In ordinary households, while distinctions between wives and concubines were clear, it was common for them to dine together. When Luo Jingfeng was absent, his concubines treated Lu Zhu with utmost respect, so she often invited them over.
But since her husband had spoken, Lu Zhu had no choice but to comply. She even began to feel relieved: Thank goodness I didn’t become his concubine back then—otherwise, I’d hardly have any chance to be close to him.
Hehe, my husband really dotes on me. How wonderful!
As the meal neared its end, a guard entered and whispered, "Great General, the guests have been settled in the west wing."
"Mm." Luo Jingfeng acknowledged.
He set down his chopsticks and followed the guard out.
Lu Zhu frowned in thought: Who could be staying in the west wing? Isn’t that where the concubines live?
She called for a maid and asked, "Did the Great General bring anyone back with him?"
The maid answered truthfully, "Madam, they are two beauties from Jiangnan, gifted by His Majesty."
"Ah?" Lu Zhu scratched her head, understanding dawning.
Her husband would be visiting their quarters tonight.
But… she hadn’t seen him in over two years…
Given Luo Jingfeng’s usual respect for his principal wife, he typically spent the first night in her courtyard.
Lu Zhu couldn’t help but ask, "Are they very beautiful?"
The maid hesitated before tactfully stating the truth, "They were bestowed by His Majesty…"
"Then they must be stunning." Lu Zhu deflated.
As night deepened, the nursemaid took Little Luo Ji to bed.
Lu Zhu sat alone on the large bed, scratching her head one moment, pouting the next. Finally, unable to resist, she strode toward the west wing.
Knock knock— The sound interrupted the commotion inside.
A delicate feminine voice called out, "Who is it?"
Since it wasn’t her husband speaking, Lu Zhu stayed silent.
Soon, she heard Luo Jingfeng’s voice: "Open the door."
"But my clothes are already—ah, I’ll go right away!" The beauty, noticing Luo Jingfeng’s darkening expression, hastily threw on a robe and opened the door, cursing inwardly.
Recognizing Lu Zhu, the beauty curtsied. "This humble one greets the Great General’s Lady."
Luo Jingfeng lounged lazily on the bed, his robe half-open, revealing a firm, muscular chest streaked with traces of rouge. He lifted his head. "What is it?"
Lu Zhu’s eyes widened. Swallowing hard, she said, "Husband, it’s been over two years since I last saw you. I want to sleep with you tonight…"
The beauty panicked.
You’re the principal wife—how shameless to snatch a man from his concubine’s bed!
Isn’t this going too far?!
She hurried over, cooing, "Great General, this humble one has only just met you. My heart is filled with admiration—"
"Get out." Luo Jingfeng’s gaze cut to her.
The beauty: "……"
This man must be blind.
Abandoning a beauty like me just because his wife said a word? His eyesight must be failing.
Furious but not daring to show it, she snatched her clothes and stormed out. Only when the cold night wind hit her face did she realize: This is MY room!!!
The aggrieved beauty stood in disarray under the moonlight.
Meanwhile, Lu Zhu, having gotten her way, gleefully pounced on Luo Jingfeng. "Husband! I missed you so much! It’s been nine hundred and fifteen days since I last saw you!"
Her hands tugged at his robe, baring his chest completely. The familiar sensation returned as her scorching body pressed against him, reigniting long-dormant desires.
In the modest chamber, the two became one.
Afterward, Lu Zhu nestled in his warm embrace, dabbing sweat from his brow and planting featherlight kisses along his jaw.
She murmured, "Husband, I missed you so much. I wrote you so many letters—why didn’t you reply to even one?"
Luo Jingfeng stayed silent. He hadn’t even glanced at them.
Lu Zhu didn’t mind. She was used to it—her husband simply disliked sentimental words. He’s just shy, she thought.
Giggling, she nuzzled closer, pressing her cheek to his chest. "Husband, I wish I could stick to you every day. I love you so, so, so much."
Luo Jingfeng stiffened, his warmth cooling abruptly.
He shoved her away, his voice icy. "Don’t say such things to me!"
Lu Zhu blinked, rubbing the back of her head where it had hit the wall. "Why not? There’s no one else here. Husband, don’t be shy."
Luo Jingfeng glared, swiftly dressing and storming out.
Only when the door slammed did Lu Zhu realize—he’s genuinely angry!
Clueless but alarmed, she scrambled to throw on her outer robes. But women’s garments were cumbersome, and Luo Jingfeng was already far ahead. Barely managing to slip on one shoe, she chased after him, shouting, "Husband, wait for me!"
In the silent courtyard, Luo Jingfeng strode ahead.
Lu Zhu, clutching her robes and hobbling in one shoe, stumbled after him. Before long, she tripped over her hem in the darkness and crashed to the ground.
"Ah—!"
Hearing her cry, Luo Jingfeng whirled around.
Lu Zhu lay sprawled on the ground, robes and shoes scattered. His brow furrowed as he marched back.
Seeing him return, Lu Zhu beamed. "Husband!"
Luo Jingfeng took in her disheveled state—loose robes, dirt-streaked face, utterly lacking the dignity of a principal wife. Does she have no pride at all?
"How long do you plan to keep up this act?" he finally snapped.
She had married into the Prince of Southern Pacification’s Mansion, achieved it all—he became Great General, she became his lady; she bore the heir and secured her position.
Everything Wen Lingyu schemed for, Lu Zhu had obtained.
What more could she want?
What else is she trying to take from me?
Lu Zhu was baffled. "I’m not acting! I really fell!"
Luo Jingfeng gritted his teeth. "Is this amusing? You people from the capital—always pretending, always scheming. Don’t you tire of it? I’m exhausted just watching!"
Lu Zhu tilted her head, pondering. Husband says I’m pretending… but how?
After a long moment, it struck her.
She shook her head earnestly. "I was wrong, husband! I understand now—I promise I’ll never pretend again!"
Luo Jingfeng couldn’t describe the emotion that surged in him. The mystery that had plagued him for years was about to unravel.
All that talk of love and devotion—
Lies. All of it.
I don’t need it.
Bracing himself for her confession—that none of her affections were real—Lu Zhu suddenly launched herself at him, clinging tightly to his half-crouched form.
Pouting, she whined, "Husband, you were too rough earlier. My legs are weak, and my body aches. I didn’t want you to see me upset, so I pretended I was fine when I chased after you. But I can’t walk anymore, and my undergarments aren’t even properly tied… There are so many servants around—they’ll laugh at me! Can you carry me back? I swear I’ll never pretend again!"
