The Minister: Cold by Day, Hot by Night

Lu Jinglan gripped her handkerchief tightly, waiting for Lu Zhan’s answer.

She hoped his answer would be a denial.

But it was already dark, and there he was, standing right outside Zhi Wan’s courtyard, looking as if he were about to enter. She couldn’t deceive herself.

’Doesn’t Lu Zhan always place great importance on rules and etiquette?’

’So what is he doing now?’

Even if he saw Zhi Wan as a sister, it was still improper for him to set foot in her courtyard.

And she had a nagging feeling that this wasn’t the first time Lu Zhan had entered Zhi Wan’s courtyard.

’Could something have happened between them during their time in Yangzhou?’

At this realization, her heart twisted as if stabbed by a knife, and she was consumed by jealousy and resentment.

Lu Zhan hadn’t expected to run into the two of them either.

But in response to Lu Lan’s question, he didn’t answer. He just gave a cold nod, walked straight past them, and went inside.

His forthrightness took Lu Lan by surprise.

’Could it be that I was wrong? That the relationship between Big Brother and Zhi Wan wasn’t what I thought?’

Seeing him go inside, Lu Jinglan’s heart sank. She couldn’t help but call out, "Jinzhi, do you know something has happened at home?"

Lu Zhan stopped. His brow furrowed slightly, but he didn’t turn around. He only asked in a cold voice, "What happened at home?"

Seeing him stop, Lu Jinglan’s heart eased. She hurried over to him. "Let’s go to your courtyard. I’ll explain everything from beginning to end."

"Is there something that can’t be said here?" Lu Zhan said in a low voice.

Looking at Zhi Wan and the others who were approaching at the sound of their voices, Lu Jinglan said anxiously, "This concerns the Lu Family’s reputation. It wouldn’t be good for outsiders to overhear."

Zhi Wan had just walked over in time to hear that sentence.

The "outsider" Lu Jinglan was talking about was clearly her.

She paused, then looked at Lu Zhan. "Cousin, I have something to tell you as well."

Lu Zhan nodded and started walking toward her.

Seeing this, Lu Jinglan grew frantic. "Jinzhi, something’s happened to your parents."

Lu Zhan halted, his cold gaze sweeping over her. His voice was like ice. "What did you say?"

Lu Jinglan’s heart trembled. Just as she was about to speak, Zhi Wan beat her to it. "Cousin, I plan to return to the Capital City with Nanny Fang tomorrow."

Lu Zhan faltered, turning to look at Zhi Wan. "You’re returning to the Capital City?"

Zhi Wan nodded. "I’m a little worried about Aunt."

Lu Zhan’s gaze fell on her face. "What happened?"

Zhi Wan glanced at Lu Jinglan, her voice neither high nor low. "Let’s go inside to talk."

"Mm." Lu Zhan nodded and followed her inside.

Watching the two of them leave, Lu Jinglan dug her nails into her palm so hard they nearly broke.

Unwilling to let it go, she moved to follow them inside, but Nanny Fang blocked her way. "It’s getting late, Miss Jinglan. You should go back."

Lu Jinglan snapped back to her senses, pointed in the direction the pair had gone, and berated her, "Nanny Fang, I think you’ve gone senile! The Princely Heir is a man. How could you just let him get so close to Wan’er? If something happens, can you bear the responsibility?"

Nanny Fang looked at her with a scornful expression. "Miss Jinglan, the Princely Heir views the Miss as a sister, and the Miss, in turn, respects the Princely Heir and regards him as an older brother. They need to discuss something right now, yet you’re making such insinuations.

The Princely Heir is noble and upright, and the Miss is well-read and courteous. Miss Jinglan, you’d do well not to judge others by your own standards!"

Lu Jinglan’s face turned shades of red and white. "I was only thinking of the Princely Heir’s reputation! Nanny Fang, you’d better watch yourself!" With that, she left with Lu Lan.

"Pah!" Nanny Fang had a look of utter contempt. ’As if anyone doesn’t know about her filthy thoughts. She’s shameless herself, yet she assumes everyone else is just like her.’

In the pavilion, Zhi Wan poured Lu Zhan a cup of tea.

Lu Zhan picked it up, took a sip, and set it down. He looked up and saw the girl sitting across from him, her face clouded with worry. He softened his voice and asked, "What exactly happened? What did Lu Jinglan say to you?"

Zhi Wan had been trying to figure out how to tell her cousin about her uncle. Hearing his question, she no longer hesitated and told him what Lu Jinlan and Lu Lan had said.

After listening, Lu Zhan also wore a look of utter astonishment.

Seeing him fall silent, Zhi Wan grew very anxious.

’If this is true, doesn’t that mean Cousin has a younger half-brother?’

’Cousin is one of heaven’s favored; it must be difficult for him to accept something like this.’

Her lips parted. She wanted to offer a few words of comfort but didn’t know what to say.

"I don’t think this is necessarily true. Maybe there’s some kind of misunderstanding," she finally said, forcing a relaxed tone.

In her heart, her uncle was an indomitable and upright man. He had a wonderful relationship with her aunt; it was impossible for him to betray her.

But Lu Jinglan and Lu Lan had been so certain, and they probably wouldn’t dare to fabricate such a story.

She felt extremely uneasy, worried sick about her aunt. She wished she could return to the Capital City right this instant.

Lu Zhan didn’t speak. He picked up his cup again and sipped his tea, his head lowered.

Seeing this, Zhi Wan couldn’t quite understand her cousin at that moment.

’What is Cousin thinking?’

’Is he worried about Aunt too?’

Just as she was starting to feel restless, Lu Zhan set down his cup. "You’re right. There must be some misunderstanding. I believe Father would never do such a thing."

Hearing him say this, Zhi Wan felt a little relieved.

’Even Cousin thinks it might be a misunderstanding. Then maybe it really is.’

"Mm," Zhi Wan said, nodding vigorously.

"I’ll write a letter home to find out the truth of the matter. You don’t need to rush back to the Capital City," Lu Zhan said suddenly.

Zhi Wan was taken aback for a moment, then shook her head. "No, I still have to go back to the Capital City. I’m worried about Aunt."

Lu Zhan paused, then said in a gentle voice, "In a few days, once things here are settled, I’ll be going to Jiangning. The scenery there is beautiful, and there are many fun things to do. Don’t you want to go take a look?"

Zhi Wan frowned. How could she possibly be in the mood for fun right now?

She looked at her cousin with some suspicion.

’Regardless of whether the story is true, isn’t Cousin worried about Aunt after hearing such news?’

"I’m very worried about Aunt. I want to go back and see her as soon as possible."

Lu Zhan fell silent.

After a long moment, he nodded. "If you want to go back, then go. I’ll have Chen Jiu escort you." He paused, then raised his eyes to look at her. "I’ll handle matters here as quickly as possible and try to return soon."

Stared at by his clear, bright eyes, Zhi Wan was momentarily stunned. "Alright."

’I thought Cousin wasn’t worried about Aunt, but it seems he is.’

Her expression cleared slightly. She nodded and said, "Then I’ll go pack my things. We can leave early tomorrow."

"There’s no rush," Lu Zhan said lightly.

Zhi Wan looked at him in surprise. "Cousin, is there something else you need to tell me?"

Looking at her fair, delicate face, Lu Zhan paused for a second before nodding. "Mm."

Hearing this, Zhi Wan sat up straight again.

"The tea is gone," Lu Zhan pointed out.

Zhi Wan heard him and looked at the cup in front of him. It was indeed empty.

She quickly picked up the teapot and refilled it for him.

Lu Zhan raised the cup, but just as it reached his lips, he lowered it again. "Do you have any wine here?"

Zhi Wan looked at him, astonished. "Cousin, you want to drink wine?"

"Can’t I?" Lu Zhan retorted.

"Of course not!" Zhi Wan’s small face grew stern. "Have you forgotten the injury on your hand, Cousin? How can you drink at a time like this?"