Chapter 7

“Wife.”

Jiang Wanrou was momentarily stunned as Lu Feng pushed the door open and entered. Almost instinctively, she hid the red agate in her sleeve and smiled faintly at him, “Yes, it’s me. Am I interrupting your work?”

She tilted her head slightly, her clear and bright eyes sparkling, her lips curved into a delicate and charming smile. Jiang Wanrou was well aware of her own advantages. Like a drifting duckweed, the only thing she could rely on was the beauty her mother had bestowed upon her. How could she not make full use of it?

From this angle, her slender neck and full chest were perfectly accentuated, making her look exceptionally beautiful.

Lu Feng couldn’t help but raise his hand, as if to touch her hair bun, but suddenly stopped and frowned, saying, “Someone, prepare water.”

He had just come out of the torture chamber in the dark prison, with a few drops of blood staining his hands.

Xiao Wei bowed and presented hot water, with a few mint leaves floating on the clear surface to mask the smell of blood.

Lu Feng was a clean freak. Usually, he would bathe and change clothes before returning home. When Jiang Wanrou saw him, he was always impeccably dressed, exuding a faint, cool scent—mint, lingering after he washed away the bloodstains.

Jiang Wanrou composed herself, picked up a towel, and carefully wiped his well-defined fingers one by one.

In recent years, Lu Feng had treated her with increasing gentleness, and she had almost forgotten his true identity. Her husband was never a gentle and refined gentleman; he was a ruthless commander, violent and unpredictable, with countless wrongful souls on his hands.

After just two years of relative peace, had she grown complacent?

Jiang Wanrou secretly warned herself while observing Lu Feng’s expression. Lu Feng didn’t show any displeasure. He glanced at the neatly organized desk and said indifferently, “You don’t need to do these things.”

She was his lawfully wedded wife. Her delicate and smooth hands shouldn’t be doing tasks meant for servants.

His wife was perfect in every way—gentle and considerate, kind and obedient, always putting him first. Once, Lu Feng thoroughly enjoyed this submissiveness, but now it made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.

For instance, he often returned home late at night. Despite telling her countless times not to wait for him, she still didn’t listen.

In the mornings, even when she could barely keep her eyes open, she insisted on helping him dress.

The food she prepared was always hot. In winter, she readied hand warmers before he left; in summer, she prepared iceboxes. The sachet hanging at his waist was always one she had crafted with her own hands, filled with herbs she selected herself.

With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?

Lu Feng felt both pity for her hard work and couldn’t escape the deep-seated flaws of a worldly man, experiencing a bizarre mix of satisfaction and self-contentment. He took the opportunity to hold Jiang Wanrou’s hand, lowered his brows and said: “If there’s something you need, send someone with a message, or wait for me to return. Don’t come here again.”

Lu Feng was well-intentioned. The Jinglong Bureau was no good place to be, and her journey here had been tiresome. Her fingertips were frozen red from the cold.

However, his words sounded especially harsh to Jiang Wanrou. Despite his gentle tone, his underlying dominance, cultivated from long years in power, couldn’t be concealed. Words of compassion felt more like a reprimand. She couldn’t help but think of that red agate gemstone. Who was its owner? Was he forbidding her from coming here because he wanted to hide someone away? This was an important study, where ordinary people were not allowed. That woman must have his utmost trust, right?

Jiang Wanrou felt a turmoil of emotions.

The inner courtyard of the Lu Mansion had always been tranquil. She had grown used to it, forgetting that having multiple wives and concubines was the norm for men. Lu Feng was an exception.

Based on the gentle and virtuous demeanor she had always displayed in front of Lu Feng, she should quietly return the agate bead to its place, pretend she hadn’t noticed it, and then suggest bringing in a concubine herself, smoothly paving the way for that woman to enter the mansion.

Over the years, during social interactions, an older lady had kindly advised her, saying, “Men are naturally drawn to beauty and indulgence. If you bring it up first, it’s better than him asking for it. This way, he might even appreciate your thoughtfulness and show you some respect as the legitimate wife.”

Things like confidantes, mistresses, or concubines shouldn’t bother you. Focus on managing the household and raising your children well, and your life won’t be too bitter.

Jiang Wanrou bit her lip, her hands and feet stiff, remaining silent for a long time.

Lu Feng noticed her silence. Jiang Wanrou lowered her lashes and softly said, “It’s nothing. I visited Mother today. She’s not feeling well, and the doctors in the mansion are useless. I’d like to invite the imperial physician to take a look.”

For Lu Feng, this was a trivial matter. He immediately instructed someone to take his token to the Imperial Medical Bureau and sent another to the storeroom to select some rare medicinal herbs to deliver along with it.

He said, “Whatever is needed, just let me know—that is also my mother-in-law.”

His wife had always shown filial respect to his grandmother on his behalf, so he ought to repay her kindness and treat her maternal family well. However, Jiang Wanrou had no particular affection for the Marquis Ning’an’s household. Concubine Li stayed in seclusion, fearing she might implicate her daughter, and rarely saw Lu Feng.

Jiang Wanrou did not want to remind her husband that the Sixth Miss’s mother had once been a courtesan. For a man of Lu Feng’s stature, it was even less likely that he would frequently visit a concubine in the Marquis household. In terms of filial piety, Lu Feng fell short in this respect.

Jiang Wanrou did not hold back and suggested that if it were convenient for the imperial physician, he could stay for a few days at the Marquis household. This was actually against protocol—the imperial physician primarily served the royal family, and even being allowed to treat others was a great favor, let alone staying overnight. Lu Feng, however, remained composed and agreed to everything.

Noticing that Jiang Wanrou’s expression didn’t look good, he changed into another set of clothes and accompanied her back to the mansion.

At this moment, Jiang Wanrou was unaware that her single visit to the Jinglong Bureau had stirred up a great commotion. Setting aside other aspects of Lu Feng’s reputation, no one could deny his diligence. The dynasty allowed one day of rest every ten days, but Lu Feng had never taken a break. He was either handling a backlog of documents or visiting the palace for confidential discussions with the emperor—a man of iron endurance.

Yet today, his wife paid a visit, and the Commander actually left… he just walked out, with a confession only half-written!

To witness Commander Lu neglecting his duties in their lifetime was unbelievable to the Jinglong Bureau staff. They were deeply astonished. Only the gate guard, clutching the silver nugget in his pocket, thought: “You coarse fellows—if you had seen the lady’s beauty, you’d understand.”

Even kings neglected morning court sessions for their favored concubines. What’s this compared to that? Just wait and see.

Lu Feng was rarely considerate, yet Jiang Wanrou couldn’t accept his kindness.

Her daily life was simple and leisurely. In the morning, she would take a stroll to Chunhui Hall, oversee Lu Huaiyi having breakfast, eat a few bites herself, and then return to her room for a nap.

After waking, she would drink tea and admire the flowers until lunchtime. Again, she would watch Lu Huaiyi eat, enjoy a bit of food herself, and accompany him during his midday rest. In the afternoon, when Lu Huaiyi went to the study to read and practice calligraphy, she had nothing left to do—so she would read a storybook, listen to a couple of opera performances, and pass the time pleasantly.

If she was truly bored, she’d select an invitation from the pile that caught her eye and attend a banquet. In the capital, there were plenty of nobles hosting gatherings—today, Madam Zhang might host a flower-viewing party; tomorrow, Old Madam Li might celebrate her grandson’s birth. If Jiang Wanrou wished, she could attend banquets every day.

Every household would send invitations to the Lu mansion. Jiang Wanrou would attend if she wanted and decline without explanation, and no one dared to say a word. Lu Feng’s special position ensured that neither ministers nor nobles offended him, nor dared to get too close. Jiang Wanrou, now free from constraints, enjoyed her social outings immensely—at every banquet, she was the most honored guest, receiving endless compliments and flattery that made her laugh freely.

After all, who wouldn’t like being praised? Whether genuine or insincere, she smiled radiantly. Surrounded by young and beautiful ladies, delicious food and wine, and cheerful chatter, every banquet left both hosts and guests thoroughly pleased.

As for the household duties she was expected to manage and the interactions between various families, Jiang Wanrou had struggled greatly when she first married into the household. However, she now handled these responsibilities with ease. Just a few words from her, and the servants would take care of everything quickly and efficiently. With her balanced approach of kindness and authority, mistakes among the household staff were rare. Furthermore, with Jin Tao and Cui Zhu, her two trusted confidantes, she had little to worry about.

Thus, the two of them now sat facing each other silently, staring awkwardly into each other’s eyes.

Lu Feng remained calm and reassured her, “Do what you need to do; there’s no need to consider me.”

The three of them had just finished their lunch. Perhaps because Lu Feng was present, Lu Huaiyi didn’t dare be picky with his food and spoke little. He finished his meal hastily and left. Jiang Wanrou felt a pang of frustration as she looked at Lu Feng, for she had nothing left to occupy her time.

At this moment, she regretted her diligence from the past few days. Last month’s account books had already been reviewed, the gifts for various households had been prepared, and the New Year’s supplies were more or less ready, except for a few crates of fruit that needed to be transported from Jiangnan—but that couldn’t be rushed. Even the fabric for the New Year’s clothes had arrived, leaving only the measurements and tailoring.

She wanted to appear virtuous, but today, she had nothing to do. She also didn’t dare to make up something randomly—who knows what kind of strange mood Lu Feng was in today. If he casually asked about it, she didn’t believe she could deceive the Commander.

Jiang Wanrou thought for a while and blurted out, “How about… we take a rest?”

Lu Feng raised his head to glance at her, his expression slightly surprised, making Jiang Wanrou unconsciously lower her head. She explained, “The charcoal today burns well—warm but not stuffy, and without the choking smell of smoke. Perfect for sleeping.”

—Pure nonsense.

Jiang Wanrou’s room was always warmed by the finest red charcoal, day in and day out, and today was no different. However, Lu Feng’s oppressive presence was overwhelming, his sharp and cold gaze shrouded in gloom.

Even the most hardened criminals couldn’t withstand Lu Feng’s pressure. Jiang Wanrou, having spoken recklessly, regretted her words the moment they left her lips. She was about to make amends when Lu Feng stood up, walked into the inner chamber, and began unfastening the buttons of his upper garment.

“Aren’t we supposed to rest?”

Lu Feng’s voice was deep: “Come here and help me undress.”

Jiang Wanrou, steeling herself, walked over. She knew Lu Feng had misunderstood. While untying his belt, she awkwardly muttered, “But… it’s still daytime.”

Daytime indulgence… isn’t that inappropriate?

Lu Feng lowered his head and casually removed the golden hairpin from her bun. Her hair cascaded down like a waterfall. Today, she had applied lipstick before going out, her jet-black hair and crimson lips complemented by her radiant, snow-white skin—an image of breathtaking beauty.

“No problem,” he said.

…

It hurt.

Jiang Wanrou bit her lip, enduring the pain as she always did. But suddenly, she remembered the red agate she had hidden away. Her heart felt stuffed with cotton—stifled, sour, and bitter.

And a little nauseated.

In a moment of reckless defiance, Jiang Wanrou climbed onto the man’s neck, her cheek brushing against his shoulder, and fiercely bit down.