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Chapter 43: Back Again

Hearing that the magazine couldn’t be published monthly, a trace of disappointment appeared in Madam Yan’s eyes.

She turned to her daughter beside her and found a new topic.

“This year’s autumn imperial examination—I heard both your boys will be taking part?”

Wen Ruyu nodded with a smile, thinking to herself that if Lu Jinnian could pass the county-level exam this year, he would join his two older brothers in the autumn exams. Perhaps all three children would be testing together.

Madam Yan smiled. “My youngest son will be taking the exam this year too. He did his county test back home and didn’t rank very high. We don’t know if he’ll pass this time either, but at least it’s experience. I heard he’s planning to travel with your sons, so they can look after each other on the road.”

Wen Ruyu replied warmly, “That’s wonderful. I couldn’t ask for more. Qiaofeng has a good temperament and is very proper. I’m always pleased to see juniors like him.”

Then came the usual exchange of pleasantries between the ladies.

After praising their sons, since both their daughters were nearby, Wen Ruyu also complimented Madam Yan’s daughter—just idle chatter.

Since Wen Ruyu and her daughter were going to eat, and the Lin family mother and daughter were going shopping, they parted ways after chatting for about a quarter of an hour.

While beside Madam Yan, Lin Xiaoyin appeared reserved, not daring to look the elder directly in the eyes.

But after Wen Ruyu and her daughter left, Lin Xiaoyin’s gaze lingered on them for a moment.

Madam Yan, as her birth mother, naturally noticed her daughter’s every move.

“The Lu family’s matriarch is easy to get along with—good temper, and treats her daughters-in-law well,” she said beside Lin Xiaoyin.

Lin Xiaoyin quickly averted her gaze, as if not fully understanding what her mother meant.

Meanwhile, Wen Ruyu took her daughter to a restaurant.

The two didn’t eat much. Wen Ruyu ordered a roast duck, a plate of vegetables, a bowl of fish ball soup, and some dessert.

After the meal, they had tea. Once satisfied, they paid and went home.

On the way back, they bought two portions of desserts from Qing Shuang Zhai to share with the family.

Once home, Wen Ruyu instructed the desserts to be distributed and told Qingxue to deliver a hairpin to her daughter-in-law.

Fener happened to be delivering a dessert to Concubine Qian.

Concubine Qian had little to do most days. The matriarch liked her and often called her over to play games. At home, she usually chatted with her own family members.

Today, Concubine Qian was free and stitching shoe soles in her room.

Seeing Fener arrive, she smiled and invited her to sit.

Fener had been well-trained by Wen Ruyu’s chief maid, so her manners were impeccable.

Though she sat near the couch, she didn’t fully settle in.

“The matriarch went shopping today and brought back some desserts. She asked us to deliver them to each residence so everyone could have a taste.”

Concubine Qian, who had seen her share of the world, recognized the treats from Qing Shuang Zhai and smiled, instructing her maid to accept them.

The desserts were placed on the small table in front of the couch, with tea served alongside.

Concubine Qian picked up a piece and took a bite. The delicate, lightly sweet pastry was crispy and easy to eat in one bite.

She followed it with a sip of tea.

Delighted by the taste, her eyebrows raised.

“Mmm, not bad. You should try some too,” she offered Fener.

Fener didn’t dare.

So Concubine Qian personally picked up a piece and brought it to Fener’s mouth.

Though not from a prestigious family, Concubine Qian had always been frugal—even a bit stingy at times.

But she was never cheap with her own people.

Whenever her family needed money or her son needed something, she gave what she could.

Even though she hadn’t said anything openly, she had long noticed Fener and Lu Ke’s situation.

So now she considered Fener part of her own circle, and didn’t hold back good food from her.

Seeing the dessert was already at her lips, Fener didn’t refuse. She took it and had a bite.

“Is it good?” Concubine Qian asked with a smile.

Fener nodded quietly.

With nothing else to do, Concubine Qian started chatting idly: “Where did the matriarch go shopping today?”

“A jewelry store,” Fener replied.

Seeing her eat so dryly, Concubine Qian handed over a cup of tea. “Have some tea.”

Fener shook her head and simply swallowed the bite.

Concubine Qian continued, “The matriarch sure has leisure time now. I suppose she bought something?”

Fener nodded. “She bought two gold bracelets—one for herself, one for the young lady. And a silver hairpin for the first wife.”

As soon as she said it, Concubine Qian’s smile faded.

Realizing she said something the concubine wouldn’t like, Fener closed her mouth and stood up.

“I have things to do in the room, I’ll go back now.”

Concubine Qian just nodded.

After Fener left, Concubine Qian pursed her lips. Though she felt a bit sour, she dared not say much.

Even if her son would one day get a share of the Lu family, everyone knew how the family had gotten to where they were now.

Wen Ruyu used her own earnings—no one had the right to complain.

The shop was inherited, sure, but it flourished in her hands. She had every right to spend some money on herself.

Plus, whatever she bought would eventually still belong to the Lu family.

Lu Mingzhu was the daughter of the Lu family—giving her dowry was expected.

Zhao Shu was the daughter-in-law—a silver hairpin was nothing.

Now that the family was doing well, the household members’ monthly stipends had increased, especially Wen Ruyu’s—ten taels more per month, plus extra allowances.

They didn’t have many branches of the family, so the increased income sometimes led to tension among siblings and in-laws.

But if the matriarch wanted to spend, all she had to do was say so.

Still, Concubine Qian couldn’t help feeling envious. She only had one plain gold bangle to her name.

Her status was only slightly better than a top-ranked maid in the Lu household.

She no longer wanted the dessert or to stitch shoes.

Just as she was stewing in her thoughts, a maid came in.

Madam Song from next door had come over—the matriarch wanted to know if she’d like to play cards.

Though she had been upset, the idea of playing cards immediately lifted her spirits.

She grabbed a string of 100 coins and followed the maid to Wen Ruyu’s place.

By the time she arrived, Wen Ruyu and the others were already seated.

After greeting Wen Ruyu, she sat in the spot left for her.

Once everyone was settled, they began playing.

Wen Ruyu, sitting next to Concubine Qian, asked, “I just sent the desserts around. Did you get yours?”

“Yes, thank you for thinking of me,” Concubine Qian replied with a forced smile.

Wen Ruyu had done more than enough, but compared to what others got, Concubine Qian still felt it wasn’t much.

Wen Ruyu noticed the stiffness in her smile but, being the matriarch, didn’t bother spending too much energy on someone of Concubine Qian’s rank. It was enough to keep up appearances.

As they played, a woman’s scream suddenly rang out from next door.

It was afternoon, and most households were quiet, so the sound was jarring.

Wen Ruyu stopped shuffling the cards. “Where did that come from?”

Before anyone could answer, Madam Wang laughed.

Everyone looked at her in confusion.

She was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes.

“Who else could it be? It’s our two living ancestors again.”

“What happened?” Concubine Qian asked curiously.

Madam Wang was happy to explain.

“Didn’t Qiyuan just take in a new concubine the other day? She’s no pushover. Lately, she and Yang have been fighting nonstop. One’s relying on her family connections, the other on her pregnancy and looks. Qiyuan’s going crazy.”

“Doesn’t that bother you?” Zhao Shu asked.

Madam Wang sneered. “Why should it? I enjoy watching the drama. It has nothing to do with me—my in-laws and husband are the ones with headaches.”

Concubine Qian asked, “That Yang concubine is young and pretty. Why would the master take another concubine? Was it your doing?”

After thinking a bit, Madam Wang answered, “I used to consider it—better he visit someone else than bother me after Yang. But then I thought, that’s too cruel.”

“Being a concubine isn’t a good thing. Who would rush to do it?”

“So I didn’t push it. But my mother-in-law did, so now I get free entertainment every day.”

She then realized Concubine Qian was a concubine too.

She added quickly, “I didn’t mean you.”

Concubine Qian awkwardly smiled. “No worries, I know you didn’t mean me.”

Wen Ruyu watched the interaction silently.

Zhao Shu, ever the peacemaker, urged, “Let’s keep playing.”

But the game wasn’t to last.

A maid from the Song household rushed in.

“Madam, come quickly—Concubine Yang’s labor has started.”

Madam Wang, despite her previous comments, immediately sobered.

“She’s only seven months—already going into labor?”

“She was arguing with Concubine Shen, and it triggered early labor. Her water broke—the whole house is in chaos. Even the old madam fainted!”

Madam Wang frowned. “Did you call a midwife?”

“Yes, but she hasn’t arrived yet.”

Wen Ruyu advised, “You should go. It’s still the Song family’s child. If anything goes wrong, it’ll be terrible.”

So Madam Wang stood up and left with the maid.

After she left, the rest continued the game with Qiuyi taking her place.

By now, it was already a leisurely afternoon activity.

Lu Mingzhu didn’t join—she disliked cards and was busy grooming herself in her room.

Without outsiders, the Lu women chatted casually, with the occasional laughter and sound of slapping cards.

As the day darkened, a maid came to ask about dinner, and they paused the game.

While issuing instructions, Zhao Shu left to tend to something.

Concubine Qian, who was fine playing cards, felt uncomfortable serving Wen Ruyu, and was about to leave.

Just then, Nanny Zhou entered and said, “Madam, Second Master is back.”

Wen Ruyu was surprised—Lu Bainian must have run into something.

It was the season for the spring harvest down south. He shouldn’t have had time to return yet.

“Where is he?”

“He’s outside, hasn’t changed clothes yet.”

Concubine Qian lingered, eyes darting, curiosity obvious.

“Let him in,” Wen Ruyu said.

Then, turning to Concubine Qian, “You can go now.”

Disappointed, she quietly left.

Outside, she ran into Lu Baining.

He still wore last year’s clothes—faded, wrinkled. The once-spirited youth now looked slightly scruffy despite being clean.

It was still light out, so not everything was clear.

She thought his eyes looked red.

Her gaze was too obvious—Lu Baining looked right at her.

Startled, she quickly looked away and hurried off.

Who knew what trouble he had seen? She had no interest in getting caught up.

Of course, with his status, he wouldn’t argue with her—but even a glare wasn’t something she wanted.

Meanwhile, Lu Bainian hadn’t paid her much mind.

He had walked all the way from Lu Village.

His shoes were covered in dust, his feet numb, but he hadn’t taken a carriage.

Not because of money—he wanted to walk under the sun to chase away the chill in his heart.

Entering the house and smelling the familiar scent of his mother, Lu Bainian suddenly felt his nose sting.

Wen Ruyu was sitting on the couch, dressed as usual…

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