PMM - 44

Lian Sheng knew why her husband was angry, and she found it both amusing and exasperating. But since she had promised Yi Huan earlier in the day to make him happy, she couldn’t break that promise in the afternoon. So, she allowed him to lead her back to the room obediently, offering no resistance.

Until he turned his head to look at her, his starry eyes still reflecting his unhappiness. Lian Sheng smiled: “Husband, you’re jealous.”

He shot her a cold glare: “Don’t talk nonsense. I’m not!”

“You are. It’s written all over your face.”

He forced a smile: “Our army has returned victorious. I should be overjoyed.” Lian Sheng suppressed a laugh and hooked her finger at him. “Husband, lean down.”

He remained silent, his gaze probing. Lian Sheng’s voice was sweet: “I want to kiss you.”

Yi Qian Cheng flicked her forehead. “You’re shameless.” Yet his eyes sparkled, and he lowered his head to look at her. Lian Sheng wrapped her arms around his neck and lightly kissed his cheek—a fleeting touch, like a dragonfly skimming the water.

His pupils were pitch black, and her reflection filled them entirely.

“Husband, are you happy now?” she asked softly, a hint of shyness in her voice. In the past, she had only dared to speak of such things, but this was the first time she had taken the initiative to kiss him. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and Lian Sheng’s eyes brightened. “Then don’t be so petty. I can’t stay indoors forever. We’ve fought several battles this year, and I want to do something personally for the soldiers.”

Her voice was soft and carried a note of coaxing. Yi Qian Cheng was reluctant in his heart, but he didn’t want to disappoint her, so he eventually gave a faint “Mm.” This was his way of letting her have her way, as long as she was happy.

Lian Sheng had made up her mind to finish the shopping the next day, and this time Yi Qian Cheng didn’t stop her. However, the matter was ultimately left unresolved.

—The next day, she couldn’t get out of bed.

Yi Qian Cheng tirelessly indulged himself with her, eventually coaxing her into one last round on his desk.

The New Year arrived in the blink of an eye. The night before, a heavy snowfall blanketed the ground, turning everything silver and white as far as the eye could see. Lian Sheng wore a pale moon-white chrysanthemum-patterned upper garment, soft pearl-lined cotton shoes on her feet, and an additional red padded jacket over everything. Her entire body was wrapped in thick layers of clothing, leaving only her fair face and sparkling dark eyes visible.

She looked festive and utterly endearing.

Yi Qian Cheng curved his lips slightly and took her to the main hall to receive the ministers of Shaji. Though the Yi household didn’t have many formalities, every New Year, the ministers would come to the city lord’s residence to pay their respects. In previous years, Yi Qian Cheng would sit alone in a tall chair, but this year, another chair had been added beside his.

Song Yuan arrived early, performed his respectful bow, then fell silent. Suddenly, he turned to Lian Sheng and said: “My lady, forgive me. I’ve wronged you in the past.”

Lian Sheng was startled, looking at Yi Qian Cheng with some unease. He gave a slight nod, signaling for her to accept the apology. Feeling rather embarrassed, Lian Sheng thought Song Yuan’s past reactions were understandable and not something to apologize for. She quickly replied: “Lord Song, please don’t say that. I know you meant no harm.”

In Yi Qian Cheng’s name, Lian Sheng had sent gifts to each of the generals, and those who came to thank her expressed their gratitude one after another.

Fu Yi arrived later, accompanied by a woman dressed in pink.

The woman had a graceful figure. Compared to Lian Sheng, who had deliberately layered herself in thick clothing, the woman wore only a single robe, her posture elegant and delicate like a willow swaying in the breeze. She looked undeniably beautiful. Lian Sheng studied her for a moment, surprised that the woman didn’t seem to feel the cold, and silently admired her resilience.

After exchanging some festive greetings, Fu Yi introduced her to Yi Qian Cheng and Lian Sheng: “This is the great contributor I mentioned to the general—Miss Yan Yue.”

Yan Yue bowed gracefully, smiling confidently toward the main seat. However, her gaze lingered briefly on Lian Sheng before settling on Yi Qian Cheng. Women are often sensitive, and even without a word spoken, Lian Sheng sensed that this seemingly unfazed young woman harbored ill intentions.

Though Yi Qian Cheng didn’t notice Yan Yue’s hidden agenda, he had indirectly interacted with her before—the intelligence from the Fengmu lord’s residence had been delivered through her. Logically, she should have stayed in Fengmu rather than returning to Shaji with the army.

“Miss Yan Yue pays her respects to the general.”

“Miss Yan has worked hard. This general will surely reward you handsomely. May I ask what brings you to Shaji?”

With her hands folded neatly over her abdomen, Yan Yue glanced at Lian Sheng, who was watching her intently, and lightly curved her lips: “The current lord of Fengmu is General Yi. As someone from the Fengmu lord’s residence, it’s only proper that I pay my respects. Moreover, my two elder brothers have been brought to Shaji. I humbly ask the kind-hearted general to show them leniency.”

She skillfully avoided addressing heavier matters while presenting herself as a dutiful and loyal woman, earning a measure of respect.

Yi Qian Cheng didn’t wish to discuss such matters during the New Year celebrations, but since Yan Yue had done Shaji a favor, he decided to grant her some consideration. He calmly responded: “It is only fitting.”

“Miss Yan will visit again another day to discuss matters concerning Fengmu and my brothers.” Sensing the moment to retreat, she raised her eyes, her gaze carrying a hint of allure. Yi Qian Cheng withdrew his gaze, his expression betraying no emotion.

After all the guests had been received, the strange feeling lingering in Lian Sheng’s heart refused to dissipate. Unwilling to accuse someone without cause, she felt troubled for a moment, but her worries vanished when she saw a small puppy.

It was a gray little pup, barely two weeks old, its short fur just beginning to grow, and its tiny milk teeth starting to emerge. It wobbled as it walked, its hind legs still too weak to support it properly.

Lian Sheng was absolutely delighted, cradling the puppy in her arms and gently scratching under its chin. The little pup looked up at her with big, shiny black eyes, exuding a mischievous charm. Seemingly aware that Lian Sheng was its future master, it nestled closer to her affectionately.

Yi Qian Cheng watched indifferently from the side, contemplating tossing the “stupid ugly dog” outside. But realizing that having this creature around would keep her entertained, he restrained himself.

The puppy was so small that Lian Sheng’s joy soon turned to worry. She feared it wouldn’t survive or might fall ill. With snow covering the ground, its short fur made it look pitiful. Lian Sheng quickly instructed Xi Yu to make a cozy, warm nest for it.

She truly adored the little thing and spent a while playing with it. The puppy gazed at her with its jet-black eyes and licked her fingers.

“Take this… dog away!” Yi Qian Cheng’s gaze turned cold as he glanced at Xi Yu, who hurriedly carried the puppy to another room.

“Husband?” Lian Sheng turned to look at him, puzzled.

“It’s hungry. Let it eat something before bringing it back.”

Lian Sheng nodded, her cheeks flushed with healthy color. Yi Qian Cheng handed her a handkerchief to wipe her hands, carefully cleaning them several times. His movements were gentle, and Lian Sheng, lost in her joy, asked him: “Husband, what do you think we should name the puppy?”

A dog was just a dog—a mere source of amusement for her. Yi Qian Cheng had no intention of naming it.

“What about… since it snowed heavily last night, let’s call it ‘Bai Xue’ (Snow).”

He couldn’t help but laugh at her earnestness, finding her far more adorable than any dog. Sweetness seeped into his heart.

After some thought, Lian Sheng realized calling a gray dog “Snow” was a bit comical. She sighed and suggested: “How about ‘Hui Xue’ (Gray Snow)?”

Yi Qian Cheng neither agreed nor disagreed. After thoroughly drying her hands, he reminded her: “A-Sheng, what about my New Year gift?”

Lian Sheng hadn’t forgotten, but thinking of the cloak she had made long ago—back when her thoughts were already on him—she felt a bit shy.

She retrieved the cloak and handed it to him: “You’re not allowed to dislike it.”

His eyes sparkled with amusement: “That’s not guaranteed—I’m quite picky.”

He had already seen this cloak before, though she didn’t know that. Under her anxious gaze, he shook out the garment. His face was stern as he scrutinized it with a critical eye. Lian Sheng watched his expression intently, fearing he might show any sign of dislike.

Yi Qian Cheng didn’t put it on but tucked it into his arms instead.

“You... you don’t like it?” She looked slightly aggrieved, appearing pitiful and helpless. He leaned down, his warm breath brushing against her ear, sending a shiver of ticklishness through her. “I like it, I like it so much.”

So much so that he couldn’t bear to wear it.

~

Lian Qi read the letter in his hands over and over again, as if by staring at it long enough, the person described in the letter would appear before him.

The letter meticulously detailed what she had eaten, whom she had met, and what they had talked about. In just a few thin sheets of paper, it recorded all her joys and sorrows, telling him how happy Lian Sheng was after leaving him.

His hand unconsciously tightened around the letter, then relaxed again as he checked to see if the paper was damaged.

This was all he had left.

The New Year celebrations at the Shaji city lord’s residence were lively this year, but Yingdong had never been so desolate. Both daughters had married far away, the eldest son had distanced himself, refusing to return home for the festival and staying in the military camp instead. Only the youngest son, Lian Xi Yue, remained, but he was still bedridden from illness.

Lady Sang wept bitterly in front of Lord Lian, irritating him deeply.

As a mother, she worried not only about Lian Xi Yue’s health but also about her daughter who was now in the imperial city. Since Tiantian had married the emperor, she hadn’t sent back a single letter. Lady Sang dreamed every night, but the shrill cries of women in her dreams made her fear that her daughter wasn’t doing well.

“Crying, crying, all you do is cry! A married daughter is like spilled water—no matter how worried you are, it won’t help! As long as we hold onto Yingdong, His Majesty won’t mistreat Tiantian!”

“But... but General Yi’s forces are strong. Even Xiang Han isn’t his match. What about us…?”

“The combined forces of Yingdong, the imperial city, and Huanshui—do you really think they can’t stand up to Yi Qian Cheng alone? Stop thinking about these things. If you have time, focus on disciplining your son. If he hadn’t been causing trouble every day, Yi Qian Cheng would already be dead in Yingdong!”

Lady Sang’s nails dug into her palms. She didn’t know if Lord Lian was deluding himself. Yes, Yingdong and the imperial city would deal with Yi Qian Cheng, but Huanshui might not! No one knew better than they did—if Ling Jiuyao ever found out about that secret from years ago, he would never help them fight Yi Qian Cheng!