Chapter 8: Thinking of Resting?

Chapter 8: Thinking of Resting?

Since she agreed to reconsider, she couldn't pawn her jewelry.

"Store the jewelry away,"

A man who lets his woman pawn her jewelry is incompetent.

Lu Xusheng asked her, "How much more money do you need?"

Cheng Yian thought for a moment and replied, "I want to buy a large estate in Chongnanfang, to plant some flowers and grass in the future, create some beautiful scenery. I have three thousand taels of silver in reserve, and I plan to gather another five hundred taels."

She guessed Lu Xusheng's intention and quickly added, "These pieces of jewelry aren't of the best quality, they should either be pawned or melted down. I had many new pieces made for my wedding, these old ones are no longer needed."

Lu Xusheng still didn't agree, insisting, "Keep them all, I'll make up for what you lack."

The food was warmed up again, and Nanny Li came in once more to hurry them along. The couple went to the west wing to dine, and then Lu Xusheng went to the front courtyard study.

Leaving Ningji Hall, he walked along a stone path winding through the bamboo grove to the lake on the west side of the Lu mansion. The ground was carpeted with yellow flowers, and stones were artfully arranged into a hill. Several strings of lanterns were hidden among the trees and sand in the mountain pass, their light spilling out, casting the autumn chrysanthemums in a rosy glow. A few pavilions were built by the mountain and water, a place often frequented by the young ladies and masters of the mansion.

Walking along the corridor to the southwest, there was a small door in the wall here, reserved for Lu Xusheng, convenient for him to go to the front courtyard.

Lu Xusheng stepped onto the steps with his hands behind his back, and by the moonlight, he saw his milk brother Xu Yi sitting on a stone stool outside eating chestnuts. Seeing him come, Xu Yi quickly threw away the chestnuts and eagerly came over.

"Second Master, you're finally here. Just now, the elder master sent word that an important guest has arrived at the front hall, and he requests your presence."

Lu Xusheng didn't even move his eyebrows, asking indifferently, "Who is it?"

"I don't know, I only heard that he came from Jiangnan, and seems to have some connection with the Weaving Bureau."

Lu Xusheng snorted lightly.

His uncle in the mansion was somewhat greedy for wealth, and through the Ministry of Works' construction, he had formed connections with the eunuchs in the palace. Now he was reaching out to the Weaving Bureau, quite capable indeed.

Lu Xusheng was led by Xu Yi to the front hall, where he indeed saw music and dancing girls, a scene of extravagant indulgence, but Lu Xusheng showed no emotion, stepping into the hall.

Sitting opposite the elder master was a middle-aged man, his hair neatly combed, dressed in well-tailored silk, with a clean face and nails, a small mustache on his lips, looking like a very meticulous person.

Seeing him enter, the elder master's expression brightened, and he quickly pulled him to introduce to the guest,

"Mr. Wu, this is the Young Master of our mansion, you can call him Xusheng."

The man called Mr. Wu first stood up and looked at Lu Xusheng, seeing his dignified appearance and imposing demeanor, he was very impressed, and bowed to him, "Greetings, Young Master." Then he complimented the elder master,

"Truly, a tiger father has no dog son, the Young Master of the Duke of the State has indeed inherited your mantle."

Mr. Wu had intended to lavish praise on the 'father and son,' but as soon as he finished speaking, it made the elder master's face stiffen for a while.

The musicians and dancing girls in the room all stopped their sounds, lowering their eyes and holding their breath.

Mr. Wu sensed that the atmosphere was not right, and immediately broke out in a sweat.

What was wrong with his words?

Of course, it was wrong.

The public case of the Lu Duke's mansion back then was known to everyone, but this Mr. Wu had been living in Nanyang for a long time and was not very familiar with the inner workings of the noble mansions in the capital, thus he made a blunder.

In other families, the title is inherited from father to son, but the elder master had taken the title that should have belonged to his nephew.

Four years ago, the new emperor of Northern Qi ascended the throne and ordered the Prince of Nankang, known as the God of War, to lead troops to attack Great Jin. The Prince of Nankang was the very culprit who had forced the previous emperor to his death. In his twilight years, he took command again, his might undiminished, aiming to relive the glory of the battle at Jinshan Fort.

Facing the fierce onslaught of the enemy, Lu Chang, the Left Commander-in-Chief, took the initiative to engage the enemy.

The Prince of Nankang, known as the God of War, overwhelmed Lu Chang, leaving him breathless.

Lu Chang repeatedly sent urgent requests for reinforcements.

At that time, the court officials were intimidated by the Prince of Nankang's military prowess, and no one dared to fight. It was Lu Xusheng, who had just passed the imperial examination less than half a month ago, who volunteered to rescue his father.

That year, Lu Xusheng was only seventeen years old.

The spirited young man, clad in silver armor, exchanged his scholar's brush for a warrior's sword, leading thirty thousand imperial guards north to provide support.

The battle was exceptionally fierce.

Lu Chang, true to his reputation as a renowned general, in the final battle, used himself as bait, setting a trap that annihilated twenty thousand of Northern Qi's forces and severed the Prince of Nankang's arm, repelling the Northern Qi's offensive.

But the cost was heavy.

Lu Chang died in battle, and his body fell into the hands of Northern Qi.

Lu Xusheng, leading a detachment of three thousand men for support, upon hearing this tragic news, let out a pained cry. With solitary courage, the young man chose a thousand trusted followers and charged into Northern Qi, intending to retrieve his father's body.

The result was that Lu Xusheng and his thousand men were also besieged at Silver Mountain in Northern Qi.

Not long after, news came that both father and son had perished in battle.

At that time, the Second Mistress, Wang Shi, was taking refuge with her young son and daughter at her parents' home to escape the summer heat. Upon hearing the tragic news, she fainted on the spot.

Wang Shi fell ill and was bedridden for a month.

When she returned to the capital, the situation at the Lu residence had drastically changed.

It turned out that the old lady, seizing the opportunity of her absence, entered the palace as Lu Chang's mother to petition the emperor, pleading for the emperor to transfer the title of Duke of the State from Lu Chang to the elder master, Lu Jing.

The emperor agreed.

Why?

Wang Shi's maternal family, the Langya Wang clan, was related to the Empress Dowager. Wang Shi's father was the Empress Dowager's first cousin. If the title of Duke of the State were to be inherited by Wang Shi's youngest son, the third young master Lu Jisheng, then this branch would henceforth align with the Empress Dowager's faction. Lu Jisheng was different from Lu Xusheng; Lu Xusheng had long followed his father in battles, firmly aligned with the emperor's faction, while Lu Jisheng had been raised in seclusion by his mother, with a timid nature, always deferring to Wang Shi's decisions. Without Lu Chang and Lu Xusheng, Wang Shi might very well support her maternal family's stance.

After careful consideration, the emperor thus granted the title to the elder master, Lu Jing, and bestowed a large amount of gold, silver, jewels, and land properties to Wang Shi as compensation for the deaths of the Lu father and son. Additionally, he granted an official position to Lu Jisheng.

Heartbroken, Wang Shi bitterly cursed the old lady for favoring her eldest son and scorned the elder master for his heartless greed.

But

a miracle occurred.

Three months later, Lu Xusheng, with only a hundred and fifty men left, miraculously broke through the siege at Silver Mountain. He stealthily infiltrated the Prince of Nankang's military tent, kidnapped the Prince of Nankang, and then secretly reported to the border troops of Great Jin, ordering thirty thousand border troops to come to his aid. During the battle, the young man, now unrecognizable, publicly beheaded the Prince of Nankang in front of everyone.

Avenging the shame of Jinshan Fort.

Avenging his father.

With the death of the Northern Qi commander, their morale was severely damaged, and they dared not invade the south again.

Lu Xusheng's fame spread overnight.

On that day, the north wind howled, and the snow stretched endlessly. All the border generals, who had once served under Lu Chang's command, watched as their young general emerged from the pile of corpses, carrying his father's coffin, staggering step by step. The thick snow erased every trace of his footsteps behind him. He alone bore the weight of the Great Jin Dynasty on his shoulders. No one knew how Lu Xusheng had survived those three months in Silver Mountain. Upon returning to the capital, he never mentioned a word about it.

But everyone who looked at him seemed to see an unbreakable steel wall.

Lu Xusheng had fought the most unimaginable and miraculous battle in history.

From then on, all the proud and fierce generals of the Great Jin Dynasty, upon hearing the name Lu Xusheng, would bow in deep respect.

Lu Xusheng had returned, and the emperor was so overjoyed he wept, welcoming him into the palace for medical treatment, treating him like his own son.

But what about the title that had already been granted to the elder master?

Imperial decrees were not to be altered on a whim.

The emperor issued an edict, appointing Lu Xusheng as the heir. After the elder master's passing, the ducal title would still be inherited by Lu Xusheng.

However, the elder master had never been willing to pass the title to Lu Xusheng, so over the years, there had been constant strife and friction between the two branches of the family.

When the elder master was spoken to in such a manner by Mr. Wu, he felt somewhat embarrassed.

The room fell so silent that even a pin drop would echo.

The steward, quick-witted, hurried to serve tea, trying to divert the topic.

Lu Xusheng took the tea, gently tapping the rim of the cup. The tea swayed, blurring his calm and composed face.

"I have learned much from my uncle; it is only fitting that I resemble him."

Mr. Wu, being experienced, immediately changed his tone upon sensing the situation.

"Indeed, the Lu family has produced many capable individuals, a blessing from our ancestors."

The elder master looked at Lu Xusheng, whose dark eyes were unfathomable, causing him to shiver involuntarily.

How had Lu Xusheng endured those three months? The elder master had imagined it—perhaps eating grass, drinking horse urine, consuming human blood, or even feasting on the flesh of the dead. Each thought alone was enough to send chills down one's spine.

What kind of indomitable willpower would that require?

He had likely killed more men than the elder master had grains of salt in his lifetime.

Would such a person really be willing to hand over the title to someone else?

A chill ran down the elder master's spine.

"Come, come, sit down and have some tea."

The performers resumed their songs, and the music filled the hall, restoring its lively atmosphere. Lu Xusheng listened carefully and soon understood the whole story.

It turned out that this Mr. Wu was an overseas Chinese residing in Southeast Asia, originally from Fujian. He controlled the channels for raw silk sales and often did business with the Weaving Bureau and high-ranking officials inland. The elder master had a batch of fertile land that had been converted from rice to mulberry, but the scale was insufficient. He wanted to bring Lu Xusheng in as a partner.

"Xusheng, didn't the emperor grant you a hundred hectares of fertile land in Jiangnan? Why not join me in converting rice to mulberry? Once we have the raw silk, we can sell it to Southeast Asia, and the profits will be enormous."

The elder master had two purposes. First, Mr. Wu had a huge appetite, and he couldn't handle it alone. The wealthiest branch of the Lu family was not the main branch or the public treasury, but the second branch. Back then, the emperor had spared no expense to compensate for the deaths of Lu Chang and Lu Xusheng, giving Wang Shi a fortune.

Second, Lu Xusheng was, after all, a favorite of the emperor, and everyone across the land would give him face. With him as a partner, things would be much easier.

Lu Xusheng saw through his calculations clearly and smiled, saying, "This is a significant matter. Uncle, allow me to discuss it with my mother before making a decision."

The elder master was not surprised. "However, Mr. Wu has a batch of goods ready and is about to head to Panyu. Xusheng, you'd better make a decision quickly."

"Alright, wait for my news."

Lu Xusheng immediately returned to his study and summoned Xu Yi, instructing him to fetch the private treasury ledger.

Xu Yi, having overheard the conversation, knew the reason and slowly went to fetch the ledger from the inner chamber.

Lu Xusheng took it, sat behind the desk, and examined it under the lamplight.

There was no sign of any land or private treasury remaining; the ledger showed a mere three hundred taels of silver, not enough for business, let alone to support Cheng Yian.

Lu Xusheng glanced at Xu Yi, who shrank his neck and lowered his eyes, not daring to speak.

Lu Xusheng sighed repeatedly as he looked at the empty ledger.

Before returning to the capital in mourning, the emperor had given him "consolation" silver and military rewards, all of which he handed over to his mother, Wang Shi.

After returning to the capital, the emperor granted him another round of rewards, which Lu Xusheng converted into silver and gave to the widows of his comrades who had died at Silver Mountain. Most of these soldiers came from poor families, with wives, children, and elderly mothers to support. Since Lu Xusheng owed his life to them, caring for their families was his responsibility.

For the past three years, whenever he had money, he sent it to the widows and orphans.

Thus, the small treasury Nanny Li had envisioned never came to be.

After a moment of silence, Lu Xusheng slowly turned his gaze toward his mother's Mingxi Hall.

Speaking of Wang Shi, Lu Xusheng's feelings were complex. In his past life, after his father's death, his mother was deeply affected and became bedridden. As the eldest son, he was heartbroken and deeply respected her, but there were two things she failed to understand.

First, perhaps due to the unfairness of the title, she harbored resentment toward the emperor and later almost stood on the side of the Wang family, supporting the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince. Initially, she was highly suspicious of Cheng Yian, but after her cousin married into the family, she and her cousin did everything possible to support the Wang family.

Second, while the old lady favored the first son, his mother did the opposite, favoring his younger brother Jisheng, who was inferior to him in every way. The lands and properties that fell into her hands were not left to him at all.

In his previous life, Lu Xusheng was indifferent to wealth, but in this life, since he was determined to live well with Cheng Yian, he had to plan carefully.

Lu Xusheng picked up the ledger, stood, and tapped Xu Yi on the shoulder.

"Come, let's go see the mistress."

It was just past the first watch of the evening, not yet time to retire. Lu Xusheng returned to the rear courtyard and arrived at Mingxi Hall. The matron at the gate welcomed him in.

Seeing the brightly lit side chambers, Lu Xusheng knew his mother was still up.

In the main hall, a painting of a green pine and a fierce tiger, personally inscribed by the emperor, hung on the north wall. On either side were couplets praising Lu Chang. Below the painting was a long rosewood table with offerings of flowers, fruits, and incense.

In the past, Second Mistress and Second Master lived in the eastern chamber. After Second Master's death, Second Mistress, heartbroken, combined the side rooms and moved into the three eastern chambers.

Lu Xusheng first paid his respects in the main hall, then retreated to the eastern chamber.

Second Mistress Wang Shi was reading a letter from the Wang family. Lu Xusheng entered, greeted her, and sat down in a chair beside her, gesturing for the nannies to leave.

After finishing the letter, Wang Shi's eyes reddened, and she said to Lu Xusheng,

"Your grandfather is not well and misses Jisheng dearly. How about letting your brother go to Shandong in a few days?"

Lu Xusheng's maternal grandfather, the head of the Wang family, was a renowned scholar in the Qingqi region, once as famous as Cheng Mingyu's father. After Cheng Mingyu's father passed away, Cheng Mingyu took over the Cheng family. At sixteen, he topped the imperial examinations and was sent as an envoy to Northern Qi, where he used his vast knowledge to debate scholars at the Northern Qi court and dismantle the threat of a joint invasion by Northern Qi and the Western Regions. This earned him great fame, and under his leadership, the Cheng family flourished, far surpassing the Langya Wang family.

Despite this, the Wang family remained one of the few families that could rival the Cheng family. Lu Xusheng's father was often away on campaigns, and he himself was frequently absent from the estate, so his mother sent his younger brother to study with the Wang family. As a result, Lu Jisheng was very close to the Wang family elders.

Lu Xusheng, however, shook his head. "Jisheng is not young anymore. He should study for one more year, and next year he should take up a position in the Ministry of Rites."

Wang Shi guessed that Lu Xusheng didn't want his brother to get too close to the Wang family, and she felt a bit displeased.

"You came here at night. Is there something on your mind?"

Lu Xusheng then told his mother about the elder master's schemes. Upon hearing this, Wang Shi's expression darkened further.

"What kind of person is he? A shameless old schemer. How did you get involved with him?"

Lu Xusheng understood that his mother had always been at odds with the elder master and disapproved of his ways.

"I have my own judgment in this matter."

Wang Shi, displeased, said, "You are still young and fully devoted to court affairs. How do you have time to meddle with him? He never acts without personal gain, and dragging you into this surely has ulterior motives."

Lu Xusheng's expression turned serious, "Mother, I am already married." Implicitly, he meant that what he chose to do was no longer subject to her interference.

Wang Shi met his calm gaze and suddenly felt a chill.

To a mother, her child will always be her child, but she had almost forgotten that her son was different from others. He had crawled out from a pile of corpses, once shouldered the defense of the northern frontier alone. Even during the three years of mourning, whenever the country was at war, he responded and won every battle, a son everyone admired and envied.

Wang Shi's eyes suddenly welled up with tears, and she sighed, "Alright, as you wish."

Lu Xusheng sat up straight and smiled, "Please, mother, give me the land deeds."

Wang Shi's face changed abruptly, staring at him in shock, "What do you need the land deeds for?"

Lu Xusheng didn't beat around the bush and calmly told her,

"Mother, the compensation for loss and imperial rewards the Emperor gave to father, I want none of it, all of it is yours. Whether you keep it for yourself, use it as a dowry for my sister, support my third brother, or even give it to the Wang family, I won't interfere. But my share, please return it to me."

Wang Shi was first shocked, then somewhat angry. When Lu Xusheng mentioned the Wang family, she couldn't help but blush. Finally, understanding his intentions, her heart felt like a bottle of mixed flavors, a turmoil of emotions.

"Xusheng..."

Lu Xusheng didn't give her a chance to speak and continued, "For the past three years, the dividends and interests from my lands and properties have all been given to you, as a token of your son's filial piety. But the share the Emperor gave to me, please return it to me according to the reward list from the Eunuch Directorate."

Wang Shi's expression was more than just unpleasant; she suddenly felt her son was a stranger. Was this still the son who was once fully devoted to his duties and indifferent to all else?

She wanted to argue but found no words; Lu Xusheng had already preempted her.

In ordinary families, when a son marries and establishes his own household, parents should allocate some property to help him set up his home, especially since this was what Lu Xusheng had earned with his life.

Wang Shi couldn't understand why her son had suddenly changed so much. The only thing she could think of was,

"Did the Cheng family send you here?"

As soon as Wang Shi thought of Cheng Yian, her eyes immediately turned sharp.

Lu Xusheng finally understood why his colleagues often complained about the difficulties between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Indeed, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are natural enemies.

Lu Xusheng sighed helplessly, "Why do you always drag her into everything?"

Seeing Lu Xusheng defend Cheng Yian, Wang Shi became even more convinced that it was Cheng Yian's doing, truly living up to the saying, "A son forgets his mother once he takes a wife."

"Since she married into our family, you've been defying me, not allowing me to set rules for her. On the day of your wedding, you drove the wet nurse out, letting her dominate the household. And now, just after her first visit back to her parents' home, she's already urging you to come for money. Xusheng, you're a clever man, how can you be so manipulated by a woman?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Xusheng's emotions churned, leaving him at a loss for words.

If he hadn't experienced it himself, he would never have known that the relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law could be so rife with mutual suspicion.

If it were a husband who had been away for years, wouldn't he just believe his mother's complaints the moment he returned?

He patted his knee and explained, "Mother, none of this has anything to do with her. She's new to the family, unfamiliar with everything, and even afraid to speak up. She treads carefully, never stepping out of line, and certainly wouldn't stir up trouble between you and me. Everything you mentioned was done by me."

"Who are you trying to fool with that?" Wang Shi sneered.

Lu Xusheng felt a headache coming on and spread his hands, "Mother, do you think I'm the kind of man who can be easily swayed by others?"

Wang Shi was stunned and fell silent.

"I thought that since I've married, I should live well with my wife, just like how father treated you, protecting my wife and managing this household."

Wang Shi fell even more silent at his words, her expression slightly uneasy.

Having gone through the same struggles as a daughter-in-law herself, she remembered how Lu Chang had treated her back then—treated her like a precious gem, afraid she might slip through his fingers or melt away. He had stood up to the old lady countless times for her, which was why the old lady later favored the main branch.

Wang Shi was overwhelmed with mixed feelings.

Being forced to give up so much property at once, Wang Shi's heart burned with resentment.

As she was about to discuss further, her gaze suddenly fell on Lu Xusheng.

Lu Xusheng was blowing on his tea, his handsome face slightly turned to the side, revealing a patch of skin on his neck. Despite the years, the faint scar was still visible, reminding Wang Shi of his ordeal at Silver Mountain.

She had held him and cried many times, asking how he had survived. Her son always smiled lightly, wiping away her tears, "It's all in the past, don't dwell on it."

In such dire straits, he had survived against all odds, enduring so much suffering.

Wang Shi's heart ached as if being twisted, and she covered her tears, saying,

"Fine, I can't be bothered to manage for you anymore. You take care of this household yourself."

Lu Xusheng couldn't stand to see a woman cry and quickly scrambled to find a handkerchief,

"Don't cry, what's there to cry about?"

Wang Shi was both angry and amused by him. Looking at him again, his face was calm and composed, showing no trace of the trauma of war.

Was there really none?

Back then, every time Second Master returned victorious, he would lie in her arms, mourning for the soldiers who had died in battle and for himself, stained with blood.

But Lu Xusheng wouldn't.

His heart was too hard, not even allowing a crack for his own mother to peek through.

Right away, Wang Shi called for her trusted maid to fetch the documents and account books, but she still couldn't resist nagging Lu Xusheng,

"Although you and your brothers have each started your own families, you should still help your younger brother more in the future."

Lu Xusheng said seriously, "Mother, I can help him for a while, but not forever. A man must rely on himself. If he has the ability to marry, he must have the ability to provide." Before Wang Shi could glare at him, he quickly added, "Besides, isn't there still you?"

Wang Shi, recalling her own partiality, said nothing more and, according to the old gift list, gave Lu Xusheng his share.

Lu Xusheng was eager to get back, "Just give me the land deed first, we can sort out the rest tomorrow."

But Wang Shi disagreed, "I'll have it delivered to you tonight."

To avoid being seen by the elder and third branches during the day, which would embarrass the Second Mistress.

Without further argument, Lu Xusheng took the land deed to the front courtyard.

This time, he did not enter immediately but waited for the elder master to come out.

The elder master came to the side hall to see him and, noticing the land deed in his hand, smiled,

"Good, good, in war, it's father and son as soldiers, and brothers in arms. After all, we are family, and naturally, your uncle will bring you along for good things."

Just as the elder master reached out to take the land deed, Lu Xusheng moved his hand, causing the elder master to miss.

The elder master's expression darkened.

Lu Xusheng merely smiled faintly,

"Uncle, let's speak plainly. Over the years, you've often used my name to conduct business outside. Since that's the case, shouldn't you also give me some reward? For example, today's business, let's split it one to nine, you take one, I take nine."

The elder master almost couldn't help but curse.

This was a good opportunity he had obtained by sending a full two thousand taels of silver to the eunuch of the Ceremonial Department, and Lu Xusheng actually wanted to take the lion's share.

Naturally, he avoided direct confrontation and instead tried to persuade Lu Xusheng earnestly.

Lu Xusheng was not fooled and took back the land deed, "Then I'll proceed on my own."

The elder master's eyebrows twitched.

Despite bearing the title of the Duke of the State, outside, it was not as effective as the name Lu Xusheng.

Lu Xusheng's reputation from that battle was too astonishing, practically world-shaking.

Moreover, the route to the South Seas, once established, would bring endless wealth.

With Lu Xusheng blocking the way, he could almost sit back and enjoy wealth and honor.

Very well, let him have a taste of success first.

After weighing the options, the elder master gritted his teeth and agreed to Lu Xusheng's demand.

The uncle and nephew immediately drew up a written agreement, and only then did Lu Xusheng hand over the land deed, allowing him to finalize the contract with Mr. Wu.

By the time they finished, it was already late at night.

The elder master politely saw him off, while Lu Xusheng stood in the dark of the corridor, flicking the autumn dew from his lapel, and beckoned a hidden guard, pointing at Mr. Wu's back,

"Follow him, and bring him over."

Mr. Wu had almost stumbled today, and upon leaving, he would surely inquire about the truth, naturally learning that the true pillar of the Lu Duke's mansion was him. His men would then secretly contact him, using threats and inducements, and Mr. Wu would know who to cooperate with.

A man who decides life and death on the battlefield has a black heart. Matters like changing rice to mulberry, these troublesome tasks, he would leave to the elder master to handle. Once used, he would kick the elder master aside.

The title?

No rush, a slow and steady approach, peeling away layer by layer, that's what brings true satisfaction.

Lu Xusheng returned to the study, where the Second Mistress had already delivered the account books, all accounts clear and detailed.

Xu Yi followed him into the room, sweating profusely, "Master, please wait, I've been busy moving the storeroom and haven't had time to prepare tea for you." Saying this, he went to pour tea for him.

Lu Xusheng waved his hand, "No need, I'm going to the rear courtyard."

Lu Xusheng took the ledger back to Ningji Hall. The lights in the east chamber were already off, presumably thinking he was resting in the front courtyard.

Fortunately, Ru Lan, who was on night watch, was still awake. She quickly lit a silver lamp and ushered him inside.

Seeing Lu Xusheng head straight for the bed, she lit only the lamp in the inner room and quietly retreated.

Lu Xusheng arrived outside the canopy bed, where a faint light seeped through. He gently lifted the curtain. Cheng Yian wasn't asleep; she was leaning on the bed reading a book of tales, yawning but still reluctant to put it down.

Lu Xusheng didn't say much, handed her directly the ledger.

"For you."

Cheng Yian was taken aback for a moment. She looked at him with sleepy eyes, slowly sat up, and took the ledger. She flipped through a few pages under the lamp, and upon seeing the entries, she was instantly wide awake.

"Your private treasury?"

Nanny Li was right, there really was a private hoard.

In her past life, he hadn't taken the time to give it to her. Cheng Yian glanced at him sideways, humming a few times.

Lu Xusheng, guiltily, coughed, "From now on, it's all yours."

Cheng Yian, irritated, tossed it onto the dressing table, "I have my own dowry, I don't need yours."

Lu Xusheng knew she was still upset about the past.

"I reek of alcohol, I'll go wash up first and then talk with you."

Lu Xusheng went to the washroom, his mind full of thoughts on how to coax Cheng Yian into accepting it. When he returned, the lights were off, and the curtains were tightly drawn. There was no one in sight.

Lu Xusheng rubbed his forehead.

He turned and glanced at the pillow on the lacquered couch. Slowly, he walked over, picked up the pillow, and approached the canopy bed.

Who could bear to just watch when they've married such a gentle and delicate wife?

He had already handed over the keys to the treasury, surely she could spare him a kind glance?

Lu Xusheng stood outside the curtain and called out,

"Madam?"

No response.

"Cheng Yian?"

Still no response.

"An An?"

Cheng Yian got goosebumps all over. She propped herself up and peeked half her face out from behind the curtain. Her gaze immediately fell on the pillow he was holding. Realizing his intent, her almond-shaped eyes narrowed into crescents, lazily glancing at him.

"Want to come to bed?"

Lu Xusheng stood still, looking at her.

"In your dreams!"

Hmph!