It wasn’t difficult to guess that Madam Zeng’s foot injury was part of someone’s scheme.
At first, Ming Shu was too worried about her mother to think much of it. But upon calm reflection, she noticed several oddities. Primarily, it was strange that Lu San’s maid went directly to Lu Chang for help when she emerged from the woods. The Song family had stationed servants every few steps in the Hundred Flower Garden. If the maid needed help, she should have approached a nearby Song servant who could then inform the masters. Why take such a roundabout way to find Lu Chang, who wasn’t even near the woods at the time?
This clearly showed that Lu San wanted to approach Lu Chang, exploiting his filial piety to set a trap for him.
If that were all, it might be forgivable. A young lady using such tactics to get close to her love interest wasn’t entirely unreasonable. However, Qingrao had mentioned being pushed away from Madam Zeng’s side and then misdirected when trying to find her. If these events were planned, it proved that Lu San had meticulously schemed to use Madam Zeng for her own purposes from the start. She had Qingrao sent away, lured Madam Zeng into the woods, then created an opportunity for Lu Chang to come to the rescue. This ploy would earn her gratitude from both Madam Zeng and Lu Chang, crucially putting her a step ahead of other young ladies in approaching Lu Chang.
Given that everything appeared to be a premeditated trap, Madam Zeng’s injury might not have been accidental but deliberately planned. After all, only if Madam Zeng were injured could subsequent events unfold smoothly.
Ming Shu didn’t mind young ladies plotting for their marriages with harmless schemes. But using her mother, even willingly causing Madam Zeng harm just to create a small opportunity to gain favor, was utterly unacceptable to Ming Shu. Often, small actions indicate larger patterns. If Lu San could set such a trap using Madam Zeng just to meet Lu Chang now, what more terrible things might she do when driven by greater desires in the future?
Although Madam Zeng was a perceptive and open-minded person, she had never experienced the intrigues of the inner court and was no match for Lu San. If her brother truly married such a deeply scheming and unscrupulous woman, and Ming Shu was no longer at home, who knew what would become of their peaceful and harmonious household?
“I’m surprised. You’re so young, yet you’re already worrying about your brother’s marriage, planning ahead,” Song Qingzhao chuckled after hearing Ming Shu’s explanation.
It hadn’t taken Ming Shu much effort to get the truth out of Xing Xiang, the maid who had misdirected others. With the incriminating ring still clutched in her hand and Song Qingzhao’s help, the guilt-ridden Xing Xiang quickly confessed everything. She confirmed that Lu San’s maid had secretly given her the ring to create an opportunity to lead Qingrao away.
In most other families, even if there were suspicions, guests wouldn’t typically investigate such matters in someone else’s home. But Ming Shu, concerned about her mother’s injury and her brother’s marriage prospects, felt compelled to look into it seriously.
“His mind is focused on his studies now, and his future career. He hasn’t even thought about marriage. Mother can’t control him, and as his sister, I can interfere even less. The most I can do is keep an eye out for him. If he truly likes that Lu San girl, I can’t oppose it. All I can do is tell him what I’ve seen and let him decide for himself,” Ming Shu replied, fidgeting with the ring. Then, feeling she had burdened Song Qingzhao with family matters, she added, “Thank you for your help today. We couldn’t have uncovered this without you.”
“Madam Zeng was injured while a guest in our home due to our servant’s actions. We bear some responsibility. Helping you is also helping my mother maintain order in the household. How do you plan to handle this? Will you confront her?” Song Qingzhao asked.
Ming Shu continued to fiddle with the ring as she responded, “There’s no need. Clever people don’t need everything spelled out. Confrontation would only make things ugly and put your mother in a difficult position. After all… your mother was hoping to act as a matchmaker, wasn’t she?”
“Thank you for being considerate of my mother. Her intentions were good, but she misjudged the situation. I’ll find another opportunity to explain this to her, so she won’t continue to be deceived,” Song Qingzhao said.
Ming Shu nodded, “That’s right. We should clarify things with Aunt Xu to prevent her from being exploited and causing more trouble in the future.”
With the Lu San matter settled for now, the two slowly walked back. After discussing so much with her, Song Qingzhao couldn’t help but remark, “You and your brother really do think of each other all the time. You’re looking out for him, and he also…”
“What about my brother?” Ming Shu looked back at him.
Song Qingzhao let out a long sigh, unable to finish his thought.
“It’s nothing,” he said, changing the subject. “Ming Shu, do you really have no memories of the past? Not even a little?”
“I can’t remember anything. When I first woke up, I couldn’t even recognize my mother and brother,” Ming Shu said wistfully.
“You don’t remember Lu Chang and Madam Zeng either?”
“No. I can’t recall anything,” Ming Shu nodded. Her past was like a blank scroll, nothing left behind.
Seeing her disappointment, Song Qingzhao hesitated before saying, “Ming Shu, have you noticed… you’re quite different from your brother and mother?”
He found it hard to describe the feeling. While Ming Shu’s relationship with Lu Chang and Madam Zeng was very harmonious, many small details made him feel that Ming Shu was very different from them. Certainly, Madam Zeng was kind and Lu Chang was outstanding, but upbringing shapes a person. It seemed unlikely that an ordinary family could raise a child like Ming Shu.
“What are you trying to say?” Ming Shu’s smile vanished abruptly, her demeanor becoming defensive.
Sensing her resistance, Song Qingzhao said, “Nothing.”
Ming Shu didn’t pursue the topic further. Instead, she unconsciously touched the gold bracelet on her wrist. When she first woke up, she had the same questions as Song Qingzhao. But with such a loving mother and brother, she didn’t want to dwell on those thoughts.
As the midday banquet was half over, the third daughter of the Lu family, Lu San, excused herself to change clothes, heading towards a side hall with her maid. However, at a fork in the path, they changed direction.
“Is the information reliable?” Lu San asked her maid as they walked.
The maid replied, “Absolutely certain, Miss. As you instructed, we had someone watching in the outer courtyard. The news came from Lai’an, Candidate Lu’s attendant. It couldn’t be more accurate. Candidate Lu drank a bit too much while accompanying the Third Prince and is now resting in Xunfeng Pavilion, alone. If you go now, Miss, you should be able to encounter him.”
Lu San nodded with satisfaction. “Well done.”
The maid humbly accepted the praise, then asked curiously, “But Miss, although Lu Chang is the top scholar, his family background is ordinary. Why go to such lengths to approach him?”
“You don’t understand,” Lu San explained. “According to Father, children’s marriages are merely tools for profit. He’d likely choose based on family, not the individual. Even marrying into a prestigious household might not be satisfying. This top scholar is actually preferable. His ordinary background means he’ll surely be respectful after marriage. His mother is easy to handle, and though his sister shows some cleverness, she’s not a real threat. In the future, I’d rule the inner court alone. Moreover, Lu Chang has true talent and ability. His future prospects are assured. When the time comes, it will be my day to shine.”
“Even so, the madam has already been planning for you, and the master is quite pleased with Candidate Lu. They would surely arrange this marriage for you if you just say the word. Why do you need to…”
Why take matters into her own hands?
“It’s because Lu Chang is cold by nature. I’ve heard that when it comes to his marriage, no one can make decisions for him unless he agrees. Even if his parents worry about it, could they force him if he’s unwilling? I have to put in some effort to make Lu Chang completely devoted to me.” As Lu San spoke, a smug smile spread across her face.
The young maid suddenly understood, pointing at a small open pavilion ahead. “Miss, that’s Xunfeng Pavilion.”
Banana trees surrounded the pavilion on all sides. Through the leaves, they could vaguely see someone resting under a bamboo curtain, with another person standing nearby – it was indeed Lai’an, Lu Chang’s attendant.
The mistress and maid circled around the banana trees. The maid supported Lu San, pretending to say, “Miss, watch your step. There’s a small pavilion here. We’ve been walking for a while, why don’t we go in and rest?”
Lu San softly agreed. As they entered the pavilion and saw Lai’an, she was about to express her surprise when her gaze shifted. She realized the person sitting under the bamboo curtain wasn’t Lu Chang at all.
Ming Shu sat there, chin resting on her hand, smiling brightly. “Miss Lu San, what a coincidence.”
Lu San’s face changed slightly, but she managed to keep her composure. Her maid, however, couldn’t help blurting out, “How come it’s you? Isn’t it supposed to be Lu…”
“Xiao Yu!” Lu San sharply rebuked, cutting off her maid’s words.
“Who did you think it would be?” Ming Shu raised an eyebrow, then turned to Lai’an, “You can go now. My brother needs you by his side.”
Lai’an agreed and quickly left.
Lu San suddenly realized she had fallen into a trap. Her face flushed red then pale in quick succession. She had greatly underestimated this Ming Shu.
Ming Shu’s smile didn’t fade. “Miss Lu, you don’t look well. Why don’t you sit down and rest?”
“No need. Since you’re resting here, we won’t disturb you,” Lu San replied, forcing herself to remain calm. Though she had some poise, she was still inexperienced. Having her scheme exposed, she was filled with shame and anger, wanting nothing more than to leave immediately.
“Why such a hurry? Didn’t you say you’d walked quite a ways and wanted to come in to rest? Don’t worry about disturbing me. It’s boring just sitting here alone. I’d love to chat with you,” Ming Shu said.
Seeing Ming Shu lounging there, her bright eyes seeming to see right through her, made Lu San feel even more like a fool. Extremely embarrassed, she said, “No, thank you. We just got lost while going to change clothes. We’ve been gone so long, Mother might worry. We should get back.”
“What a pity. I thought we could talk a bit more,” Ming Shu didn’t insist further, but as Lu San turned to leave, she called out, “Miss Lu, wait a moment. Since we’re acquainted, there’s something I’d like to give you. Would you accept it?”
Lu San turned back to see Ming Shu casually toss something towards her, landing in her arms.
She steadied herself and looked at the object. Her face immediately turned as colorful as an overturned paint shop.
It was none other than the ring she had used to bribe Xing Xiang, the maid from the Song family.
That night, after the banquet ended, the Duke’s mansion returned to its usual calm.
Song Qingzhao took the opportunity to tell Madam Xu about the day’s events while accompanying her for dinner. As expected, Madam Xu was furious.
“How outrageous! That Lu girl dared to use such underhanded tactics in our home! I thought she was a pure-hearted child, but it seems it was all an act. How despicable!” Madam Xu, who despised such manipulative schemes, was livid. “I’ll speak to her mother about this tomorrow!”
“Mother, since Ming Shu has chosen not to pursue this matter, let’s not betray her trust. Making a fuss would only create tension between our families. We should just be more cautious in the future,” Song Qingzhao advised.
Still unsatisfied, Madam Xu ordered the disloyal Xing Xiang to be punished, which slightly eased her anger. She then said, “That Ming Shu child is quite sensible. Though her family background is ordinary, her character is exceptional. It’s rare that you like her too. I’ve discussed this marriage with your father, and we can proceed with it. What do you think? If you agree, I’ll send a matchmaker in the next few days.”
Surprisingly, Song Qingzhao shook his head.
“Mother, there’s no rush.”
He had a feeling that if they proposed marriage now, it would likely be unsuccessful.
“No rush? Don’t you know how sought after Ming Shu is in the capital right now? The top scholar’s sister and the Minister of Rites’ own daughter – those who want to marry her are as numerous as fish crossing a river. If we wait too long, someone else will marry her!” Madam Xu was both amused and exasperated by his response.
He was the one who said he liked Ming Shu, but now that his parents had agreed, he wasn’t in a hurry.
“It’s fine, let’s wait a bit longer,” Song Qingzhao insisted.
Madam Xu was thoroughly frustrated. “You child, I can’t control you anymore! I really can’t…”
Song Qingzhao apologized and left Madam Xu’s room. He then summoned his personal attendant.
“Go to Jiangning County yourself and investigate Lu Chang’s background thoroughly.”
As night fell, the fragrance of zongzi filled the air.
The Lu family’s Dragon Boat Festival dinner wasn’t cancelled despite their visit to the Duke’s mansion. This intimate family gathering was held in Lu Chang’s courtyard, with Madam Zeng, Lu Chang, and Ming Shu enjoying a small feast around a table.
Besides various dishes, the table was adorned with different types of zongzi personally wrapped by Madam Zeng, filled with various ingredients. Each zongzi was small, and when unwrapped, revealed glistening rice grains with an enticing aroma. Each one was cut into thirds for the three to share, allowing them to taste every flavor without overindulging.
Madam Zeng, tired from socializing at the Duke’s mansion, sat for a short while before having Qingrao help her back to her room to rest. Ming Shu, who hadn’t eaten much at the Duke’s mansion, was now enjoying her meal wholeheartedly at home.
“It’s so much more comfortable eating at home!” she exclaimed.
Lu Chang sipped wine from a celadon cup, keeping Ming Shu company. After she had eaten her fill, he spoke up: “Did you have fun at the Duke’s mansion today?”
“Not at all!” she replied. How could she have enjoyed it when it had been so mentally and physically draining?
“Is that so? I thought you must have been having a great time since you even sent Lai’an away,” Lu Chang remarked.
Ming Shu, who was about to eat her fourth zongzi, put it down and said, “How is it that I can’t hide anything from you?”
As her sleeve slid down, revealing the colorful longevity thread on her right wrist, Lu Chang, slightly tipsy, stared at it.
“What were you trying to hide?” he asked.
Ming Shu sat beside him and said, “Brother, you’re not upset that I ruined your marriage prospects and drove away your beautiful lady, are you?”
“What if I am?” Lu Chang half-closed his eyes.
He had seen through Lu San’s intentions but had chosen to avoid her rather than confront her at the time. He hadn’t expected Ming Shu to intervene on his behalf.
“Even if you’re upset, she had to go!” Ming Shu put down her chopsticks forcefully and said fiercely, “I don’t like that Lu San! You’re not allowed to associate with her!”
For some reason, Lu Chang felt somewhat pleased. “Why don’t you like her?”
“Because she lacks integrity and has ill intentions. She’s not suitable as a wife. In short, I don’t approve and won’t accept her as a sister-in-law. If you’ve set your heart on her and won’t have anyone else, then…”
“Then what?” Lu Chang asked.
“Then I’ll sever our sibling relationship!” Ming Shu threw out these weighty words.
Unexpectedly, Lu Chang simply said, “Ah.”
As if that was exactly what he wanted.
“…” Ming Shu was stunned for as long as it would take to eat five mouthfuls of zongzi before she reacted, “Brother… you… how could you…”
Lu Chang chuckled softly.
Ming Shu hadn’t seen him smile like this in a long time, so she stared at him intently.
After he finished laughing, Lu Chang said, “If you don’t like someone, I won’t pay them any attention. Is that alright?”
Ming Shu finally brightened up: “That’s more like it.”
She moved closer to Lu Chang and said, “Brother, don’t worry. I’ll vet your marriage prospects for you. I’ll definitely find you a better lady. I’ve been asking around – the daughter from the Jia family is gentle, and the one from the Liu family is sweet…”
“Enough!” Lu Chang’s mood soured. “Are you that eager for me to take a wife?”
“‘A name on the golden roster, a night in the bridal chamber’ – these are life’s greatest joys. Brother, you’ve already achieved half of it. Don’t you want to complete the other half?”
“I do,” Lu Chang stared at her.
Ming Shu’s heart skipped a beat.
“But I’ll choose my own wife. These you’ve picked don’t count. Don’t waste your effort.”
“Are you still thinking about that girl from Jiangning County? She might have already married someone else!”
“No, she hasn’t married,” Lu Chang drained his cup.
“If you’re sure, then go back and find her!”
“…”
“Ah? When will you go back?”
“Soon, very soon.”
————
May quickly passed, and June brought the start of the hot season.
The new shop was completed, radiant in its grand opening.