For her, there wasn’t a question of difficulty or ease.
All things that have passed don’t tend to feel too painful in retrospect.
Luo Yining, leaning against him, suddenly felt drowsy. If she were to speak honestly, it would inevitably involve Lu Jiaxue. That year wasn’t particularly painful. Even when she learned of Lu Jiaxue’s troubles, the shock and impact were significant, leaving her with mixed emotions.
When someone has truly been good to you, how can you not feel compassion? Especially given the complex history between her and Lu Jiaxue.
She said, “Things were fine in Jinling. Giving birth to Bao’er was a bit difficult, but nothing too serious.”
Luo Shengyuan gradually closed his eyes, “And him?”
This was the first time he had actively inquired about Lu Jiaxue. Yining took a moment to react, but she knew exactly who he meant.
“Lu Jiaxue…” Yining pondered, “There wasn’t anything between us. When I was in Jinling, pregnant, he treated me kindly, but that was all. When he got into trouble at the end, he had Ye Yan and others escort me to find my father, essentially letting me return.”
Thinking about it now, it might seem laughable. After all these years, Yining still found Lu Jiaxue to be a complex, contradictory figure. She understood some aspects of him, but not completely.
Perhaps sensing her hesitation, Luo Shengyuan didn’t want to hear more. Why had he asked? He regretted it as soon as the words left his mouth. It wasn’t because of anything between Lu Jiaxue and her; he was simply jealous of the whole situation.
He realized his desire to kill Lu Jiaxue was justified. Two tigers cannot share the same mountain, and now the conflict of interests between him and Lu Jiaxue has grown too large.
Luo Shengyuan had already informed the Emperor about the Empress’s affair today. He had discovered the identity of the person half a month ago—a victim of Lu Jiaxue’s power struggles in the past. But he didn’t plan to reveal this yet. He wanted to take advantage of Lu Jiaxue’s illness to end him. Unfortunately, there was no direct evidence, and with Lu Jiaxue returning victorious today, even if the Empress’s lover was indeed him, the Emperor wouldn’t dare to pursue the matter. He couldn’t touch Lu Jiaxue now.
But suspicion and doubt were inevitable.
“He returned today, victorious,” Yining turned to look at him. “I know you must have interfered with the border affairs. You…”
“I wanted to kill him,” Luo Shengyuan said flatly.
Although Yining had guessed as much, hearing it so casually from his lips still shocked her.
“He wants to kill me too. We’re evenly matched,” Luo Shengyuan pressed her head down, encouraging her to sleep.
“Actually, with both your powers at their peak, isn’t it better this way? Why the need to kill each other?” Yining asked.
She didn’t want to see either of them fail.
She couldn’t dislike Lu Jiaxue, even feeling sympathy and guilt towards him.
Luo Shengyuan shook his head, “It’s not just about you. On the matter of establishing the crown prince alone, Lu Jiaxue and I stand too far apart.”
Regarding the crown prince, Lu Jiaxue had aligned with the Qingliu Party, supporting the Third Prince. Wang Yuan was best at gauging the Emperor’s thoughts. Even without stating it explicitly, he stood with the Crown Prince. His interests didn’t conflict with Luo Shengyuan’s, so he would tacitly allow Luo Shengyuan to support the Crown Prince.
“The matter of establishing the heir is of great importance. Throughout history, many have disagreed on such issues without intense conflict. Moreover, Lu Jiaxue has experienced a palace coup before,” Yining continued.
“Enough, let’s not discuss this further,” Luo Shengyuan suddenly interrupted her.
He gently kissed her cheek, his lips dry and warm. “Sleep now.” He patted her back softly, as she would do to soothe a child. “Whatever happens, you needn’t worry. I’ll be fine, rest assured.”
Yining listened to his steady heartbeat. Even if she hoped for peaceful, uneventful days, darkness and bloodshed still existed. The calculations, divisiveness, and duplicity in officialdom—she couldn’t prevent or change these things. It wasn’t just about her. Luo Shengyuan wouldn’t give up because of her.
If only she could speak with Lu Jiaxue. In their rivalry, Lu Jiaxue had the upper hand over Luo Shengyuan. If he didn’t compete, he could still keep things under control. She could also return his protective jade bead necklace to him. Unfortunately, Luo Shengyuan disliked her meeting Lu Jiaxue.
Yining quietly gazed at his face for a moment, then softly murmured an affirmation, hugging his arm as she closed her eyes.
It was nearly deep into the night when Lu Jiaxue finished his discussion with the Emperor.
The Emperor leaned against the zitan wood chair back. Incense burned in the room. He suddenly recalled what Luo Shengyuan had presented to him yesterday.
Luo Shengyuan had told him: “Your subject had the Imperial Guards investigate the Empress’s Zhou clan thoroughly, and followed leads to examine some friendly families. We found an old maid who once served in the Lu household who confirmed that the Empress frequently visited the Lu residence in the past. Now she often interacts with the Commander-in-Chief, even summoning him regularly within the palace… Of course, these are just observations of others. Your subject has only collected testimonies and dares not to make assumptions. If Your Majesty wishes to summon these people, I can arrange it, but it’s for Your Majesty to consider carefully.”
Lu Jiaxue sat upright before him, drinking tea. Having just returned victorious, the Emperor could do nothing against him.
Luo Shengyuan must have realized this too, which is why he said nothing more today.
The Emperor suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze still extremely sharp.
Lu Jiaxue was speaking with the Minister of War when he inadvertently caught the Emperor’s gaze. But the Emperor smiled and said, “We see it’s getting late. You two may retire now.”
Lu Jiaxue stood up and smiled, “Then your subject shall take his leave.” As he walked out of the palace gates, he saw Zhao Mingzhu standing outside, wearing a gold-embroidered wide-sleeved robe and a full set of pearl headdress. Living in luxury now, she had become even more delicate and beautiful than before, no wonder the Emperor’s favor hadn’t waned. Lu Jiaxue paused his conversation with the Minister and said coolly, “Jieyu.”
“Adoptive father, I hope you are well,” Zhao Mingzhu curtsied to him. Seeing he was about to leave, she quickly asked, “Adoptive father, please wait. I haven’t heard news of sister Yining for a long time. Has her illness improved?”
“She has fully recovered,” Lu Jiaxue said with a faint smile.
The Minister of War was waiting for him ahead, so he left after speaking. Zhao Mingzhu watched his retreating figure with some confusion but didn’t ask further. She then entered Qianqing Palace, supported by her maid.
Just as Lu Jiaxue boarded his sedan chair, a palace servant rushed over to inform him that the Third Prince requested an audience.
Lu Jiaxue frowned and ordered the bearers to go to the Third Prince’s residence outside the palace. The Third Prince had moved out of the palace after turning fourteen, but as he hadn’t been enfeoffed as a prince yet, he still lived within the Forbidden City. Lu Jiaxue entered the courtyard and alighted from the sedan. The Third Prince, with handsome features resembling Concubine Duan, hurriedly greeted him: “My Lord, you’re finally here. The Empress Mother has been waiting for you for a long time!”
He knew it was the Empress’s idea!
He entered the room with a gloomy expression and said coldly, “You cannot meet me in private now. Does the Empress understand?”
Zhou stood up and asked the Third Prince to wait outside. The Third Prince naturally had deep faith in the Empress. If not for her, how could he and his birth mother have their current status? Without the Empress, he would have no chance of inheriting the throne. So he complied immediately and left.
After the Third Prince left, Zhou began to show signs of panic, her lips trembling as she said, “My Lord, this time it’s truly an urgent situation. I suspect… the Emperor knows about our affair!”
Lu Jiaxue glanced at her and sneered, “There is nothing between us.”
Zhou shook her head, “No, no, it’s that little harlot Concubine Dong’s doing. She’s joined forces with Minister Luo to frame us! Once the Emperor becomes suspicious, I will lose favor, the Zhou family will be implicated, and the Third Prince will have no chance of ascending the throne. You will be affected too…”
Lu Jiaxue thought of the Emperor’s cold gaze and sat down in a chair.
After the Emperor had taken the Imperial Guard from him, he had always suspected they were now under Luo Shengyuan’s control. How else could he have been promoted so quickly? Concubine Dong had long wanted to bring down the Empress, so this wasn’t surprising. As for dragging him into it… Luo Shengyuan wanted him dead and wouldn’t miss any opportunity to achieve that.
“So why did you summon me?” he asked.
“My Lord, you have military power, I have the Zhou family’s support and the backing of the Qingliu officials. Why don’t we…” Zhou lowered her voice.
Lu Jiaxue found it somewhat amusing.
Years ago, when he helped the current Emperor ascend the throne through a palace coup, he had poisoned the old Emperor’s bowl while he was gravely ill and shot dead the one competing with the Crown Prince. Now the Empress wanted him to stage another coup, to put a new Emperor on the throne. Did he look like he enjoyed palace coups so much?
“Empress, let me be frank with you. The late Emperor was old and weak then, unable to grasp the reins of power, which is why we succeeded in one stroke. But now, although the Emperor appears to trust in Taoism, he has a clear understanding of the various power factions and keeps them in check. Take military power for example—besides me, it’s distributed among various generals. A successful coup would be extremely difficult,” Lu Jiaxue explained slowly. “Without a sure chance of victory, I can only advise Your Highness to think carefully about such treasonous matters.”
“Lu Jiaxue!” Zhou exclaimed coldly, “Do you think the Emperor won’t suspect you because of this? You know better than I how terrifying the Emperor’s suspicion can be!”
Lu Jiaxue replied calmly, “Your Highness, your plan is too risky. I won’t be swayed by a few words from you. Suspicion is nothing compared to this—at least suspicion won’t kill me immediately.”
He shifted his posture and continued, “Your Highness doesn’t understand my meaning. What assurance of victory do you have?”
Zhou was stunned for a moment, suddenly realizing Lu Jiaxue’s intent. A chill ran down her spine. Speaking with him indeed required the utmost caution. These people were truly cunning.
“The Zhou family’s roots run deep. My fourth uncle and eldest brother serve as commanders in the Imperial Guard and the Thousand Households Division,” Zhou Shi explained slowly, gathering her thoughts.
Lu Jiaxue pondered this for a long while. The Empress’s advantage lay in the element of surprise. If she could control the Emperor, she could still turn the situation around. Moreover, her Zhou family had many capable individuals, and her fourth uncle held a formidable position in the military. Lu Jiaxue indeed disliked being subject to others’ suspicions.
“Your Majesty, I’ll say only this,” he told her. “If your plan falters midway, I won’t reveal myself. Once you control the inner palace, I’ll come to assist you. Do you understand?”
He only promised to help halfway through, which was reasonable. He couldn’t fully trust the Zhou family.
She nodded silently, having already made her decision. “I have a plan in mind. I’ve already discussed it with my fourth uncle.”
“For so many years… he’s been cold and distant towards me, favoring Consort Dong, Noble Lady Zhao, and others instead. I’ve had enough. He accuses me of tormenting him, but hasn’t he tormented me all these years? He hasn’t even given me a child…” Zhou Shi closed her eyes briefly, then bowed slightly to Lu Jiaxue. “If you’re willing to help, I’d be immensely grateful.”
Lu Jiaxue nodded. After leaving, he gave some instructions to the Third Prince before departing from his residence.
Finally seated in the sedan chair returning to the Ningyuan Marquis’s mansion, Lu Jiaxue could rest for a moment. His words to the Empress had been ambiguous, seemingly unwilling to help, yet he still needed to keep an eye on any unusual activity in the capital for her. As long as the Third Prince couldn’t ascend the throne, the Crown Prince would. Once the Crown Prince took power, Luo Shenyuan’s influence would be unmatched, a situation Lu Jiaxue wouldn’t allow.
Coming back to his senses, he lifted the curtain and asked those outside, “Did you do as I instructed?”
“Yes, My Lord. It has been delivered,” the attendant respectfully replied.
Lu Jiaxue’s lips curved slightly. “Give her something to amuse herself with, lest she grows bored in the Luo household.” Then he lowered the curtain.
The next morning, Luo Shenyuan woke up early. After washing and eating breakfast, he lifted the bed curtain to retrieve something and saw Yining and little Bao’er sleeping soundly together. The bed carried the sweet scent of an infant. Mother and child formed two lumps under the covers. Having nursed the baby during the night, her collar was slightly open, revealing a glimpse of her snow-white, full bosom.
Doesn’t she feel cold?
Luo Shenyuan approached to cover her with the quilt, but she awoke startled, staring at his outstretched hand before looking at herself and becoming fully alert. “What are you doing?” she asked.
Luo Shenyuan found her reaction amusing. He crossed his arms and leaned against the bed, asking, “What do you think I’m doing?”
“How should I know…” Yining said as she adjusted her clothes and pulled the small, puppy-like bundle closer, tucking him in beside her.
He laughed, then leaned down to kiss her, starting from the side of her face and moving to her lips. He deepened the kiss passionately, even climbing halfway onto the bed and pressing down on her. The kiss grew heated and intense. His arm tightened around her slightly before he finally, reluctantly, released her. Breathing heavily, he said, “Isn’t this what you were thinking?”
They were both flushed with desire, his arousal evident. Yining, stubborn as ever, retorted, “I wasn’t thinking anything. You’re making things up.”
He chuckled, “I was just trying to cover you with the quilt.” Then he got up from her, straightened his clothes, and left. He had no time; he needed to go to the government office.
He shouldn’t have teased her. Now his body was filled with unfulfilled desires, and he still had official duties to attend to.
Yining got up after he left.
After the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, the New Year’s atmosphere in the mansion grew thick.
Luo Yining instructed the housekeeper to distribute new clothes and cotton jackets to the household. She also had melon seeds and snacks distributed to the servants’ quarters. These treats were usually scarce, so the maids and older women who received them were overjoyed. Some even saved them to send back home for their parents and siblings to enjoy.
When it was time for her sisters to return home, she went to the spirit wall to welcome them.
Luo Yihui’s eyes welled up with tears when she saw Yining. She rushed forward to embrace her sister. Her seven-year-old son, Yu’er, looked up at Yining. He had grown into a delicate-looking boy, and after years apart, he seemed unfamiliar with her. If not for Luo Yihui urging him to greet her, he might not have done so. Yining gave him a pouch filled with gold beans as a gift.
The two sisters walked together to the main courtyard, chatting along the way. Luo Yining mentioned Luo Yilie’s marriage, to which Luo Yihui scoffed, “She used to look down on merchant families. How can she not be upset now?” She then cautioned, “You should keep an eye on Luo Xuanyuan. That child has a fierce temperament.”
“You’ve all demonized him,” Luo Yining just laughed. “He’s merely a half-grown boy. With Third Brother keeping him in check, what can he do?”
Moreover, in Luo Xuanyuan’s heart, the long-neglected Concubine Qiao was even less important than his newly acquired bedchamber servant.
Hearing this, Luo Yihui also smiled. Yining’s words made sense. In the face of absolute power, a clever person like Luo Xuanyuan wouldn’t dare to act rashly.
In the main courtyard, Luo Yixiu and Luo Yiyu had also returned. Luo Yixiu was holding a chubby baby girl, not yet a year old, named Qing’er. She was utterly adorable. Although she had given birth to a girl, since the Zhu family’s older children were all boys, this only girl received extra affection from the old madam, making Luo Yixiu beam with pride.
Luo Yiyu was even quieter than before, her silence now tinged with a sense of decline. Luo Yixiu, who used to not get along with her full-blooded sister, now treated her much better, offering her sister a portion of any food she received. She leaned over and whispered to Yining, “Where’s that little hussy?”
Luo Yining knew she meant Luo Yilie and replied, “She’s embroidering at home. She doesn’t dare to come out.”
“After what she did to Yiyu…” Luo Yixiu’s eyes reddened as she spoke, “I’ve never seen Yiyu cry like that before. She’s never cried like that in her life.”
Luo Yining patted her shoulder. Family affairs were difficult to judge. On one hand, she felt Luo Yiyu was somewhat responsible for her misfortune, not cherishing what she had. On the other hand, Luo Yilie shouldn’t have done something so scandalous and destructive to another’s happiness. Surprisingly, Liu Jing truly wanted to marry Luo Yilie now, and despite Luo Yiyu’s best efforts, she couldn’t persuade the now-resolute Liu Jing to forgive her. It just showed how unpredictable human hearts could be, and how fortunes could change dramatically over time.
“Let me hold Qing’er for a while. She’s truly well-behaved,” Yining said, changing the subject as she took Qing’er into her arms to play with her.
Qing’er obediently chewed on her fingers, tugging at her mother’s sleeve when she wanted to eat. She was much better behaved than the little monkey Bao’er. She didn’t cry in Yining’s arms either, just nestled softly against her.
Luo Yining felt a surge of tenderness, thinking how nice it was to have a baby girl. Why did she have to give birth to that little monkey?
Bao’er, who had been playing in Luo Yihui’s arms, saw Luo Yining holding Qing’er and immediately became upset. He cried and lunged towards her, wailing loudly. Seeing his small, chubby hands outstretched like a baby pigeon’s wings, Yining had no choice but to put Qing’er down and pick him up. She kissed his soft cheek and said, “Alright, Bao’er! I’ll hold you, okay? Stop crying now.”
Bao’er clung tightly to his mother, sniffling, his little face covered in tears.
“Third Young Master Luo was much better behaved than him at this age. He’s quite troublesome, just like you!” Luo Yihui laughed. “When you were little, you always wanted to cling to me and wouldn’t let go. No one else could console you!”
Seeing Bao’er now was like seeing a miniature Yining and Yihui’s gaze softened.
At this moment, Chen Shi returned from outside, supported by a maid. She smiled and said, “Perfect timing, you’re all here. The young ladies from the Cheng family have invited us for tea. They’ve just received a few boxes of abalone with bone and pickled goose feet. The latter is ordinary, but the former is a rare treat. Why don’t you all come with me for some tea?”
After speaking, Chen Shi looked at Luo Yiyu. She had said all this hoping Yiyu would join them and take her mind off things. However, Luo Yiyu shook her head, “Mother, I’m not feeling well. I won’t go.”
Chen Shi sighed softly. The others had no pressing matters, so visiting the Xie family seemed like a good idea.
Luo Yining was currently trying to avoid Xie Yun and was preparing to use the excuse of illness. However, Luo Yixiu insisted on dragging her along. Since childhood, Luo Yixiu had always been the most eager to see any excitement, and forcing Luo Yining to join her was one of her favorite pastimes.
Luo Yining reconsidered and thought it wouldn’t hurt to go. Xie Yun couldn’t do anything to her, and she had nothing else to do at home anyway, so she didn’t object.
After arriving at the Xie family home, she was relieved to learn that the Fourth Young Master Cheng had gone to attend court.
As long as she didn’t have to face him, it would be fine.
Xie Yun sat among the women with a bland expression, holding a hand warmer. Having lost interest in Luo Shenyuan, she naturally no longer harbored resentment towards Luo Yining. Seeing her, Xie Yun unusually asked, “Have you recovered from your illness?” Her main focus now was on her ongoing feud with the eldest Madam Cheng, engaging in daily, intense conflicts at home that Yining had heard about.
“I’ve fully recovered. Thank you for your concern,” Luo Yining replied with a smile.
Though Xie Yun no longer hated her, Yining still remembered every detail of their past interactions.
“I have a fifty-year-old ginseng that I can’t use. I’ll have the housekeeper package it and send it to you later. You can use it to boost your health,” Xie Yun added.
Zhenzhu, standing nearby, felt her mouth twitch upon hearing this. Given their mistress’s current status, was such a patronizing tone appropriate? The Grand Minister now headed the Ministry of Works and was extremely wealthy. Their household had so much ginseng and lingzhi that they could eat it like carrots if they wanted.
“That won’t be necessary,” Luo Yining politely declined with a smile. “Strong tonics don’t suit me. You should keep it for yourself.”
Xie Yun found her uninteresting. “Fine, if you don’t want it!”
“Madam, the soup you’re cooking for the Fourth Young Master is ready…” a maid came to report.
Xie Yun listened and said, “Don’t take it off the stove yet. It needs a bit more salt.” She then got up to check on the soup she was cooking.
Luo Yining continued drinking her tea when a commotion arose nearby. Someone approached, surrounded by servants. A clear, low voice asked, “Elder sister-in-law, why is the mansion so lively today?”
Luo Yining sat with her back to the newcomer. Upon hearing his voice, she recognized it as Cheng Lang’s.