Chapter 33: It’s Clear the Son-in-law Cares for You

Chapter 33: It's Clear the Son-in-law Cares for You

Lu Xusheng had already stepped inside, but he felt something felt off. He rode his horse out of the alley to the stall she loved the last time and brought back a lotus leaf-wrapped chicken. Knowing Cheng Yian was a stickler for cleanliness, he found a beautiful lunchbox to pack it in and took it to the backyard.

When he arrived at the entrance of Ningji Hall, he heard the lively commotion inside and peeked through the window.

"Our elder master really dotes on you. Look, he’s sent over some snacks right away."

In front of Cheng Yian were four lunchboxes: a lotus leaf-wrapped chicken, a stack of small scallion pancakes, a roasted goose, and a plate of honey-glazed lotus root sandwiches.

Exactly the same as the midnight snacks Lu Xusheng had brought when he visited the Cheng residence last time.

The matron from the Cheng family stood nearby, beaming.

"The head of the family knows you love these snacks and was worried that the ones outside might not be clean. He instructed the chefs at the residence to buy the ingredients and make them from scratch. Honestly, although the ingredients from the stall aren’t the best, the taste is excellent. It took our chefs quite some time to perfect the recipe. Now, they’ve picked the finest ingredients to make these for you, hoping to give you a special treat."

This was the first time Cheng Yian had been spoiled like this. No wonder Cheng Yiqiao didn’t want to get married and stayed at home. With such a father, who needed a man?

Cheng Yian’s heart swelled, and she couldn’t bring herself to take a bite.

The matron urged, "Young mistress, please try it and see if you like it. If you do, I can report back to the head of the family. His intention is to send you fresh, different dishes every day if you like them..."

Fresh, different dishes every day...

Lu Xusheng glanced at the lunchbox in his hand and then at the perfectly presented lotus leaf-wrapped chicken on the table, feeling a whirlwind of emotions.

He finally understood why he couldn’t stand his father-in-law. When someone does things too flawlessly, it leaves no room for others.

Lu Xusheng dejectedly carried the lunchbox out and, upon reaching the side gate, handed it to Xu Yi.

Xu Yi, who was snacking on melon seeds, hurriedly took it. Seeing Lu Xusheng’s gloomy expression, he asked, "Sir, what’s wrong? Didn’t the young mistress like it? But last time she really liked it."

Lu Xusheng didn’t respond and walked alone to the study in silence.

Two days later, the case of the Tongzhou canal collapse was finally resolved. The elder master was found guilty of negligence in supervision and was punished by the emperor with a salary deduction. He returned home in disgrace. The main mistress tearfully clutched his arm and asked, "Did they strip you of your official position? Did they take away your title?"

The elder master, still shaken, shook his head. "No final decision has been made yet. The emperor only ordered me to return home and await further instructions. Xusheng spoke up for me and brought me back."

Seeing that Lu Xusheng had intervened, the main mistress felt reassured.

It seemed Lu Xusheng had kept his word.

The elder master, having been detained for several days, looked nothing like his usual self. He stumbled toward his courtyard, only to be greeted by several pillows thrown at him as soon as he entered. The main mistress stood at the doorway, supporting her waist, and began shouting at him.

"You useless man! Losing your position is one thing, but dragging us down with you!"

"Do you know how much money I had to spend to get you out?"

The main mistress rushed out of the main hall, tears streaming down her face, clutching a pillow and hurling it at the elder master.

"I’ll have you know, I’ve returned the household management to Xusheng’s wife and given back the shop’s funds. But that’s not all—Xusheng forced me to use my private savings to cover the deficits from these years. In the end, I’ve lost everything, even my dowry. I’ve never had one good day with you. What kind of curse is this?"

The elder master, already in poor spirits, was shoved by her and nearly slipped and fell against a pillar. It was only when the eldest son, Lu Yunsheng, rushed over to shield his father and took a few hits from his mother that the commotion stopped. The elder master, having suffered in the censorate for days and now being treated like this by his wife, had had enough. He got up and walked out.

"I’m not stepping foot in your door again!"

That night, he went to stay with his concubine.

However, the good times did not last long. Just two days after he had been at the mansion, the Censorate sent people again, claiming that he was involved in another bribery case. This time, he was taken away in the dead of night, and the main branch of the family felt like their world had collapsed. Everyone gathered in the old lady's courtyard, weeping.

Lu Xusheng had also considered using Steward Hao's ledgers to force the elder master to voluntarily submit a petition to pass the title to him, but Lu Xusheng did not do so. It would have been letting the elder master off too easily.

He aimed for the title, but the elder master's dereliction and graft warranted retribution.

The man was directly imprisoned in the Ministry of Punishments, indicating that the evidence was solid. Now, not only were his title and official position in jeopardy, but his very life hung in the balance.

The young master, implicated by his father, was suspended and sent back to the mansion.

The main mistress and the old lady wept together through the night. By dawn, their thoughts turned to Lu Xusheng, and the main mistress said she would go to him. The old lady, tearful, restrained her,

"Don't go. If I'm not mistaken, this child is seeking revenge..."

What is his nature? When he doesn't care, he doesn't take them seriously, but once he sets his mind to something, who can overturn his plans?

The old lady was now consumed by regret. She shouldn't have let greed tempt her into seizing the title, leading to her current plight, bereft of both kin and fortune.

Now, all the suffering had to be endured by herself. It was retribution for her misdeeds.

Pleading was still necessary. Later, the old lady personally took the main mistress to Lu Xusheng's study, intending to humble herself and speak kindly to him, hoping to at least leave a way out for the elder master.

Lu Xusheng was not at the mansion and did not respond to her.

Xu Yi, following Lu Xusheng's instructions, respectfully bowed to the old lady on the study corridor,

"This is a major case in the court. No matter how much face our Young Master has, he cannot override the laws and regulations. However, please consider this, old lady: your son is your son, but your grandson is also your own flesh and blood. Wouldn't it be a pity to lose the title? Please don't just protect one side."

Hearing this, the old lady suddenly realized and, without a word, returned to her courtyard. As a noblewoman, she personally wrote a petition to the emperor, requesting that the title be returned to Lu Xusheng.

Only by acknowledging the reality could she momentarily soothe Lu Xusheng's wrath.

This matter was best handled by the old lady.

The petition was delivered to the emperor by Liu Xi, the head of the Office of Ceremonies. The emperor's eyes sparkled as he glanced at it,

"This old lady is indeed clever."

Liu Xi smiled, "Your Majesty, the elder master of the Lu family is now in dire straits. The old lady knows her son is unreliable. Better to keep the title and curry the Young Master's favor than lose everything."

As the case progressed, no one could predict the outcome. As the censors descended and the Empress Dowager exerted her sway, it was uncertain whether the Lu family's title could be preserved.

Originally, granting the title to the elder master was a reluctant decision under the circumstances. The emperor had always felt guilty towards Lu Xusheng, and now, given the opportunity, he was more than willing to return the title to its rightful owner.

Therefore, before the elder master's case was fully resolved, the emperor seized the opportunity and, with the old lady's petition as a catalyst, immediately issued an edict granting the title of Lu Duke's mansion directly to Lu Xusheng.

Every imperial edict would be sent from the Hall of Supreme Harmony to the Censorate, which would review it before forwarding it to the Six Boards. If the court officials were dissatisfied with the emperor's decision, they could argue against it or even reject it.

Would the Censorate reject this edict?

Cheng Mingyu, naturally, did not. Without a second thought, he endorsed it and forwarded it to the Ministry of Rites.

The conferment of titles to officials fell under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites.

Kong Yunjie, the Minister of Rites and the Crown Prince's tutor, a staunch supporter of the Empress Dowager, rejected the petition on the grounds that the case against the elder master of the Lu family had not been fully investigated. Not only that, he even submitted a memorial impeaching Cheng Mingyu, accusing him of abusing his power to protect his son-in-law.

Why did Kong Yunjie constantly oppose Cheng Mingyu? It was because of his nephew, Kong Chenghe.

Who was Kong Chenghe?

A descendant of Confucius, Kong Yunjie was known for his dashing and handsome appearance, a renowned elegant gentleman in the capital back in the day. When Princess Minglan failed to force Cheng Mingyu, the head of the Censorate, into marriage, she angrily chose Kong Yunjie as her consort.

She was the only princess in the court, renowned for her talent, beauty, and power.

Kong Yunjie was overjoyed, serving Princess Minglan diligently every day, hoping for a life of luxury and prominence. However, when Cheng Mingyu became widowed, Princess Minglan seized the opportunity and unhesitatingly discarded Kong Yunjie, leaving him filled with hatred. Since then, the mere mention of Cheng Mingyu would make him furious.

Despite now being married with children, even at the age where his children are considering marriage, Kong Yunjie still harbors resentment over the past events, deeply longing for Princess Minglan in his heart. The mention of Cheng Mingyu still makes him bristle.

Now, Cheng Mingyu has finally been caught using his power for personal gain, much to Kong Yunjie's delight. He immediately exerted all his efforts, gathering all his forces under the Kong family to impeach Cheng Mingyu, the head of the Censorate.

Could the Censorate stand by and watch their leader be humiliated?

They argued fiercely with the Ministry of Rites in court.

The emperor was overwhelmed by their bickering, wondering what kind of mess this was, as they clung to old grievances and prevented him from granting a title.

Amidst the chaos, one person suddenly stepped forward and declared loudly,

"Your Majesty, I also impeach Cheng Mingyu, the head of the Censorate."

All the ministers turned to see a tall, imposing figure standing in the court—none other than Lu Xusheng.

The emperor was stunned, pointing at Cheng Mingyu, who stood at the head of the civil officials, "You are impeaching your father-in-law?"

"Yes."

"What are you impeaching him for?"

"For favoritism," Lu Xusheng said with a pained expression.

Lu Xusheng's words brought silence to the arguments.

The emperor glanced at Cheng Mingyu, the head of the Censorate, who stood below holding his ceremonial tablet, indifferent to everything as if the impeachment had nothing to do with him.

Lu Xusheng moved to the left, stood beside Kong Yunjie, glanced at him, and then bowed to the emperor,

"Your Majesty, as a second-rank official of the Military Governor's Office, I act with integrity and justice. Do I need Cheng Mingyu to show me favoritism?"

Lu Xusheng looked at Kong Yunjie, "Kong Yunjie, I don't want this title anymore."

"Isn't it just something my father earned with his life? I don't care for it. Your nephew was merely divorced by Princess Minglan, and the late emperor granted him a marquisate as consolation. I, Lu Xusheng, can always behead the Prince of Nankang and reclaim the title."

Kong Yunjie was left red-faced by these words.

His family's title was obtained through flattery, whereas Lu Xusheng's was earned through genuine military achievements.

This statement hit a nerve with Kong Yunjie, leaving him dizzy and on the verge of collapse.

Moreover, Lu Xusheng's speech revealed an important piece of information.

When Lu Xusheng returned from the border, his merit in defeating the Prince of Nankang had gone unrecognized.

The so-called title of heir was also a legacy from his father, Lu Chang.

The emperor had intended to reward him, but Lu Xusheng did not seek personal glory, only asking the court to properly care for the orphans of the soldiers from Silver Mountain.

Even without considering Lu Chang's military achievements, just the battle against the Prince of Nankang alone was enough for Lu Xusheng to earn two dukedoms.

Not granting Lu Xusheng a title is not the main issue; what matters is that this action will provoke dissatisfaction among the soldiers.

So when Lu Xusheng declined the title, it was a strategic move, a clear threat.

Kong Yunjie doesn’t shy away from making enemies, but the Crown Prince, known for his benevolence and filial piety, cannot afford to offend military officers.

Seizing the opportunity, Prince Ning immediately stepped forward and addressed the Emperor,

"Father, the title of the Lu family was originally a legacy left by General Lu Chang for his descendants. Minister Lu has failed to meet his brother's expectations, so isn’t it only natural that the legacy should now be passed to Shen Zhi? This matter was first requested by the matriarch of the Lu family and approved by Your Majesty. It is both reasonable and lawful, with no hint of favoritism in Cheng Mingyu’s endorsement."

"Moreover, even without considering Lu Chang, based solely on the merits of the battle against the Prince of Nankang, Shen Zhi is more than worthy of the title of Duke of the State."

Seeing the tide turning against him, the Crown Prince, in an attempt to salvage his precarious reputation, immediately chimed in,

"Your Majesty, I also believe that the title for Lu Xusheng is well-deserved!"

Left with no choice, Kong Yunjie was forced to immediately take the imperial edict to the Ministry of Rites for official approval and sent someone to the Lu residence to announce the decree.

Lu Xusheng had not yet returned from the palace, so the edict from the Ministry of Rites was received by Cheng Yian and the matriarch, among others. The residents of Ningji Hall surrounded Cheng Yian, celebrating joyfully,

"Mistress of the main branch, soon the Young Master... no, the Duke of the State will secure a title for you. You will be the youngest first-rank titled noblewoman in the Great Jin Dynasty."

The matriarch and the main mistress bowed deeply and then silently returned to their rooms. Though the title was secured, they remained deeply discontent.

The Second Mistress, though pleased to reclaim the title, was also reminded of her late husband and overwhelmed with grief. With mixed emotions, she walked back, while Third Mistress Bai Shi looked at Cheng Yian with envy, stepped forward to offer her congratulations, and then followed the Second Mistress away.

After seeing the mistresses of both branches return to their rooms, the third mistress came over and hugged Cheng Yian tightly, "Good girl, now even I, your aunt, must treat you with respect. I must now address you as 'Your Grace' with all due respect."

Cheng Yian blushed at her words, "What are you talking about? No matter my title, I’ll always be your junior."

The third mistress liked her down-to-earth demeanor, never putting on airs.

"Alright, today is your special day. As your aunt, I will take charge and spend money to celebrate," the third mistress turned and instructed her maid, "Go open the treasure chest and take out some silver. Announce it’s for An An and Xusheng’s celebration, and distribute it to the entire household so everyone can share in the joy."

Cheng Yian quickly stopped her, refusing to let her spend the money,

"Aunt, I appreciate your kindness, but as for the money, I have already instructed the treasurer to prepare it. It will be distributed shortly."

Even the neighbors who came to watch the excitement received monetary gifts.

The livelier it was outside, the more desolate the main branch felt.

The mistress of the main branch, Liu Shi, had just escorted the matriarch and the main mistress back to their rooms and returned to her own courtyard, exhausted, only to find her husband drinking alone in the side room.

Liu Shi couldn’t help but shake her head, comparing her drunken, indecisive husband to others who earned titles for their wives.

She sat down on the other side and looked at the downcast Lu Yunsheng,

"Don’t be so downcast. Everyone in this household depends on you."

Lu Yunsheng slumped on the couch, forcing a bitter smile, "Depend on me? For what? I’ve asked my connections, and my father’s current troubles are not just about poor supervision. It might even lead to imprisonment. If I’m lucky, I won’t be dragged into it. What hope is there?"

Liu Shi, who had always been strong-willed, lost her composure upon hearing this and couldn’t hold back her tears.

"What will happen to me and the children...."

Liu Shi had a son and a daughter, both still young, relying on their parents.

With no income or prospects, how will we survive?

While she was lost in thought, she suddenly heard crying from the side room. Liu Shi wiped away her tears and hurried to the courtyard, only to see the wet nurse holding her daughter, tears in her eyes.

"Mistress of the main branch, the young miss didn't get her usual fresh egg custard today and started crying again. I made her some porridge, but she won't touch it."

Hearing this, Liu Shi's heart ached sharply.

In the past, when she helped the mistress manage the household, everyone in the Lu household would flatter her. But now, with her fall from grace, the servants had abandoned her. The daily servings of bird's nest soup and egg custard were gone, replaced with inferior substitutes. Poor thing, she's gotten too used to the finer things, and she refused to eat anything else.

Liu Shi's nose stung with unshed tears, but she held them back and called for her maid. "Go to the storeroom and fetch the New Year's gifts I prepared for the Liu family. There's a portion of bird's nest there. Prepare it for the young miss."

The maid complied, and soon a matron arrived with a food box, asking if Liu Shi wanted to eat. Liu Shi, having no appetite, simply gestured inside, "Deliver it to the master."

She wasn't one to sit around. In the past, she would have gone to the council hall at this time to check on any important matters. But now, with nothing to do, she lingered in the corridor, uncertain of her next move. As she was lost in thought, a matron came in through the gate, her expression bright as she bowed to her.

"Mistress of the main branch, the Second Mistress has asked for you."

Liu Shi was startled and pointed to herself, "Asked for me?"

"Indeed, she's waiting in the council hall."

Liu Shi wondered if there was some discrepancy in the accounts and that Cheng Yian wanted to question her. Not wanting to delay, she went inside to freshen up, covering her swollen eyes, and then brought her maids and female servants to the council hall.

Even in adversity, one must maintain dignity. Even though she was now in a difficult position, she couldn't let others laugh at her.

So when Cheng Yian saw Liu Shi, Liu Shi kept her composure. First, she congratulated her, then asked, "What is it you need from me, Second Mistress? Is there a problem with the accounts? Bring them here, and I'll take a look."

But Cheng Yian smiled at her, dismissed the maids, and gestured for her to sit down.

Uncertain of her intentions, Liu Shi had no choice but to sit on the armchair, managing a smile.

"Second Mistress, if you have something to say, please speak directly."

Cheng Yian pushed a few prepared ledgers toward her.

"From now on, the household purchases and social obligations will still be managed by you, sister-in-law."

Cheng Yian and Liu Shi were not close, nor did they have any friendship. In fact, Liu Shi had even helped the Second Mistress plot against her in the past. But Cheng Yian did not hold a grudge.

She didn't want to waste energy on trivial matters or people.

One must have the capacity to tolerate others.

She wanted to live well and couldn't bear the burden of the entire Duke's household alone.

In the past few days, she had observed Liu Shi managing the household. Liu Shi was very capable, handling matters efficiently and decisively, with the demeanor of a true matriarch. She could be of great use to her.

When forming connections, one should not seek those at the top but rather those at the bottom. Given Liu Shi's current situation, she needed a helping hand.

Moreover, after the earlier example of making an example of someone, not only the stewards below but even Liu Shi wouldn't dare to embezzle public funds anymore. Even if she occasionally took small things, what did it matter? She still had two children to raise.

Cheng Yian gained a capable assistant, and Liu Shi found a place to stand.

All were pleased.

Indeed, upon hearing this, Liu Shi was shocked and asked in disbelief, "Second Mistress, are you serious about this?"

She had also been worried about her future in the Duke's residence, fearing she would be looked down upon everywhere.

If she could continue managing the household, her children would also be taken care of, at least they wouldn't suffer.

Liu Shi remembered how her child couldn't even reach a bowl of food earlier, and suddenly tears welled up in her eyes, choking back sobs. However, she had always been strong and rarely showed weakness to others, so she managed to hold back her tears.

Cheng Yian comforted her with a reassuring look, "Of course, do I look like I'm joking? This Duke's estate belongs to everyone, and you, as the eldest sister-in-law, should also do your part."

Cheng Yian's smile was truly beautiful, both radiant and gentle.

Liu Shi's tears could no longer be held back.

See how magnanimous she is, daring to empower others.

Of course, Cheng Yian wouldn't fully trust Liu Shi either. She arranged for Nanny Li's daughter and son-in-law to handle the procurement to counterbalance Liu Shi's influence.

At that moment, Liu Shi was so grateful to her that she naturally accepted all her arrangements without question.

"I truly appreciate your kindness, sister-in-law," she said, her tears subsiding as she looked at the account books with determination. "I won't disappoint you."

She never expected that after aimlessly following her mother-in-law and gaining nothing, it was Cheng Yian who showed her a clear path, providing her help in a time of need.

Liu Shi took the account books and left, with the corresponding ledgers handed over to her.

After she left, Cheng Yian also invited the third sister-in-law, Bai Shi, over.

Bai Shi had long understood that the future of the Duke's estate depended entirely on Cheng Yian and her husband. After returning, she racked her brains trying to figure out how to get closer to Cheng Yian. So, upon hearing that Cheng Yian was looking for her, she didn't dare delay and came over immediately, full of energy.

"Second sister-in-law, what can I do for you?"

As usual, Cheng Yian sent the servants away and handed over the kitchen and the procurement of the second household to Bai Shi.

"Third sister-in-law, from now on, you'll be in charge of these two areas. What do you think?"

Bai Shi's jaw dropped, "Me... really? Can I?"

Previously, not long after she married into the family, her father-in-law passed away. She had tried several times to get involved in managing the household but failed each time. Seeing that others' attendants had their places, her own attendants were still living in the back rooms without proper duties, she grew anxious. Although her mother-in-law had the intention to help, she couldn't make the decisions. Now that Cheng Yian was actively sharing some of the household management responsibilities with her, Bai Shi was overwhelmed by gratitude.

Cheng Yian looked at Bai Shi's reddened eyes and suddenly felt a wave of sympathy.

Whether it was Liu Shi or Bai Shi, they were all gazing at the same sky within the Lu family's inner courtyard. This sky was like a cage that trapped them. Their husbands were not ambitious, and they were still under the pressure of their mother-in-law. Life was not easy. As sisters-in-law, Cheng Yian didn't want to flaunt her success in front of them.

"Yes, you can. During the recent chaotic period in the mansion, wasn't it you who occasionally checked on the kitchen to ensure the family had something to eat?"

Bai Shi felt quite embarrassed by her words, "We are all family. I was usually idle, so helping out was only natural."

Recalling how she had previously avoided showing goodwill to Cheng Yian due to her mother-in-law, and now seeing how Cheng Yian held no grudges, Bai Shi suddenly burst into tears.

"Sister-in-law, I'm sorry."

With Liu Shi and Bai Shi working together, and her coordinating from the middle, the three sisters-in-law were united, likely making household management more efficient than the older generation.

Not only that, Cheng Yian instructed Nanny Li to hang a sign in the meeting hall, learning from the imperial court's six departments that supervised various official duties. Any important tasks were to be registered and handled within a set time for assessment.

She also followed the Cheng family's example by establishing a disciplinary committee, with clear rewards and punishments.

The inner courtyard of the Lu family was also well-organized by her.

Who should be assigned as the managing nanny of the disciplinary committee?

Cheng Yian thought of someone.

That was Xu Yi's mother, Lu Xusheng's wet nurse, Nanny Xu.

After Nanny Xu was sent away from Ningji Hall by Lu Xusheng, she held a grudge and frequently urged her son in private to seek a position. The Disciplinary Committee was a thankless and demanding role, suitable only for those of high moral standing and prestige. Given Nanny Xu's status as a wet nurse, she was indeed the perfect fit.

Cheng Yian summoned Nanny Xu and entrusted her with the Disciplinary Committee. Nanny Xu's eyes sparkled with excitement, as if she had been appointed a general with a great responsibility.

"Your Grace, rest assured, with this old servant by your side, I will help you manage the Disciplinary Committee strictly, ensuring not a single mistake is made."

Nanny Xu, who had recently been humiliated and pushed around, now regained her confidence and praised Cheng Yian to everyone she met.

Cheng Yian's decisions took everyone by surprise. The old lady and the main mistress, seeing her willingness to employ Liu Shi, transformed their dissatisfaction into admiration. The second mistress, realizing Cheng Yian's willingness to help Bai Shi, admitted that she had underestimated her.

Everyone, both inside and outside, praised her. The atmosphere in the Lu household was revitalized.

Since being granted the title of Duke of the State, Lu Xusheng had not yet returned home. After leaving the palace, he headed straight to Xuanfu and only returned two days later. As he entered the alley outside the Lu household, he was intercepted by his clansmen, who praised him for having married a good wife.

"Truly the daughter of the Cheng family's main branch, she has the demeanor of a matriarch."

"Under her guidance, our Lu household shows signs of prosperity."

From the clansmen to the steward, and even Xu Yi, Lu Xusheng's ears were nearly calloused from all the praise. Returning to Ningji Hall late that night, he found the much-praised beauty lazily sleeping on the arhat bed.

The room was warmed by a floor furnace, and an additional charcoal stove was added, making the fire strong. Cheng Yian was dressed lightly in a pale apricot satin robe, covered with a quilt, leaning on a pillow, her face turned toward him, flushed from the heat of the charcoal. Her small mouth, like a cherry, was temptingly red. Her arms were crossed over her chest, accentuating her fullness, and from his angle, he could see a patch of snow-white skin, glowing.

Lu Xusheng, carrying the cold from outside, went to the bathroom, washed thoroughly, and returned to find Cheng Yian still asleep. Concerned she might catch a cold, he gently woke her.

"Why not sleep on the bed?"

Cheng Yian woke groggily, opened her eyes to see him, and then closed them again. "I'm on my period, my stomach hurts, and I felt uncomfortable, so I fell asleep."

Hearing she was on her period, Lu Xusheng felt a slight disappointment.

But there was no rush. In their previous life, their child was conceived the following month.

"Shall I carry you to the bed?"

Cheng Yian really didn't want to move. She glanced at the distant canopy bed. "I'm afraid of the cold."

Lu Xusheng understood. "Then let me warm it up for you first."

This was indeed rare.

Cheng Yian, now fully awake, leaned on the pillow and stretched her neck to look inside the curtain. Sure enough, she saw Lu Xusheng wrapping himself in the quilt, dutifully warming the bed.

Cheng Yian found it both familiar and strange.

Familiar because in their previous life, Fan Yulin would do this every winter, and she was used to it.

Strange because this was the first time Lu Xusheng had warmed the bed for her.

Cheng Yian hugged the pillow and smiled at him.

Her sparkling almond eyes, like grapes, were adorably charming.

Lu Xusheng, resting his head on his hands, gazed at her from afar. "Your Grace has been working hard these days."

"Heh..." Cheng Yian chuckled. "Not at all, it's nothing compared to the Duke of the State braving the wind and snow outside."

They exchanged compliments.

"A seventeen-year-old Duchess is indeed a first in the capital."

Cheng Yian teased him on purpose, "Too bad I wasn't part of it in our past life."

Lu Xusheng's expression hardened, and he got up to come over to her side,

"Alright, it's warm now, come and sleep."

He scooped her up and laid her on the bed, then blew out the lamp and lay down beside her.

Cheng Yian nestled against him, seemingly indifferent to his comfort,

"The Duke is truly the Duke, even the bed is warmed better than others."

The reference was obvious.

Lu Xusheng remained silent, sulked for a moment, then asked,

"What else did he do for you?"

"He kept my abdomen warm."

Lu Xusheng gritted his teeth and placed his hand over her abdomen, "Are you satisfied, Your Grace?"

"Hmm, satisfied." She gave a sly, weak smile in the dark, gradually drifting off to sleep.

Whenever her period began, Cheng Yian's whole body would feel cold, and her abdomen would throb with pain, but with Lu Xusheng keeping her warm, she slept deeply. Lu Xusheng left his hand there for some time before noticing how icy cold her abdomen was, which accounted for her lack of energy.

Thinking back to their past life, as her husband, he had never shown her the slightest care.

So Fan Yulin had always been this way with her?

Lu Xusheng felt a pang of discomfort.

The following morning, as Cheng Yian awoke, she discovered a warm stove resting on her abdomen and asked Ru Lan outside the curtain, "Who put the stove here?"

Ru Lan pulled back the curtain, smiling, "Miss, the young master told me to put it there when he left in the morning."

The man was becoming more considerate.

Ru Lan helped her sit up and poured her a cup of hot water, "Miss, it seems the young master truly cares for you, it's clear he has you in his heart."

"Is that so?"

Cheng Yian drank the water in a daze, not so sure.

This life was so comfortable because both of them had been reborn, knowing each other well, and decided to live together properly. Lu Xusheng therefore supported her everywhere, fulfilling his responsibilities as a husband, and she, in turn, thought about managing the household well for him.

As for whether he had her in his heart?

Cheng Yian felt it was more about making up for regrets and fulfilling responsibilities.

What Lu Xusheng was doing now was out of guilt, not love.

Cheng Yian didn't feel that she had entered his heart.

Did she want to?

That was certain.

Every woman wishes for her husband to hold her dear in his heart.

Cheng Yian suddenly had an idea.

How long would she have to wait for that blockhead to come around? She decided to take the initiative.

During her time of the month, Cheng Yian decided not to go to the council hall. Nowadays, with two young mistresses presiding over the council hall, everyone below was quite obedient. Cheng Yian only attended to make decisions on major matters, so she had little else to do.

Having some free time, Cheng Yian summoned Nanny Xu.

Nanny Xu had been quite busy lately. Previously, some matrons of the Lu household had been gambling in secret, not only losing their monthly allowances but also engaging in private lending and stealing gold and silver. Cheng Yian had instructed her to put a stop to this, so Nanny Xu had been patrolling the mansion from morning till night. Upon hearing Cheng Yian's summons, she assumed it was urgent and hurried over.

Cheng Yian instructed a maid to prepare tea and offered Nanny Xu a seat.

Nanny Xu sat on the brocade stool in front of her, "What does the mistress require of this old servant?"

Cheng Yian picked up a brush, spread out a piece of xuan paper, and asked seriously,

"Nanny, I've been married to Second Master Lu for so long, but I still don't know his preferences. You raised him, so do you know what he likes to eat and what he enjoys? As his wife, I should pay attention to these things."

This question struck a chord with Nanny Xu.

"I can't speak much on other matters, but when it comes to the Second Master, I could go on for hours."

Sure enough, Nanny Xu opened up, recounting everything from Lu Xusheng's childhood dislikes to his favorite foods.

It was truly shocking to find out.

Did he really wear a pink dress when he was three?

Could it be that he prefers flashy attire?

Nanny Xu laughed, "The Second Master was so beautiful as a child that the second mistress dressed him as a girl."

So that's how it was.

He doesn't like fish flesh but loves fish skin?

He doesn't favor soups but prefers dry, spicy stir-fries?

He dislikes dishes lacking salt and soups without meat.

This man has quite the robust palate...

Cheng Yian suddenly felt that Lu Xusheng had it tough. For so long after their marriage, he had eaten whatever dishes she had the servants prepare, probably because her past life's rigid impression made her think Lu Xusheng wasn't particular about food. So she had always arranged meals according to her own taste.

And her taste was light, focusing on health, which was obviously very different from Lu Xusheng's preferences.

Now it seemed he had endured quite a bit of "suffering."

Cheng Yian carefully jotted down all the key points Nanny Xu mentioned, then gave her a few hundred coins to buy some wine and refresh herself. She then sat at her desk, ready to draft a menu for Lu Xusheng.

But eventually, the fatigue from her menstrual cycle overcame her, and as she wrote, she dozed off, moving to the kang to sleep.

Lu Xusheng returned to the estate at noon. Xu Yi informed him that no meal had been prepared for him in the rear courtyard, so he had his meal in the study before coming over. Entering the room, he saw Cheng Yian lying still and didn't dare disturb her. He sat down, planning to read for a while, but his eyes caught the spread-out xuan paper on the desk.

It listed his preferences, dislikes, and the menu she had set.

Lu Xusheng looked at Cheng Yian in surprise, a dark glint swirling in his eyes.

He sat quietly for a while, unable to suppress a growing sense of anticipation.