Just discussing He Shi's plan to matchmake He Weiyu with Qi Zhongkai took up the entire dinner.
After rinsing her mouth, Lu Zhuo looked at Wei Rao: "Shall I head over first then?"
Wei Rao hesitated, wanting to discuss her plan to open a woodcarving shop with Lu Zhuo. However, as a noble young master who prided himself on refinement, she wasn't sure if he would be interested in business ventures. She worried that if she brought it up, he might mock her again. Yet, this matter couldn't proceed without Lu Zhuo—she couldn't even sketch the set of soldier woodcarvings herself; only someone like Lu Zhuo, familiar with military camp life, could manage it.
"What's the matter?" Lu Zhuo noticed her troubled expression and asked seriously.
Wei Rao bit her lip and said softly, "I want to open a shop."
She watched Lu Zhuo closely, thinking that if he showed even the slightest resistance, she would ask someone else to design the soldier woodcarvings.
Lu Zhuo understood her hesitation and smiled. "If you want to open one, then do it. What's holding you back?"
Wei Rao breathed a sigh of relief and cheerfully asked Lu Zhuo to follow her to the study.
It was already dark outside. Bitao and Liuya lit the lamps before withdrawing. Wei Rao took out the ten sheets of paper she had spent the afternoon revising and pondering over, dividing them into two stacks and placing them before Lu Zhuo. "When I went to pay my respects to Grandmother today, Fourth Aunt and Sixth Brother were there too. I saw the set of woodcarvings you made for Fourth Brother and thought that if we opened a shop selling such woodcarvings, the business would likely do well."
"Essentially, it's like playing house, but divided into ten scenarios. The five on the left are more appealing to boys: welcoming guests at a tavern, farming in a village, battling on the battlefield, studying in a school, and constructing a garden. The five on the right are more for girls: dressing up in a boudoir, admiring flowers at a flower party, hosting a birthday banquet, offering incense at a temple, and enjoying lanterns at a lantern festival. Of course, once these are made, they'll all be displayed in the shop. How adults distribute them to boys and girls at home is entirely up to them. For instance, Changning and I would definitely enjoy playing with the boys' set too."
The items are static, but people are dynamic. Children will naturally beg their parents to buy the sets they prefer.
As Lu Zhuo listened to her enthusiastic explanation, he examined the drawings in his hand.
These were Wei Rao's initial drafts, outlining the scenes and listing the required miniature figures and objects. However, the specifics—like how to carve the figures and the details of the objects—still needed to be designed by experts. For example, only someone like Lu Zhuo, who had actually seen war chariots and scaling ladders, could accurately depict them. On the other hand, Wei Rao was more knowledgeable than Lu Zhuo about the accessories commonly used by young ladies in their boudoirs.
After reviewing the drawings, Lu Zhuo thought that if such items really existed, he would definitely buy them for his and Wei Rao's future children.
All parents are the same—when they see something good and suitable for their children, they want to give it to them. The wealthy would buy finely crafted pieces, while poorer families might opt for cruder versions or even try to replicate the carvings at home after memorizing the general designs. In any case, Wei Rao's shop would surely have no shortage of business once it opened.
By the time other woodcarving shops tried to imitate her ideas, Wei Rao's shop would already have established its reputation.
"I think it's feasible."
After looking at the last drawing, Lu Zhuo lifted his head and gave Wei Rao an affirmative answer.
Wei Rao was delighted. She pulled out the battlefield scene drawing—the one she had sketched most hastily and simply, knowing that Lu Zhuo could do better. "I've never seen a war chariot. Could you help me draw this one?"For other establishments like taverns, farmsteads, and temples, Wei Rao could easily commission drawings, and for the schoolhouse, she could ask her cousin Wei Zizhan for help.
Upon hearing this, Lu Zhuo wrapped an arm around Wei Rao’s waist and lifted her onto his lap. No sooner had she settled than his breath brushed her ear: "If I help the Lady with the drawings, what reward will you give me?"
Wei Rao was about to reply when she suddenly sensed something unusual beneath her. This scoundrel Lu Zhuo, how dare he…
"I don’t need your help anymore. I’ll ask Fourth Aunt for assistance and request the drawings from Fourth Uncle instead." Wei Rao made to rise, but Lu Zhuo held her down, turned her shoulders, and kissed her.
The lamp burned quietly, and the night outside the window grew deeper.
Bitao stood guard under the corridor eaves. She knew the Lady was discussing the woodcarving business with the Young Lord and had prepared herself for a long wait. Yet, not long after, the Lady’s startled exclamation and playful scolding suddenly came from inside. Bitao couldn’t help but glance back, pricking up her ears, and soon recognized the familiar sounds.
Bitao’s face flushed crimson. Seeing Liuya approaching from the direction of the small kitchen with tea, Bitao scurried over, pulled her aside, and they both retreated.
In the study.
Ten sheets of drawing paper lay scattered chaotically on the floor, all swept down by the couple’s sleeves.
Wei Rao was already irritated, and the sight of the scattered papers fueled her anger further. Lu Zhuo knelt with her shoes and socks, intending to help her put them on. Gritting her teeth, Wei Rao kicked him in the knee. To her surprise, Lu Zhuo remained perfectly steady, not even swaying, and instead caught her fair, delicate foot, giving it a teasing squeeze.
"Rogue," Wei Rao retorted, her face flushed.
She had seen similar scenes in the illustrated booklet her grandmother had given her—just viewing others’ mischief was embarrassing enough, but today Lu Zhuo had actually imitated such behavior!
Lu Zhuo accepted the blame unabashedly, letting her heap all manner of insults upon him as he smiled and helped her put on her socks and embroidered shoes.
"It’s getting late. I’ll escort you back to your room and deliver the drawings to you tomorrow morning," Lu Zhuo said, helping her up.
Wei Rao’s legs trembled slightly, but hearing that Lu Zhuo intended to work on the drawings immediately showed his dedication. Mollified, she sniffed, "There’s no need to rush. You can draw them whenever you have time."
Lu Zhuo gazed at her flushed profile and asked, "Is the Lady concerned about me? You don’t want me staying up late?"
Wei Rao shot him a glare. At the study door, she shook off his hand, adjusted her hairpin, and walked out as if nothing had happened.
Lu Zhuo followed her.
Hearing his footsteps, Wei Rao pointed down the corridor.
Lu Zhuo chuckled softly. Though he was supposed to stay in the front quarters tonight, having managed to steal a moment with her in the study was already a bonus.
The next day, Wei Rao first informed He Shi of Lu Zhuo’s arrangements.
He Shi was overjoyed, as if certain that once Qi Zhongkai met He Weiyu, he would inevitably be smitten.
Wei Rao had only met He Weiyu once, but if Qi Zhongkai truly sought only beauty without other requirements, He Weiyu would undoubtedly meet his standards. No wonder He Shi was so confident.
"Mother, please ask Cousin’s opinion first. If she’s willing, we can have the Young Lord make the arrangements," Wei Rao said, more concerned about He Weiyu’s attitude. "By the way, there have been some rumors about Second Master Qi and me. You must explain clearly to Cousin that this is entirely your idea—it’s not me trying to match her with Second Master Qi."
He Shi laughed. "I know, I know. I’ll speak with her in a couple of days. Just wait for my news."
Wei Rao then devoted herself wholeheartedly to preparing for the opening of the woodcarving shop.She did not reside in the Princess Manor, and since Wei Gōnggong had ample free time, Wei Rao entrusted him with the task of selecting shops and woodcarving masters, while she focused on sketching the detailed designs for the woodcarvings. Apart from entrusting the academy scene to her cousin and the battlefield scene to Lu Zhuo, the remaining eight illustrations were entirely delegated to her prospective brother-in-law, Zhang Xian.
Zhang Xian had already completed his examinations and was awaiting the results. Besides his scholarly pursuits, he was particularly skilled in painting. When Wei Rao requested his assistance, he gladly agreed and immediately set out to gather inspiration from taverns, the Secluded Manor, temples, and other locations. For details that only women would be familiar with, Shou An Jun was there to guide him.
At the Duke's Manor, He Shi waited patiently for a few days before finally broaching the subject of marriage with He Weiyu.
He Shi genuinely approved of Qi Zhongkai. His family background aside, what she valued most was his character—he was clearly a passionate and straightforward man. Such a man would not mind He Weiyu's modest origins. As long as He Weiyu was beautiful enough and their temperaments aligned, Qi Zhongkai would surely cherish his wife.
He Shi had never praised Lu Zhuo with such enthusiasm.
He Weiyu had never met Qi Zhongkai, but she knew he was a close friend of her cousin and that he had once sought to marry her cousin's wife, Wei Rao.
Her cousin adored Wei Rao so deeply that even after their separation, he pursued her relentlessly. When he paid his respects at Chunhetang, he treated He Weiyu only as a younger sister. She had long abandoned any hope of becoming his concubine. If she could truly marry Qi Zhongkai and enter the Marquis of Pingxi's household, it would be nothing short of a second stroke of extraordinary luck for the He family ancestors.
"Would Second Master Qi even take a liking to me?" He Weiyu touched her face, feeling uncertain. "I am nowhere near as accomplished as my cousin's wife.Her cousin's wife was beautiful, skilled in swordsmanship, an expert horse rider, possessed a substantial dowry, and had even been granted the title of Princess. He Weiyu felt she could not compare in any aspect.
He Shi laughed. "You may not be as beautiful as the Princess, but how many young ladies in the capital can rival her? I assure you, once Second Master Qi lays eyes on you, he will be captivated—just like your uncle was when he first saw me."
He Weiyu looked up. Her aunt, though nearly forty, still outshone the other ladies of the Lu Family in beauty.
She resembled her aunt.
He Weiyu finally felt a glimmer of confidence.
After successfully encouraging He Weiyu, He Shi passed the news to Wei Rao.
Wei Rao confirmed, "Is Cousin truly willing to meet Second Master Qi?"
He Shi replied, "Yes, yes! She's even worried he might not fancy her."
Wei Rao breathed a sigh of relief. If He Weiyu still harbored feelings for Lu Zhuo, she would feel guilty for matchmaking her with Qi Zhongkai. As it stood, it was ideal: Qi Zhongkai had once liked her, and He Weiyu had once liked Lu Zhuo, but neither attachment was unshakable. The past was behind them. As long as the two could take a liking to each other and treat one another wholeheartedly, she and Lu Zhuo would not have mismatched them.
Soon, it was the end of the month.
Early in the morning, the four members of the Lu Family's main branch set off for Cloud Mist Mountain. Lu Zhuo rode on horseback, while Wei Rao and He Weiyu sat on either side of He Shi in the carriage.
He Weiyu felt somewhat embarrassed facing Wei Rao, often keeping her eyes downcast and appearing delicate and fragile, evoking a sense of tender pity.As a cousin living in the Duke of Yingguo's Manor, He Weiyu had all her material needs met but spent most of her time secluded in Chunhetang with He Shi. Her only playmate was Lu Changning, which explained why she developed such a timid disposition. Even when she secretly admired Lu Zhuo, she only dared to follow Lu Changning when he came to visit Wei Rao, never venturing to the Hall of Pine and Moon on her own.
Recalling Qi Zhongkai’s booming voice, Wei Rao smiled and reminded He Weiyu, "Cousin, the heir has mentioned that Second Master Qi is straightforward, chivalrous, and easy to get along with. However, he is exceptionally burly, with sword-like eyebrows and tiger-like eyes, and his voice thunders like a storm. Many young ladies might feel intimidated upon meeting him. If you have the chance to see Second Master Qi today, don’t let him frighten you into hiding."
This was the first time He Weiyu had heard such a detailed description of Qi Zhongkai, and she couldn’t help but feel anxious. Was Qi Zhongkai truly that intimidating?
He Shi chimed in, "Yes, Weiyu, you mustn’t be afraid. I’ve heard that Second Master Qi has been through several matchmaking meetings—he rejects those he finds unattractive, while the beauties he favors are put off by his imposing presence. If you wish to marry him, you must summon your courage, lest he dismiss you for being too timid."
The more He Shi emphasized this, the more nervous He Weiyu became. In her mind, Second Master Qi had already transformed into a dark-faced general resembling a door god.
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