"Yi Tong, I'd like to request a day off in two days. It's my husband's birthday," Lu Yu said to Gu Yi Tong as she tidied her belongings, preparing to head home.
"Brother-in-law's birthday? Of course, I'll give you leave! Starting today, I'll hang a sign at the entrance so they know."
"However, seeing as Wu Shao has been studying with you for so long, perhaps he's ready to practice treating patients?" Gu Yi Tong glanced at Wu Shao, who was still engrossed in his medical studies, and nudged Lu Yu with a raised eyebrow.
Upon hearing this, Wu Shao looked up in surprise, his eyes filled with hope as he looked at Lu Yu. She genuinely wished to gain practical experience. After reading so many medical books and memorizing so much medical theory, she believed her progress would be much greater if she could personally treat patients.
"I also think he's ready," Lu Yu said, turning to look at Wu Shao. "Finish the book you're currently reading these few days, and then you'll accompany me in treating patients. However, when I'm not around, you must absolutely not treat patients by yourself."
"I promise to only accompany you and not treat others alone," Wu Shao said, rubbing his hands together excitedly, his words rapid, revealing his eager anticipation and thrill.
...
Two days passed in a flash.
Lu Yu woke up early that morning. Seeing Shen Xuan sleeping soundly in bed, she smiled with satisfaction, tiptoed to put on her shoes, and picked up her outer garment.
"Patriarch, why are you...?" A Fu, who was spacing out in the courtyard, turned and was startled to see Lu Yu standing at the door.
Hearing A Fu's voice, Lu Yu's eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly raised a finger to signal him to be quiet.
She quickly put on her outer garment by the door and walked over to A Fu. "Today is the Master Consort's birthday. I'm going to make him a bowl of noodles. You stay here and guard him. If he wakes up, don't spill the beans."
A Fu nodded repeatedly upon hearing this. Watching Lu Yu's retreating back as she left, he smiled. He was genuinely happy for the young master. The young master had suffered too much before, and now that the Patriarch was willing to dote on him, he had finally found his happiness.
Lu Yu never expected to be stopped when she had already made it to the kitchen.
"Patriarch, why have you come yourself?" A man of older age in the kitchen, likely the one managing it, spoke in a flustered tone upon seeing Lu Yu, thinking he had done something wrong.
"I want to personally cook noodles for the Master Consort. You all can leave," Lu Yu said, looking at the ingredients on the table, rolling up her sleeves excitedly to step forward.
"No, absolutely not. How can a woman enter the kitchen? We will make noodles for the Master Consort," the older man hurriedly blocked Lu Yu, who was about to step forward. The other people in the kitchen also chimed in.
"There are not so many rules. What's wrong with me cooking for my husband?" Lu Yu ignored them, found where the noodles were kept, and prepared to scoop them with tools from the side.
"No! This is absolutely not allowed!" The older man firmly blocked Lu Yu. "How can the Master Consort even have you personally cook? This is too ignorant."
Lu Yu became angry. They had blocked her several times, and now they were discussing Shen Xuan in front of her. It was ultimately because she, the Patriarch, had been too lenient with them.
Lu Yu lowered her voice and swept her sharp gaze over everyone in the kitchen. "Are you the Patriarch, or am I?"
Seeing that they were all too scared to make a sound, Lu Yu approached the older man, narrowed her eyes, and said coldly, "Remember your place. Is the Master Consort someone you can discuss?"
"Today is the Master Consort's birthday, so I'll let this slide. But if you still want your tongue, then keep your mouth shut."
The older man trembled there, nodding repeatedly. He thought the Master Consort had requested the Patriarch to cook, and he, by reprimanding the Patriarch, would be highly regarded. He never expected to be hoist by his own petard.
"Since you understand, then get out," Lu Yu gave him a sideways glance and then instructed everyone else, "You all get out too."
They all repeatedly agreed and hurried out of the kitchen.
After they left, Lu Yu clasped her hands in front of her chest, took a deep breath, and thought indignantly, so much time had been wasted, she wondered if her little husband had woken up yet.
Shen Xuan had just woken up in the room. Last night, Lu Yu had wanted him several times for some reason, but Shen Xuan had been too exhausted and fallen asleep. He had also overslept this morning.
Looking at the empty spot beside him, he sighed, thinking his wife had already gone to the medical clinic.
He put on his clothes and opened the door, seeing A Fu sitting in the corridor by his door, staring at his room, looking very confused.
Seeing Shen Xuan emerge, A Fu rushed over to him, his smile uncontrollable.
"Today is the young master's birthday. I specifically waited here to congratulate you."
Shen Xuan blinked in surprise and then smiled. He held A Fu's hand, which was cold from the wind, and gently rubbed it to warm it. "I almost forgot. It's so cold outside. You shouldn't wait here for me anymore. Just tell me when you see me, okay?"
Seeing that Lu Yu had not returned, A Fu dared not let Shen Xuan leave the house.
"Young master, I learned a new hairstyle today. Let's go inside, and I'll style it for you. See if you like it."
They entered the room, and A Fu styled Shen Xuan's hair in a new way and applied a light touch of makeup. It was indeed beautiful and suited him perfectly. Lu Yu, carrying the noodles, saw Shen Xuan's lightly made-up face. He was very beautiful and it suited him. Lu Yu was momentarily stunned, but the heat from the noodles in her hands brought her back to her senses.
"Wife?"
Shen Xuan looked at Lu Yu, who had suddenly appeared at the door, with surprise. Seeing her staring at him, unable to snap out of it, he thought of his recently applied makeup and lowered his head shyly. He had never worn makeup in front of Lu Yu before, not even on their wedding day.
Suddenly remembering something, he looked at A Fu, who was chuckling beside him. Seeing he had been discovered, A Fu smiled and bid Lu Yu farewell before quickly retreating.
"It's only been a short while, and A Fu is already listening to you more," Shen Xuan pouted at Lu Yu, but still thoughtfully took the bowl from Lu Yu and placed it on the table.
"It's your birthday today. A Fu knew I was going to cook noodles for you, so of course, he wanted to help create a surprise."
Lu Yu hugged Shen Xuan's waist and whispered an explanation in his ear.
Shen Xuan was naturally not truly angry about this matter and quickly shifted his attention to the noodles.
"Are these noodles made by you personally, Wife?"
"Of course. It's my husband's birthday, so as his wife, I naturally have to cook myself."
"Wife, you're so good," Shen Xuan hugged Lu Yu's waist back and rubbed his head against her shoulder.
"Is this all? Then I have something even better. Eat it while it's hot, and I'll take you to see a surprise later."
Shen Xuan twitched his nose. The aroma from the bowl wafted through the air, stimulating Shen Xuan's taste buds.
"It smells so good. It must be delicious since Wife made it."
After eating, Lu Yu eagerly pulled Shen Xuan out of the mansion. The carriage was already prepared, and the servant who had prepared it was the short one who had stolen something yesterday.
"Patriarch, Master Consort," the short man said respectfully, standing to the side with his head lowered, his expression unreadable.