Chapter 7: Another Twist of Fate
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
Lu Yuan Ze froze for a moment before hastily leading everyone to greet the guest.
The Little Crown Prince, now six years old, was renowned for his extraordinary intelligence. Both court and common folk spoke of his remarkable abilities with respect. Since his birth, the Emperor himself had undertaken his education, never entrusting it to another. The depth of the Emperor’s expectations was evident even in the name he chose for his son: Xie Cheng Xi.
“Your Highness, what brings you here?” inquired the Eldest Princess, who frequently visited the palace and was naturally close to the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince, known for his focus on governance and indifference to trivial matters, had unexpectedly arrived at the Lu household. This was uncharacteristic of him.
Despite his young age, his regal demeanor compelled everyone present to lower their gazes. With a dismissive wave, Lu Yuan Ze stepped aside to allow the young prince to speak.
“Aunt came to attend the full moon banquet. I happened to be out of the palace, so I decided to stop by,” Xie Cheng Xi said coolly, his gaze falling upon the swaddled infant.
Lu Yuan Ze’s heart surged with hope. Since the passing of the Late Emperor, the Marquis Zhongyong’s household had exhausted the favor earned from their early service to the throne. The Emperor’s attitude toward the Lu family had been indifferent at best. If they could establish a connection with the Crown Prince…
Madam Xu stepped forward, bowing in respect. The Crown Prince inclined his head slightly. “Please rise, Madam Xu. I merely chanced upon your household celebrating a full moon banquet and wished to partake in the joy.”
“Bring Chao Chao over,” Madam Xu instructed Deng Zhi.
Baby Lu Chao Chao blinked her wide eyes, instantly catching sight of the exquisite young boy before her. His solemn expression made him appear unapproachable, despite his beauty.
The Crown Prince glanced at her briefly before preparing to look away.
Suddenly…
A babbling infant voice echoed in his ears. “Ah! It’s the Crown Prince!”
“The prodigious prince born under an omen of celestial change… But what a pity, such a tragic fate, destined to pave the way for others…” The baby muttered a few more indecipherable words before letting out a soft yawn.
The Crown Prince’s round eyes widened in rare bewilderment. Did I just hear the thoughts of an infant? he wondered, completely at a loss.
Tragic fate? Paving the way for others? What nonsense! Finish your thought, infant! he inwardly fumed.
His sharp gaze fixed on the little girl, who, oblivious to his inner turmoil, yawned and began drifting off to sleep.
The Crown Prince was seized by an unprecedented urge to shake her awake and demand answers.
“It seems the young miss is feeling sleepy,” Deng Zhi remarked with a smile.
Suppressing his frustration, the Crown Prince unfastened the jade pendant at his waist and placed it within the swaddle. “I did not bring a gift today, but let this serve as my blessing for Chao Chao’s full moon,” he declared.
Lu Yuan Ze was stunned. He had tried all day to ingratiate himself with the Crown Prince to no avail, yet his infant daughter had effortlessly earned his favor. A pang of resentment flickered in his heart—this fortune should have belonged to Jing Yao!
“On behalf of my daughter, I thank Your Highness for the generous gift,” Madam Xu replied, her heart easing slightly. With the Crown Prince’s blessing, others would think twice before daring to harm Chao Chao.
The Crown Prince did not linger, leaving Lu Yuan Ze’s ambitions unmet. He personally escorted the young prince out of the manor.
The full moon banquet for Lu Chao Chao was grand and lavish. Madam Xu even distributed porridge for three days to bless her daughter with good fortune.
That night, after the guests had departed, Lu Yuan Ze’s expression betrayed his growing unease.
“Why such extravagance for a mere full moon banquet? Chao Chao is only a month old. This kind of ostentation might diminish her blessings,” he admonished.
Madam Xu’s face darkened.
“What do you mean by that, Marquis?”
“Chao Chao is the legitimate daughter of the Marquis Zhongyong’s household and my Xu family’s only granddaughter. She is no illegitimate child to be hidden away. Why shouldn’t we celebrate her full moon in style?” Madam Xu’s words cut deep, causing Lu Yuan Ze’s fists to clench tightly.
Illegitimate child. The phrase struck at the very core of his concealed guilt.
Madam Xu knew she should hold her tongue, yet she couldn’t resist twisting the knife.
Swallowing his anger, Lu Yuan Ze tried to reason. “Shi Yun, I am not blaming you. I just fear the manor’s ostentation might displease His Majesty.” His thoughts drifted to another child—Lu Jing Yao.
Two daughters, two full moons. Chao Chao had been feted in opulent splendor, while Jing Yao’s milestone had passed quietly, hidden away. His heart ached for the daughter he couldn’t protect.
Madam Xu’s bitter smile deepened. “The full moon banquets for our three sons were modest affairs. Only Chao Chao’s was grand. Surely this is no great offense,” she retorted before falling silent, seething inwardly. Why hadn’t the other banquets been celebrated properly? Because some woman outside didn’t approve?
After sitting in the courtyard for a while, Lu Yuan Ze excused himself, claiming unresolved matters awaited him in the study.
Late that night…
“Madam, the Marquis has left the manor,” Deng Zhi reported with caution.
Madam Xu’s eyes reddened as she gazed out the window. Her body felt cold, her heart even colder.
“He couldn’t even stay for his daughter’s banquet. No doubt he’s gone to soothe someone else,” she muttered bitterly, rocking the cradle absentmindedly. The desolation in her heart overwhelmed her.
Did you ever truly care for me? she wondered, tears glistening in her eyes.
“Perhaps the Marquis had urgent business,” Deng Zhi offered, though her voice wavered.
Madam Xu laughed hollowly, dismissing her maid with a wave. Just as she prepared to rest, a commotion erupted outside.
“What’s all this noise in the middle of the night?” Deng Zhi demanded as she stepped out to reprimand the servants.
“Madam, something terrible has happened!” a young maid exclaimed, stumbling into the courtyard.
“Calm yourself! What’s happened?” Deng Zhi snapped, mindful not to alarm the sleeping infant.
The maid’s face was pale with terror. “The Xu family is in trouble! Just now, the Commander of the Imperial Guard surrounded their estate, claiming they harbored treasonous items. The household is under strict watch—no one is allowed in or out!”
The room fell into stunned silence.
Madam Xu’s body swayed, her mind reeling. So it has come to pass… Her daughter’s warnings had been true.
Grief and fear warred within her, leaving her utterly shaken.