Yu Mingyue's expression grew a little somber as she recalled the past. Those times were gone forever. However, she believed that no matter their current predicament, as long as their hearts remained vast and open, everything would pass, and all their efforts would be worthwhile.
There were a few more gifts without names, and Yu Mingyue could vaguely guess. Her brother Jiayan was so afraid of her becoming too attached to him that even his coming-of-age gift was presented with such caution.
The gifts he gave were usually the same few items. Her study already had inkstones, brushes, and ink he had made. This time, he had made paper. Excellent, the four treasures of the study were now complete.
Perhaps last time, in a letter, she had mentioned that due to the Spring Imperial Examination and the selection of female officials, all related books in the capital had sold out, causing a surge in paper prices in Luoyang.
And now, here was paper. Brother Jiayan was truly a straightforward person.
However, this paper was even finer and smoother than the best Xuan paper, carrying a faint fragrance.
Excellent!
Yu Mingyue hadn't expected her fifth uncle, who had tricked her so many times, to also send her a coming-of-age gift. It seemed he still had a conscience.
But don't think she was grateful for this, humph!
Just as Yu Mingyue was about to lie down, she heard a commotion outside. Yu Mingyue frowned, "What's going on in the front courtyard?"
"Your servant will go and see," Chihua replied.
Chihua had only gone halfway before returning, "Miss, this Lu Jingxing is too presumptuous. He's here at the Duke's mansion in the middle of the night looking for a fugitive and insisting on entering the inner courtyard. He's being blocked by Third Master and Second Young Master, but I'm afraid they won't be able to hold him off for long."
Yu Mingyue sneered. He wasn't looking for a fugitive; he was probably following a scent. "Change your clothes, I'll go out and see."
Yu Mingyue changed into her official attire and hurried out. When she arrived, Lu Erlang and the guards were confronting Lu Jingxing's men. Third Master Yu said, "The inner court is all female dependents. Even if Commander Lu wants to search for someone, there's no reason to search the inner court."
Yu Mingyue steadied herself and stepped forward, saying, "Commander Lu, you have quite the authority."
Lu Jingxing didn't actually intend to force his way into the Yu family's inner courtyard; he merely wanted to force Yu Mingyue out.
"I am acting under imperial decree to apprehend a Tibetan fugitive. I hope Lord Yu will cooperate," Lu Jingxing said hypocritically.
Yu Mingyue scoffed, "It seems the rumors are somewhat exaggerated. Commander Lu's abilities are just so-so; you can lose people right under your nose."
Lu Jingxing wasn't angry. After all, he had now confirmed that Gu Youyou was alive, and the only person in the capital who knew her whereabouts was Yu Mingyue.
"The opponent is cunning and difficult to guard against," Lu Jingxing also said pointedly.
Yu Mingyue wasn't in a hurry either. "The Duke's mansion is small. Let alone people, even a mouse that sneaks in will be caught and roasted. I've already had people investigate before you arrived. There is no fugitive as Commander Lu mentioned. Here is the list of guests who visited today. Li Fu, hand this to Commander Lu for review."
Li Fu handed the list to Lu Jingxing, but Lu Jingxing didn't take it. Gu Youyou would definitely not be on the list.
Moreover, the list consisted of officials' wives and daughters. If he opened it, he would have to search.
Due to the Empress's connection, among the female guests today were not only imperial governesses but also many influential figures from noble families. If a search were truly conducted, it would offend half of the capital's influential families, and even the Empress herself.
After all, many guests had come out of respect for the Empress.
Yu Mingyue was indeed cunning.
"Since Lord Yu says there is no one, then there is no one. However, this fugitive escaped from the Dali Temple prison. I heard that Lord Yu has repeatedly achieved great success since taking office. I hope Lord Yu will assist," Lu Jingxing cupped his hands.
"It's easy to say!" Yu Mingyue raised an eyebrow, her expression indifferent.
Only then did Lu Jingxing lead his men away ostentatiously, with great fanfare.
Madam Cui had taken sleeping pills and was already lying down when she was woken by a governess. By the time she arrived, Lu Jingxing had already left.
"This is simply going too far! Do they think our Duke's mansion has no one?" Madam Cui trembled with anger.
"Mother is right. Lu Jingxing is truly going too far. Please rest first. I will discuss a solution with Third Uncle and Second Brother."
Lu Jingxing indeed enjoyed imperial favor, but he had also offended many people. Memorials impeaching him could pile up like a small mountain.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, don't worry. I am not a Palace Censor for nothing. I will definitely seek justice for the Duke's mansion," said Third Master Yu.
Madam Cui looked at her daughter and then nodded.
Since Yu Mingyue joined the Dali Temple, Madam Cui had the adjacent courtyard opened up to serve as a study for her to handle official documents and receive colleagues.
"Sixth daughter, do you have some personal grievance with Lu Jingxing?" Third Master Yu asked with some concern.
Having been in official circles for many years, Third Master Yu could see from the situation tonight that Lu Jingxing had caused such a scene precisely to draw Sixth daughter out.
Yu Mingyue did not hide it, "It is indeed a personal grievance due to the Gu family's affairs, but Third Uncle need not worry."
"Although you have entered officialdom, you are still a woman. The Dali Temple and the Five Garrisons have frequent interactions. If he deliberately makes things difficult, I fear you may not be able to handle it."
"Yes, this time you clearly retrieved the cannon blueprints, yet the case is being investigated by Lu Jingxing. His reach is too long," said Second Young Master Yu.
The Armory Department had frequent dealings with the Ministry of Works. Recently, due to the matter of the spy, Lu Jingxing had thoroughly investigated the Ministry of Works, causing widespread discontent.
Yu Mingchuan already harbored considerable dissatisfaction towards him, and tonight's events only intensified his resentment towards Lu Jingxing.
Yu Mingyue, however, was unconcerned. "The Dali Temple prison is heavily guarded, and the Five Garrisons have heavy troops stationed. Let alone a severely wounded fugitive, even a fly couldn't get out."
"You mean the person never escaped?" Yu Mingchuan said indignantly.
Third Master Yu was silent for a moment. "I'm afraid he wouldn't be that bold."
Yu Mingyue nodded. Her third uncle was indeed sharp. "That's right. I'm afraid someone couldn't wait any longer. Lu Jingxing simply went with the flow, used our personal grievances, and blew things out of proportion. It's killing two birds with one stone."
Tonight was her coming-of-age ceremony, and Lu Jingxing had chosen a good time.
What she had said tonight was also for him to hear, to deter him from planting people in the Yu residence. If he dared to plant anyone, she would send their head to his mansion.
"Even so, the Yu family absolutely cannot tolerate this insult," Yu Mingchuan, being young, was somewhat spirited.
If Yu Mingyue hadn't appeared tonight, he would have ordered the Yu family guards to act. These guards were left by Yu Zeyan and were not necessarily inferior to Lu Jingxing's men.
"It's not that we must tolerate it, but rather that someone more suitable than us exists," Yu Mingyue said mischievously.
"Who?"
"I recall Third Uncle being able to speak with Minister Qin."
Third Master Yu thought for a moment and understood. Lu Jingxing's erratic behavior had made him many enemies, and Minister Qin was naturally among them.
Minister Qin managed the Ministry of Revenue and had to oversee the national treasury. Lu Jingxing's cases required funds for his subordinates' assignments. The Five Garrisons had only recently been established, yet money was flowing out like water. Minister Qin had been displeased for a long time.
Furthermore, he was a fellow disciple of Lord Zhang, and Zou Shaoqing was on good terms with Lu Jingxing. As a Junior Secretary of Dali Temple, he sided with Lu Jingxing. Lord Zhang was quite displeased with him. Minister Qin, to defend his fellow disciple, should indeed give Lu Jingxing a hard time, at least by withholding funds for the Five Garrisons. Without money, how could he be so arrogant?