After returning to Jianye, Lu Sanrang was appointed as Director of the Imperial Secretariat and entered the central government’s core, having achieved great merit in resolving the northern and southern border conflicts through peaceful negotiations. Among the Lu family’s current generation, Lu Yun was the first to enter core political power at such a young age. Though he benefited from the wartime circumstances, his abilities were also admirable.
Left Minister Lu Mao breathed a great sigh of relief, seeing hope for the Lu family’s future. For years, though the Third Young Master had been renowned, he had spent his days consorting with Prince Chen while neglecting political affairs. Meanwhile, his son Lu Xian loved traveling and sightseeing, clearly showing no interest in court politics. Lu Mao had long worried whether the next generation could maintain the Lu family’s position in Jianye. Now that the Third Young Master had entered the court’s inner circle, and was from their direct line, even though it wasn’t his son rising to power, Lu Mao would offer his full support.
Lu Yun might very well become the Lu family’s next patriarch.
For great families like the Lu clan to maintain their prosperity, they couldn’t be rigid in selecting the family head, focusing solely on the eldest legitimate son. If an outstanding young master wasn’t from the direct line, the Lu family’s usual practice was to have him adopted, ensuring he was at least part of the legitimate line. At least Lu Yun himself was already of the direct line, guaranteeing the Lu family’s pure bloodline… Though somewhat regretful for his son, Minister Lu generally supported Lu Yun’s rise to power.
If his brother were still alive, surely he would be gratified to see his son’s excellence?
…
As Director of the Imperial Secretariat, sharing power with the Department of State Affairs, and using his influence to help Prince Chen Liu Shu, who currently lacked the Emperor’s favor, regain his position—court affairs were numerous, keeping Lu Yun too busy to return home. During his absence, many events unfolded within the Lu family’s inner courtyard.
On Luo Lingyu’s first day entering the Lu family gates as Third Young Madam, the family elders gave her a harsh welcome. By custom, as the legitimate Third Young Madam, she should have entered the Lu family ancestral temple after her marriage to pay respects to the ancestors and have her name recorded in the family registry. However, the Lu family patriarch made excuses to delay, refusing to let her enter the ancestral temple.
The Lu family patriarch strongly disapproved of the Third Young Master’s new bride being from a declined noble family. Previously, it was only after Old Madam Lu and Old Lord Lu interceded for their grandson that the patriarch relented and agreed to let Luo Lingyu enter the family. But entering the ancestral temple—was that necessary? A woman from a fallen noble family, mismatched with the Lu family’s status, while outsiders daily pointed fingers and ridiculed the Lu family, mocking the Third Young Master’s degradation… The patriarch was full of anger; it already showed great restraint not to berate Luo Lingyu to her face.
Of course, not berating Luo Lingyu directly was also due to her great beauty, making it difficult to speak harshly.
Old Madam Lu remained neutral on this matter.
Madam Lu had no right to interfere, and since Luo Lingyu wasn’t her daughter-in-law, she didn’t need to concern herself.
The entire Lu household watched to see Luo Lingyu make a fool of herself.
Yet Luo Lingyu maintained remarkable composure.
She was no longer the young lady who had just entered Jianye last year, crying because no one celebrated her birthday. Back then, she had been helpless and uncertain of her future, tormented inside and suffocating under various external pressures, which led to her crying and becoming a source of amusement for Lu Yun. But now it was different. She was married, with someone to rely on. She knew well that Lu Yun loved her, and even if the entire Lu family opposed her, he wouldn’t abandon her.
Only they could shake the feelings between her and Lu Yun.
With no worries about her backing and a steady heart, she could remain composed in handling the current conflicts.
On her first day back at the Lu family, Luo Lingyu first visited each elder with a bright smile. Quick-witted, she mentioned Princess Ningping who had not yet married into the family, both showing off her friendship with the princess and speaking of how she would care for the princess after her arrival. Through this, Luo Lingyu moved Madam Lu to accompany her in visiting the Lu family elders, bringing gifts to each.
The young lady had a lotus-like face with phoenix eyes, her figure graceful and elegant, moving like a willow branch parting flowers as she walked. Her eyes held a smile, and she responded neither humbly nor arrogantly to whatever the Lu family elders said. With such a good attitude, she also brought specialties from Nanyang. The gifts weren’t just targeted at individual preferences—she remembered everyone, forgetting no one. In just one day, the Lu family elders’ expressions had improved considerably.
At least during the evening meal, they didn’t make things difficult for Luo Lingyu at the table.
Luo Lingyu stayed in “Xuesu Court” that night, and the next day she organized the courtyard with her maids before moving gracefully to the Second Branch’s “Qing Court.” The maids of the Qing Court, led by Jinyue, anxiously welcomed the Third Young Madam’s arrival. Though Young Miss Cousin had visited “Qing Court” before, chatting easily with maid Jinyue and understanding their difficulties in dealing with someone as particular as the Third Young Master, who knew if the Young Miss Cousin, now become Third Young Madam, would still treat them well?
Many young masters replaced all their household servants after marriage, switching to those their wives were accustomed to.
Luo Lingyu spent a day handling the affairs of “The Qing Court’s” inner quarters. Among her maids, except for Lingxi, all were from the Lu family. Since they were all to be used anyway, Lu Yun’s servants would naturally be kept as well. Moreover, after questioning Jinyue about how particular the Third Young Master usually was, she decisively decided to keep the old servants—new maids would need time to be trained, and she couldn’t let her husband’s quality of life decline after marriage, could she?
With Jinyue’s help, Luo Lingyu used both reward and discipline to win over these servants.
On the third day, Luo Lingyu began implementing her detailed plan regarding the Lu family patriarch who wouldn’t let her enter the ancestral temple. She made indirect inquiries, starting with the patriarch’s children and in-laws—the patriarch wasn’t made of iron, there would always be relationships she could find gaps in, ways to move him…
Three days later, Luo Lingyu resolved a conflict between the patriarch’s youngest son and daughter-in-law, and they directly promised to let her meet the patriarch.
Another day later, Lu Yun received his wife’s message amidst his busy schedule and returned home to enter the ancestral temple with Luo Lingyu, watching as her name was written beside his own. Lu Yun only stayed for a few hours before leaving again, and behind him, the Lu family’s young masters all gazed wistfully at the beautiful cousin who had finally abandoned them to marry the Third Young Master.
As repayment for Madam Lu’s assistance along the way, Luo Lingyu directed her gratitude toward Madam Lu’s future daughter-in-law, Princess Ningping Liu Tang. She repeatedly invited Liu Tang as a guest and created opportunities for Liu Tang and the Second Young Master to be alone together. Madam Lu was particularly pleased with Luo Lingyu’s reciprocation.
Old Madam Lu observed coldly for several days and had to admit that her husband, the Old Lord Lu’s analysis was correct. Though the Third Young Madam might be of humble birth, her capability in handling affairs, having shed that urgent utilitarian heart, was quite noteworthy.
The strong utilitarian mindset had been because Luo Lingyu was desperate to marry, desperate to find someone to help handle her troubles; once she found that person and lost such intense utilitarianism, she became more fully prepared to deal with various matters around her. Moreover, from Jianye to Nanyang, the chaos of war in Nanyang had all helped broaden this woman’s horizons.
No longer limited to small favors, having a more far-sighted view—this was the beginning of why Old Madam Lu came to value Luo Lingyu.
This day at breakfast, Luo Lingyu smiled as she spoke of hosting a banquet at home, inviting Jianye’s young ladies and gentlemen to their household. Since Madam Lu habitually disliked going out, the Lu family rarely held feasts, and as the Third Young Madam spoke so interestingly about it, all the women became interested.
After breakfast, while the women gathered around Luo Lingyu to ask about specific details, Madam Lu properly accompanied her mother-in-law in rinsing her mouth in the inner chamber.
After drinking a cup of tea, Old Madam Lu said slowly: “Starting tomorrow, let Lingyu follow at your side and help you manage the household affairs together.”
Madam Lu: “…!”
Managing household affairs had always been the authority of the family’s primary lady. For example, Luo Lingyu only had the right to manage the Second Branch’s “Qing Court’s” affairs, unable to extend her influence to the Main Branch. However, if Madam Lu were willing, she could interfere in the Third Young Master’s courtyard matters. It was only because Madam Lu came from such a high background that she never managed the Second Branch’s affairs, not wanting to invite gossip.
Now Old Madam Lu wanted Luo Lingyu to learn household management alongside her… Did this mean that in the future, the Lu family’s household authority would be handed over to Luo Lingyu?
What about her daughter-in-law then?
Madam Lu’s expression was pained: “Mother…”
Old Madam Lu couldn’t bear to see her daughter-in-law’s miserable expression and waved her hand saying: “It’s just helping you, that’s all. When Princess Ningping marries, she’ll learn alongside you too. It’s far too early to say who among the next generation’s children will hold power. If you think well of Princess Ningping, just guide her more in daily matters.”
Madam Lu responded glumly: “…Yes.”
But sharing power with Luo Lingyu? How could she have so little confidence in her daughter-in-law?
With Old Madam Lu having spoken, Madam Lu had no choice but to comply. Luo Lingyu was overjoyed—she never imagined she would be able to handle the Lu family’s internal affairs so soon. She had thought it would take at least a year or two, but since Madam Lu was letting her follow along, Luo Lingyu naturally wouldn’t give up this opportunity.
Her parents had passed away early, and her only aunt loved entertainment and never taught her household management. Later at the Luo family in Nanyang, she had exhausted herself just learning the four arts—where would she have had more time to please the elders and learn other things? While ordinary noble ladies might not care about Madam Lu’s lessons, this was Luo Lingyu’s first experience.
Thus she put in even more effort.
And achieved even better results.
…
The court had a break every five days. When Third Young Master Lu Yun returned to the Lu family, he heard the entire household praising his wife. Even though Lu Yun usually didn’t care about such things, when everyone praised his wife, he still felt secretly proud.
That afternoon, Luo Lingyu sat in her chamber working on an abacus. Her sister, being lively, had slipped out to play early in the morning. Thus, in the chamber, only Luo Lingyu remained, quietly calculating accounts with her abacus. As she was writing, she suddenly heard the sound of jade ornaments clinking and footsteps approaching from outside.
The maids hadn’t announced anyone. Luo Lingyu paused, slowly raising her head to think who it might be when her husband bent down from behind and wrapped his arms around her waist.
His nose brushed against her delicate cheek, cool to the touch, making ripples in the young lady’s heart. She heard him say teasingly: “Incredible, I hear the Third Young Madam has made progress and started managing household affairs. On my way back, servants kept asking me when this month’s allowances would be distributed. I wondered why they were asking me… turns out I’m benefiting from the Third Young Madam’s influence.”
Being held from behind, smelling the cool fragrance from his sleeves, her waist tingled and her mind grew hazy. She tried to maintain composure, modestly saying: “Not at all, I’m just helping Aunt with errands. I still follow Aunt’s instructions.”
After marriage, she naturally called Madam Lu “Aunt” along with Lu Yun, rather than “Cousin-Aunt.”
Lu Yun nuzzled her face and nodded solemnly: “It seems you’ve truly become formidable. You’ve even learned ‘modesty.'”
Luo Lingyu felt in her heart that she was indeed formidable, she was just being insincere. When Lu Yun teased her like this, she burst out laughing. The young lady tilted her head back proudly, her upturned nose brushing against her husband’s as he bent down. The touch was subtle yet electrifying. The young man and lady’s cheeks pressed together, both clear and beautiful, a pleasing sight to behold.
Luo Lingyu couldn’t help but laugh up at Lu Yun, lounging in his embrace. Lu Yun spread his arms and lifted her straight up. The young lady cried out in surprise and wrapped her arms around his neck, watching him nervously as he spun her in a circle. Long sleeves flying, Lu Yun carried her directly to the nearby couch and sat down.
Luo Lingyu giggled continuously, wanting to be modest but unable to resist sharing with Lu Yun: “That’s right, your family all praised me. When I find the chance, I’ll secretly increase your monthly allowance.”
She nuzzled against him affectionately: “My husband is so busy and tired, how can a few taels per month be enough?”
Lu Yun smiled dismissively: “Then I’ll have to rely on the Third Young Madam’s care in the future.”
In truth, they both knew well that his luxurious lifestyle meant the Lu family’s allowance barely covered his minor expenses. Taking an allowance from the Lu family was merely a symbol of status.
Lu Yun held his wife, letting Luo Lingyu sit on his knee. The young lady excitedly chattered about household affairs, telling him how remarkable she was at managing things. Her beautiful eyes sparkled as she blinked at Lu Yun, waiting for his lavish praise. Lu Yun deliberately said: “Don’t get carried away. When Second Brother’s wife arrives, you mustn’t compete with her. I don’t want to become distant from Second Brother because of this.”
Luo Lingyu dismissed this: “The capable should do more. Aren’t you competing with Second Brother by rising so quickly in your court position? Whatever happens later, we can’t give up from the start.”
Lu Yun smiled slightly, unconcerned: “As you wish.”
He found the affairs of large families like the Lu household too numerous and troublesome. Since Luo Lingyu wasn’t afraid of trouble and was full of enthusiasm, he’d let her busy herself. However, having finally found time to be home, he naturally hadn’t come to watch Luo Lingyu work her abacus… Lu Yun reached into her clothes and pinched her waist.
Her skin was as soft as flower petals.
One pinch made her cry out.
She smacked his shoulder, her alluring eyes dancing, threads of affection falling as she cast him a bewitching glance.
Lu Yun chuckled softly: “…Want more?”
Luo Lingyu glared at him, and he didn’t hesitate, leaning in to kiss her lips. Luo Lingyu’s heart burned as she held him tight. She hadn’t seen him for so long, and he was so handsome and refined—her heart had already stirred when she wrapped her arms around his waist. Luo Lingyu closed her eyes, preparing to receive Lu Yun’s advances.
But he suddenly pulled away, his lips parting from hers.
Lu Yun’s lips were stained with a touch of crimson honey, brilliantly lovely against his jade-like features, presenting an extremely frivolous beauty. But he frowned: “…Why is today’s lip rouge so sweet? Has your skill declined so dramatically?”
He gave her a deeply disappointed look.
Luo Lingyu gritted her teeth: …This man was so particular—before he complained it was bitter, now he complained it was sweet.
Unable to bear his look of disappointment, she defended herself: “I provided the formula, and Jinyue and Lingyu made it together. I spend all day with Madam Lu, when would I have time to make it myself? Don’t accuse me of losing my touch!”
She hooked her eyes at him and kissed his chin, coaxing: “Without Brother Xuecheng here, I haven’t had the heart to do anything else.”
No heart to make cosmetics, yet plenty of heart to manage household affairs. She was just a young woman moved by profit. Lu Yun didn’t expose her, only smiling: “Then what should we do? It’s so sweet, brother can’t continue kissing.”
After all her romantic feelings had been stirred up, he was being so difficult. Luo Lingyu raged: “…If it’s too sweet then don’t kiss me!”
She moved to jump down from his lap, no longer willing to humor him.
Lu Yun caught her waist from behind, pulling her back, and laughed: “Alright, alright, don’t be angry. How about brother helps you make rouge together?”
Luo Lingyu’s heart stirred, and she gave him a sidelong glance: “Really?”
Lu Yun stared at his incredibly beautiful wife, his eyes darkening as he said in a low voice: “Of course it’s real… but before that, please go bathe first. Let your husband have his pleasure first.”
Luo Lingyu: “…”