Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Sunlight poured down, gilding the vermilion gate of the Lu family mansion with a warm golden glow. The carriage carrying the emperor and Lu Wan slowly stopped before the gate, the gentle rustle of the wheels seeming to disturb the tranquility. The dust kicked up by the horses' hooves shimmered and danced in the sunlight before slowly settling.

The emperor was the first to step down from his carriage. He wore a dark robe embroidered with golden dragons, a crown crowned with tassels, and a brocade belt inlaid with beautiful jade girdled his waist. His posture was as straight as a pine tree, his face handsome and radiant with innate majesty. A gentle breeze blew his clothes, and a gentle smile lingered in his deep eyes, yet he inadvertently exuded the noble aura unique to an emperor.

He turned and extended his hand toward the carriage, his slender fingers glistening like jade in the sunlight. Lu Wan took his hand and, with delicate steps, slowly stepped down from the carriage. She wore a phoenix crown, her pearls and jade swaying with a gentle tinkling sound. Her brocade gown, embroidered with intricate and exquisite patterns, flowed long and long across the ground. Her oval face was lightly powdered, her eyebrows curved, and her eyes twinkled like stars, yet a subtle sadness lingered deep within them.

Mother Lu wore a deep purple dress, simple yet elegant. A jade hairpin adorned her hair. Time had left its mark on her face, yet her former gentle beauty still shone through. At that moment, her heart felt as if gripped by an invisible hand, her breath coming in short gasps. Lu Yu, meanwhile, wore a moon-white robe, a blue ribbon tied around his waist. He stood tall and straight, like a bamboo. His brows were sharp, his eyes were sharp, and his face was handsome, but now his brows were slightly furrowed, his thin lips were tightly pursed, and his hands were unconsciously clenched into fists, his palms wet with sweat.

The two of them stepped forward quickly, kneeling respectfully in salute. Mother Lu's voice trembled slightly, "Your Majesty, may you be blessed with peace." Lu Yu then said, "Long live Your Majesty." The emperor raised his hand slightly and spoke aloud, "Today, the Imperial Concubine and I are returning home. No formalities are necessary." His voice was low and magnetic, calm yet filled with unquestionable authority.

With that, the emperor gently put his arm around Lu Wan's waist. Lu Wan's delicate body stiffened slightly. In that instant, she felt as if she had been struck by an electric current, a chill spreading through her heart. But she quickly suppressed her inner resistance and forced a gentle smile onto her face. It was like a flower blooming in spring, beautiful and charming yet tinged with a hint of bitterness.

Entering the mansion, Mother Lu leaned slightly to the side, leading the way. Her steps were a bit hurried, as if each step was weighed down by her own nervous heartstrings. Lu Yu followed behind, occasionally stealing glances at his sister and the emperor. Seeing his sister's forced smile, he felt a pang of pain in his heart, but he dared not show it.

Walking along the bluestone path, flowers bloomed on both sides in a dazzling array of colors. A gentle breeze swayed the blossoms, sending bursts of delicate fragrance. However, no one was in the mood to appreciate this beautiful scene.

Arriving at Lu Zhi's bedside, the room was filled with a faint aroma of medicine. Lu Zhi was pale and thin, lying there but trying hard to get up and salute. The emperor hurriedly took a few quick steps, stretched out his hands to stop him, and said softly: "Father-in-law, please rest assured and recuperate, and don't be too polite." Lu Wan walked quickly to the bedside, her eyes red. She gently held her father's hand. His hands were rough and wrinkled. They used to be so strong, but now they were so weak. Her voice was choked with sobs: "Father, your daughter is back to see you." The emperor stood aside, nodded slightly, with concern on his face: "Father-in-law, I have ordered the imperial physician to treat you with all his strength. You must recover soon." Lu Zhi looked at the emperor gratefully and said weakly: "This old minister thanks your majesty for your grace."

Then, everyone moved to the main hall for dinner. Inside, the carved mahogany table was laden with delicious delicacies. The colorful dishes exuded an alluring aroma, and the exquisite porcelain tableware gleamed warmly in the candlelight.

The emperor personally served Lu Wan a dish, placing a piece of fresh fish in her bowl. He softly said, "Wan'er, this is your favorite." Lu Wan bowed her head slightly and whispered a thank you. A blush crept across her face, like the sunset glow on the horizon. Then, she picked up the wine jug and poured wine for the emperor. Her hands were steady and graceful, and the wine fell into the cup like a silver thread, not a drop spilling.

Mother Lu watched from the side, her nervous expression gradually relaxing, a forced smile forming on her lips. Lu Yu would occasionally engage in conversation with the emperor, their topics revolving around poetry, song, government, and the people's livelihood. The emperor responded with ease and insightful comments, occasionally drawing nods of approval from Lu Yu.

Yet, only Lu Wan herself understood that every smile and every gesture was a facade for her family. She felt like a puppet dancing alone in the darkness, controlled by invisible strings. Her heart was filled with bitterness and helplessness, and her longing for Ma Chao surged like a tide, yet she could only bury it deep within.

After dinner, Lu Wan accompanied her mother for a stroll in the courtyard. Her mother took her hand and patted it gently, her eyes filled with love and concern. "Wan'er, are you getting used to living in the palace? Is His Majesty treating you well?" Fighting back tears, Lu Wan smiled and said, "Mother, His Majesty treats me very well. You don't have to worry." Her mother scrutinized her daughter's face, trying to find a flaw, but all she saw was a disguise of happiness.

Lu Yu accompanied the emperor in his study as they appreciated calligraphy and painting. The emperor stood before a landscape painting, examining it closely and offering subtle insights. Lu Yu listened, expressing his admiration for the emperor's erudition and talent.

Seeking the truth

While everyone was busy, Lu Yu quietly pulled Dian Wei to a corner. Dian Wei was a massive figure, like a small mountain, and standing there gave people a sense of oppression. Lu Yu looked up at Dian Wei slightly, with a hint of inquiry and caution in his eyes.

"General Dian, I have something I'd like to ask you," Lu Yu said softly, a hint of respect in his tone. Dian Wei scratched his head and replied in a muffled voice, "Just tell me." Lu Yu leaned closer to Dian Wei and asked in a low voice, "How is my sister getting along with His Majesty in the palace?" Dian Wei's eyes flickered with hesitation when he heard this, and he opened his mouth, but didn't know how to start.

Lu Yu, observing Dian Wei's expression, became even more certain that there must be something hidden. He continued, "General Dian, please feel free to speak. I'm just worried about my sister." Dian Wei frowned, then thought for a moment and said, "Actually... the relationship between His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine isn't as harmonious as it appears." Lu Yu's heart tightened. Although he had already suspected this, hearing Dian Wei's words in person still made him sad.

He clenched his fists, took a deep breath, and tried to keep his expression calm. "Thank you, General Dian, for telling me," Lu Yu said. Dian Wei looked at him with some concern. "Don't act rashly. Things in the palace are very complicated." Lu Yu nodded. "I understand. Don't worry, General."

Afterward, Lu Yu returned to the crowd, still feigning indifference. He watched his sister and the emperor chatting and laughing, a mixture of emotions welling up in his heart. He knew he couldn't expose this. Amidst the whirlpool of the palace, he had to act cautiously, or risk bringing disaster to his sister and the entire Lu family. He could only bury his worries deep within himself, silently protecting his family from the sidelines.

The sun gradually set, tinting the sky a fiery crimson. The Emperor and Lu Wan boarded the carriage back to the palace. The Lu family members stood at the door, their eyes filled with reluctance. Mother Lu's eyes welled up, and Lu Yu stood tall, yet his loneliness was barely concealed. The carriage slowly pulled away, stirring up a cloud of dust. Lu Wan peered out the window, watching her family recede into the distance, tears finally welling up in her eyes. The Emperor sat by, sighing softly and gazing into the distance, lost in thought.

The carriage sped along the road back to the palace, and silence reigned within. Lu Wan's sobs were particularly clear in the silence. The emperor frowned slightly, but remained silent. The scenery outside the carriage window flashed by like a slideshow: trees, fields, and villages, all shrouded in a faint melancholy under the afterglow of the setting sun.

By the time she returned to the palace, night had already fallen. Stars twinkled across the palace's glazed tiles. Lu Wan dragged her exhausted body back to her palace. She dismissed the maids and sat alone by the window. Moonlight streamed down upon her like water, but it couldn't warm her cold heart. She gazed out at the night, her thoughts drifting away, recalling every moment of her past with Ma Chao.

A few days later, the emperor received a report that the famous doctor Hua Tuo had been found and brought to Chang'an.

After the emperor finished his government affairs, he remembered that he had found the famous doctor Hua Tuo and came to Chang'an, so he walked towards Lu Wan's palace.

When they reached the palace gate, Dian Wei, as usual, blocked their way. He clasped his fists in greeting and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, the young lady is resting. Please wait a moment." The emperor remained calm, showing no sign of anger. He simply nodded slightly and signaled for the eunuch to pass on the message.

Not long after, Lu Wanlian emerged from the hall with gentle steps. She wore a pale blue dress, the hem of which fluttered gently in the breeze, like a blooming orchid. Her long black hair was tied up, adorned only with a simple jade hairpin, which only accentuated her cool and beautiful features.

A hint of surprise flashed in the emperor's eyes, and with a gentle smile on his face, he said, "Wan'er, I have good news." Lu Wan's expression was calm, and she asked softly, "Your Majesty, what is the matter? Please tell me." The emperor's smile deepened. "Wan'er, I have sent people to search for famous doctors. Now I have invited the legendary doctor Hua Tuo, who is already in Chang'an. Today, I invite you to come with Hua Tuo to your father's house to treat your father-in-law."

Upon hearing this, Lu Wan's cold eyes were instantly replaced by surprise, and her star-like pupils sparkled. She bowed slightly and said gratefully, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern." The emperor reached out his hand, wanting to take Lu Wan's, and said softly, "Oh, Wan'er, why are you being so polite to me? We are husband and wife, why are you being so polite?" Lu Wan, however, flashed by like a startled wild goose, her face flushing slightly. A hint of displeasure welled up in her heart, but she quickly suppressed it and simply urged, "Your Majesty, please leave quickly." The emperor remained unmoved, still chuckling softly, and said, "Okay, okay, then we will leave now."

With that, the Emperor and Lu Wan walked side by side. The Emperor stood tall and straight, his dragon robe swaying in the wind, radiating a majestic aura. Lu Wan bowed her head slightly, her steps light and graceful. Her attendants followed respectfully as they headed out of the palace. The sunlight stretched their shadows like a flowing scroll. Lu Wan, in her heart, felt a mixture of hope that Hua Tuo could cure her father's illness, yet also a sense of helplessness and nervousness about interacting with the Emperor. Her emotions were complex and incomprehensible.