Chapter 5: She Didn’t Mind That He Had Someone Else in His Heart

Chapter 5: She Didn’t Mind That He Had Someone Else in His Heart

His expression was calm, and his tone was gentle.

People often described Commander Lu as a fierce and terrifying figure, comparable to the Ten Kings of Hell. However, in recent years, Lu Feng's temper had improved significantly.

When he had just become disabled, he was prone to anger and outbursts. The servants around him had come and gone several times, and even his childhood milk brother had been kicked so hard that he coughed up blood. At that time, Lu Feng was like a trapped animal, his eyes bloodshot, and Jiang Wanrou dared not even breathe heavily in his presence.

The selection of officials in the imperial court required candidates to meet four major criteria: appearance, eloquence, calligraphy, and reasoning. "Appearance" was ranked first, and someone like Lu Feng, who had a physical disability, was barred from serving as an official, even if he was the son of a duke. The incident had almost ruined Lu Feng's future, turning a once-promising young man into a cripple. Coupled with the fact that his fiancée had betrothed herself to another, it was no wonder his temperament had become twisted.

Because of Huai Yi, Jiang Wanrou had become pregnant shortly after entering the household. Although Lu Feng remained cold toward her, he never laid a hand on her. The Emperor, out of pity for the Lu family, had made an exception to appoint Lu Feng as the Commander of the Forbidden Dragon Bureau. While his methods in handling prisoners were harsh, his temper had gradually become more stable.

Jiang Wanrou speculated that, for one, power had a calming effect on him, and for another, the prisoners absorbed most of his rage, leaving less of it for others.

In the past two years, Lu Feng's leg had healed well. When he walked quickly, he had a slight limp, but when he walked slowly, it was almost unnoticeable. His temper had also softened significantly, especially in front of his wife, where he was mostly gentle. However, he rarely smiled, always maintaining a cold expression, so Jiang Wanrou had to read his emotions from his tone and demeanor.

She was perceptive, so even though Lu Feng did not seem angry when he spoke, she could sense his displeasure.

He did not want her to return to the Marquis's residence.

If it were a trivial matter, Jiang Wanrou would likely have said a few polite words and dropped the matter—after all, Lu Feng treated her quite well now, even to the point of "affection." She understood where this "affection" came from: she had given birth to his heir, managed the household affairs, and, most importantly, she was always obedient and never angered him. She would never do anything to upset him, even slightly.

But this matter...

Jiang Wanrou kept her calm and served him a piece of braised eggplant, saying softly, "Husband, you're overthinking it. The Lunar New Year is approaching, and I've prepared all the invitations and gifts for the various households. I'll have to make the trip sooner or later. It's been a while since I've seen my mother, and I'm worried about her health. I think it's best if I go in person to put my mind at ease."

The "mother" she referred to was her birth mother, Lady Li, the concubine of the Marquis of Ning'an. Given Jiang Wanrou's current status as the lady of the Lu household and the mother of a child, the Marquis's residence should have requested an honorary title for Lady Li, if only for Huai Yi's sake. However, her mother's status was too low, and she was often bedridden due to illness, requiring constant medication.

Years ago, Jiang Wanrou had thought of this and had even gone out of her way to serve Lu Feng with extra care. In the end, it was Lady Li herself who refused, leaving Jiang Wanrou with no choice but to send more gifts to the Marquis's residence as a way to ensure her mother was treated well.

Lu Feng nodded, saying, "You're right. A few days ago, Minister Gao gifted me a century-old ginseng. Take it with you. Once things settle down, I'll accompany you to visit your mother."

Lu Feng did not make things difficult for her, and his willingness to refer to her mother as "mother-in-law" and grant her some respect warmed Jiang Wanrou's heart. She served him several more of his favorite dishes, and the couple enjoyed a warm and affectionate meal.

Lu Feng seemed to be in a particularly good mood that day. After their night of intimacy, he stroked Jiang Wanrou's bare shoulder and, for the first time, engaged in some pillow talk.

He said, "Things have been unstable outside recently. When you go out, take more guards with you."

Jiang Wanrou, still damp with sweat, lay on top of Lu Feng and replied in a sweet, honeyed voice, "Yes, I understand."

He had only taken her once that night, and though Jiang Wanrou's body was sore, her mind was clear. After a moment of thought, she asked slowly, "Has something happened outside? Recently, the household has received many invitations. I... husband, could you give me some insight? I'm feeling uneasy."

There was only one major event in the capital recently: the case of Prince Gong. Lady Cui had been sending people almost daily to visit, and Jiang Wanrou needed to give her some response.

Lu Feng chuckled hoarsely and wrapped his arm around her waist. "Don't worry. Just do what you need to do. You can start preparing for the New Year."

Jiang Wanrou was startled. Did this mean the case would be resolved before the New Year?

In truth, she had already sensed it. Ever since Lu Feng took over the case of Prince Gong, his face had been as cold as frost, and she had avoided approaching him. In recent days, however, his mood had visibly improved, leading her to suspect that the case was nearing its conclusion.

What she thought, she voiced aloud.

Lu Feng usually did not discuss court matters with her, but with the case nearing its end and after their intimate moment, he spoke frankly. "That's right. Prince Gong... no, he is now a commoner. Qi, the commoner, will be confined to his residence for life and cannot leave without an imperial decree."

So harsh? Had Prince Gong's crimes been confirmed?

Jiang Wanrou thought to herself that the current Emperor, aside from the criticism he received for establishing the Forbidden Dragon Bureau, was otherwise considered a wise ruler. The previous emperor's incompetence had led to widespread suffering among the people, and it was the current Emperor, then the Prince of Youzhou, who had led an uprising and ascended the throne. Since then, he had implemented many benevolent policies. Prince Gong was his favorite son, yet he had the heart to confine him—and even demote him to a commoner?

The Emperor's word was final. Even if the Emperor softened in his old age, it would be difficult to restore Prince Gong's title. With the crown prince yet to be decided, the royal brothers were at each other's throats, and they would not allow Prince Gong to rise again.

The royal family is truly heartless—how cruel.

Though she thought this in her heart, Jiang Wanrou said aloud, "The Emperor is merciful."

Indeed, the case of Prince Gong implicated both the former court and the harem. Not only was the court purged, but several concubines in the harem also died, including some who were highly favored. Yet, the main culprit was merely demoted and placed under house arrest, which could still be seen as an act of mercy.

However, it's uncertain whether Prince Gong, born as heaven's chosen, would want such mercy.

Jiang Wanrou had never experienced the taste of falling from the clouds into the mud, but she had witnessed Lu Feng's descent into madness in the past. Many have forgotten now, but back then, the eldest son of the Lu family was the most steady and composed young man in the capital, even the carefree young master Gu recognized Lu Feng as "elder brother." If only that incident hadn't happened back then...

"Ah—"

Lu Feng pinched the soft flesh on Jiang Wanrou's waist, his cold eyes narrowing. "What are you thinking about? Snap out of it."

Earlier, out of pity, he had held back, but now it seemed he had been too lenient.

"I was thinking about the past..."

Jiang Wanrou paused, secretly hooking his fingers, her pale body rubbing against his chest.

"I remembered... back then, I was only thirteen, and you brought me pine nut candies."

She smiled, reaching out to touch his cheek. "Back then, I didn't know such a handsome man would become my husband."

This wasn't a lie. Lu Feng was engaged to Jiang Wanxue, and the Jiang family, eager to secure this esteemed son-in-law, often invited Lu Feng to their estate. She occasionally ran into him in the garden, and to avoid suspicion, she would quickly bow and leave. Once, her aunt was coughing severely, and the servants were denying her medicine. She went to beg the old lady, but the old lady was napping, and the maids brushed her off. Unable to hold back, she broke into quiet sobs in the garden.

He handed her a handkerchief, asking gently what was wrong. She said nothing, only cried.

What could she do? She knew his status—he was her sister's fiancé. Could she tell him that the primary wife was mistreating the concubines? He was an outsider; the betrothal gifts hadn't even been sent yet. How could he interfere in the inner affairs of the marquis's household? Even if young master Lu showed kindness and helped her this once, she and her mother would still have to live under the primary wife's rule. Wouldn't that make the primary wife even more intolerant of them?

She couldn't stop her tears, but she clenched her teeth and refused to speak. Lu Feng, likely annoyed by her crying, shoved a bag of pine nut candies into her hands. "Eat some candy and stop crying."

Her aunt loved candies. She had to drink bitter medicine year-round, and a piece of candy afterward was a great comfort. She didn't like it; though it was sweet, it always reminded her of the pervasive smell of medicine and her aunt's endless dry cough.

But the pine nut candies that day were really sweet.

Her eyes misty, the words slipped out without thought, "Prince Gong's downfall is his own fault, it's just a pity for third sister, her days will be hard."

Clearly, Jiang Wanrou felt the hand caressing her waist tighten instantly.

Regaining her senses, Jiang Wanrou regretted her impulsive words, wanting to make amends but not knowing how to start, she stammered, "I... I spoke out of turn."

Jiang Wanxue was a taboo for Lu Feng. Jiang Wanrou had once speculated about his feelings for her. They were engaged since childhood, and Lu Feng remained chaste for her, not even keeping a maid by his side. Later, Jiang Wanxue schemed to break off the engagement and became the lofty Princess of Gong. She thought, he must hate her.

The deeper the love, the deeper the hate. Only with love can there be hate.

So Jiang Wanrou had never mentioned her in front of Lu Feng. Now that both were married to others, and she had given birth to Huai Yi, and the household affairs were smoothly managed. For her, she just needed to raise Huai Yi well and comfortably become the old lady of the Lu household in the future.

Now she had wealth, leisure, and status, and her aunt had a peaceful end because of her. Spending her days enjoying flowers, listening to operas, and raising her child, no one dared to bully her anymore. What more could she want? As for who was in his heart, she didn't care.

Yes, she shouldn't care about these trivial details.

Jiang Wanrou suddenly smiled, flipped over to ride on Lu Feng, and with a coquettish laugh, wrapped her arms around his neck, "This time, I'll be on top—"

Lu Feng's long arm reached out and flipped her over, and the two immediately switched positions. Jiang Wanrou closed her eyes, her dark lashes fluttering, but there was no movement from him.

"Let's rest."

After a while, Lu Feng's raspy voice sounded from above. Jiang Wanrou opened her eyes and saw that Lu Feng had already fallen asleep.

She stared at his sharp jawline until her eyes grew sore, then slowly closed them.

She slept dreamlessly that night.

The next day, Cuizhu, as usual, brought a bowl of dark, bitter medicinal brew. However, this time, there was a box of pine nut candies placed beside it. The square candies were wrapped in rice paper and coated with golden honey, their sweet aroma wafting straight to her nose.

Cuizhu announced cheerfully, "This was specially ordered by the master to be sent over. He said the lady loves to eat them."

Jiang Wanrou gazed at them for a while before responding, "I don't like candies."

It was Jiang Wanxue who loved candies. It was only later that Jiang Wanrou realized this. How could a man carry a pack of overly sweet candies with him? She had inadvertently taken what was meant for her elder sister.

Cuizhu was taken aback, recalling that in all her time serving Jiang Wanrou, she had rarely seen her eat sweets. On the other hand, the master loved them, and all the pastries from Jinguang Courtyard ended up in his stomach.

Not wanting to speak ill of the master, Cuizhu inquired, "Should I distribute this box of candies among the sisters?"

Jiang Wanrou was known for her kindness and generosity toward her servants, often rewarding her maids with gifts, so Cuizhu's suggestion was not out of line. However, Jiang Wanrou, unusually, murmured in response, "Just leave it here."

"Today, we are going back to the Marquis's residence. Go and prepare."

Whenever she went out, besides her maids, she also had to bring along a number of guards. The Marquis's residence was her maternal home, and proper etiquette was essential. Cuizhu took the task and rushed off to prepare. Jiang Wanrou finished her breakfast alone, picked up the bowl of now-cold medicinal brew, and once again poured it into the orchid plant by the window.