Chapter 3

Lu Feng removed his cloak and handed it to Jiang Wanrou. His expression was slightly somber, and his dark eyes seemed to be filled with icy coldness.

Seeing this, the words on Jiang Wanrou’s lips turned, and she remained silent. She shook off the fine snowflakes on the cloak and hung it on the clothes rack nearby. Then, rolling up her sleeves, she wrung out the hand towel soaked in the bronze basin and gently wiped Lu Feng’s face.

Commander Lu, whose presence could quiet a crying child at night, was not, as rumors claimed, a fierce and terrifying man with an unsightly appearance. On the contrary, he was incredibly handsome—with a high forehead, straight nose, sword-like brows, and thin lips. Years ago, before Lu Feng had lost the use of his leg, he was the embodiment of a noble gentleman, upright and elegant like the wind beneath the pines. He had been the dream suitor in the hearts of countless young maidens in the capital.

Unfortunately, that was a long time ago. Nowadays, few dare to look him in the eye—a deep, jagged scar that runs from his brow bone to his temples has turned his once-gentle beauty into a fierce and menacing appearance.

“Dear husband, shall I prepare you a meal?” Jiang Wanrou asked softly. Unsurprisingly, she received the answer, “No need.”

Jin Tao bowed and cleared away the freshly reheated dishes while two young maids knelt at his sides to remove his boots and assist him in washing his feet.

Unlike Jiang Wanrou, Lu Feng was an exceptionally strict master. Once, a maid accidentally spilled soup on his leg, and with a cold sneer, he ordered her to be beaten to death immediately. Since then, everyone in the residence trembled in fear and dared not act recklessly in his presence.

Late into the night, Jin Tao led the two maids out quietly. Lu Feng narrowed his eyes and said in a faint voice, “How many times have I said, you needn’t wait for me.”

Jiang Wanrou smiled faintly and gently pressed his temple. “When my husband is away, I cannot sleep through the night. I always feel uneasy.”

“Now that you’re back, I can finally rest peacefully.”

As the saying goes, beauty is best admired under the lamplight. The soft candlelight illuminated Lu Feng’s strikingly handsome yet wickedly sharp features. Jiang Wanrou leaned against his back, her nails stained with balsam flower juice, slowly tracing his chest as she attempted to undo the clasps of his robe.

“Let me assist you in changing clothes,” she said.

Lu Feng suddenly grabbed her mischievous hand, his dark eyes slightly somber. “Don’t tease me, Madam. Tonight… bear with it.”

Under the command of Prince Gong, Lu Feng had dealt with many stubborn individuals during interrogations that lasted until midnight. He was filled with suppressed anger. Being accustomed to harsh punishments, he knew his own strength was often excessive. Tonight, he simply wanted to rest quickly and had no intention of venting his frustrations on her.

Although he had initially been dissatisfied and even resentful of this marriage, over the years, his wife had proven to be obedient, considerate, gentle, and composed—always prioritizing him. She had even carried their firstborn son for ten months. People are not made of stone; even someone like Lu Feng, hardened as steel, could be softened by such devotion.

Who could possibly despise a beautiful woman whose eyes are filled entirely with love for you, who admires you wholeheartedly and accompanies you through life’s hardships?

Moreover, after Lu Feng lost the use of his leg, his temper became unpredictable, and he strongly avoided anyone getting close to him. As a result, he had no concubines or attendants—Jiang Wanrou was his first and remains his only woman.

As men often do, they tend to show a certain tenderness toward their own woman.

With this tenderness, Jiang Wanrou solidified her position as the household’s matron and performed her duties exceedingly well, earning the trust and respect of everyone in the residence. It was this confidence that gave Jiang Wanrou the courage to speak up today.

Having been married for many years, she knew Lu Feng’s temperament inside out. She understood that what Madam Cui requested today would likely displease him. After all the effort it took her to reach this point in their marriage, she didn’t want to jeopardize their bond over a minor matter. In a moment of heat, she devised a bold plan.

A plan need not be new; it only needs to work.

Lu Feng, now twenty-six years old, is in his prime, savoring life’s pleasures. Despite his cold and stern demeanor in public, within the bedchamber, he reveals his humanity. In moments of passion, she could catch a trace of haze in his dark eyes, which seemed to hold boundless affection. At such times, he was particularly agreeable.

Jiang Wanrou pretended not to hear the man’s warning. She tightened her arms quietly, her smooth, snow-like skin entwining closely around him.

---

The next day, when Jiang Wanrou got up, the sun was already high in the sky.

Cui Zhu came in to assist her with washing and eating. While doing so, she said, “The master instructed us early this morning not to disturb Madam. Chunhui Hall also sent word for Madam to rest well.”

Chunhui Hall was where Lu Feng’s grandmother lived, the eldest and most respected matriarch of the family. Having surpassed the age of seventy, a rarity in itself, the matriarch spent her days nestled in Chunhui Hall, detached from mundane affairs. She disliked unnecessary fuss and had, on multiple occasions, exempted Jiang Wanrou from the customary morning greetings. Now that Jiang Wanrou was securely established as the mistress of the household, with the matriarch’s spoken consent, even if she chose not to visit, no one could find fault with her.

However, Jiang Wanrou continued to act with meticulous caution, just as she had when she first entered the household. She visited Chunhui Hall daily, regardless of the weather, earning praises both within and outside the household for her filial devotion as Lady Lu.

“Hmm, how much did Huaiyi eat for breakfast?”

Even after drinking honey water to soothe her throat, Jiang Wanrou’s voice remained slightly hoarse. She wasn’t concerned about the matriarch, who was forgiving, but Huaiyi was still young, and without her supervision, he could become unruly.

Sure enough, without his mother present this morning, Lu Huaiyi, the most cherished young master of the Lu family, wasn’t compelled to eat much. He had only consumed half a bowl of lean meat porridge and a few pieces of pastries, skipping the main dishes entirely.

“This child,” she muttered with a sigh.

Jiang Wanrou sighed softly. It is often said that children are debts from a past life—she must have owed Lu Huaiyi an immense fortune of gold in her past life, as there hadn’t been a single day since his birth when she wasn’t worried about him. She instructed, “Have the kitchen prepare a bowl of small wontons with beef filling. Add extra ginger—ah!”

A sharp pain tore through her lower body, causing her to frown deeply. Last night, Lu Feng had been like a man possessed, exhausting her to the point of passing out. Cui Zhu, who had served her for years, was used to such occurrences and quickly stepped forward to support her mistress. She said, “Shall I have someone bring the young master over?”

Before Jiang Wanrou could respond, Cui Zhu continued, “Today, the weather has finally cleared up. The doctor said it would be good for the young master to walk around more.”

Lu Huaiyi, now five years old and the eldest legitimate son of the Lu family, could not be raised entirely under the care of women. Lu Feng had taken him to the front courtyard for education. The journey back and forth took the time of two incense sticks burning. His frail health often concerned Jiang Wanrou, who usually took great care of him. If today’s weather had been anything like the heavy snowfall of yesterday, she wouldn’t have allowed her son to make the trip.

Cui Zhu’s words left Jiang Wanrou with no room to refute.

Jiang Wanrou, despite feeling uncomfortable, leaned against the pear blossom couch and listened to Cui Zhu mention that Madam Cui had visited again today. The maids, not daring to disturb Jiang Wanrou’s sleep, had already sent Madam Cui away.

Jiang Wanrou’s expression darkened slightly. She had intended to bring up a matter with Lu Feng, regardless of the outcome, so that she could give Madam Cui a response. However, last night turned out to be a fiasco; she lost out completely and gained nothing!

“Cui Zhu!” The more Jiang Wanrou thought about it, the angrier she became. Through gritted teeth, she said, “Tell both kitchens that since Grandmother’s birthday is approaching, all meals in the mansion should be meatless starting today.”

“What?” Cui Zhu looked puzzled and asked, “But the old matron’s birthday is two months away. Isn’t it too early this year?”

The matriarch is devoted to Buddhism, abstaining from greasy or meaty foods. To bring joy to the elderly woman, the Lu Mansion has upheld a long-standing tradition: in the month of her birthday, the entire household adopts a vegetarian diet. This has been a rule for many years. Furthermore, since Jiang Wanrou took charge of managing the household, her combination of firmness and gentleness has ensured that the mansion’s rules are strict yet fair. The monthly stipend given in the Lu Mansion is more than twice that of other places, leaving no room for complaints.

However, the matriarch’s birthday is after the New Year, and now it’s only the beginning of December. It shouldn’t be this early.

Jiang Wanrou cast a sidelong glance at her and firmly instructed, “Go and make the arrangements.”

She had been tormented terribly last night! Her husband, utterly uninhibited, charged forward like a bull. His robust physique must be nourished by a steady diet of pork, deer, beef, and mutton—how could he lack strength?

Eating more vegetarian food might help cool him down.

Here, Cui Zhu went to the kitchen as commanded and happened to cross paths with Jin Tao, who was sent to summon Lu Huaiyi. They exchanged a few words, and by the time Lu Huaiyi arrived, a steaming hot bowl of fragrant wontons was already set on the pear blossom table. Full and juicy, they looked utterly delightful.

“Mother, I hope you are well.” Lu Huaiyi formally greeted her, dressed in the winter clothes Jiang Wanrou had made for him by hand. The outer layer was made of bamboo-green satin, while the lining was fox fur. Fluffy, soft rabbit fur adorned the collar and cuffs, making it look especially warm.

When Jiang Wanrou had crafted it, she had been worried about the cold wind harming her frail son. The clothing was made exceptionally thick, but on Lu Huaiyi’s slender frame, it appeared rather bulky, even making bending over difficult.

“There’s no need for so much ceremony. Come here and let Mother take a look—have you lost weight again?”

Following her instructions, Lu Huaiyi stepped forward. Years without sunlight had rendered his skin extremely pale, though it wasn’t the radiant, glowing whiteness like his mother’s. Instead, it was a cold, unhealthy pallor. His small, sharp face and pair of jet-black eyes fixed steadily on his mother. He appeared both elegant and obedient.

Jiang Wanrou felt immense pity. She noticed ink stains on Huaiyi’s cuffs, clearly indicating he had been practicing his calligraphy when she summoned him. Unwilling to scold him, she gently said, “The small kitchen has prepared wontons, your favorite dish. After eating, you can return to the study.”

As she spoke, she scooped up a round, plump wonton with a soup spoon and held it to her young son’s lips. Lu Huaiyi’s face flushed slightly with embarrassment as he said awkwardly, “Mother, I’ll do it myself.”

He was five years old now—how could he still be fed like a little child?

Jiang Wanrou did not insist, as long as he ate the bowl of beef wontons properly. However, as soon as Lu Huaiyi took a bite, his delicate eyebrows immediately furrowed.

“Mother, it’s meat.”

“Hmm? What’s wrong with meat? I remember you liked this.”

Lu Huaiyi replied, “Just now Aunt Jin Tao mentioned that preparations are being made for Great-Grandmother’s birthday celebration. Starting today, the entire mansion will adopt a vegetarian diet to show filial piety.”

Jiang Wanrou: “…”

She truly felt like she had shot herself in the foot. The smile on her lips froze for a moment before she gently said, “That may be true, but you’re still young and weak. Your feelings for Great-Grandmother are well understood by her—they don’t rest on something as trivial as a bowl of wontons.”

However, Lu Huaiyi shook his head, his expression earnest and serious, “Mother, I must respectfully disagree. If a person cannot even control their appetite, how can they talk about filial piety? Furthermore, since you are the one managing the household now, as the ancients said, ‘One should not worry about scarcity but rather about inequality.’ If I receive special treatment, what position would that put you in, Mother?”

“…”

Jiang Wanrou felt a headache coming on. Unlike the old belief that “a woman’s virtue is in her lack of talent,” respectable families nowadays taught their daughters to read and write from a young age. For instance, her elder sister Jiang Wanxue earned the title of “Capital’s foremost talented woman” and successfully married into the royal family as a legitimate wife despite coming from a second-tier marquis household. Unfortunately, Jiang Wanrou didn’t have the same opportunities. As a concubine’s daughter, she only had a failed scholar as a teacher. When that scholar failed the exams for three years straight and packed up to return to his hometown, her education came to an end.

She absolutely despised the verbose, flowery language of “ancient sayings,” yet her son was constantly quoting them, leaving her speechless and flustered. If she dared to rebut him even slightly, Lu Huaiyi would fix her with his jet-black eyes and innocently ask, “Mother, are the words of the wise sages incorrect?”

How could she even begin to reply?

Jiang Wanrou let out a deep sigh and forced a smile. “Well then, I’ll have them prepare a vegetarian bowl of wontons. You can eat that and then leave.”

Lu Huaiyi glanced at the sky, looking a bit troubled, and said, “Mother, Father requires me to practice twenty sheets of calligraphy every day. Today’s assignment is still incomplete, and I can’t wait any longer.”

“You can write it in the afternoon—it’s fine,” Jiang Wanrou suggested.

“That’s not acceptable.”

Lu Huaiyi firmly replied, “I have to review my studies in the afternoon. The tutor will be inspecting my progress, and I don’t want to disappoint him.”

Jiang Wanrou, feeling helpless, said, “Then write it tomorrow! My dear child, how can you have the strength to write if you don’t eat enough?”

“Mother, that won’t do.” Lu Huaiyi shook his head again. “What must be done today must not be postponed to tomorrow. The ancients said, ‘Tomorrow after tomorrow—how many tomorrows are there?'”

“All right, all right, enough with the sayings—Mother has a headache.”

Jiang Wanrou tilted her body slightly, pretending to be in pain from a headache. Lu Huaiyi immediately leaned in, his small palm gently massaging her forehead, concerned, “Let me blow on it for you—no more pain, okay?”

Jiang Wanrou: “…”

In the end, she let Lu Huaiyi go, fearing that she would delay his time for writing and reviewing his studies. Jiang Wanrou considered herself far from virtuous, and Lu Feng even less so, but she had never expected such a flawed parent to produce such an exemplary child. Her son was someone who earnestly followed the teachings of sages. Could it be that the Lu family’s ancestors’ tombs had blessed them with good fortune?

Huaiyi’s upright and virtuous nature was certainly admirable. But she didn’t want him to become a bookworm who only knew ancient teachings and lacked practical knowledge of the world. Jiang Wanrou thought for a moment and decided to go to the ancestral shrine that evening to burn three sticks of incense.

Jin Tao noticed that her mistress was in a foul mood and reported in a quieter voice, “This servant has already sent the food to the front courtyard and added two beef patties and a bowl of goat’s milk for good measure. Please do not worry.”

Jiang Wanrou murmured a faint “Hmm” without further comment. Suddenly, she turned to Jin Tao and asked, “How is the cook Madam Cui sent yesterday?”

“Bring her to see me.”

Her tone turned sharp and commanding.