Years turn into wind

Ling Xiaotian and Xia Yunshu's lives briefly returned to peace. Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices of the Grand Marshal's mansion, filling the courtyard with a warm atmosphere. The servants within smiled knowingly upon seeing the two, for the affection between the Young Marshal and his wife had grown stronger over the past few days, even tinged with a subtle sweetness.

Warmth in leisure time

That day, Ling Xiaotian, for the first time ever, turned down all official business and took Xia Yunshu for a stroll in the mansion's garden. He looked at the woman beside him, his eyes so gentle they could almost drip with tears. Xia Yunshu felt his gaze and deliberately teased, "Marshal Ling, why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face?"

Ling Xiaotian pulled her to his side and whispered, "Madam is naturally so beautiful that one can't take their eyes off her."

Xia Yunshu didn't expect him to be so blunt. Her face flushed instantly. She tried to push him away, but he held her tighter. Ling Xiaotian leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Have you been happy these past few days? I've done my best to make you happy."

"Very satisfied." Although Xia Yunshu's tone was light, he could not hide the smile in his eyes.

The two of them arrived beneath a century-old tree. Ling Xiaotian suddenly pulled a bundle from his back and handed it to Xia Yunshu. Curious, Xia Yunshu opened it and discovered a scroll. It depicted her standing in front of a clinic, concentrating on a prescription, surrounded by a bustling crowd of patients. While the painting wasn't exquisite, it was filled with care.

"What is this?" Xia Yunshu asked in surprise.

"I happened to hear from the servants in the mansion that the lady was busy treating patients every day during that period, so I asked someone to record it. I didn't expect that this painting would become my most precious thing." Ling Xiaotian's voice was low, with a hint of emotion that was hard to conceal.

Xia Yunshu held the painting, her nose sore. Seeing this, Ling Xiaotian smiled and reached out to touch her forehead. "Silly girl, don't be moved. Madam is destined to be mine in this life."

Undercurrent of crisis

Just as the two were being affectionate with each other, a confidant in the mansion whispered something. Ling Xiaotian's expression changed, and he put Xia Yunshu down and said in a deep voice, "Yunshu, go back to your room first. I have something to take care of."

Although Xia Yunshu was puzzled, he did not ask any further questions. He just reminded her, "Don't overwork yourself."

Ling Xiaotian turned and entered the study. A confidant reported in a low voice, "Marshal, someone discovered that an important military report was lost from the guard camp last night. They suspect someone in the palace is colluding with the enemy."

Ling Xiaotian frowned, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "Immediately seal off the mansion. No one is allowed to enter or leave at will. Make sure to get to the bottom of this matter."

Meanwhile, in a hidden corner of the mansion, a spy disguised as a servant was rapidly compiling intelligence, trying to get it out before nightfall. He was unaware that Xia Yunshu was passing by unintentionally.

When she saw the man's furtive figure, she was startled. After some thought, she didn't rush in, but quickly returned to find Ling Xiaotian. Upon hearing this, Ling Xiaotian immediately dispatched his men to capture the spy. After torture, he finally pried him open and learned a secret plan regarding the enemy's next move.

The pleasure of resolving a crisis

Late at night, Ling Xiaotian summoned his men and launched a thunderous counterattack, wiping out the entire spy ring and seizing a batch of much-needed supplies, severely thwarting their plans. When the news arrived, Xia Yunshu was leaning back in her room reading. Ling Xiaotian pushed the door open, pulled her into his arms, and whispered, "Yunshu, this time is all thanks to you."

Xia Yunshu felt the slight coolness of his palm and replied softly, "I just happened to see it, the credit is still yours."

Ling Xiaotian shook his head: "If it weren't for your keen sense, how could I have noticed the unusual movement in the mansion so quickly?"

He leaned over and kissed her forehead, whispering, "From now on, no matter what happens, I will not let you be in any danger."

Xia Yunshu listened to his promise, looked up at him, and felt a sense of dependence that she had never felt before.

A small epilogue

The moonlight was like water, and the two of them embraced each other in front of the window. Ling Xiaotian said softly, "Yun Shu, I owe you too much, and I'm afraid I can't repay it in this lifetime."

Xia Yunshu stopped teasing him and just cuddled up to him. At this moment, Ling Xiaotian suddenly remembered something and said with a smile, "By the way, I have a surprise for you tomorrow."

"What surprise?" Xia Yunshu asked curiously.

Ling Xiaotian pretended to be mysterious, "You'll know tomorrow."