Chapter 564: Pei Suiwan, You Smell So Fragrant!

The night was cool as water, silver light filtered through the clouds and fell on the blue tiles of the Duke of Wei's mansion, creating a hazy, quiet stillness.

The lamps throughout the mansion gradually went out.

In the main courtyard's bedroom, a dim yellow candle still burned, like a warm star, quietly awaiting the returnee.

Chen Yan had just returned from Jin Wang Fu, his steps a little unsteady from wine, yet unable to hide his inner delight.

He had not yet stepped through the gate when he could no longer restrain his longing, and shouted toward the bedroom, "Pei Suiwan!"

The voice, hoarse from drink yet magnetic, pierced the night and entered the room.

At that moment, Pei Suiwan was reclining on the bed, wearing a moon‑white soft‑silk nightgown.

Her jet‑black hair was loosely tied at the back, a few strands falling around her neck, adding a touch of softness.

In her hands she held a scroll; the candlelight illuminated her delicate face, her brows and eyes filled with serenity.

Hearing the familiar yet slightly urgent voice, her heart stirred, the scroll slipped from her hands, and she blurted, "Has my husband returned?"

The words carried an unmistakable delight.

Before the words finished, she rose, her skirt fluttering, and hurried toward the doorway.

As soon as she stepped out of the room, she collided with a embrace heavy with wine scent.

Chen Yan stood tall, bearing dust and warmth, and pulled her tightly into his arms.

Pei Suiwan's nose caught his familiar scent; though the wine was strong, it oddly soothed her.

She lifted her hand to gently encircle his waist, her pretty face full of worry, looked up, her gaze burning as she examined her husband, and softly asked, "Did you get hurt on this journey?"

These days, though Pei Suiwan lived peacefully in the mansion, she missed her husband traveling to Qi State every day.

Fearing any mishap on the battlefield.

Now that he returned safely, the weight in her heart finally settled, yet she couldn't help double‑checking.

Chen Yan buried his head at her neck, inhaling deeply the faint fragrance of her hair, the light orchid scent dispelling much of his wine‑induced fatigue.

He curled a lazy smile at the corner of his mouth, teasingly saying, "With my lady praying for me before the Buddha every day, heaven protects us, so of course I am unscathed!"

Hearing this, Pei Suiwan's cheeks flushed slightly, she hummed lightly, and insincerely replied, "I haven't been praying for you every day!"

Yet her arm tightened subconsciously.

She held the man even tighter, as if to merge all her longing and worry into the embrace.

Chen Yan felt the warmth and reliance in her arms, his heart softened.

Then, as if recalling something, he lightly patted the woman's back, his tone growing serious, "Pei Suiwan, there's a matter that still needs you to handle…"

"What matter?"

Hearing this, Pei Suiwan slowly lifted her head, blinked her clear beautiful eyes, her gaze full of doubt, and softly said, "Husband, just give the order, and I will do my utmost to fulfill it!"

Chen Yan grasped Pei Suiwan's soft hand, feeling its delicate touch, and led her to turn, walking together into the room and sitting at the table.

The candle flickered, stretching their silhouettes long.

He picked up the teapot on the table, poured a cup of warm water for Pei Suiwan, handed it to her, and then slowly said, "It's not that serious…"

Pausing, his gaze landed on her pretty face, and he asked, "Pei Suiwan, do you still remember what the Grand Preceptor instructed me to go to Shuozhou for?"

Holding the cup, Pei Suiwan felt the warm touch at her fingertips, and after a slight nod she replied confidently, "Yes, husband, you went to Shuozhou to receive the Lu family of Fan Yang back to Chang'an!"

"A few days ago, the Grand Preceptor led his father and others, even personally left the city to meet them…"

The matter had already spread throughout Chang'an.

That day, Pei Suiwan, together with Du Shuying and Yun Xixi and a few others, went to see the commotion…

Chen Yan nodded, a smile appearing on his face, and continued, "The wife of Lu Huichun, the Duke of E, is the maternal aunt's own younger sister!"

"This time she also returned to Chang'an together with the Lu family…"

Pei Suiwan recalled briefly, a hint of bewilderment flashing in her eyes, then as if remembering something, her eyes suddenly brightened, her face full of astonishment, and she exclaimed, "Could it be Aunt Yuan Ti?!"

She had heard her mother mention that a biological younger sister had married into the Lu family of Fan Yang…

But over the years, the distance and endless wars had long severed contact.

Her mother often thought of her, feeling quite attached.

Yet she never imagined that among the returning Lu clan, there would be Aunt Yuan Ti.

Chen Yan gave a calm smile, nodded, and confirmed, "Exactly!"

From Pei Suiwan's reaction, Chen Yan also realized that Lu Huichun was not in a hurry to contact the Pei clan…

He must be waiting for his return!

Receiving the affirmative answer, Pei Suiwan's face instantly blossomed with a brilliant smile, her brows curved like a spring breeze, and she repeatedly said, "That's wonderful!"

"If mother learns that Aunt Yuan Ti has returned safely, she will surely be very pleased!"

"All these years, mother has mentioned Aunt Ti countless times before me, and now we can finally reunite."

"Hmm." Chen Yan, seeing this, responded lightly.

Pei Suiwan's smile on her face paused slightly, as if she suddenly realized that her husband had only mentioned a commission without specifying what it was.

She lifted her gaze toward Chen Yan, her large clear eyes bright, carrying a hint of confusion and curiosity, and softly asked, "Then what is it that you want me to do…?"

In the candlelight, doubt flickered in her eyes, her long lashes trembling lightly, her appearance charming and moving.

Chen Yan, looking at her, felt his heart grow softer, a gentle smile curling his lips, and slowly said, "Aunt Yuan Ti and my mother's sisters have been apart for years; now, after much difficulty, they can finally reunite…"

"After some time, once the Lu clan is settled, you should send someone to invite my father‑in‑law, mother‑in‑law, and the Duke of Lu and Aunt Yuan Ti to come…"

"We will hold a family banquet at our mansion, so the sisters can meet and catch up properly!"

Pei Suiwan, hearing this, smiled faintly, her brows curved like a new moon, without hesitation, immediately nodded and agreed, "That's wonderful!"

"Husband, rest assured, I'll take care of this!"

However, Pei Suiwan probably also guessed her husband's intention…

Facilitating the sisters' meeting is only part of it; the main goal is to draw the three families closer!

Chen Yan leaned slightly, pressed close to Pei Suiwan, rested his head on her shoulder, his nose surrounded by the faint scent of orchid and iris, fresh and elegant, dispelling the alcohol and fatigue.

He gently inhaled and whispered in her ear, "Suiwan, you smell so good!"

The warm breath brushed Pei Suiwan's ear, hoarse with a hint of alcohol, yet especially alluring.

Pei Suiwan's cheeks instantly flushed, as if stained with rouge.

Chen Yan's mouth twitched upward, his gaze carrying a hint of teasing and affection, and he asked meaningfully, "It's getting late..."

"Shall we get down to business?"

Before the words finished, his arm naturally wrapped around Pei Suiwan's slender waist, his fingertips lightly grazing the fabric of her soft satin nightgown, and with a mischievous grin he added, "Let's try to give Ji'an and Shuying a younger brother or sister!"

After being apart for so many days, Chen could hardly wait, wanting to face a wall and contemplate his faults...

Being teased so bluntly, Pei Suiwan's cheeks grew even more flushed, spreading from her cheeks to the base of her ears, even her neck tinged with a thin red.

She gently nudged Chen Yan's chest, the pressure light and tender, with a hint of coquettish scold, her voice as thin as a mosquito, "You just came back from Jin Wang Fu, reeking of alcohol..."

"It smells terrible, go bathe and change!"

Even so, the woman's eyes held no real reproach, but rather a touch of shyness and anticipation.

Chen Yan watched Pei Suiwan's shy look, his heart grew increasingly hot, how could he possibly resist.

He sprang to his feet, thrust his arms outward, and hoisted Pei Suiwan sideways in one grab.

Pei Suiwan gasped, instinctively clinging to his neck, her cheek pressed tightly against his chest, feeling his steady, powerful heartbeat.

"Then Suiwan must come with me!" Chen Yan looked down at his shy wife in his arms, laughed loudly, "Let's go!"

Having said that, he carried Pei Suiwan, striding toward the inner chamber's bathhouse.

The dark Brothel and the moon‑white nightgown contrasted each other, and under the candlelight their outlines formed a warm and romantic silhouette.