Despite the delay at Anqing Gate, Yun Wan and her son still returned to the Duke of Lu's residence before noon.
As soon as they entered Cuiwei Garden, the eagerly awaiting maidservants rushed forward enthusiastically.
The lively Yue'e immediately surrounded Yun Wan, exclaiming cheerfully, "Madam, you’ve finally returned! This servant missed you terribly!"
Yue Ya shot her a glance. "Tsk tsk! Don’t say such inauspicious words."
Yue'e quickly covered her mouth.
Yuezhi chimed in, "Madam, this servant knew you would return to the residence, so I took the liberty of organizing the account books from Yunxiang Pavilion these past two days, just waiting for your review!"
Yun Wan sighed helplessly, never expecting to return only to face piles of account books.
Yet, it was precisely this lighthearted atmosphere that gradually eased the tension she had carried during her days in the palace, where she dared not let her guard down.
Yue'e noticed Yun Wan’s slightly sharper chin and her eyes filled with concern. "This servant sees you’ve grown thinner, Madam. You must have had a hard time in the palace!"
Yun Wan patted them gently and reassured them, "I’m fine. There’s no need to worry."
Knowing their mistress didn’t wish to burden them, Yue Ya tactfully changed the subject, smiling at Sui.
"Young Master has grown taller. In a few months, his old clothes will surely be too short. This servant must take new measurements for you."
Sui instinctively touched the top of his head and looked up at Yun Wan with a childish voice. "Mother, have I really grown taller?"
Yun Wan pulled him close and compared their heights, feigning surprise. "Indeed! Our Sui has grown taller!"
Sui’s eyes sparkled. "Then when will I be taller than you? I want to protect Mother!"
"Hmm..." Yun Wan pretended to ponder before answering, "Perhaps in ten years. By then, Sui will surely be taller than me."
"Ten years..."
Sui frowned, counting on his fingers. "That’s such a long time."
He was only four now. Ten years meant two fours, plus half of another four?
Seeing his little face scrunched up in distress, Yun Wan comforted him. "It might not take that long. If you eat well, avoid pickiness, and exercise diligently, perhaps you’ll grow even sooner."
Encouraged, Sui nodded firmly. "Alright! From now on, I’ll eat everything and grow taller than even the Emperor!"
Among all the people he had seen, the Emperor and Commander Wei were the tallest, but Commander Wei’s massive frame didn’t appeal to him.
Meeting his innocent gaze, Yun Wan smiled.
......
That afternoon, the servants presented the offerings prepared for the next day’s memorial ceremony for Yun Wan’s approval. While the main items were arranged by the household, they had prepared those Yun Wan traditionally used.
Early the next morning, Yun Wan and Sui boarded the residence’s carriage to the Lu family cemetery in the outskirts. Leading the procession was Lu Yuanduo, accompanied by other Lu family children, all there to pay respects.
A grand party of over ten people performed the rituals before Lu Fenglan’s tombstone, tidied the surroundings, and laid out the offerings.
Once everything was done, Lu Yuanduo turned, his gaze unerringly landing on Yun Wan, clad in plain white mourning robes, lost in thought.
After a pause, he instructed the others, "Let’s go. Give them some time alone."
Soon, only Yun Wan and Sui remained before the tombstone bearing the name 'Lu Fenglan.'
Sui knelt obediently on the cushion, carefully placing folded paper ingots into the brazier, silently praying for his father’s spirit to bless him and his mother with health, longevity, and peace.
Meanwhile, Yun Wan stared at the name on the tombstone, her expression more complicated than ever.
‘Husband, will you blame me?’
She asked silently in her heart.
He probably would.
But what did it matter? None of this had ever been her choice.
If Lu Fenglan’s spirit resented her for betraying him, so be it.
She only wanted to live well.
Lu Fenglan, farewell.
Yun Wan lifted the wine jug and poured half its contents before the tombstone. As she moved, her wide sleeve slipped slightly, revealing a slender wrist—pale as snow, with a faint red mark near the bone.
It had been left by Emperor Jingxuan the day before. She didn’t understand his peculiar habits.
She tugged her sleeve down, covering the mark.
Upon returning from the cemetery, Yun Wan took a nap, then hurried to review the backlog of account books. She hadn’t forgotten Emperor Jingxuan’s words from yesterday.
Halfway through the books, a servant from Old Madam’s Cixin Hall arrived, summoning her for an urgent matter.
Yun Wan rose and went.
Perhaps due to an illness during Yun Wan’s absence, Old Madam looked noticeably frailer than before.
Reclining on her couch, the elderly woman fixed Yun Wan with a cold stare and said sharply, "You seem to have fared well in the palace. I see no change in you."
After paying her respects, Yun Wan took a seat. Her dark, clear eyes shifted to Old Madam’s face as she replied evenly, "Mother, however, looks much more haggard. You’ve lost weight."
Whether her words were concern or provocation, Old Madam snorted. "How are Her Majesty and the Third Prince? You didn’t cause Her Majesty any trouble, did you?"
Yun Wan took a sip of tea. "Mother jests. What trouble could I possibly cause Her Majesty?"
Their conversation soured instantly. Old Madam, rendered speechless, darkened with displeasure.
No wonder even the Yun family cares little for this so-called legitimate daughter. She’s utterly disagreeable.
Unaware of her thoughts, Yun Wan spoke coolly, "Mother didn’t summon me just for this, did you? If there’s business, state it plainly."
Old Madam said, "A few days ago, your mother from the Yun family visited. She—"
Before she could finish, Yun Wan cut in, her voice icy. "My mother passed away years ago. To whom are you referring?"
Old Madam narrowed her eyes. "Don’t play dumb. I mean your father’s current wife."
Yun Wan replied, "Then you should address her as Madam Yun."
Old Madam didn’t argue further. "Regardless, she came on your father’s behalf, asking when you’ll visit. He misses his daughter."
Misses?
A mocking glint flashed across Yun Wan’s face, but she remained silent.
She didn’t know why her father—who had once neglected her mother and been indifferent to her—suddenly "missed" her. But she knew it couldn’t be without motive.
After all, her father never acted without self-interest.
Old Madam, uninterested in her daughter-in-law’s family affairs, said dismissively, "I’ve relayed the message. Whether you go is up to you."
"But there’s another matter."
Her eyes narrowed, scrutinizing Yun Wan before she suddenly slammed her palm on the table, demanding,
"Concubine Zhong claims you were seen entangled with an outsider man at Putuo Temple. What is the meaning of this?!"
