Chapter 94 Young Couple, Old Companions

Chapter 94: Youthful Lovers, Lifelong Companions

Lu Feng didn’t come back until well past midnight.

During the time Jiang Wanrou was missing, Lu Feng personally led his cavalry, ravaging half the grasslands. Wujin was already deep within Turkic territory, and the royal court had repeatedly sent envoys to negotiate peace, offering terms ranging from gold, silver, and horses to the cession of cities. Yet Lu Feng paid no heed, advancing with unstoppable momentum; his forces now threatened the royal court itself.

Today, Ling Xiao and several other generals approached Lu Feng once more regarding the peace negotiations. The Turks were now offering to surrender several cities, some of which were key trade hubs—a gesture of considerable sincerity. The generals believed it was worth discussing.

The war had lasted four or five months. Because of Jiang Wanrou, the situation had progressed two months faster than Lu Feng had anticipated. Great Qi had bled troops and supplies too. Lu Feng planned to take a brief respite, allowing the army to rest and recuperate before pressing forward to march straight into the Turkic royal court.

The current emperor was thrilled to see his own flesh and blood expanding his empire. Among his sons, Lu Feng resembled him the most. Now in his twilight years, the emperor was overjoyed to have his own child conquering lands on his behalf. He personally oversaw military provisions and declared, "All matters concerning the Turks shall be decided by the Prince of Qi."

With the emperor's support, Lu Feng was determined to fight. Yet the generals were growing restless, pressing the prince, both openly and subtly, to back down. This winter had been exceptionally harsh. The Turks were based farther north, making the transport of fodder and supplies even more difficult than in Great Qi. Now, as the weather gradually warmed, the ice and snow on the roads melted, easing the transport of heavy equipment. The grasslands were beginning to turn green again, providing ample fodder for the horses. The Turks now held the upper hand in battle.

Each battle grew harder than the last. The Turks were sincere in their desire for peace, and their own army needed time to recuperate. Why not seize the chance?

Apart from Ling Xiao, whose stance remained ambiguous, the other generals gradually wavered, urging the prince to reconsider. Yet Lu Feng stood his ground: if they wanted war, he’d give it to them.

Today, the peace negotiations were debated late into the night. One officer even dragged Lu Feng’s name through the mud, citing the scholars’ accounts of the Prince of Qi’s fearsome renown—and none of it flattering.

That person read aloud a denunciatory proclamation against the Prince of Qi, all but jabbing a finger in Lu Feng’s face and calling him "bloodthirsty, cruel, and tyrannical." It warned that if he did not restrain himself, he would "fall into the beast realm, never to be reborn." Even a saint would’ve snapped at that... let alone the notoriously ruthless Lu Feng.

When he returned, his expression was grim.

Jiang Wanrou had already taken a short nap. Hearing the commotion, she jolted awake and rushed to greet him barefoot.

"You're back."

Sleep had left her cheeks rosy, her dark eyes glistening. The buttons of her nightgown were loosely fastened, one undone, revealing a bruised yet snow-white shoulder and a red neck ribbon.

Lu Feng’s gaze turned even darker. He reached out, his rough palm caressing her exposed shoulder, his touch reigniting memories of their recent passion. Jiang Wanrou shuddered, her legs weakening slightly.

Lu Feng adjusted her gown and said, "Why aren’t you wearing shoes?"

The room was carpeted with warm, plush rugs, so Jiang Wanrou didn’t feel cold. She clung to his arm and said, "I wanted to see you. Didn’t even stop for shoes."

"I was waiting for you."

"Waiting for me?"

Lu Feng raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You’re not tired yet?"

These past few days, she had been unusually passionate, wrapping her legs around his waist and refusing to let him leave. Lu Feng had initially intended to be gentle, but in the heat of the moment, he lost control.

Looking back, he thought—she had deliberately seduced him, like some spirit draining him dry. It wasn’t entirely his fault.

Jiang Wanrou shot him a reproachful glare and said coyly, "My master, haven’t you heard the saying? The field never tires—only the ox does. You should at least rest for a couple of days."

Lu Feng chuckled lowly, pulling her into his arms and murmuring by her ear, "Do I need to rest? Don’t you know best?"

They stumbled into the bedroom, limbs entwined. Though Lu Feng ruled like a lord at home, outside, he disliked being waited on. He bathed and washed his hair himself, emerging bare-chested, wearing only black silk trousers tied at the waist. Water dripped down his chiseled frame, his chest crisscrossed with scars—proof of his strength and a stark reminder of his brutality.

Jiang Wanrou used a soft cloth to dry him. These wounds had already scabbed over, but though Lu Feng paid them no mind, it twisted her heart. However fierce he’d been these past few days, she endured it silently, leaving not a single scratch on him.

Even Lu Feng murmured, "Such a good girl."

Jiang Wanrou wiped his body while saying, "Mr. Luo is skilled in making medicinal ointments. When we return to the capital, have him prepare a remedy to treat these scars again."

Lu Feng narrowed his eyes, enjoying her care, and chuckled, "Don’t be ridiculous."

Applying some wound powder wouldn’t hinder his movements. He wasn’t some delicate woman, and over the years, he had even accepted a limp without complaint—what did a few more scars matter?

Jiang Wanrou paused and looked up at him. "Or you’ll regret it when you’re older."

She’d always taken good care of herself and couldn’t understand why people like Liu Yuenu and Lu Feng treated their bodies so carelessly. With Liu Yuenu, she could only offer advice, but Lu Feng was her husband—if he didn’t care, she had to care for him.

Lu Feng brushed off her concern. Besides, this was something to consider after returning to the capital. According to Lu Feng’s plans, this battle would take at least three months, if not half a year.

He didn’t want to argue with her over something months away and brushed her off with a few casual words. Jiang Wanrou tucked the thought away but had other matters on her mind today.

After finishing wiping his body, she had Lu Feng sit on the edge of the bed while she knelt on the mattress, drying his hair.

Lu Feng raised an eyebrow. "You’re awfully obedient today."

Jiang Wanrou smiled. "It’s my duty. I’ve been idle for too long—I’ve gotten lazy."

Lu Feng handled everything himself when outside, and Jiang Wanrou, exhausted from travel and illness, had been sleeping deeply. He’d even gotten up quietly to avoid disturbing her. Compared to the old days when she had to serve him meals and dress him for court despite her drowsiness, this was nothing compared to back then.

Under the dim glow of an oil lamp, her voice was gentle as a stream. Lu Feng felt as though he had returned to the splendid capital, thousands of miles away. He fell silent, closing his eyes to savor this rare moment of relaxation.

His hair was thick and wiry. Jiang Wanrou carefully dried it, occasionally massaging his scalp and temples. After a long while, she ventured cautiously, "Husband… are you in a bad mood today?"

He’d looked thunderous when he entered—she needed to gauge the right moment.

Sure enough, Lu Feng seethed instantly. Today’s events had truly angered him, and in front of someone close, he saw no need to hide it.

He sneered, "Mark my words, I’ll scrap that useless council!"

He commanded the most elite force in Great Qi—the Youzhou Army, which had once followed the emperor to conquer the realm. The emperor was shameless with women but treated his generals as brothers, often addressing them as such.

Between brothers, rank meant nothing. The emperor had established a tradition: a monthly military council where all twenty-three officers, regardless of rank, could speak freely, combining their wits to secure victory in turbulent times.

With everyone on the same page, the emperor’s open-mindedness had won them many battles against overwhelming odds. After his ascension, the Youzhou Army was reorganized, but the tradition remained. That was why Lu Feng, a staunch advocate for war, had wasted the day listening to useless arguments.

He disdained empty debates. Once, Ling Xiao had stood firmly by his side, citing classics and debating eloquently. But now, even Ling Xiao was wavering, his words vague. Lu Feng knew—he, too, was leaning toward peace talks.

Lu Feng seethed. Peace talks? If not for their victories, who would even consider negotiating? Might makes right—was that so hard to grasp?

Lu Feng tolerated no defiance. If not for his father starting the council—and his father still sat on the throne—he would have had every dissenter flogged ten times and thrown out.

After hearing the whole story, Jiang Wanrou murmured, "The generals might have a point—"

Before she could finish, Lu Feng turned sharply, his gaze icy. "You’re siding with them?"

Startled, Jiang Wanrou quickly patted his chest. "No!"

"Don’t be upset. Others may not understand, but I do. You’re thinking of the bigger picture. Without you fighting on the front lines, how could we enjoy peace in the rear?"

"If they don’t understand, don’t waste your breath on them. Don’t be upset."

Lu Feng’s anger eased at her words. His expression softened as he pulled her into his arms.

"Not at you."

He stroked her silky hair gently. "Did I scare you? At least… you understand me."

Lu Feng had lived a charmed life from birth, yet now that he had won battles, a group of people clamored for peace talks, filling him with the bitterness of unrealized aspirations and finding no kindred spirit.

He hated bringing war and politics into the bedroom, but outside, all he heard were endless pleas: "Reconsider, my lord" or "Be cautious, my lord." Even his personally promoted confidant and brother-in-law, Ling Xiao, defied him. Only she stood by him!

She didn’t understand warfare or the politics between kingdoms, but she understood him.

Lu Feng restrained himself out of respect for his status, and considering the others had just returned from the battlefield—if not glory, they’d at least earned their keep. He couldn’t repay them with ingratitude. Jiang Wanrou, however, had no such reservations. She fiercely condemned them as "short-sighted," "absurd," "weak-willed," and "spineless," while showering Lu Feng with admiration, praising him as "wise" and "brilliant," easing his temper and stroking his ego.

The anger pent up all day vanished in an instant. He sighed softly, "With a wife like this, what more could I ask for?"

Seeing her righteous indignation and shared fury, he instead comforted her, saying, "Those who know me say my heart is troubled; those who don’t ask what I seek. It matters not." [Note: This proverb expresses the idea that only true friends understand one's inner turmoil.]

Jiang Wanrou fell silent.

His touch grew gentler, and she nestled quietly in his arms, sensing his anger gradually dissipate.

Yet hesitation lingered in her heart. Recalling the memorial she had seen on his desk earlier that day, she bit her lip and pressed her palm against his firm, muscular chest.

Softly, she murmured, "The generals are entirely wrong, but... regarding the peace talks... this wife of yours... agrees."

"I have my own selfish reasons."

Lu Feng raised a brow. Unlike his earlier impatience in the military tent, he now motioned for her to continue.

Jiang Wanrou’s hand wandered over his chest, tracing each scar with delicate fingers.

In a low voice, she said, "I’m just a woman who knows nothing of war. All I know is you’re mine."

"You win battles, hailed by the people and honored by the emperor, yet all I want is a safe and healthy husband."

"I was sixteen when I married you, and counting carefully, it has been six years now."

She lifted her head, her dark, glistening eyes meeting his under the warm candlelight, holding only him in her gaze.

She said, "A young couple grows old together. I wish to be with you, as husband and wife, forever."