Chapter 47

The illness was fake, but he divorced Lu Minghua because of it.

The so-called switch seemed to have an inside story, but all these years, he firmly believed it was Lu Minghua’s doing—

She had clearly defended herself. But what about him? He had never listened, only thinking it was her sophistry.

But what if it wasn’t?

What if he had wronged Lu Minghua?

The beliefs he once held so firmly were gradually overturned in these days, leaving Wei Yuntai sitting there, lost and despondent.

“Still haven’t found anything?” Yan Yuanhua, always keeping an eye on the Wei family, asked, dissatisfied upon learning they hadn’t found the person.

Zhao Shiyi chuckled without speaking. After all, Wei Yuntai was just the heir of the Marquis’s residence; how could he compare to their prince?

“Do you need me to send someone to help?” he offered.

“Have they found the monk?” Yan Yuanhua asked instead.

Hearing this, Zhao Shiyi understood that Yan Yuanhua wasn’t planning to intervene. Somewhat puzzled, he didn’t ask further and replied, “After our investigation these days, we’ve found traces. If all goes well, we should have good news in a few days.”

Satisfied, Yan Yuanhua nodded.

In the end, the key to everything lies with the young monk. Only his confession could completely prove Minghua’s innocence and show how blind and foolish those people were.

Wei Yuntai was one thing, but Yan Yuanhua could never understand what Madam Qin was thinking. As a mother, how could she be so absurd and cruel?

“Your Highness, why not lend a hand?” Zhao Shiyi asked anxiously. He had gathered all the information about Miss Lu and knew how much her past had hurt her. He only wanted to restore her innocence immediately, thinking that his prince shared the same desire. But why would he refuse?

“Because of Wei Yuntai,” Yan Yuanhua said, his gaze drifting beyond the study to the distant mountains. “What’s the point of quickly uncovering the truth? I want him to find out bit by bit and realize just how foolish he was.”

If the matter were resolved too quickly, Wei Yuntai’s remorse wouldn’t be as deep. But that wouldn’t be enough. He had tormented Lu Minghua for three years, and Yan Yuanhua wanted Wei Yuntai to experience that same heart-wrenching pain.

Zhao Shiyi lowered his eyes, feeling a chill. The prince’s usual carefree demeanor often made him forget his demeanor at the border. Prince Rui, Yan Yuanhua, was known for his cunning strategies and psychological warfare. He had spent two years orchestrating the internal chaos in Beiyi, leading to the decisive defeat of the Beiyi royal city.

Suddenly remembering this, Zhao Shiyi dared not say more.

“By the way, Your Highness, news from the capital: the Beiyi envoys have already set out, led by the third prince and Yelü Zhui.”

Beiyi’s submission meant they would enter the palace on New Year’s Day to pay homage to the emperor and present tributes. This wouldn’t be noteworthy except for the delegation leaders. They were all defeated generals under their prince, and despite their defeat, Beiyi’s ambition remained untamed. This visit to the capital might still cause trouble.

“So what? This is the capital of Yan Kingdom,” Yan Yuanhua said with an unchanged smile.

Zhao Shiyi felt invigorated and ready to agree when he saw his prince suddenly frown, causing his heart to tighten.

“What’s wrong? Is there something?” he couldn’t help but ask softly.

“The people from Beiyi are coming. My elder brother will definitely call me back,” Yan Yuanhua said reluctantly.

Zhao Shiyi silently closed his mouth.

“It’s still too far from here,” Yan Yuanhua pondered.

*

“Sister is perfect. It’s my fault.”

“Minghua, help Mingxi.”

“Mother, how do you want me to help her?”

“I hope the heir and Lu Mingxi will live in harmony and grow old together.”

The words echoed in his dreams, faces flashed in his mind, and Wei Yuntai woke up again. His temples were damp, and he breathed heavily, but his heart felt suffocated.

Lu Mingxi’s face full of guilt and reluctance, Madam Qin’s pleading voice, Lu Minghua’s indifference, and finally, Lu Minghua’s inexplicable smile.

The guilt and reluctance were false; Lu Mingxi had always resented Lu Minghua.

The pleading was genuine; Madam Qin had always favored Lu Mingxi and ignored Lu Minghua.

Lu Minghua’s indifference was real; that inexplicable smile was clearly filled with expectation and mockery.

In his dream, Wei Yuntai saw it clearly. He covered his face with his hand and forced a bitter smile.

Indeed, it deserved mockery—

But lately, he couldn’t help but recall the newlywed Lu Minghua, her eyes sparkling like stars, her face full of smiles, and her lips curved with joy.

But in the end, it was all gone.

The stars gradually dimmed, the smile slowly faded, and the curved lips fell.

Why hadn’t he believed her then? Why hadn’t he checked again?

Self-reproach and regret churned in his heart, and Wei Yuntai didn’t dare to think deeply about the answer that seemed so close.

“Heir, we’ve found them. The person has been brought back,” a subordinate reported the next day.

Wei Yuntai sat behind his desk, looking haggard. In just a few days, it seemed as if half of his vitality had been drained.

“Bring the person here. I want to question them myself,” he said.

“They haven’t arrived at the residence yet,” the subordinate hesitated, seeing his master’s dazed state. Then he quickly added, “We just received a message. Once they arrive, I’ll bring them to you immediately.”

Wei Yuntai nodded.

“Yuntai, what’s wrong with you?” Madam Sun asked worriedly.

“Mother, I’m fine,” Wei Yuntai replied as usual.

“Look at you. How can you say you’re fine? Are you trying to worry me to death?” Madam Sun asked anxiously.

Seeing Wei Yuntai grow thinner day by day, Madam Sun was deeply alarmed. Even Wei Huailiang was concerned, and the two of them were now sitting in the hall, looking at Wei Yuntai.

Wei Yuntai couldn’t speak. What could he say? That he regretted being blind and misjudging someone? That he regretted being biased and hurting Lu Minghua?

He couldn’t say anything. If he said such things, he would laugh at himself.

Look, the heir of the Marquis of Ningguo, praised by the world as a gentleman, turned out to be a fool. He refused to say anything.

Madam Sun could only feel disappointed, and Wei Huailiang, looking at him, closed his eyes slightly, hiding his disappointment.

However, Wei Huailiang’s disappointment was different from Madam Sun’s. He regretted letting Wei Yuntai live too smoothly all these years. He knew the whole story and had thought that if this incident could make Wei Yuntai realize that people’s words and so-called evidence could deceive, only by using one’s heart and carefully discerning could the truth be found. But he didn’t expect that such a small setback would almost crush Wei Yuntai.

In this world, who hasn’t been deceived? Who hasn’t failed?

If deceived, punish them harshly. If failed, keep trying. Even in leading troops to battle, victory isn’t guaranteed every time. But Wei Yuntai seemed to have lost his will and spirit. He was genuinely disappointed.

After paying his respects, Wei Yuntai intended to return to his study but inexplicably found himself heading back to Chunshan Courtyard.

Upon entering, he was met with a scene of desolation. He paused, carefully recalling how the courtyard used to look. Maidservants used to move about cheerfully, and further ahead, one could see the bright and tidy houses. Even in the winter, the courtyard was filled with soft laughter, making it feel warm and inviting.

Lu Minghua always wore a gentle smile, sitting on the soft couch by the window, either reading or looking at the account books.

But then…

When Lu Mingxi arrived, the maids became extremely disciplined, moving cautiously all day. At that time, he thought it was because they were following his orders not to disturb Lu Mingxi. But was that really the case?

Now, the courtyard was empty, with nothing left.

Wei Yuntai stood for a moment, then turned and left.

“Yuntai,” a soft call came. Lu Mingxi, seeing someone who looked like him from afar, hurried out. After a few steps, she was already out of breath, swaying like a weak willow in the wind. But by the time she took a few more steps, the figure had already walked far away, not stopping at all. She chased to the door, wanting to go out, but was stopped and pushed back.

“Young Madam, please don’t make it difficult for us. Madam said you are not to leave Chunshan Courtyard anymore. Please go back,” the servant said indifferently, continuing their actions without paying her any attention.

Lu Mingxi stumbled and fell to the ground. Clutching her chest, she gasped for breath. Looking up, she saw the servant’s indifferent expression, sneering and turning away as if they hadn’t seen anything.

Struggling to get up, she looked with resentment at the servants guarding the courtyard and turned back inside. Inside, the brazier was burning, and the heat hit her face. Only after entering did she feel the cold, realizing she hadn’t worn her cloak. A few young maids were chatting in a sheltered spot, not even glancing at her.

After learning the truth, Madam Marquis confined Lu Mingxi again, and all her servants were sent to the estate. Only a few young maids were left in the courtyard, who didn’t care about the obviously neglected Young Madam and were very lazy all day.

“I want some water,” Lu Mingxi said as she entered the room, her face growing colder as she looked at the empty water jug.

The young maids pushed each other until one finally came forward, knelt, and addressed her as “Young Madam” with seemingly proper etiquette but no expression on her face. She took the jug and left without even a bow, returning after a while with a filled jug, placing it down without a word. They had been instructed not to pay attention to the Young Madam but to maintain proper manners.

Lu Mingxi felt increasingly stifled, gripping her teacup, her already pale fingertips turning even whiter.

Looking outside, she saw the once lively Chunshan Courtyard, now so desolate. She stood there for a moment, then suddenly let out a bitter laugh, unable to stop. No matter how she tried to hide it, the bleakness in her eyes remained.

“She’s going mad again,” one young maid whispered cautiously.

“Don’t look. Why bother with her?” an older maid said, pulling her back and glaring at her.

The younger ones didn’t know, but the older maid understood the marquise’s intention in sending them here. The lady inside had high aspirations, and by ignoring her, they would naturally make her suffer.

Madam Marquis wanted her to suffer.

“Why would she think like that, using her own child to frame a concubine?” someone asked, puzzled.

“Didn’t you hear? That child couldn’t be saved anyway.”

“Even if it couldn’t be saved, there could be another.”

“The doctor said that with her body, losing this one means she can never have another.”

“But that doesn’t justify using it to frame a concubine. What’s the benefit?”

“You think she did it for the concubine?” someone sneered. Recently, everyone in the Marquis’s residence who knew anything about the matter had been discussing it privately, drawing various conclusions. She picked one and said, “She did it because Madam Marquis valued Shuiyao’s child, but Shuiyao didn’t get along with her, so she did this.”

“Ah?” another person said, confused.

“Given how the heir treated her before, if Shuiyao really plotted against her, the heir would despise her child. If it worked, and she got along well with Yuman, she could raise her child without worrying about Shuiyao’s child.”

“So that’s it.”

“Some say she actually wanted to get rid of Shuiyao’s child too, but Madam Marquis protected her well, so she had no choice but to do this.”

A few people whispered together, and fragments of their conversation drifted into Lu Mingxi’s ears. Her heart churned with anger as she threw down her teacup.

With a crisp sound, everyone fell silent, looking at each other without continuing.

Wei Yuntai, Wei Yuntai!

She could have succeeded, but Lu Mingxi never imagined that the seemingly gentle Wei Yuntai would secretly have her monitored. If not for that!

At that moment, her panic and fear suddenly dissipated, replaced by resentment towards Wei Yuntai.

*

“Minghua, the weather is getting colder, and this mountain is quite desolate. I have a villa in Yunshan outside the city. How about moving there?” Yan Yuanhua suggested.

Recently, the weather has become increasingly cold. The villa is located halfway up the mountain, and the daily wind is bone-chilling.

The two of them, cloaked, walked through the forest, with Lu Minghua stepping on the fallen leaves, listening to the crunching sound and smiling lightly. Hearing Yan Yuanhua’s suggestion, she looked over.

“Yunshan, the one with the hot spring?” she asked.

Before Yan Yuanhua could answer, she shook her head and said, “I don’t want to go.”

Lu Minghua was a homebody. Once she got used to living in one place, it was hard for her to adapt to another. She had already grown accustomed to this villa and didn’t want to familiarize herself with a new place.

“Just come to keep me company,” Yan Yuanhua said gently, seeing her reluctance.

“Are you going?” Lu Minghua was stunned, feeling a sudden reluctance.

“I have old injuries, and the wind on this mountain isn’t suitable for recovery. The doctor said I should stay in Yunshan,” Yan Yuanhua explained, looking at Lu Minghua with anticipation.

Lu Minghua’s heart stirred, feeling a bit hesitant.

“Minghua, I can’t bear to be without you,” Yan Yuanhua said cheerfully as if it didn’t matter at all. “If you don’t go, then I won’t go either.”

“You,” Lu Minghua was at a loss for words, glaring at him.

Yan Yuanhua smiled at her, silently asking what was wrong.

“Who uses themselves to threaten others?” Lu Minghua said helplessly, almost wanting to laugh.

“No choice,” Yan Yuanhua spread his hands, looking helpless. “What can I do? I can’t handle Minghua, so this is the only way.”

What did he mean by not being able to handle her!

Anyone who didn’t know would think she was some formidable person.

Lu Minghua’s face heated up, and she glared at him.

“Minghua, come on, just keep me company,” Yan Yuanhua said softly, bending down to look at Lu Minghua.

He was tall, and Lu Minghua only reached his shoulder, maybe a bit lower. When they looked at each other, she inevitably had to look up. But at some point, Yan Yuanhua always bent down to meet her gaze. His eyes were fixed on her as if he would pull her into his arms at any moment. But now, those usually intense eyes were filled with silent pleading.

“You’re just like Ping An,” Lu Minghua couldn’t help but mutter.

Who was like that little thing?

Yan Yuanhua heard it clearly and couldn’t help but snort softly. Every time he thought of that little thing nestled in his arms, looking at him with those proud eyes, he regretted giving it away.

So annoying!

“But…” Lu Minghua hesitated, feeling uneasy about suddenly moving to a new place.

Seeing the emotions in her eyes, Yan Yuanhua sighed softly, becoming more determined to take Lu Minghua with him. The world was vast, and his Minghua had yet to see it all. How could she confine herself to such a small villa?

“Let’s go,” he coaxed patiently.

“Can you really bear to let me go alone?” Yan Yuanhua said, taking her hidden fingertips in his hand.

Lu Minghua’s breath caught. Even though it wasn’t the first time, such closeness still made her uncomfortable. She gently tugged but gave up when she couldn’t pull away. Turning her face to the side, a small smile tugged at her lips.

“Minghua, just come with me, okay?”

“Minghua~”

“Fine,” after a while, seeing her remain silent, Yan Yuanhua sighed as if not wanting to trouble her and said, “Then I won’t—”

“Alright, alright, I’ll go,” Lu Minghua quickly said. She turned back to look at Yan Yuanhua, smiling helplessly.

“Stop pretending to be pitiful,” she scolded lightly.

By now, Lu Minghua had come to understand his temperament. He could be domineering at times and persistent at others. If she didn’t agree, he would likely keep at it for days until she relented.

Yan Yuanhua’s eyes lit up, and he immediately smiled, seeing the helplessness and indulgence in her eyes. His heart swelled, and he couldn’t help but step forward and pull her into his arms.

Lu Minghua froze, instinctively raising her hand to push against his chest, feeling flustered.

Holding her warm, soft body, Yan Yuanhua was also momentarily stunned.

He actually—

After hesitating for a moment, he didn’t let go but held Lu Minghua even tighter.

At that moment, he felt he should say something but couldn’t think of what to say.

“Minghua, I’m so happy,” he finally whispered.

The heartbeat under his palm was rapid and deep, and the tension in his voice was palpable. For some reason, Lu Minghua felt calm, even amused.

She smiled lightly. Her heartbeat seemed to quicken too and her cheeks warmed. After hesitating, she lowered her hand and gently wrapped her arms around his waist.

Then she softly responded, “Hmm.”

She seemed happy too when she felt his heartbeat.

The gentle touch on his waist thrilled Yan Yuanhua, and he tightened his grip on Lu Minghua’s hand.

“Minghua,” he said, struggling to speak.

“Hmm?”

“I’m so happy.”

“I know.”

Yan Yuanhua couldn’t help but inwardly refute, no, Minghua didn’t know. She couldn’t possibly imagine how happy he was right now.

Since they had decided to go to Yunshan, Lu Minghua began instructing people to pack. However, it wasn’t to go to Yan Yuanhua’s villa.

“Why not? I’ve already had people start preparing. The hot spring is warm, and I built a greenhouse for flowers. The craftsman said a Zhaojin flower is about to bloom, and you’ll definitely like it,” Yan Yuanhua disagreed, holding her hand and murmuring softly.

Anyone who has their hand held all day, whether there’s something to do or not, will get used to it—Especially after a hug. By now, Lu Minghua no longer felt uncomfortable. She let Yan Yuanhua hold her hand while she flipped through the account book with the other, saying, “But that’s your villa.”

Though they were close, it wasn’t to the point where she could move into Yuan Ji’an’s residence.

“I’ve acquired a house in a town near Yunshan. It’s not far, and I can visit you there. How about that?” Lu Minghua put down the account book and smiled at him.

Villas near Yunshan were rare, occupied mainly by noble families from the capital. Ordinary families, even with money, found it hard to acquire one.

Fortunately, the town was very close to Yunshan. It was bustling and lively, just a two—or three-quarter-hour carriage ride away. Although the house prices were high, she could afford it.

Yan Yuanhua wanted to say no, but when Lu Minghua hesitated, he could be persistent. When she was moved but shy, he could be domineering once. But when she was clearly unwilling, he wouldn’t say anything.

“Alright, whatever you say,” he said.

He looked at her thoughtfully, his eyes gentle, and Lu Minghua couldn’t help but smile.

As time moved into the winter month, the weather became increasingly cold. On a relatively clear day, two carriages from neighboring courtyards started their journey towards Yunshan.

Glancing at the guards riding fine horses behind and the carriage, Lu Minghua lowered the curtain and looked helplessly at the person who stubbornly stayed in her carriage.

“Since you’re not sitting in it, why did you get that carriage?”

When they set off, Yan Yuanhua had directly climbed into Lu Minghua’s carriage. Now, leaning against the carriage wall with a smile, he said, “So I must thank Minghua for taking me in and not kicking me out.”

Lu Minghua gave him a sidelong glance. She didn’t kick him out because she hadn’t managed to do so.

She felt a bit uneasy with someone else in the carriage, but that feeling faded after a while. She picked up a storybook to read.

“What are you reading?” Yan Yuanhua asked with interest, noticing it was a storybook, which surprised him.

Lu Minghua rarely read these, preferring poetry and essays.

“A storybook, to pass the time. There are more here.” Lu Minghua casually handed him a few more books.

Yan Yuanhua glanced at them, uninterested. He only wanted to see the one in Lu Minghua’s hands.

After exchanging a few books and seeing him still staring at the one she was holding, Lu Minghua gave up, moved the book between them, and read together.

“Thank you, Minghua,” Yan Yuanhua said with a smile, earning a playful eye-roll from her, which made him feel delighted.

This storybook was the common type seen nowadays.

The story is about a scholar who catches the eye of a noble lady. They fall in love and finally come together after overcoming various obstacles. But this is just the beginning. The lady stays at home, diligently taking care of her mother-in-law, while the scholar goes to the capital for the imperial examination and achieves great success. He is chosen as a son-in-law by a high-ranking official, who, despite the scholar’s honesty about already having a wife, still marries his daughter to him as a concubine, admiring his talent. In the end, with a virtuous wife and a beautiful concubine, the scholar rises steadily in his career.

Lu Minghua finished reading and couldn’t help but laugh.

“These storybooks are all written by failed scholars. It’s inevitable,” Yan Yuanhua comforted her, clearly looking down on those people.

“Indeed, otherwise, how could they dream such dreams?” Lu Minghua tossed the book aside, feeling a bit bored.

Yan Yuanhua flipped through the storybooks, not knowing who had prepared them, but most of them were about talented scholars and beautiful ladies. After searching for a while, he gave up.

“By the way, Minghua, have you ever read ‘Dream of the Immortal’?”

Lu Minghua shook her head, not even sure which book he was referring to.

“This one is quite interesting. It’s about a scholar who accidentally enters a fairyland, where he chats and plays with immortals, experiencing various strange events, only to realize in the end that it was all a dream,” Yan Yuanhua briefly introduced, then asked, “Minghua, would you like to hear it?”

Seeking immortals?

Lu Minghua had read similar storybooks, but she was curious about what kind of storybook could make Yuan Ji’an remember it, so she nodded.

Yan Yuanhua began to tell the story.

In the swaying carriage, the man’s voice was clear and gentle. Lu Minghua smiled and listened quietly, gradually feeling sleepy. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Hearing her breathing become steady, Yan Yuanhua turned to look at her and stopped speaking. After a while, when she was sound asleep, he gently helped her lie down, sat beside her, and watched her with a smile.

Even though he had looked at her for so long, he never seemed to get enough.

Outside, Mama Li lifted the curtain and took a quiet look, finally feeling relieved.

After half a day, they finally arrived at Yunshan.

Lu Minghua went straight to the small courtyard she had bought. Yan Yuanhua wandered around, quietly instructing the guards to protect Lu Minghua before reluctantly leaving.

It took Lu Minghua three whole days to settle everything inside and out.

Yan Yuanhua couldn’t wait any longer and came to urge her every day. Finally, she found some time, got on the carriage, and headed to the other courtyard to see the prized camellia ‘Zhaojin.’

As the carriage passed by various courtyards, Lu Minghua casually glanced around and suddenly widened her eyes in surprise.

Was that Wei Yuntai?

She couldn’t believe her eyes as she looked at the thin and haggard man outside. How did he end up like this?

As the carriage passed by, Wei Yuntai also turned to look and met a pair of shocked eyes. Despite not having seen each other for a long time and having been so distant before, he instantly recognized the owner of those eyes after all the torment in his dreams.

Lu Minghua.

Ignoring everything else, he hurried to catch up, not even hearing Mama Li’s shouts. But as an ordinary civil servant, how could he catch up with the carriage? Under the vigilant eyes of the guards, Wei Yuntai finally stopped, staring blankly as Lu Minghua entered another courtyard.

He had vaguely heard about that courtyard, and it was said that the owner was a young man. His heart trembled, and amidst the chaos, his body swayed, almost unable to stand. If not for the servant supporting him, he might have fallen to the ground immediately.

Author’s Note:

Pulling and hugging! My little prince has grown up!

Is this progress too fast?