The Ding'an Marquis Manor was divided three years after Madam Lu's marriage. Madam Lu's father, as the eldest son, inherited the marquis title. Her second uncle, relying on the connections of the marquis manor and the assets he received, managed to secure a minor, insignificant position to pass his days.
Madam Lu's third uncle, however, was more ambitious. With the support of the marquis manor, few dared to undermine him in the official circles. Combined with his own competence, he was now a useful figure in the court.
Today, the engagement ceremony was for the only daughter of Third Uncle Lu, Lu Xinyan.
Wen Ye and Madam Lu shared a carriage, while Xu Ying (the eldest aunt) and Lady Yao rode in the one behind. By the time they arrived at the Lu Mansion, the engagement banquet was already bustling with guests.
As they stepped out of the carriage, they coincidentally ran into Aunt Xu and Lady Wen, who were also preparing to enter the mansion.
Aunt Xu, hearing someone announce the arrival of the Duke's family from behind, immediately recognized it as Madam Lu's party.
In Sheng Jing, there were only two ducal households. The Duke Wei's Mansion, being the maternal family of the Empress Dowager, had fallen out of favor since the Emperor ascended the throne due to past incidents. In recent years, the Duke Wei's family rarely attended social gatherings, maintaining a low profile.
Even if the Duke Wei's Mansion had received an invitation to the engagement banquet of the Lu family's third branch, they would, at most, send a congratulatory gift but certainly not attend in person.
Aunt Xu turned around and saw that it was indeed Madam Lu and Xu Ying (the eldest aunt) leading the group. A smile spread across her face as she descended the steps, saying, "What a coincidence! We arrived one after the other."
Madam Lu also smiled, "The Duke's mansion isn't far from the Lu Mansion, but we left later than you, Aunt."
Aunt Xu didn't intend to linger at the entrance for small talk. She remarked, "The wind is quite strong today. Let's not stand here; let's head inside."
After speaking, she walked over to Xu Ying. Lady Yao quietly stepped aside, switching places with Aunt Xu to stand beside Lady Wen.
Earlier in the year, Xu Ying had taken Lady Yao to the Changnan Marquis Mansion, and they visited again after the New Year. Over time, Lady Yao had grown quite familiar with Lady Wen.
Aunt Xu had always been close to her elder sister Xu Ying since childhood. Seeing her now, her eyes lit up as if she had returned to her younger days.
Xu Ying, however, found her sister's clinginess a bit overwhelming. If it weren't for the presence of others, she would have distanced herself already.
Once inside the Lu Mansion, Madam Lu led everyone to meet Third Aunt Lu, who was beaming with joy, clearly very satisfied with the engagement.
After greeting each guest individually, Third Aunt Lu took Madam Lu's hand and said, "Yao Xin, I won't stand on ceremony with you. There are so many guests today, and if there's any oversight in hospitality, feel free to handle it on my behalf. Please ensure your two aunts and sisters-in-law are well taken care of."
Yao Xin was Madam Lu's maiden name.
Madam Lu clasped her hand in return and replied, "Third Aunt, you needn't worry. Even without your reminder, I would naturally take care of them."
Xu Ying chimed in, "We're all family. With Yao Xin here, she can show us around the mansion. It'll be just as good."
Aunt Xu added thoughtfully, "Now that we're practically family, Madam Lu, you can go ahead and attend to your duties."
The engagement banquet was indeed well-attended. The Lu family's marital connections were extensive and intricate. Moreover, with Third Uncle Lu's recent promotion, it was only fitting to host a grand engagement ceremony befitting his status.
Third Aunt Lu was well-acquainted with her niece Madam Lu and knew her sincerity. Without further ado, she called her daughter out to greet the guests and chatted with Aunt Xu and Xu Ying for a while, not forgetting to praise the younger generation present.
When the time was right, she hurriedly left with her daughter.
The Lu Mansion's maids were stationed in the courtyard, while the maids brought by the guests stood outside.
Madam Lu and Xu Ying discussed Lu Xinyan's marriage, while Lady Wen and Lady Yao conversed in low voices, occasionally including Wen Ye, who was enjoying some pastries, ensuring she wasn't left out.
Once the hall was empty except for family, Aunt Xu relaxed and finally brought up the matter she had been holding back.
She pretended to cough, and the others stopped their conversations, turning their attention to her almost simultaneously.
Aunt Xu smiled and said, "Recently, my sister-in-law seems to have 'come to her senses.'"
Her expression clearly said, "Ask me for details, go on, ask!"
Seeing this, Lady Wen thought to herself, "I had hoped that coming out to attend a banquet would help my mother-in-law restrain herself, but it seems I was too optimistic."
Xu Ying was the first to speak, "Did you enlighten her?"
Among those present, only Wen Ye shared Xu Ying's level of curiosity, though she remained silent. Madam Lu and Lady Yao were indifferent, listening only if they felt like it.
Wen Ye even stopped eating her pastry.
Aunt Xu smiled at Xu Ying, lowered her voice slightly, and replied, "Why would I trouble myself with that? She came to her senses on her own. Although Prince Wen has been meddling, with Zi Tan around, it's clear to everyone that Jiang Ming won't escape the death penalty. Lady Li somehow saw through Jiang Ming's father's true nature and has stopped competing with the concubines in the inner courtyard. Instead, she's focusing on raising her youngest son."
Aunt Xu paused to take a sip of tea before continuing, "Lady Li only has two sons. With the eldest soon to be gone and her husband unreliable, she has no choice but to pin her hopes on the younger one. After all, a son shares her blood, unlike a husband. What good does it do to fight with the concubines? Only a filial child can ensure a peaceful old age."
Perhaps the series of blows had shaken Lady Li, but she no longer wanted to compete. She simply wished to treat her youngest son well, hoping he would be filial and provide her with a comfortable old age.
Xu Ying commented, "Then your sister-in-law isn't entirely foolish."
Madam Lu pondered for a moment before saying, "That's for the best."
Aunt Xu nodded in agreement, "Indeed."
In her heart, children were undoubtedly more important than a husband. After all, they shared her blood—how could a husband compare?
Wen Ye, hearing this, wanted to say that sometimes both could be unreliable.
However, considering the Great Jin Dynasty's emphasis on filial piety, as long as Lady Li didn't rebel and outlived her son, her old age would likely be secure.
This was also why Wen Ye felt as if the heavens had dropped a pie on her head when Madam Shen introduced her to Xu Yuejia, a widower with a child.
She didn't want to have children, and with Xu Yuxuan as her stepson, she could alleviate nearly ninety percent of the pressure.
A stepson was still a son. Wen Ye believed that as long as she didn't rebel or cuckold Xu Yuejia, she could enjoy a peaceful old age.
By the time Xu Yuejia passed away, Xu Yuxuan would likely have a wife and children. Then, she could retire to a secluded courtyard, living her days with Yun Zhi and Tao Zhi, keeping to herself.
Wen Ye couldn't help but think that no daughter-in-law would dislike a mother-in-law who didn't interfere in their affairs.
However, by the time she grew old, her eyesight would probably fail, so she would need a young maid to read novels to her.
As she thought about this, Wen Ye smiled.
Over there, having finished discussing Lady Li's situation, Aunt Xu noticed Wen Ye's smile and paused, turning to her with curiosity, "Ye'er, what amusing thought crossed your mind? Why not share it with everyone?"
It just so happened that she had exhausted her gossip.
Wen Ye: "..." That might not be appropriate.
Wen Ye felt they wouldn't be interested in what she had just been thinking.
In the palace, within the Hall of Diligent Governance, Prince Wen, who was ten years younger than the Emperor, was passionately presenting 'evidence' of certain officials in the Ministry of Justice being biased in their handling of cases.
On the golden dais, the Emperor flipped through the memorials on his desk, only half-listening to Prince Wen's arguments.
Standing opposite Prince Wen, Xu Yuejia suddenly felt an itch in his nose.
He nearly lost his composure.
This moment, however, did not escape the keen senses of the Emperor, who glanced up and asked, "Minister Xu, are you unwell?"
Xu Yuejia, having regained his composure, bowed slightly and replied, "Your Majesty, I am fine."
Prince Wen, who had been in the middle of presenting a 'key piece of evidence,' nearly lost his composure as well.
The Emperor, having inquired after his minister, suddenly remembered his brother was still there and feigned nonchalance, saying, "Where were we? Please continue."
Prince Wen: "..."
Before Prince Wen could continue, Eunuch Li, the chief eunuch by the Emperor's side, received a message from outside the Qinzheng Hall. He stepped closer to the Emperor and whispered, "Your Majesty, Lady Yang from Consort Shu's entourage has come to request an audience. She says that Consort Shu misses Prince Wen dearly and asks if Your Majesty could allow him to visit Ningshou Palace first."
Ningshou Palace housed the childless consorts of the late Emperor, with the exception of Consort Shu.
Finally, someone had come.
The Emperor glanced at Prince Wen below and said, "Since your mother misses you, I will allow you to visit Ningshou Palace first."
Let his own mother deal with him; the Emperor truly had no time for this.
Prince Wen wanted to say something more, "But..."
The Emperor's brow furrowed slightly, his expression turning more serious. "We will discuss the case another day."
Aside from Consort Shu, Prince Wen feared only his elder brother, the Emperor. He glanced at Xu Yuejia, who remained calm and composed, and reluctantly left.
Once he was gone, the Emperor turned to Xu Yuejia below and said, "This younger brother of mine has never been the brightest. Regarding today's matter, Xu Qing, consider it as if he never came. The case should be judged as it was originally intended."
Xu Yuejia clasped his hands and bowed respectfully. "As Your Majesty commands."
The Emperor was accustomed to Xu Yuejia's rigid formality. He set aside the memorial and said, "I hope the case of Jiang Ming will serve as a warning to the young scions of Sheng Jing's noble families."
Xu Yuejia replied honestly, "This case has indeed deterred some."
After Eunuch Li escorted Prince Wen out of the Qinzheng Hall and returned, he carried a food box in his hands.
He approached the Emperor from the side steps and bent slightly to whisper, "Your Majesty, this is a new pastry from Caiyun Pastry Shop, just bought from outside the palace by Xiao Luzi."
The Emperor raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
He opened the box, looked at the still-warm pastries inside, then closed it and said, "After testing for poison, send it to the Princess."
Eunuch Li immediately replied, "This servant will ensure it is handled properly."
With that, he quietly left the Qinzheng Hall with the food box.
The Emperor had initially intended to discuss political matters with Xu Yuejia, but Eunuch Li's interruption shifted the conversation to more trivial matters. "Changle has been spoiled by me. Not long ago, she sneaked out of the palace behind her mother's back and stumbled into a newly opened pastry shop. After I had her forcibly brought back, she couldn't stop thinking about the pastries from that shop. Her mother, wanting to teach her a lesson, ordered everyone in the palace not to buy them for her."
At this point, the Emperor sighed. "Then Changle came to me, and I, feeling soft-hearted, secretly had Eunuch Li send someone to buy this box for her."
"Xu Qing, you understand what I mean, don't you?" the Emperor asked, looking at him.
Xu Yuejia, who hadn't been particularly interested in the Emperor's rambling, bowed again. "...I understand, Your Majesty."
After leaving the palace, Xu Yuejia boarded the carriage of Duke Wei's Mansion. The driver, a young servant named Chun, knew that Xu Yuejia preferred quiet, so he drove the carriage with minimal noise.
Nan'an Street was the only route from the palace to Duke Wei's Mansion. The Caiyun Pastry Shop mentioned by the Emperor was located on this street.
As the carriage steadily made its way down Nan'an Street and was about to turn, a voice suddenly came from inside. "Wait a moment."
Chun immediately stopped the carriage.
Xu Yuejia lifted the curtain and looked at Chun, his gaze calm. "Go to Caiyun Pastry Shop and buy two boxes of pastries."
Chun was momentarily startled but quickly replied, "...Right away, sir."
He jumped down, moved the carriage to the side to avoid blocking the road, and then hurried back with the silver Xu Yuejia had given him.
*
Duke Wei's Mansion, West Courtyard.
Nanny Ji had a natural talent for shuttlecock kicking and had learned it in less than half an hour. She could kick five or six times in a row, much to Xu Yuxuan's delight.
Perhaps influenced by Wen Ye, Xu Yuxuan had already learned to clap and say "well done."
Encouraged by Xu Yuxuan's praise, Nanny Ji kicked with even more enthusiasm.
After watching for a while, Xu Yuxuan grew tired. Seeing this, Nanny Ji put away the shuttlecock and had Hexiang carry Xu Yuxuan back to his room for an afternoon nap.
When Xu Yuxuan woke up from his nap, Xu Yuejia had just returned to the mansion.
After waiting all day, Xu Yuxuan finally saw someone return. He ran over, and Xu Yuejia had no time to hide the pastry box he was carrying.
The box naturally caught Xu Yuxuan's attention.
Children have a certain innate ability to sense food containers, and Xu Yuxuan was no exception. His round eyes sparkled with anticipation as he looked at Xu Yuejia.
Xu Yuejia met his son's gaze and, after a moment of silence, said, "Remember to leave half for your mother."
Xu Yuxuan nodded vigorously. "Leave for mother!"
Xu Yuejia handed one box of pastries to Nanny Ji.
Seeing the pastries in Nanny Ji's hands, Xu Yuxuan eagerly followed her. Nanny Ji had Ren Dong fetch a clean porcelain plate and arranged the pastries from the box onto it.
Hexiang helped Xu Yuxuan clean his hands.
Before eating, Xu Yuxuan suddenly asked, "Nanny, how many?"
Nanny Ji counted silently and smiled at him. "There are five pieces, young master."
Actually, there had been six, but as a precaution, they always tasted one piece first to ensure it was safe for Xu Yuxuan to eat.
Xu Yuxuan seemed to understand. He pointed at each pastry in the air, as if counting them.
After counting, he picked up the piece Nanny Ji had placed on his plate and began nibbling on it with his tiny teeth.
The pastry was soft, fragrant, and not overly sweet, with no ingredients that Xu Yuxuan needed to avoid, so Nanny Ji was at ease.
Xu Yuxuan enjoyed it immensely, but he didn't forget Xu Yuejia's instruction. As he picked up the second piece, he said in his childish voice, "Leave for mother~"
Then the third, the fourth... Each time he ate a piece, he repeated the same phrase.
The more he ate, the more he enjoyed it. After finishing the last bite, Xu Yuxuan looked down at the plate.
His little eyes widened in shock, and his hands flailed in distress. "Nanny, it's gone!"
Xu Yuxuan's eyes reddened instantly, and he looked up at Nanny Ji with a pitiful expression.
"Xuan'er, did I leave some?"
