Chapter 43

Suddenly hearing the word “alright,” Yan Yuanhua was momentarily stunned. He had prepared many words to persuade Lu Minghua slowly, but in that instant, he forgot them all.

He looked up, staring intently at Lu Minghua, blinking.

After speaking, Lu Minghua felt a bit uneasy and looked away.

“Minghua,” Yan Yuanhua’s voice trembled.

“Yes,” Lu Minghua responded softly, her heart in turmoil.

“You agreed?” Yan Yuanhua finally came to his senses and couldn’t help but smile, “You agreed to me!”

“Minghua, you agreed to me!” He lost his composure, his voice growing louder.

“You, keep your voice down!” Lu Minghua, feeling anxious, turned back and whispered a reminder.

Nanny and the maids were outside; they must have heard such a loud voice!

“Oh, alright.” Yan Yuanhua quickly lowered his voice, looking up at Lu Minghua, unable to stop smiling.

Silly. Lu Minghua thought, somewhat disdainfully, but couldn’t help but smile.

“But, it’s just being together. I don’t want to get married right now.” She pressed her lips together, suppressing her smile, and said softly. She turned back to look at Yan Yuanhua, anxiously waiting for his reaction.

“No problem, I’ll wait for you.” Yan Yuanhua agreed readily, smiling at Lu Minghua, “As long as you don’t ignore me, anything is fine.”

If Lu Minghua hadn’t tried to distance herself from him, he wouldn’t have been so eager to confess his feelings.

“Even if we never get married in this lifetime?” Feeling a sudden relief, Lu Minghua teased.

“Huh?” Yan Yuanhua cooperated, showing a disappointed expression. Finally, he gritted his teeth, reluctantly saying, “Well, alright then.”

Seeing his pained expression, even though she knew he was pretending, Lu Minghua couldn’t help but laugh.

Seeing her laugh, Yan Yuanhua also smiled.

The two of them laughed together for a while.

“You should get up,” Lu Minghua finally couldn’t take it anymore and looked away, urging him.

Yan Yuanhua agreed and got up, sitting beside her, his eyes never leaving her.

Lu Minghua, feeling both helpless and embarrassed, softly chided him, “Stop looking at me.”

“I want to look,” Yan Yuanhua said, unwilling to look away. He finally got Lu Minghua to agree, and it still felt like a dream. Thinking about it, he added sadly, “I didn’t dare to look at you like this before, afraid that if you noticed, you would ignore me.”

In the end, Lu Minghua still ignored him.

His eyes lost the previous intense heat, and he looked at her eagerly. Lu Minghua instantly thought of Ping An, who often acted spoiled towards her. This thought was indeed a bit strange, and she couldn’t help but laugh, but she felt it was somewhat true.

“Before? When?”

When did he start liking her? Lu Minghua hadn’t thought about this before and was suddenly curious.

“I forgot.” Yan Yuanhua really couldn’t remember when he started having feelings for Lu Minghua. When he realized it, he found he already liked this little lady in front of him very much.

“Forgot?” Lu Minghua didn’t believe it.

“When I realized it, I already liked you a lot.” Yan Yuanhua leaned on the chair’s armrest, tilting his head to look at her, full of unconcealed joy.

He was clearly such a grown man, yet at this moment, he was like a child who had gotten candy.

“Who asked you that?” Lu Minghua’s heart trembled slightly, and she secretly hid her smile. She glanced at him and asked again.

“Then what?”

“I asked when you started pretending in front of me? I didn’t even notice.”

“Around June, I guess.” That was when he saw her trembling with fear at the thunder but trying hard to endure it, and he realized he wanted to hold and comfort her.

“Two months,” Lu Minghua said.

This person could pretend in front of her for two months without revealing any flaws. She was both surprised and complicated, but it turned into a smile in the end. If she had discovered it earlier, today wouldn’t have happened. And… she wouldn’t have had these happy times. Remembering the lotus pond, the lanterns and fireflies on the Qixi Festival, and the swing hanging over the water—scene after scene, day after day—just thinking about it made her happy.

“I wonder how the lotuses in the pond are doing,” she said softly. She hadn’t gone to see them for more than half a month.

“Shall we go see them tomorrow?”

“Alright.”

The two of them sat together, chatting for a long time.

Outside, a few maids couldn’t help but laugh, sneaking peeks. They saw their lady sitting upright while Young Master Yuan leaned towards her, whispering and smiling, both looking very happy.

This was much better than before at the Marquis Ningguo’s residence. And Young Master Yuan, the way he looked at their lady…

The maids exchanged glances, covering their mouths to stifle their laughter.

Mama Li, disapproving of their behavior, glared at them until they stood still, then she was satisfied. But when she turned back to look inside the hall, she couldn’t help but smile too.

It was a clear day. The sky was blue without a cloud in sight. White clouds clustered overhead, hiding the sun behind them. Bright sunlight filtered through the clouds, illuminating the earth, which was clear and bright as if washed by water.

In the courtyard, the green pomegranates on the tree branches swayed gently in the wind. In the distance, the wind rustled through the treetops, creating a sea of trees with a rustling sound.

Autumn had arrived.

A kitchen servant came to ask about the lunch arrangements, and Mama Li took a peek, causing the little maids to giggle uncontrollably.

Yet Mama Li was curious, too. She glared at a few spoiled maids who lacked manners, then had them move away and listed a few dishes.

After a while, the kitchen notified her, and Mama Li went to check, only to find the two still chatting and laughing, seemingly never-ending. Feeling helpless, she went in, lowered her head, and reported without looking too much.

It was only then that the two realized it was already noon.

Lu Minghua was a bit dazed, feeling like not much time had passed yet…

“Then I’ll take my leave,” Yan Yuanhua said, seeing Mama Li leave. His eyes, however, remained on Lu Minghua, clearly not wanting to go.

Lu Minghua understood the meaning behind his gaze but pretended not to notice—Having lunch together now would be too soon.

She stood up and said, “I’ll see you off.”

“Alright.” Yan Yuanhua’s voice was a bit lower, showing his disappointment.

The two walked to the door, and Yan Yuanhua still didn’t want to leave, staying close to Lu Minghua.

“Go back now; you should have lunch, too.” Standing at the door, with the servants watching and hearing the maids’ faint laughter, Lu Minghua felt embarrassed and urged him to leave.

“Then I’ll come back to see you after lunch,” Yan Yuanhua said, clearly not wanting to be apart from Lu Minghua for even a moment.

“No, after lunch, I’ll practice the pipa for a while, then take a nap,” Lu Minghua refused.

“Then I’ll come after your nap,” Yan Yuanhua eagerly added.

Why is he so clingy? Lu Minghua, feeling helpless, nodded.

Yan Yuanhua smiled and finally left.

Seeing him walk away and then look back, Lu Minghua found it amusing and heartwarming. She raised her hand and waved lightly. Seeing him take a few steps and seemingly want to turn back again, she quickly stepped back and led the others inside.

The short distance between their houses couldn’t always be like this—

That would be too, too…

Lu Minghua couldn’t describe the feeling, but it always embarrassed her. Behind her, a few maids were laughing, their eyes crinkled, exchanging glances. Thinking of their laughter just now, Lu Minghua glanced at them and said, “Still daring to laugh at your lady? I’ll have Mama Li punish you later.”

Xiao Chun and the others weren’t afraid. Their lady had never been a strict person. Moreover, in the past few months, their lady’s mood has been improving. Not only was she less restrained, but she was also more indulgent towards them. In this secluded mountain villa, Mama Li didn’t restrict them much, and over time, they became bolder.

“Miss, we’re just happy for you.”

“Yes, yes, Young Master Yuan always makes you happy, and that’s better than anything.”

“And Young Master Yuan treats Miss so well.”

The maids chattered happily.

What they didn’t say was that Young Master Yuan was much better than that Heir Wei. Although it was true, their lady might not want to hear them mention that person, so they didn’t say it.

Lu Minghua smiled lightly.

Next door.

Yan Yuanhua strode in, his face full of joy.

The guards immediately understood, ignoring the still-confused Zhao Shiyi, and hurried forward to congratulate him.

Yan Yuanhua, overjoyed, waved his hand and rewarded everyone. Only then did Zhao Shiyi realize what had happened; his eyes widened, and he was both happy and sighing.

“It’s really not easy. Miss Lu finally agreed to you. I thought she was going to refuse you.”

The guards, who were about to remind him, quietly moved away.

Some people can’t help but say the wrong thing, and it’s no wonder they pushed him to face the master. He just had that talent.

Over there, Zhao Shiyi realized his mistake after speaking, and seeing his master glance at him, he shivered.

“For the next month, let him be the sparring partner,” Yan Yuanhua said, still smiling, and went inside.

A few guards patted Zhao Shiyi on the back, showing their sympathy.

The so-called sparring partner naturally meant he would be the one practicing with the whole group.

Zhao Shiyi felt like his soul had left his body. If he could do it all over again, he would keep his mouth shut.

Back in his room, Yan Yuanhua thought about the planned afternoon meeting. He intended to take a nap so he could see her as soon as he woke up, but lying there, he couldn’t bring himself to close his eyes. He kept thinking about Lu Minghua’s every smile and expression, and before he knew it, a long time had passed.

When he checked the time and felt it was about right, he got up, intending to go over. But after looking at his clothes, he decided to change.

Seeing the pile of blue and green clothes, he felt dissatisfied. Why are they all the same?

He rummaged through them and finally found a black outfit he was satisfied with.

After a good nap, it was already late afternoon when he woke up.

Lu Minghua lazily got up, with Ping An still sleeping at the foot of her bed in its little nest made of various clothes. The little one was vigilant; as soon as she got up, it stretched lazily in its nest, then sat up and meowed, looking at her obediently.

“You’re awake too,” Lu Minghua said with a smile. She put on her embroidered shoes and got up, about to sit at the dressing table to comb her hair. Hearing the commotion, a maid quickly came in with a smile to report.

“Miss, Young Master Yuan from next door is here. He’s already been invited into the main hall.”

Pausing, she looked at herself in the mirror, called someone to casually style her hair, put on an outer garment, and went out. As she stepped into the hall, she looked up and froze.

The person sitting there was dressed in black, with a tiger embroidered on his chest. It was the same outfit he wore when he returned from the capital, but today, he had an additional outer garment.

That day, seeing Yan Yuanhua from afar in his black attire, he seemed imposing. Today, seeing him up close, he appeared even more extraordinary, with his smiling yet sharp eyes adding a touch of fierceness.

Noticing her gaze lingering on him, Yan Yuanhua thought this outfit was indeed the right choice and decided to have more made.

“Minghua, you’re awake. Did you sleep well? I hope I didn’t disturb you,” he said, having just arrived, worried that the maids might have woken her up.

“I just woke up,” Lu Minghua replied. Realizing she had been staring, she quickly looked away, feeling her face heat up.

“That’s good,” Yan Yuanhua smiled.

Lu Minghua sat down, and seeing his happy smile, she couldn’t help but smile too.

They chatted for a while, with Yan Yuanhua’s eyes never leaving Lu Minghua, feeling content just sitting there talking. Remembering their earlier conversation, he asked, “Minghua, didn’t we say we would see the lotuses in the pond? Shall we go now?”

Lu Minghua had forgotten about it but nodded when he reminded her.

They got up and walked towards the mountain stream. The pond was full of green, but the lotuses had already withered.

Lu Minghua felt a pang of regret.

Seeing this, Yan Yuanhua sent her a pot of blooming lotuses a few days later. Lu Minghua was delighted and kept them in the courtyard. Thus, the two neighboring residences, which had been distant for over half a month, began to interact again, even more frequently than before.

The masters were happy, and the guards and servants on both sides were all smiles, feeling that the days passed quickly.

*

In the capital.

The doctor finished taking the pulse and exited the room, gently shaking his head.

“Heir, forgive my incompetence. The lady’s health is too weak, and with a forced pregnancy, this child, I’m afraid…” he trailed off, not daring to continue.

Wei Yuntai’s smile faded slightly as he glanced into the room. When the maid cried and begged him to come in the morning, the image of Lu Mingxi lying on the bed, pale and lifeless, was still vivid in his mind, causing a pang in his heart.

“If we lose this child…” Wei Yuntai tentatively asked.

In comparison, Lu Mingxi was naturally more important. If she liked, they could always give her a concubine’s child to raise.

“No, no, this is my child, I can’t lose him,” Lu Mingxi said in a hoarse voice, having woken up at some point.

“Mingxi…” Wei Yuntai got up and went to the inner room to persuade her.

“I don’t want to hear you. You don’t want me anymore, and now you want to take my child? He’s all I have,” Lu Mingxi sobbed, full of despair, not even looking at Wei Yuntai.

He hadn’t expected her to say that. Looking at her turned-away face, the flesh she had painstakingly gained over the past few days was gone, her chin sharp and her face haggard. Wei Yuntai felt a tightness in his chest and softly called again, “Mingxi.”

“What are you still calling me for? Go find Shui Yao; go find Yu Man; why are you still looking for me?”

“I’ve been locked up in this Chunshan Courtyard for almost a month, and you haven’t come to see me.”

“You promised me you would be good to me.”

Lu Mingxi’s voice was full of sorrow. One sentence after another, her tearful eyes glanced at Wei Yuntai, gesturing for him to leave: “Go away, don’t come looking for me anymore. I don’t want to see you again.”

Her words were heart-wrenching, and Wei Yuntai felt a pang in his heart. Forgetting his previous doubts and coldness, he held her in his arms.

In the end, Xi’er became like this because of her. Before marriage, she was carefree and innocent. If it weren’t for marrying him…

Outside, the old doctor pretended not to see or hear anything, waiting for Wei Yuntai to come out. He muttered to himself, this young lady was said to be from a noble family, but her behavior was no different from the concubines of wealthy families he had seen. And the heir seemed oblivious. Thinking that the Marquis’s residence had no concubines, he understood and shook his head. Such a woman could never manage a household. The previous lady was so good, yet the heir insisted on divorcing her and marrying the younger sister.

Marrying is one thing, but marrying someone like this…

It’s like going backward in life.

Inside, after Wei Yuntai held Lu Mingxi, she cried uncontrollably. He comforted her for a long time before she stopped.

“Yuntai, don’t ignore me. Without you, I can’t bear it, I can’t live,” Lu Mingxi cried, holding him tightly, desperate and helpless.

“Don’t say such things,” Wei Yuntai’s heart tightened, and he sighed softly.

Enough, enough.

The doctor finally had time to respond after waiting for someone to come out, “The young lady’s body is too weak, even if she doesn’t want the child, it won’t help. The medication is harmful, so now we can only focus on nurturing her health. After that, it will depend on her fate.”

The young lady’s health was already poor, not to mention the fertility medication, which was like a tiger’s medicine. Using it had depleted half of her strength, and now, with the added strain of pregnancy, it was difficult. The child’s survival depended on luck; if it could survive to seven months, there might be some hope. The doctor didn’t want to say these words and regretted accepting the invitation.

Wei Yuntai clenched his hand and could only ask the doctor to do his best.

While the two reconciled, Madam Marquis received the news.

The nanny stood in the hall, holding her breath, worried her mistress would be angry. Instead, she heard Madam Marquis laugh.

“Reconciliation is good. I was really afraid she would die in Chunshan Courtyard. If that happened, Yuntai would have a real knot in his heart. I am relieved they have reconciled, although Yuntai is disappointing.”

With Lu Mingxi’s ignorant and shallow nature, she could only fool Yuntai for a while. Just wait. In a few days, she won’t be able to keep up the act, and one day, Yuntai will be thoroughly disappointed.

Then, things will be easier to handle.

*

Waking up in the morning, Ping An meowed a few times and followed Lu Minghua. After washing up and sitting at the dressing table, Ping An jumped up and nestled on her lap.

“You,” Lu Minghua said helplessly.

Hearing the commotion, Mama Li said, “I told you not to indulge it. It’s getting bolder.”

“Mama,” Lu Minghua said helplessly, “It’s just a bit clingy, it doesn’t cause any trouble.”

Mama Li wanted to say more, but seeing the affectionate look on her lady’s face, she held back. She stepped forward to comb Lu Minghua’s hair, using a sandalwood comb carved with Ruyi patterns. She gently slid the comb through her cloud-like black hair. “Shall I just tie it up?” she asked.

Usually, in the courtyard, Lu Minghua was too lazy to style her hair. She was about to agree when she paused.

“Please, Mama, style my hair into a bun,” she said.

These days, whenever Yuan Ji’an came to see her, he was always meticulously groomed. Day after day, she felt she was being too casual, so she decided to…

“Alright, alright, Miss, you are usually too plain, wasting those beautiful clothes and accessories,” Mama Li said.

Lu Minghua felt helpless. Beautiful, yes, but also cumbersome. She stayed at home and didn’t need to see guests, so why bother with all that preparation?

“With a bun, this outfit won’t do. The shop sent new clothes you haven’t tried on a few days ago. How about trying them on later?” Mama Li suggested, finally seeing her lady change her mind.

Hearing this, Lu Minghua felt her thoughts were seen through, her cheeks heated, and she felt a bit shy. She looked up, meeting her own eyes in the polished copper mirror. Her eyes were like water, her brows and lips smiling, and her eyelashes trembled.

“Alright,” she replied softly after a moment.

Mama Li was delighted and quickly called the maids to prepare the clothes for Lu Minghua to choose from. She continued to style her hair into a bun.

As for the accessories, they would be chosen to match the outfit.

The weather outside was clear, and Lu Minghua chose a blue dress embroidered with epiphyllum flowers. For accessories, she chose pearls and sapphires, with blue gemstones dangling from the pearl tassel hairpins, complementing the dress.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she was momentarily stunned. In her youth, she had also carefully dressed up to meet her beloved. But later…

Realizing she was recalling unpleasant memories, Lu Minghua brushed them aside. Just then, a maid came in, familiarly reporting that Young Master Yuan had come ‘again.’

Indeed, again!

He came in the morning and the afternoon, looking as if he wanted to spend the whole day with her lady. Every time the maids saw him staring at their lady with those eyes and that full smile, they couldn’t help but giggle, happy for their lady.

Lu Minghua’s face heated up again as she looked at her carefully dressed reflection in the mirror, feeling reluctant to get up.

“Mama, maybe I should change back,” she said, feeling that this was too deliberate, as if…

“Change what? You look so beautiful like this. Miss, you should have dressed up like this long ago. Who wouldn’t like it?” Mama Li was also happy. It had been many years since her lady had taken such care of her appearance. She quickly helped her up and sent her out.

“Mama,” Lu Minghua said helplessly, unable to come up with a reason. She lifted her skirt slightly and walked around the corridor towards the main hall.

The scent of tea lingered in the air as Yan Yuanhua looked towards the door. From there, he could see the distant green mountains, their peaks surrounded by white clouds, a breathtaking sight. But he paid no attention to it, focusing instead on the familiar sound of footsteps approaching, his eyes lighting up.

First, he saw the hem of a skirt embroidered with butterflies—

Minghua seemed to particularly like butterflies, Yan Yuanhua thought subconsciously. Then he saw the epiphyllum flowers blooming on her skirt as Lu Minghua gracefully entered, her hairpins gently swaying, her eyes like spring water.

He suddenly froze.

Author’s Note:

Great, my daughter is willing to dress up for herself. Happy!