He Shuhua entered the palace at seventeen and was deeply favored by the Emperor. She became pregnant the following year and gave birth to the Third Prince. Two years later, she gave birth to the Fifth Princess. Now, with both a son and a daughter, she and the Emperor remain a harmonious couple, envied by all.

Because of He Shuhua’s favor, the Third Prince was also considered a potential heir apparent and attracted much attention.

Meanwhile, the Emperor had assigned the three Princes to handle the preparations for the late Emperor’s birthday celebration.

Naturally, the three brothers did their utmost to ensure their duties were performed well on this important occasion, showcasing their abilities to the Emperor.

The Third Prince, the youngest of the three and with the least experience in official duties, naturally sought advice from his cousin, He Yanxiu.

Reminded by her servants, Madam Lu remembered the matter and slapped her forehead. “I almost forgot such an important thing. Business comes first. We can talk about this after he’s finished.”

Even if the affair with the mistress was urgent, it was still a matter of the inner quarters, and Madam Lu was clear-headed about that.

However, no matter how clear-headed she was, Madam Lu still felt sorry for Su Yujin.

It was said that to win a man’s heart, you must first win his stomach. Su Yujin’s cooking was so good that she had completely won her over; surely she couldn’t tame He Yanxiu, this wild horse?

Madam Lu was unwilling to give up and didn’t want to stay at home any longer. She rummaged through her dressing case for the storeroom key and went inside, searching high and low.

She didn’t want any rare treasures or jewelry; she only found some cash, put it in her purse, and tucked it into her bosom.

Then she changed into military attire, had her servants prepare a horse, and went straight to find Lu Wenjing.

Lu Wenjing was feeling stifled at home when she learned that her aunt had come to see her and even invited her to go to Qinghe County together. She was overjoyed.

She knew that agreeing to take her Gumu to see Su Yujin last time was an absolutely wise move!

From now on, she could not only go to Qinghe County often but also do so openly and legitimately—it couldn’t be better!

Su Yujin was quite surprised by the arrival of Lu Wenjing and Lu Shi.

Especially after exchanging a few pleasantries, she was even more surprised when Lu Wenjing unceremoniously stuffed a heavy bag of silver ingots into her hand.

“Madam already gave me something last time…” Su Yujin tried to decline.

She couldn’t accept something for nothing.

Although she could tell that Miss Lu’s yímǔ wanted to come and have a few more meals, the jade bracelet she had given last time was already very precious, and Su Yujin felt that was enough.

Accepting silver ingots this time was a bit too much.

Others were being polite, but she couldn’t take advantage of them, could she?

What a kind girl; she shouldn’t refuse things that weren’t hers.

No wonder she hadn’t gained any official status after following He Yanxiu for two years, while some vixens had already seized the opportunity.

Madam Lu felt increasingly resentful, and without a word, she stuffed the money pouch into Su Yujin’s hand. “Take it; it’s nothing. I’ll bring you something nicer next time I come!”

Although silver ingots were readily available and a good thing to have, they were still just silver. While the quantity seemed considerable, it wasn’t much money. All of this combined couldn’t even compare to a decent hairpin.

Madam Lu thought that next time she came, she should choose some presentable hair accessories.

As a woman, even if she didn’t particularly like these things, she still needed something to make a good impression!

Gold filigree, gemstone inlay, pearls, agate, jade, rubies…

Hairpins, hair ornaments, hairpins with dangling ornaments, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, chokers…

Arrange them all!

Su Yujin, “…”

Why did it seem like all the relatives related to the Second Master were so generous?

And it was the kind of situation where you couldn’t refuse?

After being unable to decline, Su Yujin had no choice but to accept the heavy bag of silver ingots. Because of these ingots, Su Yujin decided to reciprocate, preparing a table full of dazzling dishes at noon.

Shuǐjīng xiājiǎo, ròumò zhēng dòufu, hóngshāo shànyúfūqī fèipiàn, pàocài yú, fènglí huì páigǔ, fěicuì yāshé, bàochǎo yángdǔ, cuìshuǎng mǎtí záshū…

Madam Lu and Lu Wenjing ate heartily, thoroughly enjoying their meal.

Madam Lu even packed some of Su Yujin’s braised dishes to take home:

Lǔ zhǒuzi, lǔ zhūgān, lǔ jīzhuǎ, lǔ yājià, etc.

She was quite satisfied.

“Will Gūmū be taking so many things back for Biǎogē?” Lu Wenjing asked on the way.

“I’m certainly not giving them to him!” Lady Lu curled her lips. “I’d sooner feed them to a dog than give them to him!”

He didn’t deserve such delicious food!

Madam Lu was now furious whenever He Yanxiu was mentioned, and she even shoved the bag of lǔ jīzhuǎ into Lu Wenjing’s hands. “These are for you.”

Lu Wenjing was speechless.

But there were more lǔ jīzhuǎ to eat…

She didn’t care!

But then again, what had her bioge done to make her Gumu so angry?

“Achoo!”

He Yanxiu sneezed loudly.

Even before the first sneeze had completely stopped, he sneezed even louder.

The sneeze was so loud that He Yanxiu’s brush trembled, ink dripping from the tip and staining a large area of ​​the Xuan paper on the table.

“It was my rudeness, Your Highness; please forgive me,” He Yanxiu said, bowing apologetically.

“It’s alright; it’s only human nature,” the Third Prince waved his hand but then seemed quite worried. “But my bioge sneezed twice in a row; is it because he’s been overworked lately?”

“Probably not.” He Yanxiu frowned slightly.

He only felt a chill run down his spine, probably because someone was speaking ill of him.

“I’ve always been in good health; Your Highness need not worry.” He Yanxiu put down his brush and handed over a new sheet of paper. “What Your Highness needs to worry about is tomorrow’s events.”

Tomorrow was the late Emperor’s birthday, and he must be careful and perform well.

And if He Yande kept his promise and everything he said was true, then something very important would happen tomorrow…

—

The late Emperor’s birthday was marked by sacrificial rites and prayers for blessings.

The Emperor led the various Imperial Princes, royal relatives and princes, and civil and military officials in offering incense and paying their respects, fulfilling his filial duty to the late Emperor and praying for blessings upon the nation.

The ceremony took place at the royal temple. The large procession departed at midnight, and on the late Emperor’s birthday, the Emperor offered the first stick of incense.

Following him were the princes, royal relatives, and heirs, and then the officials, who kowtowed in turn.

After the rites were completed, the officials dispersed, while the royal relatives and heirs waited in their meditation rooms. The Emperor and his princes then joined the high monks in the main hall for an hour of chanting and prayer.

Just as this hour was about to end, a cold light shot out and flew straight into the newly opened hall!

(End of Chapter)

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