Lu Jingze was away in Cangzhou for several months.
When he returned, he was covered in dust and grime.
His clothes were covered in dust, and his face showed signs of fatigue, but his eyes were still bright and alert.
As soon as he returned, he immersed himself in Lanyue Pavilion.
After finishing her dinner, Wang Xiuxiu returned from digesting her food outside. Upon first seeing the person, she momentarily mistook him for a drunkard from some household.
Why are you in such a disheveled state?
Lu Jingze smiled, his voice a little hoarse: "The conditions on the road were limited, so I didn't have time to think about these things."
Why didn't they send someone to inform them?
Lu Jingze waved his hand, his tone relaxed: "Too much trouble, I climbed over the wall to get in."
Wang Xiuxiu was speechless, but seeing his dusty appearance, she couldn't help but say, "Then I'll have someone prepare bathwater for you, why don't you wash up first?"
Having not been arranged like this in a long time, Lu Jingze felt a surge of joy upon hearing this.
He nodded, his tone gentle: "Okay, I'll listen to you."
Lu Jingze went into the bathroom, and Wang Xiuxiu didn't sit idle either, hurriedly asking the kitchen to prepare several dishes.
The fire in the kitchen had already been turned off, and it took some time to find someone to relight it.
When Xiaoying came out of the kitchen, she had also returned to the main courtyard after she had gone there to deliver a message.
"The Princess Consort said it's getting late, so she won't come to see the Prince. We'll talk about it tomorrow."
Wang Xiuxiu nodded. "Okay, I understand. Go to the kitchen and urge them again. If they can't finish, bring the soup up first."
The autumn heatwave is intense.
Lu Jingze clearly rushed back; one wonders how he got through the journey.
Wang Xiuxiu asked the kitchen to cook lotus root soup, which is good for clearing heat and moisturizing the lungs, and is perfect for him to replenish his fluids.
When Lu Jingze came out after drying his hair, Wang Xiuxiu had just served him a bowl of soup.
Seeing his clean and refreshed appearance made her feel much better.
"You didn't even give me a heads-up. At this hour, the head chef has already locked the kitchen. You should have a bowl of soup to fill your stomach first."
Wang Xiuxiu handed him the soup bowl, her tone tinged with reproach, but mostly with concern.
Lu Jingze took the soup bowl and smiled, "Okay."
Why is this person always smiling like an idiot after not seeing him for months?
Perhaps because he had been away from home for too long, the lotus root soup tasted especially sweet and delicious today, and Lu Jingze drank two bowls in one go.
He wanted to have a third bowl, but Wang Xiuxiu stopped him, worried that if he drank too much soup, he wouldn't be able to eat his rice.
"Did you come back with Ye Lanfeng?" she asked casually.
Lu Jingze obediently put down his bowl and said, "No, I came back by myself."
Wang Xiuxiu frowned: "Has everything in Cangzhou been taken care of?"
"It's almost done. Everything is on track. Ye Lanfeng is putting the finishing touches on things, and the Third Imperial Uncle returned to Cangzhou a few days ago to take charge of the overall situation." Lu Jingze's tone was calm, as if all of this was a matter of course.
Wang Xiuxiu nodded, then realized what she meant and her eyes widened: "You just abandoned Ye Lanfeng in Cangzhou and came back on your own?"
Lu Jingze nodded, looking at Wang Xiuxiu with an innocent expression, seemingly unaware that he had done anything wrong.
Wang Xiuxiu smiled awkwardly, silently lighting three candles for Ye Lanfeng in her heart, thinking to herself that he really had met the wrong person!
---
In the evening, the moonlight, as clear as water, shone through the window and onto the floor of the room, casting a soft halo.
A gentle breeze stirs the curtains by the window, causing them to sway softly, as if adding a touch of gentle rhythm to the tranquil night.
As always, Lu Jingze naturally reached out his hand.
His palm rested on her waist, and with a slight pressure from his fingertips, he gently pulled Wang Xiuxiu into his arms.
The two hadn't seen each other for a long time, and when they were suddenly embraced like this, Wang Xiuxiu involuntarily froze for a moment.
Her fingers curled slightly, and her heartbeat quickened.
Lu Jingze seemed to notice her stiffness, but he acted as if he didn't, not only not letting go of her but also holding her even tighter.
His palms were warm, the warmth penetrating through her thin clothes to her skin, bringing a reassuring touch.
Lu Jingze's chest pressed tightly against hers, as if he wanted to merge her whole body into his.
At the same time, Lu Jingze lowered his head and gently rested his chin on the top of Wang Xiuxiu's head, feeling the faint fragrance emanating from her soft hair.
That was her usual scent of soapberry. Lu Jingze had seen her make it herself before; it was sweet but not cloying, as if it carried the smell of home.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, as if trying to etch this familiar scent into his heart.
Time seemed to stand still at that moment, and everything around became blurred.
The sounds of insects chirping outside, the wind in the distance, and even the slight flickering of the candlelight gradually faded away, leaving only the sound of their breathing mingling together.
Lu Jingze's heartbeat was steady and strong, transmitted through his chest to Wang Xiuxiu's ear, gradually calming her initially flustered heart.
Lu Jingze's heart, which had been hanging in suspense for months, finally returned to peace.
He murmured softly, "Xiuxiu, I'm back."
His voice was deep and gentle, tinged with weariness, yet filled with satisfaction.
These words seemed to represent his deepest longing, which had finally been fulfilled at this moment.
Wang Xiuxiu listened to his voice and softly hummed in response, her voice barely audible.
She slowly raised her hand, carefully wrapped it around his waist, buried her face in his chest, and felt the warmth emanating from his body.
With my cheek pressed against his chest, I could clearly feel his strong heartbeat.
"You've lost weight," Wang Xiuxiu said softly.
Lu Jingze just smiled and hugged her even tighter.
His hand gently stroked her back, as if to soothe her or to confirm her presence.
After a moment, he asked in a low voice, "Have you missed me these days?"
Wang Xiuxiu blushed slightly, only relieved that she was hiding in his arms and couldn't be seen by him.
My heart started racing again, as if it were about to leap out of my chest.
Wang Xiuxiu's fingers unconsciously twisted his clothes, her lips moved slightly, unsure how to answer.
Lu Jingze didn't hear the answer he wanted, but he could feel the temperature of the little one in his arms rising further, and a warm feeling washed over him.
Fearing she would be too shy, he didn't dare to press her further. Instead, he lowered his head and gently kissed the top of her head.
His lips gently touched her hair, with a hint of pity and tenderness.
"Xiuxiu," he whispered her name, his voice slightly hoarse, "I miss you so much."
Wang Xiuxiu trembled violently, as if struck by his words.
Wang Xiuxiu didn't answer, but buried her face even deeper, though a smile unconsciously crept onto her lips.
Outside the window, the moonlight still shone gently.
The candlelight inside the room flickered slightly, casting longer, intertwined shadows of the two people.
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