Chapter 51: Lu Zhongwang Returns Home

The first time Lu Yanbei saw such a grand scene, he definitely felt a pang of sympathy and pain. But Qi Xuefu had used tricks like this more than once; anyone would have become numb to it by now.

“Xuefu, today the entire household is decorated with lanterns and banners, busily preparing for a wedding. What on earth are you trying to cause a fuss about?” Lu Yanbei snapped impatiently.

Qi Xuefu didn’t dare to confront Lu Yanbei with force; otherwise, she wouldn’t have needed to fake hanging herself. After all, the legitimate wife was still alive. She didn’t have the courage to throw tantrums, so she could only play the victim to win sympathy.

She sobbed softly, “Master, my son Zhongwang is so pitiful. Clearly, he was the one who first arranged the engagement, yet in the whole Lu family, except for me, no one cares about his marriage. Don’t you think my heart aches?”

Qi Xuefu kept clutching her chest, wailing.

Nanny Jiang cried as she embraced her, “Mistress, you can’t torment yourself like this...”

At the mention of Lu Zhongwang, Lu Yanbei’s anger cooled halfway.

It was true—several months ago, Lu Zhongwang had already been betrothed to Zhao Xiruo, the illegitimate daughter of the Minister of Rites, and they were just waiting for an auspicious day to present the betrothal gifts.

On the gift list, Lu Yanbei was also steadily preparing.

But then Lu Lan suddenly announced he wanted to marry Gu Xingwan.

That threw the plans into chaos.

He was caught between Qi Xuefu and Yan Shiyue, trying to mediate, but neither side would yield.

In the end, Lu Yanbei set a rule: the household had no spare money; whoever could gather the betrothal funds first would proceed with the engagement.

Yan Shiyue didn’t hesitate, waving her hand and immediately sending ten thousand taels of silver from her private treasury to purchase the betrothal gifts.

As for Qi Xuefu, through a series of unfortunate events, Lu Lan had plundered the wealth she and her sons Qi Cong and Qi Changgui had amassed over the years in the Lu household, leaving her penniless.

She couldn’t afford the betrothal gifts for Lu Zhongwang, so all she could do was put on a pitiful face and make a scene with Lu Yanbei.

“I don’t care, Master. The betrothal gift list has already been sent to the Zhao family. If we don’t send the exact amount listed, won’t Zhongwang be ridiculed in officialdom later?”

Just now, Qi Xuefu had even tried to demand the same lavish standard as Lu Lan’s, hoping to add more gifts to the Zhao family’s list to raise her son’s face.

But seeing Lu Yanbei’s ambiguous attitude, she realized it meant just sticking to the original list without reducing anything.

“Is the Zhao family easy to provoke? Minister Zhao holds a rather high position, isn’t it higher than that of Lord Gu?”

Gu Zhijing was merely a minor official, the Deputy Director of the Court of Imperial Entertainments—practically insignificant!

Why should Gu Xingwan make the Lu family go through such trouble?

Lu Yanbei sighed silently.

The Zhao family’s Minister of Rites held a third-rank official position, responsible for the court’s diplomatic affairs. With wars raging both in the south and north, the emperor heavily relied on the Zhao family.

It was truly unwise to offend them at this time.

“Fine, fine, fine. I’ll sell everything I have to gather the betrothal gifts for Fifth Young Master. Are you satisfied now?”

Upon hearing Lu Yanbei agree to preserve her son’s dignity, Qi Xuefu wiped her tears and jumped off her chair eagerly.

“Master, I knew you wouldn’t not care for Zhongwang, our poor son…”

Lu Yanbei shot her a glare and turned to leave. Qi Xuefu’s eyes flickered as she quickly followed and clung to him.

“Master, Zhongwang happens to have a break today and is coming home. He’s been studying hard day and night and hasn’t dined with you for half a year. How about having dinner together at the Serene Pavilion?”

“This place looks like a messy mourning hall. Is there even food to eat here?”

Stung by his retort, Qi Xuefu signaled to Nanny Jiang, who wisely said, “Master, please rest a moment and enjoy a cup of Taiping Houkui tea brewed from dew collected by Aunt Qi. I will prepare dinner at once.”

“Hmph!”

Lu Yanbei grunted but did not object. Dinner would be here.

Nanny Jiang hurried out and sent a servant to watch for the arrival of the Fifth Young Master at the mansion gate.

As the sun set and the air grew chillier,

a luxurious carriage arrived outside the Lu residence.

Its body was finely carved from rosewood, stylish and elegant. The shafts, wheels, and hubs were made from sturdy ebony, and the curtains were crafted from premium whole deerhide.

The carriage slowly stopped at the mansion gate. Silver bells jingled softly as a fair-skinned, handsome young scholar stepped out.

In stark contrast to the lavish carriage, Lu Zhongwang wore an old-fashioned autumn robe from last year.

A gust of autumn wind made him shiver.

“Fifth Young Master has returned!”

The gatekeeper’s eyes brimmed with joy.

No doubt, this young man was the future head of the Lu family.

Just a few months after the spring imperial examination, Lu Zhongwang would surely shed his status as a mere illegitimate son.

“Uncle Chen, I hear the mansion is very lively today?”

“Very lively, very lively! Everyone in the capital is coming by our gate to share in the joy!”

A faint crease appeared between Lu Zhongwang’s brows.

At the Hidden Talents Academy, he was also restless. Every now and then, classmates would congratulate him, but their congratulations were for his fourth brother Lu Lan and the heir apparent’s engagement.

No one remembered that Lu Zhongwang also had a betrothal.

Who would care about an illegitimate son’s marriage?

Very well!

If no one supports my ambition, I will climb to the summit alone, treading through snow.