"Yuanzhao, this is ginseng chicken soup that the kitchen has been simmering all morning. Drink it while it's hot to nourish your body."
Lady Lu pulled Lu Yuanzhao to sit down, gazing at him with tender affection.
Lu Yuanyi stared at the bowl of soup on the table, his eyes darkening.
Lu Chao patted his hand and chirped, "Mother is biased! Only Eldest Brother gets to drink it!"
Lady Lu tapped his forehead in mock exasperation.
"What nonsense! Haven’t you two had plenty on other days? This soup isn’t for you—it’d make your noses bleed. Your eldest brother is weak, and the physician prescribed this remedy."
Lu Yuanyi looked up, his eyes shining like a puppy’s.
So easily appeased.
"Mother, I heard a new roast duck restaurant opened in town! Can we go try it?"
A few days ago at school, Yang Zongze had raved about it—apparently, the duck was best eaten fresh from the oven, losing its crispiness if taken away. Lu Yuanyi had been dreaming of it for days. Now that Eldest Brother was home, it’d be even more fun with everyone together!
"Father’s still at work, so Mother should come with us too!" Lu Chao raised his hand eagerly.
Lu Yuanzhao had been hesitant—it felt improper to leave their mother alone on his rare day home—but he quickly agreed with Lu Chao’s suggestion.
"Chao’s right! Mother, come with us!"
Lady Lu waved her hand. "I won’t join you. Restaurants are too crowded and noisy for me. Besides, at my age, I’ve outgrown such cravings. You go ahead—just make sure to return before your father gets off duty."
It was customary for noblewomen to avoid dining out. Even with private rooms and veiled hats, curious onlookers could still deduce identities from carriages and servants, risking gossip.
The three boys drooped like wilted flowers, silent.
"You know I can’t stand greasy food anyway. If it’s good, bring some back for me, alright?" Lady Lu softened, amused.
"Next holiday happens to be Yuanyi’s birthday. How about I take you all to the manor for a barbecue?"
Lu Yuanyi shot up, declaring her the best mother in the world.
Lu Chao was equally thrilled—they’d never gone on an outing together! Ancient-style BBQ! And best of all, no school! Yes!
"Mother, I’ll grill the meat for you!"
Lady Lu burst into laughter.
"Enough, enough! Stop sweet-talking. If you leave too late, the roast duck might sell out. Take extra guards and come back early!"
Lu Yuanzhao smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Mother."
How his brothers could say such shamelessly affectionate things without blushing was beyond him.
Without delay, the three headed straight for Osmanthus Roast Duck House.
Before even reaching it, an irresistible aroma engulfed them.
"Wow!! That smells amazing!" Lu Yuanyi inhaled deeply.
The rich, savory scent of roast duck dominated the air, whetting their appetites.
Then came the sight of the bustling crowd.
"Please line up orderly! One duck per person!" a waiter shouted above the noise.
"Only one? That’s not enough! Xiao Liu, go back and call three more people to queue!"
"Heh, I’ll sell you mine after buying it—for the right price, of course."
"Name your terms!"
Lu Chao gaped at the hustling servants and resellers.
How good could it be? Limited sales? Scalpers? Truly, the people’s ingenuity knew no bounds.
"Ankang, you and Zhao Yi stay in line. I’ll take the young masters upstairs first."
Lu Yuanzhao efficiently delegated before leading his brothers to a private room on the second floor.
He’d dined here before with classmates, but the new dish had clearly skyrocketed the place’s popularity.
"The osmanthus-flavored rabbit here is excellent. Want to try it?"
Lu Chao nodded eagerly. Mmm, yes please!
Before he could reply, he nearly collided with his eldest brother, who’d halted abruptly.
"Well, well! If it isn’t our top scholar, Lu. Dining out?"
At the stairway landing, a boy of thirteen or fourteen smirked at Lu Yuanzhao with deliberate insolence.
Lu Yuanzhao stiffened, his smile freezing as he took a step back in distaste.
"What a coincidence, Xu Wei."
Startled by the sudden stop, Lu Chao peeked out from behind his brother.
Xu Wei’s eyes lit up at the sight of the younger boy—that soft, dumpling-like face, those innocent, wide eyes. So, Lu Yuanzhao had such an adorable little brother.
Lu Chao shuddered under the gaze, feeling as if a venomous snake had locked onto him—cold and creeping.
Unflinching, he scrutinized the boy head to toe before disdainfully looking away.
"Is this your youngest brother, Lu?"
Following Xu Wei’s stare, Lu Yuanzhao noticed Lu Chao peering out and immediately shielded him.
"Yes. Now, if you’ll excuse us."
