Chapter 91: Chapter 91: To Serve the Husband-Master

"Maintain a serious countenance and proper conduct, in service of one’s husband..."

She had memorized the *Women’s Precepts* so thoroughly she knew it by heart. How could she not know the meaning of the word "husband"?

Lu Xiu had said it so casually. Liang Wan looked at his indifferent face, feeling as if she were in a daze.

’See him as my husband?’

Lu Xiu watched her patiently, waiting.

Liang Wan lowered her gaze, her voice quiet. "Husband."

Her chin was gently lifted, their eyes meeting in midair. Lu Xiu’s dark eyes were inscrutable. "You have much to learn."

After speaking, he didn’t release her hand, simply leading her out of the courtyard.

On a typical day, the Master’s Mansion was not crowded. Both the Minister, Lu Xu, and the General of Cavalry, Lu Huai, were long married and had their own residences.

Thus, in the vast Master’s Mansion, the only permanent residents were the Grandmaster and Lu Xiu.

The Grandmaster’s principal wife had passed away long ago, and he was usually attended only by a few concubines.

’Now, the mansion has one more person—me. Before long, a Cao Luyun will arrive, and perhaps even more after her. Or maybe I’ll be gone before they even get here. It’s all uncertain.’

’This "husband" business is truly unnecessary.’

’But if he needs me to call him that, then I’ll do it.’

’The most dangerous thing is to not recognize one’s own place. Given my current status and situation, it’s what I should be doing.’

In the early summer morning, the heat had not yet set in, but the sunlight was a bit dazzling.

In the courtyard, covered walkways twisted and turned, green lotuses floated on a secluded pond, and verdant bamboo grew against white walls. Flowers were in full bloom everywhere the eye could see.

As they walked, they passed many servants, but not one spoke in a loud voice. All who they encountered lowered their heads, bowed, and stepped to the side, their conduct no different from the attendants in the Imperial Palace.

Liang Wan had been to the Grandmaster’s residence once before, so it wasn’t unfamiliar.

The Hua’e Pavilion was built by the water’s edge, with a bluestone platform extending out, perfect for playing in the water or watching fish.

When they arrived, the Grandmaster was sitting with his back to them, fishing. A fish basket rested by his right foot. On a table in the pavilion, besides fruits and pastries, there was a bowl of brown medicinal soup.

Fishermen dread startling the fish, so Liang Wan dared not make a sound. She noticed that the attendants nearby were also as silent as if their mouths had been sealed.

The scene should have been pleasant and relaxed, yet it was overly solemn and deathly quiet.

Lu Xiu released her, casually picked up the bowl of medicine, and walked over. "Finish this, then you can fish at your leisure."

His sudden words indeed caused a SPLASH in the water as the fish fled.

The man, who had been about to flare up, turned his head and saw him. He glanced over at her, then his gaze returned to Lu Xiu’s face, a little puzzled. "Why didn’t you go in today?"

"I woke up late, so I took the day off," Lu Xiu said, taking the fishing rod and handing it to an attendant before passing the medicine bowl over.

The Grandmaster’s hand paused noticeably as he took the bowl. After a brief hesitation, he nodded. "That’s good."

He stared at the medicinal liquid without drinking, sighing with some emotion. "Ever since I was at death’s door that last time, I’ve found myself recalling many old events and friends. I feel that some things just can’t be forced—"

Lu Xiu frowned and cut him off. "Drink it first."

The Grandmaster gave a helpless smile. "Alright."

And with that, he downed it in one gulp.

A nearby maid took the bowl and helped him rinse his mouth.

Lu Xiu helped the Grandmaster to his feet. Seeing his furrowed brow, he asked, "Bitter?"

The Grandmaster shot him a look. "I should have saved some for you to try."

’Those medicinal herbs are indeed bitter,’ Liang Wan knew this very well.

Lu Xiu suddenly smiled. "Wanwan’s tea is excellent. Care to try some?"

Even though Liang Wan tried her best to contain herself, she couldn’t hide the tremor in her heart, unable to recover from the shock of hearing him say "Wanwan."

Her lowered eyes stung. The memories associated with that name were so distant, she had almost forgotten them.

A smile flickered in the Grandmaster’s eyes. He nodded and sat down. "Alright, let’s try it. It seems there’s some fate between us after all."

At his words, a maid went to fetch the tea-brewing utensils.

Perhaps seeing her just standing there foolishly, Lu Xiu remained standing and led her before the Grandmaster. "You’ve been standing there for a while."

It was indeed improper to just stand there like a fool.

Liang Wan raised her hands in a salute. "I should have come to pay my respects yesterday, Your Grace. It was this lowly one who was rude."

The Grandmaster said gently, "There are no outsiders here. No need for such formalities."

After he spoke, Lu Xiu pulled her down to sit with him and said casually, "Since he is your husband’s father, call him Agong from now on."

Liang Wan glanced at him sideways. ’Calling him "Husband" is one thing, but my husband’s father? My status is neither wife nor concubine. How can I address him as such?’

The Grandmaster smiled at Lu Xiu, but Lu Xiu ignored him, his gaze fixed only on her.

Liang Wan had no choice but to say, "Agong."

Only then did the Grandmaster shift his gaze to her, his eyes lingering on her face for a moment. "Since you are here, just stay and behave yourself."

Liang Wan answered softly.

As they spoke, two maids brought over a small table, fully equipped with a stove and all the necessary utensils.

Liang Wan rose to brew the tea. She wasn’t sure if it was because of her presence, but they only made small talk. She had no mind to listen, focusing only on the task at hand, serving tea and refilling their cups at the appropriate times.

Near lunchtime, Lu Xu arrived. As always, he was polite when he saw her.

Liang Wan knew they had matters to discuss, so she asked to be excused.

Perhaps her tea-brewing skills were acceptable, for as she was leaving, Master Lu praised her with a pleasant expression, remarking that the jade hairpin in her hair suited her well.

His tone and smile were different from before.

After lunch, Liang Wan had someone hang up a plaque, but unfortunately, two maids lost their grip and dropped it.

The plaque was quite old, and the fall immediately caused several cracks to appear.

Their faces pale with terror, the maids knelt on the ground, awaiting her punishment.

Although Liang Wan had only just arrived at the Master’s Mansion, she had already glimpsed how strict the rules were. Furthermore, she had been sent by the Emperor, so it was only natural for them to be afraid.

But Liang Wan couldn’t be bothered to pursue the matter. She just squatted down, seeing that it was impossible to repair. Even if it could be repaired, she didn’t know where she would be in the future, and she couldn’t take it with her forever.

’So be it.’

Liang Wan stood up. "Take it to be burned."

"Why burn it?"

Just as she spoke, Lu Xiu walked in from outside.

He glanced at the ground, then looked at her. "You can bear to part with it?"

"If it’s useless to keep it, it’s better to let it go."

Lu Xiu raised an eyebrow. "That sounds familiar."

"It’s what my husband taught me. This lowly one will naturally keep it in mind." Liang Wan kept her head lowered, not looking at him.

After she said this, Lu Xiu was silent for a moment before stepping closer and pulling her by the hand to sit down to the side.

Liang Wan dreaded silence with him the most, so she asked, "Why are you back so soon?"

Lu Xu had made a special trip, so he clearly had business to attend to.

Lu Xiu rubbed his temples. "I was a bit tired, so I left early."

’Tired?’

Liang Wan looked at his face skeptically. He did indeed look a little weary. ’He probably didn’t sleep well with someone suddenly in his bed last night.’

"Then you should go rest, Husband," she said, starting to rise and pull her hand back.

Lu Xiu also stood but didn’t let go of her hand. He glanced at the floor and said to the maids, "Clean this up and then get out."

With that, he pulled her toward the inner room.

Liang Wan’s hands and feet began to grow cold again. Even though she had imagined this scenario countless times, when it was actually happening, her instincts made her afraid.

But the person pulling her seemed not to notice at all.

"Liang Ji—"

Hurried footsteps approached from behind, and Liang Wan turned around.

Lu Xiu frowned in that direction. "What is it?"

The maid lowered her head, holding up an object with a trembling hand. "This servant wanted to ask Liang Ji, is this letter still needed?"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.