Volume One, Chapter 17: You Won't Keep Me?

“Is it true you’re holding a birthday banquet tomorrow for Yuan’er and Yao’er?” Master Duan Shui asked.

“Second Master has heard as well,” Fang Qianxue placed the peeled chestnuts on the small table and took a sip of tea. “A few days ago, I sent someone to ask him, but he said it would be extravagant and wasteful, so I didn’t dare press further.”

“My meaning is that since elder brother passed less than half a year ago, everything should be kept simple,” Lu Changqing’s eyes flickered. “A small gathering would still be acceptable.”

“Hmm,” Fang Qianxue nodded lightly. “I suppose your marriage to Miss Xu was also a modest affair?”

“Cough, cough!” Lu Changqing coughed awkwardly twice and glanced down at the two innocent children. “Let’s just talk about the birthday banquet for now; other matters can wait.”

Since Xu Miaoyan lost her virginity, she had been urging him to marry, so he had no choice but to push forward. Invitations had already been sent out to much of the capital.

Lu Changqing originally thought few would attend, but when word spread that the legendary auspicious fairy was getting married, many wanted to catch a glimpse of her ethereal grace. The number of officials who accepted the invitation was quite large—over a hundred—and including their families, the total would be no less than two hundred.

Mrs. Chen insisted that since the banquet was to be held, it should showcase the Lu family’s prestige. She had hired chefs and staff from the Four Seas Restaurant on Zhuque Street to prepare the wedding feast at their home. The Four Seas Restaurant was expensive, and the bill was put on credit.

“Alright, then let’s talk about Yuan’er and Yao’er,” Fang Qianxue’s lips curled faintly, masking a look of disdain. “I figured a third birthday banquet can’t be skipped, so I had a few tables set up casually and invited some friends to liven up the occasion for the children.”

“That’s only right,” Lu Changqing nodded and smiled. “I’ll be there tomorrow to support you.”

Fang Qianxue was solitary by nature and rarely mingled with others. Over the years, Lu Changqing was one of the few friends she had seen. Without his presence to bolster the occasion, the birthday banquet would likely be quite meager.

Fang Qianxue frowned slightly. “If you’re busy, then forget it.”

“Even if I’m busy, I should come for the kids’ birthdays,” Lu Changqing’s starry eyes glistened with red as he whispered, “Qianxue, you were right about the matter of the heart’s blood. It was my fault...”

“Oh? How were you at fault?” Fang Qianxue sipped her tea expressionlessly, a cold smile playing in her heart.

No wonder he was so eager to please today; it was guilt that drove him.

“Miaoyan truly doesn’t have a heart condition; everything you said was right,” Lu Changqing lowered his gaze and sighed. “But she has her reasons. She’s young... misled by others and acted rashly to change her fate. Qianxue, please forgive her.”

“I understand your meaning, Second Master,” Fang Qianxue smiled calmly. “Then I’ll see you at the banquet tomorrow.”

Lu Changqing, we’ve been husband and wife for many years, yet you sought to take my heart’s blood for another, condemning me to ruin. Now you think a simple apology can erase it all?

If so, I, Fang Qianxue, am far too cheap!

“You’re not staying?” Lu Changqing hadn’t intended to stay, but he hadn’t expected Fang Qianxue not to stop him.

“Miss Xu will be angry,” Fang Qianxue shook her head.

Lu Changqing’s face flushed as he ruffled the two children’s heads. “Then Father will take his leave. See you tomorrow.”

Exiting Plum Blossom Pavilion, Lu Changqing was in a good mood. He had finally persuaded Fang Qianxue. She hadn’t made a scene upon hearing about his marriage to Miss Xu, so she must have accepted it.

This woman was like a stone—rough and angular, but with enough friction, it could be smoothed. Tomorrow, he would attend the children’s birthday banquet and wear her down, prompting Fang Qianxue to take the initiative to allow him to inherit the family line. Then everything would fall perfectly into place.

See? It’s not that I, Lu Changqing, am fickle. The Fang family is considerate and magnanimous, wanting me to continue the Lu family’s legacy.

“Second Brother, where have you been? I’ve been looking for you!” Lu Wanrou, dressed in an ornate robe and jade jewelry, met Lu Changqing as he was about to head to Pine Sound Residence.

“I went to Plum Blossom Pavilion. It’s so late—why are you here?” He frowned, hands behind his back. “Let’s talk tomorrow if you have something to say.”

He instinctively felt Lu Wanrou’s visit wasn’t good news, probably about money.

“You went to Plum Blossom Pavilion and didn’t even see what your good wife did!” Lu Wanrou grabbed him and dragged him toward the main hall of Pine Sound Residence. “Mother wants to see you!”

“What did Fang Qianxue do?” Lu Changqing stopped in his tracks, “Explain clearly!”

“She returned the account books and tally cards to Mother, saying she’s giving up managing the household!” Lu Wanrou said angrily.

“She’s quitting the household management?” Lu Changqing’s eyebrows twitched violently. “Impossible. She’s clearly forgiven me!”

Even if she was sulking because of Miss Xu, there had to be a limit. Fang Qianxue would never abandon the big picture. The Lu household had elders and youngsters alike—did she expect Miaoyan to handle everything?

Miaoyan was a fairy who didn’t mingle with the mundane world; she hated the smell of money. She said gold and silver would taint her spiritual aura.

“What’s worse, guess how much money was left in the account?”