Chapter 5

Su Qingluo froze at those words. It was no secret that her grandmother’s health was poor. The doctor had said that if she could make it through this winter, she might have another year—but if not, this could be her last.

Madam Liu saw the change in her expression and immediately pressed on: “Good child, I know you’ve been wronged in this matter, but it’s really not worth escalating to the point of breaking off the engagement. Besides, men having multiple wives and concubines is common. Even if you bring this to your grandmother, she’ll likely urge you to endure. Think about it—once a girl breaks off an engagement, her reputation suffers. What good marriage prospects would she have after that?

“Yan’er already knows he was wrong. How about this: before the wedding, I won’t let him go out again. He’ll stay close and spend more time with you. That should ease your anger, shouldn’t it?

“Just think—your grandmother has been looking forward to your marriage with all her heart…”

She even invoked her grandmother.

Su Qingluo felt a tightness in her chest, as if Madam Liu had her completely cornered. She didn’t know what to say and could only retreat for now to reconsider her options. If she didn’t break off the engagement, she feared she’d repeat the tragedy she’d seen in her dream. But if she did go through with it, her reputation didn’t matter—what if her grandmother’s health couldn’t withstand the blow? Her grandmother was the only family she had left in the world.

She remembered the day she first arrived at the Lu residence. Her grandmother had held her close as they slept and said, “From now on, treat this place as your home. As long as I’m here, no one will dare mistreat you.”

All these years, her grandmother had treated her with unwavering kindness. If her actions caused her grandmother’s health to deteriorate, how could she live with herself?

The next morning, when Su Qingluo went to pay her respects, she was still distracted and absent-minded.

Just as she was about to leave, Old Madam Lu smiled and said, “Qingluo, stay and sketch a floral pattern for Yue’e. I’ve had headaches these past two days and want to make another medicinal sachet…”

Madam Liu glanced at Su Qingluo and said with a smile, “Qingluo has always been excellent at drawing patterns. It’s the perfect time to show some filial piety before she marries.”

The words “filial piety” were deliberately emphasized.

After the other daughters-in-law had left, Old Madam Lu looked at Yue’e, who immediately stepped out to guard the door.

Leaning back in her wisteria chair, Old Madam Lu beckoned to Su Qingluo. “Come sit with your grandmother.”

Su Qingluo quickly moved closer.

Old Madam Lu took her hand, her voice gentle and loving. “Qingluo, have you been unhappy these past few days?”

Su Qingluo’s eyes reddened slightly. Despite her frail health, her grandmother still noticed her mood and cared enough to ask. She immediately said, “No, Grandmother. I’m fine.”

Old Madam Lu gently patted the back of her hand. “You’re such a lovable child. All these years in the Lu household, you’ve endured so much and never once complained to me. I always thought, even if Madam Liu is a bit slippery, she still has some sense. And Yan’er—I watched him grow up. If you marry him, he wouldn’t treat you poorly…”

“But you’ve seemed so sad these past two days. Did they do something? Don’t worry—your grandmother will stand up for you.”

Su Qingluo bit her lip and looked at Old Madam Lu, but in the end, she only gave a faint shake of her head. Her grandmother’s kindness made it even harder to speak the truth.

Old Madam Lu sighed and gently pulled her into an embrace. “Good child, remember this—no matter what happens, all I want is for you to be well. Only if you’re well can I be at peace. If you’re not, even in the afterlife, I wouldn’t know how to face your mother…”

Tears welled up and spilled from Su Qingluo’s eyes. She choked out, “Don’t say that. You must live a long, healthy life.”

After spending time with her grandmother, Su Qingluo felt even more sorrowful. She was determined to break off the engagement. But Madam Liu refused—how could she end the marriage without upsetting her grandmother?

For several days, Su Qingluo couldn’t come up with a good solution. That afternoon, after lunch, she was sitting by the window, deep in thought, when Zi Yuan suddenly entered. She lowered her voice and said, “Song Wen came by. He said he’s here to collect Third Master Heng’s belongings.”

Su Qingluo’s heart gave a jolt. She snapped back to attention and quickly went to retrieve the white cloak from her chest. Two days earlier, she had asked Zi Yuan to quietly have it washed and dried, then personally scented it. It was now clean and neatly folded, and she sent it out along with the umbrella and the glass lantern.

Only after Song Wen left did Su Qingluo finally breathe a sigh of relief. She didn’t know why, but having that man’s belongings in her room had kept her heart on edge—as if she were afraid of something she couldn’t name.

Soon after, Lu Yan came looking for her again. He’d been coming by frequently these past few days. At first, he would wait for half an hour or so. But since she kept refusing to see him, he’d lost patience and now only said a few sweet words outside the window before leaving.

Just after Lu Yan left, the second young madam of the main household, Ji Yinzhu, came to visit.

Ji Yinzhu had married into the family a year ago. She and Su Qingluo were close in age and had interacted occasionally, though not intimately.

Ji Yinzhu quickly stated her reason for coming.

“Half a month from now, Third Master Heng will celebrate his birthday. The head of the household specifically instructed us to make it lively. Everyone in the family, men and women alike, will attend. We need a folding screen for the banquet—I’ve looked through many, but none feel quite right. So I came to ask you.”

When Su Qingluo arrived at the Lu residence, she brought some valuable old items from her family. Among them was a rosewood screen carved with a landscape scene—fine wood, exquisite craftsmanship. It had previously been used for Old Madam Lu’s birthday celebration, so everyone in the household knew of it.

Third Master Heng’s birthday is in half a month? He had never celebrated his birthday at the Lu residence before, so Su Qingluo didn’t know when it was. As the current Chief Minister, given his status, it was likely the Lu family insisted on hosting the celebration to honor him.

Regardless, Lu Hengzhi had helped her before—and even if he hadn’t, Su Qingluo couldn’t possibly refuse. She nodded and agreed.

Ji Yinzhu smiled and thanked her, then chatted casually for a while before suddenly asking, “I think I just saw Song Wen. What was he doing here?”

Song Wen was Lu Hengzhi’s close attendant, rarely seen even by members of the main household. Why would he come to the second branch, to Su Qingluo’s quarters?

Su Qingluo’s heart raced, but her expression remained calm. She feigned mild surprise. “Who is Song Wen?”

Ji Yinzhu saw no sign of deception in her face and laughed. “He’s one of Third Master Heng’s men. Maybe I was mistaken.” She had nearly suspected that Su Qingluo had some connection to that man.

After a few more pleasantries, Ji Yinzhu took her leave.

Only then did Su Qingluo feel her heart settle. She touched her palm—it was damp with sweat. After wiping it clean with a handkerchief, Lu Hengzhi’s calm, indifferent gaze suddenly flashed in her mind, startling her.

A bold thought surfaced: should she ask Lu Hengzhi for help? He had said he would stand up for her. Should she take him at his word?

Even on the day of Lu Hengzhi’s birthday, Su Qingluo still hadn’t made up her mind.

The banquet was held in the evening. Everyone in the household, except for the ailing Old Madam Lu, dressed in formal attire.

The men gathered in the outer courtyard, the women in the inner hall. A folding screen separated them—faces couldn’t be seen, but voices carried clearly.

Su Qingluo heard Lu Hengzhi’s calm voice from outside: “Let the banquet begin.”

His voice was like jade striking stone—clear and elegant. She couldn’t help but be momentarily entranced.

Dishes were served one after another, and birthday wishes echoed around the room.

Old Madam Lu, due to her health, did not attend.

Su Qingluo had been deliberately seated to the left of Madam Liu. She was bored and listless.

After a while, a young maid approached, carrying a bowl of drunken crab. Her voice was crisp: “Fourth Young Master asked me to bring this to Miss Su. He said it’s your favorite, and he’s giving you his portion too.”

Lu Yan was the fourth son of the main branch, so everyone referred to him as Fourth Young Master.

This season’s crab was limited, and drunken crab soup required a generous amount. The banquet had just enough for one bowl per person—there were no extras.

Immediately, teasing voices rose around her.

“Who knew Yan’er doted on his future wife so much?”

Madam Liu chimed in, “Isn’t that right? The young couple is so loving. I’m just waiting for Qingluo to marry in and give me a chubby grandson.”

Su Qingluo clenched her handkerchief until her fingertips turned white, feeling a wave of nausea. She had never liked crab.

This mother and son were putting on a show in front of everyone, just to make it seem like Lu Yan cherished her, so that if she broke off the engagement, she’d look unreasonable. She resisted the urge to throw the porcelain bowl and instead excused herself to change clothes.

The women at the table assumed she was shy and simply smiled, not stopping her.

Su Qingluo, accompanied by Zi Yuan, walked through the winding corridors to the back garden for some air. As soon as she entered, she caught the scent of flowers mingled with wine. She stiffened and looked up.

On the stone table in the pavilion sat a glass lantern. Lu Hengzhi stood tall and poised, dressed in a blue robe that made him look refined and elegant. Hearing footsteps, he turned abruptly.

Su Qingluo stood in the shadows. She knew he couldn’t see her clearly, but for some reason, she still felt his gaze land on her—intense and unwavering.

Another encounter. Su Qingluo’s hands curled into fists. Was this fate offering her a chance? Her thoughts raced. She made a decision: she would gamble. As he had said, why not give it a try?

She whispered to Zi Yuan, “Go wait at the entrance. If anyone comes, let me know immediately.”

Ziyuan was stunned but nodded.

Su Qingluo took a deep breath and stepped into the pavilion.

Lu Hengzhi’s brows held a trace of coldness. It was his birthday—who would dare upset him?

But to her surprise, the moment he saw her clearly, that coldness vanished, replaced by his usual calm and distant expression. He looked her over and said coolly, “You’re bold today.”

She hadn’t waited for him to summon her—she’d come on her own.

Su Qingluo bowed. “Third Master, I dare to ask—does what you said before still count?”

Lu Hengzhi looked at her.

Under his gaze, Su Qingluo grew more nervous, twisting her handkerchief tightly.

After a moment, he finally replied, “Of course it counts.” His voice was even. “How do you want me to stand up for you?”

Su Qingluo clenched her teeth, closed her eyes, and said, “I want to break off my engagement with Lu Yan.”

Lu Hengzhi’s head snapped up, his gaze locking onto her face.