As night fell, the general's mansion was brightly lit. Gu Ye returned to the mansion, travel-worn, and as soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he smelled a faint fragrance.

"My husband is back." Murong Xuewei's voice came from under the eaves, as she held a steaming cup of tea in her hand.

Gu Ye took the teacup, took a small sip, and his brow relaxed: "Good tea."

Murong Xuewei smiled gently, "I brought this from Ningcheng. Try it; it's good for moisturizing the lungs and promoting saliva production."

The two walked into the room side by side. After Gu Ye sat down, Murong Xuewei personally removed his outer armor.

"I heard from Uncle Lin that you've received quite a few invitations these past few days?" Gu Ye suddenly asked.

Murong Xuewei's hand paused slightly, then she continued as if nothing had happened: "There are some."

Gu Ye turned around and looked earnestly into Murong Xuewei's eyes: "You don't need to worry about anything. Go if you want to, and don't go if you don't want to. If anyone dares to bully you, I'll back you up."

Murong Xuewei felt a warmth in her heart, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up: "Don't worry, my husband, I know what I'm doing."

Even though Murong Xuewei knew that she and Gu Ye were just business partners, she couldn't help but feel a little tempted when she heard Gu Ye say that.

Gu Ye looked at Murong Xuewei, who was deep in thought with her head down. Her small face, no bigger than a palm, had never been relaxed since the day Gu Ye met her.

Gu Ye reached out and gently stroked Murong Xuewei's cheek, his eyes full of tenderness: "I know you are smart, but in this capital, some people are unpredictable. If you have any difficulties, you must tell me."

Murong Xuewei dodged Gu Ye's outstretched hand, picked up the armor, placed it on the screen, and said softly, "Yes, I've got it."

The room became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

After a long silence, Murong Xuewei broke the silence and asked softly, "Husband, there were so many wealthy merchants in Ningcheng back then, why did you choose the Murong family?"

Gu Ye gazed at Murong Xuewei's retreating figure, the scene from that day flashing through his mind. She was so beautiful, yet so ruthless in her scheming.

A hint of a smile flashed in Gu Ye's eyes: "Because you are different from others. I have seen gentle and virtuous noble ladies in the capital, and I have also seen handsome and unrestrained women from the border. This is indeed the first time I have seen someone with such a delicate appearance who can be so ruthless in scheming against others."

Murong Xuewei turned around and looked at Gu Ye curiously: "Are you saying I'm ruthless?"

Gu Ye thought for a moment, then said seriously, "No, it's more like... you've met a kindred spirit. There's a special light in your eyes that makes me feel you're not an ordinary young lady."

Murong Xuewei's heart skipped a beat, and she lowered her head to hide the complex emotions in her eyes: "A confidant? Are you saying we're the same kind of people?"

Gu Ye walked to Murong Xuewei's side, reached out and took her hand, saying, "Xuewei, I believe in you. No matter what happens, I will stand by your side."

Murong Xuewei looked deeply at Gu Ye and nodded.

Three days later, Xiao Wan Ning sent another invitation. This time, Murong Xue Wei decided to attend.

On the day of the banquet, Murong Xuewei wore a light blue dress, her hair was simply tied up, and she wore only a jade hairpin, making her look elegant and refined.

As soon as I stepped into the banquet hall, I could hear the whispers all around me.

"Is that her? She doesn't look like much."

"I heard he's from the countryside; I'm afraid he doesn't even know basic etiquette or tea ceremony?"

"I wonder what made the ever-victorious general fall for her."

Murong Xuewei remained unfazed and gracefully bowed to the lady.

Xiao Wanning sized up Murong Xuewei, a faint smile playing on her lips: "Madam Gu, I've long admired your name. Meeting you today, I can see you are indeed extraordinary."

Murong Xuewei smiled calmly: "Your Highness flatters me. I am but a country girl, how can I compare to the grace of a princess?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Xiao Wan's eyes, then she smiled and said, "Madam is too modest. Come, try this imperial gift of Longjing tea."

Murong Xuewei took the teacup, took a small sip, and then exclaimed, "Excellent tea. But..." She paused, "This tea doesn't seem to be this year's new tea?"

These words caused a stir among those around them. Xiao Wan Ning's expression changed slightly: "Madam has excellent eyesight. How did you discern that?"

Murong Xuewei smiled and said, "When I was in my hometown, I learned some tea ceremony from my grandmother. Although this tea has a rich aroma, it lacks the freshness of new tea. It must be tea stored from last year?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Xiao Wan Ning's eyes, then she smiled and said, "Madam is indeed very knowledgeable. Someone, bring this year's new tea."

Princess Xiao Sining, standing to the side, objected: "Elder sister, she's just a country bumpkin, what does she know about tea ceremony? She's just talking nonsense!"

Murong Xuewei turned to Xiao Sining and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Second Princess, you are mistaken. While the art of tea is profound, with careful observation, one can grasp its essence. But to merely use fine, expensive tea to flaunt one's status is a waste."

Xiao Sining flew into a rage: "You...you dare speak to me like that! Guards, slap him!"

Seeing that the guards were about to attack, Murong Xuewei calmly said, "Second Princess, although I come from the countryside, I am still the wife of General Changsheng. If I am humiliated here, I'm afraid the General will be displeased."

Xiao Sining was taken aback, then sneered, "Hmph, do you think you can intimidate me by bringing up Gu Ye? Guards, restrain her! Today I'll teach her a lesson about the rules of the capital!"

Just then, a deep voice came from outside the door: "Who dares to touch my wife?"

Everyone turned around and saw Gu Ye standing majestically at the door, dressed in military uniform.

Xiao Sining's expression changed drastically: "General Gu... General Gu..."

Gu Ye strode to Murong Xuewei's side and shielded her behind him: "Second Princess, may I ask if my wife has offended you in any way?"

Xiao Sining stammered, unable to speak. Xiao Wanning quickly smoothed things over: "General, you misunderstand. We were just discussing tea ceremony, and it was just a momentary disagreement."

Gu Ye coldly scanned the crowd, finally fixing his gaze on Xiao Wan Ning: "***, my wife is new here and indeed doesn't know the rules of the capital, but if anyone takes this opportunity to bully her, don't blame me for being ruthless."

After saying that, he took Murong Xuewei's hand and turned to leave, leaving the noble ladies in the room dumbfounded.

Back at the General's Mansion, Gu Ye held Murong Xuewei's hand tightly: "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

Murong Xuewei shook her head. "No."

Gu Ye pulled her into his arms: "Silly girl, I promised I would protect you. Don't go to places like this alone anymore, it's too dangerous."

Murong Xuewei's face flushed. She gently pushed Gu Ye away, turned around and pretended to pack her clothes, and said softly, "Yes, I'll remember."

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