The Cold Minister’s Obsession: Chasing His Wife - Chapter 17

Hua Qingyue smiled coquettishly, her dimples faintly visible at the corners of her lips, her beautiful eyes filled with the unique shyness of a young maiden, “This was a gift from Brother Li. Qingyue couldn’t bear to wear it and wanted to save it for the most important occasion.”

Hearing this, Lu Li felt a surge of tender affection. With a grand gesture, he said, “That hairpin wasn’t particularly valuable to begin with. If Qingyue wants more, I’ll send you eight or ten another day so you can change them daily.”

“Brother Li,” Hua Qingyue called out sweetly.

Seeing her shy smile, Lu Li became even more attentive. He led her to the carriages, intending for her to ride with his sister, but Lu Zhining directly ordered the coachman to drive away.

“You—Lu Zhining! Qingyue hasn’t boarded yet. Why are you leaving?”

The only response was the loud neighing of the horses. Lu Zhining stuck her head out, made a face at Lu Li, and the carriage quickly disappeared from the gates of the Lu residence.

“Lu Zhining, just you wait!”

After shouting, Lu Li turned to Hua Qingyue beside him and apologized, “Qingyue, when we return, I’ll make sure Mother disciplines her properly.”

Hua Qingyue smiled calmly and said, “Don’t worry, Brother Li. Zhining is younger—how could an elder sister hold a grudge against her younger sister? Please don’t mention this to Third Madam either. I don’t want to cause any rift between you and your mother because of me.”

“Qingyue, if only Zhining were half as sensible as you.”

Lu Li felt sorry for Hua Qingyue—an orphaned girl far from home, coming to Anning Marquis Manor, likely enduring many hardships. Yet even so, she still thought of others.

How rare.

Hua Qingyue smiled without responding.

Lu Li then led her to another carriage and considerately helped her board.

Before leaving, Lu Zhiyu thoughtfully asked, “Third Brother, Fourth Brother, have you informed Eldest Brother?”

With all the young people of the household going out, there was no reason not to invite him. Though everyone knew Lu Yan wouldn’t come, not asking would reflect poorly on them as younger siblings.

Lu Heng replied with a smile, “Zhiyu, when I went to mobilize the Fei Yu Army today, I asked Eldest Brother. He said he wasn’t interested in joining us.”

Hearing this, Lu Li sighed in relief, and Hua Qingyue felt a weight lift from her shoulders.

Hua Qingyue sat in the carriage, soon joined by Lu Zhiyue.

The two exchanged glances. Since Hua Qingyue hadn’t helped her that morning, sharing a carriage now was somewhat awkward.

Breaking the silence, Hua Qingyue asked, “Has Consort Zhou’s illness improved?”

Lu Zhiyue responded, “It’s better. I had to beg Third Brother to see a physician today. She took medicine at noon and has improved quite a bit.”

“That’s good.”

Hua Qingyue smiled politely and didn’t inquire further, pretending to know nothing about the morning’s events.

Soon, the group set off for the largest restaurant in the capital—Qianwei Tower.

As the carriage entered the bustling market district, Hua Qingyue, who had never seen the capital’s night scenery before, curiously lifted the curtain—and froze at the sight.

The streets were crowded with people, brilliantly lit, a scene of prosperous harmony.

At that moment, she failed to notice two burly men watching her from a distance, their murky eyes filled with a sickening leer.

Meanwhile, Lu Zhiyue subtly observed the half of Hua Qingyue’s face revealed in profile.

The capital was known for its harsh winds and dust, leaving the local ladies with rather dry skin. Even though they were noble daughters of marquis households who never lacked oils to nourish their skin, none could compare to her naturally dewy complexion.

If she could achieve such radiance, perhaps some distinguished young master of the capital might take notice, securing her a favorable marriage. Then, perhaps, she wouldn’t have to endure life under Wu Shi and her daughter any longer.

With this thought in mind, Lu Zhiyue asked, “Sister Qingyue, I heard from the servants that you’re making your own batch of rouge. Since Sister Hua is new here and Qingzhu Courtyard is short on hands, do let me know if you need any help.”

Hua Qingyue glanced at her and smiled, nodding. “Thank you, Sister Zhiyue. I’ll be sure to send some to you once it’s ready.”

That smile nearly dazzled Lu Zhiyue.

No wonder Wu Shi felt threatened. Beautiful as she was, without a respectable family background, her life was even worse than hers.

The cousins who had come from Second Aunt’s household, no matter how lacking, were still the daughters of regional commanders. But Hua Qingyue? She was merely the daughter of a lowly merchant.

And as for herself—she was the child of a concubine in the marquis household. In a way, they were both victims of circumstance. If not for Wu Shi’s warnings…

She thought she might have gladly befriended her.

Alas, their fates were never theirs to control.

Soon, they arrived at the Thousand Flavors Pavilion.

Lu Li led the group inside, and the sight of so many elegant noblewomen gathered in one place inevitably drew murmurs and stares.

Nearly ten ladies stepped down from their carriages at once. Lu Zhiyu and Hua Qingyue’s gazes met, and both curved their lips slightly in silent greeting.

“The goddesses in paintings must wear fabrics like hers—she’s truly breathtaking.”

Lu Zhining walked at the forefront, naturally drawing the most admiring glances. Hearing the praise, she instinctively straightened her posture, embodying the dignified air of the Anning Marquis Manor’s legitimate daughter.

More and more ladies descended from their carriages, leaving the onlooking commoners gaping in awe.

The carriages had stopped right at the entrance of the Thousand Flavors Pavilion, just steps away from entering.

For the common folk, even a glimpse of the capital’s noble ladies was considered a rare blessing.

“Fei Yu Army? That’s the Fei Yu Army—those must be the Lu family’s daughters!” someone in the crowd exclaimed, nudging their companion.

“Obviously! Who else but the Fifth Miss Lu could possess such striking beauty?”

Their eyes simultaneously turned toward the graceful figure in the distance. Lu Zhiyu’s delicate oval face, paired with her yellow gown, outshone even the dazzling lanterns of the Thousand Flavors Pavilion.

After a long pause, one of them finally snapped out of it. “Tell me—how is it that with the same nose and mouth, hers are so captivating while mine might as well not exist?”

Lu Zhining, walking slowly, darkened at the overheard remarks.

But soon, another wave of gasps swept through the crowd.

“Is that beauty the Sixth Miss of the Lu household? She looks like a celestial maiden!”

“No, the first one to step out of the carriage was the Sixth Miss.”

“Ah, right. Who knew the capital had such a peerless beauty?”

The young woman in pink had skin fairer than snow, exuding a gentle, unadorned grace. If the Fifth Miss Lu was a rare gem among mortals, this one was surely an immortal untouched by worldly desires.

Fuming at the front, Lu Zhining stamped her foot and stormed inside.

Lu Zhiyue deliberately stepped down from the carriage last, a habit she had maintained for years. By now, Lu Zhining and Lu Zhiyu would have already received their share of praise from the crowd, sparing her the inevitable comparisons with them.

This time, as soon as she alighted, she noticed all eyes were fixed on Hua Qingyue ahead.

Her heart grew increasingly bitter. Previously, when she went out with her fifth and sixth sisters, she was always the least noticeable one. Now, even when accompanying Hua Qingyue, it was the same.

Was it simply because Hua Qingyue was more beautiful?

But she was the legitimate daughter of Anning Marquis Manor! Even if her birth mother was a concubine, that still made her far superior to those merchant-class Hua family upstarts.

Quickening her pace, she caught up and grabbed Hua Qingyue’s hand, announcing loudly, “Sister Hua, look how everyone’s staring at you!”