Chapter 32: The Parting of Husband and Wife, Tender Affection

Chapter 32: The Parting of Husband and Wife, Tender Affection

"This... this is so sudden?"

Jiang Wanrou's beautiful eyes widened in a daze, her expression looking even more bewildered under the warm yellow candlelight.

Lu Feng had been away on official business before, for as short as three to five days, or as long as half a month. If it was just a few days, he would send someone to inform her; for longer trips, he would send letters home to assure her of his safety.

His letters were concise, without any lingering words of longing, nor would he tell Jiang Wanrou where he was or what he was doing. Most of the time, it was just four words: "Safe, don't worry."

Though brief, Jiang Wanrou was always happy to receive his letters. She had prayed for many protective charms for his safety. She was still young, and Huai Yi had not yet become independent. She didn’t want to become a widow too early.

Jiang Wanrou forced a smile, just as she had done every time before, and gently reminded him, "Husband, be careful out there. It's cold, remember to add clothes at night..."

"If you don’t feel like smiling, don’t force yourself."

Lu Feng took Jiang Wanrou's fair hand and said gently, "I’ll do my best to return before you give birth."

As spring turned to summer, the weather would get hotter. There was no need to add clothes.

Jiang Wanrou, realizing this too late, no longer pretended to be as "generous and virtuous" as usual. She lowered her head, dejected.

"Will it really take that long?"

Her voice was soft as she stroked her round belly, saying, "The imperial physician said it's still a full four months until I give birth."

Jiang Wanrou had never felt this lost before.

Perhaps women are more sentimental during pregnancy. When he had gone out before, she worried about his safety, but she hadn’t felt much reluctance to see him go.

This time, she was so flustered she could barely speak.

Lu Feng was deeply trusted by the emperor. If he was sent on official business, it must be important. As a virtuous wife, she shouldn’t complain.

But she couldn't help it.

Lu Feng sighed softly and gently pulled her heavy body close, caressing her slightly red cheek.

"I know you're reluctant to part."

She was about to give birth, and how could he bear to leave her?

When Huai Yi was born, he hadn’t felt much, simply thinking that pregnancy and childbirth were natural for women. Although this pregnancy was unexpected, he was full of anticipation.

He had watched her belly grow day by day, personally experienced her unbearable morning sickness, seen her legs swell, and watched her toss and turn at night, unable to sleep.

She had gone through so much.

Jiang Wanrou rubbed her cheek against his rough fingers, like a lazy cat, and muttered, "Can't someone else go? Without my husband by my side, I feel panicked and lost."

Lu Feng remained silent.

Other matters could be discussed, but Prince Chen was his sworn enemy. His birth mother, the child who died in his place, the countless tablets in the Loyalty Shrine... these blood debts, if he didn't crush them to ashes, how could he face the world?

He tightened his arms and repeated, "I will return before you give birth."

Husband and wife looked at each other, speechless.

Jiang Wanrou also knew that her earlier wishful thinking was unrealistic. Lu Feng was carrying out the emperor's orders; how could he stay just because of her words? She closed her eyes and leaned against his chest.

His embrace was solid and reassuring, filling her with an inexplicable sense of security.

She murmured, "When are you leaving?"

"In three days."

Pei Zhang had initially set the departure date for two weeks later, planning to make thorough preparations. But Lu Feng, ever efficient and decisive, opted to travel light and moved the date up by ten days.

Leaving earlier meant returning sooner.

Lu Feng gently stroked her smooth, long hair and said, "While I'm away from the estate, focus on your pregnancy and avoid going out unless absolutely necessary."

"I've already informed my second and third brothers. For the next few months, we'll be turning away guests. If there are unavoidable matters, my sisters-in-law will take care of them. You needn’t worry."

"Mm-hmm."

Jiang Wanrou responded softly, "Right now, nothing is more important than my health. I know what matters most. As for the estate affairs, I’ve got it under control. I... I’m just worried about what’s happening outside..."

With Lu Feng leaving at such a crucial time, she couldn’t help but remember the birth of Huai Yi, when threats lurked everywhere. The shock had sent her into early labor, nearly costing both her and the baby’s lives.

Recalling those harrowing times, a wave of fear washed over her, her face paling slightly.

"Don’t worry."

Lu Feng patted her shoulder reassuringly, then pulled out a black waist token with golden inscriptions from his robe. On it was a bold, flowing character—"Forbidden."

"This is the command token of the Forbidden Dragon Bureau. Holding this token is like holding the Emperor’s authority, allowing you to command the Forbidden Dragon Bureau’s troops at will. Moreover, all military forces in the capital, like the Five City Garrison and the Patrol Battalion, will obey this token without question."

Lu Feng pressed the token into Jiang Wanrou’s hand and held it firmly. "I’ve left spies both inside and outside the estate, and Chang’an will stay with you. Don’t be afraid."

Lu Feng’s thorough planning left Jiang Wanrou both astonished and moved.

The cold, angular token felt like a hot coal in her hands. She stammered, "Husband... isn’t it improper to leave something so important with me?"

The token’s significance was clear from the phrase 'holding this token is like holding the Emperor’s authority.' From Lu Feng’s tone, it seemed that apart from the Emperor’s personal guards, this token could command any military force in the capital. This... was nearly as powerful as a military seal. How could the Emperor have entrusted such a crucial item to Lu Feng?

And Lu Feng had just... casually given it to her?

Jiang Wanrou felt dazed, as if she were dreaming.

"It’s just an object; don’t overthink it."

Lu Feng said indifferently. Back when Prince Chen had ambushed the Youzhou army en route to the negotiation site, he had raided the Youzhou estate, taking hostages and leaving a trail of blood. With such a precedent, Lu Feng dared not be careless.

Despite the Emperor's assurances, Lu Feng never placed his hopes entirely on others. He could protect his own wife and child. Most of the elite forces of the Forbidden Dragon Bureau were stationed around the Lu residence, and he only took a few trusted aides and skilled individuals with him. If he were to face the remnants of Prince Chen's forces, he would not fear even with just his sword.

"Then I will keep it."

Jiang Wanrou gripped the token tightly, her gaze anxious yet filled with an indescribable longing.

At this point, any further words would only add to the worry. She took a deep breath and placed Lu Feng's hand on her round belly.

Through the thin nightgown, the baby inside felt the warmth and began to move vigorously.

She looked at Lu Feng earnestly and said, "Husband, rest assured, I will protect myself and our child, waiting for your return."

With Lu Feng's protection, she would not let him down. A mother's strength is unmatched. She had raised Huai Yi through such difficult times, and now, with favorable circumstances, how could she not protect herself?

She urged, "Please be careful with everything outside, don’t worry about me or the household, I... I will wait for you to come back."

The candlelight flickered, spreading warm light, their gazes met and locked, the room was filled with warmth.

Suddenly, Lu Feng's expression changed slightly, frowning as he asked, "He... did he just move?"

"Yes, the baby doesn’t want you to leave either."

Jiang Wanrou, not yet noticing anything amiss, chided, "Take this chance to feel the baby more, who knows, he might be born by the time you return."

Lu Feng's gaze was serious as he looked at Jiang Wanrou, asking her, "Then, before..."

Before?

Jiang Wanrou suddenly remembered how she had once used her pregnancy to playfully tease Lu Feng.

Oh no!

The mood of farewell suddenly vanished, Jiang Wanrou looked sheepish, awkwardly saying, "Before... the baby moved before too, this time, maybe he’s extra excited because he knows his father is leaving, haha..."

Under Lu Feng’s intense gaze, Jiang Wanrou's voice grew softer, and her heart grew increasingly uneasy.

With the impending departure, she wasn’t worried about what Lu Feng might do to her, but this man could be particularly stubborn at times, just a scolding would be enough to make her miserable.

Jiang Wanrou looked at Lu Feng, his face was stern, with phoenix eyes, a straight nose, thin lips... After a while, she let out a long breath.

The next moment, her snow-white arms wrapped around the man’s shoulders like a snake, their lips met, the kiss deepening.

She slowly closed her eyes, like a small boat, letting the storm take over.

***

Since he had to leave, it was better to prepare early rather than dwell on the sadness of parting.

The next morning, Jiang Wanrou got up early to prepare Lu Feng’s luggage for the journey south.

A change of clothes was essential, during the unpredictable spring-to-summer transition, besides the summer thin clothes, she made sure to pack two thick garments for him. Lu Feng didn’t like to wear sachets, jade pendants, and other ornaments, saving Jiang Wanrou a lot of trouble.

Traveling south required taking a boat, the water was unpredictable, and storms or rain were inevitable, she prepared a raincoat, a bamboo hat, and a thick cloak for Lu Feng.

Besides clothes and bedding, Jiang Wanrou also prepared common medicines, to treat headaches or fevers was no trouble. Although Lu Feng said he didn’t suffer from seasickness, just in case, she packed a few slices of ginger.

The remaining small items, such as a water bottle, hemp rope, dagger, broken silver, etc., Jiang Wanrou felt it wasn’t enough, and in a jumble, she ended up packing three large boxes by morning.

Although she didn’t have to do it herself, after several hours of work, she was left exhausted and pale. Cuizhu came over with a bowl of ginseng tea, heartbroken, "Madam, take a break, the master isn’t leaving for three days, there’s no rush."

"This is just the beginning, there will be more to add in the future."

Jiang Wanrou sat down, took a sip of tea to moisten her throat, frowned and said, "This ginseng... is a bit old."

Having lived in luxury for so many years, her tongue had become more and more refined, she could taste the difference with just one sip.

Cuizhu hurriedly said, "Madam, please forgive me, I will go and change a cup."

"No need, go and see why the tea is different today, are the maids in the tea room slacking off, or have they changed people?"

It was just a cup of tea, she wasn’t blaming or punishing the servants. Previously, Lu Feng was always in the mansion, like a sea-fixing needle, calming her heart.

Now that he hasn’t even left yet, Jiang Wanrou was already a bit on edge. Better safe than sorry, there’s no harm in being cautious.

She ordered, "In the afternoon, call everyone in the mansion to the small garden, I want to give a speech."

"Furthermore, henceforth, Jin Guangyuan will only allow people to leave, not enter. Whether it's the seamstresses managing the inner chambers or the gardeners in the outer courtyard, if someone falls ill, replace them immediately. No new faces are to be admitted."

Jiang Wanrou wearily rubbed her temples and said, "Go to the Forbidden Dragon Bureau and first show these to the master. Report back to me if anything is missing or needed."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Cuizhu went outside to call a few guards to carry the boxes. Before they even left the courtyard, Jiang Wanrou suddenly called out, "Wait—"

"Wait for me for a moment."

She steadied herself by holding her waist as she walked into the bedroom. From beneath the pillow, she retrieved a coin-sized circular jade disc, strung with a red cord. The jade was smooth and delicate, with a qilin—a mythical creature symbolizing good fortune—carved on the front and densely packed Buddhist scriptures on the back.

After looking at it for a while, she picked up the jade disc and had someone open the box, tucking it among the clothes.

"Go now."

This was a talisman she had procured for herself and her child when she first learned she was pregnant. She had spent a fortune, inviting a high monk from the Huangjue Temple to chant scriptures for forty-nine days, and had it blessed to protect her and her child.

She wanted him to be safe too.