527: Chapter 527 All Women Know

A night of clear radiance, the warmth lingering long.

The next day, the sky was bright, and soft morning light spilled through the window lattices onto the bed, making the whole room feel warm and cozy.

Lady Xiangyu woke up to a steady heartbeat.

She slowly opened her eyes, and the first thing she saw was Situ Jun's well-defined jawline. Her nose was filled with his unique, crisp yet warm Spiritual Qi aura.

Everything from last night was not a dream; he had truly held her in his arms and promised her a lifetime of peace.

She moved slightly, which alerted the person beside her.

Situ Jun looked down at her. His eyes lacked the usual majesty of the City Lord, leaving only an inseparable tenderness.

His fingertips gently brushed the stray hairs on her cheek. His voice was husky from just waking up, yet exceptionally doting:

“Awake?”

Lady Xiangyu's cheeks flushed, and she shyly curled into his arms, nodding gently.

“Lie down for a while longer. I've already had breakfast prepared,” Situ Jun said, kissing her forehead with natural and intimate movements.

At this moment, he was no longer the high and mighty City Lord of the Northern Frontier, but just an ordinary man who had found his beloved.

Lady Xiangyu felt at peace, but then she thought of his other Dao Companions. A flicker of unease crossed her eyes as she whispered:

“Situ... thank you. Could you please not tell them yet? I... I'm a little afraid.”

She came from an ordinary background and had been married before. No matter what, she always felt somewhat inferior in front of those exceptionally talented and beautiful immortal cultivation women.

Situ Jun felt her body stiffen and held her tighter, his tone firm and reassuring:

“Don't be afraid. Although Yun Niang and the others will be surprised, they won't make things difficult for you. Since I, Situ Jun, have chosen you, I won't let you suffer the slightest grievance.”

Even so, he knew in his heart that suddenly having another Dao Companion would, after all, require a process of acceptance for them.

He just couldn't let Xiangyu remain without status or suffer in silence anymore.

Wan Xiangyu still refused, saying:

“Don't tell them about our relationship yet. Can I be the one to tell them in a few days?”

Situ Jun looked at the seriousness in her eyes and could only nod helplessly in agreement.

The two shared a moment of tenderness before getting up to tidy their clothes.

A maidservant softly announced from outside, bringing washing supplies and breakfast. The food was exquisite and spiritual, steaming with Spiritual Qi; it was clearly prepared with great care.

While Lady Xiangyu ate, she couldn't hide the gentle smile in her eyes. Situ Jun sat beside her, watching her quietly with a tender gaze, as if everything in the world paled in comparison to the person before him.

...

After finishing the exquisite morning Spiritual Meal, Situ Jun tidied the slightly messy hair at her temples, his eyes filled with lingering soft light:

“Today I need to go outside the city to inspect the city expansion works and spring plowing. I'll be back later. Rest peacefully in the manor; there's no need to be formal.”

Wan Xiangyu looked up, her cheeks still flushed with a lingering blush, and answered softly:

“Go ahead, don't worry about me.”

Though she was full of attachment, she also knew that as the City Lord of the Northern Frontier, Situ Jun bore the responsibility for the city's safety and the people's livelihood, and she would never hold him back too much.

Situ Jun leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. Then, he straightened his robes, his demeanor regaining some of the City Lord's steady majesty, and strode out of the courtyard.

Watching his figure disappear at the doorway, Wan Xiangyu slowly withdrew her gaze. Her fingertips gently brushed her forehead, as if his warmth still lingered there, and her heart was filled with continuous warmth.

She sat quietly for a moment, and not wanting to stay cooped up in the room alone, she stood up and walked slowly toward the adjacent West Courtyard.

The scenery of the West Courtyard was elegant, filled with Spiritual Plants and fine trees. A cool breeze blew past, bringing bursts of refreshing fragrance.

Arriving at the garden, she heard several gentle and familiar voices. It was Xia Wei, Su Yunniang, and Ye Nianrui, his Dao Companions, chatting there.

Wan Xiangyu's heart tightened slightly. Her footsteps paused for a moment, but she finally composed herself and stepped forward, greeting them softly:

“Greetings, sisters.”

Everyone turned their heads at the sound. Seeing it was Wan Xiangyu, they all showed gentle smiles, without the slightest hint of distance.

Su Yunniang was the first to speak, her tone warm and natural:

“Sister Xiangyu is here, come and sit.”

Xia Wei also gestured to the seat beside her, smiling gently:

“The weather is fine today. We were just talking about the spring plowing and city defense outside the city. Come and join us.”

Wan Xiangyu sat down as told, her fingers slightly clutching her hem, her heart still filled with some trepidation and inferiority.

She knew well that her background was ordinary and she had experienced many ups and downs. Compared to these exceptionally talented women who walked alongside Situ Jun, she always felt lacking.

But everyone treated her with constant gentleness and courtesy, never showing the slightest contempt.

The several women chatted about domestic matters, from manor trifles to the livelihoods of the people in the Northern Frontier. Xiangyu didn't say much; most of the time she just listened quietly, only responding softly when asked. Her expression was submissive and her behavior proper, without any hint of competitiveness.

During their interaction, her nature—having experienced the vicissitudes of life yet remaining soft and sincere—made the other women feel even more fond of her.

However, some details ultimately could not be hidden from those who were observant.

Xia Wei inadvertently caught sight of the faint blush on the tips of Xiangyu's ears and the irrepressible gentle shyness in her speech and behavior, which was completely different from her past fear and unease. There was a bit more clarity in Xia Wei's eyes.

Su Yunniang was meticulous and sensed a faint aura of Dragon and Phoenix Spiritual Qi surrounding Xiangyu, identical to Situ Jun's. Although thin, it was clearly discernible. Combined with the City Lord's special care for Xiangyu recently and his frequent personal visits, she already understood most of the situation.

Ye Nianrui had a gentle temperament but was also perceptive. Seeing Xiangyu's lowered eyes and the faint smile on her lips, they exchanged glances, all understanding without words.

They had been with Situ Jun for a long time and knew his character well; he was by no means a heartless or ungrateful man who would abandon someone.

Moreover, Wan Xiangyu had long since established a Dao Companion relationship with Situ Jun, and Situ Jun was sincere and valued affection. He would surely spend his life protecting anyone who entered his heart.

They had all seen Xiangyu's gentleness, endurance, kindness, and resilience.

A woman who had wandered about and was full of fear had traveled thousands of miles to come here, entrusting her heart completely. The admiration and care in her eyes simply could not be hidden.

There was no questioning, no suspicion, and certainly no dissatisfaction.

They were all people who had accompanied Situ Jun along the way. They knew the heavy burden and difficulties on his shoulders and understood that love was never something people could control.

Love was never a narrow possession, but rather inclusion and fulfillment.

Yun Niang picked up her teacup and took a light sip, her tone peaceful and gentle, with a hint of tolerance:

“Sister, have you been getting used to life in the manor lately? If you lack anything or if there's anything you're not used to, just tell us. Don't be a stranger.”

Xiangyu's heart warmed, and she looked up at everyone, her eyes filled with gratitude:

“Thank you for your care, sisters. Everything is fine for me in the manor.”

Ye Nianrui nodded with a smile, her gaze gentle:

“You have a gentle nature and are sincere with others; we've all seen it. From now on, we are one family. Don't be too formal; just stay in the manor with a peaceful mind.”

The phrase ‘one family’ made Xiangyu's eyes heat up slightly, and the fear and unease accumulated in her heart instantly dissipated by more than half.

She had originally thought her appearance would make everyone unhappy or even create a rift, but she hadn't expected them to be so perceptive and magnanimous, giving her the greatest respect and inclusion.

Seeing her moved expression, Xia Wei smiled and smoothed things over:

“The City Lord went to inspect outside the city today, so he must be busy. He has always cared about the people. The Northern Frontier is stable now thanks to his hard work.”

The topic naturally turned to Situ Jun, and everyone's words were full of trust and concern.

Xiangyu listened quietly, her heart becoming more and more settled.

She knew that everyone had already seen through the affection between her and Situ Jun; they just understood without saying it out loud.

This quiet tolerance and recognition made her feel more at ease than any words could.

They respected Situ Jun's choice and accepted her presence without reproach or exclusion, only using the gentlest way to welcome this new family member.

Sunlight spilled through the window lattices of the Flower Hall, warm and genial.

The women spoke and laughed softly, the atmosphere harmonious and peaceful.

Xiangyu sat among them, her tense heartstrings completely relaxed, and a genuine smile appeared on her face.

She finally understood that what Situ Jun had said was true; there really was a place for her by his side.

And these gentle and magnanimous women would be the family members she could rely on for the rest of her life.