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CHAPTER 4 - FIRST ENCOUNTER
Seeming unsatisfied, he decided to pour another cup.
Unfortunately, the tea was not a sobering tonic, and drinking it had little effect.
Feeling heavily drowsy, he leaned against the kang under the bright window and closed his eyes to catch some sleep.
Seeing this, Housekeeper He immediately whispered, "Let's go, Madam Shao will take care of him here."
Luo Yuan furrowed his brows, seemingly concerned about whether Madam Shao could take care of the General.
However, Housekeeper He didn't allow any delay.
She pulled his sleeve and hurriedly led him outside.
With no choice, Luo Yuan followed Housekeeper He and quickly left the room.
Carrying the armor in his hands, he headed straight to the study.
There was a designated place in the study for storing armor; it couldn't be placed haphazardly.
When Shao Wen returned from the side room to the main room, she frowned as soon as she entered.
Originally, there should be a faint lotus fragrance in the room.
At this moment, however, there was a strong smell of alcohol permeating the air.
Not significant in amount, but to Du Jingyi, who grew up in a pampered environment, it was an overwhelmingly pungent scent.
Without thinking, she knew that it was her triumphant husband returning from the palace banquet.
Covering her nose and mouth with a handkerchief, she walked through the main hall to the bedroom separated by a Su embroidery screen.
Behind the screen, she witnessed an unfamiliar man lounging casually in her favorite spot without any courtesy.
Looking at the tea cups on the table, they were not in their original positions.
However, he was sleeping soundly.
The moonlight outside filtered through the window, delicately casting on him.
It softened the invincible aura he usually exuded, adding a touch of the leisure and comfort typical of the affluent young men of Su'an City.
One couldn't deny that her husband did possess an attractive appearance.
With slender phoenix eyes, a prominent nose, thin lips like a blade, and a robust physique.
Just as Du Jingyi was pondering how to wake him up, the closed eyes of Shang Ji suddenly opened.
Upon opening, those profound eyes exuded an unquestionable sense of oppression.
Du Jingyi had never directly looked into her husband's eyes before.
After being swept by his wolf-like fierce gaze, she retreated slightly in panic.
This scene happened to be seen by Shang Ji.
He was also slightly surprised.
He initially thought that this time, Lady Wei had begged for him a "stubborn" and straightforward woman.
Unexpectedly, she appeared like a celestial beauty.
If outsiders were to witness this, it might lead to confusion and infatuation.
Unfortunately, Shang Ji, having spent many years in the military, was someone not easily influenced by emotions.
So, he sat up, took a few breaths, and with a calm expression, he asked, "Are you Miss Du?"
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This question brought Du Jingyi back to reality.
What did a good appearance matter?
The way he spoke didn't sound like addressing the lady of the house but rather like addressing a subordinate in the military.
Du Jingyi then suppressed her previous surprise and panic, adjusted her crimson sleeping robe, placed her hands together in front of her abdomen, and bowed, saying, "This humble one, Du Jingyi, pays respects to General."
"Good."
After sitting up, Shang Ji casually stretched his muscles and bones. The alcohol still had some effect.
He pinched the acupoint between his left thumb and forefinger, then spoke.
"Three years ago, leaving home was due to urgent military matters, causing you inconvenience. I've pleaded with His Majesty and acquired quite a few pieces of jewelry and clothing, which will be delivered tomorrow as a compensation gift."
His intention was to ease the awkwardness between them with these words. However, unexpectedly, Du Jingyi didn't even lift an eyelid and responded emotionlessly, "This humble one thanks His Majesty and General."
The two maids behind her also bowed and said, "Servants Cherry (Lizhu) have seen General."
"Good, you may rise."
He was accustomed to the rough demeanor of soldiers in the military, and hearing such soft words was a bit unusual.
After a couple of coughs, he asked, "Where is the study?"
"It's still in the room on the right."
Hearing this, Shang Ji got up from the bed. Cherry and Lizhu, intending to assist him in putting on his boots, were stopped by a wave of his hand.
Accustomed to taking care of his own needs in the military, he had no taste for the luxury of nobles. He didn't need maids serving him up close.
After putting on his boots, he spoke, "I drank today. I'm afraid the scent might disturb you so I'll sleep in the study."
Du Jingyi's expression showed a slight surprise, not expecting him to say such words. However, after a moment of hesitation, she immediately responded gracefully, "Very well, this humble one will have the sobering soup sent to the study."
"Good."
After saying this, he strode away, his steps not reflecting the unsteady gait of a drunken person. Only after his figure dispersed into the darkness did Du Jingyi seem to realize that he was gone.
"Young Madam, why didn't you let the General stay in the main room overnight?" The one speaking was Lizhu, who tended to be straightforward. At this moment, she spoke for Du Jingyi's benefit. After all, despite being in the Duke's mansion for three years, she was only the nominal Young Madam. The busybodies in the outer courtyard often teased her, and Lizhu had overheard it more than once. If she could have the General stay in the main room, it would be a straightforward slap in the face for those gossipy women.
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Unfortunately, the Empress is not anxious, and eunuchs are not in a hurry. Du Jingyi showed no intention of keeping her husband. After he left, she calmly said, "There's no need."
"Light up the Moonlight Incense and freshen up the air in this room."
"Yes, Young Madam."
As the familiar scent wafted through the air, Du Jingyi's mind finally settled. She had an indescribable feeling toward this husband she had just met.
Although they were nominally husband and wife, their actual interaction did not exceed half an hour. If he had truly stayed tonight, she wouldn't know how to "serve" him.
For some reason, the memory of the look in his eyes when he just woke up was still vivid in her mind. It was like the leader of a wolf pack staring at its prey, fierce and determined. Although fleeting, Du Jingyi saw it—the ferocity and the certainty in his eyes.
No wonder he could command the defense of the thirteen cities at the border; he must possess genuine abilities.
Sigh...
Lying on the rosewood bed inlaid with ivory and magnolia flowers, she couldn't fall asleep for a long time. Tomorrow, she didn't know how to face this husband who was both familiar and unfamiliar.
Turning and tossing, it wasn't until the early hours of the morning that she couldn't resist and fell asleep.
Unfortunately, early the next morning, Du Jingyi was deliberately awakened by the loud voices of the maids outside. She woke up with a displeased frown.
All the maids, matrons, and servants in Xitang Yuan were capable, diligent, and not inclined to gossip. It was because Housekeeper He and Matron Dou were strict with them. In three years of dealing with them, the courtyard had never experienced such a noisy situation early in the morning.
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