Chapter 28

“Hmm?”

Jiang Wanrou widened her beautiful eyes in disbelief and asked, “Husband, what did you just say? I didn’t catch it. Can you… say it again?”

“I can read opera scripts for you.” Lu Feng’s expression grew serious, as though he were addressing an important state affair. “In exchange, you’ll get up and take a walk—right now.”

Jiang Wanrou looked at his face hesitantly and tested the waters, “Then… I’d like to hear ‘Moon Pavilion.'”

Gathering her courage, she added, “I finished the first three acts last time. Husband, could you read me the fourth act?”

“Alright.” Without changing his expression, Lu Feng extended his palm toward her and said, “Come.”

Jiang Wanrou’s hands, fair and smooth like polished jade, rested gently on Lu Feng’s darker, sun-tanned palms, appearing particularly delicate.

Lu Feng partially wrapped an arm around her waist as they strolled slowly through the courtyard’s pavilions and waterside structures. In the pond below, koi swam leisurely, their tails creating ripples that spread in circles.

Jiang Wanrou chuckled and remarked, “Husband, look at these fishes. Their round, plump bellies are truly delightful.”

Lu Feng’s arm was strong and steady, supporting Jiang Wanrou from behind, which gave her an immense sense of reassurance. When she was alone, even with the railings by the waterside pavilion, she rarely walked close to the water, fearing that one misstep could cause her to slip and fall. She was already cautious by nature, but now that her belly was big, even the slightest carelessness could result in tragedy—two lives lost—so she dared not be careless in the slightest.

Following her gaze, Lu Feng glanced downward. It was merely a few small fish, nothing particularly special. He said, “If you like them, I’ll have some sent over.”

Jiang Wanrou smiled softly, “No need. Overdoing things tends to backfire. This pond has just the right number of fish—it’s perfect as it is. Adding more would make it too crowded.”

Lu Feng naturally picked up the conversation, “We could simply expand the pond a bit.”

“What do you mean, expand? Husband, you truly love to joke.”

Jiang Wanrou chuckled softly and patiently explained to him, “There’s a saying that a single move can impact the whole. The pond is interconnected with the overall layout of the courtyard. If the pond is altered, what’s to become of the courtyard?”

Lu Feng surveyed the surroundings and nodded in agreement, “This courtyard of yours is indeed a bit small.”

He added, “Once the child is born, we’ll break down the walls and expand both front and back. You’ll live more comfortably.”

Jiang Wanrou: “……”

They say a woman’s heart is as hard to fathom as the depths of the sea, but sometimes, a man’s thoughts can be equally puzzling.

Jiang Wanrou sighed softly and decided not to argue with Lu Feng over this for now. She shifted the topic, pointing at a light-blue koi in the pond. “Husband, do you know what that is?”

Lu Feng looked puzzled but still answered, “A fish.”

“It’s called ‘Light Yellow.'” Jiang Wanrou spoke gently, “Look at its back—it’s blue. Its scales are white, its belly and fins are red, yet it’s named ‘Light Yellow.’ Isn’t that interesting?”

“And that one is a Red-Crowned Koi.”

Jiang Wanrou, with her swollen calves and growing belly, walked slowly, speaking in a naturally softened tone.

“Its body is white, but there’s a red mark on its head, just like the crane with the red crown. So beautiful.”

“And the one hiding in the rocks is an E Koi. Look, it’s swimming over now…”

As Jiang Wanrou shared her observations, it was clear that ever since she’d mastered household management, she’d gradually found leisure time to focus on her living space. After all, she reasoned, this small courtyard was where she spent her days, so why not make it pleasant to look at? The trees and plants in Jinguang Courtyard all bore her touch.

While she spoke, Lu Feng remained silent and listened attentively, surprising Jiang Wanrou. Since marrying him, she had taken charge of the household while he managed affairs outside, never bringing his external matters into the inner residence. When she’d tried to discuss things with him, he would simply say, “You decide.”

He spent his days leaving early and returning late, and now, upon reflection, the intimacy between husband and wife seemed to exist solely within the confines of the bedchamber.

Now that she was pregnant and unable to engage in such activities, coupled with his leg requiring medicinal treatment, the two sat and conversed idly, and it brought a rare warmth between them. Yet, he knew so much—she couldn’t match him in chess, she barely grasped the military texts he read, and when he spoke of vast mountains and endless deserts, she could only stare in awe.

Although he never belittled or disdained her, she couldn’t help but feel a faint sense of inadequacy, as though she stood a step lower before Lu Feng. But now she discovered that even the erudite Commander Lu had his blind spots—albeit something as insignificant as a few small fish in the pond. Still, it gave her newfound confidence.

She wasn’t worthless, nor did she need to undervalue herself.

Jiang Wanrou, in her delight, ended up walking two laps more than usual. When her legs grew tired, she sat down on a chair by the swing and playfully complained, “I’ve walked so much today, Husband, and you’re only reading me one act tonight—how unfair!”

She was merely joking, but his agreement to read opera scripts to her had already surprised her immensely. Someone like him—Jiang Wanrou couldn’t quite picture the stern-faced Lu Feng with his thin lips reciting, “May all hearts of loving couples never be separated; may we two quickly be reunited.”

She found the thought amusing, though it stirred a faint anticipation within her.

With a gentle hand resting on her belly, she thought to herself: Such carefree days may be hard to come by in the future. Thanks to you, little one, let’s stir him up just this once.

Jiang Wanrou had never been one to torment herself. Now, free of jeweled hairpins and lavish robes, she wore only a loose, comfortable ruqun, her thick black hair lazily pinned back with a wooden hair stick. The fading sunlight cast a golden glow over her profile, enveloping her in a soft radiance.

Lu Feng stared at her, momentarily entranced. He recalled the missionaries from distant lands who had presented so-called “Madonna” paintings—lifelike yet indecent, with bared bosoms, utterly improper.

The missionaries had sworn that it depicted the “Holy Mother,” bathed in “sacred light where divinity and motherhood intertwined.” The Emperor, furious at such nonsense, had them flogged thirty times for imperial court misconduct before banishing them from the capital. Now, Lu Feng suddenly thought—perhaps His Majesty had misjudged those blue-eyed foreigners.

He reached out, fingers brushing through her hair. “Tonight, I shall paint you again.”

---

Jiang Wanrou felt as though she had lifted a stone only to drop it on her own foot. This man, Lu Feng, had a true talent for reciting even the most romantic plays with the solemnity of a moral lecture. The tale of Wang Ruilan and Jiang Shilong sounded less like a love story and more like a sworn brotherhood pact under his narration—what should have been a captivating drama turned dull and lifeless.

And now, he had become obsessed with painting her.

Previously, in their private moments, they had made a bet: whether it was playing dice or chess, if she could win against him even once, he would return a painting to her. However, not only had she failed to reclaim the painting, but she also found herself being manipulated into various unspeakable poses by him.

What embarrassed Jiang Wanrou the most was the way he looked at her during those moments—his gaze was intense, not merely filled with lust, but also mixed with amazement, admiration, and infatuation. It left her heart trembling, making her unable to meet his eyes.

Sometimes, she even doubted herself. After getting married, her figure had matured, and with the daily consumption of bird’s nest supplements, she was far from the “slender” beauty standard of the time. Now, with her body heavy from pregnancy, no celestial beauty could remain stunning while carrying a child. Could she really be some reincarnated fox spirit to captivate him so deeply?

…

In short, aside from some private troubles that were not for outsiders to know, Jiang Wanrou’s days were quite content. Previously, she had worried that Huaiyi might be led astray, but her son had indeed spent an entire day at the bookstore. However, she was unsure how he had ended up encountering Pei Zhang there.

Jiang Wanrou felt a mix of emotions. Despite her conflicts with Jiang Wanying, Pei Zhang’s talent was undeniable. As the saying goes, “One is influenced by those they are close to.” She also hoped that Huaiyi could spend more time with Pei Zhang and absorb some of his “scholarly aura.”

Huaiyi had grown up and started to have his own thoughts. Jiang Wanrou didn’t feel it was appropriate to directly question him, so she casually mentioned it to Lu Feng during a chat.

Lu Feng was surprised and asked, “You can have disagreements with others?”

Jiang Wanrou: “…”

Luckily, Lu Feng wasn’t interested in probing into the details. He reassured her, saying, “Pei Zhang is not someone who would be troubled by household matters; you can rest assured.”

Lu Feng had placed several undercover agents around Lu Huaiyi. He was already aware of the acquaintance between Lu Huaiyi and Pei Zhang. The recent progress in Lu Huaiyi’s handwriting, which had become increasingly elegant and refined, did not escape Lu Feng’s notice.

Apart from being strict with Lu Huaiyi’s academic pursuits, Lu Feng was quite lenient in other aspects of his life, merely keeping a close watch without intervening.

No matter Pei Zhang’s intentions, Lu Feng took note of this favor and returned it during an imperial court session one day.

In the Jinluan Hall, civil and military officials stood solemnly on both sides, embroiled in heated debates over the candidates to suppress bandits in Jiangnan.

Since His Majesty’s enthronement more than 20 years ago, the empire had largely enjoyed peace, with only occasional disturbances at the northern borders during winter caused by wandering tribes from Turkestan. Lacking major achievements, ordinary officials seeking promotion could only wait patiently, vying with colleagues for rare opportunities whenever higher positions became available.

It was rare to encounter the bandits from Jiangnan that were known to the Emperor—a situation that wasn’t just about eliminating bandits, but rather a clear opportunity to gain political achievements! Moreover, with Jiangnan being a prosperous region, all the departments in the court sought a share of the benefits, submitting proposals to the Emperor, expressing their willingness to serve as his representative for the southern patrol, and pledging their loyalty even unto death.

The Jinlong Bureau had been busy wrapping up the case involving Prince Gong, which had nothing to do with Lu Feng. However, when Lu Feng heard the name “Pei Zhang,” he paused slightly and stepped forward, saying: “I believe Assistant Minister Pei is resourceful and decisive, with keen insight and strategic thinking. He is fit for this great responsibility.”

Given Lu Feng’s unique position, he rarely spoke in court. His remarks often signaled misfortune for someone. Many civil and military officials hoped he would remain silent forever. This was Lu Feng’s first time recommending someone, which drew many curious glances.

“Oh? Master Lu also believes Pei Zhang is capable?” The Emperor asked with interest. He rarely used Lu Feng’s courtesy name in public, simply addressing him as “Master.”

Lu Feng lowered his gaze and responded calmly, “The reversal of the unjust case against the prefect of Qingzhou was primarily due to Assistant Minister Pei’s efforts.”

“Ah, if you hadn’t mentioned it, I nearly forgot about this matter,” the Emperor said, rubbing his temples, his voice weary. “I have yet to reward Pei Zhang; that is my oversight.”

Pei Zhang immediately stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said, “I have only carried out my duties for the Emperor and dare not claim any merit.”

The Emperor then asked Pei Zhang several more questions, which he answered eloquently. From there, the matter naturally progressed. The Emperor promptly issued a decree appointing Assistant Minister Pei as an Imperial Inspector, granting him the Imperial Sword and empowering him to patrol the south on behalf of the Emperor to eliminate bandits, restructure governance, and bring comfort to the people.

Pei Zhang had risen swiftly through the ranks, going from Jiaozhou to the capital in just three years, eventually landing in the powerful Ministry of Personnel. Before he’d had the chance to settle into his role as Assistant Minister, he was now appointed as an Imperial Inspector. His rapid ascent had left many officials envious, their eyes red with jealousy as they left court.

“Master Lu, please wait.” Pei Zhang had finally managed to escape the congratulatory voices of his colleagues. He caught up with Lu Feng and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, saying, “Many thanks to Lord Lu for speaking favorably of me earlier.”

“No need to be polite.” Lu Feng replied coolly, “Master Pei has the ability to catch the Emperor’s attention, to debate skillfully in court, and to handle matters with sharp wit. This is not my merit.”

Pei Zhang smiled and refrained from further modest remarks. Instead, he said, “Is Master Lu heading to the Jinlong Bureau? I happen to be heading the same way—shall we go together?”

Lu Feng raised an eyebrow, his sharp gaze scrutinizing Pei Zhang from head to toe for a long moment.

He replied, “Please.”

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