Chapter 141

After falling ill, Nianxi lost a lot of weight, and her chin became noticeably sharp.

Madam Li forbade her from going to Liuji Pavilion again, saying, “You’re still recovering, so don’t overexert yourself trying to help others.”

Privately, Wang Muyi expressed great envy, saying, “If I could look as beautifully slim as you, I’d be willing to be sick for a whole month.”

Unfortunately, Madam Li overheard this comment and repeated it to Wang Muyi’s mother in a mocking tone. As a result, Wang Muyi found herself being served two extra bowls of nourishing soup every day.

Madam Xu also visited the Wen residence to check on Nianxi. Noticing her still frail appearance, she urged her to rest and recover, saying, “Madam Xian said you are free to marry whoever you want. You are a good young lady, and the capital is full of fine men. Don’t speak of lifelong celibacy anymore.”

“With Madam Xian and me here, no one will force you into anything,” she added.

Hearing this, Madam Li wept openly, holding Madam Xu’s hand and expressing her gratitude endlessly.

In her younger years, Madam Xu had served as the royal wet nurse in the palace, often going months without seeing her daughter. Tragically, her daughter passed away, and she never got the chance to see her one last time. Because of this, she held an additional sentimental attachment to Nianxi.

Nianxi herself was deeply grateful and said, “Thank you, Madam Xu and Lady Chengjing, for going to so much trouble on my behalf.”

At the Empress’s birthday banquet, the two madams arrived on time because Nianxi, sensing the dire situation, had sent Lan Zhi to call for help. At that time, she had no other choice and took a desperate chance.

To her surprise, the two madams truly acted with great righteousness, especially Lady Chengjing, who came to her aid despite her inconvenient mobility.

“Once I recover, I will surely dedicate myself to Liuji Pavilion,” Nianxi said.

Madam Xu chuckled and replied, “You are not a laborer there; focus on recovering first.”

Lu Huai had now become a frequent visitor to the Wen residence. Although the Wen family was not fond of the Empress’s faction, no one could bear to dislike Xiaoqi. The boy was just too endearing, his clever words flowing one after another, coaxing Madam Li into endless laughter and making her long to become his grandmother on the spot.

Because of this, Madam Li started arranging marriage prospects for Wen Qingheng. Determined, she planned for Wen Qingheng to marry in the spring, calculating that she could hold her real grandchild in her arms by this time next year as long as he didn’t drag his feet.

To avoid this, Wen Qingheng had already been away from home for several days and had not returned. It was said he was busy with official duties and couldn’t leave.

“He’s just a sixth-ranked official in the Ministry of Works. What kind of urgent matters could keep him from returning home?”

Zhou Yanli thoughtfully poured a cup of silver ear and lotus seed tea and handed it to Madam Li.

“The winter air is dry, Aunt. Please have some tea to moisten your lungs. I heard that His Majesty plans to renovate the imperial mausoleum next year. It’s a major state affair, so it’s understandable that Brother Qingheng is busy,” he said.

Madam Li took a sip of the tea, and it truly helped calm her down a great deal. She turned to Zhou Yanli, who was seated elegantly nearby, his appearance radiant like the morning sun, and smiled, asking, “Did you go to check on Nian’er earlier?”

Zhou Yanli smiled and replied, “Elder Sister was painting. She seemed much more spirited than two days ago, which was reassuring. She was very focused on her work, so I didn’t want to disturb her. Remembering that I overheard Aunt coughing yesterday, I brought this lung-moistening tea from the south for you. I remembered how much you liked it.”

“You’re so considerate,” Madam Li said, feeling all the more at ease. “Your older brother and sister are nothing like you in attentiveness.”

Zhou Yanli, however, refused to let any fault be found with Nianxi. “Elder Sister is the most thoughtful one. She remembers all of Aunt’s preferences. In fact, she was the one who told me about this tea.”

“You’ve been defending Nian’er against criticism since you were little. Have you not grown out of it?” Madam Li teased.

Zhou Yanli was momentarily stunned and didn’t know what to say, but the side of his face flushed slightly. He hurriedly drank tea to cover it up.

Madam Li observed everything and smiled so broadly that her eyes almost disappeared. “The New Year is approaching. Are you staying in the capital this year instead of going back?” she asked.

“I was planning to return, and my father even sent me a letter. But I’ve already missed the trip, so I’ll stay here this year. It doesn’t make much difference to me either way,” Zhou Yanli replied.

Madam Li fell silent for a moment. She knew well why Yanli had delayed his plans. With Nianxi falling ill, the entire household was turned upside down, and Yanli’s deep concern and care for her were clear for all to see. He was a good child, one who genuinely cared for Nian’er.

Zhou Yanli would eventually settle in the capital. He didn’t have much attachment to his family back in Jinling.

If…

If Nian’er were to marry him, she would run the household as soon as she entered it without having to deal with a mother-in-law’s interference. Yanli himself couldn’t be more accommodating to her.

Yanli was also highly educated, had a promising future, and was handsome. He had grown up with Nian’er and knew her well.

The more she thought about it, the list of his virtues seemed endless!

Although Gu Ci was also excellent and someone she truly liked, after what happened with King Jing, Madam Li no longer dared to let Nianxi’s fate linger in uncertainty. Who knew when Gu Ci would be able to return?

So, she tentatively asked, “I remember you’re a year younger than Nian’er. Scholars like you, much like Heng’er, typically prioritize earning titles before starting a family, don’t you?”

“Elder Sister is nine months older than me,” Zhou Yanli corrected. He set down his teacup, and his youthful face, now brimming with earnestness, shone with a striking sincerity. “I’d actually like to start a family first. In fact, I already bought a residence in the capital, not far from Yiqiao Street. I plan to move in after the New Year.”

He spoke and then blushed with embarrassment, saying, “Don’t laugh at me, Aunt. I’ve always envied Brother Qingheng for having such a wonderful family. In the past, I even fantasized about what it would be like if I were part of this family.”

This was almost a direct confession of his feelings.

Madam Li had no complaints left and said, “Good child, everything will turn out well.”

…

Nianxi was indeed painting in the study.

The difference was that a little boy was sitting by her side.

Nianxi still remembered that Lu Huai had used his small body to shield her before she fainted. She asked, “How could you possibly catch me? Weren’t you afraid I’d crush you?”

Lu Huai, pretending to act strong, showed his completely muscleless arms and said, “I’m very sturdy. Falling doesn’t scare me. Besides, you’re so light. If you fell, you’d hardly make a dent!”

Children’s affections are often the most straightforward, unadulterated by anything else. His simple concern was filled with sincerity.

Nianxi was truly moved.

“If you’re really grateful, you can embroider a sachet,” Lu Huai suggested, glancing at Nianxi and eagerly seizing the opportunity. “It doesn’t need to have a complex design; a simple pair of mandarin ducks playing in water will do.”

“You want me to embroider mandarin ducks for you?” Nianxi was a bit surprised. “Young Master Lu, how old are you this year?”

“Who said it’s for me! It’s for my father!” Lu Huai set down his paintbrush and, with a serious expression, asked, “When are you going to marry him? Aren’t sachets used as tokens of love in operas?”

He added confidently, “I think the sooner the wedding, the better.”

“Who said I’m going to marry him?”

Lu Huai looked as though his world was crumbling. “You’re not getting married? But I’ve already thought of names for your future children!”

Nianxi, unaware of the rumors and never having considered marrying Lu Wensheng, was genuinely curious. “What names have you come up with?”

“Xiao Ba, Xiao Jiu, and Da Mei Niu.”

Nianxi could hardly keep herself from laughing. “What’s Da Mei Niu?”

“Our little sister, of course!” Lu Huai stretched out his chubby little hand and counted on his fingers. “Xiao Qi, Xiao Ba, Xiao Jiu are the older brothers, and Da Mei Niu is our little sister!”

“Da Mei Niu will definitely be extremely beautiful!” he declared confidently.

Nianxi: …

“Xiao Qi, the other day, Duke Fu helped me, and I’m deeply grateful—just as I am grateful to you. Should I marry you, then?”

Deep down, Lu Huai instinctively knew that this was different. But still—

“You mean you don’t like my father?!”

“… That’s right.”

At that moment, a little boy’s heart quietly shattered.