Blooming Dreams

Chapter 8: "008"

The formal atmosphere of the Lu family was interrupted by the arrival of the First Madam, Lu Mingyu’s eldest aunt, accompanied by her two children.

“Ah Nuan, are you feeling better now?” the First Madam asked warmly after greeting the elders with perfect decorum. Sitting down gracefully, she motioned for Lu Mingyu to approach and affectionately inquired after her health.

Lu Zhan, the patriarch, had always been pragmatic about marriages within the family. When his eldest son expressed interest in a merchant’s daughter from Yangzhou, he simply ensured her family’s integrity before consenting. The First Madam, raised in wealth and refinement, carried herself with poise but lacked the arrogance often seen in noble daughters. Her amiable nature earned her favor both within the Lu family and among her peers in the social circles of the capital.

“I’ve fully recovered, Aunt. Thank you for your concern,” Lu Mingyu replied sweetly, standing with the poise expected of her.

“That’s wonderful. Come visit me more often. Your eldest cousin has been looking forward to seeing you,” the First Madam said with a smile.

Lu Mingyu turned her gaze to her cousin, Lu Jinyu, who was just nine years old. A girl of delicate features and a playful smile, Jinyu shared her mother’s warmth. However, the looming presence of their stern grandfather tempered her cheerfulness. She discreetly winked at Lu Mingyu, signaling her excitement for a private chat later.

Lu Mingyu smiled in return before shifting her attention to her elder cousin, Lu Jiaping, the family’s eldest grandson. Resembling their grandfather, Jiaping carried himself with a composed and responsible air. However, just as he was about to greet her, Lu Zhan called him over for questioning, and Jiaping’s face tightened with tension.

Turning back toward the hall, Lu Mingyu noticed her parents approaching, followed closely by her second uncle’s family and her unmarried fourth uncle, Lu Xun.

As Lu Mingyu stepped forward to greet them, her father, Lu Rong, smiled with pride. Though blind, his sharp hearing made him especially attuned to his daughter’s melodic voice, which he considered the most delightful among the Lu family’s children.

“You’ve grown thinner, Ah Nuan,” her second uncle, known for his smooth charm, remarked with a genuine smile. He affectionately patted her head. “Eat more and put on some weight. Girls look best when they’re a little plump.”

Lu Mingyu smiled politely, not trusting his words. Her gaze shifted to her second elder sister, Lu Huaiyu, who stood nearby.

Huaiyu, a year older than Mingyu, was renowned for her delicate beauty, with almond-shaped eyes and a graceful demeanor. However, her youthful arrogance often overshadowed her charm. At this age, she was still a chubby child, her rounded cheeks giving her an air of defiance. Beside her, the third cousin, Lu Yan, had a leaner frame that hinted at the refined elegance she would possess as an adult.

“Second Sister, Third Sister,” Mingyu greeted softly.

Lu Yan offered a shy, restrained smile, while Huaiyu snorted and tilted her head higher, ignoring her. Huaiyu’s dislike for Mingyu stemmed from an inferiority complex—despite being older, she often struggled academically and socially compared to her younger sister, earning fewer compliments and accolades from their teachers.

Their younger brother, Lu Jia’an, playfully teased Huaiyu with a gentle pat on the head. “Careful, or Grandfather will scold you again,” he joked.

Huaiyu glanced nervously toward the hall, then gave Mingyu a sharp glare before falling silent.

As the family gathered in the hall for a formal meal, the presence of the formidable Lu Zhan stifled any chatter, enforcing an air of solemnity. Conversations were few, and laughter nonexistent.

After the meal, Lu Zhan addressed his wife, Zhu Shi, with a commanding glance. He remained seated for a moment before making his intentions clear—he would be staying in Ning’an Hall for the evening. Zhu Shi’s face lit up with restrained joy. She shot a triumphant glance at the family’s concubine, Aunt Zhou, who had been quietly observing the exchange. Aunt Zhou sighed inwardly, offered her respects, and was the first to leave.

The rest of the family followed suit, departing in orderly fashion. Lu Mingyu lingered for a moment, holding onto her grandmother’s hand.

“Grandmother, if you miss me, just send someone to fetch me. I still have so much to talk to you about,” she said earnestly.

Zhu Shi, preoccupied with her own excitement, barely acknowledged her granddaughter’s words. She gave a few distracted nods and sent Mingyu off with a faint smile.

Later, Zhu Shi, flushed with anticipation, entered her chambers. She had spent years trying to regain her husband’s favor, molding herself into the image of a perfect noblewoman. Yet, her efforts had only alienated him further.

Lu Zhan observed her silently, his expression unreadable. Though he still harbored affection for Zhu Shi, her relentless pursuit of societal approval had worn on him. He had repeatedly urged her to remain true to herself, but her stubbornness had driven a wedge between them.

“Why must you always concern yourself with appearances?” he said coldly. “Our daughter, Ah Jun, is a Lu. She does not need to prove her worth through unnecessary efforts. If you teach her to prioritize vanity over substance, you’ll answer to me.”

Zhu Shi’s face turned pale, her joy from earlier evaporating.

Without waiting for a response, Lu Zhan rose and left the room. He couldn’t bear to see his daughter follow the same path as her mother.