Chapter 41

Chapter 41

At the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, the Lu family gathered together, a rare occasion.

The midday feast was held in the Shishan Hall, with both the eldest and second branches present. Men and women were separated by an elegant, half-drawn curtain.

Shen Anning arrived somewhat late. By the time she got there, most of the female family members had already arrived. Through the elegant curtain, she could see that only Third Young Master Lu Jinxuan and Fourth Young Master Lu Jingxing were present at the men's table. The third young master, plagued by illness, rarely made public appearances. That day, though he looked thin and frail, aside from his somewhat pale complexion, his spirits seemed quite good.

When Shen Anning arrived, Lady Xiao was questioning Lady Yu. Lady Yu replied obediently, "The weather was too hot a few days ago, and the third master had no appetite. Now that it's cooler, his appetite has improved quite a bit. Yesterday, he was in such good spirits that he even ate half a mooncake."

Upon hearing this, Lady Xiao nodded with relief and said kindly, "You've worked hard and taken on much of the burden. With you caring for Xuan'er, I feel at ease."

Lady Xiao was broad-minded and kind-hearted, showing concern even for her son by a concubine and treating Lady Yu, her daughter-in-law by a concubine, with generosity and warmth. Lady Yu’s eyes instantly reddened, and she said, "It is my duty as a daughter-in-law."

Unexpectedly, as soon as she finished speaking, a cold snort came from across the room.

Lady Yu looked up and saw Lady Fang wearing a continuous cold sneer, staring at her with disdain. "Crying during a major festival—how unlucky," Lady Fang said icily. "Putting on this pitiful act, who are you trying to impress?"

The kinder and more tolerant Lady Xiao appeared, the more it highlighted Lady Fang’s own pettiness and harshness. The way the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law interacted, almost like a loving mother and daughter, seemed hypocritical and insincere to Lady Fang.

Lady Fang’s remark successfully made Lady Yu’s face turn pale. Behind the elegant curtain, Third Young Master Lu Jinxuan’s face also darkened for no apparent reason. Soon after, Lu Jinxuan broke into violent coughing. Lu Jingxing quickly patted his back and asked, "Third Brother, are you alright?"

Lady Yu, setting aside her embarrassment, repeatedly glanced toward the transparent curtain but could not go over.

At that moment, Lady Xiao personally pushed a bowl of soup toward Lady Yu and said, "Take this to Xuan'er."

Lady Yu, filled with gratitude, hurriedly took the soup and went to attend to him.

The atmosphere at the banquet grew icy, and it was at this moment that Shen Anning arrived.

Upon seeing her, Lu Baozhen snorted coldly and turned away. Lady Xiao looked Shen Anning up and down with an unreadable expression. Lady Fang, however, stared at her fiercely, her disgust and resentment unmistakable. In the past, she would have immediately erupted in insults and punishments, but having suffered several hidden losses at this woman’s hands, she had to be cautious. After a moment, she said coldly, "You’ve arrived quite early. Why not come after the banquet is over?"

Lady Fang’s tone was sarcastic.

Meanwhile, Lady Dou and Lady Luo from the second branch watched the scene with interest.

Shen Anning, however, showed no sign of panic. She smiled faintly and said, "On my way here, a clansman delivered a massive, unusual rock. Father-in-law and Second Uncle were admiring it, and when they saw me passing by, they invited me to take a look as well. That’s why I was delayed."

Her implication was that the delay was caused by the marquis and the second master. Besides, since the marquis and the second master had not yet arrived, she was not late at all.

With this calm remark, she invoked the authority of the two elders, leaving Lady Fang speechless.

Lady Fang glared at her fiercely but could find no fault in her words.

Meanwhile, Shen Anning calmly bowed to Lady Xiao and Lady Dou from the second branch, saying, "Mother, Second Aunt."

After a pause, she turned to Lady Fang and gave a slight bow, saying, "Madam."

The distinction between "Mother" and "Madam" was clear, highlighting the difference in their status as mothers-in-law.

This left Lady Fang so angry that the flesh beneath her chin trembled.

Just as the atmosphere at the table grew tense again, Lady Xiao finally spoke up. She looked at Shen Anning with affection and said, "Ning Er has also contributed significantly to today’s banquet. She has been working hard these past few days."

As she spoke, she repeatedly gestured for Shen Anning to take her seat.

Shen Anning gracefully took her seat, only to be suddenly interrupted by Lu Baozhen, who shouted at her, "That’s my elder sister’s seat—you’re not allowed to sit there!"

Lu Baozhen’s remark instantly cast a tense and awkward atmosphere over the entire table.

The eldest Lu daughter, Lu Anran, had been placed under house arrest—a matter that had caused quite a stir within the Lu household. However, few knew the exact reason behind it. Even Lady Fang and Lady Xiao Fang, who were directly involved, only understood that it involved a grave taboo, triggered by a perfume ball—an incident that could have brought ruin upon the entire family. As for what exactly was inside that perfume ball or why it had provoked the Marquis to such fury, both were only vaguely aware, merely sensing some obscure connection to the former imperial consort from earlier times.

The second branch knew even less.

They had sent people to investigate but uncovered nothing.

Judging by Lu Baozhen’s targeted remark, it seemed clear that Shen Anning was somehow implicated.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law of the second branch observed Shen Anning closely. Since her impressive display at the palace banquet, neither could afford to underestimate her any longer.

Meanwhile, with a stern expression, Lady Xiao scolded Lu Baozhen, "Baozhen, mind your manners! If you speak out of turn again, you’ll join her in confinement."

Lady Xiao reprimanded sharply, and only when Lu Baozhen bit her lip and fell silent did she turn to Shen Anning, saying, "I don’t know where this child gets such a temper at such a young age—who does she take after? I’ve spoiled her too much."

She then took Shen Anning’s hand and added, "Pay her no mind. After the banquet, I’ll have a word with her properly."

With that, she tried to guide Shen Anning to her seat.

But Shen Anning paused, glancing between the two seats before her.

Following her gaze, Lady Xiao seemed to notice the issue and promptly ordered a servant to remove one of the seats.

It turned out that the seating arrangement had been set according to the original plan: Lu Anran’s seat was next to Lady Xiao, flanked by Lu Baozhen on the other side. Shen Anning had previously sat beside Lu Anran, and though Lu Anran was absent, her seat remained.

For someone so meticulous, how could she make such a mistake?

Was it truly an oversight, or an intentional power move?

Whether it was the incident involving Lu Anran or Lu Baozhen’s recent scolding at Chuanze Residence, none of it could have escaped Lady Xiao’s notice. Yet, from start to finish, she had behaved as usual—showing no resentment, offering no reprimands, not even asking a single question, as if none of it had ever happened.

Was it forbearance on her part, or—?

Just then, a maid hurried over and removed the extra seat.

Shen Anning put her suspicions aside and calmly took her seat.

No sooner had she sat down than Lady Dou remarked casually, "I heard you’ve been arranging marriage prospects for Ran Jieer. How is it going? After all, she’s the first young lady of our household—we mustn’t treat the matter lightly."

Lady Dou asked nonchalantly.

Lady Xiao replied evenly, "It’s still early. We’re merely making initial contacts."

But Lady Dou pressed on, "Which families have you considered? I’ve been quite active in social circles over the years—I might know some details."

For over a decade, the Lu family had lived in relative seclusion, with limited external connections. In contrast, Lady Dou’s family was very opportunistic and had thrived under the Huo family’s influence. Thanks to her maternal family’s support, the second branch had enjoyed a comfortable life all these years.

Lady Xiao initially seemed hesitant to share details, but at Lady Dou’s prompting, she softened her stance slightly, saying, "We’ve only approached the Bai and Kang families so far."

The surnames Bai and Kang were relatively uncommon in the capital. Lady Dou pondered for a moment before it dawned on her, and she exclaimed in surprise, "Could it be the Bai and Kang families of Hanzhong? There are plenty of suitable matches in the capital—why look so far away? Even if they’re from your maternal family, it’s still quite a distance."

Lady Dou couldn't hide her surprise.

Not only Lady Dou, but even Lady Fang and Lady Xiao Fang were astonished.

Was Lady Xiao planning to marry Lu Anran off to a distant place?

The news was so sudden that everyone was too surprised to react.

Yet Lady Xiao merely smiled faintly and said, "As long as the family is reputable, distance is not an issue."

After a pause, she added meaningfully, "Families are always on the move. No clan remains rooted in one place for all eternity. Today they may be in Hanzhong, tomorrow they might relocate to Jiangnan, and the day after, they could come to the capital. The notion of 'distance' has never been accurate."

Lady Xiao spoke with profound implication, a smile lingering on her face.

As she spoke, her gaze swept around the table, seemingly resting for a moment on Shen Anning.

Noticing this, everyone looked at Lady Xiao, then at Shen Anning, each lost in thought.

Just then, a clamor of voices approached.

Everyone turned to look—it was Lords Lu Jingrong and Lu Jinghuai arriving, followed by Lu Suian, Second Young Master Lu Yuantan, and two other clansmen.

The banquet hall instantly fell silent.

"I heard the Turk Envoys will arrive in a few days, and by the end of the month, we'll be heading to Jiuyou Mountain for the autumn hunt. Brother, you’re likely to be quite busy from now on," said Lu Jinghuai, walking alongside Lu Jingrong while discussing court affairs.

Lu Jingrong, who served in the Ministry of Rites, was indeed overwhelmed with work. He replied gravely, "The Turk warriors have always been fierce. Their visit to the capital will inevitably lead to challenges against our men. Though I am busy, it is you, Second Young Master, who will be at the forefront. Even though our Great Yu has emerged victorious this time, it may not be enough to make those tribesmen submit sincerely. Only by completely crushing their arrogance and making them truly fear us from the depths of their hearts can we claim a true triumph!"

Lu Jingrong spoke thoughtfully.

Beside him, Lu Yuantan said with an air of arrogance, "Our Great Yu does not rely solely on the Northern Expedition Army. If they dare to provoke us, every one of the thirty thousand men in the Imperial Guard will prove invincible!"

Lu Yuantan served before the emperor, following in his father’s footsteps. A man of remarkable martial prowess, he held the rank of fifth-grade Imperial Guard and was the most prominent among the four young men of the Lu family, outshining even the heir, Lu Suian.

He was unruly and arrogant, showing respect to no one in the Lu family except his father—not even his uncle, Lu Jingrong, earned much regard from him.

Seeing this, Lu Jinghuai glanced at his son and then at his nephew Lu Suian behind him. Suddenly, he suggested, "If those tribesmen come, they will surely challenge our men. Why not take advantage of today’s leisure and let Tanner spar with Suier? Consider it a practice session."

Lu Jinghuai made the suggestion unexpectedly.

Hearing this, Lu Yuantan immediately grew excited. He looked at Lu Suian, raising his chin slightly, and said, "Brother, we’ve never competed before. Father is right—let’s have a sparring match. Whether it’s archery or swordsmanship, I’m ready to accompany you!"

Lu Yuantan looked at Lu Suian with bold confidence.

But Lu Suian replied indifferently, "Today is a family banquet. It is not suitable for wielding weapons!"

As he spoke, he turned away calmly, showing no interest in engaging.

However, as he turned, his gaze fell into the room, precisely in Shen Anning’s direction.

At that moment, Shen Anning also happened to follow the crowd’s gaze and look toward them.

Their eyes met unexpectedly in mid-air, locking firmly together.

They stared at each other for a moment.

Shen Anning nonchalantly withdrew her gaze.

The next moment, Lu Suian seemed to ponder briefly and suddenly changed his mind. Turning his head, he said coolly to Lu Yuantan, "Then let’s compete."

"I’m fine with anything—even close combat."

As he spoke, Lu Suian placed one hand behind his back and slowly extended the other forward, his rough thumb casually brushing against the cold jade thumb-ring.

His demeanor was utterly calm and composed.

To Lu Yuantan, this posture seemed disdainful.

Narrowing his eyes, Lu Yuantan removed his sword and handed it to a retainer behind him. "Fine, let’s spar hand-to-hand then."

With these words, Lu Yuantan instantly assumed a fierce combat stance.

Seeing this, Lu Jingrong and Lu Jinghuai stepped aside. Their expressions remained calm and composed, yet tinged with amusement.

The women in the room, however, were utterly astonished.

The heir knew martial arts?

Everyone had only known the heir as a scholar who had passed the imperial exams; no one knew he possessed martial skills. Throughout the household of the Marquis, only the Second Young Master and Fourth Young Master were known for their martial prowess.

Thus, as the match began, all the women in the room rose and went outside to watch.

Shen Anning felt it inappropriate to remain seated, so she slowly stood up as well. Though she knew Lu Suian had a habit of practicing archery early in the morning, she had no idea how skilled he was in martial arts. It was only later, when he displayed his abilities while quelling rebellions in the south, that she learned of his prowess—though she had never witnessed it firsthand.

In the courtyard, everyone automatically retreated to the corners, leaving only Lu Suian and Lu Yuantan in the center.

Lu Suian stood still, showing no intention of taking the initiative to attack. Lu Yuantan pressed his lips together and soon launched an offensive. Tall and agile, he struck with one fist and one palm, aiming a powerful punch directly at Lu Suian’s face. Yet Lu Suian hardly moved, merely tilting his head slightly and effortlessly evading Lu Yuantan’s swift fist.

After Lu Yuantan’s punch landed, he immediately followed with a backhanded eagle-claw technique aimed at Lu Suian’s neck. But Lu Suian raised his arm to block it. Lu Yuantan then struck again with a palm aimed at Lu Suian’s face. He threw more than a dozen punches in rapid succession, yet each one was effortlessly deflected or dodged by Lu Suian. His movements were so fast that it was impossible to see how he avoided them.

Finally, Lu Yuantan stiffened his expression, shedding all traces of contempt, and clenched his teeth as he launched an all-out attack. He struck with both fists and feet, aiming directly at Lu Suian’s chest. Just as it seemed the blows would land squarely on Lu Suian’s heart, Lu Suian, without dodging this time, suddenly extended his arms and locked onto one of Lu Yuantan’s legs, twisting it mid-air. In an instant, Lu Yuantan lost his balance and crashed to the ground with a thud.

The entire sequence happened so quickly that no one could even discern what had occurred.

Within thirty moves, Lu Yuantan had been defeated.

In those thirty moves, Lu Suian had not made a single offensive move until the very last one—ending the match with a single strike.

With a heavy thud, Lu Yuantan’s body hit the ground.

Even in the moment of defeat, Lu Yuantan himself was unable to comprehend how he had lost.

His hand-to-hand combat skills were among the best in the Imperial Guard, second only to one man of exceptional prowess who was nine feet tall and weighed three hundred pounds. It was understandable that Lu Yuantan was no match for him, but he never imagined that such a master was within his own family—he couldn’t even withstand thirty moves from his elder brother.

No wonder his father had repeatedly said that he was no match for Lu Suian.

An expression of defeat surfaced on Lu Yuantan’s usually proud face.

The entire Shishan Hall fell into silence, not a word spoken for a long time.

After what felt like an eternity, Lady Luo was the first to snap out of it and hurried to help her husband up. On the other side, Lu Jingrong straightened his back, his face filled with pride and satisfaction, as if he himself had won.

Although Lu Jinghuai had expected this outcome, he wore a mixed and unreadable expression as he looked at his thoroughly defeated son.

And in the distance, Lady Yu watched the heir in his glory and the brothers’ sparring, then glanced at her own frail and weak husband, her heart filled with complex feelings.

Only Lu Suian casually turned around, his gaze sweeping over the crowd as if briefly grazing Shen Anning's face.

Shen Anning: "..."

Shen Anning was also surprised. She had never witnessed such a scene in her previous life, and she thought Lu Suian was quite impressive.

However, before she could fully process her shock, she looked up and, just before meeting his gaze, silently turned away and took her seat.

After being drunk all night and dealing with several disputes early in the morning, she was actually hungry by now. At this moment, it seemed that aside from the food on the table, she hardly cared about anything else.

Lu Suian: "..."

Lu Suian pursed his lips slightly.

Only Lady Xiao observed and took in the expressions of the two.

For a moment, she narrowed her eyes.

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Author's Note:

Thank you all so much for your support. I will continue to work hard!