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Deep down, Lu Man didn’t want to personally deliver this letter to He Mingzhu. However, she decided to do so to observe He Mingzhu’s reaction.
Over an hour later, He Mingzhu arrived, smiling and mentioning their recent hosting of guests. Then, she asked Lu Man, “Daughter, what brings you to me today?”
Lu Man replied, “Yesterday, Third Young Master’s soldiers returned from the border…”
He Mingzhu quickly inquired, “How is my son-in-law? Is he alright?”
Lu Man responded, “He’s fine. They achieved a great victory. Third Young Master has recovered from his injuries, and even Lu Fangrong was injured.”
Upon hearing about Jiang Zhanwei’s injury, He Mingzhu grew concerned. However, the sudden mention of Lu Fangrong being injured left her feeling distant, as if separated by generations. Learning about his current situation from her daughter left her at a loss.
Seeing He Mingzhu’s inexplicable emotions, Lu Man added, “Lu Fangrong also brought a few letters, including one for you.”
Handing over Lu Fangrong’s letter, Lu Man watched He Mingzhu’s stunned reaction. She hadn’t expected Lu Fangrong to write to her.
He Mingzhu hesitated, not taking the letter but staring at the one in Lu Man’s hand, eventually shedding tears. Despite the distance, she could never forget the handwriting on the letter—his ability to write beautifully was one reason she admired him. Moreover, the envelope read “Mingzhu – Personal Delivery”.
Seeing He Mingzhu’s reaction, Lu Man’s heart sank. If a few words and a title could shake her resolve, it would lead to more trouble in the future.
After shedding tears for a while, He Mingzhu wiped them away, shaking her head. “I don’t want it. I have no connection with him anymore. Tear up the letter.”
Satisfied with He Mingzhu’s response, Lu Man, stirring up discord, embraced her, saying, “Mother, you are right. No matter how sweet Lu Fangrong’s words are, don’t be fooled. If you get involved with him, it will impact the Lu family, and my brother and I will have a hard time in the future.”
It was necessary to use herself and He Cheng as leverage to make He Mingzhu take notice.
He Mingzhu’s gaze became resolute as she gritted her teeth, saying, “Mother knows. My heart is dead, and I will have no more dealings with this man.”
“What about this letter?”
Lu Man felt conflicted. She didn’t want He Mingzhu to have any further connection with Lu Fangrong, but it didn’t seem right for her, as a “daughter”, to tear up the letter.
He Mingzhu also felt it was inappropriate for her daughter to handle the letter. She instructed Mrs. Fu, “Throw the letter into the stove and burn it.”
Filled with hatred towards the Lu family and Lu Fangrong, Mrs. Fu Qin, upon hearing this, swiftly took the letter and hurried out of the room, afraid that He Mingzhu might change her mind.
When He Cheng finished his class and came over, Lu Man handed him Lu Fangrong’s letter.
Without hesitation, He Cheng took the envelope, his hands trembling with excitement. As he read the letter, his initial excitement faded into a mocking expression, his eyes filled with disdain.
After reading, he stuffed the letter back into the envelope, coldly stating, “General Lu is quite delusional, and his thoughts are perplexing. He seems to imply that my mother wasn’t divorced but went to visit a distant relative. He hasn’t remarried or taken concubines, raising children with other women, but has been waiting at home for his wife and son to return. He portrays those years as if they passed in an instant, devoid of any ripples or disturbances… How can he be like this!”
Lu Man was pleased with He Cheng’s response, recognizing his ability to discern right from wrong.
He Cheng turned to He Mingzhu and said, “Mother, no matter what high position he attains in the future, do not reconcile with him. He and the Lu family can share in prosperity, but not in adversity. He will never consider things from your perspective. If any trouble arises, he will surely do things that harm you.”
He Mingzhu sighed, “I know, I’m not naive. After enduring years of suffering, both you and your sister have suffered as well. Almost losing Manman to danger, how could I believe his words? Rest assured, I won’t.”
Three days later, Lu Man handed twenty-five pounds of beef jerky, several sets of Jiang Zhanwei’s undergarments, shoes, letters from various individuals, twenty Huang Ke Lai pills, and two hundred Salicylic Pills to Liu Chun, sending them to the border on three horse-drawn carts.
To be cautious, Lu Man kept sixteen of the Huang Ke Lai pills instead of giving them all to Jiang Zhanwei.
He Cheng hesitated but eventually wrote a brief letter to Lu Fangrong, exchanging a few greetings. Notably, he only mentioned himself and avoided any reference to He Mingzhu. He felt that while he and Lu Fangrong shared blood ties, He Mingzhu and Lu Fangrong had no remaining connection.
The scar on Liu Chun’s face had improved significantly because Lu Man had instructed Yu Ling to apply medicine daily. Aware of the value of Huang Ke Lai pills, Liu Chun couldn’t access them but managed to get some Salicylic Pills. Lu Ying mentioned that taking Salicylic Pills was more convenient than the powder, as they could be consumed independently without causing stomach discomfort. Secretly, Liu Chun asked Lu Ying if she could provide him with some.
Admiring the patriotic soldiers, Lu Ying privately gave him twenty pills.
Delighted, Liu Chun casually mentioned his lack of family background and the difficulty of wearing the uncomfortable issued military shoes that often caused blisters.
Sympathetic, Lu Ying recalled her own past of being sold to the Lu family at a young age and not knowing where her family was, feeling a shared sense of hardship.
Wanting to help, Lu Ying offered to have the maids make two pairs of shoes for him.
Provided with his shoe size, Lu Ying bought three pairs of thick-soled shoe bottoms among the servants. After two days and nights of hard work, she managed to craft three pairs of shoes for him before he left. Two pairs were winter boots, considering the approaching winter.
Thrilled with the shoes, Liu Chun promised to bring back unique Northern specialties for Lu Ying next time, including jewelry made with chicken-blood stones, which he described as exquisite.
Riding with haste, Liu Chun arrived at the camp just before sunset ten days later. He spotted a tall figure eagerly waiting at the camp entrance—Lu Fangrong.
Lu Fangrong had been timing his visits to the gate these past days, anticipating Liu Chun’s return.
Upon seeing Liu Chun, he approached with a smile, asking, “You’re back. Where’s my letter?”
Dismounting, Liu Chun handed him a small package containing five pounds of beef jerky made by his Third Young Madam and fifty Bai Hezi Pills. He then presented a letter from He Cheng to Lu Fangrong.
Extending his hand, Lu Fangrong inquired, “Is there more?”