Chapter 310: Don

Chen Guanlou entered the Hou Fu through the side gate for the first time, and found it quite novel.

He suddenly received word that Lady Lu, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Hou Fu, wished to see him, and he knew that Young Master Ye had surely whispered complaints to her.

Not a man! Whining to a woman—what kind of skill is that?

What surprised him even more was that Lady Lu, over such a trivial matter, had decided to personally meet him. Was this really necessary? Why go to such lengths?

Or perhaps the women of the Hou Fu were so idle they needed to invent tasks to pass the time.

After entering the side gate, he was led by a young servant through corridors and alleys, as if lost in a maze, before finally reaching the second gate. Then, an old maid guided him into the rear courtyard's flower hall.

Fortunately he bore the surname Chen, a blood relative; otherwise, he wouldn't have had the right to enter the rear courtyard at all.

In the flower hall, he sat down as maidservants served tea and snacks.

Leaving aside other matters, the Hou Fu's maidservants were all stunningly beautiful, and the snacks were exquisitely delicious—unobtainable outside. The hospitality was thorough, leaving one with the impression that everything was properly handled, with no hint of disrespect toward guests.

It seemed the eldest master had indeed reformed the Hou Fu, with clear results. At least the servants now lacked their former haughty airs. Even when treating people differently, they did so with subtlety.

After sitting for half a cup of tea, Lady Lu finally appeared.

Lady Lu was a mature woman, elegantly beautiful and dignified, with a natural grace in her features—clearly the matriarch of a great household. As for Lady Liu or Madame Pan, before her they were plainly concubine-like, unfit for public view.

Seeing Lady Lu was like witnessing national peace and prosperity, like seeing a family flourish.

Chen Guanlou suddenly understood: the key to marriage in a great household—Lady Lu was the perfect model.

Beautiful, commanding, gentle, virtuous—what an ideal matriarch, one who commanded respect.

"Greetings, Lady Lu," Chen Guanlou bowed first.

"We're family—no need for such formalities."

"Rituals must not be neglected," Chen Guanlou replied solemnly, maintaining proper distance. He would not cling to his surname Chen and fawn upon her.

Lady Lu slightly pursed her lips. "I've intruded upon you today, and I hope you'll forgive the imposition."

"Lady Lu, you're too kind."

"You and my husband are clan brothers. If you're comfortable, you may call me Big Sister." Lady Lu extended goodwill.

Chen Guanlou dared not accept. He offered only a humble smile, avoiding the topic entirely.

Beyond the fifth degree of kinship, what good is the word "brother"? Unless Chen Guanfu himself acknowledged him as such, he would never address Lady Lu as "Big Sister." He would never break the rules.

Seeing he did not respond, Lady Lu did not press. She thought: here was a man with boundaries and principles, not one who climbed every ladder offered. Clearly, he valued his dignity.

"I've asked you here today because I need a favor."

"Lady Lu, please speak."

Chen Guanlou spoke politely, but inwardly thought: if this is about Young Master Ye, there's nothing to discuss. He had no blood tie or conflict with Young Master Ye. Following protocol, not deliberately harassing, was already giving face. If it were someone else he disliked arriving at the Tianlaomiao, he'd have tormented them until they begged.

"Zhang Wenfu has been imprisoned, and Chancellor Zhang is frantic. Chancellor Zhang detests evil and has made many enemies over the years. He fears someone may harm Zhang Wenfu. Learning you oversee the Jia-graded prison, he turned to the Hou Fu, asking you, on the Hou Fu's behalf, to show Zhang Wenfu some leniency and protect him from harm."

Huh?

It was about this.

He'd thought: how idle or foolish would Lady Lu have to be to defend Young Master Ye?

The woman who could be matriarch of a great household clearly knew how to weigh priorities.

"There's one thing I don't understand. I hope Lady Lu will clarify," Chen Guanlou said.

Lady Lu smiled encouragingly. "Please go ahead."

"This concerns the Zhang family. Why is it you, Lady Lu, who speaks—not the steward, or one of the young masters?"

Logically, such matters should be handled by men, not women. Men deal with men; women with women—that's the social norm.

Lady Lu cleared her throat. She hadn't expected Chen Guanlou to be so direct.

"I won't hide it from you: the Zhangs approached the main house, not the Hou Fu as a whole. Do you understand?"

Chen Guanlou suddenly understood.

The main house was in a sorry state—sparse in population.

Lady Lu and the heir, Chen Guanfu, had only two children, both too young to handle affairs. Chen Guanfu was often away, though he'd taken several concubines who bore him several illegitimate sons and daughters—all still young.

Chen Guanfu's several illegitimate brothers were all away from home, dispatched by the eldest master to serve elsewhere. This allowed the second house to seize control of the household management.

Now, Chancellor Zhang had appealed to the main house for help—but the main house had no proper adult male to act on its behalf. The chief steward could have stepped in, but he'd been swamped with work lately, barely visible.

Thus, Lady Lu had no choice but to face Chen Guanlou herself. After all, they were blood relatives—no violation of propriety.

"Protecting Zhang Wenfu is simple. But why does Chancellor Zhang fear someone will harm him? I've served in the Jia-graded prison for years, and such cases were only rumors. Overall, the prison's staff still follow rules—no one wants deaths on their watch. Does Chancellor Zhang have any specific suspects?"

"I don't know the details. But since Chancellor Zhang has this concern, it's likely not baseless. Brother Lou, I'm placing this in your hands."

"Lady Lu, rest assured. It's a small matter—I'll arrange for extra care of Zhang Wenfu upon returning, ensuring his safety."

"Excellent! After this, the Zhang family will remember your favor."

"I'm helping the main house," Chen Guanlou stated clearly—he stood with the main house; the Zhangs meant nothing to him.

Lady Lu was pleased with his answer. She thought: the eldest master hadn't misjudged him.

After concluding official business, Lady Lu casually mentioned Young Master Ye. "My cousin grew up with everything handed to him, never faced hardship, and developed a haughty disposition. If he spoke improperly, I apologize on his behalf—Brother Lou, don't hold it against him."

Chen Guanlou immediately rose, avoiding her bow. "Lady Lu, you flatter me. I have no grievance with Young Master Ye. It's my fault—I didn't make my instructions clear. My subordinates simply followed protocol. Everyone knows: in the Tianlaomiao, it's money, not people, that matters."

"Please rest assured, Lady Lu. Next time he comes to visit, I'll make sure the guards are properly instructed—not to act improperly. The guards lack manners and may offend; please tell Young Master Ye not to take offense—it would make him seem petty."

Lady Lu's gaze shifted slightly. She'd thought him easygoing; now she realized she'd judged too soon. This soft blade was clearly accusing Young Master Ye of being petty—how could a nobleman stoop to quarreling with jailers? It was disgraceful.

In the end, it was Young Master Ye who was being petty.

Lady Lu had no rebuttal. She left, quietly vexed.