Chapter 7: Is He Building a Golden House to Hide a Beauty?

Chapter 7: Is He Building a Golden House to Hide a Beauty?

"My lady."

Jiang Wanrou was deep in thought when Lu Feng pushed the door open. She subconsciously hid the red agate in her sleeve and smiled softly at him, "Yes, it's me. Am I interrupting your work?"

She looked up, her bright eyes sparkled, the corners of her lips curved into a charming smile. Jiang Wanrou was well aware of her advantages—her life was as unstable as drifting duckweed, and the only thing she had was the good looks her mother had bestowed upon her. How could she not make the most of them?

This angle perfectly displayed her slender neck and full chest, making her look extremely beautiful.

Lu Feng instinctively raised his hand, wanting to touch her hair bun but suddenly stopped himself, frowning, "Someone, fetch water."

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

A guard bowed and presented hot water, a few mint leaves floated on the clear surface, masking the smell of blood.

Lu Feng was fastidious about cleanliness; usually, he would bathe and change clothes before returning home. Whenever Jiang Wanrou saw him, he was always impeccably dressed, and when she got close, she could detect a faint, cool scent on him—the smell of mint after washing away the blood.

Jiang Wanrou steadied herself, picked up a towel, and began to wipe his distinct, bony fingers, one at a time.

In recent years, Lu Feng had become gentler with her, and she had nearly forgotten his true nature. The man by her side was never a gentle and refined gentleman; he was the fierce and ruthless Commander of the Forbidden Dragon Bureau, with a violent temper and unpredictable emotions, and countless innocent lives on his hands.

After just two years of a relaxed life, how had her heart grown so careless?

Jiang Wanrou secretly warned herself while observing Lu Feng's expression. Lu Feng did not show any displeasure; he glanced at the tidy desk and said indifferently, "You don't need to do these things."

She was his lawfully wedded wife, with soft and smooth hands, and should not be doing such menial tasks.

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

For example, he often came home late at night, and no matter how many times he told her not to wait for him, she insisted.

In the morning, she was so sleepy she could barely open her eyes, yet she insisted on getting up to help him dress.

The food she served was always hot; in winter, she prepared hand warmers, in summer, ice boxes, and she always wore the tassels she made and the sachets she embroidered around his waist...

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

Lu Feng both pitied her for her hard work and could not escape the inherent flaws of a worldly man, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction and pride.

He took her hand and said with a frown, "If you have something, send a message or wait for me to come home. Don't come here in the future."

Lu Feng meant well; the Forbidden Dragon Bureau was not a good place, and she had traveled a long way, her fingertips frozen red.

But these words sounded particularly harsh to Jiang Wanrou. He had been in a high position for too long, and even his gentle words could not hide the inherent dominance in his bones. Words of pity sounded like reprimands.

She couldn't help but think of the red agate. Who did it belong to? Was he forbidding her to come here because he wanted to hide a beauty in a golden house? This was a study, a place where ordinary people couldn't enter. That woman must have his utmost trust, right?

Jiang Wanrou's heart was in turmoil.

The Lu residence had always been quiet, and she had long grown accustomed to it, forgetting that having multiple wives and concubines was the norm for men, and Lu Feng was the exception.

According to the gentle and virtuous image she had always portrayed in front of Lu Feng, she should have quietly put the agate bead back, pretended not to have noticed it, and then suggested that he take a concubine, smoothly bringing that woman into the household.

Over the years, in social interactions, some older ladies had kindly advised her, saying that all men are fond of beauty, and it's better for you to suggest it than for him to ask for it. This way, he would still remember your kindness and give you the respect due to the main wife.

Whether it's a red confidante or an outside mistress, don't pay them any mind. Hold onto the household management rights, raise your children well, and the rest of your life won't be too bitter.

Jiang Wanrou bit her lip, her body tense, and stayed silent for a long while.

Noticing her silence, Lu Feng waited. Jiang Wanrou lowered her lashes and murmured, "It's nothing. I went to see my mother today. She's unwell, and the so-called doctors in the mansion are useless. I wanted to invite a royal physician to take a look."

For Lu Feng, this was a trivial matter. He promptly sent someone with his token to the Royal Medical Bureau and dispatched another to the storeroom to select some rare medicinal herbs to send along.

He said, "If you need anything, just say it. After all, she is my mother-in-law."

His wife had long cared for his grandmother in his stead, and he should reciprocate by treating her family well. However, Jiang Wanrou had little affection for the Ning'an Marquisate. Concubine Li kept to herself, afraid of burdening her daughter, and rarely saw Lu Feng.

She didn't want to remind her husband that the sixth Miss had a mother who was once a courtesan. Lu Feng, a grown man, couldn't very well visit the marquisate's concubines often. In terms of filial piety, Lu Feng owed her.

Jiang Wanrou didn't stand on ceremony and suggested that if the royal physician was available, it would be good for him to stay at the marquisate for a few days. This was quite irregular, as royal physicians primarily served the royal family. Being allowed to treat outsiders was already a great favor, and there was no precedent for them staying overnight. Lu Feng, expressionless, agreed to everything.

Noticing Jiang Wanrou's pallor, he rose, changed, and accompanied her back to the mansion.

At that moment, Jiang Wanrou was unaware that her visit to the Forbidden Dragon Bureau had caused quite a stir. Whatever else might be said of Lu Feng, no one could deny his diligence. In this dynasty, officials were granted one day off every ten days, but Lu Feng had never taken a break. He was either dealing with backlogged documents or meeting with the emperor in secret, earning him the reputation of having an iron constitution.

Today, with his wife's arrival, Commander Lu actually left... just like that, mid-confession!

To witness Commander Lu skipping work in their lifetime left the Forbidden Dragon Bureau in awe. Only the gatekeeper, Xiao Wei, clutching the silver nugget in his pocket, thought to himself: "You lot of roughnecks, if you'd seen the lady's beauty, you'd get it."

Even emperors have skipped court for their favorite concubines. Commander Lu's no different. Just you wait.

***

Lu Feng was being uncharacteristically considerate, but Jiang Wanrou couldn't quite appreciate it.

Her daily routine was simple and pleasant. In the morning, she would take a stroll to Chunhui Hall, make sure Lu Huaiyi had breakfast, eat a little herself, and then go back to her room for a nap.

After waking up, she would drink tea, admire the flowers, and soon it would be time for lunch. She would continue to supervise Lu Huaiyi's meals, take a walk, and accompany him for his afternoon nap. In the afternoon, when Lu Huaiyi went to the study to read and practice calligraphy, she was completely free. She'd read a novel, catch an opera or two, and while away the hours.

If truly bored, she'd pick a pleasing invite from the stack and attend a banquet. The capital teemed with powerful families. Today, Lady Zhang might host a flower-viewing party, and tomorrow, Lady Li's grandmother might celebrate the birth of a golden grandson. If she wanted, she could attend banquets every day.

Every household would send invitations to the Lu mansion. Jiang Wanrou could attend if she wished, and if she didn't, no one dared comment. Lu Feng's position was special. Court officials dared neither offend him nor get too close. Jiang Wanrou now relished socializing with ease. No matter which family's banquet it was, she was always the most honored guest, surrounded by flattering words that made her laugh heartily.

Who doesn't like being flattered? Whether it's sincere or not, everyone's face lights up with smiles. So many young, fresh ladies surrounded her, with delicious food and wine, and the sound of singing and laughter. Every banquet concluded with hosts and guests alike thoroughly enjoying themselves.

As for the responsibilities she should have shouldered, such as managing the household and handling social interactions between families, Jiang Wanrou had struggled at first when she married into the family. But now, she had it all under control. With a few words, her subordinates would handle things quickly and efficiently. Under her combination of kindness and authority, the servants rarely made mistakes. With the help of her trusted aides, Jintao and Cuizhu, she didn't have to worry much.

Thus, the two sat in silence, staring at each other, feeling acutely awkward.

Lu Feng's expression was calm as he comforted her, "You should do whatever you need to do. Don't worry about me."

The family of three had just finished lunch. Perhaps because Lu Feng was present, Lu Huaiyi didn't dare to be picky with his food and spoke less, finishing his meal quickly before leaving. Jiang Wanrou felt frustrated as she looked at Lu Feng because she had nothing to do.

She regretted her diligence from the past few days. She had finished reviewing last month's account books, prepared gifts for various households, and almost completed the New Year's preparations. There were only a few crates of fruit left to be transported from the south, which couldn't be rushed. Even the fabric for the New Year's clothes had arrived, and all that was left was to have them tailored.

She wanted to show her virtue, but she really had nothing to do today. She didn't dare to just grab something to pretend, as she didn't know what mood Lu Feng was in. If he casually asked about it, she didn't think she could hide anything from the commander.

After thinking for a long time, Jiang Wanrou blurted out, "How about we go rest?"

Lu Feng looked up at her, slightly surprised, making Jiang Wanrou lower her head involuntarily.

She said, "The charcoal is burning well today. It's warm but not stuffy, and there's no smoky smell. It's perfect for sleeping."

—Pure nonsense.

Jiang Wanrou's room was always heated with the best red charcoal, and today was no different. It was just that Lu Feng's presence was too overwhelming, his sharp and cold gaze exuding a layer of gloom.

Even the most vicious criminals couldn't withstand Lu Feng's pressure. Jiang Wanrou had spoken without thinking and immediately regretted it.

She was about to explain herself when Lu Feng stood up and walked into the inner room, undoing the buttons on his upper garment.

"Aren't you supposed to be resting?"

Lu Feng's voice was low and deep: "Come here, undress me."

Jiang Wanrou reluctantly walked over, knowing that Lu Feng had misunderstood. As she untied his belt, she awkwardly said, "It's... still daytime."

Engaging in such activities during the day... isn't that improper?

Lu Feng lowered his head and casually pulled out the golden hairpin from her bun. Her hair tumbled down like a waterfall. She had put on lipstick before leaving, and with her black hair, red lips, and glowing snow-white skin, she looked stunningly beautiful.

"It doesn't matter."

...

It was painful.

Jiang Wanrou bit her lip, enduring it silently as usual, but she suddenly remembered the red agate she had kept, and her heart felt as if it were stuffed with cotton—frustrated and bitter.

And a bit nauseous.

In a fit of reckless courage, Jiang Wanrou, in her confusion, clung to the man's neck, her cheek rubbing against his shoulder, and fiercely bit down.