Chapter 42

The sharp reprimand, “How dare you!” laced with unrestrained anger, brought the room to an abrupt silence.

The maids and older servants who had been attending quietly on the side immediately dropped to their knees. Even the other masters of the house, though they remained seated, showed subtle changes in their expressions, each becoming more restrained.

It was rare for the Elder Madam Xie to display such overt anger in front of everyone, but this time, she made no effort to hide it.

Madam Wang, the one who had spoken earlier, finally regained her senses. Her face turned pale as she looked toward the Elder Madam. Seeing the cold indifference and sternness etched on her expression, Madam Wang’s heart skipped a beat.

She realized, belatedly, how utterly reckless she had been in allowing her emotions to get the better of her. To dare openly contradict the Elder Madam in front of so many people—how could she have been so foolish?

It had been too long since she’d experienced hardship, and she had evidently forgotten the Elder Madam’s authority.

With this realization, Madam Wang no longer dared remain seated. Despite her inner reluctance, she quickly knelt and began to apologize profusely. Her complexion remained deathly pale, and her voice trembled with fear. “Mother, Mother, this daughter-in-law never intended to anger you.”

The Elder Madam’s expression remained unchanged as she listened to Madam Wang’s apology.

Her earlier anger had been genuine. This was her grandson they were speaking of—how could she ignore his well-being? But Madam Wang failed to consider the bigger picture: Qi Yan lacked the skills and experience for the position they discussed. If he were given such a role, how could those beneath him ever respect him?

Nonetheless, the Elder Madam’s years of experience allowed her to temper her anger. After only a brief moment of fury, she composed herself again.

Wei Momo quietly replaced her tea.

The Elder Madam remained seated on the luohan bed, calmly fingering her prayer beads. Looking at Madam Wang kneeling before her, she spoke in a detached tone, “You’ve been a part of this Lu household for over ten years now. When have you ever heard of favoritism being tolerated in this family? Yan’er lacks the skills and knowledge for the role. What could he possibly learn if he stays here in Bianliang? To receive flattery from a few servant boys? Or to waste his days idling with games and amusements?

“If you truly wish to see your son continue down such a path, then I have nothing more to say.”

“At the end of the day, you, as his mother, are bound to be more concerned about Yan than I am as his grandmother.”

As soon as she said this, Wang Shi’s face grew even paler. Both Lu Qi Xuan and Lu Qi Yan knelt down together, apologizing to the Old Madam.

The room was filled with sounds of remorse. If it had been just Wang Shi, it might have been one thing, but looking at the two boys kneeling in front of her, the Old Madam couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

After all, they were her grandsons. The Old Madam didn’t want to be too harsh. Once she’d turned her prayer beads another time, her tone softened as she said, “Although Jiangxi is a remote place, with a few senior stewards there to guide him, what trouble could Yan possibly encounter? Let him start from the basics and gain solid experience step by step. Later, when he returns, the other stewards won’t have much to say.”

She paused for a moment and then added, “But ultimately, this is just my suggestion. Yan is your son. If you, as his mother, have a better idea, we should naturally follow your decision.”

Although her words were calmly spoken, her tone carried a trace of cool detachment.

Wang Shi, leaning on her hands for support, had beads of sweat forming on her downcast face. What other plans could she possibly have? She had only a few dowries, and while the Wang family was her maiden family, their relations had always been distant. However, sending Yan to such a place felt unbearable.

A trip like this would take at least a year or more. To have Yan eat, live, and take orders from the servants there daily—how could she bear such a thought?

The more she hesitated, the darker the Old Madam’s expression became. Finally, it was Lu Qi Xuan who broke the silence.

“Grandmother has thought of this arrangement with Yan’s best interests in mind. How could Mother have any objections?” After he said this, he turned toward Lu Qi Yan and, lowering his voice, added, “Yan, hurry up and thank Grandmother.”

Lu Qi Yan was stunned. He couldn’t believe his elder brother would side with their grandmother and support sending him to such a place.

He, the dignified young master of the Duke’s household, was to become a merchant? And from the bottom level at that? If word got out, people would mock him endlessly. Scholars, farmers, artisans, merchants—merchants ranked the lowest among professions. If he agreed to this, how could he ever show his face in society again?

Seeing his resistance, Lu Qi Xuan’s face darkened further, and his tone grew sterner. “Yan, or do you want Father to step in and talk to you himself?”

Hearing this, the anger on Lu Qi Yan’s face disappeared immediately.

Their father always listened to their grandmother without question. If their father found out that he had disrespected her over this, his punishment would be far worse. Thinking of this, he clenched his hands tightly against the ground. After a long pause, he finally lifted his face toward the Old Madam and said, “Grandson will follow Grandmother’s arrangement.”

Seeing the undisguised resentment on his face, the Old Madam sighed once again.

She didn’t expect him to understand her intentions. She only hoped he would be safe and well. The sheltered, indulgent life of the capital had blinded him to the world. Perhaps going out and experiencing the wider world would broaden his perspective and temper his narrow mindset.

Still, she couldn’t deny that she felt weary.

Rubbing her temples, the Old Madam said, “Stand up.” Then, turning to Lu Qi Xuan, she added, “Since you’ve agreed, stay home for the next few days and prepare what needs to be prepared. You’ll leave with Steward Liu and the others in a few days.”

After Lu Qi Xuan acknowledged her instructions, she waved her hand dismissively and said, “That’s enough. You may all leave now.”

Everyone in the room responded in unison with a “Yes” and watched as Wei Momo helped the Old Madam back to her chambers. The rest of the group also began to disperse.

—-

Once outside, Shen Wei said calmly to Lu Qi Huai, “Later, I’ll have Steward Lu take you to the records office. You can personally select the personnel you need.” After all, they would be working for Lu Qi Huai, so it was better for him to choose them himself.

Lu Qi Huai nodded and responded, “Yes.”

Seeing this, Shen Wei didn’t say more. However, her brows furrowed slightly as she watched Wang Shi’s stormy departure. Turning back to Lu Qi Huai, she said, “If anyone tries to make things difficult for you, you don’t need to hold back. At the end of the day, you are the Duke’s eldest son.”

Though her tone was composed, her words carried a trace of genuine concern.

She truly feared that Wang Shi and her sons might try to pull some underhanded tricks. Now that the Old Madam had decided to send Lu Qi Yan to Jiangxi, given Wang Shi’s temperament, it was inevitable she would stir up trouble. While it might not be a problem if it was just the two brothers, Wang Shi was still technically Lu Qi Huai’s elder.

In this society that valued filial piety above all, Shen Wei worried that Lu Qi Huai might suffer in silence to avoid any accusations of disrespect.

Lu Qi Huai naturally detected her care and concern. The smile in his eyes deepened, and his tone grew softer as he replied, “Mother, rest assured. I wouldn’t dare forget anything you’ve taught me.”

Hearing this, Shen Wei paused, looking at him with a hint of surprise. She was reminded of the time she had comforted him after he had been bullied by Lu Qi Xuan and Lu Qi Yan. She realized she had been worrying for nothing.

After all, someone who had managed to turn a perilous situation to his favor while at the Huo family’s estate was hardly likely to let himself be cornered here.

She opened her mouth to say something more but stopped herself when she caught the focused gaze and warm smile in his eyes. At that moment, Mo Qi approached and reminded her, “Madam, you’re scheduled to meet with the stewards today. It’s about time.”

Shen Wei did not say anything further upon hearing this. She simply gave a light “Mm,” nodded slightly at Lu Qihuai, and allowed Moqi to assist her as she walked ahead.

Lu Qihuai watched her figure fade into the distance. He had been about to move forward himself, but stopped upon hearing voices coming from a nearby path—it was none other than Lu Qixuan and Lu Qiyan.

He hesitated, then remained where he was, peering through the gaps in the leaves toward the source of the voices.

On the other side of the path, Lu Qixuan held Lu Qiyan’s sleeve, his expression tinged with helplessness. “Brother Yan, I’m doing this for your own good.”

“For my own good?” Lu Qiyan’s tone turned sharp, as if the words had provoked him. He shook off Lu Qixuan’s hand, turned around to face him, and with a furious expression, snapped, “You live in luxury at home while you send me out to suffer! For my good? Don’t make me laugh. You just think I’m an embarrassment to you!”

“If it weren’t for you that day, I wouldn’t have—”

Before Lu Qiyan could finish, Lu Qixuan’s face darkened abruptly. He glanced around quickly before turning back to his younger brother. This time, his expression was devoid of its usual warmth, and his gaze turned cold and shadowy. “Brother Yan, you should know that careless words bring trouble.”

Lu Qiyan rarely saw his elder brother like this, and though fear flickered in his heart, his indignation outweighed it.

He couldn’t forget his current predicament: while Lu Qihuai and Lu Qixuan enjoyed success, one serving in office and the other receiving constant praise at the Yang family academy, he—a son of the Lu family—was being sent far away to perform the most menial tasks.

Still, he didn’t bring up the past again. Fixing Lu Qixuan with a frosty glare, he said coldly, “I know you just want me gone so I won’t ruin your bright future.

“Brother?”

Lu Qiyan sneered. “What a great brother you are!”

With that, he turned on his heel and stormed off, not sparing a glance back.

Lu Qixuan watched him go, a trace of helplessness lingering in his expression. But he didn’t pursue him. What Lu Qiyan had said wasn’t entirely wrong—he did hope his brother would leave the Lu family and go far away.

But it wasn’t because he feared his brother would hinder his ambitions.

It was because what he planned to do in the future was far too dangerous.

Only he and their father knew the truth. If Lu Qiyan were involved, with his impulsive temperament, he wouldn’t just be of no help—he’d likely cause trouble. It was safer to send him away, eliminating any potential distractions.

Sighing, Lu Qixuan moved to leave but paused when he heard footsteps approaching from another path. His heart sank—had someone overheard his conversation with Lu Qiyan? Eyes narrowing, he pushed aside the branches in front of him and looked in that direction.

When he saw who was standing there, his expression grew even darker. His voice dropped slightly as he said, “So it’s Cousin.”

Lu Qihuai, knowing Lu Qixuan’s true nature, felt no need for pretense.

He withdrew his hand and walked toward him. When he reached him, Lu Qixuan didn’t greet him as usual but spoke indifferently, “Congratulations, Cousin. With the Crown Prince and the Emperor favoring you, your future prospects are boundless.”

Lu Qihuai, unaffected by his attitude, smiled and replied, “If that day truly comes, I will have to thank you for today’s kind words.” Then, glancing in the direction Lu Qiyan had gone, he continued, “I hear you’ve been visiting Prince Jin frequently lately?”

Lu Qixuan’s expression darkened momentarily, but Lu Qihuai only chuckled, adding, “Prince Jin isn’t easy to deal with. I imagine it must be challenging for you.”

Lu Qixuan’s face stiffened.

Dealing with Prince Jin was indeed far from easy. Despite his efforts, Prince Jin had shown little interest in his overtures. Yet Lu Qixuan had no other choice—Prince Jin was his only option now.

He lowered his eyes, concealing his emotions, and said flatly, “My affairs don’t require your concern, Cousin.”

With that, he turned and walked away.

Lu Qihuai watched him leave, saying nothing. He reflected on recent reports from his subordinates—he usually paid little attention to the Lu family’s younger generation, but it seemed this Second Young Master had some capabilities. The thought brought a faint, amused smile to his lips as he clasped his hands behind his back.

—-

By late April, despite Lady Wang’s protests, Lu Qiyan joined Manager Liu and the others on their journey to Jiangxi. The Marquis’ residence finally regained its long-lost tranquility.

That afternoon, Shen Wei had just woken from her nap and met with a few stewards. She was reclining on a soft couch reading a book when Yi Qin hurriedly entered, lifting the curtain.

Moqi, standing by Shen Wei’s side, frowned at Yi Qin’s flustered appearance. “What’s the matter?”

Hearing this, Shen Wei looked up, though she remained silent.

Yi Qin first greeted Shen Wei as usual before smiling brightly. “Madam, an urgent message has arrived from the Shen family. It says the Marchioness is pregnant!”

Shen Wei was momentarily stunned. It took her a while to process the news, but upon seeing Yi Qin’s beaming face, she quickly stood. Though she had only met Chu Fuyun a few times, she couldn’t help but feel happy for her. A joyous occasion like this called for a visit.

Without hesitation, she instructed, “Prepare some fine gifts and have the gatekeeper ready the carriage.”

The maids in the room, all from the Shen family, responded with cheerful acknowledgment upon hearing her instructions and went about making the arrangements.

Once everything was properly set up—

Shen Wei personally went to Dacheng Hall to speak with the Elder Madam Xie.

The Shen and Lu families had long been close, and it was Elder Madam Xie who had facilitated the marriage between Chu Fuyun and Shen Xifeng. Now, upon hearing that Chu Fuyun was expecting, the Elder Madam was naturally delighted. She instructed Wei Momo to prepare some fine gifts and held Shen Wei’s hand, speaking gently, “When you return, be sure to convey my congratulations to your sister-in-law. Since I’m still unwell, I’m afraid I can’t visit her personally lest I pass on my illness. Once I’ve recovered, I’ll go see her myself.”

Due to the recent situation with Lu Qiyan, Elder Madam Xie had not been sleeping well. Though generally healthy for her age, the strain had caused various minor ailments to flare up.

“You’re the elder. It’s not fitting for you to visit her at home,” Shen Wei said with a smile. “Besides, my sister-in-law mentioned she doesn’t want to make a big fuss since it’s still early, not yet past the first trimester. Please take care of yourself. Once the first three months have passed, I’ll invite her to visit here instead.”

Elder Madam Xie smiled at this and patted Shen Wei’s hand affectionately.

When Wei Momo returned with the prepared gifts, the Elder Madam told Shen Wei, “It’s about time. You should hurry along now. If you plan to stay overnight, send someone back to inform us.”

Shen Wei agreed to all this, paid her respects, and left the room.

—-

By the time Shen Wei arrived at the Shen household, it was already late afternoon.

The gatekeeper, who had been informed of her arrival in advance, had made arrangements for someone to greet her. It was Panqiao, the chief maidservant of Chu Fuyun. As soon as the carriage came to a halt, Panqiao approached with a smile. When Shen Wei stepped down with the help of Moqi, Panqiao curtsied respectfully and said, “Madam has been waiting for you.”

Shen Wei smiled at her words but asked, “And where is my elder brother?”

“The Marquis is still in court…”

Panqiao explained as she escorted Shen Wei inside. “However, he left word that if you came, you must stay for a meal before leaving.” She then added with a grin, “Madam was so pleased to hear you were visiting that she specifically asked the kitchen to prepare many of your favorite dishes.”

Shen Wei didn’t say much in response but followed Panqiao to the inner courtyard.

There, Shen Wei received greetings from the maids and servants before stepping into the house. The maid at the door held the curtain aside, and Shen Wei entered. Seated on a soft chaise was Chu Fuyun, who turned her head with a warm smile and said softly, “You’re here.”

After this greeting, Chu Fuyun playfully chided, “I only wanted to share this happy news to make you smile, but you’re still as hasty as ever, unable to sit still for a moment…” She laughed and took Shen Wei’s hand. “But it’s for the best. It’s been so long since we’ve had a chance to talk. Today, let’s take our time to chat.”

Looking at Chu Fuyun’s smile, Shen Wei’s swirling thoughts seemed to settle.

“I couldn’t possibly sit still after hearing such wonderful news about your pregnancy,” Shen Wei replied with a smile. After a pause, she asked, “Are you feeling any discomfort?”

Though she had never been pregnant herself, Shen Wei knew how challenging it could be for a woman to carry a child.

Chu Fuyun, noticing the concern on Shen Wei’s face, simply laughed softly. She patted Shen Wei’s hand gently and said, “Don’t worry. This isn’t my first time, after all. Besides, it’s only been a little over a month. As long as I’m mindful of my diet, everything will be fine.”

Hearing this, Shen Wei felt significantly reassured.

—-

Nighttime.

Jinjiang Tower, West of the City.

Jinjiang Tower was one of the most favored spots for the nobility in Bianliang. It welcomed both male and female guests, and every evening, the place would come alive with music and dancing. But in the highest tower room that night stood a man dressed in dark robes, his face obscured by a golden mask, gazing out the open window.

The full moon hung high in the sky, and the windows were wide open.

He stood motionless by the window, letting the evening breeze flow around him.

A middle-aged man dressed in blue approached from behind and spoke respectfully, “Master, he’s awake.”

The man in dark robes gave a faint “Mm” in response but did not turn around. Still gazing at the bright moon, he said, “Question him.”

“Yes,” the blue-robed man replied softly.

He turned toward a younger man in coarse brown clothing. The young man, appearing disoriented, had only just woken up. When his eyes scanned the room and landed on a sword-wielding man standing nearby, he flinched and retreated in fear. His voice trembling, he asked, “Who… who are you?”

“There’s no need to be afraid. We only brought you here to ask a question,” the blue-robed man said calmly, waving a hand to signal the swordsman to step back. Turning back to the young man, he continued, “Just tell us who taught you the calculations in this ledger. If you answer truthfully, not only will we let you go, but we’ll also reward you handsomely.”