Pei Jue rode in Feng Yun’s carriage as he left, not drawing too much attention.

On the village road, Feng Yun specifically pulled down the curtains to let him observe the village scenery.

"Is it very different from the last time you came here, General?"

Pei Jue hummed in response, "Lady Yun governs very well."

Feng Yun started to laugh, "The farmers know what crops to plant when the season comes, there’s no need for me to govern."

That was modest of her.

Pei Jue glanced at her.

After a long pause, he asked indifferently, "Are you still in business with Chunyu Yan?"

He was not one for idle talk.

Feng Yun felt a faint stir in her heart and smiled, "The prince is truly perceptive, even from thousands of miles away, you know what’s happening in Andu."

Pausing briefly, she quickly volunteered an explanation.

"The Graphite mine in Little Jieqiu was set up before Dajin split. At that time, I was worried about causing trouble for you, General, and attracting criticism, so I pulled Chunyu Yan in as a partner. With him as the figurehead, if the Imperial Court had any comments, they wouldn’t fall on your head, General."

"Lady Yun," Pei Jue turned his head and looked at her with drooping eyes. After a moment, he spoke softly, "I’m not afraid of criticism."

Dressed in a blue robe, the Prince of Yonghuai looked handsome and vigorous, like a gentleman from a noble family. Without silver armor, it was hard to associate him with the decisive Great General on the battlefield.

But one should not look into those eyes.

Stern and piercing, they instilled dread.

"In this world, what is there that I cannot shield you from?"

Those words carried many meanings.

Feng Yun contemplated for a moment and pursed her lips.

"I was not thoughtful enough, but it was also for your consideration, General."

Pei Jue shook his robe lightly, looking at the lush green fields, and did not speak for a long time.

At this time of year, even the breeze was hot, making the carriage especially stifling.

Feng Yun decided to roll up the curtains.

"Once the coal is out, I’ll make it into briquettes, and this winter, not so many people will freeze to death. Offering briquettes to the Imperial Court is also a great merit, and when that time comes, it will be credited to your achievements, General."

Pei Jue looked at her intently.

In that pleasant face, he slowly wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Husband and wife should trust each other. I am always with you in spirit," he said.

Feng Yun looked at his face and hugged him silently, "I’ll remember next time."

The weather was too hot for holding each other.

She straightened up after a moment, and with a hint of a smile, casually asked, "General, are you going back to Andu like this? Does the Princess of Changmen need someone to send a message?"

Pei Jue said calmly, "There is no need to send a message, she will know."

Feng Yun pondered silently for a moment.

"Are you saying that the Princess has informants in my manor?"

Pei Jue nodded, "You are no longer Feng Shi Er Niang from the Prefecture Governor’s Office. Lady Yun, you are my wife."

The former Feng Shi Er Niang might at most be the subject of gossip, but now the Princess of Yonghuai was watched with every move she made.

Not just the Princess of Changmen, but who with an interest wouldn’t want to keep an eye on her?

"Changmen..." Pei Jue hesitated for a moment before asking lightly, "Lady Yun, where do you intend to take Changmen?"

Feng Yun was slightly startled.

Through the thin layer of summer clothing, she could clearly sense Pei Jue’s heartbeat and breathing. His firm arms, with just a little force, could etch lines on her skin.

Two people so close to each other.

Hiding something was not easy.

She broke into a smile, "General, your question is quite scary."

Pei Jue’s point of view was actually the same as He Qia’s.

He Qia had gently reminded her that developing her followers too much and too quickly could attract unnecessary trouble. Pei Jue did not put it that way, but between the lines, there was also a lack of understanding of her approach.

For a married woman, protected by her husband, why go to great lengths to do these things and develop private forces?

He Qia naturally did not understand.

She guessed Pei Jue wouldn’t understand either.

But she liked Pei Jue’s approach, which neither directly opposed her nor showed any warning emotions, but just asked her what she wanted to do...

"I want to have the ability to protect myself," she said.

Looking into Pei Jue’s eyes without evasion, she slowly pulled out the Crescent Moon Army Token hanging around her neck with a red cord and handed it over to him.

"Just like this time, when you weren’t here, I was scared."

The former Feng Yun would have found roundabout ways to come up with many reasons to explain her point of view and persuade Pei Jue.

But this time it was just a simple six words.

You weren’t here, I was scared. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Like a heavy hammer falling on Pei Jue’s heart.

He looked down at the token, took it, and hung it back around Feng Yun’s neck.

"If I’m not here, the Beiyong Army is. What’s there to fear?"

Feng Yun smiled faintly, understanding that he had approved the existence and expansion of the Meiling forces.

As long as he agreed, the hurdle in her heart was cleared.

What others said no longer mattered to her at all.