In the afternoon, Yun Wan took Sui to the Compassion Hall, then accompanied him to the eastern courtyard to present a jade brush rest to Lu Changze.
Lu Changze was surprised, unable to fathom why his younger cousin—so doted upon by their grandmother—had suddenly brought him a gift.
Yun Wan explained, "Now that you both attend the Hongwen Institute, Sui is still young and inexperienced. I hope you, Changze, can look after him and ensure he completes his studies. Brothers should support one another. As his mother, I thank you in advance."
Sui chirped brightly, "Cousin, Uncle said you admire jade. The moment I saw this brush rest, I knew it was perfect for you. I hope you like it!"
Five years younger and a head shorter, he held out the brocade box with both hands.
Learning that Sui had deliberately consulted his father before selecting the gift, Lu Changze felt genuinely pleased. He replied earnestly to Yun Wan,
"Aunt, you needn’t worry. As the elder brother, it’s my duty to care for my cousin. I promise Sui will face no bullying under my watch."
Then, turning to Sui, he added, "This is very thoughtful of you. I truly appreciate it."
Tall and poised, Lu Changze bore the delicate features of his birth mother, Concubine Zhong, yet his bearing carried traces of the Duke of Lu’s dignified mannerisms—as if he had consciously emulated them.
With the gift delivered and daylight waning, Yun Wan said courteously, "Your reassurance puts my mind at ease. We won’t trouble you further."
She led Sui away by the hand, and the boy waved cheerfully, "Goodbye, Cousin!"
Lu Changze nodded. "Aunt, Cousin, take care."
Back in his quarters, Concubine Zhong—adjusting her makeup before a mirror—noticed the box and inquired. Upon hearing the explanation, she scoffed,
"Such a trifling gift in exchange for my son’s favor? How miserly!"
Setting down her bronze mirror, she revealed a strikingly beautiful face adorned with gold and jewels, though her sneer marred its charm.
Lu Changze frowned. "You misunderstand. This was Sui’s gesture, given in goodwill."
"Goodwill or not, it’s still stingy! I’ve heard your aunt’s shops rake in fortunes daily, yet she offers mere trinkets."
Concubine Zhong’s tone dripped with envy.
Once, she had approached Yun Wan proposing a partnership: her family in Yingzhou would provide a workshop and labor, while Yun Wan only needed to supply her incense recipes. Profits would be split evenly.
Her family would shoulder all costs—yet Yun Wan had refused!
The memory stoked her fury. Though a concubine, she was no ordinary one—her family ties linked her to the dowager, and she had borne the Duke’s sole heir. Without a main wife above her, she wielded influence rivaling legitimate mistresses!
Yet Yun Wan, a widow, had dismissed her outright. The slight still rankled.
Lu Changze was aware of the rift between his mother and aunt but had long grown indifferent. Calmly, he said,
"Her dowry shops are her own affair. Gifts are about sincerity, and this brush rest is precisely what I needed."
Concubine Zhong shot him a sidelong glance. "Always the virtuous one, never fighting for your due."
She pursed her lips. "His Lordship ought to have secured the prince’s tutorship for you alone. Now, with Sui joining, what if the Third Prince and Consort Shu favor him over you?"
She warned sharply, "Don’t be naive. Though you’re the Duke’s son, he dotes on Sui too. Don’t let others steal his affection—make yourself indispensable!"
If her Changze became the heir, might she ascend to Duchess? The fantasy thrilled her.
Lu Changze had endured such lectures endlessly. Irritated, he cut in, "Enough. I have studying to do."
Clutching the box, he strode out without looking back.
Sui, though cherished by their grandmother and father, was pitiable—a fatherless boy despite his status as the legitimate heir.
Lu Changze’s heart held more sympathy than rivalry.
Legitimate or not, his cousin had no father.
Watching him leave, Concubine Zhong seethed, her chest heaving. "Foolish boy! Can’t you see I only want what’s best for you?"
———
The tenth day arrived, and Cuiwei Manor buzzed with activity.
At dawn, Sui awoke, washed, and joined Yun Wan for breakfast.
The household carriage would depart by 8 a.m. Though everything was prepared, Yun Wan fretted, repeating her reminders:
"Stay close to your cousin at the Institute. Follow the instructors’ guidance. I’ve checked your belongings—nothing’s missing."
"Be cordial with your peers. Carry yourself with confidence. If you’re hungry, the snacks I packed are in the food hamper."
"Spring mornings are chilly—wear an extra layer. Don’t catch cold..."
Her words spilled out anxiously, as if fearing she’d forgotten something.
Now she understood a mother’s dread when her child journeys afar—though Sui wasn’t going far.
Hand in Yun Wan’s, Sui listened solemnly, his head barely reaching her waist. "Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll remember."
At the gate, the carriage stood ready, flanked by Lu Yuanduo, Lu Changze, and Concubine Zhong.
"Dragging their feet, wasting time..." Concubine Zhong muttered under her breath.
A glare from Lu Yuanduo silenced her.
Yun Wan greeted them briefly before helping Sui into the carriage.
Peeking through the curtain, Sui called in his child’s voice, "Mother, don’t be sad! I’ll return in ten days at the break!"
Yun Wan blinked back tears, smiling warmly. "I’ll be here to fetch you."
Hongwen Institute students boarded for ten-day terms, lodging and dining with peers.
As the carriage vanished, Yun Wan’s chest ached hollowly, as if part of her had been torn away.
Her world revolved around two souls: her mother and Sui, bound by blood and love.
Yet her mother was gone, and Sui would grow, forging his own path.
Though wistful, she took comfort in his growth.
In the years since her husband’s passing, Sui had been her solace. Now, he was blossoming.
She shook off her melancholy—her own passions awaited.
Back in Cuiwei Manor, Yuezhi burst in excitedly:
"Madam, wonderful news!"
