Chapter 207 Don't Call Me Husband
Luo Yi's few words immediately enlivened the atmosphere in the main hall. Granny Wang jokingly remarked:
"The young couple hit it off immediately upon their first meeting, which is why they both became such clueless geese. Don't worry, they'll get used to each other after a few days of getting to know each other."
However, addressing her as "young mistress" is indeed inappropriate; she should be addressed as "husband" from now on.
Granny Wang's words immediately drew laughter. Yu Qingci blushed, and Lu Yunqi's handsome face also showed a hint of unease, but he quickly lowered his eyes, making his emotions unreadable.
Madam Ning smiled with satisfaction and said:
"You're absolutely right. It's inevitable that the young couple will be a little awkward since this is their first meeting. They can't be so polite in the future."
Quick, everyone sit down, don't just stand there like idiots! My son's safe return today is truly a blessing from heaven, and we should celebrate properly today.
"Daughter-in-law, is the banquet all prepared?"
Yu Qingci had just sat down when she heard her mother-in-law ask a question, so she quickly stood up again and said:
"Everything is ready, and we can start the feast in a little while."
Madam Ning: "That's good. Yunqi just came back and hasn't even changed out of his armor yet, but he rushed over to see me. You should take him downstairs to wash up and rest for a while. Then he can come over and have a reunion dinner together later."
Just as Yu Qingci was about to agree, Luo Yi interrupted:
"Sister, you don't need to run back and forth. There are changes of clothes at the general's washing place. The old lady has already had everything prepared in the study in front. The study is closest to the old lady's courtyard, so it will be convenient for you to come over in a while."
"Oh, by the way, Madam Zhou, who's in charge of the kitchen, just came over and said there are a few dishes that need your approval, sister. Today's banquet is a big deal and can't be taken lightly. If you're busy, sister, you can leave the task of serving the general to me; I'm used to doing it."
Yu Qingci: "That's fine too."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yunqi looked at her with a puzzled expression; she seemed too cold.
Before he could think further, Yu Qingci finished speaking and took Tong'er to the main kitchen. Luo Yi also came over to urge him to wash up and change his clothes.
Watching her graceful figure depart, Lu Yunqi let out a slight sigh. Perhaps she wasn't used to her husband's sudden return. It was alright; she would get used to it over time.
After thinking it over, he got up and followed Luo Yi to the study.
Yu Qingci naturally had no idea what Lu Yunqi was thinking. She just felt that he and Luo Yi must have a lot to say since they hadn't seen each other for many days. As someone who was ready to be divorced at any time, she should try not to get in their way. Once she had this thought, she went to the kitchen feeling relieved.
Lu Yun got up and went to the study in the outer courtyard. Qingzhu and Qingjiu, who had been waiting there, stepped forward and respectfully bowed, saying:
"General, the bathing supplies are ready."
Lu Yunqi: "Understood. You two stay outside and keep watch."
As he spoke, he strode inside.
Luo Yi, who was following closely behind, hurriedly caught up, but was stopped by an arm that stretched out from the side.
Luo Yi immediately turned cold and glared at her.
Qingzhu said expressionlessly, "General, go in and take a bath. No idlers please."
Luo Yi said irritably, "The old lady ordered me to come and serve you, so you'd better get out of the way."
Qingyun maintained his expressionless face: "We only listen to the general. The general does not need anyone to serve him when he takes a bath."
Luo Yi had been dealing with these two people for a long time and knew their bad tempers. Apart from the general, they wouldn't listen to anyone else.
Unable to get in, Luo Yi could only glare angrily at the two of them, then walk to the side of the corridor and sit on a bench to wait, occasionally turning back to glare at them again.
However, Qingzhu and Qingjiu acted as if they couldn't see her, standing guard at the door without saying a word or leaving.
Fortunately, Lu Yunqi was quick. He finished washing up in no time, changed into a casual long robe, and came out of the door.
Luo Yi, who was getting sleepy from waiting, jumped up at the sound and rushed over to touch it.
"Husband, those two..."
Lu Yunqi gently avoided her outstretched hands and said coldly, "Luo Yi, how many times have I told you not to call me husband anymore? You are a young lady, and if people hear this and misunderstand, it will not be good for your reputation."
Luo Yi bit her lip and replied aggrievedly, "Yes, I misspoke. I used to call you husband to avoid suspicion. I got used to it and can't change it. Please forgive me, General."
Seeing her submissive demeanor, Lu Yunqi didn't say anything more and strode towards Songbai Hall.
He was tall and had long legs, so he took big strides and quickly left Luo Yi behind. Luo Yi was secretly annoyed and could only jog to catch up.
A large table of exquisite dishes had already been set out in Songbai Hall. Upon Lu Yunqi's return, the family sat down again and enjoyed a sumptuous feast together.
During the meal, Madam Ning would occasionally ask her son questions about whether he was eating well and staying warm. She would also instruct the maids serving each dish to serve her son first.
Luo Yi chatted and laughed with the old lady for a few minutes, then put down her chopsticks and took the initiative to do the work. She diligently added dishes and poured wine for Lu Yunqi, and also made sure to add a few more bites for the old lady Ning. She also said a few more words to make things more interesting. The atmosphere at the table was always festive and lively.
Yu Qingci was eating silently when suddenly a pair of chopsticks reached out and placed a piece of pigeon meat in her bowl.
Yu Qingci looked up and saw that it was her sister-in-law sitting next to her.
Lu Yun Chu glanced at Luo Yi, who was standing obsequiously between her mother and brother, and leaned closer to whisper:
"The pigeon meat is very tender today, sister-in-law, please eat more."
Yu Qingci knew that her sister-in-law was concerned about her, so she smiled reassuringly at her and patted her hand to indicate that she was alright.
Before the banquet was over, a servant came to report that clansmen, relatives and friends had begun to arrive. Lu Yunqi got up and went to the front hall to greet them personally.
After finishing her meal, Madam Ning went to rest, as was her custom, and with the help of Granny Wang, she went into her inner room to rest.
Yu Qingci ordered the banquet to be cleared away and was about to leave when Luo Yi approached Yu Qingci and called her "sister".
Yu Qingci thought she had something to do, so she stopped.
Luo Yi approached and extended her wrist. On her wrist was a tourmaline bracelet made of yellow and blue beads, which was very eye-catching and sparkly.
Luo Yi waved the bracelet in front of Yu Qingci's eyes, a sly smile on her face:
"Sister, this is a tourmaline bracelet that the general just gave me. Do you think it's pretty?"
Just now, I was serving the general a bath when he took this out of his pocket and said he bought it especially for me, and even put it on my wrist himself.
Back when I was traveling with the general, he once asked me what I liked. I casually mentioned that I liked bracelets made of various beads. It was just a casual remark, but I never expected the general to remember it.
After Luo Yi finished speaking, she tilted her head and looked at Yu Qingci: "I wonder what the general gave you, sister? The general must have prepared something even better for you since it was your first meeting with me, right? I showed you all the things the general gave me, sister. You must share your good things with me then."
After saying that, she gave Yu Qingci a shy smile, her eyes innocent and pure.
Yu Qingci stood there with a calm expression. Although she already knew the ending, she felt inexplicably choked up.
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