Chapter 93: Lu Xusheng, Why Are You Panicking?

Chapter 93: Lu Xusheng, Why Are You Panicking?

Had Cheng Yian met Wang Yunyi? No, she had only heard about this person from the second mistress and the servants. In the past, she was often compared to Wang Yunyi, and to say she didn't mind would be a lie. But upon careful consideration, she realized she actually had no connection with this Miss Wang, and there was no need to be upset with Lu Xusheng over her.

She instructed Ming Saozi, "She's new here, and as the lady of the house, I should make a gesture. Take a pair of the silk flowers that were recently bestowed by the Empress and send them to Miss Wang as a welcoming gift from the Lu family."

A while ago, the Empress had bestowed some silk flowers to the noble households, and every young lady and wife in the mansion had received a pair. Cheng Yian hadn't used hers yet, and since Wang Yunyi was a cousin of the family, it was appropriate to give them to her.

Ming Saozi personally delivered the silk flowers to Mingxi Hall, the residence of Wang Yunyi.

Upon entering, she caught a glimpse of the second mistress speaking with the cousin. The young lady was dressed in a crabapple-red gown with a thin jacket over it and a colorful pleated skirt. She wore a headdress adorned with kingfisher feathers and gemstones, a very bright and bold attire. Her posture was upright, and though her face wasn't fully visible, her profile suggested a very commanding presence, exuding confidence.

Ming Saozi delivered the items and then withdrew.

The second mistress had someone bring the silk flowers to Wang Yunyi and said with a smile,

"Your cousin-in-law's kind gesture; wear them for fun."

Beside her, the fifth young lady, Lu Shuzhi, glanced at the silk flowers, "I have a pair too, mine are pink. Sister-in-law's pair is peacock blue, which complements your elegance very well."

Wang Yunyi calmly glanced at the silk flowers, picked up her teacup to sip, and asked the second mistress, "Aunt, grandfather has instructed mother to host a flower-viewing banquet in two days to celebrate our Wang family's return to the capital. Will you bring the Lu family ladies to attend?"

"Of course."

Seeing that Wang Yunyi showed little interest in the silk flowers, the second mistress understood that she had some thoughts about Cheng Yian,

"You haven't met your cousin-in-law yet; she's a fairy-like figure, very loving with your cousin. They recently had a child, who is absolutely adorable. You should go and see, you'll surely fall in love with the child."

Wang Yunyi and Lu Xusheng were childhood sweethearts, and in the past, both families had intended to strengthen their ties through their marriage. However, due to differing family stances, Lu Chang, the family head, had rejected the idea. She had always regretted it, but after Cheng Yian married into the family, that regret had nearly vanished. Now with the arrival of a precious grandson, she had completely let go of those past aspirations.

The second mistress's words had two meanings.

First, Lu Xusheng and Cheng Yian were very happy together, and Wang Yunyi should move on from her feelings. Second, it was a reminder to Wang Yunyi that she should go and pay her respects to Cheng Yian afterward.

Wang Yunyi understood the second mistress's meaning and silently sipped her tea,

"Then I congratulate cousin on marrying such a virtuous wife."

The second mistress secretly appraised her niece; with her good looks and outstanding talents, it was a pity that such a girl remained unmarried,

"What about your marriage? Why not take this opportunity to settle it while in the capital? Would you like your aunt to help you look around?"

Wang Yunyi forced a smile, "The fortune-teller advised against early marriage, and grandfather wishes to keep me for two more years."

The second mistress anxiously said, "If you wait two more years, you'll be twenty-two, and by then there won't be any suitable suitors left for you to choose from." At this point, the second mistress sighed and said, "It's my fault; I delayed you."

Back in Qingzhou, there was someone who proposed to Wang Yunyi, but at that time, she had hoped to marry Wang Yunyi to Lu Xusheng, so she blocked that marriage proposal. Unfortunately, in the end, the marriage never came to fruition.

Seeing her aunt's guilty expression, Wang Yunyi gently patted her hand and said, "Aunt, it's all in the past; perhaps it was not meant to be with cousin."

"Then you should quickly find a good family to marry into, so I can feel at ease."

Wang Yunyi smiled gently but did not respond.

Seeing that the two had stopped talking, Lu Shuzhi asked Wang Yunyi,

"Cousin, has cousin arrived? Will cousin be at the flower-viewing banquet the day after tomorrow?"

Wang Yunyi had a pair of twin brothers, born within a cup of tea's time apart. In the past, when Lu Shuzhi stayed at the Wang family, this cousin would take everyone horse riding and archery, and Lu Shuzhi liked him very much.

Wang Yunyi gave her cousin a long look and chuckled, "Shuzhi, my brother started later than us, so I’m not sure if he’ll make it."

Lu Shuzhi’s face fell with disappointment as she tugged at her mother's sleeve, "Mother, you said my cousin had already arrived in the capital, but he hasn’t yet."

Over the past year, many families had come to propose marriage to Lu Shuzhi. As Lu Xusheng’s legitimate younger sister, she was very popular in the capital.

However, the second mistress had her own agenda. The Wang family’s desire to marry into the Lu family hadn’t faded. Since Wang Yunyi couldn’t marry Lu Xusheng, the second mistress wanted to betroth Lu Shuzhi to Wang Yunxiu.

So, she waited for the Wang family to arrive in the capital to discuss the marriage in person.

The second mistress comforted her daughter, "No need to rush; it’s only a few days," then she told Wang Yunyi,

"Tomorrow, I'll go to your mother’s house to help her."

I’ll also bring it up with your sister-in-law.

Wang Yunyi paused before finally agreeing.

Realizing her aunt’s intentions, Wang Yunyi didn’t want to keep chatting and excused herself, citing the late hour,

"It’s late today, and my mother is waiting for me to check the guest list. I’ll greet my sister-in-law another day."

The second mistress didn’t press and walked her to the courtyard, instructing her daughter to escort her out. As she left, she handed Wang Yunyi the pair of silk flowers.

As soon as Wang Yunyi left, Lu Xusheng entered the house. As usual, he bathed and changed in the study before coming to Ningji Hall. In the past, Cheng Yian hadn’t required this of him, but now that they had a child, she worried Lu Xusheng’s travel grime might bother the baby, so she had him wash up before coming over.

Lu Xusheng walked in and found Cheng Yian quietly sitting by the cradle. He asked softly,

"Hasn’t he woken up yet?"

Cheng Yian occasionally fanned her son and replied, "He woke up an hour ago, ate, and went back to sleep."

Little Jiusi was growing fast and needed feeding every two hours. Cheng Yian had hired two wet nurses for him.

Lu Xusheng took the fan from her and fanned the child. His strong fanning sent gusts over the baby.

Cheng Yian quickly reminded him, "Don’t fan so hard; you’ll chill him."

Lu Xusheng eased up.

Little Jiusi’s features were sharpening, making him more handsome.

Sadly, the child didn’t resemble him at all. Lu Xusheng chuckled, amused.

As he laughed, he suddenly heard Cheng Yian say,

"Your cousin is here."

"What cousin..."

As soon as he spoke, he realized and slowly met Cheng Yian’s gaze. His eyes gradually deepened, becoming serious, and even a little panicked in the end,

"Did she come to the house today?"

Cheng Yian gestured towards the second mistress’s courtyard, "She’s probably still in your mother’s courtyard. Just now, my mother-in-law asked me to meet the guest, but I didn’t go. Are you going?"

"I’m not going." Lu Xusheng shook his head vigorously, "Why should I see her?"

Cheng Yian, noticing his nervous expression, pursed her lips and chuckled softly, grabbing the fan to cool herself. She tilted her head, her playful eyes fixed on him. "What are you so nervous about? I didn’t say anything bad about you."

Lu Xusheng felt as if he were up against a formidable foe. "Your stare is more unsettling than silence."

"I’m smiling, aren’t I?"

"That’s exactly what’s scary."

"Would you rather I cry?"

"That would be even worse."

If Cheng Yian started crying, he’d have to go apologize to her father right away.

It was the first time Cheng Yian had seen Lu Xusheng so panicked, and she teased him, "After all, you were married for a few years in your past life. Are you really not going to see her?"

"I’m not going," Lu Xusheng said, standing up and stepping back. "It’s not like what you think between us..."

Before he could finish, Cheng Yian narrowed her eyes and rested her chin on her hand, looking at him. "Lu Xusheng, you look really guilty. This is the first time you’ve ever been this guilty, right?"

Lu Xusheng felt as if he had fallen into the Yellow River and couldn’t wash away his guilt. Unlike himself, he didn’t want Fan Yulin and Cheng Yian to have any further entanglement, which was why he was also wary of Wang Yunyi.

Rubbing his temples, he said, feeling a headache coming on, "I swear, I won’t see her, no matter what."

Cheng Yian calmed down and pondered for a moment, then said thoughtfully, "I’m not saying you can’t see her. After all, that was in a past life. If you run into her, just say hi; if not, forget about it. Don’t go out of your way to do anything, or she’ll think you care too much. If she really comes looking for you, just be straight with her."

Lu Xusheng had married Wang Yunyi after separating from Cheng Yian, and at least on the surface, Cheng Yian hadn’t seen Wang Yunyi interfering in their marriage.

Lu Xusheng didn’t know what to say and stayed silent. Compared to how he reacted to Fan Yulin, he thought Cheng Yian was being too casual.

After dinner, Lu Xusheng went to pay his respects to the second mistress, who indeed brought up the matter of betrothing Lu Shuzhi to Wang Yunxiu. Lu Xusheng firmly refused, "Absolutely not, Mother. Drop this idea."

Seeing her son so resolute, the second mistress grew anxious, "Xuer, I’ve delayed your cousin’s marriage, and you know it well. Your maternal family has always wanted to strengthen ties with the Lu family. Shuzhi likes Yunxiu— isn’t this a win-win situation?"

"There’s no win-win here. The Crown Prince is already in decline. Why are you still trying to board the Wang family’s ship?"

The second mistress slumped into her armchair, tears streaming down her face. "Child, I am, after all, from the Wang family. I have to consider my natal family. Even if the worst happens, your sister’s marriage could save the male descendants of the Wang family."

Lu Xusheng's eyes were devoid of warmth. "The Wang family’s affairs are not as simple as you think. If you want to cling to the Wang family, don’t drag my sister’s lifelong happiness into it."

The second mistress was left speechless.

Returning to Ningji Hall, Lu Xusheng found an invitation from the Wang family on his desk, inviting them to a banquet at the Wang family in three days.

Cheng Yian pushed the invitation towards Lu Xusheng. "Sorry, I can't go. Your cousin visited today but didn’t pay her respects to me. The Wang family was impolite first; I can’t give them this face."

"I’m not going either," Lu Xusheng said, handing the invitation to Ding Xiang, instructing her to handle it.

Cheng Yian worried, "Your grandfather personally sent the invitation. If you don’t go, will someone accuse you of disrespecting your elders?"

Lu Xusheng retorted, "Do I look like someone who fears accusations?"

Cheng Yian chuckled and took out an embroidered handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his forehead.

"Fine, we won’t go then."

The next day at court, Old Master Wang, in his capacity as a guest of the Ministry of Rites, entered the court to pay homage to the emperor. Upon leaving the court, Old Master Wang crossed the threshold and saw Cheng Mingyu surrounded by officials, and bowed to him.

"It’s been a while, Mingyu. You’re as dashing as ever."

Cheng Mingyu also bowed to him, "How’s your health, Master Wang? Still holding up?"

"Hanging in there. I hear my grandson is now your son-in-law, and he often clashes with you in court. Given his youth and inexperience, I hope you’ll cut him some slack."

Cheng Mingyu smiled with his hands behind his back, "Shen Zhi is a risk-taker in governance, while I lean toward caution. So, we have our differences, but it’s all for the court—nothing major."

Old Master Wang gestured forward, inviting Cheng Mingyu to descend the steps with him. They discussed court affairs for a few moments before parting. At the farewell, Old Master Wang extended an invitation, "Mingyu, I’m throwing a banquet at my place the day after tomorrow. I wonder if you would honor us with your presence?"

Cheng Mingyu regretfully replied,

"Apologies, Master Wang, I’ve long stopped attending banquets, even my in-laws’. I hope you can understand."

Old Master Wang had anticipated that Cheng Mingyu might decline,

"Then maybe your eldest son could come."

Cheng Mingyu, with his sleeves folded, smiled more deeply, "I’m afraid he’s tied up as well."

Old Master Wang was somewhat displeased, "Mingyu, your father and I once traveled together, and he even stayed at our Wang residence for a few days. To speak boldly, if your father were still alive, you would be considered my junior. Can’t you do me this small favor?"

Cheng Mingyu's smile remained unchanged, "It’s not that I don’t want to give you this face, but the Wang family’s behavior has been disappointing, and it’s been a letdown."

Old Master Wang’s expression stiffened, knowing that Cheng Mingyu wouldn’t be hostile without reason; there must be a cause.

Once home, he immediately looked into it and found out that his granddaughter had visited the Lu residence without paying respects to Cheng Yian, who was not only a princess but also the mistress of the Lu household. Wang Yunyi’s failure to greet her was a clear breach of etiquette, though not a major issue.

Cheng Mingyu was clearly protective.

Old Master Wang, Wang Yunyi's father, asked him, "What’s your take on this? Should we have Yunyi visit the Lu residence again?"

Old Master Wang shook his head, "No need. Even if she goes, the Cheng family won't come. They won’t accept an apology after the fact. Let’s drop it."

Old Master Wang was not one to compromise his granddaughter's dignity for the sake of face.

However, having been away from the capital for many years, Old Master Wang was not entirely accurate in his assessment of the capital's dynamics. The Cheng family and their relatives did not show up, and many officials, sensing the wind, found excuses to decline the invitation. Thus, the Wang family’s flower-viewing banquet had a poor turnout.

Old Master Wang, looking at the deserted entrance, pressed his forehead heavily.

This was a clear sign the crown prince was in trouble.

After the banquet, Old Master Wang helped his father back to the study. Recalling the appearance of the second mistress that day, he expressed some concern,

"My sister didn’t look well when she visited today."

Old Master Wang knew well, "She feels guilty for not being able to marry Yunyi to Xusheng and wanted to arrange for Shuzhi to marry Yunxiu instead. Unfortunately, it must have been rejected by Xusheng, hence her inner turmoil."

Old Master Wang also had the idea of having his son marry Shuzhi, as he was not optimistic about the crown prince. If the crown prince were to fall from power, with Shuzhi as a relative, the emperor might spare the Wang family out of respect for Lu Xusheng.

"Father, I actually think this marriage is a good idea. It’s like hedging our bets."

Upon hearing the phrase "hedging our bets," Old Master Wang looked at his son intently, knowing he had thoughts of retreat, and then shook off his son's arm and entered the study, paying no further attention.

Old Master Wang was left embarrassed and returned to his room, where he encountered Lady Wang arranging flowers and took the opportunity to complain to her a bit.

"Father is really something, sacrificing the entire Wang family for the Empress Dowager. Look at how clever Cheng Mingyu is; his entire clan avoids political strife. Even though his daughter married Lu Xusheng, he doesn’t blindly toe the emperor’s line in court. He does what’s best for the people, truly taking the state as his responsibility. No wonder scholars and officials across the land admire him."

"Our Wang family didn’t need to wade into this mess. Father has been blinded by the Empress Dowager."

Lady Wang sneered at her husband’s words, inserting the last peony into the vase. She glanced at him coldly and said, "What is this called? It’s called the grass is always greener on the other side. Back then, Father failed to marry the Empress Dowager and has held a grudge ever since. As long as the Empress Dowager gives him a little sweetness, he’s willing to go through fire and water."

Though Lady Wang complained, she still had to find a way out for herself. "I’m also thinking of arranging Shuzhi’s marriage here, at least to secure our branch."

The elder master of the Wang family agreed wholeheartedly. "Agreed. Tomorrow, when you’re free, take the kids to the Lu household. Since my sister has this intention, things shouldn’t be difficult."

The next day, Lady Wang visited the Lu family under the pretext of congratulating them on the birth of a grandson. She brought her daughter and son along, first paying respects to the matriarch, then directly sending a calling card to Cheng Yian.

As an elder, Lady Wang’s visit couldn’t be refused by Cheng Yian, who instructed Ming Saozi to lead them to the flower hall near the hanging flower gate.

Lady Wang and Wang Yunyi followed Ming Saozi to the backyard, while Wang Yunxiu stayed in the front courtyard of the Lu family, where Lu Jisheng and Lu Jisheng entertained him.

The second mistress recalled the glorious days of the Langya Wang family and lamented their current desolate state. Eager to broker peace between her family and Lu Xusheng, she sent someone early to inform Lu Xusheng at the yamen. Lu Xusheng returned home and, upon entering the front hall, saw a soft-spoken, elegant man dressed in white sitting as a guest.

Wang Yunxiu, now twenty, seemed a bit more fragile than most men due to being a twin. He wasn’t particularly tall, similar in stature to his twin sister, but his appearance was exceptionally striking, making him renowned for his grace in Qingzhou.

Seeing Lu Xusheng enter, he immediately stood up and bowed. "Greetings, cousin."

However, Lu Xusheng stepped forward, firmly gripping his left arm and smiling. "It’s been years, cousin. Your charm surpasses even what it was before."

Lu Xusheng’s smile deepened as he tightened his grip, his gaze fixed intently on Wang Yunxiu’s eyes, not missing a single expression.

A shiver ran through Wang Yunxiu’s heart, but he endured the pain and replied calmly, "You flatter me, cousin. I dare not accept such praise."