I thought it was just a moment of hotheadedness.
Who would've thought he'd come back early today to practice martial arts—this really surprised Sheng Lanzhi.
After thinking for a bit, she gave some orders to Xing'Er.
"In that case, starting tonight, prepare a medicinal bath for him every night, and see if he has any other requests."
No matter what, he's still my husband.
Even though she always looked down on Ye Liufeng, and had even insisted on separate rooms on their wedding night, barely seeing him a handful of times since, growing up in this era, Sheng Lanzhi held certain beliefs.
Once married, you're married. Unless Ye Liufeng dies, Sheng Lanzhi wouldn't think about looking for someone else.
Sheng Lanzhi's family was well-off, so this little bit of money was nothing to her.
"Hope he can stick with it."
If possible, who wouldn't want her man to be strong and dependable?
Thinking that, Sheng Lanzhi shook her head, dropped the issue, and simply said to Xing'Er,
"Also, let him know that I haven't forgotten my promise about the Commander post. He just has to wait a little longer, no need to rush."
"Yes, Madam!"
...
"Commander?"
Meanwhile, over with Ye Liuyun, after eating and training a bit more, he was planning to head back and rest.
Then he suddenly got the message Xing'Er brought over, and Ye Liuyun was a little surprised.
Damn, what kind of legendary life is my brother living? Living off his wife—what a sweet deal.
No wonder having connections makes everything so much easier. Others have to wait forever for a Commander position, but on this side you just have to coast through the days.
"Alright, I got it."
He expected they'd urgently ask him when he'd actually be able to take up the Commander post.
After all, the previous Ye Liufeng always got super anxious and concerned whenever anything official was involved.
Not like now, just giving a casual answer—and then nothing more.
"Anything else?"
Seeing Xing'Er standing there without saying a word, Ye Liuyun cocked his head and asked.
"Master." She collected herself and shook her head at Ye Liuyun.
"Madam also prepared a medicinal bath for you, and sent me to ask if you have any other needs."
"Medicinal bath?"
This piqued Ye Liuyun's interest.
Apparently all martial artists used medicinal baths to strengthen their bodies, but he'd never seen one in person.
"Take me to check it out."
"This way, Master."
Xing'Er sensibly led the way for Ye Liuyun.
The bathhouse was a bit remote, and by the time they arrived, a few maids had already filled the tub with hot water and added some herbs Ye Liuyun didn't recognize.
He figured with so many herbs mixed in, it had to smell intense.
But actually, it wasn't—it just gave off a faint herbal fragrance.
Seeing Ye Liuyun so interested in the bath, Xing'Er spoke softly.
"Shall we help Master bathe?"
"..." When you say 'help,' do you mean what I think you mean?
Sex is natural and all, but Ye Liuyun wasn't exactly desperate. Once he got used to this new identity, there'd be plenty of chances—no need to rush right now.
And to be honest,
If anything, Ye Liuyun was more curious about the effects of this medicinal bath.
I must be going crazy from all this martial arts practice, Ye Liuyun grumbled inwardly.
"No need. You'll just distract me while I'm circulating my energy."
With that, Ye Liuyun waved his hand, signaling for everyone to leave.
Xing'Er just gave Ye Liuyun a longer look and didn't insist.
"By the way, if you get the chance, help me find some martial arts manuals. Nothing too shabby, alright!"
Before Xing'Er left, Ye Liuyun couldn't resist asking. Since he had connections, he ought to make good use of them—he had zero shame about living off his wife.
Back before transmigrating, Ye Liuyun had seen it all—people just like him, renting cheap rooms, living on noodles every day. But once they nabbed a sugar mommy, they'd roll up in sports cars overnight.
In times like these, the ones who live best are those who can check their pride at the door.
He never got to have an easy ride before transmigrating, but making up for it after? Not complaining.
Rare martial arts manuals must be hard to get, but Ye Liuyun wasn't picky, he'd take the less extravagant ones too.
"I'll tell Madam!"
This wasn't something she could do herself, so all she could do was inform Sheng Lanzhi.
Once Xing'Er led all the maids out, Ye Liuyun finally undid his robe and settled into the tub.
"Damn, this feels good!"
After working out and then soaking, he felt relaxed all over, body and spirit both at ease.
The herbal aroma in the air made Ye Liuyun feel a little sleepy; he leaned on the tub's edge, closed his eyes in bliss.
Before he knew it, he'd dozed off.
By the time he woke up, the medicinal bath's muddled liquid had turned much clearer.
"Is that 'cause I absorbed all the medicine?"
First time in a medicinal bath—he wasn't sure, but when he got out and clenched his fists, he did feel a bit stronger. The fatigue from training had completely vanished.
"Didn't improve a ton, but not bad!"
One soak didn't yield dramatic results,
but stuff like this was always about slow, steady gains over time.
Besides, it was free—what's not to love?
...
In the days that followed,
Ye Liuyun got increasingly familiar with both the manor affairs and the Embroidered Uniform Guard's routines.
He'd even started asking about the location of the Imperial Prison, which was where the Embroidered Uniform Guard carried out punishments. They had all kinds of tortures there—if a healthy person went in,
after running through all the punishments, they'd be lucky to survive with just their skin intact.
Anyone thrown in the Imperial Prison wasn't just a regular person—they'd almost certainly have some decent Talent Entries.
Ye Liuyun figured it was already pretty impressive that he'd managed to hold off asking until now.
That afternoon,
Ye Liuyun didn't rush home—instead, he took Si Nan for a patrol in the Imperial City.
After all, a Commander in the Embroidered Uniform Guard can't just slack off all day. Sometimes you had to at least put on a show of working.
Seeing the distinctive flying-fish uniforms of the Guard, vendors and pedestrians on the street all instinctively backed away, giving them a wide berth. No one even dared steal a glance.
That alone showed how bad the Guard's reputation was among commoners.
"What're you doing! What do you think you're doing! I'm the son of Marquis Wanshun—how dare you arrest me!"
Just then,
a ruckus broke out ahead in the crowd, with one particularly loud, arrogant voice rising above the din.
"Let's go have a look!"
Hearing the commotion, Ye Liuyun perked up with interest.
He led Si Nan toward the thickest part of the crowd.
...