Call Me the Mother of Quick Transmigration

by Usui Takumii

not mine, from bubble tea translations.wordpress.

7. 61 to 70

Chapter 61 – My Son is The Nine Thousandth1 (part 1)

Li Su opened her eyes again. There was a dark spot in front of her, where only a few rays of moonlight shone through the hole in the broken window.

But Li Su didn't have time to think about that. She quickly turned over and got out of bed. She took out the box from under the bed that contained all the family belongings and stuffed the contents randomly into her clothes. Then, she grabbed the little girl who was a little over a year old and wrapped in a bedsheet and went next door to wake up her 6-year-old son.

"Yi Cheng, remember to follow mother later. No matter what happens, don't say a word. Only when mother speaks can you speak, okay?" Li Su knelt down and said seriously.

The 6-year-old Lu Yi Cheng was a well-known child prodigy. He was extremely intelligent. He understood the seriousness of the matter from Li Su's words and nodded immediately. Li Su hurriedly helped him put on clothes and picked up a few others before leaving with Lu Yi Cheng on her back.

Finally, Li Su took a look. Her gaze fell on the two tablets in the hall. From the memory of the original owner, she determined that these two old people were very good to her when they were alive. She took the two tablets along with her.

After doing all of this, Li Su took out the account book, then set fire to the bed netting. It was all dry, so the fire ignited at once and spread to the roof along the bed netting.

Li Su hurriedly pulled Lu Yi Cheng out and ran to hide in the bushes not far from the house.

The fire spread, engulfing the entire house in a short period of time. As it was late at night, everyone was asleep. The Lu family's house was at the corner of the village, separated from others and it was also some distance away. So, the fire burned for a long time and nobody noticed.

Lu Yi Cheng wanted to speak, but suddenly there was the sound of horses not far away. Li Su became nervous and covered Lu Yi Cheng's mouth with one hand and her daughter's mouth with the other. The mother and son looked outside nervously.

Several people in black on horseback stopped in front of the house engulfed by fire. They did not call for help or speak, but merely stood there quietly as they waited for the burning to finish. They were making sure that nothing survived. Then, they left.

Lu Yi Cheng turned pale when he saw this scene. He wanted to speak but Li Su shook her head.

Lu Yi Cheng was surprised to see the black-clothed people had returned and he hadn't noticed. They patrolled around the Lu family's house carefully and found there was no movement. They were relieved. At this exact time, someone in the village woke up, saw the fire, and shouted, "It's on fire! Someone come quickly!"

The few people in black hurriedly left for fear of being noticed.

The villagers rushed over in a hurry, thinking that the Lu family had burned to ashes. Several kind villagers searched through the ashes, but found nothing.

"It's a shame about Madam Lu and her two children."

"Yeah. Candidate Lu went to the capital for the exam. Not sure how that's going. If he knew about Madam Lu and the children, how sad would he be?!"

"Yeah! What a pity!"

"Calamities! This is not possible!"

The villagers talked a lot. Li Su took advantage of this and quietly left with Lu Yi Cheng.

When they were far away from the village, Lu Yi Cheng said, face pale, "Mother, did my father send those people in black to kill us?"

Li Su was not surprised when she heard Lu Yi Cheng's words. Lu Yi Cheng turned out to be shockingly talented, cruel, and powerful. The Nine Thousandth, with his own power, almost overturned the entirety of Da Liang by himself. He displayed his cleverness when he was young and was a famous child prodigy.

Li Su bent over and touched Lu Yi Cheng's head. "It's not your father. Your father doesn't have this kind of ability." Lu Wen Da might be willing to kill the original owner and his daughter, but he couldn't bear to touch his genius son, Lu Yi Cheng. Besides, Lu Wen Da was a filial person and his parent's tablets were still there, so he wouldn't be so reckless.

This was likely done by the prince! In order to fulfil his younger sister, Chang Shan's, infatuation.

Yes, this was a very cliché story.

Lu Wen Da went to the capital to take the exam. He was the champion of his high school. At the Qiong Lin banquet, he was favoured by the empress's daughter and the crown prince's blood-related sister, Princess Chang Shan, who wanted him as a husband.

Lu Wen Da was 27 years old and he was already married with a wife and kids. This was public information and he didn't dare to lie to the imperial family. For a scholar, their character was very important. It was just that Lu Wen Da hesitated in the face of the love from a proud princess and the temptation of power. Therefore, while he mentioned that he was married with a wife and 2 kids, he showed a sad look to Princess Chang Shan from time to time. Princess Chang Shan persevered.

The emperor and empress naturally refused to promise their daughter to someone who was already married and had children, regardless of how tall he was or how handsome he was2. Helpless, Princess Chang Shan went on a hunger strike in the imperial palace.

The crown prince felt sorry for his younger sister and approved of Lu Wen Da's talent, so he wanted to recruit him. He also heard that Prince Qi planned to give a cousin to marry Lu Wen Da as a concubine. He was afraid that he would be won over by Prince Qi. Then, he thought, what if his wife and children died? Wouldn't that solve everything?

So, the crown prince sent some people to Wen Zhou, Lu Wen Da's hometown, in order to burn Lu Wen Da's wife and children to death.

But perhaps it was god's blessing that Lu Wen Da's son, Lu Yi Cheng, got up at night and made a fuss, so he escaped the catastrophe, but watched his mother and younger sister burn to death. The desperate and pained sounds his mother and younger sister made were unforgettable.

Lu Yi Cheng didn't know why his mother and younger sister were killed at the time. No matter how clever he was, he was still just a child. In that case, the first thing he thought of was his father.

So, Lu Yi Cheng begged his way to the capital. During this time, he experienced all kinds of hardships, like torture and humiliation. The only thing that kept him going was to find his father and avenge his mother and younger sister. But, the day he arrived in the capital was the day of Lu Wen Da and Princess Chang Shan's wedding.

Lu Yi Cheng understood then that it was his father who wanted to attach himself to the imperial family for power, so he had sent someone to kill his mother and younger sister.

Lu Yi Cheng hated his father from then on.

In fact, Lu Wen Da was very unhappy with the crown prince sending someone to burn his wife and children. He thought that it was fine if Li Su was killed, but why were his daughter and son killed? Even his parent's tablets were gone! He was especially upset over Yi Cheng's death, the eldest son he had always been proud of.

Therefore, he insisted on keeping his filial piety for his wife for half a year before he agreed to marry the princess. This move unexpectedly gave him an affectionate reputation.

But no matter how much dissatisfaction and anger there was, Princess Chang Shan's tenderness and passion extinguished them.

After Lu Wen Da became a prince, his future was bright. Princess Chang Shan was the prince's sister, and so he naturally stood on the crown prince's side. He was hard-working and had done a lot for the crown prince. The crown prince trusted him a lot.

Lu Yi Cheng had lived in the capital for a while and he naturally understood this. He knew that he couldn't get revenge on Lu Wen Da or the crown prince or princess alone. In order to get revenge, Lu Yi Cheng changed his name to Li Yi Cheng3 and became a eunuch in the palace.

After Li Yi Cheng entered the palace, he had to be under the guidance of a mentor. He adapted to the new life successfully. Finally, he was assigned to the 12th prince. He was the son of the deceased Concubine Li, who had died young. The 12th prince was introverted and dull and was not liked by the emperor.

Li Yi Cheng tried his best to serve the 12th prince, using his body to protect the 12th prince many times. He finally won the trust of the 12th prince.

At that time, the position of the crown prince was stable. Although Prince Qi was ambitious, his mother was the niece of the empress dowager, the highest ranking imperial concubine, Imperial Concubine Qian. Prince Qi was also very much loved. The 12th prince and such others who had neither favour nor background naturally didn't have any ambitions about being the reserve prince. Before Li Yi Cheng appeared, the 12th prince had only wanted to be wealthy and live a leisurely life.

But as a prince, how could he have no thoughts about that seat? The 12th prince's inner ** became more and more intense under Li Yi Cheng's subtle influence as the days passed by.

As the prince gradually matured, he slowly established his power. As the father, the emperor was naturally happy to see that his son was outstanding, and praised him greatly. The crown prince could not help but be a little awkward and felt some dissatisfaction with his words. He misbehaved a bit.

All the princes fought for favour and power. Only the 12th prince, under Li Yi Cheng's suggestions, took a different approach. He did not get involved in the power struggle, and did not compete for fame or gains. He only waited in front of the emperor every day, expressing his filial piety. He built himself the image of a filial son and persisted with this image for 10 years.

The outcome of the power struggle was that the crown prince was disabled and Prince Qi was detained. The emperor was hit hard by this and became seriously ill. Before he died, he passed the throne to the obscure 12th prince.

The 12th prince ascended the throne and became the new emperor of Da Liang.

Before long, someone reported that Princess Chang Shan was dissatisfied with the new emperor and was doing witchcraft in the mansion. The emperor's confidant, Li Yi Cheng, who led the Office of Rites and held the official seal, thoroughly investigated the matter.

As a result, he found a voodoo doll in Princess Chang Shan's mansion with the eight characters of the emperor's birthday on it.

The emperor was furious and ordered the execution of Princess Chang Shan. The emperor's in-laws and their two daughters were strangled immediately!

Before Lu Wen Da died, Li Yi Cheng saw him. Li Yi Cheng didn't need to say anything. It was only then did Lu Wen Da understand Li Yi Cheng's identity.

Lu Wen Da had anxiously run around all his life and had ended up standing on the wrong team. All his efforts were in vain. He and Princess Chang Shan only had 2 daughters. The princess had a jealous nature and he was not allowed to take any concubines or maids if they didn't have a son. So he couldn't pass anything down to the next generation. Therefore, Lu Wen Da was depressed in his later years.

It was not easy for him to find out that his son was still alive, but he had become a eunuch. The Lu family was finally gone! Lu Wen Da had mixed feelings. He knew his current situation, so it was useless to say anything more. He would not beg for mercy. He was only thinking about his daughter and her newly born son. So, he unashamedly begged his son to spare the two younger sisters.

Li Yi Cheng grinned and said, "I only have one younger sister. I watched her burn to death! I wish I could kill you over and over. You dare to beg me to save them?! I want you to have a taste of everything that my mother and younger sister suffered."

Then, Li Yi Cheng ordered people to bring Princess Chang Shan over. He then ordered for the two daughters and grandson to burn to death in front of Princess Chang Shan and Lu Wen Da.

Princess Chang Shan watched her beloved daughters and grandson burn to death. She was desperate and went crazy. She managed to break free and hit her head hard enough that she died.

Lu Wen Da looked at everything. He wanted to live, but he couldn't shed a tear. He only muttered 'retribution' before following in the footsteps of Princess Chang Shan, and knocked his head hard enough that he died.

Because Li Yi Cheng acted too harshly, he attracted criticism from the current ruling power and the opposition, but the emperor trusted Li Yi Cheng. Later, due to the emperor's frailty, the government ended up in the hands of Li Yi Cheng. Li Yi Cheng dominated the land as the Nine Thousandth. After the death of the emperor, Li Yi Cheng supported a young master to ascend the throne. He controlled all the government affairs for more than 10 years.

In the end, Li Yi Cheng was suspected of colluding with foreign nations with the intention to takeover Da Liang. He was then poisoned to death by a righteous man. The history books detailed his infamy forever.

1.(九千歲) This is apparently an official title of Wei Zong Xian, a great eunuch of the Ming Dynasty. He had power that was second only to the emperor at the time. It is, however, not an official position. It is supposed to be a flattering term as the emperor is called 'long life' while '9000 years old' implies that you were only second to the emperor. I've translated it as The Nine Thousandth for now, but if anyone has a better translation, I'm open to it.↩

2.(潘安) The original text says "regardless of how much he looked like Pan An". Pan An was a famous writer who was a symbol of masculine beauty. He was apparently so handsome that there are plenty of passages describing his good looks.↩

Yi Cheng (路宜城) and Li Yi Cheng (李以誠). The Yi Cheng would be pronounced the same way, but are just different characters.↩

Chapter 62 – My Son is The Nine Thousandth (part 2)

When Li Su thought of this, she sighed and touched Lu Yi Cheng's head. This poor child. "Even if your father is talented, he doesn't have this ability. Look at those people. Those kinds of specialised people aren't just random people from all over the land. Your father does not have the ability to mobilise such people. Furthermore, your father can't bear to hurt you."

People from ancient times still attached great importance to sons and eldest sons, especially the eldest sons like Lu Yi Cheng.

Lu Yi Cheng's eyes were red. "But dad should have known, or he also acquiesced, didn't he?"

Li Su didn't know how to comfort this smart boy, so she sighed. "Good child, don't cry. Let's think about what we need to do in the future."

Lu Yi Cheng lowered his head.

At this time, Li Su's daughter began to cry.

Li Su quickly looked around and saw a ruined temple in front of them. "Yi Cheng, let's go there. Your sister is hungry. I need to feed her."

Li Su hid behind the wall, untied the child, and lifted up her clothes. She should have wiped herself with a towel first, but they had been fleeing for their lives. There wasn't much they could do about it.

Even though Li Su had been a mother many times, it was her first time breastfeeding a child. She looked down at her daughter and her heart softened. Lu Wen Da was a piece of shit and sooner or later would face retribution. For now, she had to focus on raising two children.

In these ancient times, ethics were strict and especially harsh on women. It would not be easy for her to support 2 children in this era.

Li Su bowed her head and thought.

The life of the Lu family was actually pretty good, but Lu Wen Da went to the capital to take the exam and took most of the family's money with him. Li Su raised 2 children at home alone, without financial resources, so she had to be thrifty and careful.

Today, Li Su only had a dozen silver liang and a small amount of copper on her.

What should she do in the future? Should she do business? However, in this time period, scholars, farmers, and business were last. Lu Yi Cheng was smart so he would definitely take the imperial exam in the future. There was no need to involve him.

Forget it. She would ask Lu Yi Cheng. He was smart, so he should have ideas.

Li Su fed her daughter and changed her diaper. She then called her son over and told her about their current situation. "Yi Cheng, what should we do in the future? Mother wants to hear your opinion."

Lu Yi Cheng's eyes were still red. He was still affected by the previous events. Li Su sighed when she saw him. Forget it, she should comfort her son first. No matter how clever he was, he was only 6 years old. He would be in kindergarten if he was in her previous life. "Actually, you can't blame your father for this. I would guess that your father was fancied by some dignitaries, or perhaps the princess? Can your father refuse such a temptation? Can any man refuse? If your father made such a choice, then mother can understand!"

Lu Yi Cheng looked at Li Su in surprise. "Mother!" Why wasn't she sad at all? How could she say such a thing so calmly?!

Li Su smiled. "You know, your mother is the daughter-in-law of the Lu family. Your grandfather bought me from someone for a couple of silver back then. I have always been like a sibling to your father. It's just that your grandfather and grandmother were very good to me. Back then, I married your father to make your grandfather happy."

"But mother, you are father's original wife. You had my younger sister and I and maintained filial piety to grandfather and grandmother. Even if the princess fell in love with my dad, my dad shouldn't just cast you off!" Lu Yi Cheng said with a serious face. "I know dad can't refuse power, but if it was me, I would never be like that. Power should not be abused, one should not be corrupted by wealth and honours, and people should not be shaken by poverty! This is the true nature of a man! I am ashamed of dad's behaviour!"

"Well said!"

Someone had entered the ruined temple without either of them noticing.

Li Su was shocked and pushed Lu Yi Cheng behind her to protect him.

"Madam, don't be nervous. I'm not malicious." The voice of the visitor was a little sharp. He was dressed in a brocade and looked about 30.

Li Su stopped talking and merely guarded her children.

Jiang Zhi En laughed. "I'm here just for you."

Li Su frowned at that comment. Could it be that he was from the palace? No, it should not be the case.

"Your husband's name is Lu Wen Da? You know, he was the number one scholar at the Qiong Lin banquet. He attracted Princess Chang Shan's attention, who is the first in-law of the imperial palace and the sister of the crown prince. The emperor and empress knew that Lu Wen Da had a wife, so they were unwilling to marry them. But, Princess Chang Shan looked for Lu Wen Da and threatened death." Jiang Zhi En laughed.

Lu Yi Cheng's eyes widened and his chest heaved violently.

Li Su already knew the plot, so she was not surprised. She just wondered, "Who are you? Why did you come to find us?"

"Madam is so smart. She deserves to be the wife of the number one scholar." Jiang Zhi En smiled. "I am the eunuch, Jiang Zhi En."

Li Su was shocked. Jiang Zhi En was Li Yi Cheng's master. Under his influence, Li Yi Cheng had figured out the preferences of the 12th prince. With this, he was able to become the 12th prince's most trusted person. He bided his time and waited until the crown prince fell from power. It's just that he only made a move after Li Yi Cheng entered the palace. Why was he here now?

"The department of rites eunuch? What do you intend to do?" Lu Yi Cheng stood up while Li Su was startled.

"Cooperation? Do you want to cooperate with us?" Li Su asked.

"Yeah! Princess Chang Shan has taken your husband and has tried to kill you. Don't you want to take revenge? Or is it that, since you have escaped by chance, you are willing to hide yourself and never come out?" Jiang Zhi En's eyes were fixed on Lu Yi Cheng. He knew that his hope of revenge would most likely be realised by this child.

"Okay, I promise to cooperate with you!" Lu Yi Cheng said firmly after thinking about it for a moment.

"Yi Cheng!" Li Su said in surprise.

"Mother! We got lucky this time. If the princess insists on having him as a consort, then to preserve the imperial family's face… Even if we escape for a while, we will have to die sooner or later! We can't just wait around and die!" Even after learning that Lu Wen Da had been deceived and was just sitting around and watching the three of them get killed, Lu Yi Cheng no longer wanted to call him his father.

Li Su wasn't good with words. Her first few children were stupid and clever. But, someone with a high IQ like Lu Yi Cheng was a child she had never encountered. She didn't know how to get along with this kind of person.

Li Su still hesitated, but Lu Yi Cheng turned to look at Jiang Zhi En. "My lord hasn't mentioned how we should cooperate yet!"

"It isn't advisable to stay here for a long time. The guards of the East Palace are here to kill you. They are smart, so they will soon figure out something is wrong. You might not know, but human and wood ashes are different. You should leave here with me first!" Jiang Zhi En looked at Lu Yi Cheng with satisfaction and smiled.

Li Su frowned. Yes, she had been negligent.

"Don't worry. I have already cleaned up the mess for you. Let's leave here first." Jiang Zhi En smiled slightly and walked out first.

Li Su looked at Lu Yi Cheng seriously. "Yi Cheng, have you thought about it?"

Lu Yi Cheng's eyes were firm. "Mm. Mother, I have thought it over. Don't worry. I won't let anyone bully you or younger sister. No-one!"

Li Su sighed and touched Lu Yi Cheng's hair. If this was the child's destiny, then she can't stop it. All she could do was protect herself and prevent her and her daughter from being used by others to threaten him.

Li Su then took Lu Yi Cheng and her daughter into the carriage.

The carriage drove for a long time before coming to a small town. Jiang Zhi En was wealthy, so he took them to an inn. After Li Su took the children to freshen up and change clothes, Jiang Zhi En came by.

Li Su sat beside the bed and was coaxing her daughter to sleep.

Lu Yi Cheng poured tea for Jiang Zhi En, then sat opposite him. "My lord, I don't understand. I am Lu Wen Da's son. What could I do?"

Jiang Zhi En smiled. "Princess Chang Shan bullied others and your father was greedy for power and tried to kill you. Do you want to take revenge?"

"Naturally!" Lu Yi Cheng said firmly.

Li Su looked up at Lu Yi Cheng, worried.

"That's fine. Our goal is the same. The only purpose in my life is to take revenge. It's such a shame that Princess Chang Shan relies on being the crown prince's sister to do whatever she wants. Taking revenge will involve the crown prince! You are extremely clever and you are a child prodigy. With time, you will be able to become a great weapon." Jiang Zhi En laughed.

"Who is your master?" Although Lu Yi Cheng didn't understand the situation in the capital, he still guessed something from Jiang Zhi En's words.

Jiang Zhi En looked at Lu Yi Cheng, even more satisfied. "You are really smart. I follow the orders of His Royal Highness, Prince Qi. Ah, His Royal Highness, Prince Qi is the son of Highest Ranking Imperial Concubine Qian. Highest Ranking Imperial Concubine Qian is the niece of the empress dowager and the cousin of the emperor. Highest Ranking Imperial Concubine Qian and her son are deeply favoured by His Majesty."

"So you take orders from His Royal Highness, Prince Qi?" Lu Yi Cheng did not care who Prince Qi was, but he took note of this point.

"What a clever child. Yes, I don't believe that Prince Qi is my master. In fact, it is very simple. I will do whatever for someone who can help me take revenge. In fact, whether it is Prince Qi or one of the other members of the imperial family doesn't matter to me. They are all the same. They are lucky, were born into a good family, have power, and never consider the people. As everyone knows, all of us subordinates are also people who suffer pain, affection, and hate." A cold look flashed through Jiang Zhi En's eyes.

Li Su was a little worried when she heard this. Jiang Zhi En sounded a bit crazy. If what he said was true, then it meant that he knew about Lu Yi Cheng a long time ago. Perhaps the series of tragic events that Lu Yi Cheng experienced in the original on his way to the capital were designed by him. Then the words he heard after entering the capital and even the castration was all a part of this guy's plans for revenge. It took more than 10 years to set this all up, and all for the sake of revenge. He was crazy!

Working with such a person was dangerous!

Chapter 63 – My Son is The Nine Thousandth (part 3)

Lu Yi Cheng obviously thought the same thing, but for now, their lives were in his hands. He had no choice but to cooperate with Jiang Zhi En.

"What do you want me to do?" Lu Yi Cheng asked.

Jiang Zhi En smiled. "I want you to study hard, participate in the imperial exam, and help Prince Qi in court in the future to defeat the crown prince. Princess Chang Shan relies on the crown prince. Once the crown prince has been taken out, there will be no need to fear Princess Chang Shan."

"It's that simple?" Lu Yi Cheng had some doubts.

"Simple? Do you think it's easy to defeat the crown prince? The crown prince is the son of the empress and has a good reputation. He has a good relationship with his wife. The crown prince's wife has given birth to two legitimate children and the position of the East Palace is stable. His Majesty has confidence in him. He has the court's support. Defeating the crown prince is not an overnight effort." Jiang Zhi En smiled disdainfully, as if laughing at Lu Yi Cheng's innocence.

Lu Yi Cheng's expression did not change. "His Majesty is now thirty-five this year. He is healthy and in the prime of his life. The crown prince is nineteen. He has kept his position for ten years."

This sentence caused a slight change in Jiang Zhi En's expression. Yes, the crown prince has maintained his position for ten years. Judging from the current situation, the crown prince may need to stay as just a prince for 10 more years. Did he have this kind of patience? Could he allow others to encroach on his territory?1 Could His Majesty always trust the crown prince?

When he thought of it this way, Jiang Zhi En's gaze towards Lu Yi Cheng became fiercer. Lu Yi Cheng really lived up to his reputation as a child prodigy! Such a person must firmly be in his hands. However, at the moment, his mother and younger sister were still around and Lu Yi Cheng's hatred of his father was not deep. If he wanted to use him completely, then…

Jiang Zhi En's gaze fell on Li Su and her daughter.

Lu Yi Cheng was very alert. He stepped in front of Li Su and stared at Jiang Zhi En.

Li Su saw that her daughter was asleep, so she covered her with a quilt. She looked around and saw that there was a bolt on the door, the thickness of an adult's calf. Li Su walked over and picked up the latch.

Jiang Zhi En and Lu Yi Cheng didn't understand what she was going to do, so they stared at her.

Li Su used her hands and broke the latch. She aimed the broken piece at Jiang Zhi En's carotid artery. "As long as I use force, this piece can pierce your neck and you will die from exsanguination. Do you believe me?"

Jiang Zhi En was so shocked that he dropped his tea cup. His entourage heard the noise and opened the door. "My Lord?"

"It's nothing!" Jiang Zhi En remained calm.

Li Su threw the broken piece on the ground and sat across from Jiang Zhi En. "We promise to cooperate with you, not only for revenge, but also to survive. You don't have to doubt our sincerity! If the crown prince succeeds the throne, there will be no way out for us unless we leave Da Liang! My son is extremely clever. I am not willing to have him live his life in secrecy, doing nothing. But, don't be mistaken. Our family of three depend on each other. If you have the ability, then kill all of us. If not, then the one that remains will hunt you down." Li Su stared at Jiang Zhi En as she said each word.

Jiang Zhi En looked at the bolt which was as thick as an adult's calf. She had broken it without any effort. This woman had a supernatural power! Why didn't those people know? How negligent! However, Jiang Zhi En thought about it. Her supernatural power might come in handy in the future!

He only had a fleeting thought. Now that he had been seen through and the other party was now prepared, Jiang Zhi En would not have such thoughts again.

"Madam worries too much. I didn't mean it. Madam is extremely powerful, so I respect you!" Jiang Zhi En smiled. "I think that the most dangerous place is the safest place. I wonder if you two dare to join me in the capital?"

"Go to the capital? How?" Li Su asked,

"Madam is my distant cousin whose husband passed away. You came to the capital with your son and daughter to join me. I like Yi Cheng a lot and consider him as my adopted son and treat him like my own. Of course, none of your previous names can be used anymore," said Jiang Zhi En.

Li Su breathed a sigh of relief when she heard this. Jiang Zhi En was willing to recognise Lu Yi Cheng as his son. This was the sincerity shown by Jiang Zhi En. After all, people from the ancient times valued the kinship between a father and son a lot. As for the name change, it didn't matter to her. A name was just a name. However, people from the ancient times were very particular about this. She wondered if Lu Yi Cheng would agree. Li Su looked at her son.

Lu Yi Cheng had a serious expression. "Although Lu Wen Da abandoned us, grandmother and grandfather were very kind to us. It is okay to change our names, but I hope I can keep the character 'Lu'."

Li Su was a little relieved. Lu Yi Cheng was still willing to keep the word, indicating that he was still somewhat sensible and his heart was not completely filled with hatred. Everything was different.

Jiang Zhi En nodded. "That's fine. I actually have a cousin who married in Shan Dong, but they passed away many years ago. My cousin's family name was Su, and her husband's family name was Li. Madam can be Li Su from now on. You can change your name to Li Yi Cheng. What about your younger sister?"

"Her childhood name is Lu Xi, from 'suddenly seeing Lu Zhuan Xi bridge'2," Lu Yi Cheng, no, Li Yi Cheng said after thinking about it. He hoped that his younger sister's future would be like in the poem, with bright flowers and pleasant surprises everywhere.

"Lu Xi is a good name." Jiang Zhi En smiled. "Okay, I'll prepare all the relevant items."

"Yes, foster father!" Li Yi Cheng lifted his robe and knelt down to earnestly salute Jiang Zhi En.

Jiang Zhi En nodded in satisfaction and reached out to help him up. "My son, please get up."

Li Su took a deep breath. "Cousin, I will need to ask for your help in the future."

Jiang Zhi En nodded. "Yes, cousin."

The three of them changed their names and followed Jiang Zhi En into the capital.

At the same time at Pu Du Temple, which was on the outskirts of the capital, Lu Wen Da set up memorial tablets for his parents, wife, and children. He invited a master to recite sutras to pray for their lives.

Princess Chang Shan, Xiao Bao Ling, who was dressed in gorgeous clothes, entered the hall. The guards cleared the other pilgrims out of the hall.

"Wen Da, the death of your wife and children was a natural disaster. Humans could not have changed it. Don't be sad anymore." Xiao Bao Ling stood beside Lu Wen Da and gently tugged on his sleeves.

Lu Wen Da looked up at Xiao Bao Ling and called out softly, "Princess." After he learned of his wife and children's death, Lu Wen Da had complained inwardly. If they wanted to get them married, then they should have only killed Li Su. The children were innocent, especially Yi Cheng, his eldest son who was proud of. Xiao Bao Ling was dull and ignorant. If they had children in the future, they may not be as smart as Yi Cheng.

"Li Su was nothing. I married her to make my father happy. I only had a sibling relationship with her. What I feel distressed over are my two children. One was six and the other was just over a year old!" The matter was over, so there was not much for Lu Wen Da to say. However, he was more displeased with Xiao Bao Ling. If she wasn't the crown prince's sister and wasn't a part of the imperial family, then he wouldn't bother to look at this idiot.

"Wen Da, don't worry. You and I will have children in the future," Xiao Bao Ling said softly. She felt sweetness in her heart after hearing this. She even leaned her head on Lu Wen Da's shoulder.

Lu Wen Da's disgust was even worse. "Princess, this is a Buddhist temple and the Buddha is watching." She was still a princess. Her unrestrained behaviour was even worse than a country girl.

Xiao Bao Ling had never cared about this. She was the true daughter of heaven. She was the daughter of the empress of the main imperial palace. She was the younger sister of the crown prince. She had a noble status. The only people who had higher status than her were the emperor, the empress dowager, and the crown prince. Why should she care about the Buddha? It was just a wooden thing made of clay and plastic. What could it do? If it made her unhappy, she would destroy this temple.

However, Xiao Bai Ling still had to maintain her image in front of Lu Wen Da. Moreover, Da Liang's main religion was Buddhism. The empress dowager believed in Buddhism, so Xiao Bao Ling only thought about these things and didn't say any of them aloud.

However, her gaze swept across the tablets and a trace of discomfort flashed in her eyes.

Fortunately, the crown prince acted and dealt with these people. Otherwise, hmph, she would let them know what the consequences were if they robbed her man!

"Wen Da, your wife and children are dead. When will we get married?" Xiao Bao Ling asked expectantly.

Lu Wen Da felt a headache coming. Princess Chang Shan was just too… "Princess, my wife and children passed away less than a month ago. Li Su served my parents with filial piety. I should keep filial piety for her."

"What? You still have to keep filial piety for her?" Xiao Bao Ling said angrily.

"Princess, listen to me carefully. My wife and child just died. If I marry the princess happily, people will think that I am heartless and power hungry. My reputation would be ruined. This would also affect the reputation of the princess and the crown prince. Think about it. Is this not true?" No matter how irritated Lu Wen Da was with Xiao Bao Ling, he would always look calm and gentle.

Of course, Xiao Bao Ling loved him like this.

"Okay, how long do you have to do it for?" Xiao Bao Ling asked.

"A year!" said Lu Wen Da.

"A year? So long? No! A hundred days is enough." Xiao Bao Ling couldn't wait for a year.

"A hundred days is too short. Is half a year okay?" Lu Wen Da was a little speechless. To keep his filial piety for a hundred days…

"Okay, but during this time, I will meet with you every day. You are not allowed to ignore me." Xiao Bao Ling pulled at Lu Wen Da's sleeves and acted like a baby.

"Okay." Lu Wen Da smiled and nodded.

Xiao Bao Ling immediately smiled and threw herself into Lu Wen Da's arms. Lu Wen Da hesitated for a moment. Although he thought this was inappropriate, he had already rejected Xiao Bao Ling a few times today. If he refused again, he might anger her. He gently reached around to hug Xiao Bao Ling's shoulders.

Above them, the face of Buddha looked at them with pity. Behind them were several tablets. The handwriting became a little illegible under the incense.

The two figures slowly entangled and were gradually blurred by the smoke.

1.(臥榻之側豈容他人鼾睡) idiom: how can one tolerate people snoring by one's side?↩

2.(路轉溪橋忽見) a poem, Night Travelling on the Yellow Sand Road (I think) by Xin Qi Ji, which describes some scenery.↩

Chapter 64 – My Son is The Nine Thousandth (part 4)

Li Su and her kids settled down in a house that was similar to a 3-in-1 courtyard in the central capital. The house wasn't that big, but it was more than enough space for their family. Jiang Zhi En also sent a few servants over and a nurse for Li Lu Xi.

Li Su checked out the new residence and nodded with satisfaction.

"Madam, if there is nothing else, then this old servant will go back. Master is still waiting for this old servant to respond." Jiang Zhi En had also set up the outside of the house. This housekeeper was responsible for decorating.

"Thank your master for me." Li Su didn't know the etiquette here. The original owner was just a country girl who knew a few words and didn't know any etiquette. So, this was not strange.

"Madam is polite. Madam is the cousin of master, so it is fine. Oh, master also said that he invited the young master over. This old servant will come by to bring the young master to class in three days," said the steward.

"Okay, thank you very much." Li Su nodded and ordered the steward to be sent away. Then, she called the servants and maids together to give instructions.

Jiang Zhi En sent a few servants, a lame man who was in charge of the door, a woman in her thirties who was the cook, and a 5- to 6-year old girl. The little girl was obviously a maid for Li Lu Xi. Li Lu Xi was still young, so she couldn't use a maid. She just needed a nurse. At least Li Su could let the nurse handle Li Lu Xi.

After clarifying their personal responsibilities, Li Su asked them to settle in. She then turned and went to the bedroom.

The nurse thought about it and wanted to follow.

In the bedroom, Li Yi Cheng watched his younger sister sleep. Li Yi Cheng had been on guard since Jiang Zhi En hinted at his unfavourable ideas for his mother and younger sister. Except for himself and his mother, he couldn't believe anyone, not even his foster father even though they were in a cooperative relationship.

Now, there were a lot of strangers around. He didn't want anyone to approach his younger sister.

"Yi Cheng!" Li Su called.

"Mother!" Li Yi Cheng raised his head.

"You go down first. I'll call you if something happens," Li Su said to the nurse, Mother Qiu.

"Yes." Mother Qiu thought for a bit, then said, "Madam, the young miss is more than a year old. In addition to milk, she should have other things too. This servant can let Auntie Zhang cook a pumpkin porridge for the young miss for lunch. Is that fine?"

Li Su nodded. "Okay, you can get that sorted!"

After Mother Qiu left, Li Su patted Li Yi Cheng on the shoulder. "It's fine to be cautious, but you don't need to be suspicious. You don't need to suspect all the servants or you will live a very tired life."

"Mother, I'm just afraid…" Li Yi Cheng also knew that this was tiring. He never slept peacefully on the way here. But, he had no choice. He only had 2 family members, his mother and younger sister. He couldn't lose both of them.

"Jiang Zhi En is a crazy person, but he is also a smart person. There are some things that, when they have been directly addressed, he will take to heart and will change his thoughts," Li Su said with a smile. "It doesn't matter whether what Jiang Zhi En said is true. This is our only option at the moment. We can either leave the hometown or leave Da Liang so that my son can have a future, or we live an incognito life. These two roads aren't ones we want to take. Therefore, we can only believe that Jiang Zhi En really has a deep hatred of Princess Chang Shan and sincerely wants to cooperate with us."

Li Yi Cheng listened attentively and nodded. "Mother, I know what to do. Don't worry." He then threw himself into Li Su's arms. "It's just… Mother, you and younger sister just need to be fine. As long as you two are fine, then I can do anything."

"Fool. Mother and younger sister will be fine and will always be with you. Son, revenge is important, but your life should not be filled with only hatred. Mother hopes that you can live well. Create your own life. Don't live in the shadow of revenge forever." Li Su put her arms around her son and gently rubbed his head.

"Mm." In Li Yi Cheng's heart, revenge was not the most important thing. Since Lu Wen Da abandoned them, they didn't want him either. Li Yi Cheng only hoped that his family of 3 could live well with his own efforts. Of course, it would be better if he could see Lu Wen Da regret it in the end.

"By the way, mother. I look very much like him. What should I do if someone finds out?" Li Yi Cheng suddenly remembered that he looked a lot like Lu Wen Da. Anyone who saw them would know that they were father and son. If that was so, then what should he do if someone saw them in the future?!

Li Su had thought of this a long time ago. When Lu Wen Da and Li Yi Cheng had met for the first time, Lu Wen Da had recognised Li Yi Cheng was his son since Li Yi Cheng had removed his disguise for that occasion. At the beginning, Li Yi Cheng was just a servant next to the 12th prince. He lowered his head all day and nobody saw his face. Later, as the 12th prince rose in status, Li Yi Cheng used various methods to modify his face. In addition, he was so powerful at that time, the veritable Nine Thousandth, that nobody dared to look at his face. Therefore, nobody had ever noticed the relationship between him and Lu Wen Da.

Li Su held Li Yi Cheng's face. "Don't worry. It will be easy. Just give mother some time. Mother has a way." What were the four, so-called Asian black magics? Thailand's sex change. South Korea's cosmetic surgery. Japan's cosmetic surgery. China's PS technique. She could completely change Li Yi Cheng's appearance with makeup.

Li Yi Cheng trusted Li Su a lot. These past few days, he trusted her even more. He nodded immediately. "Mother, don't worry. I will study hard and make Lu Wen Da regret it!"

Li Su laughed. In fact, she thought that the best revenge against someone was to fight back in person. For example, the way she dealt with the scumbag and the mistress in the first place made them discredited and miserable. But now, in the era of desperate fate, revenge required the support of power, especially when the object of revenge was from the imperial family. It wasn't as straightforward as before. What a shame. Fortunately, she could pick up the knife in ancient times and use it.

As for why they should bother with revenge instead of letting the hatred go, Li Su was originally a person who believed in revenge, or she would be suffocated to death. Originally, Li Su and Lu Wen Da didn't hate each other, but since she had occupied this body, she naturally had to do something for the original owner. Otherwise, how could she be worthy of the original owner?

Furthermore, Li Su couldn't help but consider Li Yi Cheng's ideas. Li Yi Cheng was smart beyond his age, so Li Su couldn't treat him like a normal child, nor could she use her status as his mother to force him to give up his hatred and go somewhere far away. She also couldn't let Li Yi Cheng live this life selfishly.

Li Yi Cheng had chosen this path for himself. As his mother, what she needed to do was to escort him and keep him from deviating from the path. She should naturally do as a mother should.

"Okay, mother believes you!" Li Su touched Li Yi Cheng's head and smiled.

That night, Jiang Zhi En arrived at the Li residence and brought the latest news about Lu Wen Da and Princess Chang Shan.

"He wants to keep filial piety?" Li Su laughed coldly.

"Yes, Lord Chu, a senior member at the Eastern Palace, asked Lu Wen Da about his relationship with Princess Chang Shan. He said that Lu Wen Da said that he would keep his filial piety for his wife. As soon as this matter spread, everyone praised Lu Wen Da for his deep love and righteousness!" said Jiang Zhi En.

"Tch, that □□, behaving immorally yet acting so righteous!" Li Su said disdainfully.

Jiang Zhi En thought that what she said was a bit vulgar, but he figured that she was from a rural area and might feel uncomfortable by all of this.

"But, because of this, Lu We Da's reputation has improved a lot." Jiang Zhi En dismissed Lu Wen Da's behaviour.

Li Su thought for a while. "Cousin, I want to cause trouble to Lu Wen Da!"

Jiang Zhi En was stunned by hearing the word 'cousin'. This woman really knew how to adapt. He then smiled. "What do you want to do?"

Li Su quietly said a few words in Jiang Zhi En's ear. Jiang Zhi En found it funny. "Is it necessary? It's simple. Lu Wen Da can't find it out."

"So what if he finds out. Can he stop those words?" Li Su said disdainfully. If Lu Wen Da wanted to show off his dead wife and children, then she would make him suffer for it.

"What do you mean?" Jiang Zhi En found this a little interesting.

"Arrange some people to see my tablet bleeding. Arrange more people to publicise the story of Lu Wen Da and Princess Chang Shan. There is no need to say more. People's imaginations are rich, so they will naturally come up with various explanations for this matter." Li Su glanced at Jiang Zhi En. Didn't he have enmity with Princess Chang Shan? Is your current master trying to be good to the crown prince? She had this method and it was up to him if he would use it.

Jiang Zhi En's eyes lit up. Yes, if this matter worked well, then it would be a huge blow to the crown prince's family. "Madam has a good strategy!"

Li Su coughed. "Cousin, cousin!" Li Su was very willing to take advantage of this, so she reminded Jiang Zhi En of their relation.

Jiang Zhi En was a bit dumbfounded. "Yes, cousin. I will make arrangements. By the way, in three days, my butler will come and bring Yi Cheng to my place to study. I have carefully selected all the teachers. Cousin can rest assured."

"Yi Cheng is also cousin's adopted son, so I am naturally relieved," Li Su said with a smile.

After Jiang Zhi En left, Li Yi Cheng walked out with a gloomy expression.

Li Su beckoned him over and touched his face. "What's the matter? Why is my son unhappy?"

Li Yi Cheng felt shy when he was touched so tenderly by his mother. He was already an adult and his mother was treating him like a child, so he was a little embarrassed. But, deep down, he really liked how gentle his mother was with him.

"Mother, aren't you angry?" Li Yi Cheng asked.

"I am! But haven't I already retaliated? I am a person, so of course I can't bear it. If I have grudges, I'll fight back. In the future, Lu Wen Da better use his position as the emperor's son-in-law honestly. If he uses us as an excuse again, then he'll see how I deal with him!" Li Su wondered whether she should bring out some sort of play a bit earlier so as to entertain the people of Da Liang.

Li Su shared her thoughts with her son. When Li Yi Cheng heard it, he felt like he had opened the door to a new world. He had never even thought about it.

"Mother, I think it will work!"

"Well, mother will dictate and you will write. Let's make up this play." Li Su was also very excited. She finally found her own entertainment! In this era, there was no square dance or mahjong. It wasn't easy for her to find entertainment!

Chapter 65 – My Son is The Nine Thousandth (part 5)

On this beautiful day, Lu We Da was wearing a hemp mourning garment as he accompanied Princess Chang Shan to the theatre last night. He didn't rest until the middle of the night, so he looked haggard. But, this was just right. It was in line with his current identity. Lu Wen Da walked into the hall, bathing in the admiration and approval of the pilgrims.

Lu Wen Da felt everyone's gaze on him and felt proud. It seemed that it was the right decision to keep filial piety for half a year. It was important to have a good reputation.

Lu Wen Da started to devoutly pray, beginning his daily routine. At the beginning, he sincerely prayed for Li Su and his children, and hoped that they did not resent him in the netherworld. He hoped that they could reach paradise soon. However, as time went on, he gradually got tired of such a boring life. This, coupled with the warm fragrance of Princess Chang Shan, Lu Wen Da now hoped that this half-year period would be over sooner and that he would be free.

Lu Wen Da was immersed in his thoughts, his eyes closed tightly. He did not notice that the tablets in front of him had suddenly started to bleed.

The first one who discovered it was a monk in the temple. He saw the blood flowing out from the tablet and immediately put his hands together to chant Buddha's name, "Buddha preserve us!"

Immediately after this, the other pilgrims also saw this scene and exclaimed in shock, "Look, there is blood on the tablet. There is a grievance!"

Lu Wen Da was brought back by the yells. He opened his eyes and saw the tablets of his wife and kids shedding blood. He fell back in shock, then moved back and climbed a few steps.

However, in half a day, this matter had spread quickly throughout the capital. As this matter spread, Princess Chang Shan and Lu Wen Da had no choice but to say a few things. After all, Princess Chang Shan often went to find Lu Wen Da. No matter how cautious they were, there would be rumours.

Later, someone said that Princess Chang Shan fell in love with Lu Wen Da and insisted on marrying him, so the crown prince then sent someone to kill Lu Wen Da's wife and children for the princess. On the surface, Lu Wen Da was keeping filial piety for his wife, but he was actually meeting with Princess Chang Shan secretly. This was why the tablets of his wife and children were shedding blood.

Lu Wen Da had a gloomy expression. "Who is slandering me?!" He calmed down and went to check the tablet, only to see that it was smeared with a woman's rouge at some point. Once it was exposed to smoke, the rouge would melt and flow like red water.

He didn't want this matter to become increasingly distorted. What made him frustrated was that the rumours were not much different from the truth.

"His Highness knows in his heart. Please be at ease. His Highness will find out the truth. The princess will be innocent. But, for now, please don't see the princess in order to prevent more rumours," that person said.

"Then I will be troubling His Highness. This is all my fault. I have stained His Highness' reputation." Lu Wen Da took a deep breath. This time, he thought that he suffered a catastrophe. He was afraid that Prince Qi and the others hated the crown prince so they used him to attack the crown prince as the crown prince was upright and had no faults.

Things seemed to have calmed down from just listening to His Highness' words. Fortunately, he and Princess Chang Shan already had a husband and wife relationship. Even if the crown prince went back on his word, the princess may not necessarily agree.

Therefore, Lu Wen Da was not worried. On the contrary, he was very open and indifferent.

This posture made the visitors look at him a few times and made them think that Lu Wen Da was not affected by outside matters. If he gave up at this time, it would be a pity. It would be better to persuade His Highness to see if there were other ways to restore His Highness' and the princess' reputations.

The crown prince's counterattack soon began.

Not long after, the conversation topic of the people in the capital changed to the wife of the Minister of Rites beating her daughter-in-law so hard that she caused an abortion.

The Minister of Rites was in the same camp as Prince Qi.

Jiang Zhi En was annoyed when he saw the direction of the wind change quickly in the capital, but he had expected it. It wasn't that surprising. He hadn't planned to drag the prince through the mud with just this one incident.

At this time, Li Yi Cheng gave him a playbook. "I don't know what theatrical troupe foster father knows. My mother wrote a new play and wanted to find a theatrical troupe."

"A play?" Jiang Zhi En couldn't understand women's thoughts. Li Su was still thinking of writing plays? Doesn't she only know a few big words?

Jiang Zhi En took the playbook and opened it. This was Li Yi Cheng's handwriting. It had a lot of flowery language, but it flowed off the tongue. It's not like Li Su could write it.

"My mother dictated it and I edited it. But, my mother thought of the rough plot," said Li Yi Cheng.

Jiang Zhi En nodded. She was just a countrywoman. Apart from a little strength, she didn't have much else. Jiang Zhi En then looked over the script. The more he looked at it, the more interested he became. After a while, he finished reading.

This playbook! There was a lot of manoeuvrability! Jiang Zhi En was surprised. It was about a man named Chen Shi Mei, who was attracted to the princess after becoming the first-ranked scholar. In order to cling to the princess, he abandoned his wife, Qin Su'E and his 2 children. He also sent people back to his hometown to hunt down his wife and kids. Qin Su'E and her children had luckily escaped and went to the capital to file a court case, but the crown prince found out. In order to protect the reputation of the princess, the crown prince poisoned Qin Su'E and her children. Only Qin Su'E's son managed to escape. In order to avenge his mother, he faced a lot of hardships. He finally found Qing Palace's Lord Bao. Lord Bao presided over justice and found out the truth. After a long fight, the crown prince lost his position, the princess and Chen Shi Mei had to leave, and Chen Shi Mei had his head cut off with a guillotine.

At first glance, this play alluded to the affairs of Princess Chang Shan and Lu Wen Da. If it was really performed, then it would cause the crown prince and his company much trouble.

"Good! I'll find a theatre team to put this play on right away. Your mother is fine. If she has such a playbook in the future, just use it!" Jiang Zhi En couldn't help but feel overjoyed.

Li Yi Cheng nodded. "My mother has been very interested in writing playbooks recently. She said she will continue to write these ideas down."

Jiang Zhi En felt that this method was very feasible. He immediately found that there were many unconventional scholars who brainstormed and used the pen as a knife that he could use to attack and wipe out the crown prince.

At the Eastern Palace, the crown prince sat in his chair and listened to his subordinate's report of what was happening in the capital recently. It was there he heard there was a play called 'Cutting the Beautiful Case'1, whose content seemed to allude to Princess Chang Shan and Lu Wen Da.

The crown prince raised his hand slightly. "Is there a playbook? Show me."

A subordinate immediately handed him one.

The crown prince flipped through it. After he finished reading it, he clenched his hands in anger while his face remained expressionless.

"Go."

The subordinate left.

The crown prince couldn't help but smash the bowl of tea in his hand. "Damn it!"

"Your Highness, please calm down," Yang Duo Shou, the chief eunuch of the Eastern Palace, said as he walked in after hearing the movement. Yang Duo Shou had been serving the crown prince since the crown prince was 3 years old. From then until now, the crown prince was not only his master, but also the child he had taken care of since childhood.

"Where is Chang Shan?" the crown prince asked.

"Princess Chang Shan should be accompanying the empress in Kun Nung Palace right now." Yang Duo Shou poured another cup of tea. "Your Highness, have some tea. It is the new tribute, Yun Wu tea, Your Highness' favourite drink."

"I'm not in the mood to drink tea right now." The crown prince shook his head angrily. "I'm going to Kun Ning Palace alone." He then started walking out.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, did you forget that you summoned Official Chu? Official Chu is waiting outside now," Yang Duo Shou said anxiously.

"I am not free now. He can come again in the afternoon." The crown prince then hurried away.

Yang Duo Shou hurriedly ordered another eunuch to go out and talk to Official Chu, then hurriedly chased after the crown prince. "Your Highness, slow down and watch your feet."

In Kun Ning Palace, Xiao Bao Ling and the empress were looking through a book that listed the items in the treasury. When Xiao Bao Ling saw something she liked, she pestered the empress to add it to her dowry.

The empress smiled and looked at her daughter, naturally obedient.

The crown prince stood outside the entrance to the hall. After he listened for a while, he became angrier. When Xiao Bao Ling pestered the empress for a bell-shaped gold pagoda with a turquoise inlay, the crown prince strode in. "Emperor father is very fond of the bell-shaped gold pagoda with a turquoise inlay. How good and capable are you? What do you want it for?"

The empress and Xiao Bao Ling were surprised. Xiao Bao Ling pursed her lips in dissatisfaction. The empress smiled and patted her hand, saying, "Your emperor father ordered someone to send this booklet of the treasury. If Ling'er likes it, then add it."

"The treasury is the private storage of emperor father. Arranging dowry has rules. If Bao Ling wants anything, you can get it from empress mother's private stash or my private stash. You can just get a few items as normal. Don't cause people to gossip!" For the sake of his empress mother, the crown prince endured his anger.

The empress frowned slightly and looked at Xiao Bao Ling. "Your older brother is also worried. You have chosen a lot of things. For the rest, go to mother's private stash and choose what you want, okay?" The empress has a son. For a woman, the son is the one she must depend on, but the daughter is the one she loves the most. In the imperial family, the son was raised by the emperor and the daughter was raised by herself.

Xiao Bao Ling was not very happy. How could mother empress' private stash compare with the palace's treasury that had items from several generations?

The empress wanted to persuade her, but the crown prince was angry. "You leave first. I have something to say to empress mother."

The palace servants who were working looked at the empress when they heard his words. When they saw the empress nod, they retreated.

The empress said gently, "What's the matter? You don't look so good."

The crown prince endured his anger. "It has been very difficult. This matter has finally calmed down. Now, because of this 'Cutting the Beautiful Case', the rumours in the capital have spread and even intensified. Even My reputation has been compromised!" The crown prince then glared at Xiao Bao Ling angrily.

Xiao Bao Ling was aggrieved and immediately cried to the empress. "Mother empress, older brother is blaming me. What does this matter have to do with me? It is the ploy of second older brother's bitch. You have the ability to go find them. Why are you staring at me?!"

"You! If it wasn't for you insisting on marrying Lu Wen Da, then where did these disasters come from?!" the prince said angrily.

"At the beginning, didn't you also agree? You liked darling Lu's talents too! Weren't you afraid that he would be recruited by second older brother? How is this my fault?!" Xiao Bao Ling was not afraid. In front of her mother, her older brother did not dare to hit her!

"You!" The crown prince was furious. He almost disregarded his identity and raised his hand to strike her.

"Both of you shut up!" the empress said coldly. The two of them fell quiet abruptly.

1.(鍘美案) Zha Mei An. I think that's the translation of this phrase?↩

Chapter 66 – My Son is The Nine Thousandth (part 6)

The crown prince never dared to underestimate his empress mother, who was able to firmly hold her position when his imperial grandmother and his empress father favoured Highest Ranking Imperial Concubine Qian and his second younger brother for more than 10 years. She had firmly held the position of empress and kept his position of crown prince. The wisdom of his empress mother is beyond human comprehension.

Therefore, the crown prince had always respected the empress a lot.

"Then, what do you think about this matter?" The empress looked at the prince and frowned.

"At the moment, we need to find another husband for Chang Shan. Only then can we solve the current issue without any extra effort," said the crown prince. "Anyway, father emperor hasn't made a clear order. Even if other people know something, they don't dare to say anything."

The empress not knowing this method was just…

"What? Having me marry someone else? I don't agree! I only like darling Lu. I won't marry anyone else except darling Lu!" Xiao Bao Ling immediately jumped.

The crown prince was angry again. His hands, which were pointing at Xiao Bao Ling, were shaking.

Upon seeing this, the empress hurriedly took Xiao Bao Lin into her arms. "It's okay. Don't worry. Aren't you discussing things now?"

Xiao Bao Ling burst into tears. "Empress mother, darling Lu is the only person I like in my life. If I can't marry darling Lu, then I'd rather not marry for the rest of my life!"

"Then you can become a nun!" the crown prince said angrily.

"You!" Xiao Bao Ling glared at the crown prince, then leaned into the empress' arms and wept bitterly. "Empress mother! Empress mother! You support me!"

The empress hugged her daughter, distressed. "Is there really no other way?"

The crown prince sighed. "I also cherish Lu Wen Da's talents. But, with this current situation, we have to take advantage of the fact that emperor father is not angry and stall for time. If Bao Ling really likes Lu Wen Da, then we can slowly plan this later."

"What did you have in mind?" the empress asked.

The crown prince snorted coldly. "He poured dirty water on Me. Is he so innocent? I intend to return fire in a similar manner."

The empress hesitated for a moment, then bowed her head before trying to persuade her daughter again. Xiao Bao Ling knew at a glance that her empress mother had been persuaded by her older brother and would agree to let Xiao Bao Ling marry someone else. No, absolutely not. Xiao Bao Ling raised her head and said desperately, "It's too late. I have already slept with darling Lu. I might already have his child in my belly."

The empress and the crown prince were both shocked. The crown prince reacted first and pointed at Xiao Bao Ling. "Is what you said true?"

Xiao Bao Ling stared at the crown prince unwillingly.

The crown prince slapped her in the face. Xiao Bao Ling covered her face and had an incredulous expression. "Empress mother, eldest brother hit be! He hit me!"

The empress was distressed and angry again. "Messenger! Go invite Granny Wei!" Granny Wei was the empress' wet nurse. She was more than 60 years old and hadn't done an errand in a long time. A few palace ladies looked after her in the palace.

Not long after, Granny Wei hurried in.

The empress said a few words in Granny Wei's ear. Granny Wei was shocked and distressed. She then nodded and took Xiao Bao Ling into the inner room.

After a while, Granny Wei came out with an ugly expression. She whispered a few things into the empress' ear. The empress shook violently. Granny Wei held the queen, distressed. "Empress, don't worry. There is a solution."

The crown prince also noticed this. Bao Ling really had a secret tryst with Lu Wen Da. "Bao Ling is too courageous."

After a brief period of frustration, the empress got up and quickly came up with a way to deal with it. "Since it is already like this, we cannot wait any longer. I will beg your emperor father to give you the marriage decree. You need to go explain this to Lu Wen Da, that he can't use you for fame. He just needs to prepare to marry the princess. Lu Wen Da should not use this in the future. This is to give Bao Ling face." The empress was not ashamed of Lu Wen Da's personality, but he was still a scholar. He actually lured Bao Ling to do such a thing! This was unforgivable!

To the empress and the crown prince, their daughter/younger sister was innocent. Although she was a little domineering, she was a princess of the imperial family. So what if she was more arrogant? Bao Ling would never do such a thing. It must have been Lu Wen Da who bewitched her.

The crown prince also thought that Lu Wen Da had no shame. "Is this the only way? Couldn't…" Could they not abort the child? Bao Ling's marriage also needed his help. It was so wasteful. He was really unwilling.

"No, that will damage Ling'er's body," the empress said without even thinking about it.

"What about Highest Ranking Imperial Concubine Qian and second younger brother?" the crown prince worried.

"They will soon be busy with their own affairs. They dare to intervene with Ling'er!" the empress said with a gloomy expression and a low voice.

The crown prince understood what the empress meant, and he nodded slowly. They looked at each other meaningfully.

Soon, the emperor decreed that Princess Chang Shan and Lu Wen Da would be wed.

After Lu Wen Da received the decree, he frowned. He was just given an imperial edict for marriage? What about his free will? Traditionally, marrying the princess would result in a title and position. The influence of these positions depended on how favoured the princess was. But now, there was only this marriage decree and nothing else. He was originally the number one scholar. While he waited for his appointment, he had attracted Princess Chang Shan when he entered the imperial palace for a banquet. What happened to him after made him overwhelmed. After the death of his wife and kids, he proposed to keep filial piety for his deceased wife. When the Ministry of Civil Personnel made arrangements, they naturally passed over him. When he wanted to go, he had to wait for the princess. He thought he would advance rapidly. But why was it that he still wasn't an official?

But now, everything was different from what he had imagined.

"Lord Lu, His Highness said that you can prepare to marry the princess worry-free. Don't think about other things for now. On the day of the wedding, someone will come and pick you up to bring you to the princess' mansion," the person said hurriedly before leaving.

Lu Wen Da's eyes widened. Was it just this? Where was the house? His official position had not been finalised. Now he just had to wait to become the emperor's son-in-law. He will naturally have a chance in the future. But, the house? Would he also live in the princess' mansion in the future? Wasn't this marrying into the bride's family? Although being a consort is similar to being a part of the imperial family, consorts would generally have their own residences.

Although Lu Wen Da did not have his own house in the capital, he lived in Pu Du temple. After he became the highest ranking scholar, someone had offered him a house and servants, but he did not accept it because of his fame. He was about to get married to Princess Chang Shan. The crown prince was a courteous and virtuous person. He would have considered these things. Even if Lu Wen Da and Princess Chang Shan had a good relationship, they should have their own house.

Was the crown prince negligent, or did his subordinates fail to remind him? Or, was this what the crown prince wanted to give to him?

Lu Wen Da felt a little heavy when he thought of this. He held the imperial decree and walked back to the side room. He stood by the window with the imperial decree.

No, he paid such a huge price to get everything today. He was not reconciled! A moment of silence was nothing. As long as he was given a chance, he would definitely be able to climb up!

"Lu Wen Da and Princess Chang Shan are getting married? So soon?" Li Su said, surprised.

Jiang Zhi En nodded disdainfully. "It is said that the empress personally asked the emperor for the marriage. The wedding will happen on the eighth of next month."

Li Su felt a little strange. Didn't Lu Wen Da say that he would maintain filial piety for half a year? Why did he change his mind again? Could it be…

Li Su thought of a possibility and looked at Jiang Zhi En. Jiang Zhi En nodded slowly. He had also guessed it. How else would they explain this? The wedding wouldn't be so rushed otherwise.

"Highest Ranking Imperial Concubine Qian and Prince Qi have nothing to say?" Li Su asked. This matter was so strange that anyone could see something was wrong. She didn't think that Prince Qi would remain silent.

"Prince Qi is overwhelmed now. What can I do with this?!" Jiang Zhi En sneered. "The day before the palace banquet, Prince Qi was drunk and treated Lady Su as a palace lady, therefore humiliating Lady Su. Somehow, Highest Ranking Imperial Concubine Qian found out. Highest Ranking Imperial Concubine Qian wanted to cover up for Prince Qi, so she ordered for someone to push Lady Su into the water, creating the illusion that she stumbled after drinking. Nobody knew that Lady Su could swim, so she ran away after. Lady Su ran to the emperor and revealed that it was all done by Prince Qi and Highest Ranking Imperial Concubine Qian. Lady Su knocked her head to death after she finished speaking." Although the emperor did not pursue the crimes of Highest Ranking Imperial Concubine Qian and Prince Qi right there and then as he still loved them, but the heart was an unpredictable thing. Highest Ranking Imperial Concubine Qian and Prince Qi did not dare to make any moves now.

Li Su nodded and looked at Li Yi Cheng, who was sitting next to her. "Yi Cheng, who do you think did this?"

Li Yi Cheng was practicing his calligraphy. When he heard Li Su's question, he said, "The empress!"

Jiang Zhi En glanced at him and smiled slightly. "However, it might not be a good idea to be emperor's son-in-law at the moment. There are no official positions, houses, or servants. Even the crown prince has never called on Lu Wen Da."

Li Su smiled. "That's because you don't know Lu Wen Da. Lu Wen Da has the ability, ambition, and means. Just give him some time and he will regain the trust of the crown prince."

Jiang Zhi En suddenly looked at her. Li Su did not avoid his gaze. Finally, Jiang Zhi En looked away. This rural woman was really ignorant of the standard etiquette. She didn't shy away at all.

"Madam is not angry?" Jiang Zhi En asked as he drank tea.

"What is there to be angry about? Since he intended to abandon us, he and I have nothing to do with each other. I didn't intend to get rid of him so easily. However, it is good to stifle him a bit," Li Su said with a smile.

Jiang Zhi En did not speak. He stood up and walked over to Li Yi Cheng's side to see his writing.

Li Su knew that Jiang Zhi En did not want to talk to her anymore, so she rolled her eyes. This eunuch was really pedantic. If he looked at her, was she not allowed to look back at him? Why did it matter?

It was then that Cook Zhang's daughter, Xiao Que Er had come to report that the young miss was awake and crying for her.

Li Su took this opportunity to leave.

After Li Su left, Jiang Zhi En sat next to Li Yi Cheng. He watched Li Yi Cheng write and nodded in relief. If nothing else, this child's calmness and stability will ensure that he is successful in the future. "Yi Cheng, you have almost finished learning the classics. Starting tomorrow, your master will teach you the art of war, farming, agricultural affairs, and more."

Li Yi Cheng continued to practice calligraphy while nodding. "Yes, foster father can rest assured that this child will learn well."

Jiang Zhi En nodded in satisfaction. After Li Yi Cheng finished practicing, he checked his homework for the day before he left, satisfied.

Jiang Zhi En left, but Lu Yi Cheng was not happy. He went to find his mother and younger sister, who were playing in the yard.

Li Su knew her son, and she could tell at a glance that Li Yi Cheng was upset. She asked Mother Qiu to help Lu Xi practice walking. She then turned and walked over to Li Yi Cheng. "What's the matter? Are you not happy?"

"Mother, I don't like the way my adoptive father looks at you! Mother, you are the best!" Li Yi Cheng was silent for a while before he said this. His mother was the best mother in the world. What right does his foster father have to dislike her?

Chapter 67 – My Son is The Nine Thousandth (part 7)

Li Su smiled and took Li Yi Cheng by the shoulders. The two then returned to the main room. Auntie Zhang brought up some snacks and hot tea. The two sat down. Li Su smiled and took a sip of the tea. "I thought it was something bigger. This small thing is important to you?"

"It isn't a trivial matter! Mother is the best. Nobody can look down on mother!" Li Yi Cheng said with a serious face.

Li Su was surprised. She then smiled. "Child. Your mother is not silver. Even if she was, silver is not everyone's favourite. Some people like gold and some people like jewellery. It doesn't matter if your foster father likes or dislikes me. That's his business. What does it have to do with me? Anyway, I don't like him very much. We are just in a cooperative relationship. You don't need to take his attitude too seriously, okay?" It seemed that she had to think of a way to make money so that she had the 'right' to speak. Otherwise, she would always be ignored and it wouldn't be good for the children's psychological growth.

Li Yi Cheng lowered his head and thought for a long time before he nodded. "I know, mother! But mother, I will still work hard. I will let everyone look up to you! Nobody will dare to look down on you!"

After he finished speaking, he stood up, bent over, and arched his hands. He said solemnly, "Mother, your son will go back to the study to read."

"Okay. Although you have to work hard, you should also pay attention to your body. Don't exhaust yourself. While I hope that my son can be successful, I also hope that my son is healthy, safe, and happy!"

Li Yi Cheng nodded. "Don't worry. Your son will practice riding and shooting every day." Whenever his adoptive father saw him, his adoptive father said that he should work hard and get revenge as soon as possible. It was only his mother who would not force him to advance. She worried about him forgetting to eat or sleep and thereby harming his body.

Li Su nodded and watched Li Yi Cheng leave.

She then sat on the stool and thought about how to make money. She didn't have a trustworthy person around her and she didn't have much capital. As a woman, she couldn't just casually show her face. Could she make clothes and open a clothing store? No! She doesn't have anyone she trusts, nor does she have a suitable shop or market. In these times, large families had their own embroiderers and rarely bought clothes outside. As for food… Li Su didn't know how to cook, but the original owner knew how to cook. However, the original owner's cooking skills were average.

As she thought about it, she remembered why Jiang Zhi En came over. He gave some money. Yes, the play, Cutting the Beautiful Case, was very popular. As a result, the troupe made a lot of money and sent over 20 silver liang. This was Li Su's first earnings in this world.

If she had it, she should continue to write. It was a time-killer and she could make extra money. This was the most suitable way for her to make money as a woman. However, she shouldn't write scripts. If she did, then they still had to be rehearsed. Getting money in this way was too slow. She should write storybooks!

She had seen many bloody stories about men and women, so she could make up a lot of them.

Li Su made up her mind. She stood up and told Mother Qiu to look after Lu Xi. She then headed back to her room and prepared to write.

After 2 days, Li Su couldn't stand it anymore. While she was eating breakfast, her hands shook. Li Yi Cheng saw this and put down the dishes. He then walked over to Li Su and took her hand. He rubbed it and said, worried, "Mother, what are you doing? Why are your wrists swollen?! Call the doctor to come take a look!"

Li Su laughed dumbly. She didn't know that she was so useless. After only 2 days of writing, her wrists had swollen. She dearly missed computers, or even typewriters! "It's not a big deal. This doesn't need to get looked at by a doctor. I was just writing a script for two days, so my wrists swelled. I'm so useless."

Li Su was also puzzled. After she had seen so many things, like a heroine travelling to the ancient times to start a business or open a school or start anything really. They could also easily pick up the fantastical martial arts. Why did she have to exert so much effort?! She didn't do anything and already met with a scumbag and a eunuch!

After Li Yi Cheng listened to her, he sighed in relief. "So that's what happened. You said it earlier, you dictate it and I write it."

"That won't do. You have a lot of homework. Mother shouldn't delay you anymore. It's okay. Mother will just write slowly," said Li Su. She couldn't write fast. In addition to getting tired trying to write calligraphy, it was also all in traditional Chinese. She didn't know many traditional characters. Every time she lifted her pen, she had to think hard about what the traditional characters looked like. After 2 days, she had written less than 500 characters and her handwriting wasn't great.

The road ahead was long and Li Su cried a bit in incompetence. She blamed this broken system for not giving her any useful abilities. Apart from her own memory, none of the skills from the other worlds could be brought to the next one. It made her seem like a complete waste. Apart from her strength, she couldn't do anything. She couldn't go to the streets and shovel dirt!

"Mother, don't worry. I know you want to write a storybook and make some money. Then you'd have the power to speak and not be controlled by others. But, mother, don't worry. You have a son! Just take care of yourself and younger sister. Your son will grow up soon. Your son will repay the kindness that foster father has shown us! You can rest assured," Li Yi Cheng said seriously.

At the beginning, Li Yi Cheng thought that he and his mother were similar, both feeling uneasy when they faced his adoptive father's thoughtfulness. Later, his foster father had a thorough talk with him. His foster father said that he was good to them. His foster father had a plan and wanted Li Yi Cheng to avenge him. Therefore, his foster father asked him to study hard and give back as soon as possible. But, this was not convenient to say to a woman. He didn't want her to worry. His mother and younger sister only needed to be happy. For everything else, he could do it.

Li Su sighed. "Son, mother may be dragging you down."

"Mother, how could you drag me down?! You and younger sister are the most important people to me. As long as you and younger sister are doing well, then your son will feel at ease. Just write scripts in the future and call on me to help practice my calligraphy," Li Yi Cheng said with a smile.

Li Su nodded with a wry smile. At present, this might be the only way to go. "Did you find a literate servant girl for your mother?"

Li Yi Cheng thought for a while. "That's fine. But, you need to take your time finding a candidate. Mother, don't worry."

Li Su smiled. "Okay, eat quickly. Don't waste time."

Li Yi Cheng was grateful. "Mother, you must not write today. When your son is finished studying for the day, then I can write for you."

"Okay!" Li Su said, resigned.

After sending Li Yi Cheng off, Li Lu Xi woke up. She pestered Li Su to have breakfast together, so Li Su had to eat half a bowl of pumpkin porridge and a few crystal dumplings with her daughter.

After eating breakfast, Li Su played with her daughter for a while. She then helped her practice walking. Her back was sore. After she finally coaxed her daughter to sleep, Li Su took a break.

Xiao Que Er volunteered to come forward and massage her back. The host's family was kind to others and didn't beat or scold others, so Xiao Que Er had a lot of courage. Li Su shook her head. "It's okay. I'll just take a break. Are you full? If you aren't, then let your mother get you something to eat. Only when you are full can you grow up." She was not used to being served, especially not by a girl who was only 5-6 years old.

Xiao Que Er smiled, embarrassed. "Mother said not to let me eat more."

Li Su smiled. "Just tell her what I said and let your mother get you something to eat. How old are you? How can you grow without eating? Go!"

Xiao Que Er went down happily.

Li Su leaned on the couch and looked at the clouds through the window as she thought. Perhaps her previous lives had been too easy. She had been careless and had won in one move through force alone. What happened to Wen Cai Er had made her feel frustrated for the first time. This time she faced a similar feeling. This was the first time she was admitting her incompetence.

But she wouldn't admit defeat so easily. So what if she didn't know how to write? She just didn't know traditional characters, so couldn't she just learn them? She was only 25 years old this year. She was still young and had lots of time!

When she thought about it like this, Li Su jumped up. She needed to improve this body before planning anything because it was too weak!

The original woman used to be a traditional woman who regarded her husband highly and guarded her house and children all day. There were only a few places she visited, therefore her physique wasn't good and she often got sick.

Li Su walked to the bookcase and took out a pen and paper. She had to practice her calligraphy if she wanted to integrate into this era. The characters she had written previously were extremely ugly.

Li Su made a study plan. She got up at 6am, walked for half an hour, did some exercises, then ate breakfast with her son. She studied words in the morning and practiced them in the afternoon. Lu Xi wasn't so small anymore, so she could start learning as well. The two of them could progress together!

When her son came back in the evening, he could check her homework.

This way, Li Su could not just learn but also improve her relationship with her children.

Li Su took down a picture of a lotus under the moon off the wall and put up her study plan. She nodded in satisfaction.

According to her plan, she should practice calligraphy in the afternoon. But now, Li Su thought about it. It was past 3pm and there were no copy books. It wasn't easy for her to rush to Li Yi Cheng's study. Although he was a child, he was still a boy. Li Su had to pay attention to this detail. She would wait for Li Yi Cheng to return tonight and talk about it then.

"Madam, the young miss is awake and looking for you," Mother Qiu said as she stood outside the door with Li Lu Xi in her arms.

"Mother! Mother!" Li Lu Xi exclaimed.

Li Su suddenly smiled. "Quickly, bring Lu Xi in." It was better to practice yoga with her daughter in the afternoon!

Li Yi Cheng walked to the main room where his mother was with a bottle of ointment in his hands.

Li Yi Cheng had stopped and was listening to his mother and younger sister. He couldn't help but laugh before walking in.

Mother Qiu and Xiao Que Er were also there and didn't notice when Li Yi Cheng arrived.

"Mother, Lu Xi, what are you doing?" Li Yi Cheng stepped in. He saw the quilt on the floor. Li Lu Xi was playing on it while Li Su smiled and watched.

Xiao Que Er quickly dropped her smile and stood aside when she saw Li Yi Cheng come in. She was only 1 year younger than the young master, but she was afraid of him. The madam and the young miss were so kind, but the young master was… Xiao Que Er was young and didn't have a large vocabulary. She didn't know how to describe it. In short, he was scary.

When Li Su saw this, she smiled. "It's nothing. I'm having fun with your younger sister. Lu Xi's body is too weak, so she has to move around. However, it is windy outside and can only move around in the house." Actually, she originally wanted to do yoga with Li Lu Xi, but Li Lu Xi was mischievous. As soon as Li Lu Xi saw her, Li Lu Xi threw herself at her. She was afraid of squashing her daughter, so she gave up and the two of them started playing.

Li Yi Cheng stepped forward and picked up his younger sister. As he was now riding and shooting with his master, his arm strength had improved. "She is a bit thinner, so I'll have to make up for her!"

Li Su stood up at this time. Mother Qiu put away the quilt.

Chapter 68 – My Son is The Nine Thousandth (part 8)

Li Su touched her daughter's back and felt some sweat. She said to Mother Qiu, "Hold on to Lu Xi and get a change of clothes!" Li Su hadn't been a mother before and had gone through several lifetimes. All the other children she had were older. This was the first time she had one so young. Li Su had no experience in taking care of children. In this regard, she had more faith in professionals. Although some of their parenting concepts weren't as scientific as those in the later generations, they were definitely the most suitable for children in this era. It was better to follow local customs.

Li Lu Xi was reluctant to leave. She pouted. She was having fun with her mother and didn't want to leave.

Li Su smiled. "Go and change your clothes with Mother Qiu. Mother and eldest brother are waiting for you so we can eat together, okay?"

Li Lu Xi smiled and turned to jump into Mother Qiu's warm embrace. Mother Qiu hugged Li Lu Xi and smiled. She finally gave birth to a daughter, but lost her after a month. She was then chased out by a cruel mother-in-law and had nowhere to go. Later, her master sent her to serve the young miss. Her days had become better.

Li Su and Li Yi Cheng went to the table and sat down. Li Yi Cheng took out the ointment. "Mother, this is what I bought from the pharmacy. It is good for blood circulation."

Li Su smiled. He had remembered this. "Okay, thank you very much." She then rolled up her sleeves.

Li Yi Cheng carefully put the ointment on Li Su's wrist, rubbing it on for a while.

Li Su asked the maid to fetch some water for Li Yi Cheng to wash his hands with. She then said, "Yi Cheng, come."

Li Su brought Li Yi Cheng to look at her study plan. "I'm just idle, so I made this to pass the time. What do you think?"

Li Yi Cheng took a closer look and laughed. "Very well, I'll send mother the essays on the classics and the copybooks when I go back." The days were long, so he didn't want to leave his mother bored. Besides, learning was a good thing.

In Li Yi Cheng's mind, whatever his mother wanted to do was fine.

"Do you think it's good too? That's great!" Li Su was very happy to get her son's approval.

"Mother, I have finished my homework today. After dinner, I will continue to write the storybook with you!" Li Yi Cheng raised his head and smiled.

"What? You're done?" Li Su knew how much Li Yi Cheng did every day. He had to do recitations, calligraphy, writing, riding, and shooting, where he had to draw the bow 200 times a day. He had managed to complete everything so he must not have rested during the day. "Didn't you say that this matter wasn't important? Let me look at your hand."

Li Su said that she wanted to take Li Yi Cheng's hand to have a look.

Li Yi Cheng hid his hands behind his back and refused to let Li Su look. "Mother, I'm fine. Don't worry. Is the food ready? I'm hungry."

Li Su was helpless. Why was this kid so sensible? He must have injured his hand. Instead of using the medicine on himself, he used it on her. "Fine. What do you want to eat tomorrow morning? Mother will ask Auntie Zhang to make it for you."

"I want to eat noodles that mother has made. But, if mother can't get up in the morning, then I can eat it tomorrow night." Li Yi Cheng knew that if he didn't ask for anything, his mother would feel uneasy.

"Why wait for tomorrow night? Mother will get up early to make it for you. Isn't it just Ge Da noodles?1" Li Su said with a smile. The original host knew how to cook a bit, with Ge Da noodles being one of the things she made the best. In the past, Lu Wen Da and Li Yi Cheng liked to eat the Ge Da noodles made by the original. However, ever since Lu Wen Da went to the capital to take the exam, the original owner had not made Ge Da noodles."

The original owner only cared about her husband and inevitably neglected her children.

No matter how clever he was, he was still a child. Li Su touched Li Yi Cheng's head, distressed. Since she is his mother, then she should do her duty as his mother. Wasn't it just preparing breakfast? Those mothers who accompanied their children to study in later generations worked from dawn to dusk and carefully prepared 3 meals a day for their children.

Li Su thought to herself. Li Yi Cheng woke at 5:30, read for an hour, then had breakfast. After, he went to the Jiang household to study and did not return until evening. From now on, she will prepare breakfast for Li Yi Cheng every morning at 6.

The family of 3 happily ate dinner. Li Lu Xi was young and played too much in the afternoon. After eating, Li Su asked Mother Qiu to coax Li Lu Xi to sleep. Li Lu Xi slept in the main room while Mother Qiu slept on a couch near her.

Then, Li Su and Li Yi Cheng continued to write stories.

However, after only writing one, Li Su said that she was tired and excused herself so that they could continue tomorrow.

Li YI Cheng knew that his mother was afraid that he would be tired. He smiled and put the pen away. "Mother, I think this storybook is very good. It will probably be very popular. Tomorrow, I will go out and ask around to see which bookstore is suitable for it."

Li Su smiled. "There is no hurry. Your mother never asked you what you studied at the Jiang household. How many gentlemen and students are there?"

Li Yi Cheng washed his hands and smiled slightly. "Etiquette, music, archery, managing affairs, reading and writing, and arithmetic, just the six arts of a noble character. There is also farming, crafts, and so forth. As for students… In addition to me, there are more than 10 people arranged by foster father. However, foster father only accepted me as his adopted son. There are monthly exams and those who fail are kicked out. Today, there are only seven people left. I am in Class A and the rest are in Class B."

Li Su was thoughtful. This was spreading the net to catch more fish, where he chose only the best! Did this Jiang Zhi En really just want revenge and to knock down the crown prince? This seemed like an elaborate plan.

"Mother, don't worry. Your son knows." When Li Yi Cheng saw this pattern on the first day of enrolment, he was shocked. But, when he noticed his adoptive father looking at him, expressionless, Li YI Cheng knew that he had already boarded the ship and couldn't look back now. All he could do was to make himself stronger, the most important and indispensable part of foster father's plan so he could protect his family.

Li Yi Cheng was also an ambitious and ** person. Although he did not agree with everything his adoptive father said, he also partially agreed with him. The aristocrats, generals, and ministers of the state lived peacefully! These sorts of people were born aloof and could rely on their status to be unscrupulous. Why did they have to become the sacrifices and the oppressed? He was dissatisfied! One day he would use his power to change all this!

It's just that he couldn't let his mother know these thoughts or she would worry.

Little did Li Yi Cheng know, but when he said this, Li Su felt even more sorry for him. Li Yi Cheng had probably piqued Jiang Zhi En's interest from the very beginning. All the humiliation and suffering he had encountered was probably designed by Jiang Zhi En. Even if it wasn't planned by him, she guessed that he had always been aware of it but chose to ignore it so that Li Yi Cheng was tortured enough to enter the palace as a eunuch. He then appeared in front of Li Yi Cheng as a saviour and took him on as a disciple, teaching him carefully. The reason why Li Yi Cheng became vicious and sought to take revenge was also likely due to Jiang Zhi En. In the end, it was Jiang Zhi En who pushed Li Yi Cheng into the position of the Nine Thousandth, almost overturning Da Liang.

Although there had been many variables in this life, Jiang Zhi En's purpose was still the same. Li Su couldn't help but be vigilant. Such a huge pressure could not be carried by Li Yi Cheng alone. After all, he was still a child. As his mother, she could not just sit back and enjoy his achievements. She had to stand up.

"Mother will always be with you." Li Su gently held Li Yi Cheng. She would always be with and prevent him from having such a miserable end.

Li Yi Cheng was a little shy. He was a manly man and he shouldn't indulge in his mother's embrace. But, his mother's embrace was so warm and he didn't want to leave!

Early next morning, Li Su got up and went to the kitchen to cook. She made a big bowl of Ge Da noodles. Li Yi Cheng was very happy. He ate the large bowl without leaving anything behind.

Li Su felt happy and guilty when she saw him so happy. He was satisfied with just a bowl of noodles? It seemed that she was a negligent mother previously.

After Li Yi Cheng left, Li Su read and practiced her characters in the morning, all according to her lesson plan. She then made food for Li Lu Xi at noon. She spread the quilt on the ground and played with Little Lu Xi for a while, teaching her to talk. This little one was almost 20 months old. She could only call out 'mother', and not older brother.

When Li Yi Cheng was about to return, Li Su went back to the kitchen to cook a few simple dishes.

Li Yi Cheng learned that she had made the dishes by herself so he was very happy. He ate more than normal for dinner.

Li Yi Cheng was a little embarrassed and Li Su was a little sad. She decided that, as long as Li Yi Cheng came home to eat in the future, she would cook.

Unlike the three of them, Lu Wen Da and Princess Chang Shan were unhappy.

Princess Chang Shan and Lu Wen Da's wedding was a bit rushed, but Princess Chang Shan's dowry was still very generous. The empress emptied most of her private treasury and the prince also contributed a lot.

At the beginning of the wedding, Lu Wen Da and Princess Chang Shan had a fairy-tale-like life. But soon, they encountered a problem. Princess Chang Shan was pregnant. Although they got along well, customs obstructed them from getting close. Lu Wen Da was okay with it for the sake of his son, but Princess Chang Shan was not happy.

Lu Wen Da had no choice but to follow the wishes of Princess Chang Shan. As a result, it was only once. That night, Princess Chang Shan bled and the imperial doctor tried his best to save the child. Princess Chang Shan also injured her body and was unable to become pregnant for a few years.

Lu Wen Da was very disappointed. He was already 27 this year. He originally had a son and a daughter, but they were both gone. That's all. Now it was difficult to have a child with Princess Chang Shan who was the emperor's grandson and the crown prince's nephew! This was bad!

Lu Wen Da inevitably blamed Princess Chang Shan in his heart and showed some traces of this on his face.

This made the crown prince, who came to visit in disguise, very dissatisfied. This crown prince was not ashamed of Lu Wen Da's character. In his opinion, Lu Wen Da was 10 years older than Bao Ling. Lu Wen Da should be grateful and twice as good to Bao Ling. Now, he dared to be dissatisfied with Bao Ling.

When Lu Wen Da saw the prince coming, he put on a sad expression and greeted him. "Your Highness!"

The crown prince coldly looked at Lu Wen Da and ignored him. He then ordered someone to prepare to take Princess Chang Shan back to the palace.

Chapter 69 – My Son is The Nine Thousandth (part 9)

Lu Wen Da knew that he had offended the crown prince. He knew that if he let the crown prince leave like this, then his grand ambitions would all be over.

Lu Wen Da made a decision. He lifted his robe and knelt in front of the crown prince. "This minister does not know what he is guilty of. Your Highness, please make it clear, otherwise this minister will have everlasting regret!"

The crown prince looked at Lu Wen Da coldly. Just as he was about to speak, someone hurried over. "Your Highness, Prince Qi and his wife are here saying that they are here to visit the princess."

Although he was dissatisfied with Lu Wen Da, he still had to take care of the scene in front of outsiders. The crown prince glared at Lu Wen Da. "Get up first. We'll talk about it later!"

Lu Wen Da quickly stood up and moved to respectfully stand next to the crown prince to welcome Prince Qi. When he heard that Prince Qi had arrived, he was relieved. He knew that the crown prince and Prince Qi were old enemies. In front of Prince Qi, the crown prince would not ignore the situation. He would think about it and explain things to the crown prince later.

The crown prince and Prince Qi fought with each other for a while. Prince Qi's wife, Princess Qi, went to the inner room to see Princess Chang Shan. Then, Prince Qi and his wife left.

The anger in the crown prince's heart was also interrupted. "Hurry up. Clean up the princess and return to the palace."

Lu Wen Da's eyes widened. "Your Highness, what did this minister do to make Your Highness angry?!"

The crown prince stared at Lu Wen Da. "You know what you have done. You and Chang Shan were only married in March, but your child is more than four months old. Do you think that everyone else is stupid? My face has been lost by you!"

Lu Wen Da knelt on the ground. "Your Highness! That matter is this minister's fault! But, but, this minister is a scholar with a reputation. How can this minister do such a thing if the feelings weren't already there?"

The crown prince sneered a few times when he heard this. "In that case, I have blamed you wrongly. Then tell Me, what is the reason you did such a shameful thing?!"

Lu Wen Da looked embarrassed. He then looked around and lowered his voice. "It's about the princess's reputation. Please pardon this minister."

The crown prince did not get angry, but instead laughed. He had been the crown prince for many years and he had never seen this kind of method. The crown prince leaned down and said a few words into Lu Wen Da's ear. "What? Are you trying to say that Chang Shan forced you? Lu Wen Da, I knew that you were shameless, but I didn't know you were this shameless! Today, I will tell you that even if Chang Shan forced you, you will have to suffer this sin! She is royalty while you are a minister!"

When Lu Wen Da heard this, he knew it was wrong. "Your Highness, this minister has no intention of this!"

"Enough. I don't want to listen to this anymore. I will tell you that you are just someone that Chang Shan raised. If you take care of Chang Shan, then I can give you the glory and wealth that you want. If this matter happens again, then you will know what it means to prefer death over life!"

Then, the crown prince stood up without waiting for Lu Wen Da's response. "Come on, the emperor's son-in-law improperly served the princess. Give him the rod twenty times!"

Lu Wen Da's eyes widened. "Your Highness!" I am a dignified scholar, not Princess Chang Shan's slave! But he could not say this.

Soon, the guards of the East Palace pulled Lu Wen Da down and hit him 20 times.

The crown prince took Princess Chang Shan into the palace.

Lu Wen Da lay down on the chair. Fortunately, the guards knew what kind of temperament Princess Chang Shan had and they did not dare to be cruel. Although they made sure it hurt, they did not hurt his bones. Lu Wen Da would never forget this humiliation!

Although he knew the arts and martial arts, he was a part of the emperor's family. What he wanted to share with the emperor was his amazing literary talent and his ability to save the world. For this reason, he abandoned the past and chose this shortcut. He thought that he would have rapid advances in his career, but he never thought that he would suffer this humiliation instead.

The maids in the princess's mansion all knew how important he was to the princess, so they quickly helped Lu Wen Da up. They then hurried to get an imperial doctor.

Lu Wen Da concealed his emotions and thanked the maid politely. "Thank you very much. I am bothering you."

Lu Wen Da was handsome, gentle, and courteous. He successfully made the maids blush. They did remember that the princess once executed a maid who tried to seduce the consort harshly, so they hurriedly lowered their heads and suppressed these thoughts. Although the emperor's son-in-law was good, their lives were more important.

Lu Wen Da was more disgusted with Princess Chang Shan when he saw this. Princess Chang Shan was useless. It was just her identity that was her biggest support. In the future, unless the crown prince fell, she could run wild!

Lu Wen Da was a little confused as to what his future would be like.

After Li Su and Li Yi Cheng learned that Lu Wen Da had been blamed by the crown prince and was hit 20 times, they were extremely happy. They knew that Lu Wen Da was not doing well, so they were fine. Li Su smiled and said, "This is called reaping what one sows!1 Lu Wen Da, this is called getting your just desserts!"

Li Yi Cheng smiled slightly. "Some ministers in the court also consulted with the crown prince for this reason, but the emperor thought this was nothing and did not hold the prince accountable. The late emperor married his daughter to a man who doted on his concubines. As soon as the princess filed a lawsuit in the palace, the late emperor ordered the extermination of his son-in-law's house and then found a suitable consort for the princess once more. It is an imperial family tradition."

Li Su heard contempt and disdain for imperial power from Li Yi Cheng's words. She thought of Jiang Zhi En's intent and Li Yi Cheng's recent thoughts. She was a little uneasy. It wasn't a surprise to her that Li Yi Cheng had such thoughts of people being equal and nobody being born superior. But, they were now living in a feudal society where imperial power reigned supreme. It was a bit dangerous for Li Yi Cheng to have these kinds of thoughts.

Li Su didn't speak out to persuade him because she believed in her son. Li Yi Cheng had become better at hiding his emotions to outsiders. In front of her, Li Yi Cheng was still the same as ever. He knew what to say and what not to say.

"Don't you have a day off tomorrow? Can we go to the outskirts of the capital?" Li Su asked, changing the subject.

Li Yi Cheng hesitated. "You want to go out?" His appearance was very similar to Lu Wen Da's. Could he go out?

"Didn't mother say there was a way? Come here. Mother will put make-up on you!" These days, Li Su exercised according to her plan and studied home-made cosmetics in her free time. She didn't want her son to live like a thief, only going out early and returning late, or staying at home all day long since he didn't dare to go anywhere.

"Make-up? Your son is a man. Why are you using make-up?!" Li Yi Cheng was surprised.

"Make-up will cover up your original appearance. You can then walk outside freely!" Li Su smiled. She dragged her son to the dressing table and took out her home-made cosmetics.

Li Yi Cheng was a little touched by Li Su's words. He stopped speaking and sat in front of the mirror obediently. He closed his eyes and let Li Su do what she wanted.

The ingredients here were simple, but the advantage was that everything was pure and natural. These ingredients would not cause any damage to the skin after a long time.

Li Su skilfully picked up the eyebrow pencil and applied it to Li Yi Cheng's face. After 15 minutes, Li Su put the pencil down and patted Li Yi Cheng's shoulder. "Okay, open your eyes!"

Li Yi Cheng opened his eyes and looked at the strange, unfamiliar face in the mirror. He was shocked. Was it really him?

He couldn't believe it. He instinctively reached out to touch it.

"Hey, be careful. Don't ruin the make-up." Li Su quickly grabbed his hand. "The cosmetics could be better. Mother will find a way slowly. But, at least you can go out with dignity."

There were tears in Li Yi Cheng's eyes. "Mother, thank you!"

In this world, it was probably only his mother who could think of this sort of thing for his sake!

"How is it? Do you dare to go out now?" Li Su smiled.

Li YI Cheng blinked his tears back and nodded vigorously. "Yeah!" He now dared to walk alone on the street or face Lu Wen Da.

The next day, the three of them went to the outskirts of the capital and had a fun day.

After Jiang Zhi En learned about this, he made a special visit. When he saw Li Yi Cheng's current appearance, he was a little surprised. "Could the madam disguise herself?"

He was well-known for his skill in disguises. He once recruited people who were capable in this area, but it was a pity that they were lacking. Their so-called techniques were either too rough to hide from a shrewd person, or were □□. It was a pity that □□ was extremely difficult to make and was rare. He had only seen it once.

Now that Li Yi Cheng was doing this, Jiang Zhi En was very surprised.

"Is madam willing to teach this skill to others? I would like to hire you!" said Jiang Zhi En.

"Ah?" Li Su was surprised. She could teach other people how to use make-up? "There are a lot of disadvantages to this make-up technique. It doesn't last long and is not waterproof."

"It's okay! Madam can figure it out slowly and I can provide everything you need. I just want to have madam teach Yi Cheng and his brothers!" said Jiang Zhi En.

"Okay! I don't need payment. After all, we can be here today thanks to you. There is just one thing. Are you interested in opening up a powder shop? This is to make extra money. I can provide the recipe while you provide the shop and the staff. The income can be divided into nine parts to you and one to me." Li Su was not hypocritical, so she directly said it. She was not a beauty expert, but an exquisite girl who loved beauty. She had carefully studied cosmetics and how-to make-up. For a while, she even did DIY cosmetics at home, but finally gave up because she was too lazy. Although the items here were simple, she would try her best.

"Madam is so refreshing! I heard that the madam wanted to write a storybook to support the family. In fact, the madam doesn't have to worry about this. Although we are in a cooperative relationship, Yi Cheng is my son. In the future, his foster father will be responsible for arranging marriages for him and Lu Xi!" Jiang Zhi En said.

Li Su shook her head. "I can't count on others. If you agree, then we will have a deal. Otherwise, forget it!"

Jiang Zhi En laughed, dumbfounded. There were many respectable shops under his name. At Li Su's insistence, he could use the powder shop to coax her to play.

"Okay, that's it then!"

1.(行不義必自斃) idiom: persisting in evil brings about self-destruction.

Chapter 70 – My Son is The Nine Thousandth (part 10)

Li Su and Jiang Zhi En began their collaboration. She went to Jiang Zhi En's residence 3 times a month to give make-up lessons to the kids. She spent the rest of her time researching cosmetics.

In addition to her daily word recognition and practice plans, she paid attention to Li Yi Cheng and Li Lu Xi's meals. She also interacted with Li Lu Xi. She was very busy and it was fulfilling.

Li Yi Cheng was worried that his mother would have trouble adapting to such a busy life. He carefully observed her for a while and had to admit that his mother was much happier and more energetic now. This was unlike her past self. When that person was there, she hovered around that person all day long. When that person was absent, she was depressed every day.

Li Yi Cheng preferred his energetic mother.

However, Li Su had new troubles. In the past 2 months, she had successfully provided 2 new recipes to the powder shop, one for loose powder and the other for skin care lotion. She was very confident in these two recipes when she compared them to other products on the market. But, when the bill was settled at the end of the month, she was very disappointed. She guessed that Jiang Zhi En was afraid of damaging her enthusiasm and so he deliberately gave her more.

Li Su was puzzled. She thought that the recipe was okay, so what went wrong? She wanted to go to the shop and see for herself.

She got Li Yi Cheng to take a day off. They rented a carriage and had someone drive them to the powder shop.

After arriving, Li Su didn't exit the carriage immediately. She stayed inside and observed for a while.

The powder shop had a good location and was well-decorated with a lot of customers. But, Li Su noticed that many people entered, but few people left with things they had bought.

Li Su observed for a while before getting out of the carriage with Li Yi Cheng's support.

A gust of wind blew, lifting up the veil on Li Su's head, revealing half her face.

Lu Wen Da happened to see Li Su. He had come out to buy Princess Chang Shan's favourite candied fruit and he was shocked.

That woman just now!

Lu Wen Da reacted and hurriedly hid, fearing that she would see him. He then peeked out to take a closer look.

Li Yi Cheng helped Li Su up the steps. "Mother, slow down." He turned his head to observe his surroundings, afraid that Li Su would be hit by someone.

Lu Wen Da happened to see his face and was relieved. It was not Yi Cheng, so that woman should not be Li Su. It was just a coincidence.

Lu Wen Da didn't give up. He continued to watch them for half an hour. He then saw them get into the carriage, so he followed it to see where they lived. Then, he returned to the princess' residence.

Because Lu Wen Da was a good man, the servants had a good impression of him. When they saw him return, they reminded him, "Did the emperor's son-in-law just return? The princess has been waiting for a long time and is angry."

Lu Wen Da smiled. "Thank you. I know."

When he arrived in front of the princess' room, Lu Wen Da heard the sound of flogging from inside, interspersed with curses from Princess Chang Shan and the sound of broken bowls.

Lu Wen Da couldn't help but frown in disgust. He thought of the 20 hits he had per order of the crown prince. He also had to endure so much on top of finally coaxing Princess Chang Shan to go back.

Lu Wen Da took a deep breath. He wanted to endure. He had paid so much, so he must not give up all his hard work at this time! Now that he had offended both the crown prince and the empress, he could only hope to coax Xiao Bao Ling and have her advocate for a position for him. At this time, he mustn't offend her.

Lu Wen Da thought of this and took a deep breath. He smiled. "Bao Ling, what do you think I brought back for you?"

Xiao Bao Ling heard Lu Wen Da's voice and immediately threw away the whip she was holding. "Darling Lu, where did you go? When did you come back? I have been waiting for you for a long time!"

"Aren't you going to eat the preserves? I bought you some, but I saw a person on the side of the road who looked similar to one of my dead family. I was a little confused, so I delayed for a while." Lu Wen Da handed the candied fruit to Zi Xia, the palace lady next to Xiao Bao Ling. He then turned to take Xiao Bao Ling's hand.

"Okay, you hurry down. The princess has strained herself a little. Don't worry about it. Just find a doctor for her," ordered Lu Wen Da.

Zi Xia looked at the princess. When she saw the princess didn't object, she hurriedly dragged the beaten person away.

Lu Wen Da sat on the chair with Xiao Bao Ling and gently pressed a kiss on her cheek. "Okay, don't be angry."

Xiao Bao Ling smiled and pulled on Lu Wen Da's hand to play with it. Darling Lu's hands were so beautiful. They were the best-looking hands she had ever seen and she hadn't tired of playing with them. "Who did you meet?"

Lu Wen Da did not hesitate. "I saw a woman wearing a veil. When the wind blew, the veil lifted to reveal half of her face. She looked like Li Su. I was stunned at the time and a little uneasy. Later, I was relieved when I saw her son. It was not Li Su and Yi Cheng."

Xiao Bao Ling sat up suddenly, poking Lu Wen Da's chest with a finger. She said angrily, "Are you still obsessed with that bitch?! How else would you daydream?!"

Lu Wen Da smiled bitterly and grabbed Xiao Bao Ling's hand. "My good princess, why don't you understand my heart? Who is it that I worry over? You know how Li Su and the kids died, but what about the others? Would they believe it? How could a nice house catch fire like that?"

Xiao Bao Ling stared. "That's what they deserve!"

"Yes, they deserved it. They didn't wake up and ended up like that. They deserve it. But, other people don't think so, especially Prince Qi. He has always been at odds with the crown prince. If he finds out that the crown prince had something to do with it, do you think he won't use this to attack the crown prince? How honourable is His Highness? How can his reputation be tarnished?! Besides, you know that because of what happened before, the crown prince doesn't like me. Now, if something happens, the crown prince will dislike me even more. You and the crown prince have the same mother. I am also looking forward to assisting the crown prince in becoming a great emperor," Lu Wen Da said with a wry smile.

Xiao Bao Ling was no longer angry when she saw him so sad. She leaned on Lu Wen Da's chest. "Older brother just misunderstood for a bit. When he calms down, I will tell him again. It should be fine. I will go find empress mother and empress mother will deal with it for me. You can rest assured. My Darling Lu is so talented, so you can definitely accomplish something."

Lu Wen Da smiled. "It's best for you to understand me. I followed the mother and son and found out where they live. I will have someone check on them. It would be good if there were no problems. If there are any, then we can solve it as soon as possible."

Xiao Bao Ling nodded. "You are the emperor's son-in-law. The people in the princess' mansion will listen to you. If you want to check on them, then go."

Lu Wen Da smiled. "Okay, I will ask Yang Shi Wei to investigate."

Guard Yang was efficient, and he quickly investigated the owner of the house.

Lu Wen Da asked, "You said that the madam's surname is Li and she is the cousin of Lord Jiang, the supervisor of the department of rites? Lord Jiang has also recognised her son as an adopted son?"

"Yes." Madam Li also had a daughter, but Guard Yang did not think that it was worth mentioning such a trivial point, so he didn't say anything. In fact, he was very confused as to why the emperor's son-in-law asked him to investigate such a small thing. He felt that it was overkill for him to investigate. "It is said that Lord Jiang treats Madam Li and her son very kindly. When Madam Li and her son entered the capital, Lord Jiang personally went to the city gate to greet them. After, he recognised Madam Li's son as his adopted son and introduced him to many people."

Lu Wen Da didn't speak. If it was like this, then it was fine. Maybe he had been too suspicious.

Xiao Bao Ling smiled disdainfully. "Is it possible that he regards this Li person's son as his own son? Also, Jiang Zhi En is a eunuch who can't inherit anything. How could he have an heir? If he doesn't recognise a son quickly, then his legacy will die!"

As soon as Xiao Bao Ling said this, many of the attendant's expressions changed. Lu Wen Da also knew that it was common for eunuchs to recognise adopted sons, so he cleared his throat. "Okay, since they are relatives of Lord Jiang, then you don't need to check it again. Thank you, Guard Yang."

Guard Yang left when he saw that the princess had no other orders.

Lu Wen Da took Xiao Bao Ling's hands and lowered his voice. "Bao Ling, don't talk about eunuchs and heirs in the future. There are many servants in the house."

Xiao Bao Ling was disdainful. "It's just eunuchs. They can't overturn the sky! I hate these eunuchs the most! If it wasn't for mother's insistence on having them, then my princess mansion would not raise them!" Xiao Bao Ling thought of the past and the disgust in her heart grew. She couldn't wait to kill all these eunuchs.

Lu Wen Da was a little speechless when he saw Xiao Bao Ling say this in front of the servants, but Xiao Bao Ling was temperamental. She had the power and was unscrupulous with her words. He could only turn his head and smile apologetically to the servants.

At the other end, Li Su wrote at the desk all night. She was writing her suggestions and comments on the powder shop. She was just about to let Li Yi Cheng take Jiang Zhi En over the next day.

Jiang Zhi En had come over early in the morning, a little frustrated. "Princess Chang Shan's mansion is investigating you!"

Compared with Jiang Zhi En's anger, Li Su and Li Yi Cheng were quite calm. When Jiang Zhi En came in, they were having breakfast.

Li Su said, "Son, get a bowl and a pair of chopsticks for your foster father. Since he is here, let's have breakfast together."

Li Yi Cheng immediately stood and went to the kitchen to get the tableware. "Foster father, use this."

Jiang Zhi En smiled without anger when he saw they were calm. "It looks like you aren't in a hurry."

"What is so urgent? It's just an investigation. There is no evidence. Even facing us directly, Lu Wen Da may not recognise us. Not to mention, even if they did find out our true identity, they should be anxious. Why should we worry?" Li Su said slowly.

Jiang Zhi En thought about it for a moment and figured maybe he was just confused. Li Yi Cheng really fit his purpose. Originally, he recognised him as an adopted son. He never expected to get along with the child. Li Yi Cheng was filial, caring, smart, and sensible. He ended up liking him more and more and sincerely treated him like an adopted son. When he thought that Li Yi Cheng was in danger of having his identity exposed, he immediately panicked and ran over in the middle of the night.