Chapter 87: The Engagement is Called Off

Chapter 87: The Engagement is Called Off

"Let's not tell mother about the water incident, so she doesn't worry," Lu Mingchao said softly after sipping some hot water from her cup, her voice not as clear as usual.

Lu Yao nodded, "Whatever you say."

Lu Mingchao sipped her hot water until the cup was empty. She leaned on Xie Yan's arm, calm and composed, and closed her eyes, pretending to sleep.

Xie Yan's ears flushed a light red.

Seeing this, Lu Yao's expression was subdued, but his smile widened slightly.

Luckily, Mingchao and Xie Yan aren't awkward or difficult; they'll make a good life together.

The carriage creaked forward, warm and stuffy inside.

Lu Mingchao's feigned sleep turned into real drowsiness. Her head nodded, and her pearl hairpin fell onto the cushion.

Under Lu Yao's teasing look, Xie Yan gently took out the hairpins from Lu Mingchao's bun, adjusted his shoulder, and leaned in.

Lu Mingchao ended up resting her head on Xie Yan's shoulder, whether by chance or design.

Lu Yao's smile widened, his voice barely a whisper, "These hands are good for both the parlor and the pantry."

Xie Yan mouthed a silent 'Thank you.'

Lu Yao shook his head and said no more.

Smart folks don't need everything spelled out; he knew Xie Yan was thanking him for arranging the marriage.

He wasn't just helping Xie Yan, but also Mingchao, and his own rise.

He saw that Xie Yan's heart was still pure, untouched by hate or madness.

A good match, really.

The carriage grew quiet.

As Changxi village appeared in the distance, Xie Yan softly roused Lu Mingchao.

Her neck sore, she asked, "Are we home?"

Her nasal voice made Xie Yan's brow twitch, deepening his concern.

Xie Yan's hand rested on Lu Mingchao's neck, gently massaging, "We're almost there. Wake up slowly, or you'll catch a chill from the sudden exposure to the cold wind, worsening your cold."

Xie Yan's dry, warm hand soon eased the soreness in Lu Mingchao's neck.

As the carriage stopped, Xie Yan wrapped Lu Mingchao tightly in a cloak before helping her, who was a bit unsteady on her feet, out of the carriage.

"Be careful on the road, driver."

The dim candlelight cast a warm glow on the snowy ground outside the window, momentarily making the icy world seem warm.

The air was filled with a fresh aroma, and Lu Mingchao's eyes lit up, "It smells like fish soup."

As soon as they entered the house, Yunniang noticed Lu Mingchao's unusually flushed cheeks and frowned, "Are you running a fever?"

As he spoke, he placed his hand on Lu Mingchao's forehead.

Then he exclaimed, "She's really running a fever!"

Yunniang shot an unhappy glance at Xie Yan and Lu Yao, finally fixing her eyes on Lu Yao.

After all, Xie Yan was her son-in-law - it was simpler to scold her own son.

"Lu Yao, what kind of brother are you?"

"How could you not know Chaochao was running such a high fever?"

Lu Yao, with a resigned look as if he'd expected this, explained, "Mother, Chaochao said she has medicine for colds and fevers."

Lu Mingchao tugged at Yunniang's sleeve, "It's true."

Yunniang felt a knot of frustration in her throat, "Chaochao, it's freezing and windy out - don't go traipsing back and forth. Stay home tonight - have your big brother go with Xie Yan to get the medicine."

"I don't see what's so special about looking at plum blossoms in this snowstorm. Don't they look just as good on sunny days? Or do they sprout legs and run off when the sun comes out?"

Yunniang cared more about putting food on the table than these fancy scholar's pastimes. Especially since her fragile daughter caught a chill at that fancy plum blossom party.

"Mom, I'm not going anywhere - I'll stay. I can smell that fish soup already." Her stuffy nose made Lu Mingchao's voice extra soft, "Mom, I've got some cold medicine in my room - just heat up some water."

"All right, all right, go on back to your room now." Yunniang agreed without hesitation.

"Mother." Xie Jingyi's sugary voice piped up.

Lu Mingchao turned toward the sound to see Xie Jingyi in Lu Lei's arms, waving her pudgy little hand.

Lu Xin and Xie Huaiqian flanked Xie Ru'an, each holding one of his hands.

Lu Mingchao stepped back, seeing the mix of confusion and hurt on Xie Jingyi's face, "Mommy's caught a cold, and you kids are too delicate - better keep your distance."

Xie Jingyi blinked, patting her chubby cheeks, "Mommy, Sanbao's tough - I'm not scared of no cold!" To prove her point, she even hiked up her little jacket to show off her round tummy.

Yunniang chuckled, "Sanbao, your mama's worn out - don't bother her now. Come to grandma, there's a good girl."

Lu Xiaoxin and Xie Ru'an looked concerned, while Xie Huaiqian kept his eyes lowered, his mind racing with questions.

Had something gone wrong at that plum blossom party?

Lu Mingchao returned to her room before she was married, and the furnishings hadn't changed at all, looking very clean at a glance.

Clearly, Yunniang often cleaned it.

Xie Yan went to the kitchen to scoop a bowl of hot water, and Lu Mingchao took out a few pills of medicine, swallowing them with a bitter face, gulping down two mouthfuls of water.

Xie Yan: Your medicine, my medicine, they seem different.

Not long after, Yunniang came in with fish soup and steamed buns.

The fish soup was milky white and fragrant, making Lu Mingchao's mouth water.

The fish is so tender it melts in your mouth, with a rich aroma, incredibly fresh, smooth, and tender, free of any fishy smell. The fish boasts a unique texture—fresh and tender—and the vegetables simmered in the fish soup soak up the broth perfectly, making them soft and delicious.

"Mother," Lu Mingchao tore the steamed buns into chunks, soaked them in the fish soup, and nibbled on them. "How come we have fish at home?"

The fish was firm and tender, clearly very fresh.

Yunniang sat across from Lu Mingchao, her eyes twinkling with affection. "The Feng family sent them."

Lu Mingchao was so startled she nearly bit her tongue.

"The Feng family?"

"Feng Jinyu's Feng?"

"Did the Feng family have another reason to celebrate?"

The last time the Feng family sent something, it was because Old Lady Feng was determined to arrange a marriage for Feng Jinyu.

What about this time?

Did they tie Feng Jinyu up, gag her, and shove her into a bridal sedan?

Yunniang shook her head. "Jinyu's eldest brother came back, saying he wanted to thank you for saving her life."

"They sent two fish, and there's still one in the kitchen basin, waiting for you and Xie Yan to take home."

"Feng Jinyu's older brother?" Lu Mingchao looked puzzled.

"Jinyu's older brother, Jinmao, works at the Tongxing Escort in town. He went out with a shopkeeper to purchase goods a few days ago and just returned at noon today."

"The moment Jinmao got back, he kicked out the Old Scholar who'd been hanging around the Feng family, along with the betrothal gifts."

"The Old Scholar was furious and threatened to report it to the authorities, but Jinmao shot back, 'Whoever doesn't report it is a coward.'"

"With Jinmao here, Jinyu won't have to marry the Old Scholar."

"No lights, no moon—so what?"