Chapter 33

Although Lu Bao'er said last time it was only a joke, Xie Junling did not take it seriously. Yet today, before ascending to the Hanlin Academy, the sky only showed a sliver of white. Xie Junling just tried to lift the curtain of the small sedan with green drapes, then retreated, shrinking back into the heavy mist.

The sedan carrier, surprised, asked the boy beside him, "Young Master Zhu Sheng, what does this Lord Xie mean?"

Zhu Sheng wore a narrow‑sleeved shirt with a dark short jacket, his long hair tied high, a bamboo staff at his waist; because weapons are forbidden in the imperial city under penalty of treason, he has painstakingly practiced staff technique, able to take on ten opponents with ease.

He saw the carrier ask like that, lazily glanced and said, "You, a servant, why meddle in the master's affairs? Remember, keep your head, don't ask this and that, just do your own duties!"

Hearing that, the carrier dared not speak further. He lowered his brows, narrowed his eyes, tucked his neck, and behaved like a stone statue of flesh.

Xie Junling went back to Xie Fu not because he dropped something, but because he suddenly thought of a matter and went to look for the cook. At dawn, the kitchen had just lit the stove and boiled water, preparing to pour into a copper pot to be delivered to Lu Bao'er later.

When Xie Junling, humbled, entered the kitchen, Ye Daniang was startled and whispered, "Sir, is there any instruction?"

Xie Junling also thought the matter he wanted to say was absurd, so he dared not instruct the cook while Lu Bao'er was awake, and having to act so sneaky made him feel unworthy of a straightforward gentleman.

Xie Junling lowered his voice and casually asked, "Ye Daniang, can you make jade‑appearance cake?"

"The jade‑appearance cake is a palace pastry; although the steps are intricate, it's not impossible," Ye Daniang thought for a moment and answered Xie Junling. She found it odd that day after day, either the old matron or Xie Junling asked about this cake.

She couldn't help but ask aloud, "A few days ago, Aunt Bi Zhu also asked about the jade‑appearance cake, saying that when the lady entered Fu House, she happened to taste the jade‑appearance cake and ate several pieces."

In fact, Lu Bao'er ate several bites of the jade‑appearance cake to avoid drawing the attention of Old Lady Su and Cheng Lingyan, since that day the grandmother and granddaughter seemed to have some conflict…

So the old matron had already reminded the cook? Then his trip was in vain? He only thought that if Lu Bao'er could get cake from another household, that house would also steam cake, and she staying there would be happier for a while?

Xie Junling felt a bit awkward, cleared his throat, and said, "I just saw the lady enjoy the jade‑appearance cake and wanted to tell you, today she will visit Fu House to see the old lady, so please steam some cakes and pack them in the eight‑treasure box, to fill her stomach on the way."

"Sir, rest assured, I will take care of it," Ye Daniang thought it through; she worried about Lu Bao'er one after another. Clearly, this little lady is the household's treasured darling!

After giving these instructions, Xie Junling left the residence to attend to official business.

When Lu Bao'er awoke, it was already late. Fortunately, there were no elders in Xie Fu to enforce morning rules on her. Even if there were elders, Xie Junling's mother, Gu Shi, was gentle and compassionate, and would not harshly treat the young daughter‑in‑law.

Lu Bao'er, sleepy and still half‑closed, was lifted by the old matron, coaxed to the dressing table, made to rinse her mouth with salty willow twig and wash her face with warm water. The deer‑meat banquet was an afternoon affair, so she had breakfast in the residence in the morning.

Because she was to go out, the old matron chose for her a lake‑colored willow‑leaf patterned short jacket and a pink‑peach layered skirt with a white rabbit‑fur hem, and placed a sapphire dragonfly hair ornament on her head; its insect‑eye was set with tiny white pearls, the leaves made of enamel, blue‑green interlaced, highlighting the sapphire's sparkle.

The dragonfly's wings bore delicate branch‑like patterns, each crafted from fine copper‑wire springs; when the winter wind brushed her face, the wings trembled slightly, as if alive.

The old matron could naturally see that the Lord of Qingping County favored Lu Bao'er, so today's attire was specially selected with items suitable for her age; this floral‑dragonfly elegant setting was indeed a clever arrangement.

Indeed, at dusk, when Lu Bao'er entered Fu House, Old Lady Su called her forward, smiling as she examined her, praising the old matron: "This hairstyle was done with Bi Zhu's comb, right? Your hands were the most skillful back then! After all these years… your technique hasn't grown rusty."

The maternal great‑grandmother, seeing her own great‑granddaughter, naturally grew more fond, but these words made the old matron recall serving the late empress, nearly shedding tears. She brushed away the tears at the corner of her eye and said wistfully, "Thank you, Lord of Qingping County, for the praise."

"Alright, alright, take your seat," Old Lady Su reluctantly loosened Lu Bao'er's hand; she actually wanted Lu Bao'er to sit beside her, but with all the officials' wives present, letting her sit at the front would not only breach rank protocol but also draw undue attention.

She wanted to quickly have Lu Bao'er acknowledge her lineage, so the world would know she descends from the Prince of Shou's line, whose blood is of noble heritage, and thus she could not refuse such favor.

However, the Cheng Clan was difficult to handle, and with Cheng Lingyan present, Old Lady Su also needed a plan, so she could not immediately recognize Lu Bao'er; she would have to proceed gradually.

She sighed, eyes glued to Lu Bao'er returning to the farthest seat. When no one could see her, Old Lady Su revived her spirits, chatting with an old friend on the same side.

When the deer‑meat banquet was served, the maids lit a bonfire among the stone piles, skewered a whole skinned deer on an iron rack, brushed the meat with sesame oil and salt, periodically turning the rack so the meat browned on all sides, its aroma filling the air.

Lu Bao'er smelled the deer meat's flavor and liked it very much. She didn't know when she would get to taste it, so she stared eagerly at the maids slicing the meat.

The so‑called deer‑meat banquet was merely a whole deer as the main dish, with other dishes as well; otherwise eating only deer meat would be greasy, and some Buddhist wives could not tolerate meat.

Since learning that Lu Bao'er was her own great‑granddaughter, Old Lady Su's mind drifted when speaking with others, and she kept glancing at Lu Bao'er.

Qiuju naturally guessed Old Lady Su's thoughts; after a brief thought, she lowered her head and whispered to Old Lady Su: "Madam, if you wish to see Madam Xie, I have an idea."

"Tell me," Old Lady Su asked with a smile.

"How about I summon Madam Xie to serve you the deer meat? Consider it a favor to a junior, letting her get close to you."

"Would that be too conspicuous?"

Qiuju pursed her lips and smiled: "You're blinded by your position! As the Lord of Qingping, who you like or wish to speak with doesn't require anyone else's permission."

"Exactly, then call Madam Xie, say that I also have some fate with her, and ask her to accompany me for a chat." Old Lady Su's smile deepened; she had previously feared attention on Lu Bao'er, but now thought, why not openly acknowledge the relationship, letting others gauge Lu Bao'er's connection with the Lord of Qingping, which is the best way to protect her.

"Very well." Qiuju quietly slipped into the seat, called Lu Bao'er over, "Madam Xie, my lady wants to speak with you, and could you kindly serve her some deer meat?"