CHAPTER 348: CHAPTER 348: HIS MAJESTY WANTS TO SEE YOU

The officials who had gone out for disaster relief were returning to the Capital City in batches, with a group arriving each day. Since they had been stationed in different places, their return times varied.

By the time Pei Ji’an returned to the Capital City, winter had already set in.

Qu Fulan initially felt anxious, but later adopted a more laid-back attitude. After all, he would return sooner or later, and her anxiety was useless. It was better to go through more account books and manage the business properly than to indulge in wild thoughts all day.

During this period, she even crafted a pure gold bracelet for Ren Hua’s daughter.

Indeed, Ren Hua had given birth in May, a baby girl. Since someone in the family was out on disaster relief, and because the Emperor decreed that all titled people, according to their rank, should serve in the court and follow the rules, issuing an imperial decree across the land, families with titles were not allowed to hold banquets or music before the end of the disaster relief, and common people were forbidden to marry.

In short, grand celebrations were prohibited.

So, the full moon banquet for Ren Hua’s daughter was postponed, likely until her first birthday.

When Ren Hua gave birth, she labored for ten hours.

Pei Yuan was extremely anxious that day and specifically invited Mrs. Ren to accompany her. Fortunately, both mother and daughter were safe.

The second household had a grandson but no granddaughter. Now, with a granddaughter too, they were overjoyed.

The birth of the newborn brought happiness to everyone. Qu Fulan found the baby so adorable that she even considered having one herself, though the idea of enduring hours of pain made her hesitate. She thought better of it, leaving such matters for the future.

However, Mrs. Ren still had some concerns. She hoped her daughter would have a son, as daughters eventually marry out, and only a son can ensure security.

Her intentions were undoubtedly for her daughter’s well-being, which was reasonable.

On this day, Qu Fulan was inside, warming herself by the fire and reviewing the account books when she heard someone outside say, "The Young Master has returned!"

Startled, Qu Fulan put down the account book and went towards the door, only to realize she wasn’t wearing her outer coat, so she went back to put it on.

At this time, the mansion was already decorated brightly with lanterns. Ever since receiving news of the officials returning to the Capital City, the mansion had been prepared in this way daily, in order to welcome those serving the court.

When Qu Fulan reached the second gate, the people of Pei Mansion were also waiting there.

Pei Ji’an, dressed in armor, removed his helmet and held it in his arm, then knelt before Old Madam Pei.

Old Madam Pei hurriedly stepped forward to help her grandson up, tears brimming in her eyes, relieved to have him back at last.

Don’t assume that disaster relief is any safer than fighting in a war. If met with ill-intentioned people instigating trouble, even officials representing the court wouldn’t be of much help.

After Pei Ji’an had greeted the elders in the family one by one, he looked up in her direction.

Before seeing him, Qu Fulan had been eagerly anticipating every day, but once she actually saw him, she was at a loss for words. Her lips moved as if there were many things to say, but when it came to speaking, she couldn’t decide what to start with.

He had already walked up to her, his voice as gentle as a spring breeze whispering above her head, "Lanlan."

"Si." She finally managed to utter the first words.

The two returned to the Lixiang Courtyard since he had just come back and needed to wash and tidy up.

Not seeing him for over half a year, she felt he had become much more robust, no longer as lean as before.

Furthermore, his large hand, which held hers, was calloused and even warmer.

Walking beside him, Qu Fulan gazed forward, her heart filled with joy. Even the simple covered walkway felt different, and she thought it wouldn’t be bad to keep walking like this forever.

The servants in Lixiang Courtyard, upon seeing their return, were also extremely happy. Without needing instructions, they went ahead to prepare hot water.

Once inside, he started to remove his armor while Qu Fulan watched. She hesitated for a moment before walking over, saying, "Let me help."

Pei Ji’an paused in his actions but then very cooperatively spread his arms open, letting her undress him.

This was her first time touching his armor. Unable to resist, she felt it. Truth be told, men in armor appeared quite handsome, exuding a heroic aura.

He was already a hero in the hearts of many.

Although this time he hadn’t been to the battlefield but had gone for disaster relief, it still required military deployment, which instilled an imposing presence that deterred people from causing trouble.

Removing the belt, shoulder armor, and breastplate followed this procedure, but it wasn’t easy to do. Given the weight of such items, Qu Fulan struggled to take them off.

The bathroom was already prepared with hot water. He changed into plain inner clothes and entered.

Using a bucket of water, he roughly cleaned himself first before soaking in the bathtub.

"Lanlan, come rub my back," he said.

Qu Fulan, with her head lowered, went in, picked up a towel, and rubbed his back.

"Don’t just rub the back, get the front as well," he added.

Qu Fulan had no choice but to circle around to the front to wash him.

It wasn’t her first time seeing Pei Ji’an’s body, but the context under which she saw it then was different from normal circumstances. The robust chest, defined lines, the standard eight-pack abs, and the Apollo’s belt were captivating.

With the warmth from the heated walls and water temperature, her cheeks were tinted with a rosy hue.

Some droplets accidentally splashed on her face, hair, and clothes, adding a somewhat entrancing touch.

Even in normal circumstances, she found him attractive, let alone after a long separation and under such circumstances.

"Lanlan," he suddenly called her.

"Hmm?" She looked up.

Suddenly, she felt warmth upon the nape of her neck; it was his large palm holding her from behind, pressing forward, and warm lips making contact...

This hot bath lasted over an hour.

When the maids later came into the bathing room to clean up, they found water everywhere, not knowing how it happened.

Qu Fulan was sitting on the warm couch, now changed into clean clothes, drying her hair with a towel, her cheeks still blushing.

Pei Ji’an approached her, "Let me do it."

He was wearing a white brocade robe, exuding elegance and charm.

Qu Fulan said nothing, letting him dry her hair.

When they reappeared before everyone, the hall was already filled with people.

The three branches of the Pei Family gathered, their conversations and laughter filling the space.

"Just in time, we were about to send someone to call you," Mrs. Pei said with a smile.

Pei Ji’an apologized for being late and kept the elders waiting.

His second uncle laughed, "Not at all, not at all. You’ve just returned home, naturally requiring time to freshen up. Besides, it’s a family banquet, all among ourselves, no need to talk of waiting or not, it’s unnecessary formality."

The Pei Family hadn’t experienced such a full assembly in a while, and the room was packed with three tables’ worth of people.

However, Pei Ji’an raised his wine cup towards Pei Yuan, "I heard that brother happily welcomed a daughter. The second brother congratulates you again and will give a congratulatory gift later. But for now, where is the child?"

Pei Yuan reciprocated, "The second sister-in-law has already sent many things, no need for you to worry about it. But now the child is still young, and just fell asleep. I’ll bring her another day for you to see."

"That’s fine."

That evening, he drank quite a lot, being both happy and with no plans the next day, he indulged a bit. Eventually, it was she who supported him back to Lixiang Courtyard.

Perhaps satisfied earlier in the bathing room, he didn’t trouble her again that night, merely holding her close, speaking with excitement, "The Emperor asked about the foundation today. I told him it was your idea, and he was pleased. He said he wants to see you and, at the banquet of commendation in three days, intends to reward you publicly."