Chapter 30: If Lu Xusheng doesn’t comply, just divorce him…

Chapter 30: If Lu Xusheng doesn't comply, just divorce him...

Shortly after, Manager Hang had already balanced the general ledger, with all the tokens, keys, and account books neatly stacked on the table.

Initially, the Duke's mansion was managed by the old lady, then it was handed over to the first mistress upon her marriage into the family. After Lu Chang became the Duke, it was given to the second mistress, Wang Shi. Now, it can finally be returned to its rightful owner.

The second young lady, Lu Shuyan, immediately stepped forward intending to take over the household management for her mother.

At this moment, Lu Xusheng's cold voice came through, neither loud nor soft,

"Wait!"

His gaze was indifferent,

"What does second sister mean?"

Lu Shuyan was taken aback, gesturing towards her mother, "Isn't it supposed to be handed over to mother?"

Lu Xusheng's face turned cold, "I think it's unnecessary to hand it over to mother. Since second sister has returned to the mansion after her divorce, it's proper to hand it over to you."

Lu Shuyan's face immediately flushed red, "Second brother, I..."

Seeing this, Lu Xusheng stood up, personally approached Cheng Yian, straightened his official robe, and bowed to her with a clasped hand,

"From now on, the management of the Lu household will rely on you, madam."

This was a stark contrast to his previously imposing demeanor, his back bent into a smooth arc, his posture respectful and sincere.

Lu Shuyan, seeing his demeanor, immediately realized her overstep, glanced awkwardly at Cheng Yian, and retreated to the side of the second mistress. Cheng Yian, however, did not look at her, her gaze fixed on Lu Xusheng.

Clearly, he was making this gesture to establish her authority, to show everyone in the Lu household how the feared young master was so humble before her.

Cheng Yian did not put on airs, slowly stood up and gracefully returned the bow, "I accept the responsibility."

Lu Xusheng gave a signal, and Manager Hang personally presented all the keys to the storerooms, while Cheng Yian gestured for Ming sister-in-law and Ru Hui to take them.

This scene was witnessed by all the stewards present.

This is what they call, a new reign brings new ministers.

The Lu household had changed.

All the stewards immediately knelt down and kowtowed,

"Greetings to the young mistress."

Cheng Yian walked to the front of the hall, glanced at the stewards present, and calmly ordered,

"All of you, go back and sort out the accounts now. Within three days, I want the accounts reconciled. If there's a single mistake or omission, I don't care about your status or face, those who should be sold will be sold, those who should be dealt with will be dealt with. Of course, if you are diligent and reliable, I will not hesitate to keep you."

Everyone immediately understood, this was a test of loyalty. If they performed well, they would be kept; if not, they would likely be dismissed.

At that moment, no one dared to be careless, all bowing in unison and agreeing.

With this matter settled, the old lady, seeing Lu Xusheng's calm demeanor, couldn't hold back her anger and said coldly,

"Xusheng, now that the household management has been handed over, shouldn't you go to the palace to save your uncle?"

Lu Xusheng did not look at her, but personally took Cheng Yian's cloak from Ru Lan and draped it over Cheng Yian, replying lightly,

"Grandmother, please don’t worry. The person is currently being interrogated at the Censorate. Even if I go, I can’t get him released. I have to wait until the case is fully investigated and presented to His Majesty before I can plead for him."

The old lady thought it over and realized that it was indeed impossible to secure the person's release from Cheng Mingyu's hands. Ultimately, it would be up to the Emperor to decide.

She was already in a daze, barely able to breathe, and couldn’t bother with anything else. She called for a matron to help her back to the rear courtyard.

Lu Xusheng said he needed to discuss household matters with his wife and left first. The others dared not say anything.

The couple left the main hall and walked along the covered walkway toward Ningji Hall. Once they were out of sight, Cheng Yian stopped pretending and shook off Lu Xusheng’s hand. She pulled her cloak tighter and walked faster. The matron from Mingxi Hall and others, seeing this, quickly followed with the account books, leaving Lu Xusheng standing alone, hands behind his back, with a wry smile.

After leaving the main hall, they turned northwest along a long corridor, which led to a side passage that went straight to Lu Xusheng’s study. Behind the study was a small door leading to Ningji Hall, a private entrance reserved for Lu Xusheng.

Lu Xusheng watched Cheng Yian’s slim figure and knew exactly what was going on. She was still holding a grudge from their past life, and he, having no defense, could only swallow his pride and follow her.

As he hurried after her, Lu Shuwen and Third Mistress Bai Shi came out from the back corridor of the main hall, helping Second Mistress.

Lu Shuwen shook her head, seeing her usually dignified younger brother acting so meek in front of his wife.

"Second Brother spoils his wife too much."

Second Mistress stayed quiet, feeling triumphant and not bothering with Cheng Yian.

The group returned to Mingxi Hall, where Lu Shuwen kept sighing.

"You don’t know how people outside praise my brother, saying he’s as handsome as Pan An, unmatched in bravery, and a scholar. Even a god couldn’t compare. I thought he would stand tall in front of his wife."

As an older sister, she worried her brother might be at a disadvantage with his wife.

Bai Shi, standing nearby, tried to console her, "After all, she’s the daughter of Cheng Mingyu, the head of the Censorate. The Cheng family dotes on her like a treasure. Now that she’s in the Lu family, we have to treat her with respect. If it were anyone else, who could’ve dug up so much information? Cheng Mingyu must’ve done it out of respect for his son-in-law."

Lu Shuwen sneered, "No matter how precious the Cheng family’s daughter is, my brother is more than worthy of her, isn’t he?"

Bai Shi, seeing her sister-in-law’s cold look, shook her head to herself.

Why was the elder sister meddling so much? These were matters between the couple, and it wasn’t her place to interfere. The elder sister and the mother-in-law were on the same side, always siding with the brother. How could they understand the hardships of being a daughter-in-law? Cheng Yian was already quite good, usually calm and not putting on airs. If it were her, with such a powerful father and a capable husband, she would have been strutting around the Lu family long ago.

Bai Shi, also a daughter-in-law, now found herself siding with Cheng Yian.

Second Mistress, however, was more open-minded.

"Enough, let her handle the household affairs."

Lu Shuwen anxiously said, "But you can't just let go completely."

Second Mistress wanted to intervene, but seeing Lu Xusheng's attitude earlier, it was clear he didn't want her to interfere.

It wasn't that she wanted to meddle, but the third daughter-in-law was still unsettled, and Cheng Yian wasn't on the same page as her. She had to keep an eye on things. Moreover... seeing her daughter's anxious demeanor, it was clear she hoped her mother would help out.

Second Mistress asked her, "What's wrong? Is there trouble at home again?"

Lu Shuwen glanced at Bai Shi and didn't say anything.

Bai Shi, perceptive, said, "Mother, I'll go check on the kitchen. With so much happening today, I'm afraid the kitchen might be in disarray."

Second Mistress nodded.

Once Bai Shi left, Lu Shuwen, with a bitter face, clung to her mother's arm.

"I have no choice. It's been so long, and I still haven't conceived. My mother-in-law is not pleased and is considering taking a concubine for my husband. I can't let that happen."

Lu Shuwang married into the Jiang family, where her husband was the only son of the Right Vice Minister of Rites. When she first married, they were very affectionate and harmonious. However, after several years, she only bore a daughter, which led to dissatisfaction from her in-laws. They often whispered in her husband's ear, worrying that she could not bear children, and began to consider taking a concubine. Mr. Jiang also showed signs of wavering.

Second Mistress, who was always proud and never bowed to anyone, immediately scolded upon hearing this,

"So you want to appease them to maintain your dignity?"

"Hmph!" Second Mistress straightened her sleeves, her face full of disdain. "Let him go. If the Jiang family dares to take a concubine, we’ll dare to divorce. You are the eldest daughter of the Duke's mansion; how can you bow to them? Your wedding was so grand; I didn’t even fancy the Jiang family. What right do they have to pick on you?"

Lu Shuwang's face turned pale and then green as she weakly said, "But I have to think about Leilei, don’t I?"

Second Mistress retorted angrily, "That’s the Jiang family’s daughter; if they don’t care, you don’t need to either. I tell you, go back and just ignore it. The more you guard against it, the more they’ll want to sneak around. Let them take a concubine and see. I’ll have Xusheng visit the Jiang family and see if they dare to speak."

Hearing that her mother would have her brother stand up for her, Lu Shuwang felt somewhat reassured.

"Then I’ll follow your advice."

She then asked, "Are you really not going to intervene in the household affairs?"

Second Mistress was very calm, propping her head as if dozing.

"What’s the rush? She’s just arrived and doesn’t even know everyone yet. When she can’t handle it, I’ll step in."

Lu Shuwang looked at her dignified mother, thinking her own abilities were indeed lacking.

"Mother always has the best ideas."

Cheng Yian returned to her room and instructed Nanny Li to prepare her meal. She hadn’t eaten well earlier due to the old lady’s disturbance and now needed to fill her stomach.

Lu Xusheng watched her eat from the side and dismissed the servants once she finished.

Matters of the past life were pointless to discuss now, and Lu Xusheng was not one for sweet talk, unsure how to coax her, so he remained silent, letting Cheng Yian decide.

After eating, Cheng Yian felt her stomach settle and her mood smooth out. The past life was just fleeting clouds; if she dwelled on it every day, she really couldn’t live. She brushed the thought aside and asked him,

"What about the title? Can you get it this time?"

Lu Xusheng’s expression didn’t change as he pulled out a small booklet from his sleeve, pressing it with his finger.

"I haven’t even made a move yet. This time, he dug his own grave. Let your father investigate first, then I’ll seize the opportunity to submit this booklet, and his title and position will be lost.

You can’t put them in the frying pan without burning them."

His tone was incredibly light, yet it sent a chill down one’s spine.

Indeed, this man’s heart was very dark.

Cheng Yian suddenly felt a bit afraid of him.

"Is it too late for me to curry favor with you now?" she asked, pouring him a cup of tea with a serious demeanor.

Lu Xusheng, seeing his wife’s gentle appearance, dared not let his guard down.

"Just don’t keep me off the bed, and I’ll be begging the heavens."

Cheng Yian stomped on his foot under the table.

Lu Xusheng didn’t dare to make a sound.

"Does this count as going back on your word?" Cheng Yian, after all, was a well-behaved child who had never done anything wrong since she was young.

Lu Xusheng was unperturbed,

"When they stole the title while my father's body was still warm, did they think of today?"

"The more hopeless their situation becomes, the more they will beg me."

"That makes sense." She pointed at the book in his hand,

"Where did you get this evidence from?"

Lu Xusheng replied, "The secret ledger kept by Hao Ren, it contains proof of my uncle's crimes over the years."

"Rest assured, I'll make sure you become the Duchess by the New Year."

Cheng Yian gave him a withering look, "As if I care so much, it's all for the sake of our child..."

Mentioning the child, Cheng Yian blushed.

They had been married for three months now. In her previous life, she had conceived that child in the twelfth month of this year. Thinking of that unfortunate child, Cheng Yian felt a deep pain in her heart. Having been reborn, she had only been pregnant once, and she hoped that in this life, fate would give her another chance to have a child, one she would nurture safely.

Lu Xusheng's expression became even more uneasy, clearly burdened by guilt, as he rubbed his forehead several times.

After a moment of silence, he pointed at the ledgers and asked Cheng Yian,

"Can you handle it? If you don't want to, I can arrange it."

How could a man manage the household affairs?

Cheng Yian glared at him, "Underestimating me?"

"How could that be possible?"

"In my past life, I ran the household for Fan Yulin for five years," she said, deliberately trying to provoke him.

Lu Xusheng's face went blank, his heart feeling like it was on fire, searing and unbearable.

If he could, he'd have stabbed his past self a few times just to let off some steam.

Cheng Yian watched him storm off, his face dark, and she laughed so hard she doubled over.

Lu Xusheng stepped out of Ningji Hall, walked through the slanting corridor, and ran into Lu Shuwan, who was about to head home.

"Hey, Second Brother."

Lu Shuwan smiled and walked over as soon as she saw her younger brother.

Lu Xusheng, who usually got along well with his sister, lost his smile at the memory of her earlier actions and gave a slight bow, "Heading home, Second Sister?"

"Yes," Lu Shuwan said, admiring her brother's tall, heroic build and strikingly handsome face. In all of the capital, there was no one else with his background, talent, looks, and status. The more she looked at him, the prouder she felt, and she couldn't resist giving him some advice.

"Brother, you're a respected second-rank military commander, handpicked by the Emperor to lead the border army. You don't have to tiptoe around your wife. A man shouldn't let a woman call all the shots."

Lu Xusheng narrowed his eyes, his hands clasped behind his back, and said coolly, "Second Sister, are you sticking your nose into my family matters?"

Lu Shuwan was stunned, "I..."

Before she could get a word out, Lu Xusheng cut her off calmly, "Second Sister, you should focus on your own business and not overstep. Mother and Yian already don't see eye to eye. Instead of smoothing things over, you're looking to cause more drama. That's just plain foolish. Instead of plotting to have Mother run the household, Second Sister, you should work on building good ties with your in-laws. That way, when you need your family's backing later on, you won't be left hanging."

Lu Xusheng threw down these words and then rode out the door.

Lu Shuwan was left blushing and embarrassed by his words, staring at his retreating figure with a mix of shame and anger. After all, he was her own younger brother—how could she, as his elder sister, possibly harm him? Yet, upon reflecting on the deeper meaning behind his words, she couldn't help but feel a burning sensation on her face, her emotions a tangled mess as she left the Lu family.

On Cheng Yian's side, she had planned to take a short nap, but upon checking the time, she realized it was almost Shenshi (around 3-5 PM). She had to lie down on the arhat bed for a quick rest. Just as she settled in, Nanny Li came in through the door curtain.

"Madam, don't go to bed just yet. We have a guest."

Cheng Yian was startled. "Who is it?"

Seeing her half-undressed, Nanny Li hurried to tuck her in, worried she might catch a chill. "It's the second daughter from the Tao family next door."

"Tao Qin is here?"

"That's right."

Cheng Yian had two close friends in the South Mansion: one was Cheng Yike from the eighth branch of the Cheng family, and the other was Tao Qin, who lived next to the Fan residence. Tao Qin was the second daughter of the Tao family, with an elder sister and a younger brother. She had always been neglected in her family, which naturally drew her to Cheng Yian, who was also overlooked by her father and motherless. With Cheng Yike, oppressed by her stepmother, the three often huddled together, sharing snacks and forming a bond closer than real sisters.

"Quick, bring her in."

Cheng Yian then called Ru Hui to help her dress and sat waiting on the kang bed in the southern room.

Soon, a young woman in a pale blue cloak, her face red from the cold, came in. Seeing Cheng Yian sitting there so properly, her eyes filled with tears, and she rushed forward.

"An An..."

Cheng Yian hugged her tightly, watching tears stream down her face. She helped her sit down and asked urgently, "What's going on? What happened?"

Tao Qin's face was more delicate than Cheng Yian's, with willow-leaf eyebrows and tears on her lashes, making her look pitiful. She didn't rush to explain but instead took a moment to assess Cheng Yian's condition.

"It's been so long since I saw you. I've missed you so much."

Cheng Yian's heart ached watching Tao Qin sob. In her past life, when she left the capital for Yizhou, Tao Qin had cried herself sick, unable to bear the separation. "I've missed you too. It's been too long."

Tao Qin said guiltily, "At the last Cheng family winter solstice banquet, Yike and I saw you from afar, decked in jewels, cradled by the matriarch like a treasure. We didn't dare come near you."

Cheng Yian frowned. "Speaking of that, I sent someone to find you both during the banquet. Why didn't you answer? One said you were sick, the other said you weren't home..."

Tao Qin grew even more uncomfortable, her face flushing with shame. "Do you think I didn't want to? My mother kept pushing me to flatter you, hoping I could gain something from the banquet through you. I was too embarrassed—how could I embarrass you? So I made an excuse to visit my aunt and avoided you."

Cheng Yian glared at her. "If that's the case, why are you here today?"

This touched on Tao Qin's dilemma. "Dear An An, you must help me."

Seeing her serious expression, Cheng Yian quickly asked, "What is it?"

Tao Qin wept, "You know how my parents have never been close to me. In the entire Tao family, only my aunt has ever shown me kindness. When I was young, she supported me, and now she's gone to great lengths to arrange a marriage for me. But now, my uncle has somehow gotten involved in the canal collapse case and has been detained in the Censorate. My aunt came to the Tao family early this morning, hoping to seek help through the Cheng family. But as you know, even the Cheng family can't get an audience with the head of the family, let alone us. My aunt knows how close we are and nearly knelt down begging me..."

At this point, Tao Qin, her face flushed, grabbed Cheng Yian's wrist. "An An, I have no other choice. Please help me. She's my only aunt—I can't bear to see her suffer."

Cheng Yian was stunned. "What position does your uncle hold?"

Tao Qin replied, "He's a vice minister in the Ministry of Works."

"No wonder. It seems he's been caught up in the same mess as my uncle from the Lu family."

Tao Qin pleaded, "Do you have any way to help?"

Cheng Yian smiled bitterly.

"I can only help you look into it. You know, if your uncle is really in trouble, there's not much I can do."

Tao Qin kept nodding, "I know, I know, just help me look into it, to see if my uncle is implicated? What exactly is the crime? My aunt's family is completely clueless, with no connections at all. If we could get some news, at least we'd have some peace of mind."

Cheng Yian understood, "Second Master just came back, saying that everyone is in the hands of the Censorate, so we can only go to my father..."

Isn't it just that she's hoping to seek out Cheng Mingyu?

Tao Qin said, embarrassed, "An An, I'm causing you trouble..." Wiping away tears again and again.

Cheng Yian looked at her with heartache, pulling her into her arms,

"I'll be upfront with you. The Censorate is probably locked down tight now, and messages might not get through. If I don't go for you, it would be a betrayal of our friendship, but if I go and get no news, you can't blame me."

What else could Tao Qin say? She just nodded.

Cheng Yian quickly went behind the curtain to change into a heavy robe, wrapped in a fox fur cloak, and went out with Tao Qin.

It had snowed yesterday, and now the city streets were still covered with snow. The main roads had been cleared by the Five City Military Command soldiers, but the alleys were not, so the carriage had to stick to the main roads. Unfortunately, with the New Year season, the roads were packed, and it took half an hour to travel from the Lu residence to outside Zhengyang Gate.

Cheng Yian figured, if she went to Lu Xusheng, it would all come back to her father, so it was better to go directly to her father.

She then handed a bag of silver coins to Qiu Qing, telling him to take a message to the Censorate under the city tower,

"My father's probably busy, no need for him to reply personally, just have someone let him know."

Then the two parked the carriage across at the Sifang Hall.

Ru Lan had guards arrange a private room by the window on the second floor for them. Cheng Yian sat with Tao Qin in the private room to wait.

The Tongzhou Canal case was a catastrophe for those involved, and a tricky case for the palace's Directorate of Ceremonial, but for the Censorate, it was just routine.

Cheng Mingyu had a pile of more urgent major cases.

Such as the Jiangnan gentry's land encroachment, the Shanxi merchants' arms smuggling case, etc., each involving national economy and people's livelihood.

He assigned this case to the Assistant Censor Qian Yunsheng to investigate, and just now the interrogation results were handed to him. Cheng Mingyu looked at it without much expression,

"Follow up on this timber merchant, see what other officials are involved, there might be interests behind it."

"By the way, send someone to the Ministry of Revenue, tell Zheng Shanghe, all the Ministry of Works' approval tickets are suspended, copy each account and send it to the Censorate. The Censorate will not approve, if the Ministry of Revenue privately releases funds, they will be held accountable if something goes wrong. You investigate first, I'll speak to His Majesty later."

The Assistant Censor nodded in agreement.

As soon as this person left, a subordinate officer squeezed in with a smile.

"Chief, your daughter is here to see you."

Cheng Mingyu was obviously stunned, "Which daughter?"

The eldest daughter is not in the capital, she wouldn't come to see him.

If she really came, given the eldest daughter's temperament, it must be something serious.

Cheng Mingyu first thought of Cheng Yiqiao, after all, this second daughter is unruly, once she fancied a jade carving in a shop in the former dynasty's market, didn't have enough money, and came to the official area to find him, insisting he write an approval ticket for her to withdraw money from the treasury.

As for the youngest daughter...

Whenever Cheng Mingyu thought of Cheng Yian, his heart felt as if it had been branded by a hot iron, a mix of sourness, swelling, warmth, and softness.

Would she come to seek him out? She was still afraid of him.

He hoped she would come, but feared she wouldn't.

This official subordinate had personally witnessed him standing up for his daughter in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, overpowering the ministers, and knew well the status Cheng Yian held in his heart. He immediately flattered with a smile,

"Your youngest daughter, the one from the Lu family."

Cheng Mingyu's eyebrows lifted in surprise. Without even bothering to ask what the matter was, he immediately dropped his work and stood up.

Remembering that he still owed Cheng Yian a meal, he pointed to the documents on his desk and said,

"There are a few more documents left. Have Vice Minister Liao, the Deputy Chief Censor, handle them; I'll return after dinner."

The subordinate official nodded repeatedly, watching as Cheng Mingyu walked out the door. In no time, he saw the distinguished man return, change out of his official robe into commoner's attire, and leave.

The subordinate official sighed inwardly—such careful consideration. Was this to meet a daughter? It felt more like meeting an ancestor.

Cheng Yian and her companion looked around and saw Cheng Mingyu himself appear under the city tower.

Logically, it was a bit far, and one might not recognize him at first glance.

But Cheng Mingyu had a unique presence, standing tall and straight like a crane, strikingly noticeable among the bustling crowd under the city tower.

Tao Qin gasped in shock,

"Master Cheng has come out personally to see you, and he even changed out of his official robes."

Truly, a devoted father.

She quickly stood up, "I... I'll hide next door..."

Of course, they wouldn't want an outsider like her present, so Tao Qin tactfully slipped away.

This made Cheng Yian nervous too. If her father found out she was here to seek favors, would she be scolded?

As Cheng Mingyu stepped into the Sifang Pavilion, the manager recognized him instantly, as if seeing a living god.

He had been running his business outside the official district for over a decade, but this was the first time he had seen the Chief Censor dine at his establishment.

The manager's mind went blank for a moment. Instinctively, he rushed to the counter, flipped through a high-quality silk he had prepared long ago, and returned to Cheng Mingyu's side, excitedly saying,

"Master Cheng, your noble presence graces our humble establishment. We are immensely honored. Could you please bestow upon us a piece of your calligraphy?"

Who has Cheng Mingyu's calligraphy? No one! Well, there were some in earlier years, but after Princess Minglan bought them at a high price, Cheng Mingyu stopped writing.

Since opening the restaurant, the manager had spared no effort in collecting calligraphy from court officials. Now, he lacked none but Cheng Mingyu's.

Of course, Cheng Mingyu wouldn't agree. His gaze fell on him, nodding politely, then he asked the attendant beside him, "Where is An An?"

The attendant pointed upstairs.

Cheng Mingyu ascended the stairs. Cheng Yian had already come out to greet him, gracefully curtsying, "Greetings, Father."

Perhaps it was the long-standing impression over the years that made her dare not make any mistakes in front of Cheng Mingyu.

Cheng Mingyu gazed at his graceful young daughter, his eyes softening like the first thaw of winter snow, and smiled, "Ping Ping."

In private, he still preferred—and was more accustomed to—calling her Ping Ping.

Cheng Yian welcomed him into the private dining room, and by now, the manager had eagerly come to serve personally. Cheng Mingyu turned to Cheng Yian and said,

"It's getting late, and I still owe Ping Ping a meal. Why don't we have dinner here before heading back?"

Cheng Yian agreed enthusiastically, "Yes, it's my treat."

She then asked the manager about the house specialties and let Cheng Mingyu order.

Cheng Mingyu chuckled, leaning back gracefully in his chair, "Ping Ping, just order whatever you like."

Cheng Yian figured her father was too swamped with official duties to fuss over food, so she didn't hesitate and ordered six or seven dishes before dismissing the manager.

Cheng Yian personally served tea for him.

Cheng Mingyu watched his busy daughter and smiled, "Ping Ping, now that you have your own money, you can finally treat your father."

Cheng Yian smiled wryly, knowing the money still came from him.

"And you, father, do you have any personal savings?"

Cheng Mingyu shook his head, "No, I've never had any personal savings."

He could access the Cheng family's funds at any time, and his staff had everything prepared, so he never lacked anything. Unless it was for the year-end banquet bonuses, he rarely ever handled money in his life.

Cheng Yian gazed at her father, as majestic and graceful as a mountain, and thought to herself, "No wonder people say he's otherworldly."

Lu Xusheng was the same, never giving money a second thought. If it weren't for her prodding, Lu Xusheng wouldn't even bother with the Lu family's modest estate.

Men like him and Lu Xusheng, who held the greater good of the nation in their hearts, considered gold and silver as beneath them.

But after all, they weren't immortals; they still needed to stay grounded.

Her father ran the Cheng family efficiently, and Lu Xusheng was finally getting his act together.

"Since you don't have any personal savings, then from now on, I'll treat you."

This struck a chord with Cheng Mingyu, who said earnestly, "Then, Ping Ping, you must keep your word."

Since the dishes would take a while, Cheng Yian didn't waste time and asked with a smile,

"Have you been busy lately?"

"Not busy." To prevent his daughter from not coming to see him in the future, Cheng Mingyu decisively lied, "There are hundreds of officials in the censorate; I don't need to handle everything personally."

The words "not busy" left Cheng Yian speechless, so she scrambled for another topic, "Well, you've been looking into the Ministry of Works case these past few days..."

Cheng Mingyu chuckled at his daughter's flustered expression, "Silly girl, why so formal with your father? Just speak your mind."

Hearing this, Cheng Yian let out a long breath, her face a mix of regret and shame,

"I've caused you trouble, father. Today, I was asked by someone to inquire about the Ministry of Works canal vessel case."

Cheng Mingyu wasn't too surprised. Knowing Cheng Yian's dutiful nature, she wouldn't come to the official district unless it was important. He then asked seriously, "Who sent you?"

"Liu Xin, the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Works."

Cheng Mingyu recalled the details of the case and replied, "Liu Xin's signature is on the accounts for the construction of the embankment at Tongzhou Wharf, but he is not the main person in charge of this matter. He likely doesn't know the details and won't face serious consequences."

Cheng Mingyu had some impression of Liu Xin, an honest and straightforward man who wouldn't engage in any wrongdoing. He was likely just careless and got involved without realizing it. There are procedures for investigations, and anyone whose signature appears on the documents and accounts must be questioned, so Liu Xin naturally falls into that category.

Hearing this, Cheng Yian felt relieved and didn't press further,

"Then I can relax."

Just then, the manager personally brought in the dishes, and Cheng Yian stood up to serve Cheng Mingyu. Cheng Mingyu, amused and exasperated, waved his hand,

"Silly girl, no need to fuss over me. Just sit and eat."

Cheng Yian grinned, "Then I won't hold back."

The dishes at Sifang Restaurant were famous, and the smell was mouthwatering.

Though she wasn't particularly close to her father yet, as long as he was there, Cheng Yian felt an inexplicable sense of security, as if he would hold up the sky for her if it ever fell. She ate with relish.

Cheng Mingyu watched her quietly. Her beautiful oval face and sparkling eyes made her quite striking, yet her gentle and obedient nature, much like her mother's, made her seem innocent. Cheng Mingyu was momentarily lost in thought.

The private room was cozy with charcoal braziers, and Cheng Yian drank a few more sips of hot soup. Sweat beads formed on her forehead, and just as she was about to wipe them, a long arm reached over, and a warm handkerchief dabbed her forehead, wiping away the sweat,

"No one's rushing you; take your time."

In his eyes, she was just an utterly adorable little girl.

Would Lu Xusheng be as caring? Could he be as attentive and considerate in looking after her?

Cheng Mingyu frowned slightly, regretting having married her off too early.

Cheng Yian stared at him blankly. Years of privilege had given Cheng Mingyu an invisible air of authority, but it was the gentleness beneath that authority that truly touched people.

Father was truly patient and attentive.

If she had been his daughter from a young age, she might have grown up as wild as her second sister.

At that moment, Cheng Yian suddenly understood why Princess Minglan was so infatuated with her father. A man like him was truly rare in this world. Lu Xusheng didn't have even a fraction of her father's attentiveness and patience.

"You should eat too," Cheng Yian urged, noticing he hadn't touched his chopsticks.

Cheng Mingyu smiled, "Alright, I'll eat too."

Fifteen minutes later, the manager, hearing the chopsticks had been set down, promptly brought in a plate of fruits, served in a small silver-gilded pot, "These fruits just arrived from southern Fujian today, warmed in water. Please try them, Master Cheng and Madam; they're quite refreshing."

Cheng Yian tried one, and it was indeed delicious.

The manager then knelt down and kowtowed to Cheng Mingyu,

"Master Cheng, I swear to heaven, your calligraphy will never be sold to the public. It will only be kept as a family heirloom. Please, grant me a piece of your calligraphy."

Cheng Mingyu looked at him calmly, "It's not that I'm stingy with my words, but I don't want to bring you misfortune."

The manager suddenly realized that even if he didn't sell it publicly, what if Princess Minglan forcibly took it?

Thinking of Tao Qin next door, Cheng Yian didn't dare keep Cheng Mingyu any longer and stood up to escort him out.

Cheng Mingyu, however, guessed she still had social obligations and stopped her from going downstairs, "Don't catch a chill in the wind."

He then left first.

Cheng Yian summoned Tao Qin and shared the news. Tao Qin was naturally overjoyed to the point of tears, vowing not to tell anyone else, only quietly telling her aunt. Understanding Tao Qin's impatience, Cheng Yian arranged for someone to escort her back first, while she leisurely headed out. Just as she reached the entrance of the Sifang Pavilion, she spotted someone standing still in the snowy haze in front of the stage, staring at the city tower.

She wasn't wearing a cloak, only a graceful long robe made of fragrant cloud satin, her posture elegant. Amid the swirling snow and the hurried passersby, she stood still, like a statue of a woman waiting for her husband.

Seeing this, Cheng Yian quickly took off her own cloak and wrapped it around her, hugging her tightly,

"Your Highness, the wind is so strong outside, why are you dressed so lightly..."

Princess Minglan gazed longingly in the direction Cheng Mingyu had disappeared, sulking like a child,

"I was just listening to music inside when I heard your father had gone out to eat, so I rushed out without proper attire."

Cheng Yian glanced at her; this was hardly improper dressing. She wore a hairpin, a chest pendant, and the most vibrant coral bracelet on her wrist, her eyebrows arched like distant hills, her eyes highlighted with peach blossom makeup, radiant and beautiful.

Her hands were already frozen stiff.

Cheng Yian, exasperated, dragged her into the carriage, took a heater from the maid, and handed it to her. But Princess Minglan insisted on lifting the carriage curtain, refusing to move.

Though Cheng Yian felt sorry for her, she was also worried she might do something reckless, so she cautiously asked,

"Your Highness, you didn't do anything to my father, did you?"

Princess Minglan didn't look at her, her tone still low, "What could I do to your father? If I could have done anything, I would have thirty years ago, why wait until today? Actually, your father isn't without ways to deal with me, he just disdains to."

At this point, Princess Minglan tearfully added, "I wish he would take action against me, at least then I would have been on his mind..." She suddenly looked up at Cheng Yian,

"An An, what must it feel like to be in your father's heart..."

Cheng Yian's heart skipped a beat, fearing she might harbor some malicious intent, she hastily replied,

"Your Highness, you worry too much, my father is absolutely a cold and indifferent man. There's no room for love or women in his heart, otherwise he wouldn't have the reputation of being a wife killer!"

"Ah, you really shouldn't keep him in your heart. You are the esteemed Princess Minglan, you mustn't be obsessed with love. You should set an example for all women under heaven!"

Princess Minglan murmured, "Then what should I do?"

Cheng Yian confidently offered advice,

"Of course, listen to music, watch plays, play polo when you can, soak in the hot springs at Yanshan, and if all else fails, watch the guards compete in martial arts! One must enjoy life in time."

Hearing the last sentence, Princess Minglan seemed to recall something and immediately grabbed Cheng Yian's wrist,

"You're right, I remember I've raised a pair of male companions for you at the princess's residence, both in appearance and temperament are top-notch. Today, my Snow Cottage has just warmed some deer wine, come, let's not return until we're drunk."

Cheng Yian's smile froze on her face, panicking, "Your Highness, I cannot go, it's not appropriate."

Princess Minglan had already ordered the guards to drive the carriage, turning back with a frown, "Why isn't it appropriate? Who just said women shouldn't be obsessed with love and should enjoy life in time? Are you afraid of Lu Xusheng? If he doesn't allow you to keep male companions, just divorce him..."

Cheng Yian was at her wit's end.

Is it too late to feign fainting now?