Chapter Fifteen: Provocation

The lady’s words, both explicit and implied, clung to Lu Jue relentlessly. Seeing this, Lu Jue realized there was no escaping her intentions. Since avoidance was futile, he decided to address her directly.

“May I ask, madam, what is your esteemed opinion?”

Hearing this, the Vice Minister’s wife was instantly delighted, believing she had persuaded Lu Jue. Her smile broadened as she promptly drew a portrait from her long sleeve.

It turned out she had come prepared, not only seeking an advantageous match for her own son, but unwilling to let an opportunity with Lu Jue slip by, either.

Lu Jue accepted the portrait. The young woman depicted—whether due to the artist’s skill or the maiden’s natural grace—looked refined and gentle. Standing beside a plum blossom branch, she was slim and elegant, her features pure and radiant, the very picture of a maiden awaiting marriage.

“And this is…?” Lu Jue asked, puzzled after examining the painting.

“What do you think, Young Master Lu?” As Lu Jue studied the portrait, the lady scrutinized his expression closely. Seeing no change in his demeanor, she grew uncertain and hastily began her introduction.

“The girl in the portrait is my youngest daughter. I see that you, Young Master Lu, are a man of talent and good looks—surely a match for my little girl. I wonder… do you find her to your liking?”

Meeting the lady’s hopeful gaze, Lu Jue smiled faintly, rolled up the painting, and returned it to her.

“What is the meaning of this, Young Master Lu? Do you think my daughter unworthy of you?” The Vice Minister’s wife, seeing his gesture, understood her hopes were dashed. Still, she pressed on, unwilling to relent.

“You misunderstand me, madam. I am a criminal serving my sentence in the palace, seeking only to atone for my sins. Matters of romance and marriage are not for the likes of me to consider,” Lu Jue replied, though his eyes strayed involuntarily once more toward the study.

“I would not wish to ruin your daughter’s prospects.”

This lady was no ordinary character—if she could use her connections to bring her son into the palace, she was certainly shrewd and resourceful. Nor did she miss the fleeting glance Lu Jue had cast toward the study.

“Ruin her prospects? Hmph, I think you’re less worried about my daughter’s future, and more afraid that a match with a common official’s family will hinder your own ambitions,” she retorted bitterly. The lady, now that her hope of a union was gone, could not conceal her resentment. In truth, she had her own calculations—if her son could enter the inner palace, their family would rise in status as kin to the emperor. Failing that, Lu Jue was her second choice.

Never had she imagined that before her son’s prospects were even settled, this palace servant would dare refuse her.

“Why do you speak so, madam?” Lu Jue, who had greeted her with a smile, found his patience fraying at her abrupt rudeness. His anger rose, and his tone turned cold.

“And just how have I spoken? You are nothing more than a palace servant—such a lowly station. I was willing to overlook your past and offer my daughter’s hand, yet not only do you fail to appreciate it, you even dream of entering the harem?” The Vice Minister’s wife dropped all pretense, mocking him openly.

“Truly ungrateful. Even if there were no one left in the imperial harem, His Majesty would never grant you a title.”

“If you’re so clear on this, madam, why bother coming to me with fawning smiles and offering your daughter in marriage? Or do you truly wish to tie your family to someone as lowly as I am?” Lu Jue retorted, his heart stung by her words though his face remained impassive.

“You! You are insolent! I am the wife of a court official—how dare you, a mere servant, mock me!” The Vice Minister’s wife was so incensed that her words failed her.

“What’s going on here?”

Just then, as their quarrel escalated, the Minister of Revenue happened to pass by from the adjoining council chamber.

“Minister!” Lu Jue hurried to pay his respects. The Vice Minister’s wife, still fuming, brightened at the sight of the Minister, sensing she had found an ally.

“Hmph, even the dogs bite now. Drunk on a moment’s favor, some forget all sense of rank and decorum, bullying others as they please,” she said with pointed malice, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on Lu Jue. “Minister, you must judge this matter for me.”

The Minister frowned and turned to the silent Lu Jue, not bothering to distinguish right from wrong before admonishing him.

“Young Master Lu, even if you enjoy His Majesty’s favor, it’s wrong to abuse your position to bully others.”

Hearing this, Lu Jue understood that the two were united against him. Ordinarily, he would have bowed his head and accepted the blame. But now, anger smoldered within him. He clenched his fists, the crackling of his knuckles resounding ominously.

“What now? Do you mean to raise your hand against a court official?” Both the Minister and the Vice Minister’s wife recoiled in alarm at Lu Jue’s display, but remembering he was only a servant, the Minister quickly raised his voice to bolster his courage and rebuked him again.