Yuwen Chu, dressed in military attire, stood at the gate holding a child in each arm, smiling at Mingzhu, exuding an imposing aura.
Mingzhu’s face flushed at the sight of him, even her soles felt hot. Oh my, how come she hadn’t noticed before how handsome Yuwen Chu looked in military attire? Although he appeared a bit darker and thinner, he was still incredibly handsome.
Yuwen Chu chuckled. “Why is Wangfei so late?”
Mingzhu felt a mix of embarrassment and shyness as if her innermost thoughts had been exposed. If only it were summer, she could use a fan to cover her face. After all, they were an old married couple; they hadn’t seen each other for only two years. There was nothing extraordinary about that. She hadn’t forgotten what he looked like, and he probably hadn’t forgotten what she looked like either. So, she quickly regained her composure, putting on an air of busyness. “Your Highness, since you left, I’ve had to take care of everything here, inside and out. I heard you were back, so I’m arranging a welcome banquet for you.”
Yuwen Chu approached her with the children in his arms. “I remember what you wrote in the letter you sent me. You said, ‘With so many affairs and unexpected events, everything must be arranged as early as possible, leaving room to deal with emergencies.’ When I read that, I felt reassured. All the way back, I wondered what delicious food you would prepare for me. If you’re arranging it last minute, could it be that something unexpected happened?”
Daring to question her ability to handle matters? Before Mingzhu could defend herself, Yuwen Chu stopped beside her, lowering his head to whisper in her ear, “Isn’t it because you weren’t confident and went to check the mirror a few more times? And because you felt embarrassed, you deliberately took your time coming out?”
The scent of leather and armor mixed with Yuwen Chu’s unique aura overwhelmed Mingzhu, making her inhale sharply. Her heart pounded irregularly, almost leaping out of her chest. She took a step back to disguise her reaction, denying, “Who said I went to check the mirror? We’re an old married couple; what do I have to be shy about?”
Yuwen Chu smiled knowingly, his gaze laden with meaning.
Mingzhu felt a mix of anger and embarrassment, tinged with a hint of secret delight. Suddenly, she noticed Millet sneakily glance at her, and she knew that in just a moment, this little girl had spill the beans about her. It must have been Millet who informed Yuwen Chu about her mirror incident. Immediately, she furrowed her brow and said, “Come here, have you finished writing your characters?”
Millet buried herself in Yuwen Chu’s embrace, clinging tightly to his neck, twisting coquettishly. Yuwen Chu smiled affectionately, softly saying, “For my sake, let her off this time, strict little mother.”
Zhuang Zhuang, alert, glanced at his father, then at his mother, deliberating for a moment before asking, “Why does Father call Mother ‘strict little mother’? Did I hear it wrong?”
Yuwen Chu hesitated, then released his arm from Zhuang Zhuang’s grasp. “You did hear it wrong.” He then placed a big hand on Zhuang Zhuang’s head. “You’ve grown up, you understand things now.” No longer cute, always probing, why should a child interfere in adult matters?
Zhuang Zhuang initially felt disappointed that Yuwen Chu wouldn’t hold him, but upon hearing the praise, he instantly swelled with pride. “I can help Mother with many things now.”
Yuwen Chu patted his shoulder solemnly. “That’s right, you’re a good son!”
Seeing Zhuang Zhuang being praised, Millet struggled to get down, eagerly looking at Yuwen Chu. “I can do many things too now. I can recite, write, serve tea and water for Mom, dress myself…”
Yuwen Chu affectionately touched her face. “You’re amazing, my Millet is all grown up, she’s a big girl now.”
Mingzhu, pleased, smiled at him, showing off her accomplishments. Yuwen Chu took her hand, squeezing it firmly. “The children are doing well.”
Mingzhu waited for him to praise her, but instead of praising her, he greeted the people around them with laughter and smiles. Mingzhu felt annoyed by his indifference but decided not to bother and went happily to arrange the meal.
The meal was quickly served, but Yuwen Chu hastily took a few bites and then put down his chopsticks, smiling as he watched the children eat. Yuwen Guang had arranged a welcome banquet for him in the palace, but he only took this opportunity to accompany Mingzhu and the children for a meal and chat while he bathed and changed.
Seeing him not eating, Mingzhu lost her appetite. “It’s so cold, what good food can there be in the palace? I won’t eat. We’ll have hot pot and a few drinks when you come back.”
Yuwen Chu smiled at her, the candlelight reflecting in his eyes as if there were flames flickering within. Mingzhu urged him to leave. “The snow is getting heavier. Go early and come back early.”
Yuwen Chu bid farewell to the children. “All the gifts I brought for you are here. Eat well before you go get them.”
Zhuang Zhuang and Millet immediately lost their appetite and looked at Mingzhu eagerly. “Mom, we’re full.”
Mingzhu waved her hand helplessly. “Go ahead, go ahead.” They could have a late-night snack later if they wanted.
The snow fell heavier and heavier, turning the world into a blanket of white. After sending the children to bed, Mingzhu had a pot and some dishes prepared, then sat by the window waiting for Yuwen Chu’s return.
Yuwen Chu walked through the long corridor, took off his cloak and handed it to Su Mei, then stood at the door smiling at Mingzhu. “I often dream of you sitting at home waiting for me to come back.”
Mingzhu sat still, raised an eyebrow and looked at him askance. “Is that so? I dream of you as a fierce warrior, covered in blood, thin and black, hardly recognizable.”
Yuwen Chu sighed and gestured for Su Mei and the others to leave. He walked over and sat in front of Mingzhu, taking her hand and placing it on his cheek, whispering softly, “Even if I die, my spirit will hover by your side, watching over you every day, keeping you company forever.”
Tears welled up in Mingzhu’s eyes, but she laughed. “You’re such a nuisance! Just returned and you’ve made me sad. There’s no one worse than you.”
Yuwen Chu embraced her tightly, pressing her head against his chest, whispering softly, “Zhuzhu, I’m back. From tomorrow onwards, you can sleep as long as you want, live as you please, and if anyone bothers you, I’ll take care of them for you.”
“You foolish ruler!” Mingzhu laughed, hugged his neck, stared at him for a long time, then kissed him. “Although you’re darker, thinner, and older, I think you’re the most beautiful and best man in the world.”
Yuwen Chu felt like his soul was being sucked away by her. He chuckled softly, “Although you’re cunning, jealous, and possessive, I still think you’re the best.”
Outside, the wind and snow continued, but inside was warm as spring. Mingzhu laid in Yuwen Chu’s arms, clinging to him like an octopus. “You’re not allowed to get up early tomorrow.”
Yuwen Chu smiled with closed eyes. “Mmm.”
“And you’re not allowed to go anywhere, just stay with me and the children.” Mingzhu sought praise. “If it weren’t for me constantly telling them how good and caring you are, they wouldn’t be so close to you. Am I good to Your Highness?”
“You’re the best to me in the world.” Yuwen Chu turned over. “You don’t need to get up early tomorrow either.”
