Three Kingdoms: Start by buying a governor.

Liu Ce laughed and said, "Then you'd better take it easy. Those potted plants in the room are ones I brought from Youzhou. They're very precious."

The two walked and talked, and the atmosphere became more and more harmonious.

We talked about growing flowers, then cooking, then reading, then embarrassing childhood stories, and before we knew it, we had explored the entire backyard.

After returning to the courtyard from their stroll, Feng Yu watched Liu Ce's retreating figure and thought to herself: General Cheng was right after all; His Highness the Prince of Yan is truly a good person. This time, she has finally found the right person to rely on.

That evening, Liu Ce took Feng Yu to Yin Ying's courtyard.

Yin Ying's courtyard was larger than Feng Yu's, and it was also more exquisitely decorated.

She had lived in the Prince's mansion for a while and had already adapted to life there.

Yin Ying was embroidering under the lamp when she heard footsteps. She looked up and saw Liu Ce leading a girl in. She quickly put down her embroidery frame and greeted him with a smile.

Liu Ce, holding Feng Yu's hand, introduced them to each other with a smile:

"Ying'er, this is Feng Yu. From now on, you two sisters will keep each other company and look after each other. Yu'er, this is Yin Ying. You two can just call each other sisters."

Yin Ying had already heard about Feng Yu's situation.

Cheng Yaojin's big mouth was so loud that everyone in the mansion knew about it.

She greeted him with a smile, took Feng Yu's hand, showing no sign of jealousy, and spoke in a very gentle tone:

"Please sit down, sister. You must be tired from your journey. I've heard from my husband that you are beautiful and have a good temperament, and seeing you today, I can confirm it's true."

She pulled Feng Yu to sit down and poured her a cup of tea: "From now on, don't be shy in the manor. If there's anything you don't understand or want, just tell your sister. We sisters live close by, so we can visit each other often."

Feng Yu was worried that Yin Ying would mind, and her heart was pounding.

But seeing how kind she was, with a sincere smile and gentle eyes, I instantly felt at ease and responded with a smile:

"You're too kind, elder sister. I'm new here and don't know anything. Please guide me in the future."

Both of them were gentle and kind-hearted. They chatted about needlework, poetry, and how to make pastries, and the more they talked, the more they got along.

"What can my sister embroider?" Yin Ying asked.

"I can embroider some flowers and plants; peonies, crabapples, and orchids are pretty good. What about your older sister?"

"I like embroidering birds, especially magpies. They come out so lifelike. I'll teach you another day."

...... ...... ......

Before long, the two became acquainted, like sisters.

Liu Ce sat beside them, watching them chat enthusiastically, and felt extremely comfortable.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and thought: This peaceful and harmonious backyard is better than anything else.

Dinner was served in Yin Ying's yard.

At a round table, Liu Ce sat in the main seat, with Yin Ying and Feng Yu sitting on either side of him.

Several delicate side dishes were laid out on the table: steamed sea bass, braised pork ribs, garlic-flavored greens, cucumber salad... and a pot of warm wine. They were all home-style dishes, but they were made with exquisite care, and the dishes were a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.

There was no solemnity in the imperial court, nor the intrigue and power struggles in the inner courtyards of aristocratic families; only warmth and coziness.

Liu Ce served the two of them some food: "Try this fish, it's very fresh, it was just caught from the Luo River this morning."

He then placed a piece of pork rib on Feng Yu's plate, saying, "You're too thin, eat more meat."

Feng Yu's face flushed slightly as she lowered her head and ate in small bites, feeling a sweet warmth in her heart.

Yin Ying teased from the side, "My husband is biased. He puts food on my sister's plate but ignores me?"

Liu Ce quickly put a piece on her plate as well: "No way, you should eat more too."

The three chatted and laughed, enjoying a lively meal.

Looking at the scene before her, Feng Yu felt even more at ease. This was the peaceful life she wanted, without having to wander aimlessly or live in constant fear, with someone to rely on and warmth to comfort her.

As night deepened, the mansion gradually quieted down, with only the chirping of insects accompanying the gentle evening breeze.

After seeing Yin Ying off, Liu Ce turned around and went to Feng Yu's courtyard.

When he opened the door, Feng Yu had already finished washing up and was sitting at the table waiting for him, wearing a plain nightgown.

Her hair was loosely tied up, and her cheeks had a rosy blush from just washing up, making her look especially charming in the candlelight.

Seeing him come in, she quickly stood up, her face turning even redder.

Just as he was about to address Liu Ce as "Your Highness," Liu Ce stepped forward and gently interrupted him.

Liu Ce reached out and stroked her cheek, looking into her shy and timid eyes, and chuckled as he whispered:

"Why call me Your Highness? You should call me Husband."

Feng Yu's face instantly turned bright red, the redness extending all the way to her ears.

She lowered her head, nodded shyly, and after a long while, she managed to squeeze out a soft "husband" from her throat, her voice as quiet as a mosquito's buzz.

But that soft sound melted Liu Ce's heart.

He laughed and picked her up in his arms.

Feng Yu gasped softly, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck and shrinking into his embrace like a frightened little rabbit.

Walking to the bedside, Liu Ce placed her on his lap, took her hand, looked intently into her eyes, and said, word by word:

"Yu'er, from now on I will be your support. With me here, no one will dare to bully you anymore. Just stay by my side and have peace of mind. You don't need to be afraid of anything."

Feng Yu leaned against him, listening to the strong heartbeat in his chest, and her nose tingled, tears almost falling down her face.

All the unease and anxiety in my heart vanished at that moment.

She looked up, gazed deeply at Liu Ce, her eyes filled with tears and complete trust, and whispered:

"Please, my husband, cherish me..."

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Ce lowered his head and kissed him deeply.

Feng Yu may be shy, but she's never hesitant when it's time to take the initiative.

She reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck, awkwardly yet bravely responding to his kiss.

It was her first time, and her movements were a little awkward and unsure of what to do, but she was filled with sweetness and complete surrender to the man in front of her.

Soft whispers and moans mingled with warm breaths in the quiet bedroom.

The curtains slowly fell, blocking out the warm light in the room and concealing the tender emotions that filled it.

Spring nights are worth thousands of dollars.

...... ...... ......

The next day, in Luoyang, in the study of the Prince of Yan's residence.

Sunlight streamed in through the window, scattering golden fragments across the table.

Liu Ce sat at his desk, looking at the intelligence reports from various regions that Lu Binggang had just sent over.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Li Ru walked in.

He was dressed in a plain long robe, his hair was neatly combed, and his expression was respectful. He looked much more energetic than when he was under Dong Zhuo's command, with less of that sinister aura and more of a composed demeanor.

Since Dong Zhuo's death, he had been living in his residence in Luoyang, rarely venturing out, and was only occasionally summoned by Liu Ce for questioning.

"Your subject Li Ru greets Your Highness." Li Ru bowed respectfully.

Liu Ce raised his eyelids slightly, waved his hand, and said, "Sit down. How have you been lately?"