Li Qing's worries did not materialize.
The stormy weather was most conducive to sleep, and with the combined effects of staying up all night and the calming incense, Lu Qing Wan let out a groggy hum and fell back asleep.
The two men outside waited with bated breath for a long time. Seeing that she hadn't been disturbed, they then continued their discussion of important matters with peace of mind.
Although there were many trivial matters and numerous oversights, now that the two had returned to Xin Du, it was convenient to handle affairs with their proximity to power.
With the imperial court having a core leader, no matter where problems arose, all officials could promptly report to Si Feng Wu, and Si Feng Wu could provide timely feedback.
Even though it was busier, the efficiency was visibly noticeable.
Lu Qing Wan's deep sleep meant that all matters requiring her attention were postponed to the following day.
It wasn't that she slept until the next day, but after waking up in the afternoon, Si Feng Wu absolutely forbade her from immediately returning to official duties.
At first, Lu Qing Wan argued stubbornly with him, "Why are you stopping me? I've slept enough and eaten enough. If you don't let me go out to work, do you want me to keep lying on the couch and gaining weight?"
Si Feng Wu forcefully pulled her close, "Autumn is approaching, and it's time to fatten up for autumn. Gain more, so it's more comfortable to hold."
Lu Qing Wan was so angry her head felt like it was smoking, and she bared her teeth, biting a soft piece of flesh on his arm as a teething ring.
Si Feng Wu allowed her to use him as a teething ring, still holding a memorial in his hand and reading it, "It's understandable to neglect meals and rest when we're traveling and both busy. But now that we're back, you're still staying up all night for me. Are road repairs and case solving going to wait an hour for you?"
Speaking of this, Lu Qing Wan felt guilty. She was a physician herself, yet she had lived a life on the edge in her previous life and never took care of her body. Si Feng Wu had spoken to her many times, both openly and subtly. She always promised to do better, but then she would revert to her old ways. This time, Si Feng Wu was determined to correct this habit of hers. He didn't argue or get angry with her; he just forcefully kept her by his side, not letting her run around.
Lu Qing Wan estimated the situation before her and thought it was highly likely that he would force her to sleep again after nightfall. But she had slept all day already, and now she was so energetic she could compete with an owl for the title of the best night owl. How could she possibly sleep? She whined and pleaded with him, "I know I was wrong, Your Highness. I promise you, from now on, I will never neglect my meals or sleep. I'll sleep on time, and even if I get bitten by a mosquito, I'll apply medicine immediately..."
Although she knew that in real situations, her words might be greatly discounted, Si Feng Wu was still coaxed into a slight upturn of his lips. Seeing this, Lu Qing Wan quickly seized the opportunity, "I won't go out tonight either. Can you have Li Su and Duan Yue bring me the latest intelligence?"
A large palm covered her face, directly pushing Lu Qing Wan into the empty space beside him. "Forget it. I won't let you deal with any official business tonight. Be good. If you're really bored, go practice your martial arts. You've been so busy with trivial matters lately, how long has it been since you practiced? You still said you wanted to compete with me. If you continue to neglect it like this, all your cultivation will become mere showmanship."
Lu Qing Wan's little schemes were repeatedly suppressed. She realized that Si Feng Wu was determined to make her rest tonight. The matters he had assigned yesterday were not simple, and it was unlikely any significant progress could be made in just one day. So, Lu Qing Wan didn't actually *need* to handle official business. However, Si Feng Wu's rare assertive demeanor struck her as amusing, and she felt she couldn't let his arrogance grow unchecked. Therefore, she decided to cause some mischief to annoy Si Feng Wu. Sitting quietly to the side, she brewed her emotions, adjusted her expression, and began to fake cry, "I knew it, no man in this world is good!"
This sudden accusation left Si Feng Wu completely bewildered. He forgot to speak, only looking at her with confused eyes. Lu Qing Wan, suppressing a smile, continued her fake crying, "You don't need to hide it from me anymore. I already know. Those ministers in court think I can't have children and want to bring women into the harem. You're tired of me too, aren't you?" Seeing Si Feng Wu's expression become increasingly blank, Lu Qing Wan fully embraced her role and swung her small fists to punch Si Feng Wu's chest, "You heartless, ungrateful man! You are cruel, you are unjust, you are unreasonable. I'm so sad, so heartbroken, I'll punch your chest with my little fists, boohoo..."
Her body suddenly lifted into the air, interrupting her feigned sobs. Lu Qing Wan yelped in surprise, "What are you doing? Put me down quickly!" The princess carry was not comfortable at all. She didn't want to be carried around like this. Si Feng Wu let out a cold, heartless laugh and unreasonably said, "It's true that I've been neglecting my Consort due to my preoccupation with state affairs. It is my fault that my Consort is sad. I have reflected deeply and decided to atone for my mistakes thoroughly..." With that, he strode towards the imperial bedchamber, carrying Lu Qing Wan. Lu Qing Wan's scalp turned cold. Oh no, she had gone too far! Hurriedly, she obsequiously patted Si Feng Wu's chest, trying to appease him, "What are you saying, Your Highness? Husband and wife quarrel at the bedside and make up in bed. It's not that serious! I suddenly feel it's very good for Your Highness to handle official business while I practice martial arts nearby. The scholarly joy of reading accompanied by a beautiful woman is nothing more than this. Your Highness, let's go back and handle official business, ha ha..." Damn it, this dog man is so fierce. Why was she getting a little scared? Si Feng Wu chuckled coldly, "How can that be? If I don't atone soon, I'll truly become a heartless, ungrateful man..." Before he finished speaking, he threw her upwards, and Lu Qing Wan landed on the soft imperial bed. The imperial bed bore a weight it shouldn't have, emitting a dull thud. Lu Qing Wan, looking at Si Feng Wu approaching her like a lecher, shrank towards the foot of the bed in fear, "Don't do anything strange, intimacy within marriage is also not allowed!" Si Feng Wu was long accustomed to Lu Qing Wan's occasional use of fresh, unintelligible words. He ignored whatever she was saying and lifted his little Consort's chin, kissing her without preamble. Lu Qing Wan immediately became as docile as a cat, her eyes blinking in a dazed manner. Even after being married for so long, she was still like an innocent young girl every time they were intimate. Si Feng Wu found it amusing, but still considered his little Consort's feelings. With a flick of his fingers, he extinguished all the candles nearby. In the spacious imperial bedchamber, there were no other intrusive people, only Liu Su and the four seasons—Chun, Xia, Qiu, Dong—waiting outside. Hearing faint movements from within, they all blushed and quietly withdrew. Lu Qing Wan, having brought this upon herself, was on the verge of tears, trapped between the sheets with Si Feng Wu. After an unknown amount of time, Lu Qing Wan's voice was hoarse from crying. A gentle kiss landed on her brow. She heard Si Feng Wu whisper, "A'Wan, give me a child?"