Chapter 32

The thunderstorm came quickly and left just as fast. After a night of heavy rain and strong winds, it turned into a light drizzle that slowly dissipated.

The next day was overcast, with intermittent rain in the afternoon. By the third day, a thick fog enveloped the area, and once it cleared, the sky brightened. By the afternoon, the sun was shining brightly, and it became hot.

In the morning, Mama Li still nagged Lu Minghua to wear more clothes, but by the afternoon, she had to start looking for lighter garments.

The entire mountain was lush and green, as if it had been washed clean, clear, and bright, making everything look fresh.

Lu Minghua leaned against the window of the small building, watching for a long time. The vibrant green of the mountain seemed to cleanse her thoughts. She picked up her pipa and gently strummed it, playing a cheerful tune. In the distance, she saw a fast horse galloping along the mountain path, causing her fingers to pause.

Soon after, there was a slight commotion next door, and Lu Minghua felt relieved that it wasn’t someone coming to see her. Such days were delightful for her, and she really didn’t want anyone to disrupt them.

“Your Highness, His Majesty has requested your return to the capital,” a guard knelt in the courtyard and said, bowing his head.

“Is there something urgent?”

“His Majesty is concerned about your health, but there is no other matter.”

Yan Yuanhua sat at the head of the table, silent for a moment.

It had been two months since he left the capital, and it was time to return, but— He glanced at the neighboring building, where someone was still playing the pipa, the notes cheerful, indicating a good mood. With this thought, he agreed.

After a brief preparation, the group mounted their fast horses and headed back to the capital.

In the palace, the Empress Dowager had been restless since the rainy day. Now, sitting in Shoukang Palace, she was still distracted. The Empress below did not say anything to disturb her, and the other senior concubines were also well-behaved and sensible. However, the newly promoted concubines were not so perceptive.

Upon hearing that the Empress Dowager had persuaded His Majesty to summon Prince Rui back to the capital, many began to harbor thoughts, subtly praising the outstanding qualities of their relatives’ daughters.

Prince Rui held a noble status and was deeply trusted by His Majesty. Who wouldn’t want to form such a good marriage alliance?

The Empress Dowager listened with some impatience. Her son had many good women she had carefully selected, so there was no need for these scheming ones. However, she was now enjoying her retirement, focusing on her own life day by day, and was too lazy to meddle in the Emperor’s harem affairs. She just glanced at the Empress.

“Consort Chun,” seeing that the Empress Dowager had no such intention, the Empress quickly put down her teacup and stopped being a bystander, calling out to the least discerning Consort Chun—

Perhaps because she had seen too much scheming and fighting, the Emperor now particularly favored these seemingly simple and naive young girls. She didn’t mind, as her position as the Empress was as stable as Mount Tai, and she had no interest in any romantic entanglements with the Emperor.

As it was now, the Emperor gave her respect and dignity and carefully guided the Crown Prince she had given birth to, which was already very good.

“Your Majesty?” Being suddenly called out, Consort Chun immediately looked over and respectfully said.

The Empress smiled and said, “Since your cousin is so good, why not bring her into the palace together?”

Consort Chun blinked and quickly refused. She wasn’t foolish enough to think that as a consort, she could have the face to bring her sister into the palace to live. The Empress clearly meant to serve His Majesty together. How could that be possible?

“Which other sister has this intention? Why not speak up together so I can report to His Majesty.” The Empress scanned the room.

Everyone quickly lowered their heads and said nothing. The current harem had few people, and the Emperor would spend half a month in Yikun Palace each month. The remaining half month, excluding the time spent handling state affairs, left only seven or eight days for the harem concubines. If new people came in, there would be nothing left for them.

Seeing everyone behaving, the Empress Dowager was satisfied. The Empress sensibly got up to take her leave, leading a group of people in a grand manner.

“Chattering all day, not a moment of peace.” Seeing Shoukang Palace finally quiet down, the Empress Dowager sighed and complained.

“His Majesty is also considerate of you, afraid that it would be too lonely here, so he instructed the Empress to bring them to greet you every day.” The nanny offered hot tea.

“I don’t need it. I only want some peace,” the Empress Dowager shook her head, always thinking about her second son. She said casually, “You say they are both my children, but how can their personalities be so different? I don’t expect the second one to be exactly like the first, but he can’t be like this either.”

Thinking about it made her angry. She slapped the table and said, “Last time I had everything arranged, but he ran off without telling me.”

“He’s twenty-one this year. When his brother was his age, he already had three sons. And him? His backyard is empty, not even a maid.”

The Empress Dowager kept complaining, and the nanny smiled and comforted her.

Don’t be fooled by how vigorously the master complains about her children. If the nanny dared to say anything, the master would get angry.

“This time, I’ll arrange it first. Let’s see how he runs away,” the Empress Dowager made up her mind.

Yan Yuanhua entered the palace to pay his respects, relieved to see that his mother didn’t mention marriage again. He hadn’t figured out his feelings yet and didn’t have that thought.

In the end, the Empress Dowager called him and said, “The day after tomorrow is my brother’s birthday. Since you’re back, go and take a look.”

Yan Yuanhua was a bit surprised. This so-called uncle’s family was invited back to the capital after the current Emperor ascended the throne. He hadn’t seen them much since he was a child, so naturally, they weren’t very close. But since his mother said so, he agreed.

When he went that day, he saw a garden full of beautiful women and suddenly realized, but it was too late to leave.

The current Emperor extended grace to the Empress Dowager’s family, and her maternal family was granted the title Duke of Cheng’en.

The He family, who had been a minor official and lost his position due to illness, lived in the countryside for decades. They never expected such fortune. Suddenly wealthy, they didn’t become arrogant but were even more cautious. This time, they received the Empress Dowager’s instructions and immediately organized a grand event. There were many sharp and observant people in the capital. The He family suddenly decided to hold a banquet, coinciding with Prince Rui’s return to the capital. They immediately made grand preparations and brought their daughters.

Yan Yuanhua was very impatient. He was not one to hold back his temper, so he frowned and wanted to leave.

Duke Cheng’en tried to persuade him to stay, but his efforts were useless until Yan Yuanhua looked up and saw someone in the crowd.

It was Wei Yuntai, the heir of Marquis Ningguo.

Yan Yuanhua paused and no longer mentioned leaving. Everyone came forward to pay their respects. Yan Yuanhua leaned back in his chair, relaxed and at ease, looking at each person.

Wei Yuntai followed behind Marquis Ningguo to salute him. When he looked up, he saw this noble prince looking at him.

“Marquis Wei, is this your heir?” Yan Yuanhua scrutinized Wei Yuntai, from his appearance to his stature and demeanor.

Was this Lu Minghua’s former husband?

“Yes, this is my son,” Wei Huailiang smiled, feeling very pleased. Among so many people with their children, Prince Rui only asked about his son.

Compared to his father’s happiness, Wei Yuntai was much more cautious. He didn’t know if he was overthinking it, but he always felt that this prince didn’t seem to like him very much. He stepped forward to salute, cupping his hands and bowing respectfully, “Greetings, Your Highness.”

Yan Yuanhua didn’t speak. He idly tapped the table with his fingers and looked at the person in front of him. Indeed, he had a good appearance, with gentle and warm features, clearly someone who would be popular with women. Thinking this, Yan Yuanhua felt a bit uncomfortable.

He didn’t tell him to rise, and Wei Yuntai didn’t dare to stand up. The atmosphere became subtle, with many people secretly watching. Wei Huailiang also felt something was wrong and cautiously looked at Yan Yuanhua.

“Rise,” Yan Yuanhua finally said, then smiled and looked at Wei Huailiang, saying, “I’ve long heard of the reputation of the heir of the Wei family, a gentleman as clear as the wind and bright as the moon. Such a great reputation even makes me curious.”

“My son is unworthy, unworthy,” Wei Huailiang hurriedly said.

Yan Yuanhua nodded casually and looked at the others paying their respects.

Wei Huailiang led Yan Yuanhua to the side, turned to look at him, and carefully scrutinized him.

“Father?”

“Have you offended Prince Rui in any way?” After working together for several years, Wei Huailiang could sense some of Yan Yuanhua’s emotions. Just now, his words seemed like praise, but he always felt there was some sarcasm.

Wei Yuntai quickly shook his head. This was the first time he had seen Prince Rui since he returned to the capital this year, so how could he have offended him?

Wei Huailiang frowned slightly, carefully pondering Yan Yuanhua’s words, and finally understood the meaning— It must be about his divorce and remarriage to his wife’s sister.

Wei Yuntai also thought of this and couldn’t help but pause.

Wei Huailiang looked at him with disappointment and anger, then flicked his sleeve and growled, “If I had known, I wouldn’t have appointed you as the heir.”

It didn’t matter if others disliked him, but this was Prince Rui. As long as he made a slight move, he could naturally ruin Wei Yuntai’s future. Other things could be tolerated, but if Wei Yuntai continued like this when he inherited the title of Marquis Ningguo, then…

Wei Yuntai’s eyes widened slightly, and he looked at Wei Huailiang. Seeing the gloom between his brows, he withdrew his gaze, and the warm smile on his face faded. There was a certain emptiness in his eyes. He had never realized that smiling could be such a difficult thing.

From childhood to adulthood, Wei Huailiang had high hopes for his eldest son, Wei Yuntai. Although he never praised him, he was always satisfied.

He never thought he would hear such words from his father.

Wei Huailiang secretly considered his second son and suddenly regretted only having two sons for the sake of family stability. Now, he didn’t even have a choice.

No matter what, Marquis Ningguo’s residence must not decline under his watch!!!

After meeting Wei Yuntai, Yan Yuanhua stayed for a while longer. He quietly left when the noble ladies in the garden wanted to compete in their talents.

When Duke Cheng’en looked around after making arrangements, he found that Yan Yuanhua was already gone.

Yan Yuanhua left without even returning to the palace, taking his guards straight to the villa. It had only been a few days, but he suddenly missed the sound of the pipa.

In the palace, upon learning that Yan Yuanhua had left again, the Empress Dowager angrily smashed a teacup but was helpless. Her son was not interested in women, and she couldn’t just throw someone into his backyard. Although she could do it, she ultimately wanted her son to live comfortably and happily.

Lu Minghua only discovered today that Yan Yuanhua had left.

For two consecutive mornings, she went out for a walk and didn’t see him. Feeling a bit strange, she learned that Young Master Yuan had left two days ago.

She felt a bit regretful—

She hadn’t thanked Yan Yuanhua for his help during the thunderstorm. Thinking about it, Lu Minghua couldn’t help but feel embarrassed, as if some of her secrets had been exposed. At that time, she was too flustered to notice, but now, thinking back carefully, it was clear that Young Master Yuan had done it on purpose.

And then there was the sound of the flute…

In the dim light, the clear sound and the man’s tall and broad back kept appearing in her mind. Lu Minghua thought about it and became lost in thought.

Another sound of horse hooves came, and someone rode up from the mountain. Lu Minghua looked into the distance, unable to see clearly, but seeing that familiar figure in blue, she instantly understood that it was Young Master Yuan.

Some people’s elegance and demeanor are unmatched.

Unconsciously, the melancholy in her eyes disappeared, and she smiled lightly. From afar, the person on the horse seemed to look up.

Lu Minghua watched calmly and then saw the person raise his hand and wave toward her.

She hesitated for a moment. Was he waving at her?

Unable to decide, she didn’t want to respond and seem presumptuous, so she just watched quietly. Seeing that light blue figure leaning by the window, Yan Yuanhua’s fatigue from the journey suddenly dissipated.

---

“Taking a concubine? Does the Marquis have someone in mind?”

Completely unexpected, Marquis Ningguo suddenly said he wanted to take a concubine after returning from the banquet. Madam Sun was both angry and confused, speaking stiffly.

Wei Yuntai was shocked, staring blankly at Wei Huailiang.

“Someone fertile,” Wei Huailiang said.

Hearing this, Madam Sun’s face became even stiffer. Fertile? So it was for the sake of having more children?!!!

But they already had two grown children. Why suddenly want more children now?

Madam Sun didn’t want to agree at all, but she couldn’t make decisions for Wei Huailiang. She had to delay, planning to first find out what had happened and then address it accordingly.

“Indeed, Marquis’s lineage is a bit thin, but choosing someone isn’t something that can be decided in a short time. Can Marquis wait a few days?” She suppressed her anger and spoke gently.

Wei Huailiang had no objections. After all, he could live for several more decades, so there was no rush in these few days.

“Marquis just returned. You must be tired. Go freshen up first,” Madam Sun persuaded Wei Huailiang to leave, then looked at Wei Yuntai and asked what had happened today.

Wei Yuntai told the truth.

Madam Sun’s eyes widened, staring straight at him.

“Mother, I…” Wei Yuntai didn’t expect Marquis Ningguo to do this, looking at Madam Sun with guilt. He understood very well that Madam Sun was the most hurt and innocent in this matter.

A loud slap echoed clearly in the silent room.

Wei Yuntai was slapped, his face turned to the side, and he stared blankly at Madam Sun. Since he was a child, from the time he understood things, Madam Sun had never hit him.

“You, how can you be so disappointing!” In a fit of anger, Madam Sun slapped him, feeling it wasn’t enough, and pointed at him, questioning.

Being dissatisfied with his wife was one thing, but insisting on marrying his ex-wife’s biological sister? Now, rumors were spreading all over the capital, and even the Marquis was increasingly dissatisfied, having other thoughts.

“Do you know what your father’s intentions mean?”

“He is dissatisfied with you as the heir and with your brother. He wants to raise another child.”

Madam Sun continued speaking for a long time. Wei Yuntai stood there listening, lowering his gaze, his heart filled with complex emotions.

How could he not know!

“How did I give birth to such a disappointment?” After venting her anger, Madam Sun was left with only exhaustion. She leaned on the table, slowly sat down, and lightly pressed her temples, sighing.

“Mother, it’s my fault.” Wei Yuntai couldn’t say he was wrong. He didn’t think wanting to be with the one he loved was wrong, but now that things had developed to this point, it seemed like it was indeed his fault.

His mind was in turmoil, and he was unable to sort out his thoughts, so he stepped forward to comfort her.

Madam Sun didn’t speak, pondering for a long time and thinking of a solution.

After a while, she looked up, staring intently at Wei Yuntai, and said, “Your father wants descendants, doesn’t he? Yours can count too.”

Wei Yuntai immediately looked at her.

“Rather than having a concubine’s child cause chaos in the Marquis’s residence, it’s better if it’s your child. Your father will agree,” Madam Sun said, her expression finally calming down.

“But, but the doctor said Mingxi has difficulty conceiving,” Wei Yuntai frowned slightly.

“Then take a concubine, have a child, and register it under her name,” Madam Sun said firmly.

Wei Yuntai hesitated.