Chapter 82 The Past Is Over

Chapter 82 The Past is Gone

The Turks abruptly broke the alliance treaty. Before dispatching Lu Feng to oversee the military campaign, the emperor ordered the immediate execution of Chen Fu. After carrying out the imperial decree, Pei Zhang passed through Luoyun Town on his way back to the capital. Coincidentally, the tax reduction request had just been approved—though only by thirty percent, it greatly alleviated the hardships of the local people.

There was no urgency to return to the capital. Troubled by dreams, Pei Zhang felt an unexplained fondness for Luoyun Town and lingered there for a while, assisting the local magistrate with various affairs. Unexpectedly, he happened to encounter Lu Feng, who was heading north.

The magistrate of Luoyun Town was a plump middle-aged man with slender eyes and a fawning but not off-putting expression. He hurriedly said, "Your Highness, the head of the Chen rebel was sent to the capital a month ago. Lord Pei handled the matter—you may rest assured."

Lu Feng gave him a cold glance, and the magistrate immediately stiffened in fear, clasping his hands in front of his protruding belly, which strained against his official robe, making him look rather ridiculous.

"You may leave."

A minor magistrate like this was beneath Lu Feng’s regard—even speaking to him was a condescension. Pei Zhang smirked at the magistrate and said gently, "Lord Liu, you may return first. Please arrange for a few skilled cooks and discreet servants. His Highness has traveled far and endured much hardship—prepare some food and wine to refresh the esteemed officials."

The magistrate bowed repeatedly before withdrawing. Once the hall was empty save for the two of them, Lu Feng suddenly snorted coldly. "You certainly know how to handle people."

In the capital, Pei Zhang was known for his diplomatic skill, and even here in this remote town, a petty official deferred to him. Lu Feng had to admit that Pei Zhang had his talents.

Pei Zhang arched a brow pointedly. "If I didn’t know how to handle people, how could I shoulder the heavy responsibilities entrusted to me by Your Highness?"

Their eyes met briefly before they wordlessly dropped the subject.

Pei Zhang took a sip of tea. Luoyun Town was so poor that even its finest tea was inferior to the lowest-grade leaves in the capital, leaving a bitter aftertaste.

Appearing unfazed, Pei Zhang set down his cup and asked, "How long does Your Highness intend to stay here?"

Lu Feng replied, "Ten days."

"Ten days?"

Pei Zhang arched a brow pointedly. "The front lines... may not be able to wait that long."

Lu Feng’s gaze sharpened like a blade. "Pei Zhang, you overstep your bounds."

Pei Zhang met his eyes without flinching. "No offense intended, Your Highness. Do not misunderstand."

"See that you don’t."

Lu Feng’s expression remained indifferent as he said coldly, "Since you’ve completed the task assigned by His Majesty, there’s no need for you to linger here."

Pei Zhang smiled faintly. "With the sudden tax reduction in Luoyun Town, Magistrate Liu is bewildered and hesitant about the imperial will, afraid to act. Since I’ve begun assisting, I might as well see it through. Once matters here are settled, I will naturally return to the capital."

He added, "I have already detailed the reasons to His Majesty in my memorial. It is not intentional delay."

Lu Feng said coldly, "Since you’re so committed, you might as well stay here permanently and avoid the chaos in the capital."

Pei Zhang was taken aback, his elegant features showing a complicated expression. "When the world is at peace, perhaps I truly will stay here. After all, this place... Never mind. Your Highness must be weary from travel. I shall take my leave."

Lu Feng watched his retreating figure, his dark eyes inscrutable. After a long silence, he stood and left as if the conversation had been nothing out of the ordinary.

***

Jiang Wanrou slept for two full days. Without the urgency of travel, the small room was kept warm with two charcoal heaters, and with Jintao attending to her closely, she had largely recovered by the third day.

Jiang Wanrou couldn’t stand being disheveled. Having eaten well, slept soundly, and taken several doses of medicine, she gradually regained her strength and no longer wished to lie in bed all day. She had Jintao help her dress and groom.

In this desolate and remote place, Jiang Wanrou did not dress as extravagantly as she had in the capital. She wore a lake-green embroidered jacket with a matching skirt, its hem adorned with delicate willow branches. Jintao styled her hair in a hanging bun, securing her silky black hair with a plum blossom hairpin, leaving a strand to cascade down her neck. When she walked, it swayed like willow tendrils, complementing her green attire.

Her face had grown thinner, her once softly rounded jaw now delicate and refined, making her dark eyes appear even brighter. She stood like a graceful willow tree, radiating vitality amidst the barren winter.

Jiang Wanrou nodded approvingly at her reflection in the bronze mirror and asked Jintao beside her, "Where is the Prince? Why haven’t I seen him today?"

Jintao replied, "Military reports arrived from the front today. It is said that General Lingxiao has routed the Turkic forces. The first battle was our victory."

"The Prince is reading military reports in the front courtyard. Princess Consort, shall we go to him?"

Throughout the journey north, Jiang Wanrou had grown increasingly attached to Lu Feng. They spent every meal and night together, and Lu Feng indulged her, bending many of his own rules for her sake. For instance, he would hold her while replying to Ling Xiao’s letters. At those times, his expression was grave, his lips pressed tightly together as he wrote with bold and deep brushstrokes. Jiang Wanrou would gaze up at him, quietly nestled in his arms, her heart pounding like a rabbit.

Lu Feng was strict about separating public and private matters. Back in the capital, Jiang Wanrou had known better than to disturb him in his study. Even now, she still didn’t know what he was writing, but being held by him, her cheek pressed tightly against his chest—this feeling was subtly different.

She couldn’t pinpoint how it differed from before, but it was undeniably not the same.

A smile spread across Jiang Wanrou’s face. "We won? That’s wonderful news."

Feeling guilty for delaying their journey because of her, Jiang Wanrou had forced herself to endure the simple local fare—nowhere near as good as Lu Feng’s roasted game—just to recover quickly. She swallowed the bland millet porridge and took her medicine without complaint, all to resume their travels as soon as possible.

The physician had said it would take ten days to half a month, but she had recovered in just three. Without mentioning her intention to find Lu Feng, Jiang Wanrou stepped out of her room. The sunlight was warm today, and there was no biting wind. She squinted her eyes, stretched her arms and legs, and relished the strength returning to her body.

If all was well, she planned to tell Lu Feng they could set off today.

The courtyard of Jinguang Manor was vast, with gates and walls at every turn, guarded by maids and elderly ladies. It never occurred to Jiang Wanrou that anyone would dare spy on her. She skipped and hopped, twisting her neck, stretching her arms, lifting a leg, and turning—only to come face-to-face with a man with refined features.

"Careful!"

"Princess Consort, watch your step!"

Before she could react, her body lurched forward. Pei Zhang rushed over, his snow-white boots scraping the muddy ground before he abruptly halted. Jintao, in a flash, steadied her by the arm and waist, preventing Jiang Wanrou from an embarrassing fall.

Staring at Pei Zhang before her, Jiang Wanrou froze, speechless. She wondered if he had seen her clumsy display, why he had appeared so suddenly, and—inexplicably—thought of Jiang Wanying. Dazed, she was momentarily silent.

Fortunately, Pei Zhang was ever the diplomat. He smiled gently and said, "I’m here on imperial business and was just on my way to seek the Prince. Passing by, I happened to see you nearly fall. My apologies for arriving too late to assist, Princess Consort."

With these words, he explained his presence and politely suggested he had only arrived as she stumbled, seeing nothing untoward.

It was this subtle thoughtfulness that made it impossible for Jiang Wanrou to ever dislike Pei Zhang. Blushing, she looked down, smoothing her sleeves and skirt. Softly, she replied, "I see. I’m fine, Lord Pei. There’s no need for concern."

Under normal circumstances, Pei Zhang would have excused himself to avoid impropriety. But today, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her, his hands clenched into fists beneath his sleeves.

Jiang Wanrou had grown thinner. Compared to the lavishly adorned noblewoman back in the capital’s grand mansions, she now seemed fresh and lively, her delicate hands with their pale pink nails free of the ornate nail guards she once wore—exactly like the "wife" he remembered.

She… should have been his wife!

Pei Zhang’s chest ached dully, stealing his breath. Noticing his pallor, Jiang Wanrou asked urgently, "Lord Pei… Lord Pei? Are you all right?"

Pei Zhang exhaled deeply, lowering his gaze. Suddenly, he said, "This place is called 'Luoyun Town.' At dusk, the sun sinks, and the clouds seem to descend to the earth—hence the name."

Jiang Wanrou was confused. Pei Zhang continued, "To the north of Luoyun Town lies a vast grassland. By day, one can ride freely across the plains. By night, weary, one can lie on the high slopes and gaze at the stars. Though it lacks the capital’s splendor, there is a quiet joy in its simplicity."

He gave a bitter laugh, raising his eyes with a faint glimmer of hope. "Princess… do you… find this place familiar at all?"

The question confused her. Jiang Wanrou blinked her long lashes, but before she could respond, Jintao stepped forward and said coldly, "Lord Pei, mind your words."

For an unrelated man to speak to the Princess Consort in such ambiguous terms—if overheard, the consequences would be dire.

Yet Pei Zhang, usually so composed and proper, seemed bewitched, staring intently at Jiang Wanrou. After a long silence, Jiang Wanrou lifted her head and smiled at him.

She said, "The town’s name is indeed poetic. The sunset is beautiful, but I’ve never been fond of the fading light."

"Compared to descending clouds, I prefer the rising sun. Lord Pei, this place is lovely, but it is not where I belong."

Her words were loaded with implication, and Lord Pei's face turned pale then flushed. Suppressing the turmoil in his heart, he put on a calm front and said, "You... have you also had... a dream?"

Jiang Wanrou seemed oblivious to his odd behavior and replied, "A dream? I dream every day. Dreams aren't real—I forget them as soon as I wake up."

She paused, lowering her eyes. "Lately, I've been troubled by nightmares, so I sought a monk's blessing. The monk told me: the past is gone, and one should live in the present."

"What does Lord Pei think?"

Pei Zhang bit the tip of his tongue, the metallic taste of blood flooding his mouth. After a long silence, he took a step back and bowed deeply. "The Princess Consort speaks wisely. I understand."

Jiang Wanrou wore a composed smile and likewise stepped back, offering a slight curtsy. "I'm heading to the front courtyard to find His Highness. Would you like to come along, Lord Pei?"

"No, I just remembered—there's a memorial I forgot to retrieve. I must take my leave."

"In that case, safe travels, Lord Pei."

Jiang Wanrou didn't seem surprised by his answer. Meanwhile, only after Pei Zhang's figure had completely vanished did Jintao, watching her mistress's smiling face, voice her concern: "Princess Consort..."

Jiang Wanrou shot her a look. "Jintao, you've been with me the longest. You should know what to say and what not to say."

Her expression unchanged, she headed to the front courtyard to find Lu Feng. At first, her steps were steady, but they grew increasingly hurried until she was nearly running, her jade-green skirts fluttering in the wind. When Lu Feng saw her, he pushed aside the secret missives on his desk. Jiang Wanrou flew into his arms like a homing bird, clinging tightly to his neck, tilting her head up, and pressing her lips to his.

...

Their lips met, breaths mingling. After a long while, a silver strand of saliva connected their lips. Jiang Wanrou panted, trembling as Lu Feng raised a hand to wipe the tear from her cheek.

He lifted her chin and said, his voice hoarse, "Why are you crying?"