Lu Yuanzhao rubbed his younger brother’s head and solemnly apologized.
Originally, he had intended to lecture his brother, but after hearing those words, he was overcome with shame.
He had been so absorbed in his studies that he spent little time at home. With his mother pregnant, it was fortunate that his younger brother had been by her side. According to Nanny Liu, Lu Chao often brought dried peaches for their mother as snacks, improving her appetite. Now, Lu Yuanyi had also grown more sensible—not only remembering their mother’s birthday but even planning a surprise. Yet, without asking for an explanation, Lu Yuanzhao had scolded him. No wonder Lu Yuanyi had become increasingly distant.
Once everything was out in the open, the three of them exchanged a knowing smile.
After some discussion, they decided to keep Lu Yuanyi’s surprise at the estate for now and secretly bring it to the manor the day before Lady Lu’s birthday.
In the following days, Lu Chao busied himself preparing Lady Lu’s birthday gift. His shop was nearly ready for opening—once the staff and goods arrived, business could begin. He finally felt a sense of relief.
Thinking of this, he instructed Qingshan to report immediately if anyone from the merchant group came looking for him. Yingge had recommended a few people, and they were expected to arrive soon.
The next day, Aunt Zhou, hearing that Lord Lu was away on official business, clutched her handkerchief nervously and came to pay her respects. She asked to take her two daughters back to her family home for a few days to relax. Ever since learning of Lady Lu’s pregnancy, she had been so anxious she couldn’t sleep at night. Rumor had it that her sister-in-law had consulted a miracle doctor and conceived again, so she wanted to visit her mother and ask for the prescription.
Lady Lu was not one to make things difficult. Understanding the request, she readily agreed and even prepared gifts for Aunt Zhou to take home.
No sooner had Aunt Zhou left in the morning than the delicate Aunt Li arrived timidly. Lady Lu shook her head with a faint smile and granted her request as well. Watching Aunt Li flit toward the door like a joyful butterfly, Lady Lu’s eyes darkened.
Both Aunt Zhou and Aunt Li’s families lived close to Yingchuan City—just half a day’s journey. Unlike her, who had only returned home twice since her marriage. At this thought, Lady Lu blinked rapidly, forcing back the redness in her eyes.
Nanny Liu sighed softly beside her, her heart aching.
While the Lu household was peaceful, Lord Lu was currently suffering from hunger and cold.
In a mountain cave, Prefect Meng’s face, usually plump, now twisted into something almost sinister. Still, he restrained himself and forced a smile as he made small talk with Lord Lu.
"Lord Lu, it’s been a while since I last saw your youngest son. Has his arm fully healed?"
Lord Lu gave a dry chuckle.
"Thank you for your concern, Prefect Meng. The boy injured his tendons and bones—I fear he may never fully recover."
Prefect Meng seemed thoughtful.
"Third Young Master Zhou has been inquiring about your son every day. I heard he’s been searching for physicians all over the capital. Don’t lose hope—your son may yet have a great destiny."
Lord Lu waved his hand, surprised.
"I had no idea Third Young Master Zhou was so devoted! You flatter my son, Prefect Meng. That rascal is hardly deserving. Last month’s exams? He only scored a ‘B’! When I returned home, he was lounging in a cane chair reading frivolous books. Infuriating, isn’t it?"
He went on to recount Lu Chao’s academic shortcomings in detail.
Lord Lu rarely had the chance to accompany Prefect Meng on official trips, so he assumed the prefect was genuinely interested in Lu Chao’s affairs and spilled everything about the boy’s rebellious streak.
Prefect Meng laughed heartily.
"He’s still young. There’s time to teach him."
But inwardly, he mused: Just as others said, Lord Lu was transparent, incapable of hiding anything. It seemed the leak about his itinerary hadn’t come from the Lu family. So how had the capital’s inspector known?
"Prefect Meng! Forgive this subordinate’s failure to protect you—I arrived too late!"
Commander Xie, covered in dust, finally exhaled in relief upon seeing Prefect Meng unharmed.
"Were the masked assassins dealt with?"
Prefect Meng waved a hand, his piercing gaze fixed on the bowing commander like a bloodthirsty lion.
"Reporting to the prefect, our forces eliminated fifteen assassins. When cornered, they bit down on hidden poison—no survivors. A few managed to escape."
The outcome didn’t seem to surprise Prefect Meng.
Originally, he had publicly announced a departure for Yuxi the next day. Instead, he set out that very evening with a small retinue, including Lord Lu. Yet even in Yuxi’s territory, they were ambushed.
During the clash between Commander Xie’s troops and the assassins, Uncle Zhong seized the chaos to drag Lord Lu and Prefect Meng into the shadows. Under cover of darkness, they stripped dead assassins of their clothes, disguised themselves, and fled into the mountains. By sheer luck, they found an abandoned kiln cave and survived.
By now, the carriage carrying the "Prefect Meng" decoy should still be two hundred li from Yuxi.
"Hang the assassins’ heads at the county gate. Offer ten taels of silver to anyone with information."
"Yes, sir!"
Lord Lu wiped sweat from his brow, his back hunching further.
Death squad?! Daring to assassinate a fourth-rank official?! Was he being dragged into some dangerous secret?!
Thinking of his virtuous wife and obedient children, he realized he was quite content with his current post—at least it wasn’t life-threatening.
Meanwhile, in Yuxi County...
Clip-clop. Clip-clop.
The sound of hooves pierced the quiet night.
The night watchman checked his water clock—it was the hour of the Ox (1–3 AM). He turned and headed down another lane.
A yamen clerk, rubbing sleep from his eyes, opened the gate and nearly collapsed at the sight of the official token. His knees buckled.
"M-my lord!"
"Tell Song Lusheng to crawl out here this instant!"
Song... Song Lusheng?
It took the clerk a moment to realize—that was the magistrate’s name. No one in Yuxi dared address him so disrespectfully. Remembering the token, he scrambled to deliver the message, terrified of losing his job if he delayed.
Magistrate Song was deep in slumber, arms wrapped around his soft, fragrant concubine, snoring loudly. When told Prefect Meng had arrived, he thought it a dream.
"Quick! Help the magistrate dress! They say Prefect Meng is in a foul mood—hurry!" The steward, Uncle Fu, was frantic. Disregarding propriety, he pressed a cold towel to the magistrate’s face, jolting him awake.
Magistrate Song finally realized this wasn’t a dream.
"Forgive this old servant’s impropriety in such urgent times."
Uncle Fu had been his father’s guard—almost family. Magistrate Song didn’t blame him.
"Uncle Fu, come with me to the yamen!"
On the way, Magistrate Song mentally reviewed recent events, a sinking feeling in his chest.
The moment he stepped into the hall, a teacup flew at him.
It shattered at his feet with a sharp crack.
Magistrate Song’s heart plummeted.
"This humble official greets Prefect Meng. I beg forgiveness for not receiving you properly."
"Humph! Song Lusheng, you have some nerve!!"
