Wei Chenheng ultimately couldn’t resist Ning Wanwan’s insistence and took her out to the streets.
Though Lotus Flower Town was small, it had all the essential amenities. Just beyond the tailor’s shop lay the marketplace.
Teahouses, taverns, pawnshops, and workshops lined both sides of the street. In the open spaces along the road, numerous vendors of varying sizes set up stalls displaying an array of miscellaneous goods and an assortment of steaming snacks with enticing aromas.
The bustling crowd never ceased—porters hawked their wares while women carried bamboo baskets selling lotus flowers.
The cacophony of shouts, folk songs, and cheers filled the air, lending the small market a vibrant, lively atmosphere.
Ning Wanwan found everything utterly fascinating.
Since arriving in this world, she had never visited a market. Everything she saw captivated her—this item caught her eye, that one intrigued her too.
At a peddler’s stall selling hairpins, she picked up one after another, unable to decide which she liked best.
Wherever Wei Chenheng’s gaze fell, if she had touched it, he purchased it.
The peddler grinned from ear to ear, showering them with flattery, “Young master, your generosity is truly remarkable. You treat your wife so well.”
Ning Wanwan paused, looking up at him in surprise. “Did you buy them all?”
He nodded, his tone leaving no room for doubt as he declared assertively, “All of them.”
Ning Wanwan couldn’t help but cover her mouth with a light laugh. Men were indeed at their most handsome when paying.
“Husband, please pick one for me.”
Upon hearing this, the peddler nearly emptied his entire inventory. He hurriedly brought out the most expensive hairpins from his shelf, introducing each one: “Young master, take a look at these. Each is meticulously carved and polished, perfectly suited for your wife.”
These hairpins weren’t particularly valuable—just ordinary ones with rough craftsmanship. With a mere glance, Wei Chenheng felt such simple pieces were unworthy of Ning Wanwan.
But seeing that she didn’t seem to mind the workmanship—caring more about the aesthetic appeal, as most young women do—he patiently began to choose. Finally, he selected a jade magnolia flower tassel hairpin. As he inserted it into her bun, it swayed gently, producing a clear, melodious chime. A subtle, enigmatic smile curled on his lips.
“It suits Wanwan perfectly.”
“Really?”
Before Wei Chenheng could respond, the peddler handed over a bronze mirror. “Madam, see for yourself. Truly, a beauty that could topple cities.”
Ning Wanwan looked into the mirror. The jade magnolia tassel hairpin was merely an enhancement—it was her own face that truly carried the elegance.
“Do you like it?”
She smiled sweetly. “Anything my husband chooses, I love.”
Wei Chenheng handed over some silver fragments, speaking gently and courteously, “Please pack all the ones my wife selected as well. Thank you.”
“Of course, young master.”
After buying the hairpins, Ning Wanwan wandered a bit longer before Wei Chenheng led her into a teahouse. The waiter greeted them warmly. Wei Chenheng ordered several dishes and two bowls of Lotus Flower Town’s most famous snack—Lotus Flower Soup.
When the two chilled bowls of Lotus Flower Soup were served, Ning Wanwan understood why A Sheng couldn’t stop talking about it. The soup was sweet, smooth, and tender, cool and refreshing with a lingering hint of lotus fragrance. Not only did it clear the mind and moisten the lungs, but it also replenished energy and vitality.
After just one taste, her eyes sparkled brightly again.
Wei Chenheng found her utterly adorable. Whenever she tasted something delicious, her eyes would always gleam with vivid brilliance.
“Would you like another bowl if you enjoy it?”
She quickly waved her hand. “No, no, I’ll gain weight if I eat more.”
His beautiful peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly. “I actually think Wanwan is a bit too thin. There’s not much flesh to hold when I carry you.”
Though she was slender, all her curves seemed concentrated in her chest—so much so that his palm couldn’t fully cup them.
“If I get fat, my husband won’t like me anymore.”
“I adore Wanwan in every form.”
Ning Wanwan picked up a spoon and scooped a mouthful of Lotus Flower Soup to silence him, coquettishly retorting, “A man’s words can’t be trusted.”
Wei Chenheng opened his mouth to accept the soup, a faint smile spreading across his face as he chose not to continue.
The waiter served the dishes, and the two began to eat.
During the meal, Ning Wanwan finally voiced the question on her mind. “Husband, do you often visit Lotus Blossom Town?”
Wei Chenheng placed a piece of crispy pork in her bowl. “I’ve only been here once.”
“It doesn’t seem that way.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Shopkeepers Wang and Ma were both exceptionally warm and respectful toward you. It didn’t feel like they were merely flattering you because of your status as a general—more like you were old friends reuniting after a long time.”
She continued slowly, “And then there’s Twin Peaks Mountain. If you were just passing through normally, you wouldn’t be so familiar with the terrain. To Wanwan, this place feels like your second hometown—you know it intimately.”
Wei Chenheng raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised by her keen observation.
“Husband, am I right?”
Wei Chenheng smiled tenderly. “Wanwan has seen right through me. But I didn’t lie—I truly have only been here once, though I stayed for a short while. Calling it a second hometown might be an overstatement.”
Ning Wanwan rested her chin in her hands, gazing at him intently, urging him to continue.
“Half a year ago, on my way back to Jin City from the border, I passed through this area and discovered bandits hiding in the mountains. I led my soldiers to eliminate them. The people of Lotus Blossom Town had long suffered under the bandits’ oppression and extortion. Because of this, I stayed in town for a couple of weeks and became somewhat familiar with the place.”
He spoke casually, as if recounting someone else’s story.
“The mountain hot springs and Wild Flat Peaches were discovered by accident during the bandit suppression. They seemed interesting, so I thought I’d take you to see them.”
Ning Wanwan was momentarily stunned, then suddenly understood. “No wonder everyone treats you with such respect! You’re the great benefactor of Lotus Blossom Town!”
“It was merely a small effort. Calling me a benefactor is too much. Actually, the court had sent troops before to suppress the bandits, but Twin Peaks Mountain’s terrain is complex, and the bandits were cunning—they couldn’t be rooted out entirely. I also faced some difficulties there before I fully grasped the layout and succeeded in one strike.”
“Then I’d say those bandits were no match for my husband’s wisdom and bravery.”
The corners of his lips lifted slightly—he was clearly pleased. She certainly knew how to flatter him.
“What happened after that?”
“After that?” He paused, then laughed. “There was no ‘after that.’ I left Lotus Blossom Town once the bandits were dealt with.”
“No wonder.”
“No wonder what?”
“No wonder I heard children in the market singing a nursery rhyme today.”
“Oh?”
She smiled radiantly, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Bandits hide in Twin Peaks high, the people suffer with heavy sighs. A young general on a white steed, with silver spear and blue sword, vanquishes the foe indeed.”
Wei Chenheng was taken aback for a moment. He didn’t consider suppressing bandits to be any remarkable feat, but seeing the sparkle in Ning Wanwan’s eyes and her somewhat admiring expression, she seemed to regard it as an honorable and praiseworthy accomplishment.