The plot behind Madam Zeng’s twisted ankle wasn’t hard to guess. Initially, Ming Shu was too worried about her mother to think much about it, but upon calm reflection later, several suspicious details emerged. First, when Third Miss Lu’s maid came out of the grove seeking help, it was strange that she went directly to Lu Chang.
While the Song family had servants stationed every five steps throughout Hundred Flower Garden, instead of seeking help from nearby Song family servants who could then inform their masters, why did she go out of her way to find Lu Chang, who wasn’t even near the grove at the time?
This was Third Miss Lu’s scheme to get close to Lu Chang, using his filial piety as a trap.
If that were all, it might have been excusable – a young lady using underhanded methods to get close to her love interest wasn’t uncommon. However, Qing Yao mentioned being pushed away from Madam Zeng’s side and then being given wrong directions when looking for her.
If these were all planned, it proved that from the beginning, Third Miss Lu had deliberately used Madam Zeng for her purposes – sending Qing Yao away, luring Madam Zeng into the small grove, and then finding an opportunity to bring Lu Chang there, creating this encounter. This way, she could gain both Madam Zeng’s gratitude and Lu Chang’s appreciation, and most importantly, she had gotten ahead of other young ladies in approaching Lu Chang.
Since everything was a pre-planned trap, Madam Zeng’s injury might not have been accidental but premeditated, because only with Madam Zeng injured could subsequent events unfold naturally.
Ming Shu didn’t mind young ladies employing harmless schemes for their marriage prospects, but using her mother, even willing to hurt Madam Zeng just to create a tiny opportunity to gain favor – this was something Ming Shu could never accept. Often, small actions reveal bigger truths – if she could set up such a trap using Madam Zeng just to meet Lu Chang today, then when she has greater desires in the future, what more terrible things might she do for her benefit?
Although Madam Zeng was an insightful and open-minded person, she hadn’t experienced the darkness of inner courtyards in this life and was no match for Third Miss Lu. If Brother married such a calculating and unscrupulous woman, and with Ming Shu no longer at home, who knew what this peaceful, harmonious household would become?
“Surprising to see you, so young yet already worried about your brother’s marriage prospects, and planning,” Song Qing Zhao said with a laugh after hearing Ming Shu’s explanation.
It didn’t take much effort for Ming Shu to find the little maid who had given the wrong directions. Through Xing Xiang’s questioning, with Song Qing Zhao’s help and the ring still clutched in her hand as evidence, the guilty Xing Xiang couldn’t resist and quickly confessed everything – Third Miss Lu’s maid had indeed secretly given her the ring to find an opportunity to lead Qing Yao away.
In other households, even if there were suspicions, as guests in someone else’s home, people generally wouldn’t investigate thoroughly. Only Ming Shu pursued this seriously because of her mother’s injury and its connection to her brother’s marriage prospects.
“His mind used to be entirely on studies, now it’s on his career – he hasn’t thought about marriage at all. Mother can’t control him, and as his sister, I can interfere even less. I can only try to be vigilant for him. If he takes a liking to Third Miss Lu, I can’t oppose it. All I can do is tell him what I’ve observed and let him decide for himself,” Ming Shu replied while fingering the ring, then added somewhat embarrassedly, “This matter wouldn’t have been cleared up today without your help, thank you.”
“Madam Zeng was injured as a guest in our home because of our servant – we bear some responsibility. Helping you is also helping my mother clean up the inner court. How do you plan to handle this? Do you want to confront her?” Song Qing Zhao asked.
Ming Shu continued rubbing the ring in her hand and said, “No need. Smart people don’t need everything spelled out. Breaking your face would only make things awkward and put your mother in a difficult position. After all… your mother intended to be a matchmaker, right?”
“Thank you for being considerate of my mother. She meant well but misjudged her character. I’ll find another opportunity to tell her about this to prevent her from being deceived further,” Song Qing Zhao said.
Ming Shu nodded: “Yes, Aunt Xu should be informed to prevent her from being used again and causing more trouble.”
As the matter of Third Miss Lu was temporarily settled, the two walked back slowly. After discussing so much with her, Song Qing Zhao couldn’t help but comment, “You siblings think of each other constantly – you helping your brother evaluate people, and your brother also…”
“What about my brother?” Ming Shu turned to look at him.
Song Qing Zhao let out a long sigh, unable to continue.
“Nothing,” he changed the subject and asked, “Ming Shu, do you have no memories of the past? Not even a little?”
“I can’t remember. When I first woke up, I couldn’t even recognize Mother and Brother,” Ming Shu said dejectedly.
“Not even Lu Chang and Madam Zeng?”
“No. I can’t remember anything,” Ming Shu nodded. The past was like a blank scroll, nothing remained.
Song Qing Zhao saw her disappointment and after careful consideration suddenly said, “Ming Shu, have you noticed… you’re quite different from your brother and mother?”
He found it difficult to describe that feeling. Although 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. True, Madam Zeng was kind and Lu Chang was excellent, but upbringing determines lifestyle – an ordinary family would find it hard to raise a child like Ming Shu.
“What are you trying to say?” Ming Shu suddenly withdrew her smile, like a defensive hedgehog.
Sensing her resistance, Song Qing Zhao said, “Nothing.”
Ming Shu didn’t pursue the topic either, but unconsciously touched the gold bracelet on her wrist – when she first woke up, she had the same doubts as Song Qing Zhao, but with such a kind mother and such a good brother, she didn’t want to think too much about it.
Halfway through the lunch banquet, Third Miss Lu excused herself to change clothes and headed towards the side hall with her maid, but at the fork in the path, they changed direction.
“Is the information reliable?” Third Miss Lu asked while walking.
The maid replied, “Absolutely true. Following your instructions, we had someone watching in the outer court, and the news came from Lai An, Top Scholar Lu’s servant – it couldn’t be more accurate. Top Scholar Lu drank a few extra cups while accompanying the Third Prince and is now resting in Xun Feng Pavilion, alone. If you go now, you should be able to meet him.”
Third Miss Lu nodded with satisfaction: “Well done.”
The maid gave a humble response, then asked puzzledly, “But Miss, although Lu Chang is the Top Scholar, his family background is ordinary. Why go to such lengths to approach him?”
“What do you know? According to Father’s wishes, children’s marriages are just tools for profit, mostly choosing family over person. Even marrying into a prestigious household doesn’t guarantee happiness, so why not this Top Scholar? His ordinary background means he’ll surely be respectful after marriage, his mother is easy to handle, and although his sister shows some cleverness, she’s not worth worrying about – the inner court will surely be under one person’s control in the future. Lu Chang also has real talent and ability, his prospects are assured – it’s just a matter of time before he rises.”
“Even so, with Madam already planning for you and Master quite satisfied with Top Scholar Lu, they would naturally speak up for you when the time comes. Why do you need to…”
Why take matters into your own hands?
“It’s because Lu Chang is cold by nature. I hear that when it comes to his marriage, no one can make decisions except him. Even if the parents are concerned, if Lu Chang is unwilling, can the family force him? It’s necessary to put in some effort to make Lu Chang completely devoted.” Third Miss Lu said while wearing a proud smile.
The little maid suddenly understood and pointed at an open pavilion ahead: “Miss, that’s Xun Feng Pavilion.”
The pavilion was surrounded by banana trees, and through the banana leaves, one could vaguely see someone resting under the bamboo curtain, with someone standing beside him – it was indeed Lu Chang’s servant Lai An.
The mistress and maid circled the banana trees, and the little maid supported Third Miss Lu, pretending to say, “Miss, watch your step. There’s a small pavilion here – we’ve walked quite a way, why don’t we rest inside?”
Third Miss Lu gave a soft response and stepped into the pavilion with her maid. Seeing Lai An, she was about to express surprise at the coincidence when her gaze shifted and she saw that the person sitting under the bamboo curtain wasn’t Lu Chang.
Ming Shu sat there with her hand propping up her chin, smiling: “Third Miss Lu, what a coincidence.”
Third Miss Lu’s face changed slightly, but she maintained her composure. However, her maid couldn’t help blurting out: “Why is it you? Isn’t it supposed to be Lu…”
“Little Yu!” Third Miss Lu sharply rebuked, cutting off her maid’s words.
“Who did you think it would be?” Ming Shu raised an eyebrow, then said to Lai An, “Go on, Brother needs you by his side.”
Lai An responded and quickly left.
Third Miss Lu suddenly realized she had fallen into a trap. Her face alternately flushed red and pale – she had greatly underestimated this Lu Ming Shu.
Ming Shu’s smile didn’t diminish: “Third Miss Lu, you don’t look well. Why don’t you sit down and rest?”
“No need. Since Miss Lu is resting here, we won’t disturb you,” Third Miss Lu forced out. Though she had some sophistication, she was still inexperienced at heart. Having her schemes exposed, she was full of shame and anger, wanting nothing more than to leave immediately.
“Why such hurry? Didn’t you say you’d walked quite a way and wanted to rest? Don’t worry about disturbing me – just sitting here alone is boring, I’d love to chat with you.” Ming Shu said.
Third Miss Lu watched her lounging there, bright eyes seeming to see through to one’s heart, making herself feel even more like a fool. Extremely embarrassed and annoyed, she said: “No need. I just got lost while going to change clothes. I’ve been gone so long, Mother might worry. I should go.”
“What a pity, I thought I could chat more with Third Miss Lu.” Ming Shu didn’t press further, but as Lu San turned to leave, she called out, “Third Miss Lu, wait a moment. Since we’re acquainted, I have something I’d like to give you. Please accept it.”
Third Miss Lu turned around to see Ming Shu casually tossing something that landed in her arms.
She steadied herself and looked at it, her face immediately showing an array of expressions like an overturned paint shop.
It was none other than the ring she had used to bribe the Song family’s maid Xing Xiang.
That night, after the banquet dispersed, the Duke’s mansion returned to peace.
While accompanying Madam Xu for dinner, Song Qing Zhao told her about the day’s events. As expected, Madam Xu flew into a rage.
“How outrageous! That Lu girl employed such underhanded methods in our home! I wrongly thought she was a pure-hearted child, never imagining it was all an act. How detestable!” Madam Xu, who particularly hated those who employed devious schemes, was furious. “I’ll speak to her mother tomorrow!”
“Mother, since Ming Shu has chosen not to pursue the matter, let’s not disappoint her intentions. Making it public won’t benefit any of the three families and will only create ill feelings. Just be more careful in the future,” Song Qing Zhao advised.
Madam Xu was still angry and ordered the treacherous Xing Xiang to be detained and punished before calming slightly. She then said: “Ming Shu is truly sensible. Though her family background is ordinary, her character is excellent. You rarely like her too. I’ve discussed this marriage with your father, and it can proceed. What do you think? If you agree, I can send matchmakers in the next few days.”
Surprisingly, Song Qing Zhao shook his head.
“Mother, there’s no rush.”
He had a feeling that if he proposed now, there was an eight or nine in ten chance it wouldn’t succeed.
“No rush? Don’t you know how sought-after Lu Ming Shu is in the capital? The Top Scholar’s sister, and the Minister of Personnel’s daughter – her suitors are as numerous as fish crossing the river. Wait any longer and someone else will marry her!” Madam Xu laughed in exasperation.
He was the one who said he liked Lu Ming Shu, but now that his parents agreed, he wasn’t in a hurry.
“It’s fine, let’s wait a while longer,” Song Qing Zhao insisted.
Madam Xu was frustrated: “You child, I can’t handle you anymore! Can’t handle you…”
Song Qing Zhao apologized and left Madam Xu’s quarters, then called his attendant.
“Go to Jiangning County yourself and investigate Lu Chang’s background.”
The night was enchanting, with the fragrance of zongzi wafting through the air.
The Lu family’s Dragon Boat Festival dinner wasn’t canceled despite their visit to the Duke’s mansion. This intimate family feast was arranged in Lu Chang’s courtyard, with Madam Zeng, Lu Chang, and Ming Shu gathered around a table of dishes for a small drink.
Besides various dishes and delicacies, there were different types of zongzi personally wrapped by Madam Zeng with various fillings, including angular and cone-shaped ones. Each zongzi was small, and when unwrapped revealed glistening rice grains with an enticing aroma. One zongzi was cut into three portions for them to share, allowing them to taste each flavor without becoming too full.
Madam Zeng had tired herself out socializing at the Duke’s mansion and, after sitting for a short while, had Qing Yao help her back to her room to rest. Ming Shu, however, hadn’t eaten much at the Duke’s mansion and now ate heartily at home.
“Eating at home is so much more comfortable!” she sighed contentedly.
Lu Chang held a celadon wine cup, drinking by himself while keeping Ming Shu company. After watching her eat until she was nearly full, he finally spoke: “Did you have fun at the Duke’s mansion today?”
“Not at all!” How could she have had fun when she had to spend so much mental and physical energy?
“Is that so? Seeing how you even sent Lai An away, I thought you must have been having quite a good time,” Lu Chang said.
Ming Shu was about to start on her fourth zongzi when she put it down and said: “How is it that I can’t hide anything from you!”
Her sleeve slid down her wrist, revealing the five-colored longevity thread. Lu Chang, slightly tipsy, stared at that thread.
“What were you trying to hide?”
Ming Shu sat beside him and said: “Brother, you’re not angry that I ruined your marriage prospects and drove away your beautiful lady?”
“What if I am?” Lu Chang half-closed his eyes.
How could he not see through Third Miss Lu’s intentions? He had only stayed away because it wasn’t convenient to address it then, but unexpectedly Ming Shu had handled it for him.
“Even if you’re angry, I had to drive her away!” Ming Shu put down her chopsticks forcefully and declared fiercely, “I don’t like that Third Miss Lu! You’re not allowed to associate with her!”
For some reason, Lu Chang felt somewhat happy: “Why don’t you like her?”
“Because she lacks integrity and has improper thoughts – 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 cut off our sibling relationship!” Ming Shu threw out the heaviest threat.
Unexpectedly, Lu Chang just said: “Ah.”
As if that was exactly what he wanted.
“…” Ming Shu was stunned by the time it would take to eat five mouthfuls of zongzi before reacting, “Brother… you… you’re so heartless…”
Lu Chang laughed softly.
Ming Shu rarely saw him smile like this, so she stared at him directly.
After finishing his laugh, Lu Chang said: “If you don’t like someone, I won’t consider them, alright?”
Ming Shu finally brightened: “That’s more like it.”
She moved even closer to Lu Chang and said: “Brother, don’t worry, I’ll help screen your marriage prospects. I’ll definitely find you a better lady. I heard today that the Young Lady Jia is gentle, and Young Lady Liu is sweet…”
“Enough!” Lu Chang’s mood was half ruined. “Are you that eager to have me take a wife?”
“‘Success in the imperial examinations and wedding night bliss are life’s greatest joys.’ Brother, you’ve already achieved one half – don’t you want to complete the other?”
“I do.” Lu Chang stared at her.
Ming Shu’s heart skipped a beat.
“But I’ll choose my wife. These you’ve picked don’t count, so don’t waste your effort.”
“Are you still thinking about that lady from Jiangning County? She might already be married!”
“No, she isn’t married,” Lu Chang drained his cup.
“If you’re sure, then go back to find her!”
“Soon.”
“Ah? When will you go back?”
“Soon, very soon.”
May passed in the blink of an eye, and June entered the hottest days of summer.
The new shop was completed, gleaming brilliantly.