Chapter 62

In the small courtyard, Lu Mingxi was extremely restless. Since Lu Minghua returned yesterday, she had been waiting for any movement from the main courtyard, but there was nothing. Then, this morning, the ancestral hall suddenly opened. A bad premonition arose, and she anxiously awaited Lu Chengsong’s return, eager to know what had happened.

A maid came to report that Lu Chengsong had returned, and Lu Mingxi hurried over, only to see Lu Chengsong smiling as he escorted a man who looked like a steward out.

“Is this Miss Mingxi?”

The man glanced at her with a subtly disdainful look that made Lu Mingxi very uncomfortable. Lu Chengsong, however, laughed and confirmed it.

“The Duke said not to forget, the days are tight, and the person must enter the residence tomorrow.” The steward didn’t care about Lu Mingxi, only looking at the Duke, who didn’t seem to like her, just a concubine after all.

“Of course, of course, I will arrange it tomorrow and send her to your residence,” Lu Chengsong agreed wholeheartedly.

The steward was satisfied and left with Lu Chengsong’s diligent escort.

Lu Mingxi was puzzled, and her bad premonition grew stronger.

What entering the residence, who was this person? She waited in the courtyard for a while until Lu Chengsong returned and immediately went up to ask.

“That man is the steward of the Duke’s residence, here to discuss you becoming a concubine for Ning Yunchan. I have already agreed,” Lu Chengsong said, looking Lu Mingxi up and down, very satisfied.

He knew something must have gone wrong in the middle, but he didn’t care. Which daughter wouldn’t exchange for benefits? Just as he was about to leave the Wen’an Earl’s residence, he was worried about what to do next, and the people from the Duke’s residence came to him, which was perfect. Although it was a concubine, it was still a concubine of the Duke’s residence.

“What?!” Lu Mingxi screamed as she stood up, looking at Lu Chengsong in disbelief. “You want me to be Ning Yunchan’s concubine?! You agreed? How could you agree?”

“Why are you yelling? Sit down. If this is the result, shouldn’t you ask yourself why? Didn’t you say you wanted to send Lu Minghua? Now they want you instead. Don’t you know why?” Lu Chengsong scolded her impatiently.

Lu Mingxi had no idea what was going on; she wanted to know, too.

But now was not the time to discuss this. She angrily said, “No, I won’t be a concubine. I don’t agree.” Be a concubine, and for Ning Yunchan? She would rather die.

“It’s not up to you.” Lu Chengsong couldn’t be bothered to argue with her and had her forcibly taken back to the small courtyard.

Lu Mingxi struggled free from the hands of two maids but could only watch helplessly as the door closed in front of her. She rushed over and pounded on the door, demanding to be let out, but all she heard was the sound of the lock.

“Fourth Miss, please calm down. Master said that before tomorrow, no matter what, you cannot be let out,” said the servant outside.

Lu Mingxi was at her wit’s end. She angrily smashed things in the courtyard, and when she looked up, she saw the servants standing silently to the side, watching her.

“Useless fools, why didn’t you think to send a message?”

She began to vent her anger. Previously, when Lu Chengsong wanted to lock up Lu Minghua, her servants knew to send a message to help her escape, but here, she only had these useless people.

Lu Mingxi subconsciously ignored Lu Minghua’s arrangements. Her heart was filled with resentment and panic, and unable to find an outlet, she lashed out.

The servants still didn’t know what had happened, and they timidly responded without daring to talk back.

Such a commotion quickly reached all corners of the Earl’s residence. Madam Yuan was already troubled when she saw Lu Chengwen return with a stern face and say a few words.

“What? The Duke’s residence wants to take Lu Mingxi as a concubine?” She was shocked. How could this be?

Lu Chengwen was also puzzled and said, “I was going to teach Ning Yunchan a lesson, but the people below said that yesterday, Prince Rui took Ning Yunchan to the Duke’s residence and directly broke his limbs, saying he would never recover.”

The two looked at each other, finally sensing something was wrong.

Yesterday, Lu Minghua only said she would find an opportunity to escape, but now it seemed something else had happened. After a moment of confusion, they called for someone to bring Lu Minghua over.

Meanwhile, Madam Qin’s minor cold had lingered, but she was feeling better these past two days. She was drinking medicine when she heard that Lu Chengsong had locked up Lu Mingxi. Alarmed, she hurriedly put on a cloak and went to find Lu Mingxi.

Seeing her approach, the servants hesitated before letting her in.

“Mother,” Lu Mingxi, exhausted from smashing things, was sitting and panting for breath. Hearing the door open, she quickly went out and saw it was Madam Qin, and she happily rushed over to hold her.

“Mother, please talk to Father and have him let me out, quickly.”

Madam Qin was dizzy from being shaken by her, and a servant quickly helped her stand steady. Lu Mingxi, however, didn’t care at all and kept begging her. Now, Madam Qin had become her last lifeline.

“Wait, wait, what happened? Why did your father lock you up?” Madam Qin asked her with difficulty.

“My father wants me to be a concubine for Ning Yunchan of the Duke’s residence. I don’t want to, Mother. Ning Yunchan is lecherous, with a courtyard full of beauties, and he spends his days lingering in brothels. How can I submit to him?”

“Mother, I would rather die than go. Please go talk to Father, please.”

“What?” Madam Qin’s face changed dramatically, and she panicked, “How, how can this be? No, you can’t be a concubine.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll go talk to your father right away. You wait here.”

Lu Mingxi watched her leave with hope, but as night fell, Madam Qin still hadn’t returned, and her heart gradually grew cold.

After all, Madam Qin was useless and couldn’t be relied upon. She thought despondently, gradually becoming more and more panicked. What should she do in the future?

After going to find Lu Chengsong, Madam Qin fainted after a few words and didn’t wake up until nightfall. She lay in bed, staring blankly at the medicine bowl by her bedside, unable to come to her senses.

Lu Chengsong said little, only mentioning Lu Mingxi’s schemes and the matter of adding medicine to her bowl.

After a while, when Madam Qin came to her senses, her tears had already soaked the pillow. The bedroom was empty, and she looked at the bed, remembering when Minghua returned and asked if she wanted to find another doctor.

She said no.

Then Minghua left and became the daughter of the main family.

Madam Qin thought in a daze, her heart aching again so much that she couldn’t breathe, and her face turned red. She rolled on the bed, finally making enough noise to wake the maids outside, who came in and bustled around, finally allowing her to catch her breath.

Meanwhile…

When the maid went to call her, Lu Minghua was slowly playing the pipa. It was supposed to be another tune, but when the maid came in, and she came to her senses, she realized she had unconsciously played “Phoenix Seeking Phoenix.”

“Unable to fly, I am lost.”

Her fingers pressed the strings, and the mournful melody slowly dissipated.

“Father and mother are looking for me? I’ll go right away.”

The maid, inexplicably saddened by the tune, heard Lu Minghua say softly.

After tidying herself up, Lu Minghua went to the main room. After sitting down for a while, she learned of Ning Yunchan’s fate and was stunned.

“His limbs were broken?” she murmured, remembering Yan Yuanhua’s smiling and carefree demeanor in front of her. How could such an arrogant and domineering act be something he could do?

However, it was indeed him.

After receiving confirmation from Lu Chengwen, Lu Minghua had no choice but to believe it, though she was still somewhat dazed.

On the other side, seeing her lack of surprise, Lu Chengwen and his wife were convinced of their suspicions. Indeed, yesterday’s incident was related to Prince Rui.

“Minghua, do you know Prince Rui?” Madam Yuan asked, though she leaned more towards it being a coincidence.

Lu Minghua stared at them in a daze, hesitated for a long time, and then nodded.

The two were shocked, not expecting it to be true.

“You…” Lu Chengwen wanted to ask, but Lu Minghua spoke up.

“I only found out yesterday that Yuan Ji’an is actually Prince Rui. His courtesy name is Ji’an. When he first met me, he used a pseudonym.” Since she had already started explaining, Lu Minghua didn’t hide anything further. She hadn’t expected Yan Yuanhua to be so ostentatious this time, making it impossible for her to conceal the truth.

If they were initially shocked, now they were incredulous.

“Yuan Ji’an is Prince Rui?” Madam Yuan exclaimed.

“How could this be?” Previously, after a thorough investigation, Lu Chengwen was almost certain that Yuan Ji’an was a fraud. He was thinking about how to make Lu Minghua realize this, but then they got this answer.

Lu Minghua nodded silently and continued, “I didn’t expect it either. He…” She paused, then said, “With such a vastly different status, I dare not aspire to him. I already refused him yesterday.”

As she spoke, she lowered her eyes, her heart filled with indescribable bitterness.

The two were stunned.

Lu Chengwen and Madam Yuan exchanged glances, feeling that they had never been so continuously shocked as they were today.

Madam Yuan was somewhat disappointed. After all, it was Prince Rui. But Lu Minghua was right; a match of such disparity was not a good thing. She wanted to comfort her, but seeing Lu Minghua’s barely concealed sadness, she held back her words, feeling torn and unsure of what to say.

On the side, Lu Chengwen spoke first. He looked at Lu Minghua thoughtfully and said, “I’m afraid it’s not that simple.”

Lu Minghua looked at him in confusion, and Madam Yuan was also puzzled.

They were in the inner courtyard and didn’t know much about court affairs, but Lu Chengwen did. He wanted to explain, but then the steward hurriedly came in, saying something that left everyone stunned.

“Master, Prince Rui is here to visit and has already been invited into the main hall.”

These familiar words—

Lu Minghua suddenly remembered the time at the other residence when she refused to see Yan Yuanhua. It seemed similar to this.

For a moment, she was speechless, and even her feelings of melancholy and disappointment faded away. Could it be… is he going to be this persistent again? It was one thing when no one knew him at the other residence, but now in the capital, isn’t he afraid of being laughed at?

Yan Yuanhua really wasn’t afraid. Who would dare laugh at him?

“Your Highness, I apologize for being late,” Lu Chengwen hurriedly arrived at the front courtyard and immediately said upon entering.

“No matter, Uncle, please sit,” Yan Yuanhua stood in the hall, noticing that only Lu Chengwen had come. A hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes as he gestured for him to sit. Although he was a guest, he acted so confidently that he seemed like the host.

Lu Chengwen quickly said, “I can’t, I can’t. How can I let Your Highness call me Uncle? Please, you sit first.”

Being called “Uncle” by this master made him very uncomfortable. He felt as if his life had been shortened by several years.

“Uncle, where is Minghua? I want to see her,” Yan Yuanhua said directly, not bothering with small talk.

“Well… Minghua said she didn’t want to see Your Highness. She also said that if you came to see her, you should go back,” Lu Chengwen finally understood why Lu Minghua had suddenly mentioned this when he was leaving. Should he be impressed by her understanding of Prince Rui’s behavior? He thought helplessly.

Yan Yuanhua had expected this, but his expression still darkened slightly upon hearing it. He didn’t leave but sat and started chatting with Lu Chengwen.

At first, Lu Chengwen found it unbearable and had to force himself to find topics to talk about. But he soon discovered that no matter what they talked about, Yan Yuanhua responded politely and patiently, showing no signs of impatience. When they later discussed poetry, literature, and history, he was even pleasantly surprised. He wasn’t in a hurry anymore and began to chat with him patiently.

Before they knew it, it was noon. Lu Chengwen took a sip of tea and politely invited Yan Yuanhua to stay for lunch. He thought Yan Yuanhua would refuse—

“Alright, then I’ll trouble you, Uncle,” Yan Yuanhua agreed immediately.

Lu Chengwen, holding his teacup, felt a bit of a headache. This Prince Rui seemed different from what he had imagined.

In the back courtyard, when Lu Minghua heard that Lu Chengwen wouldn’t be returning for lunch and would be dining with Yan Yuanhua, she couldn’t help but smile wryly.

This really is…

Madam Yuan raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised, and glanced at Lu Minghua thoughtfully.

After lunch and chatting for a while longer, Yan Yuanhua finally left.

Lu Chengwen breathed a sigh of relief, glad to have seen him off.

Returning to the back courtyard, he gave Madam Yuan a bitter smile. “I don’t know how long Prince Rui will keep this up.” He was worried about the rumors that might spread outside.

“He’s a prince, with his own pride. I don’t think Minghua avoiding him like this will last for many days.”

Coming every day and being coldly received, Madam Yuan thought that not many noblemen could endure this, especially someone as esteemed as Prince Rui.

“Let’s hope so,” Lu Chengwen said, but thinking about Yan Yuanhua’s demeanor today, he felt things wouldn’t go so smoothly.

Receiving the maid’s message, Lu Minghua couldn’t help but laugh, but her laughter was tinged with bitterness.

My dear, my dear…

Oh, she suddenly remembered the injury on Yan Yuanhua’s hand, and her heart tightened. She almost wanted to ask about it but eventually suppressed her thoughts.

Forget it. Hadn’t she decided not to get involved anymore?

Lost in thought for a long time, Lu Minghua called someone in and began to make arrangements.

In the second house, Lu Chengsong was busy having people pack up their belongings and prepare to move.

Lu Chengwen had said he would only give him three days. He would be kicked out if he weren’t ready by then. Knowing his brother, who always meant what he said, he didn’t dare take any chances. Amidst the chaos, he vaguely knew that an important guest had arrived at the main house. He was curious but couldn’t spare the time to investigate. The next day, hearing that the guest had come again, he thought about checking it out but couldn’t find anything, so he gave up.

In the afternoon, he had Lu Mingxi drugged and packed up. He personally sent her to the Duke’s residence in a carriage. He thought he would at least see the Duke, but he couldn’t even get through the door. After dropping off Lu Mingxi, he was sent back. Seeing this, his heart sank, realizing things were not as good as he had imagined.

Lu Mingxi groggily opened her eyes, seeing luxurious decorations. Confusedly, she thought she was back at the Ningguo Marquis’ residence and still the young madam. But when she sat up, she saw a stern-faced nanny standing by the bed.

“Concubine Lu, you’re awake? Young Master is unwell and needs you to attend to him.”

“Where is this?” Lu Mingxi finally woke up, remembered what had happened, and panicked, trying to leave.

The nanny grabbed her, forcing a smile, and said, “Concubine Lu, don’t joke. This is naturally the Duke’s residence. Come, Young Master is waiting for you.”

They had received word that Ning Yunchan was in his current state entirely because of Lu Mingxi. It was said he would never stand again. Regardless of Ning Yunchan’s character, the servants depended on him. Now that he was unwell, their future was uncertain. It could be said that there were few in this courtyard who didn’t dislike Lu Mingxi.

Lu Mingxi screamed and tried to break free, but no matter how she struggled, she was dragged to another room by the nanny.

Stumbling, she looked up and screamed again. The person on the bed had a face covered in red and blue bruises, almost unrecognizable. He glared at her as if he wanted to eat her alive.

Trying to escape but being pushed back, the person on the bed spoke, and Lu Mingxi realized he was Ning Yunchan.

She looked on in disbelief, not understanding what was happening. She wanted to leave but was forced to the bedside by the nanny. Helplessly, she watched as, under Ning Yunchan’s orders, the nanny slapped her face. Her face throbbed with pain, and in her dizziness, she heard Ning Yunchan almost gnash his teeth as he called her a “bitch.”

*

When Lu Minghua learned that Lu Chengsong had sent Lu Mingxi to the Duke’s residence to become a concubine, it was already evening.

Those who had accompanied him to the Duke’s residence secretly discussed these matters, and eventually, a few maids relayed the news to her.

In a daze, she couldn’t process it for a moment.

“Concubine?” she murmured.

Xiao Xia nodded enthusiastically, saying, “Yes, she deserves it for framing you, Miss.”

Why would the Duke’s residence do this? Lu Minghua wondered, then thought of someone.

It must be… no, it definitely was him.

On the third day, Lu Chengsong’s entire family left the residence. This had no impact on the Wen’an Earl’s residence or Lu Minghua. Her thoughts were all on the fact that Yan Yuanhua had come again today – for five consecutive days.

Lu Minghua never went out once, and Lu Chengwen thought Prince Rui would give up. But to his surprise, although Yan Yuanhua seemed slightly disappointed, he showed no anger or impatience.

Lu Chengwen was astonished and somewhat moved. He had worried about rumors spreading outside but hadn’t expected the Prince to act so discreetly, always visiting in plain clothes. Apart from certain interested parties, it seemed that no one knew about this.

“She hasn’t come out to see Yuanhua at all?” In the palace, the Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow.

The current emperor nodded, looking quite amused. In his lifetime, seeing that little rascal hit a wall was quite entertaining.

“Still laughing? What’s so funny?” The Empress Dowager glanced at him and huffed.

The current emperor’s smile remained unchanged as he said, “Mother, aren’t you pleased? That Lu family girl has self-awareness. Sooner or later, Yuanhua will give up. Isn’t that a good thing?”

“Don’t play dumb. With his temperament, hmph.” The Empress Dowager snorted, feeling conflicted. She admired Lu Minghua’s decisiveness but was also annoyed that she could so easily say she would give up. Wasn’t her Yuanhua good enough?

“No matter how his temperament is, as long as the Lu girl is unwilling, it won’t work. Mother, do you think I should grant her a marriage first?” The emperor’s eyes gleamed.

“Alright, alright, no need for you to beat around the bush.” The Empress Dowager said irritably, knowing he was trying to provoke her.

But if she agreed, she felt uneasy. After much thought, she tapped her armrest and decided to give it one last try.

The next day, just as Yan Yuanhua was about to go to the Wen’an Earl’s residence, he was summoned to the palace. He frowned slightly, sent someone to deliver a message to the Earl’s residence, and then set off.

Zhao Shiyi personally went to the Earl’s residence to deliver the message. As he was leaving, he saw the chief eunuch by the Empress Dowager’s side and felt a sudden sense of foreboding. It was too late to find Yan Yuanhua, who had already entered the palace.

The chief eunuch, surnamed Jiang, was invited into the main hall by Lu Chengwen. After some polite conversation, he stated his purpose.

When he arrived, Lu Chengwen had a premonition and felt a bit heavy-hearted but still sent for Lu Minghua.

Soon, Lu Minghua arrived.

At Chief Eunuch Jiang’s signal, Lu Chengwen left, leaving only the two of them in the room. Only then did he state his purpose.

Lu Minghua was stunned. “The Empress Dowager wants to grant me as Prince Rui’s concubine?”

Chief Eunuch Jiang nodded, aware of the interactions between Prince Rui and Lu Minghua. He spoke respectfully, “The Empress Dowager loves Prince Rui and doesn’t want his feelings to be in vain. But your status, Miss…” He hesitated, wanting to say more.

“No need to say more, Chief Eunuch.” Lu Minghua’s heart was in turmoil, but her face remained calm. She sat gracefully and said softly, “I have no intention of becoming a concubine or attaching myself to Prince Rui. I am preparing to leave the capital and travel far away.”

This had been her plan all along. Since she couldn’t make Yan Yuanhua retreat in the face of difficulties, she would leave.

Chief Eunuch Jiang was stunned. After trying to persuade her thrice without success, he hurried back to the palace to report.

“Did she really say that?” The Empress Dowager was momentarily unsure if this was a refusal or an invitation.

“When I left the residence, the earl’s residence had already prepared a carriage, and…” Chief Eunuch Jiang hesitated, then, with the Empress Dowager’s signal, he bravely said, “Miss Lu also asked me to request that you stop the Prince.”

“Request me?” The Empress Dowager was taken aback but then laughed. She laughed heartily, stopping only after a while, and said, “Alright, then I will stop him.”

The Empress Dowager had been somewhat reluctant before, but at this moment, she admired Lu Minghua even more.

She could pick up and let go, act decisively, and have a strong heart. If only the target of her determination wasn’t her son…

“Useless thing.” She thought, feeling annoyed again. Yan Yuanhua was useless, always pestering others without achieving anything.