The Qi family quickly sent someone to Duke Ying Mansion to propose marriage to He Weiyu.

He Shi smiled and accepted the matchmaker.

From then on, the matchmaker would naturally shuttle between the two families to arrange the betrothal. Wei Rao accompanied He Shi in their busy preparations for several days. On the morning of the thirteenth day of the fourth month, Wei Rao and Lu Zhuo left the city together. However, when they reached the city gate, Lu Zhuo went to the Shenwu Army barracks while Wei Rao headed to her grandmother’s leisure estate with her guards.

Upon arriving at the leisure estate, Wei Rao discovered that Zhou Huizhen had arrived early and had already been staying there for several days.

The day after tomorrow, Zhou Huizhu would be getting married, but everything that needed to be prepared was ready. Shou’an Jun wasn’t busy and smiled as she called Wei Rao to her side to talk.

“Here, this is what Xianping had someone deliver on the tenth day. Take a look at how well it’s painted.”

Xianping was Zhang Xian’s courtesy name.

Shou’an Jun had a maid bring over a long painting case.

Wei Rao opened the case to find eight painting scrolls inside—the eight detailed woodcarving diagrams she had commissioned her prospective brother-in-law to paint. Each painting included detailed illustrations of all the figures and implements in each set of woodcarvings, with even the patterns on clothing rendered minutely and lifelike.

The more Wei Rao looked, the more delighted she became.

Shou’an Jun praised Zhang Xian: “The man has achieved success in the golden roll and is about to be married, yet he still helped you complete these paintings. You must remember this favor.”

Wei Rao was naturally grateful to Zhang Xian. She could only ask trusted people to paint these illustrations; otherwise, if they spread, she would lose the advantage of opening a woodcarving shop first. Among those around her whom she trusted and who were skilled at painting, only Zhang Xian fit the bill.

“When he accompanies Huizhu for the return visit, I’ll thank him in person,” Wei Rao carefully stored the eight paintings, placing them back in the case and handing it to Bitao.

“Will Shouchen have time to come the day after tomorrow?” Shou’an Jun asked.

Wei Rao replied: “He’ll come. He’s usually idle at the barracks anyway, so it’s easy for him to get leave.”

Shou’an Jun smiled and asked: “Counting it up, you two have been married for a month now. Have you had any quarrels?”

Wei Rao’s face reddened as she muttered quietly: “Why would we quarrel for no reason? Does Grandmother take me for a child?”

Before, they used to quarrel because Lu Zhuo was always infuriating. Now, except for being overly clingy at night, Lu Zhuo no longer angered her. How could Wei Rao get upset with him?

Shou’an Jun was just worried and inquired about affairs at Duke Ying Mansion, sighing: “This year the Duke’s mansion has had one joyous event after another. After Huizhu’s wedding, you should stay properly at the mansion and help with management. Don’t come running here without a reason. And regarding the Princess’s mansion, wait until Miss Lu is married before you go to stay there.”

Wei Rao said, “I understand. Please don’t worry.”

In the afternoon, Wei Rao spent time with the sisters Zhou Huizhen and Zhou Huizhu. The next day, the leisure estate hosted a banquet for guests, inviting all the neighboring families they were on good terms. By evening, after Lu Zhuo finished at the barracks, he came directly here.

Shou’an Jun didn’t welcome Han Liao staying overnight at the leisure estate, but she was very comfortable with and welcoming toward Lu Zhuo.

At dinner, the whole family was present. Zhou Huizhen watched Lu Zhuo sitting beside Wei Rao, watched as Lu Zhuo and Wei Rao occasionally whispered to each other, and became increasingly envious.

In front of others, Han Liao had never treated her so tenderly. All his gentleness was confined to their private chambers, and as their marriage stretched on, Han Liao spent less and less time in her room each month. Those flamboyantly dressed concubines and singing girls could always think of various ways to lure Han Liao away from her.

The food in her mouth lost its flavor. Zhou Huizhen looked down at her belly—how hateful! She and Han Liao had been married for two and a half years, yet there had never been any good news. Fortunately, Han Liao’s concubines hadn’t had any either, or she would be even less able to hold her head up before Marchioness Xiting.

After dinner, Lu Zhuo accompanied Wei Rao to Swallow Garden.

A trace of sunset still lingered on the horizon. The two walked slowly along the quiet garden paths, treating it as a way to aid digestion.

“Tomorrow, Han Liao will come. You’re both sons-in-law of the leisure estate, so at the banquet you’ll certainly be seated together,” Wei Rao reminded Lu Zhuo. Han Liao liked to provoke, and Lu Zhuo also found him disagreeable. Normally, it didn’t matter how they clashed, but tomorrow was her cousin’s joyous day—Wei Rao hoped Lu Zhuo could endure what he could.

Lu Zhuo smiled: “Don’t worry, I know my limits.”

Though they hadn’t been together last night, considering this was the leisure estate, Lu Zhuo only pressed against Wei Rao for some kisses at night without causing any other commotion.

Wei Rao was quite satisfied with this.

At daybreak, the two separated. Wei Rao went to accompany Zhou Huizhu while Lu Zhuo, as a son-in-law, helped entertain guests in front.

He had the highest status here; the next highest was merely the village head of Cloud Mist Town. However, the wealthiest was still Wei Rao’s uncle-in-law, Huo Jingchang.

The entire Huo family had come to the capital early, drinking at Wei Rao and Lu Zhuo’s wedding celebration in the third month. They would only leave the capital after seeing Zhou Huizhu off in marriage.

Lu Zhuo stood together with Wei Rao’s cousin, Huo Jue.

Lu Zhuo had once suspected Wei Rao liked Huo Jue and harbored some hostility toward him. Now that the misunderstanding was cleared, Lu Zhuo and Huo Jue got along harmoniously.

Huo Jue could completely sense the difference in Lu Zhuo’s attitude. Previously, when they met, Lu Zhuo’s gentleness concealed an edge. Now he finally understood why the capital’s citizens all praised Lu Zhuo as approachable. Even when the village head of Cloud Mist Town came to chat, Lu Zhuo was courteous, making people feel like they were bathed in spring breeze.

The two were talking when Han Liao arrived.

Han Liao’s family background was only slightly inferior to Lu Zhuo’s. Dressed in splendid robes, he walked in with imposing dignity. Those common guests, seeing him, lowered their voices in conversation. The village head of Cloud Mist Town kept standing up from his chair, then sitting back down, hesitating several times but still not daring to approach Han Liao to curry favor.

Han Liao completely ignored those people. After entering, he scanned the area and headed straight for Lu Zhuo.

Huo Jue nodded to Lu Zhuo and went to greet other guests.

“Shouchen came so early?” Han Liao said with a smile. As a thirty-six-year-old military general, if not for the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes when he smiled, one really couldn’t tell he was a full cycle of twelve years older than Lu Zhuo.

Lu Zhuo avoided Han Liao’s raised hand that was about to pat his shoulder and courteously invited Han Liao to sit.

Han Liao sat down, and a maid naturally came to pour tea for him.

Han Liao glanced at the plain-looking maid, then at the tea in the bowl. He didn’t touch it, looking mockingly at Lu Zhuo: “Shouchen, we two don’t usually have opportunities to sit and talk together. Today’s a rare meeting—I’ve wanted to ask you something for a long time. Tell me, the Princess once publicly threw your teacup away. How could you still insist on her alone?”

Lu Zhuo smiled faintly: “Uncle Han wants to know?”

Han Liao’s mouth twitched. Qi Zhongkai loved calling him Uncle Han, mocking his age. He hadn’t expected Lu Zhuo to learn from Qi Zhongkai, too.

“It’s not convenient to talk here. Uncle Han, come with me.”

Han Liao knew Lu Zhuo wouldn’t chat idly about romantic affairs with him, but today was a joyous occasion at the leisure estate. He wanted to see what tricks Lu Zhuo planned to play.

Han Liao followed Lu Zhuo.

Lu Zhuo led Han Liao to the flower garden.

Most of the servants had gone to serve at the banquet, leaving the garden area quiet and peaceful.

“Where is Shouchen planning to take me?” Han Liao asked mockingly.

Ahead was an artificial mountain. Going around it and walking a bit further was the west side gate of the garden.

Lu Zhuo stopped, turned to face Han Liao, and said: “My hands are itchy today. I wonder if Uncle Han has any interest in sparring with me.”

Han Liao laughed, looking Lu Zhuo up and down with contempt: “Just you?”

He knew Lu Zhuo was excellent at riding and archery and had a knack for commanding troops, but in terms of martial combat, he had made his name in the capital when Lu Zhuo was still wearing split-crotch pants. How dare Lu Zhuo challenge him to a match?

Lu Zhuo only waited for his answer.

Han Liao thought it over and smiled: “Fight then. But a simple match is boring—how about we set a wager? If I lose, I’ll have Huizhen sing a song for you. If…”

Before he could finish, Lu Zhuo suddenly pressed toward him.

Han Liao snorted coldly, suddenly crouching low and sweeping his leg toward Lu Zhuo’s lower body.

In a flash, the two deputy generals of the Four Upper Armies were locked in combat.

Before making his move, Han Liao was extremely confident. He had twelve more years of martial training than Lu Zhuo and was more robust in build. Lu Zhuo might lead the Shenwu Army’s elite troops to victory over him in the dragon boat race, but in single combat, he definitely wouldn’t be Han Liao’s match. However, when Lu Zhuo grasped his fist and he tried to pull back but couldn’t break free, Han Liao was finally shocked by the strength contained within Lu Zhuo’s scholar-like frame.

Taking advantage of his moment of confusion, Lu Zhuo grasped Han Liao’s wrist and twisted it downward. With a “crack,” Han Liao’s right arm was dislocated.

Han Liao’s eyes were bloodshot with rage: “You…”

Lu Zhuo blocked his swinging left hand with one hand while throwing a punch toward Han Liao’s mouth with the other.

With a muffled sound, Han Liao was knocked to the ground by the punch, a tooth flying out mixed with blood.

The groom had come to fetch the bride—crackling firecrackers could be heard from outside the main gate of the leisure estate.

Han Liao propped himself up with one hand, his gaze vicious as he turned back to say something to Lu Zhuo.

Lu Zhuo didn’t hear clearly, nor was he interested in listening: “A’Gui, go fetch some wine.”

A’Gui had been secretly following his master and immediately ran back to the banquet, returning with two jars of strong liquor.

Lu Zhuo had A’Gui lift the dazed and confused Han Liao and force the wine down his throat.

This was undiluted strong liquor. After two large jars went down his gullet—even with much spilling—Han Liao’s face flushed red.

“Lord Han couldn’t hold his liquor and injured his arm in a fall. Help him out through the side gate and have Han Mansion’s servants come to assist.”

Lu Zhuo pointed A’Gui toward the west side gate.

A’Gui unceremoniously lifted Han Liao, whose face was swollen like a steamed bun on one side, and threw him out under the horrified gaze of the gatekeeper woman.

A’Gui would handle the rest. Lu Zhuo turned and walked toward the main courtyard. Passing a pond, he crouched by the water’s edge and splashed water to wash his hands.

At dusk, the bride was taken away by the groom, the banquet ended, and only when there were fewer people did Zhou Huizhen suddenly notice that Han Liao wasn’t there.

“Lord Han became drunk and left early,” Lu Zhuo explained, seeing her searching everywhere for Han Liao.

Zhou Huizhen was extremely embarrassed.

Lu Zhuo was still here, accompanying Wei Rao, but her husband had left first. However, it was already late and she couldn’t rush back to the capital in time.

Feeling distressed, Zhou Huizhen took early leave.

Wei Rao had been tired all day and also wanted to rest early.

Lu Zhuo accompanied her for a distance before bringing Wei Rao under a tree to explain the day’s events. He intended to have Wei Rao give Zhou Huizhen a warning, so she wouldn’t be completely unprepared when she returned home and had to bear Han Liao’s displaced anger.

Wei Rao’s mind was a bit confused: “You, since you knew Han Liao would take his anger out on cousin, why did you strike so heavily?”

A simple lesson would have sufficed, but dislocating his arm and knocking out a tooth?

Wei Rao was very worried about her cousin.

Lu Zhuo felt no regret: “He has insulted you many times. If there’s a next time, I’ll strike again.”

Tonight the moon was full. Wei Rao looked up and saw Lu Zhuo’s cold, clear face.

Having known him so long, Wei Rao had seen Lu Zhuo’s cold expression many times, but this was the first time Lu Zhuo showed such an expression while defending her.

“What exactly did he say?” Wei Rao asked softly.

Lu Zhuo remained silent, not wanting to dirty her ears.

Wei Rao sighed helplessly: “Never mind. I’ll go inform my cousin. You shouldn’t be angry anymore either—go rest in your room first.”

Lu Zhuo wasn’t tired. Looking at her, he said, “I’ll wait for you here.”

His face was still cold with lingering anger, but his gaze had become gentle.

How could Wei Rao bear to blame him for anything more? Han Liao deserved that beating!