The Slender Waist-Chapter 815 - 578: Dragon and Phoenix Among Men_2

What does it mean to be the recipient of boundless affection? The palace attendants had seen it firsthand, and their hearts grew more anxious, fearing any possible mistakes that might cost them their livelihoods.

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The next day, the palace hosted the full-moon banquet. Wen Xingsu arrived relatively early, accompanied by Puyang Yi. Instead of heading to the Qilin Pavilion, they first went to the Qianyuan Hall to meet Feng Yun.

Despite years of marriage, Wen Xingsu still treated Puyang Yi with unwavering kindness. His temperament was gentle, his emotions steady; year after year, he adhered strictly to ritual propriety, a true gentleman in every sense.

However, Puyang Yi’s appearance seemed visibly haggard.

Feng Yun brewed tea for them and inquired about how they had been.

Wen Xingsu cast a guilty glance at Puyang Yi.

"The matters within the military have been overwhelming lately. It’s hard to find time to return home, and I’ve unintentionally left my wife to bear the hardships alone."

Puyang Yi lowered her gaze and smiled faintly.

"Why talk about such things? You’re also doing it for the sake of the Imperial Court. Official duties are paramount—I understand."

Over the years, her personality had indeed grown more steady.

Wen Xingsu smiled briefly and said no more.

Just then, the wet nurse carried in the Little Prince. Wen Xingsu immediately turned his attention to the child, cradling him and amusing him with playful antics.

A maternal uncle doting on his nephew.

Wen Xingsu held a deep affection for Little Ruibao.

Feng Yun smiled faintly, then sat down to exchange private conversation with Puyang Yi.

Having known each other for years, their relationship could be described as one between a sister-in-law and a younger sister-in-law, though in truth, they were also friends—one of Feng Yun’s few friends.

Observing Puyang Yi’s mood, Feng Yun softly chuckled and teased, "Why the discontent? Have you quarreled?"

"No." Puyang Yi shook her head with a trace of helplessness.

"Is my elder brother treating you poorly?" Feng Yun raised her brows, watching her languid demeanor, and smiled. "Feel free to speak—I’m on your side. If he’s done wrong, I’ll help you scold him."

Puyang Yi smiled and sighed.

"If he truly treated me poorly, I wouldn’t hesitate to leave him and find another suitable match. But his treatment of me... is exceedingly good."

"Then what’s the matter?" Feng Yun asked.

"I can’t quite explain it myself."

Puyang Yi gazed at Feng Yun’s puzzled eyes and smiled wistfully.

"Perhaps I’m simply ungrateful."

This wasn’t something she had said herself; rather, it was the sentiment repeatedly surrounding her.

Be it from others or even her own mother, the Grand Princess—all seemed to feel that her moments of defiance were merely acts of ingratitude, squandering her blessings. Gradually, she stopped rebelling or acting out, morphing into the ideal virtuous wife that everyone expected...

How could Wen Xingsu be treating her poorly?

No concubines, no indulgence in sensual pleasures—the entirety of his earnings, down to the last copper coin, was handed to her. Any fresh food, drink, or curiosities would be delivered promptly to her.

It could even be said that he valued her above all else.

In the past two years, the military of Da Yong had undergone significant restructuring.

This was due to Pei Jue seizing power by force and ascending to the throne. Being a former Great General, Pei Jue, upon his coronation, deliberately implemented measures to regulate military authority, ensuring no single entity dominated. Consequently, the Da Yong Army underwent multiple integrations.

Apart from maintaining the structure of the original Northern Yong Army, reorganization incorporated the Dragon Cavalry, Tiger Guard, alongside surrendered troops from the Yecheng Army and Chuzhou Army, thus forming the Southern Yong Army, Western Yong Army, and Eastern Yong Army.

From beginning to end, Wen Xingsu had spearheaded these efforts.

With Pei Jue’s trust, Wen Xingsu not only detached from the Northern Yong Army but was promoted to overseeing internal and external military affairs, becoming an indispensable minister of Da Yong.

Even those he had brought out of Xinzhou, such as Shentu Jiong and Yang Qi, were elevated and entrusted with significant roles. Presently, Yang Qi held command of one of the four armies—the Southern Yong Army.

Of course, Pei Jue’s highest regard still lay with the Northern Yong Army.

Its predecessor was the Pei Family Army, so the key figures within the Northern Yong Army remained primarily the old members of the Pei Family’s forces.

Helian Qian held the command seal, while Ao Qi, who had quickly matured over the years, was granted the title of General of Anping and appointed Deputy Commander of the Northern Yong Army...

Each had risen through the ranks in their own ways. As for Wen Xingsu, being a military overseer of Qi descent had naturally incurred opposition within the Court.

Fortunately, Pei Jue maintained absolute control over the Da Yong Imperial Court.

With his firm support, even those harboring doubts dared not openly object...

Thus, Wen Xingsu was obligated to prove himself and accomplish significant deeds.

Among the four armies, the most challenging to manage was the Southern Yong Army.

Its ranks comprised largely former Yecheng Army troops, along with defected mountain bandits, conscripted Wubao forces, and various local warlords.

Each carried their own temperament, making them incredibly difficult to govern.

Over the past year, Wen Xingsu had resided mostly within the military camps, dedicating all his efforts to the reorganization of the Southern Yong Army, scarcely seen beyond his duties...

Nevertheless, despite his infrequent returns home, Wen Xingsu’s consideration for Puyang Yi was still meticulous—he never failed to send letters of care or dispatch messengers bearing food and local specialties...

For a husband to go to such lengths, even Puyang Yi felt that she truly had no reason to harbor dissatisfaction.

Otherwise, it would mean she was being unreasonable.