Glory

She truly admired Lu Guanyi. After the exhausting events of last night, he could still rise early to practice martial arts. His self-discipline was truly unmatched.

"Prepare bathwater, add a few drops of essential oil. I want a hot bath," she instructed.

"Young mistress, the water is ready and the essential oil has been added," Bai Xin's voice came from the doorway.

They had arrived early, only entering after confirming Lu Guanyi wasn't in the room.

"Xia Momo, you should rest. Let them handle things here," Ye Yaming said to Xia Momo.

Xia Momo hadn't been able to rest until late last night. Worried that Ye Yaming might need something, she probably hadn't slept soundly.

"This old servant would prefer to accompany you for the tea ceremony before resting," Xia Momo replied.

She was concerned that the Xuanwu Marquis and the second young master of the household might embarrass her mistress.

Now that the young mistress had married into this family, she no longer had her natal family by her side. As someone bestowed to Ye Yaming by Old Madam Ye, Xia Momo could at least speak up for her mistress when needed.

Ye Yaming went to the bathing chamber and soaked in the hot water, finally feeling somewhat refreshed.

After dressing neatly, Lve E presented the cosmetics case, but Ye Yaming only applied some skincare products before stopping.

"Young mistress, aren't you going to wear makeup?" Lve E asked.

Yesterday, Ye Yaming's makeup had astonished not only the wedding guests but even her long-time servants couldn't take their eyes off her. It was truly dazzling beauty.

Lve E wished Ye Yaming would wear makeup every day, to show those arrogant servants of the Xuanwu Marquis Household what a stunning beauty her mistress was, more than worthy of their heir.

Ye Yaming shook her head: "We'll be paying respects to the Marquis soon. It's not appropriate to wear makeup."

Even without makeup, her appearance was already quite striking. If she wore makeup and appeared before Lu Zhongyong with a face much more beautiful than usual, those ill-intentioned servants of the Xuanwu Marquis Household would surely gossip about her and damage her reputation.

She'd have to be foolish to do something so stupid.

Hearing this, Lve E was so frustrated she wanted to slap herself: "I'm sorry, young mistress." This servant failed to think before speaking again."

"In the future, think carefully before speaking or acting. Consider things three times before speaking, and plan thoroughly before acting," Ye Yaming advised.

"Yes, this servant will remember."

"Young master." Hongye's voice sounded outside, followed by the curtain being lifted as Lu Guanyi entered.

Ye Yaming looked up, meeting his gaze directly.

Lu Guanyi's eyes immediately softened, his tone carrying an unusual gentleness: "You're awake?"

"Yes," Ye Yaming smiled. "Have you been practicing martial arts?"

"Right, I worked up a sweat, so I bathed in the outer courtyard before returning."

As newlyweds still unaccustomed to each other, he worried Ye Yaming might feel uncomfortable if he bathed here, so he had washed outside before coming back.

"It's getting late, shall we go to the main courtyard?" Ye Yaming stood up.

Lu Guanyi nodded: "Let's go."

They left the room one after the other.

An Tai, waiting outside, saw them emerge. When Lu Guanyi nodded to him, he quickly headed to the front courtyard.

The young master had instructed him beforehand: concerned that he and the young mistress might arrive too early before the Marquis and second young master, An Tai was specifically sent to remind them.Based on the Marquis's neglect of the young master over the years, and the second young master's deep-seated hatred for him, An Tai felt this reminder was necessary.

Lu Guanyi stepped outside and waited briefly until Ye Yaming caught up, then walked shoulder-to-shoulder with her. When descending the steps, he offered his hand to steady her.

Worried she might feel nervous upon meeting Lu Zhongyong, he reassured her: "Don't worry. My father may appear stern, but he's actually easy to get along with. He dedicates almost all his energy to leading troops and military campaigns, paying little attention to minor household matters. He certainly won't be harsh toward his daughter-in-law."

Ye Yaming smiled. "As they say, 'Those who pursue great deeds don't bother with trifles.'"

Lu Guanyi chuckled in agreement. "Exactly."

However, his smile soon faded. While his father was indeed approachable as he'd described, Lu Guanyi had hardly spent any time with him.

Lu Zhongyong had remarried Shi Shi before Lu Guanyi could form memories. To avoid revealing his disgust and hatred for Shi Shi during their interactions, Lu Zhongyong had mostly remained stationed at the border, rarely returning home. On the rare occasions he did visit, he dared not show too much concern for his legitimate eldest son, fearing Shi Shi might recklessly attempt to harm Lu Guanyi.

Though Lu Guanyi knew his father cared about him, after all these years, their relationship felt like that of strangers—they hardly knew what to say to each other when they met.

Moreover, Lu Guanyi was deeply dissatisfied with how his father had handled the situation with Shi Shi.

Shi Shi had caused his mother's death—how could she be allowed to leave unscathed with her dowry? Simply because she'd borne his father a son? Did his father actually have feelings for her?

If so, hadn't his mother died in vain?

Since marrying into the Xuanwu Marquis Household, Ye Yaming had naturally gathered intelligence about the Lu father and son to establish her position. She could easily guess the dynamics between them.

Noticing Lu Guanyi's complicated expression when mentioning his father, she reached out and patted his arm comfortingly. "Will you continue serving under the Northern Garrison General in the future?"

Lu Guanyi's thoughts were immediately diverted. At this question, his expression grew even more complex. "Most likely after the New Year, I'll be transferred to serve under my father."

The prospect of being in constant close contact with Lu Zhongyong made him feel uneasy.

Reflecting on Lu Zhongyong's life circumstances, Ye Yaming sighed softly. "Your father is growing older and his energy is declining. The military situation under his command is also complicated. It's only right for you to go assist him. Besides, with your father's position, you couldn't have remained under the Northern Garrison General indefinitely anyway."

Many soldiers under Lu Zhongyong's command had originally followed Shi Kun. After the Duke Wei's household fell from power and Shi Kun was executed, it was impossible to eliminate all hundred thousand soldiers who had served under him.

Removing those openly loyal to Shi Kun, rooting out his covert agents planted throughout the ranks, and winning over the hearts of soldiers who had been devoted to him—none of this was easy. The slightest misstep could lead to Lu Zhongyong being assassinated.

Currently, besides the large army in the southwest, the Great Jin only maintained two major northern forces: the Northern Garrison General in the northeast and Lu Zhongyong's troops in the northwest. Lu Guanyi's initial placement under the Northern Garrison General had merely been for safety—the Emperor would never allow him to control both military forces.

Remembering that despite these circumstances, his father had traveled thousands of miles to attend his wedding, much of the resentment in Lu Guanyi's heart gradually dissipated.He glanced at Ye Yaming with gentle eyes and nodded, saying, "Don't worry, I know what to do. No matter what, he is still my father. Without his protection, I couldn't have survived until now."

Without Lu Zhongyong's protection, both overt and covert, how could two elderly people possibly withstand the overwhelming power of Duke Wei's household and ensure his safe passage to marriage and fatherhood?