Transmigrated as a Cannon Fodder Wife A in Ancient Times - Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Wei Lan finished instructing the maids and sat obediently there waiting for her dinner. She spent the whole afternoon focusing intensely on carving jade and got bitten by Lu Zijin for quite a while earlier. Now, she felt genuinely hungry, and her stomach growled non-stop.

Wei Lan picked up the small black bundle on the round table and prepared to place it on the dressing table.

Lu Zijin noticed and asked, “What are you holding in your hand?”

Wei Lan’s eyes sparkled as if presenting a treasure. She hugged the small bundle and came to Lu Zijin’s side. “Madam, this is the raw emerald stone I brought back. I plan to make an emerald bracelet for you and carve a jade plaque.”

As Wei Lan spoke, she took out the raw emerald stone and handed it to Lu Zijin for her to see.

Lu Zijin lay on her side on Wei Lan’s bed, watching the little Qianyuan eagerly showing off her treasure.

The raw emerald stone didn’t interest Lu Zijin much. After all, her family had wealth, and she never lacked gold, stones, or jade since childhood. What touched her was the little Qianyuan’s thoughtfulness, thinking of her even while attending a competition.

Lu Zijin raised her eyes to look at Wei Lan and saw Wei Lan’s eyes shining brightly, like a puppy waiting for its master’s praise. Lu Zijin felt very satisfied with this.

“好, then thank you, my lord. I look forward to wearing the jade bracelet and plaque you make for me,” Lu Zijin said with a smile to Wei Lan.

“You can trust me. The jade bracelet and plaque I carve will definitely look especially beautiful. This white ice emerald has excellent clarity. Madam, your skin is already fair, so it should complement your complexion well,” Wei Lan chattered on. She brought the raw emerald stone close to Lu Zijin’s wrist to compare, feeling more convinced that Lu Zijin would look stunning wearing it.

Seeing Wei Lan speak so happily, Lu Zijin couldn’t help but curve her eyes slightly.

Originally, Lu Zijin handled matters all day and had no mood for anything else. But when she spent time with Wei Lan, she unconsciously relaxed. “Good, then I’ll wait for you, my lord,” she said.

“Hmm, I make things quickly, so it shouldn’t take too long,” Wei Lan said, squatting by the bedside, her hands gripping the edge of the bed as she looked at Lu Zijin.

After thinking for a moment, Wei Lan said, “Madam, can I touch your wrist? I need to know the approximate size for the bracelet.”

Lu Zijin extended her arm. “Go ahead and touch.”

Hearing Lu Zijin’s approval, Wei Lan obediently touched her wrist. She roughly estimated that Lu Zijin’s wrist size was about 54. She would pay attention to this when cutting the jade.

“I’ve measured it, Madam,” Wei Lan said. She felt Lu Zijin seemed tired and thought her actions today were indeed inappropriate. After all, Lu Zijin had too many things to handle in a day, yet she still worried about Wei Lan, causing her to make an extra trip so late.

Wei Lan softly leaned by the bedside and cautiously tugged at Lu Zijin’s sleeve. “Madam, I’m sorry for making you worry today. Are you tired?”

Seeing Wei Lan’s apparent guilt, Lu Zijin reached out and pinched the side of Wei Lan’s face. “It’s fine. Just don’t go out for so long without telling anyone next time. You’re my Qianyuan, so it’s only natural for me to worry about you.”

“好, then next time I go out, I’ll definitely inform the people in the courtyard,” Wei Lan obediently replied.

“Hmm, that’s good,” Lu Zijin said.

The little Qianyuan was truly obedient. Even after Lu Zijin bit her bond mark until it swelled, she still worried about Lu Zijin’s fatigue.

Lu Zijin’s lips curved slightly. Marrying Wei Lan was truly the most correct decision she made recently.

While the two talked, the maids brought up the meal.

Wei Lan’s stomach growled twice. She looked at Lu Zijin eagerly and said, “Madam, would you like to eat some with me?”

Lu Zijin wasn’t very hungry and ate little for dinner. But thinking about Wei Lan’s eating habits, she agreed.

“好, I didn’t eat much for dinner either. When I heard you hadn’t returned at that hour, I came straight here,” Lu Zijin said, her gaze lingering on Wei Lan.

Wei Lan felt even more guilty and leaned closer obediently. “Oh, you didn’t even eat because you waited for me?”

Lu Zijin’s lips curved slightly. She propped herself up and touched the side of Wei Lan’s face. “It’s fine. Eating with you now is the same. I’m just a bit tired. Perhaps my lord can help me change?”

“好,” Wei Lan said. Feeling guilty for making Lu Zijin wait so long, she quickly agreed.

She obediently picked up the dress from the floor but remembered Lu Zijin’s cleanliness. She ran to the wardrobe to get her own dress.

“Madam, can you wear mine first? They’re all new dresses,” Wei Lan said, hurrying over with a light blue dress.

Lu Zijin nodded with a smile. “Good, I’ll listen to you.”

Seeing Lu Zijin agree, Wei Lan smiled at her and obediently draped the outer dress over Lu Zijin’s shoulders. “Madam, extend your arm. I’ll help you put it on.”

Wei Lan dutifully reminded her. Lu Zijin’s eyes curved, and she cooperated with the little Qianyuan to put on the dress.

Wei Lan lowered her head to tie the dress for Lu Zijin and then fastened the waistband.

She smiled at Lu Zijin. “Done, Madam.”

“好, then thank you for helping me, my lord,” Lu Zijin said, looking at the considerate and obedient little Qianyuan in front of her, feeling especially pleased.

“No need, no need. Madam, sit down quickly. Don’t tire yourself out,” Wei Lan said, helping Lu Zijin sit on the round stool. She sat beside Lu Zijin.

Wei Lan looked at the increasing array of delicious food, her eyes practically sparkling. “Madam, I’ll eat first. I’m too hungry.”

“Eat, but don’t rush. Eat slowly,” Lu Zijin said, serving Wei Lan a bowl of ginseng chicken soup and placing it by her hand.

“好, thank you, Madam,” Wei Lan said, thanking her while already digging into a piece of pork rib. In the time it took to speak, she devoured most of it.

Lu Zijin watched Wei Lan eat, her eyes curving. Seeing Wei Lan eat so eagerly, she felt a bit hungry herself, like modern people watching food videos and getting hungry.

Lu Zijin picked up some food and ate slowly. Wei Lan, on the other hand, devoured a piece of pork rib in a few bites. If Lu Zijin picked at her food daintily, Wei Lan swept through the dishes on the table, leaving bowls and plates empty wherever she went.

After eating three pork ribs and two lamb ribs, Wei Lan finally felt something in her stomach. She sipped some chicken soup to moisten her throat, ready to continue eating.

Lu Zijin, meanwhile, was already full. She didn’t eat much at night, and having eaten a bit at Jingchen Courtyard earlier, she was satisfied after a few bites.

Seeing Wei Lan had no time to peel crabs, Lu Zijin had a small copper basin brought over. After washing her hands, she took a bowl and peeled all the crab meat into it. After peeling three crabs, she stopped and placed the bowl in front of Wei Lan. “Eat. It’s all crab meat and roe.”

Wei Lan’s eyes lit up immediately. She loved crabs but was too hungry earlier to bother. Lu Zijin had peeled them for her, just like last time, and this time in a large bowl.

She flashed Lu Zijin a big smile. “Thank you, Madam.”

Saying this, Wei Lan picked up the small bowl of crab meat and roe, added a spoonful of fragrant rice, and mixed the roe, meat, and rice evenly.

Wei Lan scooped a spoonful and tasted it. The sweet freshness of the crab meat, the rich flavor of the roe, and the unique aroma of the rice came together. As she ate, her eyes squinted in delight. What kind of heavenly life was this? It was too delicious.

She thought to herself, she could eat this soft rice for ten thousand years!

“Madam, this is really delicious,” Wei Lan said, scooping the crab meat, roe, and rice from the bowl, too focused to notice if Lu Zijin responded.

Lu Zijin propped her chin and watched Wei Lan, her eyes slightly curved. Since her family passed away, she only felt like she had a home when with Wei Lan.

Wei Lan ate voraciously, her manners unrefined, but watching her eat so heartily made Lu Zijin inexplicably happy. Keeping such an obedient little Qianyuan by her side seemed quite nice.

Wei Lan didn’t know what Lu Zijin was thinking. She focused on eating. After clearing most of the dishes on the table, she leisurely sipped her chicken soup. She had to admit, the food at Lu Mansion was truly fragrant.

Meanwhile, the bathwater was ready. Qing Zhi entered, bowed to the two, and asked, “Miss, do you want to bathe now or later?”

“Now. Have someone prepare it,” Lu Zijin instructed.

“Yes,” Qing Zhi said, quickly calling others to arrange it.

Wei Lan looked at Lu Zijin, still holding her bowl and sipping soup obediently.

Lu Zijin’s gaze turned to her, and she asked with a smile, “I’ll bathe first. You can bathe later, okay?”

“好, all according to Madam’s wishes,” Wei Lan replied obediently, accustomed to being compliant.

Lu Zijin nodded, pleased with her obedient attitude.

The bathtub was soon ready. Lu Zijin stood and smiled at Wei Lan. “Then I’ll go first.”

“Hmm, go ahead, Madam. You’ve had a tiring day. Rest early afterward,” Wei Lan said considerately.

She called the maids to clear the table’s bowls and plates. After they left, Wei Lan carefully walked to the dressing table and placed her five thousand silver notes in a small wooden box below.

This was her private money, and she couldn’t let Madam know.

Lu Zijin, bathing, didn’t know about Wei Lan’s hidden money. She soaked briefly, emerged, and changed into Wei Lan’s fresh inner and middle garments. Wiping her hair, she walked out.

When she came out, Wei Lan sat obediently by the round table.

“I’m done. You should bathe soon,” Lu Zijin said, wiping her wet hair while instructing.

“Hmm, I’ll help you dry,” Wei Lan said, quickly grabbing a dry cloth to towel Lu Zijin’s wet hair. She caught the faint scent of white sandalwood on Lu Zijin and sighed unconsciously. “So fragrant.”

Lu Zijin’s lips curved. She deliberately let Wei Lan catch the scent. The little Qianyuan’s body should only carry her fragrance. “If you like it, I’ll let you smell it often.”

Wei Lan nodded. “I like it.”

As she spoke, her hands didn’t stop. Lu Zijin’s hair, long and black, was truly beautiful.

Wei Lan’s movements were gentle, her eyes shining as she looked at Lu Zijin. “Madam’s hair is so beautiful, long and straight.”

Lu Zijin looked at Wei Lan, who was showering her with compliments, her eyes curving slightly. “Alright, I’ll dry it a bit more. You go bathe quickly and rest early.”

“Hmm, then I’ll go,” Wei Lan said, obediently going to bathe. Today had been quite successful. She won first place, earned five thousand silver taels, and got a raw emerald stone. Though Madam bit her a few times, she was still happy.

In a great mood, Wei Lan undressed and soaked in the bath. Thinking Lu Zijin was waiting, she didn’t linger long. Soon, she emerged, changed into fresh inner garments, and walked out from behind the screen.

Lu Zijin leaned on the bed, eyes closed, resting. Wei Lan approached carefully, her gaze falling on Lu Zijin’s face. Say what you will, Lu Zijin was truly beautiful.

As if sensing Wei Lan’s gaze, Lu Zijin opened her eyes. “Dry your hair before sleeping.”

“好,” Wei Lan said obediently, using several cloths to dry her hair until it stopped dripping. She had the bathtub cleared and then climbed into bed, lowering the bed curtains.

The candles on the stand outside still burned. With the curtains down, the light inside dimmed.

Wei Lan obediently pulled the quilt and lay down, turning to look at Lu Zijin. She found the experience novel. She and Lu Zijin had only kissed once before, but both were unwell then—Lu Zijin in her heat, and she with a fever.. They slept together in the afternoon, and after her fever broke, she slept in the next room that night.

So, strictly speaking, this was their first time spending the night together. Wei Lan felt oddly happy about it.

Perhaps because, since arriving in this world, she interacted with Lu Zijin the most. Lu Zijin indirectly helped her a lot. Without Lu Zijin’s silver, she couldn’t have bought a full set of carving tools so quickly. She felt quite grateful to Lu Zijin.

Sensing Wei Lan’s intense gaze, Lu Zijin opened her eyes. She wanted to remind Wei Lan of their relationship. Though she found Wei Lan pleasant now, it didn’t mean she wanted anything more or would bond with her. Today’s events were purely her possessiveness, which led to staying overnight.

But when Lu Zijin opened her eyes and saw Wei Lan’s bright, clear eyes, the harsh words stuck in her throat. Wei Lan’s eyes were beautiful and pure. Lu Zijin sighed imperceptibly and asked softly, “Not sleeping? Why are you looking at me?”

“This is our first time sleeping together at night. Madam, you’re so beautiful,” Wei Lan said sweetly, her eyes curving as she spoke, looking even more obedient.

Lu Zijin couldn’t bring herself to say anything cold to such a face. Instead, the little Qianyuan’s obedience made her heart itch inexplicably.

Lu Zijin closed her eyes briefly, then opened them again. Fine, she married him anyway. As long as they didn’t bond, doing other things in daily life seemed okay. Besides, Wei Lan was so obedient, she wouldn’t dare bond if Lu Zijin didn’t allow it.

“My lordling, why are you so far away? Come closer,” Lu Zijin said, blinking at Wei Lan and patting the spot beside her, signaling her to move nearer.

Wei Lan’s ears reddened slightly, but she obediently scooted closer.

Lu Zijin poked Wei Lan’s shoulder. “Lie flat.”

“好,” Wei Lan said, lying flat as Lu Zijin instructed. The next moment, she felt a soft body in her arms as Lu Zijin nestled into her embrace.

Wei Lan’s cheeks flushed slightly. This was their first time embracing outside Lu Zijin’s heat.

Wei Lan’s body stiffened, not daring to hug Lu Zijin. She lay obediently, the scent of white sandalwood filling her senses with Lu Zijin in her arms.

Sensing her tension, Lu Zijin looked up with a smile and touched Wei Lan’s cheek. “Relax, I won’t bite you today.”

“好,” Wei Lan said, looking at Lu Zijin in her arms, responding obediently. With Lu Zijin’s soft body against her, Wei Lan wanted to hug her but hesitated. She asked softly, “Madam, can I hug you? My hands don’t know where to go.”

Lu Zijin laughed, amused. The little girl was too obedient, even asking permission to hug her.

Lu Zijin’s fingertip lightly tapped Wei Lan’s nose. “Of course you can.”

“Madam, you’re so kind,” Wei Lan said, smiling and praising her sweetly.

She relaxed her body, making it more comfortable for Lu Zijin, and gently hugged Lu Zijin’s waist.

“Sleep early,” Lu Zijin said, closing her eyes again. She nestled in Wei Lan’s arms, smelling the scent of fresh snow on her, and soon fell asleep.

Wei Lan followed suit. Her sleep quality was already good, and with Lu Shi’s fragrance aiding her, she soon slept soundly.

Lu Zijin slept peacefully that night. When she woke, it was broad daylight. She rarely slept so late. She glanced at Wei Lan, still sleeping soundly, holding her.

Lu Zijin tugged at Wei Lan’s arm around her waist, but Wei Lan only mumbled and hugged tighter.

Lu had had business to handle in the morning and couldn’t stay with Wei Lan. Though the little Qianyuan’s sleeping face was cute, making her reluctant, Lu Zijin poked Wei Lan’s cheek and said softly,, “My lordling, wake up. It’s late. Time to get up..”

“Hmm~,” Wei muttered, hugging tighter, rubbing her face against Lu Zijin’s shoulder. She opened her eyes, still half-asleep. “Do we have to get up?”

“Yes, I have things to handle this morning. If you’re still tired, sleep more,” Lu said, touching Wei’s face softly.

“No, I’ll get up with you,” Wei said, releasing Lu Zijin’s waist and propping herself up.

Seeing Wei Lan willing to join her, Lu Zijin’s eyes curved. “Good, then let’s up. I’ll have them prepare for washing.”

Lu Zijin called out, and the maids outside immediately went to prepare. Qing Zhi hurried in to help Lu Zijin dress.

Wei Lan’s eyes were still glassy, clearly not fully awake. She mechanically put on her dress, looking like she might fall back asleep.

Lu Zijin finished dressing and, amused by Wei Lan’s sleepy state, laughed. She pulled Wei Lan to her, helping her adjust her dress, tying the waistband.

“Done. Breakfast is ready. Go wash up,” she said with a smile.

“好,” Wei said obediently, only waking up a bit after washing her face.

Lu Zij ate a simple breakfast with her and then left with her people.

Wei Lan looked at the empty bedroom, feeling a bit unaccustomed, but she was quite happy. With Lu Zijin gone, she could carve jade.

But first, she closed the door, took out her private money hidden under the dressing table, and placed it in a brocade box on the wardrobe’s top shelf. Only then did she relax.

Wei Lan changed into work clothes in the bedroom and, going out, instructed the maids at the door to prepare tea. Unless she called, they shouldn’t disturb her.

After arranging this, she hugged her small bundle and entered the studio.

Wei stretched, took out the jade hairpin from the wooden box, and marveled. No wonder jade was expensive—it was stunning. The white ice jade was translucent, with a rich texture.

Not wanting to waste any, she thought carefully. Besides a bracelet, she could cut a hairpin from the side.

Wei poured pomegranate juice into a small dish, then used a pointed brush to sketch a rough draft, outlining the bracelet’s shape.

She sat at the lathe, carefully cutting the jade. The stone’s quality was high, so she cut with precision. Even the scraps could be polished into beads for a bracelet.

Soon, she cut the bracelet. The center piece was usable for a jade knife, and a long strip could be carved into a hairpin. The remaining scraps could yield four or five small beads.

With everything planned, Wei switched tools to smooth the edges off the bracelet. This required care, with water dripped constantly to prevent cracking.

Wei’s patience was remarkable. She polished every part meticulously, ensuring the bracelet’s size was around 54, so it would look good and feel comfortable on Lu.

Polishing the bracelet alone took her all morning. She wasn’t hungry at noon, and since there were no electric lights at night, she couldn’t work then. She valued daytime hours. After rough polishing, she moved to finer sanding, then the final polishing step..

When all polishing was done, it was nearly dark.

Wei soaked the jade in water to clean it, then wiped it gently with a clean cloth.

She opened the door. Light poured in from outside. Wei held the jade up to the light, smiling broadly.

The white ice jade bracelet was crystal clear, smooth, and fine, enhancing the wearer’s complexion.

Wei Lan felt ecstatic. This bracelet would look absolutely stunning on Lu!