Chapter 117

When Nianxi returned, she saw Lu Huai slumping his shoulders, looking dejected. However, Cousin Mu was in high spirits, drinking tea with a relaxed expression.

After some thought, Nianxi gently advised, “Since the Duke has a cough, it wouldn’t be good to recklessly make a drink for him to take back. It wouldn’t be ideal if it conflicts with the medicine he’s currently taking. The fact that you have this intention will surely make the Duke very happy.”

Lu Huai was a deep thinker who quickly discern nuances, so why make this child worry needlessly?

Whether or not he wanted a stepmother, or whether there would be one, was ultimately their family’s matter. Nianxi had no desire to get involved and felt it was better to clarify things early.

“Nianxi…” At this moment, Lu Huai was genuinely ashamed. He realized he’d caused a misunderstanding and that Nianxi had no improper intentions toward his father.

Now, being comforted by Nianxi’s soft words, in contrast to Wang Muyi’s cold sarcasm, left Lu Huai even more guilt-ridden. At the same time, a peculiar sense of competitiveness emerged from within him.

In this world, the person Lu Huai admired and revered the most was his father, Lu Wensheng. He couldn’t believe there was anyone who wouldn’t like his father!

He even refused to believe that in Nianxi’s heart, his father ranked lower than that certain Lord Pei!

With his face flushed and tears still lingering in his large eyes, he tilted his head and asked, “Nianxi, what do you think of my father?”

Wang Muyi let out a loud scoff from the side.

Lu Huai’s face turned even redder, but he stubbornly refused to back down, waiting for her answer.

From the situation, Nianxi could roughly guess what had just happened.

Though Lu Huai was indeed young, being treated with such constant suspicion, as if she were some kind of schemer, was frustrating. Nianxi was no saint sitting on a lotus throne, selflessly sacrificing herself to affirm male superiority. So, she told Lu Huai, “The Duke, though in his prime and dedicated to work, should still pay attention to his health. However, having a considerate and filial son like you is a great comfort.”

Initially, Wang Muyi had worried that Nianxi, being good-natured, might go along with what Little Lu Huai wanted to hear. But upon hearing Nianxi’s response, she couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

A flood of sorrow surged through Lu Huai’s heart.

Don’t think he couldn’t tell—wasn’t this just a more polite version of Wang Muyi’s mockery, calling his father “old, unhealthy, and with baggage”?

So, it turned out that not everyone admired him and his father?

His heart ached!

His face stung!

Angrily, Lu Huai stormed off.

“Are we being a bit mean to the kid?”

“Kid? Is that a kid? That’s a cunning little rascal, not a mere child.”

…

Lu Huai returned to the Duke’s manor. In the main hall, his father was present, discussing the birthday banquet with the Old Madam.

“The Empress inquired about your upcoming birthday the other day. This year is a milestone birthday, and she insists it must not be as simple as in previous years. She specifically emphasized that it should be grand.”

The Old Madam smiled so widely that her eyes were barely visible. The thing she prided herself on most in life was having raised an outstanding pair of children.

Now, gazing at Lu Wensheng, she spoke with deep affection, “Despite managing countless matters in the harem, Yunqing still takes the time to think of this old woman. And you, with all the significant affairs you handle outside, just let the second house, Madam Zhou, take care of the banquet arrangements. She wouldn’t dare not put in her best effort.”

Lu Wensheng smiled and nodded in agreement. While speaking, he felt an itch in his throat, pressing his chest briefly to stifle it. Seeing his mother’s concern, he smiled reassuringly, “It’s nothing serious.”

The Old Madam, however, was full of worry. “Why haven’t you recovered yet? Is it because those attending to you aren’t doing their job properly?”

Lu Wensheng shook his head and replied, “I’ve been carefully following treatments, and the symptoms have greatly improved.”

Not wanting his mother to worry, he noticed Lu Huai standing under the curtain. He waved and said, “Xiaoqi, why are you standing there?”

Lu Huai hesitated and shuffled over, his eyes red, clearly having cried recently.

The Old Madam, who couldn’t bear to see her precious grandson upset, immediately asked what had happened.

Lu Huai was pulled into her embrace but remained silent, unwilling to speak. Just now, he learned that he and his father were not the center of the world, and his pride couldn’t bear it, which made him cry in sadness.

However, as it involved his dignity, Lu Huai had no intention of telling anyone, not even his father.

Lu Wensheng didn’t press for details either. A boy facing some grievances every now and then wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“Father, once you’re better, you must exercise and strengthen your body. You’re still young and can’t let others outshine you!” Xiaoqi earnestly advised, his voice filled with concern.

Lu Wensheng was momentarily stunned. Such an out-of-the-blue statement from Xiaoqi left him puzzled. “Outshone by whom?”

“…By those younger people!”

For example, the younger men around Nianxi, who were much younger than his father.

Children often have their own whimsical thoughts, and Lu Wensheng simply took this as a sign of his son’s filial piety and laughed it off.

…

Pei Jian returned to his residence, recalling the indifferent expression Nianxi had when she mentioned disliking both of them. He lowered his head with a bitter smile. Yet, he couldn’t help but reflect on the details—all her playful expressions, the subtle changes in her demeanor, all of which he savored with care.

He even felt somewhat happy.

Compared to the lonely and desolate Nianxi of her past life, she now resembled a blossoming rose. Her every smile and gesture exuded infinite charm, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who saw her.

His wife had rediscovered the meaning of happiness.

Pei Jian then went to his study to handle a few matters.

The issue with Zhang Hongzhe and his son couldn’t be delayed for too long; otherwise, it might appear he was incapable. However, it couldn’t be resolved too quickly either, as this gave him opportunities to see Nianxi from time to time and report the progress of the matter.

After finishing his official duties, he felt drowsy and fell into a deep sleep after washing up. Perhaps it was due to his longing, Pei Jian had a dream.

In the dream, he and Nianxi returned to their wedding days. He went out to buy the crispy abalone pastry his wife loved, and although Nianxi was tempted, she was afraid of gaining weight and only picked one to eat.

Pei Jian insisted, wanting her to eat more, and in their playful banter, they both fell onto the bed. He saw the misty haze rising in her almond-shaped eyes. The young girl, in her prime, had a slender and graceful figure. She raised her arm, the jade bracelet resting loosely on her wrist, revealing a patch of milky white skin, gently draped over his shoulder. She exuded a sweet, fragrant scent that evoked an insatiable wild desire in him, making him want to devour her whole.

He propped himself above her, staring into her eyes filled with love for him, letting the sweetness of the crispy abalone melt between their lips. Then she called out to him softly, “Husband, husband…”

“Husband, will we always be like this?”

In the dream, he heard his own affirmative voice, “Definitely.”

Pei Jian woke up from the dream. Sweat dripped from his forehead as he looked at the bed, then raised his head to look around the room.

Everything was as it was in the dream, but the most important person was gone. It was clearly a beautiful dream, yet it left him feeling lost and unable to calm down for a long time.