Chapter 124: Chapter 124: Harmonious Sister and Brother

In truth, she knew perfectly well that Lu Huai treated her so well only because of Lu Xiu.

Liang Wan lowered her gaze. Whether she liked it or not, she was already entangled in too many things. Staying uninvolved, as she’d hoped to at the start, was now impossible.

At this thought, the corner of her mouth twitched. Her gaze locked onto the hands currently toying with her fingers.

Lu Xiu glanced at her and said casually, "If you have a question, just ask."

Seeing that he had read her mind, she didn’t bother being coy. She raised an eyebrow. "Does the General of Cavalry know about your..."

"My parentage?" He gave a careless smile. "He’s too straightforward. He can’t keep a secret, so he probably doesn’t know."

’That makes sense. Hiding the descendant of a rebel is a crime that would bring utter ruin if exposed. Since Master Lu decided to do it, he certainly wouldn’t let anyone else know.’

Liang Wan sighed to herself. ’Only a madman like Lu Xiu would dare tell me something like this so calmly.’

’But why would Master Lu raise a child for Yuan Shaoyu?’

"Then what about your birth mother?"

Liang Wan hesitated for a moment before asking. She already knew his most dangerous secret; what did the rest matter?

It was now autumn, and with no swallows chirping under the eaves, the air felt a little more desolate.

Whenever they both fell silent, the air would become exceptionally still.

At first, she had been terrified of this kind of silence. Whenever they fell quiet, she always felt compelled to speak and break it. But at some point, she had gradually grown used to it.

Liang Wan stared down at the hand holding hers, a little dazed. ’Habit,’ she thought, ’is a truly terrifying thing.’

"She’s dead," Lu Xiu’s voice sounded, low and deep.

When Liang Wan looked up, she saw his face, as pale as jade and snow. His eyes were as dark as the night sky, his expression detached, his tone chillingly cold, as if he were speaking of something that had nothing to do with him.

His thin lips parted, and he continued, "I was told she was from Zhou. She was always by his side. She died from complications during childbirth when I was born."

Liang Wan stared, mesmerized. He was like a pear blossom, stubbornly clinging to a branch after a rainy night—pale, resilient, and coldly beautiful.

This was perhaps the second time she had ever truly looked at him. It was different from the stunning impression he’d made the first time; now, she felt an unexpected pang of pity.

She looked away. ’How absurd.’

Liang Wan gave a noncommittal hum, unsure of what else to say. Neither of them was the type to need comforting.

"Have you thought about going back?"

’Yuan Shaoyu has managed to become the Minister. Could Zhou Country truly be completely unaware of Lu Xiu’s existence?’

’Perhaps Master Lu’s agreement to adopt Lu Xiu was part of a deal with Yuan Shaoyu. If so, what was Awen in it for?’

’And that female assassin at the festival banquet... he clearly knew about her in advance.’

’Otherwise, he wouldn’t have taken me with him.’

’Thinking about it that way, could it be that Lu Xiu’s control of the court in my past life was his way of finishing what Yuan Shaoyu started?’

’He didn’t just indulge my poison-making; he even personally taught me strategy and how to endure.’

’Master Lu surely has no idea what he’s planning.’

’The worst part is, I know everything...’

Liang Wan sighed inwardly. ’Lu Xiu is like a man standing on a border. Whichever side he chooses will lead to a vastly different outcome.’

A man that dangerous was in a dangerous position himself.

A barely perceptible smile touched his lips. "For me, it makes no difference where I am."

Liang Wan stared at him, finally understanding the source of his cold detachment.

With a slight tug, he pulled her into a deeply familiar embrace, resting his chin on the top of her head so she couldn’t move.

Liang Wan could only yield, resting against his chest. She could feel the steady beat of his heart and smell the faint scent of cedar.

His hand stroking her hair was soft and gentle, but his tone was heavy when he spoke.

"I was going to let it go, but you... since you have pledged yourself to me, there is no turning back."

Liang Wan’s heart skipped a beat. She swallowed hard, desperately wanting to ask him if he still remembered their three-year agreement.

「The next day」

Liang Wan was ready early. Her only goal was to appear poised and proper.

If Master Lu was the public face of the Lu Family’s power, then the Empress Dowager was the one who truly controlled things from the shadows.

She was absolutely not to be underestimated.

Liang Wan took a carriage to the Imperial Palace alone.

The autumn market was bustling. All along the way, she could hear the clamor of haggling, but she remained as still as a meditating monk, seeing and hearing nothing.

The carriage stopped, as usual, before the South Stop Car Gate. Lu Xiu would be going directly to Renshou Palace after the morning court session, so only a eunuch was waiting for her at the palace entrance.

The eunuch was very courteous upon seeing Liang Wan and led her toward the harem.

The autumn air was crisp under a clear sky. The grounds of the Imperial Palace were a riot of color, even more vibrant than in spring.

Of all the times she had entered the Imperial Palace, this was her first visit to Renshou Palace.

The moment she stepped into the palace, a fragrance washed over her. It wasn’t the agarwood she’d expected, but the rich, sweet scent of sandalwood.

The great hall was as silent as a tomb, the only sound her footsteps on the white jade tiles. The sweet fragrance filling the air did nothing to lessen the oppressive atmosphere.

The eunuch led her to her designated spot and then retreated to one side.

Liang Wan kept her head bowed, her gaze fixed on the stone tile before her.

"You are Liang Wan?"

The Empress Dowager’s voice wasn’t aged. It carried the unique, magnetic charm of a mature woman—elegant and alluring, a perfect match for her famed beauty.

After all, she was only middle-aged.

Liang Wan took a deep breath and prostrated herself. "I pay my respects to the Empress Dowager. May Your Highness enjoy boundless fortune and eternal happiness."

The figure above remained silent for a long time. Liang Wan could only stay prostrated on the floor, keenly aware of a gaze that never left her.

"Rise."

Just as an ache began to spread through Liang Wan’s legs, the Empress Dowager finally spoke again.

"Lift your head. Let me have a look at you."

Her tone was casual, but Liang Wan’s heart was pounding. She didn’t dare relax in the slightest. "Yes, Your Highness."

Liang Wan rose to her feet. Though she lifted her head as ordered, she kept her gaze respectfully lowered, not daring to look the Empress Dowager in the eye. Her eyes fixed on the ruby ring on the woman’s hand, but she could still glimpse her features in her peripheral vision.

She wore a dark red, lotus-patterned palace gown that accentuated her noble beauty.

Liang Wan couldn’t help but think, ’The Empress Dowager is truly worthy of being compared to the peony, the flower of wealth and honor.’

The Empress Dowager studied her for a moment before a sudden smile graced her lips. "Very beautiful. And you look so much like her."

Liang Wan was taken aback. ’Like her?’

Then she heard the Empress Dowager say, "Have her seated."

Liang Wan had barely settled into her seat when a Palace Attendant entered to announce the arrival of the Grand Commandant.

The Empress Dowager gave a slight nod. The Palace Attendant withdrew, and her gaze returned to Liang Wan.

"He’s getting married tomorrow. You must be busy with preparations at his estate. I shouldn’t have summoned you at a time like this."

Liang Wan replied respectfully, "Your Highness must have instructions for me. I will be sure to take them to heart."

As she finished speaking, Lu Xiu walked in. He, too, bowed low before the Empress Dowager.

A faint smile touched the Empress Dowager’s lips as she looked at him. "When I summon you on any other day, you’re never this quick to arrive."

Lu Xiu paused for a moment before raising his head. "I was worried about Liang Ji."

Their eyes met.

Liang Wan watched from the side, breaking out in a cold sweat.

The Empress Dowager seemed taken aback by his words. After a moment of shock, her lips curved into a stiff, half-joking smile. "Grand Commandant, you mustn’t dote on your concubine to the neglect of your wife."

Lu Xiu smiled. "Rest assured, Your Highness. I would never."

The picture of sibling harmony remained intact.

The Empress Dowager offered him a seat as well and had a Palace Attendant bring tea.

Liang Wan lowered her eyes and reached for the blue-and-white porcelain teacup, hoping a sip of tea would calm her nerves.

But the cup was intercepted before it reached her lips. She frowned and looked up.

Lu Xiu calmly drank from it.

Liang Wan was bewildered. ’Does the Empress Dowager want to kill me?’

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