Lu Chao was momentarily taken aback before recalling that in a past letter, Xiao Zheng had once asked him why he worked so tirelessly to earn money despite the Lu family treating him well. At the time, he had replied that just as strength gave Xiao Zheng a sense of security, silver gave him the same comfort—counting coins was his greatest joy.
Back then, Lu Chao had just transmigrated into this world and felt a deep sense of alienation. He had prepared himself for the possibility of dying at any moment and initially chose to coast through life. But as time passed, the bonds of familial affection ensnared him. He began to crave the warmth around him and wanted to protect those close to him. Only wealth could soothe his restless heart.
To think she still remembered this now.
The cloth bag on the table was crumpled in his grip, as tense as its owner.
"Are you really giving this to me?"
Lu Chao's eyes curved into crescents, shimmering with flecks of light, his smile so dazzling it made Xiao Zheng's heart skip a beat.
"Of course!"
Lu Chao held back for a long moment before finally bursting into laughter. In two lifetimes, this was the first time a woman had gifted him gold and jewels. The feeling was novel, amusing—utterly delightful.
This soft life! Delicious!
"General Xiao is so generous. I like it very much."
The words "like it" rolled off Lu Chao's tongue with lingering tenderness, as if hinting at something deeper. Xiao Zheng's sun-kissed face burned hotter.
Suddenly, she felt foolish. Lu Chao had supplied her with so much provisions in Yingchuan—how could he possibly lack silver?
Seeing Xiao Zheng grow increasingly flustered, on the verge of bolting from the room, Lu Chao hastily changed the subject.
"By the way, did you have a mission recently? How did you end up earning merit so suddenly? Everything alright?"
Xiao Zheng shook her head and recounted the day the emperor unexpectedly inspected the capital's outskirts military camp.
"His Majesty said there would be generous rewards, so I didn’t think much of it. Who knew a decree would follow days later, along with such rumors?"
Lu Chao nodded slightly—this aligned with his expectations.
"He wants to use you but also distrusts you. You’ll need to be more cautious moving forward."
Xiao Zheng agreed, though a trace of guilt flickered in her expression.
"I’ll manage. But I might end up dragging you into this."
The emperor’s arranged marriage for Lu Chao wasn’t just about weakening Xiao Zheng’s military authority. Another reason was Lu Chao’s connection as Prince Kang’s junior brother—even if Xiao Zheng had children someday, military power would remain in Prince Kang’s hands.
Lu Chao’s eyes darted thoughtfully before he hesitated and glanced at Xiao Zheng.
"Well… I have an idea. Not sure if I should say it."
"Speak freely."
Lu Chao pressed his lips together.
"Those in power fear only those without flaws. If you stand alone, indifferent to life and death, yet command the army’s loyalty, they’ll always be wary of you. Why not do the opposite? Reveal a weakness deliberately. Let them believe they hold your 'Achilles' heel.' Their guard will lower naturally."
Here, Lu Chao noticed Xiao Zheng’s exhaustion and guessed she’d been busy investigating the mastermind behind recent events.
"It’d also make things easier for you."
Xiao Zheng paused. "What weakness are you suggesting I expose?"
Lu Chao patted his chest.
"Me!"
"If you pretend—pretend to be infatuated with me—then I become your vulnerability! Then—"
Xiao Zheng stood abruptly, cutting him off.
"No! I refuse!"
She would never use Lu Chao as a shield.
"With the Tartar envoys arriving soon to negotiate the Western Prince’s return, this is the perfect time for you to uncover the truth behind the plot—"
Just as Lu Chao tried to persuade her further, Liu Yao’s voice echoed from outside.
Xiao Zheng’s ears twitched. In a flash, she leaped through the window and vanished without a trace.
When Liu Yao entered, he froze at the sight of two teacups on the table.
"Young Master! Still awake? How refined—playing chess against yourself is one thing, but pouring tea for both hands too?"
"Ah! And in broad daylight, you’ve got the gold and silver laid out!"
Lu Chao coughed awkwardly and drained his fruit tea.
"What’s the matter? I heard you shouting before you even came in."
Liu Yao smacked his forehead.
"My memory fails me—Young Masters Zhou and Chen are here."
Lu Chao brightened. "They’re back?!"
Before the words fully left his mouth, Zhou Qingyuan’s boisterous voice rang out.
"Greetings, Official Lu!"
Lu Chao clasped his hands behind his back and strutted in an exaggerated manner.
"At ease, at ease."
Zhou Qingyuan and Chen Ning’an studied Lu Chao’s healthy complexion and finally relaxed, teasing him.
"Hey, you rascal! We just got back and already heard the news! How’d you land both a marriage and an official post so fast?"
Not long after returning from Shuozhou, Zhou Qingyuan had received a letter announcing his elder brother’s upcoming wedding. He’d promptly requested leave from Prince Kang and headed to Yingchuan. Coincidentally, Yingchuan’s factions were in turmoil, and Chen Ning’an’s father was under investigation. Chen Ning’an had rushed back to fan the flames, finally toppling the Chen family.
After settling their affairs, the two had hurried back to the capital.
The moment they arrived, they learned of Lu Chao’s arranged marriage and official appointment. Shocked, they’d rushed to Lu Manor to console him—though seeing him now, it seemed unnecessary.
"Of course. No need to envy me too much. I’ll be waiting for you at the ministry."
Zhou Qingyuan relaxed at Lu Chao’s carefree demeanor and slumped into a chair.
"When do you start your duties?"
Lu Chao groaned.
"The day after tomorrow."
Zhou Qingyuan nodded, stroking his chin.
"I have a close friend named Lin Zhou, currently serving in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. It’s near your residence. He’s reliable and warm-hearted—I’ll introduce you next time. He’s especially skilled in fights. If you ever face trouble, seek him out."
Then again, with Prince Kang in court, who’d dare bully Lu Chao? Zhou Qingyuan felt his concern might be overkill.
"Perfect! Zhou, you’re the best! My master actually told me to 'bully people less.' Can you believe that?"
Chen Ning’an rarely spoke up, but now he quipped,
"Wise advice."
Lu Chao: "!! Chen, you’ve turned sly! Who taught you that?"
"Who else?"
Zhou Qingyuan shot Lu Chao a look. Once, Chen Ning’an had been simple and earnest—now, the tactics he’d used against the Chen family were downright chilling.
Laughter filled the room, startling birds from the trees. Leaves drifted from the courtyard walls, and quiet settled once more.
Two days later.
At the first crow of the rooster, Liu Yao marched in with a damp towel.
"Young Master! Rise and shine! Can’t be late on your first day!"
Lu Chao turned his head away, feigning deafness.
Liu Yao mercilessly applied the towel.
Half a breath later, Lu Chao, resigned to his fate, clutched a lunchbox as he was hauled into the carriage.
Official Lu shot him a disapproving glare.
"Such dawdling!"
Lu Chao flopped onto the seat and shut his eyes again.
What a curse—going to work before dawn! At least low-ranking officials like him didn’t have to stand outside the throne room awaiting summons.
Upon reaching the Ministry of Works, Lu Chao handed his credentials to the clerk at the gate. Soon, a fellow official in identical robes emerged.
"I am Cen Chou. Chief Clerk Zhang instructed that you should follow me today."
Cen Chou appeared to be just of age, his expression polite but his eyes carrying a hint of impatience.
"I am Lu Chao. I appreciate your guidance, Brother Cen."
Lu Chao clasped his hands in greeting.
"Such casual terms aren’t appropriate during duty. Just call me Cen Chou."
Lu Chao nodded and fell silent.
"These documents contain the Ministry of Works' records from recent years. If you have nothing else to do, you may familiarize yourself with them."
The papers were coated in a thick layer of dust. Lu Chao curved his lips slightly at Cen Chou.
"Was this also Chief Clerk Zhang’s instruction?"
