Chapter 18: The Four Concubines

Before her stood Lu Qian, small and thin, with a hint of frailty. Lin Wanqing found it hard to reconcile this delicate child with the ruthless and cunning chief minister of the crown prince. Yet, she dared not underestimate him just because he was young.

It was said that from a young age, he was exceptionally intelligent—almost unnaturally so—able to see through people’s hearts. In the chaos that engulfed the General’s residence in his past life, Lu Qian remained unfazed, growing amidst a sea of oddities into the formidable figure he became. Rumor had it that the number of people who died by his hand was no less than eight hundred, if not a thousand. With his own bloody path forged, he had elevated the new emperor, who was widely doubted, to the throne.

Faced with such an inscrutable and ruthless future regent, Lin Wanqing adopted a far more cautious attitude. This young man was surely vengeful; she did not want to perish under mysterious circumstances. So, just as Lu Qian was about to kneel, she hastily reached out to stop him.

Her brow furrowed the moment she did. Was this child too thin? In any well-off family, children usually grew plump and rosy. Even those naturally slender did not appear as emaciated as this. He was skin and bones; she could feel his delicate frame even through his clothes.

Turning to Lu Qian’s mother, Lin Wanqing asked, “Mother, why is Qian so thin?”

Lu Qian’s mother liked the warmth in her words but worried about his frail health. “This child was born prematurely, with a weak constitution. Though young, his thoughts are heavy and complex. No matter what I do, I cannot fatten him. It’s a constant source of worry.”

“Now that you’re here, perhaps you can find a way to help him gain weight,” she said, her eyes full of trust.

Lin Wanqing’s lips twitched. Was Lu Qian’s mother being too trusting to entrust the only heir of the Lu family’s second branch to her? She was but an eighteen-year-old girl with no experience raising children.

Looking at Lu Qian’s mother, then the servants in the courtyard, and recalling the state of Lu Jinrong, Lin Wanqing thought to herself that perhaps the twisted nature of Lu Qian’s previous life had been influenced by these very troubles.

Just as she hesitated about how to decline this burden, a small, slightly cold hand grasped hers.

“Mother.”

Looking down, she met eyes filled with longing and admiration. Her heart trembled, and all resistance vanished instantly.

In her previous life, she had dreamed of having a child. So when Su Jincheng’s treacherous woman brought back Lin Qianyun’s illegitimate offspring, she had cared for it diligently despite her failing health. Who knew it was a child born of betrayal?

Recalling this, she tightened her grip unintentionally but quickly softened, asking Lu Qian, “Did I hurt you?”

His large eyes shook their head. “No, Mother. I’m just a little cold.”

He snuggled closer to her.

Overcome by a surge of maternal affection, Lin Wanqing bent down and lifted him into her arms. “If I hold you, you won’t be cold.”

Lu Qian obediently nestled in her embrace, perfectly still and compliant.

Lu Qian’s mother widened her eyes in surprise. “How strange! This child is usually so wary of strangers, rarely close to anyone, not even his wet nurse. Yet here he is, so fond of you.”

Lin Wanqing frowned. Even the wet nurse was distant? Typically, children in noble households are closer to their wet nurses than their birth mothers, as the wet nurses spend more time feeding and caring for them. Many families even devised ways to prevent children from growing too attached to their wet nurses.

A four- or five-year-old child who keeps everyone at arm’s length was clearly abnormal.

Was it the child who was odd, or the people around him?

Lin Wanqing glanced at the little one in her arms and decided it was the latter.

This clever child, seeing her capabilities, had chosen to align with her temporarily.

Was he hoping to use her influence to deal with the servants around him?

Lin Wanqing quickly resolved to take control of the situation.

She held Lu Qian steadily and said to his mother, “Since you say so, I will take Qian to my courtyard and care for him personally for a time.”

Lu Qian’s mother clapped happily. “Very well. Since you are so compatible, you should spend more time together.”

Lin Wanqing was speechless at how trusting Lu Qian’s mother was.

Without hesitation, Lu Qian’s mother handed over the child and called to four beautiful young women standing inside the room. “Come here and pay respects to the mistress.”

The four women, dressed daintily, lined up before Lin Wanqing, bowed in unison, and said together, “We are Chunlan, Xiahe, Qiuyue, and Dongxue. We greet the lady.”

Lu Qian’s mother smiled brightly, proudly introducing them. “These four were once my attendants. I arranged for them to become concubines to Jinxiao.”

“You are the primary wife now. They will be under your charge. When Jinxiao returns, you will together help the Lu family flourish.”

The maids and elderly servants in the room all wore amused expressions as if watching a spectacle.

Banxia and Zisu were furious but remembered Lin Wanqing’s instructions and kept their anger from showing.

Lin Wanqing smiled calmly, nodding to the four concubines. “Since the general is away on campaign, you will stay with the old madam for now. She is used to you, and if you leave, it will grow lonely for her. When the general returns, you will be reinstated. Any objections?”

Unexpectedly, Lu Qian’s mother said, “No, no. I don’t need so much commotion. Take them back for now and tend to and instruct them well.”

The maids and servants’ expressions of anticipation grew even more obvious.

Lin Wanqing smiled slightly. “If Mother insists, then so be it.”

After handing over the gifts meant for Lu Jinrong, Lin Wanqing carried the child and returned to her courtyard, followed by the four concubines carrying their bundles.

Banxia, trying to control her anger, said, “Miss, let us hold the young master. You haven’t held a child before; be careful or your arms will ache tomorrow.”

Zisu tried to take Lu Qian from her.

But the child clung tightly to Lin Wanqing’s neck, refusing to let go.

Lin Wanqing waved them off. “I’ll carry him. It’s not far anyway.”

Though not far, Lin Wanqing, unaccustomed to heavy lifting, was drenched in sweat and her arms trembled with fatigue.

Zisu hurried over to massage her arms. “Miss, honestly, the young master may be thin, but he’s already four or five years old. Suddenly carrying him such a distance will surely leave your arms sore tomorrow.”

Lin Wanqing smiled and waved her off. “It’s nothing.”

It was a good chance to earn the child’s favor, which might prove useful in the future.

“Banxia, have someone prepare the east wing room for Qian to stay.”

Banxia replied, “Yes. What about the wet nurse who usually attends him?”

Lin Wanqing had many rooms in her courtyard, but her dowry maids and possessions already filled most of the space. With four concubines now returned, there was truly no room left.

“For now, do not let them come over. Just look after them well. Qian is nearly five years old; he won’t need someone by his side every moment.”

Remembering the matter of preparing a gift for Lu Qinian, she beckoned Zisu and whispered a few words in her ear.

Zisu’s eyes widened. “Miss, are you sure this will cause no trouble?”

Lin Wanqing waved her hand. “What trouble could there be? Go ahead. Tomorrow morning, I must broaden that boy’s horizons.”

Zisu hesitated but obediently took her leave.