Cai Qing was the only one who deflated instantly. "Is that all... After being apart for so long, shouldn't the young general and young madam properly express their feelings and their longing for each other?"
This young general was truly unskillful, not knowing how to use such a great opportunity to foster a better relationship with his young madam.
Once the young master or young lady was born, the young madam would have even less time to pay attention to the young general.
Alas, the young general was too uncooperative, and she would have to lend a hand.
"Cough... cough..."
Feng Jin covered her mouth and coughed. Why was this girl speaking so directly now? Where had she learned all these nonsensical things?
Yun Yun, standing nearby, was also startled. She looked at this girl, who was around her own age, with surprise. If it were her, she would absolutely not dare to say such things.
"The young general is busy with the war on the front lines; how could he be distracted by such matters of romance? Naturally, everything is secondary to national affairs."
Feng Jin did not forget to flatter Ling Mo Han, elevating his image even further.
Cai Qing nodded as if she understood but not quite, still lamenting internally. What a pity that such a good opportunity was not seized properly.
"Young madam, the letter has been delivered. I shall take my leave," Lu Shi had come specifically to deliver the letter this time.
"Help me take some things back," Feng Jin said as she turned and walked to a cabinet nearby, taking out several hand warmers and handing them to Lu Shi.
These hand warmers were made by her during her idle time at home. Of course, she had only provided the suggestion; the actual crafting was done by Yun Yun.
"Please help me take these hand warmers back and distribute them to the soldiers. The weather is cold and harsh; wearing them during patrols will provide some warmth."
"Thank you, young madam. With these, our patrols will be much less arduous."
Lu Shi was delighted with them. They were also much warmer when placed in the bed at night, finally saving him from the cold.
"Please deliver this bundle to Ling Mo Han," Feng Jin took out a separate bundle and specifically instructed Lu Shi, unable to help but worry.
Actually, inside were some changes of clothes for Ling Mo Han and a hand warmer she had made herself. The reason for packing it separately was simply that her craftsmanship was truly terrible, bordering on the unsightly.
"Yes, young madam. I shall take my leave."
"Guard Lu, I'll see you out," Cai Qing called out loudly and hurried to follow Lu Shi.
Feng Jin watched their retreating figures, a gentle, motherly smile appearing on her lips. Their backs truly looked like a well-matched pair.
...
"Alright, Cai Qing, you've also been on the road for two days. Go back and rest first."
"Young madam, I'll place your hot water bottle in the bedding so you can sleep warmer."
Cai Qing bustled about, unwilling to stop for a moment. She refilled the charcoal in the brazier and went through all the usual tasks before leaving.
Feng Jin stretched, and having someone to care for her felt truly wonderful. Ever since Cai Qing arrived, her room had always been clean, dry, and warm.
And this bedding was so soft and warm. Cai Qing truly understood her, knowing she preferred soft mattresses. Before leaving, she had even remembered to bring the bedding from home.
This bed was indeed much more comfortable. Perhaps it was the change of bedding, or perhaps it was too warm, but as soon as Feng Jin lay down, she fell into a deep sleep.
In a short while, her peaceful breathing could be heard.
In the dead of night, the window creaked open from the outside. The cold wind from outside seeped in, causing the candlelight to flicker. The woman lying on the bed unconsciously burrowed deeper into the covers.
In the dim candlelight, the man's figure appeared somewhat blurry. With unhurried steps, he approached the bed and, as if familiar with the routine, lifted the covers and lay down.
The once warm bed was suddenly invaded by the coolness the man brought. Feng Jin, wearing a thin inner garment, shivered involuntarily, shrinking further into the bedding. Immediately, she felt a pair of somewhat cool hands roaming her waist.
Feng Jin mumbled uncomfortably, twisting her body slightly in annoyance. She groggily opened her sleepy eyelids.
Vaguely sensing the familiar presence of the man behind her, Feng Jin sighed helplessly. "Ling Mo Han, when you come in through the window, could you please close it?"
She didn't know where he'd learned it, but he was so fond of climbing through windows, and he never closed them afterward. All the residual warmth in the room dissipated, forcing her to wake up from the cold every time.
"I will close it next time."
As he spoke, Ling Mo Han pulled Feng Jin into his embrace and pressed his cool lips against hers.
Feng Jin shivered and pushed him away. "Go and close the window. If you don't, you can get out the way you came in!"
Ling Mo Han dejectedly got up and resigned himself to closing the window.
With a sweep of his hand, he shut the window and quickly burrowed back into the bedding, holding Feng Jin tightly. His hands restlessly fumbled.
Feng Jin was truly angry. She slapped his offending hand with all her might. "Behave yourself."
The bed, which had just begun to warm up, was chilled by his actions, and cold air continuously crept in.
"A day without seeing you feels like three autumns. I haven't seen you for several days, and I've been thinking of you dearly, my wife." Ling Mo Han held Feng Jin tightly, pouring out his feelings.
"Ease up. You're squeezing me so tight I can barely breathe," Feng Jin protested, moving slightly away from him to prevent his hands from carelessly hurting the child in her belly.
Ling Mo Han, having been pushed away, could not hide his dejection. "You haven't missed me at all during these past few days?"
She was so resistant even to his touch, pushing him further away.
"Of course, I miss you," Feng Jin said quickly. This man was extremely petty now. The last time, she had been busy taking care of the wounded and hadn't heard him speak, and he had sulked with her for an entire day.
It had left her with psychological trauma, and she dared not provoke Ling Mo Han again.
"Really?"
"Of course, it's true. Truer than pearls."
Ling Mo Han stared at Feng Jin for a long time. Only after confirming she wasn't lying did his expression improve.
"Is the army no longer in need of you? That's why you're back now?"
Fearing Ling Mo Han would bring up the past again, Feng Jin quickly changed the subject.
"I saw the hand warmer you sent me, which made me miss you even more, so I hurried back under the cover of darkness."
Speaking of the hand warmer, Feng Jin's expression became a little embarrassed.
Even more outrageous, Ling Mo Han openly took out the hand warmer in front of Feng Jin. "If you hadn't mentioned it was a hand warmer in your letter, I truly wouldn't have recognized it. It's completely unlike the other ones."
"If you want it, take it. If not, give it back to me."