The Lingyan Pavilion was undergoing renovations recently, and everyone inside was moved to a large mansion on another street. Because of the high demands on the house, the location was slightly more remote.
By the time she finished leading people over to talk with Mama Jin, some people at the restaurant had already started to slander her.
Such a jealous woman was a disgrace to womankind. Some even proposed writing to the Prince Rui to have him divorce his wife. However, they got stuck on who would be the one to submit the petition.
Lu Nianfu was completely unaware of this. As soon as she entered the manor, the servant girl Shuan Zi informed her that Su Xin from Duke Pingning's mansion had arrived again.
The word "again" was used very appropriately. It couldn't be helped, Duke Pingning had been falling ill too often lately. Each time he was reported to be critically ill, as if she wouldn't make it in time for a final farewell if she didn't go.
But each time he pulled through from the brink of death. Shuan Zi could only express that Duke Pingning was truly tenacious.
Having heard it so many times, Shuan Zi's ears had become somewhat calloused. Her initial worry had turned into numbness. Let him be sick, it was just a lot of noise.
It was fine, she could handle it.
Lu Nianfu didn't know what to feel. To be honest, ever since she came to the capital, Duke Pingning seemed to treat her quite well. But this kindness, for some reason, always carried a sense of distance. Lu Nianfu tried very hard to reciprocate this kindness, but she could never get close to him.
It was just as she had thought at first, to interact as distant relatives.
In her heart, Duke Pingning's status was not even comparable to the few maids around her, let alone Lu Chaosheng. Alas, she could only say that a father recognized later in life, no matter how much biological affection there was, could not compare to nurturing affection.
However, hearing that he was ill again, Lu Nianfu was still worried about him. She personally went to the pharmacy to select a ginseng root of excellent quality, then turned and headed out with Qing Ya.
Speaking of which, this girl's personal matters should also be put on the agenda. It seemed she had to mention it to Situ Yan and arrange for someone to take over Qing Ya's duties.
She wouldn't demand anything else; as long as she could pass the martial arts assessment.
The carriage they had just used hadn't entered the back courtyard yet, so it was convenient to go out.
Passing through two bustling long streets, the carriage stopped slowly. Lu Nianfu didn't need to be guided; she walked straight towards Duke Pingning's courtyard.
Suddenly, Qing Ya let out a surprised "Yi" and leaned forward, whispering, "Miss, why does this servant seem to see Uncle Yan?"
Lu Nianfu was taken aback. The entire box of property deeds and bank notes from back then surfaced in her mind: "Are you sure you're not mistaken?"
"His build really looks similar."
Lu Nianfu had always known that Yan Qing was sent by someone with good intentions to help her. Now it seemed that this person with good intentions was indeed from Duke Pingning's manor.
Thinking of that enormous fortune, Lu Nianfu commanded, "Follow him and see, but don't alert anyone. Most importantly, see clearly who he is contacting."
"Yes."
"Oh dear Miss, this servant's stomach suddenly hurts terribly. Please go see the Duke first. This servant needs to make a trip to the outhouse."
Lu Nianfu almost broke character. Suppressing a smile, she waved her to hurry.
Qing Ya, who had successfully escaped under the guise of needing to use the latrine, quickly disappeared. Seeing that Lu Nianfu had come alone, Su Xin's eyes lit up: "Why has Eldest Miss come alone today? Where is Qing Ya?"
"Qing Ya suddenly had a stomachache and went to the toilet."
That's just wonderful.
Su Xin's heart bloomed with joy. That girl was too vigilant. They had acted with utmost caution, yet still, they were almost discovered a few times. Now, she wasn't here...
This was simply a heaven-sent opportunity.
The smell of medicine in the courtyard was strong, but inside the room, there was no medicinal scent, only a faint, elegant fragrance. As Lu Nianfu was wondering, Su Xin had already handed her a scripture: "Eldest Miss, the Duke just said he wanted to hear you read. Please read him a few passages."
Duke Pingning on the bed was already asleep, but his sleep was not very peaceful. His face had lost all color, so pale that even his lips seemed white.
Lu Nianfu did not refuse. She opened the book and began to read softly.
But wasn't this scripture a bit too hypnotic? As Lu Nianfu read, her head grew heavier and heavier. She shook her head, trying hard to drive away the drowsiness: "I can't, I need to go out and get some fresh air."
Su Xin quickly asked, "What's wrong, Eldest Miss? Is this scripture too boring?"
"I suppose I didn't sleep well last night, and I'm feeling very sleepy now. It's strange, though. Whenever I come back, I seem to get unusually sleepy."