Destitute Maid × The Warlord of a Turbulent Era: Chapter 8

Lu Tingfeng sat slowly on the edge of the bed and said in a gentle voice, "Song Qian, I am here to apply medicine for you so that your wounds will heal faster." Song Qian's face flushed slightly, and she nodded softly.

Lu Tingfeng reached out and carefully helped Song Qian up, letting her lean against his chest. His movements were incredibly tender, for fear of causing her pain. As his hands touched her clothes, preparing to undo them to inspect the wounds, Song Qian’s body stiffened noticeably. The blush on her face spread to the tips of her ears, and her eyes were filled with shyness and unease.

Lu Tingfeng tried his best to keep his hands steady, yet his fingertips still trembled involuntarily. As he slowly peeled away the gauze, the sight of the swollen, angry wound sent a sharp pang through his heart, his eyes instantly brimming with pity and heartache.

However, the intimate contact and the sight of Song Qian’s trembling frame gradually stirred an unfamiliar reaction within him as well. He took a deep breath, struggling to calm himself and focus on applying the medicine.

After finishing, Lu Tingfeng suppressed the turmoil in his heart and said softly, "Song Qian, I will step out so you can change your clothes." With that, he hurried out of the room, leaving Song Qian alone.

Once she had changed, Song Qian slowly stood up and walked toward the door with unsteady steps. Lu Tingfeng was waiting outside; seeing her emerge, he quickly stepped forward to support her.

"Song Qian, come with me. I will take you away from this place." As he spoke, he held out his large hand, waiting for her to place hers in it. Song Qian placed her small hand in his, and Lu Tingfeng led her across the courtyard toward the drawing room of the Grand Marshal's mansion. Along the way, Song Qian looked around in wonder at the exquisite architecture and garden landscapes.

Upon entering the spacious and opulent drawing room, Song Qian grew fearful and hurriedly tugged at the man walking ahead. "Tingfeng, where are we going? If we walk in like this, we'll be beaten to death!" Lu Tingfeng patted her hand reassuringly. "Do not be afraid, I am here." Song Qian was stunned by the sight before her.

Lu Tingfeng guided her to a chair and finally spoke slowly: "Song Qian, the truth is that I am the master of this mansion—I am the Grand Marshal. I did not tell you before because I was afraid of frightening you."

Song Qian’s eyes widened, and she stood up, feigning shock. "Young Master—no, Grand Marshal, why... why did you not tell me sooner? This is truly a surprise." Her voice trembled slightly, and her face was filled with disbelief.

Lu Tingfeng gently took her hand and motioned for her to sit back down. "It does not matter. From now on, you are my adopted sister, the young lady of this mansion. No one here will ever dare to bully you again; I will ensure your safety."

Song Qian lowered her head, biting her lower lip as if still struggling to process this startling news, though a glimmer of expectation and uncertainty for her future began to stir in her heart.

After a moment of silence, she looked up at Lu Tingfeng and whispered, "Grand Marshal, I am of humble origins and am truly terrified to be the recipient of such great favor. In the future, I will be careful in my words and actions, so as not to disappoint your expectations." Seeing her pitiful yet obedient demeanor, Lu Tingfeng’s heart swelled with even greater tenderness.

"Qian'er, you need not be so reserved. By my side, you only need to be yourself and feel at ease," Lu Tingfeng comforted her. At that moment, sunlight streamed in through the tall, carved windows, casting golden patches of light onto the floor and illuminating the exquisite antique ornaments and luxurious brocade sofas, making the Grand Marshal's mansion appear all the more imposing and affluent.