Chapter 52: Velvet Cloaking a Steel Needle

As Lu Zhongwang stepped into the Pavilion of Peace of Mind, a personal attendant hurried over and whispered to him in a low voice, "Young Master, the Master is having his evening meal at the pavilion. Her Ladyship instructed that you must act precisely as she advised."

Earlier that day, Qi Xuefu had dispatched a letter to Lu Zhongwang, instructing him on how to win over Lu Yanbei so that his upcoming marriage would not be overshadowed by Lu澜's. The Qi family were nothing more than common peasants who had clawed their way up from the mud. Although they had spent recent years riding the coattails of the Lu family's vast connections to make their agency business thrive, they could not escape the reality that all their relatives were still coarse, vulgar folk who dug in the fields and emptied chamber pots. Qi Xuefu was particularly desperate for Lu Yanbei to deploy the full weight of the Lu family's influence to ensure the wedding ceremony was grand and respectable.

Yet, Lu Zhongwang had completely disregarded Qi Xuefu's advice. What good ideas could his foolish mother possibly have? When it truly mattered, everything depended on him.

Inside the floral parlor of the Pavilion of Peace of Mind, dinner was already prepared. The maid, Lihua, stepped forward with barely contained joy to make her report, "Master, Madam, the Fifth Young Master has returned."

Qi Xuefu's brows relaxed, and the heavy stone that had been weighing on her heart finally dropped. Given her son's current status and talent, no matter what request he might make, Lu Yanbei would never refuse him.

The beaded curtain of the floral parlor was lifted.

Lu Zhongwang wore an older-style robe of purple and gold embroidered with white cranes and auspicious clouds, his feet shod in square-toed black satin boots that showed significant wear at the edges. His hair was neatly and cleanly bound without a single stray strand, and his skin was delicate and smooth, radiating the refined, scholarly elegance of a true man of letters.

Lightly lifting the hem of his gown, he knelt straight and upright on the floor to pay his respects, "Your son greets Father, your son greets Mother!"

Overcome with emotion, tears streamed down Qi Xuefu's face, yet her mouth split into a wide, beaming smile that bared her teeth. This was her precious son, the very core of her existence.

Yet, a sudden pang of heartache quickly followed.

"Master, just look at our Zhongwang! He is still wearing last year's autumn robes. Heaven help us, how do you servants do your jobs? Where are the fashionable autumn robes I ordered delivered to the Young Master?"

Lihua, the maid responsible for the task, dropped instantly to her knees. "Mistress, this servant delivered the autumn robes to Cangqi Academy long ago. I would never dare to be negligent."

"Then why is the Young Master wearing last year's clothes?"

Accustomed to acting high and-mighty, Qi Xuefu wore a fierce expression that thoroughly ruined the pleasant atmosphere.

Lu Zhongwang hurried forward to explain, "Mother, this has nothing to do with Sister Lihua. It is simply that I have lost weight recently, and those sets of autumn robes no longer fit properly. I figured I would have someone alter the tailoring in a few days, so I am just wearing my old clothes for the time being."

"Oh my, it was Mother's oversight. I haven't seen you in so long, I had no idea you had lost weight. Those autumn robes were all made to your previous measurements." Qi Xuefu approached him with a look of profound distress and tenderness.

Lu Zhongwang maintained a posture of utmost filial obedience.

"Indeed, he has grown somewhat leaner, but his bearing has acquired a much deeper sense of composure," Lu Yanbei said, gently stroking his beard as a profound sense of pride filled his eyes.

Generations ago, the ancestors of the Lu family had earned great merit by following the founding emperor to pacify the realm and establish the Southern Chu Dynasty. Their supremacy rested entirely upon military exploits won from the saddle, yet they had never achieved much distinction in the realm of civil administration. Lu Yanbei was acutely aware that times had changed; conquering the realm relied upon military generals, but governing it required scholars.

Lu Zhongwang's stellar achievements caused outsiders to hold the Duke of Yu's estate—a family of military lineage—in much higher regard. If he secured a prestigious academic rank in the imperial examinations next spring, the Lu family would truly excel in both civil and military spheres, bringing immense glory to their household.

"Fifth Lad, the headmaster of Cangqi Academy tells me that you have been exceptionally diligent over the past half year. While the other students rest at night, you frequently study late into the night by lamplight. Furthermore, the Grand Scholars have offered exceptionally high praise for your essays!"

Cangqi Academy was unlike ordinary institutions; it was an imperial academy personally established by the founding emperor, where sons of the court's highest ministers and even various imperial princes pursued their studies. Consequently, many renowned masters and grand scholars served simultaneously as academy instructors and high-ranking court officials, creating a complex web of factions within an environment of rigorous scholarship.

Far from requiring Lu Yanbei to run errands and pull strings for him, Lu Zhongwang had actually prompted those haughty luminaries of high society to proactively report on his academic progress, winning him boundless prestige within the court.

"Well then, do you feel confident of taking top honors in next spring's metropolitan examination?"

Lu Zhongwang bowed slightly, his tone steady, unhurried, and unflappable.

"In reply to Father, the metropolitan examination gathers scholars from across the entire realm; how could your son dare to be arrogant? Yet, even if my talents are meager and my learning shallow, I will undoubtedly strive with all my might to distinguish myself, so as not to disgrace the portals of our Duke of Yu's estate."

"Good..."

A look of doting affection settled upon Lu Zhongwang's face as Lu Yanbei gazed at him. What he appreciated most about his son was his expression—dignified, resolute, and unwavering, instilling absolute confidence.

"Hahahaha, truly deserving of being a son of Lu Yanbei, you possess much of your father's demeanor!"

"Master, let us partake of the meal!"

Qi Xuefu beamed with delight, loving nothing more than to see Lu Yanbei lavish praise upon her dearest treasure.

"Very well, let us dine."

The evening meal in the Pavilion of Peace of Mind proceeded in an orderly fashion. Qi Xuefu had specially added several dishes that Lu Zhongwang favored, including braised pig's trotters, steamed venison tail, jellied goose paws, and milk-stewed lamb.

Her heartache for Lu Zhongwang caused Qi Xuefu to cast aside all formalities as she continuously piled food into his bowl. "Here, Zhongwang, have some of this steamed venison tail, your favorite. It was prepared from the tail of a half-year-old fawn slaughtered less than an hour ago—tender and meltingly soft."

"Thank you, Mother!"

Watching her son eat with such hearty relish, Qi Xuefu let out a soft sigh as tears welled in her eyes. "To think what hardships our Zhongwang has endured—eating poorly and sleeping restlessly at the academy. Across the entire capital, which young scion of a noble marquess possesses his level of self-discipline, introspection, and scholarly devotion? The others spend all day cockfighting, hound-chasing, and indulging in debauchery."

Qi Xuefu's words were needles hidden in silk. While ostensibly praising Lu Zhongwang, she was simultaneously taking a veiled dig at Lu Lan.

How utterly full of schemes!