Lin Qingyu didnât know what Lu Wancheng was apologizing to him for.
ââBecause he didnât die? Because he didnât try to die before the Imperial Medical Officeâs examination?
There was still more than three months before the exam. If Lu Wancheng passed away during that period, he would have the opportunity to take the exam. He should be hoping that Lu Wancheng dies soon, just as he had when he first married him. Lu Wancheng hadnât known about the Chong Xi and he wasnât going to attack innocent people. He just needed to be patient and wait for his lamp to run out of oil.
But what has he been doing these days? He got the prescription from his father, and worked hard to improve, dispense, and make the medicine. Though it was true that this was his hobby, could it be that he really had no intention of saving the other?
Ha, this canât even be called âsavingâ. At best, it would enable Lu Wancheng to struggle at deathâs door for another six months. Since Lu Wancheng didnât care whether he lived or died, what difference was there whether he had these six months or not?
âIf you really want to die so much, then justâŚâ Lin Qingyuâs throat moved slightly and did not finish what he was going to say.
Lu Wancheng seemed to have guessed what he was thinking, and said, half-lie and half-truth, âNo way, Doctor Lin. Those who commit suicide will go to hell. Not only can you never reincarnate, but youâll also be enslaved by ghosts to do hard labor every day. You wonât get even a momentâs rest. You know me, Iâm not afraid of death, but I am afraid of tiredness.â
Lin Qingyu snorted coldly. âWhat complete nonsense.â
Lu Wancheng had woken up but his body was still extremely weak. Just after saying a few words, his face was already turning deathly pale. Except for liquid food, he vomited whatever else he ate. He subsisted on light rice porridge every day. He couldnât even have the tiniest bite of fish or meat.
Not long ago, Huan Tong, following his instructions, bought a lot of novels from the bookstore on Yongxing Street. Whenever he was awake, he would be leaning against a soft pillow as he read those novels. At night, before going to bed, he would half force Lin Qingyu into listening to him âread a storyâ until he himself trailed off and drifted to sleep.
On this day, Lu Wancheng was reading a novel when he saw the servants of the Blue Wind Pavilion rummaging through the cabinets in the room. He asked, âWhat are they doing?â
Lin Qingyu said, âLooking for something.â
âOf course I know theyâre looking for something. Iâm not blind â What are they looking for?â
Lin Qingyu said, âThe âlostâ ledger.â
When recuperating, one must avoid being laden down with worries. Lin Qingyu hadnât planned on telling Lu Wancheng about the account book. But after thinking about it, Lu Wancheng didnât even care about his life or death, he probably wouldnât even spare a thought over this trivial matter.
He couldnât help being a little curious. Was there be anything that could move Lu Wancheng into caring?
Lin Qingyu briefly recounted what had happened the day before yesterday. Lu Wanchengâs reaction was much bigger than he had expected. There was even a hint of piercing coldness in his eyes. âIf you donât court death, you wonât die. Why is it that some people just canât understand?â Lu Wancheng pondered for a moment and then raised his lips in a slight smile. âDoctor Lin, this is a good time for you to fight for your inheritance.â
Hearing this, Lin Qingyu knew that Lu Wancheng had the same idea as he did. âI know.â He said, âOtherwise why do you think Iâm letting them look for a non-existent ledger?â
Lu Wancheng sighed, âHavenât I said it before? We get along really well. How about we create a bondâŚa bond as sworn brothers? Brothers from different fathers.â
ââŚNo.â
Lu Wancheng was sent coughing from shock. âCough, cough. â But why?!â
âIâve already created one bond with you. I donât intend to have another.â Lin Qingyu said indifferently, âBesides, I, for one, donât think I get along very well with you.â
Lu Wancheng was hit hard and whispered. âI just want to hear you call me âWancheng Gegeâ. Why is that so hard?â
The servants rummaged through the Blue Wind Pavilion, but they found no trace of the ledger. Lin Qingyu relayed this to Liang Shi. Manager Wang suddenly looked as though the sky had collapsed. âOh what am I to do! Those ledgers are confidential and thereâs only one copy of that account. Thereâs no copy of that page. If something were to go wrong in the futureâŚâ
Liang Shi, too, wore a worried frown. She repeatedly confirmed to Lin Qingyu, âAre you sure youâve searched every part of the Blue Wind Pavilion? Maybe the servants didnât look carefully?â
âTheyâve searched high and low. The ledger is indeed not in the Blue Wind Pavilion.â
Liu Momo could finally raise her eyebrows and sigh. âLosing such an important thing, not only has Shaojun betrayed the Madamâs trust but according to the rules of the Hou Mansion, you must be made to reflect on your actions in the ancestral hall!â
Lin Qingyu asked, âHow can the Madam be sure that the ledger was lost in the Blue Wind Pavilion?â
Liu Momo rushed to speak, âIt was whole when it sent was sent to the Blue Wind Pavilion but it was missing a page when we took it back! If it wasnât lost in the Blue Wind Pavilion then where could it be?â
Liang Shi thought that Lin Qingyu would still dispute, but he simply nodded. âI see.â
For a while, Liang Shi didnât respond. âThisâŚâ
âIn that case,â Lin Qingyu said in a hurry, âThis matter was due to my negligence. I hope Madam will forgive me.â
The few people exchanged looks. After they got over their astonishment, they all grew somewhat restless, eager to make trouble. Liang Shi pursed her lips. She had a vague feeling that something was wrong. She said, âQingyu has already tried very hard to find it. It canât be helped that itâs missing.â
She was a very picture of a dignified, tolerant and magnanimous mistress.
Liu Momo asked, âMadam, should this matter be told to the Master?â
Lin Qingyu slightly raised his eyes.
Losing a page of an important account book may be considered a major event in the inner house, but it was far from important enough to be seen by Nanâan Hou.
Nanâan Hou was a minister of outstanding merit serving beside the Emperor. His first wife was the biological sister of the Empress herself. He could be considered as first among a hundred ministers. He rarely involved himself with matters of the inner house and Lin Qingyu has seen him only a few times after getting married. The only matters that could be presented before him were major issues that could not be controlled by Liang Shi.
A one-off careless slip by the Shaojun was nothing much. Were Liang Shi to tell Nanâan Hou about it, Nanâan Hou would only think that she was making a fuss. But if Lin Qingyu were to make mistakes one after another and Liang Shi were to mention this to Nanâan Hou then the source of his displeasure would be the person who made the mistakes.
Liang Shi thought for a while, and said, âThe Master has far too many things to handle in the imperial court. He shouldnât have to worry about things at home.â
Manager Wang shook his head and sighed, âAfter all, this is the first time that the Shaojun has been involved with the general affairs of the mansion. It truly makes people worry. It is still with Madam as the mistress of the household that we canâŚâ
In order not to embarrass Lin Qingyu, Liang Shi âconsideratelyâ interrupted Manager Wang and said, âQingyu is the eldest daughter-in-law of the Hou Mansion. If he doesnât help share my worries and burdens, then who else can I count on? If this matter causes trouble in the future, I will take care of it for Qingyu.â
Lin Qingyu closed his eyes and said, âThank you, Madam.â
Liang Shi sighed and asked the maid to present another account book. âThis is the Hou Mansionâs account book for the entire winter. Qingyu, take it back with you and sort it through. This time, you must absolutely not lose any pages again.â
This time, Lin Qingyu urged Zhang Shiquan to carefully watch over the ledger. Zhang Shiquan didnât dare be the slightest bit neglectful. The account book would only be out when he was present, and whenever he was away, it would be locked up in the cabinet. On the day that Lin Qingyu was to report to Liang Shi, Zhang Shiquan deliberately counted and confirmed that there were no missing pages before returning the ledger to Lin Qingyu.
Lin Qingyu brought the ledger to the front hall to Liang Shi. Liang Shi ordered someone to serve tea and asked Lin Qingyu to wait a while. She then flipped through the account book in front of him.
âThatâs strange. Why canât I see last yearâs charcoal money? Manager Wang, could it be that you didnât record it?â
Wang Guanshi hurriedly said, âAs I remember, it should be on page 26.â
Lin Qingyu also said, âThere is indeed this account. Iâve seen it.â
âTwenty-four, twenty-fiveâŚtwenty-seven?â Liang Shiâs eyes widened, âWhy⌠another page is missing?â
Lin Qingyu frowned. âImpossible.â
Liang Shi repeatedly confirmed it. âItâs really not here.â
âPlease look for it carefully, Madam.â
Liang Shiâs face was drawn down and she threw the account book to Liu Momo. But anyone with a discerning eye could see that she wanted to fling this account book at Lin Qingyu.
Liang Shi no longer had her usual generosity and kindness and she said coldly, âSince you donât trust my words â Liu Momo, help Shaojun count.â
Liu Momo quickly flipped through the ledger. âThe twenty-sixth page is indeed missingâŚManager Wang, how many pages were there in this ledger?â
Wang Guan said, âA total of one hundred and twenty pages.â
Liu Momo counted from beginning to end. âThis ledger has only one hundred and nineteen pages. Why is there another page lost!â
Lin Qingyuâs constantly cold expression round finally showed that uneasiness they wanted to see. âHow is this possible? Madam, the ledger was not lost in Blue Wind Pavilion.â
âYouâve done it again.â Liang Shi said, sincere and earnest, âQingyu, I can protect you once, but I canât protect you again and again.â
Lin Qingyu was silent, his eyes half closed.
The corners of Liang Shiâs lips were silently ticked up and Liu Momo could hardly hold back the smile from appearing on her face. Manager Wang was just as anxious as last time. âMadam, about the housekeeping, for the sake of the peace of the Hou Mansion, please reconsider! Madam!â
Liang Shi rubbed her forehead. âPerhaps, I shouldnât have placed such high hopes on you. Wancheng is so ill, you should just stay by his side and take care of him.â
Lin Qingyu finally lowered his head in front of them. âYoung Master Hou has his own servants to wholeheartedly take care of him and Qingyu still wishes to manage the mansionâs affairs. Iâm asking MadamâŚto give me another chance.â
Different expressions flashed in Liang Shiâs eyes. Just as she expected, she was right. Lin Qingyu was coming after the Hou Mansionâs property. What a clear and cold beauty but inside, he was unexpectedly filled with worldly treachery. How horrible if she really were to let him take control of the household.
Liang Shi pondered for a long time and she said, as though compromising, âDonât meddle with the accounts anymore. How about this? The crown princeâs birth mother, Chen Guifei, is about to celebrate her fortieth birthday. How about you handle the selection of her birthday gift?â
Court officials were very particular about giving gifts to each other. Reciprocity was key and so was having worldly wisdom. In recent years, the details of the gifts given by others to the Hou Mansion were all recorded. When it was time to give them gifts in return, it must be carefully weighed based on their official positions as well as the friendship they shared with Nanâan Hou. A little carelessness may arouse suspicion and envy. Even ordinary officials were like this, what more the imperial concubine-mother of the current crown prince.
Liang Shi has already done so much to set the tone. It was finally time to play the big one.
Lin Qingyu hesitated and said, âI have never had any dealings with the Eastern Palace. I am completely ignorant as to Chen Guifeiâs preferences.â
âI have a book that records the rewards that His Highness the Crown Prince and Chen Guifei have bestowed upon Master Hou over the years. You will only need to prepare a commensurate gift.â Liang Shi said, âRemember, His Majesty the Emperor does not like for the Empress and his concubines to be too extravagant. He likes it even less for the crown prince to associate with powerful ministers. The value of the gift you prepare for Chen Guifei must be equal to the rewards they have given.â
In the Blue Wind Pavilion, Lu Wancheng was feeding himself his medicine. Movements slow and leisurely, it took him so very long to drink half his bowl. Watching him, Huan Tong was itching to help him drink it.
Hearing âShaojun has returnedâ from outside, Lu Wancheng looked towards the door, waiting for Lin Qingyu to come in. He hurriedly drank down the remaining half of the medicine.
Huan Tong asked, confused, âWhy is Young Master Hou so willing to drink his medicine as soon as he sees my familyâs Young Master?â
Lu Wancheng smiled and said, âThe medicine is too bitter so you've got to down it with a bit of eye candy. ââ Doctor Lin, how was it?â
Lin Qingyu ignored him. âHuan Tong, go and ask Manager Zhang to come here.â
When Zhang Shiquan heard that the ledger was missing another page, he grew quite emotional. âHow is that possible? I have confirmed it over and over!â
Lin Qingyu said, âItâs very simple, Liang Shi has people within the Blue Wind Pavilion, and they took the ledger at the last minute.â
âItâs probably Feng Qin,â Lu Wancheng said casually, âShe is quite loyal to Liang Shi.â
Everyoneâs eyes flicked and focused on Lu Wancheng.
Lu Wancheng laughed and said, âWhy are you all looking at me?â
Lin Qingyu asked, âHow do you know?â
âI observed it.â
Huan Tong yelled, âHow could Young Master Hou not tell us about such an important matter?!â
Lu Wancheng was also surprised. âLiang Shi has been in power within the Nanâan Hou Mansion for many years, and she had been the one to personally select the Blue Wind Pavilionâs servants. Except for Hua Lu who is a maid sent by my maternal grandparents, everyone else would obey Liang Shi. Donât tell me that you didnât know.â
The people gathered remained expressionless for a while. Lin Qingyu said calmly, âThank you, Young Master Hou, for reminding us. We know now.â
Huan Tong said fiercely, âIâm going to go and talk some sense into her!â
âNo need,â Lin Qingyu stopped Huan Tong. âLet her be.â
Huan Tong said in disbelief, âYoung Master? But why?â
Lu Wancheng smiled and said, âMy guess is, thereâs someone here who wants to do âsomething badâ?â
Lin Qingyu did not deny it. âShe made the first move.â
Lu Wancheng looked at Lin Qingyu. In his eyes, was a smile that couldnât be hidden. âItâs fine. Doctor Lin also looks beautiful when heâs doing âsomething badâ.â
âYoung Master Hou, sleeping haphazardly is fine, but speaking so is not.â Huan Tong said seriously, âOur familyâs Young Master is good-natured and warm-hearted. He would never do bad things!â
Lin Qingyu: ââŚâŚâ
Lu Wancheng smiled. âHe hasnât done it before, but he must have thought about it. In the future, he might do it. Am I right, Doctor Lin?â
Lin Qingyuâs heart tightened imperceptibly.
Huan Tong had grown up with him but he didnât know some of the secret thoughts in his mind. Huan Tong thought him a good person. While Lu Wancheng, who had only known him for a few months, seemed to be able to see through him.
He originally thought that once he married into the Hou Mansion, he would have to endure the humiliation in silence and rot in the quagmire. He never thought that he could meet a⌠close friend and confidant?
Lin Qingyu looked down at a certain someone lying on the bed, clearly ill but relaxed and content. The bottom of his eyes were dark and unclear. Soon after, he smiled softly and said, âWrong.â
Lu Wanchengâs coughing symptoms relapsed. He coughed when he was awake and coughed even when he was asleep, waking himself up. It was late into the night, after heâd woken up, that he subconsciously looked towards the screen. However, he couldnât make out anyone behind it, so he forced himself to sit up. He saw Lin Qingyu standing by the window.
He was standing alone, his figure lonely and cold, looking as though he was caged in light.
For a long while, Lu Wancheng looked at him in a daze. He couldnât help calling out: âQingyu?â
âHere.â
Lu Wancheng asked: âWhy arenât you asleep yet?â
Lin Qingyu was silent for a long time before he said, âYou said, I look beautiful when I do bad things.â
Lu Wancheng smiled and said, âHey, if youâre talking like that, I wonât be sleepy anymore.â
Lin Qingyu looked back at him and asked softly, âIf that âbad thingâ I do is poison people, or evenâŚtake the lives of people, would you still think that I look beautiful?â
Lu Wancheng was slightly startled. His breath seemed to hide faint excitement and anticipation. He slowly smiled. âOf course, youâd be beautiful. The way you look when you use poison is the one I like best.â