Chapter 40: Being the Cheng family’s son-in-law is no easy task…

Chapter 40: Being the Cheng family's son-in-law is no easy task...

As they waited for Lu Xusheng, the retired imperial physician had a bowl of white radish soup prepared. Cheng Mingyu came over, placing a pillow behind Cheng Yian's back to make her more comfortable, and was about to feed her himself.

Cheng Yian didn’t want to bother him and quickly shook her head. Feeling thirsty, she took the bowl herself and downed it in one gulp. Before long, she felt drowsy and couldn't help but close her eyes.

The soup was quite hot, and after drinking it, she started sweating.

Seeing this, Cheng Mingyu told the old servant to bring a copper basin. He rolled up his sleeves and wiped the sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief.

Even when footsteps were heard behind him, his movements didn’t stop.

Lu Xusheng strode in and saw Cheng Mingyu carefully tending to his daughter.

His possessiveness kicked in.

Without asking for details, he reached out.

"Father-in-law, I’ll take care of this," Lu Xusheng said, already sitting by the long couch.

Cheng Mingyu said nothing, just handed him the washed handkerchief and stepped aside.

Lu Xusheng took the handkerchief and sat closer, noticing that Cheng Yian was breaking out in sweat again.

"What’s happening here?" he asked.

Cheng Mingyu, standing nearby with his hands behind his back, snapped, "Don't you know?"

Lu Xusheng glanced up, "I don't, father-in-law."

Cheng Mingyu had to explain everything from start to finish.

Lu Xusheng's brows furrowed deeply, "You knew she had taken medicine, why didn't you just accept it and take it too?"

Cheng Mingyu felt a twinge of frustration but couldn't refute him.

Lu Xusheng looked at the frail Cheng Yian on the bed, his expression darkened. She had confidently claimed she had a solution, but this was her solution.

There was no point in saying more.

Lu Xusheng reluctantly wiped her sweat.

Poorly experienced in caregiving, his movements were clumsy and ineffective.

Cheng Mingyu, seeing this, thought he was impatient and said flatly, "If you care, take care of her properly. If you can't, step aside."

Lu Xusheng understood; his father-in-law thought he wasn't gentle enough. Suppressing his frustration, he lightened his touch. After some awkward fumbling, she finally stopped sweating. Lu Xusheng tossed the handkerchief back into the copper basin and sat down opposite Cheng Mingyu.

Cheng Mingyu got straight to the point, "Do you have another purpose for insisting on going to Jiangnan?"

Lu Xusheng didn't beat around the bush, "To be honest, I've been frequently attacked over the years, and one of the key assassins has gone south. I want to confront him."

Cheng Mingyu shook his head, "A wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall."

Lu Xusheng replied, "I'm not a wise man."

Cheng Mingyu was momentarily speechless. He didn't argue further, only asking one last question, "Is it really necessary for you to go?"

"Yes, I must go." Lu Xusheng's eyes were calm, showing no emotion.

Cheng Mingyu saw his determination and gave up trying to persuade him. He got up and went to the inner room of the study, returning with about a dozen volumes of documents. Lu Xusheng immediately stood up to take them. Cheng Mingyu sat down and pointed at the documents, saying,

"These are the preparations I made for the journey south. They contain detailed information on dozens of prominent families in the south, as well as some minor clans. Take these back and study them to get a clear picture."

This was precisely the information Lu Xusheng needed.

The Cheng family was, after all, a centuries-old noble house, with deep knowledge of the prominent families in the south and across the Great Jin Dynasty. If he wasn't mistaken, the Cheng family likely had a secret intelligence network.

No matter how much he inquired, it couldn't match the Cheng family's detailed intelligence.

Lu Xusheng took the documents and bowed solemnly to him, "Thank you, sir."

"The last booklet lists the prominent families under the Cheng family's influence. If needed, you can use them to your advantage."

This was Cheng Mingyu's trump card, and he handed it over.

Lu Xusheng flipped to the last page, glanced at it, and was secretly impressed. He could feel the strength of the Cheng family's leader.

"I won't let you down."

Thinking of Lu Xusheng's plan to handle the assassin, Cheng Mingyu was still worried. He took a seal-like object from a shelf behind him and tossed it to Lu Xusheng,

"The Cheng family's thirteen secret guards will go south with you."

He couldn't let Lu Xusheng risk his life.

Lu Xusheng declined this offer.

"I have my own people, don't worry."

Cheng Mingyu knew Lu Xusheng's people were the iron guards from Silver Mountain. "Those soldiers are battle-hardened and highly capable. But they're all straightforward fighters. In the south, you'll need those skilled in assassination and poison. These thirteen are reliable."

Lu Xusheng smiled, "I have those too."

"The more, the merrier."

Seeing he couldn't persuade him, Lu Xusheng accepted with a smile.

Cheng Mingyu then asked Lu Xusheng how he planned to proceed, but Lu Xusheng smiled reservedly,

"Father-in-law, let me keep it a secret for now."

Cheng Mingyu could tell he was very confident and didn't press further.

Cheng Yian woke up to their conversation, her eyes fluttering open. In her blurred vision, she saw the vague outline of Lu Xusheng and immediately shook her head, forcing herself to wake up.

"You're here?"

Seeing this, Lu Xusheng immediately came over to help her sit up a bit, placing a soft pillow behind her. Looking at her dazed state, he sneered,

"You're really something, managing to make yourself sick. You can make anyone sick, but not yourself, right?"

Cheng Yian glared at him, but seeing her father nearby, she didn't argue with him.

"Have you two settled your matters?"

Lu Xusheng nodded.

Cheng Yian, now having settled her concerns about her father, was still worried about Lu Xusheng and planned to go back and discuss further with him. She struggled to get up, saying, "Let's go back..."

Lu Xusheng felt the same way. Although his father-in-law was kind and caring, he truly disliked the Cheng family.

Before Cheng Yian could swing her legs off the bed, Cheng Mingyu's indifferent voice came from the other side,

"What, An An, are you planning to kick away the ladder after climbing up?"

Cheng Yian stopped, stunned, and asked, "Daddy?"

Cheng Mingyu didn't hesitate, "Stay at home for a few days, and leave only when you're fully recovered."

In her current state, if she returned to the Lu residence, she might have to manage household affairs, which Cheng Mingyu was not comfortable with.

Cheng Yian glanced subtly at Lu Xusheng, seeking help with her eyes. Lu Xusheng could only attempt to negotiate with his father-in-law,

"I promise to take good care of her."

Cheng Mingyu was blunt, "Your promise means nothing to me."

Lu Xusheng gave in, helplessly glancing at Cheng Yian.

Cheng Yian, unwilling to give up, gently tugged at his clothes. Lu Xusheng looked at Cheng Mingyu again, who simply turned his face away, ignoring them, showing no room for discussion.

Seeing this, the old servant immediately stepped in to mediate,

"Son-in-law, although the young lady's condition isn't exactly an illness, she probably shouldn't get out of bed for these three days. The Lu residence is naturally very good, but we must also consider the dignity of the household's mistress. It might be more comfortable and convenient to stay with the Cheng family."

At the Lu family, she was the young mistress of the household, but at the Cheng family, she was the youngest daughter, and everything she did was taken for granted.

Lu Xusheng had nothing to say, just... Cheng Mingyu lowered his eyes to adjust his robe, showing no intention of keeping him.

Lu Xusheng chuckled softly, looking down at Cheng Yian,

"Shall I take you back to your courtyard first?"

Cheng Yian nodded.

Lu Xusheng fetched her cloak, wrapped her in it, and carried her away without looking back.

Ru Lan and several female servants waited outside the courtyard, leading him to Yining Garden. Along the way, Lu Xusheng was dazzled by the luxurious decorations of Yining Garden. Upon entering the inner chamber, through the curtains, he could see the hot steam rising from the hot spring, warm and pleasant, which explained why Cheng Yian was reluctant to return.

Lu Xusheng placed her on the bed and sat on the brocade stool in front of the bed, watching her. He had carried her all the way without even panting, while Cheng Yian was exhausted, leaning on the pillow, unable to move.

"Don't do such foolish things next time." Seeing her discomfort, Lu Xusheng couldn't bear to scold her, only admonishing her gently.

Cheng Yian weakly lifted her eyelids, reluctant to see him go,

"Will you stay?"

Lu Xusheng chuckled, "Didn't you see your father's unwelcoming face?"

Cheng Yian dropped the subject, staring at him intently, "Are you really going?"

Lu Xusheng composed himself, noticing her slightly disheveled hair, and gently smoothed it, replying, "Yes."

Cheng Yian's eyes reddened again, "I'm sorry."

"It was my own decision, it has nothing to do with you," Lu Xusheng certainly wouldn't tell her about the assassin, fearing she would worry. "Your father has just briefed me on the details of the Jiangnan magnates; I now know both myself and the enemy, and there won't be any major issues."

Cheng Yian looked at his calm demeanor, feeling uneasy inside. Lu Xusheng always shared good news but never the bad, and unfortunately, she couldn't persuade him anymore. She gently tugged at his sleeve, gazing at him softly, tenderly saying,

"Consider it as me owing you one."

Lu Xusheng's gaze fell on her pale pink fingers.

In the past, his cousin had tugged at him like this too, and he had felt annoyed and instinctively shook her off. But now, with Cheng Yian tugging at him, he felt a slight tickle inside.

If she hadn't taken that so-called remedy, they should have been on the carriage back to the Lu family's residence by now.

"What you owe me, you can repay once you're better."

Cheng Yian met his direct gaze and immediately knew what he meant. The slight heartache and guilt she felt just now vanished instantly.

She lightly punched him, her small fist resting on his chest, so solid and reliable, she couldn't bear to let go, and just leaned into his embrace, tightly wrapping her arms around his neck,

"Lu Xusheng, I will never mention Fan Yulin again."

A man without responsibility isn't even fit to carry Lu Xusheng's shoes.

Although she often slept leaning against him in bed, this was the first time she had actively thrown herself into his arms.

Lu Xusheng, however, was somewhat at a loss, slowly encircling her to respond, "Then you better keep your word."

Cheng Yian buried her face in his neck and softly murmured.

Lu Xusheng felt even more tickled because of her.

After Cheng Yian fell asleep again, Lu Xusheng left with a stack of documents. Despite his casual talk in front of Cheng Yian, privately, he always gave his opponents enough respect.

Returning to the study, he summoned several trusted aides, set up a sand table, and began to strategize based on Cheng Mingyu's intelligence.

Cheng Yian slept until noon the next day before she woke up. As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw a face hovering above her, startling her.

"Grandmother, you scared me," she shrank into the quilt.

The old lady glared at her sternly, then turned around and sat up straight, "I scare you? You scared me more. I used to think Qiao wasn't as composed as you, but you pulled off a big stunt, knocking yourself out."

Cheng Yian gave a dry chuckle.

Lu Shi also came over to look at her, gently asking, "Do you have the strength? Should I help you up to eat some porridge?"

Ru Lan led a young maid carrying a copper basin, the old lady and others stepped aside, watching her wash and freshen up. Lu Shi then had someone bring a small table, placing it in front of her bed, with seven or eight small dishes laid out for her to enjoy.

Cheng Yian was indeed hungry, first eating two small shrimp dumplings to fill her stomach, then tasting the others, eating until her face was glowing. Only then did the old lady have the dishes cleared away and began to scold her,

"Even if you can't bear to part with your father, you shouldn't act so recklessly."

No matter what she said, Cheng Yian just nodded.

The old lady grew even more angry, pointing at her and saying to the Second Mistress, "Since ancient times, mothers dote on their youngest, spoiling them to the point of lawlessness. I thought she was different, having suffered so much in the past, her ability to manage the Lu family was no less than her elder sister's. I thought she would make me proud, but no, she still fell into the same old pattern, quietly doing big things, even startling her father."

"It shows that the youngest is always the youngest, few are worry-free."

Cheng Yian was both crying and laughing, wanting to defend herself, but with the "misdeeds" right there, she was at a loss for words.

The Second Mistress just laughed, "After all, she's only seventeen, mother should be more understanding. Anyone would be reluctant to see their newly recognized father leave, just indulge her, don't scold her anymore."

The third mistress looked at her in surprise, "I happened to visit my family yesterday, and they praised our main branch for having such a fine young lady, who at a young age has become Your Grace. Hearing this, I felt proud and naturally sang your praises. Oh, Your Grace, you really have underestimated me."

Cheng Yian was extremely embarrassed, "Aunts, please let me off, I won't do it again."

Looking around and not seeing second sister, she quickly changed the subject, "Where is second sister?"

Lu Shi replied, "Today her grandmother's family is hosting a banquet. She went there early in the morning after seeing you."

"Will she return tonight?"

"She probably won't be back until tomorrow."

Cheng Yian felt a little disappointed.

After chatting with her for a while and seeing she was tired again, they all left, leaving only the matriarch by her side. She held Cheng Yian's hand and said with heartache,

"Actually, I can't bear to see your father leave either. Since the day you dropped the teacup, I've been very upset. This morning he told me he decided not to go, and I felt relieved, like a weight had been lifted. Child, grandmother can see how much you care for your father."

"This year, I've decided we won't return to Hongnong. I can't leave you alone in the Lu family for the New Year."

Cheng Yian slept for another three hours in the afternoon and missed dinner. She woke up to find Cheng Mingyu sitting by her bed,

"Father..."

Her voice was muffled and a bit hoarse, her eyelids barely open, as she slowly struggled to get up from the bedding.

Every time she called him father, it made Cheng Mingyu feel like a new father.

"An An, are you hungry?"

"Yes, yes."

The soft couch was placed against the screen, with a low cabinet at both the head and foot. Ru Lan placed the water basin on the low cabinet, handed her a warm wet towel, and brought her a cup of tea to rinse her mouth. Cheng Yian rinsed her mouth, wiped her face, and sat up, smelling a fragrant aroma. She sniffed and asked, "Is there food?"

Cheng Mingyu moved a high table next to him, on which was a food box. When he opened it, the aroma became even stronger. The plate held a stack of triangular cakes, their outer skin baked crispy and golden, with what seemed to be filling inside. Cheng Yian smelled chicken.

"Delicious," she said, drooling a bit.

Cheng Mingyu chuckled, "You say it's delicious before even tasting it?"

Then he handed her a pair of chopsticks.

Cheng Yian leaned over and picked up a piece with her chopsticks. Inside was indeed chicken filling, surely the tenderest chicken breast mixed with wheat flour, making the texture extremely fine and soft. Cheng Yian ate three pieces in a row,

"Did the mansion's chef make this? I've never tasted such delicious triangular cakes before."

Cheng Mingyu said calmly, "It was made by father."

Cheng Yian was shocked, her mouth full of cake forgotten to swallow, looking up at him in disbelief, clearly not believing it.

The Head of the Censorate, the head of the Cheng family, actually knows how to cook, and so well at that.

Cheng Mingyu, afraid his daughter would misunderstand, explained with a smile, "Father only knows how to make this one dish."

Decades of practice, naturally it turned out well.

Speaking of Cheng Mingyu cooking, it was actually by chance.

It was when Cheng Yiyan was five years old. The proud little boy had never been outdone, until one day he went to the Zheng family and was made to cry by his cousin. He came back to ask for his mother, saying that other children's mothers made cakes for them, but he had no mother to make them.

Cheng Mingyu's heart ached as if it were being wrung out, so he personally learned to make this pastry.

No one would believe it, but the second son of the Cheng family, a dominant figure in the official district, loved this triangle pastry made by his father the most.

"Father has let you down last night, so today I made this pastry to apologize to you."

Cheng Yian looked at him softly, her eyes glistening with a layer of tender moisture. She was too moved to speak, just kept eating bite after bite.

With such a father, she wished she could leave Lu Xusheng and return to being her father's daughter.

There weren't many on the plate, just eight pieces, and Cheng Yian quickly finished them, then looked at Cheng Mingyu with eager eyes.

Cheng Mingyu felt deeply pleased, his clear and handsome eyes brimming with affection, "There's another plate here, save it for later. Eating too much at once can easily choke you."

He then instructed the servants to serve her the main meal. This time, Cheng Yian had little appetite and only nibbled a bit before setting it aside.

Cheng Mingyu still had duties to attend to, so after a brief chat, he returned to his study. No sooner had he left than Cheng Yiyan entered.

He hadn't planned to return today, but upon hearing of Cheng Yian's illness, he stormed back in a fury. As soon as he entered, he scolded Cheng Yian,

"An An, how old are you? Still acting like a little girl, tripping Father so he can't go out. If you really have any grievances, you should discuss them with your brother..."

Halfway through his words, he smelled the familiar aroma and stopped, changing his tone,

"Did Father make triangle pastries?"

Cheng Yian noticed his eyes darting towards the food box and quickly lunged to clutch it to her chest,

"No, Second Brother has had his fill over the years; this is my first time, and I won't share a bite."

Cheng Yiyan was amused and sat down in the armchair opposite her,

"Eat it while it's hot; it's no good cold."

"That's not your concern." Cheng Yian didn't fall for his trick.

Lu Shi followed Cheng Yiyan in, two steps behind. Seeing the siblings arguing over a plate of pastries, she shook her head and scolded Cheng Yiyan as soon as she entered, "What a spectacle, the dignified head of the treasury, a father of two, squabbling with his sister over food."

"Not really, I was just teasing her." Cheng Yiyan still cared about his dignity in front of his wife.

Cheng Yiyan had been relentless in the official district lately, going to great lengths to safeguard the treasury's funds. Seeing his weary face, Lu Shi urged him to rest, guessing he hadn't slept well in a while,

"Go and have a warm bath."

Cheng Yiyan urged his sister to rest well and rose to leave, but not without a reluctant glance at the food box, "It's been nearly a year since I last had this; won't you share a bit with your brother?"

Cheng Yian was unyielding, "No."

Cheng Yiyan stormed off in a huff.

Half an hour later, Lu Xusheng arrived as well.

Cheng Yian had said she wanted to leave Lu Xusheng, but seeing him, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but rise,

"Did you come from the official district? Or from home? Have you had dinner?"

She could act spoiled in front of her father and brother, but in front of her husband, she couldn't help but take on the responsibilities of a wife.

Lu Xusheng was wrapped in a cloak, feeling hot as soon as he entered the room, so he immediately handed the cloak to the maid. After washing his hands and face, he came to sit in front of her, "I came from the palace, I've already got the edict, but to stabilize those powerful families, we publicly claim that your father is in charge."

At this point, Lu Xusheng paused, his expression complex as he looked at Cheng Yian, "Besides me, His Majesty has agreed to let Princess Minglan head south to oversee Jinling and back me up."

"Why on earth did you insist on dragging Princess Minglan into this?" Cheng Yian asked.

"If it weren't for Her Highness, do you think persuading His Majesty would've been this easy? Besides, it's a blessing in disguise—Princess Minglan has decided to move on from my father," Cheng Yian explained.

Lu Xusheng was somewhat surprised, hesitated for a moment, then said, "Sometimes letting go isn't always for the best."

Cheng Yian was displeased, "Can't Her Highness live her own life?"

Lu Xusheng, who'd rushed over to see Cheng Yian, hadn't even had dinner yet. Spotting a food box on the side table, he reached for it while saying, "I wasn't talking about her."

Cheng Yian's heart skipped a beat as she eyed Lu Xusheng suspiciously. His sharp profile, with thick brows casting shadows at the corners of his eyes, looked unusually somber.

It dawned on Cheng Yian that he was talking about their past separation.

Was he regretting letting go back then?

Cheng Yian let out a soft snort, but in that moment of distraction, she noticed Lu Xusheng had already grabbed a piece of triangular cake from the plate under the food box.

"Don't eat my cake."

Cheng Yian swiftly snatched it back.

She popped one piece into her mouth while grabbing the whole plate.

Lu Xusheng couldn't help but be amused by her antics, figuring she was still hung up on the past.

Cheng Yian looked at him proudly, "My dad made this himself."

Lu Xusheng's face froze, hardly believing his ears, "Your dad cooked this?"

"Yes."

Lu Xusheng pressed his tongue against his teeth, staying quiet for a moment.

A gentleman stays out of the kitchen—isn't Cheng Mingyu supposed to be the ultimate gentleman? Since when did he learn to cook?

Watching Cheng Yian relish the cake, Lu Xusheng's annoyance with his father-in-law hit new heights.

Talk about leaving no room for others.

Here he was hoping to try his wife's cooking someday, and now his father-in-law had to go and set the bar.

Being the son-in-law of the Cheng family's main branch is no walk in the park.