Chapter 189

Lu XuanNing turned around and handed a clean inner garment to Li Xia. After helping her dress, he put on his own clothes, opened the door to let Qiu Shui and three other maidservants in to help Li Xia groom. Lu XuanNing went behind the screen to change his clothes.

Qiu Shui styled Li Xia’s hair into an extremely intricate lady's bun. The weight of the numerous hairpins in her hair made Li Xia uncomfortable, and she reached up to remove a couple. Qiu Shui stopped her, whispering in her ear, "The mistress said, as a new bride on her first day, you must be formal."

Li Xia dropped her hand with slight resentment, "It's too heavy."

Hearing their conversation, Lu XuanNing, who had finished washing and cleaning up, walked over, extending a hand to remove the overly heavy hairpins.

Before Qiu Shui could voice her objections, Lu XuanNing’s cool gaze silenced her. From a drawer, he retrieved a box that contained a gold hairpin adorned with jewels and a string of pearls. He inserted the hairpin into Li Xia's hair, and the magnificent phoenix head added an imposing, regal aura to her. This single hairpin was worth all the others combined.

On their way to Qiuzhang Court, Li Xia slowed her pace in keeping with Lu XuanNing. She noted that Qiu Shui was trailing behind, trying her best to hide her fear of Lu XuanNing.

"My maids are timid, you can't frighten them."

"They’re your servants, they should not question you," Lu XuanNing said, holding Li Xia's hand tighter, evidently unhappy with Qiu Shui's behaviour today.

"She was trying to help, always looking out for my best interests" Li Xia was rather carefree about the smaller details. Qiu Shui, being like a steward, always anticipated her needs and sometimes crossed the line, but she meant well.

"You're too kind to them." A hint of jealousy was evident in Lu XuanNing’s voice.

"Not at all, it’s you whom I treat the best." Li Xia's sweet flattery made Lu XuanNing feel cherished.

Upon reaching Qiuzhang Court, Li Xia tried to pull her hand away, but Lu XuanNing refused to let go, reminding her of her earlier proclamation of spoiling him the most.

Li Xia had no choice but to allow Lu XuanNing to hold her hand as they walked into the room.

Old Marquis Lu and the Old Madam were seated on their thrones, waiting for them. Upon seeing the hand-in-hand couple, they broke into warm smiles.

The couple knelt down, receiving the tea prepared by the maidservants. Li Xia and Lu XuanNing took the tea cups with both hands and respectfully offered the tea.

The Old Marquis Lu and the Old Madam each took their tea, sipped it, and gave Li Xia a red envelope. The couple gratefully accepted it, after which Old Madam Lu held out two more.

"These are from your parents."Fiind updated novels at novelhall.com

After giving a respectful bow, Li Xia and Lu XuanNing accepted the gifts.

When it came to standing up, Lu XuanNing had a little trouble due to his legs. Li Xia immediately supported him.

Li Ming, Li Hui, Li Guang, all were waiting at home for the couple. Lu XuanNing was engaged in a conversation with his father-in-law and two brother-in-laws at the front courtyard.

Li Xia went to the Wild Goose Pavilion to see Mrs. Lu. Mrs. Lu was filled with sighs upon seeing Li Xia dressed as a married woman.

Mrs. Lu asked about Li Xia's living conditions. Seeing that she was doing fine, Mrs. Lu advised her not to be too carefree. Li Xia listened attentively.

After having lunch, the couple bid goodbye to Li family and left. On the way, Lu XuanNing took Li Xia to a wine house, saying he wanted to take away some dishes for dinner. Inside the private room, Li Xia saw Xu Xinyue.

Seeing Li Xia dressed as a married woman, Xu Xinyue took Li Xia's hand. Wanting to say something, but seeing Lu XuanNing next to them, she was at a loss of words.

Lu XuanNing glanced at Li Xia whose heart throbbed with clear understanding of what he wanted to do. She sat down next to Xu Xinyue.

Pouring tea, Lu XuanNing stood in front of Xu Xinyue bending over, holding the tea cup at the level with his head and said, "Mother, please drink the tea."

Xu Xinyue was dazed, then shocked, then panicked. "No, it’s not right. Get up quickly," she said, trying to stand up, but Li Xia held her down.

"Mother, please drink this tea," said Lu XuanNing again.

Xu Xinyue was unwilling and unworthy to accept. She turned to Li Xia, "Xia'er, please ask the Marquis to get up. He cannot do this."

"Mother, if you still think of me as your daughter, then please accept this cup of tea from your son-in-law," said Li Xia earnestly to Xu Xinyue.

Xu Xinyue looked at Li Xia, then turned her gaze to Lu XuanNing, who was offering her tea for the third time. She took the teacup and drained it in one gulp, grateful that the tea was not too hot.

"Lady," Lu XuanNing straightened up and called out again.

"Ah..." Xu Xinyue let out a sigh and her eyes welled up with tears. She turned away, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief before turning back to address him, "My Lord."

"Mother, you can just call me XuanNing."

"All right, XuanNing," Xu Xinyue corrected herself. She picked up a box from the table and offered it to Lu XuanNing. When she had set out, she had brought along a gift, unsure if she would have a chance to present it.

"Thank you, Mother," Lu XuanNing accepted the gesture.

"Mother, why don't I get one?" Li Xia, feeling left out, tugged at Xu Xinyue's hand.

"This is for my son-in-law," Xu Xinyue's explanation brought a smile to Lu XuanNing's lips. Li Xia feigned a jealous expression, successfully diverting Xu Xinyue's anxiety.