PMM - 43

After having dinner together, Yi Qian Cheng talked about the upcoming New Year celebrations. Lian Sheng listened with great interest. She had been married to Shaji for almost a year, and there were hardly any household matters for her to manage. Yi Qian Cheng’s parents were elderly, and his younger sister was gentle and sensible. As the lady of the city, she was extremely idle.

“So, this year’s New Year celebration will be entrusted to A-Sheng.”

She nodded with some excitement. The New Year in Shaji was focused on celebrating with the people, and it would be quite lively. Lian Sheng needed to distribute red envelopes to the servants and arrange new clothes and the family reunion feast.

He sensed Lian Sheng’s joy and softened his gaze. She still retained a childlike innocence, and staying at home must have been very boring for her. After nearly a year of military campaigns, he hadn’t spent much time with her.

Yi Qian Cheng held Lian Sheng’s hand and looked down at her: “The New Year is approaching. Has A-Sheng prepared a gift for me?”

Who asks for gifts like that? She looked at him incredulously, clearly indicating with her eyes that she hadn’t.

He pondered: “This winter is especially cold. During the military campaign, the biting wind felt like knives cutting through. If I had warm clothing, it would have been much better.” He pinched her fair cheek, “A-Sheng should prepare something carefully.”

Lian Sheng secretly rejoiced. She had almost forgotten, but earlier, she had made a cloak and hadn’t had a chance to give it to him. So, he really needed it! She smiled broadly: “Mm-hmm!”

He definitely didn’t know she had already made it. She would surprise him later.

A small jade-colored box appeared before Lian Sheng. She reached out to take it, “What is this?”

“The merchants of Fengmu sent it, saying it’s a tribute to the lady of the city.”

She opened it to see the blood-red jade bracelet shimmering with red light under the candlelight, incredibly beautiful. “Is it okay to accept such a valuable item?” It looked expensive, and accepting it might create obligations.

“It’s fine. You are the lady of Shaji, and you deserve everything.” Not just a small jade bracelet, but even if someone gave her vast lands and rivers, she would deserve it. He discarded that annoying hairpin and would only give her better things in the future.

He mentioned “lady of the city” twice, and Lian Sheng’s eyes twinkled with laughter. “Mm-hmm, I am the lady of the city.” Never before had a title made her feel so warm.

“Let’s go to bed.”

The smile in Lian Sheng’s eyes froze. Thinking about his endless pester last night made her feel a faint pain between her legs. Yi Qian Cheng sighed: “Don’t be afraid, I won’t touch you.” He had abstained for too long last night, which was why he couldn’t help himself. From now on, he would control himself properly.

Reassured by his promise, Lian Sheng breathed a sigh of relief and cautiously confirmed: “Husband, you must keep your word, alright?”

He gritted his teeth, “I promise.” Has his credibility really fallen so low?

Lian Sheng thought to herself that her husband indeed lacked credibility. He often went back on his words. At first, he said he absolutely wouldn’t touch her, but then he did. He coaxed her into crying out, and when she did, he made her say she loved him. Even after she said it, he still didn’t stop.

The two of them spent the first half of the night without incident. Yi Qian Cheng didn’t dare hold her, lying stiffly on his back to sleep. Seeing that he kept his promise, Lian Sheng fell asleep peacefully. The problem arose in the second half of the night when he was awakened by an erotic dream.

A man in his twenties who had just experienced intimacy couldn’t possibly not think about it. While awake, he could control himself with willpower, but once asleep, it was beyond his control. In the dream, she swayed with his movements. He thrust fiercely into her as she moaned softly. Her slender waist was in his hands, delicate and supple, and he buried himself inside her body, ravaging her freely, conquering and plundering.

When he woke up, sweat beads formed on his forehead, and his eyes were filled with intense desire. His body’s reaction was uncontrollable, and at his youthful age, the erect part ached painfully.

Yi Qian Cheng turned his head to look at the person beside him. The sky was already slightly bright. She lay there with her eyelashes closed, sleeping soundly, completely unaware of her bedmate’s torment.

Yi Qian Cheng sighed. Even without a promise, he couldn’t bear to touch her again tonight. But the distance between them made him unhappy. He extended his long arm and pulled Lian Sheng into his embrace.

Lian Sheng, still drowsy, snuggled against him.

Yi Qian Cheng sucked in a breath and buried his face in the crook of her neck, playfully nibbling on her. Then he sat there lost in thought, enduring alone until dawn.

The next day, Lian Sheng didn’t see Yi Qian Cheng. He had gone to the military camp early. In a few days, Fu Yi would return with the army, and they would need to discuss how to handle the two young masters of the Yan family from Fengmu.

Recalling the New Year preparations discussed last night, Lian Sheng decided to ask Yi Huan for her opinion. It was her first New Year in Shaji, and she didn’t know the customs, fearing she might make a fool of herself.

Last night, a layer of frost had settled outside, signaling the deep winter. Knowing that Yi Huan didn’t fare well in winter, Lian Sheng deliberately waited an hour before going to her courtyard to find her.

Yi Huan was hugging a hand warmer, wrapped in a light purple cloak, watching the pomegranate tree in the courtyard. The fragile life, after last night’s frost, looked even weaker this morning.

Seeing Lian Sheng arrive, a hint of blush appeared on her pale little face. She welcomed Lian Sheng in and, upon hearing her purpose, shook her head and smiled, “Sister-in-law, don’t worry about these things. In previous years, my brother and I celebrated alone, and the mansion was quiet with no special rules. Sister-in-law can do as she pleases. Regardless, this year will definitely be livelier.”

Lian Sheng pursed her lips and smiled, nodding. Yi Huan seemed very talkative today and even mentioned some stories from Yi Qian Cheng’s childhood: “Back then, Father and Mother were still alive, and Brother wasn’t as composed as he is now. On the day before the New Year, he took Song Yuan and Fang Mu hunting in the snow, which infuriated Father, who threatened to beat him to death when he returned. When they came back at night, everyone was shivering from the cold. It turned out they chased a snow fox all over the mountain. They managed to catch the fox, but the people froze. Seeing Father about to hit him, he closed his eyes and collapsed on the ground.”

“When he suddenly fell, it scared us all. Father was also stunned and quickly called for a doctor. Brother secretly opened his eyes and winked at me and Mother. That’s how Brother escaped a beating, and Father never found out; he got away with it.”

Lian Sheng never imagined her husband had been so... mischievous and couldn’t help laughing. After laughing, she felt a bit heavier in her heart. He used to be so carefree and happy, but later he was forced to take on the responsibility of a city, likely experiencing much more pain. He lost his parents, and Fang Mu, who grew up with him, was also gone.

Yi Huan glanced at Lian Sheng’s expression and continued: “Brother used to be very happy. Father said this city could be overturned by him. After the major upheaval in the city, for three whole years, Brother didn’t smile. His entire personality changed.” Yi Huan paused and gave a faint smile, “After Sister-in-law arrived, things improved. Brother often smiles, and his eyes are filled with joy.”

“Sister-in-law, please take good care of him. He really likes you. Make sure he is as happy as he used to be.”

Lian Sheng nodded. She pitied him and liked him, naturally hoping he would be happier. But Lian Sheng felt strange. Yi Huan’s words sounded like a kind of entrustment, making her feel uneasy for no apparent reason.

“Huan’er, when you get married and have a husband, it will be lively then.”

Yi Huan smiled and didn’t respond.

Speaking of Yi Huan’s husband, Lian Sheng suddenly thought of Fu Cheng Yu, the man whose eyes always sparkled with cunning. Since leading troops to Yuanhuai, she hadn’t heard any news of him.

Lian Sheng knew he liked Yi Huan. When he held an umbrella for Yi Huan, it was as if the whole world existed under that umbrella. Lian Sheng poured a cup of hot tea for Yi Huan: “Huan’er, will Lord Fu return for the New Year?”

Yi Huan took a sip of tea and lowered her eyelids: “I haven’t heard from him in a long time.”

Lian Sheng spoke in a relaxed tone: “It doesn’t matter. The road to Yuanhuai is far, one south and one north of Shaji. It takes a long time to send a message back and forth. Maybe Lord Fu will return one day unexpectedly.”

While Lian Sheng was chatting with Yi Huan, she didn’t expect Fu Yi to return earlier with the army. With Yan Yue’s assistance, the matters of Fengmu were handled properly and swiftly. As the large army entered the city, wave after wave of cheers rose from the crowd.

Yi Qian Cheng received the news and personally went to welcome them. Fu Yi bowed respectfully: “Fu Yi has accomplished his mission. Congratulations to the General for obtaining Fengmu.”

Yi Qian Cheng patted his shoulder and laughed heartily: “Strategist, you’ve worked hard!” He then loudly addressed the soldiers in front of him: “The soldiers have also worked hard! You are all fine men of Shaji. In a few days, there will be generous rewards. Everyone has been away from home for a long time. Today, you don’t need to return to the camp. Go home first and see your families!”

The soldiers cheered and shouted praises for the benevolent general. Behind the crowd, Yan Yue sat in the carriage, lifting the curtain to glance outside. Through the gap, she happened to see Yi Qian Cheng. He was exceptionally handsome and dignified, yet extraordinarily humble when speaking to the strategist.

Yan Yue let down the curtain and smiled, her lips curling slightly. It seemed she had chosen the right person. Earlier, she had warned Fu Yi that Xiang Han was unpredictable in his moods, fearing that he might turn on them after achieving their goals. But that wasn’t the case—she had considered more. The southern warlord, Xiang Han, already had a wife and three concubines. Though his temperament was eccentric, he never rejected women, especially those who were useful to him.

But Yan Yue didn’t want such a man; she had no interest in someone so easily obtained. From a young age, she had been fiercely competitive. Now, with the ability to overturn an entire city, she naturally wanted to choose the best husband for herself. She had long inquired about Yi Qian Cheng: he had married one wife and had no concubines. Moreover, his heroic deeds of slaying enemies at the age of seventeen filled her with admiration. A man like him wouldn’t be overly indulgent in lust but would value emotions more deeply.

If he could fall in love with her, he would cherish her for a lifetime.

Yan Yue wasn’t worried about being too late. After all, his current wife was the daughter of the Lian family from Yingdong. There had always been animosity between the Yi and Lian families. Yi Qian Cheng’s marriage to the Lian girl was undoubtedly tied to what lay behind her—the power of Yingdong. And as for Yan Yue? Behind her stood the prosperous Fengmu.

In her mind, whether considering the bigger picture or personal grievances, it was far more advantageous for Yi Qian Cheng to marry her rather than the Lian girl. A smart man would naturally know how to choose.

In fact, in Fu Yi’s mind, replacing the current mistress of the household with Yan Yue would also be more beneficial. Yingdong had already fallen, and Lord Lian had betrayed the general. Retaking Yingdong would surely involve conflict. Meanwhile, Fengmu was now on good terms with Shaji, and a marriage alliance would further solidify the relationship between the two cities.

However, Fu Yi hesitated. The general had once rushed back without hesitation to save his wife, indicating her significant place in his heart. The general valued loyalty and affection, so broaching the topic of marrying Yan Yue would need to be done gradually. Besides, they had just returned victorious to the city—it wasn’t the right time to bring up such matters.

Yan Yue and Fu Yi discussed it and decided that she would settle into the city first and then visit the general at a later date.

In the end, Fu Yi only mentioned to Yi Qian Cheng that someone who had played a major role in capturing Fengmu had arrived in Shaji. Yi Qian Cheng nodded: “They deserve proper reward.” He viewed this “meritorious person” through the lens of rewarding loyal subjects, completely unaware that he himself was the object of desire.

After receiving the guests, Yi Qian Cheng returned to the mansion. Hearing that Lian Sheng had gone to Yi Huan’s courtyard, he spent some time reviewing documents in his study. Suddenly reminded of something, he tapped his fingers on the desk and summoned a bodyguard.

“Go ask those slippery old foxes from Fengmu if they have any interesting trinkets.”

The burly bodyguard didn’t understand what the general meant and scratched his head, asking: “General, I don’t quite get it. What kind of… interesting trinkets are you referring to?” In his view, both women and money were interesting, but hadn’t the general already refused both?

“Cats, dogs, that sort of thing,” Yi Qian Cheng said with a frown. He didn’t like these things at all—they irritated him just by looking at them. Never did he imagine he’d resort to using such things to please a woman.

“I’ll carry out your orders.”

“Find something ugly—but not too ugly,” Yi Qian Cheng added indifferently.

“...” As long as you’re happy.

After waiting for a long while and still not seeing Lian Sheng return, Yi Qian Cheng inquired further and learned that his wife had left the mansion to buy winter clothes. Rubbing his temples, he decided to go pick her up personally.

Lian Sheng was indeed busy shopping. She believed that celebrating the New Year wasn’t just about festivity—it was also about showing thoughtfulness. The past year had been filled with worries over Yingdong, and now that she finally felt a sense of belonging, she wanted to do something personally for Yi Huan, Yi Qian Cheng, and his generals.

She was beautiful, and when she had accompanied Yi Qian Cheng to Qihuang Mountain, it had caused quite a stir. Now, standing in the shop and carefully selecting fabrics, she drew many admiring glances, both overt and covert. Though she dressed warmly because she was sensitive to the cold, her graceful figure couldn’t be hidden beneath the layers. Her face was exquisite, captivating everyone who looked at her, and people craned their necks to peer into the shop.

When Yi Qian Cheng arrived, he saw this scene and immediately darkened his expression, though he couldn’t very well lash out at the curious townsfolk.

Seeing the general arrive, the crowd dispersed like birds and beasts fleeing. Yi Qian Cheng strode forward and grabbed her wrist: “Let’s go home!”

“Husband? But I... I haven’t finished choosing the fabric yet...”

“Have them send it to the mansion. You can take your time picking there.”

Lian Sheng didn’t like this idea. She had come out for fun, and doing everything within the mansion would defeat the purpose of preparation. She looked up at him, seeing the displeasure written all over his face, sighed, and decided to return home to discuss it properly with him.

Yi Qian Cheng thought, She has enough energy to go out, so it seems my concern last night was for nothing!