All these thoughts, Chen Jinghan kept in his heart. He planned to tell Qing’er slowly, once she was willing to give him her heart. For now, all he could do was fulfill her wishes as best he could and protect her with everything he had.
“Wife, I got something new today. Come with me to take a look.”
He gazed at her expectantly. She nodded and followed him out.
“Greetings, Young General. Greetings, Young Madam.”
“Mm, good. Carry on with your work.”
Seeing how respectfully the servants treated Qing’er, Chen Jinghan nodded in satisfaction.
He had risen from the ranks of soldiers and was rarely home. He never cared much for formalities and usually allowed the servants—many of whom had watched him grow up—to call him “Jinghan.” To him, they were practically elders.
Madam Chen, however, often scolded him. Since he now commanded troops as a great general, he should carry himself with authority. Allowing servants to call him by name diminished his status. Whenever someone addressed him incorrectly in front of outsiders, she would surely lecture them.
Eventually, Chen Jinghan made a quiet agreement with the household: in public, they would call him “Young General,” but in private, they could still call him Jinghan.
That was why, when Zhang Laosi had spoken to Su Qing’er earlier, he had nearly slipped and used his name. He had expected punishment, but the Young Madam had simply thanked him instead.
Zhang Laosi was deeply impressed by her. She was beautiful, dignified, gracious, and without airs. Truly a perfect match for the Young General—talented man and lovely woman, a pair made in heaven.
With that thought, he worked in the garden with even greater enthusiasm.
Chen Jinghan took Qing’er around the residence and even asked whether her feet hurt from walking.
Nearby servants stifled laughter. Su Qing’er’s face flushed red. She covered it with her silk handkerchief and hurried forward.
“Wife, wait for me!”
Not understanding why she was rushing off, he followed closely. The closer he came, the faster she walked.
Before marriage, her mother had always instructed her that a noble lady must be reserved—walk without stirring the wind, smile without showing teeth. Now she could not care less. She only wanted to return to their room quickly to avoid becoming the servants’ amusement.
When he caught up inside, he asked in confusion, “Wife, weren’t you unwell? How are you walking faster than I am?”
“I’m not!” She turned her face aside, unsure how to explain, and randomly picked up a cup of tea.
He quickly stopped her. “Ah, Wife, that tea is cold. I’ll have them brew a fresh pot.”
“No need.” She drank anyway, but in her agitation gulped too quickly and began coughing violently.
“Wife! Are you alright?”
He rushed forward to pat her back.
Flushed and embarrassed, she pointed to Cuier instead.
Cuier stepped in front of him, blocking his way, and gently patted Qing’er’s back.
Chen Jinghan did not mind. Seeing her complexion gradually return to normal, he relaxed. Then he went to the bookshelf, retrieved an exquisite wooden box, and said mysteriously, “Wife, look what I brought you.”
Qing’er still faced away.
He deliberately stepped in front of her and presented the box.
Cuier quickly opened it. Inside lay a fine white jade bracelet of excellent quality, smooth and lustrous.
“Young Madam, look.”
Seeing her mistress’s displeasure, Cuier tried to cheer her.
Chen Jinghan eagerly picked up the bracelet. “Wife, let me put it on for you.”
Qing’er did not move. Cuier coaxed softly, “Young Madam, it’s the Young General’s heartfelt gift. At least try it.”
Soft-hearted in the end, Qing’er turned and extended her slender jade-like arm.
Chen Jinghan steeled himself before taking her hand. It was the first time he had touched her.
The moment his fingers brushed her tender fingertips, his heart began pounding wildly.
How could this be more nerve-racking than battle?
Struggling to steady himself, he grasped her wrist in one hand and the bracelet in the other, attempting to force it straight on.
“Ah!”
She cried out in pain. The sudden sting scattered the hazy emotions that had just begun to bloom.
“I hurt you? I didn’t mean to! Qing’er, are you alright?” He stopped immediately. With his rough soldier’s hands, how could he possibly know how to handle jewelry?
Cuier could not help laughing. Both clearly had feelings for each other—why were they still so awkward?
“Young General, that’s not how you put on a bracelet.”
“Oh? Then how?”
He looked utterly lost. Wielding blades and spears was his specialty; handling ornaments was far beyond him.
Cuier brought a basin of water, moistened Qing’er’s wrist, applied osmanthus oil, and rubbed it evenly. Then she gently slid the bracelet on.
Strangely enough, the bracelet that refused to budge under Chen Jinghan’s efforts slipped on obediently in moments. After washing away the oil, a jade bracelet gleamed against Qing’er’s fair wrist.
“Amazing, Cuier! How did you do it? I did the same steps!” Chen Jinghan scratched his head in bewilderment.
Cuier replied while tidying up, “Young General, I’ve lived with Young Madam since childhood. I know her wrist well. Once you’ve lived with her long enough, you’ll learn too.”
“Cuier!”
Qing’er quickly stopped her from saying more.
Cuier lowered her head. “Young Madam, I spoke out of turn again. I’ll go accept punishment.”
“You impish girl!” Qing’er protested—but Cuier had already slipped out, conveniently closing the door behind her.
Chen Jinghan was secretly delighted. That girl had good sense.
Alone together, the once spacious room suddenly felt small.
Unsure what to do, Qing’er lowered her head and pretended to admire the bracelet.
“Wife, do you like it?”
He deliberately sat close beside her, staring at her intently.
Too embarrassed to lift her head, she murmured softly, “I like it.”
“Good. As long as you like it.” He rubbed his hands happily.
Her eyes wandered aimlessly until she noticed a large tear in his outer robe.
“Husband, how did your clothes become like this?” It had been fine when he left earlier.
He glanced at it indifferently. “Oh, I was picking out the bracelet today and bumped into a donkey cart carrying firewood. It must’ve torn then.”
“Did it hurt your leg?” Knowing he might have been injured while choosing a gift for her, she felt a pang of concern. Several layers of clothing were ripped—surely his leg must have been scratched too.
Chen Jinghan laughed heartily. “It’s nothing. Even if it did cut me, it’s no big deal. On the battlefield, losing an arm or a leg isn’t uncommon.”