"Do you know how to cook noodles?" Su Yuxin inquired curiously.
"I do," Feng Yao nodded. "Not only can I cook noodles, but I can also prepare fish. I'll showcase my skills for you, little kitten."
"Really?" Su Yuxin's eyes sparkled at the mention of her favorite fish dishes. "Then I want boiled fish, sweet and sour fish, pickled fish, braised fish, and fish hotpot..."
"Alright," Feng Yao indulgently smiled. "I'll prepare an entire feast of fish for you."
"Let's make a deal; no backing out," Su Yuxin childishly extended her little finger.
"Agreed," Feng Yao extended his finger, hooking onto Su Yuxin's slender one, as if he held the entire world in his grasp.
In that moment, his heart felt incredibly tender and resolute. He pledged to spare no effort to ensure her lifelong happiness and carefree life.
Su Yuxin aspired to be an excellent general's wife, but she didn't have a clue how. However, she reckoned that assisting her husband in changing clothes might be one of those duties.
Squeezing her fists, she decided to start from there. Her life skills were practically nonexistent, and she had never dressed any man in her two lifetimes, making this her first attempt.
Although it seemed straightforward, she proved to be clumsy and inept. Despite her earnest efforts, she ended up wrapping Feng Yao like a dumpling, drenched in sweat and feeling foolish.
"I'll handle this myself," Feng Yao untangled the mess of clothes on his body, dressing neatly, and then assisted Su Yuxin in doing the same, even helping her fashion a simple hairstyle.
"How are you so capable?" Su Yuxin marveled, then pouted. "Am I exceptionally incompetent? Will you look down on me?"
"You silly girl," Feng Yao affectionately patted Su Yuxin's head. "In my eyes, you're the cleverest."
"I'm not clever; I truly can't do anything," Su Yuxin pursed her lips, feeling a little disheartened.
"If there are things you can't do, others will manage them. All you need to do is be happy every day," Feng Yao smiled reassuringly. "You have your strengths. Your extraordinary memory alone surpasses others and is something enviable. Besides, I didn't marry a servant; I married a companion for life."
"You're so good to me," Su Yuxin suddenly embraced Feng Yao's waist, burying her head in his chest, hot tears dampening his clothes.
Such an exceptional man was a rare find, and she wondered why she hadn't cherished him in her previous life. Fortunately, she had a chance to start anew.
"You're talking nonsense," Feng Yao rubbed Su Yuxin's head. "You're my wife; why would I treat others better?"
"I'll be good to you in the future," Su Yuxin raised her small face, looking earnest and solemn. "I'll give you all the best."
"Okay," Feng Yao nodded, brimming with happiness that almost overflowed.
"Aren't you hungry? Come, I'll cook noodles for you," Feng Yao held Su Yuxin's hand and suggested.
"Yes," Su Yuxin nodded. She fidgeted slightly, her fingers scraping against the calluses in Feng Yao's palm, rough and hardened.
"Itchy," Feng Yao's grip involuntarily tightened but quickly relaxed, fearing he might hurt her.
"Is this from your martial training?" Su Yuxin inquired.
"Yes. I've practiced martial arts since childhood, training for two hours every day, resulting in these calluses," Feng Yao lightly grazed Su Yuxin's hand back with his thumb, smooth and tender like fine silk.
"It must have been very arduous," Su Yuxin sympathetically said, wanting to know more about him.
"I've grown accustomed to it," Feng Yao casually replied.
Su Yuxin felt a pang of sorrow upon hearing this. The General of the Army, the Commander of the Northwestern forces, carried impressive titles. However, how much hardship had he endured that no one saw on the battlefield, how much blood had he shed?
"In the future, no matter the storms we face, I'll be with you," Su Yuxin clasped Feng Yao's hand firmly, speaking earnestly.
"Good," Feng Yao's lips curled up involuntarily, almost as if they wanted to rise further. If any of his former adversaries from the battlefield witnessed this, they would probably be astounded.
Even the guards by his side, witnessing this unexpected scene, widened their eyes in disbelief. The Lord of Hell was actually smiling.
The kitchen had been destroyed by Su Yuxin's previous mishap, and repairs were underway. Fortunately, there was a backup kitchen, albeit smaller in size, yet equipped adequately.
In the kitchen, Xia Granny was selecting vegetables. Her sturdy frame had already recovered from the previous incident.
Spotting Xia Granny, Su Yuxin hurriedly released Feng Yao's hand and ran over to grab Xia Granny's arm, inspecting her from top to bottom.
Although she had later fainted, Su Yuxin was conscious when Xia Granny risked her life to rescue her. Xia Granny had fought fiercely to save her life.
"You're unharmed. It's me who was negligent and nearly caused harm to Madam," Xia Granny reproached herself.
"Don't say that; it's clearly you who saved me," Su Yuxin smiled and replied. "I should thank you properly."
"Madam is too kind," Xia Granny smiled back. "Have you not had lunch yet? What would you like to eat? I'll prepare it for you."
Seeing Su Yuxin chatting so cheerfully with Xia Granny, especially when Su Yuxin still held Xia Granny's hand, Feng Yao felt a bit uncomfortable. Those jade-like hands should be nestled in his palm.
And then, when Xia Granny mentioned cooking for Su Yuxin, Feng Yao immediately walked over and said, "Allow me."
Xia Granny first eyed Feng Yao skeptically, then suggested, "Let me handle it. The kitchen is full of smoke, General and Madam should return to the room, and I'll bring the meal over once it's ready."
"No need," Feng Yao shook his head. "You both can leave."
Saying that, he washed his hands and skillfully started making noodles from the dough.
This sight left the kitchen staff flabbergasted.
"Then I'll wait outside. If General needs anything, just call," Xia Granny said.
"Okay," Feng Yao nodded, maintaining his composed demeanor.
Su Yuxin sat on a stool beside the cutting board, watching Feng Yao. She had almost transformed herself into a dough person when attempting to make noodles. Yet Feng Yao, after working the dough, had clean and spotless hands.
Kneading, cutting, rolling pastry, boiling noodles, seasoning... Feng Yao's movements throughout the entire process were as smooth and satisfying as flowing clouds, swift and elegant.
Before long, two bowls of Yang Chun noodles were ready.