CHAPTER 58: CHAPTER 58: ADMIRING THE SNOW, TRIMMING PLUM BLOSSOMS

Luo Suyi delivered meals to the secluded chamber every day and naturally knew that Lu Chengfeng hadn’t returned all night. However, she asked nothing and, upon seeing her husband back, she excitedly asked, "Husband, does this mean you’ve officially come out of seclusion?"

Lu Chengfeng nodded with a smile, "That’s right."

While they talked, Luo Suyi helped him remove his snow-drenched outer robe and brought hot water for him to wash his face. "Husband, it’s cold outside. Have some hot soup first. Granny Wang just cooked some Laba congee, simmered overnight, and it’s just right now."

Unknowingly, Lu Chengfeng had grown accustomed to being attended by her, living in comfort with meals served and clothes laid out, a true enjoyment.

After they finished eating and the servant cleared the table, Luo Suyi continued, "Since Lady Qiutong came up the mountain, she hasn’t stepped out of her doors. If she’s short of something, she sends the maid to the town below to buy it."

"I’ve thought she might need something and sent people with supplies a few times, but she doesn’t refuse yet doesn’t engage more either."

"After all, she’s newly brought into the family. You should take the time to visit her now that you’ve come out of seclusion."

Lu Chengfeng nodded, "I know, I’ll go visit her soon."

Luo Suyi’s hand paused slightly, and her face darkened for a moment. Lu Chengfeng immediately noticed her mood was low. He chuckled lightly, pulling her into his embrace.

"Jealous?"

"No," Luo Suyi quickly denied, "I just, just feel a bit uncomfortable inside. But you should go, she is quite pitiful, alone and forlorn, just brought into the household and already left aside by you for half a year."

"Alright, stop worrying about others," Lu Chengfeng said, holding her. "No more silly thoughts. You are different from others, you must know..."

He whispered in Luo Suyi’s ear, "You are my dear master-wife, after all!"

Luo Suyi’s body softened, half a year had passed without him. During what should have been a honeymoon phase, a time as inseparable as glue, suddenly he was gone, making her particularly susceptible now.

"Husband..."

Her voice was soft and sweet, like an enchanting fairy.

Lu Chengfeng took a deep breath, barely calming himself, though his lower body responded uncontrollably. He gritted his teeth slightly, "Really my good master-wife, let’s see how I deal with you tonight when I return."

"If not for needing to visit the Jade Immortal Peak, I’d make sure you admire the snow by the window..."

Recalling being pressed against the window by this man, Luo Suyi’s face flushed red. Disregarding her shyness, she actively embraced the man’s neck, pressing her chest forward.

"I don’t care... I... I want..."

At this point, how could Lu Chengfeng refuse? He gave her a hard spank, "Such a naughty master-wife seducing a disciple, go lean against the window, I need to punish you properly."

Luo Suyi whimpered, got out of his embrace, obediently leaned against the window, and looked back seductively, "Bold Lu Chengfeng, how dare you not listen to your master-wife?"

Lu Chengfeng felt as though his mind exploded. Hearing such words from this woman was a first; he roared lowly, and leapt forward.

The storm raged on until midday before ceasing.

...

When Lu Chengfeng walked out of the room, he could only chuckle. Luo Suyi’s earlier coquettishness clearly stemmed from fear that he’d be captivated by Lady Qiutong, leading her to please him thus.

"Looks like I have to practice that Six Yang Seizing Yin secret technique, or I won’t be able to handle more women in the future," he muttered a few words and headed towards Lady Qiutong’s residence.

The place wasn’t far from his own courtyard, just about a dozen meters away. A large locust tree stood on the right side of the entrance, already piled with snow, while the door remained tightly closed, with no sound from within.

Lu Chengfeng knocked on the door ring, and before long, the voice of the maid Die’Er came from inside, "Who is it?"

Lu Chengfeng replied, "It’s me, Lu Chengfeng."

Soon, the courtyard door opened, and the little maid peeked out to see it was indeed Lu Chengfeng. Her face involuntarily broke into a smile, though she said, "Oh, you actually know to come; what kind of husband treats his wife like this?"

"Hmph, it’s just that my mistress is soft-hearted; if it were up to me, I would have abandoned a cad like you long ago."

Hearing her sharp-tongued criticisms, Lu Chengfeng didn’t bother to argue, simply smiling as he asked, "It’s my fault. Where is your mistress now? I’ll go apologize."

"At least you have some conscience. Come with me," Die’Er closed the courtyard door and led Lu Chengfeng inside.

The snow in the courtyard had already been mostly cleared. Brooms and other tools were placed nearby, indicating Die’Er had been busy shoveling snow outside.

"The courtyard has two areas, interior and exterior, not small. Just you and your mistress make it seem rather empty. How about I arrange for two more maids to help with cleaning and cooking?" Lu Chengfeng suggested offhandedly.

These were things he normally wouldn’t discuss with a maid, but Die’Er, though sharp-tongued, was loyal and seemed diligent, as evidenced by the spotless snow clearing job herself. So, he added a few more words.

"It’s just my mistress and I, and we live quite freely. Bringing in outsiders might be troublesome, but such matters aren’t mine to fret over; ask my mistress’s opinion later," Die’Er replied.

Lu Chengfeng chuckled. This little maid had manners, unlike some servants who, after a long stay, presume they can make decisions for their masters.

Reaching the door, Die’Er softly called out, "Mistress, the master has come to see you."

A melodious yet emotionless female voice echoed from within, "Come in!"

Die’Er opened the door, inviting Lu Chengfeng in.

Upon entering, Lu Chengfeng saw a demure woman clad in a goose-yellow dress and sable coat, her hair styled elegantly, kneeling by the window counter.

On the counter lay a potted plum blossom, and she was intently trimming the branches with a pair of scissors.

The scene was as exquisite as a painting, breathtakingly beautiful, and Lu Chengfeng hesitated to break the tranquility.

"Please, take a seat, Master, I’ll be done soon," Lady Qiutong said without turning, her eyes seemingly focused more on the plum blossoms than anything else.

"Alright." Lu Chengfeng sat opposite her, studying the beauty that was like a painting, with refined features and an elegant demeanor.

He had to admit, Luo Suyi possesses a seductive beauty, Zhao Ling’Er exudes youthful charm and vitality, Su Wanqing is like an elegant noblewoman, while this woman seemed to step out of a painting, endowed with the Spirit of Heaven and Earth, deeply captivating.

Lu Chengfeng always favored voluptuous women, but upon seeing this woman, he completely overlooked her physical form, finding her presence utterly delightful.

"Master, it’s noon now. Would you like to stay for lunch?" Die’Er inquired softly.

Lu Chengfeng nodded, "I just came out of seclusion today and feel quite hungry, so I’ll stay and dine with you all."

"Yes, Master." In front of Qiutong, Die’Er was respectful, showing none of her usual sharp-tongued demeanor.

Soon, Qiutong finished pruning the plum blossom, set down her scissors, and turned to look at Lu Chengfeng. Her eyes were as clear as a water wave, extraordinarily pure, arresting one from mundane thoughts.

"Husband, Qiutong apologizes for being neglectful!"

Hearing her call him husband delighted Lu Chengfeng, indicating she wasn’t planning on leaving. Such an ethereal beauty was a treasure, even if merely to glance at each day.

"Not at all, watching you trim plum blossoms is already a rare pleasure. Though I’m a man of the martial path and lack such refined interests, your influence could be quite beneficial," he remarked.

Qiutong smiled gently, "This is merely a skill learned during my days at the brothel, meant to amuse learned guests."

Lu Chengfeng was taken aback, "Brothel?"