The scorching summer sun of June bathed every corner. A wet nurse held a paper umbrella over Lu Nianfu's head. "Eldest Miss, the sun is harsh, be careful not to catch heatstroke."
The voice was gentle, and sounded somewhat familiar. Lu Nianfu turned her head, and the smiling face of Qiangwei came into view. She was even more surprised; when this wet nurse had come to Yangzhou to find her before, she hadn't shown such a smile.
Lady Pingning was being exceptionally generous to her today, not only coming to pick her up in person but also sending her own personal wet nurse to hold an umbrella for her.
Was this too much honor?
Lu Nianfu felt overwhelmed with gratitude. Her emotions subtly shifting, she withdrew her gaze and walked towards the courtyard where Zeng Weiyang resided. Before passing through the arched gate, she detected a strong medicinal scent.
She almost choked, but managed to suppress it in time.
Zeng Weiyang was not bedridden, but her condition did not look optimistic. Even thick layers of makeup couldn't bring any color to her complexion. She leaned against the wall and slowly walked out, "Sister, I had intended to welcome you outside, but my health..."
Lu Nianfu patted her hand and quickly helped her to sit down. "Don't, you should focus on resting."
"My health, no matter how much I rest, will only remain this way."
"Don't talk nonsense." In her previous life, Zeng Weiyang was alive and well when she died.
Zeng Weiyang offered a bright smile. "Sister, let's not talk about this. I heard you returned to Yangzhou. Was the journey arduous?"
"I had care along the way, so it wasn't difficult to speak of."
"Books say that Jiangnan is the most poetic place, with small bridges and flowing water, boats carrying people, apricot blossoms in the rain, and landscapes like paintings. Sister, if you have any scrolls depicting the scenery of Jiangnan, could you lend me a look?"
Her expression was full of yearning, and Lu Nianfu felt a pang of sympathy for her. "When your health improves, you will have opportunities to visit and admire it yourself."
Zeng Weiyang shook her head and whispered, "It's impossible. Sitting in a carriage for too long makes me feel uncomfortable from the jolting. I can't even go to temples in the suburbs, how could I visit Jiangnan? It's good enough to admire some paintings."
"Then I will write home and ask them to collect some. They can be delivered to you the next time a caravan arrives."
Zeng Weiyang nodded vigorously, her gratitude evident.
This younger sister always seemed so easily satisfied.
Since it was still early, Lu Nianfu began telling her amusing anecdotes from Jiangnan. Seeing that they were conversing well, Madam Ban said, "You two sisters chat well. I will go to the dining hall. Does the Princess Consort have anything she'd like to eat?"
"Madam, you don't need to be so polite. Guests should follow the host's arrangements."
Madam Ban replied, "Then I will arrange something at my discretion."
"Thank you."
The person who had always ignored her was now offering to arrange lunch for her. Lu Nianfu found it preposterous. If it hadn't been for the invitation mentioning a meal, she would have left immediately.
Zeng Weiyang lowered her head slightly, her drooping eyelashes obscuring the unwillingness in her eyes.
Although Madam Ban had left, Qiangwei remained. If she forcibly sent Qingya away, it would surely arouse Lu Nianfu's suspicion. It seemed she wouldn't be able to obtain her blood today.
Lu Nianfu had no idea that her seemingly frail sister, who looked like she might collapse at any moment, was entirely focused on her blood.
Duke Pingning usually served in the palace, but he would generally return home in the afternoon. After all, everyone knew his medical skills were inferior to his late father's. Those in the palace who cherished their lives were careful; not only did the Emperor rarely summon him, but other nobles with minor ailments generally didn't bother with him.
He was clearly on the fringes.
Around lunchtime, Duke Pingning returned home.
His attitude towards Lu Nianfu was as warm and affectionate as ever. The meal was pleasant and enjoyable for all. Duke Pingning wanted to keep her at his residence for more conversation, but Lady Pingning's excessive warmth made Lu Nianfu feel strange. She made an excuse about just returning to the capital and having many affairs to attend to, and declined.
Then, while it was still early, she went to the Tiger Might Escort Agency.
The Tiger Might Escort Agency in the capital was considerably smaller than the one in Yangzhou. Lu Nianfu waited inside for a while before Cheng Beizheng returned from outside. "Why didn't you say you were coming? If you had come two days later, I would have been away on a trip."
"Where are you going?"
Cheng Beizheng beckoned her closer. "I bought a few mountain plots in Shanxi a while ago."
Lu Nianfu was taken aback. "Are there mines?"
"Well done, Lu Xiaofu, you guessed it right away." He held up two fingers, unable to hide the smile on his face. "Two, one copper mine, and one coal mine."