530: Chapter 530 What More Can a Man Do?

During the day, the general's manor was peaceful and orderly.

Su Yunniang and Liu Xuaner jointly managed the internal affairs and the manor's income, keeping everything organized and well-regulated. Xia Wei often discussed trivial expenditure matters with Jiang Yan; she was intelligent and transparent, handling things steadily. Ye Nianrui, Nangong Xue, Lan Yanliu, and several others went outside the city to busy themselves with farming alongside the commoners, never tiring of it. Wan Xiangyu followed the pregnant Embroiderer to learn embroidery, occasionally helping with chores; she was quick with her hands and feet, and her temperament was gentle. The servants in the manor gradually grew close to and respectful of her.

No one looked down on her because of her humble origins or her past, and no one stirred up trouble. The entire residence was harmonious and warm.

In the afternoon, Situ Jun returned to the city after his inspection. He did not go to the South Courtyard to handle affairs first, but instead went straight to the North Courtyard.

In the Spiritual Plant Garden, Cherry was accompanying the Embroiderer, squatting on the ground and carefully weeding a Spiritual Plant. Her hair hung down, obscuring her profile, and her expression was focused and serious.

Situ Jun walked up slowly and stood quietly behind the two of them.

The Embroiderer sensed movement and looked back. Seeing it was him, her eyes instantly lit up, and she hurriedly stood up.

“Husband.”

“Why are you two here?”

Situ Jun reached out and brushed away some grass debris from the Embroiderer's temple, his movements natural and intimate.

The Embroiderer's cheeks burned as she said softly,

“I am pregnant, and the other sisters have all gone to handle the manor's affairs. Having nothing to do, I came here to look after the plants.”

“You are pregnant, don't overexert yourself.”

His palm held her hand. Noticing her fingertips were slightly cool, he gently wrapped his hand around hers.

“From now on, rest well. Leave these trivial matters to the servants; there's no need to do them yourself.”

“I'd just be idle anyway. Doing something makes my heart feel at ease.” The Embroiderer looked up at him, her eyes full of softness.

Situ Jun smiled slightly, lowered his head to plant a light kiss on her forehead, and then turned to look at Cherry, saying,

“Cherry, the Embroiderer is pregnant. Usually, you should spend more time with her for me and look after her a bit.”

“I understand, Husband.”

Cherry gave a sweet smile, her eyes filled with happiness but also a hint of envy.

Looking at the way the two before her smiled at each other, she felt joy for the Embroiderer in her heart, but also a faint envy.

The Embroiderer was now carrying a child and was being carefully protected by the City Lord, living a stable life. Such peaceful years were the destination many women dreamed of.

And as Situ Jun's concubine, the affection in her heart had long since turned into silent companionship and stable contentment.

The three of them shared a moment of tenderness by the Spiritual Plant Garden. Fearing the Embroiderer would be tired from standing too long, Situ Jun personally supported her back to her courtyard to rest. After repeatedly instructing the servants to take good care of her, he walked away slowly.

In the afternoon.

Ye Nianrui, Nangong Xue, Su Wan, and Lan Yanliu returned from the fields outside the city. Their temples were stained with a bit of dust, but their faces were full of smiles.

The crops in the fields were growing well, and the commoners were full of energy. If the weather remained favorable this year, it would surely be a bumper harvest.

As soon as they entered the manor, maidservants served hot tea. The group sat under the corridor, talking about interesting things from the fields, their words filled with expectations for the future of Northern Border.

Jiang Yan and Xia Wei were in the storehouse checking supplies, registering grain, cloth, and medicinal materials one by one in the records.

Northern Border was becoming increasingly prosperous, and the number of traveling merchants was growing. Manor affairs were becoming more complex, but the two worked together with tacit understanding, handling everything in an orderly fashion.

Xia Wei was meticulous and good at coordination; Jiang Yan was steady and cautious, doing things thoroughly. The two complemented each other and never had the slightest dispute.

Liu Xuaner sat by the window, holding a scroll in her hand and occasionally taking notes with a brush.

She was exceptionally intelligent, not only versed in strategy but also possessing profound insights into Northern Border's trade and defense.

Situ Jun often discussed important matters with her, and she could always hit the mark with a single word, sharing his burdens and solving his problems.

At this moment, she was organizing recent documents from the border, marking suspicious points one by one to save the City Lord from many future worries.

Wan Xiangyu was in her own courtyard, quietly embroidering children's clothes.

The silk threads flew between her fingertips; she learned very quickly, and her needlework was already skillful.

Thinking of Situ Jun's gentle gaze during the day, the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up, and her heart was full of stability.

Once drifting in the wind and rain, she now had a home, someone who cherished her, and everyone who treated her like a sister. She cherished this hard-won happiness exceptionally.

In the entire City Lord's Manor, there was no scheming or cold words. Everyone performed their duties, empathized with each other, and lived harmoniously like a real family.

The setting sun slanted westward, its golden afterglow filling the courtyard, softening the plants and warming people's hearts.

After Situ Jun finished handling the documents, he went to the East Courtyard again to visit Princess and Shen Xingwan.

The two had been pregnant for half a year; their bellies were protruding, their complexions were rosy, and they were being very well cared for.

Seeing his arrival, both of them had gentle eyes and stood up to welcome him.

“Husband.”

Situ Jun hurriedly stepped forward to support the two of them, his tone concerned.

“Slow down, both of you. Be careful with your bodies.”

He sat to one side and asked in detail about their recent diet and sleep, the concern in his eyes unconcealed.

Princess was gentle by nature and answered softly.

Shen Xingwan was a bit more lively, smiling as she spoke of the occasional movements of the child in her womb, as if they were greeting her, her appearance charming.

Listening to them, Situ Jun's heart felt soft.

He guarded Northern Border, and all he sought was the stability of the city and the health of his family.

With his lovely wives by his side, young children about to be born, a harmonious back garden, and the commoners living and working in peace, the world's Perfection was nothing more than this.

“It's been hard on you.”

He said softly, his eyes full of tenderness.

“If there is any discomfort, call for the physician immediately. Don't try to force yourself to endure it.”

Princess shook her head gently, her smile gentle.

“Don't worry, Husband. The sisters in the manor often come to visit us, and our diet and daily life are very well looked after. Everything is fine with us.”

Shen Xingwan also nodded in agreement.

“Yes, Sister Yun Niang sends someone every day with nourishing soups, and Sister Xuaner accompanies us to talk and relieve our boredom. We are living very comfortably.”

Hearing this, Situ Jun felt even more at ease.

With a generous and decent mistress like Su Yunniang managing the house, the manor was naturally orderly and full of warmth.

He sat with the two of them for a while longer, said some comforting words, and then got up to leave.

As night approached, the lights in the manor lit up one after another, glowing with a mellow warmth.

At dinner time, everyone sat together. The dishes on the long table were abundant and fragrant.

Su Yunniang sat in the primary seat, her demeanor dignified as she arranged everything properly. Wan Xiangyu sat at the end, her eyes gentle as she ate quietly. The others were chatting and laughing, talking about family matters, and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

Situ Jun sat in the seat of honor, looking at the gentle smiles before him, and warmth surged in his heart.

He raised his cup, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone, his voice steady and gentle.

“With you all here, the rear is stable, and I can guard Northern Border with peace of mind. Thank you all for accompanying me through the wind and rain along the way. In the years to come, I will surely protect your lifelong stability and the eternal peace of Northern Border.”

Everyone raised their cups, their eyes full of sincerity and respect.

“We are willing to follow our husband and guard Northern Border together.”

“May the manor be harmonious and everyone be healthy year after year.”

The cups clinked together, crisp and pleasant, reflecting the lights of the room, softening the years and prolonging the affection.

After dinner, everyone dispersed.

The moonlight was gentle, the breeze brushed against their faces, and the fragrance of flowers wafted through the air.

Situ Jun first went for a walk in the courtyard to calm his mind, then went to Wan Xiangyu's courtyard to accompany her for a moment. He listened to her speak softly about the embroidery work she had learned during the day, his fingertips gently brushing through her hair, full of lingering affection.

When she showed signs of fatigue, he covered her with a brocade quilt and left quietly.

Then, he walked slowly toward Su Yunniang's courtyard.

The lights in the room were gentle. Su Yunniang had already removed her hairpins and ornaments; her long hair hung down, making her look even more gentle and quiet.

Seeing him enter, she stood up to welcome him with a soft smile.

“Husband.”

Situ Jun stepped forward and gently held her hand, his heart full of gratitude.

In this life, to have such a virtuous wife who was sensible, generous, managed the house well, and tolerated everything about him was truly the luck of three lifetimes.

“It's been hard on you today. Is Fengyan asleep?” he asked softly.

Su Yunniang looked up at him, her eyes clear and gentle.

“Fengyan is already asleep in the side room. We are husband and wife, one in heart and mind; how can you speak of it being hard? As long as you are at peace, Northern Border is stable, and the manor is harmonious, I am satisfied.”

Situ Jun was moved and gently took her into his arms.