The Cold Minister’s Obsession: Chasing His Wife - Chapter 11

“Third Madam, Miss Qingyue made lotus seed jelly today. The Old Madam tasted it and found it delightful. Thinking of you, younger ones, she specially sent this old servant to invite you all to Chaohui Hall to sample Miss Qingyue’s handiwork.”

The matron finished speaking and gently pushed Hua Qingyue forward. “However, Her Ladyship knows the Third Young Master is burdened with studies, so she specifically sent Miss Qingyue to deliver the lotus seed jelly here.”

Wu Shi glanced at the lotus seed jelly in Hua Qingyue’s hands and inwardly scoffed.

Lotus seed jelly?

Was this even a proper excuse?

Between masters and servants, Chaohui Hall had over a hundred people inside and out. Was there truly no one available to deliver snacks to her Li Ge’er, that they had to send an unmarried young lady instead?

Did they take her for a fool?

The Old Madam’s intentions were becoming increasingly obvious. And with her Li Ge’er being… If this continued, things would only grow more unfavorable.

Seeing Wu Shi remain silent, Hua Qingyue quickly stepped in to smooth things over.

“Third Madam, I’ll leave this lotus seed jelly with you.”

Still putting on an act? Did she think making a few lowly pastries would earn her a place in the Third Household?

This little hussy couldn’t even scheme properly—using such cheap fare. Any cook in the manor could make this. And to invite them to taste it? In her opinion, it was more like inviting them to be laughed at.

If she wanted to make a fool of herself, fine, but did she have to drag the Third Household into it as well?

Mama Xia from Chaohui Hall snapped out of her daze and spoke before Wu Shi could. “Third Madam, I still need to summon Ning Sui County Princess, Second Madam, and the other young masters and misses of the household. I won’t delay any longer.”

Wu Shi swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue.

It was the Old Madam’s explicit order—she couldn’t even refuse.

With a forced smile, Wu Shi shot her a sidelong glance. After a brief silence, she finally spoke, “Since it’s your grandmother’s wish, take it inside then. Don’t linger too long—I doubt it will interfere much with your Third Brother’s studies.”

“Yes, Third Madam.”

Wu Shi watched the graceful figure retreat into the distance, suppressing her anger before turning with a smile. “Let’s go. We mustn’t keep Mother waiting.”

“Qingyue-mei, did you really make this? It looks lovely.” Lu Li had only returned last night and had planned to visit Qingzhu Courtyard today to check on the lotus seed jelly they’d discussed yesterday—and to see the little sister who had caught his eye.

He hadn’t expected her to come so soon.

Having spent much time in romantic pursuits, he had his own way of handling all sorts of women.

Lu Li observed Hua Qingyue before him. Even the faint sunlight in the room made her skin glow like flawless jade. Her slender, delicate fingers held the plate of lotus seed jelly, and her face still carried the same gentle smile from their first meeting.

Leaning in, Lu Li took a deep whiff. “So fragrant.”

It was unclear whether he meant the dessert or the person, but he inhaled a few more times regardless.

“I made it. Brother Li, have a taste.”

Hua Qingyue placed a piece in a bowl and offered it to him.

Lu Li accepted it and took a tentative bite. Immediately, he looked up at Hua Qingyue. “Smooth and refreshing, sweet yet delicate—truly excellent. Not only is Qingyue-mei lovely, but the lotus seed jelly you make is far better than anyone else’s.”

“Then have some more, Brother Li.”

Hua Qingyue scooped out more lotus seed jelly, gazing at Lu Li with eager anticipation.

Well, if Lu Li refused now, wouldn’t his peers laugh him out of the academy if word got out?

He blankly picked up the bowl and swallowed its contents whole. Soon, the lotus seed jelly was finished. Taking out a handkerchief embroidered with orchids from his pocket, he wiped his mouth and said, “Sister Qingyue, your skills are excellent. The lotus seed jelly you made is even better than what the pastry chefs in the mansion prepare. You must have worked hard.”

“Not at all,” Hua Qingyue replied shyly, her gaze flickering to the handkerchief in his hand.

Neither spoke further, and the air fell silent.

Noticing her glance, he subtly tucked the handkerchief away.

Qingyue pretended not to have seen it and smiled brightly. “As long as Brother Li enjoys it.”

As she spoke, her eyes swept over the desk behind him and the walls covered in neatly written poetry, the bold strokes exuding grandeur.

Her visit today wasn’t just to get to know Lu Li better—the most important reason was to secure another meeting. She couldn’t possibly bring food every day.

She had expected it to take more effort, but things were progressing faster than anticipated.

So, she stepped forward, scanning the room,

“Brother Li works so diligently. Heaven never fails those who persevere—you’re sure to pass the spring imperial exams next year.”

“With your kind words, I’m certain next year will bring good results.”

Qingyue smiled softly, her misty eyes curving. “Of course. I may not know much else, but just looking at these poems and calligraphy, the examiners are bound to be impressed.”

Her admiration was unmistakable.

Lu Li naturally noticed. He stepped forward and casually flipped open the essay he had been writing.

If nothing else, his calligraphy was second to none in the capital—a fact that had won him the favor of many self-proclaimed talented women.

Sure enough, Qingyue stared at the essay, its strokes vigorous and well-practiced,

“Brother Li’s handwriting is even better than the copybooks I’ve seen in bookstores.”

Seeing her reaction mirror that of other young ladies, Lu Li smoothly picked up his brush and wrote the character “Qing” on a blank space, eager to impress her.

Qingyue watched intently, and Lu Li, encouraged, retrieved a booklet from behind him. “Since you seem to like it, this is a collection of poems I wrote earlier. If you don’t mind, Sister Qingyue, you can practice copying them in your free time. With time, you’ll reach my level.”

Without hesitation, Qingyue took it and lifted her face, her bright, mist-like eyes fixed on him. “Then, if I don’t understand something later, may I come to ask you?”

“Of course. Whenever you’re unsure, just send someone to inquire. If I’m not at home, you can write your questions and have the gatekeeper deliver them to me.”

“In that case, I thank you in advance, Brother Li.”

As she spoke, she glanced outside. “I won’t keep you from your studies any longer. I’ll take my leave now.”

She curtsied and turned to go.

Seeing her about to leave, Lu Li hurriedly called out, “Sister Qingyue, wait a moment.”

He rummaged in a cabinet and produced a dark red box. “Yesterday, our meeting was rushed. Today, you’ve brought me such delicious lotus seed jelly. This white magnolia hairpin—I think it would suit your complexion. I hope you won’t find it beneath you.”

For me?

Qingyue looked at him in confusion. “But Brother Li has already given me the copybook. How could I dare hope for more?”

Lu Li insisted on pushing it forward, “This is a gift for our first meeting. I heard you accepted Zhining’s presents, so this is a token of my sincerity. Please take it.”

This time, Hua Qingyue said nothing.

Lu Li seemed to soften slightly, the corners of his lips curling up.

“Of course, here, let me help you put it on.”

Unexpectedly, Hua Qingyue instinctively flinched away.

Lu Li’s hand hung in the air, grasping at nothing. He awkwardly sniffed, “I was too forward.”

“Not at all,” she hurriedly explained. “I just didn’t expect Brother Li to personally put it on for me. How could Qingyue dare impose on hands meant for holding a brush?”

Hearing this, Lu Li’s smile gradually widened.

Hua Qingyue took the hairpin from his hand and bowed stiffly. “Thank you, Brother Li. Qingyue will take her leave now.”

With that, she gently tucked the hairpin into her sleeve and hurried out.

Only when her figure had completely vanished from sight did Lu Li withdraw his gaze. He stared at the spot where her warm fingers had brushed against his while taking the hairpin, lost in thought for a long while.

When Lu Zhining returned from Chaohui Hall, she caught sight of Hua Qingyue retreating in the distance. She glared hatefully at her retreating figure. It was all because of this woman that her mother had been mocked by Second Aunt again and that Third Brother had fallen out with their mother.

……….

At the Duty Hall, Fei Jiu entered carrying a bowl of lotus seed jelly, casually placing it at the edge of the desk.

“Master, your prediction was spot-on. After we spread the rumor that commoners had discovered a mine in Liangyuan, the advisors from Prince Ding’s residence indeed found an excuse to leave the city. Our men are tailing them, ready to apprehend them at your command.”

Lu Yan’s gaze shifted from the jade plate as he spoke unhurriedly, “No rush. Have our men withdraw for now—no need to follow further. Instead, spread another rumor, Liu Ru, the Vice Minister of Revenue, has already confessed at the Court of Judicial Review and will soon be exiled to Lingnan, while his family is to be released without charges.”

“But to release—” Fei Jiu began, only to meet his master’s cold, sharp eyes and promptly shut his mouth.

After a pause, Lu Yan glanced idly at the plate on the desk. “Who sent this?”

Fei Jiu stiffened. “It was Mama Xia from the Old Madam’s quarters. She said Miss Qingyue made a lot of lotus seed jelly today, and since the young mistress isn’t in the residence, she had Mama Xia deliver a portion to you.”

“How thoughtful of her.”

Lu Yan removed the jade thumb ring from his finger and, before Fei Jiu could react, pulled the plate toward himself.

“The quality isn’t bad. At least she’s not completely foolish.”

He examined it for a moment, scooped a spoonful into his mouth, and ate it slowly. Then he asked, “Where is she? Has she come to the front hall for etiquette lessons yet?”

Fei Jiu shook his head. “Tao Xi came to ask for leave earlier, saying she was delivering lotus seed jelly to the Third Young Master and would arrive late today.”

The spoon halfway to his lips was abruptly tossed back onto the plate. His expression darkened visibly.

The room fell into silence for a long moment before the man seated at the head finally parted his lips and coldly uttered a few words:

“Too sweet. And unsightly. Feed it to the dogs.”

Fei Jiu was speechless, “…”

Hadn’t he just praised its quality? How had it become “unsightly” in such a short time?

Ah, better not try to decipher his master’s thoughts. He could only hope Fei Shi would return soon—these days were growing more unbearable by the hour. Who knew when this torment would end?

That very noon, Hua Qingyue left the Spring Rain Pavilion and still made a trip to Chaohui Hall. On her way back, she saw dozens of people holding sharp tools harvesting lotus seed pods.

Tao Xi noticed Fei Jiu nearby and casually asked, “Guard Fei, why are all these lotus seed pods being harvested?”