“Do you like me like this, Wanwan?”
“I do!” Her eyes sparkled with delight. “My husband is full of righteousness!”
He chuckled softly, set down his chopsticks, and took out a handkerchief to wipe the oil from her lips. His voice was calm and measured. “Then you must continue liking me, Wanwan. Don’t change your heart midway.”
Ning Wanwan’s delicate face flushed crimson. She bit her lip tightly, not daring to utter a word.
Wei Chenheng was too good—so good that she couldn’t bear to deceive him. How could a heartless little Jade Rabbit Spirit like her offer so much love and affection to a mere mortal?
She was merely completing a mission. He probably didn’t realize yet that love could be feigned.
Hastily changing the subject, she said, “Husband, I’m feeling a bit tired. Let’s head back.”
Wei Chenheng had no objections. After leaving some silver on the table, he escorted Ning Wanwan back to the inn. The moment A Sheng spotted Wei Chenheng returning, he hurriedly reported, “Young Master, Magistrate Lin is here. He’s waiting for you in the private room.”
“Magistrate Lin?”
“He’s been waiting for two hours, saying he has important matters to discuss.”
“Understood.”
Wei Chenheng remained expressionless, calmly leading Ning Wanwan toward the private room. Two attendants stood guard at the door. Recognizing Wei Chenheng, they bowed respectfully and greeted, “General Wei.”
Noticing their blocking stance, Wei Chenheng grew puzzled.
The attendants politely explained, “The Magistrate has instructed that only the General may enter. Others are not permitted.”
Wei Chenheng’s expression remained unchanged, though he felt some suspicion. Ning Wanwan considerately suggested, “Husband, I’ll return to our room first. You can come find me after you’ve finished your business.”
“A Sheng, escort the lady back to her room.”
“Yes.”
After bidding each other farewell, A Sheng accompanied Ning Wanwan to her room. Only then did the attendants open the door to the private room, allowing Wei Chenheng to enter alone.
The moment Wei Chenheng stepped inside, he detected a strange fragrance in the room.
Frowning, he cautiously called out, “Master?”
If he recalled correctly, he had only met this Magistrate once before and wasn’t acquainted with him. Why go to such lengths to summon him here?
Squinting his eyes, he noticed a figure behind the screen. As he approached and clearly saw the person, his face stiffened.
It wasn’t Magistrate Lin but his daughter, Lin Yuehe.
Lin Yuehe wore only a thin garment, her curves faintly visible beneath. Her seductive eyes drifted toward Wei Chenheng as she cooed in a sugary voice, “It’s me, General.”
Wei Chenheng immediately turned away, refusing to look further, and replied coldly, “My apologies.”
With that, he strode toward the door.
Seeing him about to leave, Lin Yuehe rushed forward and grabbed his arm, pleading, “General, please don’t go! Half a year ago in Lotus Town, I fell for you at first sight. But I was too timid to confess my feelings then. Now that you’re passing through again, it must be fate giving me a chance.”
Wei Chenheng closed his eyes briefly, his voice as sharp as frosty steel. “Miss Lin, have some self-respect! I already have a wife!”
Hearing his icy tone, Lin Yuehe’s tears instantly streamed down. “My feelings for you run deep, General. If that songstress can be your concubine, so can I! I don’t care about status—I only wish to stay by your side forever. Please, just look at me once?”
Wei Chenheng’s thin lips parted slightly, spitting out icy words: “Let go!”
“General! Yuehe’s feelings are genuine. As a daughter from a noble family, how could I be inferior to a songstress of humble origins?” Lin Yuehe boldly reached to embrace his shoulders, attempting to lure him closer.
But unexpectedly, the mere mention of Ning Wanwan ignited his fury. Casting all etiquette aside, he pushed her away with utter disgust. Unable to restrain his strength in the heat of the moment, Lin Yuehe tumbled to the ground, limbs flailing—a far cry from the dignified young lady she ought to be.
“Miss Lin, out of respect for your father Master Lin, I will not speak of today’s events. Reflect on your actions! If you dare disturb me again, do not blame me for showing no mercy!”
He turned coldly, his gaze frosty and detached, carrying a warning that made Lin Yuehe tremble in fear.
The door had long been locked by two servants, but such petty tricks could not hinder Wei Chenheng. With one kick, he burst open the chamber door and strode out with heroic vigor.
The two servants, faced with his murderous aura, dared not block his path and could only watch helplessly as Wei Chenheng departed.
Returning from the private room to his own guest quarters, Wei Chenheng sensed he had been poisoned—it must be taking effect.
Lin Yuehe had set a trap, using drugs to ensnare him. Had she succeeded, he would have been forced to marry her. Fortunately, though the drug was potent, he suppressed it with his inner strength, preventing an immediate reaction.
Meanwhile, in the chamber, Ning Wanwan was blissfully soaking in a steaming wooden tub, eyes closed.
Her long hair was tied up with a wooden hairpin as she immersed herself in her own world, humming a cheerful tune.
Completely unaware of Wei Chenheng’s arrival, she startled when he—having quietly unlocked the door and locked it behind him—appeared through the screen.
“Hubby, when did you return?” she asked, startled.
“Just now. What are you doing, Wanwan?”
He was slightly intoxicated.
…
Night in Lotus Flower Town.
Stars dotted the sky.