**Chapter 2**

She didn’t know how long she had been lost in thought when a sudden clap of thunder outside startled her, making her shrink and hug herself tightly.

Tomorrow, tomorrow…

Thinking this, she gritted her teeth and closed her eyes, half asleep and half awake, through the night.

In the morning, after washing up, Lu Minghua followed Wei Yuntai to the Yining Courtyard to pay their respects.

“Mother.”

The maid lifted the curtain, and the two entered the room. Wei Yuntai bowed to greet his mother. Before he could bend down, Madam Sun, the wife of the Marquis of Ningguo, raised her hand to stop him, her smile growing even wider.

This eldest son had always been her pride. Intelligent and studious from a young age, he was the heir of the Marquis of Ningguo, yet gentle and courteous, knowing when to advance and retreat. Countless people praised him.

A few years ago, he even passed the imperial examination and was appointed by the emperor as a top scholar. Now, at just twenty-one, he was already a sixth-rank official in the Ministry of Revenue.

Wei Yuntai, adhering to etiquette, finished his greeting and smiled slightly at Madam Sun.

Mother and son, even if they saw each other every day, always had endless things to talk about. They had just exchanged a few words when the sound of a maid greeting someone outside indicated the arrival of the second house’s couple.

“This child, even though she’s pregnant, she still insists on coming to pay her respects,” Madam Sun said with a light scold, her face breaking into a smile as she glanced at Lu Minghua.

Lu Minghua lowered her eyes, pretending not to notice.

Wei Yuntai’s hand holding the teacup paused slightly.

“I know Mother cares for me, but this is the only time I get to see you each day. I can’t bear not to come,” Sun Miaotong’s clear voice rang out with a hint of coquettishness. As she spoke, Wei Yunxuan carefully supported her as they entered, their every move full of affection.

“Mother, I’m here, so don’t worry,” the second son, Wei Yunxuan, said gently.

The maids in the room prepared soft cushions and changed the tea, serving Sun Miaotong as she sat down.

“I waited all afternoon yesterday but didn’t see Sister-in-law. It really made me sad,” she said immediately after sitting down, addressing Lu Minghua.

“I intended to come, but the heir suddenly had something to attend to, so I was delayed,” Lu Minghua said frankly, seeing Sun Miaotong’s expression pause slightly before smiling. “It’s my fault. It seems I need to prepare a more substantial gift for my sister-in-law.”

“Sister-in-law, saying that really makes me feel bad as if I was looking forward to your visit just for your gift,” Sun Miaotong said, not letting it go.

She was spoiled and somewhat sharp-tongued. Usually, Madam Sun would intervene for Wei Yuntai’s sake, but today, she just glanced lightly and said nothing.

Lu Minghua glanced at Wei Yuntai.

Wei Yuntai, who usually didn’t involve himself in women’s affairs, wasn’t planning to speak, but then he saw Lu Minghua glance at the gloomy courtyard outside. His eyes flickered, and he spoke softly, “It was indeed my fault yesterday. I didn’t expect to upset my sister-in-law. I…”

Unexpectedly, he spoke up. Sun Miaotong instinctively glanced at Madam Sun, noticing her slightly restrained expression. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly said, “I was just joking with Sister-in-law. Brother, why did you take it seriously? It seems I was wrong.”

Teasing Lu Minghua was one thing, but Wei Yuntai, her cousin, was her aunt’s favorite, and she didn’t dare trouble him to speak.

Madam Sun’s gaze shifted between Wei Yuntai and Lu Minghua, puzzled as to why her son would speak up, and she made a mental note of it.

“Mother, Minghua wants to visit her mother. I have no plans today, so I’ll accompany her. We’ll take our leave now,” Wei Yuntai said warmly after breakfast, just as Sun Miaotong suggested playing a game of leaf cards.

Lu Minghua’s eyelashes fluttered, hiding the mockery in her eyes, and she smiled lightly. “Why the rush? If the heir has urgent matters, I can go by myself.”

She subtly jabbed at Wei Yuntai, not wanting others to think he was acting on her instigation.

“The weather is bad today, so it’s better to go early,” Wei Yuntai added, realizing his previous statement was abrupt.

“Visiting in-laws is important, but Yuntai has many responsibilities. Don’t delay too long, and remember to return early,” Madam Sun said. Though displeased, she wouldn’t say much in front of others.

With her words, the couple bowed and left, returning to Chunshan Courtyard to prepare for their departure.

Li Mama escorted Lu Minghua to the carriage. She had to stay behind to look after Chunshan Courtyard and couldn’t go with her. Watching Lu Minghua, she couldn’t hide her worry.

Every time she went back, her young mistress…

“Young Madam…” She hesitated.

Lu Minghua smiled gently at her, silently indicating that everything was fine.

Mama Li watched the carriage go far away before sighing. How could she feel at ease with her young mistress returning to that house?

The Lu family had received the letter yesterday. As soon as the couple arrived at the gate of the Earl of Wen’an’s residence, the head steward came out to greet them respectfully and invited them in.

This generation’s Earl of Wen’an was Lu Minghua’s uncle. He was a thorough scholar who spent his days immersed in books and paintings. He greatly admired Wei Yuntai and wished to have long conversations with him. If not for Lu Minghua’s aunt interrupting, he might have continued talking. By the time they reached Sixian Courtyard, nearly half an hour had passed.

Lu Chengsong and Madam Qin had been waiting for a long time. When they saw them, their faces showed little joy but rather a hint of worry.

“Father, Mother,” Lu Minghua greeted softly, bowing.

Wei Yuntai followed with a respectful bow, displaying his refined and elegant demeanor.

Lu Chengsong quickly called them to sit and started a conversation with Wei Yuntai.

Madam Qin took Lu Minghua’s hand and led her to the back courtyard.

As they stood up, Lu Minghua noticed Wei Yuntai’s gaze but pretended not to see it and followed her mother out.

The mother and daughter hadn’t seen each other for a long time, but as they walked, they had little to say. Madam Qin was worried, and although Lu Minghua was used to her attitude, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of bitterness.

“Minghua, Mingxi is sick again,” Madam Qin sighed, helpless and heartbroken.

Lu Minghua didn’t know what to say. Her sister was ill, and she should feel sorry for her, but both Wei Yuntai’s and her parents’ attitudes left her feeling cold, making it hard to feel any sympathy.

“The heir has found a famous doctor in Jiangnan, who will come to the capital in a while,” Lu Minghua said with difficulty. Seeing her mother’s sudden look of joy, she forced a smile and said, “Mother, don’t worry. My sister will get better soon.”

“Good, good, good,” Madam Qin said happily.

Lu Minghua watched calmly. Every time she thought she had become numb, she found that facing it still made her very sad.

“Minghua, your sister’s health is poor, so I can’t help but worry,” Madam Qin explained after her initial joy, then asked repeatedly, “And you? How have you been at the Marquis’s residence? Has your mother-in-law, with her proud nature, made things difficult for you?”

If only these words had been said at the beginning.

Lu Minghua, lost in thought, heard herself calmly say, “It’s fine. My mother-in-law is not someone who makes things difficult. You don’t need to worry.” She only subtly indicated that others were making things difficult for her.

As they spoke, they entered Lu Mingxi’s Sui Ning Courtyard.

Madam Qin continued talking, sharing her experiences, and advising Lu Minghua, “Be more accommodating to her, and make sure to pay your respects often…”

The Earl of Wen’an’s residence wasn’t large, housing three families, so the courtyard wasn’t very big either. Conversations in the courtyard could be heard clearly inside the house.

Lu Minghua glanced around, silently counting, one, two, three—

“Cough, cough, cough,” a light coughing sound came from inside.

Madam Qin’s expression tightened, and she hurried inside, “What’s wrong?”

Lu Minghua tugged at the corners of her mouth and followed, rounding the half-drawn curtain to see Lu Mingxi leaning against the headboard. She held a handkerchief lightly over her mouth, her eyes moist, her face pale despite the flush, her sleeves hanging loosely, her wrists thin and fragile.

“Sister is here,” she said, lowering the handkerchief and smiling gently at Lu Minghua.

The sisters were twins, almost identical in appearance, but one was bright and the other delicate, making it easy to tell them apart at a glance.

“Mingxi,” Lu Minghua called with a smile. Before she could say more, Lu Mingxi coughed again, and Madam Qin hurriedly took the water from the maid, interrupting, “Don’t talk yet. Drink some water to avoid coughing again.”

Lu Mingxi smiled apologetically at Lu Minghua, took a sip of water, and obediently handed it back to Madam Qin.

“Thank you, Mother,” she said softly.

“Silly child, no need to thank me,” Madam Qin said, stroking her hair affectionately.

Lu Minghua watched quietly, smiling gently as Mingxi looked at her. She sat by the bed and said, “The weather has been bad lately. Take care of yourself, listen to Mother and the doctor. Avoid cold foods, and you’ll be fine once summer is over.” She spoke casually, smiling at Lu Mingxi.

Lu Mingxi blinked lightly and lowered her eyelashes. She had been in poor health since childhood and particularly disliked others mentioning it.

Lu Minghua’s words seemed casual, but each one struck her heart.

“Thank you for your concern, Sister. By the way, Sister, I…” Lu Mingxi said, looking up at Lu Minghua as if she wanted to say something, but her lips trembled, and she lowered her head, her eyes quietly reddening without speaking.

Madam Qin looked around, her face full of difficulty, finally staring at Lu Minghua.

Sitting in the room, Lu Minghua felt as if she were in an icy wasteland. She pretended not to understand Lu Mingxi’s meaning, frowning slightly and saying with some concern, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, nothing,” Lu Mingxi quickly shook her head, her voice trembling slightly as if she were about to cry.

“How can it be nothing? Let me see,” Lu Minghua said, leaning closer, more worried.

“Sister, I’m really fine,” Lu Mingxi said, and a tear fell on the brocade quilt.

Lu Minghua frowned, about to speak again, but Madam Qin had already taken her hand. Her heart trembled, and she turned her gaze.

“Rest for a while. I’ll talk to your sister,” Madam Qin said, seeing Lu Mingxi nod obediently. She led Lu Minghua to the outer room, holding her hand, her eyes filled with a subtle plea, “Minghua, let Yuntai come to see Mingxi, please.”

“Mother, do you know what you’re saying?” Lu Minghua asked, shocked as if struck by lightning.

“Your sister had a fever last night and kept thinking about him. The doctor said that if she continues to worry like this, her condition will worsen. Please, have pity on her. She’s in poor health and only has this one hope. Just seeing him once won’t change anything. Men have multiple wives and concubines, you…” Madam Qin rambled, full of worry.

“Mother, he is my husband,” Lu Minghua said, her face stiff.

“But if it weren’t for you back then—” Madam Qin started to say instinctively, then suddenly realized what she was saying. She couldn’t take back her words and looked at Minghua with guilt and regret, adding, “That’s not what I meant.”