Chapter Sixty-Six: Clues

Upon hearing Gunaro’s words, Feng Yewu thought to herself, “So it’s just another gift,” and felt rather indifferent. Her thoughts drifted back to what had happened between her and Lu Jue a few days earlier, and her attitude grew colder.

“Is it a gift for me? Just leave it with the registry—there’s no need for so much commotion,” she said, her tone tinged with clear displeasure.

Gunaro paid no heed to Feng Yewu’s expression, but instead smiled mysteriously. “I’m afraid I can’t register this gift. I promised someone to keep it a secret!”

Someone? Feng Yewu was puzzled by Gunaro’s words, her expression full of confusion.

“Then, Your Majesty, please have a look!” Gunaro whistled sharply, the sound echoing across the square, nearly alarming the guards stationed around the plaza.

Moments later, at the far end of the celebratory banquet, a group of eunuchs carefully pushed forth a massive object from the carpentry workshop, slowly making their way forward. A red cloth draped over it concealed its form, while Lu Jue stood nearby, a gentle smile on his face as he watched Feng Yewu from a distance.

Feng Yewu’s gaze was immediately drawn to Lu Jue’s warm, gentle face, then to the enormous, shrouded object beside him. Her heart began to race.

Could it be… this is a gift he prepared for me?

She found her breath growing unsteady.

“Hee hee, Your Majesty, my task is complete. Your surprise has arrived,” Gunaro said with a smug grin, evidently pleased by Feng Yewu’s astonished reaction.

But Feng Yewu’s mind was wholly occupied by Lu Jue; she barely heard a word Gunaro said.

“Your Majesty, I present this gift in your honor!” Lu Jue approached Feng Yewu, knelt, and saluted her. Behind him, the colossal object covered in red cloth drew every eye.

The officials and foreign envoys all turned to look, curiosity and amazement flickering across their faces as they speculated about the object’s nature.

“Rise,” Feng Yewu said, her voice trembling with excitement as she watched Lu Jue stand.

She had not been yearning for a gift from Lu Jue, but at the sight of the love between King Pingyi and the dancing girl earlier, her heart had turned to Lu Jue—though she could not distinguish if it was love or resentment.

“Your Majesty, please look!” Lu Jue called loudly, turning to pull away the gigantic red cloth. A wooden statue was revealed to all.

A chorus of gasps rang out.

“Oh!”

“Heavens!”

“It’s… Her Majesty!”

Before them stood a towering wooden statue of Feng Yewu, lifelike in every detail, each part crafted with exquisite care and grace.

In that instant, Feng Yewu understood—Lu Jue had spent all these days preparing this birthday gift for her, while she had unjustly blamed him.

Staring at the immense statue, marveling at its grandeur and the intricacy achieved in so little time, she realized Lu Jue must have gone many sleepless nights to complete it.

And so, the feast ended in astonishment and awe, thanks to Lu Jue’s remarkable gift.

At dusk, Feng Yewu and Lu Jue returned to the palace chambers. Cold Moon silently withdrew, leaving the two ample space and privacy.

“These past days, you’ve been in the carpentry workshop, working on the statue for me?” Feng Yewu asked, her eyes studying Lu Jue intently.

Lu Jue now bore none of his usual polished appearance. Fine stubble shadowed his chin, exhaustion lingered in his features, and his lips were cracked and dry—a silent answer to her question.

“I troubled Your Majesty. I only wished to give you a surprise,” Lu Jue replied with a faint, weary smile, which made Feng Yewu’s heart twist with pain.

“It was I who wronged you,” she said, her eyes shimmering. For the first time since her rebirth, she felt the hint of tears—and it was for the man before her.

“No! To serve Your Majesty is worth any sacrifice, even death,” Lu Jue declared.

Feng Yewu hurriedly reached out to stop his words, her slender fingers accidentally brushing his cracked lips and rough stubble. It was their first physical contact, and both were momentarily shy and flustered.

She quickly withdrew her hand. Since her second chance at life, only at this moment did she feel like a young girl again, her hardened armor falling away.

“From now on, you need not go to the carpentry workshop anymore,” she murmured softly, cheeks tinged red after a brief, mutual silence.

Just then, Cold Moon’s voice came from outside the door: “Your Majesty, the Minister of Justice, Wei Nanxi, requests an audience—he says it is urgent.”

Both Lu Jue and Feng Yewu were surprised; it was already night. Wei Nanxi was shrewd and capable, and Feng Yewu had taught him much. By now, he could handle cases on his own.

Could it be…?

Feng Yewu immediately realized—it must be news regarding the investigation into the Northern General’s Manor, which she had ordered.

“Let him in,” she commanded, her regal bearing returning.

“Then, Your Majesty, I will take my leave for now,” Lu Jue said, sensing that Wei Nanxi’s visit at such an hour must concern state affairs.

“No need. This matter concerns you as well,” Feng Yewu replied, her gaze complex as she asked him to stay.

Soon, Wei Nanxi entered, solemn and grave, bowing deeply to Feng Yewu before stepping forward.

“Master Lu is here as well!” Only then did Wei Nanxi notice Lu Jue, surprised by his weary appearance.

“Forgive my state,” Lu Jue said with a faint smile, assuming Wei Nanxi was startled by his disheveled look.

Wei Nanxi, much more astute than Sun Changxi, shot a questioning glance at Feng Yewu. Receiving her permission, he began to speak.

“Your Majesty, in my investigation of the Northern General’s Manor, I have found a clue, but I wished to confirm your intentions before proceeding.”

The Northern General’s Manor? Lu Jue was instantly shocked, turning to look at Feng Yewu. He had never realized that her increasing busyness each day was for the sake of his family.

His heart swelled with emotion.

“What did you discover, for you to come at such a late hour?” Feng Yewu asked, clearly aware of the matter at hand.

“Your Majesty, ever since I took office, I have been investigating this case. I have now discovered that the main dossier on the Northern General’s Manor was transferred by various departments many years ago and is now missing.”

“Missing?” Feng Yewu frowned. How could something so important simply vanish?

“Your Majesty, I believe this matter is of the utmost importance. To be able to move such files at will from the Ministry of Justice, the person behind this must wield immense power—a true figure of authority.”

Lu Jue, hearing this, recalled how his family had been destroyed overnight, and the next day, no one dared inquire further. Only someone with boundless influence could have accomplished such a thing.

This was why Lu Jue had never spoken of the matter all these years—for he was but a servant within the palace.