Every time Feng Yun returns to Huaxi, she is bound to receive the highest hospitality.
This time, coinciding with the Northern Yong Armyâs victory, it was even more so.
Awan specifically took a day off from her stall, brought her two shop assistants, and several women from the kitchen to slaughter chickens and geese to welcome and cleanse Feng Yun.
"Madam, youâve been to the battlefield this time. Arenât you scared of the bloody and violent scenes? You really need a good rest to calm your nerves."
Zhuang Rong, Wen Hui, Guan Wei, and other concubines also responded enthusiastically, each displaying their unique talents.
The grandeur of their reception was no less than that of wives welcoming their husbands.
Feng Yun was pleased to see this, secretly feeling a bit of joyâ
This was originally Pei Gouâs blessing to enjoy.
She enjoyed it for him.
What an unlucky man.
-
Laughter and cheerfulness in the courtyard.
Ao Qi was sipping tea in the living room, absentmindedly waiting for Aozai.
They said Aozai had left the villa for several days, which made Ao Qi anxious.
Had Aozai not eaten enough?
He had gone hunting in the mountains by himself.
Winter had arrived, and the game was hibernating. What could Aozai catch?
A few days without returning, could it be that he didnât catch anything, or was injured...
Aozai liked to eat fish, but couldnât hunt on his own.
Thinking about this, Ao Qi suddenly felt an urge to fish in the winter waters and bring back a few fishes...
How happy would Aozai be when he saw them?
Ao Qi felt compelled to do something...
He had to do something to fill the emptiness inside.
Feeling restless, he stood up involuntarily.
Amir came from outside and stopped him with a raised hand.
"Where are you going?"
Ao Qi hesitated, "Fishing."
It was freezing cold, and Ao Qi had not expected that upon hearing this, Amir would not only not discourage him, but his face lit up with joy, his eyes sparkling as if he had heard some incredibly good news.
"I want to go. Take me with you!"
Ao Qi: "..."
He was reluctant to let Amir accompany him.
But being married brought many unavoidable circumstances.
Ao Qi didnât feel the urge or affection towards Amir, but she hadnât done anything wrong. She was his wife through a proper marriage, deserving of respect that Ao Qi couldnât deny...
Moreover, he felt guilty...
"Letâs go."
Ao Qi glumly asked Alou for a fishing rod, net, bamboo basket, and personally made fish bait.
He silently stepped out, with the villaâs big yellow dog and its son Little Dog following him. The dogs were wagging tails, and Amir was dancing joyfully, creating quite a cheerful atmosphere...
"General Ao and the Young Madam seem really close, very harmonious."
"The Young Madam is really spirited, gets along with everyone, and looks very orderly, General Ao has no reason not to love her."
"Look at her earlobes... thatâs a sign of a lucky person."
"Some people are just born to enjoy life."
With many women around, household gossip was inevitable.
Consequently, Awan, who was usually obedient and easy to talk to, and without any suitors, became a subject for everyoneâs jokes.
The old Huaxi wasnât like this, not having many attractive young men. But now itâs different, with frequent visitors, not only many shops standing, but also taverns and inns have been built...
The more people, the more standout young men.
Everyone looked at Awan.
"Awan, didnât you find someone suitable at the docks?"
Awan also boldly scoped everyone out.
"No, no. Am I not waiting for you all? With so many people, still no one found me a suitable suitor, making me stay single."
Everyone laughed loudly.
"Awanâs tongue is getting sharper. Is she blaming us for her not being married?"
Awan laughed along.
"Donât just pick on me. Ying Ji is three years older than me and sheâs not married yet, when will it be my turn..."
Ying Rong was laughing, but didnât expect the fire would turn to her, gave her a stern look.
"Little hoof, donât drag me into this. I run Cheng Yi Workshop, being my own boss, incredibly happy, why would I need a live-in dad to take care of?"
Awan pursed her lips and giggled, "Did you sisters hear that? Ying Jiâs thoughts are my thoughts. If I could marry someone like General Ao, General Wen, fine, but if thereâs an ugly live-in dad thinking too highly of himself at home, oh spare me, Iâd rather serve the Madam all my life..."
The crowd burst into laughter.
Some words might not sound nice but are sincere.
The life theyâre leading now is more comfortable than most married women, whatever others say doesnât matter as long as they are content.
Moreover, they have Changmen and Feng Yun as their backbone. Even if they never marry, what does it matter?
As the conversation went on, they brought up Wen Xingsuâs marriage.
It was inevitable to envy emerged.
Someone like Wen Xingsu was indeed the ideal man most women desired in their hearts.