Chapter 14: Lu Xusheng, Oblivious to His Wife’s Beauty

Chapter 14: Lu Xusheng, Oblivious to His Wife's Beauty

After leaving the palace, Lu Xusheng went to the Military Governor's Office and returned late in the evening.

He didn't have time to stop by Second Mistress's courtyard to pay his respects and went straight back to Ningji Hall.

Cheng Yian had already received news of his return and had all the necessities prepared for him. Seeing him dusty and weary from the road, she greeted him with a smile,

"Second Master, you're back. I've prepared water for you. You must be tired from the journey, so wash up first."

Lu Xusheng stood inside the curtain with his hands behind his back, quietly observing her. Seeing that her expression was normal, the tension in his brow finally eased,

"I blame myself for not assigning a bodyguard to you, allowing Princess Minglan to take you away. I have already issued orders that Qiu Qing will follow you from now on."

Qiu Qing was the leader of his personal guards, a fierce general who had fought by his side at Silver Mountain. Of the hundred soldiers who survived that battle, the emperor had rewarded them all to him as private troops. They were his subordinates and also his brothers.

Peace and safety were the most important things in life. Cheng Yian didn't fuss over him. After pouring him a cup of tea, she urged him to go bathe and change.

Afterward, the couple went to Second Mistress's courtyard.

The day before, Second Mistress had gone to the palace to seek help for Cheng Yian. For this, Cheng Yian had specifically come to express her gratitude. In their past lives, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had been deeply estranged, and while it was impossible for them to become close in this life, they could at least coexist peacefully.

After dinner, Second Mistress eagerly asked Lu Xusheng,

"You returned in such a hurry. Did you finish your duties?"

Lu Xusheng knew his mother too well. She was worried that he had neglected his official duties for Cheng Yian's sake. A mother hopes her son-in-law will be devoted to her daughter, but she doesn't want her own son to be too caught up in love.

"It's mostly taken care of. Otherwise, I wouldn't have dared to return."

Second Mistress felt reassured.

Cheng Yian, who had been quietly listening, glanced at him.

This man had really grown up. In the past, he would say whatever was on his mind without any tact. Now, he knew how to keep things from both sides.

Marrying a mature man was indeed good; it saved her a lot of worry.

Seeing the exhaustion on her son's face, Second Mistress knew he must have traveled through the night. She waved her hand, letting them go,

"You don't need to come and pay your respects tomorrow."

Lu Xusheng smiled and agreed.

Back at Ningji Hall, Cheng Yian was certain that Lu Xusheng would want to catch up on sleep. Not wanting to waste any time, she quickly went to the bathroom to wash and change. By the time she finished and entered the room, Lu Xusheng was already lying down.

She tiptoed over to the bed and peeked inside. Seeing his eyes tightly closed and his breathing even, she assumed he was asleep. She decided not to rush and quietly went to the kang under the south window to review the household accounts once more.

Just as she was about to move her skirt up, she heard his voice from afar,

"What are you dawdling for? Aren't you coming to bed?"

Cheng Yian's face fell, "You're not asleep yet?"

"No, I'm waiting for you." Lu Xusheng closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, his voice extremely tired.

Cheng Yian had no choice but to put the account books away, blow out the lamp, and lift her skirt to climb onto the bed.

As soon as the curtain was drawn, an arm like an iron clamp suddenly reached out and pulled her by the waist. Cheng Yian let out a small cry as she was pressed down beneath him.

Seeing his smooth and effortless movements, there was no trace of fatigue at all.

Cheng Yian pressed her knee against his chest, glaring at him in anger, "You've been traveling all night and busy all day—what's the rush!"

Lu Xusheng chuckled, brushing the stray hair from her forehead, "How can I not be in a rush? You were fasting before, and now you've been away for half a month. All in all, more than twenty days have passed. How many times have we missed out?"

Cheng Yian's cheeks flushed with heat, and she turned her body to escape to the inner side, "Take care of your health. You died so young in your past life—who knows if it wasn't from overworking?"

"One sleepless night is nothing. During campaigns, going three days without sleep was routine," Lu Xusheng dragged her back again, already adeptly removing her belt.

This time, Cheng Yian didn't struggle, covering her face and letting him do as he pleased.

Lu Xusheng looked at her ostrich-like behavior and angrily patted her plump buttocks.

The sharp sound, mixed with a touch of playfulness, was downright mortifying.

Cheng Yian was annoyed and turned to push him, not using much strength, but Lu Xusheng fell over accordingly, his long arm pulling her, and Cheng Yian was already "reversing roles."

His hands clamped down on her like pliers, still laughing, "Madam, you needn't be so thoughtful on my account."

Taking advantage and still acting coy.

Cheng Yian was not to be outdone, her face red as she retorted, "Hmm, isn't this because I'm worried Commander Lu might not have the stamina after a night of rushing..."

Lu Xusheng laughed in anger.

Tonight was Ru Lan's duty. Cheng Yian had instructed her that the young master needed to sleep early, so the courtyard should be cleared, and no noise should be made. Ru Lan had sent the on-duty maids and matrons to the back rooms. Servants are human too; when the masters rest, it's their time to relax. They gathered in threes and fours in the tea room by the kitchen, eating snacks and cracking melon seeds, chatting about the day's amusing news.

Ru Lan herself carried a quilt to the small couch in the west side room to rest. She had just lain down when she heard a low cry from Cheng Yian in the east side room, as if she had fallen, startling her. She quickly threw on her clothes and tiptoed through the main hall to the beaded curtain outside the east side room, where the sound of creaking came from inside.

Ru Lan was witnessing such a scene for the first time, her face flushing and paling, somewhat flustered.

What did Nanny Li usually say? Prepare water.

Yes, prepare water.

Ru Lan hurried to the back rooms.

The matrons were chatting happily, seeing Ru Lan's hesitant expression, they instantly understood.

They smiled without speaking, each busying themselves.

The matron in charge of firewood, Nanny Liu, even teased her, "Girl, you're Second Mistress's trusted confidante. You'll see this kind of thing often in the future. Why blush now? Our Second Master is a battlefield warrior, not like those weak men. As long as he's in the room, Second Mistress won't get any rest..."

Ru Lan's eyes widened at the words.

No rest?

That cry earlier had truly made her heart race. The young lady was raised delicately, and the young master was tall and strong, his body like an iron wall. Could the young lady endure his... vigor?

And every night? How could the young lady endure?

She didn't get a good night's sleep, so when Cheng Yian lazily called for the maids to serve her the next morning, she saw the dark circles under Ru Lan's eyes.

Cheng Yian initially wanted to ask why she hadn't slept well, but instantly remembered the events of the previous night and understood the reason, feeling somewhat uncomfortable herself.

Ru Lan, unlike Ru Hui, couldn't keep secrets. When Ru Hui went to the back with wet towels and changed clothes, Ru Lan quietly tugged at Cheng Yian's sleeve.

"Miss, were you... were you hurt last night?"

Cheng Yian looked at the little maid's nervous expression, both amused and exasperated. She shook her head gently.

"Don't overthink it, nothing happened..."

Ru Lan was still worried. "You mustn't suffer for the sake of the young master."

Is it really so enjoyable that he wants it every night?

Cheng Yian felt awkward and coughed lightly. "You'll understand once you're married."

Hearing about marriage, Ru Lan's pretty face turned as red as a ripe tomato. "I was just concerned about you, Miss, and now you're teasing me."

Lu Xusheng was waiting outside for breakfast, so Cheng Yian didn't want to keep him waiting. She pinched the little maid's cheek.

"Alright, go rest in the back room. You say you won't marry now, but don't come crying to me later when you change your mind."

In her previous life, both maids had been uprooted from the capital to Yizhou because of her and never married. This life, Cheng Yian planned to settle them properly.

Hearing this, Ru Lan, both shy and flustered, hurriedly slipped away to the backyard.

Cheng Yian stepped out of the bathroom to find Lu Xusheng, already dressed in a light blue robe, sitting by the window reading.

The robe wasn't thick, outlining his muscular frame. His posture was elegant, exuding a natural military bearing. Even in his relaxed state, he didn't lose an ounce of his pride.

It was almost October, and the capital was already covered in frost. Yet, in such weather, he didn't even wear a thick coat. This man was like a natural furnace, perfect for keeping warm in the winter.

Nanny Li had already directed the servants to prepare the meal, and Ru Hui came to help Cheng Yian with her makeup.

Cheng Yian had been taught by her grandmother that women should be prudent in speech and conduct, and to be content with their station. Seeing her graceful and bright appearance, she was never allowed to dress ostentatiously. In this life, she had fewer reservations and did as she pleased.

"Give me some eye makeup."

Ru Hui searched through the box for a moment and asked, "Should I give you a peach blossom makeup?"

The mention of "peach blossom makeup" stirred an old memory in Cheng Yian.

In her previous life, noblewomen in Shu were fond of various eye makeup styles—pearl makeup, peach blossom makeup, tear makeup—there was no shortage of styles.

And Fan Yulin's first task every morning was to personally draw her eyebrows and apply her makeup. In her previous life, until she discovered his affair, Fan Yulin had enjoyed this ritual. At the time, she thought it was so sweet, the couple inseparable and affectionate.

But Lu Xusheng was different.

Though this man was quite demanding in bed, once he got up, he was like a pine tree on a snowy peak—aloof and unapproachable. Outside, he never glanced at other women, and inside, he never made any inappropriate moves, not even playful ones between husband and wife.

Things like drawing her eyebrows or adding fragrance to his sleeves? Nonexistent.

It wasn't that Cheng Yian wished for Lu Xusheng to be like that, but after two lifetimes, she truly understood.

Men should be solid and reliable.

Someone like Fan Yulin, who was usually gentle and sweet-talking, but when trouble arose, he couldn't handle it. He relied on her to seek help from the Cheng family. In her previous life, Cheng Yian not only managed the family business but also had to navigate official circles for him. As for Fan Yulin, all he had to do was sweet-talk her and give her a shoulder rub, and she would work tirelessly for him.

Lu Xusheng didn't need that.

He earned money for her to spend, and she didn't have to worry about anything outside. Take the matter with Princess Minglan, for example—he dared to stop her carriage and issue a warning. Princess Minglan probably wouldn't dare to mess with her again. With him around, it was like having a giant umbrella over her head, shielding her from all storms.

What’s the point of all this romance and affection?

Having lived two lives, I know that being practical is what matters most.

Lu Xusheng is the most fitting man to share a life with.

Thinking of this, Cheng Yian smiled and took the brush from Ru Hui.

“I’ll handle it myself.”

From now on, she would learn to do her own makeup and grooming.

Lu Xusheng was getting hungry. After waiting for a while and not seeing Cheng Yian come to eat, he put down the book and glanced inside, only to find her bent over the bronze mirror, fussing with her appearance. In the past, he might have found such fussiness bothersome, but now, he simply bore it.

After a while, Cheng Yian had painted a plum blossom design on her face, with a branch winding from under her eyes to the corners, blooming into a pink plum blossom at the end. With a mere smile, the plum blossom appeared to dance in the breeze, vibrant and alive.

Cheng Yian emerged, satisfied, and saw Lu Xusheng still seated behind the desk, his chopsticks untouched. She smiled and said, “From now on, feel free to start without me, or you can have your meals in the study.”

She and Lu Xusheng were in it for the long haul, and they didn’t need to be inseparable every day. At times, it’s essential for couples to allow each other some breathing room.

Lu Xusheng glanced at her, shook his head, and said, “No need.” Then he picked up his chopsticks and gestured for her to join him.

Cheng Yian sat down.

Neither of them required assistance, so Ru Hui stood by. Cheng Yian faced east, while Lu Xusheng faced west. The morning light fell perfectly on Cheng Yian’s cheeks, illuminating her face, and the plum blossom at the corner of her eye seemed to flutter away.

She was breathtakingly beautiful.

Even Ru Hui, who had grown up alongside her and was accustomed to her beauty, felt a stir in her heart.

Ru Hui stole a glance at Lu Xusheng.

Lu Xusheng remained focused on his meal, showing no reaction.

Just before leaving, he inquired if she had any plans for the day. Cheng Yian replied, “No. In two days, it’s the birthday of the old ancestor of the northern mansion. It’s not a major celebration, and the old ancestor usually doesn’t make a fuss, but as members of the Cheng family, we should return for a meal. The old ancestor has everything she needs and dislikes extravagance, so I plan to embroider something for her today...”

Since she wasn’t planning to go out, why had she spent so much time on her makeup?

Lu Xusheng didn’t dwell on it.

He didn’t know how she had lived with Fan Yulin in her past life, but with him, he gave her ample space and freedom.

“Do you need me to accompany you on the day of the birthday banquet?”

Cheng Yian immediately smiled wryly. “After what you said yesterday, word might have already reached the northern mansion. I don’t know how I’ll apologize to the old ancestor later, so it’s best you stay out of it.”

Cheng Mingyu was the eldest son of the old lady of the northern mansion. How could she possibly accept it?

Lu Xusheng scoffed. “I didn’t hold the Cheng family accountable for implicating you. I’ve already shown them enough courtesy. If they dare to say anything, just send word, and I’ll come to fetch you.”

With that, he donned his crimson official robe and strode out the door, exuding an air of authority.