Chapter 38: Crossing the Line
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
Lu Chao Chao found herself tightly embraced by her mother, Madam Xu. In a childlike manner, she reached up to touch her mother’s hair and said in a comforting tone, “Don’t… scared… it’s okay, no… scared.”
This made Madam Xu cry even more uncontrollably. Just then, Deng Zhi approached quietly and said, “Madam, the Marquis is waiting outside.”
With determination, Madam Xu responded, “Tell him to leave! I want him out!” Her eyes briefly flashed with rage, a mix of love and deep hatred. She couldn’t believe he would hurt Chao Chao!
Outside, Lu Yuan Ze heard Madam Xu’s angry voice and felt growing displeasure. He thought she was being unreasonable, spoiled by his indulgence. In his view, she wasn’t as gentle and considerate as Jiao Jiao.
Trying to control his anger, Lu Yuan Ze said, “Wife, the fire was an accident, not my intention. I’ll be moving back to the Marquis mansion for a while to ensure you and our daughter are well taken care of.”
He then thought to himself, puzzled, “Strange, wasn’t it agreed that Fengting Yard was to be burned? How did Mingde Yard catch fire instead?” After thinking this over, he decided to leave the courtyard.
The truth behind the arson was revealed the previous night: a young servant from the inner kitchen sought revenge after being punished by Madam Xu. This servant had a connection to Lu Jing Huai through his wife’s second uncle’s son, who served as Lu Jing Huai’s book boy.
[If Big Brother dies, the secret of the plagiarism will die with him,] Chao Chao thought.
Madam Xu’s eyes lit up with realization. “Chao Chao, did your brother protect you last night?”
Lu Chao Chao confirmed with a smile and a nod. “Go…big pot… le… go!” [Big Brother had blisters on his hands from touching the hot walls last night.]
Mingde Yard had been consumed by flames, but the young man had already moved into Fengting Courtyard the night before. Madam Xu felt a mix of happiness and sorrow, realizing her son had gone to great lengths to protect Chao Chao. “Yan Shu, he was actually willing to protect you.” It pained her to see her son suffer, but she was touched by his actions. After the incident, her eldest son had become withdrawn and irritable, pushing everyone away.
Determined, she took Chao Chao by the hand and went next door, where they found many items rescued from Mingde Yard. Toys, little wooden horses, and various children’s belongings were scattered everywhere.
“Are these all from Mingde Yard?” Madam Xu asked, surprised. The maid confirmed with a nod, “Mostly the little miss’s things.”
Madam Xu was taken aback. “Chao Chao, do you often visit your big brother?” Chao Chao eagerly nodded.
Upon seeing Lu Yan Shu, Madam Xu was struck by the change in her son. The frail, thin boy she remembered now appeared healthier and had gained noticeable weight, hardly resembling a patient except for the wheelchair he was seated in. Before Madam Xu had a moment to brace herself, Lu Chao Chao, her little daughter, bounded towards her elder brother, excitedly exclaiming, “Hug… big pot… pot, hug…”
Madam Xu gasped, her heart skipping a beat. She thought her son, Lu Yan Shu, was paralyzed. How could he possibly manage to embrace his sister? Yet, the reality before her eyes contradicted her fears. Lu Yan Shu, whom many esteemed royal physicians had declared paralyzed, raised his arms to warmly embrace his younger sister. The little girl nestled comfortably against him, leaving Madam Xu amazed.
“How… how is this possible? Yan Shu, you’re recovering?!” Tears streamed down Madam Xu’s face as she approached her son, her voice trembling with emotion. It had been years since she had been this close to him. After his paralysis, Lu Yan Shu had become reclusive, avoiding visits to escape seeing the despair and pity in his family’s eyes. Now, seeing him so calm and peaceful was rare for Madam Xu.
“Mother, you’ve worked hard,” Lu Yan Shu said warmly, his eyes filled with tears. He had always believed his parents’ marriage to be harmonious, but realizing his mother was living a lie was unbearable. He couldn’t stand the thought of her facing such deception alone. Showing resilience, he lifted his hand, revealing bandages covering burns from the previous night’s ordeal. He also showed slight movement in his leg, signaling his recovery might take up to half a year.
Lu Yuan Xiao, the younger brother who had indulged in rice wine the previous night and slept through the chaos, now approached sheepishly. He took his sister into his arms, allowing their mother and elder brother some privacy. Guilt-ridden, he promised, “I’ll never drink again. Woohoo, my little sister could have died, and I wouldn’t have known!”
As Lu Yan Shu and Madam Xu secluded themselves behind the closed door, soft sobs could be heard. Curious, Lu Chao Chao babbled in her baby language and pointed toward the door, urging to listen in. [Listen, listen, listen!]
Lu Yuan Xiao, trying to uphold a principle, declared, “A true man does not eavesdrop!” However, his resolve quickly faded as he found himself and his sister pressing their ears against the door, straining to hear the muffled conversation within. Through the door, they could barely make out their elder brother’s determined voice.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
“Mother, we must destroy whatever he holds dearest! Moreover, we must ensure our escape is flawless. Please, keep my recovery a secret, Mother. In his eyes, a disabled person is worthless, and that’s our opportunity to flee! He should never have, never should have harmed Chao Chao! They intended to kill Chao Chao, to break your heart so they could elevate Lu Jing Yao!” Lu Yan Shu’s voice deepened with gravity, reflecting their serious situation. “As for what we overheard, we must keep it to ourselves to ensure her safety.”
By now, he realized he and his mother weren’t the only ones who could tune into Chao Chao’s internal monologue—she could hear their thoughts just as clearly!
[Wow, how did Big Brother and Mama uncover the secret about Scummy Dad’s affair? Big Brother and Mama are so clever… Big Brother is powerful, Big Brother is awesome, I’m totally on Big Brother’s side… ouch…]
Suddenly, Madam Xu flung the door open, catching the two younger siblings off guard. They tumbled forward, landing face-first on the ground. [Oops, I’ve been caught listening in…] Little Chao Chao looked up innocently, her finger pointed accusingly at her third brother. [It was all third brother’s fault…] Lu Yuan Xiao felt betrayed by his sister’s accusation!
[But what did they overhear exactly? What are they safeguarding? I’m dying to know all the juicy details!] Lu Chao Chao’s expression mixed frustration and curiosity as she pouted, clearly wanting to know the secret.
Catching each other’s eye, Madam Xu and Lu Yan Shu turned their gaze toward Lu Yuan Xiao, suspecting he might have the same ability to hear thoughts. True to their suspicions, after dinner, Lu Yan Shu summoned the plump boy to his room for a serious talk. He made it clear that Chao Chao’s inner voice must remain a secret for the family’s harmony and safety.
The following day, Madam Xu didn’t stay in the Marquis estate but instead went alone to the local government office. Thanks to her third-rank royal title, Madam Xu was received with great seriousness by the prefect, who even granted her a personal audience.
At noon, in a dramatic scene witnessed by the students of Tianhong Academy, Lu Jing Huai’s book boy was publicly arrested. The young scholar, now not required to bow to officials, inquired with a puzzled frown, “May I ask the reason for this arrest? What offense has my servant committed?” His status as a scholar earned him respect and status from the constables.
The scene was set at the academy’s entrance during lunchtime, ensuring a large audience for the unfolding drama.
“The Marquis Zhongyong household has reported an arson attempt aimed at killing the eldest son. We are here to detain him for questioning,” the officer explained, then added, “We might also need to question you later. We hope for your cooperation.”
“Is that so? I will cooperate,” replied Lu Jing Huai, his face betraying nothing, though his clenched fists signaled anger.
“Marquis Zhongyong’s eldest son? Isn’t he the prodigy from the Lu family, famous eight years ago?” one classmate asked.
“And isn’t it interesting that you both share the Lu surname, and your literary styles are remarkably similar? You even earned the title of Young Master Lu back in the day. Could there be a family connection?” another classmate teased.
Unbeknownst to them, Lu Jing Huai’s expression grew dark. Without a word, he turned and walked away, leaving behind a trail of speculation and whispers.