Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Seeking Peace of Mind
Early the next morning, Lu Chengfeng got up, trying to be as careful as possible to avoid waking Luo Suyi, but he ultimately stirred her from her sleep.
Half-awake, Luo Suyi instinctively clung to his arm, murmuring, "Husband, don't go."
Lu Chengfeng's heart softened. "Silly woman, I'm only going to fulfill the sect's mission; it's not like I'm not coming back."
Luo Suyi, coming to her senses, took a moment to clear her head before wordlessly getting up. She picked out a close-fitting, dark blue robe, found a belt with an iron lion clasp, and secured it around his waist. Then, she knelt to help him put on his boots.
After tidying him up, she personally assisted him in washing his face and hands, then combed his hair and tied it back with a sturdy, simple copper crown.
Looking at the handsome man in the mirror, thinking of their intimacy last night and his strong physique, her face flushed slightly. But then she remembered that another woman would soon enter their household, and a pang of bitterness filled her heart.
However, with her husband about to face the unknown dangers outside, she couldn't let her emotions add to his burdens or create a scene.
With her gaze lowered, Luo Suyi said gently, "Husband, let me serve you breakfast."
Lu Chengfeng knew she was worried about him, so he held her hand and said, "Alright."
This morning's meal had been thoughtfully prepared by Luo Suyi: beef pancakes, pigeon soup, and a few side dishes, all arranged with care.
After he finished eating, and once the servant had cleared the table, Luo Suyi brought him an outer robe in the same color as his outfit and helped him put it on.
She held his sword with both hands and presented it to him. "My lord, I'll be waiting for your safe return."
From the moment he'd woken her, she hadn't voiced her concerns directly, but her every action revealed her deep worry and reluctance to part.
Taking the sword in his left hand, Lu Chengfeng pulled her close with his right arm and gave her a fierce kiss, only stopping when she was breathless.
"Your husband is tough. Wait for me here; when I return, I'll shower you with affection."
Luo Suyi, still catching her breath, finally managed to smile, "I'll be waiting for my lord to return in triumph."
"You little minx. Just wait and see how I deal with you when I get back." Lu Chengfeng chuckled, turned around with his sword, and walked out. "I'll be back soon. Don't worry."
Watching his departing figure, Luo Suyi stood there in a daze, only collapsing into a chair once he was out of sight. Her eyes had already reddened, and tears began to well up.
"Heavens, please keep my husband safe."
…
Lu Chengfeng descended the mountain, but instead of heading straight to the Bewildering Marsh, he went first to the Affairs Hall.
Anxious not to waste time, he hurriedly used his lightness skill along the way and quickly arrived at his destination.
Although dawn was just breaking, the Affairs Hall was even busier than the day before. Disciples were bustling everywhere, some shouting orders as they prepared various supplies.
Cai Zhang emerged, drenched in sweat, evidently busy since early morning.
"Junior Brother, do you have any news?" Lu Chengfeng asked as soon as they met.
Cai Zhang replied, "After we parted yesterday, I immediately took on a task and went to Houde Court. I delivered your letter and token."
"But Lady Qiutong sent her maid to respond, saying that with the beast tide upon us, a recently inducted inner-peak disciple worrying about taking a concubine is driven by lust."
At this, he hesitated, his tone faltering as he seemed unsure about continuing. Lu Chengfeng said, "Don't hold back, Junior Brother. Just tell me exactly what she said."
Recalling the reprimand he'd received from the sharp-tongued maid, Cai Zhang's face showed a bitter smile. "Then I'll tell you, Senior Brother, but please don't be offended. That maid of Lady Qiutong really has a sharp tongue; she scolded me thoroughly."
"She said that, given the beast tide, no one knows if you'll survive, and if you don't, it would make her mistress a widow again, leaving her with a reputation as a husband-killer. What would that do to her name?"
"Even if you survive, what if you return crippled or blinded? How would life be then? If you're sincere, you should wait until the disaster has passed and propose through a proper matchmaker. To do otherwise is to take advantage."
Lu Chengfeng was left speechless, yet he had to admit she made valid points. After all, Lady Qiutong had been a widow for twenty years; a widow's life is filled with rumors and judgments, so naturally, her considerations would be more cautious.
However, he didn't know how long the beast tide would last, and he sensed an underlying danger—he was sure that Elder Xiao from Canglong Peak would not let things go so easily.
With the chaos of the beast tide, deaths would be difficult to track, making it easier for ill-intentioned people to act against him.
Lu Chengfeng couldn't afford to sit and wait.
After a moment of thought, he said, "Junior Brother, I know how busy the Affairs Hall is, but this matter is crucial to me. I'd be grateful if you could help me one more time."
He bent low in a deep bow, shocking Cai Zhang, who hurriedly stepped forward to support him, "Senior Brother, what are you doing? Since you ask, I won't refuse."
"But…" He hesitated, looking troubled, "The stewards here aren't very accommodating, especially now with the beast tide preparations in full swing. They're so busy they might not give me the time of day."
Lu Chengfeng replied, "Then I'll go and request a favor myself. All I need is for you to pass along the message—tell her that Lu Chengfeng sincerely wishes to marry, with no intent to dishonor her."
"I'm willing to offer a thousand taels of silver as a betrothal gift, hoping that Lady Qiutong would accept becoming my concubine. If I can fulfill my wish, I'll treasure and cherish her in my household."
"During the beast tide, if something unfortunate happens, then the thousand taels of silver would be a token of our brief connection, all for her."
"If after the beast tide, she regrets it for any reason, the silver is still hers. She doesn't need to move in with me, and I won't publicize it. We can treat it as though it never happened."
Cai Zhang was dumbfounded. "Senior Brother, what exactly are you hoping for with this?"
Lu Chengfeng replied, "All I want is for Lady Qiutong to agree to be my concubine now. If she sends a letter or token of agreement, then the bond is set."
"We'll discuss the rest after the beast tide. If she has a change of heart or additional conditions, I will accept them."
"This way, it's like bringing some joy before facing the beast tide, a way to calm my heart."
"Just don't tell Lady Qiutong this last part. If it angers her, the marriage might not happen."
Seeing his determination, Cai Zhang agreed, "In that case, I'll go again. Senior Brother, come with me to speak to the steward; with your
presence, I'm sure he'll agree."
Lu Chengfeng nodded, "Good idea. Let's go see him together."
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