Chapter Eighteen: Lu Jue’s Thoughts

Inside the grand hall, nearly everyone remained silent. Under Feng Yewu’s rebuke, almost all the ministers lowered their heads, none daring to plead for the Minister of Revenue. Though on ordinary days many seemed to object to Feng Yewu's ascension, now that she had claimed the throne, she was sovereign of the realm. Had it been in her previous life, perhaps they would have taken advantage of her innocence and kindness. But after her current display, who among them would dare oppose her?

“Minister of Revenue, I believe you have been overly troubled by these trivial matters. Since you are so fond of such distractions, perhaps you should resign and devote yourself to them at home.”

As she gazed upon the silent hall, Feng Yewu’s cold eyes swept across the assembly. Wherever her gaze fell, the ministers bowed their heads, not daring to meet her eyes.

“That is enough. If there is nothing else, you may all withdraw.”

With those words, Feng Yewu rose under the watchful eyes of the court, her long robes trailing behind her as she departed with an air of resolve.

Yet when she glanced back, she found that Lu Jue had already left, though she knew not when. A hint of disappointment colored her gaze; she wondered if he had witnessed her actions just now.

Since the incident outside the study, Lu Jue had pondered deeply, realizing the impact he now had on Feng Yewu. The more he considered it, the greater his regret grew. He was of humble birth, and now that Feng Yewu had just ascended the throne, his continued presence would only invite further trouble. Though he showed nothing outwardly, the words spoken by Eunuch Mingde that day had not been without reason.

In the grand hall, Lu Jue watched Feng Yewu sternly chastise the Minister of Revenue, yet his thoughts were far away. After a while, he felt a heavy silence in his chest and, before the court was dismissed, quietly slipped away.

“Have you seen Lu Jue?”

Upon returning to the side hall, Feng Yewu found no sign of Lu Jue. A wave of displeasure rose in her heart—she had just avenged his humiliation before the court, yet he was nowhere to be found. Han Yue hurried to inquire of the guards at the entrance, soon learning that Lu Jue had left earlier.

“Your Majesty, shall I summon Young Master Lu back?”

Feng Yewu heard the guard’s words and was filled with doubt. Gone? Ever since Lu Jue had agreed to teach her swordsmanship, he had never left her side. Why had he departed so hastily today?

“There’s no need,” Feng Yewu replied, her expression weary. She gazed out at the sky beyond the side hall, where a single peach blossom petal drifted on the wind, its solitary flight lending the scene an air of poetic beauty.

Lu Jue’s departure was not out of caprice. The rumors of recent days meant little to him; it was Feng Yewu’s attitude that mattered. Though she had sought his advice on a few techniques, Lu Jue felt that his presence by her side now did more harm than good.

Time slipped by like that drifting petal—seeming to pass, yet its coming and going unknowable. Gradually, the sky outside the side hall grew darker, and Feng Yewu finally returned from her reverie. Her attendants, Han Yue and Eunuch Mingde, had been waiting for some time.

“Your Majesty, it is getting late. With no pressing affairs today, perhaps you should retire to your chambers and rest.”

Eunuch Mingde, seeing Feng Yewu return to herself, quickly stepped forward with his suggestion.

“Yes,” Feng Yewu replied simply. With her long court robes trailing behind, she rose and took a few steps, then suddenly turned as if remembering something, and addressed Han Yue.

“Go and visit Lu Jue. See how his injuries are—has he recovered?”

Han Yue, hearing Feng Yewu’s words, looked up and instantly understood her intent, a slight smile at her lips. She answered and withdrew.

“Certainly.”

Eunuch Mingde, for his part, saw through matters easily. Years of serving the palace nobility had taught him to discern intentions from the slightest gesture. Feng Yewu’s casual expression of concern was, to his mind, worth pondering.

“Your Majesty, perhaps this old servant should accompany Han Yue.”

Feng Yewu considered briefly, then nodded in agreement, her gaze cold. She had heard his words that day, but since Eunuch Mingde’s intentions were for Lu Jue’s sake, she did not dwell on it and consented.

Eunuch Mingde took his leave and departed with Han Yue.

“Why has Eunuch Mingde taken such an interest in Young Master Lu?” Han Yue teased, a playful smile on her lips as they walked together. She guessed his purpose, but could not resist a mischievous remark.

Eunuch Mingde did not know that both Feng Yewu and Han Yue had overheard the conversation in the study that day; he assumed Han Yue’s question was mere curiosity. Of course, he could not easily reveal his reasons, especially to Han Yue, who served Feng Yewu intimately. After a moment’s thought, he replied.