Chapter 65: “Your Highness, this is Lu’s father-in-law…”

Chapter 65: "Your Highness, this is Lu's father-in-law..."

Cheng Yian had already walked away into the distance.

The old servant returned to the doorway and peeked inside through the lattice window. Cheng Mingyu remained seated, motionless.

Seeing him reach out as if looking for tea, the old servant hurriedly opened the door and entered, planning to pour him a fresh pot.

But Cheng Mingyu had already grabbed the previous cup, drinking the remaining half in one gulp.

The cold tea slid down his burning throat into his stomach, instantly cooling his body.

Gradually, he calmed down and became clear-headed.

An An was right—being alive was the greatest blessing.

Years ago, when he received the news and hurried from Suzhou, arriving at the base of Xiangshan Temple's cliff the next day, a heavy rain the night before had washed away all traces. He found no remains, no footprints, just a few animal tracks, leading him to believe she had been eaten by wild animals.

Later, he searched near the capital, fearing she had fallen into someone's clutches, but fate intervened, and they missed each other.

Nothing mattered more than being alive.

He should be deeply grateful that someone had cared for her all these years, sparing her from a life of loneliness.

That was it.

His mouth suddenly felt parched, and Cheng Mingyu picked up the teacup again, only to find it was empty.

By then, the old servant had prepared a bowl of warm soup. Seeing that he had finished the cold tea, the servant frowned disapprovingly.

"Master, you're not as young as you used to be. Drinking cold tea at night isn't good for your stomach. Here, I've made a bowl of warm soup to warm your insides."

Having stepped away earlier, the old servant had no idea what had been discussed in the room.

Cheng Mingyu stared blankly into the empty space before him, remaining silent for a long while before finally shaking his head.

The old servant, seeing his master more despondent than usual, didn't know what to say.

No one understood the family head's suffering better than he did. This man, revered and admired by all in the Great Jin Dynasty, had once been young and impulsive, had once been consumed by passion.

During those days of dual responsibilities, he was the only one who served by the family head's side, reminding him when it was time to go, watching him drag his feet reluctantly, only to leave earlier and return later each time.

The last time, with the qin cradled in his arms, he had already stepped over the threshold when news came that she was pregnant, and he no longer needed to go.

He would never forget the expression on the family head's face when he delivered that news.

The poorly concealed disappointment, the shock, slowly transitioning into numb joy—just like now.

Later, when she passed away, that small door, that deep corridor, that modest qin room became the only chink in his otherwise impeccable life.

When in a bad mood, he would play the qin—this was the old servant's unwavering experience in serving Cheng Mingyu.

"Master, it's time to go to the qin room," he gently reminded.

Cheng Mingyu leaned back against the cushion, as if trapped and unable to move, showing no intention of getting up.

The old servant was momentarily stunned.

No matter how busy or tired he had been in the past, he always found time to play the qin. But today, he refused to go.

Something was off.

At this moment, someone arrived outside the door, the leader of the Yizi unit, likely with a report. The old servant withdrew.

The man in black entered, closed the door behind him, and approached Cheng Mingyu, cupping his hands in respect,

"Master Cheng, the Yunnan King arrived in the capital yesterday. The Emperor has yet to grant him an audience, suggesting he rest first. This time, the Yunnan King has brought his wife and children to the capital..."

Cheng Mingyu had an unspoken rule: whenever important figures entered the capital, the shadow guards were required to investigate their backgrounds and report back to him. The Yunnan King's arrival was one of the recent major events in the capital, so the Yizi unit leader proactively came to report. Just now, he noticed that when he mentioned the word "wife," the family head's pupils noticeably narrowed, thinking he had misspoken, so he paused. After a while, seeing that Cheng Mingyu remained silent, he continued,

"The youngest son has come, seven and a half years old, reportedly born from this remarriage."

Cheng Mingyu's hand rested on the armrest of the chair, his gaze fixed on the stool Cheng Yian had just vacated, his eyes narrowing slowly.

The Yunnan King's petition to the capital had passed through his hands, so naturally, he knew the details of this "consort." Her surname was Xia, originally a concubine to the Yunnan King, who was elevated to consort after the previous one passed away. This time, she accompanied the Yunnan King to the capital, likely to remain in the capital as a companion to her son, who is a hostage.

He never expected that this Xia Shi turned out to be Xia Fu.

Cheng Mingyu rubbed his temples and chuckled self-mockingly.

"Do we have any information on the background of this Yunnan King's consort?"

The shadow guard shook his head, "We only have this much information at the moment. If you wish to investigate further, I will dispatch someone to Yunnan immediately to uncover all details about her."

Cheng Mingyu's handsome face was shadowed as he softly uttered two words, "Investigate."

"Yes."

After reporting a few other matters in a low voice and seeing that Cheng Mingyu had no further instructions, he prepared to leave. Just as he was about to go, he suddenly remembered something and turned back,

"Oh, Master Cheng, I recall that the intelligence mentioned that this Yunnan King's consort is skilled in playing the qin."

Cheng Mingyu's dark eyes flickered slightly, the composure in his eyes slowly unraveling,

His thoughts were suddenly pulled far away.

He remembered it was their third or fourth meeting.

That night, it was drizzling, and he returned earlier than usual. As he crossed the courtyard into her compound, he faintly heard the sound of a qin from the inner chamber.

Having played the qin since childhood, he could judge a player's skill with just a few notes. From the entrance to the corridor, she had already made three mistakes, and the qin strings were not good, the sound not clear and crisp.

Cheng Mingyu shook his head and walked to the door. Perhaps noticing his presence, the qin music inside suddenly stopped.

The door was opened from within, and the old matron welcomed him in. He handed his umbrella to the old matron, lifted the bead curtain, and stepped into the eastern chamber. She stood gracefully by the qin table, her fair face clearly showing a flash of surprise.

He understood. It was raining tonight, and she hadn't expected him to come, so she was playing the qin.

His gaze shifted to the qin table, where an old qin of mediocre quality lay, its strings slightly stiff.

Xia Fu noticed his gaze and thought he was displeased. After all, his time was precious; he always came and went in a hurry, never wanting to stay a moment longer.

She hadn't prepared today and feared she was wasting his time, so she hurriedly stepped aside,

"Please, come in."

Cheng Mingyu guessed what she was thinking and frowned slightly.

Is he really in such a hurry?

He’s a gentleman at heart; even for the sake of heirs or promises, he wouldn’t lose his composure.

He walked toward the qin table, gestured to the small stool, and said to her,

"Sit down. You hit a wrong note earlier. Let me teach you."

This was the first time they did something beyond sharing a bed.

His cold, handsome face was expressionless, his tone flat, like a command.

Xia Fu bit her lip quietly, glanced at him, and silently moved over to sit down, feeling the weight of his serious, sharp gaze, her palms sweating.

Noticing her discomfort, he found it amusing.

How can you learn properly when you’re so nervous?

"Teaching you now will save you from being unable to teach the child later."

His reasoning was flawless.

Hearing this, she quickly composed herself, her slender back straightening, her timid gaze now filled with determination.

"I will definitely learn well."

She’s learning well now.

Cheng Mingyu hunched over, burying his face in his hands.

Cheng Yian left the study, found Lu Xusheng, and headed straight for the carriage home.

On the way, Lu Xusheng noticed she looked pale and asked knowingly,

"So, how did your father react?"

Cheng Yian gave him a complicated look, staying silent.

Lu Xusheng chuckled, knowing he was right.

"Your father’s been a widower for years without remarrying. Aside from the rumor that he’s cursed to lose his wives, it must also be because of your mother."

Cheng Yian scratched her head, confused. "Forget it, let’s not bother."

Her mother on one side, her father on the other—both are dear to her.

After some thought, she began to console herself, "I think my father must feel more guilt and remorse. Give him some time; he’ll gradually accept it."

Time heals all wounds.

Lu Xusheng looked at her troubled face, rubbed her temple, and pulled her into his arms.

"Don’t worry about it. Their matters are beyond our control."

Cheng Yian buried herself in his arms, her nose surrounded by his fresh scent, and asked hazily, "Do men really have such strong possessiveness?"

Lu Xusheng’s eyes suddenly darkened. "Yes."

"Then when I remarried, I didn’t see you missing me?" Cheng Yian pushed his shoulder.

Lu Xusheng's heart skipped a beat. How did she know he hadn't?

Back when he was stationed at the border, yearning for a woman, it was Cheng Yian who filled his thoughts.

Seeing Lu Xusheng silent, Cheng Yian suddenly flashed a sly smile,

"This morning in the council hall, my sister-in-law mentioned that the Wang family sent a letter to mother-in-law, saying they’ll be arriving in the capital later this year. Lu Xusheng, I’m warning you, don’t cause any trouble, or I’ll join my elder sister and find myself a more obedient young man."

Lu Xusheng was now thoroughly panicked, clutching her waist tightly,

"Cheng Yian, you know me. Do I seem like the type to be fickle and break my promises?"

Cheng Yian’s eyes flirted with him on and off, her delicate hand giving his waist a playful pinch, her expression teasing.

Lu Xusheng felt a wave of tension.

"If there’s anything bothering you, just say it."

Cheng Yian didn’t respond, simply leaning comfortably against his chest to rest, "After visiting my mother, we’ll head to the Cheng family soon to help my elder sister assess the situation."

Was it really for Cheng Yixin? More like she was looking for a backup plan.

Lu Xusheng felt a looming sense of crisis.

He really needed to get some advice from his brother-in-law.

That night, they returned to the Lu residence. The next morning, they prepared gifts and headed to the Yunnan King’s palace.

Lu Xusheng had just returned from Jiangnan, and the emperor had given him two days off. He spent the day resting at home, waiting to accompany her to the Yunnan King’s palace. Cheng Yian had loaded two carriages with gifts, causing quite a commotion, which caught the attention of the second mistress, Wang Shi.

The second mistress called Lu Xusheng over,

"Where’s your wife off to this time? She’s still young; you need to talk to her. Does she even care about managing the household?"

Hearing his mother’s stern tone, Lu Xusheng asked seriously,

"Mother, is there something wrong at home? Or is something being delayed?"

The second mistress hesitated, "Not exactly."

Whether Cheng Yian was around or not didn’t affect the stewards’ efficiency. She was fair with rewards and punishments, and the council hall was managed daily with the help of Ming Saozi, Nanny Li, Ru Hui, and others, with Liu Shi and Bai Shi overseeing everything, ensuring not just order but smooth operations.

Lu Xusheng replied, "Exactly. She manages things well and lives freely, which shows her competence. With such a capable wife, I’d think you’d be proud and value her."

The Lu family spoke highly of Cheng Yian,

"Are you perhaps jealous of her?"

The second mistress, taken aback by her son’s words, flushed with anger, "How could I be? It’s just that I see her..." She sighed, pointing east,

"You know about the eldest daughter of the Cheng family's divorce, right?"

"Of course I know."

The second mistress smiled bitterly, "In just these two days, suitors have been flocking to the Cheng family, and some have even approached me for information, hoping I could mediate. What do you think..."

Seeing the second mistress hesitate, Lu Xusheng urged, "Just say what you want to say."

The second mistress fretted, "I'm afraid your wife won't settle down."

Lu Xusheng saw anxiety on his usually aloof mother's face for the first time.

It was quite unusual.

"Are you afraid my wife might leave me for someone else?"

The second mistress replied, "Exactly so."

The Cheng family's main branch is very well-off, and their daughters are never short of suitors. Even Cheng Yixin, a woman with a child, still has a steady stream of suitors, all from respectable families and with good character.

For the first time, the second mistress felt threatened by Cheng Yian.

Lu Xusheng gave her a deep, complicated smile,

"Mother, do you know why my wife loves to visit the Cheng family so much?"

The second mistress asked, "Why?"

"Because the Cheng family treats her well, with good food and drink, and the whole family treasures her. But in the Lu family, her mother-in-law isn't very fond of her. She needs permission just to go out and feels stifled here. Isn't it natural she'd want to go back to her family? Whether my wife stays or not doesn't depend on me, but on you."

The second mistress was completely speechless.

She meant to scold her son but got a scolding herself.

Seeing Lu Xusheng smiling at her, the second mistress finally mustered the courage to say,

"Alright, you should try to have a baby with her soon. Once she has a child, her heart will stay here."

Lu Xusheng snorted lightly, "When my female cousin arrives in the capital, I hope you'll still have this attitude."

The second mistress's face flushed with embarrassment, "Alright, alright, aren't you going somewhere? Go ahead."

The issue with Xia Fu wasn't something to talk about openly.

Cheng Yian would still need to deal with the Yunnan King's palace in the future. Lu Xusheng had to put his mother's worries to rest, so he spoke earnestly,

"Mother, to be honest, I encountered assassins several times in Jiangnan, a region in China, and it was the Yunnan King's people who helped me. He did me a huge favor. The day before yesterday, he arrived in the capital, so today I arranged for An An to handle things on my behalf. The Emperor put me in charge of border defense, and the Yunnan King is stationed in the southern frontier. In the future, I will need his assistance in many matters. So, our families will have to keep in touch. You should keep this in mind."

It was only then that the second mistress realized Cheng Yian was looking out for her son, and she felt a pang of guilt,

"Alright, alright, I won't pry anymore. You two go ahead with your business."

Once everything was sorted, Cheng Yian took Lu Xusheng to the Yunnan King's palace. On the way, she asked him,

"What did your mom want?"

Lu Xusheng had learned to be smart; a man stuck in the middle had to keep secrets from both sides. "Nothing, she brought up the Wang family's business and asked for my help, but I said no."

Cheng Yian didn't give it a second thought.

The Lu residence was located in Shiyongfang, west of Zhengyangmen Street in Beijing, just like the Yunnan King's palace. It took only half an hour to arrive. Xia Fu had already received the news and instructed the matron to make preparations. After all, it was the first time meeting her son-in-law, so she was very cautious.

At the start of the Si hour (9-11 AM), two figures walked through the palace's open gate.

The Yunnan King found the dignified man somewhat familiar and asked Xia Fu beside him,

"Ah Fu, what's our son-in-law's name again? I feel like I've seen him somewhere."

Xia Fu had only mentioned that she had a daughter, whom she had just acknowledged yesterday, and promised to bring her son-in-law over today.

Xia Fu smiled, "Lu Xusheng."

"Who did you say?"

Before the Yunnan King could ask more, the man's sharply defined face came into view, and he recognized him instantly.

"The Lu Duke?"

The Yunnan King was truly taken aback.

Lu Xusheng and Cheng Yian bowed to the couple at the base of the steps before making their way up to the platform. A matron had set out a cushion, and Lu Xusheng stepped forward to kneel formally before Xia Fu.

"Your son-in-law, Xusheng, pays his respects to you, Mother."

A mother-in-law always warms up to her son-in-law over time. "Quick, get up," she said, signaling the matron to hand over the gift.

Lu Xusheng accepted it and passed it to Ru Lan, who stood beside him.

Once standing, he turned his gaze back to the Yunnan King and bowed calmly.

"I greet you, Your Highness."

Unlike the Governors of Sichuan and Liangjiang, the Yunnan King was nearly independent of the court. He confidently accepted the salute and gestured for Lu Xusheng to sit.

"Come on, today we, father-in-law and son-in-law, won't stop until we're both drunk."

"If I'd known you were my son-in-law, handling those bandits fleeing to Jiangnan would've been a breeze. A simple letter from you would've sufficed, right?"

Lu Xusheng was slightly unnerved by the Yunnan King's repeated references to him as 'son-in-law.'

"Matters of state must not be influenced by personal considerations."

"Not that extreme, not that extreme. Speaking of which, I sent a memorial a few days ago. Why hasn't His Majesty made time to see me?"

Lu Xusheng understood that the emperor was deliberately making things difficult for the Yunnan King.

But with Cheng Yian's connection, Lu Xusheng was compelled to intervene on the Yunnan King's behalf.

"His Majesty has been troubled by back pain recently. Your Highness, please bear with us; he should be available tomorrow or the day after."

Lu Xusheng intended to visit the palace that evening to advocate for the Yunnan King.

Having risen through adversity, the Yunnan King easily grasped Lu Xusheng's underlying message.

"Then I am fortunate to have my son-in-law's support."

"I wouldn't presume."

The straightforward Yunnan King grabbed Lu Xusheng's arm and led him eastward to the martial field.

"I've heard my son-in-law's martial arts are second to none—something I've always admired. Let's spar today!"

As the two left the table, Cheng Yian stayed with her mother for some private talk.

Seeing her bring so many gifts, Xia Fu immediately chided her.

"Our household has everything, why did you bring these?"

Cheng Yian smiled, "I was worried that mother might find it inconvenient to procure supplies since you've just arrived, so I prepared these for you."

After saying this, she remembered that she, too, had spent several years in the capital.

Xia Fu chuckled, "Indeed, much has changed, many places have been renamed or no longer exist."

Cheng Yian then asked, "By the way, has the Empress summoned you to the palace? If a date is set, please let me know, and I will accompany you."

Xia Fu disliked invitations, "The Yunnan King has publicly stated that I am unwell, so any invitations should be refused."

Cheng Yian understood Xia Fu's concerns,

"Mother, you don't need to worry about the past. Hold your head high, go wherever you want. Lu Xusheng knows about my situation, he will protect me, and as for the Cheng family..."

Cheng Yian paused here, carefully looking at her mother, her voice softening, "I have also spoken to... father."

When she mentioned "father," a flash of confusion passed through her mother's eyes, but she quickly nodded as usual and said okay.

After lunch, Lu Xusheng took his leave and returned to the official district, the Yunnan King went to visit old friends, and Cheng Yian accompanied her mother to the backyard to chat.

The sun was particularly strong today, and after lunch, Cheng Yian grew drowsy. The mother and daughter lay down on the kang bed for a nap. Xia Fu, who had suffered severe injuries in the past, avoided using ice even in the summer heat, and even the bedding on the kang bed was a thin silk quilt, not the cool jade mat.

Xia Fu sat cross-legged on one side, letting Cheng Yian rest her head on her lap. Looking at her daughter's beautiful face, she couldn't help but gently caress it. Cheng Yian had many strange and unsettling dreams last night, dreaming of her mother falling off a cliff, so she didn't sleep well. Now she was very sleepy, leaning against her mother and mumbling,

"As a child, I often dreamed of you holding me like this..."

Xia Fu's heart ached, tears silently welling up, but she held back her sobs until she was sure her daughter was asleep, then let out a quiet sigh.

After fifteen minutes, Cheng Yian woke up from the heat, sweating profusely.

Xia Fu, as if tending to a child, gently wiped her sweat. Cheng Yian sat up, exhaling hot air, "Mother, your room is too hot, how does the Yunnan King stand it at night?"

Xia Fu's hand paused, not responding to her comment,

"Your clothes are soaked, did you bring a spare set? If not, you can wear mine."

"I brought clothes." Cheng Yian told Ru Lan to fetch the spare clothes from the carriage, then followed Xia Fu into the inner room to change. When she came out, she casually glanced at the bed and noticed only one pillow.

She and Lu Xusheng had different sleeping habits; she preferred a low pillow, while Lu Xusheng used a taller one, so there were two pillows on the bed.

But some couples share a single pillow.

The Yunnan King already had two sons, and her mother was a second spouse. At her age, it was uncertain if she could still bear children. Truthfully, Cheng Yian did not wish for her mother to have more children, given her poor health and past postpartum depression. However, without children, she worried about her mother's future position in the household.

"Mother, what are your plans? Are you planning to raise the second young master from now on?"

After tidying up, the mother and daughter moved back to sit by the kang bed. Xia Fu sat on the bed, while Cheng Yian brought a stool to sit close to her, finding the bed too hot.

Xia Fu knew what she was worried about and gently replied, "An An, your mother can no longer bear children."

Cheng Yian was stunned, a sharp pain flashing through her heart.

She had forgotten that her mother had suffered such severe injuries, not to be compared with ordinary people. Tears streamed down as she hugged her mother tightly,

"Mother, it's okay. I was just afraid you would suffer from childbirth. Don't worry in the future, you will always have me. I have set up houses and properties, ensuring you will never want for anything."

Xia Fu rarely smiled, showing her teeth, "Silly girl, don't worry about your mother's matters. I know what I'm doing."

"Come with me, Mom."

Xia Fu led her to the backyard garden of the main courtyard, where there was a large greenhouse, about 100 feet square. It wasn’t just any greenhouse; Cheng Yian, who had once dealt in medicinal herbs, noticed that various medicinal herbs were grown here.

Not only that, but there was also a separate glass room within the greenhouse, growing many rare medicinal plants.

Cheng Yian was completely stunned.

"Mom, what is this..."

Xia Fu smiled, "Before I moved to the capital, the Yunnan King had this prepared in advance. An An, I forgot to mention, I usually spend my days tending to these medicinal herbs."

At first, she had to take many medicines daily, forcing herself to memorize them. Sometimes, when the old consort was swamped, she would give her the prescriptions, and she would wheel herself around the herb shelves to prepare the medicine. Day in and day out for over a decade, she had memorized the names and effects of all these medicines, and she had also come up with many medicinal bath recipes. She had recovered by soaking in these medicinal baths.

Otherwise, how could she have survived ten years in a wheelchair?

When the Yunnan King didn’t need her anymore, she could open a pharmacy; making a living wouldn’t be hard at all.

Cheng Yian, seeing her calm smile, understood everything.

Just then, a flash of yellow, long and with a tail, suddenly appeared, startling Cheng Yian.

"Mom, what is that?"

Seeing her daughter’s frightened face, Xia Fu realized her oversight, "Sorry, An An, it’s just a small snake. I forgot they were here and scared you."

It wasn’t that she forgot, but she was so used to them that she didn’t think about the danger.

Cheng Yian felt a chill run down her spine, her body stiff as plaster.

"Snake... a snake?" Her teeth were chattering.

She was terrified of snakes; just thinking about their slippery bodies would keep her awake at night.

Seeing her daughter’s pale face, Xia Fu was filled with regret and quickly led her back, soothing her softly.

"An An, don’t be afraid, they won’t bite."

Cheng Yian followed her quickly back to the terrace, looking at her delicate and graceful mother, then back at the lush greenhouse, her mind numb.

"Aren’t you afraid?"

Xia Fu glanced back at her with a deep look, not telling her that the old consort had a room full of snakes in her medicinal garden in Yunnan.

Some as thick as tree trunks, others shimmering like silver.

She was not only unafraid but could also tame snakes.

"I’m not afraid." Xia Fu took her hand to go back inside. "I’ll make you a pot of flower tea to calm your nerves."

But Cheng Yian was extremely curious, standing still on the terrace, pointing to the dense greenhouse and asking, "How many snakes are there?"

Xia Fu thought for a moment and replied, "Over a hundred..."

"Let’s go!"

Quick, let’s go!

Cheng Yian couldn't bear it any longer.

She was covered in goosebumps from head to toe.

Back in the main courtyard, Xia Fu made her sit down. Cheng Yian couldn't help but glance around the corners. With them so close, wouldn't they actually crawl in at night?

"Mom, can those snakes really just stay put in the backyard?"

Xia Fu didn't want to frighten her daughter, but she wasn't a good liar.

Seeing her mother's hesitation, Cheng Yian knew she was right. She gazed up at the sky, lost in thought.

That night, Lu Xusheng found Cheng Yian hiding on the arhat bed, struggling to keep her eyes open but too frightened to sleep in bed.

"What's wrong?" he asked Ru Lan, who stood nearby.

Ru Lan, equally puzzled, bowed to him, "Second Master, since returning, Second Mistress has been terrified of everything, as if she's afraid bugs might crawl in."

Lu Xusheng glanced around and asked seriously, "Have bugs gotten into the room?"

Ru Lan shook her head, "I've searched the room three times with the servants, found no bugs, and just burned some insect repellent incense again."

Cheng Yian finally relaxed when he returned, "Go take a bath, then come sleep with me."

Lu Xusheng said, "I just got back and was all sweaty, so I washed up in the study."

"Then hurry and carry me to the canopy bed; I'm exhausted."

Ru Lan quickly averted her eyes and stepped back.

Lu Xusheng grasped her outstretched hands, lifted her, and carried her to the canopy bed. Cheng Yian clung to him tightly, refusing to let go even in bed.

Her expression was clearly troubled.

Lu Xusheng laid her on the bed, her arms around his neck, forcing him to lean down over her as he asked, "What's really bothering you?"

Cheng Yian gazed into his dark eyes,

"Lu Xusheng, if I could raise and even tame snakes, living every day surrounded by them, would you still marry me?"

Lu Xusheng: "....."

"What on earth made you ask such a tricky question?"

See, even Lu Xusheng is frightened.

Cheng Yian's admiration for the Yunnan King knew no bounds.

Not everyone is cut out to live with her mother.

"My mother raises over a hundred snakes."

Lu Xusheng: "......"

He instantly felt a profound respect for the Yunnan King.

The next day at court, the emperor received the Yunnan King in the hall.

Lu Xusheng's eyes kept glancing towards the Yunnan King. In his life, he rarely admired anyone, but the Yunnan King was definitely one of them.

After the morning court session, civil and military officials emerged from the Hall of Supreme Harmony in small clusters. Some lingered in the grand corridor before the Hall of Supreme Harmony to chat with officials from the Office of Ceremonies, while others immediately returned to their offices to attend to their duties. As Lu Xusheng reached the center of the Danchi, he was intercepted by the Minister of War. They had just concluded their official discussion when Lu Xusheng noticed someone approaching from the steps below.

Dressed in a crimson robe embroidered with a crane motif, his sash fluttering in the wind, his presence was transcendent and aloof—it could only be Cheng Mingyu.

Lu Xusheng immediately raised his sleeves and bowed in greeting.

"Father-in-law."

At that moment, a pair of hands quickly reached out to help Lu Xusheng up.

"Ah, we are family, no need for such formalities, no need. Xusheng, thank you for speaking up for me earlier."

Lu Xusheng stiffened slightly, slowly raising his eyes to glance discreetly at Cheng Mingyu, who stood directly in front of him.

Cheng Mingyu still held his hu tablet, standing tall and composed, his gaze calm and unreadable as he looked in their direction.

Lu Xusheng silently lamented, shifting his gaze to the enthusiastic Yunnan King and forcing a strained chuckle. "Your Highness, you honor me. What I said earlier was merely common sense. Oh, by the way, allow me to introduce..." He gestured toward Cheng Mingyu with a sweep of his robe.

"This is..."

"Ah, there's no need for introductions," the Yunnan King interrupted, having already noticed Cheng Mingyu. He pressed down on Lu Xusheng's wrist.

"Xusheng, you underestimate me. The head of the Cheng family, the Chief of the Censorate—how could I not know him?"

Just as he was about to raise his sleeves to greet Cheng Mingyu, Lu Xusheng cleared his throat and added, with a tone that seemed to enjoy stirring trouble,

"He is my father-in-law, An An's biological father."

The Yunnan King: "..."

His gaze lingered briefly before sharpening as it returned to Cheng Mingyu.