Chapter 52: Father-in-law, this sachet suits your temperament…

Chapter 52: Father-in-law, this sachet suits your temperament...

Lu Xusheng, holding the lantern with his hands behind his back, approached Cheng Yian and immediately sensed something off in his wife's expression, which slightly puzzled him.

Cheng Yian had already caught a glimpse of her cousin's curved lips from the corner of her eye and knew her lie was about to fall apart. Nevertheless, she tried to patch it up, shooting Lu Xusheng a playful glare,

"Didn’t we agree not to get such a bright lantern, huh?"

Lu Xusheng's heart stirred. Although he didn't know why Cheng Yian was lying, considering her unpleasant cousin was present, it was best to follow his wife's lead. So, he put on a helpless expression and said,

"This lantern is a tribute from the Jiangnan Textile Bureau. I said no, but His Majesty insisted I take one. So, I picked the least flashy one."

This is practically blinding, isn’t it?

Cheng Yiqing was speechless.

Another tribute from the Textile Bureau, transported all the way from Jiangnan, and with just a few words, it showed how much the emperor favors Lu Xusheng.

If it were the Chu family, just the emperor mentioning the father-in-law’s name would make the entire Chu family happy for days.

Comparing yourself to others is a sure way to feel miserable.

Alright, she shouldn’t stick around and be a bother.

Cheng Yiqing gave a slight bow to Lu Xusheng and smiled at Cheng Yian, "An An, you two are busy. I’ll head out first. Let’s go visit grandmother together tomorrow."

Even though she had been thoroughly humiliated, Cheng Yiqing suddenly felt relieved about that marriage. With Cheng Yian’s words in mind, she walked over to her husband, smiling.

Cheng Yian watched her walk away before turning to look at Lu Xusheng.

The maids beside them stifled their laughter.

Lu Xusheng asked suspiciously, "What's going on?"

"Nothing," she pointed at the lantern, "Did His Majesty really give this to you?"

Lu Xusheng laughed, "Earlier, during the meeting in the imperial study, Prince Ning noticed that His Majesty had swapped out a lantern and wanted to ask for it to give to Miss Zheng, but I snatched it first."

Cheng Yian's eyes widened, "You dared to snatch the future Princess Ning’s lantern?"

Lu Xusheng shrugged, "In the past, whenever there were good tributes, His Majesty always let me pick first. He’s snatched plenty from me too. Today, I just took one lantern from him."

After saying that, he pointed to the Star-Gazing Tower not far away,

"Shall we go for a walk?"

Cheng Yian had originally planned to return home, but since Lu Xusheng had come, she wasn't in a hurry anymore. She looked at her husband suspiciously,

"You have such leisure time?" She knew exactly how busy he had been lately.

"I’m heading out tomorrow, so I must spend some time with you."

He had been too busy these past few days. If it weren't for Prince Ning's reminder, he would have forgotten that today was the Lantern Festival. When they got married, he had promised that she would never lack what others had. So, he came with Prince Ning, and fortunately, he arrived in time to save her from losing face.

Cheng Yian didn't blame him at all.

Being in a high position with great power actually meant bearing heavy responsibilities. He was carrying the weight of millions of lives on his shoulders.

So, she took the initiative to grab the corner of his robe, "Let's go."

This gesture seemed to tug at his heartstrings. Lu Xusheng lowered his hand and gently enveloped her delicate hand in his palm.

As fireworks were launched near the Star-Gazing Tower, more and more people gathered on the south bank of the Sanshan River. Lu Xusheng led her through the crowd. Despite the guards and matrons making way, the sea of people was still densely packed, and Lu Xusheng, who had never strolled through the streets before, found the noise and bustle a bit overwhelming.

Cheng Yian glanced at Lu Xusheng from the corner of her eye. The man's profile was sharp and determined, as if no hardship in the world could defeat him. Held by his hand, she felt as if nothing could frighten her.

"Lu Xusheng, this is the first time we've gone shopping together," she said, the light along the way reflecting in her eyes, making them sparkle like stars.

Lu Xusheng felt a twinge of guilt. This "first time" included both their past and present lives.

He couldn't help but think that Fan Yulin must have often accompanied her on such strolls.

He gave her hand a firm squeeze. "From now on, as long as you like it, I'll accompany you."

From the south bank's market, a tree-lined path led to Liang Garden. The guards from the Imperial City Bureau recognized Lu Xusheng and let them in without needing an invitation.

The best spot to watch the fireworks was naturally the top floor. Lu Xusheng led her upstairs, but Cheng Yian was already winded by the second floor. "Let's just stay here on the second floor," she said, not wanting to struggle up only to have to come back down later, exhausted.

Lu Xusheng turned to look at her. "Do you want to see the fireworks?"

Cheng Yian thought for a moment, then nodded.

Lu Xusheng knelt down in front of her. "I'll carry you."

Cheng Yian was taken aback and instinctively glanced around. The maids had stayed downstairs, and with Lu Xusheng there, no guards were needed. The stairwell was empty except for the two of them.

Cheng Yian happily gathered her skirt and hopped onto his back.

As she settled onto his back, her soft body pressed against his spine, inevitably stirring his thoughts.

Lu Xusheng swiftly carried her up to the sixth floor. The wind was fierce on the top floor, but the sixth floor had many elegant rooms with charcoal fires burning inside. Standing by the window to watch the fireworks, they felt no chill at all.

Lu Xusheng had picked an excellent spot. To the left was the Sanshan River, offering a sweeping view of the lantern market on Tongluo Street. To the right was Liang Garden, where the fireworks were bursting on the southeastern hillside. Many merchant ships returning from afar were docked on both banks, and painted boats arrived one after another in front of the Confucius Temple on Tongluo Street to perform. From afar, the melodious tunes carried over mountains and waters, creating a unique charm.

Cheng Yian eagerly scanned the surroundings. The entire street seemed like a river of stars beneath her feet, vast and endless, filling her with an exhilarating sense of freedom.

She spotted familiar faces at the Moon-Viewing Pavilion across the way.

"Look, it's His Highness and Zheng Ying," she said.

Prince Ning had reserved the top floor of the Moon-Viewing Pavilion and was accompanying Zheng Ying on the rooftop, where they were burning a bonfire. Though they were some distance away, it was clear that Zheng Ying seemed a bit reserved, sitting shyly by the fire with her knees drawn up. Beside her, on a small stool, was a lantern similar to the one Lu Xusheng had.

It seemed both had been taken from the palace.

Prince Ning held a silver tong and seemed to be... "roasting meat?"

Cheng Yian hadn't realized that Prince Ning was such a romantic figure.

On a cold day like this, he had brought his fiancée to the rooftop of the Moon-Viewing Pavilion to roast meat, and likely had a small flask of wine prepared as well.

In the Great Jin Dynasty, unmarried men and women were not restricted from going out together. Some families even encouraged premarital interactions, so that if they found they were not compatible, there was still room for reconsideration.

Looking down toward the south bank of Tongluo Street, under the dazzling lights, the sea of people flowed like a river of light. She surprisingly spotted her second sister and Meng Ruchuan in the crowd. Meng Ruchuan was at a small stall buying a roasted sweet potato. He held the hot potato in both hands, struggling to peel it, then handed half to Cheng Yiqiao. Cheng Yiqiao seemed a bit reluctant to eat it, but when Meng Ruchuan smiled and brought it to her lips, she couldn't resist taking a small bite. It was so hot that she yelped, making Meng Ruchuan laugh as he frantically searched for water to cool her down.

Seeing Cheng Yian laughing uncontrollably, Lu Xusheng asked, "What's so funny?"

Cheng Yian pointed downward. "Look, my second sister and Mr. Meng are eating roasted sweet potatoes on the inner street near the Confucius Temple."

Lu Xusheng wasn't interested in others' affairs. "Do you want some?"

"I don’t like eating that; it gets stuck in my teeth at night."

Lu Xusheng didn’t say anything.

He wasn’t one to look at crowded places; instead, unusual movements in the woods were more likely to catch the attention of this frontier commander. Suddenly, Lu Xusheng noticed a pair of lovers in a shaded path below the building, locked in a passionate embrace, kissing fervently. Though he quickly averted his gaze, the light caught their faces, revealing the woman clinging to her partner as if she couldn’t stand steady, her expression utterly intoxicated with pleasure.

Lu Xusheng frowned and looked away, his mind involuntarily drifting back to the last time Cheng Yian had kissed him.

Was it really that enticing?

Turning his head, he met Cheng Yian’s awkward gaze.

It seemed they had both noticed.

Cheng Yian chuckled and waved her hand,

"It’s fine, we’re practically an old married couple anyway..."

Counting their past life, they’d been together for a year and a half, thoroughly familiar with each other’s strengths and flaws. It was understandable that they lacked the passion of younger couples.

Lu Xusheng’s face darkened. "What old married couple? We’ve only been married for half a year. The past life doesn’t count."

Alright, if you say it doesn’t count, then it doesn’t.

Cheng Yian generously went along with him, "It’s getting late, and you’ve got a long trip tomorrow. Should we head back early?"

Lu Xusheng glanced at her carefree expression as she tried to placate him, then turned and walked off without a word.

Cheng Yian chuckled to herself. This man was something else. She didn’t mind that he refused to kiss her, so why was he getting angry?

Thinking he might actually leave her behind, she was surprised to find him squatting at the staircase, waiting to carry her on his back when she reached the stairs.

Cheng Yian smiled sweetly, this time taking her time to climb onto his back, wrapping her arms and legs around him like an octopus clinging to its prey. As Lu Xusheng caught her natural scent and felt her limbs tightly wrapped around him, his anger suddenly melted away.

Glancing back, he didn’t see her face but caught sight of her bright red lips, full and glossy, causing his throat to tighten involuntarily. He looked away and descended the stairs.

During the carriage ride back, Cheng Yian noticed Lu Xusheng acting oddly, occasionally staring at her without saying a word.

It wasn’t like him to be so secretive.

By the time they returned to the mansion, it was already late at night. Lu Xusheng headed to the second mistress’s courtyard to inform his mother about his upcoming journey south. Cheng Yian helped him double-check his luggage, making sure everything was in order, then had Nanny Li and Xu Yi load it onto the carriage. Afterward, she washed up and went to bed.

The second mistress wept for a while with her son.

"Don’t worry about the family. Your wife is doing a fine job; the servants respect her leadership. But there’s one thing—it’s been half a year since your marriage, and there’s still no sign of a child. I’m worried for you."

Lu Xusheng gently comforted her,

"Please don’t trouble yourself over this. Children come when fate allows. Besides, I’m about to leave, and it wouldn’t be good if she were pregnant now. Without anyone to look after her, I’d be too worried to focus on anything else."

The second mistress thought to herself, when she was pregnant several times, Lu Chang was hardly around, yet she still managed to give birth to healthy children.

But this was just a grumble, as it didn’t help the situation since Cheng Yian wasn’t pregnant yet.

"Take care on your journey, and don’t forget to write when you can, so we know you’re safe."

Lu Xusheng agreed and stayed with her for a while before returning to Ningji Hall.

Hearing no movement from the inner room, he assumed Cheng Yian was already asleep and headed straight to the bathroom.

After bathing and changing clothes, Lu Xusheng returned to find Cheng Yian still up.

The room was as warm as spring, with the charcoal fire still burning. She reclined on the bed, wearing only an old peach-colored jacket and long crimson pants that reached her ankles, revealing her snow-white toes.

Her figure rose and fell like willow branches in the spring breeze, like rolling hills.

Lu Xusheng had just come out of the bathing chamber, holding the belt in his hand, about to tie it, when he saw her gazing at him with tender affection. His hand paused. She rarely dressed so provocatively in the inner chamber—what was her intention today?

Cheng Yian rested her chin on her hand, looking at him, and gently patted the bed.

"Come here."

Lu Xusheng felt a hint of a seductive gesture, his tongue pressing against his teeth as he smiled deeply and slowly settled onto the bed.

"What is it?"

He had always been the one to take the lead in their private affairs. Was Cheng Yian perhaps rewarding him because he was about to embark on a long journey?

Cheng Yian, thinking of her elder sister's predicament, couldn't help but let her gaze linger over Lu Xusheng's body.

Lu Xusheng hadn't fastened his waistband, sitting partially exposed in front of her. His well-defined abs cast shadows under his chest, like cold stones in an ice cellar—hard and solid, capable of releasing boundless energy once the spring warmth melted the snow. He had a very healthy physique.

A man's potential could be seen in his eyes—confident and aggressive.

That was exactly how Lu Xusheng regarded her.

"Finished checking me out?"

"Yes, I'm done." Cheng Yian, having taken in the sight, decided to get down to business. She pulled a box from under the quilt and slid it over to Lu Xusheng.

Seeing this, Lu Xusheng realized his mistake and chuckled, his gaze falling on the box.

"What is this?"

"Take a look inside."

Lu Xusheng complied and opened it, finding a thick stack of silver notes inside. He frowned immediately.

"I don't need your money. The expenses for this trip south are all covered by the Emperor's personal coffers."

Cheng Yian swatted his hand in annoyance.

"Who said it's for you? In your dreams." She closed the box and shoved it into his arms.

"Go to Jinling and set up a money house for me."

This was the 150,000 taels of capital her father had given her—a vast sum even by the standards of the Great Jin Dynasty. It would be a waste to let it sit unused. She remembered that in her previous life, after the maritime ban was lifted, many merchants from the South Seas and the East came to the Great Jin Dynasty to trade, settling primarily around Jinling. Since foreign currencies differed from those of the Great Jin, these merchants would bring gold, silver, and jewels to exchange for local currency. During that time, money houses popped up everywhere, and many wealthy merchants seized the opportunity to establish banks in Jinling, lending to merchants and reaping enormous profits.

She wanted to follow in her father's footsteps, carving out a legacy for herself, ensuring her own comfort and leaving a substantial inheritance for future generations.

While Lu Xusheng fought for the people of the Great Jin Dynasty, Cheng Yian would fight for their own family's future.

Lu Xusheng had no reason to refuse.

"Alright."

"I've arranged for Ming Saozi's husband, Ming Dage, to travel south with you, along with two servants."

Lu Xusheng set the box aside, and Cheng Yian frowned at his nonchalant attitude.

"This is my dowry, you must not lose it."

Lu Xusheng held her hand, wrapped her in the bedding, and lay down with her.

"If I take out 150,000 taels, I promise to bring back a million for you. Whatever your father gave you, I will give you even more."

Who cares about He Qingyun or Meng Ruchuan? His goal is to surpass his father-in-law, Cheng Mingyu.

He couldn't let Cheng Yiyan have the chance to show off in front of him.

Cheng Yian glanced at him, "Do you remember what you said!"

Lu Xusheng suddenly pulled her into his arms, "Shall I swear a military oath to you?"

"Alright..."

Lu Xusheng had long been yearning for her cherry lips, and with her permission, he leaned down.

Cheng Yian was taken by surprise and pushed down, her fists against his chest, her face turning away from his lips, panting,

"You said you'd swear a military oath, don't delay, go write it!"

"Dare to swear a military oath to the court, but try to fool me here? No way."

Lu Xusheng gripped her shoulders, one hand clutching her slender waist, his knee pressing down on her legs, completely dominating her. She was already soft as if boneless, her eyes soft and alluring, like silk.

Lu Xusheng chuckled softly and leaned in close to her lips, his teeth gently biting her mouth, his tongue teasing her teeth.

"Isn't this swearing a military oath?"

The scariest thing is when a cold-hearted man suddenly gets it.

Who can resist?

Cheng Yian was nearly bewitched by him, realizing that this was what he meant by a military oath.

"Weren't you so sure before, saying no way? Does your face hurt now?"

Lu Xusheng gritted his teeth, "Can I take it back?"

"No..." She pushed him away forcefully.

"If I let you have your way today, wouldn't I be longing for you for the next six months?"

Not having a taste doesn't make you crave it, but once tasted, with the man not around, isn't that torturing oneself?

"Keep your hands off me."

Lu Xusheng was even more determined upon hearing this, "Then I must seal this, write this oath, so you won't forget me, and when you're far away in the capital, who will you remember me as?"

Cheng Yian giggled at his playful banter, squirmed out of his embrace,

"I'm not in the mood for this!"

What kind of man would Lu Xusheng be if he let her have her way?

It was understood that in bed, he had the final say.

He reached out and gripped her slender, well-defined waist, pulling her back and pinning her beneath him. He tilted her face and kissed her deeply. Unlike Cheng Yian's earlier tentative and measured kisses, Lu Xusheng went straight for the attack from the start. His calloused palm slid under her garments, fondling her through the delicate undergarment. Cheng Yian couldn't withstand his fierce assault, her lithe body arching as she tried to evade him.

Her pink undergarment was already pushed aside by his hand, and his tongue swept through her mouth like a Northern Qi cavalry storming a village, sweeping away all resistance. As he felt her body grow pliant, her tongue quivering, Lu Xusheng slowed his pace, gently sucking and coaxing her. He was a natural, quickly mastering the art of seduction, stirring and enticing her to pursue him.

So this was the pleasure of a kiss—it could bring her to the brink so swiftly.

Cheng Yian had lost count of how many times she had gasped for breath, her eyes glazed as she gazed up at the man above her, drenched in sweat.

"Lu Xusheng..." Her voice was still caught in the haze, coming in broken whispers, "You can't be like other men, who are only good for a couple of years and then... useless. You should practice your martial arts more, work on your horse stance, strengthen your core."

Lu Xusheng wanted to strangle her. "Who really needs to work on their stamina here?"

Cheng Yian pretended not to hear, continuing, "Of course, you shouldn't overdo it either. Too much pent-up energy might lead you to stray."

"If you ever seek another woman, I'll divorce you."

Her father had dispatched thirteen secret guards to accompany him on his journey south. Any misbehavior from Lu Xusheng would be reported back to her father. If Lu Xusheng ever sought another woman, she was certain her father's divorce papers would be flung in his face.

Lu Xusheng once again silenced her restless mouth.

The morning light streamed in, soft and golden, casting a gentle glow across the room. The curtains had been drawn open for some time, but Cheng Yian lay motionless under the covers.

Memories of the night flickered through her mind.

His tenderness, his dominance, the way he had pierced her heart time and again.

Each moment had left her quivering.

Cheng Yian suddenly hated this man.

Why did he have to provoke her before leaving, leaving her heart unsettled and aching?

The farewell kiss had undoubtedly left a deep mark on her heart.

She let out a long breath and called for Ru Lan to attend to her. Ru Lan entered with Dan'er and Ding Xiang, carrying water for her to wash.

Cheng Yian asked, "When did the young master leave?"

"He left before dawn."

So he had only slept for two hours?

Served him right!

Though she scolded him in her mind, she couldn't help but feel a pang of concern. "Did he have breakfast?"

"Nanny Li prepared something for him last night, saying he could eat it on the road."

Cheng Yian's eyelashes fluttered slightly, but she asked no more.

It wasn't the first time she had woken up alone, but today her heart felt strangely empty, as if something was missing.

His usual clothes were still in the wardrobe, his crimson robe hung on the screen, and his cool scent lingered on the pillows.

Cheng Yian took a deep breath, gathered her strength, and stepped out of the bed. She sat down at the table by the window, ready to eat, when she noticed a piece of paper on the long desk.

She reached for it, unfolding the folded sheet to reveal the words "Military Pledge" written on it.

He had actually written it.

Cheng Yian couldn’t help but purse her lips in a smile, carefully tucking it away between the pages of her favorite book, *A New Account of the Tales of the World*, on the antique shelf.

Princess Minglan was set to depart five days later, and Lu Xusheng went ahead today to scout the route.

Early that morning, he retrieved the Imperial Sword from the palace, then headed out through the Dongbian Gate, planning to board a boat south from Tongzhou.

Just outside the Dongbian Gate lay a low hill known as Changwang Slope, topped by a pavilion named Changwang Pavilion.

Lu Xusheng, leading a retinue of dozens, arrived at the foot of Changwang Slope and spotted a tall, elegant figure standing in the pavilion, braving the wind. After a brief pause, he reined in his horse, ascended the slope, dismounted, and stepped into the pavilion. He folded his sleeves and bowed to Cheng Mingyu.

"Father-in-law, why are you waiting here?"

Cheng Mingyu handed him a stack of official reports.

"Here is the most recent intelligence. Assassins are plotting against you along the way. Inside, you’ll find a secret seal. Once in Jinling, head to the shop indicated for assistance. From that point on, southern intelligence will reach you promptly, helping you understand both your enemy and yourself."

"Thank you, father-in-law," Lu Xusheng said solemnly as he accepted the reports. At that moment, a familiar color flashed before his eyes, and Lu Xusheng looked closely.

Cheng Mingyu was wearing a dark green robe and a gray cloak. The cloak had been pushed aside by his arm, revealing a plain blue sachet at his waist.

Vaguely remembering that on New Year’s Eve, Cheng Yian had been worrying about what gift to give Cheng Mingyu. Could it be that she gave him the one she had been reluctant to part with?

Lu Xusheng felt a pang of jealousy.

As he tucked the reports into his chest, he pointed to the sachet at Cheng Mingyu’s waist and said bluntly,

"Father-in-law, this sachet doesn’t suit your temperament."

Cheng Mingyu paused, glanced down at the sachet, and immediately understood the situation.

This was the first birthday gift Ping Ping had given him, and Cheng Mingyu treasured it dearly, wearing it the very next day.

Rarely did his daughter show such thoughtfulness, and now Lu Xusheng was being petty.

Wisely choosing not to argue, he pointed ahead and said, "Be careful on the road, go quickly."

Lu Xusheng refused to leave, still staring longingly at the sachet. "How about this, father-in-law, when I return victorious, can you give me this sachet?"

Cheng Mingyu walked past him and gracefully departed.