Despite their sudden fame, it still couldn't be denied that the Lu family was no different to the common folks before. Nothing but a small family of merchants, no titles and such, who somehow prospered by establishing ties with the palace – the emperor to be specific. Although Lu Lingzhi was lowborn, he was as handsome as he was brave and militant. Outstanding in his work as general under Mo Rongzhan's command, he proved himself useful, a utilitarian in siege tactics.
Therefore, as soon as Mo Rongzhan claimed the dragon throne for his own, he gave the position to Lu Lingzhi with a silver plate. An assistant war minister was a high position and an even higher position for a commoner, which may seem ridiculous to the many.
Lu Shiming is Lu Lingzhi's uncle. Lu Lingzhi's father pivoted the third generation of heirs in the family who chose not to inherit the family business and became officials. Now the business of the Lu family is handed over to Lu Erzhi, his uncle also. His father had passed away, leaving only two sons and one daughter.
The most senior person in the Lu family is Old Madam Lu.
Ye Zhen had simple understanding between the relationship of her family and the Lu family. She was not even truly integrated with the ladies of the family including Lu Wushuang, who became the imperial concubine, the one who took her place. And most of all, the name of the Old madam nor her reputation had never crossed her awareness before.
"Grandmother is strict, but her heart is the most kind! Don't be timid when you meet her and eldest brother as well." Lu Xiangzhi comforted Ye Zhen in a garrulous way. Ye Zhen just smiled, nodded and spoke no more. She knew better than anyone how gentle Lu Lingzhi looked, but it is people like him who should be feared. A vile creature behind a beautiful mask indeed.
After two years of acquaintance with him, she really believed that he was gentle and credible as he appeared to be. Helplessly gullible, she treated him like a big brother, not knowing how despicable and shameless he truly was inside. She wished she could drink his blood oozing from his lacerations she herself would want to inflict!
Their conversation took a longer course with Ye Zhen answering timidly all the way. Lu Xiangzhi reflected on how his sister seemed to be a different person. How a chatterbox has turned mute from everything. He turned to look at his sister's emaciated side face. When she was in the border town, the climate was much warmer than Kyoto. Her love for outdoor activities made her tan, yet now, she looked significantly pale. . Her cheeks lost their ruddy colors and she has become more poised and womanly. It perturbed Lu Lingzhi to witness how his sister's days of confinement inside the mansion had morphed her into an entirely different person. Although her appearance would still not pass as a prim woman of Kyoto, she no longer looked like a wild girl he knew..
However, this change was not only physical. Her black and smart eyes seemed to be a little more sharp than usual, like those of hawk's observant gaze. Also, when she thought he was not looking, her lips were pinched like she finds everything distasteful.
Probably because of nervousness! Lu Xiangzhi surmised. He faced his sister and smiled as if his sister's sudden change is brought only by the new environment. It was her first time settling in Kyoto after all!
"Relax. Grandma is not as strict and harsh as some old madams. Just take care of the usual rules."
Lu Xiangzhi's comfort was returned by Ye Zhen's acquiescing but tight smile. In her heart, she thought how this family rose from blood. Lu family was not a famous family but a lineage of incompetent businessmen. Rules? What rules are there to follow? This family didn't know rules! All they knew was to step on other people to make their way on top.
She now felt a deep resentment towards the Lu Family. If she hadn't wanted revenge and remembered Lu Shiming and his wife's sincere love for her twin sister, she would have never considered staying here for long.
Making herself presentable as possible, Ye Zhen left her room to meet Old Madam Lu.
Only the sounds of their sandals hitting the paved wooden floor could be heard as Lu Lingzhi and Ye Zhen walked in haste. Her heart was beating erratically in rhythm with the occasional squeak her sandal made. Stepping onto the upper tier of the mansion, Ye Zhen slowed her pace, keeping herself two steps away from Lu Xiangzhi who walked forth with ease.
Upon arrival, she saw an old woman of about 50 or 60 years old sitting on the main seat. Her hair which must have been dyed appeared black and lush. The plush chairs on both sides of her was already occupied – Lu Shiming, and on the other was Pei Shi. Leaning closest to the old Madam was of course Lu Shiming, who made the old Madam laugh frequently.
Heads turned in unison when Ye Zhen entered the room and made herself known. She saluted calmly at them.
"Ah, so this is the wild girl you told me. Surprisingly, she looked very poised and clever." Old Madam Lu said sizing her up with an approving smile on her face.
Looking around the room, Ye Zhen noticed the absence of Lu Lingzhi. Why isn't he around? Ye Zhen's tense mood relaxed a bit. She thought she would see him. She was overwhelmed by her hatred and forgot that she was the presence of the old madam. A ticking bomb, she might not be able to restrain herself at the sight of him.
Ye Zhen, who was absorbed in her own thoughts, did not hear the old Madam Lu talking about her. Pei Shi gave her a gentle tug, pulling her from her stupor. Upon realizing, she smiled shyly for the unexpected compliment.
"This girl has not seen much of the world aside from the border town. Apart from that, she was sick and has just recovered." Lu Shiming explained Ye Zhen's unresponsive state to Old Madam Lu.
Old Madam Lu didn't know that Ye Zhen was Lu Shiming's adopted daughter. She thought of her as a close granddaughter. Seeing her lose so much weight, she felt pity for her and hurried to her side for a moment of care. "Now, you can't blame me for being worried about you. Look at you! You are bones and skin. I shall see you everyday until you are well, just like a flower in slow bloom!" This sudden act made Ye Zhen remember her past. She was one of the girls who are lucky enough to be born in a life of great comfort. She grew up in a luxurious environment. not only did her grandmother cherished her, but her father also doted on her. She was lovely and charming. If she didn't fall in love with someone not deserving, she wouldn't have lived a miserable life and lost her bright perceptive at this age.
Old Madam Lu was coaxed in a smile and hugged Ye Zhen's small frame. "Grandma, father said the same thing about me. People really do love to see flowers bloom!"
"You little shameless…" Lu Shiming laughed and felt relieved to see that his daughter had regained her former liveliness.
Pei Shi looked at Ye Zhen enveloped by the old madam's tight embrace with a broad smile, proud of her. She was worried that Old Madam Lu wouldn't like her daughter but it seemed that even the most difficult persons to please could not resist Yao Yao's charms. She was a true blessing in the family.
Old Madam Lu was shocked by what Ye Zhen said and immediately laughed out loud. Several people, maids-in waiting were also not able to hide their amusements. Little did they know that although she had a charming smile on her face, she dread the moment Lu Lingzhi shows himself. She was afraid that he would recognize her and kill her before she could do anything else.
"What is taking him so long?" Lu Shiming suddenly asked at someone behind her.
"I went to see the eldest brother in the study just now. He is trying to finish his work as of the moment and would join us as soon as he is finished." said Lu Xiangzhi.
Ye Zhen held his breath and fisted her hands tightly, not even knowing that her fingernails were already deep in her flesh, drawing out blood.
Still witless on how to face Lu Lingzhi without losing her composure, she squeezed harder until pain brought back her cool. Lu Lingzhi tricked her into believing that he is a friend. Naivety had been her downfall. False as he was, he only used her secret to help his sister make her place in the palace. He was also the tyrant who ended her life. Does these people know the means he used? She wondered.
There is nothing more ridiculous than her becoming his cousin after her rebirth. How should she regard Lu Lingzhi as her eldest brother?