Chapter 119: A game of smoke and Shadow 3 (2/2)

”What a good loyal dog, too bad that it is all a waste. What is the point of such loyalties when his Majesty the Emperor is blind to the obvious” He set down his brush next to the inkstone, ”I need eyes on the general, all around the clock. We are in a delicate time, I must know where he goes, what he does and who he meets”.

”Yes”

Prime Minister Shi nodded, ”You are dismissed”

Xi Feng nodded and quickly retreated.

Prime Minister Shi stood and walked to the window by the side and looked out. Lu Yaozhu had taken longer than he had expected to take the bait but finally, he did. It looks like Deputy Sun's plan would be a success, he hoped that the plan was successful. A lot was hanging on its success, he needed it to go smoothly for what he had planned to be successful.

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The Duke's mansion

Lu Yaozhu had sent word to his mother and brother days earlier so the entire Duke mansions waited patiently for his return. The responsibility for preparing for his return was handled by Zhu Fengyin. It was the first major event she was handling since she was given the responsibility of running the residence a few weeks earlier by madam Lu.

Madam Lu had gotten satisfied with her eldest daughter in law these past few months, Zhu Fengyin had surpassed her earlier expectations of her and proven to be responsible. Madam Lu observed that there was no need to guard against her and decided to give her a few of the due responsibilities of her new position as a Duchess.

Before getting married the young ladies of noble families are instructed on the methods of managing a household in preparation for the responsibilities they would assume after marriage. The young ladies are taught various tasks such as accounting and bookkeeping.

Zhu Fengyin took over the running of the household under the tutelage of Madam Lu for two weeks before she was left to handle it alone. The Preparation for Lu Yaozhu's return was the first major task, she was undertaking alone.

Lu Yaozhu sent word a week earlier, Zhu Fengyin was informed of his return by Lu Yingjie as soon as his letter arrived. She met with madam Lu early the next day to discuss her plans before commencing with her plans.

Throughout the days leading to his arrival, Madam Lu gave Zhu Fengyin a few pointers when needed. She didn't interfere with Zhu Fengyin's plans and just observed. Zhu Fengyin's was efficiently the work that she gradually became at ease.

Having a capable daughter in law has its perks, She no longer had to shoulder running the Duke's residence alone and can now enjoy her days in peace. Madam Lu's days were filled with leisure, she woke up whenever she wished and after having her breakfast and walking around the gardens took a nap until it was time for Lunch.

The chief matron in charge of her courtyard reported the young master's return while she reclined on the couch by the window with two maids standing at her side and fanning her gently. Madam Lu had just finished having tea with her cousin Madam Yu and was resting by the window when Matron Rong ran in.

Madam Lu opened her eyes and glanced at her very capable dowery maid, who bowed and said quickly

”Madam, I just heard from Officer Bo at the city gates, our Second young master is back”

Madam Lu Sat up immediately, ”Yaozhu Is back?”

”Yes Madam, he went into the palace to greet the Emperor. He would be back soon”

Madam Lu stood and waves her maids over ”quick, help me get dressed. Rong shi, instruct the kitchen to prepare all his favourite dishes no hold on alert Fengyin first. Oh and tell steward Lu to inform him to come over once he is back” she rushed to seat by the dressing mirror, her lips spread wide as she hummed softly.