The Cold Minister’s Obsession: Chasing His Wife - Chapter 3

As soon as she finished speaking, the crowd withdrew their scrutinizing gazes—some filled with disdain, some with admiration, and others with indifference, though there was also warmth among them.

With the old madam present, everyone nodded in acknowledgment, completing the formal introduction.

Old Madam Lu had not taken her eyes off her since she entered. She had last seen this girl when she was just a child—how many years had passed since then? Now, she had grown into a young woman, graceful and elegant.

Back then, when she and her husband had marched to war against the State of Wei, their six thousand troops faced over a hundred thousand Wei soldiers. The odds were slim, and with famine ravaging the land, they had never expected to return. If not for her grandfather selling part of the family’s assets to raise provisions for the army, she might not be sitting here safely today.

Now that her granddaughter had arrived, Old Madam Lu was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. Trembling, she stepped forward and took Hua Qingyue’s hand.

“You were such a plump, soft little thing when you were young—how have you grown so thin now? Was the journey too harsh?”

The concern in the old madam’s eyes was unmistakable. Hua Qingyue bowed before replying respectfully, “Thank you for your concern, Madam. The post stations along the way treated me with great courtesy once they learned I was heading to Anning Marquis Manor. I suffered no hardships.”

“That’s good.”

Old Madam Lu paused. “Qingyue, you may call me Grandmother, just like the others. My husband and your grandfather shared life and death on the battlefield. I even held your father when he was born. If not for the unrest in the capital after our return, I would have visited you in Liangyuan long ago. Who would have thought that now…”

Hua Qingyue immediately responded with a clear, sweet voice, “Grandmother.”

Lu Zhining pouted. Honestly, grandmother already has so many granddaughters to dote on—can she really handle another? And letting her call her grandmother like the rest of us? As if she deserves it.

Wu Shi shot her a warning glance, and Lu Zhining huffed but fell silent.

The address brought a delighted smile to Old Madam Lu’s face, and she eagerly continued her questions.

“I heard your mother also bore a younger brother—is he well?”

Hua Qingyue nodded. “By your grace, all is well.”

The old madam then inquired about her grandfather’s illness and his final wishes. Hua Qingyue answered carefully, avoiding sensitive details and only presenting the letter he had entrusted to her, saying nothing of the family’s other affairs.

After reading the letter, Old Madam Lu wept openly, patting Hua Qingyue’s arm repeatedly. “My dear child, you’ve suffered so much. Don’t worry—I’ve long had plans for your marriage. Once you’ve rested, we’ll discuss it in detail.”

Though it was a simple familial remark, the expressions of the women present shifted—except for Ning Sui County Princess of the main branch, who remained composed beside Old Madam Lu.

No matter what plans she has, they won’t involve my Yan’er anyway.

The second and third branches exchanged glances before turning away with quiet, disdainful snorts.

The old madam gently touched Hua Qingyue’s cheek, her face full of affection. “Today, the young men of the family are all occupied with their own affairs outside, and your eldest brother is away on official business. He should return in about five days. Once the whole family is gathered, we’ll properly introduce you to everyone.”

“Qingyue will follow Grandmother’s arrangements.”

After speaking, Hua Qingyue stood respectfully to the side. She knew the old madam’s affection was genuine, but this was not the place for her to draw attention. She only wished to finish the greetings and leave quickly—yet someone seemed determined to make that difficult.

“Sister Hua, what rouge and powder do you usually use? Your skin is even fairer and more delicate than my fifth sister’s.”

Hua Qingyue followed the gazes of the others.

—This was none other than Lu Zhiyu, renowned in the capital as the number one beauty for her poetry, song, and striking looks.

The room fell silent in an instant. Though everyone maintained composed expressions, they were all secretly anticipating a spectacle.

“Zhining, what nonsense are you spouting in front of your grandmother?” Wu Shi, who assisted in managing the household, was always particular about appearances. She had only neglected to remind her daughter for a moment, and now the girl had completely forgotten propriety.

The eldest branch had the County Princess, whom she couldn’t afford to offend, and the second branch’s eldest daughter, Zhiyi, was an imperial consort—another person she couldn’t slight. Who could blame her when the Anning Marquis Manor’s third branch was the only one lacking in prestige? Wu Shi could only force a smile. “Zhiyu, your sixth sister is still young and speaks bluntly. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Lu Zhiyu smiled faintly, but her gaze lingered on Hua Qingyue’s face.

“Young? She’s nearly of marriageable age next year—how is that young? Sister-in-law, I don’t mean to criticize, but Zhining is becoming more and more outrageous. Mocking her own cousin like this—what if word gets out? Wouldn’t that be a laughingstock?” The second madam said indignantly.

The words left Wu Shi speechless, and she could only keep smiling apologetically.

The second madam wasn’t truly angry about the remark itself, but rather the implication that the third branch had no sense of propriety, daring to compare just anyone to her daughter. It was clear they held no regard for the third branch. Yet, given the old madam’s obvious fondness for this girl, she had no choice but to let it go.

Lu Zhiyu’s expression remained indifferent. “Mother, don’t be upset. Sixth Sister isn’t wrong—Miss Hua is indeed stunning, radiant beyond compare. I, too, would like to know what rouge and powder she uses.”

As she spoke, she scrutinized Hua Qingyue from head to toe. Though the girl wore no eye-catching jewelry, there was a simple, understated beauty about her that was impossible to ignore.

If she were to dress up properly, wouldn’t she outshine even her?

A hint of calculation flickered in Lu Zhiyu’s heart.

Hua Qingyue, who had originally planned to feign ignorance, now found all eyes on her. She had no choice but to brace herself and speak.

“This rouge is something I made myself. It can’t compare to what’s sold in the capital’s shops. If you don’t mind, I can prepare some for you in a few days and send it over. Would that be all right?”

“Of course. Then I’ll be waiting for you, Miss Hua.” Lu Zhiyu’s expression remained unreadable, neither pleased nor displeased.

But Lu Zhining, standing nearby, grew anxious. The show hadn’t even begun yet! She hurriedly interjected, “Fifth Sister, she—”

Before she could finish, hurried footsteps from outside interrupted her. An elderly maidservant entered. “Old Madam, County Princess, the eldest young master—the eldest young master has returned and is on his way to Chaohui Hall!”

No sooner had the words left her mouth than a tall, imposing figure lifted the curtain and strode in.

Lu Zhining, who had been seething with indignation, hastily lowered her head and shrank behind Wu Shi.

Apart from Old Madam Lu and Ning Sui County Princess, nearly all the women in the room rose to their feet in unison, their postures impeccably proper. Hua Qingyue, even more curious now, tilted her head toward the doorway, following the light.

The newcomer was exceptionally tall, clad in a black brocade robe, his hair neatly gathered and secured by a white jade crown. His sword-like brows slanted sharply toward his temples, his eyes dark and fathomless. A gleaming sword hung at his right hip from a white jade belt—

Just from this brief observation, the oppressive aura radiating from the doorway left Hua Qingyue momentarily stunned.

As he drew closer, the blurred image gradually sharpened into focus.

Sensing the intense gaze, Lu Yan’s sharp eyes also turned toward her.

In an instant, their eyes met.

— — !!!

The fear accumulated over the past three months exploded in this moment.

Hua Qingyue’s pupils constricted abruptly, her entire body frozen in place—it was him.

The libertine from that night.

Even though the moonlight had been dimmed that night, making it hard to see clearly, she could never mistake him.

The scenes that had haunted her for months surged back, and Hua Qingyue’s shocked face turned deathly pale. He drew closer and closer. Her heartbeat raced with his footsteps, almost bursting out of her chest.

She didn’t dare imagine what would happen if he spoke of what had transpired between them. If they found out, she would.

How much would they believe if she explained that she, too, had been a victim of foul play?

Uncontrollably, she staggered back a few steps. If not for gripping a nearby chair for support, she might have fainted on the spot.

Yet, just as he neared her, the man abruptly changed direction, his scorching gaze shifting away. He bowed respectfully to the person seated in the place of honor.

“Yan’er, Yan’er, come quickly! Let your grandmother take a good look at you.” Old Madam Lu stood up, beckoning eagerly.

Ning Sui County Princess, who had remained silent in the seat of honor, also rose excitedly. “Weren’t you supposed to return in a few more days? Why are you back so soon? Have you settled your affairs?”

Lu Yan?!!!

He was actually Lu Yan? Compared to encountering that libertine again, the fact that this man was Lu Yan left Hua Qingyue even more stunned.

“Grandmother, Mother, I finished my tasks ahead of schedule and reported to the palace to conclude my duties.” As he spoke, his gaze drifted casually toward the dazed woman beside him, and he asked meaningfully, “And who might this be?”