CHAPTER 028
Lü Yun'er suddenly opened her eyes and looked at Qiu Yi seriously, saying, "Qiu Yi, what are you thinking all day? I knew you’d start overthinking things. We’re of similar age and grew up together. Despite all the changes in the household over the years, it’s always been just the two of us supporting each other. Even though we have a master-servant relationship, I’ve always considered you family, never an outsider. As for the matter with the little prince of the Su family, I have my own reasons for handling it the way I did—it wasn't to intentionally keep you in the dark."
"Master, Qiu Yi was wrong, and I misunderstood you," Qiu Yi replied, her eyes welling up with tears, filled with emotion. Then, she asked in a puzzled tone, "But... the little prince likes you, so what about you, Master?"
Although there is General Liu to protect the master, General Liu is, after all, a military officer, and once war breaks out in Huabei, she won’t stay long in the capital.
It’s not that the master is weak and in need of protection, but the political waters are deep and unpredictable. Ever since the new emperor ascended the throne, the political landscape has been in constant flux. However, the master is highly capable, known for her cleverness and bold actions, often making surprising moves.
People say that a new official burns three fires when taking office. After becoming the Minister of Revenue, the master continuously submitted proposals to the emperor. She advocated the principle of “taking from the people in moderation and using it with restraint; even a small nation can be at peace. If taken without measure and used without end, even a large nation cannot be at peace,” recommending a reform of the tax system.
The new tax laws sparked waves in the public, with people praising them enthusiastically. However, these changes inevitably threatened certain interests, leading to numerous covert attempts to undermine the master. There was even one incident where she almost ended up in the infamous Zhao Prison.
Prince Yun, with his illustrious reputation and esteemed position, is highly respected among officials. Frankly, if the master were under his protection, no treacherous ministers would dare to touch her.
"We are simply not fated to be together," Lü Yun'er replied, hiding her unspeakable sorrow.
Thinking of the little prince's reaction earlier, her eyelashes trembled slightly as she adopted a different explanation, "After all, Prince Yun is of royal blood, while I’m just a lowly scholar at the Imperial Academy, holding the rank of an eighth-grade official. The disparity in our status is too great. Though it might seem like an enviable marriage to others, you know my temperament—I prefer a life of peace and quiet, and once you get entangled with the royal family, you lose that freedom."
"Besides, Prince Yun has only one son, and I have no right to marry the little prince. The only option would be for me to marry into their family, which would mean living under their roof, enduring the scorn of others who would call me a ‘kept man’ or say I’m ‘living off a woman.’ How would I cope with that? I’d be forced to swallow my grievances silently."
"Master, you're absolutely right!" Qiu Yi nodded vigorously, clearly very excited.
Although the Lü family’s glory is no longer what it once was, it is still a family of generals, and we still have our pride. While it’s not uncommon for women to marry into their husband’s family, it’s not exactly something people celebrate.
As the saying goes: better to die poor than to be an in-law. It’s not just about losing face, it’s about losing status and legacy too. So, when a woman marries into her husband’s family, she often becomes the subject of gossip.
Seeing that Qiu Yi’s attitude had shifted, Lü Yun'er’s eyes softened as she continued, "So, after much thought, I decided to let it go. I’ll just live my ordinary, peaceful life."
This conversation reminded Qiu Yi of something, and she quickly added, "But Master, you’re at the age to get married now. Shouldn't you start considering your future? You once said you'd establish your career before starting a family. But now that you’ve taken on a lighter role at the Imperial Academy, isn’t it time to think about marrying a young scholar and continuing the Lü family line?"
Qiu Yi carefully watched her master’s reaction, for she knew that women their age had usually already married and had families, enjoying the company of husbands and children. How could her master not envy such a life?
Lü Yun'er raised her eyebrows slightly—just when she thought the matter was settled, another issue arose.
She immediately came up with an excuse to brush it off, speaking as if she were helpless, "To be honest, after that serious illness, I’ve developed some aftereffects. I... I’ve gradually lost interest in that kind of thing. This is something that affects my dignity as a woman, so I haven’t mentioned it to you before. But don’t worry, I’ve consulted a physician, and she said there’s no cure. Whether or not I’ll be able to have children in the future depends on fate. I’m only telling you this, so please don’t let it slip. You know how people are—if they found out, they’d mock me for being unfit."
Qiu Yi’s eyes widened, shocked by this revelation. After processing it, she furrowed her brows, her expression full of concern. She comforted her master, "Master, I swear I won’t tell a soul. But why didn’t you tell me sooner? I know you didn’t want to worry me, but the more people who know, the more likely we’ll find a solution!"
Qiu Yi’s concern deepened, and she tried to console her master. "But don’t worry, I’ll search high and low for a cure. We’ll find a way to get you better. But… how could this happen? You’re such a good person, yet fate is so cruel!"
Seeing how empathetic Qiu Yi had become, Lü Yun'er felt a little guilty about lying and pretended to be nonchalant, "Don’t worry too much, Qiu Yi. We do our best, but we must also accept fate. It’s best to take things as they come."
Noticing her master’s attempt to appear indifferent, Qiu Yi felt even more heartache.
The thought of her master, as a woman, not being able to experience the joys of love and intimacy surely weighed heavily on her.
And the fact that she had never even tasted the pleasures of such a relationship must be so despairing! No, she had to do something about it!
Since there was no internal cure, they would have to try external remedies. Qiu Yi began to consider all the possibilities. After all, attraction leads to desire, doesn't it?
Determined, Qiu Yi decided that she would find a few upstanding young men to help her master. After all, in the current era, it wasn’t uncommon for women to have multiple partners, so there was no need to worry about societal judgment.
But what kind of men did her master like? Qiu Yi realized that she had never asked her master about her preferences.
Does your master prefer fair, petite, and slender men, or does she like dark-skinned, muscular, and strong ones?
If those don't work, perhaps a few exotic and alluring men from foreign lands might do the trick. It's said they're exceptionally skilled in bed, much more open than men from the Yuan Dynasty, with countless tricks up their sleeves...
As these thoughts ran through her mind, the innocent Qiu Yi suddenly snapped out of it, realizing how improper her thoughts were. Her face immediately flushed with embarrassment.
Meanwhile, Lü Yun'er, unaware of Qiu Yi's wandering thoughts, noticed that the bathwater had started to cool after she finished bathing. She got up, picked up a brocade towel, and began wiping the glistening droplets from her body before taking a new white undergarment from the clothes rack and putting it on.
Seeing Qiu Yi standing there in a daze, Lü Yun'er walked over and lightly tapped her on the forehead with her finger, asking, "Why are you just standing there like that? What are you thinking about?"
As Lü Yun'er walked out from behind the screen, Qiu Yi snapped back to reality and quickly followed.
Lü Yun'er's jet-black hair was still damp, and a faint cherry blossom blush tinged her cheeks. She sat down in front of the vanity mirror and looked at Qiu Yi through the reflection, teasing, "Were you just thinking about something naughty? Look at how red your face is. You’re not getting any younger, you know. You should start paying attention to whether there's anyone you fancy in the capital. If you find someone you love, I’ll help you arrange a marriage. By the way, didn't the young innkeeper at the Shiji Restaurant in the eastern part of the city seem to like you? Have you been meeting with him in secret?"
"Master, you're teasing me again! You know I don’t like him—he's way too brash! You saw it yourself," Qiu Yi replied, shivering slightly at the memory of that day.
"Hahaha!" Lü Yun'er laughed, the corners of her mouth curving upward. "Alright, I’ll stop. Once I finish the polo match, it will be Qingming Festival, and the entire Imperial Academy will be on holiday. Pick me up a bit later that day, and secretly bring Tangerine back. Also, remember to prepare a few pounds of braised big bones for me tomorrow. I want to take them to the Academy so Tangerine can have a feast."
There was no choice; Tangerine was too skinny. Although she had managed to fatten him up a bit over the past few days with some training, he still wasn’t getting enough nutrients. She had to make sure he was properly fed.
"Yes, Master," Qiu Yi responded. When she had picked up the master from the Academy in the carriage, the master had mentioned finding a stray dog that was very smart. It seemed to keep the master company during her free time.
"By the way, Qiu Yi, didn’t Mu Yang write that he was coming to the capital to visit me? If we count the days, it should be a few days after Qingming. Make sure to instruct a few servants to clean up the house on the north side of the courtyard and buy some things that young boys might like. Just handle it as you see fit, and if anything’s missing, just buy it."
Qiu Yi nodded. "Understood."
Although Young Master Mu wasn’t related to the master by blood, the two families had a deep connection, and the master had always treated him like her own younger brother, naturally doting on him.
After tidying up everything, Qiu Yi took her leave, while Lü Yun'er sprawled out on the soft couch, her face clouded with deep unease.
The memory of last year’s Qingming Festival was still vivid, causing her to tremble with pain and a sense of helplessness.
What would happen this time?
At Prince Yun’s residence.
Chen Si spoke with concern, "We’ve sent him back to the manor, but... the little prince was crying so sadly. I think he really likes Lü Yun'er. Perhaps you could..."
"Lü Yun'er is indeed remarkable—upright, prudent, and talented, yet unassuming. But matters of the heart cannot be forced," Su Bai said as he stood by the window, his hands clasped behind his back, gazing into the night. After a moment, he continued, "After Qingming, I’ll host a poetry gathering at Lanchin Garden and invite the young talents of the capital. Go ahead and start preparing the guest list."
Chen Si hesitated for a moment and then asked, "Should we send an invitation to Lü Yun'er as well?"
"Send it, but whether she comes or not is up to her," Su Bai replied calmly.
Chen Si was slightly taken aback. Although Prince Yun seemed to favor Lü Yun'er, this gesture was quite generous. However...
Chen Si, worried, asked, "But if we host this poetry gathering, won’t the little prince be upset?"
Although it was just a poetry gathering, Prince Yun clearly had intentions of finding a wife for the little prince. Given the little prince’s current state, it would only deepen the rift between the two.
Su Bai, however, dismissed the concern, saying, "This is not up to him."
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