The Cold Minister’s Obsession: Chasing His Wife - Chapter 10

Wu Shi felt exasperated—neither of her children gave her peace of mind. Little did they understand the consequences of bringing in a woman whose status didn’t match theirs.

“I’ve taken note of everything you said.”

Wu Shi responded calmly, but her mind was already calculating how to drive that girl out as soon as possible. If she stayed any longer, unforeseen troubles might arise.

Upon returning to Qingzhu Courtyard, Hua Qingyue split open the fresh lotus pods, extracted the lotus seeds, and meticulously removed the bitter cores.

Once everything was prepared, she gazed at the full basket of lotus seeds. Her mother used to do the same, and Qingyue would always follow behind, asking endless questions.

But now, everything had changed.

Hua Qingyue took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. “Father, Mother, don’t worry. I’ll take care of myself—and Qingyang too.”

Tao Xi stood beside her mistress and imitated her posture, saying, “Master and Madam, Tao Xi will also take good care of the young lady.”

The two exchanged a smile before returning to their task of cleaning the lotus seeds.

The cores were bitter, and if not carefully removed, they would ruin the entire flavor.

Her fingers moved deftly, draining the water, boiling and mashing the seeds, then repeating the process until they turned into a smooth lotus paste.

Unable to hold back her curiosity, Tao Xi finally asked, “Young Lady, you met Lu Third Young Master today—do you like him?”

Hua Qingyue paused briefly before answering calmly, “He is the Third Young Master of the Lu family. How could I not like him?”

Having said that, she steered the conversation elsewhere. “Once the lotus seed jelly is ready tomorrow, I’ll deliver it to them first. Go to the servants’ quarters early and inform the instructing matron in advance.”

After letting the jelly set, the two retired to their chambers for the night.

Early the next morning, she used a thread to slice the jelly into uniform squares, stacking them neatly on a white jade plate.

Finally, she drizzled honey and dried osmanthus over the delicate, trembling lotus jelly.

Tao Xi inhaled deeply, savoring the sweet, floral aroma in the air. “It smells amazing—just like when Madam used to make it. The whole kitchen would be filled with this fragrance.”

Hearing this, the heavy stone in Hua Qingyue’s heart lightened slightly. She had always loved eating and making lotus seed jelly, but after her mother’s passing, she had never attempted it again. Now, after years, she had been afraid she wouldn’t get it right.

Hua Qingyue handed a piece to Tao Xi. “Try it. Tell me how close I’ve come to mastering it.”

“Ninety percent!” Tao Xi took a whiff and immediately praised, “It has to be ninety percent! The fragrance is exactly the same—even the way you arranged it on the plate.”

Back in Liangyuan, during the height of summer, her mother would always prepare a bowl of lotus seed jelly for her father and her. Qingyue and her father would assist, watching her mother work with a smile before enjoying it together. Those were the happiest days of her life.

Tao Xi knew she was thinking of her mother again and quickly scooped up a wobbling corner with a spoon, popping it into her mouth.

“It’s smooth and velvety with a slight graininess, melting before you can even savor it properly. Ah, looking at it tremble like this, I just had to eat it in one go—otherwise, it might bounce right off!”

After finishing, she added, “The refreshing lotus fragrance lingers in the mouth, making you crave another bite~ Young Lady, you’ve done such a wonderful job. Since the Lu family adores lotus so much, they’re bound to love your lotus seed jelly—especially the Third Young Master.”

After teasing, she quickly went to invite the maids outside to come in and serve. “Miss, you must be tired too. Why don’t we deliver these for you? You only need to bring some to the Third Young Master.”

Yesterday, the way Lu Third Young Master had looked at their mistress was unmistakable. If they spent more time together, perhaps the young lady could achieve her heart’s desire.

However, Hua Qingyue shook her head. “No, we’ll take them directly to Grandmother. It’s a good opportunity to pay our respects to her as well. Let her arrange the distribution to the various courtyards.”

During her time at Anning Marquis Manor, she had gained a general understanding of the household. Apart from the original three branches of the Lu family with over a dozen masters, there were also six visiting young ladies from the second branch attending the lotus appreciation banquet. She wasn’t familiar with each family’s preferences or dietary restrictions and delivering them herself might backfire.

Most importantly, Lu Yan’s words yesterday—”think about how to thank me with actions”—had left her feeling uneasy upon reflection. By sending the treats to the old madam, she wouldn’t have to face Lu Yan alone.

Tao Xi didn’t understand. Glancing at the two maids who hadn’t yet approached, she urged anxiously, “Miss, after working so hard, this is a rare chance to spend time with the Third Young Master. Why…?”

Hua Qingyue smiled and replied straightforwardly, “There’s a world of difference between me delivering them directly to the Third Young Master and Grandmother instructing me to do so.”

Tao Xi pondered for a moment but couldn’t grasp the reasoning. She decided not to dwell on it—her mistress surely knew best, and she would simply follow orders.

Soon, they arrived at Chaohui Hall.

At the entrance, Mama Xia, recognizing her, bypassed formalities and ushered her inside directly.

Old Madam Lu was practicing martial arts in the courtyard and spotted Hua Qingyue from afar, eagerly beckoning her over. “Qingyue, come here quickly.”

“Grandmother.” Hua Qingyue approached gracefully and curtsied. “Grandmother, yesterday I noticed the lotus seeds in the pond were fresh, so I asked Eldest Brother for permission to pick some and made lotus seed jelly. Please try it and see if you like it.”

During her first visit to Anning Marquis Manor, she had noticed Old Madam Lu enjoying osmanthus cakes, suggesting a fondness for sweets.

Old Madam Lu’s face lit up at the sight of the plate Hua Qingyue presented. “Lotus seed jelly is a specialty of Liangyuan! I must try this.”

Mama Xia handed her a spoon, and after taking a bite, the old lady’s cloudy eyes sparkled faintly.

“This is the authentic taste—sweet but not cloying. Though the manor’s chefs can make it, there’s always lacks something or has an extra flavor. Finally, I get to taste the real thing again.”

Seeing Old Madam Lu eat several pieces in succession, Hua Qingyue smiled. “Please enjoy more, Grandmother.”

After a few more bites, the old madam turned to a maid. “Quick, take the remaining pieces to the ancestral hall for the old master to taste. He was still talking about this flavor before he passed.”

“Grandmother, eat first. I made plenty—there’s more.”

Hearing this, Old Madam Lu scooped another piece, letting it melt on her tongue. “By the way, the third branch is close to your Qingzhu Courtyard. Have you sent some there?”

She had heard yesterday that Li Ge’er had returned and was hoping the two young people might meet, paving the way for her to broach the subject of their marriage naturally.

Hua Qingyue tidied the plate in Old Madam Lu’s hands and replied unhurriedly:

“To answer Grandmother, not yet. I made thirty servings of lotus seed jelly, but Qingyue isn’t yet familiar with everyone’s dietary restrictions in the household. I didn’t dare to distribute them recklessly, so I brought all thirty servings here first, hoping Grandmother could help Qingyue decide what to do.”

Old Madam Lu was very pleased with Hua Qingyue’s response—neither arrogant nor impatient, not one to push herself forward, and her temperament complemented her third grandson perfectly. The more she looked at her, the more suitable she seemed. She quickly urged her, saying, “Very well, very well, leave it to Grandmother, leave it to Grandmother.”

She took one serving and placed it in Hua Qingyue’s hands. “I won’t say much else, but my third grandson loves sweets the most. You can deliver this one to him on Grandmother’s behalf.”

Hua Qingyue had been waiting for these very words, though her expression gave nothing away. She even feigned shyness: “Grandmother, Qingyue thinks it’s better not to. Third Brother should focus on his studies. My visit might disturb his reading.”

Hearing this, Old Madam Lu became even more convinced of her own thoughts. She patted Hua Qingyue’s hand and said, “A short break won’t hurt his studies. Consider it helping Grandmother with her worries and take the chance to see if he’s applying himself diligently.”

“This…”

Old Madam Lu had been through it all before—how could she not understand? She patted Hua Qingyue’s hand again and spoke earnestly,

“Qingyue, now that your grandfather and parents are no longer with us, your marriage is something Grandmother will absolutely help oversee. My grandson may seem unreliable on the surface, but his heart is in the right place. Spend these next few days observing him. If you find him suitable, leave the rest to Grandmother to handle.

If he doesn’t suit your heart, Grandmother will surely find you a good match outside the family, ensuring your happiness for the rest of your life.”

Hua Qingyue lifted her gaze, tears welling up unbidden. Softly, she said, “Thank you, Grandmother. Before my grandfather passed, he told me to listen to you in all matters. I’ll go deliver this now.”

As she spoke, she instructed Tao Xi to bring another plate of lotus seed jelly for Old Madam Lu. “If Grandmother ever craves lotus seed jelly in the future, just send someone to let Qingyue make it for you.”

“Good child, you’re so thoughtful.”

Old Madam Lu then glanced at the elderly maidservant beside her.

“Mama Xia, Qingyue is new here and might not know the way. Later, make a trip to show her the way, and while you’re at it, call the others to Chaohui Hall to taste the lotus seed jelly Qingyue made.”

Hua Qingyue immediately understood the old madam’s intentions and nodded obediently. “I’ll trouble Mama Xia, then.”

“Go on. I’ll have the rest delivered to their respective courtyards. Once you’ve delivered yours, return to Qingzhu Yard to rest. Seeing you so exhausted pains Grandmother’s heart.”

“Yes, Grandmother.”

With Old Madam Lu’s personal maidservant leading the way, Hua Qingyue entered the Third Household directly. Even the usually boisterous Lu Zhining could only glare at her from behind, watching helplessly as she stepped into the courtyard.