In the evening, a light rain began to fall over the capital, pattering softly throughout the night. By the next morning, the rain had ceased, leaving everything refreshed, and progress had been made regarding Sui's enrollment in school.
After a midday nap, a servant from Duke Lu's household arrived, requesting Yun Wan and her son to come over. Sensing what it might be about, Yun Wan called Sui over, patiently giving him a few instructions before preparing to send him off with the servant.
However, the servant hesitated, unmoving.
Noticing this, Yun Wan asked softly, "Is there something else?"
The servant replied, "Madam Third, the Duke has requested both you and Young Master Sui to come. He said there is an important matter to discuss."
Yun Wan paused. "Did he mention what it was about?"
The servant shook his head.
Frowning, Yun Wan had a feeling it was related to Sui's schooling. After a moment of thought, she went inside to tidy her appearance before emerging and taking Sui's hand, leading him toward the front courtyard.
The path was soft with mud, and by the time they arrived, the soles of Yun Wan's shoes were dusted with dirt.
Entering the main hall of the front courtyard, they found Lu Yuanduo already waiting. He stood in the center of the room, hands clasped behind his back, facing away from the door.
At the sight of Lu Yuanduo, though Sui remained obediently holding his mother's hand, his eyes visibly brightened.
Hearing the movement behind him, Lu Yuanduo turned, his gaze sweeping over them before lingering briefly on Yun Wan and then settling on Sui, his stern expression softening.
He raised a hand and beckoned. "Sui."
"Uncle!"
Sui called out cheerfully, still standing in place.
Yun Wan released his hand, and Sui stepped forward, hurrying a few paces before slowing down and stopping properly in front of Lu Yuanduo. He clasped his hands in a polite bow. "Good afternoon, Uncle!"
Lu Yuanduo bent down and scooped up the little dumpling of a boy, giving him a playful bounce before setting him back down, smiling. "Good afternoon, Sui. I heard you were ill while I was away. How are you feeling now?"
Once back on the ground, Sui's fair cheeks flushed pink, his eyes shining with joy and affection. "Don't worry, Uncle. I took my medicine and I'm all better now."
Lu Yuanduo's gaze shifted past him, landing on Yun Wan with a questioning look.
Standing a short distance away, Yun Wan dipped her head slightly. "Thank you for your concern, Duke. Sui has fully recovered."
Unlike other children, Sui had rarely fallen ill since birth, his constitution remarkably strong. Even when he did catch a cold, a couple of doses of medicine would have him back to his lively self the next day.
As the physician had once remarked, compared to other children his age, Sui was as sturdy as a young ox.
What was even more remarkable was his calm and quiet temperament, never causing a fuss—just as he had been while still in the womb.
Back then, Yun Wan had been unaware of her pregnancy, tirelessly caring for her ailing husband, Lu Fenglan, day and night. After his passing, she devoted herself to arranging his funeral, fulfilling her duties as his wife without rest for nearly half a month.
Despite such strain, the child in her womb remained unharmed, showing no signs of miscarriage. It was only when Yun Wan collapsed from exhaustion and distress that the physician discovered she was already over a month pregnant.
For the remaining eight months, the child had been exceptionally well-behaved, never causing her any trouble.
Perhaps because Sui had grown up without a father, Lu Yuanduo, as his uncle, was the only male figure who showed him affection and closeness. As a result, Sui was noticeably more animated in his presence.
Lu Yuanduo's brow twitched slightly, his tone indifferent. "No need for formalities, Sister-in-law."
Towering over the boy, Sui only reached his thigh. Now looking up, the child asked eagerly, "Uncle, Grandmother said my schooling would be discussed with you. Have you and Grandmother already decided?"
His eyes sparkled with anticipation, bright as stars.
Lu Yuanduo lowered his head, pinching Sui's plump cheek. "Are you looking forward to going to school?"
Without hesitation, Sui nodded. "Very much!"
The hand resting on his head paused briefly before Lu Yuanduo spoke. "Your uncle wanted to discuss this with your mother first. I’ll tell you the outcome afterward, alright?"
"Alright!"
Lu Yuanduo had servants bring out pastries and educational toys to keep Sui occupied while he and Yun Wan sat across from each other, tea served between them.
The delicate green porcelain cups held tea leaves floating amidst the steam, its fragrance curling upward. After a moment of contemplation, Lu Yuanduo spoke. "Sister-in-law, are you familiar with the Hongwen Institute?"
The Hongwen Institute?
Yun Wan nodded. "Somewhat."
Affiliated with the Imperial Chancellery, the Hongwen Institute was an elite academy reserved for the imperial family and the children of high-ranking officials—those of third rank and above.
In short, it was a school for the nobility.
His sudden mention of it filled Yun Wan with an ominous premonition.
Sure enough, before she could gather her thoughts, he continued. "I intend for Sui to attend the Hongwen Institute as the Third Prince’s study companion."
"No!"
The refusal burst from Yun Wan before she could stop herself.
Her reaction drew a sharp glance from Lu Yuanduo, and even Sui, who had been fiddling with a puzzle, looked up in confusion.
Realizing her outburst, Yun Wan took a deep breath before speaking again, her voice measured. "I object because Sui is just an ordinary child. His father held no official rank, and he’s still so young. How could he possibly shoulder the responsibility of being a prince’s companion?"
Students at the Hongwen Institute were exclusively the descendants of officials of the third rank or higher, while Lu Fenglan had never held office due to his frail health.
"There’s no need to worry about that. I’ve already sought His Majesty’s approval this morning, and he has granted permission," Lu Yuanduo stated plainly.
Yun Wan stared at him in disbelief.
This wasn’t a discussion—he had already made the decision and was merely informing her.
Her expression turned icy. "If that’s the case, why bother pretending to consult me, an ignorant woman? You could have just sent someone to Cuiwei Court to notify us."
She struggled to suppress her anger, her voice trembling slightly, laced with sharp sarcasm.
Reason told her that this man was the head of the Lu family, her late husband’s elder brother, a figure of inherent authority within the household. Defying him would only bring trouble upon herself and her son.
But when it came to Sui’s future, Yun Wan couldn’t remain composed.
His gaze lingered on her flushed cheeks, the restrained fury evident in her heaving chest. Lu Yuanduo averted his eyes and explained calmly, "Sui is exceptionally bright, pure-hearted, and possesses a photographic memory—a rare talent of our time. With proper guidance and nurturing, he will undoubtedly rise to prominence and become a pillar of the Great Qi."
"The Hongwen Institute boasts the finest scholars, the most comprehensive curriculum, and unparalleled resources. It would only benefit Sui. Why do you oppose it?"
The current emperor had only two sons—the Crown Prince and the Third Prince. With so few imperial heirs, the position of a prince’s companion held immense value. As his mother, why would Yun Wan resist such an advantageous opportunity for Sui?
Lu Yuanduo’s expression was puzzled, his eyes searching for answers.
Yun Wan lowered her gaze, her dark lashes fluttering slightly.
Her tone was cool and detached. "The Hongwen Institute may be prestigious, but its web of relationships is intricate. I only wish for Sui to grow up safe, healthy, and happy."
The institute wasn’t just attended by princes but also by other imperial relatives and the children of powerful nobles. At only four years old, Yun Wan feared Sui might be bullied.
Above all, she didn’t want him entangled with the imperial family.
Lu Yuanduo asked, "Are you afraid Sui will be mistreated?"
Yun Wan pressed her lips together, remaining silent.
Lu Yuanduo, assuming he had guessed her thoughts correctly, relaxed his sword-like brows and said to her, "Though the Lu family doesn’t dominate the capital, we are not to be trifled with. Anyone who dares to bully Sui insults the Lu name, and I, Lu Yuanduo, will be the first to oppose it."
"Moreover, with the Third Prince’s influence, others will think twice before acting. I will also remind Changze to look after Sui."
It was rare for him to explain himself so patiently, all to ease her worries.
Yun Wan glanced in Sui’s direction and pleaded earnestly, "Lord Duke, is there truly no room for reconsideration?"
The formal address made Lu Yuanduo frown slightly.
By familial etiquette, as the wife of his younger brother, Yun Wan ought to address him as "eldest brother."
However, Lu Yuanduo had inherited the ducal title at a young age and had spent over a decade navigating the political arena. With a six-year age gap between him and his brother Lu Fenglan, their relationship had never been close. Thus, ever since Yun Wan married into the family, she had followed the custom of the second branch, addressing him as "Lord Duke."
Lu Yuanduo said nothing.
Seeing this, Yun Wan’s heart sank.
She knew Lu Yuanduo was a man of his word—this matter was already decided.
As for the Dowager, she must have been aware as well.
Lu Yuanduo spoke again, "The Hongwen Institute begins classes in ten days. Mother has secured an audience at the palace. In two days, you will accompany her and Sui for the visit."
What more could Yun Wan say?
Her expression cooled. "This sister-in-law understands."
With that, she called for Sui, and the two prepared to leave.
Lu Yuanduo waved his hand, and a servant stepped forward, presenting two items to Sui—a qilin-shaped paperweight and a pouch of pastries.
Back at Cuiwei Courtyard, Yun Wan remained troubled by Sui’s impending enrollment in the Hongwen Institute.
Sui placed the paperweight on his study desk before returning to the main chamber.
He unwrapped the oiled paper, picked up a pastry, and held it to Yun Wan’s lips. "Mother, eat."
The sweet fragrance filled the air. Yun Wan looked at the chestnut cake in his hand and shook her head. "Mother isn’t hungry. You have it."
Sui was puzzled.
Wasn’t this her favorite? Especially the osmanthus chestnut cakes from Wuxiangzhai in the capital, the ones made with extra butter.
