Chapter 28

Zhao Shiyi muttered to himself, thinking that it might not be so certain. After all, they had been husband and wife, and who knows if Miss Lu still had lingering feelings. But seeing the smile in his lord’s eyes, he held back.

It’s better not to spoil the mood.

Having served his lord for many years, Yan Yuanhua could easily understand Zhao Shiyi. Seeing his expression, he knew Zhao Shiyi didn’t agree.

Usually, he didn’t mind what Zhao Shiyi thought, but this time, for some reason, he didn’t want anyone to misjudge Lu Minghua. So he smiled and recounted an incident at the Ningguo Marquis’ mansion.

At that time, Wei Huailiang’s wife was not seen in the house, but he had stayed in the study and saw everything clearly.

When Lu Minghua returned from the ancestral hall, her eyebrows were raised. She was full of joy and relaxation, without a trace of worry or reluctance. It wasn’t until she was about to enter the house that she composed herself and became calm.

He hadn’t thought much of it before, but now, recalling it, Yan Yuanhua really wanted to know what she had done in the ancestral hall.

After casually finishing his story, he saw Zhao Shiyi’s surprised expression and felt satisfied.

Zhao Shiyi, unaware of his lord’s thoughts, was very surprised. He had always thought that Lu Minghua would be filled with resentment and unwillingness after being divorced—although it was wrong to think so; after all, being the wife of the heir of the Marquis’ mansion was better than living in the countryside.

But unexpectedly, he heard a different answer from his master.

“Wei Yuntai…” Yan Yuanhua slightly disapproved, shaking his head without saying more.

He had worked with Marquis Ningguo for several years. Although the Marquis was arrogant and domineering, he was never ambiguous about important matters, and they had a certain camaraderie. When he first returned to the capital, he had heard of Wei Yuntai’s excellent reputation but hadn’t expected him to be so muddled inside.

“I wonder what Marquis Ningguo said,” Zhao Shiyi was curious about why Wei Yuntai was punished to kneel.

“Before, Wei Huailiang didn’t care, but now, he might have murderous intent,” Yan Yuanhua said casually.

Zhao Shiyi’s eyes widened.

“Before, Uncle said that Marquis Ningguo valued the mansion the most. If Lu Mingxi behaved herself, it would be fine, but with her actions…” Next door, Lu Minghua said something similar to Yan Yuanhua, smiling lightly.

“Now, let’s see how long Wei Yuntai can protect her.”

“After all, a frail and sickly person might lose their life to a sudden illness at any time.” Lu Minghua’s fingers suddenly plucked the pipa, producing a crisp sound that invigorated the listener.

“Let me see how genuine Wei Yuntai’s so-called affection is,” she raised her eyebrows, half-smiling.

When they divorced, she had asked Wei Yuntai a question that still echoed in her ears—

“Heir, tell me, all these years, have you been longing for your lost love, or is it your unwillingness and anger at being deceived?”

She really wanted to know the answer to that question.

Wei Yuntai was a prodigy and intelligent. His status and upbringing from a young age instilled in him confidence and pride, even to the point of arrogance. Once he believed in something, he wouldn’t easily be swayed without absolute evidence.

Lu Minghua took three years to confirm this.

Now, she was very curious to see his reaction when he discovered the truth wasn’t what he believed.

*

In the capital.

Lu Chengsong was overjoyed that his son had become a disciple of a great teacher. He invited many guests to celebrate, naturally including the biggest contributors, Wei Yuntai and Lu Mingxi.

However, when the invitation reached the Marquis’ mansion, and the servants showed it to Lu Mingxi, she couldn’t feel any joy.

Even the luxurious dress she had carefully prepared to impress everyone at the celebration, showcasing Wei Yuntai’s love for her, was thrown to the ground.

“How outrageous,” Lu Mingxi growled.

The Marquis Ningguo’s mansion held high status and power. As the daughter-in-law of the Wei family, did she not even have the right to find a teacher for her brother? Such a small matter, and yet they were upset—

No, they weren’t even upset.

Since her marriage, the Marquis and his wife had always treated her coldly and ignored her, not even requiring her to pay respects. They openly showed their disdain and dislike. She appeared fearful but didn’t care, thinking that the title would eventually belong to Wei Yuntai, and as long as she held onto him, it would be fine.

But unexpectedly, even Wei Yuntai began to treat her coldly after this incident. Along with this, she also resented Lu Chengsong. She wouldn’t be in this situation if it weren’t for his threats.

Looking at the invitation mixed with the dress on the ground, Lu Mingxi angrily stepped on it, grinding it under her foot.

“The heir has returned.” At this moment, a maid suddenly called out from outside.

Lu Mingxi was startled and quickly withdrew her foot. It was too late to clean it up, so she kicked it aside, trying to cover the footprints, and rubbed her eyes red before hurrying out.

“Yuntai, you’re back,” she said.

Enduring the pain in his knee, Wei Yuntai walked in slowly. As he looked up, he saw Lu Mingxi with red eyes, full of guilt and regret.

“Are you, are you okay?” Lu Mingxi looked at him, her body swaying as if she might fall.

His expression softened. His previous dissatisfaction from his parents’ scolding dissipated a bit. Wei Yuntai smiled and said, “I’m fine, don’t worry.”

“Really, really?” Lu Mingxi’s eyes brightened, and she carefully supported him.

Wei Yuntai nodded. He should have been happy with his beloved’s care, but for some reason, he felt a moment of confusion.

Lu Mingxi, delighted by his gentle care, was unaware of his feelings. They supported each other into the inner room, and Wei Yuntai’s gaze fell on the mess on the floor, causing him to pause.

“Oh, I, I…” Lu Mingxi said in embarrassment, quickly calling the maids to clean up.

Wei Yuntai glanced at the footprints among the dresses, pausing for a moment.

The maid came in to clean up, took the clothes, and left without looking around. This reminded him of the past. Lu Minghua’s maids, though respectful, would occasionally be curious and playful. But Lu Mingxi’s maids had always been respectful and never dared to look around since their marriage.

Feeling a slight stir in his heart, he was about to think more deeply when Lu Mingxi interrupted him. Turning his head, Wei Yuntai met Lu Mingxi’s tearful eyes.

“Yuntai, it’s all my fault. I won’t listen to my father anymore. I didn’t expect my parents to be so angry,” Lu Mingxi said, aggrieved and puzzled, holding Wei Yuntai’s sleeve pitifully.

“This matter is also my fault for not being thorough,” Wei Yuntai said, taking responsibility and explaining the situation to the Sun family’s relatives.

“I caused my mother to lose face, and I don’t know what my grandfather and uncle will think. Tomorrow, I’ll personally go to apologize,” he said.

“How can it be your fault? It’s mine. As your wife, I didn’t even know about these things. It’s my failure,” Lu Mingxi quickly admitted her mistake, trying to hint at the Marquis’ wife restricting her from handling household affairs. She didn’t notice Wei Yuntai’s silent agreement.

In the past, Lu Minghua would remind him of these things.

Wei Yuntai thought this, looking at the aggrieved and delicate Lu Mingxi, suppressing his thoughts. He thought it was fine; he would teach her more. Mingxi was just naive; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been schemed against by Lu Minghua, causing their delay in being together for three years.

“Yuntai, I don’t know anything after entering the Marquis’ mansion. Can you teach me what to do?” Seeing Wei Yuntai not thinking in her desired direction, Lu Mingxi had to be more explicit.

“You don’t need to do anything,”

Unexpectedly, when Lu Mingxi heard Wei Yuntai say this, she felt dissatisfied but looked at him with confusion.

“Your health is not good; you shouldn’t worry about these things. Just take care of yourself,” Wei Yuntai said earnestly, thinking about his father’s stern warning in the study today.

He knew his father well, a man who always meant what he said. If he said he wouldn’t mind having a deceased heir’s wife in the Marquis Ningguo’s mansion if Wei Yuntai made another foolish mistake because of Lu Mingxi, he would follow through. And he, unable to do anything, could only placate Mingxi. Fortunately, she had always been obedient and sensible, so he thought it would be fine.

Unaware of the reason, Lu Mingxi felt angry hearing Wei Yuntai’s words. She lowered her eyes to hide her discontent and softly replied, “Alright.”

“Yuntai, I know you care for me the most,” she said, gently leaning into Wei Yuntai’s embrace. She clenched her hands in her sleeves tightly, causing pain in her palm.

Lu Minghua could manage household affairs back then, but now Wei Yuntai was telling her not to handle anything?

She was not convinced!

Wei Yuntai felt relieved and smiled, saying, “Don’t worry about Mother’s anger. As long as you are obedient and sensible, she will eventually see your good qualities.”

Lu Mingxi only thought about the two elders passing away early so she could rise to power. Who cared about their favor?

Thinking this, she responded softly.

The two whispered intimately for a while.

On the other side, Lu Chengsong’s banquet was bustling with guests. However, even as the banquet began, neither Wei Yuntai nor Lu Mingxi had arrived. Not only did they not come, but they didn’t even send someone to convey a message.

Feeling the subtle glances from the people in the hall, his face stiffened. The pride he felt when showing off his capable son-in-law now turned into embarrassment.

The atmosphere in the hall became delicate until an unexpected guest arrived, easing the tension—

“Prince Changping has arrived,” a servant reported.

As a prince, attending a banquet for a second branch of a noble family was certainly eye-catching.

Lu Chengsong hurriedly welcomed him in. Yan Rongchen glanced around but seemed disappointed.

“Where is your daughter?” He had been thinking about her these past days, hoping to see her today, but she wasn’t there.

Lu Chengsong, with a full smile, explained and mentioned Lu Minghua’s location.

Yan Rongchen’s eyes flickered thoughtfully. He knew that place but had been too busy to visit recently.

After half a month, with her clothes changed to light summer attire, Lu Minghua was finally able to go out. Standing outside the door, looking at the increasingly lush greenery in the mountains, she took a deep breath.

“Mama Li finally let you out?” Yan Yuanhua’s smiling voice came from one side. She turned her head and smiled, calling out, “Young Master Yuan.”

Amidst the green mountains, she turned back and smiled. Yan Yuanhua suddenly thought of the peach blossoms blooming on the branches in March.

“Your injury wasn’t serious; half a month was enough to heal,” Yan Yuanhua said, his eyes sweeping over her ankle.

The peach-colored skirt was embroidered with peach blossoms, revealing only a corner of the lustrous pearl-adorned shoes. Naturally, he continued to look at Lu Minghua.

“Young Master Yuan, you’re saying this too late,” Lu Minghua said with a smile, her eyebrows moving lightly, pretending to be annoyed. “If you had said it earlier, I might have come out sooner.”

“Didn’t Mama Li tell you? It was I who said you could come out today,” Yan Yuanhua laughed.

“What?” Lu Minghua widened her eyes.

“The sound of the pipa should be more cheerful,” Yan Yuanhua said with a smile, teasing her.

“This… was my oversight,” Lu Minghua blushed, realizing her mistake.

Feeling stifled from being confined, she had inevitably played the pipa with emotion. She hadn’t noticed at the time, but now, hearing Yan Yuanhua’s words, she realized it was inappropriate.

“But Miss Lu’s pipa playing is enjoyable,” Yan Yuanhua suddenly smiled and praised her.

Suddenly praised, Lu Minghua instinctively looked up at Yan Yuanhua, her eyes sparkling.

“Really?” she asked, somewhat uncertain.

“Of course,” Yan Yuanhua replied confidently.

Lu Minghua couldn’t help but smile, then shook her head, saying, “I’m still far from good. After all, I haven’t practiced for many years, so I’m a bit rusty.”

As she spoke, Yan Yuanhua walked over.

The two of them stepped forward in unison.

“I think it’s excellent,” Yan Yuanhua said with a smile.

This person always carried an innate confidence and determination. Even when he spoke, every word was filled with certainty, as if everything he said was sincere. Listening to him, even someone as insecure as Lu Minghua felt a surge of confidence.

Fortunately, she still had her rationality.

“Young Master Yuan, don’t praise me like that,” Lu Minghua said with a laugh, then added, “I want to find a teacher, but I don’t know where to start. Do you have any recommendations, Young Master Yuan?”

“A teacher?” Yan Yuanhua pondered for a moment, seeing Lu Minghua’s slight anticipation, and smiled, saying, “I don’t know, but I can ask my family for you.”

“That’s not necessary,” Lu Minghua instinctively refused. Although she felt familiar enough with him to ask for help, she wasn’t acquainted with his family and didn’t want to trouble him.

“It’s no trouble, just a word,” Yan Yuanhua said indifferently. Seeing that Lu Minghua was about to refuse again, he smiled and said, “Or do you not trust me, Miss Lu?”

“Young Master Yuan!” Seeing his playful manner, Lu Minghua couldn’t help but feel helpless. “You know that’s not what I mean.”

“Then leave it to me,” Yan Yuanhua said directly.

Lu Minghua had to swallow her refusal.

“Miss Lu, don’t think needing help is a bother,” Yan Yuanhua’s usually casual demeanor suddenly became serious. “We are friends. I’m willing to help you. If you don’t let me help, I might have to reflect on myself.”

“What?” Not understanding why he said that, Lu Minghua instinctively asked.

“Reflect on whether I’ve done something wrong to make a friend think that I’m annoying,” Yan Yuanhua said, smiling again, not with a bright smile, but a focused and sincere one.

Being looked at by such eyes, Lu Minghua was stunned and puzzled. Is that so?

Having never been loved, she didn’t understand but wanted to believe Yan Yuanhua’s words. The emotion in his words was too beautiful for her.