The Luo mansion bustled with activity. Upon returning home, Luo Chengzhang immediately ordered a banquet prepared. Outside, commoners gazed at the mansion’s grandeur with admiration and envy. Well-wishers arrived in an endless stream. As the Third Madam of the Luo family, Yining was responsible for entertaining the female guests. She remained on her feet until evening, finally taking a brief rest.
Exhausted from the day’s events, Yining had just asked Zhenzhu to fetch some hot water for a foot bath when she noticed Luo Shen’yuan standing by the bed. As she approached, she realized he was holding the book Zhao Mingzhu had secretly given her at the Ying Guogong mansion days ago. Luo Shen’yuan’s expression seemed somewhat peculiar as he examined the item.
Yining’s face immediately flushed red. She lunged forward to grab it, exclaiming, “Pretend you didn’t see that! It’s just something I’ve kept hidden away.” Where had he found it?
Luo Shen’yuan glanced at her and said, “You use this to hide away? I’m confiscating these things. You shouldn’t be reading such books.”
Yining didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. After retrieving the book, she hadn’t read a single page before having Daimao put it away. Now that it was confiscated, she definitely wouldn’t be able to read it.
“You’re tired from today. Rest now,” Yining said as she moved to help him undress.
Luo Shen’yuan lowered his eyes. As she drew near, he suddenly grasped her hand and pressed her beneath him. Yining caught the scent of alcohol on his breath and realized he had drunk too much.
Yining’s face tightened slightly in pain. How could he still be so strong after drinking?
Just as she was about to speak, Luo Shen’yuan pressed himself on top of her and closed his eyes.
He’s so heavy! Yining’s face darkened as he weighed her down, but she noticed him gazing at her intently. His profile was strikingly clear – from his eyebrows and nose bridge to his lips, every inch both familiar and strange. Stubble had sprouted on his chin, prickling her hand. His forehead was broad, his eyebrows thick.
The smell of alcohol was overwhelming. Yining struggled to crawl out from under him, but as soon as she moved, Luo Shen’yuan grabbed her hand. He asked, “Where are you going?”
“You’ve had too much to drink,” Yining said. “I’ll have the maids prepare bath water for you.”
“Mm,” Luo Shen’yuan grunted in acknowledgment before closing his eyes.
Though winter days were bitterly cold, the morning sunlight was pleasant.
When Luo Shen’yuan awoke, light filtered through the window paper onto the bed. He saw Yining curled up asleep in his arms.
He rubbed his brow and sighed softly. Drinking had led to mischief.
Yining seemed to have been disturbed by the noise. She asked drowsily, “What time is it now…”
Luo Shen’yuan immediately turned on his side to block the incoming light, holding her close. He reached out to lower another layer of bed curtains, dimming the room. He said in a low voice, “It’s still early. Sleep well.”
Luo Shen’yuan got up to wash his face, then returned to dress behind the bed curtains. By this time, Yining was awake. Suddenly, she felt herself being lifted and placed further inside the bed. She smelled a fresh scent of soap and felt the steady embrace. She kept her eyes closed, afraid he would notice she was awake.
By the time Mama Xu entered with a copper basin for Yining to wash up, daylight filled the room, and Luo Shen’yuan had already left for court.
After breakfast, Yining stood in the courtyard, examining the layout of the rear garden. After a while, she felt dissatisfied and called for the estate manager: “… Move those pine trees away; they’re blocking the feng shui. Also, buy some grapevines for me to set up an arbor here.”
Yining loved having grape arbors in the courtyard. On summer days, one could enjoy the cool shade beneath branches laden with clusters of purple grapes. When ripe, the grapes could be picked and distributed to various households in the compound.
Apart from when the manager had come to pay respects to her, this was the first time Yining had summoned him. The manager hesitated: “Third Madam, setting up a grape arbor in winter… will the vines survive?”
Yining turned to look at him. At the Ying Guogong mansion, she had established her authority; whatever she said was swiftly carried out. She turned back to look at the dense pine trees blocking sunlight from the Winter Warm Pavilion. “Of course, they’ll survive. Just go and make the preparations.”
The manager agreed and withdrew. This Third Madam might look young and gentle, but when serious, she brooked no argument.
Setting up a grape arbor was one thing… but the courtyard’s layout had been personally designed by the Third Young Master.
When Luo Shen’yuan returned from court, the manager hurried to inform him: “Sir, Madam said today… she wants to move away the pine trees you planted in the courtyard and plant grapevines instead. Those three pines were specially transplanted by you from Phoenix Ridge for feng shui purposes. It took great effort, so I hesitated and haven’t acted yet.”
After listening, Luo Shen’yuan said: “… If she wants to move them, then move them. From now on, let her do as she pleases. There’s no need to tell me.”
As long as she doesn’t feel bored, it’s fine.
The manager wanted to ask: What if the Third Madam wanted to tear down the house? Would you agree to that too?
How could someone as principled as the Third Young Master indulge his wife’s whims like this?
But Luo Shen’yuan had already entered the courtyard. Lin Yonghui, who was following him, turned back and said in a low voice: “Use your judgment. Just follow the Third Madam’s instructions.”
Having received Lin Yonghui’s hint, the manager hurriedly nodded in agreement.
Yining was in the study reviewing the estate’s accounts, which Lin Hairuo had entrusted to her management. Compared to the accounts of the Ying Guogong mansion during Wei Ling’s disappearance, these were relatively straightforward. Several older women stood beside her, helping to verify the accounts. Her expression was calm and composed, very much like a capable household manager. A small pot of soup sat nearby, from which she would take occasional sips.
Luo Shen’yuan stood quietly for a moment. Seeing that she was quite busy, he decided not to disturb her and went to the washroom to change out of his official robes.
“Sir, let this servant help you change,” Luo Shen’yuan heard a maid’s voice as he was changing his inner garments.
He turned around, his eyes narrowing slightly. He had never seen this maid before. She was very beautiful.
Seeing Luo Shen’yuan staring at her without speaking, Huarong lowered her head and said in a submissive tone: “Madam was worried you had no one to attend to you… This servant has come to help you change.” She had been observing for several days and took advantage of the kitchen staff being too busy to sneak into the main room. The maids were all attending to Yining in her chambers, and it was known that Luo Shen’yuan didn’t require maids when bathing or changing, so no one was there.
Her hand had just touched Luo Shen’yuan’s sleeve when she realized he was still looking at her. The washroom was small, and his presence was overwhelming. She grew increasingly nervous, her hands starting to tremble.
Suddenly, a large hand gripped hers and removed it from his sleeve. Luo Shen’yuan asked calmly: “I remember you’re new here. Didn’t Madam assign you to work in the kitchen?”
“This servant was transferred to attend to Madam a few days ago,” Huarong lowered her head. The brief contact with him sent tingles through her palm. Recalling how everyone had been surrounding Madam earlier, she quickly added, “Madam, Madam is busy reviewing accounts, so she has no time.”
It seemed she was trying to prove that she had indeed been transferred to serve the Madam.
“Get out,” Luo Shen’yuan raised his hand to adjust his sleeve.
Huarong hadn’t expected him to refuse her. Her face paled as she looked up in disappointment. Was she… not pretty enough?
“Sir… your outer robe…”
“Get out!” Luo Shen’yuan suddenly said coldly.
Huarong felt as if she’d been doused with cold water. Her entire body went cold, and a strong sense of shame washed over her.
Luo Shen’yuan finished adjusting his sleeves and left the washroom.
The older women guarding the study door saw Luo Shen’yuan approaching with an unpleasant expression. They became anxious: “Sir… Madam is calculating accounts inside!”
However, Luo Shen’yuan walked straight into the study. His attendant instructed the guards to leave. Yining looked up at the commotion and saw Luo Shen’yuan standing before her, his face cold. She asked puzzledly, “What’s wrong with you…”
“Everyone, withdraw,” Luo Shen’yuan said flatly as he picked up an account book from the desk and began flipping through it.
The maids and older women serving in the room looked at each other in confusion. They hadn’t finished verifying the accounts, but they dared not disobey the Third Young Master. They retreated and closed the door. Luo Yining stood up and continued to ask: “Did something unpleasant happen at court?”
Her elder brother was tight-lipped; if she didn’t ask, he would never bring up court matters on his own. If he was willing to confide in her, Yining was quite willing to listen.
Unexpectedly, as soon as she stood up, Luo Shen’yuan put down the account book and said: “Yining, did you send a maid to serve me earlier?”
Luo Yining was bewildered by this sudden question: “No, what maid went to serve you?”
Luo Shen’yuan pondered for a moment, then realized the maid had been lying. He smiled slightly.
As soon as it involved her, he became so irrational that he didn’t even carefully discern truth from falsehood. Perhaps he still lacked a sense of security, fearing she might be taken away by others or that she didn’t care for him.
“It’s nothing. I’ll handle this matter,” Luo Shen’yuan said calmly.
“No, tell me which maid went to serve you!” Yining insisted on understanding the situation. “Otherwise, how can I manage the household?”
Luo Shen’yuan walked in front of her and bent down to kiss her forehead: “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of this.”
The kiss was warm but carried the weight of an icy chill.
Then he turned and left the study.
The next morning when Luo Yining woke up, she heard that the maid named Huarong, who had recently been assigned to the kitchen, had been caught in an illicit affair with a manservant the previous night. The guards, not recognizing her, had mistaken her for a thief and beaten her to death.
When Mama Fan came to report this to her, her face was pale: “Madam, she was beaten beyond recognition… This servant had her wrapped in a straw mat and thrown into a mass grave. Who would have thought the guards would be so brutal…”
Yining also mentioned this matter when she went to see Lin Hairuo.
When Luo Chengzhang learned of it, his face turned cold. Such a heavy-handed approach was not something his daughter-in-law would do. It must have been his good son Luo Shen’yuan. That maid must have offended him; otherwise, he wouldn’t have interfered. When he did take action, his methods were ruthless.
This was done as a warning to him, telling him not to meddle in his affairs.
Contrary to his usual behavior, Luo Chengzhang didn’t inquire about the cause of the maid’s death. He only replied indifferently: “Since she’s gone, let it be.”
When Luo Shen’yuan returned from court and was removing his official robes, Yining asked him: “Brother, did you know that the maid called Huarong died?”
“Oh, she died?” he asked casually.
Yining helped him undo his jade belt as she continued to ask: “Was she the maid you mentioned yesterday who went to serve you?”
Luo Shen’yuan continued to unfasten the ties of his court robes: “I took care of the matter, so it’s settled. If she hadn’t used your name yesterday, I wouldn’t have been so angry.”
The maid from yesterday had truly angered him, it seemed.
Yining touched his hand and suddenly felt a chill at her fingertips. “So you… had her beaten to death?” she asked hesitantly.
Luo Shenyuan chuckled. “Of course not. I merely gave an order. Those people were heavy-handed; I didn’t know they’d beat her to death. Don’t worry, Father won’t be sending any more maids your way.”
He embraced her from behind and whispered in her ear, “What’s wrong? Are you afraid of me?”
Would the servants have dared to act so brutally without his authorization?
Yining knew the maid had brought this upon herself. Still, she occasionally felt her third brother’s actions were extremely cold and cruel.
“No, why would I be afraid?” She stiffened in his tall embrace. The more time they spent together, the more she encountered his other side.
She turned and stood on her toes to kiss his chin, feeling the slight scratch of his stubble.
Luo Shenyuan held her warm, small body, feeling his barren heart soften. She rarely initiated affection, and whenever she did, he wished she would do it more often.
It felt wonderful.
Two hours had passed since nightfall. A servant replaced the cold tea with hot tea, gently placing white porcelain cups on the purple sandalwood table. Lu Jiaxue glanced over, thinking Wang Yuan had some peculiarities; all his tableware was thin-bodied white porcelain.
Wang Yuan, in his fifties, wore a purple silk robe. His pale skin gave him an otherworldly appearance.
“The bandit problem in Guiyang is overwhelming the Protectorate,” Wang Yuan said, adjusting the incense in the burner before replacing the lid. Fragrant smoke wafted through the study, filling it with a sandalwood scent.
Wang Yuan and Lu Jiaxue had known each other for a decade. He was wary of Lu Jiaxue because of his military power but didn’t guard against him for the same reason—Lu Jiaxue showed no interest in political power despite his military authority. Wang Yuan continued, “Pacification Commissioner Zhou Shuqun committed suicide to avoid punishment. His responsibility will likely be questioned. Guiyang lacks a military leader. Where do you think we should deploy troops from, General Lu?”
Lu Jiaxue scoffed.
He had heard about the Guiyang rebellion. The Protectorate and Pacification Commission couldn’t defeat a group of bandits—they were utterly useless. Wang Yuan was skilled at fence-sitting, never involving himself in matters outside his jurisdiction. Now he wanted Lu Jiaxue to clean up this mess?
Wang Yuan was a ruthless old man. He had sent Zhou Shuqun, a member of the Qingliu Party, to his doom, and now the Qingliu Party probably wanted to tear him apart. Lu Jiaxue sipped from the white porcelain cup and replied, “The Yunnan and Sichuan generals can deploy troops the fastest. General Song from Sichuan has experience fighting mountain bandits; he’d be the best choice.”
Lu Jiaxue couldn’t be bothered to send his capable subordinates. Compared to the Tatars and Oirats, these mountain bandits were mere rabble.
Lu Jiaxue was a military genius, and his assessment was generally correct. It seemed he truly didn’t want to get involved. Wang Yuan smiled, “I see it’s getting late. Why don’t you stay the night at my humble abode, General? Steward, please arrange accommodations for General Lu.”
“No need,” Lu Jiaxue waved dismissively, also declining Wang Yuan’s offer to see him out. As he left Wang Yuan’s mansion, he couldn’t help but notice the extravagant decorations—colored glaze and ram’s horn palace lanterns, bright red pillars shining brilliantly. Lu Jiaxue found it distasteful; Wang Yuan was a Grand Secretary of the Huagai Hall, yet his taste was questionable. He boarded his carriage, and someone came to report, “Sir, everything has been arranged. Minister Cheng’s side is nearly ready as well.”
Lu Jiaxue grunted in acknowledgment.
The person continued, “Madam Cao asked me to confirm: this is just about taking a concubine, not a principal wife, correct?”
Lu Jiaxue’s eyes snapped open as he sneered, “A principal wife? She’s not worthy of that title.” Even if it was just a ruse and he had no intention of actually marrying her, he didn’t want anyone else holding that position.
He added, “Tell Madam Xu to simply mention this matter, nothing more.”
He fingered his ring, slowly closing his eyes. Luo Yining wouldn’t escape so easily this time.
Luo Shenyuan also received news from Guiyang late that night, with Xu Wei sending a guard to deliver the message urgently.
At the Xu residence, Xu Wei, the Vice Minister of Revenue, Yang Ling, and others were gathered in the study, having just received Zhou Shuqun’s obituary and final letter.
Yang Ling’s hands trembled and his eyes blazed with anger as he watched his teacher holding his old friend’s belongings. “Qiao Fang wrote to me recently, asking about which crops to plant in mountainous areas and seeking advice on parallel prose…” Now all that remained was his final letter.
Zhou Shuqun was a rare scholar among military officials and a member of the Qingliu Party. He had offended Wang Yuan and was demoted to Pacification Commissioner in Guiyang.
The mountain people of Guiyang were poor but fierce, often becoming bandits. After Zhou Shuqun arrived, he worked tirelessly to gain their trust. Under his guidance, they began farming and building villages instead of robbing. However, the Guizhou Provincial Administration Commissioner, Wang Yuan’s man, arrived and imposed a 60% tax on these mountain people. Zhou Shuqun’s repeated objections were futile.
Enraged, the mountain people became violent bandits again. This massive bandit force occupied Guiyang, killing many civilians and officials.
Zhou Shuqun led troops in a valiant resistance. Meanwhile, Wang Yuan seized the opportunity to report to the emperor, blaming Zhou Shuqun for failing to control the situation and allowing the bandits to grow stronger. He suggested that Zhou be arrested and brought back to the capital for punishment. The emperor, furious that even mountain people could rebel against the government, ordered Zhou Shuqun’s execution and his family’s exile.
Zhou Shuqun was still leading troops in defense of the city and its people when he was clapped in irons. Devastated, he knelt on the land he had poured his heart and soul into, unable to comprehend the situation.
He had strived to be a good official, only to bring disaster upon his family. He took his own life in Guiyang, and his body was sent back to the capital.
Qiao Fang was Zhou Shuqun’s courtesy name. Yang Ling tried to comfort his teacher, but Xu Wei couldn’t calm down. “Bring me a brush and paper. I must petition the emperor. A loyal official has been wronged, and his family suffers. I cannot stand idly by!”
No one could dissuade Xu Wei. In desperation, Yang Ling turned to a servant and asked, “Has Lord Luo arrived yet?”
“We’ve sent someone to invite him. Lord Luo isn’t far, so he should be here soon,” the servant quickly replied.
Just as they mentioned him, the door curtain was lifted. A gust of cold wind rushed in as Luo Shenyuan entered the room. Someone brought him tea. Having learned about the situation on his way, he sat down and immediately said, “Teacher, please calm yourself. The rebellious bandits have killed many in Guiyang, and the emperor is furious. If you petition for Zhou now, you’ll only be implicated.”
Xu Wei, blinded by anger, retorted, “So be it! I cannot bear to see him wronged like this! This old life of mine has been long enough!”
Luo Shenyuan had anticipated this reaction. He continued, “If the emperor sentences you to death, you might find it easy. But then the Qingliu Party will be no more. When Lu Jiaxue and Wang Yuan have free rein, they’ll be able to harm whoever they please. The people will suffer, and no one will be left to care for them. Your death would leave no one to manage these affairs.”
Xu Wei listened to his student’s words for a long while before breaking into tears. Luo Shenyuan felt relieved. Xu Wei’s emotions were running high due to his deep friendship with Zhou Shuqun.
Seeing his teacher cry, Luo Shenyuan knew he had successfully persuaded him. He told a servant, “Prepare some water for washing up.”
Once Xu Wei had calmed down, they could discuss the matter further.
Yining woke up late the next day. She had been disturbed by the messenger in the middle of the night and hadn’t slept well, feeling an unusual headache. She had asked her maid to massage her temples with peppermint oil for relief.
Halfway through the message, one of Lin Hairu’s maids came to deliver a message. Pearl lifted the curtain to let her in. The maid curtsied and said to Yining, “Third Madam, the Mistress requests your presence. Someone has come to propose marriage to the Fifth Young Lady!”
The maid’s excited tone suggested, “Third Madam, please hurry! The Mistress wants you to see this exciting event!”
Had someone finally come to propose to Luo Yilie?
Yining opened her eyes and told the maid to pause the massage. Curious about who had come to propose after all this time, she thought for a moment, then had her maids help her change into a true purple jacquard silk jacket before heading to Lin Hairu’s quarters.
Under the eaves of the main hall, many maids and older female servants stood with their hands folded. They all wore matching silk robes and skirts, quite an impressive sight. The visitors must be from a noble family.
After the maid announced her arrival, Yining entered, lifting the curtain. Before she saw anyone, she heard a lively conversation.
Looking up, Yining saw maids and servants flanking Lin Hairu, apparently there to add to the occasion’s grandeur. Seated opposite Lin Hairu was a fair-skinned woman with an elaborate hairstyle and luxurious clothing. She wore an emerald green gold-embroidered wide-sleeved jacket and a full set of gold accessories. Though not young, she had a beautiful face.
Seeing Yining arrive, Lin Hairu called her over and said, “Yining, this is Lady Cao from the Weiyuan Marquis’s household.”
As Lady Cao was both an elder and a marchioness, Yining naturally curtsied in greeting.
Lin Hairu then introduced her: “…This is my daughter-in-law, Lady Wei.”
“Ah, so this is Sixth Young Lady’s sister-in-law,” Lady Cao smiled. She had a kind face, but her phoenix eyes revealed a hint of shrewdness.
With another purpose in mind, Lady Cao paid little attention to Yining.
She dabbed her lips with a handkerchief and said to Lin Hairu, “Second Madam Luo, your Sixth Young Lady has a noble destiny. General Lu intends to take her as a concubine. This is a rare and joyous occasion.”
General Lu Jiaxue was no ordinary man. As the Commander of Xuanfu, overseeing Shanxi and Xuanfu, he wielded immense power that even the emperor had to be wary of. Any family would scramble to offer their daughters if he wanted to take a concubine.
Madam Xu felt this was an incredible stroke of luck. How had an unloved concubine-born daughter caught Lu Jiaxue’s eye?
She softened her voice deliberately: “So many young women vie for his attention, yet can’t even catch a glimpse of him. Following him would mean endless wealth and glory. Your Sixth Young Lady is about to soar. Second Madam Luo, please consider this carefully and inform your Sixth Young Lady quickly! Shouldn’t she be here by now?”
She glanced towards the door. They had sent for her as soon as they arrived, so why hadn’t she come yet? Initially, she had only sent word to Concubine Qiao that an important figure was interested in Luo Yilie, without specifying who. Concubine Qiao had replied most respectfully, eagerly awaiting news. Now that the moment had arrived, they were putting on airs and taking their time.
She was also curious to see just how heavenly beautiful this Sixth Young Lady was to have caught the Commander’s eye.
Lin Hairu nearly choked on her tea. “Madam Xu, you mean… Lu Jiaxue, Commander Lu?”
She had caught a distant glimpse of him years ago when he led troops to Baoding. How could such a powerful figure be interested in Luo Yilie?
She had originally called Luo Yining over to witness the excitement, but now things had truly become exciting.
Lin Hairu turned to look at Luo Yining and saw that she, too, was stunned. Yining’s teacup tilted dangerously before she regained her composure and steadied it. However, her hand had begun to tremble.