Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The maid sent to deliver the message soon returned, her head bowed, stammering, "Madam, the Heir... the Heir said he is occupied with official duties and cannot spare the time. He will personally apologize to Mrs. Luo once his work is finished..."

As these words were spoken, a fresh wave of varied expressions swept across the faces in the room.

Those who navigated the inner workings of aristocratic households were all shrewd individuals.

Everyone understood the difference between a mere excuse and polite formalities. No one had expected the Heir to hold the Luo family, these distant relatives, in such low regard.

Mrs. Luo and Luo Sutong couldn't help but show a hint of embarrassment.

Their calculations had been meticulous, and judging by Fang Shi's effortless and confident demeanor, they had believed the matter was ninety percent settled, that everything was ready save for the crucial "east wind." But now, where was this "east wind"?

Xiao Fang Shi and Yu Shi, of course, remained detached, simply watching the drama unfold.

Only Fang Shi's expression turned exceptionally grim, collapsing instantly.

Though not particularly close to her eldest son, blood was, after all, thicker than water. As long as she lived, no matter how unwilling he was, he should still dutifully come to kowtow and attend to her. She had never imagined he would show so little regard for her standing, not even upholding her dignity in such a minor matter.

She slammed her hand heavily on the table, making the tea set rattle, and glared at the maid, scolding, "What official business could possibly prevent him from taking a moment to come here? The elders are all present; has he no sense of propriety? Go again and invite him. No matter how urgent the matter, he must set it aside and come immediately. Ask him if he requires his own mother to personally invite him!"

Fang Shi spoke, humiliated and furious.

Mrs. Luo, seeing this, quickly smoothed things over, "I heard the Heir serves at the Dali Temple; it's normal for official duties to be demanding. Even my Tong girl's father, who merely works in a county office, has times when he's too tied up to leave. Men, after all, must prioritize their proper duties. If he truly has no free time, meeting another day is just the same..."

Fang Shi's expression softened slightly, but she still insisted pompously, "Busy or not, manners must be observed."

She added, "His other mother may indulge him, but I will not. With such a temper, if not restrained, he will become utterly lawless."

Fang Shi's words carried a resentful undertone, subtly criticizing another.

This was something Mrs. Luo dared not respond to. Xiao Fang Shi and Yu Shi kept their eyes downcast, not daring to utter a sound.

In the Brocade Courtyard, everyone chatted and caught up while waiting idly for a full fifteen minutes. Just as Fang Shi, barely containing her anger, was about to send someone for the third time to urge him, Lu Suian finally arrived.

Lu Suian was not wearing his official robes today, but was still dressed in a dark green informal robe—a green so deep it was almost black. One could only discern a hint of green when he drew near or under sunlight. Despite his youth, Lu Suian favored dark colors, often wearing black, dark green, or auspicious purple, giving him a somewhat staid and old-fashioned air.

This color would be unremarkable on an ordinary person, but on him, it seemed innate, like the straightest, tallest, and strongest emerald bamboo deep in a bamboo grove. Standing there, he possessed a certain authoritative presence, like a pillar holding up the sky or a needle stabilizing the sea.

Coupled with his years spent dealing with prisons, criminals, and the dead, he carried an aura of stern majesty that naturally commanded respect. The moment he stepped into the Brocade Courtyard, the entire hall suddenly felt more confined and chilly.

Even Mrs. Luo, well-traveled and experienced, felt her heart skip a beat.

She had last seen this Heir over a decade ago, when he was just a young boy. Last month, during the wedding of the Lu and Fang families, she had glimpsed him from afar. Though she hadn't seen him clearly then, she knew he was imposing and dignified. She hadn't expected him to be so exceptionally impressive upon meeting him today.

She never imagined her elder sister-by-marriage could have produced such an outstanding son.

Mrs. Luo's thoughts quickly churned.

Beside her, Luo Sutong had never seen someone so dignified and imposing. Especially as the Heir approached, his handsome and majestic face seemed to press directly towards her.

Luo Sutong's heart began to pound wildly.

She hurriedly lowered her head, not daring to lift it at all.

"Sui Er, you've finally come. You've kept your aunt and the others waiting."

Seeing Lu Suian arrive, the anger in Fang Shi's heart dissipated somewhat. She forced a smile and, pointing to Mrs. Luo and Luo Sutong, said, "Come quickly and greet your aunt and cousin."

She added, "They have come a long way and have been waiting respectfully for some time now. Come and apologize to your aunt and cousin."

Fang Shi tried to facilitate their acquaintance.

Since Lu Suian had come, he would observe proper manners. He gave a polite bow to Mrs. Luo and said indifferently, "Matters in the front courtyard delayed me. I ask for Aunt's understanding."

He then nodded slightly towards Luo Sutong beside him.

His gaze swept over her briefly, without lingering.

Luo Sutong's face, however, instantly flushed bright red.

Shen Anning, seeing this, curled her lips in a faint, mocking smile.

In her previous life, she had not witnessed this scene personally, as she had been ill at the time. She hadn't expected to have missed such a good show.

A truly entertaining spectacle.

At this point, Xiao Fang Shi and Yu Shi, seeing the Heir's arrival, rose to offer their seats.

Lu Suian's gaze swept over and landed on Shen Anning. After a moment, he walked in her direction and took a seat beside her.

With the main character present, the gongs and drums began to sound, and the play commenced.

Mrs. Luo smiled and said nostalgically, "The last time I saw you, you were only this tall. In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed. Time flies so quickly."

Fang Shi followed her lead, "Indeed, in a flash, all these younger generations have grown up."

Speaking of this, Fang Shi seemed to suddenly remember something, "Ah, that's right. Tong girl came that year too, still in swaddling clothes. Sui Er, you even held her then. Do you remember?"

Fang Shi spoke teasingly, then halfway through, chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Oh, look at my memory, I forgot to introduce you. This is your aunt from Shandong, the fourth in her family. She married into Shandong over ten years ago. She last returned the year your cousin was born. You've seen her little, but she is your birth aunt. And this is the little cousin you held as a child, Tong girl."

She then pointed at Luo Sutong and said, "Tong girl, come and greet your cousin."

Being singled out by Fang Shi like this, Luo Sutong had no choice but to rise. With a reserved yet forcibly poised manner, she gracefully performed a curtsy towards Lu Suian and said, "Tong'er greets Cousin."

Her movements were fluid and graceful. As she curtsied, her skirt swayed slightly. She couldn't be called breathtakingly beautiful, but she had a unique charm of her own.

Lu Suian acknowledged her indifferently, his expression revealing nothing.

Luo Sutong, however, blushed even to the tips of her ears, like two small boiled shrimp.

Listening to the elders talk about their childhood, Lu Suian listened by default. After sitting for fifteen minutes—neither too long nor too short—once the time was up, he spoke up calmly, "I have important matters to attend to upfront. I won't disturb the elders' conversation further."

With that, he made to rise and take his leave.

But Fang Shi immediately spoke up, "You haven't even had a sip of tea! What's the hurry? The Marquis's estate is so large, the Dali Temple has so many people; it won't stop functioning without you. Have this cup of tea before you go."

Fang Shi insisted on keeping him, saying, "Tong girl's tea-making skills are unparalleled. These past couple of days, drinking the tea she brews, my liver fire has decreased significantly."

As she spoke, she glanced at Luo Sutong and signaled to her with her eyes, "Your cousin spends his days bent over cases, drinking tea like an ox chewing peonies. It's perfect for you to show your skill today and let him taste something exquisite."

As she spoke, maids brought in a stove from behind. Only then did they see that a table and a set of tea utensils had already been set up at the back.

Luo Sutong, her face slightly flushed, rose and bowed to everyone. Then, with steps that seemed to make lotus flowers bloom, she walked to the tea set. She lit incense, washed her hands, wiped them, picked up the tea leaves, lifted the pot—the tea seemed to come alive instantly, transforming into various shapes in the air, dancing freely.

A pair of slender, jade-like hands danced gracefully in the air.

In an instant, the room was filled with the fragrance of tea.

So, there were this many intricacies to brewing tea.

It was even more beautiful than dancing.

Even Shen Anning couldn't help but inwardly exclaim at this moment: What fine tea... artistry!

Once the tea was brewed, Luo Sutong carried it, first personally serving Lu Suian, then promptly offering it to the matriarch, Mrs. Luo, and Shen Anning and the other two sisters-in-law, one by one.

Fang Siyan took a sip, tilted her head to exchange a glance with Yu Shi, and said with a slight smile: It seems Shen's good days are over.

Everyone had their own thoughts, but Shen Anning alone was earnestly savoring the tea—truly excellent tea.

As soon as the tea ceremony performance ended, Fang Shi and Mrs. Luo exchanged a look, and then Fang Shi coughed lightly before speaking: "Yan girl, Wei girl, it's getting late. All of you may withdraw now."

With that, she began ushering people out to discuss business.

Though Fang Siyan and Yu Shi would have liked to continue watching the drama, they knew such private matters were usually discussed behind closed doors, and as juniors, they weren't qualified to stay. So they tactfully rose and took their leave.

But Fang Siyan was too curious to leave right away. After stepping out, she pulled Yu Shi along and circled back to a side room to eavesdrop.

Though Yu Shi was somewhat hesitant, her curiosity got the better of her. With Xiao Fang-shi as the instigator, she gritted her teeth and huddled together to eavesdrop.

Once the two had left, Fang Shi continued by dismissing Shen Anning: "Since you're still unwell, you should go back and rest."

Shen Anning hesitated, glancing at her husband Lu Suian beside her. Before she could even rise, Lu Suian cut straight to the point: "Mother, if you have something to say, say it. I have official duties to attend to today."

As he spoke these words, Lu Suian's expression remained completely unchanged, and he even maintained his courtesy. But those who knew him well understood that his patience had run out.

Fang Shi then stopped beating around the bush: "Very well, I had no intention of hiding this from her anyway."

Sitting upright, she continued: "Shen has been married into our household for half a year now. After all this time, there's still no sign of a child in her womb. She ought to know that if it weren't for the Emperor's decree, someone like her would never have married into our family. If she were matched with the third or fourth son, it wouldn't matter as much—the setback would be limited. But you are different. You are the heir of the Zhongyong Marquis Estate, the future head of the Lu family. Your wife is of utmost importance—"

Here, she cast a disdainful glance at Shen Anning and said: "Shen was bestowed upon us by the Emperor, so I cannot touch her, nor do I intend to. However, I plan to arrange another marriage for you, just like your father. From now on, two wives will serve you, which should make up for the lack."

Pointing at Luo Sutong across from her, she added: "Your aunt and I have been close since childhood. Though I haven't watched Tong grow up under my own eyes, she is exceptionally beautiful, clever, cultured, and well-mannered. She is not beneath you. I've already discussed this with your aunt. I plan to speak with your father tonight. If he agrees, we can settle the matter this year. But before discussing it with your father, I wanted to ask for your opinion. Suí Gē'er, what do you think of this?"

Fang Shi asked calmly and composedly.

As she spoke, Luo Sutong's face flushed bright red across from her.

There wasn't a man in the world who wasn't fond of beauty and pleasure. Even Lu Jingrong and Xiao-shi, praised by all as a harmonious and respectful couple, under such a fine reputation, still had two such outstanding sons with her.

She expected her son would not refuse such a tremendous offer.

Yet, to her surprise, as soon as she finished speaking, the room fell silent. For a long, long time, there was not a single response.

It wasn't until who knows how much time had passed that Lu Suian suddenly rose slowly, his face stern. He flicked his sleeves and walked out without hesitation, as if he hadn't heard a word of Fang Shi's earnest advice, tossing her entire speech aside like wind past his ears.

He didn't even give her any response.

Not even a glance.

He simply treated her as if she were air, leaving her standing there.

After a few steps, Lu Suian halted, turned around, and swept a glance at Shen Anning, who was thoroughly engrossed in watching the drama from her seat. His eyes turned slightly cold as he rebuked her coldly: "Aren't you leaving?"

The icy tone startled Shen Anning, sending a shiver through her.

Only Shen Anning, who had shared a bed with him for years and knew Lu Suian's temperament well, understood the simmering anger beneath that seemingly expressionless, emotionless surface.

But... just like that?

Neither outright agreeing nor outright refusing?

What did that mean?

All thunder, no rain?

She had thought she would witness a full-blown battle, a fight to the death. Otherwise, why would Fang Shi have been so enraged in her previous life?

Just as Shen Anning rose, hesitating whether she should leave or not, she suddenly heard—

"You poisonous woman!"

Instantly, Shen Anning's heart began pounding violently.

This is it!

Shen Anning panicked and turned her head to see Fang Shi trembling with rage, snatching a teacup from the table and hurling it straight at Shen Anning.

Fang Shi was driven to madness by Lu Suian's "cold and utterly dismissive" attitude.

For over a decade, he had always been like this—expressionless, never willing to speak properly with her. No matter if she hit, scolded, blamed, or punished him, he remained cold to the point of outrage.

He would only ever marry the wife that vile woman arranged for him!

He would only ever listen to that vile woman's words.

Just who was his real mother?

But, no matter how furious she was, the moment she threw the teacup, she still held onto one last shred of rationality. She redirected it at the last second, aiming it squarely at Shen Anning, venting all her rage onto her.

Shen Anning, who had been prepared, tilted her head slightly.

The teacup grazed past Shen Anning's scalp, only to be caught firmly in Lu Suian's hand.

The scalding tea left his palm bright red.

Lu Suian’s gaze turned icy, finally shooting toward Fang Shi's face like a poisonous arrow—

Shen Anning immediately let out a sharp cry, grabbing Lu Suian's hand to tenderly and anxiously inspect it. Soon after, she turned a look of shock and confusion toward Fang Shi and said: "Mother, why... why would you attack?"

Fang Shi was frightened by the coldness in Lu Suian's eyes and further enraged by Shen Anning's accusatory words. Who did she think she was?

Pointing at Shen Anning, she seethed with anger: "Was it you, you poisonous woman, stirring up trouble behind the scenes, causing chaos!"

Fang Shi refused to believe that any man in this world would reject such a blessing of having two wives.

She was certain someone was sabotaging this from behind.

In a fit of rage, she pointed at Shen Anning and said through gritted teeth: "It's just about adding another woman to the son’s household. What does it have to do with you? You’re either sick or running a fever, calling the doctor five or six times a day, causing such a ruckus that the entire household is in disarray. Do you have to make the whole family revolve around you to be satisfied? I underestimated you—you jealous woman! You’re barren, occupying the wife’s position without bearing children, and you even lead the young master astray. Do you want to bring ruin to the Lu family, leaving us heirless?"

Fang Shi had completely lost her rationality, like a mad dog biting at anyone in sight.

She was convinced that this poisonous woman, Shen, had used her illness as an excuse to act jealous, throw tantrums, and utterly ruined her plans in front of her son.

Shen Anning first appeared stunned upon hearing this, then her eyes reddened slightly, followed by a bitter and helpless expression. Several emotions played out on her face in succession, finally settling into a wry smile as she said, "Whether you believe me or not, I have never spread gossip or stirred up trouble in front of the Young Master. Afraid I might pass my sickness to him, I haven’t even seen or spoken to him since his return to the estate."

She said weakly, then smiled helplessly again and added, "I know you’ve never liked me, and I’m aware that my opinion doesn't count for much. No matter what I say, you won’t listen. But whether you believe me or not, I still want to defend myself. I am fully aware of my status and situation—I am nowhere near worthy of the Young Master. So even after learning of your intention to arrange another marriage or take a concubine for him, though I felt somewhat unhappy, after falling seriously ill, I convinced myself. In fact, over the past few days, I’ve been privately searching for suitable candidates, thinking that whether your plan succeeds or not, I intend to select a few suitable individuals to serve the Young Master—"

With that, Shen Anning glanced at Bai Tao behind her.

Bai Tao immediately produced the items she had prepared in advance.

Shen Anning took them and laid them out one by one, saying, "Here are several indenture papers for the most capable girls in my courtyard. I originally planned to show them to you and the Young Master for approval today, but now it seems none of that matters anymore."

At this point, her face turned ashen as she continued, "Indeed, as a daughter-in-law from a common family, no matter what I do, it’s wrong. Opposing my husband taking a concubine or marrying another is wrong; agreeing to it is also wrong. In the end, everything is my fault. Perhaps this marriage was a mistake from the very beginning!"

Speaking softly to herself, Shen Anning seemed to suddenly summon immense courage and made a deep bow to Fang Shi with great solemnity, saying, "After this serious illness, I've finally seen myself clearly. I know my limitations—I likely lack the ability to help the Young Master manage this vast household and even less the capacity to serve two mothers-in-law at once. I’ll be blunt here: whether you wish to arrange another marriage or take concubines for the Young Master, I fully support it without any resentment. However, I also have something I’ve long kept to myself. You already have Third Sister and Fourth Sister attending to you, while Mother has no one. Forgive my unfilial words, but since I cannot earn your favor, I’d rather not force myself where I’m unwelcome. From today onward, I won't serve you anymore. Henceforth, I will devote myself solely to serving Mother. If you have any grievances, please find someone else to attend to you in the future!"

Having mustered all her strength to say this, Shen Anning looked completely drained.

Her face turned deathly pale, devoid of color, with only two silent trails of tears streaming down.

Then, clutching the contracts tightly in her hand, she avoided looking at anyone and walked stiffly, step by step, out of the room.

The room fell into a complete silence, with no sound for a long time.

Fang Shi was so shocked and enraged by Shen Anning’s outrageous words that she trembled uncontrollably, her throat tight, rendered speechless and robbed of the chance to respond.

Meanwhile, Lu Suian watched Shen Anning’s unsteady figure recede into the distance, his eyes narrowing slightly. After a moment, he said calmly to Mrs. Luo, "Aunt, I'm sorry you had to see this."

Then, with a stern expression, he added, "My wife is a blessed match arranged by His Majesty. I have no intention of remarrying, and as we’ve been married for only half a year, I have no desire to take a concubine either."

His polite refusal delivered, Lu Suian suddenly turned sternly toward the person seated in the hall and declared, "My affairs are not for others to decide. Even if someone were to make decisions, it would be Mother’s place to do so, not yours. I suggest you reflect on your actions and not overstep your boundaries!"

With that, Lu Suian strode coldly and straight out of Brocade Courtyard.

He showed no respect for Fang Shi, his own birth Mother.

As his words faded, Fang Shi finally snapped back to reality. Enraged, she grabbed a teapot from the table and hurled it at Lu Suian’s retreating back, screaming, "Beast! Ungrateful son—"

She smashed everything on the table in her fury, until she nearly choked on her anger and half-fainted.

Brocade Courtyard erupted into chaos.