The Cold Minister’s Obsession: Chasing His Wife - Chapter 5

“Then where do you suggest she stay?” Old Madam Lu spoke unhappily.

Where could she suggest? In recent days, relatives from the second branch had come one after another to attend the lotus-viewing banquet, filling nearly all the vacant rooms in their courtyard.

Now, apart from an empty courtyard in the main branch’s area, there was only the Qingzhu Courtyard at the end of the lotus pond. Other courtyards were either occupied or hadn’t been maintained for a long time.

Since this little wretch had already arrived, there was no time to clean another place now.

Could she suggest staying in the main branch’s area?

But looking at Ning Sui County Princess’s stern expression, she lowered her head in resignation.

She couldn’t, and she didn’t dare!

“I, I…”

“Enough. Last month they held a poetry gathering there and cleaned it thoroughly. She’ll stay there,” Old Madam Lu declared directly.

“Mother, but my Li’er…”

Ning Sui County Princess had long wanted to return to check if her son had acquired any new injuries. She showed impatience at the other’s hesitation.

“If Li’er lacks determination, don’t blame the young lady. If he passes the imperial exams in the future, well and good. If not, would you then say every plant, servant, and maid in the estate is responsible?”

This Hua girl was originally chosen by the old marquis for the third branch. If she doesn’t stay near them, then who else?

Besides, how many times has Lu Li taken the exams without success? The fourth son started his studies later but has already entered official service. After all these years, Lu Li remains merely a provincial graduate.

Wu Shi nearly spat blood upon hearing this. She particularly detested such talk. Her third son hadn’t even taken the exams yet, and here they were saying he’d fail—how inauspicious! Not daring to retort directly yet unable to suppress her anger, she forced a bitter smile:

“Sister-in-law, the imperial exams are serious matters that brook no carelessness. As mothers, if this happened to Yan’er, you’d understand my concerns.”

Ning Sui County Princess scoffed disdainfully. “My son joined the military young, fought countless battles, led the Feiyu Army to quell border unrest, captured the Wei army’s commander to return triumphantly to the capital, then suppressed Prince Yong’s rebellion. Even while tending to his grandfather’s illness, he casually topped the imperial exams. As his mother, I can proudly say my son excels in both civil and martial arts. Your kind of suffering is something I’ll likely never experience.”

These words struck Wu Shi like a blow to the heart, leaving her speechless in rebuttal.

Old Madam Lu shot Wu Shi a displeased look. “Your sister-in-law speaks rightly. If a Lu man lacks such basic willpower, I doubt imperial success would serve him well.”

She then instructed her attendant Mama Xia, “Go prepare the Qingzhu Courtyard. First show Qingyue around, then assign some maids to attend her.”

“Yes,” Mama Xia acknowledged.

Hua Qingyue listened quietly to the arrangements, bowed respectfully, and followed Mama Xia out.

Another winding path followed, different from their arrival route—this one traced the estate’s waterways, where lotuses bloomed in full splendor.

Their delicate fragrance refreshed the spirit, easing Hua Qingyue’s travel weariness.

Noticing Hua Qingyue’s gaze lingering on the pond, Mama Xia remarked, “Miss Hua, these lotuses were planted by the Ministry of Works specifically for the eldest young master at Ning Sui County Princess’s request to His Majesty. We all benefit—the entire estate becomes breathtaking each summer.”

Hua Qingyue casually asked, “The eldest young master likes lotuses?”

It was hard to imagine that such a domineering, willfully blind person would have a fondness for something so refined and pure.

“No, the eldest young master enjoys lotus seed candies, so this lotus pond was built. You’ve come at just the right time, miss—in half a month, our estate will host a lotus appreciation banquet. It’ll be quite lively.”

The capital was a gathering place for high-ranking officials and nobility, with households constantly exchanging visits, all waiting to forge connections. Thus, every month was filled with either banquets at one house or poetry gatherings at another—though in truth, these were covert matchmaking events for the scions of power and wealth.

Hua Qingyue had witnessed such scenes many times back in Yangzhou, let alone here in the dazzlingly prosperous capital city.

She pursed her lips. Whether or not he was that rogue from that night, his face alone filled her with dread. She would investigate thoroughly first and then plan her next steps carefully.

Having resolved in her heart to stay as far away from him as possible—preferably never speaking to him again—she felt somewhat settled.

Mama Xia finally came to a stop at the end of the lotus pond.

“Miss, we’ve arrived at Clear Bamboo Courtyard.”

Hua Qingyue looked up at the plaque bearing the name “Clear Bamboo Courtyard,” shaped like a lotus leaf. Even within the courtyard, scattered lotus plants grew. The furnishings inside were sparse, and the courtyard was quite distant from the main residence. She had deliberately noted earlier that the closest building was the Spring Rain Pavilion of the third branch, yet it would still take half an incense stick’s time to walk there.

Still, the place was peaceful enough.

Seeing the satisfaction in Hua Qingyue’s eyes, Mama Xia spoke in a more amiable tone, “Miss Hua, the rooms have already been prepared by the servants. You must be exhausted after today, so rest early. This old servant won’t disturb you further.”

“Thank you for guiding me, Mama. Once Qingyue is settled, I will prepare gifts to express my gratitude properly.”

After Mama Xia left, leaving Yonglu and Yongju behind to attend to her in Clear Bamboo Courtyard, Hua Qingyue instructed Tao Xi, “I wish to bathe first.”

She was utterly exhausted. The days of travel had worn her out, and she had only been holding on by sheer willpower. Then, encountering him had left her feeling sticky all over. Right now, all she wanted was a good wash.

Tao Xi cheerfully went to prepare the bath, completely unaware of what had transpired between Hua Qingyue and the man in the main hall.

As she helped Hua Qingyue bathe, Tao Xi said happily,

“Miss, we’ve finally moved in! I noticed Old Madam Lu seems quite fond of you. Why don’t we ask her to help us? Perhaps she could arrange for the Head of the Imperial Hospital to examine Yang’er?”

Having served Hua Qingyue for over a decade, Tao Xi could read her mistress well. Though Hua Qingyue hadn’t voiced her worries, her brows had remained furrowed since their return. Coupled with what had happened at the gate earlier, Tao Xi could guess the cause.

Most of all, it was the words from Miss Zhining—that Lu Third Young Master already had someone he loved.

Her mistress was the finest lady in the world, deserving of someone who would devote himself entirely to her.

Hua Qingyue had indeed considered seeking Old Madam Lu’s help.

But even if Old Madam Lu was willing—out of kindness or gratitude for past favors—what then? Would Huo Shi ever leave her and her brother alone? They couldn’t rely on Old Madam Lu forever. Moreover, Hua Qingyue knew the rest of the household disapproved of her presence. The only solution was to seize this opportunity to marry Lu Li.

Only then could she ensure Qingyang’s safety and a worry-free life.

Hua Qingyue remained silent for a long while. Just as Tao Xi thought she had fallen asleep, a resolute voice finally broke the quiet. “Tao Xi, this path won’t be easy, but I have no other choice. Still, rest assured—one day, we will leave this place and live a simple life, just the three of us.”

Tao Xi tilted her head in thought. “Miss has always had her own ideas. Whatever you decide to do, just go ahead. After all, wherever Miss goes, Tao Xi will follow.”

Early the next morning, Hua Qingyue was awakened by knocking. Gazing at the unfamiliar room, she finally remembered where she was.

Having just arrived at the marquis’s residence and encountered that terrifying man yesterday, she had tossed and turned all night with countless thoughts, yet nothing became clearer. Still, one thing was certain—she must find the Head of the Imperial Hospital to treat Qingyang’s illness. Taking a deep breath to steel herself, she had forced herself to sleep only as dawn approached.

“Miss, someone sent by Ning Sui County Princess is here. They say… they want you to learn etiquette.” Last night, Tao Xi hadn’t heard her mistress mention this, so she didn’t dare reply casually and came in first to ask for instructions.

Hua Qingyue had a headache.

She had thought those lofty figures were just paying lip service with polite remarks, so she hadn’t taken it seriously. She hadn’t expected them to act so quickly.

Recalling Lu Yan’s terrifying gaze yesterday, Hua Qingyue shuddered, instantly more awake. She hurriedly got up.

“Tao Xi, go and reply first. Tell them we’ll come as soon as we’re ready.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Half an hour later, Hua Qingyue left Qingzhu Courtyard. Just as she reached the lotus pond, she saw a man approaching from the opposite direction.

Who else could it be but Lu Yan?

Truly, enemies were bound to meet on a narrow road. The more you feared something, the more likely it was to happen. If she had known, she would have left later—then she wouldn’t have run into him right after stepping out.

They were still far apart when she proactively stopped and lowered her head, letting him pass first, afraid he might pick on her again and humiliate her.

Lu Yan walked straight ahead without even glancing sideways. As he passed by her, he showed no intention of stopping, his pride making it seem as though nothing in this world was worthy of his attention.

Hua Qingyue secretly sighed in relief. Good, it seemed he really didn’t recognize her.

A man of his high status could have any woman he wanted—why would he resort to such underhanded tactics?

Yesterday, she had been too exhausted to think clearly. That night, the room had been pitched black, and in the end, she had used knockout powder. Even if that scoundrel saw her in broad daylight, he might not recognize her.

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice the tall, imposing figure now standing right in front of her. By the time she realized, Hua Qingyue could only lower her head further.

Years of wielding supreme authority and mastering the art of intrigue emanated an overwhelming pressure from him, a silent reminder to Hua Qingyue,

This man was not to be trifled with.

Lu Yan’s cold eyes swept over her, his lips curling slightly.

Seeing her meek and submissive, with an expression full of deference, anyone who didn’t know better would be fooled by this delicate face into thinking her utterly docile.

After all, who could imagine that such a gentle, fragile-looking woman possessed such strength in her hands and carried knockout powder with her?

“Why aren’t you calling me ‘big brother’ today? Yesterday, you kept saying it so smoothly, one after another.”

“Big brother,” Hua Qingyue responded without the slightest hesitation.

“Hmm.”

Silence fell again.

The shadow at her feet still hadn’t moved an inch. Seeing no other choice, Hua Qingyue tentatively ventured, “Big brother, have we… met before?”

Lu Yan’s expression remained unchanged as he took a step forward. “Qingyue, your way of striking up a conversation is quite unique. And if we have met, what then?”

Hua Qingyue suddenly froze, but quickly regained her composure, unconsciously taking half a step back as she trembled slightly and said, “I was just worried that Qingyue might have somehow offended you, elder brother, so I thought to ask.”

Her fearful demeanor was convincing—had Lu Yan not known her true intentions, he might have been taken in by her act.

Lu Yan raised an eyebrow, his thin lips parting slightly. “Never met her.”

The tension gripping Hua Qingyue’s heart finally eased a little. Having gotten the answer she wanted, she couldn’t bear to stay near him a moment longer.

“If elder brother has no further business, I shall take my leave to attend etiquette lessons at the princess’s courtyard,” she said, her voice dripping with meek obedience.

“Hmm.”

“Then Qingyue bids farewell.” She curtsied and fled as if escaping.

Watching her flustered retreat, Lu Yan suddenly remarked coldly, “Tell the etiquette instructor in Mother’s courtyard to report to the Duty Hall. Say that since I’ve been away from home for so long, Lu Yu has lacked proper discipline. It’s time she learned some manners and decorum.”