528: Chapter 528 Hidden Spring in the Quiet Courtyard

Meanwhile, outside Northern Border City.

Situ Jun was dressed in plain casual clothes, his posture as upright as a green pine, as he walked slowly through the bustling city expansion construction site.

The craftsmen were each attending to their duties, their rhythmic chants rising and falling; some were transporting stones, some were ramming the city walls, and some were building foundations. Though they were extremely busy, everything was orderly without a hint of chaos.

In the nearby crisscrossing fields, the commoners were busy with spring plowing and sowing. The aura of freshly turned soil mixed with the fragrance of vegetation permeated the air. The green seedlings between the ridges were vibrant and full of life; at a glance, it was a scene of peace and harmony.

The accompanying Zhu Changpo, dressed in martial attire, followed respectfully behind, reporting the progress of the construction and the spring plowing in a low, detailed voice:

"City Lord, more than half of the new city wall has been constructed, grain reserves are sufficient, and spring plowing is proceeding on schedule. This year will surely be a bountiful harvest."

Situ Jun gazed into the distance at the vast fields and the increasingly majestic city walls. His expression was steady, and his tone was authoritative yet gentle:

"Pass down the instructions: the construction is important, but the craftsmen must not be mistreated. Grain, fodder, and wages must be distributed on time and without any deductions. Spring plowing concerns the people's livelihood and is the foundation of the Northern Border; it must be properly looked after. If the people have difficulties, report them immediately without delay."

"Your Subordinate obeys!" Zhu Changpo replied with a bow.

Situ Jun raised his hand, his fingertips lightly brushing the solid, heavy stone bricks on the city wall. A rough sensation came from his palm, and his mind was filled with a thousand thoughts.

The stability of the Northern Border, the people living and working in peace, and the city's daily prosperity—these were his lifelong wishes as the City Lord.

And now, by his side, he not only had his beloved walking with him but also a child soon to be born. The responsibility on his shoulders grew heavier, yet the warmth in his heart grew even stronger.

A cool breeze brushed past his ears, carrying the fragrance of vegetation from the fields and blowing away some of his administrative worries. Looking at the grand sight before him, Situ Jun's lips curled up slightly into a faint smile.

Family affairs were stable, and state affairs were gradually flourishing; this was likely all he sought in this life.

...

Twilight gradually stained the horizon, and the sunset glow dyed the entire sky a gentle orange-red, spreading layers of warm light.

Situ Jun finished his inspection and turned to return to the manor. His body still carried the chill of the evening breeze from outside the city, but the moment he stepped through the manor gates, his authoritative and cold demeanor completely transformed into tender affection, and his pace unconsciously quickened.

Just as he entered the West Courtyard, he heard several gentle voices and laughter coming from the direction of the Spiritual Plant Garden in the backyard. He slowed his pace and walked closer, seeing Wan Xiangyu, Xia Wei, Su Yunniang, and others sitting together, chatting and laughing in an incredibly harmonious atmosphere.

Wan Xiangyu was lowering her head, listening intently to Yun Niang. Her eyes were submissive and soft, and her cheeks held a faint smile. Gone was her usual fear and unease, replaced by a radiant charm nurtured by love. Her curved eyes were full of peace.

Situ Jun stood under the corridor, quietly watching that figure, his heart filled with softness and stability.

Xia Wei was the first to catch sight of him, and she rose with a light smile:

"Husband is back."

Everyone rose to greet him. Wan Xiangyu looked up, and tiny fragments of light instantly lit up in her eyes like stars. However, constrained by the presence of others, her cheeks flushed slightly as she obediently curtsied in greeting. Yet, her fingertips hanging at her side curled slightly, unable to hide her heart full of joy and excitement.

Situ Jun's gaze swept gently over everyone, his voice steady and calm:

"Sit down, everyone. We are all family; there's no need for such formality."

Having said that, he naturally walked to the seat beside Wan Xiangyu and sat down, his movements smooth and natural as if he had done it a thousand times before.

Ye Nianrui, watching this from the side, had a knowing smile flash in her eyes. She spoke with feigned casualness:

"City Lord, was everything smooth with your inspection outside the city today?"

"The construction and spring plowing are both proceeding in an orderly manner. The people are stable, and there are no major issues."

Situ Jun responded with a faint smile, but his gaze unconsciously fell on Wan Xiangyu's profile beside him. Seeing her relaxed expression and healthy complexion, his heart softened even more.

As he finished speaking, he naturally picked up the teapot and poured a cup of Spiritual Tea for Wan Xiangyu. His actions were intimate and natural, without any deliberate concealment, so open that it put one at ease.

Wan Xiangyu's heart warmed slightly. She looked up to meet his gaze, then quickly lowered her head again, her earlobes turning a faint crimson as her heart fluttered like a trapped deer.

This scene, falling into the eyes of Su Yunniang and the others, was even more of a tacit understanding. They exchanged smiles but did not point it out, treating it as an ordinary sight. They continued their casual chatter, and the room was filled with warmth.

...

After dinner, the night grew deeper.

In the North Courtyard, the moonlight was as bright as white silk, and the faint fragrance of Spiritual Orchids floated about. It was completely different from the bustle of the day, leaving only a sense of quiet and tenderness.

Wan Xiangyu walked slowly along the bluestone path, her skirt lightly brushing the ground and carrying a faint floral scent. Her posture was gentle.

Situ Jun walked by her side, his gentle gaze always fixed on her. His voice was deep and tender:

"While in the manor today, they didn't make things difficult for you, did they?"

Wan Xiangyu shook her head gently and looked up at him, her eyes filled with gratitude and warmth:

"The sisters all treat me very well. They are gentle and magnanimous, without a hint of reproach. They even encouraged me to stay in the manor to help manage daily affairs. I am... very grateful in my heart."

Situ Jun reached out and gently grasped her cool fingertips. His palm was warm and strong, giving her a full sense of security:

"I told you long ago that they are all sensible and kind people. They wouldn't care about the past. Besides, I was the one at fault first, causing you to suffer grievances."

His fingertips lightly stroked the back of her hand, his tone carrying a hint of guilt:

"It's just that for now, I cannot yet give you a formal status, forcing you to be hidden away like this and suffer grievances."

Wan Xiangyu shook her head hurriedly and gripped his hand tightly in return, her gaze firm and sincere:

"I don't feel aggrieved, truly. To be able to stay by your side, to be accepted by the sisters, and to have a place to call home—I am already content. To me, a formal status has never been important."

Situ Jun was moved. He reached out to pull her gently into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head. His voice was deep and solemn:

"Xiangyu, I, Situ Jun, swear to the heavens that I will never fail you in this life. I will protect your peace for a lifetime. When the time is right, I will surely give you a rightful status and never let you suffer the slightest grievance."

Wan Xiangyu buried herself in his embrace, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat and smelling the cool, warm aura on him. Her nose felt slightly sour, and tears fell—not because of grievance, but because of a heart full of stability and happiness.

"I believe you."

She murmured softly, her voice sweet and soft, filled with reliance.

Moonlight like water spilled quietly over the embracing figures, outlining the years with exceptional tenderness.

The faint fragrance of Spiritual Orchids surrounded them. The evening breeze brushed past, and all around was quiet, with only each other's heartbeats clearly audible, lingering and tender.

Not long after, Situ Jun escorted Wan Xiangyu back to her courtyard.

Inside the room, the candlelight flickered with a warm glow as the two chatted and laughed.

Wan Xiangyu relied on Situ Jun's arms, softly recounting the trivial matters she had discussed with the sisters during the day. Her eyes were filled with a gentle smile; the years were peaceful and good.

Situ Jun listened quietly, responding softly from time to time. His fingertips gently combed through her long hair, his gaze doting and focused, with only the person before him remaining in his eyes.