From that day onward, Jiang Li gained four new maids. Huo Jue had entrusted Su Yi and the others to Nanny Tong’s care, and it would likely take another month or two before they could formally serve her.
Not just Jiang Li—Huo Jue also had a few new men working under him, running errands on his behalf. Jiang Li had seen them once, noting their steady presence and sharp eyes, clear signs of trained martial artists. Within days of their arrival, Huo Jue had already sent them away on some unknown task.
Jiang Li wasn’t the least bit curious. She had never pried into Huo Jue’s affairs, and now was no different. Instead, she focused on the journey ahead, learning from Wei Huan how to be a capable and virtuous wife.
They were nearing the capital, Yunyang City now behind them. Though heavy snow had delayed them by a couple of days, they still managed to arrive in Shengjing by the fifteenth of the twelfth month.
That day, the city gates were crowded with travelers, and their carriage was stuck in a long line outside the walls. Jiang Li dozed off on the cushioned seat inside, only to wake later and find the carriage still unmoving. Blinking sleepily, she asked Peach Zhu what was happening.
"There’s a fugitive in the city," the maid explained. "The Embroidered Uniform Guard is conducting a search."
Jiang Li’s heart skipped a beat. She sat up quickly and lifted the curtain, confirming the sight of men in feiyu robes patrolling outside.
"I should go stay with Sister!" she declared.
Though their group was well-guarded—with over a dozen of the Duke of Dingguo’s personal escorts—and it was unlikely a fugitive would dare hide among them, Jiang Li still worried. Wei Huan’s health was fragile, and she wanted to be there to reassure her.
But as she moved to step out, Peach Zhu caught her wrist. "No need to worry, Madam. The Duke is nearby—nothing will happen to Lady Wei."
"The Duke?"
Peach Zhu smiled. "The Duke is the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. With him here, we’ll likely be allowed in soon."
Having served in Wushuang Courtyard for two years, Peach Zhu knew exactly how much the Duke valued Lady Wei. He wouldn’t let her stay frightened for long.
---
In the carriage ahead, Nanny Tong was saying something similar to Wei Huan.
"My lady, the Duke is here. Should I go greet him?"
"No need."
Wei Huan had already heard the commotion outside—the uniformed voices calling out respectful greetings to the Commander. He was clearly busy, and she had no intention of troubling him.
Besides, though few in the capital would recognize her face now, caution was still necessary. She wasn’t alone anymore—she had A Jue and A Li to think about. Any carelessness could bring disaster.
Seeing her resolve, Nanny Tong sighed but said nothing more. She had hoped to remind the Duke that her lady still thought of him.
The carriage fell silent, the faint scent of flowers drifting from the incense burner.
After a moment, Wei Huan picked up an embroidered round fan, hiding most of her face behind it as she lifted the heavy curtain to peer outside.
The road was packed with people, but Xue Wu was impossible to miss—tall and striking even in a crowd. Dressed in a dark official’s robe adorned with golden feiyu pattern, a phoenix belt around his waist, he stood listening to a subordinate with his usual lazy smirk, as if this were a leisurely outing rather than a manhunt.
The moment she lifted the curtain, his head turned, his sharp gaze locking onto hers through the snow. Then, with a faint narrowing of his eyes, he unhooked his sword, tossed it to his deputy, and strode toward her carriage.
Wei Huan let the curtain fall. Moments later, a knock sounded at the door.
"Who is it?" Nanny Tong called.
"It’s me."
Recognizing the voice, Nanny Tong glanced at Wei Huan, then quickly opened the door with a smile. "My Lord."
Xue Wu stepped inside without ceremony, immediately plucking the fan from Wei Huan’s hand and tilting her chin up with his fingers. "Hiding from me? Did your face get uglier?"
His presence brought a rush of cold air, his fingers warm against her skin despite the chill clinging to his robes.
Annoyed, Wei Huan swatted his wrist—not because he’d hurt her (he never did), but because of his infuriating nonchalance.
Xue Wu studied her face, noting the faint flush of irritation on her usually pale cheeks, and finally released her with a smirk. "Good. Still as pretty as ever."
This woman was delicate to a fault. Even after years of being pampered in Wushuang Courtyard—fed bird’s nest soups and ginseng tonics—she remained slender as a willow branch, as if a strong breeze might snap her in half.
Wei Huan picked up a hand warmer, shooting him a sidelong glance. "Shouldn’t you be catching criminals instead of slacking off in my carriage?"
Today, she wore a pale gree jacket, the high collar framing her elegant neck and lovely face. The way her misty eyes narrowed at him was downright mesmerizing.
Xue Wu stretched out beside her, resting his head against the carriage wall. "Who was the one staring at me just now? I came over so you could look your fill."
Wei Huan: "..."
Amused by her speechlessness, Xue Wu chuckled—until he saw her temper rising again. Then, schooling his expression, he explained, "The fugitive never escaped. This was just a trap to catch his accomplices. They’re almost done. I’ll have you let in soon."
Duty called, so Xue Wu prepared to leave. But before stepping out, he paused, his brow furrowing slightly.
"I’ve arranged lodgings for you in the capital," he said. "You’ll stay with A Jue on Yongfu Street for now. After the New Year, I’ll bring you back to Wushuang Courtyard."
Wei Huan nodded calmly, though her grip on the hand warmer tightened imperceptibly. Only after he had been gone for some time did she set the now-cooled brazier aside.
When Nanny Tong returned, she brought sweet date pastries—golden, crisp, and coated in sugar and sesame, Wei Huan’s favorite. Xue Wu had apparently ordered them freshly made from a nearby vendor.
But despite his thoughtfulness, Nanny Tong’s expression was troubled.
Wei Huan finished half a pastry before wiping her lips and asking, "What’s wrong?"
Nanny Tong hesitated, then finally spoke in a heavy voice: "The servants were saying… the Duke’s family has welcomed a young lady from the Yingzhou Wang Clan. A direct descendant. She’s here to finalize a marriage alliance with him."
The Wangs of Yingzhou were an ancient, prestigious family—once second only to the Wei family before their fall. A match with the Xue family was only fitting.
Seeing Nanny Tong’s distress, Wei Huan smiled gently. "If Xue Wu is to marry, then we’ll simply leave Wushuang Courtyard and live with A Jue and A Li. It might even be… a welcome change."
Nanny Tong opened her mouth but swallowed her words.
Perhaps it was for the best. With her brother’s protection, Wei Huan could live peacefully—with or without the Duke.
Wei Huan picked up the remaining pastry, but the once-sweet filling now tasted bland. After forcing down a few more bites, she set it aside and leaned back, closing her eyes.
---
Author’s Note:
Historical note: Excavated artifacts and records describe feiyu robes as yellow or bright red, but I’ve always loved the cinematic black versions—so I took some creative liberty here!
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