Last year, the imperial court achieved a great victory over the Wuda cavalry. With Wuda’s military strength severely damaged, it was expected that they wouldn’t dare cause trouble again for the next several years.

In this prosperous and peaceful era, both officials and commoners rejoiced. With encouragement from the government, this year’s flower lantern festival in the capital would run for three consecutive days.

Duchess Ying felt sorry for Lu Cong and Lu Ze, who would soon leave the capital, so she specially permitted them to go out and wander during these three nights of the flower lantern festival.

Lu Changning also fought to go: “Grandmother mustn’t show favoritism!”

Duchess Ying’s gaze swept over them and instructed her eldest grandson: “Chengcheng, you and Raorao should go together too. These youngsters are too playful—I’ll only feel at ease with you watching over them.”

Wei Rao had been cooped up for ages and was eager to take this opportunity to go out.

Lu Zhuo smiled and said: “Very well.”

At dusk on the fourteenth day, this group of Lu family youngsters set out in a great procession. Wei Rao, Lu Changning, and He Weiyu rode in carriages, while the five Lu brothers rode on horseback.

The capital had several bustling main streets, and tonight the liveliest was undoubtedly Tianshun Street. The Shun River flowed torrentially between the large and small shops on both sides of the street. The hanging flower lanterns cast colorful lights onto the water surface, creating beautiful night scenes everywhere. Whether taking a boat or standing on bridges and riverbanks, one could always find a good spot to carefully appreciate the scenery.

Lu Zhuo and the others parked their carriages and horses in an alley near Tianshun Street, leaving the coachmen to guard them there. The young masters dismounted, the young ladies alighted from their carriages, and they came to Tianshun Street chatting and laughing.

“Let’s first find a place to eat something. After eating, we can properly stroll around,” Lu Changning looked around and turned to discuss with her elder brothers.

Her temperament was lively, and she almost skipped as she turned around. The river breeze blew her face veil, revealing most of her face.

Seeing this, Wei Rao reached up to help Lu Changning pull down her veil.

Lu Changning had a pair of beautiful peach blossom eyes, yet even when her face was exposed, that beauty couldn’t compare to Wei Rao’s smiling phoenix eyes above her veil. Those alluring, water-like eyes reflected the brilliant lamplight, becoming even more intoxicating. It was a kind of charm that made men’s bones itch—far more capable of striking at men’s vital points than a maiden’s simple innocence.

From Lu Ya to Lu Che, all were captivated by the beauty Wei Rao unconsciously displayed. Four pairs of eyes looked at Wei Rao in unison.

“The wind is strong here. Are you cold?”

Lu Zhuo stepped forward, gently inquiring of the three women while smoothly blocking Wei Rao from view.

Lu Ya and the others naturally shifted their gazes away—that was their sister-in-law, and no matter how beautiful, they couldn’t stare.

“Not cold, just want to eat something. Let’s hurry along,” Lu Changning said with a laugh, pulling Wei Rao with one hand and He Weiyu with the other, leading the way.

Wei Rao’s restaurant, Guangxing Tower, was located right on Tianshun Street.

Tianshun Street was so sought-after that even one shop space was hard to come by. The most central areas had long been occupied by major restaurants and shops. Cousin Huo Jue had patiently waited two or three months until finally a relatively edge-located teahouse became available for sale. Huo Jue immediately bought it and transferred it to Wei Rao, later expanding the single-story teahouse into a two-story restaurant. Set off by the small shops on either side, Guangxing Tower appeared quite imposing.

To prevent Guangxing Tower from being suppressed by underhanded tactics from other restaurants, when it first opened, Huo Jue had secretly spent heavily to curry favor with several wealthy young masters from powerful families. Once the scene was properly set, business afterward went much more smoothly.

Huo Jue hadn’t told Wei Rao about these behind-the-scenes dealings, but Wei Rao could guess. Between cousins, too much thanking would be too formal—in the future, if her cousin needed her help with anything, Wei Rao would do her utmost to assist.

“This restaurant has quite good business.”

Guangxing Tower wasn’t in the center of Tianshun Street, which had previously been a disadvantage, but after gaining fame, it had become an advantage. Look—Lu Changning had been viewing various snack stalls along the way, and the first large restaurant she saw immediately piqued her interest.

Wei Rao smiled behind her veil’s concealment.

Lu Zhuo and the others indeed agreed, but when Lu Cong was sent in to inquire about private rooms, he was told that all the private rooms for these three nights had been fully booked.

Lu Changning was dumbfounded: “What kind of restaurant is this? How come I’ve never heard of it before?”

Lu Cong said, “That’s because you rarely go out. I’ve been here twice already.”

His words revealed disappointment—had he known they would be going out tonight, he would have made reservations in advance.

Wei Rao looked up and unexpectedly saw cousin Huo Jue standing at the window of a private room on the second floor, smiling as he waved at her.

Wei Rao’s face showed delighted surprise.

Lu Zhuo observed this and frowned slightly. How she had behaved before was none of his concern, but now Wei Rao was his wife in name. Was she flirting with an outside man in front of him and his cousins? Moreover, that man on the second floor could recognize Wei Rao even with her veil on—just how familiar were they?

“Sister-in-law, do you know him?” Lu Changning came to Wei Rao’s side and asked curiously.

Wei Rao was about to introduce him when a properly featured servant came running out with a smile, bowing to Wei Rao: “Young Madam, our young master has reserved a private room and hasn’t yet ordered dishes. Our young master says, if Young Madam and the heir apparent don’t mind, you could come upstairs for a chat.”

Wei Rao nodded and looked toward Lu Zhuo: “The young master upstairs is my cousin Huo Jue. What does the heir apparent think?”

Upon hearing that the person was surnamed Huo, Lu Zhuo immediately recalled that Wei Rao’s aunt, Da Zhou Shi, had married a wealthy merchant surnamed Huo from Jinzhou.

Huo Jue’s servant addressing Wei Rao as “Young Madam” rather than “Young Miss Cousin” showed that Huo Jue was well-versed in propriety and had guessed his identity.

“Then we’ll trouble Young Master Cousin,” Lu Zhuo said politely.

The group was led by the servant to the private room on the second floor.

When both parties met, Wei Rao happily stood beside her cousin and first introduced everyone to each other.

Huo Jue wore a sapphire blue brocade robe with cloud patterns. His appearance had inherited the best features of both parents, and combined with the refined, modest temperament he had cultivated from following his father in business since childhood, Huo Jue didn’t pale in comparison when standing before Lu Zhuo and the other noble young masters. To be fair, in terms of looks, Huo Jue only lost to Lu Zhuo by a bit—Lu Ya and Lu Cong were both inferior to him.

Wei Rao was proud to have such a cousin. In her view, Lu Zhuo’s ability to protect home and country was a skill, and her cousin’s talent for business and making money was equally a skill. A full national treasury didn’t rely solely on the people’s agricultural taxes—merchants from various regions also contributed greatly.

“Cousin, how did you come to the capital so early? Didn’t you stay home to celebrate the festival with Uncle and Aunt?” After the courtesies were completed, Wei Rao focused on talking with her cousin.

Huo Jue glanced at Lu Zhuo and smiled: “Father and Mother heard that cousin had married a satisfactory husband and were very happy. It’s just that they’re busy arranging their younger sister’s wedding and couldn’t get away, so they ordered me to quickly deliver the cousin’s additional dowry. I just arrived this morning and was planning to send a formal visiting card after the Lantern Festival.”

Wei Rao’s face reddened, feeling that with her false marriage, she shouldn’t accept Uncle and Aunt’s additional dowry.

“Everyone, please sit,” Huo Jue said with a smile, seeing that Lu Zhuo and the others were still standing.

After taking seats, Wei Rao had Lu Zhuo on her left and Huo Jue on her right.

Huo Jue called for a server and invited everyone to order dishes.

“Young Master Cousin has traveled from afar. Tonight I’ll be the host, as a welcome banquet for Young Master Cousin,” Lu Zhuo gestured for Huo Jue to order first.

Huo Jue: “Then I thank the heir apparent.”

He graciously ordered several signature dishes, then Wei Rao, Lu Zhuo, and the others added some more.

The Lu family brothers were numerous and had plenty to chat about. Wei Rao rarely got to see her cousin, so she asked about many things from Taiyuan City, such as how Uncle and Aunt’s health was, and how the preparations for cousin Huo Lin’s wedding were going.

“It’s such a pity that it’s so far away—I can’t go drink at my younger cousin’s wedding feast,” Wei Rao said with great regret, her charming, alluring red lips pouting slightly.

In front of her blood relative cousin, Wei Rao couldn’t help but show some of a young woman’s coquettish manner.

Huo Jue helped Wei Rao add some tea, his gaze proper yet gentle: “There will always be opportunities to meet—no need to rush.” After speaking, Huo Jue looked toward Lu Zhuo: “Would the heir apparent like more tea?”

Lu Zhuo smiled: “I’ll serve myself.”

Huo Jue then passed the tea over. His gaze withdrew from Lu Zhuo’s handsome, noble face, and he lowered his eyes to eat, feeling slightly bitter inside.

Previously, when his cousin’s reputation had been made even worse by the Dragon Boat Festival banquet at the palace, he had still harbored a trace of hope, thinking that after waiting a few more years, there might be an opportunity. He hadn’t expected that one rushed wedding would marry his cousin to Lu Zhuo, such an outstanding top-tier noble young master who stood out from the crowd. Seeing Lu Zhuo in person, Huo Jue was completely convinced. He only hoped that Lu Zhuo would treat his cousin well and not let her suffer any grievances.

After dinner, Wei Rao invited Huo Jue to go lantern-viewing together.

Huo Jue smiled: “I have another appointment, so I won’t go.”

The cousins saw each other too rarely, so when parting, Wei Rao was reluctant to leave and looked back several times.

This was the first time Lu Zhuo had seen Wei Rao like this. In front of him, she was either falsely smiling or dismissive. Her attitude toward Qi Zhongkai was better, but still proper and courteous. Huo Jue was currently the only man who made her show feminine tenderness.

Were they just cousins?

Huo Jue had reserved a private room at Guangxing Tower but hadn’t ordered food for a long time, yet he happened to spot Wei Rao passing below and invited them up in time. No matter how you looked at it, it seemed like Huo Jue had anticipated that Wei Rao might come out lantern-viewing tonight and deliberately came early to wait.

Having filled their stomachs, next came the lantern-viewing.

He Weiyu wanted to buy flower lanterns, so Wei Rao and Lu Changning accompanied her to the lantern shop front. Wei Rao also picked out a small ox-shaped flower lantern.

“Sister-in-law, why did you choose that one?” Lu Changning asked strangely.

Wei Rao smiled without speaking.

The three returned to where the five Lu brothers stood. Lu Zhuo suddenly said to Wei Rao, “Let me accompany you for a private stroll.”

His expression was gentle, and Wei Rao was startled. Was Lu Zhuo overdoing this act?

Lu Changning teasingly cheered and pulled the stunned He Weiyu away with Lu Ya and the others.

Only then did Wei Rao suspiciously ask Lu Zhuo: “Is something the matter?”

Lu Zhuo approached her, raised his hand to adjust the hood of her cloak behind her, and whispered in her ear: “His Majesty has left the palace in plain clothes and encountered us by chance. He wants to summon us.”

Wei Rao looked around in shock and spotted a familiar face in the crowd—Eunuch Kang, the chief eunuch by Emperor Yuanjia’s side.

Eunuch Kang was dressed in common clothes, but that special aura of a chief eunuch clearly distinguished him from ordinary people.

But why was Emperor Yuanjia summoning them?

Wei Rao gave Lu Zhuo an inquiring look.

Lu Zhuo shook his head—he didn’t know either. Eunuch Kang had just suddenly appeared and called them over.

Eunuch Kang led the way in front while Lu Zhuo and Wei Rao silently followed. When passing through crowded areas, Lu Zhuo would pull Wei Rao in front of him to prevent her from being bumped into. This scene of loving spouses naturally had to be performed once more in front of His Majesty.

Eunuch Kang led them to the riverside, where an ordinary pleasure boat that could be seen anywhere was moored.

Boarding the boat, Eunuch Kang lifted the curtain and invited the couple inside.

Lu Zhuo entered first, and Wei Rao followed closely behind.

The space inside the boat canopy was much more spacious than it appeared from the outside, actually divided into inner and outer sections. The inner section was blocked by a curtain, while the outer section had a tea table set up. Emperor Yuanjia was currently sitting in one of the chairs. Just over forty years old, Emperor Yuanjia wore a black brocade robe. His face was pale and beardless, making him appear quite young.

“Your subject and subject’s wife pay respects to Your Majesty.” Lu Zhuo and Wei Rao knelt side by side.

Emperor Yuanjia set down his tea bowl and smiled: “Rise.”

Wei Rao lifted her skirts with both hands and was about to rise when she suddenly noticed a pair of red satin embroidered shoes beneath the fine tassels at the bottom of the inner curtain.

Wei Rao was greatly startled. Could it be that Emperor Yuanjia’s incognito trip from the palace was for… pleasure-seeking?

Prying into imperial secrets was not a wise move. Wei Rao quickly withdrew her gaze and stood respectfully beside Lu Zhuo with lowered brows and submissive eyes.

Emperor Yuanjia paid little attention to Wei Rao, caring instead about Lu Zhuo’s health and whether his injuries had healed.

Lu Zhuo had been wounded protecting the country, so as emperor, showing concern made him appear to be an enlightened ruler.

Lu Zhuo indeed seemed flattered, displaying the manner of a loyal subject willing to die for Emperor Yuanjia at any moment.

Wei Rao found it amusing to watch.

After Emperor Yuanjia had finished talking with Lu Zhuo, he glanced at Wei Rao and instructed Lu Zhuo: “Raorao has a righteous heart and is a good girl. You must not listen to outside gossip and disappoint her kind intentions.”

Lu Zhuo bowed and said, “Your subject dares not.”

Wei Rao chimed in like a dutiful wife: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. Please rest assured—the heir apparent treats me extremely well.”

Emperor Yuanjia smiled and dismissed the young couple to continue their lantern-viewing.

Lu Zhuo helped Wei Rao ashore.

The small boat carrying the emperor slowly rowed away. Wei Rao thought of those embroidered shoes and couldn’t help feeling indignant on behalf of her mother, who was far away at Xishan Palace.

Standing beside her, Lu Zhuo looked at Wei Rao with several more parts of contemplation in his gaze.