Chapter 108: The Feeling of Home

Danyi took Wei Wuji’s hand, her eyes shining with joy. The decision made back then now seemed absolutely right.

“Outside, lower the noise a bit, it’s too loud,” Wei Wuji shouted as he turned around.

Danyi froze, surprised that her son had become more temperamental after just one trip out.

Zheng Dali worked efficiently; once Wei Wuji’s words were conveyed, the noise outside immediately dropped to a barely audible level.

“Young master, you’re really... impressive,” Lan’er, standing behind Danyi, said with stars in her eyes, full of admiration.

Earlier, during a conversation with Zheng Dali, Wei Wuji had already sensed Lan’er’s feelings. Now, seeing her lovestruck expression, he felt a faint pang of guilt.

“Lan’er, do you really think I’m that impressive?” Wei Wuji teased.

“Um...” Lan’er blushed and lowered her gaze, unable to meet his playful eyes.

Danyi couldn’t help but chide him with a smile, “No seriousness at all...”

Yet her face remained bright with happiness. The anticipation of her son’s safe return stirred feelings no different from those of any ordinary mother.

Now that Wei Wuji was showing the makings of a promising man, Danyi’s joy was beyond measure.

“Don’t stand outside anymore. Come on, let’s talk inside,” Danyi said with a smile.

“Yes, Mother,” Wei Wuji replied with a matching smile. It was a day of happiness.

The three of them then moved indoors, escaping the harsh midday sun.

After a brief chat, Danyi and Lan’er began preparing lunch.

Watching Danyi’s deft movements, Wei Wuji felt a wave of emotion—it was clear his mother was no stranger to such chores.

She hardly resembled a noble consort; instead, she was more like a woman from an ordinary household. Wei Wuji shook his head quietly.

When he rolled up his sleeves, ready to help in the kitchen, Lan’er blocked the door stubbornly, refusing to let him in.

“Young master, you’re not allowed in there,” Lan’er said, hands on her hips.

Just as Wei Wuji was about to argue, Danyi’s voice came from inside, “Wuji, just sit back down. We’ve got this covered.”

Resigned, Wei Wuji obediently retreated and assumed his role as the eldest son.

Though he enjoyed being attended to, in front of his mother, this indulgence felt weighty.

“There’s no such thing as a mother being served by her son!” Wei Wuji said with a bitter smile. This wasn’t the twenty-first century, after all.

Sitting in the main hall, Wei Wuji poured himself a cup of water—these past days, all done by Huan’er’s help.

Thinking of Huan’er, although they hadn’t seen each other for several hours, Wei Wuji felt a touch of longing.

“At this pace, with the carriage, they should reach the city in four or five hours,” he murmured.

Just then, Zheng Dali came running in from outside. Upon seeing Wei Wuji, he respectfully bowed.

“Greetings, young master!” Zheng Dali said, clasping his fists.

Wei Wuji looked up lazily. “What is it?”

Wiping sweat from his brow, Zheng Dali lowered his voice, “Young master, those wretches earlier—did you really just let them go?”

Seeing Zheng Dali’s dissatisfaction, Wei Wuji chuckled, “Let them go. I promised to spare them, so I must keep my word.”

“Yes, I will release them immediately,” Zheng Dali replied, clasping his fists.

“Good,” Wei Wuji nodded.

In truth, Wei Wuji had wanted to eliminate those maids, but they were still Lady Wei’s servants. He couldn’t make the situation irreconcilable.

Otherwise, there would be no chance for reconciliation. Though hostility was inevitable, Wei Wuji’s influence was still limited; he was not yet ready for direct confrontation with Lady Wei.

Besides, the Marquis was no longer in Wuan City, and Lady Wei was currently unchallenged.

His power was insufficient. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have to consider others’ faces, Wei Wuji sighed inwardly.

Suddenly, another concern struck him. “If Wei Chengze rises to power, what chance do I have?”

Hatred now ran deep on both sides—between Lady Wei and Danyi, and between Wei Wuji and Wei Chengze. Each would ruthlessly deal with the other if given the chance, even to the point of taking lives.

Looking toward the kitchen, Wei Wuji sighed again. His influence was still too weak; how could he ensure Danyi’s safety?

“That position... belongs to me,” he said with firm resolve.

If he didn’t fight for it, it would be a waste of his reputation.

It was precisely because of his reputation that Lady Wei’s faction targeted him, but it also gave Wei Wuji confidence to contend for what was his.

To elevate his status quickly, Wei Wuji’s path was clear: accrue military achievements and then seek rewards and promotion.

“Lunch is ready...” Lan’er’s joyful voice came from outside, breaking his thoughts.

Lan’er appeared soon after, carrying a tray with a bright smile.

“Young master, lunch is ready...” she repeated.

“I know. Need me to help you carry it? You look like you’ve been working hard,” Wei Wuji teased, keeping things lighthearted.

“No need. Madame said, after your great battle, you’ve had a hard journey and should rest well,” Lan’er answered earnestly.

Wei Wuji was speechless. He was being spoiled, but he didn’t mind the feeling.

Sitting comfortably, the meal before him was all made by Danyi herself, and it looked quite appetizing.

Only after Danyi took her seat at the head of the table did Wei Wuji pick up his chopsticks and begin serving himself.

He was truly hungry; earlier, while teaching someone a lesson on the street, he had already felt uneasy.

“Eat slowly; no one’s going to snatch your food!” Danyi warned anxiously, afraid he might choke.

“Mother, it’s been a while since I had your cooking. It tastes even better than before,” Wei Wuji complimented.

“Then you must eat well. These days have been hard on you,” Danyi said with genuine concern. She found it hard to imagine how her son had managed without care.

Just as Wei Wuji was enjoying the meal, Danyi’s words nearly made him choke.

Tears welled in her eyes as she said, “While you’ve been away, no one cared for you. I don’t know how much hardship you’ve endured.”

Swallowing his food, Wei Wuji quickly explained, “Mother, didn’t I tell you? I’ve truly been on the battlefield—I’ve even taken down several Qin soldiers.”

Patting his chest, he continued, “A brave young man like me doesn’t need anyone to look after him.”

“Good, good!” Danyi responded repeatedly.

Her words felt perfunctory, and Wei Wuji grew frustrated. Why didn’t she believe him?

Which son wouldn’t want his mother to recognize his achievements? Yet Danyi’s disbelief angered him.

“Mother, if you don’t believe me, I can call Zheng Dali to you. You can ask him directly,” Wei Wuji said anxiously.

“I believe you, of course!” Danyi smiled. “My son is a great hero—I could never doubt that.”

Wei Wuji could only shake his head helplessly. His once timid image was too deeply ingrained; it would take time to change the impression held by these two.

Still, Wei Wuji felt stifled by their disbelief. Didn’t they see he was no longer the old Wei Wuji?

Returning home was a blessing, but that lingering frustration was hard to shake.