Wuyan looked at her hand tightly gripped in his palm. Though he wasn’t squeezing the wrist that had been injured before, his strength was enough to cause her pain. He stared at her intently, his eyes filled with cold, blazing fury – both wild and distant, as if he wanted to crush her completely.

She didn’t know when it started, but it seemed there was nothing left between them but hate and anger. She couldn’t describe her current feelings – was it exhaustion, pain, or something else?

Lian Yue came over and grasped Huo Chang’an’s hand. “Chang’an, Wuyan is a good girl, just somewhat stubborn by nature. But you’ve long known her temperament. Since you like her, you must accept her. For your sake, I made up my mind last night to let go of everything. Shouldn’t you do the same? This finally resolves a matter that’s been on your mind all these years. Today, please, for my sake, let’s have a good meal, alright?”

The iron grip slowly loosened. His cold gaze softened slightly as Huo Chang’an said, “Return to your seat and eat. Why talk about obeying all rules?” He suddenly sneered coldly, “If you feel that being in my, Huo Chang’an’s, presence defiles you, then get out.”

Uncle Liang went to serve the dishes, but Aunt Liang stood worriedly in the hall, constantly giving Wuyan meaningful looks.

“The Marquis’s rebuke is justified. Wuyan overstepped propriety.” Accepting her kindness, Wuyan bowed to Huo Chang’an and Lian Yue without further words, then walked directly to sit between one of the women and Chanying Qiang.

Lian Yue cast a light glance her way – unhurried, unrushed, with slightly curved eyes.

Her eyes cleverly showed no provocation, nor was there need for provocation. Winners never need to provoke – provocation is always the weapon of the defeated.

Wuyan had expected Lian Yue to make things difficult directly, but Lian Yue was Lian Yue. She didn’t deliberately show favor, but would display subtle jealousy to let Huo Chang’an know, while still standing from her husband’s perspective to accommodate her.

She had angered him, yet needed another woman to plead for her.

Her mouth was full of bitterness. She just wanted to cry and scream to vent her feelings, but she couldn’t even do that. Indeed, only death could bring unconscious relief.

That recent scene seemed to hide raging storms between the three of them. All the women were shocked by Huo Chang’an’s words – they had been in the mansion long and had never seen the Marquis lose his temper so severely.

Everyone could see that this Wuyan had past connections with the Marquis and Princess Imperial. Had Wuyan been on bad terms with the Marquis? But why bring her to the mansion now?

Who exactly was this woman?!

Zhuxin frowned tightly, looking at Wuyan with eyes full of questions. Even the most talkative Pingping didn’t dare speak, and the others made not the slightest sound.

“Master, Madam, the food has arrived.”

Uncle Liang led a dozen servants and maids filing in. The maids served everyone food, but Lian Yue personally attended to Huo Chang’an. Wuyan ate quietly. During the meal, Lian Yue and Huo Chang’an discussed border defenses of various nations, gradually dispelling the deathly stifling atmosphere.

Only Chanying Qiang and Ji’er Zhang could join the conversation about military tactics and warfare. Though the women appeared well-educated and mannerly, they didn’t understand much. Wuyan realized that Huo Chang’an often took Lian Yue on travels. Lian Yue was naturally clever and willing to learn – over time she had picked up quite a bit of knowledge. When she deliberately said something wrong, Huo Chang’an’s stern face finally showed a trace of smile as he corrected her mistake. Hearing this, Lian Yue’s face flushed as she pouted at her husband. Seeing this, Zhuxin and Pingping interjected at the right moment. Pingping joked around, making Huo Chang’an laugh heartily. When Pingping occasionally took over the conversation from Zhuxin, Huo Chang’an would serve Lian Yue food while actively saying something to Zhuxin.

Wuyan felt like she was eating sand, but she still forced herself to eat quite a bit. She feared that if her body collapsed, there would be no one to care for her mother. After all, in this matter, even if Lian Yu and Suzhen wanted to help, they couldn’t.

Compared to Wuyan’s good appetite, Huo Chang’an usually ate three or four bowls of rice, but today he put down his chopsticks after just one bowl. The light sound shocked everyone’s hearts. Lian Yue frowned, “What’s wrong? Doesn’t the food suit your taste?”

“No, just don’t have much appetite today.” Huo Chang’an patted his wife’s hand, then remembered something and asked Uncle Liang, “Did you send someone to fetch a physician?”

Uncle Liang quickly replied, “This morning Madam hadn’t risen yet, and fearing to disturb her rest, we didn’t go. I’ll go now.”

Lian Yue looked coquettishly at her husband, “It’s just the change of season making me feel drowsy. There’s no need for a physician. You’re making a big fuss – do you want to summon Imperial Physician Feng to take a look?”

Imperial Physician Feng was the Vice Director of the Imperial Medical Academy, with exquisite medical skills. Compared to the elderly old director, he was in his prime years, strong and vigorous, making house calls more convenient.

Unexpectedly, Huo Chang’an nodded, “You’ve reminded me. Old Liang, send someone to see if Imperial Physician Feng is on duty today. If not, invite him. If so, then invite Dr. Yu whom we usually use.”

“Yes.” Uncle Liang smiled and agreed. Ji’er Zhang spoke up, “Young Master, Madam, my brother and I are fast runners. Shall we make the trip?”

Before Huo Chang’an could answer, Lian Yue was already scolding, “How can I have you brothers do such menial work? Uncle Liang can just send a couple of people. Are you bullying me for having no one in my household?”

She lightly chided with a glance. Ji’er Zhang and Chanying Qiang exchanged smiles, saying repeatedly, “We dare not.”

Wuyan had felt a surge of emotion earlier, causing stomach pain and discomfort. She slowly put down her chopsticks. Except for the familiar scenery, there was nothing familiar left in this household. In the past, even when she and Huo Chang’an were on good terms, she had never been able to get along with his brothers and subordinates like Lian Yue did.

Here, Zhuxin and Pingping earnestly inquired about Lian Yue’s health. Lian Yue’s eyes were languid as she shook her head, saying it was nothing and they needn’t worry.

Huo Chang’an waved his hand, having Uncle Liang handle it, then looked at Lian Yue, “When you’re finished eating, I’ll escort you back to your room to rest first.”

He glanced at Wuyan, “Come to my study later. I have something to discuss with you.”

Wuyan nodded. Everyone thought Huo Chang’an was quite angry this time – he had restrained himself for Lian Yue’s sake during the meal, but going there now would probably mean a severe scolding.

Pingping was somewhat gloating, winking at her sisters. Zhuxin sighed inwardly, but Lian Yue said, “Master, it’s not that I want to interfere with you and Wuyan talking, but though my condition isn’t serious, I’m still feeling listless and not quite myself. Look, the weather is so clear, and I haven’t flown kites in a long time. Could you accompany us in flying kites first?”

The women didn’t understand why Lian Yue was helping this Wuyan again. Zhuxin immediately smiled, “Marquis, Zhuxin boldly proposes that the sisters and I compete for your and Madam’s entertainment. What do you think?”

Huo Chang’an looked at Lian Yue with raised eyebrows, then finally settled his gaze on Zhuxin, “Fine. If you lose, you’ll serve me tonight.”

Zhuxin’s face reddened as she shyly lowered her head. Pingping and the others were already laughing and making noise, “Master, that’s not fair.”

“Then no one will want to win this competition.”

“…”

But Wuyan understood very clearly that Lian Yue absolutely wasn’t trying to help her this time – she didn’t want her to be alone with Huo Chang’an. As enemies, understanding your opponent was a form of respect. She smiled inwardly, about to excuse herself, when Zhuxin had already pulled her over, whispering advice, “Come along.”

Faced with this kindness, Wuyan felt somewhat helpless. The most difficult thing to refuse in life is sincere goodwill.

Among Huo Mansion’s several gardens, one called “Yujing” occupied an extremely large area. Famous flowers and beautiful trees were arranged in perfect harmony, gracefully situated among waterside pavilions, artificial mountains, and rock formations – truly an excellent location.

Last night, Wuyan had stood here for a long time.

When the masters wanted entertainment, naturally a large group of servants busied themselves attentively – arranging pavilions, fans, fruits… nothing could be lacking. Uncle and Aunt Liang went ahead first to direct the preparations.

Lian Yue wanted to go out and get some sun, not wanting to wait indoors. So Huo Chang’an embraced his wife and walked out. The two lieutenants followed behind, talking and laughing.

The women walked last. Pingping and the others tactfully didn’t push forward to compete for favor. Lian Yue’s status was too noble, and Huo Chang’an was usually very protective of her. Everyone knew their place – this was different from ordinary noble households.

Soon, everything was ready. The azure sky was clear as crystal, warm breezes gentle. Five colorful large kites were soon soaring in the clear sky. Though Zhuxin appeared delicate, when she ran she was extremely swift, and her hands were extraordinarily nimble. Her kite flew highest, provoking cries of mock anger from Pingping and the others. Ji’er Zhang and Chanying Qiang, two grown men, weren’t afraid of the sun and stood outside the pavilion applauding and cheering.

Wuyan also stood quietly outside the pavilion.

Uncle and Aunt Liang served in the pavilion. Seeing Huo Chang’an not even glance at Wuyan, only peeling fruit for Lian Yue as the couple showed deep affection, Aunt Liang remembered past scenes and felt pain in her heart. She quietly walked to Wuyan’s side, “Miss, take one and play too.”

Wuyan smiled, “Thank you for your kindness, Aunt. No need – Wuyan is content just watching.”

Lian Yue had been smiling and watching with Huo Chang’an in the pavilion. Seeing Zhuxin’s skill, she couldn’t help getting excited, “Xin’er, let me compete with you.”

“That would be wonderful, Madam. Please go easy on me.” Zhuxin smiled in response.

The two were soon engaged in fierce competition. The other women all reeled in their lines, excitedly watching their contest.

It was clear that though Zhuxin had some apprehension about Lian Yue’s “bestowing of seats” at the dining table earlier, she usually got along very well with Lian Yue, was comfortable with her, and showed no deference. Some women supported Madam, others supported Sister Zhuxin.

But Zhuxin was remarkably skilled. After a moment, she regained the upper hand.

Lian Yue’s gaze swept over Wuyan, then she turned and laughingly called out, “Chang’an, come help me defeat Xin’er.”

Huo Chang’an lazily curved his lips, “Play by yourself. No cheating allowed.”

“Chang’an…” Lian Yue hummed with laughter, glaring at him fiercely.

Huo Chang’an sighed softly, seemingly unable to resist her entreaties. Tucking his robe slightly, everyone felt a blur before their eyes, and Huo Chang’an was already behind Lian Yue.

Grasping his wife’s hands and changing the angle, he pulled and released her string. In an instant, that kite flew higher than Zhuxin’s.

He deliberately played tricks, keeping his kite just a hair’s breadth higher than Zhuxin’s, making even the usually gentle Zhuxin cry out in frustration, panting as she said, “Madam is cheating! Marquis is being unfair! Sisters, who will help me?”

The women eagerly tried their hand, but all were defeated one by one. Pingping laughed, “Perfect that sister lost – you can serve Master tonight.”

Though Zhuxin’s face was flushed red, she was quite annoyed and sighed, “Yes, I lost.”

“Not yet.”

She was about to reel in her line when a clear, ethereal fragrance filled her nostrils. She startled, then felt herself enveloped in a soft embrace. Looking down in bewilderment, she saw a pair of snow-white hands covering hers. She slowly turned around, meeting a woman’s smiling face.

She had mostly seen this person’s cold demeanor. Now seeing her smile, her radiance was incomparable, making one’s heart race.

In her daze, she heard exclamations all around. She quickly looked up to see her own kite had leaped upward.

Behind her, the man’s chest moved slightly. Lian Yue’s heart tightened as she looked sideways.

She saw Wuyan running lightly like a man, arms gently encircling Zhuxin, listening to the wind to judge conditions, her hands fluttering like butterflies.

All around, the servants looked at this girl in amazement. Chanying Qiang and Ji’er Zhang were also very surprised, saying something to Uncle Liang. Only Aunt Liang’s face showed a gratified smile.

Several women looked shocked, occasionally whispering quietly, all saying she was trying to steal the limelight from Lian Yue and Zhuxin.

Zhuxin quietly stepped aside, but Wuyan still didn’t know everyone was watching her. She focused intently on the kite flying higher and farther in the sky, her heart seeming to fly with it out of this courtyard, back to bygone days.

No one knew what she was thinking at that moment.

Just now, seeing Chanying Qiang and the other man watching with crossed arms, seeing Huo Chang’an go over, her eyes suddenly moistened – not only because of their intimacy, but because she suddenly thought they shouldn’t be trapped in this narrow world. If Huo Chang’an hadn’t laid down his armor, perhaps they would still be following him at the frontier, serving their country.

Huo Chang’an wouldn’t need to engage in armchair strategizing either.

Lost in these melancholy thoughts, her hand suddenly felt light – in her reverie she had unconsciously loosened her grip. Startled, she momentarily forgot that today was different from the past, calling out as she used to, “Chang’an, Chang’an, you fool, help me catch it!”

Suddenly, everything around fell silent.

Huo Chang’an almost immediately released his own kite, leaping onto the rooftop in a single bound. His gaze was sharp as an eagle’s as he reached out and grasped the kite string. He flew down gracefully, his sleeves billowing in the wind like a soaring roc’s wings.

Holding the kite, he slowly walked to Wei Wuyan and gently presented it with both hands.

Thank you for reading. I’m updating more today because I might not be able to update tomorrow due to other commitments. I’ll make it up to everyone later.