Meeting her surprised and worried expression, Chen Jinheng lowered his brows and smiled faintly.

He reached out and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, speaking softly.

"Madam, you really can see through anything!"

A few years ago, when His Majesty had just ascended the throne, in order to consolidate imperial power, allow the people to recuperate, vigorously develop the economy, and end the war.

Now that the bandits are becoming increasingly rampant, Your Majesty can no longer tolerate it.

Yesterday, during court, I was ordered to lead troops to eliminate the remaining bandits.

Upon hearing this, Gu Qianluo's eyes darkened slightly. "I've heard that the bandits in the north often harass our people, burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of atrocities."

"Is Your Majesty truly determined to eliminate this threat completely this time?"

"Yes, His Majesty has given me a death order this time: I am not allowed to return to the capital until the bandits are eradicated."

Upon hearing this, Gu Qianluo frowned, her expression grave, and she fell silent for a moment.

After a long pause, she finally spoke, "I wish my husband a successful campaign and a speedy return to the capital."

His heart skipped a beat, his brows suddenly relaxed, and he laughed heartily.

"With my wife's blessing, I will surely overcome all obstacles and strive to return to reunite with you as soon as possible!"

"Uh-huh."

Gu Qianluo remembered that in her previous life, the tragedy of her younger sister Gu Qianxue only began when Chen Jinheng returned in triumph.

According to Madam Lu, Chen Jinheng was invincible once he entered the northern frontier, and quickly wiped out the bandits in the north, bringing peace to the people. He also returned to the capital before the New Year to receive his reward and be ennobled.

The great victory over the bandits and their triumphant return should have been a joyous occasion, but Gu Qianxue's jealousy ruined the family's good mood.

While Chen Jinheng was away fighting the enemy, Gu Qianxue knew that Lin Ruoyan held a special place in Chen Jinheng's heart. She harbored resentment and, unable to resist the instigation of the concubines in the inner quarters, conspired with one of the concubines to kill Chen Jinheng's adopted son.

Lin Ruoyan developed a heart ailment due to excessive grief.

After returning to his residence and learning the whole story, Chen Jinheng, in a fit of anger, left Gu Qianxue alone in a deserted attic.

To appease Lin Ruoyan, he made her his secondary wife as soon as he returned to the mansion.

Gu Qianxue spent the rest of her life in that lonely courtyard pavilion.

Gu Qianluo had only been married into the Marquis's mansion for five days when her husband had to go to the front lines to fight the enemy, leaving her alone to manage the affairs of the inner quarters.

She didn't seek his favor; she only hoped to live a peaceful and safe life.

As her thoughts settled, Gu Qianluo's eyes were cool. Seeing that he was in a good mood, she gently raised her hand to brush the fallen leaves from his forehead and asked softly.

"According to Zhuying, Lin Ruoyan is very important to you, a ray of light in your dark life."

Since it's so important, why doesn't her husband give her a proper status?

Upon hearing the sound, Chen Jinheng abruptly stopped in his tracks, his eyes dimming.

"What did Zhuying just say to you?"

“Your past! He said, Brother Song, it’s very important to you,” she said softly.

Upon hearing this, Chen Jinheng's gaze grew even colder, and he said leisurely,

“Brother Song is my savior. Ten years ago, if it weren’t for him, I would have been dead long ago.”

"Lin Ruoyan knows him too?"

"We know each other; the three of us grew up together."

"If my husband likes Miss Lin, why not take her in? That way, she won't always harbor resentment towards me."

Gu Qianlu offered him advice with such open-mindedness, her eyes occasionally sparkling with light, seemingly unconcerned that her husband had another woman.

Chen Jinheng did not appreciate her magnanimity and felt a little depressed. He reached out and pinched her pink cheek.

"Ouch, that hurts!"

Gu Qianlu exclaimed in surprise, slapped his hand away, and gave him a cold glare.

Seeing her frown, her lips droop, and her hand rubbing the sore spot, Chen Jinheng coldly replied,

"She is Brother Song's wife, and there is absolutely no possibility between us."

Gu Qianluo's brow twitched slightly, her heart skipped a beat, as if she had discovered some palace secret, and she asked in surprise.

"But... her relationship with you seems unusual."

Chen Jinheng's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression revealing impatience, and his voice turned as cold as ice as he said,

"Madam, what is it that you want to ask?"

Gu Qianlu's heart sank as she sensed his anger, and she said resentfully,

"As everyone knows, Lin Ruoyan is my husband's beloved, but now I occupy the position of mistress."

I merely spoke a few words on behalf of Miss Lin, yet I never imagined my husband would be so angry with me for it.

"Is Madam being so magnanimous because she's afraid others will say she's jealous and suspicious?" Chen Jinheng asked in surprise.

Gu Qianlu nodded vigorously, "Exactly."

The man's eyes flickered slightly, as if something had flashed across them, and he said in a deep voice,

"Madam, you worry too much! With me here, who would dare say a bad word about you?"

"But you won't be here in a few days, will you?"

Chen Jinheng's gaze deepened as he turned to look into the distance, seemingly lost in thought.

"Yes, in a few days, I will be going to the battlefield to fight. My wife, you must take it easy while you're at home!"

Seeing the man's joking tone, Gu Qianlu felt annoyed, shook off his large hand, and said indignantly,

"Chen Jinheng, can you be serious for once? I'm talking to you about something important!"

Chen Jinheng was taken aback, then his expression brightened, and he suddenly burst out laughing, "So this is what Madam is like when she gets angry!"

"You're still laughing! You're still laughing!" Gu Qianlu raised her hand and slapped the man's shoulder.

"Oh dear! Madam, have mercy! Get in the carriage first! The journey will take several more hours!"

Gu Qianluo's heart sank, and she said resentfully, "Jinheng, I don't like traveling at night."

Chen Jinheng raised an eyebrow, gently patted her shoulder, and reassured her, "Don't worry, Madam, we'll make it in time!"

The Youming Pavilion on Jingyou Mountain is the property of the Marquis's mansion. Usually, only a few servants are left to manage it. On this trip, Chen Jinheng only brought Zhuying as a guard.

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