The West Courtyard was exceptionally lively today.
Even before the whole roasted lamb was ready, its aroma had already spread everywhere, and even the Hou Furen became aware of the commotion here.
The residents of Hou Manor generally preferred light flavors, so this was the first time anyone had prepared a whole roasted lamb within the manor.
However, she didn’t say anything about it—having some culinary indulgence wasn’t a bad thing, at least it indicated good health.
As soon as the sizzling, oil-glazed whole roasted lamb came out of the oven, Liu Qingwu immediately had Cuiguo hand-tear a portion of the freshly baked crispy skin and lamb leg to send to the Zheng courtyard.
She then prepared a portion for herself, similar to what was sent to the Zheng courtyard, but she didn’t have anyone tear it apart. Instead, she planned to eat it alone inside her room—after all, enjoying roasted lamb required gnawing on it!
Paired with a little wine, it was pure bliss!
“Send some to the front courtyard as well.”
After saying this, Liu Qingwu didn’t wait for anyone to assist her. Carrying her own portion, she entered her room, where side dishes and wine had already been laid out.
When Jiang Yueheng returned from his duties and arrived at the entrance of the West Courtyard, he saw a maid from the rear courtyard handing a portion of roasted lamb to the servant at the gate.
“Today, we roasted a whole lamb. The lady said to send some for you to taste as well.”
Jiang Yueheng glanced at the steaming roasted meat but said nothing, turning instead to enter the rear courtyard.
As soon as he stepped into the room, he saw Liu Qingwu taking a bite of lamb followed by a sip of wine, thoroughly enjoying her meal alone.
Liu Qingwu set down her wine cup and noticed Jiang Yueheng standing at the doorway, unsure of how long he had been watching.
It was too late to hide, so she simply put on a concerned smile: “Husband, you returned early from your duties today? Have you had your evening meal?”
Jiang Yueheng calmly walked over and sat down opposite her: “I finished my tasks earlier today and haven’t eaten yet.”
“I’ll go instruct the kitchen to prepare another evening meal,” Liu Qingwu made as if to rise, completely unable to imagine Jiang Yueheng gnawing on a lamb leg.
“Very well, thank you, Third Sister.” Jiang Yueheng nodded calmly.
After placing the meal order and returning to her seat, Liu Qingwu sat down. It would take a while for the food to arrive, and the lamb would not taste as good once cold. She felt conflicted about whether to continue eating.
Jiang Yueheng picked up the wine pot and refilled her cup: “You go ahead and eat, no need to wait for me.”
Liu Qingwu glanced at the aromatic roasted lamb leg on her plate, then at the solemn-faced Jiang Yueheng, before looking down at the lamb leg again.
With him staring at her from across the table, how could she possibly eat? It was just a pity she had only taken two bites of the roasted lamb leg.
Jiang Yueheng paused for a moment, as if understanding something: “I’ll go to the study to read. Call me when the evening meal is ready.”
“Alright, husband!” Liu Qingwu’s tone was filled with unconcealed delight.
Jiang Yueheng gave her another glance but said nothing before heading to the study on the west side.
Left to her own devices, Liu Qingwu happily picked up the lamb leg and took a hearty bite, thoroughly enjoying herself.
The aroma of roasted meat still lingered in the air as Jiang Yueheng sat alone at the table. Facing his light meal, he suddenly recalled the scene he had witnessed at the entrance of the West Courtyard.
Liu Qingwu had already gone to wash up indoors, using the excuse that the smell of roasted meat was too strong, leaving him to eat his evening meal in silence.
Lying on the bed with her eyes closed to rest, Liu Qingwu felt the mattress dip beside her and opened her eyes: “Husband, when is your next day off?”
Jiang Yueheng looked somewhat puzzled: “In four days.”
“The east room has been tidied up, and I’ve been spending time with Hao Ge’er in the Zheng courtyard these past few days. Shall we move Hao Ge’er over when you’re on leave?”
“…”
Seeing that the other person remained silent, Liu Qingwu added, “I’ve noticed Mother looking somewhat weary these past few days. I thought we could bring Hao Ge’er over earlier so I could offer some small assistance.”
Jiang Yueheng stared at the canopy above the bed, his tone steady: “I’ll speak with Mother tomorrow after my duties.”
“Alright.” Having received his response, Liu Qingwu said nothing more and closed her eyes to sleep.
Listening to the steady breathing beside him, Jiang Yueheng turned to look at the sleeping face on the pillow. Pale moonlight filtered through the bed curtains, casting soft shadows, and his heart suddenly felt exceptionally tranquil.
He turned back and slowly closed his eyes.
The next day at 7:45 in the morning, Jiang Yueheng opened his eyes, his mind completely clear.
He rose quietly and after his meal, gently made his way to the side room. The space that met his eyes was spacious and tidy, with cloth strips tied everywhere—evidence of careful preparation.
After leaving the palace gates following court, Jiang Yueheng paused before his carriage and instructed: “Go select a headdress set for my wife. Use my personal account.”
Li Yong was taken aback—this was the first time he’d received such an order. Was he, a burly military man, really being asked to choose jewelry?
With a pained expression he said: “Shizi, I’m afraid my taste might not be suitable…”
Jiang Yueheng paused while boarding the carriage, an image of someone always dressed in light colors flashing through his mind: “Never mind. Remember to remind me after my duties.”
Li Yong, having narrowly escaped this task, responded loudly while mentally repeating to himself that he must remember to remind the Shizi after duties.
After work, Li Yong specifically instructed the coachman to take a detour to Lailfeng Pavilion, the largest silverware shop in the city.
The entire Lailfeng Pavilion stood three stories tall, with mostly female customers coming and going.
As soon as Jiang Yueheng and his companion stepped out of the carriage, they attracted attention. Everyone knew the Shizi of Yongning Hou Estate, not to mention his sharply defined handsome features.
Seeing them enter, the shopkeeper behind the counter came forward with a beaming smile: “What would Shizi like to purchase today? May I offer some suggestions?”
“A headdress set.”
“The first floor has scattered accessories, while complete sets are on the second floor. Please come this way!The shopkeeper’s smile widened as he attentively led the way. A full headdress set would cost no less than a thousand taels—a substantial purchase, worthy of the Yongning Hou Estate’s Shizi.
After browsing around the second floor, Jiang Yueheng recalled how the person at home always dressed in light colors, and selected a set of gilded purple jade headdress.
Thus, when Jiang Yueheng returned from Zheng courtyard, Liu Qingwu received a glittering gold headdress set.
Closing the jewelry case, she looked at Jiang Yueheng with some confusion. While she was genuinely happy to receive a gift, not knowing the reason made her feel somewhat unsettled.
Jiang Yueheng lowered his eyes without much explanation: “You’ve been working hard lately.”
“Thank you, husband.”
Having received his response, Liu Qingwu smiled and signaled Fuling to take the jewelry case away for safekeeping. “The meal is already served. Let’s go eat.”
That evening, the two leaned against the headboard, each absorbed in their own book.
Liu Qingwu glanced at the plot in her storybook, then her eyes shifted to the left where a pair of distinct, slender and well-proportioned hands held a scroll.
Recalling, the last time was still during the return visit to her family home.
“What are you reading, husband?”
Meeting the curious gaze of the woman beside him, Jiang Yueheng paused for a few breaths: “It’s a travelogue.”
“May I look?”
Without waiting for his reply, Liu Qingwu put down her book and naturally leaned against him.
“What local customs is it describing now?”
Liu Qingwu lightly tapped the book with one hand while resting the other on Jiang Yueheng’s leg.
Feeling the sudden weight beside him, Jiang Yueheng lowered his gaze to steadily observe the woman’s fair neck, pursing his lips slightly. “It describes the scene of watching the fireworks display during my travels to Yangzhou,” he said.
…
Before anyone realized, the lamps in the room had extinguished. The book lay sprawled open on the floor, and the quilt had been kicked into a messy heap at the foot of the bed.