Chapter 25.2

Compared to Lu Minghua, someone else in the capital wasn’t in such a good mood—

“What? Xiao Wu is missing?” Lu Mingxi’s eyes, always covered with a thin layer of mist, suddenly turned sharp.

The maid, head bowed, dared not look up and said, “Xiao Wu followed your orders, spread the news, and then left the capital. He should have arrived a few days ago, but we just received word that he hasn’t been seen.”

Lu Mingxi’s smile disappeared, her brows furrowed, and her eyes showed unease.

“Could it be…” she speculated silently, becoming restless.

Outside, the maid announced the arrival of the heir.

Lu Mingxi’s expression changed, but she quickly put on a gentle smile. She stood up and walked gracefully, her body light, the hem of her skirt moving slightly, looking as if she could barely support her clothes.

“Yuntai, you’re back,” she softened her voice.

Wei Yuntai looked up at her, and in a daze, it seemed as if he saw the former Lu Minghua.

He snapped back to reality. No, it wasn’t her. Mingxi’s gaze was always gentle and dependent, but Lu Minghua’s was calm and composed.

These two sisters had identical looks, but their eyes were decisively different.

“Why are you up? Sit down quickly,” Wei Yuntai softened his expression and voice, stepping forward to help Lu Mingxi sit down.

He was so considerate, and Lu Mingxi’s eyes filled with even more joy—

Such a good man was hers now. Thinking of how he treated Lu Minghua coldly and then looking at herself, she felt even more pleased.

Wei Yuntai sat down and glanced around. The room was still decorated in red, as they had been married for less than a month, and the festive atmosphere had not yet faded. But perhaps because they looked so similar, seeing Lu Mingxi sitting beside him always made him think of Lu Minghua. Looking around, the room was as new as ever, with no trace of Lu Minghua’s presence. For some reason, his heart felt empty for a moment.

“Yuntai, when are we leaving tomorrow?” Lu Mingxi, unaware, gently tugged at his sleeve and asked.

Facing her smiling eyes, Wei Yuntai steadied his heart and said, “Late in the morning is fine. Your health isn’t good, so rest a bit after breakfast before we leave.”

Lu Mingxi nodded with a smile, looking very obedient.

Suddenly remembering something, Wei Yuntai said, “By the way, your mother sent someone to tell you that your sister has already left.” He just said it lightly, without saying more.

Given Lu Minghua’s former status here, it was really not appropriate for him to say much.

Hearing this, Lu Mingxi’s expression changed slightly, her smile fading.

“What’s wrong?” Wei Yuntai asked with concern.

“Yuntai, do you think my sister is still blaming me?” Lu Mingxi leaned lightly on his shoulder, her voice soft and filled with guilt.

Where Wei Yuntai couldn’t see, she bit her lip.

She had initially thought that with Lu Minghua back, bringing Wei Yuntai back would be a good way to vent her anger from seeing her and Wei Yuntai together in the past. But unexpectedly, she left so quickly!!!

Just wait, next time…

Wei Yuntai was completely unaware, still gently comforting her.

The maid buried her head even deeper, not daring to look at Lu Mingxi’s cold expression.

*

In the morning, a farmer from the foot of the mountain brought fresh vegetables to the other courtyard. The kitchen servant led him in, seeing him looking around, frowned, and stopped him in a low voice.

“Which young lady lives here?” the farmer asked in a low voice.

“Is this something you should be asking about?” the servant immediately became more displeased.

Those who were brought here by Lu Minghua were her trusted confidants, with their indentures and lives in her hands, loyal to the core.

“Oh, if that’s the case, let me tell you, yesterday, shortly after the carriage went up the mountain, someone rode a tall horse into the village. They didn’t go up the mountain and only looked around here for a long time before leaving. Be careful,” the old farmer said, not minding the servant’s cold face. Everyone in this household was good-natured, without much temper. Last time, his little granddaughter met the young lady of this house, and she even gave her some delicious snacks.

“What?” The servant was startled and didn’t dare delay, calling someone to lead the way while he went to find Mama Li and told her about it.

Mama Li was also startled and immediately thought of Prince Changping.

It must be him!!!

She couldn’t help but pace back and forth, then looked at the servant still waiting, took some silver from her sleeve, and instructed, “Take this to the old farmer and thank him. Tell him to notify us if he has any more news like this.”

The servant immediately complied and went to find the old farmer with the silver.

Lu Minghua had just gotten up in the morning and hadn’t dressed up yet. Since there were no outsiders in her own courtyard, she didn’t bother to dress up. She wore an apricot-colored shirt and skirt, with her black hair draped behind her. She leaned idly by the window, casually plucking at her pipa, continuing to practice.

It was still early, with a light mist lingering at the foot of the mountain. The distant peach blossoms dotted the green mountains with their pink hues. She changed her tune to a spring song she had learned years ago.

The melody was light and cheerful as if birds were singing, willows were gently swaying, and the petals of newly bloomed peach blossoms were trembling lightly, with a drop of dew rolling off.

Mama Li entered the courtyard and saw her in such a relaxed state from afar. She slowed her steps, not wanting to disturb her, and waited until her fingers stopped before approaching and telling her what had happened.

“It doesn’t matter. Even if he doesn’t come, Lu Chengsong will find a way to tell him,” Lu Minghua paused for a moment and then said, not caring.

“Miss, should I find a few more people to guard the house?” This courtyard wasn’t big, with only three entrances. They had brought six maids, four older women, and six servants, totaling just over a dozen people, including themselves.

Mama Li was really worried and wanted to find more people.

“Mama, make the arrangements,” Lu Minghua thought for a moment and nodded. Seeing Mama Li frowning in thought, she added, “It’s fine. Prince Changping won’t do anything openly. We only need to guard against his secret schemes.”

“That’s hard to say,” Mama Li couldn’t relax. Prince Changping had such a bad reputation; he couldn’t be a good person.

Lu Minghua lightly plucked a string on the pipa, producing a clear ‘zheng’ sound that made one’s heart tremble.

“If he were really that reckless, he wouldn’t have lived peacefully until now,” she said, plucking the strings again. The sound was clear and pleasant, like jade beads falling on a plate. She smiled lightly at Mama Li, “I’m not someone without status either. Don’t worry; he won’t be that reckless.”

Hearing this, Mama Li’s expression finally relaxed a bit, but she still couldn’t hide her worry. Those people had black hearts, and who knew what they might do secretly??

Thinking this, she hurriedly left to make arrangements, preparing to find more reliable people to guard the house.

But finding such people is difficult. Ordinary people can’t handle those guards, and finding capable ones is hard. Even if found, they can’t be trusted easily. After much thought, she gritted her teeth and went next door to find Steward Zhao.

“Mama wants to find some guards?” Zhao Shiyi, left by Yan Yuanhua to watch the house, was surprised when Mama Li came looking for him.

Mama Li nodded.

“Well…” Zhao Shiyi initially wanted to ask why but then thought of the troubles around Lu Minghua and wasn’t surprised. He immediately asked about Mama Li’s requirements.

Mama Li cautiously listed some, with the main requirement being good character. She wanted to find people who would protect her young lady and not cause trouble for her.

“Don’t worry, Mama. My brothers are all strong and reliable men, no problem at all.” Zhao Shiyi smiled sweetly, reassuring Mama Li and easing her expression.

“Then I’ll trouble you. If your brothers come, rest assured, my young lady will arrange their monthly silver properly, no problem at all,” Mama Li said proudly. Her young lady was good at making money, with several shops already opened in other provinces, so money was not an issue.

Zhao Shiyi nodded repeatedly, his smile even brighter. Not to mention there was no problem, even if there was, money could solve anything.

Thus, the two agreed.

After seeing off Mama Li, Zhao Shiyi breathed a sigh of relief. Yesterday, his men discovered that Prince Changping’s guards were there. He was worried about what to do next when Mama Li came to him, which was perfect timing. He was thinking about sending a message back to the capital to his master, but unexpectedly, Yan Yuanhua returned that morning.

“Master?” Zhao Shiyi was a bit surprised. Given the Empress Dowager and Emperor’s regard for his master, he shouldn’t have been allowed to leave after just two days.

Yan Yuanhua strode in and casually asked, “How have things been these past few days?”

Without thinking much, Zhao Shiyi stepped forward and reported the situation next door.

Lu Minghua returned yesterday, but Prince Changping’s guards had also arrived. Today, Mama Li came over to ask him to find some guards.

“Guards?” Yan Yuanhua’s expression changed.

“I’ve already selected some,” Zhao Shiyi immediately listed a few people, all of whom he knew from the border.

Despite the great victory and the generous rewards for the army, it was just some money for ordinary soldiers. Some had to retire due to family concerns or injuries. Being able to guard a wealthy family’s house was a good opportunity for them.

Yan Yuanhua thought for a moment, removed two from the list, and replaced them with others.

“Your Highness, these—” Zhao Shiyi was surprised. These two were the prince’s personal guards and were still on duty.

“I don’t need them for now. Prince Changping’s methods are despicable and hard to guard against. Ordinary people might not be able to handle it,” Yan Yuanhua said. Some of the women in his back courtyard were indeed willing, but others were brought back through various means, though he did it cleanly, leaving no trace.

After all, how many normal women would willingly submit to an old man over fifty? People only saw the beautiful women in his courtyard, but where did the older, less attractive women go?

Zhao Shiyi’s expression stiffened, and he responded with a “yes” before turning to make arrangements.

After a bumpy journey, Yan Yuanhua went to wash up first, not needing anyone to serve him. Having been used to doing everything himself at the border, he was accustomed to it. While changing clothes, he suddenly paused, listening to a pipa sound coming from next door.

In terms of skill, this pipa playing couldn’t compare to the court musicians he had heard since childhood, but what was rare was the mood conveyed by the music. It was free and pleasant, and just by listening, one could feel the spring breeze, flowing water, and blooming flowers in her music.

Slowly fastening his jade belt, he looked towards the next door, a smile appearing in his eyes.

Zhao Shiyi had already returned and, seeing him listening intently, didn’t dare to disturb him. He saw the personal guard who had returned with Yan Yuanhua and quietly asked, “Why did the prince return so quickly?”

“Marriage’s urging,” the guard whispered, winking, “The prince sneaked away.”

Zhao Shiyi suddenly understood. He quickly straightened up when he saw the prince’s solemn expression and turned around to see his master standing by the window, watching him.

“By the way, we found out that a few days ago, Lu Chengsong sent someone out of the capital to harm someone. We’ve already rescued that person, but he’s too badly injured and hasn’t woken up yet,” Zhao Shiyi said as if suddenly remembering something.

Noble families always have private matters, which had nothing to do with Lu Minghua, so he hadn’t mentioned it earlier. But now, it was a good topic to change the subject.

“Harming someone?” Yan Yuanhua’s expression changed slightly.

Wen’an Earl’s Mansion, Study.

“Father, what do you mean by this?” Lu Mingxi looked at the stack of letters in front of her, lightly covering her chest, and looked at Lu Chengsong opposite her with confusion.

“Xi’er, do you know why I like you? Because you’re more ruthless,” Lu Chengsong smiled at her, hiding the thought ‘and more foolish.’

If she weren’t foolish, how could she hide her schemes against Lu Minghua in the mansion? If she weren’t foolish, how could she trust the people he gave her so easily? Someone like Lu Minghua would have thrown those people far away long ago.

If not for his help before, Wei Yuntai would have found out something was wrong long ago.

“But I found that you’re not ruthless enough. Since you’ve already spread rumors about your sister, you shouldn’t have left any witnesses. The Ningguo Marquis’ mansion is not to be trifled with. So I took care of him for you,” he said with a smile, reaching for the stack of letters.

Lu Mingxi instinctively reached out to stop him but couldn’t.

“Father, what do you want me to do?” Lu Mingxi bit her lip and asked, looking at the composed Lu Chengsong opposite her.

She understood that her biological father didn’t care about his daughters and wouldn’t do good deeds without a reason. Given the current situation, he must want her to do something.