Chapter 208 I usually go to bed early

Back at Guanlan Pavilion in the evening, Yu Qingci felt extremely tired after a long day. She instructed her maid to prepare hot water for a bath early in the morning, changed into a loose and comfortable undergarment, and let her ink-black hair cascade down her back like a waterfall. She looked languid and casual, as if she was ready to go to bed at any moment.

Tong'er and Lianqiao flanked her, each taking a handkerchief to wring out her hair. Lianqiao looked at the woman's stunningly beautiful face in the mirror, even without makeup, and said:

"This servant will style the young mistress's hair into a beautiful headdress, put on this set of six-tailed phoenix hairpins, and apply some lovely makeup. I guarantee that when the general returns and sees her, she'll look like a silly goose again."

Tong'er also chimed in with a smile:

"Yes, yes, young mistress, you should change your clothes too. I'll pick out a new one for you. The lotus root pink silk dress in the closet is quite nice. The fabric is sheer and will make you look elegant and show off your figure."

He then went to get his clothes.

Yu Qingci finally snapped out of her daze.

Yes, her husband has returned to the manor, and Guanlan Pavilion no longer belongs to her alone.

Who knows, she might move out soon.

The thought of leaving this place where she had lived for almost a year finally made Yu Qingci feel a little reluctant.

"You two don't need to bother anymore. I'm exhausted after a long day and all I want to do is go to sleep. You should go and rest as well."

Upon hearing this, Lian Qiao shook her head vigorously: "That won't do. The general will definitely be back soon. Young mistress can't go to sleep first. She has to wait for the general to return."

Yu Qingci hesitated, wondering if the general would actually come to Guanlan Pavilion tonight.

However, she couldn't say this to the two maids, so she made an excuse that she was tired and asked the two maids to keep watch outside.

Fortunately, footsteps sounded outside not long after, and Lu Yunqi returned.

Yu Qingci had no choice but to tidy her clothes and go out to greet them.

As soon as Lu Yunqi entered the house, he looked around and saw that the house was no longer the quiet and cold place he used to live in; there were many things that did not belong to him.

For example, the few pots of crabapple and camellia bonsai in full bloom on the embroidered stool in the corner and the table by the window; the various exquisite little objects displayed on the curio cabinet; the soft, pine-green gauze curtains embroidered with lilies hanging on the window; a gentle breeze blowing in from outside, causing the soft, delicate gauze curtains to sway slightly.

The interplay of stillness and movement perfectly showcases the hostess's elegant and gentle demeanor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Seeing several books on the table, he walked over, picked one up at random, and flipped through it. It was the household's account book. There were several other booklets next to it, and judging from the covers, they were all account books, with another book mixed in among them.

Lu Yunqi put down the account book and picked up the book. The title was "The Glazed Lamp," which was probably a storybook. He had never touched this kind of book before. Out of curiosity, he was about to pick it up and flip through it when he heard a woman's soft voice behind him:

"General."

Lu Yunqi turned around and saw the woman dressed in a plain-colored undergarment, the collar of which was tied tightly, and the wide sleeves that slid down a little as she raised her arm, revealing a section of fair and delicate wrist, which gleamed warmly in the candlelight.

At this moment, Yu Qingci had removed her hairpins and jewelry, revealing a face as clear and pure as a lotus blossom after a rain, like a crabapple in full bloom, radiating a languid glow. Her eyes, which had been so bright and sparkling during the day, were now quietly gazing at him, a hint of questioning in them.

Lu Yunqi felt a tightness in his throat as he looked at the screen. He lowered his head and pondered for a moment before raising his eyes to say:

"During the day, I heard about all the things that happened at the General's Mansion from my mother and others. I had no idea that after the news of my death was sent back, my mother would go to the Earl's Mansion at the instigation of my two uncles to demand that the marriage contract be fulfilled, and I had no idea that you, Madam, would be the one who married into the family in the end."

"You've all suffered so much in the past, Madam."

Lu Yunqi respectfully bowed to Yu Qingci.

Yu Qingci calmly replied, "These are all things I should do; they are not hard work at all."

Then there was a moment of silence, and both of them felt a little awkward.

Lu Yunqi raised his hand and coughed lightly to cover his mouth: "What do you usually do when I'm not around?"

Yu Qingci: "I usually go to bed early."

...

The conversation died down.

Yu Qingci's lips twitched, then she glanced at the account books on the table and said:

"Now that the general has returned, I might as well explain the household accounts to him."

He then walked toward the table.

Lu Yunqi was somewhat taken aback: "Are you sure you want to explain the accounts to me now?"

Yu Qingci: "Natural."

Having explained the accounts, the next step is to discuss a divorce, which is a natural progression.

Lu Yunqi: "Why do you need to do this, Madam? I naturally trust you."

Although I have returned, I will not be staying in the manor for long. His Majesty has ordered me to succeed my father as General Ningyuan. I will often stay in the western suburban camp to handle official business. If the border war becomes urgent, I will have to lead troops back to the battlefield.

Everything in the manor still requires your continued hard work, Madam, so there's really no need for you to explain the accounts to me.

Yu Qingci remained silent, her watery eyes fixed on him.

Lu Yunqi continued, "My mother told me that when the news first came back, the General's Mansion was in chaos, and my second and fourth uncles were also watching us like hawks. It was thanks to Madam's efforts in managing things that the General's Mansion has been able to maintain its current state. I am extremely grateful."

Seeing the man's sincere expression, Yu Qingci thought to herself: It seems he's embarrassed to discard me as soon as he gets back, so he's just saying it to let me continue being the mistress of the house? Does that mean the divorce can't be discussed right now?

Indeed, it is wrong for him to divorce his legal wife who brought him into the family with his memorial tablet as soon as he returned, and instead marry his mistress. If this gets out, his reputation as the Great General of Ningyuan will be greatly diminished.

It seems I acted too hastily.

Since that's the case, let's be patient for a while longer. As long as this person knows how to be considerate and gives his wife the respect and dignity she deserves, then let's leave it at that. We have to give him some time.

Seeing that the woman in front of him didn't respond but her eyes darted around as if she were pondering countless things, Lu Yunqi found it amusing and reminded her:

"Madam must be tired after a long day, so why don't you rest early?"

After saying that, my ears felt hot involuntarily.

Fortunately, I'm often out and about, so my skin tone is a mature wheat color, and the redness around my ears shouldn't be noticeable.

Yu Qingci misunderstood, thinking he was about to leave after saying what he needed to say, so she curtsied and said:

"This humble servant will see you off, General."

Lu Yunqi: ...

Yu Qingci looked at him curiously when she saw that he wasn't leaving.

Lu Yunqi had no choice but to look around and say, "Isn't this our room?"

Yu Qingci then remembered that the man in front of her was her husband, so it was perfectly normal for him to stay overnight. She immediately felt her face burning hot.

Even if I were reborn, I still couldn't hide my shyness in this matter.

Seeing her pretty face flushed, Lu Yunqi felt his throat tighten and a wave of heat wash over him. Before he came back, his mother and Granny Wang had subtly reminded him that his wife was young and he should be more understanding. He wondered if his words just now had frightened her.