Xie Wanqing swallowed, wrapped her hands around his neck, "Look up."

The person with his face buried in her neck moved slightly, and gently raised his head. Xie Wanqing glanced at him.

Just one glance was enough to leave her stunned.

Who would have thought that this person, cold and stern like an iceberg, with sharp features, would look somewhat gentle and elegant once the grimness faded?

Truly deceptive!

Xie Wanqing mumbled inwardly, cupped his face, and planted a kiss on his chin, saying perfunctorily, "Is that enough?"

"...No," Lu Ziyuan pursed his lips, "I didn’t feel it."

Xie Wanqing gave him a sideways glance, then tilted her head up and gave a heavy kiss on his chin.

This time, the sound was so loud that it was impossible to ignore.

"Is it enough now?" Xie Wanqing’s face flushed, "Don’t push your luck!"

"It’s enough," Lu Ziyuan’s eyes shined brightly like stars as he looked at her deeply, and said generously, "That’s all for today."

He lowered his head and kissed her forehead, his voice tender enough to drip water, "Sleep."

Xie Wanqing still felt somewhat uneasy about his gentle indulgent demeanor, she lowered her eyes and said, "I’m not used to sleeping while being held."

"Then start getting used to it from now on," Lu Ziyuan tightened his arms, "Wanwan, be good, this is non-negotiable."

Frustrated, Xie Wanqing couldn’t help but reach out and pinch his waist hard, but this man was probably as hard as steel all over, and instead of pinching him, she ended up hurting her own hand.

Lu Ziyuan chuckled, rubbed her fingertips, and kindly taught her, "If you’re mad, you can bite me."

Xie Wanqing: "..."

She paused for a moment, choosing to close her eyes and sleep.

That night, the two tightly embraced, like lovers who had never been apart.

But Lu Ziyuan knew that this was only on the surface.

There was too much pain and hurt between them, even if they tried to mend their feelings, it was like building a pavilion in the air - with just a slight breeze, it could fall apart and become unrecognizable.

However, it didn’t matter, he could take it step by step, as a fortress wasn’t built in a day.

He had enough patience, and confidence that as long as other men didn’t interfere, over time, she would see his sincerity and effort.

As long as that sickly rival who won her favor was gone for good!

...... 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

By the afternoon of the next day, they arrived back at the Northern Border.

Xie Wanqing saw with her own eyes this majestic fortress known by all the Great Khan’s people.

Gale winds swept through, with sand flying across the vast desert.

Desolate, barren, dilapidated; the air subtly carried the scent of fresh blood.

But in the eyes of the city’s inhabitants, there wasn’t a hint of panic or fear, nor despair.

Xie Wanqing lifted the carriage curtain to see the people walking along the street, finding that everyone’s face radiated with brilliance, full of hope for their lives.

The few crushing victories led by Lu Ziyuan forced the Jin people back to their own territory, making them dare not invade again. This year, they no longer needed to worry about being captured by foreign cavalry.

For the dignitaries far away in the Capital City who heard about the battle victories at the border, their first thought was of their own interests. Only the people at the border truly felt grateful from the heart.

More grateful to Lu Ziyuan for driving out the enemy than to the Emperor, some even specifically enshrined his longevity plaque at home.

Of course, Xie Wanqing was not aware of all this, but once their troop entered the city, she could hear the cheers from the street for Lu Ziyuan riding outside, even from inside the carriage.

The young General notorious in the Capital City for his arrogance was revered as a deity by the people of the Northern Land.

Xie Wanqing felt a complex mix of emotions; there was certainly a sense of pride, but more likely a hidden concern.

Lu Ziyuan’s mad determination left her deeply shaken; a person like him...

Lost in thought, the carriage came to a stop, the curtain was lifted, and Lu Ziyuan stood outside extending his hand toward her.

Xie Wanqing placed her hand on his and stepped out of the carriage.

This should be Lu Ziyuan’s General Mansion.

Although it couldn’t compare to the grandeur of the Marquis Mansion in the Capital, one glance was enough to find it exceptionally imposing, instilling awe and preventing any rash offenses.

... She also wondered how long she would stay here.

Walking along, Xie Wanqing observed, encountering several groups of soldiers in armor in just a short distance.

Lu Ziyuan was a lone figure, and his mansion had no female relatives; even the kitchen staff for cooking and cleaning were male cooks, naturally there was no division between inner and outer courtyards, confidant aides and Deputy Generals often visited, the mansion even had a training field, his personal soldiers treated the place as their training ground.

Seeing a place crowded with grown men, a girl suddenly appearing left several groups somewhat dazed.