Chapter 12

Su Qingluo hadn’t slept well the night before. Images of Lu Hengzhi kept surfacing in her mind, as if he haunted her. When she woke, she felt drained and listless.

While washing her face in the side room, Zi Yuan whispered in her ear, “Third Master Heng gave special instructions early this morning before heading to court—Grandmother needs quiet rest. No one is allowed to chatter around her.”

Su Qingluo felt a weight lifted from her heart.

Lu Hengzhi was constantly occupied with state affairs, yet he still remembered such a small detail. His attentiveness was truly remarkable.

As she wiped her face with a handkerchief, Su Qingluo began to wonder how she could properly thank him for all he had done. Usually, one would offer a gift tailored to the recipient’s preferences. But Lu Hengzhi was known for his strict discipline toward his subordinates, and his personal tastes were never revealed—asking about them was even considered taboo. Giving money directly would be far too disrespectful for someone of his stature and influence.

Su Qingluo was at a loss. Just then, she heard her grandmother stirring and went over to attend to her.

The old madam’s health had improved significantly. She ate well and chatted cheerfully with her daughters-in-law and granddaughters.

In the midst of the conversation, she casually asked, “Why haven’t I seen Madam Liu?”

The room fell silent.

Madam Liu had been placed under house arrest for a month by Second Master Lu You and was still confined to her quarters for reflection.

Moreover, with the old madam still recovering, Lu Hengzhi had issued a strict gag order—no one was allowed to mention Su Qingluo’s broken engagement with Lu Yan at such a sensitive time.

After a brief pause, it was Madam Qian Wenling who clapped her hands and said, “Oh, my memory! I forgot to tell you, Mother—Second Sister-in-law and Yan’er both caught a nasty cold the other day. They’re still recovering and didn’t dare come, afraid they might disturb you.”

Lu You had visited the old madam early that morning before heading to the office, so she didn’t suspect anything and simply instructed the servants to check on them and send some supplies.

Half a month later, under Imperial Physician Song’s care, the old madam made a full recovery. Her energy was even better than before.

Imperial Physician Song declared that with proper rest and care, she could easily live another ten or twenty years.

Everyone was delighted to hear it—especially Su Qingluo.

At that moment, Su Qingluo’s gratitude toward Lu Hengzhi reached its peak.

After Imperial Physician Song left, everyone stayed to chat cheerfully with the old madam for a while before dispersing.

By midday, the spring sunlight was just right. Hearing from a young maid that the peach blossoms in the back garden were in full bloom, and noticing that Su Qingluo looked a bit drowsy, the old madam instructed, “Qingluo, go pick two branches of peach blossoms for me.”

According to Chu dynasty customs, unmarried young ladies weren’t allowed to nap during the day. The old madam, worried that Su Qingluo was too exhausted after several busy days, wanted her to get some fresh air and relax.

Su Qingluo, accompanied by Zi Yuan, walked to the back garden. She had just clipped a branch in full bloom when a cold laugh rang out behind her. Turning around, she saw Lu Yan. They hadn’t seen each other in over ten days. He looked noticeably thinner. Rumor had it that Lu You had punished him with family discipline, though it wasn’t clear where the punishment had landed.

Lu Yan said mockingly, “You still have the mood to pick flowers.”

Su Qingluo replied coolly, “I didn’t do anything wrong. Why wouldn’t I be in the mood?”

His tone carried a distinct sense of superiority. “You’re just a merchant’s daughter. After breaking off the engagement with me, do you really think you’ll find a respectable match?”

Lu Yan had always presented himself as a refined gentleman in front of her—this was the first time she’d seen this side of him.

Su Qingluo felt disgusted. “That’s none of your concern.”

Lu Yan snorted and turned away, flicking his sleeve as he left.

Su Qingluo gripped the peach blossom branch tightly, her hands trembling slightly. She had nearly forgotten—years ago, her marriage had been entrusted to Madam Liu.

Madam Liu had made several suggestions, none of which pleased the old madam. Eventually, half-jokingly, she said, “Why not give Qingluo to Yan’er? I’m her aunt and care for her.” After weighing the idea, the old madam agreed.

Su Qingluo took a deep breath and slowly calmed herself. Even if Madam Liu had been tasked with choosing, the final decision still rested with her grandmother. There was no need to be overly anxious.

Thinking Lu Yan had probably gone to visit the old madam, Su Qingluo lingered a little longer in the garden before returning.

As soon as the old madam saw her, she smiled and said, “You and Yan’er—one comes, the other goes. What’s this, feeling shy?”

Su Qingluo lowered her head and smiled without replying.

The old madam assumed they’d had a small quarrel and didn’t press further. She accepted the peach blossoms Su Qingluo had picked and praised them, then said, “Perfect timing. Go to your aunt’s place for me.”

She instructed Yue’e to bring out a pair of white mutton-fat jade bangles and handed them to Su Qingluo. “Your aunt has worked hard these past few days taking care of me. She deserves a token of appreciation.”

Su Qingluo, with Zi Yuan in tow, went to Madam Qian Wenling’s courtyard. After the maid announced her arrival, she stepped inside—and immediately froze upon seeing Lu Hengzhi seated in the hall. Though he had frequently come to check on the old madam these past few days, and they’d occasionally crossed paths, she hadn’t expected to see him here. He wore a pale moon-colored robe and was holding a glazed teacup. Upon seeing her enter, he slowly set the cup down on the wooden table beside him. Every movement carried the elegance of a noble son from a distinguished family.

Madam Qian Wenling smiled warmly and took Su Qingluo’s hand. “Qingluo, what brings you here? Come, sit.”

Su Qingluo quickly gestured to Zi Yuan to present the gift. “I’ve come on Grandmother’s behalf. She said Aunt has worked hard these past few days, and these bangles are a small token of her gratitude.”

When the wooden box was opened, Qian Wenling’s eyes lit up. The jade bangles were lustrous and translucent—truly exquisite. Her own family had fallen on hard times, and she had few valuable possessions. She was genuinely delighted and thanked Su Qingluo repeatedly.

Lu Hengzhi, however, didn’t glance at the bangles. His gaze remained fixed on Su Qingluo. She wore a pale jade-colored dress, and the peach blossom in her hand seemed to bloom from her, radiant and striking.

Noticing his gaze, Su Qingluo quickly offered the flower. “I picked this earlier. Please enjoy it, Aunt.”

Qian Wenling accepted it with a smile. “What a lovely branch. Hengzhi, come help me arrange it in the vase.”

Lu Hengzhi rose. “Yes, Mother.” He walked over, took the peach blossom, glanced at the white porcelain vase, and asked for scissors. With swift, precise movements, he trimmed the excess twigs and leaves. Then, lifting his sleeve, he carefully placed the blossom into the vase, setting it on the pearwood table against the white wall.

The vivid pink curled out from the pristine porcelain, as if ready to burst through the wall—strikingly beautiful.

Qian Wenling clasped her hands and smiled at Su Qingluo. “Isn’t Hengzhi’s arrangement lovely?”

Su Qingluo blushed and nodded.

Qian Wenling looked at Lu Hengzhi. His expression was as cool and composed as ever. But she trusted her instincts—if anyone else had brought the flower, Lu Hengzhi likely wouldn’t have spared it a glance. She smiled again and asked warmly, “Would you like to stay for a meal?”

Su Qingluo shook her head. “Thank you, Aunt, but I’m still worried about Grandmother.”

Qian Wenling nodded and continued chatting with her.

With Lu Hengzhi sitting nearby, Su Qingluo felt uneasy and soon stood to take her leave.

Qian Wenling smiled. “Hengzhi, see her out for me.”

It was unheard of for the Chief Minister to escort someone personally.

Su Qingluo quickly said, “I wouldn’t dare trouble Third Master.”

Lu Hengzhi glanced at her but didn’t move.

Su Qingluo bowed and hurried out. She hadn’t yet recovered from the encounter when Zi Yuan whispered, “Miss, my stomach hurts—I can’t hold it…”

Su Qingluo quickly asked one of the courtyard maids to take Zi Yuan to the restroom and waited outside. Unexpectedly, she overheard Qian Wenling’s gentle voice: “Hengzhi, tell me honestly—do you have feelings for Qingluo?”

Su Qingluo’s hand instinctively clenched.

“You’re not young anymore. It’s time to marry. If you care for Qingluo, I can speak to the old madam on your behalf. Would that be alright?”

From behind the wall, the man’s voice came cold and distant: “Mother, why would you say that?”

“You made such a grand gesture helping Qingluo break off her engagement, and—”

“Mother, please be careful with your words,” Lu Hengzhi interrupted firmly. “There is absolutely no romantic relationship between Miss Su and me.” His tone was sharp and unwavering, without the slightest hesitation.

Su Qingluo felt her mind go blank. Without thinking, she turned and fled the courtyard.