Chapter 52

“Is it so urgent?” Lu Minghua asked softly, feeling a mix of emotions.

A round trip from the capital to Yunshan took over an hour by carriage, and even on a fast horse, it would take more than half an hour. Was it worth such a hurried trip just to see her?

“Yes, I can’t focus on my work without seeing you,” Yan Yuanhua said without hesitation, his voice low and filled with a smile.

Lu Minghua’s face grew even hotter. She couldn’t help but glance around. Seeing that the servants had all kept their distance, she finally breathed a sigh of relief and gave Yan Yuanhua a reproachful look. Saying such things in public, really, really…

Unable to express her feelings, Lu Minghua looked towards the main hall and said, “Don’t stand here. Let’s go inside and talk.”

Yan Yuanhua’s eyes sparkled with laughter as he obediently followed her inside.

“How have you been these past few days?” Lu Minghua asked first, remembering why he had come to Yunshan.

“There are medicinal baths at home. I’m fine.”

“That’s good. Wait, how did you get back? On horseback?” Lu Minghua’s voice unconsciously rose.

With the weather so cold, riding fast on horseback, the cold wind blowing in his face, it would chill him to the bone. He already had old injuries. How could he do this?

“…Yes.” Under Lu Minghua’s rare sharp gaze, Yan Yuanhua felt guilty and responded softly.

“How can this be? You already have old ailments, and the doctor has long said you need to take good care of yourself. How can you do this?” Lu Minghua frowned. “Didn’t your family stop you?”

His brother did, but he didn’t listen.

Yan Yuanhua didn’t dare to say this. Seeing Lu Minghua’s frown deepen, he quickly said, “Minghua, I wanted to see you.”

“That—” It wasn’t urgent at this moment.

“Even only for a moment,” Yan Yuanhua continued.

Lu Minghua’s cheeks grew hot, but she didn’t forget what she wanted to say, still glaring at Yan Yuanhua.

“When I thought of you, I couldn’t focus on those case files at all. My brother even laughed at me for being lovesick, saying it had only been three days.”

But he was right; it had only been three days. Lu Minghua couldn’t help but think.

“I just want to see you every day. Three days feels too long for me.”

How did it come to this…

Staring into Yan Yuanhua’s burning eyes and hearing his continuous words, Lu Minghua’s heart raced as if it would jump out of her chest.

“You,” she couldn’t bear to listen to Yan Yuanhua any longer and spoke involuntarily.

Yan Yuanhua quickly stopped talking, still looking at her.

“Saying these things is useless. When you return to the capital tomorrow, remember to take a carriage, no more riding,” Lu Minghua struggled to change the subject.

Yan Yuanhua was immediately disappointed. He had said so much. Didn’t Minghua miss him?

“Alright, I’ll listen to Minghua,” he said, his voice unable to hide his dejection.

Seeing his expression, Lu Minghua paused, feeling both amused and helpless—such a grown man, yet acting like Ping An.

Even if she guessed that Yuan Ji’an was doing it on purpose, Lu Minghua couldn’t help but soften and said, “I really like the wintersweet you sent me.”

Yan Yuanhua’s eyes lit up, waiting for her to continue.

“I’m also very happy you came back to see me,” Lu Minghua continued, suppressing her shyness.

“Minghua,” despite reminding himself not to speak and to wait for her to continue, Yan Yuanhua couldn’t help but call out excitedly.

“But such hurried trips are really not worth it. With this time, you could handle more affairs and come back sooner,” Lu Minghua finally looked up at Yan Yuanhua and asked, “Is that alright?”

“Alright.” Yan Yuanhua couldn’t say no, nodding in a daze.

Seeing his obedient look, Lu Minghua couldn’t help but laugh.

“I’ll be here waiting for you, not going anywhere,” she said after a moment of hesitation. As she said this, her face felt even hotter, her heart racing, and she was almost unable to believe she had said it.

Seeing Yuan Ji’an stunned, staring at her with eyes that seemed to ignite, hot and bright, she couldn’t bear it and looked away.

Yan Yuanhua’s heart skipped a beat. He looked at Lu Minghua, almost forgetting to breathe. Brilliant fireworks were exploding in his mind, the joy so intense that he couldn’t recover.

“Minghua,” he suddenly stood up, walked to Minghua, bent down, and looked at her, not allowing her to avoid him.

“Yes?” Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and Lu Minghua responded softly.

Yan Yuanhua’s chest felt hot, and he instinctively bent down, extending his arms to embrace Lu Minghua.

“Minghua, I’m so happy,” he said.

Lu Minghua felt a bit lost but did not panic; she was just unable to hide her nervousness.

“Minghua, I’m really so happy,” Yan Yuanhua held her tightly in his arms, repeating the words, his voice filled with increasing laughter, “Hearing this from you, even if I were to die now, I would be willing.”

“Nonsense!” Lu Minghua couldn’t help but slap him lightly.

What a nonsense!

“I used to hear people say ‘to die under the peony flower,’ and I always felt disdain, thinking those people were weak-willed. Now I understand. They just hadn’t reached the depths of love,” Yan Yuanhua gently released Lu Minghua, staring into her eyes as he spoke.

“I understand now,” he said.

The heat on Lu Minghua’s face never subsided, her heart racing to the point where she could hardly breathe, but she couldn’t help but smile.

“I would never let you die,” she murmured.

“Yes, my Minghua is so gentle and kind, of course not.”

“What do you mean, ‘my Minghua’!”

“Then, am I yours?” Yan Yuanhua chuckled, asking in return.

“Stop talking nonsense.”

“Alright, alright, it’s my nonsense,” Yan Yuanhua said indulgently.

This tone made Lu Minghua even more embarrassed. Clearly, she was justified, but his words made her feel like she was being unreasonable.

She looked up and glared at Yan Yuanhua.

Yan Yuanhua kept smiling, his heart full of joy, unable to express any other expression. He let go of Lu Minghua but was reluctant to leave, only standing in front of her and looking down at her.

“Go sit down,” Lu Minghua reminded softly, unable to get used to it.

“But I want to look at Minghua.”

“Go quickly!” Seeing him speak more boldly, Lu Minghua couldn’t bear to listen any longer and scolded him gently.

“Alright.” Yan Yuanhua seemed disappointed, lifting a chair and sitting in front of Lu Minghua.

Unexpectedly, he did this, and Lu Minghua’s eyes widened in surprise. Feeling both amused and helpless, she dispersed her shyness and looked at Yan Yuanhua silently.

“I’m sitting down,” Yan Yuanhua said seriously.

“You, you’re being ridiculous!” Lu Minghua was at a loss for words but couldn’t help but laugh.

“Minghua is wronging me again,” Yan Yuanhua pretended to complain.

“If you keep talking nonsense, I won’t talk to you anymore.”

“Alright, alright.”

Yan Yuanhua watched Lu Minghua, teasing her with each sentence. They talked and laughed for a while, and seeing Lu Minghua raise her hand to cover a yawn and Mama Li looking in several times, realizing it was indeed late, he reluctantly prepared to leave.

“Minghua, I’ll go back tomorrow and work hard, striving to return soon,” he said.

Lu Minghua smiled lightly and agreed.

“Then I’m leaving.”

“Yes, remember to take a medicinal bath when you get back.”

“Alright, thank you for your thoughtfulness, Minghua,” Yan Yuanhua raised his hand in thanks.

“Tomorrow, when will you leave?” Lu Minghua asked softly, ignoring his antics.

“I’ll leave at dawn. It’s cold outside, so don’t come out to see me off. I’ll come back to see you as soon as I’m done,” Yan Yuanhua said before she could speak.

Lu Minghua smiled lightly and prepared to see him out. It was windy outside, and as soon as she stepped out, the cold wind hit her, making her shiver.

“Don’t come out, go back and rest. I’m leaving,” Yan Yuanhua said, not giving Lu Minghua a chance to refuse, and left quickly without stopping.

Lu Minghua called out, taking a few steps forward, but couldn’t keep up with him.

“Miss, go back inside. It’s cold outside,” Mama Li said, bringing a cloak to wrap around Lu Minghua and smiling. Young Master Yuan is also considerate of you.”

Her mistress had always been considerate of others, and now, finally, someone cared for her.

“Not seeing him off is fine, but look at him, he acts as if a beast is chasing him,” Lu Minghua said with a hint of reproach, but her eyes were full of smiles.

“Miss, you’re wrong. If it were a beast, Young Master Yuan wouldn’t be afraid. He only fears…” only fears you, Miss.

“Mama, you’re teasing me too,” Mama Li didn’t finish, but everyone understood, and the maids behind them laughed. Lu Minghua blushed and felt embarrassed.

Mama Li didn’t say anything; she just looked at her mistress’s gentle smile and felt gratified.

“Miss, did Young Master Yuan mention when he would propose?”

Seeing the two getting closer, Mama Li couldn’t help but worry about their future.

Standing still for a moment, hearing the gate open in the distance, indicating he had left, Lu Minghua turned to walk back to the courtyard, hearing Mama Li’s question.

She paused, thinking about the proposal…

“Mama, I don’t want to get married for now.” Although her relationship with Yuan Ji’an was good, people’s hearts could change. What if he changed after marriage? She felt anxious and couldn’t decide.

“This, how can this be? Do you plan to continue this way without a proper status?” Mama Li became anxious.

“Isn’t this good? If something happens, I can leave anytime,” Lu Minghua frowned.

“Miss, you can’t have such a muddled idea,” Mama Li’s voice turned rare and stern, “In this world, people exchange hearts. I can’t speak grand principles, but I know that if you always think you can leave anytime, how can you expect others to be devoted to you?”

Lu Minghua’s steps halted.

“Miss?” Seeing her standing there, Mama Li regretted her harsh tone and softly said, “If Young Master Yuan thought this way, how would you feel?”

She… would be heartbroken.

“But he wouldn’t,” Lu Minghua immediately retorted. Yuan Ji’an had indeed shown all his sincerity to her.

No one could deny that.

“And you, Miss?” Mama Li asked again.

“Mama, why are you so sharp today?” Lu Minghua smiled helplessly, “Don’t worry, I’m just preparing for the worst. Ji’an treats me sincerely. How could I be indifferent?”

Mama Li finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“It’s just that we’ve known each other for a short time, I want to observe more,” Lu Minghua was still hesitant to make a decision.

“It’s not short. You met Young Master Yuan in February, and now it’s the winter month,” Mama Li calculated. It had already been nine months.

“Mama, are you in such a hurry to marry me off?” Lu Minghua teased.

“A good match is hard to find,” Mama Li sighed, not pressing further.

So, would Yuan Ji’an be her good match? Lu Minghua couldn’t help but wonder.

The next morning, Lu Minghua got up and washed, thinking about seeing Yan Yuanhua off. But then she heard Mama Li say, “Miss, Young Master Yuan left half an hour ago. He specifically sent someone to tell you not to go out in the wind. It’s too cold in the morning.”

“So early?” Lu Minghua usually woke up at dawn, and it was still somewhat dark outside. Half an hour ago, it was probably not even light yet.

“Young Master Yuan must have had something urgent,” Mama Li said.

“By the way, how did he leave, on horseback or by carriage?”

“By carriage,” Li Mama replied, not understanding why she asked.

Hearing this, Lu Minghua finally breathed a sigh of relief. After breakfast, she was practicing the pipa when a servant came in to report that Wei Yuntai was waiting outside the mansion to see her.

“Not seeing him,” Lu Minghua’s finger pressed down hard, and the usually gentle pipa made a sharp sound, startling everyone in the courtyard.

“No matter when he comes, I won’t see him,” Lu Minghua pressed the strings, closed her eyes slightly, and restrained herself, giving clear and precise instructions.

“Yes,” the servant shivered and immediately obeyed.

Outside, Wei Yuntai quickly received the reply. He wasn’t surprised but couldn’t help feeling disappointed.

“Please inform her again that I have no other intentions, just to apologize for the previous matter,” he insisted.

“Please, Young Master, don’t make it difficult for us. Miss said that no matter when you come, she won’t see you.”

Hearing this, Wei Yuntai paused, unable to stop a bitter smile.

So resolute.

However, he didn’t give up and came again the next day.

The previous matter was his fault. If Lu Minghua didn’t see him once, he would try twice, three times. He sincerely wanted to apologize to her. Three years of cold treatment was extremely cruel to a woman. During that time, Lu Minghua wanted to explain countless times, but it was as if something blocked his heart, making him unable to hear or see. Looking back, it was hard to believe he had done such a heartless thing.

In the cold winter wind, Wei Yuntai stood at the gate, refusing to move.

From afar, the sound of the pipa drifted with the wind, gentle and soft, like pearls falling on a jade plate. The only person who could play the pipa so well in the villa was Lu Minghua, yet he had never known she could play, let alone so beautifully.

During the winter, many noble families came to Yunshan to stay temporarily. The behavior of the heir of the Ningguo Marquis’s Mansion quickly spread throughout Yunshan in just a few days. Many were curious about who in the villa could make him act this way. After some investigation, they were surprised to find it was Lu Minghua.

Wei Yuntai had just divorced his wife and now sought out his former wife, arousing much curiosity and speculation about what was going on. Consequently, whenever people from the villa went out, others often approached them to find out more.

“Miss, you wouldn’t believe what people are saying. They’re wondering if the heir’s divorce has something to do with you or if he’s trying to reconcile with you, saying things like ‘a broken mirror restored is a beautiful story.’ I spit on that,” Xiaochun growled, then realized she was speaking to her mistress and became anxious.

Fortunately, Lu Minghua wasn’t angry, though Mama Li gave Xiao Chun a stern look, making her breathe a sigh of relief.

“Miss, it’s not right to let him stand at the gate every day,” Mama Li said worriedly.

“It doesn’t matter. Let them talk. It won’t affect me,” Lu Minghua said indifferently. Over the past year, there had been no shortage of gossip about her in the capital.

If they wanted to talk, let them. It didn’t bother her. When she decided to divorce, Lu Minghua had already prepared herself to face these things.

“But what if Young Master Yuan misunderstands?” Mama Li said, still worried.

“He won’t,” Lu Minghua said, her eyelashes trembling. However, she couldn’t be sure what Yuan Ji’an would think. They had never discussed each other’s backgrounds. She didn’t ask which Yuan family he belonged to, and he never asked about her.

Now, if he found out her ex-husband was the heir of the Marquis’s Mansion, how would he react?

*

The carriage hurried back to the capital and went straight to the palace.

Yan Yuanhua got off the carriage and strode into the Taichi Hall.

The emperor had already received the news and asked worriedly as soon as he entered, “I heard you came back by carriage. Are you feeling unwell again?”

“No, Minghua was worried about me and insisted I take the carriage to avoid the wind, so I had to listen to her,” Yan Yuanhua said, sitting down with a smile, looking very pleased.

The emperor’s smile faded, feeling he shouldn’t have worried about this rascal. He had sent people to persuade him, but he wouldn’t listen and ran off. Now, just one word from her, and he obeyed?

After showing off, Yan Yuanhua didn’t wait for his brother’s response and started working.

The entire morning passed without him saying another word.

Seeing him so focused, the emperor felt uneasy and couldn’t help but ask, “Why aren’t you talking today?”

Although he talked a lot of nonsense, the emperor wanted to use it to understand the Lu family and see if he could change his brother’s mind.

“Minghua told me to work hard and finish early so I could go back sooner,” Yan Yuanhua said without looking up.

The emperor felt expressionless, regretting asking that question.

“Minghua said she’s waiting for me at the villa,” Yan Yuanhua added, feeling a surge of emotion and looking up at his brother, continuing to work with renewed vigor.

“Nowhere else to go, waiting for me at the villa,” he said with a smile.

“That’s the spirit!” the emperor said, amused and exasperated. He had never seen his brother like this.

“Hmph,” Yan Yuanhua snorted, continuing to work.

“What’s there to be so happy about? Marry her, and she’ll wait for you every day,” the emperor said.

If this Lu woman could make his brother this happy, marrying her might not be a bad idea.

Yan Yuanhua’s expression changed slightly but said nothing.

Seeing him not respond, the emperor became curious. He knew his brother well enough to sense that there was more to the story.

“What? She doesn’t want to?” he guessed.

Yan Yuanhua remained silent.

“Could it be that she still thinks about her ex-husband?” The emperor frowned, unable to tolerate the idea.

“Brother, don’t make wild guesses. Minghua would never do that,” Yan Yuanhua couldn’t bear it and said, “She was hurt before and doesn’t want to get married for now.”

“She doesn’t want to get married but still interacts with you?” The emperor was genuinely displeased.

“She refused and even told me to find someone else,” Yan Yuanhua’s expression calmed, inexplicably sharp, “But I don’t want to. I insist on being with her.”

The emperor was momentarily speechless. He wanted to scold him for being so unambitious for a woman but couldn’t bring himself to say it.

“Anyway, she will marry me sooner or later,” Yan Yuanhua said, his expression relaxed, hiding his sharpness, and said with certainty, “She will only marry me.”

The emperor coughed lightly and said nothing. Hearing his brother speak like this, he inexplicably felt a bit sorry for Miss Lu, who had caught his brother’s attention.

Thinking of this, his heart skipped a beat. No one understood Yan Yuanhua better than he did. If Miss Lu also liked him, he could pursue her slowly. But if she didn’t, he might directly take her home, preferring to be a resentful couple rather than letting go. At this moment, the emperor was somewhat relieved that Miss Lu also liked his brother. Otherwise…

Feeling troubled, he began to consider how to persuade their mother. If she disagreed, it would be a disaster.

Unaware of his brother’s thoughts, Yan Yuanhua diligently handled matters every day, working twice as hard. After four days, he finally finalized all arrangements. He packed up and returned to Yunshan.

This time, he listened to Lu Minghua and, despite his urgency, returned by carriage. As a result, he saw an annoying figure standing in front of Lu Minghua’s villa from afar.

It was Wei Yuntai.

Yan Yuanhua’s smile faded slightly.