My Husband Became the Most Powerful Minister - Chapter 38

After the sky had just begun to lighten, He Lan Ci’s mind was still dazed, and she even felt a little regret.

She originally thought Lu Wuyou was already quite bold when kissing her normally, but she hadn’t expected that he had actually been holding back.

She has woken up now, feeling her mouth still slightly numb.

Lu Wuyou quickly changed into his official robes, tied up his hair, and put on his official hat. Noticing that Helan Ci still seemed a bit dazed, he couldn’t help but smile and said, “I have to head out now. I might come back a bit later…”

Helan Ci nodded to indicate she understood: “Hmm.”

Lu Wuyou lifted his foot to leave, but as if remembering something, turned back and lightly pecked her lips like a dragonfly skimming the water, then turned and quickly fled.

Helan Ci: “……”

In the evening, he did indeed arrive a bit later than usual, but Helan Ci didn’t mind.

She was looking over the examination papers that were handed to Lu Wuyou in the study. The fame of Zhuangyuan was well-known, and the number of papers sent over was far more than she had imagined. Especially since he knew many people and always gave the impression of being gentle and polite, seemingly not one to refuse. As a result, friends and relatives of officials from all walks of life sent their children’s examination papers to his home, whether they were juren¹, xiucai², tongsheng³, or even those without any academic titles.

Previously, He Lan Ci had belittled herself in front of Lu Wuyou, but after reading through a portion of the memorials, her confidence increased significantly. She even began to wonder: if she had taken the imperial exams, maybe she could’ve become a jinshi⁴ too.

At the end of the night, Helan Ci added some oil to the lamp again. Hearing the noise outside, she finally went out and saw someone carrying several large and small boxes inside.

She was momentarily stunned, then saw Lu Wuyou walk in, pressing at his temple.

Helan Ci stepped forward and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Lu Wuyou said, “My sister has come.”

Why does he sound like an enemy has arrived?

Behind the big and small black boxes, there was a girl in black clothes.

She was dressed very neatly, with her long black hair tied back with a dark blue hairband, making her look like a night wanderer. Despite the dust and fatigue on her head, her beautiful little face was extremely charming and captivating, as if all the spirit of the world had gathered around her. She had two shallow dimples on her cheeks that formed gentle arcs even when she wasn’t smiling. Moreover, as soon as she entered, her eyes were already curved with a smile, and her brows and eyes bent like crescent moons, her whole expression glowing with joy.

The girl’s voice was also clear and crisp, like a yellow oriole coming out of the valley: “Which one is my sister-in-law?”

Helan Ci finally realized that she and Lu Wuyou indeed looked somewhat alike—specifically, when Lu Wuyou appeared the most innocent.

She hadn’t even responded yet when the girl had already walked straight up to her, then exclaimed, “……Brother, how did you manage to marry such a beautiful sister-in-law? If Mom saw her, she would definitely be shocked.”

Helan Ci wasn’t quite sure how to respond, so she turned to look at Lu Wu You.

Lu Wuyou gave her a push and said, “You’re filthy, go wash up quickly, don’t scare your sister-in-law.”

The girl’s eyes drooped, revealing a hint of grievance: “It’s not like I wanted to. I’ve been wandering outside for half a month, and I haven’t had a chance to wash or change clothes along the way…”

Lu Wuyou curvedhis lips and said, “You still have the nerve to say that? Why don’t you tell your sister-in-law how you managed to drag it out until now? At this rate, your nephew or niece might be born soon.”

Helan Ci: “……???”

The girl said haltingly,“I just… left the sect, and though our parents haven’t come yet, Elder Song asked me to bring lots of gifts… Then I passed by Tingjian Manor and brought more gifts… Then on the way, there was famine along the route — Brother, you don’t understand, it was really terrible — so I used silver to buy grain and gave out porridge, and ran into some bandits, then… then assassins of unknown origin, saved someone, and in the end, I got delayed like this.” She drooped her head and added, “I’ve spent all my cash. The small towns won’t take large denomination notes, and I didn’t even have money to stay at an inn… so I just… slept rough and ate in the open.”

Helan Ci hadn’t noticed at first, but now she truly felt like this girl had escaped from a disaster.

“…Luckily, you sent me a travel permit, otherwise I probably wouldn’t have even made it into the capital.”

Helan Ci was stunned. Her perception of Lu Wuyou’s family wavered again — Are they really not bandits?

Lu Wuyou had clearly heard this line before, his expression calm.

After Helan Ci’s surprise, she realized another thing: “Is the famine in this year that severe?”

The capital, naturally, was untouched. And Qingzhou had always been prosperous, rich with crisscrossing waterways. Her uncle, a juren by title, had relied on her father’s status to be well-regarded by local officials. He was exempt from labor, had lands to farm, and lived a leisurely life — even better than her father, who held high office in the capital.

Therefore, during those three years in Qingzhou, Helan Ci actually had the most carefree time of her life.

The young girl nodded and said, “Along the way, there are all refugees. Even if I give out porridge, it doesn’t help much. I just feel sorry for those old, weak, women, and children…” She clenched her fists. “I beat up all the strong young men who tried to cause trouble or snatch food.”

Helan Ci: “……”

She looked at the slender girl in front of her, finding it a bit hard to imagine that scene.

Lu Wuyou added, “Earlier this year, the dam on the Qinglan River broke, and many farmers didn’t have time to harvest their crops. Then there was a drought, so it’s not surprising that the impoverished areas are experiencing famine. Moreover…” He paused and continued, “I heard there are also epidemics spreading. The gates of the capital are under strict control. An official coming to report to the capital almost got blocked because his family had a cold.”

The capital remained peaceful, music and dancing undisturbed — not a hint of what was happening outside.

He Lan Ci was also surprised. Clearly, it was a time of great hardship. She couldn’t help but say, “Didn’t the court send grain for disaster relief?”

“They did. But local grain reserves weren’t enough, and they still need to transfer from elsewhere. There are many complications involved, and it can’t be done immediately. Moreover…” Lu Wuyou said in a calm tone, Corruption among officials, some local ones not favored by superiors — borrowing grain becomes near impossible… In any case, the difficulties are beyond imagination. Only when enough people die will they start paying attention. And the incompetence of local officials and entrenched parasites may exceed even your imagination. Mm, your father might be preparing a memorial as we speak…”

The girl also sighed and said, “But so many people really died… and the grain is being sold at such high prices, a shi⁵ costs two taels⁶!”

Helan Ci said, “……?? This price is a bit outrageous, isn’t it?!”

She’d bought grain in the capital for only a few qian⁷ per shi.

Lu Wuyou said, “During a famine, even the most outrageous prices were common.”

“And…” Helan Ci found it hard to accept, “Isn’t it… isn’t the Emperor wants to rebuild… the Chongguang Hall that was burned down before… saying it’s to celebrate Noble Consort Li’s birthday…” She had heard this from Yao Qianxue, because the palace had dispatched personnel from the Jinyiwei.

This kind of palace renovation, it will definitely involve extensive construction. Often, it is even more expensive than building a new royal palace.

Helan Jin wouldn’t say these things to her; at most, Helan Ci would sometimes see her father sitting in the corridor at midnight, sighing, and guess that the situation wasn’t too good.

Lu Wuyou came over and rubbed her head, saying, “Things like this happen often. Changing them isn’t something that can be done overnight.”
The girl sensed it wasn’t the right time and slipped away: “…I’ll go wash up first! Sister-in-law, lend me some clothes!”
Helan Ci finally came to her senses, realizing that her hair had been messed up by Lu Wuyou. She composed herself, removed his hand, and said, “I’ll go get some clothes for your sister.”

Lu Wuyou countered, “You’re not worried anymore?”

Helan Ci said, “I am, but worrying doesn’t seem to help…” She bit her lip and said, “Uh… what you just said, it seems like there’s a way to change and solve it.”

Lu Wuyou said, “There is, but itsas hard as changing dynasties.”

Helan Ci said, “That’s like not saying anything at all.”

Lu Wuyou smiled and said, “What if I really did overthrow Dayong?”

Helan Ci was suddenly startled: “……???”

Lu Wuyou ruffled her hair again and said, “Of course, it’s just a joke. Go ahead and get the clothes. I have a bit of trouble to deal with here.”

Helan Ci took Lu Wutou’s sister to wash and change clothes, and after much deliberation, she went to find a dress that Lu Wuyou had bought for her—mainly because she was afraid the girl would dislike her plain white clothes. But after washing, the girl didn’t even look at itand put it on right away, her dimpled smile beaming. “Thank you, sister-in-law!”

She smiled sweetly, as if completely free of guile.

So much so that Helan Ci couldn’t help but ask, “… You really didn’t get hurt on the way here, did you?”

The girl nodded with a beaming smile and said, “Sister-in-law, don’t worry, I’m really capable.” Unable to contain her curiosity, she leaned in and asked, “Sister-in-law, how did you and my brother get together?”

That was really hard to explain.

Helan Ci vaguely said, “…Parents’ orders, matchmakers’ words.”

Who would have thought that the girl wouldn’t believe it at all and said, “Sister-in-law, you’re lying to me. My brother would never marry someone just because of this. He must really like you to marry you.”

Helan Ci was momentarily speechless.

The girl continued, “Just before, my brother was still telling our mother that he didn’t want to get married, thought it was pointless. He said it was better to spend the time reading more books instead of being all sticky and clingy together every day…” She laughed so hard her eyes almost squinted. “I didn’t expect him to find someone so quickly and be so eager to marry you. He must really, really like you. It’s a pity our parents are away on a long trip and won’t be back for at least a year… But sister-in-law, you really are pretty. No wonder my brother likes you so much.”

Helan Ci couldn’t help but correct her: “…He doesn’t really like my face.”

The girl suddenly realized, “Oh right, my brother isn’t that superficial. He must really like you, not just your looks.”

Helan Ci was amazed by her comprehension skills.

She felt that the other party had a lot of misunderstandings, which might cause problems. After thinking for a while, Helan Ci said, “In short, some things happened. Your brother was forced to marry me, and we… uh, just got by together.”

That girl was greatly shocked.

“What kind of thing could it be, that even my brother couldn’t settle?”

…You sure have a lot of faith in him.

However, it’s really hard to explain. Helan Ci only said, “Something that only he marrying me could solve.”

The girl, seemingly lost in thought for a moment, said, “So… sister-in-law, do you like my brother?”

Helan Ci: “……?”

The girl looked at her dazed expression, and after a moment, said, “…… Don’t tell me you don’t like him? Oh my, my brother is really unfortunate… Wait, sister-in-law, why don’t you like him?” She seemed genuinely curious, “My brother is upright and kind, gentle and good-natured, honest and principled. Sister-in-law, please consider it.”

Helan Ci: “……???”

Just judging by Lu Wuyou’s attitude earlier—how did you interpret it into those kinds of descriptions?

She couldn’t help but say, “Are you a bit mistaken about your brother? He clearly is…”

Helan Ci paused again, swallowing back the words that didn’t sound like compliments; it wasn’t very appropriate to say in front of someone else’s sister.

However, the girl seemed to have already sensed what she wanted to say and couldn’t help but sigh, saying, “……My brother, he didn’t force you, did he? If so, my mom will definitely beat him up when we get back…”

Helan Ci subconsciously said, “Lu Wuyou is not like that…” After a slight pause, she continued, “You really misunderstood, your brother doesn’t like me either…”
Before she could finish, someone knocked on the door.

Lu Wuyou’s voice sounded from outside: “…It’s time to eat.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the girl quickly scrambled up. Before Helan Ci could even react, she had already darted to the door in the blink of an eye, rubbing her stomach and saying, “Brother, is there anything good to eat?”

Helan Ci: “……”

In this matter, they are indeed a family.

At the dining table.

Helan Ci watched Lu Wuyou eating with utmost elegance, while the girl opposite him was eating heartily with great gusto. The contrast made her pause and look a little longer.

Lu Wuyou used a serving chopstick to pick up a piece of meat for Helan Ci and said, “When I was studying, she traveled all over the place with my parents, so she tends to be less particular about things.”

This was already the fourth piece.

Helan Ci looked at the braised pork in the bowl, feeling a bit speechless. Although her family had been poor, they had never reached the point of not being able to afford meat. However, Lu Wuyou now liked to serve her food, as if she had never eaten anything good before.

She thought for a moment, then picked up the serving chopsticks and handed the meat to the girl.

The girl swallowed the food in her mouth, blinked her eyes a bit confusedly, and murmured, “Thank you, sister-in-law, but… don’t you like it when my brother serves you food? He never serves food to anyone at home; he just eats by himself.”

Lu Wuyou said, “Don’t talk much while eating.”

The girl said, “Oh…”

After finishing the meal, Helan Ci suddenly remembered, “I still don’t know what Miss Lu name…”

The girl tilted her head and said, “Ah… Sister-in-law, my last name isn’t Lu, my surname is Hua, and my name is Hua Weiling. Sister-in-law, you can just call me Weiling.”

Lu Wuyou explained, “She takes mother’s surname.”

Helan Ci was stunned.

Lu Wuyou said, “Don’t misunderstand. My parents have a great relationship—they’re still clinging to each other all the time. They didn’t divorce or anything. We’re full siblings. It’s just… they’re a bit eccentric.”

Hua Yuling also nodded and said, “They don’t even quarrel.”

Lu Wuyou couldn’t help but say, “Thats because my dad never argued in the first place.” He rubbed his forehead and said, “Even now, I still sometimes hear my mom’s nagging voice in my head. At that time, I was thinking, in the future, absolutely…”

Helan Ci noticed his voice suddenly stop and asked, “Absolutely what?”

Lu Wuyou said, “…… It’s nothing.” He stood up and said, “Come on, let’s deal with your problem.”

Hua Weiling immediately stood up as well.

Helan Ci didn’t know whether she should get involved, but then Lu Wuyou had said to her, “…… You come along too, but, cough cough, don’t be scared later.”

In the woodshed.

Helan Ci looked at the figure in front of him, which seemed to be a bloody and mangled human figure, and was genuinely startled.

Lu Wuyou naturally supported her waist, then let go and leaned close to her ear, saying, “It’s someone she saved. My sister has liked to bring back injured birds, cats, and dogs since she was little, and this isn’t the first time she’s brought back a person. It’s just a bit more troublesome here in the capital. After all, there are still people watching our residence.”

Hua Weiling nervously asked, “Is there still hope? I only applied some medicine and bandaged him a bit… There were only some barefoot doctors along the way.”

Lu Wuyou said, “He’s quite resilient; the wound has scabbed over, so he shouldn’t die. I just treated him a bit with some medicine from the house. Now we just have to wait for him to wake up. Once he wakes up and can move, give him some silver coins and let him leave as soon as possible.”

The shed is poorly lit.

Helan Ci then stepped closer to take a careful look. Although the person lying on the ground was covered in bl00d, they were still breathing, and their face was clearly visible.

Hua Weiling sighed in relief and said, “That’s fine then, I’ve had a hard time all the way.”

Lu Wuyou said, “Where did this person come from? I’ve checked inside and out, and there are no items that can prove their identity. They know a bit of martial arts, but their skills are not very good.”

Hua Weiling said, “I don’t know, I just happened to… pick him up.”

Lu Wuyou seemed used to it.

Helan Ci couldn’t help but remember how calmly and coldly he handled the Li Ting incident. Just as she was thinking about it, she suddenly felt something tighten around her ankle.

“Cough… cough…”

A very weak and cold voice sounded, and the figure that had just been unconscious was now stubbornly turning its head and saying, “Who are you… and who am I…” He blinked slowly and said with great difficulty, “I only remember… a fairy-like girl saved me.”

“No such thing,” Lu Wuyou bent down, placing one foot on the man’s wrist. “It was me who saved you.”

The bloody man let out a hiss of pain. His eyes slowly shifted to Hua Jiling, his long lashes drooping, looking a bit lost. “It seems… it was this young lady…”

Lu Wuyou said gently, “You’re mistaken. Also, that ankle you’re holding…” He stepped down harder. A pained cry followed. Lu Wuyou added, “It’s my wife.”

*****

On the way back, Lu Wuyou said, “If I had known, I wouldn’t have asked you to come
.”
Helan Ci, however, thought it was fine and said to him, “I’m not the type to be scared of everything I see, and I’ve even smashed the head of Cao Shizi, uh… it’s not like I’ve never seen anything before.”

Lu Wuyou paused for a moment, then said, “I thought you really minded that incident. You looked really scared back then…”

Helan Ci said, “At that time, I was really scared. It was hard for me to calm down, It was the first time I accidentally hurt someone… I didn’t know what to do, but later…” She wasn’t sure if she should say it, “When I saw you come, it feelslike I wasn’t so scared anymore.”

Lu Wuyou: “……”

Helan Ci saw him silent and turned to ask, “What’s wrong?”

Lu Wuyou said, “…… You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

Helan Ci said, “Aren’t you being a little too sensitive?”

They had just stepped into the corridor, not yet returned to the room, when the sky had already darkened, and the lights were hazy, creating a very misty atmosphere. Lu Wuyou slightly leaned closer to Helan Ci, who instinctively moved a bit to the side, her shoulder bumping against the pillar.

Lu Wuyou’s peach blossom eyes drooped. He gently held Helan Ci’s waist, slightly turning her over, lowered his head, his lips touching the side of Helan Ci’s neck, and whispered, “…… Who did you say was sensitive?”

Helan Ci’s neck trembled from the breath he exhaled. She instinctively tilted her head back.

Lu Wuyou trailed light kisses along her fair neck. One hand still gripped her wrist, pressing it lightly against the pillar. His lips left a trail of damp, ambiguous kisses, and as her collar loosened slightly, Lu Wuyou gently licked the dip near her collarbone.

Helan Ci’s breathing instantly became rapid.

She couldn’t help but want to push him away, but one wrist was pinned, and when she raised the other hand, it was already somewhat soft. The words that left her lips trembled: “You… you could at least give some warning!”

Lu Wuyou panted lightly and said, “It wouldn’t have the same effect then… No wait, even when I do give warning, don’t you still end up being kissed by me… Isn’t this…” He rambled slightly, “…just part of learning?”

Her collar kept slipping down, revealing glimpses of sights not usually seen.

Helan Ci bit her lip and said, “Weren’t you learning how to kiss…”

Lu Wuyou replied, “…Isn’t this kissing?”

This conversation was barely audible, drowned out by the sound of breathing.

Just then, Lu Wuyou stopped and said somewhat regretfully, “Someone just passed by.”

Helan Ci hadn’t noticed. “Hm…?” Then she realized, alarmed: “…Huh???”

The next morning, Lu Wuyou saw Hua Weiling looking at him with a complex expression.

Lu Wuyou ignored it several times, but in the end, he still said, “…… What do you want to say?”

Hua Weiling couldn’t help but said, “Brother, you are such a beast.”