Last year, the imperial court achieved a great victory against the Wuda cavalry, severely depleting Wuda's military strength. It is expected that they will not dare to cause trouble again in the coming years.
With peace and prosperity prevailing, both officials and commoners are delighted. Encouraged by the authorities, this year's lantern festival in the capital will be held for three consecutive days.
The Duchess of Yingguo, feeling sorry for Lu Cong and Lu Ze, who are about to leave the capital, granted them permission to stroll outside during the three nights of the lantern festival with their cousins.
Lu Changning also clamored to join: "Grandmother, you mustn't be partial!"
The Duchess of Yingguo glanced around and instructed her eldest grandson: "Shoucheng, you and Rao Rao should go with them. These youngsters are too playful, and I'll only feel at ease with you two keeping an eye on them."
Wei Rao had long been feeling stifled and was more than eager to seize this opportunity to go out.
Lu Zhuo smiled and replied: "Very well."
On the evening of the fourteenth, the younger generation of the Lu Family set off in a grand procession. Wei Rao, Lu Changning, and He Weiyu rode in a carriage, while Lu Zhuo and his four brothers traveled on horseback.
Among the capital's bustling streets, Tianshun Street was the liveliest that night. The Shun River rushed between shops large and small on both sides of the street, with hanging lanterns casting colorful reflections on the water. The scenic night views were everywhere—whether by boat or standing on bridges and banks, one could always find a perfect spot to admire the scenery.
Lu Zhuo and the others parked their carriage and horses in an alley near Tianshun Street, leaving the coachman to keep watch. The young gentlemen dismounted, the young ladies alighted from the carriage, and they all made their way to Tianshun Street, chatting and laughing merrily.
"Let's find a place to eat first, then we can explore properly," suggested Lu Changning, looking around before turning to discuss with her elder brothers.
Her lively nature was evident as she spun around almost playfully, her veil blown aside by the river breeze, revealing most of her face.
Wei Rao noticed and reached out to adjust Lu Changning's veil back into place.
Lu Changning had beautiful peach-blossom eyes, but even with her face uncovered, her beauty could not surpass the charm of Wei Rao's smiling phoenix eyes above the veil. Her enchanting, liquid-like eyes reflected the dazzling lantern lights, becoming even more intoxicating—a kind of allure that made men's bones itch, far more captivating than a maiden's innocence.
From Lu Ya to Lu Che, all four were captivated by Wei Rao's unintentionally revealed beauty, their eyes fixed on her in unison.
"The wind is strong here—are you feeling cold?"
Lu Zhuo stepped forward, asking Wei Rao and the other two young women in a gentle tone, simultaneously shielding Wei Rao from view.
Lu Ya and the others naturally averted their gazes. After all, she was their elder brother's wife; no matter how beautiful, they shouldn't stare.
"Not cold, just hungry. Let's hurry," Lu Changning said with a laugh, taking Wei Rao with one hand and He Weiyu with the other, leading the way.
Wei Rao's restaurant, Guangxing Lou, was located on Tianshun Street.
Tianshun Street was so sought-after that its prime central area had long been occupied by major restaurants and shops. Her cousin Huo Jue patiently waited for two or three months until a relatively peripheral teahouse became available. Huo Jue immediately purchased it and transferred it to Wei Rao. Later, the single-story teahouse was expanded into a two-story restaurant, making Guangxing Lou appear particularly impressive compared to the smaller shops flanking it.
To prevent Guangxing Lou from being undermined by rival restaurants' underhanded tactics, Huo Jue secretly spent heavily to secure the favor of several influential noble sons during its opening. Once the establishment gained prestige, business proceeded much more smoothly afterward.
Huo Jue never disclosed these arrangements to Wei Rao, but she could guess. As cousins, excessive gratitude would seem distant. If her cousin ever needed her help in the future, Wei Rao would do her utmost to assist.
"This restaurant seems to be doing quite well."Guangxing Tower was not located in the center of Tianshun Street, which had initially been a disadvantage. However, after gaining fame, this turned into an advantage. For instance, Lu Changning, having passed various snack stalls along the way, became interested in the first grand restaurant he saw.
Wei Rao smiled faintly behind her veil.
As expected, Lu Zhuo and the others agreed, but when they sent Lu Cong to inquire about a private room, they were informed that all private rooms had been fully booked for the next three nights.
Lu Changning was astounded: "What kind of restaurant is this? How come I've never heard of it before?"
Lu Cong replied, "That's because you seldom go out. I've been here twice already."
His tone carried a hint of disappointment. Had he known they would be going out tonight, he would have made a reservation in advance.
Wei Rao looked up unexpectedly and saw her cousin Huo Jue standing by the window of a private room on the second floor, smiling and waving at her.
Wei Rao's face lit up with surprise.
Lu Zhuo noticed this and frowned slightly. Her past behavior was none of his concern, but now that Wei Rao was his nominal wife, how could she flirt with another man in front of him and his cousins? Moreover, the man on the second floor had recognized her even with her veil on—how familiar were they?
"Sister-in-law, do you know him?" Lu Changning leaned closer to Wei Rao and asked curiously.
Just as Wei Rao was about to introduce him, a neatly dressed servant hurried out, bowed to Wei Rao, and said, "Young Madam, our young master has reserved a private room, and the dishes haven't been served yet. He said that if you and the Marquis don't mind, you are welcome to join him upstairs."
Wei Rao nodded and turned to Lu Zhuo. "The gentleman upstairs is my cousin Huo Jue. What do you think, Marquis?"
As soon as Lu Zhuo heard the surname "Huo," he recalled that Wei Rao's aunt, Big Zhou, had married a wealthy merchant from the Jin region with the same surname.
The fact that Huo Jue's servant addressed Wei Rao as "Young Madam" instead of "Cousin" showed that Huo Jue was well-mannered and had likely guessed Lu Zhuo's identity.
"In that case, we'll trouble your cousin," Lu Zhuo said politely.
The group followed the servant to the private room on the second floor.
Upon meeting, Wei Rao happily stood beside her cousin and introduced everyone to each other.
Huo Jue wore a sapphire-blue brocade robe with cloud patterns. His appearance inherited the best features of both his parents, and his refined, humble demeanor, cultivated from years of accompanying his father in business, made him stand out even among Lu Zhuo and the other noble young masters. Objectively speaking, in terms of looks, Huo Jue was only slightly inferior to Lu Zhuo, while Lu Ya and Lu Cong could not compare to him.
Wei Rao felt proud to have such a cousin. In her view, Lu Zhuo's ability to defend the nation was a skill, and her cousin's talent for business and making money was equally commendable. After all, a prosperous national treasury relied not only on taxes from the people's farmlands but also on the significant contributions of merchants from all regions.
"Cousin, why have you come to the capital so early? Didn't you stay home to celebrate the festival with Aunt and Uncle?" After the formal greetings, Wei Rao focused on catching up with her cousin.
Huo Jue glanced at Lu Zhuo and smiled. "Father and Mother were delighted to hear that you had married such an excellent husband. However, they are busy preparing for my sister's wedding and couldn't make the trip. They instructed me to deliver your wedding gifts as soon as possible. I arrived this morning and planned to send you an invitation after the Lantern Festival."
Wei Rao blushed, feeling that she shouldn't accept the gifts from her aunt and uncle since her marriage was only a pretense.
"Please, everyone, take a seat," Huo Jue said warmly, noticing that Lu Zhuo and the others were still standing.
After they were seated, Wei Rao found herself between Lu Zhuo on her left and Huo Jue on her right.
Huo Jue called for a waiter and invited everyone to order their dishes."Cousin has traveled a long way. Tonight, I'll host a dinner to welcome you." Lu Zhuo gestured for Huo Jue to go first.
Huo Jue: "Then I thank the heir for his kindness."
He confidently ordered several signature dishes, while Wei Rao, Lu Zhuo, and the others added a few more.
With so many Lu brothers present, there was plenty to talk about. Wei Rao, rarely seeing her cousin, asked many questions about Taiyuan City—how her aunt and uncle were doing, how the wedding preparations for her cousin Huo Lin were progressing.
"It's a shame it's so far away. I won't be able to attend my cousin's wedding banquet," Wei Rao said regretfully, her alluring red lips pouting slightly.
In the presence of her blood-related cousin, Wei Rao couldn't help but reveal a touch of girlish charm.
Huo Jue refilled Wei Rao's tea, his gaze respectful and gentle: "There will be chances to meet in the future; there's no rush for now." After speaking, Huo Jue looked toward Lu Zhuo, "Would the heir like more tea?"
Lu Zhuo smiled: "I'll help myself."
Huo Jue passed the tea over, his eyes lingering briefly on Lu Zhuo's handsome, noble face before lowering to eat, a faint bitterness in his heart.
Previously, when his cousin's reputation suffered further after the palace's Dragon Boat Festival banquet, he had held a sliver of hope, thinking that given a few more years, an opportunity might arise. Unexpectedly, a Marriage to ward off misfortune had led his cousin to marry someone as outstanding as Lu Zhuo, a top-tier scion of an elite family. Seeing Lu Zhuo in person, Huo Jue was sincerely convinced, hoping only that Lu Zhuo would treat his cousin well and not let her suffer any grievances.
After dinner, Wei Rao invited Huo Jue to join them in viewing the lanterns.
Huo Jue smiled: "I have another appointment, so I won't join you."
With so few opportunities for cousins to meet, Wei Rao was reluctant to part, glancing back several times as they left.
This was the first time Lu Zhuo had seen Wei Rao like this—in front of him, she either wore a hypocritical smile or regarded him with disdain. Her attitude toward Qi Zhongkai was slightly better, yet still proper and reserved. Huo Jue was the only man so far to evoke such tender, feminine affection from her.
Were they really just cousins?
Huo Jue had reserved a private room at Guangxing Tower but delayed ordering, then coincidentally spotted Wei Rao passing below and promptly invited her. It seemed as though Huo Jue had anticipated that Wei Rao might go out to see the lanterns tonight and had deliberately come early to wait.
With their stomachs full, it was time to enjoy the lanterns.
He Weiyu wanted to buy a lantern, so Wei Rao and Lu Changning accompanied her to a lantern stall, where Wei Rao also picked out a small ox-shaped lantern.
"Sister-in-law, why did you choose one like this?" Lu Changning asked curiously.
Wei Rao smiled without answering.
When the three returned to the five Lu brothers, Lu Zhuo suddenly said to Wei Rao, "Let me accompany you for a stroll alone."
His expression was gentle, startling Wei Rao—was Lu Zhuo taking this act too far?
Lu Changning chuckled teasingly, pulling the stunned He Weiyu and Lu Ya away.
Only then did Wei Rao ask Lu Zhuo suspiciously, "Is something the matter?"
Lu Zhuo moved closer, adjusting the hood of her cloak and whispering in her ear, "The Emperor has left the palace incognito and encountered us. He wishes to summon us."
Wei Rao looked around in shock, spotting a familiar face in the crowd—Eunuch Kang, the chief eunuch by Emperor Yuanjia's side.
Eunuch Kang was dressed in plain clothes, but his distinct aura as a chief eunuch clearly set him apart from ordinary civilians.
But why would Emperor Yuanjia summon them?
Wei Rao shot Lu Zhuo a questioning look.
Lu Zhuo shook his head—he didn't know either. Eunuch Kang had suddenly appeared and called them over.Eunuch Kang led the way while Lu Zhuo and Wei Rao followed silently. Whenever they passed through crowded areas, Lu Zhuo would pull Wei Rao in front of him to prevent her from being jostled. Naturally, their performance of marital affection had to be staged before the Emperor as well.
Eunuch Kang brought them all the way to the riverbank, where an ordinary pleasure boat, common enough to be seen anywhere, was moored.
After boarding, Eunuch Kang lifted the curtain and invited the couple inside.
Lu Zhuo entered first, with Wei Rao following closely behind.
The interior of the boat cabin was much more spacious than it appeared from the outside, divided into inner and outer sections. The inner section was concealed by a curtain, while the outer section featured a tea table. At that moment, Emperor Yuanjia was seated in one of the chairs. Just over forty years old, the Emperor wore a black brocade robe. With his fair complexion and clean-shaven face, he appeared quite youthful.
"Your servant and his wife pay respects to Your Majesty," Lu Zhuo and Wei Rao knelt side by side.
Emperor Yuanjia set down his teacup and smiled. "Rise."
Wei Rao, holding the hem of her skirt with both hands, was about to stand when she suddenly noticed a pair of red satin embroidered shoes peeking out from beneath the delicate tassels of the inner curtain.
Wei Rao was greatly surprised. Could it be that Emperor Yuanjia had left the palace incognito to pursue romantic affairs?
It would be unwise to pry into the Emperor's secrets. Wei Rao quickly averted her gaze and stood demurely by Lu Zhuo's side.
Emperor Yuanjia paid little attention to Wei Rao, instead inquiring about Lu Zhuo's health and whether his injuries had fully healed.
Lu Zhuo had been wounded in defense of the nation, so the Emperor's concern served to portray him as an enlightened ruler.
Lu Zhuo, as expected, appeared overwhelmed by the imperial favor, adopting the demeanor of a loyal subject willing to die for Emperor Yuanjia at a moment's notice.
Wei Rao found it almost laughable to watch.
Only after concluding his conversation with Lu Zhuo did Emperor Yuanjia glance at Wei Rao. He instructed Lu Zhuo, "Raorao possesses great righteousness and is a fine young woman. Do not heed the idle gossip outside and betray her kind heart."
Lu Zhuo bowed respectfully. "Your servant would not dare."
Wei Rao chimed in like a dutiful wife, "Thank you for Your Majesty's concern. Please rest assured, the heir treats me exceedingly well."
Emperor Yuanjia smiled and allowed the young couple to continue enjoying the lantern festival.
Lu Zhuo assisted Wei Rao ashore.
As the boat carrying the Emperor slowly rowed away, Wei Rao thought of those embroidered shoes and couldn't help but feel a sense of injustice on behalf of her mother, who was far away in the West Mountain Imperial Palace.
Standing nearby, Lu Zhuo watched Wei Rao with a contemplative gleam in his eyes.
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