Chapter 32

As February draws to an end, the days become increasingly warmer.

Today is especially clear and refreshing, and Shen Wei is in an unusually good mood. She instructs her servants to bring a new batch of flowers from the greenhouse and is now personally trimming them with her sleeves rolled up. Mo Qi stands beside her, holding a handkerchief. Watching Shen Wei carefully prune the orchids, she softly remarks, “Your trimming method seems different from usual.”

Shen Wei pauses momentarily upon hearing this.

Even though she has inherited the original owner’s memories, some minor details occasionally differ. However, Shen Wei quickly resumes pruning in the same manner as before, her lowered head conveniently hiding her expression. She casually replies, “I recently read an ancient book and thought I’d try the pruning method described in it.”

Mo Qi, satisfied with this explanation, doesn’t inquire further.

In recent days, Madam Shen has indeed been seen frequently reading books, so perhaps she is simply trying out what she learned.

After a while, Shen Wei speaks again, “Later, send this pot of orchids to Dachen Hall. My mother has always liked orchids, and her room is still a bit too plain.”

“Understood…”

After approximately a quarter of an hour, Shen Wei puts down the shears. She takes the handkerchief from Mo Qi to wipe her hands. Seemingly remembering something, she asks, “How long has it been since Miss Yang last visited our home?”

Mo Qi is momentarily taken aback by the mention of Yang Xuangyan, then quietly responds after a brief consideration, “It’s been about ten days or so…” She pauses briefly before adding, “It’s quite strange. Miss Yang used to visit daily, but now there’s been no word from her at all.”

“I’ve heard that Miss Yang hasn’t even left her home recently, so there might be some family matters keeping her occupied.”

After this explanation, Mo Qi inquires, “Should I send someone to check on her?”

Ten days?

Shen Wei recalls Lu Qihuai’s words, “Don’t worry, she won’t come here to bother you anymore…” Although it sounds absurd, she is certain that Yang Xuangyan’s absence is due to something Lu Qihuai did. But what method did he use?

How could a powerless and positionless illegitimate son make the daughter of a high-ranking official obedient?

This is indeed peculiar.

Noticing Shen Wei’s silence, Mo Qi softly calls out, “Madam?”

Shen Wei, returning to her senses but still silent, places the handkerchief on the redwood table and then steps towards the soft couch. After taking a sip from the teacup placed there earlier, she finally says, “Since Mi Zhi was once her student, prepare a gift and visit the Yang family this afternoon.”

Mo Qi complies, and Shen Wei sets the teacup back on the high table before asking, “Has Mi Zhi been upset?”

Spring has arrived, and the family school has resumed, so Lu Mizhi can no longer spend the whole day with Shen Wei. Moreover, Shen Wei spends her mornings summoning the stewards, so she rarely has the chance to speak with Lu Mizhi and Madam Li when they come to pay their respects. As a result, she is unsure of how Lu Mizhi feels about Yang Xuangyan’s absence.

Mo Qi, hearing the concern in Shen Wei’s voice, smiles gently.

She refills Shen Wei’s teacup with hot tea and softly replies, “The Seventh Miss is still young. Although Miss Yang taught her for a few days, the bond isn’t deep… Yesterday, when I delivered fruits per your instruction, I inquired discreetly with her maid. Ever since you scolded the Seventh Miss, she has stopped staying up late working on her needlework.”

“Now she spends her days practicing calligraphy and painting or playing string games with the Sixth Miss from the third branch. She seems happier than before.”

Shen Wei, reassured by this, is about to speak when Yi Qin rushes in, hastily lifting the curtain. Yi Qin, usually not as composed as Mo Qi, has never appeared this anxious before, causing Shen Wei to frown and ask, “What’s happened?”

Yi Qin, slightly calmed by Shen Wei’s voice, bows respectfully before reporting, “Madam, a decree has arrived at our residence. The elders are at the main gate receiving it.”

Even for a prominent family like the Duke of Rong’s, receiving an imperial decree is rare…

In all these years, such an event has only occurred twice—when Lu Buwei became the duke and received orders to lead troops. No wonder Yi Qin is so flustered now.

Shen Wei is momentarily stunned. An imperial decree at this time likely pertains to the spring hunt, and the spring hunt… will be Lu Qihuai’s first step towards a path of thorny glory.

This man will not only shine at the spring hunt but also accomplish something significant.

Mo Qi saw the dazed look on Shen Wei’s face and assumed that she had been frightened by the imperial decree.

She quickly called out to someone, and once Shen Wei came to her senses, she said, “Madam, the eunuch delivering the decree is here; we must go immediately.” After saying this, she glanced at Shen Wei’s attire and added, “Fortunately, you’ve already met with the steward, so there’s no need to change clothes.”

Shen Wei noticed the anxiety and panic on the faces of the two people in front of her but didn’t say anything. She simply stood up gracefully, nodded at them, and said, “Let’s go.”

—-

By the time Shen Wei reached the entrance hall, most of the Lu family had already gathered, even the ailing Lu Buhou.

Seeing this, Shen Wei remained silent and stood beside Old Madam Xie.

The eunuch who came to deliver the message saw that everyone had gathered and lightly shook the horsetail whisk in his hand. He then picked up the bright yellow imperial decree from the redwood table and, with a sharp voice, began, “All members of the Duke of Rong’s household, receive the decree.”

As soon as he spoke—

Everyone naturally knelt down.

Seeing this, the eunuch held the decree and read aloud, “By the Emperor’s command, the Grand Astronomical Bureau has determined that the 13th of March is an auspicious day. The Emperor has decided to hold a spring hunt at Donghua Mountain and enjoy the event with all officials. Unless there are major matters, everyone is to attend without fail… Thus decreed.”

After reading the decree, he looked at Old Madam Xie and respectfully said, “Old Madam, please accept the decree.”

Old Madam Xie, hearing this, naturally did not say anything. She held the decree with both hands, then said, “We thank His Majesty for his great kindness.”

Everyone else also expressed their gratitude, then stood up.

The eunuch glanced around at everyone and asked, “Is the eldest son of the Duke here today?”

Old Madam Xie replied, “He went to school today and is not here…”

Upon hearing this, the eunuch did not say anything further. He continued speaking to Old Madam Xie, “His Majesty has long wanted to meet the eldest son of the Duke, but due to the busy state of affairs and also fearing that meeting him would bring back memories of the Duke, it has been delayed.” Seeing a look of sadness appear on Old Madam Xie’s face, he quickly added, “Look at me, speaking without thinking, making you sad.”

Although Old Madam Xie looked somewhat melancholic, her voice remained steady, “It is a blessing for Bu Wei to be remembered by His Majesty…”

She paused for a moment and then continued, “Please convey to His Majesty that on the day of the spring hunt, the entire Lu family will attend. Also, please remind His Majesty to take care of his health during the chilly spring nights.”

The eunuch, hearing this, smiled, “Thank you for your concern. His Majesty will be pleased to hear this.”

After receiving a pouch from the steward, the eunuch did not say anything further, made a salute to everyone, and then turned to leave.

—-

The Lu family only began to move inside after the eunuch’s entourage had left. Old Madam Xie carefully placed the decree back on the redwood table and said to Yi Nan, “Tell the gatekeepers to inform me immediately when the eldest and second young masters return, and have them come to the Dacheng Hall.”

Yi Nan acknowledged her instructions—

Old Madam Xie, supported by Shen Wei, started walking back to the Dacheng Hall, followed by the rest of the Lu family.

Currently, the reigning emperor of the Qingyun Kingdom, Zhao Zhun, was fond of martial pursuits. Hence, the annual spring hunt was a significant celebration for the kingdom. On that day, Zhao Zhun not only invited all officials to join in the festivities but also personally offered thanks to the gods, praying for favorable weather for the kingdom. Those invited to the spring hunt were either of great service to the state or held in high favor by the emperor.

For the Lu family to be invited as a whole was no small favor.

Ever since the death of Lu Bu Wei, there had been much speculation about the Lu family both in Bianliang City and at court… Although the emperor had elevated Lu Bu Yang’s rank to show that the Lu family’s favor had not waned, how could a third-ranked official compare to the former general who had commanded ten thousand troops?

Therefore, many believed that the Lu family’s favor would not last much longer.

But with this decree, public perception of the Lu family was likely to change.

Back at Dacheng Hall—

Mamma Wei led the maids in serving tea and snacks to everyone.

Old Madam Xie, holding her prayer beads, sat on the Luohan bed and looked at everyone present before speaking, “Since His Majesty has issued the decree, we must not disappoint him. However…” She looked at Lu Buhou, hesitated, and said with some concern, “Old third, your health?”

Lu Buhou responded with a light smile. He placed his teacup back on the table, looked at Old Madam Xie, and said warmly, “Mother, you need not worry about my health. The doctor said I am fine for now…” Seeing her continued concern, he added with a smile, “His Majesty holds our family in high regard. If I do not attend, it would not only disappoint him but also give others a reason to criticize us for being arrogant in favor.”

Old Madam Xie sighed.

But she did not say anything further. She simply instructed Wei Shi, “On that day, besides the accompanying doctor, make sure to bring all the medicine that the third young master usually takes.”

Wei Shi quickly agreed.

After this, the room fell silent again. Wang Shi, who had wanted to speak since entering, saw the opportunity and looked at Old Madam Xie. Twisting a handkerchief in her hands, her voice trembled with excitement, “Mother, since His Majesty has decreed that our family should go, then Qi Yan…”

She hadn’t finished speaking when she saw Old Madam Xie lifting her eyes to look at her indifferently.

Seeing the look in Old Madam Xie’s eyes, Madam Wang’s smile froze, and the words she hadn’t yet spoken stopped in her throat.

Old Madam Xie continued to thumb her prayer beads, and seeing Madam Wang fall silent, she finally spoke, “Since His Majesty has issued the decree, tomorrow you should bring Qiyan back from the estate…” After saying this, she observed the renewed excitement on Madam Wang’s face and frowned subtly.

But it was only for a moment, and she continued to thumb her beads, speaking as usual, “If such a thing happens again in the future…”

“Mother, don’t worry. After Qiyan comes back, I will strictly supervise him and ensure he never causes trouble like before…” Madam Wang, now solely focused on her son’s return, promised everything wholeheartedly. Although Old Madam Xie knew her nature, she didn’t want to say anything publicly, so she simply instructed Shen Wei, “Tomorrow, make sure to send someone to bring Qiyan home.”

Shen Wei, hearing this, promptly responded.

After this matter was settled, a maid outside announced softly, “The eldest and second young masters have returned.”

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Xie paused her bead-thumbing again. She looked towards the entrance just as the silk curtain was lifted, and Lu Qihuai and Lu Qixuan walked into the room one after the other… The sky outside was still bright, and with their handsome appearances, they looked even more impressive under the daylight.

The maids serving in the room couldn’t help but lower their heads at the sight of the two.

After they greeted her—

Old Madam Xie spoke up, first recounting the decree, and then continued, “His Majesty’s great favor is upon you, and you are both the younger generation of our Lu family. On that day, many will be watching you… Our Lu family comes from a military background, so if you have the honor to hunt with His Majesty, remember not to disgrace our ancestors.”

Lu Qihuai showed no reaction upon hearing this. He merely cupped his hands and responded respectfully, “Yes…”

But Lu Qixuan…

His previously lowered face showed a hint of somberness.

A grand event like the spring hunt would undoubtedly draw many people. Given His Majesty’s favor towards his uncle, it was possible he might extend this favor to Lu Qihuai, a concubine’s son… If that happened, would he have to show respect to a concubine’s son in the future? Just thinking about how Lu Qihuai’s gaze was filled with thinly veiled mockery on that day made it impossible for him to hide his hatred.

Not hearing a response from Lu Qixuan, Old Madam Xie paused her bead-thumbing.

She lifted her eyes to look at Lu Qixuan and asked, “Qixuan, what’s wrong?”

Lu Qixuan, hearing this, came back to his senses. He quickly concealed his expression, returning to his usual demeanor before looking up and replying warmly, “It’s nothing…” After a pause, he added hesitantly, “I was just thinking about Brother Yan. He’s been at the estate for quite some time.”

As soon as he finished speaking—

Old Madam Xie glanced at him again. Seeing his gentle face as usual, she withdrew her gaze and said, “Tomorrow, I’ll have your aunt send someone to bring Qiyan back…” With that, she said nothing more, only instructing everyone, “Alright, since you all know, you may go.”

Before anyone could respond, she looked at the young man in black standing below and added, “Xuan Yue, stay behind.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Qixuan clenched his fists under his sleeves, a dark wave flashing through his eyes… But he said nothing, merely retreating with everyone else.

After everyone had left—

Nanny Wei also led the maids out of the room.

With no one else around, the large room suddenly felt eerily silent. Old Madam Xie put the prayer beads back on her wrist, then looked at the young man in black sitting below and spoke, “Are you ready?”

Lu Qihuai didn’t respond immediately.

Now, his demeanor was no longer the same as before. He sat in the armchair, his expression relaxed and indifferent, yet his imposing presence was undeniable. Holding a teacup, he took a sip, then looked outside.

The sky outside was clear and bright.

Holding his teacup, his cold features softened slightly, and he said quietly, “I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time.”