novelraw Chapter 780 - 759: Attentive
Chapter 780 - 759: Attentive
Xie Jue also loved that winter. It was a carefree period for him and Fang Chuning, a time when Fox City’s winter blanketed the earth with snow and ice, leaving no need to go outdoors. They were newlyweds, the political situation was relatively stable, and those days the Second Prince was on the rise, having achieved significant military success, with a flourishing family, and receiving great commendations from the Beiman King. During that time, the Beiman King had even considered handing the throne to the Second Prince. Xie Jue stabilized the Second Prince’s power while maintaining close ties with the Sixth Prince. Yet, it was winter, and heavy snow blocked the roads; for an entire month, they were snowbound at home. Newlywed, young, impulsive — trapped inside, their romance burned brightly, and naturally, their days were filled with tenderness and passion.
During those days, Fang Chuning even joked that if they could conceive a child, they might end up with a whole flock of children. The amusing part was that even though they were both aware of their roles and identities, neither of them openly addressed it. The lives of Helian Feng and Lan Ningzhen were something they both yearned for and cherished deeply. They wished for that winter to last a bit longer, to extend just a bit further, insulating them from the storms outside, enveloping them in sweetness at home, even as the blizzards outside brought clashes of blades and shadows of danger.
Fang Chuning’s words brought Xie Jue’s mind back to those days. His face grew warm, though he ignored Fang Chuning’s teasing remarks. Still, her words inevitably triggered a flood of memories to pass through his mind.
He deliberately ignored even the warmth on his fingertips, lest he lose control.
Anning...
Fang Chuning embraced him and whispered softly, "Sleep now."
Just like that winter, when they warmed each other and slept in each other’s arms.
Xie Jue wanted to say something but knew their minds were so attuned that every word didn’t need to be spoken. Fang Chuning could understand all his silences. With her warm chest pressed against his back, Xie Jue was accustomed to this comfort. Though he expected to toss and turn, he surprisingly fell asleep quickly.
The next morning, when he awoke, daylight had already brightened the room. The bedding beside him had been tidied up, leaving Xie Jue feeling a bit disoriented. After breakfast, the army prepared to break camp. Fang Chuning had cooked a steaming bowl of noodles for Xie Jue and said, "Come eat quickly. In one incense stick’s time, we’ll be back on the road."
Recently, Xie Jue’s energy hadn’t been great, something Fang Chuning had clearly noticed. She paid extra care to his meals, ensuring he wouldn’t have to eat cold, dry rations. Xiaoqi noticed her carrying steaming noodles to Xie Jue and remarked to the commander, "Father Commander, Big Brother truly is devoted to the Prince!"
The commander: "..."
Son, you really have a way with piercing words!
As commander, his breakfast consisted of plain rations and porridge, just like the other soldiers.
After Xie Jue finished breakfast, his stomach felt a bit more at ease, and the envoy was ready to set off. Fang Chuning had taken the liberty of arranging for Xie Jue to travel in a carriage, laying thick bedding inside it for comfort.
"This official road is relatively smooth. You haven’t been sleeping well recently; you should rest in the carriage and skip riding a horse."
Xie Jue initially wanted to refuse, but upon reconsideration, he realized this was something he urgently needed. So, he didn’t turn it down. However, who would’ve thought that after he got into the carriage to rest, Fang Chuning would also skip riding her horse and join him inside.
Xie Jue: "You should go ride a horse!"
"Why? I want to..."
"No, you don’t want to!" Xie Jue kicked her out of the carriage. In broad daylight, the two of them sleeping in the carriage together would be utterly inappropriate if seen when the wind blew open the curtain. Fang Chuning might not care about decorum, but Xie Jue still had some dignity to uphold!
Fang Chuning grumbled resentfully but, seeing Xie Jue’s firm stance, begrudgingly cursed under her breath as she went off to ride her horse.
During this journey, Xie Jue was almost entirely pampered. Whether it was his meals or rest, Fang Chuning took care of everything herself, as though serving a treasured matriarch with utmost attentiveness.
It was the commander’s first time witnessing Fang Chuning and Xie Jue interact within the military camp, and he couldn’t help but feel a peculiar sense of unease.
Was Tunan being overly diligent?