Chapter 52: Reading

Wen Ruyu and the others didn’t deliberately avoid the maidservants while talking; they simply dismissed the people who were serving in the room. However, there were still maidservants guarding outside the screen.

In fact, their conversation could vaguely be heard from outside, though only a few key words were audible.

Fen’er was outside and heard that the masters seemed to be discussing her, but she couldn’t make out the details, so she couldn’t be sure if they were talking about her or not.

What right did someone like her have to be mentioned by her masters?

Inside the room, Wen Ruyu had heard that there was nothing going on between Lu Ke and Fen’er, but she still had some doubts. However, this wasn’t something she could investigate in detail, especially since Lu Ke had no reason to conceal such a matter. So, for the time being, she did not show any signs of suspicion.

She nodded at Lu Ke, saying, “If there’s nothing, that’s good. If you and Fen’er are fine, when the new bride comes in, you’ll need to give Fen’er an explanation. It’s not good to hide things before marriage; otherwise, it wouldn’t be fair to the woman.”

Having multiple wives was inherently unfair to women in ancient times. But since it was customary for men, Wen Ruyu couldn’t manage that.

She could only ensure that, at least before marriage, her side was honest. Whether they got married or not, it would depend on the woman’s decision.

Although Wen Ruyu understood that, in ancient society, whether Lu Ke was a virgin or had a concubine did not affect his status, she personally cared about it. She felt it was unfair for a pure woman to end up with a man who might change his affections easily.

After asking Lu Ke, Wen Ruyu told him to leave.

Once outside, Lu Ke, who had single eyelids, glanced at Fen’er.

Fen’er noticed Lu Ke’s gaze, and though she was somewhat confused, she saw him walk out of the room without any further interaction with her.

Inside, after Lu Ke left, Wen Ruyu chatted with her daughter-in-law for a while.

When Zhao Shu left, Wen Ruyu had someone call Fen’er in.

Since Fen’er was a young girl, Wen Ruyu didn’t want to embarrass her by questioning her about personal matters in front of others. She dismissed everyone else and asked Fen’er alone about her relationship with Lu Ke.

Fen’er, hearing Wen Ruyu’s words, stood there in silence, her head lowered, as though she felt she had done something wrong.

Wen Ruyu, who didn’t have the time to console her, said, “Your reputation is important. If you and Lu Ke indeed have an affair, there’s no need to be afraid. I’ll naturally support you. Once your Third Master gets married, we will have to address this properly. It’s not good to hide it before marriage; it wouldn’t be fair to the woman otherwise.”

Polygamy in the past was unfair to women, but this wasn’t something Wen Ruyu could change.

Fen’er felt her heart pounding. Was Old Madam already aware of her relationship with Third Master?

Had the Old Madam called Third Master over to inquire about their relationship?

Fen’er thought of how Third Master had looked at her earlier and felt it was some kind of reminder.

If Third Master had already confessed everything to Old Madam, then Fen’er would have been called in earlier.

Since Old Madam still came to question her, it must mean that Third Master hadn’t said anything.

A slight sense of disappointment appeared in Fen’er’s heart.

But how could a girl in love remain clear-headed? Even at this point, Fen’er still believed that Lu Ke was sincere toward her.

However, because of the Old Madam’s authority, Fen’er did not dare to reveal everything immediately.

Yes, Third Master was more reliable than Second Master or Fourth Master, and since Third Master had chosen not to speak, he must have his own plans. Fen’er couldn’t drag him down.

Determined, Fen’er knelt in front of Wen Ruyu, lowered her head, and said, “Old Madam, Fen’er and Third Master are innocent. Please believe me!”

“Really?” Wen Ruyu raised an eyebrow and asked.

Fen’er nodded vigorously, not daring to look up at Wen Ruyu. “Really.”

Wen Ruyu instinctively felt that Fen’er might be helping Lu Ke hide the truth. “While I can support you now, you must tell the truth. If you don’t speak honestly, once your Third Wife enters the house, things will get complicated.”

When Fen’er heard the words “Third Wife,” she felt a pang in her heart, as though something of hers was about to be taken away.

But that feeling was faint, and she quickly convinced herself otherwise.

After all, someone of her status had no right to expect more.

In the future, as long as she could stay by Lu Ke’s side, even in the position of a concubine, she would be content.

Therefore, Fen’er continued to deny her relationship with Lu Ke, “Really, there’s nothing, Old Madam.”

Seeing this, Wen Ruyu started to believe her slightly.

As for Lu Ke and Fen’er, Wen Ruyu had done her duty. After questioning both of them, she would not pry further.

“Alright, I understand. You may leave now.”

Fen’er breathed a sigh of relief as she stood up, bowed to Wen Ruyu, and left.

After Fen’er left, Wen Ruyu had Xia Zhu come to help her change and freshen up.

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the weather began to cool.

The Lu family had another round of harvest, and Wen Ruyu still instructed Lu Bainian to manage it.

The Lu family’s new shop had been set up, and during this time, Lu Bainian had been busy with the store’s renovations and spending his days learning martial arts from the two young ladies, Qing Luan and Hong Yu.

Though it was called learning, it was more like he was being thoroughly beaten.

But he was so obsessed with martial arts, with only farming and practicing martial arts as his interests.

Wen Ruyu wasn’t sure if handing the new shop over to him was a good idea.

After all, Lu Bainian didn’t seem like someone with a talent for business.

That morning, after breakfast, Wen Ruyu had someone invite the matchmaker to discuss the upcoming marriage proposal to the Lin family.

“It’s best to settle things early so we can prepare the betrothal gifts. It’s already the end of August, and our Third Master will be leaving for the capital to take the imperial exam next year. We hope to have the wedding soon, or at least finalize the marriage. If our Lu and Lin families can join in marriage, I’ll give you a token of gratitude.”

The matchmaker immediately accepted two liang of silver from Wen Ruyu and smiled, showing all her teeth. She waved her hand with a handkerchief, saying, “Don’t worry, don’t worry!”

She knew exactly how things stood. Lu Ke was a sought-after bachelor in the county, despite being born a son of a concubine. But he was a scholar, and Lu Ruyu treated her children well, making sure they were raised well.

The matchmaker felt that the marriage between Lu Ke and a Lin family girl would be a perfect match. The Lin family girl would not lose out in this marriage.

This was an easy task for the matchmaker—she was confident the marriage would go through.

Wen Ruyu, hearing this, was pleased.

Being related to the county magistrate was a great opportunity, and if the marriage succeeded, she would control the best resources in the county.

She’d be able to open even more shops with the connections!

After the matchmaker left, Wen Ruyu heard the cries of her grandson, Lu Qing.

Before she could inquire, Lu Qing ran up to her, crying with tears on his face, shouting, “Grandmother! Grandmother! I don’t want the teacher!”

Lu Songnian had just returned from the imperial exams and quickly solved the issue of hiring a teacher for Lu Qing.

They had selected a scholar from the county who was in his forties, very learned, and had been teaching for many years.

He had been hired to teach at home, and in the future, if there were more younger children, they would also follow a schedule to study.

Lu Jinnian’s teacher was over sixty and had poor health, but since Lu Jinnian had gotten used to his teachings, he wasn’t dismissed. Only a teacher for Lu Qing was hired.

On the first day of school, Lu Qing had been late, so the teacher punished him with a few hits. He cried and ran out.

Zhao Shu chased him, and both of them were now in front of Wen Ruyu, leaving her puzzled.

“What happened?” Wen Ruyu asked her daughter-in-law.

Zhao Shu was both angry and helpless.

“It’s all his fault. On the first day of school, he was late. The teacher said there must be discipline and gave him a few hits with the ruler. He ran out crying.”

In front of Wen Ruyu, Zhao Shu was gentle and obedient, but with Lu Qing, she showed a different side.

“Lu Qing! Come here!” Zhao Shu furrowed her brows and called sternly.

Wen Ruyu couldn’t bear it.

“He’s still young. He’s only three years old, and it’s normal for a child to sleep in. How can a child get up at dawn to go to class?”

If this were modern times, Lu Qing would still be too young for kindergarten!

Wen Ruyu had never interfered with how her eldest son and daughter-in-law raised their children, but today she couldn’t help but speak up. Zhao Shu dared not argue with her mother-in-law.

Seeing her daughter-in-law silent, Wen Ruyu sighed and said, “You should speak properly with the teacher. The child is so small, and it’s not right to punish him. If he’s seven or eight years old and misbehaving, it would be another matter, but he’s only three! What does he know about waking up early or late?”

Children who love to sleep aren’t unusual! Why make such a fuss?

Zhao Shu lowered her head, still not daring to speak. Though she didn’t agree, she wouldn’t contradict her mother-in-law.

Wen Ruyu hugged Lu Qing, and just as she was speaking, a maid came to report: “The village leader is here and wants to speak with the Old Madam.”

Wen Ruyu thought that if the village leader had come, it must be for something important. She handed the child back to Zhao Shu and said, “Let him in.”

After the maid left, Wen Ruyu told Zhao Shu to take the child downstairs, not to pressure him too much. The child was still young, and one day of learning one character was enough. There was no need to force him.

Zhao Shu agreed and took the child downstairs.

Once they left Wen Ruyu’s room, Zhao Shu gave Lu Qing two slaps on the backside.

“Ah!” Lu Qing cried loudly, but Zhao Shu quickly covered his mouth and hurried away.