Blooming Dreams

Chapter 7: A Sudden Silence

Lu Mingyu dashed out of the main house, her heart racing. She wasn't too worried about her father catching up—his slower pace meant she could avoid another confrontation.

“Miss, why are you upset?” Gan Lu crouched down to check on her young mistress, offering to wipe away any sweat. Lu Mingyu's cheeks were slightly flushed, but it wasn’t from exertion. Her small lips pouted in frustration, signaling an inner tantrum.

“Nothing. Let’s go,” she replied, brushing off Gan Lu’s concern. Certain worries wouldn’t disappear even if voiced aloud. Her steps quickened toward Ning’an Hall, her grandmother’s residence. In her past life, Lu Mingyu had spent most of her pre-marriage days there. The deep bond she had shared with her grandmother made her long for her comforting presence now.

However, with her current short legs and frail health following her recent illness, the usual fifteen-minute walk seemed endless. As she trudged along, her cheeks grew redder, and her breaths heavier. Gan Lu offered to carry her, but Lu Mingyu refused outright. After all, she wasn’t really a little girl—her mind was still that of an adult woman.

Just as they neared her grandparents’ quarters, a deep, commanding voice broke the stillness.

“Ah Nuan?”

Lu Mingyu froze, her heart skipping a beat. Turning toward the sound, she spotted a tall man clad in a dark robe. His eight-foot frame, sharp brows, and piercing gaze made him appear even more imposing than a general on stage.

“Grandfather,” she murmured, her voice trembling as she lowered her gaze. Though she had faced many people with confidence, this stern, towering figure still intimidated her.

General Lu Zhan, now Minister of War, was a man of immense authority. His reputation for strictness was legendary, and the entire Lu household treaded carefully around him. Lu Mingyu respected him deeply, but his cold demeanor and piercing eyes had always filled her with dread.

“Recovered from your illness? Why are you walking here on your own?” His voice carried both curiosity and reprimand as his sharp gaze landed briefly on Gan Lu, who immediately broke into a cold sweat.

Gan Lu quickly curtsied and explained, “Master, the Fourth Young Lady was eager to see the Madam. She informed the Third Master and Madam before coming here.”

Lu Zhan turned his gaze back to his granddaughter.

Lu Mingyu hesitated, then nervously added, “I wanted to see Grandmother. And… I missed you too.”

The last words slipped out before she could stop herself. She blinked, surprised at her own confession. Had she really said she missed him? She hadn’t even thought about him much since her rebirth.

Lu Zhan, too, seemed taken aback by her innocent declaration. As a busy official, he seldom spent time with his grandchildren. He didn’t expect such a heartfelt statement from the usually reserved girl. For a moment, he stood silent, his gaze softening as he observed her flushed face and small frame.

Without a word, he bent down and effortlessly lifted her into his arms.

The sudden change in height startled Lu Mingyu, who stared at her grandfather in shock. His towering presence felt overwhelming this close, yet his actions were surprisingly gentle.

“You look tired. Grandfather will carry you the rest of the way,” he said, his deep voice unexpectedly tender.

Lu Mingyu blinked, momentarily speechless. She noticed, up close, that her grandfather, though nearing fifty, looked vigorous and youthful. His strong features were weathered by years of battle and responsibility, exuding an unshakable strength that inspired awe.

If only his eyes weren’t so sharp, she thought. Maybe a softer expression would make him less intimidating.

At Ning’an Hall, Lu Mingyu’s grandmother, Lady Zhu, sat in the main room, her elegant attire clashing with the sadness etched into her features. As the matriarch of the Lu family, she carried herself with grace, but her lowered eyes betrayed a deep sense of unease.

When Lu Mingyu entered in her grandfather’s arms, Lady Zhu’s teary eyes widened in disbelief. Her normally stern husband—who rarely showed affection—was carrying their granddaughter? Even Lu Mingyu felt out of place, quickly sliding out of her grandfather’s arms to rush into her grandmother’s embrace.

“Grandmother, I missed you so much,” she said, her voice soft with genuine warmth.

Lady Zhu’s expression melted into a smile as she stroked her granddaughter’s hair. The affection she felt for the girl was evident, and Lu Mingyu basked in the comfort of her grandmother’s presence.

Meanwhile, Lu Zhan’s piercing gaze swept over the room, landing on his timid daughter, Lu Jun, who stood nervously to the side. Despite his reserved nature, he cared deeply for his children. “Ah Jun,” he said, his tone unusually soft, “what have you been learning lately?”

Lu Jun stammered, “I… I’ve been practicing embroidery.”

“Good,” he replied with a curt nod. “But don’t overwork yourself. You’re a daughter of the Lu family. You don’t need to prove your worth through such tasks.”

His words, though meant as encouragement, came out harshly. The room fell silent as everyone tried to gauge his mood.

Sensing the tension, Lu Mingyu spoke up, her voice clear and bold. “Grandfather, are you upset because Aunt’s embroidery is too good?”

Lu Zhan blinked, caught off guard. Then, with a rare chuckle, he clarified, “No. I’m proud of her. I just don’t want her to exhaust herself.”

Lu Jun’s cheeks flushed with pride, and Lu Mingyu smiled slyly. She had lived two lifetimes and was beginning to understand the subtle dynamics of her family. For now, her goal was simple: to ease the tension and bring warmth to those she cared about.

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