Seeing that Master Pei’s expression was calm, lacking the joy of receiving a cherished gift, Lu Huaiyi couldn’t help but ask, “Master Pei, do you not like this book?”

Pei Zhang gently patted his head and said, “I like it.”

As the shopkeeper once remarked, years ago, he had thoroughly read through all the books in this shop. For him, it was no longer about liking or disliking the books. He often lingered in this bookstore, feeling as though he was waiting for someone.

Lately, his nights had been restless, filled with dreams. In his dream, he wore a long robe faded from repeated washing. Standing before him was a figure with a blurred face, who said to him, “As long as you absorb the contents of the book, whether rented or bought, it makes no difference. If you calculate carefully, you’re gaining something.”

“Don’t look down on the young and impoverished. From your refined appearance, you seem to have lofty ambitions.”

Awakening suddenly in the middle of the night, he felt a sense of loss, yet he couldn’t recall anything. His heart felt as though it had an empty space that ached profoundly.

Seeing Pei Zhang’s increasingly melancholic expression, Lu Huaiyi became anxious and asked, “Master Pei, what’s wrong?”

“If you don’t like this book, I… My family has other books.”

After a brief pause, Lu Huaiyi looked at Pei Zhang and said earnestly, “My father has a large collection of books. Master Pei, tell me which one you like, and I’ll find a way to bring it to you.”