My Clingy Little Husband

CHAPTER 001

It was the vibrant month of March, and in a quaint and elegant residence in the capital, a peach tree stood gracefully in the center of the courtyard. The tree was adorned with red calyx and light petals, its buds blooming in a race to outshine one another, creating clusters of blossoms as splendid as the rosy clouds in the sky, dazzling and radiant.

"I’m afraid I'm going to be late again!" Qiu Yi muttered anxiously as she glanced at the darkening sky, her footsteps quickening with every stride.

She hurried past the peach tree, causing a gust of wind that lifted several petals into the air, some of which quietly nestled into her disheveled hair, adding a playful touch to her appearance.

Inside a simple and elegant room, the soft glow of a porcelain incense burner sent wisps of smoke curling upward, while the delicate bed curtains swayed gently with the breeze.

Lu Yun'er lay on a soft chaise, her eyes closed in rest.

However, her delicate brows were tightly knitted, her expression pained. A light sheen of sweat covered her fair forehead, as though something troubling was haunting her dreams. Her pale fingers clutched the soft quilt, tightly grasping it in distress.

After a long while, her clenched fists slowly relaxed, though the quilt remained crumpled from the strain.

Lu Yun'er breathed heavily, slowly opening her eyes to stare blankly at the ceiling, as if deep in thought.

Her motionless eyes, which were as clear as a mountain spring, seemed to gather the torrents of time into a great river that eventually flowed into calm, without a single ripple or wave.

She had another nightmare.

Outside the study, Qiu Yi hesitated for a long time, her hand raised but not yet knocking on the door.

Today, the master was supposed to meet with Lord Siye and General Liu at the Mingyue Pavilion, and the appointed time was fast approaching, yet the master had not risen from bed.

Qiu Yi knew it wasn’t the master's fault. Since assuming the position of Minister of Revenue, Lu Yun'er had been diligent and hardworking, personally handling affairs deep into the night.

Fortunately, Lord Siye had specially requested an imperial decree for her to serve as a scholar in the Imperial Academy, where she could teach and review academic works, which would allow her some leisure in the future, without such exhausting duties.

However, with the recent handover of many official tasks, it was already dawn by the time she finished last night, and only then did she get to rest.

Just as Qiu Yi was unsure of what to do, a gentle and pleasant voice came from inside the room.

"Qiu Yi, are you in a hurry again?"

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Lu Yun'er stepped out, dressed in a light blue plain robe. Her black hair was tied up with a red ribbon, revealing the graceful lines of her neck. Her eyebrows were as serene as autumn waters, her fair skin caressed by the breeze, her simple attire unable to conceal her elegant beauty.

Upon hearing her master's voice, Qiu Yi breathed a sigh of relief and stepped forward with a smile to straighten her master's clothing.

"Master, you finally woke up. If we're late, Lord Siye and General Liu will have to wait a while longer." She couldn't help but remind her master.

Lord Siye might be understanding, but General Liu would undoubtedly make a teasing remark.

Lu Yun'er stood still, allowing Qiu Yi to adjust her appearance.

She glanced up at the rising dusk around them, her alluring, almond-shaped eyes curved lazily, yet with a clear, unblemished gaze that could soften anyone's heart.

"No worries, I have everything under control. The timing is just right. Besides, even if we're a little late, they won't hold it against me." She smiled, her expression relaxed.

Lu Yun'er then turned her gaze to Qiu Yi and noticed the dark circles under her eyes. Her tone became gentle. "By the way, there's no need for you to accompany me today. It's just a casual tea and chat among friends. You've been with me all night; you deserve some rest. Stay home and take it easy."

As she spoke, she noticed a few peach blossoms in Qiu Yi's hair, prompting a thought: the peach blossoms have bloomed again—another year has passed since her soul had been transmigrated.

"Qiu Yi, after all these years by my side, your impatient nature hasn’t improved, has it? In the future, don’t be in such a rush; take things slowly." She gently tidied Qiu Yi’s messy hair, her hand lingering with care.

After all, haste makes waste.

Qiu Yi felt a warmth in her heart at her master’s concern and replied obediently, “Yes, Master.”

Night had fallen, and the city lights began to shine.

The capital’s night market was bustling with activity, the streets crowded with people. 

Two young boys were weaving their way through the throngs.

“Young Master, please slow down!” 

Xiao Yuan called out breathlessly to the elegant figure ahead.

Su Qingwan wore a thin veil, revealing only a pair of bright, almond-shaped eyes. 

His long, narrow eyes tilted upward at the corners, with a hint of starlight flickering in their depths. 

His dark lashes fluttered lightly, and though her full appearance was hidden, it couldn’t mask his ethereal beauty.

At this moment, he was frowning slightly, clearly displeased, as he scolded playfully, “Xiao Yuan, we’ve only walked a few steps! Look how tired you are. I won’t bring you along next time—what a killjoy!”

Xiao Yuan pursed his lips, looking pitifully aggrieved, once again chided by his young master.

Carefully, he tried to persuade him, “Young Master, we’ve been sneaking around for quite a while now. It’s time to head back to the manor, or else… the Master will be angry again!”

As he finished speaking, his eyes quickly darted over his young master's face, nervously gauging his reaction.

At the mention of “the Master,” Su Qingwan’s bright eyes suddenly darkened with a hint of coldness. His tone also dropped, “No, we’ve come out today, and we’ll stay out until I’m satisfied. No one will stop me! Besides, what are you afraid of? If something happens, I’ll take the blame for you.”

Xiao Yuan lowered his head, not daring to speak again.

Suddenly, the sound of drums and gongs came from not far ahead, and the crowd surged forward, the scene erupting in excitement, with enthusiastic cheers ringing out.

Su Qingwan stood on tiptoe, looking ahead with sparkling eyes, brimming with excitement. 

“Let’s go see what’s happening—it seems like the September Troupe is performing?”

Seeing the young master rush off, Xiao Yuan sighed but quickly followed.

At that moment, Lu Yun'er was on her way to the meeting. 

She gently flicked open her fan, her fair hand moving with grace, as if a butterfly had emerged from a flower, spreading the fragrance of a hundred blossoms.

A refined lady, even dressed in plain clothes, naturally attracted the admiring gazes of the young men on the street.

Lu Yun'er was long accustomed to this. Instead, she smiled and returned their greetings, causing their faces to flush red with shyness as they turned away, sneaking one last longing glance at her retreating figure.

Mingyue Pavilion, the business owned by General Liu, was located on the western bank of the Liu Su River in the southern market of the capital, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. It was indeed a quiet place for friends to drink, chat, and compose poetry.

At this time, compared to the bustling market earlier, the Liu Su River bank was especially quiet.

A round moon hung in the sky, its bright light like a silvery veil, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the rippling river, a sight both hazy and enchanting.

Suddenly, Lu Yun'er’s almond-shaped eyes narrowed, her gaze locking onto the rippling surface of the river. In the next moment, her pupils dilated as she quickly removed her outer robe and, with a splash, leaped into the cold water.

Moments later…

Lu Yun'er stood, her entire body drenched, with wet hair clinging to her forehead. 

She looked down solemnly at the lifeless young man lying on the ground.

With her long, slender fingers, she gently lifted the veil covering his face, revealing an incredibly handsome visage.

His cold beauty was striking—long, willow-like eyebrows, a body as graceful as a jade tree, with a faintly seductive beauty mark beneath the corner of his left eye.

The young man’s ink-black hair lay scattered on the ground, his soaked clothes clinging to his body, slightly disheveled from the river's water. 

His collar was slightly open, revealing a smooth, fair neck and shoulders. His skin, like white jade, glowed softly under the moonlight, exuding a faint but irresistible charm.

Lu Yun'er instinctively adjusted his clothing before quietly murmuring, "Forgive me."

After some time administering first aid, the young man began to regain consciousness. Just then, in the distance, the flicker of a torchlight was accompanied by voices calling out for someone.

Lu Yun'er hesitated briefly, then covered the young man with her dry outer garment, before quickly leaving the scene.

It wasn’t that she wanted to do a good deed without leaving a name, but in this matriarchal world, her actions might be deemed overly forward. If this young man was already promised to someone...

After thinking it through, she decided it was best to leave. At least he was safe now that others had come to find him.

As the torchlight drew nearer, someone shouted excitedly, "Young Master, there he is!"

Inside a private room at the Mingyue Pavilion.

"Hahaha!" A woman’s hearty laughter echoed through the room.

"I say, Lu Yun'er! What took you so long? Did you stop to take a bath somewhere?" 

Liu Lan’s eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Lu Yun'er, soaked through like a drowned rat, and couldn’t help but burst out laughing again.

The more she looked, the more she wanted to laugh, and she finally let out another hearty laugh, "Hahaha!"

Lu Yun'er: "..." 

This heartless woman.

"Enough, Liu Lan, stop teasing Yun'er," Han Ranzhi interjected, quickly grabbing a clean outer robe from the side and draping it over Lu Yun'er. "Go ask someone to bring her a dry set of clothes," she urged.

Only then did Liu Lan realize and, still chuckling, replied, "Got it!"

After a while, Lu Yun'er changed into a simple white robe, and the three of them sat together on a soft, silky carpet. Before them, on a small, square table made of nanmu wood, were tea utensils arranged for a tea tasting.

Lu Yun'er looked at the two women, both three years her senior. 

Han Ranzhi, a diligent and recently married Minister of Education, had a clear and refined appearance and was known for her integrity. 

Though she came from humble beginnings, she earned her way into the government through her genuine talent and scholarship. 

The person she married was her childhood sweetheart, making her the epitome of a successful life.

Liu Lan, on the other hand, was a dashing and carefree beauty who was also a daring and uninhibited young general. 

A descendant of a military family, she was straightforward and unrestrained, with a deep love for both fine wine and handsome men. 

The peace that the Yuan Dynasty had enjoyed for many years, especially along the northern border, was largely thanks to her family’s contributions, earning her considerable favor from the Empress.

Besides that, this General Liu was known for her romantic exploits.

Because she was indeed very flirtatious, every time Liu Lan spoke, Lu Yun'er was left speechless.

As for how they met...

Initially, Lu Yun'er had found herself transmigrated into this matriarchal world, inhabiting the body of a woman with the same name. 

The original owner of the body was the daughter of loyal soldiers who had passed away. 

Due to her parents' contributions, the Empress had appointed the original Lu Yun'er as the Minister of Revenue.

At that time, Lu Yun'er had just arrived in this world and, despite her background in government, found the political landscape fraught with danger. 

If not for Han Ranzhi, who felt indebted to the original Lu Yun'er’s mother for saving her husband, helping her navigate the treacherous waters, Lu Yun'er would have been overwhelmed by the deep and treacherous currents of court politics.

As for General Liu Lan, they met later when Liu Lan had just returned to the capital from the northern frontier. 

At first glance, she took an immediate dislike to Lu Yun'er, finding her unremarkable in every way.

However, during a polo match, Lu Yun'er—who, after all, came from a military family and had some skills—won three consecutive matches against Liu Lan, who remained unconvinced.

They then agreed to an archery competition, in which they competed to hit the most targets within a set time. 

Although Liu Lan eventually won, she was completely impressed by Lu Yun'er’s final, stunning display of three simultaneous arrows. 

From then on, she realized that Lu Yun'er was not bad at all, except for her romantic escapades.

At this moment, Liu Lan lazily reclined on a cushion, hands crossed behind her head, a roguish smile playing on her lips. "Yun'er, tell us what happened," she urged.

"It was for a rescue," Lu Yun'er responded with a gentle smile.

Liu Lan’s interest was immediately piqued. She leaned forward, raising an eyebrow, her tone dripping with curiosity. "A rescue? Was it a man or a woman?"

"Well..."

Lu Yun'er didn’t know how to respond. 

She recalled that exquisite face and couldn't help but be amazed, but it was a pure admiration, without any ulterior motives.

Knowing Liu Lan’s penchant for gossip, especially about romantic encounters and handsome men, she hesitated. If Liu Lan found out, she would...

Just then, Han Ranzhi spoke up, placing a cup of freshly brewed tea in front of Lu Yun'er. 

"Enough, Liu Lan. Let Yun'er be. If it was a rescue, it was a good deed. Why does it matter whether it was a man or a woman?"

Lu Yun'er accepted the cup, holding it in her hands. She gently blew on the steam and enjoyed the warmth of the cup. Although it was already March, the water of the Liusu River was still bone-chillingly cold.

If not for her body’s martial background, she might not have been able to walk away from that experience.

"As her elder sister, I’m just concerned about our Yun’er’s happiness. If it was a man and he offered himself as thanks, wouldn’t that mean our Yun'er has found a love match?" 

Liu Lan shot a teasing glance at Han Ranzhi, continuing, "Ranzhi, you’re married, so naturally, you don’t have to worry. After all, you have a husband waiting for you every night, warming the bed and keeping you company in the soft embrace of the boudoir. But...our Yun’er is still single, with no man to warm her bed, amuse her, or relieve her of her loneliness."

Liu Lan’s words made Han Ranzhi’s face flush slightly. She thought of her adorable little husband back home, and a smile instinctively tugged at the corners of her mouth.

Liu Lan noticed the happiness radiating from Han Ranzhi and realized her words had hit the mark. She wondered if marriage really was that enjoyable.

Quickly dismissing the thought as irrelevant to her, she threw her arm around Lu Yun'er's shoulder, her usual carefree demeanor returning.

"Yun'er, be honest with your sister. Don’t you ever feel lonely in the dead of night? If you have desires, you should express them; otherwise, you’ll end up frustrated. How about this: one day, I’ll take you to a pleasure house to try something new? I guarantee you’ll find the most handsome and unforgettable company there."

Three invisible black lines appeared on Lu Yun’er’s forehead: "..."

She’s starting again.

Han Ranzhi, hearing Liu Lan’s suggestion to take Yun’er to a pleasure house, quickly interrupted, "Enough of that! Don’t lead Yun’er astray. Yun’er values her integrity and isn’t like you, Liu Lan, with your flirtatious ways. Today, you’re thinking about one young man; tomorrow, it’ll be another. Besides, we came out today to discuss important matters, not to talk about other things."

Liu Lan finally reined herself in and obediently replied, "Alright, I’ll listen to our esteemed Minister of Education."

She then relaxed and returned to her original, comfortable position.

Next Chapter