Chapter 100 Returning to the Capital

Chapter 100: Return to the Capital

Jiang Wanrou had no idea that a crisis had been inadvertently resolved by her. Lu Feng would never burden her with such vulgar matters. She only thought that Lu Feng, living up to his soldier’s stamina, seemed to possess boundless energy. It wasn’t until several days later, when her monthly courses came on time, that Jiang Wanrou finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Compared to the hurried and chilly journey here, their return trip in the bright spring of March was leisurely and unhurried. Traveling northward, Jiang Wanrou had endured exhaustion, illness, and even abduction before Lu Feng found her. Afterward, he kept her under lock and key, confining her to their chambers and forbidding her from stepping outside—leaving her utterly stifled.

A master at feigning helplessness, she coaxed and nagged Lu Feng until he finally agreed to take her out for some fresh air. Unable to resist her pleas, Lu Feng had a riding outfit tailored for her and took her horseback riding on the grasslands.

Having been confined to rigid courtyards for so many years, Jiang Wanrou couldn’t learn to ride properly in such a short time. She could only indulge herself on a docile, short-legged pony. At first, Lu Feng was patient, but eventually, he grew impatient with her slow progress. He simply wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her onto his own steed.

His mount was a purebred Ferghana stallion, nearly as tall as Jiang Wanrou herself. Lu Feng tightened his legs around the horse’s flanks, and the warhorse shot forward like an arrow. Startled, Jiang Wanrou clutched its glossy black mane and gasped, “Slow down!”

Lu Feng’s voice was deep. “What’s there to fear? I won’t let you fall.”

He wanted her to see the picturesque lands he had conquered.

With Lu Feng’s strong arms around her and his familiar, broad chest at her back, Jiang Wanrou gradually calmed from her fright. High atop the galloping steed, her robes fluttered in the wind. The sky was blue, the clouds white, and the endless stretch of grasslands before her was breathtaking. Jiang Wanrou found herself utterly mesmerized.

Such magnificent scenery didn’t exist in the capital. During her time in Turkic with Liu Yuenu, her mind had been preoccupied, and the bitter cold had left her no leisure to appreciate the beauty around her. But now, here with Lu Feng, she felt the vastness of the world—how small and insignificant humans were in comparison.

From then on, Jiang Wanrou often pestered Lu Feng to take her riding. It was such a trivial request that he indulged her willingly—until one evening when they returned to their tent. Lu Feng pushed her thighs apart and saw the angry red abrasions on her fair inner thighs, some spots even broken and raw.

His expression darkened instantly. No matter how much Jiang Wanrou begged afterward, he refused to relent, even taking away the short-legged pony. Frustrated, Jiang Wanrou sulked, and the two returned to Weicheng in a tense standoff.

Lu Feng and Ling Xiao had matters to discuss, so they remained in Weicheng for over ten more days. While the men busied themselves, Jiang Wanrou and Lu Qingling, sisters-in-law, were reunited. When Lu Qingling saw Jiang Wanrou’s rosy complexion, she was beside herself with relief, hugging her tightly and refusing to let go.

She had carried guilt over Jiang Wanrou’s abduction from her own residence. In remorse, she had disbanded the seamstresses who sewed garments for the soldiers. Had it not been for the crowded chaos that day, her elder sister-in-law wouldn’t have been harmed.

Jiang Wanrou, however, dissuaded her from such measures. Though the war had quieted, and Lu Qingling and Ling Xiao could finally share a roof, it was still good for Lu Qingling to have something to occupy herself in the vast, lonely general’s residence.

In truth, Jiang Wanrou felt a stab of jealousy toward her sister-in-law. Lu Qingling had been so spoiled in her youth, yet now, having found a good match, she seemed reborn. The couple discussed everything, and Ling Xiao even shared military affairs with his wife. Lu Qingling could openly conduct business, practice martial arts, and—as the maids whispered—even spar with her husband, sometimes winning, sometimes losing (though she won more often).

Jiang Wanrou admired their marital harmony but couldn’t help feeling a pang of bitterness. It was obvious—Ling Xiao, a general who had clawed his way up from the ranks, could easily defeat Lu Qingling’s half-baked swordplay. Their sparring was just a playful game between lovers. But what about Lu Feng? When they played chess, not only did he refuse to let her win, but if she secretly moved a piece, he would point it out smugly!

Though the comparison was unfair, Jiang Wanrou couldn’t help sulking. Coinciding with her recent spat with Lu Feng, she lay against his slick-with-sweat chest one night and half-jokingly complained.

Lu Feng went still. Only then did Jiang Wanrou realize how awkward her words were. In their youth, they had been so proper—why was she now reverting to schoolgirl antics?

After a long silence, Lu Feng finally spoke. “Cut back on those silly romances.”

He paused, then added, “And don’t learn from Lu Qingling.”

Jiang Wanrou’s gaze turned reproachful. Lu Feng pondered for a moment before wrapping an arm around her and pulling her atop him, his voice rough. “Fine, I’ll go easy on you.”

“Take your move.”

……

Jiang Wanrou never complained to Lu Feng again. Fortunately, she was easy to please—no one was perfect. Lu Qingling endured the hardships of the frontier with Ling Xiao year after year. Who could truly understand the difficulties they faced?

The capital was claustrophobic but luxurious; Weicheng was unrestrained but merciless. Each place had its own pains and joys—there was no point in comparing. The most important thing was to live one’s own life steadfastly.

With Lu Feng present, Lu Qingling didn’t dare mind her manners under his watchful eye. Last time, at Jiang Wanrou’s suggestion, the women had produced more shoes and socks than usual. Though Lu Feng dismissed such trifles, the sisters-in-law took great pride in their work—especially Jiang Wanrou.

As they huddled in conspiracy in their chambers, Jiang Wanrou, drawing from past experience, came up with many novel ideas. Lu Qingling jotted each one eagerly, gazing at her with admiration. “Sister-in-law, you’re a genius! It’s just a shame…”

A shame that the man she married happened to be her elder brother. For now, she had to tread carefully—but once he left, her husband, General Ling, would indulge her. With the capital far away, she’d answer to no one.

A woman as intelligent and perceptive as the sister-in-law is bound to my brother for life. He always wears a cold expression, never so much as cracking a smile. She dares not even breathe too loudly in front of him, afraid that one wrong word could land her a beating.

Years have passed, and my brother's rank and power have only grown, his temper becoming increasingly unpredictable. Even she, who once "respected" her elder brother the most, now fears him. For the sister-in-law to be with him day and night, even needing his permission just to step outside—it's truly no easy feat.

Jiang Wanrou shot Lu Qingling a glance and chided with a smile, "Little sister, watch your tongue."

Nowadays, Lu Feng glares at Lu Qingling with disapproval, scolding her for being "too unruly to be a proper wife," as if the Duke's household had married off a poorly raised girl to Ling Xiao. He even told the sister-in-law to "teach" her unruly sister-in-law properly.

Lu Qingling shuddered and quickly began massaging Jiang Wanrou's shoulders ingratiatingly. "You’re the best, Sister-in-law."

Jiang Wanrou wasn’t about to do his dirty work. Even Ling Xiao thought his wife was fine—why did Lu Feng have to stick his nose in? She spent her days chatting with Lu Qingling, playing with the adorable Xiao Yuner, and occasionally, when Lu Feng was in a good mood, she would take a stroll through town.

Wei City wasn’t very large, with just one main road running north to south. On the day they arrived, Jiang Wanrou had glimpsed through the carriage curtains the blacksmith shops, taverns, and bustling street vendors. Now, accompanied by Lu Qingling, she experienced them firsthand, finding everything a delightful novelty.

Remembering Lu Feng’s story about the "female butcher," she made a point to visit her stall. The butcher was tall and sturdy, dressed in coarse linen that clung to her muscular arms. Business was good, and Jiang Wanrou had to wait her turn. The butcher hefted a heavy cleaver, without so much as a glance as she asked, "How much meat do you want?"

Jiang Wanrou hesitated, then replied softly, "My husband’s legs trouble him. I’d like to buy some bones to make soup for nourishment."

Perhaps it was the gentleness in Jiang Wanrou’s voice, but the butcher finally looked up at her and said, "Step back, ma’am. Wouldn’t want to startle you."

Though Jiang Wanrou wore a veil, her luxurious attire and the red pearls dangling from her ears were worth more than the butcher could earn in half a lifetime. Her hands were clearly not a laborer’s hands.

Jiang Wanrou obediently took a step back, but her curious gaze drifted toward the two men behind the curtain—one in green robes, the other in white, both fair-skinned and handsome, unlike the sun-weathered men of Wei City.

She was staring too openly. The butcher handed Jiang Wanrou the chopped bones and said flatly, "They’re both my husbands."

Jiang Wanrou’s eyes widened in shock. "Wh-which one?"

The butcher deftly tied the bones with straw rope, wiped her greasy hands on her apron, and handed the bundle to Jiang Wanrou.

"Both."

……

Jiang Wanrou stumbled back to the general’s estate in a daze, still reeling from what she had witnessed. She had thought Lu Feng was teasing her—she never imagined Wei City’s customs were this wild!

Lu Feng said calmly, "If she can handle it, what’s the issue?"

He had always held capable individuals in high regard. In his eyes, the butcher, who supported her household single-handedly, was a "remarkable woman," different from ordinary ones.

Jiang Wanrou sulked. "So butchering pigs makes her remarkable? Your wife also—"

She wanted to say that though she lacked the butcher’s strength, she kept the shops and estates running smoothly—in a real comparison, the butcher might not even measure up. But before she could finish, she met Lu Feng’s sharp, icy gaze.

"Hmm?"

Jiang Wanrou backpedaled fast. "Your wife also had the butcher chop some bones for soup. After months of campaigning, you’ve been neglecting your injuries."

"Once we return to the capital, we must have Mr. Luo take a look."

Lu Qingling was right—when Lu Feng fixed someone with that stern, unsmiling stare, it was truly intimidating. Jiang Wanrou flung herself into his arms, clumsily changing the subject.

She must have been mad to bring this up with Lu Feng!

Fortunately, Lu Feng didn’t press further. He studied her dark hair for a long moment before finally saying, when Jiang Wanrou was on the verge of trembling, "It’s much better now. No need to worry."

Thanks to Jiang Wanrou’s meticulous care—applying ointments and wrapping his knees—Lu Feng had endured the harsh Turkic winter without issue. His legs didn’t bother him anymore, and he walked almost normally.

Lu Feng himself had forgotten about his old injury. No one else dared mention it—only Jiang Wanrou remembered it every day.

That bowl of bone soup still didn't let Lu Feng drink a single sip. Jiang Wanrou sometimes could never quite read him, like just then—if you said he cared, he remained utterly silent; if you said he didn’t, he was possessive that night, his large hand covering her mouth and nose as he breathed against her ear, "Rou'er, be good."

He repeated it many times that night. When Jiang Wanrou woke up, she learned they were leaving Weicheng.

Their departure came suddenly. Ling Xiao and his wife saw the group off at the city gates. The two women, now sister-in-law and wife, parted reluctantly, while Lu Feng and Ling Xiao remained taciturn, their eyes meeting briefly before darting away in silent understanding, as if they had reached some unspoken agreement.

"This is unbecoming," Lu Feng chided softly. Lu Qingling dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief and stepped beside Ling Xiao.

Before leaving, Lu Feng couldn’t resist asserting his authority as elder brother, his expression stern as he lectured, "Now that you’re married, you must fulfill your duties as a wife. No willfulness. Attend to your husband dutifully, support him, and raise your children well. Understood?"

Lu Qingling murmured her assent, but Ling Xiao stepped forward, shielding her, and said helplessly, "Your Highness."

"She’s timid. Don’t frighten her."

Lu Feng snorted but said no more. He gave Ling Xiao a meaningful look, to which Ling Xiao nodded slightly. "I shall not disappoint Your Highness."

Once the group had disappeared from sight, Lu Qingling, her eyes still red, asked curiously, "Husband, what did my brother entrust to you?"

Ling Xiao smiled, his broad hand enveloping hers. "Nothing much. Just told me to take good care of you."

"Really?"

Having been Lu Feng’s sister for many years, Lu Qingling clearly didn’t believe it.

Ling Xiao removed his cloak and draped it over her. "The wind is strong out here. Let’s go back."

Having endured the harsh winter, the return journey proved easier. At least there was hot water for bathing, unlike the misery of their outbound trip. Jiang Wanrou's heart raced toward home. By late May, when lotus buds first pierced the water's surface, they finally arrived back in the capital they had long been parted from.

***

Lu Feng made no fanfare of their return. The gates of the Prince of Qi’s residence swung open, and Lu Huaiyi’s small figure led the household in welcoming his father and mother home.