Lu Family

The bronze mirror with its rhombus pattern has a smooth, water-like surface, reflecting two women. Both have long, slender eyebrows and expressive eyes. They have delicate noses and mouths and look quite similar, except for a noticeable difference in age.

Mu Qing sat in front of the carved dressing table and sighed in front of the mirror, "It still feels amazing that we look so alike."

The third wife of the Lu family, Lin Su, stood behind her, gently fastening her hairpin, and said with a smile, "Silly child, it's perfectly normal for mother and daughter to look alike."

Her words were filled with tenderness, and Mu Qing felt a warmth in her heart.

The third wife doted on her and often came to her boudoir in the early morning to personally teach her how to dress and do her makeup.

With her elaborate hairstyle, plum blossom makeup, brocade robe adorned with rosy clouds, and double-layered shoes, further embellished with pearl necklaces and white jade earrings, Mu Qingxia was made to look radiant and graceful.

The third wife was quite proud of herself, saying, "With my son's looks, there are few people in Weizhou who can compare to him."

Words of favoritism are inevitably exaggerated.

Mu Qing lowered her eyes, a shy smile on her face. "Mother is joking."

She started calling the Third Madam "Mother" two years ago.

Two years ago, she rescued a middle-aged couple while hunting in the mountains.

Upon seeing her, the couple bombarded her with questions, revealing that they had a daughter who was abducted when she was two years old and they had been searching for her for fourteen years without success.

Coincidentally, Mu Qing and one of the women looked alike, and an old scar on his body and their daughter's birthmark were in roughly the same spot.

Mu Qing knew she wasn't their daughter, but she had been alone in the mountains for too long, feeling so lonely and lost that she didn't know what day it was. Suddenly, someone offered her a legitimate opportunity to return to the mortal world, as if it were a stroke of luck.

She readily agreed and recognized them as her parents.

Thus, she became Miss Lu.

The Lu family was a scholarly family, with generations of officials holding official positions and titles, and they were highly respected in Weizhou.

The young lady of the Lu family was naturally kept secluded in her chambers, never needing to show her face in public. Ordinary people rarely caught a glimpse of her true appearance, which was safer than hiding in the mountains. On ordinary days, she lived a life of luxury, surrounded by attendants. When it was hot, someone would fan her; when it rained, someone would hold an umbrella for her. When attending banquets and festivals, she was showered with attention and flattery, like a bright moon surrounded by stars. She lived a life that was simply divine.

Mu Qing often forgets the past and acts as if she is the real Lu Qingxue.

This is the moment.

She addressed the Third Madam with utmost sincerity, calling her "Mother" repeatedly.

“I look like my mother, but I am not as cultured as her. I hope that after reading more books, I can be like my mother, with a refined and elegant demeanor due to my knowledge.”

Upon hearing this, the Third Madam looked intently at Mu Qing and asked, "Why do you think that way? Does anyone dare to look down on you?"

Her daughter was lost in childhood and was found when she was already old. Her upbringing was only a belated attempt to mend her ways for two years, and she couldn't compare to the more talented young ladies of other families. But after the matriarch's reforms and the marriage alliance with the Prince's mansion, no one openly gossiped about her anymore. So who was whispering behind her back?

“Who else could it be but the young prince?” Mu Qing casually curled her lip. “He said I was clueless about romance. But it’s not for him. The reason I want to study is simply because I admire my mother.”

The Third Madam raised an eyebrow slightly. "The young prince loves to joke; he must be teasing you. However, it's always good to read more books."

The young prince's name is Xiao Yu. He was granted the title of Prince Qing when he was young, and he is only eighteen years old this year, hence the title of young prince.

About a year ago, he met Mu Qing at the temple fair, and soon after, he proposed to the Lu family, and the wedding date was set after a series of formalities.

In another two weeks, it will be the wedding day.

As long as the marriage goes smoothly and the daughter enters the household as a concubine, the matter of her being abducted can be completely put to rest.

The Third Madam harbored this thought and looked at Mu Qing, who was dressed in her finest attire, with a certain expectation.

"Later, your grandmother probably has something to tell you. Listen carefully, say nice things, and remember anything you don't understand. Ask her when you get back. Although she likes your naivety, if someone is always naive, they'll seem dull-witted."

Mu Qing nodded. "Yes, I know."

When she first arrived at the Lu family, she knew nothing and thought everyone was kind and cheerful. Later, she realized that some people were mocking her. The subtle mockery had little effect on her; it wasn't worth bothering with. She acted as if she didn't care, which led people to believe she was naive.

Mu Qing thought to herself, "This is really an interesting misunderstanding."

It was snowing lightly outside. The sky was vast and the silence was profound. A thin layer of snow covered the branches of the bushes. Two or three early-rising sparrows landed on the snow, hopped a few times, and then flew away.

The Lu family mansion was their ancestral home. The garden was small but elaborate. Mu Qing was walking through the garden with the Third Madam when they suddenly heard a whooshing sound.

Following the sound, one could see a man in blue robes standing tall and slender, his movements swift and powerful, hidden behind the rugged rockery amidst the falling snow and withered branches that had yet to sprout new buds.

The men in the Lu family were all scholars; those skilled in martial arts must be outsiders.

Mu Qing glanced at him, then raised her hand and pulled up the brim of her feather cloak to cover half of her face.

The third madam recognized the man and smiled, saying, "That's your father's student. He came to visit yesterday, and the two of them had a pleasant conversation, so your father let him stay."

Master Lu Xun once served as the Minister of Rites in the capital. Due to his unyielding nature, he repeatedly offended powerful figures. The abduction of his daughter was a result of revenge.

Two years ago, Master Lu resigned from his official post due to illness and returned to Weizhou with his family, where he became a teacher at Wansong Academy in the city.

Thinking that the disciples were the students of the academy, Mu Qing asked curiously, "Does Father also have students he takes a liking to?"

"The world is vast, and there are always some outstanding talents who can amaze people." The Third Madam said as she walked, her admiring gaze sweeping over the figure practicing martial arts in the garden. "That child is skilled in both literature and martial arts, and has a righteous character. I wish your younger brother could be like him."

After her daughter was abducted, the third wife waited several years before giving birth to another child. She took extra care of the child and spoiled him rotten.

Mu Qing felt a slight headache when she thought of her younger brother.

Of the entire Lu family, the only one who wouldn't acknowledge her identity was her "younger brother," Lu Fei, who wouldn't even call her "sister." But he was just a child, so his refusal wasn't a big deal. Because of his unkindness towards his sister, the Third Master Lu took him to the academy and kept him under his wing for instruction. In the two years since, Mu Qing hadn't seen him very often.

Mu Qing gently comforted him, "My little brother is intelligent; he'll improve sooner or later." The child always claimed to be smarter than her, so let's just say he is.

The Third Madam sighed softly, "I hope so."

Walking to the end of the garden and passing through two moon gates, you will arrive at the Qingyuan Hall of Old Madam Meng.

The Qingyuan Hall was bustling with activity, filled with bursts of laughter.

“Grandmother, look, my sisters-in-law love to tease me like this. Sister Qing is only engaged, why are they talking about me…”

As the coquettish voice came from inside the room, the Third Madam was just passing through the beaded curtain and said with a smile, "Grandma, Qingxue and I have come to pay our respects. We didn't know everyone was here so early."

Inside, the women sat in a circle. Old Madam Meng, a kind-faced woman in her seventies, wore a crimson satin jacket with a longevity pattern and sat on the daybed at the head of the table. Beside her, her second wife, who was over fifty, was adorned with jewels and silks. She was accompanied by her two daughters-in-law and youngest daughter, and sat at the lower table. All of them were beautifully dressed and had radiant smiles.

Mu Qing followed the Third Madam into the room, curtsied, and greeted everyone.

As always, Old Madam Meng beckoned her forward: "Qingxue, come sit next to me."

Mu Qing moved forward and sat down next to the old woman, saying affectionately, "Grandmother, Mother was doing my hair and makeup and that's why I'm late. If you have to blame someone, blame me."

Grandma Meng smiled and shook her head, "It's not late, it's good that you've come."

The second wife, sitting to the left, smiled and echoed, "You're not late; we're early. We're used to getting up early in Chongzhou, and when we returned to Weizhou, we didn't think much of it and just came to bother the old lady."

Master Lu the Second served as the Assistant Magistrate of Chongzhou. Since Chongzhou and Weizhou were close by, he would sometimes bring his wife and children back to the Lu family mansion in Weizhou to pay his respects to the old lady, but he never did so early.

The Third Madam sat down in the empty seat on the lower right, and looked at the Second Madam with a slight smile. "It gets light late in the first month of the lunar year, so getting up early is not easy. I see that Second Sister-in-law's face is pale. She really put in a lot of effort to pay her respects to the Old Madam."

The second wife's face stiffened slightly, and she gritted her teeth, remaining silent. This sister-in-law of hers had been arrogant and disdainful when she entered the family, relying on her family's prestige. Now, because her daughter was betrothed to the Prince's mansion, she looked down on her even more.

In the silence, the old lady said, "Second daughter-in-law, the matter you mentioned earlier should be addressed by the third daughter-in-law. I am getting old, and most of my peers are no longer alive. I have entrusted all the social interactions outside the mansion to the third daughter-in-law. It would be more appropriate for you to ask her for her opinion on Tongxue's marriage."

Lu Tongxue was the youngest daughter of the second wife. She was seated at the end of the table. Her hair was piled high with black clouds. She wore a pink dress with gold gauze. Her face was as beautiful as a peach. If it weren't for her eyes, which were filled with anger and resentment, she would have been truly charming and lovely.

The second wife nodded in agreement, looking embarrassed, and slowly began to speak.

“Sister-in-law, as you know, we originally arranged a marriage between our families and the prefect of Chongzhou. We thought it was a good match, but the prefect’s son was a womanizer and contracted a hidden illness. We finally managed to break off the engagement, but we also offended the prefect.”

"The prefect is, after all, a local official who commands great influence in Chongzhou. Ordinary families dare not arrange marriages with us. Tongxue is not young now, so we have no choice but to take her back to Weizhou. Please take good care of her, sister-in-law."

When we got engaged two years ago, I was arrogant and very proud of myself. Now it has ended in a miserable way. I'm telling you the truth so that I can be completely honest with you.

The Third Madam smiled slightly, "Second Sister-in-law, you flatter me. I only stayed in Weizhou for two years and got to know a few more people. Qingxue's marriage wasn't something I specifically asked for. Marriage is predestined, and I'll try my best to help inquire and introduce people."

"That's fine then." The second madam's expression softened slightly. "Speaking of Qingxue's marriage, I have some news, but I don't know if I should tell you."

Upon hearing that it was related to Qingxue, the Third Madam's expression hardened, and she asked, "What news?"

"The Prince Qing's mansion sent people to Tianci Mountain, and they've been there for several days. That area is remote and sparsely populated. If they weren't inquiring about Qingxue's past, what else could they possibly be asking about?"

As the second wife spoke, she glanced at Mu Qing.

With the wedding date fast approaching, the Prince's Mansion has come to investigate the woman's past. If they don't make some arrangements, unexpected troubles might arise.

The third wife's face turned cold. "There's no need to worry about that. Second sister-in-law, have you forgotten? Two years ago, the Lu family thoroughly investigated Tianci Mountain. Everyone there knows that there used to be a widowed old woman living on Tianci Mountain who loved children very much. Qingxue was lucky enough to be taken in and raised by her. She has always been innocent and clean. No matter how much you inquire, the result will not change."

Old Madam Meng also said calmly, "When the Prince's Mansion came to propose marriage, they had already investigated Qingxue's past. Why bother asking again? Is this part of the Prince's Mansion's marriage proposal process? Where did you get this information?"

Seeing that the old woman was breathing unsteadily, Mu Qing patted her back and said, "Grandmother, please don't get agitated."

The second wife forced a smile, "I just overheard a few words on the way, probably about the marriage negotiations. I apologize for being nosy, but I was just thinking of being safe just in case, I didn't mean anything by it."

Her two daughters-in-law sat not far away, both with their heads down and eyes closed, not daring to make a sound.

Lu Tongxue, sitting at the end of the table, craned her neck and argued, "That was, after all, news related to Sister Qing. My mother was only paying attention because she cares about Sister Qing."

She called out "Sister Qing" but her gaze toward Mu Qing was full of disgust.

Mu Qing wasn't good at reading people, but she could tell that Lu Tongxue disliked her. At first, she hid it a little, but the more she met Lu Tongxue, the more obvious her hostility became.

It's not hard to understand; as granddaughters of the Lu family, the grandmother's favoritism was obvious to all. She didn't even need to do anything; Lu Tongxue was already furious.

Mu Qing wasn't annoyed at all, and smiled as she replied, "In any case, thank you for the reminder, Second Aunt. Tong, if you stay in Weizhou in the future, you can come and find me anytime, whether you need anything or not."

Old Madam Meng looked pleased and hugged her, saying, "Good child, sisters should take care of each other. You understand this principle without being reminded. That's really good."

Lu Tongxue lowered her eyes, pursed her lips, and said no more. When she left, unlike before when she would secretly send a few sharp glances, she walked away silently with her head down.

Mu Qing was a little surprised. She already knew that marriage was a top priority for young ladies, but she didn't know it could change a person's temperament.

After hearing the news from the second wife, she was no longer worried about her marriage.

She stayed with the old woman on the mountain for about half a year, and after burying her, she lived alone in the mountains.

The vegetation on Tianci Mountain changes every year. The Lu family didn't notice anything unusual two years ago, so it's even less likely they would notice anything now.

The young prince is fond of her and has no reason to suspect her; it must just be a formality.