Three years later.
A carriage slowly made its way through the streets and arrived at the side gate of the Yuxi County government office. The young driver gently tugged on the reins, and the horse stamped its hooves impatiently, snorting a puff of white mist from its nostrils.
Liu Yao turned back and spoke softly toward the carriage.
"Young Master, we're home."
Lu Chao stretched his previously slouched body and lifted the thick curtain. A gust of cold air rushed in, instantly clearing the haze in his mind.
"Oh dear, Young Master! Why did you come out without your cloak? Be careful not to catch a chill. If you fall ill again, I fear His Highness Prince Kang might skin me alive!"
Liu Yao quickly pulled the curtain shut to block the cold and shook out the cloak hanging by the carriage, wrapping it tightly around Lu Chao.
"Liu Yao, you're getting more nagging by the day."
Liu Yao huffed in exasperation.
"If I don’t nag, will you listen? If Lady Lu asks later, I won’t cover for you."
With that, he pulled the hood over Lu Chao’s head, nodding in satisfaction—now he was properly bundled up.
Lu Chao, feeling guilty, lost some of his earlier bravado.
Two months ago, he had caught a slight chill—just a few sneezes and a runny nose—but he paid it no mind and secretly took a bath. That night, he spiked a fever. Being fond of sleeping in, especially in winter, his father hadn’t sent anyone to wake him. It wasn’t until nearly noon that Liu Yao entered his room and found him burning up.
Thankfully, Old Master Shang knew a bit of acupuncture and treated him, or Lu Chao might have ended up in the underworld.
In this era without antibiotics, the illness dragged on for over a month. Now that he had just recovered, if he caught another chill, how could Liu Yao explain it to his master and Prince Kang?
The gatekeeper, hearing the commotion, peeked out and, upon recognizing Lu Chao’s carriage, shouted excitedly.
"Young Master Third! You’re back! Quick, go inform the inner courtyard—Young Master Third has returned!"
He patted the young servant beside him and hurried out to greet them.
"Are Father and Mother at home?"
Three years ago, Lady Lu had given birth to a baby girl in Yingchuan, named Xingyao, adding another sister to Lu Chao’s family.
At that time, the youngest daughter of Prefect Chen of Yingchuan had fallen into the lake during the Spring Banquet. In full view of the crowd, she was rescued by the illegitimate son of the Xu Family’s main branch. The Xu Family insisted on taking responsibility and arrived with a betrothal gift list to formalize the engagement. Prefect Chen, livid, shut his doors and refused visitors.
The feud between the two families grew ugly, with noblewomen in Yingchuan taking sides. Not wanting to get involved, Lady Lu moved to Yuxi County after Xingyao turned one.
As Yuxi’s astragalus wine gained fame, Lu Chao gradually handed over the medicinal herb business to Lu Yuanyi. The once boisterous Lu Yuanyi had matured considerably and even earned the title of scholar in last year’s examinations.
"Only the mistress is home. The master went to the fields early this morning. The astragalus is finally ready for harvest—look how empty the streets are! Everyone’s gone to see the harvest. Even Second Young Master took Little Miss to watch."
Astragalus took three years to mature, and this was the first harvest. Lord Lu had deliberately chosen an auspicious day for it. The villagers who had hesitated to plant it before were now itching to see the results and had flocked to the fields.
"Ah, so today’s the harvest? Liu Yao, let’s go take a look later!"
How could he miss such a lively scene?
As soon as he entered the inner courtyard, Lu Chao called out loudly.
"Mother! Your son is home!"
Lady Lu, basking in the sun in the courtyard, thought she was hearing things.
"Shishu, do you hear that? Is that Third Young Master’s voice?"
Before Shishu could answer, a maid rushed in.
"My lady, Third Young Master has returned! He’s almost at the second gate."
Lady Lu’s eyes crinkled with joy.
"This child, coming home without sending word! Nanny Mei, go soak the dried seafood from the storeroom—Chao’er loves it."
Nanny Mei chuckled and hurried off to comply.
Shishu smiled. "My lady’s hearing is as sharp as ever—you recognized his voice from so far away."
"Mother!"
Lu Chao strode forward.
"Yes! You’re back."
The young man’s willow-like brows, dark hair cascading over his shoulders, and gentle smile were as refreshing as a spring breeze.
Lady Lu gazed at her now-elegant son, her heart aching.
"After just a few months away, how have you grown so thin?"
She took his hand—his fingers were slender but icy to the touch.
"Shishu, bring a brazier! This child’s hands are freezing. And have the kitchen prepare ginger tea to warm them up."
"Liu Yao, tell me honestly—has the Young Master just recovered from an illness?"
Liu Yao glanced at Lu Chao.
"Don’t look at him! Just answer me truthfully."
Lu Chao scratched his nose guiltily.
"I caught a chill two months ago and was bedridden for a while. But I’m fine now—just need to regain some strength."
Lady Lu’s eyes softened with worry.
"Why didn’t you send word? We could have sent someone to care for you."
She shot Liu Yao a reproachful look. She had always thought the academy, full of men, was no place for proper care—and Prince Kang had forbidden household servants from attending to him.
"My lady, the Young Master forbade us from sending word, fearing it would worry you. But I must confess—he’s obsessed with cleanliness. Even with a fever, he insisted on bathing. We couldn’t stop him."
Lady Lu’s glare turned frosty. Lu Chao laughed awkwardly before shooting Liu Yao a murderous look.
You just had to tattle, didn’t you?
"Mother, it was just that one time! I swear, I haven’t done it since."
Lady Lu wiped her eyes.
"You children are determined to keep me anxious. Your eldest brother is in the capital, you’re at the academy, with no one to tend to you. I worry every day, wondering if you’re well—and you still refuse to listen!"
Seeing her distress, Lu Chao quickly vowed obedience.
When the ginger tea arrived, he downed it in one go, gasping at the spiciness, and complied with every request—making Lady Lu laugh through her tears.
Liu Yao thought of the ginger tea he usually brought, which Lu Chao treated with far less enthusiasm.
"Mother, I’m a grown man—I can handle the cold. I’m not that delicate."
Lady Lu swatted him lightly.
"If only you were as sturdy as Yuanyi, I’d have fewer worries."
Since taking up martial arts, Lu Yuanyi had become as strong as an ox—eating heartily, sleeping soundly, and shooting up in height. Even in winter, he radiated warmth, and Xingyao loved nestling in his arms for heat.
Seeing the streaks of gray in Lady Lu’s hair, Lu Chao’s heart ached. After giving birth to Xingyao three years ago, her hair had begun to whiten, aging her prematurely.
His father was busy with county affairs, his eldest brother—having placed third in the provincial exams—had been sent to their uncle’s home in the capital to prepare for the imperial examinations. Lu Yuanyi, after passing the county exams, had entered the county school. With her sons pursuing their futures away from home, Lady Lu had to manage the household and care for her daughter alone. The strain had taken its toll—she no longer looked as well-preserved as in years past.
