With the autumn hunt approaching, Fu Ci dared not leave Jiang Wan alone in the mansion, fearing that Old Madam would cause trouble for her again.
If he couldn’t return in time, who would stand up for Wanwan?
Thus, he took the initiative to suggest bringing her along.
Jiang Wan intended to go.
To lower Fu Ci’s guard, she said, “I don’t know how to ride horses or shoot arrows. It wouldn’t be any fun going.”
“Just think of it as a chance to relax. You don’t have to participate in those activities.”
“It’s a long journey.”
“There’s a soft couch in the carriage. You can lie down.”
Seeing that Jiang Wan still showed no interest, Fu Ci said, “You’ve been cooped up at home for so long—it’s not good for your health. This is a rare opportunity. Why not come along?”
Jiang Wan’s expression remained indifferent. “Being trapped in the inner chambers for a lifetime—isn’t that the fate of women?”
Fu Ci’s heart ached again. He wrapped an arm around Jiang Wan’s slender waist. “From now on, you can go out whenever you want. Just remember to bring guards.”
Jiang Wan responded with a nonchalant hum.
She pushed away the person holding her. “Don’t disturb me while I’m arranging flowers.”
It was rare to see her in such a leisurely mood. Fu Ci smiled at the corners of his mouth. “Come with me to the autumn hunt. The scenery in the mountains is quite beautiful right now.”
“Have you ever seen anyone bring a concubine to such an occasion? Wouldn’t your colleagues be displeased? What would their families think?”
“Don’t worry about what others think.”
Fu Ci was determined to bring her along. Otherwise, he wouldn’t feel at ease leaving the mansion.
Jiang Wan said nothing more. Kneeling behind the table, she continued arranging the flower branches before her.
At this moment, she was dressed in plain clothes, her long black hair loosely tied with a silk ribbon.
Her face was free of makeup, simple and casual, yet so beautiful it was hard to look away.
Fu Ci watched her every move intently.
His eyes never blinked, as if he could never get enough of looking at her.
When Jiang Wan finished arranging the flowers, Fu Ci wrapped his arm around her waist again.
“Beautiful, like wildflowers in bloom.”
“If you have something to say, say it. Don’t be so handsy.”
He caught the hand Jiang Wan had used to swat him and brought it to his lips for a gentle kiss.
Although Jiang Wan wanted to maintain a peaceful relationship with Fu Ci to make him lower his guard,
it didn’t mean she was willing to be affectionate with him.
She forcefully pulled her hand back. “Don’t you have official duties today?”
How could he not have official duties?
Fu Ci had been very busy lately. The more time he spent with Jiang Wan during the day, the later he worked into the night.
He usually returned to his room in the early hours of the morning, by which time Jiang Wan was already fast asleep.
He couldn’t even find a chance to talk to her.
If he didn’t spend more time with her during the day, Fu Ci worried they would grow increasingly distant.
He sighed inwardly. In this lifetime, he was completely at her mercy.
Knowing that staying longer wouldn’t earn him any favors, Fu Ci decided to attend to his duties first.
When the autumn hunt arrived, he would take Wanwan out to relax properly.
Everything would pass.
Under Jiang Wan’s displeased gaze, Fu Ci stole a kiss on her forehead, instructed the servants to take good care of her, and then left, satisfied.
A few young maids lowered their heads, their faces flushed with shyness.
Since the concubine had entered the household, the master was completely different from before.
In the past, the master was ascetic and restrained, not even keeping a bedchamber maid.
Now, it seemed he wanted to be with the concubine every moment.
To receive a man’s wholehearted love—the concubine was truly fortunate.
Jiang Wan let out a sigh.
She told herself to endure a little longer. Everything would come to an end.
“Concubine, it’s time to apply the medicine.”
“Mm.”
Her body was her own, and Jiang Wan cherished it dearly.
Everyone has a love for beauty, and she didn’t want scars left on her back.
Perhaps out of guilt towards her, Fu Ci spent a fortune to acquire numerous scar removal ointments, which proved quite effective.
She removed her clothes.
Lying prone on the couch to allow Qiu Yue to apply the medicine.
After careful recuperation, the mottled whip marks on her back had mostly faded.
A few deeper ones might take a year or half to completely disappear.
Qiu Yue applied the ointment meticulously, leaving no corner untouched.
The concubine was beautiful and had a good figure—these scars must not ruin her.
Fu Ci left early and returned late every day, so Jiang Wan rarely saw him.
This allowed her to enjoy a period of peace and quiet.
It was said that Yun Yanran visited the mansion every few days to see the Old Madam, and the two got along very well.
It was also rumored that Fu Ci and Yun Yanran’s wedding date had been set.
Right after the autumn hunt.
Jiang Wan felt neither resentment nor jealousy.
These things had happened in her previous life, when she was filled with anxiety and resentment.
To prevent Fu Ci from marrying, she had abandoned her dignity and self-respect.
Although she delayed it for two years, she still couldn’t change the fact that Fu Ci and Yun Yanran became husband and wife.
In this life, without her interference, everything had been moved forward.
Jiang Wan didn’t know what Fu Ci would do, nor did she care.
Even the most intense feelings fade with time.
They were not suited for each other, and there was no need to force themselves to stay bound together.