The third day after Ouyang Wen and Cheng Jiaojiao’s engagement, Mian'er married Xiao Wuzi with great fanfare.
Sima Yan’s return from Huige was anticipated. As his personal attendant, Xiao Wuzi was meant to accompany him. However, considering his approaching wedding, Sima Yan left him behind, taking only Song Ming. Poor Song Ming, his first love had just discovered the identity of the girl he fancied, only to be forced into separation.
Heartbroken and helpless, he shamelessly insisted Sima Yan promise to grant him a month’s leave after his wedding.
The father of his beloved, Han Liangzhi, served as a Temple Official of the Dali Temple, a position of the sixth rank. It wasn't just meeting Sima Yan; even seeing Song Ming, he would have to respectfully address him as "Sir."
What could be more glorious than becoming the father-in-law of a high-ranking official? Han Liangzhi readily agreed; as soon as Song Ming returned to the capital from Huige, the gift-giving could commence.
Lu Nianfu knew Song Ming and Sima Yan had an unusual bond. With no elders above him, she would have to help arrange his wedding.
So, she took some time to have Qingmiao compile the betrothal gift list and also had the house he bought before the New Year thoroughly renovated. Qingsu, standing by, tutted, "Who would have thought this lad, whom I once beat to a pulp, would have such fortune now?"
A government official felt it was an unparalleled honor to marry his daughter to him.
Lu Nianfu smiled, "It's all thanks to the Prince."
"Indeed, the Prince treats him as if he were a younger brother."
Speaking of brothers, Lu Nianfu thought of Lu Fei. The child of the past had grown into a young lad, carrying a satchel, dressed in a long robe. On his one day off every ten days, he would come to her window to chat. He had made great academic progress, and after this year, he would return to Yangzhou to prepare for the Yuan Examination.
There was no alternative; the court had regulations stating that students must take their examinations in their registered hometown.
The imperial examinations were a matter of utmost seriousness for the court. Even with her brother-in-law being a Prince, he had no authority to interfere.
"Qingsu, what day is it today?"
"The eighteenth."
There were still two days until Lu Fei's day off. Lu Nianfu instructed, "Inform Madam Lu that the young master will not be returning on his day off. I will personally take him out for a meal."
And perhaps buy him some necessary items.
Qingsu nodded in agreement.
Shanzi entered, "Princess, Steward Yan requests an audience."
"Please bring him in."
Lu Nianfu had absolutely no idea that Yan Qing was here to resign. She was stunned for a long moment. "Uncle Yan, why is this? If you have any requests, we can discuss them."
"Miss, the treatment you provide is certainly the highest, not just in Dayin, but anywhere in the world. My resignation is entirely due to personal reasons."
"Are you planning to start your own business?"
"No, I want to be a steward for someone."
"Huh? What kind of household can afford you?" She had experienced Yan Qing's capabilities in her previous life. Honestly, in this life, she felt he was overqualified to be with her, content with her simple life.
Yan Qing did not hide anything and honestly replied, "The Pingning Count's manor."
Lu Nianfu suddenly understood. "You and my mother..."
"Miss, please do not misunderstand." Yan Qing quickly clarified, "My relationship with the Countess of Pingning is pure; I would never dare to tarnish her."
"Uncle Yan." Lu Nianfu interrupted him, but for a moment, she didn't know how to speak.
An odd silence filled the small sitting room. Qingsu, with keen awareness, led all the maids out.
Lu Nianfu looked at Yan Qing, who stood before her with respect but had subtly clenched his fists. She sighed, "Uncle Yan, I know about your past with my mother. Fate plays tricks, and it was the hardship of my maternal grandfather's family that forced you two to separate."
"Blame me, blame me for not being capable back then, unable to help in the slightest." If he had been more capable, he wouldn't have let Shuhua marry that beast, Zeng Guangyi.
"Uncle Yan, the past cannot be changed, but the future can be pursued. You and my mother have suffered greatly over the years. If you plan to rekindle your relationship, I will not object."
Yan Qing looked up, his eyes filled with disbelief.
Lu Nianfu smiled and reiterated her stance, "Uncle Yan, even the Emperor advocates for widows to remarry. Do you think I would stand in your way?"
Yan Qing was silent for a while, then reminded her, "Miss, the Count of Pingning is not dead yet."
Lu Nianfu: ...
Oh no, how could she forget that? She felt extremely awkward. "This, this I need to think about. Speaking of which, since you don't have that intention, why are you going to the Pingning Count's manor?"
It couldn't be that he wanted to cuckold Zeng Guangyi, could it?
Her mother, with her head full of virtuous women's teachings, wouldn't agree to this either.
Yan Qing looked somewhat embarrassed. "Yesterday, the Pingning Count's manor dismissed a group of household servants and spread word that they were recruiting a steward. I thought I would give it a try."