"His uncle and aunt were likely struggling themselves. Having an extra mouth to feed must have been a burden," the Duchess said with a sigh. "It's good you brought him here. With no parents left, he shouldn't have to suffer in the countryside."
Helan Zong exhaled softly. "Yes. I promised Lu Zhong I would care for his family. It was already my fault for not finding out about his wife's condition sooner. I couldn't let the boy suffer any longer."
The Duchess said, "Don't worry. I've already spoken to the children and told them not to tease or trouble him. His courtyard and servants are all prepared. He can rest easy staying here."
Helan Zong: "You always handle things properly."
As they spoke, they reached the main hall's entrance. Helan Zong stopped and turned to look at Lu Shuo, beckoning him over.
Lu Shuo nervously stepped forward.
Helan Zong said gently, "Lu Shuo, your father saved my life. I will treat you as my own son, so that your parents' spirits may rest in peace. From now on, the Duke Mansion is your home. If anything feels uncomfortable, just say so. Our family is small, with no strict rules."
Lu Shuo mumbled, "Thank you, Duke."
Helan Zong: "Ordinarily, I should show you around the mansion. But I've just returned to the Capital and must report to the emperor. I can't delay. I'll change into my official robes and leave soon. My wife will fill you in on everything. Is that all right?"
Lu Shuo froze. Sweat beaded in his tightly clenched palms.
Of course, he didn't want Duke Xuan to leave.
He was the only familiar person in this mansion. If the Duke left, how would he handle all these strangers alone?
But the Duke had to see the emperor to report on the military situation. How could he dare to hinder state affairs?
Lu Shuo could only say, "All right."
Helan Zong patted his shoulder, turned, and left.
The Duchess gently stroked the back of Lu Shuo's head and said with a smile, "Good child. You must be tired after so many days of travel. Let's sit down and chat for a while."
Lu Shuo, unaccustomed to such gentle and affectionate conversation from a noble lady, could only nod awkwardly.
The Duchess led the children into the main hall. The hall was richly decorated with carved beams and painted rafters, the finest Lu Shuo had ever seen. A large painting of pines, cranes, and a landscape hung at the front. Before it stood a large rosewood desk inlaid with treasures, on which rested a jade galloping horse and a screen. Two rows of ebony armchairs lined the floor. The Duchess naturally took the seat at the head, while the three young masters sat in the lower row on the same side.
Lu Shuo's breath hitched. He hesitated, then sat in the lowest seat on the opposite side. Unlike the young masters lounging in their armchairs, he sat stiffly, not even daring to rest his hands on the armrests, afraid his rough palms might damage the smooth, polished wood.
Maids dressed in red and green entered in succession, serving hot tea and snacks to their masters, then quietly withdrew.
The Duchess took a sip of tea and noticed Lu Shuo sitting nearest the door. She smiled. "Why sit so far? Come closer, so we don't have to shout."
Embarrassed, Lu Shuo stood up and moved to a seat closer to the Duchess.
As he settled into the new seat, he stealthily observed the expressions of the young masters across from him. The eldest remained composed, showing no particular reaction. The second and third, slouched in their chairs, munched on snacks while staring at him with curiosity.
They didn't seem to bear him much hostility. Some of the tension in Lu Shuo's chest eased.
Meanwhile, as Helan Zong stepped into his own courtyard, he saw a small figure emerge from under the eaves, holding up her skirt and running toward him, throwing herself into his arms.
With her hair in twin buns, dressed in a willow-green dress, she was an exquisite little girl—unmistakably his youngest daughter, Helan Pei.
"And where have you been hiding?" Helan Zong laughed, bending down to pinch his daughter's plump cheeks. "Did you miss your father?"
Helan Pei tugged at his sleeve and nodded emphatically.
Helan Zong's smile deepened. He ruffled her head and said with emotion, "Our Pei'er is growing so fast. You seem much taller than when I left last year."
Helan Pei happily raised her hand, gesturing from the top of her head to her father's chest and waist.
Helan Zong said, "If you missed me, why didn't you come to the gate with the others to welcome me?"
Helan Pei dropped her hand, blinked, and said nothing.
Somewhat helpless, Helan Zong sighed. "Your mother has already told you about that boy, hasn't she? His father saved my life, and now he has no mother. We can't ignore him. He'll be living with us from now on, and you'll get used to him eventually. But rest assured, he's a quiet one—he won't cause trouble."
Helan Pei bit her lip lightly.
"All right, father still needs to go to the palace to see the emperor. I'll change clothes first and come back later." Helan Zong nodded toward the maid standing nearby. "Take the young lady out."
The maid stepped forward and coaxed, "Young lady, let's go now. His Lordship has important business to attend to."
Only then did Helan Pei reluctantly release her father's sleeve.
Author's note: Hello, everyone! I'm back! Since I feel that my previous historical romance stories mostly had intense love and hate, I wanted to try a different approach this time—a story of slow-burning, deep affection that grows over time. There's no political intrigue or scheming; it's simply a tale of two people growing up together. It shouldn't be too long. Hope you like it!