The Cold Minister’s Obsession: Chasing His Wife - Chapter 16

“Miss, what do you think of these outfits?”

After they parted ways, Tao Xi was the happiest among them. Ever since returning to Qingzhu Courtyard, she had been helping Hua Qingyue coordinate outfits, unsatisfied with every selection she made. Finally, she thought of something,

“Ah, right! Miss, since you’ll be accompanying the Third and Fourth Young Masters around the capital today, why not wear the clothes and accessories that Miss Zhining gave you?”

In Tao Xi’s eyes, this wasn’t just an ordinary outing. With the Third and Fourth Young Masters accompanying them, their friends were surely all either wealthy or noble. She had to dress her young mistress beautifully, ensuring she wouldn’t be overshadowed by the other young ladies in the residence.

Seeing her eager expression, Hua Qingyue helplessly selected a misty pink ruqun from Tao Xi’s hands. “No need for gifts from others. This one will do. The lanterns will dim the lighting at night, so wearing something brighter should be fine. I suppose the Third Young Master would prefer it.”

“But… this is the least vibrant among all these outfits, and Miss…”

Tao Xi wanted to say more, but Hua Qingyue had already moved to sit at the dressing table. “I know what you’re thinking. You can decide on the makeup and hairstyle.”

Hearing this, Tao Xi finally broke into a wide grin.

Her young mistress was naturally beautiful—even without makeup, she was already radiant and charming. If she were to apply makeup and style her hair, even in an understated dress, she would undoubtedly stand out the most.

Soon, as night fell, a row of carriages stopped in front of the Lu residence.

Nearly all the young ladies of the Lu household had dressed up elaborately and were heading toward the entrance.

Lu Zhining glanced at Lu Zhiyu chatting merrily with the visiting cousins in the courtyard and pouted in complaint,

“Last month, I asked Third Brother to take me out, but he refused. Now, for the sake of outsiders, he’s making such a grand fuss. Who even knows who his real sister is anymore.”

“Sixth Sister, don’t be upset. They probably just want to show them the capital’s nightlife since it’s their first time here. They’re just being hospitable.”

Lu Zhining snorted and shot Lu Zhiyue a disdainful look. “You always have a way with words. Remember Mother’s words—don’t get too carried away with outings.”

“Yes, Sixth Sister.”

Lu Zhining’s gaze swept over Lu Zhiyue, her displeasure simmering.

The fabric Lu Zhiyue was wearing was cloud-patterned brocade that Second Sister had brought back from the palace. Every Lu sister had received a bolt, and Lu Zhining only wore hers occasionally. Yet here was Lu Zhiyue, dressed in the same fabric today.

Some people were just low-class, always scheming to climb the social ladder with their coquettish tricks. This little wretch must be hoping to catch the eye of Third and Fourth Brothers’ classmates tonight, dressing like this to snag a wealthy match.

She despised such people. Lowering her voice, she snapped, “Go take off all those gaudy hairpins. And that dress is too flashy—change into something else. Otherwise, don’t bother coming.”

Lu Zhiyue stared at her in disbelief. “Sixth Sister…”

Not far away, the visiting cousins from the second branch were decked out in bright reds and greens, their heads practically weighed down with jade hair ornaments, each more extravagant than the last. She had already dressed so modestly—was it still not enough?

As a proper young lady of the marquis’ household, she was dressed even more plainly than those from minor official families, all to avoid upstaging her sister. And yet, Lu Zhining still found fault.

Lu Zhining glared at her impatiently. “Stop looking so pitiful. Do you want me to go back and tell Mother to send you and Consort Zhou off to the countryside estate?”

Lu Zhiyue suppressed her resentment and said tearfully, “Sixth Sister, don’t be angry. I’ll go change right away.”

Lu Zhining arrogantly snorted in disdain, not bothering to respond.

The visiting young ladies from the Second Branch were discussing whose dress had the prettiest color and what dyeing techniques were used, or which seamstress had made their garments. Their chattering voices filled the air like a flock of twittering birds.

Lu Zhining disdained joining them, as it would only lower her status as the legitimate daughter of the Third Branch. That Lu Zhiyu might willingly degrade herself by laughing and chatting with them, but she was different. Her mother assisted Ning Sui County Princess in managing household affairs, representing the Marquis’s household’s dignity.

As for her, being her mother’s daughter, she naturally should uphold the Marquis’s household’s dignity in her mother’s absence.

Lu Zhiyu stood at the center in her yellow dress, calmly accepting their compliments without showing much emotion—until her personal maid whispered in her ear, “Miss, Young Master Huan will be going out today.”

Touching her hair ornaments, the young girl couldn’t suppress her smile.

Soon, Lu Li and Lu Heng appeared together, abruptly silencing the visiting young ladies’ chatter. Among them, Guan Shan’ai stood out the most. Everyone in the household knew Second Madam intended to match her with Fourth Young Master Lu Li.

Guan Shan’ai was the legitimate daughter of Governor Guan from Dengzhou and Second Madam’s eldest sister’s child. Having been in the capital for over half a month, Second Madam adored her and had repeatedly mentioned her to Old Madam Lu. However, since the old madam hadn’t yet given her approval, the matter hadn’t been openly discussed.

Pushed forward by the teasing crowd behind her, Guan Shan’ai blushed and called out, “Third Cousin, Fourth Cousin.”

“Hmm,” Lu Heng replied coolly, offering nothing more.

Lu Li, however, smiled meaningfully. “Fourth Brother, Cousin Guan has been in the capital for so long, yet you haven’t taken her out to explore. Take this opportunity today to properly accompany her.”

“That’s right, Fourth Brother. Sister Guan has barely seen you since her arrival. You should take good care of her tonight,” Lu Zhiyu chimed in.

Blushing, Lu Heng glanced at Guan Shan’ai and nodded in acknowledgment.

Lu Li, ever the playful instigator, twirled his fan lazily and grinned. “With so many beautiful young ladies from our Lu household today, we’ll surely outshine even the famous capital nightscape. Tonight, all my dear sisters can eat, drink, and enjoy to your hearts’ content—everything will be on…”

He paused, pushing Lu Heng forward, “Everything will be on our Fourth Young Master Lu!”

His teasing provoked a wave of laughter from the gathered young ladies.

Hua Qingyue’s Clear Bamboo Courtyard was located deepest within the estate. Rushing over, she arrived just in time to hear the courtyard filled with laughter, all eyes turning toward her.

Under the brightly lit lanterns of the Lu residence, a figure in pink gradually emerged from the shadows, her features becoming clear to all. Her flawless skin glowed like pristine jade under the light, her delicate features accentuated by strikingly luscious pink lips. With crescent-shaped eyes and a radiant smile, she looked like a fairy stepping out from a lotus pond—pure yet dazzlingly beautiful.

“Fox spirit,” Lu Zhining couldn’t help muttering under her breath.

Not missing a chance to provoke Lu Zhiyu, she added, “Fifth Sister, if you’re upset, just say so. We’re all sisters here—I won’t laugh at you.”

Lu Zhiyu shot her a cold glance before boarding the carriage without another word.

The cousins from the second branch saw Lu Zhiyu boarding the carriage and followed suit one after another.

Seeing Lu Zhiyu’s flustered and exasperated appearance, Lu Zhining finally felt a bit better.

Tao Xi noticed that as soon as her young mistress arrived, all the other young ladies had already boarded the carriage. What was this? Were they wild beasts or something to be hidden away from sight?

Hua Qingyue swept her gaze over the crowd, and not spotting that intimidating figure, the unease in her heart eased slightly.

Lu Li took the initiative to approach, looking at Hua Qingyue’s face as he softly asked, “Qingyue, why aren’t you wearing the hairpin I gave you today?”