Volume One, Chapter 17: Secure the House First

“Seventh Madam, a guest has arrived. Madam requests your presence at Yan Sheng Hall.”

Xiao Yuanyi’s first thought was that her parents had come, but she was told it was the Sixth Young Master.

The joy on her face vanished instantly. Counting the days, it should have been time, but why had there been no news? Could something have happened on the road?

Unease gnawed at her heart as she set off with Long Yu.

Since her kneeling in the street a few days ago and the Northerners’ assassination attempt, the townsfolk’s hostility had shifted away from her to the Northerners. The servants of the Lou family now looked upon her with pity.

Xiao Yuanyi wanted to take the opportunity to ask the Madam about the whereabouts of her parents, but the atmosphere in Yan Sheng Hall was lively and harmonious, leaving no room for her to speak.

She sat idly by, a mere ornament, until Liu Wenjin’s gaze fell meaningfully on her.

“The son-in-law will be leaving again soon. Qian Yue finds it dull staying at home, so it’s no problem for her to stay longer at her maternal home. But Qingqing is very attached to her cousin, and I couldn’t refuse her, so I brought her along. I hope it won’t trouble the ladies.”

Beside him sat a young woman of modest attire—not a great beauty, but charming in her full figure and graceful bearing. Xiao Yuanyi couldn’t help but steal a few glances.

Qin Zhiyin and Shen Suyun looked upon her with approval and immediately agreed.

No one noticed the stiff smile flickering briefly across Lou Qian Yue’s face.

As they spoke, Lou Hejing and Lou Siyuan entered one after the other—one with a restrained aura, the other radiating youthful vigor.

Ye Qing’s gaze was fixed intently on Lou Hejing, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, its meaning ambiguous.

Then came the family banquet. Since that night, Xiao Yuanyi had not seen him again. Sitting together now, anyone could see the facade of harmony but the absence of true intimacy.

Qin Zhiyin was fond of Ye Qing and drew her close, offering warmth and care.

Suddenly, Xiao Yuanyi began to cough violently. She simply could not tolerate the spicy food; the kitchen staff made no concessions to her taste, and even when they prepared non-spicy dishes, they placed them deliberately far away.

The glances around her mingled pity with disdain.

Worse still, not a single maid came forward to offer water despite her coughing.

The soup was set too far, and Long Yu was sweating in worry.

Unexpectedly, Lou Hejing reached out to help, scooping a bowl of soup and placing it before Xiao Yuanyi.

She drank it and finally eased, whispering her thanks to him.

Wiping her mouth, she understood the meaning behind those loaded looks and the intent behind Miss Ye Qing’s presence.

It seemed the words Qin Zhiyin had spoken days ago were not mere casual remarks.

Lou Hejing’s two elder brothers and Eighth Young Master had all died in battle without heirs. It was only natural for Qin Zhiyin to worry about Lou Hejing.

Yet, he had married a wife who was the sister of an enemy. Lou Hejing even refused to share a bed with her—how could they have children?

Now, Xiao Yuanyi held the title of Seventh Madam, and the Lou family had a strict rule against taking concubines.

She did not know when she would yield her position, but it could not be indefinitely delayed; Lou Hejing needed an heir.

Xiao Yuanyi was indifferent—having a concubine meant Lou Hejing would at least have another place to rest.

Her menstruation had ended, and by tradition, he would spend the night in Qin Garden.

Since they had brought her here, even if Ye Qing could not yet be granted the status of concubine, it would be best to settle matters early.

So she thoughtfully suggested, “This morning, I fear I have caught a cold again. General, perhaps you should rest elsewhere to avoid catching my illness.”

Lou Hejing seemed not to hear her, but his grip on his chopsticks tightened.

Though she spoke softly, Qin Zhiyin overheard and looked at her with newfound approval.

Thus, Ye Qing was assigned a courtyard farther from Qin Garden.

Liu Wenjin had become increasingly capable over the years. When military provisions for Dingzhou failed to arrive on time, he had helped resolve most of the issues. A close family connection was undoubtedly advantageous.

Moreover, Ye Qing seemed decent enough, even if she had to endure being a nameless, rankless woman for now.

After the meal, people gradually left. Qin Zhiyin and Shen Suyun stayed behind with Lou Hejing. For some unknown reason, Lou Qian Yue also remained.

“You are no longer young. I have discussed with Wenjin. Ye Qing is a fine girl, though of low status. But families like ours care little for birth; having an heir sooner is what matters.”

“No! Our Lou family has always refused concubines!”

Before Lou Hejing could respond, Lou Qian Yue was the first to object.

Shen Suyun sneered coldly. Hadn’t those rules long since fallen apart?

If the Lou men truly cared, then Lou Hejing and Lou Jia’an would not have been born.

Though she despised the circumstances, the sin was theirs. Now, the Seventh Young Master was also trapped in it.

“Just take her in for now. When she’s gone, marry another. That won’t count as taking a concubine.”

For reasons unknown, a look of sorrow flashed across Lou Qian Yue’s face.

“What? Is she not suitable?” Qin Zhiyin asked.

Lou Qian Yue forced a smile. “She’s a decent woman, just that...”

“Madam, Second Madam, the Sixth Young Master is still outside waiting for the Sixth Miss. He asks if something has happened.”

“You should go quickly. Things have been busy recently. You two have been apart often; take this chance to have him accompany you more.” Shen Suyun unusually smiled gently.

Qin Zhiyin joked along, and Lou Qian Yue left.

The conversation returned to Lou Hejing.

“Your wife is intelligent and understanding. Since the excuse is ready for you, then tonight it shall be.”

Shen Suyun scoffed, “If she weren’t a Xiao, she would have been... This is what she should do anyway.”

“This matter is not urgent. We’ll deal with it later.”

Qin Zhiyin and Shen Suyun both changed their expressions. “Seventh Young Master, what are you thinking? Could it be that you...”

“Mother, you misunderstand. The Nan’an Prince’s household will arrive soon. It’s best not to stir up trouble now,” Lou Hejing replied calmly.

Qin Zhiyin sighed. “Better to be cautious. We’ll leave it at that for now.”

Lou Hejing bade farewell to his elders and stepped outside as dusk fell. Though this was his home, he felt an unbearable awkwardness, as if he had nowhere to go.

Long Yu had been trained since childhood to be the mistress’s right hand and naturally understood her lady’s meaning.

She felt a pang of sorrow for her mistress but also feared that if Ye Qing bore a child, their own position in the Lou household would become even more precarious.

“Miss, given the circumstances, it would be better if you yourself bore the Lou family’s heir.”