Chapter 3: Elder Brother

Page 1/3
Duke of Ningguo, Lu Bailing, held the highest official rank as Minister of the Secretariat.
The Lu family, adorned with official titles and noble lineage, was the foremost aristocratic clan in Dayong.
It was so six years ago, and remains so now.
Yan Xi was helped down from the carriage and immediately laid eyes upon the mansion.
Jade stone steps, blue bricks and green tiles, solemn stone lions—all exuded an awe-inspiring grandeur, as if reaching five feet from heaven.
Even though she was no stranger to the place, Yan Xi felt an instinctive trepidation stir within her.
At the gate, attendants awaited, unloading her garments.
A guide boy led them inside the estate.
Since it was afternoon, many pedestrians passed by.
New arrivals to the mansion naturally drew attention, especially a girl of such exquisite beauty.
Maidservants and footmen often paused or glanced sideways, whispering in small groups, guessing who she might be.
Though some words floated to Yan Xi’s ears, she paid no mind, her gaze unwavering.
Her quarters were arranged in the northern garden, named Peach Blossom Pavilion.
The pavilion housed a cluster of peach trees, basking in ample sunlight, with a pleasant environment.
The courtyard had been thoroughly cleaned, neat and tidy.
Four maids attended to her: Xiaoliu, Xianglian, Mingyue, and Hehua.
Yan Xi briefly acquainted herself with them, gave them some reward, then had Taohong close the door.
She pressed her soft hand to her chest and, supported by Qinglian, took a seat.
Qinglian appeared nervous. “Miss, are you feeling unwell?”
The young girl steadied herself a moment, then shook her head.
“I’m fine now.”
The maid relaxed upon hearing this.
Yan Xi had secret worries.
It was not her body that was unwell, but her heart that raced wildly.
The cause was none other than the dream—the man in that dream.
Since entering the Lu residence, she had been increasingly anxious for some unknown reason.
Naturally, having had little contact with outsiders for six years, she wondered if it was simply the change of environment.
After pondering, she let it go.
No matter how arrogant that fellow was, this premier clan of Chang’an commanded even the emperor’s respect—he was not someone to provoke lightly.
Yan Xi wished only to take shelter under this mighty tree.
Her return had many aims.
Besides seeking protection, she hoped to find a good husband and secure an early marriage.
The dreams were ill-omened.
There was a tyrant, and also Li Yin.
Though absurd, she could not help but be wary.
Finding a worthy match early and settling down to alter the dream’s portent was her grand plan.
Besides that, there was one other matter.
Thinking of it stirred excitement within Yan Xi.
For it concerned her eldest sister.
If the dreams were true, it was not all bad news.
Indeed, she had dreamed of her eldest sister.
Her sister was right here in Chang’an!
If her sister and mother were still alive, it would be the greatest joy for her!
The more she thought, the stronger her longing grew. Yan Xi lifted her small foot slightly as a maid took off her embroidered shoes.
In the blink of an eye, the sun set and night fell, bringing a peaceful slumber.

Page 2/3
The next morning, Yan Xi slept until the sun was high.
She learned yesterday that Madam Fang, wife of the Duke, had accompanied the Elder Madam Lu to the Buddhist temple and had been away for over five days, so they were not at the mansion.
Lu Bailing was often busy with state affairs and frequently absent from home.
The household affairs were temporarily managed by Wang, the eldest son's wife in the second branch.
As she belonged to the senior branch and Yan Xi was new with many matters to attend to, no one paid much attention to her.
After breakfast, her first task was to send Taohong with money to A Tai.
“Tell A Tai not to be too frugal. I will find a way for the silver, but he must take good care of himself. Necessary expenses must be made—treat the other servants to some wine so he won’t be isolated upon arrival. That matter can’t be rushed.”
The matter she referred to was inquiring about her eldest sister.
Indeed, it could not be rushed, and without money, urgency was useless.
Taohong took the money pouch from her and left.
Soon after, at Qinglian’s suggestion and with no pressing matters, Yan Xi donned a cloak and went out with her.
Not far behind Peach Blossom Pavilion was the estate’s garden.
Late autumn was the season of blooming chrysanthemums; the two stepped out for fresh air and to familiarize themselves with the surroundings.
They thought the garden would be empty so early but soon overheard two girls’ voices upon entering.
“Alas, the heir hasn’t returned in five days.”
The other laughed, “Sister Hui, you seem lost without seeing the heir.”
The first scolded, “Don’t say nonsense. Don’t you know he’s leaving the capital after the New Year?”
“Of course I know, but promotion is a good thing. The heir is truly impressive—so young yet becoming military governor!”
The one named Hui said softly, “It’s good... indeed good...”
Her tone carried unmistakable disappointment.
Qinglian wished to continue walking but Yan Xi pulled her back.
The young girl shook the maid’s sleeve softly. “Let’s go...”
Qinglian nodded.
Outside the garden, Qinglian asked, “Miss, why did you stop?”
Yan Xi replied frankly, “I don’t want to meet anyone.”
Qinglian understood.
Having been ill for six years, her mistress seldom went out and had little contact with others. She was still somewhat withdrawn and unaccustomed.
Recalling the two girls’ talk about the heir, Qinglian smiled. “The heir, the heir. Though he’s only been back less than a day, many at the mansion have already spoken of him. No wonder he’s praised—he’s truly a dragon among men. They say he saved Henan from locust plagues, managed flood relief in Jingzhou, and solved a notorious, long-unsolved case in Chang’an within ten days of becoming mayor. A top scholar who rose to a third-rank official at a young age, now about to be promoted again in less than three years! Miss, do you remember this heir of the Lu family?”
Yan Xi nodded. “Yes, I remember.”
Though they had met only two or three times, she recalled him quite clearly.
Qinglian almost smacked herself and laughed, “What was I thinking? How could you not remember? You fell into the water, and he was the one who saved you!”
“Yes.”
Yan Xi answered again.
He saved her.
She was young then and had seen him the day she first came to the Lu family.
Lu Bailing had told her to call him brother.
She obediently did, but he didn’t reply and barely looked at her.
She had been somewhat afraid of him afterward, though they never met again—until she fell into the water.
After he saved her, her impression of him changed.
Come to think of it, she had only seen him those two times.
The two chatted casually back and forth.

Page 3/3
Suddenly someone ran up ahead. Yan Xi focused and recognized Xianglian, a third-tier maid in her quarters.
“Finally found you, Miss! Madam Fang and Elder Madam have returned!”
Hearing this, Yan Xi slowly raised her brows and eyes...

*******

A gust of wind stirred, scattering autumn leaves. The weeping willows swayed and brushed against the windowpane.
Inside the boudoir, the bronze mirror reflected a pure, innocent, and naive face, untouched by worldly matters.
A maid gently combed her hair.
At noon, a message from the servants arrived, instructing her to visit the Elder Madam’s Fu’an Hall at the hour of Shen (3-5 pm).
Yan Xi felt unfamiliar and somewhat fearful.
Not just fear, but the uneasy feeling she had on her first day at the Lu residence returned inexplicably.
She also recalled the tyrant from her dream.
Not a good omen at all.
She had prepared early, awaiting the appointed hour.
As Shen hour approached, a maid led her, along with Qinglian and Taohong, to Fu’an Hall.
The way was splendid—silk brocade, white jade railings, a gentle breeze scattering fragrant petals—solemn and dignified, everywhere displaying wealth.
Yan Xi was gentle and well-mannered, extremely obedient to rules. Nervousness kept her eyes from wandering.
Unconsciously, she was brought into the Elder Madam’s chamber.
The young girl stepped in and briefly surveyed the room.
Carved beams and painted rafters swirled with mist; fragrant incense burned sweetly.
Two women sat on a low couch—one over sixty, the other a middle-aged noblewoman adorned in splendid silks and dazzling jewels, both radiating grace.
Yan Xi recognized them: Elder Madam Lu and Madam Fang.
“Yan Xi pays respects to Elder Madam and Madam Fang...”
She bowed deeply. Before hearing their reply, laughter sounded.
The Elder Madam spoke first.
“What a delicate beauty—you might even be called a heavenly fairy.”
Madam Fang’s gaze was gentle, her lips curved in a warm smile as she added,
“Yes, time flies. You were no taller than this when you first came, and now you’ve blossomed so.”
“Come, Yan Xi, come here...”
Yan Xi bowed again.
“Thank you, Elder Madam and Madam Fang, for your compliments. May Elder Madam live a hundred years, and Madam Fang forever remain youthful.”
Both women smiled softly.
Yan Xi straightened and slowly approached.
The Elder Madam gently took her hand and led her to sit on the couch, studying her carefully for a while.
“Have you adapted? You still seem shy. Treat the Lu family as your own home.”
Yan Xi smiled faintly. “I will.”
Madam Fang nodded. “Taking you as an adopted daughter was Lu Bailing’s wish. At first, we worried you wouldn’t adjust, then your illness kept you away for six years, delaying matters. Now that you have returned and grown up, it’s time to move forward. When Lu Bailing returns, we will choose an auspicious day for you to enter the ancestral hall, offer incense, and complete the adoption. What do you think?”
“I...”
Yan Xi was about to reply when footsteps and a maid’s announcement came from outside the beaded curtain.
“Elder Madam, Madam, the heir has arrived.”
Just then, the curtain was lifted with a clear sound.
Yan Xi’s eyes, like those of a startled fawn, pure and innocent, slowly turned toward the voice.
But as her gaze landed, her heart suddenly pounded fiercely, and the young girl’s face instantly turned pale as death!