The Female Regent’s Daily Guide to Spoiling Her Wife - Chapter 32

Xi Gui whispered into Lu Zhao’s ear, “Master, news has come from the Top Scholar, Pei Shu. He says the Second Young Lady is with him. He promised to take good care of her and asks that you do not worry.”

Lu Zhao nodded. “Good, I understand.”

Lu Zhao gazed at Yunxia, who stood before her with a solemn expression. The street lamps were already flickering to life along the long thoroughfare, yet after searching every place Yunqiu might have gone, Yunxia had found nothing.

It was early autumn. The lanterns hanging along the streets cast a pale, delicate glow across Yunxia’s face. She tirelessly asked every acquaintance of Yunqiu if they had seen her, not even skipping the jewelry shops her sister frequented.

A twinge of jealousy pinched Lu Zhao’s heart. If I were the one missing, would she be this anxious? She lacked the confidence to compare herself to Yunqiu in Yunxia’s heart, feeling a bit envious of the sisterly bond.

Lu Zhao thought self-deprecatingly, “If Master knew I was this insecure, he would laugh himself to death.” She shook her head to clear her thoughts and hurried to catch up with Yunxia. “Xiaxia, there is news.”

Beads of sweat stood out on the tip of Yunxia’s nose. Hearing this, she asked excitedly, “Where is Sister? Let’s go bring her home!”

Lu Zhao shook her head and caught Yunxia’s hand before she could bolt forward. “Xiaxia, she is at the Pei residence. She is safe; Pei Shu will take care of her.”

Yunxia froze, stammering, “But,”

Lu Zhao lowered her head, her eyes full of playfulness. With a half-smile, she said, “Rest easy. It’s not as if Pei Shu is going to eat her. Come, let’s get something to eat.”

The two arrived at the largest restaurant in Yindou. Lu Zhao picked a seat overlooking the river. Just as they sat down, a delighted female voice rang out from behind them. “Sister Zhao! What are you doing here?”

Song Jin stood nearby holding a scroll of paintings. As she looked at the two women’s joined hands beneath the table, a flash of jealousy crossed her eyes. She hadn’t expected that after the girl Niannian, another Third Young Lady Xu would appear out of nowhere. What makes her so special?

Lu Zhao spoke with polite detachment. “Miss Song.”

Song Jin sat down next to Lu Zhao as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Sister Zhao, I haven’t eaten either. May I join you?”

Lu Zhao frowned, but before she could speak, Yunxia said with a grin, “It’s no matter.”

Song Jin blushed and said with a hint of flattery, “Sister Zhao, I plan to paint a portrait of the Eldest Princess in a few days. I hope you can offer me some guidance then.”

Lu Zhao’s frown deepened. Her voice was cold and unreadable. “My mother’s portrait is a matter for her and the painter. Consulting me is useless.”

Choked by Lu Zhao’s bluntness, Song Jin turned her attention to Yunxia. The Third Young Lady’s eyes looked remarkably like Niannian’s! Does Sister Zhao simply have a type for those alluring eyes? Is this girl just a substitute for Niannian?

Song Jin’s mind raced. She propped her chin on her hand and glanced at Yunxia, covering her lips as she spoke with feigned innocence. “This must be the Third Young Lady of the Xu family?”

Yunxia nodded. “A pleasure.”

Song Jin looked conflicted. “I’m not sure if I should say this.”

Yunxia looked at her curiously. “Miss Song, please, speak freely.”

Song Jin said, “I noticed you resemble someone quite strongly! Especially your eyes; they are nearly identical to those of a girl named Niannian!”

Lu Zhao watched her silently, pursing her lips.

Song Jin suddenly covered her mouth in mock alarm. “Oh dear, Sister Zhao, did I let something slip? Does the Third Young Lady not know who Niannian is?”

Yunxia’s eyes curved into crescents. She tilted her head and asked, “And who might this Niannian be?”

Song Jin hesitated, stammering, “She, she is the top courtesan of the Hongxiu House!”

Yunxia nodded with understanding, drawing out her words. “Oh, then it’s not bad to look like her. At least it proves I’m decent-looking!”

Song Jin stared at Yunxia, frustrated by her lack of reaction but not daring to be too direct. “Well, I’ll just say one thing. In Yindou, it’s not just men who are captivated by Niannian; women can be too.”

Song Jin nudged Lu Zhao and said suggestively, “Isn’t that right, Sister Zhao?”

Lu Zhao didn’t say a word. She simply leaned back into her seat with a lazy elegance, a cryptic smile playing on her lips. She replied calmly, “Mhm. Niannian is beautiful; she truly captures the heart.”

Yunxia feigned sorrow, shot Lu Zhao a fierce glare, and lowered her head in silence.

In Song Jin’s eyes, these small gestures meant Yunxia was throwing a jealous tantrum. She sneered inwardly. What a fool, falling for such simple provocation. Since Sister Zhao was willing to admit her affection for Niannian right in front of her, it was clear she didn’t care much for this Third Young Lady!

Beside them, Xi Gui felt a headache coming on. He was so embarrassed he wanted to cover Miss Song’s mouth. If she ever finds out that Niannian and the Third Young Lady are the same person, will she cry herself into a faint?

For the rest of the evening, Yunxia remained silent, focusing on her food. Once Lu Zhao saw she was finished, she pulled her up. “Miss Song, the night is late and the dew is heavy. We shall head back first. Be careful on your way home.” Without waiting for a response, she led Yunxia out.

Song Jin watched their retreating backs and stamped her foot. What gives! How am I inferior to that girl! If Sister Zhao is this fickle, why can’t she choose me? Once Grandfather asks the Emperor to decree a marriage, Lu Zhao will be her own!

Outside the restaurant, the evening breeze was refreshing. Lu Zhao slowly crouched down and turned to Yunxia. “Xiaxia, get on! You’ve walked all day; I’ll carry you back.”

Yunxia froze. Amidst the waning lights of the city, Lu Zhao’s eyes were bright and filled with a faint smile. Everything else seemed to stand still. In Yunxia’s vision, there was only that beautiful profile and the thundering of her own heart.

Yunxia walked over slowly and leaned onto Lu Zhao’s back. Her slender arms wrapped gently around Lu Zhao’s neck, and she lay there obediently.

Xi Gui watched from the side, stunned. Is this, is this really his noble, cold, and aloof master?

Lu Zhao felt a bit strange. The person who had been chattering all day was suddenly so quiet. Just as she was about to turn her head, she felt a dampness against her neck.

Yunxia’s muffled voice came from beside her ear. “Sister, can you promise to only ever be good to Xiaxia?”

“Mhm.”

Yunxia took a small bite of Lu Zhao’s neck. “You aren’t allowed to carry anyone else in the future, and you aren’t allowed to look at them either! Especially that Song Jin; you have to walk the long way around to avoid her!”

“Mhm!”

“You are mine; you can only be good to me! Otherwise, I’ll, I’ll, I’ll make a huge scene at the Regent’s Mansion! I’m very fierce! I never let a grudge go!”

“Alright!”

Yunxia looked at her handsome profile, her long lashes, the high bridge of her nose, and those thin, beautiful lips.

She couldn’t help but whisper, “Sister, how can you be so good?”

A low laugh rumbled in Lu Zhao’s chest, her voice deep and enchanting. “Because it is you!”