My Husband Became the Most Powerful Minister - Chapter 53

After she finished speaking, he didn’t look as pleased as she’d expected.

Lu Wuyou’s exceptionally handsome face showed a rather strange expression. “You…” He paused, thinking through it logically. “Did you learn that from your cousin during your outing? Or did she teach you? Or maybe you saw some other lady say it like that?”

Helan Ci couldn’t help but retort, “Can’t I say it on my own?”

Even during the time she and Lu Wuyou didn’t get along, she had to admit he had a good-looking face.

She’d simply refused to praise him back then out of stubbornness, but now that she had no such concern, she still couldn’t quite shake off the awkwardness.

Lu Wuyou looked at her for a moment, then said, “…Why don’t you give me your hand.”

Helan Ci didn’t understand, but did as he said.

Lu Wuyou pressed his fingers to her pulse, his tone calm and steady. “Just now I almost thought you’d been swapped out for someone else.”

Helan Ci: “…? Is it that dramatic?”

But also, could a pulse really tell that?

She looked at him half in doubt, only to see Lu Wuyou let go of her hand, turn his head slightly, his shoulders shaking just a little, and then turn back. “But honestly, that compliment of yours was so perfunctory… Is this the first day you noticed I’m handsome? You never realized before?”

Helan Ci thought he was too hard to please.

Bracing herself, she tried to follow up on what she’d said earlier. “You’ve always…”

“Forget it,” Lu Wuyou cut her off before she could finish. He covered his mouth with his hand and said, “It doesn’t suit you. You’d better just act normal.” Then he seemed to realize something, paused, and added, “And… you called me by my name.”

Helan Ci hesitated. “…You don’t like it?”

Lu Wuyou didn’t give a clear answer. “Didn’t you say before that calling me ‘Lu daren’ rolled off the tongue better?”

Helan Ci, imitating his carefree tone, said, “Isn’t this… trying to seem closer.”

…She really couldn’t go as far as calling him “Youyou” or something even more familiar like Yao Qianxue did with Song Qichuan. That was still a bit too much for her.

Lu Wuyou lowered his head and saw her long lashes trembling nervously, her lips lightly pursed.

The moment he’d stepped down from the carriage, he had seen her at first glance.

The evening glow enveloped her completely, those splendid yet profound rays of sunset became more radiant than the finest rouge and powder. It adorned the girl’s face with an ethereal beauty that was both magnificent and unreal, making it hard to look away. It was as if gazing for too long would captivate one—yet still, he couldn’t look away.

And now, on that delicate, ethereal face, there was a faint trace of shyness, held back and suppressed, like a celestial maiden who had never known worldly emotions suddenly plagued by mortal concerns.

It felt… just within reach.

Lu Wuyou, unable to resist, lifted his hand—but just before touching her, he slowly let it fall again. He cleared his throat and said in a quiet voice, “You’d better stick with calling me Daren Lu. No need to be… this deliberate.”

Helan Ci wanted to argue a bit, thinking she wasn’t being deliberate—but… well, there was still time. She could ease into it slowly.

Once inside the carriage, Helan Ci thought for a moment and decided to tell Lu Wuyou about what she’d seen at the temple during the divination.

There had been no sound from Fuyuan Temple so far, so she figured perhaps nothing serious had happened. But Lu Wuyou went quiet for a moment, then said, “Wait for me here in the carriage. I’ll be back shortly.”

Helan Ci said: “Then, be careful.”

Lu Wuyou made a sound of acknowledgment and then left.

He said he’d be back soon, but ended up taking quite a while. The carriage waited in a shadowed corner outside Fuyuan Temple. By the time the sun had fully set and all the nearby carriages and horses had lit their lanterns, Lu Wuyou finally returned with a slightly frosty expression.

“Nothing happened—but…” He opened his palm.

Lying in it was an iron hairpin.

It was the very one Helan Ci had handed to that young lady earlier. The tip of the pin was soaked in bl00d, already beginning to congeal, a dark red. Even the shaft of the pin was stained with traces of it.

Lu Wuyou’s voice was calm but heavy. “Xiao Nanxun… is truly a beast in human skin.”

Helan Ci quickly knows what had happened. The legitimate daughter of Count Anding had been frequently visiting Fuyuan Temple to offer incense these days, perhaps to pray for a smooth marriage—after all, she had yet to marry.

Unfortunately, calamity struck. She encountered a criminal at the temple and nearly lost her innocence.

Now, the young lady from the Anding household was so frightened that she hadn’t regained her senses. It seemed even her mind wasn’t quite clear. She had always been a timid sort, the kind of girl who didn’t dare speak too loudly. After what happened, she shut herself in her room and refused to see anyone.

Rumors and malicious speculation were spreading like wildfire.

Under such circumstances, the engagement between her and the Second Prince would likely be indefinitely postponed.

And yet, the Second Prince himself even came in person to deliver valuable gifts to his fiancée, saying he wasn’t in a rush to marry and telling Daren Anding not to worry—acting every bit the affectionate and responsible man.

Helan Ci asked Lu Wuyou, and he reassured her: “Don’t worry. She’s really alright—just badly frightened. But she probably won’t dare speak the truth—about who it was that arranged to meet her at Fuyuan Temple.”

Helan Ci felt extremely uncomfortable: “……No evidence?”

“Right, if the young lady of Anding spoke up, and Anding Count was willing to go down with the ship, he could still deny it. Xiao Nanxun was in the palace at the time and even…” Lu Wuyou curled his lips, his tone laced with mockery, “not long before that, he was actually giving me trouble during court lectures. They say when he left the Guanghua Hall, he even played a game of chess with His Majesty. But this debt… we’ll collect on it eventually.” He added, “Not having to marry Xiao Nanxun is a blessing.”

But Lu Wuyou didn’t tell Helan Ci that he had also seen a brocade pouch on the ground—bloodstained, trampled, and nearly in shreds.

Inside were written wishes for a harmonious marriage, and a hope that “His Highness could smile a little more.”

She had probably only met him a few times, learned of his past misery during his time at Qingquan Temple, and held a shred of pity, wanting to comfort him. But she didn’t truly know what kind of beast Xiao Nanxun really was.

Helan Ci fell silent for a while.

Lu Wuyou said, “But it’s lucky too. Xiao Nanxun must have thought she was just a weak little girl who couldn’t stir up much trouble, so he didn’t send too many people. and also you don’t need to worry—he likely didn’t see you give her the hairpin.”

Helan Ci shook her head. “We’re already thorns in his side anyway. It doesn’t really make a difference.”

Lu Wuyou, seeing that she looked dispirited, changed the subject: “By the way, didn’t you say before that you wanted to learn archery? Do you still want to?” He casually added, “I had someone buy arrows and targets. If you’re interested, I can have them set up in the courtyard.”

Helan Ci said, “…You really know how to ride and shoot?”

Lu Wuyou chuckled. “A while back, the little prince from Beidi said he wanted to compete with me. I was actually a little nervous.”

Helan Ci was taken aback and asked, “So you can’t?”

She couldn’t help but feel regret.

“It’s not that I can’t…” Lu Wuyou walked outside, ““Come out and see for yourself.”

Once the target was set up, a longbow and arrows were placed on the table nearby. Lu Wuyou casually fiddled with a few, picked one up without much thought, and before Helan Ci could react, he flicked his wrist.

The arrow broke through the wind and shot out at an extremely fast speed.

——”Whoosh.”

In the blink of an eye, Helan Ci saw the arrowhead firmly embedded in the center of the target.

Helan Ci: “……”

She glanced at Lu Wuyou, then at the target, stunned. After a moment, she asked, “…How did you do that?”

“I practiced throwing knives. Very useful. Back at Jueyue Temple, that’s how I blocked an ambush…”

Lu Wuyou raised his hand and skillfully picked up the bow again, as if he were well-versed in all eighteen types of weapons. Then, in one motion, he grabbed three long arrows and nocked them all onto the bowstring at once. The arrow tails pressed against the string, his fingers hooked around them casually. His tall figure stood steady, arms slightly spread, chin lifted just a little. The hand drawing the string pulled it back to his neck. His eyes half-lowered, his body relaxed—he released the arrows with seemingly effortless ease.

And yet, the three long arrows flew like blooming lotus flowers, hit the bullseye one after another with three continuous “thud,” “thud,” “thud” sounds.

“It’s quite painful to pretend I can’t shoot.”

Lu Wuyou drew another arrow, nocked and released it in one fluid motion. The arrow flew like the wind, its speed astonishing—but this time, it split the previous arrow in half cleanly down the middle and hit the exact same spot on the bullseye. After shooting, he said, “But for a civil official like me to be this accurate—it’s a bit strange, don’t you think? That’s why I said I was nervous.”

Helan Ci didn’t catch that. Her mind drifted instead to that time long ago during the suburban sacrificial ceremony, when Xiao Nanxun performed horseback archery and received thunderous applause.

She couldn’t help but ask, “…You can do that on horseback too?”

Lu Wuyou raised an eyebrow and said, “How about I take you out of the city next time during my day off, and we can borrow a horse from postal station and give it a try.”

Helan Ci said, “There’s no need for that!” She wasn’t too keen on going to a postal station for horseback riding anytime soon.

Lu Wuyou shot two more arrows in quick succession. Helan Ci focused on watching him, and suddenly it all made sense—why he once said it was no fun if he was too strong, why he refused to show off. Just as she was thinking that, Lu Wuyou turned to glance at her.

Helan Ci: “……?” She came to her senses, “Do you mean I should give it a try too?”

Lu Wuyou gave her a rather odd look. “Sure. If you want to try, go ahead. Just remember to wear a finger tab, so you don’t hurt your hand.”

But Helan Ci was indeed paying close attention to him now. Then, suddenly, she recalled how her cousin Yao Qianxue interacted with her future brother-in-law Song Qichuan. In that moment, she seemed to grasp a tiny bit of understanding. She somewhat uncertainly praised, “…you seemed really impressive just now.”

Lu Wuyou walked over and pulled the arrows out of the bullseye.

“If you don’t mean it, don’t bother saying it.”

“I do mean it. It’s just… hard for me to say it.” As she spoke, she couldn’t help but laugh, “If you want me to praise you, can’t you just say so?”

Lu Wuyou paused for a moment and said, “Miss Helan, I’ve let you off easy this time. You’re always felt so deliberate, you can’t blame me for thinking you weren’t sincere. I’ve always thought your acting skills were a bit lacking—stiff and unconvincing. Would you like to improve it?”

Helan Ci reflected…

It was true—she wasn’t as natural as Yao Qianxue. When Yao Qianxue praised Song Qichuan, both her tone and expression were effortless, heartfelt, and genuinely comforting to those around her.

Still, Helan Ci couldn’t help but complain: “Lu daren, you have so many demands.”

Helan Ci usually speaks in a plain tone, soft and gentle. But at this moment, her slightly pouting tone of complaint revealed a hint of subtle intimacy.

Lu Wuyou’s mind went blank for a moment.

Helan Ci also felt that her tone seemed a bit off.

She lowered her head and picked up another, slightly smaller bow, trying to draw the string—but couldn’t pull it back fully.

Lu Wuyou let out a soft laugh, his expression finally showing a hint of amusement. “Come, I’ll teach you.”

***

After practicing with the bow for a few days, Helan Ci’s shoulders were aching and numb.

She had thought her body was already in decent shape, but clearly, there was still room for improvement. Just as she was planning to take a break, she happened to pass by the room of that young Master Mu Ling—and overheard him speaking with Hua Weiling.

The door was ajar, and their voices were quite clear.

“…I’ve always felt that before I lost my memory, I must’ve been a chivalrous hero.” Mu Ling’s voice had a faint coolness to it, which rather matched his elegant, gentle appearance with his hair falling softly over his shoulders. “That’s why when I write stories for you, I subconsciously write these kinds of martial arts legends.”

Hua Weiling, however, ruthlessly exposed him: “But your martial arts are very average.”

Mu Ling didn’t take it to heart at all and smiled slightly, Didn’t I suffer a serious injury? Maybe someone crippled my martial arts.”

Hua Weiling replied, “Oh, my brother already examined you. That’s not the case.”

Mu Ling then lowered his voice and compromised, “Alright, perhaps I’m just a low level hero, and you’re a heroine who happened to save me among thousands of people. Perhaps that too counts as a fated encounter… Other than writing stories, is there anything else you want me to do to repay you?”

Hua Weiling thought for a moment and said, “Actually, my brother has done more work. The medicine for your injuries, your food and lodging, all came from him. If you want to repay someone, why not repay him?”

That young master Mu seemed to be choked for a moment. But he wasn’t discouraged in the slightest and continued, “Take a look at the script I wrote—the story about the heroine named Hua Weiling and the wandering swordsman named Mu Ling… what do you think?”

Hua Weiling said seriously, “The story’s not bad. But your naming is way too lazy. Don’t do that again next time.”

Mu Ling: “……”

Helan Ci probably understood what Lu Wuyou meant by emphasizing “her heart is bigger than yours.” Although she didn’t understand the matters between men and women, she was highly perceptive to others’ ulterior motives.

However, Hua Weiling said his martial arts skills are average… so she probably won’t be taken advantage of, right?

With that thought in mind, she walked on a bit further, and before she realized it, she had reached the wing room. The two young women inside were sitting quietly and properly, copying texts. When they saw Helan Ci approach, they immediately stood up, as though students seeing their teacher, and hurriedly brought out the recent essays they had written to show her.

Helan Ci read through them with ease. After giving some guidance, she was just about to leave—

—when she heard the usually quiet Yulian speak in a low voice:
“Furen, His Highness the Second Prince did indeed send us here to cause you trouble, but I wasn’t willing. I used to be a girl from a family of scholars, but when our household fell into ruin, I was sold off because of poverty. I did try to resist, but the beatings were severe. I was afraid of the pain and had no choice but to give in… I thought I’d end up serving others with my looks for the rest of my life. I never expected to meet someone like Madam. Thank you for everything these past days.”

Helan Ci believed her—but not entirely. After all, she was someone sent by the Second Prince.

However, the one who delivered the late-night snacks was that girl named Ruoyan, while this girl named Yulian was indeed seem more well-behaved.

“But I also know that even if Lu Daren doesn’t find us attractive, as long as we stay here, we will be a thorn in the Furen’s side. I wonder if the lady has any fields or estates; I am willing to volunteer to move there.”

The Ruoyan girl next to her didn’t say anything, only turned her face away with a light snort, perhaps thinking Yulian was putting on airs.

Helan Ci pondered for a moment.

Back when Ruoyan had asked if she minded, she didn’t think she did. But now Yulian was so certain she would mind—
Yet with people watching closely, Lu Wuyou hadn’t even seen them once this whole time.

He also hadn’t shown the slightest intention of taking concubines.

It seems that all of Helan Ci’s earlier worries seem completely unfounded.

She should really feel assurance about Lu Wuyou—indeed, she should be at ease. Ever since that day he said she should have more freedom, Lu Wuyou hadn’t been especially intimate with her. She had previously thought that Lu Wuyou was infatuated with her and not very ascetic, but now it seems that might have been a misconception. His willpower is astonishing, and he rarely breaks promises. Since he said he wouldn’t take concubines, then he probably wouldn’t.

So then—what was there to be bothered about?

Helan Ci thought this, but still felt something was a bit off. Then she suddenly recalled what Yao Qianxue had said last time when she visited her about her cousin’s love affair, like a thread that was extremely difficult to catch.

She stayed silent for a bit too long, and Yulian grew nervous. “Furen, is there something troubling you?”

Helan Ci asked, “Why are you so certain that I’d find you an eyesore?”

The way she said it left Yulian momentarily stunned.

Yulian said blankly, “Because…” She felt this was almost a matter of course, “No lady would be willing to keep a woman like us by her husband’s side, right?”

Helan Ci replied, “But you… didn’t even meet him.”

Yulian pointed to her chest. “It’s probably like a thorn—stuck in the heart. Madam cares for Master Lu, so naturally she’d feel that way. But…” she paused, thinking, then added, “Maybe it’s because Master Lu cherishes you too much—his heart holds no one else. That’s why Madam doesn’t feel bothered.”

It was as if a string deep in her heart had been plucked. Helan Ci suddenly thought—even if she knew Lu Wuyou wouldn’t take concubines, leaving two beautiful girls who clearly had feelings for him right at his side…

She couldn’t say she didn’t mind at all.

But Lu Wuyou didn’t even give this matter a chance to happen.

***

These past few days, Helan Ci would return to rest, while Lu Wuyou went back to his study.

She thought for a bit and decided to cook him a sweet porridge.

Last time, she had learned it hastily from the cook, and honestly, it hadn’t turned out very well. She went back and studied it again.

Lu Wuyou was quite picky with his taste. Even for a simple sweet porridge, he could spend ages specifying additions like dried longans and red dates. He was particular about the thickness, texture, flavor, and level of refinement. He must have been ill—or maybe drugged—that last time¹, to not fuss over the taste.

Helan Ci deeply agreed with that. She took detailed notes from the cook for half the day before rolling up her sleeves, putting on an apron, and getting to work with her delicate fingers.

Watching her made Shuangzhi break into a cold sweat.

“Why don’t I do it instead…” She looked somewhat speechless as she watched Helan Ci measuring each ingredient down to the grain like she was preparing medicine rather than porridge.

Helan Ci replied, “Cooking porridge is simple. I’ll just take this chance to learn.”

By the time she finished, who knew how much time had passed? She began to worry Lu Wuyou might’ve already gone to sleep. She carefully tasted the porridge—thought it tasted fine—

But her tongue wasn’t nearly as picky as Lu Wuyou’s.

In the end, Helan Ci still felt a bit nervous as she carried the porridge to Lu Wuyou’s study.

The lamp was lit in the study. He hadn’t gone to bed yet and was still bent over reading official documents.

Helan Ci gently placed the bowl on the table. Lu Wuyou looked up at the porridge, a trace of surprise flickering in his eyes. “For me?”

“…Is there anyone else here?”

Lu Wuyou also seemed to realize how dumb his question was. His gaze shifted from the porridge to Helan Ci, then back to the porridge. He looked a little awkward. “Was this something your cousin taught you again?”

Helan Ci blinked. “Is bringing someone a late-night snack really that strange?”

Lu Wuyou said, “But before, you…” He stopped himself, rubbed the back of his neck, and muttered, “Never mind, forget I said anything.”

Helan Ci reminded him, “I don’t have much experience. It’s not as good as the cook’s. If you don’t like it, just say so. No need to spare my feelings.”

Lu Wuyou couldn’t help but ask, “Am I really that picky in your eyes?”

Helan Ci didn’t mean to be rude. She cleared her throat. “Just try it.”

Lu Wuyou stirred the porridge with the spoon and said, “…Miss Helan, is there something you want to say to me? If you have something to say, just say it, no need to be so polite.”

Helan Ci really thinks he is strange.

Helan Ci genuinely felt he was being ridiculous.

“Are you the reincarnation of Bi Gan²?” she muttered. He must’ve seven openings to the heart, that must be why he overthink everything.

Lu Wuyou took a sip, swallowed, and then said, “What do you want, Daji³? Are you trying to borrow a piece of my heart to cure your illness? It won’t cure your disease, it will only take my life.”

Helan Ci thought to herself that he was once again talking nonsense, so she didn’t respond and just waited for him to finish the porridge. She planned to take the empty bowl away afterward.

Who would’ve guessed that although Lu Wuyou usually ate quickly, tonight he was being abnormally slow.

She couldn’t rush him, so she simply propped her chin on her hand, leaned on the desk, and watched him. He drank one spoonful at a time with such elegance, as though the porridge were nectar and jade dew, something to be savored.

After finishing the last sip, Lu Wuyou wiped his lips clean and said, “The timing is still off; the porridge isn’t fully cooked, and the flavor hasn’t seeped in. Did you stir it?”

Helan Ci asked, “…You could tell all that? Then why didn’t you say so earlier!”

“You are just too easy to please,” Lu Wuyou said with a smile, “Try harder next time.”

Helan Ci looked at the completely empty bowl, feeling speechless. “…I’ll experiment more, then.”

She picked up the tray, ready to leave, but Lu Wuyou tugged on her sleeve.

“What’s wrong?”

Lu Wuyou said, “How long have you been in the kitchen? Your face is all covered in dust.”

Helan Ci hesitated. She almost raised her hand to touch her face, but it was inconvenient, so she could only turn her head to him and say, “Where?”

“Come a little closer.”

She did as told.

Lu Wuyou’s face was just inches away, his breath warm and close. It felt like he might kiss her at any moment. His Adam’s apple bobbed—or maybe it didn’t—and he reached out with his long fingers to brush her nose. Sure enough, a smudge of ash came off.

Maybe it had gotten there when she scorched the first pot of porridge earlier.

Helan Ci’s lashes trembled, and just as she shyly opened her mouth to speak—

She heard Lu Wuyou’s husky voice, tinged with restraint: “Miss Helan, are you trying to seduce me?”