Chapter 55

Prince Jin Zhao Zheng?

Shen Wei froze at the mention of this name. Since Lu Buwei’s death, this Prince Jin had not set foot in the Duke of Rongguo’s residence. Why was he here today? She looked at Lu Qi Huai, who had been calm earlier, but now his eyes seemed to hold some concern.

Although Shen Wei was confined to the inner courtyard, she knew that Lu Qi Huai had not been doing well in court recently. The Crown Prince had personally recommended him for a position during a court meeting.

Lu Qi Huai had been placed firmly in the Crown Prince’s faction, which naturally made him an enemy of Prince Jin.

Though Prince Jin was disliked by Zhao Zhun, he was still a prince. Given Zhao Zhun’s temperament, he would never allow the Crown Prince to have all the power. Although Prince Jin couldn’t confront the Crown Prince, dealing with Lu Qi Huai was still within his capabilities.

Noticing Shen Wei’s gaze, Lu Qi Huai saw the concern in her eyes. A subtle, affectionate smile appeared on his face.

He looked at her and spoke softly, “Don’t worry.”

Shen Wei, distracted by Zhao Zheng’s arrival, didn’t notice the affection in Lu Qi Huai’s eyes. Hearing his words, she thought for a moment, then released Lu Mizhi’s hand and said to Qiuhuan, “Take Seven Miss back first.” Since Zhao Zheng had come to the residence, as the mistress of the house, she had to make an appearance.

Lu Mizhi, always obedient, gently responded. After exchanging pleasantries with Shen Wei and Lu Qi Huai, she followed Qiuhuan out.

Once Lu Mizhi left—

Shen Wei turned to Lu Qi Huai, smoothing the wrinkles in her sleeve before saying, “Let’s go.”

Lu Qi Huai nodded but didn’t say anything. He and Shen Wei walked toward Dàchéngzhāi. When they arrived, the sky had already darkened, and several maids and servants had climbed ladders to light the candles. When they saw them arrive, they respectfully bowed and greeted, “Greetings, Madam, Young Master.”

The commotion must have reached inside, as Nán from the back room came out.

Seeing the two of them, she hurried a few steps forward, and after greeting them, lowered her voice to speak to Shen Wei, “Madam, the Second Madam and Second Young Master are inside.” After a brief pause, she added, “Today, Second Young Master returned with His Highness Prince Jin.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Wei paused in her steps.

She had originally thought that Prince Jin’s visit today was merely a casual matter, but now it seemed that his visit was somehow related to the second branch, or rather to Lu Qixuan.

Lu Qi Huai noticed Shen Wei’s furrowed brow and the pensive look on her face. His hands, previously clasped behind his back, subtly tightened, realizing that she likely had an idea of what was happening. He thought about it, and a deeper smile appeared in his eyes, admiring her. Such sharpness was rare, especially in a woman.

He had become increasingly curious about her.

However—

Lu Qi Huai noticed the gaze coming from Yi Nan and slightly lowered his eyelids, concealing the thoughts in his eyes. After that, he spoke to Shen Wei in his usual gentle tone, “Mother, we should go in.”

Shen Wei nodded upon hearing this. She took the lead and began walking inside. As she passed by Yi Nan, Lu Qi Huai noticed the subtle curiosity and scrutiny in her gaze. Although his expression remained unchanged, the depth in his eyes had clearly intensified.

Lu Qi Huai, usually mild in demeanor, rarely spoke much to subordinates, but today his presence inadvertently made Yi Nan take a step back.

Once Yi Nan lowered her head again, Lu Qi Huai followed Shen Wei’s lead, walking ahead.

It wasn’t until Lu Qi Huai’s footsteps grew faint that Yi Nan finally raised her head. She watched his retreating figure, her normally calm face now pale, her lips losing some of their color. The maid beside her noticed and quickly supported her, asking, “Sister, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Yi Nan, hearing the question, remained silent for a moment. After some time, she mumbled in a trance-like voice, “Do you… feel like the eldest son seems different today?”

“Different?”

The maid, not understanding her rambling, looked ahead where she could only see Lu Qi Huai’s figure. When he disappeared behind the curtain, she turned back to Yi Nan, still puzzled, “Sister, have you been too tired lately? The eldest son is still the eldest son. What’s different about him?”

Yes, the eldest son was still the eldest son…

Yet, Yi Nan couldn’t shake off the strange feeling in her heart. The glance he had cast her earlier had been empty, yet it made her feel a chill run through her body, as if a sharp knife was hovering above her head. And the way he had looked at Madam earlier… that look didn’t seem like something a younger person should have.

As she thought about it, she pressed her hand to her forehead. Perhaps she really was too tired, and that was why she was having such strange feelings.

—-

In the Da Cheng Zhai, the lights were bright.

Even before Shen Wei and Lu Qi Huai entered, they could already hear the sound of laughter from inside. One voice, warm and gentle, belonged to Lu Qi Xuan, while the other, slightly deeper, was from the Prince of Jin, Zhao Zheng.

Shen Wei glanced at Lu Qi Huai beside her. Seeing that his expression remained unchanged, she lifted the curtain and entered. When the people inside heard their footsteps, the chatter ceased, and they turned their heads toward them.

Old Madam Xie, sitting at the head of the room on a large cushioned seat, was the first to notice them. Smiling, she said, “You’ve returned…” After finishing this sentence, she clasped the Buddhist beads in her hand and added, “The Prince of Jin is here today. Shouldn’t you greet His Highness?”

As soon as she finished speaking—

Zhao Zheng smiled and spoke up, “Old Madam, you flatter me. I’m here today to visit you, not to stand on ceremony. Besides, when the Duke of the State was still around, he once taught me horseback riding and archery, so he was my teacher. How can I accept such a formal greeting from Madam? Please, sit down.”

His tone carried a smile, making him seem like just a regular junior.

However, in his words, he often referred to himself as “this prince,” and his posture was far from that of a younger person. Yet, no one present would criticize his behavior.

Everyone could only watch as he lazily twisted the white jade ring on his thumb, his gaze subtly and coldly sweeping toward Lu Qi Huai.

His words and actions were clear in their meaning.

Shen Wei, as the elder, naturally didn’t need to greet him, but Lu Qi Huai’s greeting… he hadn’t excused him from that.

Everyone in the room understood the implication.

Though Old Madam Xie’s expression didn’t change, her hand holding the Buddhist beads stilled, and her gaze shifted to the young man in dark clothing at the bottom… The Wang family, who had been sitting off to the side, also looked toward Lu Qi Huai. If Old Madam Xie hadn’t been sitting at the head, it was likely that Madam Wang would have raised her eyebrows and smiled.

Shen Wei looked at Lu Qi Huai as well, but the concern in her eyes had faded.

If Lu Qi Huai couldn’t tolerate such provocation, how could he ever hold that position in the future? She thought about this, withdrew her gaze, and sat down in a side seat.

Though the eyes of everyone in the room were on Lu Qi Huai, his expression remained unchanged, his face still warm and calm, just like when he first entered. After Shen Wei sat down, Lu Qi Huai finally turned his gaze to Zhao Zheng and, under everyone’s watchful eyes, bowed to him in a formal courtier’s manner, saying softly, “I wish His Highness, the Prince of Jin, great peace.”

Zhao Zheng paused, surprised by the formality of Lu Qi Huai’s gesture.

He had originally thought that Lu Qi Huai, being young and in a position of power, would be full of vigor, especially since he had suffered such a public slight at home today. Surely, he wouldn’t be able to swallow this insult… But he didn’t expect his composure to be so deep.

Such a person, if he could be used, would indeed be a great help. Yet, Lu Qi Huai was someone under Zhao Xu’s influence. How could Zhao Zheng allow someone like him to remain by Zhao Xu’s side, advising him?

It seemed that Lu Qi Huai was indeed a person who couldn’t be left alive.

Zhao Zheng’s thoughts turned quickly, but his expression remained unchanged. He still wore his usual smile and said, “See, I told you. Today, I came as a junior to the Lu family. You really do forget these formalities after spending too much time with the Crown Prince.”

Once these words were spoken—

He personally helped Lu Qi Huai to his feet, then patted his shoulder and smiled, saying, “Alright, alright, quickly get up. We are of similar age, and we’re not in court anymore, so why bother with all these formalities?” After Lu Qi Huai sat down, Zhao Zheng looked at Old Madam Xie, his tone now sounding like that of a younger person, “I haven’t been to the Lu family in a long time, and I miss that pigeon soup. I wonder if you have it today?”

Old Madam Xie, hearing this, smiled and replied, “Since the prince has come, even if we don’t have it, we will prepare it for you.” She then turned to the maid beside her, “Have the small kitchen prepare some more dishes. The Prince likes the pigeon soup and the lion’s head.”

Zhao Zheng, hearing this, smiled even more broadly.

He remained leisurely sitting in his position, then spoke again to Lu Qi Huai, “Earlier, when I was talking to Qi Xuan, I heard that Xuan Yue is good with wine. I’d like to have a few drinks with you later.”

Lu Qi Huai only smiled faintly in response, “I only drink a little on usual days, not as good as Your Highness…” After this, it seemed he didn’t notice the tense atmosphere that suddenly filled the room and continued with a smile, “But if Your Highness orders, I certainly wouldn’t dare refuse.”

After these words were spoken—

The earlier tense atmosphere loosened somewhat, and Zhao Zheng’s frozen smile relaxed and blossomed once more. He reached out and patted Lu Qi Huai’s shoulder, smiling, “Now, that’s the manner of the eldest son of the Duke of Rong.”

—-

Zhao Zheng’s intention to drink with Lu Qi Huai was not just a casual remark. He had been fond of alcohol since he was young, and no one in Bianliang could outdrink him. So, after the evening meal, he arranged a place outside for himself and Lu Qi Huai to drink, with the intention of drinking until they were thoroughly drunk.

As a prince, no one dared object.

Old Madam Xie had the servants prepare the wine jars and side dishes according to Zhao Zheng’s instructions.

Outside, the three of them drank while inside the room…

Shen Wei sat in a chair, holding her tea cup, and noticed the worry on Old Madam Xie’s face. She softly said, “Mother, don’t worry. The Prince’s visit today is a formality; they are guests. These young men drinking a little isn’t a big deal.”

Although the Prince sometimes acted recklessly, he was actually quite strategic.

Even if he resented Lu Qi Huai, he wouldn’t openly harm him. Today’s actions were merely meant to make things a bit awkward.

Once these words were spoken—

Wang Shi also smiled and added, “Yes, mother. There’s Qi Xuan watching from over there. If the Prince truly means to trouble Xuan Yue, Qi Xuan can speak up for him…” She then turned her head to look at Shen Wei and added, “Eldest sister-in-law, don’t you think so?”

As she spoke, there was no hiding the smugness on her face.

Ever since Lu Qi Hui left the family, Wang Shi hadn’t felt such satisfaction for a long time. Today, when Qi Xuan and the Prince came together, she was taken aback… Then she saw how close Qi Xuan and the Prince had become, and how the little wretch was groveling in front of the Prince. The frustration she had been harboring for a while dissipated a little.

So what if Lu Qi Huai had the crown prince backing him?

Everyone in Bianliang knew that although the emperor had already named an heir, he wasn’t entirely satisfied with the crown prince. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so indulgent with the Prince. Since the next emperor wasn’t decided yet, who’s to say the Prince couldn’t take the throne? If the Prince ascended, Qi Xuan would become a subject of the dragon, and then the Duke of Rong’s master…

When Wang Shi thought about this, her face showed a hint of excitement, but she quickly suppressed it so that no one could notice.

Shen Wei heard this and didn’t respond to Wang Shi. She placed her tea cup on the tea table beside her and looked back at Old Madam Xie… She originally wanted to reassure her further, but unexpectedly, Old Madam Xie was staring intently at Wang Shi, and the worry on her face now had a hint of “disappointment.”

Shen Wei could understand why Old Madam Xie was worried…

But what caused her expression to change like this now? If Shen Wei wasn’t mistaken, it was only after Wang Shi had said those words that Old Madam Xie had this look. Even though Old Madam Xie didn’t want Lu Qi Xuan and the Prince to be too close, she shouldn’t have had this expression. So what was the real reason?

Shen Wei thought about this, and her expression became slightly more subdued.

However, when she looked at Old Madam Xie again, the latter’s expression had returned to its usual calm demeanor. She had picked up her prayer beads and simply said, “Alright, it’s late now. You all may retire.”

The two didn’t say anything else but respectfully took their leave. As Shen Wei was about to exit through the curtain, she glanced back into the room. Seeing Old Madam Xie sitting on the Luohan bed with her hand pressed to her forehead, Shen Wei couldn’t help but feel more suspicious.

But seeing Wang Shi glance at her—

Shen Wei returned to her usual expression and walked out.

—-

Once everyone else had left the room.

Wei Mama stepped forward to press Old Madam Xie’s head. As she did, she softly asked, “Are you worried that he will scold the second young master?”

Hearing this, Old Madam Xie withdrew her hand from her forehead, sighed, and said, “Qi Xuan’s heart has grown too big. He thinks that by following the Prince, he can rival that person, but he doesn’t know…” She paused before continuing, her voice growing more somber, “If he continues like this, it will lead to a great disaster.”

Wei Mama, hearing this, also looked slightly more serious. She continued pressing Old Madam Xie’s head, but her voice now had some hesitation, “But now, the prince is clearly trying to use the second young master against that person. How can you stop it?” She looked at Old Madam Xie’s expression, then added, “It’s not really the second young master’s fault. He’s still young and doesn’t understand our ways. Maybe we should tell the second master? The second young master always listens to him. Let him persuade Qi Xuan?”

“No.”

Old Madam Xie heard the words and, without a moment’s hesitation, refused. This matter was too important; the more people who knew about it, the more dangerous it would become. Bu Wei had worked so hard for so many years, and if others found out, all of his efforts—whether his or anyone else’s—would be for nothing. How could she allow such a thing to happen?

Therefore, she not only couldn’t allow others to know but had to keep this matter completely secret.

Thinking this, Old Madam Xie squeezed the Buddhist beads in her hand. After a brief moment of contemplation, she said in a deep voice, “You will personally go to Wenyuan Pavilion later and inquire about that person’s intentions. No matter what, you must let him know that the Lu family stands behind him.”

After finishing this sentence—

Old Madam Xie waited a while before opening her eyes and gazing at the flickering candlelight in the room. She then spoke with difficulty, “If he doesn’t approve of Qi Xuan, then, just as Qi Yan said, find a way to get Qi Xuan to leave Bianliang… After the world settles down, let them return.”

Although this course of action would surely damage the relationship between grandfather and grandson, and perhaps even cause Bu Yang to blame her, the road they were on had already been difficult enough. She absolutely could not afford any mistakes at such a critical moment.

Granny Wei, listening to this, felt a chill in her heart. She lowered her eyes and looked at Old Madam Xie’s face, noticing the struggle in her eyes. She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly… She didn’t dare say anything more and simply answered respectfully.