On the tenth day of the seventh month, Lu Zhuo deliberately chose his day off to accompany Wei Rao as they moved back to the Duke's Manor.
The young couple first went to pay their respects to the Duchess of Yingguo upon their return.
Counting the days, Wei Rao had stayed at the Princess Manor for two months, returning every half month to pay respects to the elders. To the Duchess of Yingguo, it felt as if her granddaughter-in-law hadn't been away for long.
In the Loyalty Hall, Second Madam and her daughter-in-law Qiao Shi were also present.
Qiao Shi, with a rosy complexion, sat beside Second Madam. Watching the couple walk in side by side—Lu Zhuo still as handsome as a clear breeze and bright moon, while Wei Rao had grown even more radiantly beautiful—it was clear they had enjoyed a particularly carefree and happy two months. Qiao Shi felt that Wei Rao's behavior of living away from home did not conform to the rules of a daughter-in-law, yet she couldn't help feeling a twinge of envy toward Wei Rao.
If only she could also have a Princess Manor entirely to herself, and a mother-in-law who allowed her and her husband to live freely outside, how wonderful that would be.
Second Madam was, of course, a good mother-in-law—skilled in raising children, widely known for her virtue, and never imposing harsh rules on Qiao Shi. Yet, Qiao Shi always felt as if she were facing a strict father when with her mother-in-law. No matter what she wanted to do, she would first seek Second Madam's approval, fearing that any mistake might displease her. In contrast, Wei Rao's mother-in-law, He Shi, though not of prominent background, clearly had a very easygoing nature. In the Lu Family's main branch, it was Wei Rao who truly held sway over the household.
Before her marriage, Qiao Shi had her own little quirks unknown to outsiders. Her family, of course, never minded, but after marrying into the Lu Family, even without anyone reminding her, Qiao Shi restrained her youthful impulsiveness, striving to satisfy her husband and mother-in-law in every way. She had indeed succeeded in this, yet, in quiet moments, she sometimes missed the girl she used to be.
Qiao Shi knew that almost all married women were like her, adopting two different personas—one in their natal home and another in their husband's home. Yet, right before her eyes, there was her elder sister-in-law, who remained as uninhibited as in her maiden days, her sparkling eyes no different from those of a carefree young girl.
"Grandmother, Second Aunt, I hope you are well," Wei Rao greeted the two elders with a smile.
The Duchess of Yingguo beamed and beckoned for Wei Rao to sit beside her.
Wei Rao leaned in affectionately. "Grandmother, I had fresh lotus roots dug from the lake and sent portions to you, Mother, and the other aunts. They make a delicious and warming soup when stewed with pork ribs."
The Duchess of Yingguo laughed. "Very good, very good! I've long heard Shoucheng praise the beautiful lotus scenery at your manor. Though I haven't seen those fresh blooms myself, eating the lotus roots will satisfy my craving."
Wei Rao turned to Second Madam. "I wonder if Second Aunt enjoys lotus roots?"
Second Madam smiled. "I do. The Princess is very thoughtful."
Qiao Shi sat gracefully beside her mother-in-law, wearing a gentle smile.
After sitting for a quarter of an hour, Wei Rao and Lu Zhuo were the first to take their leave, heading to He Shi's Spring Harmony Hall.
It was only upon arriving at Spring Harmony Hall that Wei Rao learned from He Shi some news: just yesterday morning, Qiao Shi had experienced morning sickness and was diagnosed with a pregnancy pulse.
The child in Qiao Shi's womb would be the Old Madam's great-grandson—no wonder Second Madam, who was usually busy managing the household, had found the leisure to chat idly with the Old Madam.
Earlier, the Old Madam, Second Madam, and Qiao Shi had not disclosed the happy news, likely to avoid making Wei Rao feel awkward, as she was the elder sister-in-law.
Clearly, He Shi was not as considerate as the Old Madam. Eager for a grandchild, He Shi suggested that Wei Rao also summon a physician to check her pulse—perhaps she was pregnant too.Wei Rao knew He Shi meant no harm; she was simply envious that the second branch of the family had received joyful news. Yet Wei Rao felt uncomfortable with such comparisons, especially when she was the "lagging" one in them. It reminded her of the days when people always praised Miss Xie as a peony while mocking her as nothing more than a peony-like herb. On the surface, Wei Rao seemed indifferent, but how could she not have any thoughts in her heart?
Wei Rao glanced at Lu Zhuo.
Lu Zhuo was in no hurry to have children, especially now that Wei Rao had agreed to accompany him on his external assignment. If a pregnancy pulse were diagnosed now, Wei Rao would not be able to follow him to the frontier. For her and the child’s sake, Lu Zhuo would have to remain in the capital for several more years.
"Mother, I can diagnose pulses," Lu Zhuo said with a smile. "I check Rao Rao’s pulse every morning. If you wish to become a grandmother, you may have to wait a little longer."
He Shi was surprised. "I know you have some knowledge of medicine, but you can diagnose pulses too?"
Lu Zhuo replied, "Yes, I studied it when I learned pharmacology."
He Shi questioned, "But as a man, do you truly understand the pregnancy pulse?"
Facing his mother’s doubts, Lu Zhuo calmly explained the differences between the pregnancy pulse and ordinary pulses.
He Shi listened intently, her eyes filled with admiration and pride for her son. It turned out her son was not only skilled in martial arts but also highly knowledgeable in medical principles.
As mother and son engaged in their question-and-answer session, Wei Rao stifled a laugh beside them. Lu Zhuo had never actually checked her pulse—it was just that He Shi was easy to fool.
He Weiyu, hearing that her cousin and his wife had returned, came with her maid to pay her respects.
Lu Zhuo signaled for Wei Rao to keep He Weiyu company while he drew He Shi aside and said in a low voice, "Mother, I plan to take an external assignment next year and bring Rao Rao with me to the frontier."
He Shi, who had been wondering what her son wanted to discuss, suddenly changed her expression, revealing a mix of sorrow and reluctance, which she tried hard to conceal so as not to trouble her son.
Lu Zhuo felt a sudden pang of guilt. He had lived up to his grandfather’s teachings and expectations, but he was not a good son.
As if she could read her son’s thoughts, He Shi forced a smile and said, "That’s good, that’s good. You’re just like your father, ambitious and broad-minded. A place like the capital could never hold you back."
Lu Zhuo assured his mother, "I’m still young and wish to gain more experience outside. But please rest assured, Mother, the next time I return, unless there is a war or an imperial decree, I will not seek another external assignment."
In the next three years, Wei Rao would likely become pregnant, and by then, his grandfather would also be enjoying his retirement. When Lu Zhuo returned to the capital, he would take on his responsibilities as the heir—formally taking command of the Divine Martial Army externally and overseeing the upbringing of his sons and nephews internally. As for household affairs, Lu Zhuo trusted that Wei Rao could manage everything in the Duke’s Manor.
He Shi was comforted by her son’s words. Her greatest fear had been that he would leave for another eight years.
"That’s good. When you were alone at the frontier before, I was always worried. But this time, with Rao Rao accompanying you and taking care of you, I won’t have to worry anymore." Though she was still reluctant, He Shi managed to hide it well.
Lu Zhuo paused and said, "Mother, since I plan to bring Rao Rao with me, I will ensure she does not become pregnant in the next six months."
He Shi was taken aback. Could such a thing really be controlled by her son? Did he temporarily not wish to share intimacy with his wife?
He Shi wanted to ask but felt too embarrassed to discuss such private matters with her son. She simply nodded vaguely and said, "Alright, as long as you know what you’re doing. You’re still young; there will be plenty of time to have children after you reach the frontier."
Lu Zhuo smiled. "Thank you for your understanding, Mother."His smiling face was something even young ladies of good families couldn't resist, and He Shi, as his mother, found it equally hard to withstand. She felt that whatever her son wanted to do, she would happily support it.
On their way back to the Hall of Pine and Moon, Wei Rao curiously asked Lu Zhuo, "What did you say to Mother?"
Before the mother and son had their conversation, He Shi had been completely preoccupied with thoughts of her daughter-in-law's belly. But after their talk, He Shi didn't mention a single word about it. Moreover, Wei Rao could tell that He Shi genuinely didn't want to bring it up, rather than holding back words unwillingly after being scolded by Lu Zhuo.
With no one else around, Lu Zhuo told her the truth.
Wei Rao was extremely clever and immediately understood that Lu Zhuo had told He Shi that he didn't want her to get pregnant this year, in order to prevent He Shi from nagging her about having children.
Actually, although Wei Rao found He Shi's nagging irritating, it wasn't really a big problem. Given He Shi's temperament, even if Wei Rao just slightly cooled her expression, He Shi wouldn't dare continue. But that would still leave He Shi feeling somewhat displeased, and Wei Rao didn't want to show a cold face to her mother-in-law.
Having Lu Zhuo handle this matter was the most appropriate solution.
She had only glanced at him, and he had resolved it on the spot.
Lu Zhuo recounted the matter in a calm voice, without any intention of claiming credit as if he had done her a great favor. Yet Wei Rao felt very comfortable and pleased inside—a kind of pleasure different from hearing sweet words from him behind bed curtains. Sweet words might be spoken casually, but actions were real.
That night after they retired, Lu Zhuo surprisingly didn't press over her.
Wei Rao teased him, "Do you really plan to live like a monk before departing for the border?"
Lu Zhuo pinched her hand and joked, "After three rounds last night, is the Princess still not satisfied?"
Wei Rao's face grew warm. She shook off his hand and then pinched him hard.
The two of them playfully chased each other, dodging and pursuing, until they ended up tangled together again.
Wei Rao finally learned about the contraceptive method Lu Zhuo had mentioned—it didn't affect her at all, though it required some effort on Lu Zhuo's part.
Lying back down, Wei Rao tapped Lu Zhuo's chest and said, "Your second brother is about to become a father. As the eldest brother, aren't you really envious?"
Lu Zhuo grabbed her hand and said, "I am envious. Once we reach the border, I'll work hard to catch up. Just don't push me away, Princess."
Wei Rao pinched him again.
Lu Zhuo continued his duties at the Divine Martial Army camp while applying for a transfer, waiting for Emperor Yuanjia to review his petition. Meanwhile, Wei Rao's woodcarving shop was almost ready.
By April, she had obtained detailed drawings for ten sets of woodcarvings. Before that, Wei Gōnggong had already found three master woodcarvers and over ten apprentices. During Wei Rao's two months escaping the summer heat, the masters and their disciples devoted themselves to carving. The first batch of exquisite and simple carvings had long been shown to Wei Rao, and the next step was to carve several more sets.
In early August, Wei Rao's woodcarving shop, "Leisure Pavilion," grandly opened on the busiest street in the capital.
Ten sets of simple carvings were displayed outside the shop, visible to all adults and children passing by. At the same time, Wei Rao's restaurant, Guangxing Tower, held a customer appreciation event: guests dining at the restaurant could receive one or a set of dolls based on their spending. Even if the adults didn't like them, as long as they brought the items home, their children would see them and inevitably want them.Before long, the children took pride in owning the wooden carvings from Leisure Pavilion. During playtime, one would boast about having two sets, another about having three. As for those without any carvings, they would go home and beg their elders to buy them for them.
Young Master Lu Bin from the Duke of Yingguo's Manor happily received a complete set. From then on, aside from his parents, his favorite person shifted from his eldest brother Lu Zhuo to his sister-in-law Wei Rao.
By the end of August, Fourth Madam gave birth to another son, Lu Huan, with both mother and child safe and sound.
Thus, Lu Zhuo's generation of cousins now numbered seven, all of whom were legitimate heirs.
In a military family, the greatest joy lies in having a thriving lineage. Once these seven brothers married and had children, the Lu Family would only grow more prosperous. Even if some turned out to be incompetent, with so many descendants, they could always nurture two or three outstanding ones.
In the blink of an eye, it was October, and the third son, Lu Cong, also got married!
With the third son's wedding and the second son's wife already pregnant, everyone who came to offer congratulations to the Lu Family praised Old Madam for her flourishing descendants.
Old Madam Qi from the Marquis of Pingxi's household was so envious of the Duchess of Yingguo that her eyes nearly turned red with jealousy.
Counting them up, the Duchess of Yingguo had seven grandsons, while Old Madam Qi had only two. Her eldest grandson had just one son and one daughter, and her second grandson, Qi Zhongkai, hadn't even married yet!
"Don't be envious, dear sister. Weiyu will be married off in the first month of the new year. Her figure suggests she'll be fertile," the Duchess of Yingguo said with a smile to comfort Old Madam Qi.
Old Madam Qi could only cling to that hope.
In the front residence, Qi Zhongkai watched as Lu Cong, dressed in bright red wedding robes, set off to fetch his bride, looking utterly pleased with himself. He couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
Not wanting to suffer alone, Qi Zhongkai sidled up to Lu Zhuo and asked, "The second brother is about to become a father. Aren't you anxious?"
Lu Zhuo replied, "Not at all."
Qi Zhongkai snorted. "I am. The second brother is honest, but the third brother is just asking for a beating. If he ends up having a child before me, he'll definitely come and flaunt it in my face."
Lu Zhuo's heart stirred slightly. His third brother wouldn't dare show off in front of him, but if his cousin were to conceive before Wei Rao, what would Qi Zhongkai do?
Fortunately, after his cousin's wedding, he and Wei Rao would also set off on their journey. If he put in the effort, he should be able to stay ahead of Qi Zhongkai.
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