Mistakenly Connected to the Jade Flower Branch

Chapter 176 Hard Work

As the first rays of dawn shone on Nanfei's face, he dismounted and stood before the West Mansion, his eyelids ceasing to twitch, as if to signify that everything had settled.

Nan Fei, carrying a bundle on his back and holding a small medicine box in his hand, was about to go up the steps when the fine steed that An Liangchen had arranged for him behind him suddenly whimpered twice, fell to the ground with a loud thud, and died on the spot.

The guards at the gate were Yuan Feng's personal guards, and they recognized Nan Fei. They were startled and rushed forward in surprise: "Young Master Nan, this is…"

Nanfei said calmly, "It's tired. You can bury it."

There were many rumors of warhorses dying from exhaustion during urgent courier services, but this was the first time he had witnessed it firsthand. The guards exchanged glances, just as they were about to report, when Nanfei strode inside.

Yan Zeyu got up at dawn and was practicing his sword in the courtyard when he saw Nan Fei coming. He was overjoyed and said, "General, you've finally arrived."

Outside, water freezes instantly, but inside, it's warm as spring. The vase on the table holds no flowers, only a bunch of willow branches with new buds.

Xiaoman was dozing off by the bed when she heard the door open and slowly turned her head: "Ouyang... why is it you?"

Nanfei walked over and said softly, "You've worked hard, go and rest."

Xiaoman hadn't noticed at first glance, still half-asleep, but as Nan Fei walked over, she was shocked to realize something was wrong: ragged clothes, disheveled hair, stubble beard, and weathered appearance—this was the usually impeccably dressed young master Nan, even a beggar looked better than him…

You're still speaking so politely! It's true what they say, "Three days apart, and I'm already looking at you with new eyes."

Yan Zeyu knocked on the doorpost and waved to Xiaoman.

Xiaoman suddenly realized: "Nannan... Aunt... Uncle... If you need anything, just call out. There are always people outside."

Nanfei sat on the edge of the bed, gently stroking Yuan Feng's pale face. For the umpteenth time, he recalled the old doctor's words: "This is Dang Gui Yi Rong Wan, mainly used to treat postpartum blood loss, extreme deficiency of the liver meridian, and incomplete closure of the vaginal opening..."

An Liangchen and Nan Hua dared not speak directly to him, and Luo An, fearing he would ask about the medicine, simply refused to see him. Nan Fei understood them, but also felt that Heaven had never been kind to him, and had been even more cruel to Yuan Feng.

Xiaoman was responsible for taking care of them at night, while Ouyang was responsible for taking care of them during the day. Ouyang and Dr. Hua came together. Ouyang was carrying blankets and clothes, and the guard at the door opened the door for them.

Ouyang strode in and looked up to see Nanfei asleep on the edge of the bed. Yuan Feng stared at Nanfei without blinking, so he stopped and looked back at Hua Xuan.

Hua Xuan's tray contained millet porridge and a medicine pot. Yuan Feng was weak and needed to eat and drink medicine on time; there was no time to waste.

Hua Xuan placed the plate on the table, walked over to take Yuan Feng's pulse, and said softly, "General, after you finish your medicine today, walk around the room morning and evening. It will help you recover."

Nan Fei slowly opened his eyes and sat up straight. His eyes were bloodshot, and his voice was hoarse: "Thank you for your hard work, Dr. Hua."

Hua Xuan quickly said, "General, you've worked so hard all night; you must be exhausted."

Nanfei saw Ouyang Jin walk to the side, stood up and said, "Brother Ouyang, you've worked hard."

Ouyang Jin had never seen Nan Fei so formal and polite before, and quickly said, "This is our duty, General, there's no need to be so polite."

Hua Xuan gave some instructions and said with relief, "General Yuan was unconscious for three days and three nights and only woke up two days ago. Now that the General is taking care of him, we can rest assured."

Hua Xuan dragged Ouyang Jin away, and Nan Fei helped Yuan Feng up and lean her against the headboard. He first fed her millet porridge, then opened the medicine pot and smelled it: "The decoction tastes bitter. I've prepared pills for you, so you don't need to drink this medicine."

Nanfei fed Yuan Feng the pills, took out a box of candied fruit from his bag, and stuffed two pieces into Yuan Feng's mouth: "These were for Xiaoman on the Winter Solstice, but I robbed them."

Nanfei looks completely different from before, but his stinginess hasn't changed at all.

Yuan Feng seemed to only then come to her senses. A glint appeared in her eyes, and her expression finally changed. She reached out and said, "Nan Fei..."

Nan Fei sat on the edge of the bed, holding Yuan Feng's hand, and whispered, "It's me."

Yuan Feng said, "You're back?"

Nanfei said, "I'm back."

Yuan Feng's voice was very weak: "I'm sorry... I hurt..."

Nanfei interrupted her: "Ah Feng, don't be like this... You are the most valiant general in the world. You have done nothing wrong to anyone and don't need to apologize to anyone..."

Yuan Feng said, "But, I..."

Nanfei held her in his arms, his voice choked with emotion: "Afeng, don't talk, just rest, okay?"

Yuan Feng thought: There is nothing in this world that can be hidden from Nan Fei.

Yuan Feng nestled in Nan Fei's arms, her eyes slightly closed. She had just drunk hot porridge, and the room was warm. Yuan Feng felt fine beads of sweat beading on her skin, layer upon layer. Soon, she felt as if she had been pulled from water, completely soaked.

The dampness on my neck was particularly noticeable, flowing down my chest, and it seemed to be more than just sweat.

Yuan Feng slightly turned her head and looked up, seeing Nan Fei's face streaked with tears, crying silently. What was she crying about? She wasn't even crying! Was it for the unborn child or for her?

Yuan Feng slowly turned her head back, lowered her eyes and remained motionless, pretending not to know.

“General…” Xiaoman brought in hot water and saw the two of them embracing, so she quickly turned her back to them: “I have to give the general a bath. Young master, why don’t you eat something first?”

Nan Fei touched his face, released Yuan Feng, and said in a hoarse voice, "I'll do it."

Xiaoman is easily swayed by gentle persuasion but not by force. Hearing Nanfei's unusual tone, she darted out without looking back, saying, "I'll go get some food for my son-in-law."

Yuan Feng was placed on a thick white cloth, which was completely stained red with blood. Nan Fei took off Yuan Feng's clothes, carefully wiped her body, changed her into clean clothes, and put a white cloth back under her pants.

Nan Fei appeared completely at ease, but Yuan Feng felt somewhat uncomfortable, even though they had been married for many years.

Nanfei said, "If I were the one lying in bed, Afeng would take care of me the same way, wouldn't she?"

Nanfei's words eased Yuan Feng's embarrassment. Following Hua Xuan's instructions, Yuan Feng refused Nanfei's help and instead walked around the house, supporting herself against the wall.

Xiaoman brought over some porridge and steamed buns. Seeing Nanfei efficiently changing the blankets and making the bed, she quickly came over to help: "Young Master Nan, you can do this kind of work too?"

Nan Fei helped Yuan Feng lie down on the bed, his voice still hoarse: "Your son-in-law is a live-in son-in-law, these are essential skills for a husband. Do you think it's so easy to be a kept man?"

Yuan Feng couldn't help but smile slightly. She had been awake for two days, in a daze, which had worried them greatly. And now, with Nan Fei back, she was actually smiling?

Xiaoman gave a thumbs up and praised him sincerely: "Your son-in-law is great."

Taking the opportunity, Nanfei made a request: "Since I'm so great, could you have your brothers bring in a bathtub? I need to take a bath."

Nanfei held a steamed bun in each hand, wanting to eat them one after another, completely disregarding his image.

Yuan Feng felt both heartbroken and gratified: Did Nan Fei finally develop feelings for her beyond a sense of responsibility?

Xiaoman was very loyal and quickly sent someone to bring over the bath tub. Nanfei tore off his clothes in front of Yuan Feng, grabbed the last steamed bun, and jumped into the tub.

Yuan Feng looked away, but after a while she heard no sound. Yuan Feng slightly raised herself up and looked over; Nan Fei was asleep in the bathtub, clutching a steamed bun.