Chapter 848: Chapter 593 Grand Finale (Three)
Feng Yun returned to the camp from Dan Prefecture, but Pei Jue was not in the barracks.
She instructed Xiaoman to prepare water for her to bathe and change into fresh clothes. After a long and comfortable cleansing, she had just finished tidying herself up and was about to wring out her long hair when Pei Jue came in.
His footsteps echoed heavily, and his brows carried a faint chill.
Feng Yun glanced at him. "You’re back?"
Pei Jue softly hummed in acknowledgment, touched her damp, jet-black hair, and took the towel from Xiaoman’s hands.
"You may go."
Xiaoman bowed and glanced at Feng Yun. "Understood."
Feng Yun noticed her unease and added with a gentle smile, "You don’t need to come over tonight."
Xiaoman’s steps faltered. "Yes, ma’am."
In reality, ever since Zuo Zhong had been promoted, Xiaoman could have stopped serving Feng Yun directly. Staying comfortably in the capital as the wife of a general was enviable enough.
Most of the concubines in Changmen had left because they married.
But Xiaoman wasn’t willing to live that kind of life. She possessed a simple and almost naïve personality—once her mind was set on something, she was immovable. Serving Feng Yun wasn’t a chore or an obligation to her; it was a source of comfort, peace, and happiness.
Besides, Feng Yun didn’t require her to do any menial labor. Moreover, this arrangement allowed her children to receive better education and offered more opportunities to see and understand Zuo Zhong.
The loyalty between husband and wife was sincere and rare. When they arrived in Dan Prefecture, Feng Yun often arranged for Xiaoman to visit Zuo Zhong, giving them moments of reunion as a couple.
Xiaoman understood this was Feng Yun’s way of granting her happiness, and she was naturally overjoyed under normal circumstances.
But today felt different...
She had seen Chunyu Yan return, and her heart was restless.
People said His Majesty treated the lady with utmost kindness—gentle, considerate, always prioritizing her in everything. There wasn’t a better man in the world than him...
But because His Majesty valued her so much, he also tended to be easily jealous.
His expression when he entered earlier was terrifying; what if he hurt the lady again?
Xiaoman felt uneasy for Feng Yun, her palms cold and sweaty from nervousness.
She wanted to find Zuo Zhong to sound things out—whether His Majesty knew anything.
However, Zuo Zhong wasn’t in his tent.
A guard said General Zuo had taken people to Beishan of Suo Yue Ridge.
Beishan of Suo Yue Ridge was close to the Qi Army Camp. As nightfall approached, Xiaoman couldn’t help but feel apprehensive, pacing with unease...
-
By the time Zuo Zhong returned, it was already late at night. The torches approached from afar, and Xiaoman, standing at the entrance, saw his tall silhouette. Her heart settled, and she rushed over.
"Big Brother Zuo, you’re back?"
They had been married for years and had two children by now, yet she still addressed him that way.
A twitch appeared between Zuo Zhong’s brows.
After glancing around, he gestured for the others to leave before walking over.
"Why are you out here?"
The wind outside was harsh and freezing. Xiaoman’s face had turned pale from the cold, but she brushed it off, playfully rubbing her cheeks with a smile that curved her eyes. "I was waiting for you, waiting for you to come back."
Zuo Zhong nodded. "Let’s talk inside."
He strode ahead, while Xiaoman trailed behind at an intentionally slow pace.
In public, the two of them always kept at least a one-zhang distance between them...
Xiaoman pouted, thinking he was such a pretentious stickler...
Behind closed doors, the things he did inside the house were anything but gentlemanly.
The tent was quiet as she lifted the curtain to enter, only for a heavy cloak to be draped over her head.
Her vision darkened.
Before she could react, Zuo Zhong had wrapped her entirely in the cloak.
"Wear something thicker when you go out next time."
Xiaoman let out an "Oh" and felt her heart melt with sweetness, as though she’d eaten honey.
She was easily content.
All of Zuo Zhong’s money went to her. Life in Changmen required little expense since Lady Hua provided for their family of three entirely. Xiaoman felt indescribably fortunate—she had both a man and resources, without a single worry in the world. It felt like a dream life...
Because she was spiritually fulfilled, she exhibited a certain carelessness in material things. Apart from buying items for Zuo Zhong and their children, she rarely purchased anything for herself. When out and about, she still saw herself as Feng Yun’s maid and took pride in it. Her clothes and accessories were simple and plain.
Looking at this woman whose eyes glittered with joy, Zuo Zhong sighed.
"You’re already a mother, yet you still act like a child."
Xiaoman let out a distracted "Ah," her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Feng Yun, so she didn’t fully grasp his words. "I’m not actually cold. Look at me—I’m strong and sturdy, running here and there, totally warm..."
Seeing this, Zuo Zhong decided not to chide her further. "What’s the matter? Why were you looking for me?"
Xiaoman grinned sheepishly. "You figured it out?"
Zuo Zhong let out a light "Mm."
Xiaoman asked, "Just now, His Majesty didn’t look happy—did things not go well during his discussion with the Prince of Yunchuan today?"
Zuo Zhong’s brows furrowed. "You’re not usually one to pry into these matters."
