Transmigrated as a Cannon Fodder Wife A in Ancient Times - Chapter 33

Chapter 33

The courtyard was empty, and Lu Zijin’s faint words, “Is that so?” drifted far away.

Wei Lan immediately felt her throat tighten, and sweat began to form on her back. Wasn’t Lu Zijin supposed to be bathing and sleeping at this hour? Why did she come here for no reason?

Wei Lan expressed confusion and wanted to cry. “Madam, you came?”

Wei Lan awkwardly laughed twice, not daring to walk toward the bedroom. Then she heard Lu Zijin’s voice again.

“The lord worked hard all day. Why not return to the bedroom to rest? What? Do you want me to personally invite you?” Lu Zijin’s tone was calm, but it slightly rose at the end.

Wei Lan dared not let Lu Zijin invite her. She hurriedly replied in panic, “No, no, I will go in myself. How could I let Madam invite me?”

Though Wei Lan’s legs felt weak, she obediently scurried into the bedroom.

She entered the bedroom and immediately felt the air grow thin.

Wei Lan cautiously looked at Lu Zijin and saw Lu Zijin sitting there with a calm expression. Her slender, pale fingers lightly tapped the table, making a soft thudding sound.

Though Lu Zijin said not a word, Wei Lan’s forehead began to sweat. She secretly glanced at Qing Zhi, who closed her eyes and shook her head.

Wei Lan grew more afraid. She nervously swallowed a few times, not daring to sit. She stood obediently, thinking how to make excuses.

As she pondered, Lu Zijin moved first. She stood and walked toward Wei Lan. Wei Lan instinctively stepped back in fear.

Seeing Wei Lan retreat, Lu Zijin’s expression grew darker. “Don’t dodge.”

Hearing this, Wei Lan dared not move. She stood obediently, watching Lu Zijin approach her.

Lu Zijin reached Wei Lan, lifted her chin, and asked calmly, “Where did the lord go? You were out all day. I didn’t know Panyang City had such interesting places to keep the lord so long.”

With Lu Zijin holding her chin, Wei Lan replied without confidence, “Today, I agreed with Xiao Nanyan to go to Moonlight Tower for the jade appreciation contest. I like jade, so I wanted to join the fun and see what skilled carvers could create. The contest lasted very long, from morning until the hour of Xu. I rushed back as soon as it ended. I haven’t even eaten dinner.”

Wei Lan’s later words sounded soft, almost like she was acting spoiled with Lu Zijin. She wasn’t lying—she truly hadn’t eaten and was very hungry now.

“A jade appreciation contest, is it?” Lu Zijin smiled slightly at Wei Lan and asked.

Seeing Lu Zijin smile, Wei Lan felt slightly relieved. She nodded obediently. “Hmm, Xiao Nanyan is rich. She booked a private room on the second floor. I went to share her seat. Moonlight Tower is too expensive. One private room costs fifty taels of silver. Luckily, I didn’t have to pay.”

Wei Lan looked proud that she didn’t need to spend money.

Hearing Wei Lan’s words, Lu Zijin’s smile deepened. She stepped closer, her left hand gripping Wei Lan’s waist, her right hand taking the object Wei Lan held and passing it backward.

Qing Zhi quickly stepped forward respectfully to take the small black bundle, then stood respectfully to the side, pretending to be a wooden figure.

Wei Lan reached for her raw jade stone but didn’t dare. She felt danger now, but she hadn’t said anything wrong. Except for hiding her participation in the contest, everything else was true. Why was Lu Zijin holding her waist?

“What? Are you short of silver?” Lu Zijin moved her hand from Wei Lan’s chin to pinch both sides of her cheeks. Her expression was calm, but the hand on Wei Lan’s waist tightened. Wei Lan was already pressed against her.

“I, I’m not short. I just think Moonlight Tower is too expensive. If I can share someone’s seat, I avoid spending my own money.” Wei Lan muttered softly.

Lu Zijin’s eyes darkened. She leaned closer to Wei Lan and sniffed. Her expression grew terrifyingly cold. “What? Do you think Xiao Nanyan is richer than me? If you wanted to attend the jade contest, why seek her instead of me?”

Wei Lan’s back broke into a cold sweat. She stammered, “Well, you’re so busy every day. I care for you and didn’t want to disturb you. Since Xiao Nanyan was going anyway, I thought I’d join her for the fun.”

“So, I should thank the lord for being so considerate of me.” Lu Zijin smiled at Wei Lan and said.

“No, no, it’s what I should do.” Wei Lan looked humble, but then she noticed Lu Zijin seemed even more displeased.

“Hmph, is the lord blaming me for giving you too little monthly allowance? So you went out to find other wealthy Kunze?” Lu Zijin raised an eyebrow and asked. Her hand on Wei Lan’s waist tightened further.

Wei Lan quickly shook her head. “No, no, Madam, you give me plenty of money. Xiao Nanyan and I are just ordinary friends. I didn’t find other wealthy Kunze. Besides, we had servants and maids with us. She and I are completely innocent.”

Lu Zijin didn’t distrust Wei Lan, but thinking of her mingling with another Kunze over money made her uncomfortable. The little Qianyuan always thought about silver. If another wealthy Kunze offered more, wouldn’t the greedy little Qianyuan be lured away?

Thinking this, Lu Zijin felt worse. Such an obedient little Qianyuan—she had only used her a few times. She couldn’t let someone else steal her.

“What? Does the lord think what you did today was right?” Lu Zijin raised an eyebrow and asked.

Wei Lan shook her head like a rattle drum. At times like this, admitting fault was best. She knew this well. She quickly admitted softly, “No, no, Madam, I was wrong. Don’t be angry. It’s bad for your health.”

Lu Zijin’s lips curved slightly. She was sensible, admitting fault quickly. But was it genuine, or just words?

“Then the lord should say where you went wrong today. If you get it right, I won’t be angry.” Lu Zijin stared at Wei Lan and asked.

Wei Lan’s eyes darted, avoiding Lu Zijin’s gaze. What was Lu Zijin’s hand doing? Why was it rubbing her waist?

Wei Lan gave Lu Zijin a questioning look, but Lu Zijin asked as if nothing was wrong, “What’s the matter?”

Wei Lan quickly shook her head. Maybe she was too sensitive. Madam was just upset and touching her. Since Madam wasn’t calm yet, she should figure out her mistake first. As for being touched, it wasn’t the first time. Lu Zijin touched her plenty during her estrus. Oh well, she was used to it.

“Nothing, I’m thinking where I went wrong.” Wei Lan grew more obedient. Her sensitive waist made her legs weak from Lu Zijin’s touch.

Lu Zijin was pleased with Wei Lan’s compliance. She followed Wei Lan’s words and asked, “Has the lord thought it through?”

“Hmm, I shouldn’t have gone out all day without notice. I should’ve returned earlier. Also, I should keep distance from other Kunze. Madam doesn’t like me carrying their scents.” Wei Lan racked her brain for these points. She cautiously peeked at Lu Zijin.

Then Lu Zijin caught her. “Anything else?”

“There’s more?” Wei Lan thought a while and forced out, “I shouldn’t have worried Madam or made you come find me. I won’t stay out so long again. If I go out, I’ll inform the servants in advance so Madam won’t worry.”

Wei Lan finished, giving Lu Zijin a sweet smile, looking harmless. It made Lu Zijin want to let her off, but Lu Zijin wasn’t so easily fooled.

She smiled back at Wei Lan, her right hand gently stroking Wei Lan’s cheek. “Is that all?”

“Huh?” Wei Lan wanted to cry. Someone save her! What else did she do wrong? Smart women were hard to fool.

Wei Lan thought hard but couldn’t come up with a word.

Seeing her effort, Lu Zijin nearly laughed but bit her lip to hold it in.

Wei Lan spoke softly, “I can’t think of more, Madam.”

“Can’t think of more? Then I’ll help the lord.” Lu Zijin’s tone grew gentler, but Wei Lan felt chills.

“Maybe I’ll think again myself, no need to trouble Madam.” Wei Lan said regretfully.

“How can that do? We’re wife and wife, one body. If the lord can’t recall her mistake, I should help her remember. No need to be polite.” Lu Zijin smiled gently at Wei Lan.

Wei Lan felt the smile was dangerous. She wanted to retreat, but her waist was held, so she couldn’t. “Madam, I was wrong.”

Lu Zijin ignored her, already undoing Wei Lan’s waistband. She leaned close to Wei Lan’s ear and whispered, “I’ll help the lord recall where you went wrong.”

Seeing her waistband undone and Madam seemingly removing her dress, Wei Lan blushed and reminded, “Madam, why are you taking off my clothes?”

“Naturally, it’s something good. The lord will know soon.” Lu Zijin smiled even more gently. She swiftly removed Wei Lan’s outer dress, tossing it to the floor.

Qing Zhi saw the situation and knew the maids couldn’t stay. She silently bowed to Lu Zijin and Wei Lan, waved to the young maids, signaling them to follow her out.

As she walked to the door, she didn’t forget to place Wei Lan’s black bundle on the round table before leaving.

The four young maids were perceptive. Since Miss was undressing the mistress, what followed was likely not for them to see. They quickly followed Qing Zhi out.

Qing Zhi saw everyone was out and thoughtfully closed the bedroom door for Lu Zijin and Wei Lan.

She thought Miss would handle serious matters with the mistress soon and wouldn’t mind the courtyard’s servants or maids. She signaled everyone to rise and made a shushing gesture, fearing they’d disturb Miss and the mistress. Everyone obeyed.

Seeing the maids gone and the door even closed, Wei Lan panicked more. “Why take off clothes for no reason, Madam?”

“It’s something the lord likes. Go lie down.” Lu Zijin ordered with a cold face.

“Huh? Your estrus is over, isn’t it? Why lie down again?” Wei Lan mumbled softly, not daring to let Lu Zijin hear clearly.

“What?” Lu Zijin asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Nothing, nothing, I’ll lie down. I’m tired anyway.” Wei Lan muttered weakly. Her legs were more obedient than her words. While mumbling, she already walked over and lay down.

Lu Zijin walked over slowly, smiled at Wei Lan, and began undoing her own waistband.

Wei Lan watched Lu Zijin slowly undo her belt and felt a bit thirsty. After all, Lu Zijin was the female lead, with top-tier beauty and figure. Watching her undress in front of her was quite shy.

Wei Lan’s cheeks reddened, but she couldn’t look away. Lu Xun was a bit crazy, but she was undeniably stunning.

Seeing Wei Lan stare, Lu Zijin smiled at her, casually tossing her outer skirt to the ground. She continued untying her belt slowly.

Seeing Wei Lan still watching, blushed and asked, “Do you like it?”

Wei Lan nodded instinctively, then felt a bit scared. Was Lu Zijin so gentle today? Something felt off.

Seeing Wei Lan nod, Lu Zijin smiled more gently. When she reached her inner layer, she walked to the bedside. As usual, she had Wei Lan shift inward, then straddled Wei Lan’s waist, leaning close to look at Wei Lan below her.

“Madam, what are we doing?” Wei Lan asked, confused.

“Nothing much. I’m helping the lord think about where you went wrong today.” Lu Zijin’s hand gently stroked Wei Lan’s cheek, soon sliding to her lips.

Wei Lan had worn a mask today, so she hadn’t applied rouge. Her lips were a faint pink.

Lu Zijin’s eyes darkened slightly. Her thumb gently rubbed Wei Lan’s lips, wanting to deepen their color with her touch.

As if that wasn’t enough, Lu Zijin leaned down and sniffed Wei Lan’s neck. Her face turned completely cold. “You and she really spent a long time together today. Your body’s practically steeped in her scent.”

Seeing Lu Zijin’s cold face, Wei Lan quickly said obediently, “Then get up a moment. I’ll have someone prepare hot water. I’ll bathe, and the other scents will be gone. Don’t be angry.”

“Hmph, no need for such trouble. Since the lord is my Qianyuan, your body should carry my scent. Don’t you think so?” Lu Zijin smiled faintly at Wei Lan and asked softly.

Though Lu Zijin’s tone was gentle, her thumb on Wei Lan’s lips seemed to press harder. Wei Lan sensed trouble. In this situation, better follow her words, or she’d be in for it!

Thinking this, she said with difficulty, “Okay, I’ll listen to Madam.”

Wei Lan’s obedient, compliant look pleased Lu Zijin. She calmed slightly, but only slightly. Letting the little Qianyuan off was impossible.

“Good girl.” Lu Zijin said, touching Wei Lan’s cheek. Then she tore off the patch on Wei Lan’s neck.

Lu Zijin gently rubbed and stroked the spot. Soon, Wei Lan’s bond mark swelled, occasionally leaking her scent.

Wei Lan felt strange and turned her head to dodge, but Lu Zijin held her body. “Why dodge?”

“It’s itchy and feels weird.” Wei Lan’s eyes grew misty, looking at Lu Zijin with discomfort.

“Itchy is right. Who let you carry another’s scent?” Lu Zijin leaned into Wei Lan’s arms, her lips very close to Wei Lan’s bond mark. Her breath grazed the mark as she spoke, making Wei Lan’s body tremble.

“I won’t dare again. Don’t talk so close to it. It’s weird.” Wei Lan’s cheeks and ear tips burned red.

Lu Zijin’s lips curved. She pressed her lips to the mark, deliberately sucking lightly. The bond mark was delicate and couldn’t withstand such teasing. Wei Lan nearly cried out.

But Lu Zijin didn’t stop. She bit gently, passing her own scent over.

Wei Lan felt even stranger. Madam seemed to be infusing her scent into her body. It was exciting, odd, and somewhat pleasant. She endured obediently. After a while, Lu Zijin stopped.

She propped herself up slightly to look at Wei Lan, one hand stroking her lips, and asked, “Now, do you remember where you went wrong?”

Wei Lan wanted to cry. She’d already thought of everything she could. Now her body felt soft, her mind foggy, and she couldn’t think more.

She looked at Lu Zijin pitifully, hoping to soften her with misery. “Madam, I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten dinner.”

“Is that so? Is the lord trying to change the subject?” Lu Zijin’s tone was lazy. Her fingertip lightly teased Wei Lan’s bond mark, turning Wei Lan’s neck red.

“No, I was wrong, Madam. It’s so itchy.” Lu Zijin’s light touches made her feel stranger. Heavier would’ve been better.

Lu Zijin leaned in and bit the bond mark again. A strong scent of fresh snow spilled out. She nestled into Wei Lan’s arms, satisfied, like a cat overdosed on catnip, languid.

“The lord isn’t obedient. You still don’t know where you went wrong.” Lu Zijin’s voice softened, but her fingertip kept teasing Wei Lan’s lips.

Wei Lan truly couldn’t think of more. She’d never dare return so late again. Being caught by Madam meant being pinned to the bed and played with.

“I really can’t think of it. Madam, give me a hint.” Wei Lan pleaded softly.

After Wei Lan spoke, her bond mark was bitten again. Then she heard Lu Zijin’s voice. “If you lack silver in the future, what should you do?”

Wei Lan’s mind blanked. Why bring up silver again? Wasn’t her biggest mistake returning late with another Kunze’s scent?

Since Lu Zijin asked, she answered obediently, “I’ll spend less or not spend.”

Lu Zijin looked up at her, her eyes darker, then bit again.

Wei Lan felt both pleasure and pain, indescribable. “Hmm~ Where did I go wrong?”

Wei Lan looked at Lu Zijin in her arms, aggrieved. Lu Zijin looked up at her. “Think again carefully.”

“Then, if I lack silver, I’ll borrow from friends.” Wei Lan replied weakly.

Then Lu Zijin bit again. Wei Lan sniffled, confused why she was bitten again. If she lacked silver, wasn’t it either save or borrow from friends? She truly couldn’t think more, and what did this have to do with her mistake?

Lu Zijin bit again, satisfied, then looked at Wei Lan. The little Qianyuan’s cheeks and neck were flushed from her teasing, her bond mark bore several teeth marks. Lu Zijin was pleased with her work and kindly hinted, “Why not ask me if you lack silver? Hmm? The household isn’t short of money. Why borrow from others?”

Wei Lan thought borrowing from others was better. Repaying them was simple, but asking Lu Zijin meant who-knows-how-many bites. She didn’t dare say it aloud, though.

“I understand. If I lack silver, I’ll ask you.” Wei Lan said obediently, following Lu Zijin’s words.

Seeing Wei Lan so compliant, Lu Zijin’s mood improved slightly. She leaned down again, not biting this time, but sucking lightly.

Wei Lan’s body trembled with discomfort. She looked at Lu Zijin softly. Lu Zijin seemed satisfied and looked up at her.

She tapped Wei Lan’s nose lightly and reminded, “I’ll raise your monthly allowance to five hundred taels. Buy what you want. If it’s not enough, ask me. Don’t save silver for me.”

Her fingertip tapped Wei Lan’s lips again. “Don’t let another Kunze steal you over silver. Understood?”

“Hmm, understood. Madam is so good.” Wei Lan replied sweetly.

Seeing Wei Lan’s soft look, Lu Zijin’s lips curved. She nestled into Wei Lan’s arms, closed her eyes, and said faintly, “Smell yourself. Any other scents?”

Wei Lan obediently lifted her sleeve and sniffed. She smelled only white sandalwood and her own fresh snow scent, nothing else.

“It’s all Madam’s scent and my own.” Wei Lan said.

Lu Zijin opened her eyes and glanced at Wei Lan. “Remember, no other Kunze’s scents on you. You’re my Qianyuan lord. Only my scent is allowed.”

“I understand. I won’t dare again.” Wei Lan admitted fault obediently. Her stomach growled loudly.

Lu Zijin opened her eyes and looked at Wei Lan, touching her stomach. “What? Hungry?”

“Hmm, I haven’t eaten dinner.” Wei Lan mumbled softly. She’d been pinned and played with by Lu Zijin since returning, no food yet.

“Then have someone prepare dinner. I’ll bathe.” Lu Zijin said, nestled in Wei Lan’s arms.

Wei Lan felt something was off. Did Lu Zijin mean to bathe here?

“Madam, won’t you bathe at Jingchen Courtyard?” Wei Lan asked cautiously.

“What? Does the lord not want me to stay? This entire Lu Mansion is mine. Can’t I stay here?” Lu Zijin said, her fingertip teasing Wei Lan’s swollen bond mark again.

“You can. Madam can sleep anywhere. Shall I get up to eat first?” Wei Lan tentatively pushed Lu Zijin’s waist, wanting her to get off.

Lu Zijin glanced at Wei Lan. The little Qianyuan’s bond mark was swollen from her bites, yet she was so obedient. Lu Zijin’s anger mostly faded, but she was still displeased. Wei Lan spent all day with another Kunze, her body nearly steeped in their scent. She planned to sleep here tonight, ensuring Wei Lan carried only her scent.

But she also feared Wei Lan might starve. She got up from Wei Lan.

Wei Lan then got up, put on shoes and clothes, and opened the door.

Qing Zhi and the young maids stood guard outside. Wei Lan’s ear tips reddened slightly. She wondered if they heard her pleading earlier. It was embarrassing.

“Well, Madam will sleep here tonight. Prepare hot water and dinner for me.” Wei Lan ordered.

Qing Zhi quickly bowed. “Yes, this servant will arrange it.”

Her gaze fell on Wei Lan’s swollen, bitten bond mark. Qing Zhi blushed. She thought Miss only touched the mistress during estrus, but the mistress was bitten so much. It seemed Miss treated the mistress differently, even staying here.

But Qing Zhi didn’t dwell on it and hurried to make arrangements.