Chapter 19

Admiring Lanterns?

Shen Wei was momentarily stunned upon hearing this.

Moqi softly reminded her, “Tomorrow is the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. According to our usual traditions, our household would be bustling with preparations. However, since the Duke recently passed away, no one has mentioned it this year…”

“Brother just hopes that you can be happy.”

Shen Wei looked at the person before her, whose face showed unreserved concern. Suddenly, she felt a bit uncomfortable. Over the past few days, she had already adapted to the identity of the original person and had become accustomed to this era and environment. No matter who she faced, she could remain calm… But now, facing Shen Xifeng, Shen Wei felt a sense of guilt in her heart.

If the man before her knew—

That his sister had long since disappeared from this world, would he do something about it?

Shen Xifeng did not hear Shen Wei speak and noticed her dazed expression, so he sighed deeply.

His hand rested gently on Shen Wei’s head and ruffled her hair, just like when they were children. He then spoke in a deep voice, “If I had known Lu Buwei was such a scoundrel, I would never have let you marry him.” His sister should have lived a happy life, but now she had suffered such a fate.

Shen Xifeng continued, “Sui Sui, if you’re unhappy, leave the Lu family. Brother will take care of you for the rest of your life.”

He had been thinking for a while. Rather than leaving his sister alone in the Lu family, it would be better to bring her home and care for her for life. He didn’t care about the outside opinions; he just wanted Sui Sui to live happily. If she found someone she liked later and remarried, it would be fine. If not, he would care for her forever.

The more Shen Xifeng thought about it, the more he felt this was a good plan. His hand was still on Shen Wei’s head as he asked again, “Sui Sui, would you be willing?”

—-

The author has something to say:
Lu Bu Wei: Am I a scoundrel?

Lu Qi Huai: Am I a little beast?

Shen Xifeng: A big pig’s hoof has no right to speak. Come on, sister, brother will take you to remarry!

Shen Wei: …

Lu Qi Huai: Heh.

—-

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Li quickly stood up to thank her. She was truly excited, and even tears welled up in her eyes. Seeing Lu Mi Zhi still sitting on the couch, confused, she hurriedly added, “Mi Zhi, aren’t you going to thank Madam?”

Lu Mi Zhi, hearing this, was still a bit dazed.

Although she was smart, she couldn’t understand why her aunt would be so emotional. She had always been obedient, so at the sound of the words, she softly responded, but before she could get off the couch, Shen Wei had already taken her hand.

Shen Wei raised her hand, and Moqi, understanding, immediately helped Lu Mi Zhi sit back down.

Once Lu Mi Zhi was settled—

Shen Wei looked at Mrs. Li and said, “Alright, you don’t need to go through these formalities with me. In the end, Mi Zhi should call me ‘mother,’ and I truly want the best for her.” After saying this, she glanced at Lu Mi Zhi, who still looked confused. Shen Wei gently stroked her face and added to Mrs. Li, “I’ll have Moqi go with you to help Mi Zhi pick out her clothes for tomorrow.”

Mrs. Li immediately agreed and respectfully bowed before turning to leave.

However, just as she was about to exit—

Mrs. Li couldn’t help but glance back at the poised young woman sitting on the couch. She could sense that Madam was different now. She didn’t want to know what had changed, but she could tell that Madam was genuinely good to Mi Zhi.

That was enough for her to be grateful and never forget Madam’s kindness.

Shen Wei noticed Mrs. Li’s gaze, but as soon as she raised her eyes, she saw Mrs. Li had already turned to leave. Shen Wei didn’t say anything further and continued talking to Lu Mi Zhi while sitting on the couch.

Perhaps because Mrs. Li had left, the room became quieter without the other maids. Lu Mi Zhi, now speaking more like a child of her age, tugged at Shen Wei’s sleeve while looking up and asking, “Mother, is it fun in the palace? Are the lanterns there more beautiful than the ones we’ve seen before?”

Shen Wei smiled and stroked her daughter’s forehead. Gently, she replied, “The best craftsmen in the world are in the palace, so the lanterns there are naturally more beautiful than any we’ve seen before.”

As the two of them continued talking—

A light voice was heard from outside, it was Lu Qi Huai coming in to pay his respects.

Shen Wei, upon hearing this, allowed him to enter. When the curtain was lifted, she sat up straighter.

Lu Qi Huai was still dressed in his usual dark robe, wearing a white jade crown. As he entered, he brought in the light from outside, making him appear even more handsome than usual. He saw Shen Wei sitting on the couch, bowed, and then smiled as he spoke, “Earlier, I heard quite a commotion inside. Is there some good news?”

Before Shen Wei could speak, Lu Mi Zhi had already gotten off the couch and walked towards Lu Qi Huai.

Lu Mi Zhi genuinely liked her older brother, and now, smiling brightly, she took his hand and asked, “Tomorrow, the palace is holding a lantern festival. Mother is taking me with her. Are you coming too, Brother?”

Recently, Lu Qi Huai had become somewhat accustomed to Lu Mi Zhi’s closeness.

He allowed her to hold his hand, his phoenix eyes slightly lowered. But when he heard her words, the smile in his eyes darkened, and even the hand he held Lu Mi Zhi with tightened slightly.

Lu Mi Zhi didn’t understand what was wrong with him, but she felt the grip on her hand was painfully tight.

Although she was usually able to endure pain, the discomfort from his grip caused her eyes to water, and her voice trembled as she said, “Brother, it hurts.”