Chapter 81 Lu Hanyi's Misfortune
The Lu Family Residence.
In Lady Liu's room.
"Hanyi, you've been here for four days now. When is Wenxun coming?" Lady Liu asked Lu Hanyi.
"Don't mention him." Lu Hanyi sat cross-legged against the table, her face filled with displeasure.
She had been back at her mother's house for several days, and Li Wenxun hadn't come once. Every time she thought about it, she grew angrier.
"Men are all good for nothing!"
Lady Liu looked at her pregnant daughter and sighed deeply, "You—"
At that moment, a servant girl's excited voice came from outside the courtyard.
"Madam, Eldest Miss and Eldest Master have returned."
Upon hearing that Lu Lingyun and Cheng Yunshuo were back together, both women on the couch turned to look towards the door.
The next second, an elderly woman pushed open the door, and the servants eagerly welcomed Lu Lingyun and Cheng Yunshuo inside.
Lu Lingyun was dressed in an expensive fox fur cloak, with a shimmering silver fox fur scarf around her neck, making her outfit dazzling to everyone present.
Cheng Yunshuo, also dressed in luxurious attire and a mink fur cloak, accompanied her.
Everyone knew that their eldest daughter had married well indeed.
Seeing Cheng Yunshuo accompanying Lu Lingyun again, Lu Hanyi's eyes widened.
She stared intently at Cheng Yunshuo, as if filled with questions and confusion.
"Lingyun and the Prince have returned!" Lady Liu, seeing Cheng Yunshuo accompanying them, quickly got up to greet them warmly.
"Happy New Year, Mother-in-law," Cheng Yunshuo greeted her politely, gesturing for Qingfeng to bring in the gifts.
Several large boxes of the most expensive pastries from the Imperial City, two rolls of fine silk, two Persian carpets and blankets brought by the marquisate's trading caravan, two jars of fine wine, and two geese tied with red ribbons.
Lady Liu, seeing the valuable gifts, beamed with joy, "You didn't need to bring anything!"
Cheng Yunshuo nodded slightly, glancing around the room, mostly occupied by women, "I'll go see Father-in-law and then come back for Xiao Jun."
"Sure, sure." Lady Liu smiled widely.
She personally escorted Cheng Yunshuo out of the room, reminding him to keep warm.
Once Lady Liu returned, Lu Lingyun was already seated.
Lady Liu turned to her, her expression changing momentarily before breaking into a smile, "Lingyun, it's wonderful that you're back."
"Mother, it's the fourth day of the New Year, I naturally had to come. My sister is here too."
"Second Sister came back on New Year's Day!" Liu Qingping chimed in.
"Yes, she's been home for a few days now," Liu Qingshuang added.
The Liu sisters, upon seeing Lu Lingyun, gathered around her.
Lady Liu, hearing this, felt a surge of anger, "What nonsense are you spouting!"
"It's true, Second Sister had a fight with Second Brother-in-law."
Lu Lingyun listened to her cousins' words, a slight smile playing on her lips.
She looked at Lu Hanyi, "Sister, what trouble are you facing?"
Her question only made Lu Hanyi explode like a firecracker, "What does it matter to you!"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
This temper hasn't diminished one bit in the Li family.
"How dare you speak like that," Lady Liu quickly intervened, smiling at Lu Lingyun, "Lingyun, your sister is pregnant and a bit moody. Don't take it to heart."
She tried to placate Lu Lingyun.
"Mm." Lu Lingyun smiled.
"How far along is your sister's pregnancy?"
"Almost seven months."
"She'll give birth in February or March."
"Yes." Lady Liu beamed like a flower, "When the time comes, you must visit as an aunt."
Lu Lingyun, hearing Lady Liu's subtle request, sipped her hot tea and smiled, "Of course."
"Then it's settled!"
Lu Hanyi turned her head away, unwilling to see her mother fawning over Lu Lingyun.
Lady Liu did not mention Lu Hanyi again, instead engaging Lu Lingyun in conversation about her life at the marquisate. Lu Lingyun spoke half-truths, while Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang chimed in occasionally, emphasizing how well she was doing at the marquisate.
The other ladies in the room, hearing this, looked at Lu Lingyun with envy and surrounded her with compliments.
Everyone left Lu Hanyi out.
People are very realistic; they can see at a glance who is doing well and who isn't. Those who are doing well don't need to say anything; others will fawn over them.
As Lu Hanyi listened to all the flattery, her expression grew worse. Just then, the maids outside excitedly called out, "Second Son-in-Law has arrived!"
Lu Hanyi, lying on the couch, heard that Li Wenxun had come. Her sour expression finally improved a bit.
She let out a light hum. Humph, Li Wenxun knows his place for coming here!
Otherwise, she wouldn't go back at all!
When Liu saw Li Wenxun arrive, she also beamed with joy. However, this time she didn't get up to greet him outside. Instead, she sat across from Lu Lingyun, watching as Li Wenxun entered the room.
Li Wenxun, wearing thick cotton clothing and an outer robe that was only eight-tenths new, entered the room carrying something.
The women in the room all sized him up at first sight.
It must be said that the son of a marquis and the men from ordinary households really are different; it's obvious at a glance.
Moreover, what was Li Wenxun carrying? A rooster tied with a red ribbon, two baskets of peach pastries, and a jar of cheap liquor bought by the roadside.
Immediately, the contrast became apparent.
Lu Hanyi's marriage is so far from Lu Lingyun's!
Even Liu, seeing the things Li Wenxun brought, flashed a look of dissatisfaction on her face.
She always said the Lis were far inferior. What was her foolish daughter thinking, choosing to marry into such a poor family instead of living as a lady in a marquis's household!
"Since you're here, we're family, no need to bring gifts," Liu said with a forced laugh, instructing the servants to take the items away.
As the items were taken from Li Wenxun, he clearly saw the other gifts in the room. Seeing Lu Lingyun there, he knew Cheng Yunshuo had also come. Being sensitive, he immediately felt uncomfortable.
At this moment, Lu Hanyi's angry voice came from above, "Why did you come here!"
Instantly, Li Wenxun's sensitive self-esteem was greatly displeased. He frowned but kept his expression composed, saying gently, "Hanyi, I've come to take you home."
Lu Hanyi had no idea about his current mood. Feeling empowered in her mother's house, she continued, "Why should I go back to that shabby home with you! You can't even afford coal; do you want to freeze me to death?"
Sitting nearby, Lu Lingyun couldn't help but want to laugh upon hearing this.
Oh dear, oh dear, her spoiled little sister must have offended Li Wenxun.
She didn't realize how petty and concerned about face that man could be.
Chapter 82: Still Need to Tolerate
Li Wenxun's gentle face turned cold as he listened to Lu Hanyi.
Seeing the atmosphere turn sour, Lady Liu hurriedly said to her daughter, "How can you talk like that? Quickly apologize to your husband."
"Why should I apologize to him? The charcoal I used was all given by you. What face does his family have! And I'm even carrying his child!"
"Enough, enough. The Li family is one thing, but your husband is another. Say less and go back with him." Lady Liu dared not let her daughter continue and tried to smooth things over.
At this moment, Li Wenxun also turned cold and said to Lu Hanyi, who was sulking on the couch, "Let's discuss this at home."
"If there's anything, say it here in my family!"
"Aren't you going then?"
"I'm not going!" Lu Hanyi held her ground, hoping to gain the upper hand in front of her family.
As newlyweds, with her carrying his child, a normal man would usually be more accommodating towards his wife, whether by being softer or making promises. He would bend once in a while.
But she knew nothing about Li Wenxun.
Compared to her and their unborn child, he cared more about his own dignity.
"If you're not going, stay here!" Li Wenxun glanced at Lu Hanyi and walked out without looking back.
He had married Lu Hanyi, yet the Lu family had given him no help. Her elder sister, who had married into the marquisate, had never lifted a finger either. Lu Hanyi's performance in the Li family was abysmal, and today she had embarrassed him in front of everyone. How could he give her any good face?
Stay if she wants!
If she doesn't come back, she can stay with her family.
Lu Hanyi saw that Li Wenxun didn't care about her at all and became anxious. She straightened up from the couch but before she could speak, he had already left without turning back.
She clenched her fists and frowned, her anger boiling down to a single "Hmph!"
Lingyun had seen enough and put down her teacup, rising to leave. "Mother, I have many things to attend to at my residence, so I'll take my leave now."
"Lingyun, it's almost dinner time. Stay for a meal."
"No, the Prince has matters to attend to. If I don't seek him, he will seek me." Lingyun refused and left with her entourage.
After she left, several ladies and girls in the room followed to see her off. Lady Liu did not say anything else and dismissed everyone.
Once everyone had dispersed, she turned to her daughter on the couch, "Why did you argue with your husband in front of so many people, especially in front of Lingyun?"
"Who knew Li Wenxun would be like this!" Lu Hanyi was even angrier; she wanted to control Li Wenxun.
In her previous life, Li Wenxun had been completely submissive to Lingyun in public. She never expected him to openly defy her.
"If you didn't know his character, why did you rush to marry him?" Lady Liu sat beside her, disbelieving.
"Who told me that Li Er was a good match, better than the Prince by a hundred times! Look at how Cheng Yunshuo treats Lingyun compared to how Li Er treats you!"
"Hmph, Cheng Yunshuo isn't a good person either. Do you really think he cares about Lingyun? Everyone knows his concubines are pregnant, but not Lingyun." Lu Hanyi sneered.
Cheng Yunshuo's change in this life puzzled her, but the fact remained that his concubines were pregnant, while Lingyun was not. How could she be favored?
Lady Liu didn't know what to say to her daughter and threw up her hands in frustration, "No one knows what goes on behind closed doors! But publicly, Prince Cheng treats Lingyun with all due respect. She lives as the Princess Consort in the marquisate, growing more prosperous every day. You, on the other hand, married into a poor Li family, unable to even burn charcoal in winter. On your return visit, Li Er left like that. Where is your happiness?"
Lu Hanyi frowned and pushed her mother away, "Stop talking. Li Er will become successful."
"My dear daughter, are you bewitched? What does Li Er rely on to become successful? He ranks second in the family. His elder brother passed the imperial exams and entered the Ministry of Rites, with the whole family supporting him. Who cares about Li Er? He has no support, no money, and no favor. Why would the Li family support him?"
"He relies on himself!" Lu Hanyi sat up, "You don't understand his abilities. He will definitely become the top scholar next year!"
Lady Liu: "..."
Lu Hanyi's unwavering tone made Lady Liu hesitate again. Looking at her confident daughter, she regained some hope, "Does he truly have that ability?"
"Of course! Otherwise, why would I compete with Lingyun?" Lu Hanyi sneered.
"Then you shouldn't argue with Li Er. How can you make him lose face in front of so many people?" Lady Liu scolded her daughter again.
Lu Hanyi pouted, "It was him who provoked me first. You don't know how he leaves everything to me at home, making me deal with his sister-in-law and mother. The whole family bullies me. I can't survive like this."
"But won't he become the top scholar? If you let such a golden husband slip away, what will you do?"
Lu Hanyi calmed down and thought about it. Yes, Li Wenxun might be lacking in other areas, but he would eventually rise to greatness. She still needed to tolerate it for her future wealth and glory, even becoming a First-Rank Lady.
"After a few days, when he comes, I'll go back with him."
"Will he really come?"
"Of course he will!" Lu Hanyi's last word lacked confidence.
Would he come?
Li Wenxun didn't show up until after the Lantern Festival. Lu Hanyi waited at the Lu family's residence, watching the month pass by, and finally returned alone.
When Lingyun learned that Lu Hanyi had returned to the Li family alone, she had already managed the entire New Year festivities.
She smiled in the courtyard, thinking that her good younger sister had secured a good marriage, and better days lay ahead!
After the New Year, both merchant caravans of the marquisate set off for Jiangnan. As the weather warmed, the harsh winter passed.
All the charcoal Lingyun had stockpiled sold out, earning her over eighty thousand taels of silver.
Up until now, Lu Lingyun has six shops, seven estates, and one forest. All her silver adds up to more than ten thousand taels, not including the gifts and jewelry given by the Qin family in her dowry chest.
She has become increasingly wealthy.
At the same time, the usury debts began to explode.
After the spring, a large number of usury debts came due, and the wealthy households who had lent money started to demand repayment.
Those in debt could not pay back, leading to several murders. As in her previous life, this development alarmed the authorities.
After Cheng Yunshuo returned to work at the Prefectural Commandant Manor in the spring, he mentioned at the dinner table, "Our manor hasn't been lending out usury money, right!"
Chapter 83 Lu Kuan
When the Qin matriarch and the old Lord Marquis heard Cheng Yunshuo's question, they both froze, especially the Qin matriarch. "What's wrong?"
"Something big has happened in the Imperial City recently. The Prefectural Commandant Manor has received over a dozen murder cases, all related to usury. This matter has alarmed the higher-ups, who have ordered a thorough investigation into usurers."
Cheng Yunshuo looked gravely at everyone at the dinner table. "This time, whoever is found to be involved in usury will face great misfortune, personally punished by His Majesty."
Upon hearing this, the Qin matriarch felt an intense surge of fear and relief.
She had experienced the emperor's wrath once before, and their House of Duke Qin had yet to recover. When the emperor decided to investigate something, it was done with utmost rigor, leaving no one unscathed.
And she... had, just before the New Year, stopped lending money on interest upon Lu Lingyun's suggestion!
The Qin matriarch immediately turned to look at Lu Lingyun.
Lu Lingyun remained calm and composed. "Mother, our family is known for doing good deeds. I've always said that usury goes against heaven and reason. We should not engage in such activities, don't you agree?"
"Yes, yes, absolutely right!" the Qin matriarch exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement.
She couldn't help but feel grateful; she had indeed married a good daughter-in-law who had saved the family from a major disaster.
The next day, the long-ailing old Lord Marquis attended court, and as Cheng Yunshuo had said, the emperor was furious about the usury issue. He publicly reprimanded several wealthy families involved in usury, including those who had aggressively taken over the market after the Cheng family withdrew.
The most severe case saw a noble stripped of his title and official position, his court robes torn off, and he was beaten with twenty strokes of the cane before being reduced to a commoner and his assets seized.
Those who were less involved were still named and fined, forbidden from collecting any more usury, including the Li family.
Being fined and forbidden from collecting usury was bad enough, but being named would affect their future careers.
After returning home, the Li family father and son scolded Lady Wei, who had been secretly lending money, and took away her household management rights, giving them back to Li's mother.
Lady Wei dared not say anything, feeling extremely aggrieved and submissive.
Originally, Lu Hanyi, who had been mistreated, felt a sense of vindication seeing Lady Wei's downfall. The entire Li family was in turmoil, but she was the happiest.
She rolled her eyes and went to mock Lady Wei.
"Oh, isn't this our fair and decisive eldest sister-in-law of the Li family?" Lu Hanyi mocked Lady Wei, her pregnant belly prominent.
Seeing her, Lady Wei felt a surge of anger.
In the past two days, she had been scolded by her husband and father-in-law, lost her household management rights, and even had to use her dowry to cover losses. Life was already difficult enough, and now Lu Hanyi was taunting her.
"Hmph, what does my sister-in-law want?"
"The taste of being scolded must be unpleasant, right? Sister, why don't you tell me about it?" Lu Hanyi smiled at her.
Lady Wei gritted her teeth in anger. "Mind your own business!"
"My affairs are well-managed; no need for you to worry," Lu Hanyi replied happily.
Lady Wei sneered. "Is that so? Then do you know what your second brother did while you were away?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Hanyi's smile froze. She looked at Lady Wei in confusion. "What did you say?"
"Go ask your second brother yourself." Lady Wei looked at her with schadenfreude. "That maid in his room has been with him for a long time."
Lu Hanyi quickly recalled the face of a maid named Xiangxue.
Without further argument, she returned to her own room.
After the usury incident, Lu Lingyun gained further trust from the Qin matriarch, who gave her more authority.
Previously, she was only allowed to review the accounts, but now Lu Lingyun could make decisions about the businesses and properties herself.
Lu Lingyun held even greater power.
While arranging her tasks, a servant hurriedly reported to her.
"Young Mistress, your family requests your presence."
"What's the matter again?"
"I hear that your younger sister, Second Miss, has had a problem with her pregnancy."
Lu Lingyun rushed to the Lu family upon hearing this.
Upon arriving, she learned that Lu Hanyi had discovered Li Wenxun's affair with his maid Xiangxue during her absence.
Enraged, she caused a commotion, and in the ensuing chaos, she fell and bled, nearly causing a miscarriage.
She was currently crying and making a scene at the Lu family.
Lu Lingyun raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. Li Er was indeed not a faithful man.
She had noticed his affair with the maid long ago.
But it seemed to have happened much earlier this time.
When Lu Lingyun arrived at Lady Liu's courtyard, she saw Lu Hanyi, who had weakened significantly, lying in bed to rest. Upon seeing her, Lu Hanyi shouted, "Why didn't you tell me he had been secretly seeing that maid!"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
"How was I supposed to know he was secretly seeing his maid?"
Lu Lingyun replied slowly.
Her words fell, and Lu Hanyi, who was in a fit of rage, suddenly stopped. Yes, she had no idea that Lu Lingyun had also been reborn.
Mrs. Liu added, "What nonsense are you spouting? Your sister came to see you and stand up for you; how would she know any of this!"
Lu Hanyi felt a surge of frustration, and all her grievances and resentment finally turned into a single huff.
"Sister probably regrets marrying Master Li, doesn't she?" Lu Lingyun spoke calmly.
"I don't regret it at all!"
"Good, I thought you said that because you regretted it."
Lu Hanyi gritted her teeth, knowing she had chosen her path and her suffering, and she must endure it.
She fell silent, and Li Er arrived at this moment. This time, before Lu Lingyun could even speak, everyone in the Lu family berated him harshly.
This was not like the last time when Lu Hanyi had thrown a tantrum and returned home. This time, Li Er was clearly at fault, and he could only endure the scolding.
Watching this scene, Lu Lingyun felt a sense of melancholy, as no one had ever stood up for her, no matter what Li Er did in her past life.
Ironically, after everyone berated Li Er, they urged Lu Hanyi to forgive him.
They tried to reconcile the two.
As Lu Hanyi continued to sulk, people began to criticize her, saying she was too jealous and had her own faults.
This made Lu Hanyi feel even more aggrieved.
Seeing this, Lu Lingyun realized that one should never trust or rely on anyone else; the only person one can truly depend on is oneself.
Relying on family members for support ultimately turns one into a plaything in their hands, swayed by their interests, with no absolute care.
Yet, despite being reborn, Lu Hanyi still failed to understand this truth.
Lu Lingyun joined in criticizing Li Wenxun a few times and gave him some warnings but did not say much more. After leaving, she had only one thought in mind.
To become more powerful and have a solid foundation.
"Shuang Hong, call my brother Lu Kuan here."
Chapter 84: The Younger Brother from the Secondary Line
Lu Kuan is Lu Lingyun's younger half-brother.
He was also the one who carried her out on her wedding day.
The Lu family has three sons; two of them are legitimate sons born to Lady Liu, and Lu Kuan is the only one from the secondary line.
The status of children from the secondary line has never been high since ancient times.
It is often said that a mother gains status through her child, but equally, a child gains status through their mother.
In wealthy households, the lives of children from the secondary line would be much better, but most of them are like little transparent figures in the family, hardly noticed. In poorer families, their status is even lower.
For example, in the manors of local gentry or wealthy landowners, children from the secondary line mostly serve as stewards or overseers for the legitimate sons. If they separate from the main family, they leave with nothing.
Ultimately, it boils down to limited resources, which means there is very little left for the children from the secondary line.
Of course, there are exceptions. If the concubines are extremely favored, their children might gain the patriarch's favor and receive many privileges.
However, these cases are rare. Lu Kuan is one of the majority, a son from the secondary line whom Lady Liu barely acknowledged, and his father did not pay much attention to him either. Even though he was male, he was still invisible within the family.
Yet, Lu Lingyun remembers that in her previous life, he was the most promising among the three brothers in the Lu family, becoming a scholar. However, due to the lack of resources, he failed the provincial exams and stopped pursuing further academic achievements. He then found the lowest-ranking position as a clerk outside the family, eventually reaching the rank of a seventh-class official.
The other two brothers in the Lu family did not achieve any academic titles either. Despite having all the family's resources, one reached the sixth rank and the other the seventh, both holding positions without real power.
If the Lu family had invested in Lu Kuan, even if he could not elevate the family, he could have at least maintained their current status.
What Lu Lingyun remembers most about her younger half-brother is not his low profile and ambition, but in her previous life, after she returned to the Imperial City in glory, everyone in the Lu family fawned over her except Lu Kuan. When she faced a crisis during a natural disaster in Jiangnan, no one from the Lu family asked about her, except for him, who sent her a letter asking if she needed help.
After Lu Hanyi caused a scene earlier, Lu Lingyun felt it necessary to support a member of her maternal family. This life is different from her previous one. Back then, she and Li Wenxun fought alone, starting from scratch. Now, married in the Imperial City, she would likely never leave here, so interactions with her maternal family were inevitable.
The strength of her maternal family would also be her strength. Having someone from her maternal family would give her confidence.
She planned to cultivate Lu Kuan as her maternal family support.
A short while later, a young man around fourteen years old followed Shuang Hong into the room.
"Older sister? You called for me?"
Seeing Lu Lingyun looking for him, Lu Kuan was pleasantly surprised.
Lu Kuan and Lu Lingyun were merely acquaintances, but he liked her because she was the only legitimate child in the family who did not discriminate against him. She even gave him food and pocket money in the past.
Of course, Lu Lingyun probably did not remember this, as she treated everyone the same.
"Are you preparing for the county exams this year?" Lu Lingyun smiled at him.
Lu Kuan nodded vigorously.
"How are your studies going?" Lu Lingyun continued.
"I hope I can pass and become a scholar."
Lu Lingyun smiled at him. "I just received a batch of books that will help you with the county exams. Feel free to come to the duke's mansion whenever you need them."
Lu Kuan was instantly delighted. "Really?"
"Of course." Lu Lingyun reached out and gently removed a stray hair from his collar. "Study hard. Older sister believes in you."
After hearing this, Lu Kuan's face lit up with joy, and he clenched his fists. "Yes, I won't disappoint you, older sister!"
After encouraging Lu Kuan, Lu Lingyun left the Lu Mansion.
The next day, Lu Kuan really came to the duke's mansion.
He stood hesitantly at the gate, but the guards recognized him, as Lu Lingyun had informed them beforehand.
When Lu Kuan arrived at Lu Lingyun's courtyard, she provided him with several books and snacks. Lu Kuan's eyes sparkled with gratitude.
After he left, Lu Lingyun was reviewing the accounts when a servant came to inform her.
"Madam, the matron from Duke Xu's Mansion wishes to invite you for tea."
Li Niyue is coming to see her?
"Sure."
Lu Lingyun had no pressing matters, so she went to Duke Xu's Mansion.
Upon arrival, the head maid from Li Niyue's entourage greeted her.
"The consort has arrived," said Aunt Wang with a smile.
"How has Sister Li been recently?"
"Very well!" Aunt Wang's eyes twinkled with joy. "The charcoal you sent last time helped our matron greatly. She has been eager to invite you for tea to express her gratitude, but it took until after the New Year to find the time."
"It seems Sister Li had a busy New Year," Lu Lingyun noted, picking up on the underlying message.
If Li Niyue was busy, it meant she had gained more control over household affairs.
"Yes, our matron is now highly regarded by the matriarch," Aunt Wang said proudly.
At that moment, a group of young women dressed in fine clothing approached, exuding an air of nobility.
The leading woman was fifteen or sixteen years old, with a face like peach blossoms. She bore a resemblance to Li Niyue's mother-in-law, Lady Cui, with a sharpness in her eyebrows and an unmistakable aura of arrogance and nobility.
At first glance, she seemed like a young Lady Cui.
"Second Lady." Mama Wang bowed respectfully upon seeing the newcomer.
At this title, Lu Lingyun knew that this was Xiao Cui, Li Niyue's sister-in-law, the niece of Lady Cui, married to Lady Cui's youngest son, and both she and her husband were favorites of Lady Cui.
"Second Lady," Lu Lingyun greeted her with a smile.
Xiao Cui glanced at Lu Lingyun with a sidelong look, her arrogance evident, "Who are you?"
"Second Lady, this is our Lady's good friend, the Consort of Ningyang Marquis, Lady Lu."
"Oh!" Xiao Cui showed a knowing expression, her tone dripping with disdain, "So you're that poor, nouveau riche girl who managed to marry into nobility."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
"Second Lady, Lady Cheng is our Lady's esteemed guest," Mama Wang said with a frown.
"Indeed, birds of a feather flock together. Your Lady must enjoy associating with such nouveau riche climbers, disgracing our Duke's household," Xiao Cui sneered.
She couldn't be bothered to look at Lu Lingyun again, lifting her haughty head and leading her maidservants past Lu Lingyun and Mama Wang in a grand procession.
As they passed by, she kept her eyes straight ahead, slightly furrowing her noble brows, and waved dismissively, "What riffraff."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
"Consort, please don't be upset. That's our household's Second Lady, the niece of our Lady. They come from the prestigious Qinghe Cui clan and are the most pampered youngest daughter of their family. She's always been this arrogant," Mama Wang hurriedly explained to Lu Lingyun, "She also caused quite a stir when she first entered our household."
Chapter 85: Tianfu Academy
At that moment, Li Niyue's voice came from the corridor, "Why did you take so long?"
Li Niyue approached with two maidservants, and upon seeing Lu Lingyun, she broke into a wide smile.
Old Lady Wang walked up to Li Niyue and whispered in her ear about what had just happened with Little Lady Cui.
Li Niyue immediately frowned, "How dare that Little Lady Cui be so unreasonable! Sister Lingyun is beloved by Grandmother; I must go speak to Grandmother about this!"
"Enough, Sister Li," Lu Lingyun stepped forward and held her hand. "It's nothing."
"No, it won't do. That Little Lady Cui has always been domineering. Bullying us is one thing, but bullying you is unacceptable. Even if Grandmother dotes on her, she must apologize this time!" Li Niyue insisted on defending Lu Lingyun.
"There's nothing to apologize for; she didn't say anything wrong." Lu Lingyun smiled calmly.
She was indeed in a high marriage, and it was understandable for the upper nobility to view her this way.
"Lingyun..."
"One must always know their place. My status dictates my treatment. To seek respect without strength is shameful."
Lu Lingyun always knew her place. To desire respect without strength was indeed shameful. If one was weak, they should strive to become stronger.
After all, life was long.
Fortunes would change, and she would rise. Time would tell.
After hearing her words, Li Niyue's eyes sparkled. "That's really well said!"
She led Lu Lingyun to her courtyard to chat. Already grateful for Lu Lingyun's help with the charcoal incident, she now admired her unique perspective on life, considering her a close friend.
They talked about everything from the charcoal incident to the recent events involving Little Lady Cui.
"My sister-in-law could have entered the palace as a concubine. She made it to the final round of selection, where eight candidates were narrowed down to six. She and another merchant's daughter were the ones left out. Can you guess why she was rejected?"
Lu Lingyun shook her head. "I can't guess."
How could she know? A woman of Lu Lingyun's background wouldn't even qualify for the selection.
Hearing that Little Lady Cui initially came to the capital for the selection was intriguing. With her family and appearance, how could she have been rejected?
Li Niyue chuckled. "The Empress Dowager said her eyes were too fierce, reminding her of the fierce deities in temples, so she dismissed her with a flower."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
With such a high birth, Little Lady Cui must have aimed for a position as a concubine or imperial consort. Being rejected for having fierce eyes must have been humiliating!
Moreover, after the Empress Dowager's words, her future marriage prospects would be difficult.
"Was she able to return home?" Lu Lingyun asked anxiously.
"Of course not." Li Niyue glanced towards the northern courtyard. "My mother-in-law brought her back to the Duke's Mansion and arranged her marriage to my younger brother."
Lu Lingyun nodded in understanding. No wonder Little Lady Cui married into the family.
"My sister-in-law had her heart set on marrying into the royal family. Ending up in the Duke's Mansion, she finds fault with everyone and looks down on everyone else, relying solely on my mother-in-law's affection for them." Li Niyue shared her thoughts.
Lu Lingyun smiled. "Indeed, it's quite a headache."
"But you're right. One's reputation depends on their own strength. I must work hard and not let Little Lady Cui look down on me."
"Sister, your family background is already excellent." Lu Lingyun said.
Li Niyue's father was a second-rank official, serving as the Imperial Tutor to the Crown Prince and concurrently as the Left Censor-in-Chief.
The Left Censor-in-Chief was among the top three positions in the Censorate, and the role of Imperial Tutor to the Crown Prince was a trusted position close to the Emperor.
Li Niyue's marriage to the Duke's Mansion was perfectly matched, even slightly below her station. It was only because her mother-in-law, Lady Cui, held a higher status that she could manage the household.
"After marriage, one must rely on oneself, not always turning to my father for help." Li Niyue smiled.
"Exactly."
Li Niyue continued, "My father hasn't been in good health this year, so he's temporarily set aside his duties as the Imperial Tutor to the Crown Prince. However, he can't sit idle. This year, several great scholars plan to establish a school and invited him to teach occasionally. He accepted immediately and told me that if my son Qian were older, he'd send him there at three years old."
Lu Lingyun asked, "Is it the Tianfu Academy?"
"Yes, have you heard of it?"
How could Lu Lingyun not know about the Tianfu Academy?
In the future, it would become renowned, producing top scholars and first-class graduates. In her previous life, countless noble families and literati fought to send their children there, as admission meant half a foot in the imperial court.
Not only was the education top-notch, but the connections were unparalleled.
"I've heard of the academy the great scholars are establishing."
In this life, the Tianfu Academy had just been founded, and few people knew about it. Only those connected to the great scholars sent their children there.
In her previous life, Lu Lingyun used the Tianfu Academy to gain insights into the imperial examinations, employing an exhaustive method to prepare for every possible question, which helped Li Wenxun achieve success. She knew how difficult it was to get admitted.
"If your family has suitable children, you can send them there," Li Niyue offered.
Lu Lingyun heard this and her heart skipped a beat. "Our marquisate currently has no eligible young masters, but my younger brother is fourteen this year. Could he be admitted to Tianfu Academy for his studies?"
Li Niyue replied without hesitation, "No problem. I'll just mention it to my father."
Lingyun had helped her before, so this favor was merely a word for Li Niyue, something she didn't think twice about.
For Li Niyue, it was just a casual favor, but for Lu Lingyun, it was a rare opportunity. If Lu Kuan entered Tianfu Academy, it would be like catching the wind and soaring high.
"Big Sister Li, thank you so much!"
"Between sisters, why be so formal? In the future, when I manage the household, I'll still need your help."
"Just come to me whenever you need anything." Lu Lingyun smiled with her eyes squinting.
Leaving Duke Xu's Mansion, Lu Lingyun was filled with joy. Returning to the marquisate, everyone she saw brought her happiness. Even when she encountered Xing Dairong, she greeted her with a smile, "How have you been lately? Do you need anything?"
Xing Dairong found Lu Lingyun's good mood quite peculiar. "Young Lady, I'm fine."
"Take good care of yourself and the baby. Let me know if you need anything." Lu Lingyun then left.
Watching her leave with a pleased expression, Xing Dairong huffed, "Hmph, what's there to be so smug about!"
Chapter 86: Difficult Labor Due to Large Fetus
"Madam must have encountered something joyful," said Auntie Qiukui.
Xing Dairong snorted, "If I were her, every day would be a joyous occasion!"
Lu Lingyun's life was so good—she was the head of the household, getting whatever she wanted. Everything good belonged to her; how could she not be happy?
If she were the head of the household, she would be even more powerful than Lu Lingyun. She would ensure Cheng Yunshuo had no concubines around him, and all the jewels and fine silks would be piled in her room. Everyone in the marquisate would listen to her, and anyone who disobeyed would receive a slap!
Hmph, what is there to be smug about?
Just because she's the head of the household now, just because she has good fortune!
If she had Lu Lingyun's luck, she would definitely live better than her!
Seeing Xing Dairong's jealous expression, Qiukui wisely kept quiet.
"Did you deliver the tonics as instructed?" Xing Dairong asked, walking forward with her large belly.
"I did," Qiukui answered honestly.
"Did that wretched Qiu Ling eat them all?"
"All of it."
"That's good." A hint of satisfaction and anticipation appeared on Xing Dairong's face. "Let's go to that old witch Lady Qin's place and get some more tonics from her!"
Qiukui felt uneasy seeing her like this.
Recently, Xing Dairong had been constantly around Lady Qin, trying to please her mother-in-law in every way.
When Lady Qin was pleased, she would give Xing Dairong gifts. Despite her love for gold and silver, Xing Dairong insisted on only receiving more tonics for her health.
Now pregnant, Xing Dairong was at the right time to take tonics, and Lady Qin, without hesitation, provided her with various ginseng, lingzhi mushrooms, deer antlers, and sea cucumbers.
Strangely, Xing Dairong didn't consume these herself but instead had Qiukui deliver them daily to Auntie Qiu.
The first time Qiukui delivered them, she wondered if Xing Dairong was trying to poison Qiu Ling. However, to her surprise, Xing Dairong hadn't tampered with anything. Many items came directly from Lady Qin, and Qiukui simply delivered them to Qiu Ling's room.
After observing for several days, Qiukui confirmed that Qiu Ling had no adverse reactions to the tonics and seemed healthier.
She was even more puzzled. My goodness.
Had Xing Dairong truly changed? Giving away such valuable items to her most hated enemy?
Qiukui couldn't understand, and indeed, she couldn't. This was Xing Dairong's carefully thought-out plan!
To make Qiu Ling's fetus grow too large, leading to a difficult labor and possibly both their deaths!
This idea came from Xing Dairong's experience with historical dramas, knowing that women in this era often suffered from malnutrition and poor development, making childbirth dangerous. By over-nourishing Qiu Ling during pregnancy, she could ensure a difficult labor.
If either or both died, it would be perfect, and no one would suspect her.
Xing Dairong was elated after devising this plan. Once Qiu Ling and her child perished, she would be the only one left with a child in the marquisate, and her true good days would come.
Even Lu Lingyun, unable to bear children, would lose her position as the head of the household!
"Hurry up! What are you dawdling for!"
Xing Dairong walked with a full heart.
Meanwhile, Lu Lingyun returned to her courtyard. On the way, she encountered Qiu Ling again.
Seeing her, Qiu Ling greeted her warmly, "Madam, you seem quite happy today."
"It's alright," Lu Lingyun replied, noticing Qiu Ling's growing belly and showing concern. "How have you been? Do you need anything?"
"No, no, I don't lack anything."
"What about the tonics and soups? Should I arrange for more?" Lu Lingyun was particularly attentive to Qiu Ling.
Being a concubine, a well-behaved and obedient one naturally received more care.
"No need, Madam. I've been eating too many tonics lately; I can't take any more!" Qiu Ling waved her hands.
Lu Lingyun casually asked, "Just one bowl of tonic and one bowl of soup is too much?"
Qiu Ling quickly explained, "No, it's not that. For the past half-month, Aunt Xing has been sending me ginseng, deer antlers, lingzhi mushrooms, and cordyceps every day. I already have plenty of tonics."
Hearing this, Lu Lingyun immediately became alert. "Xing Dairong sent them to you?"
"Yes, she said she received many tonics from Lady Qin and couldn't finish them all, so she shared some with me, telling me to take good care of my pregnancy." Qiu Ling was completely unaware.
Initially, she was wary and hesitant to accept anything from Xing Dairong. Qiukui assured her that everything came directly from Lady Qin and was untouched.
After a few days of hesitation and having the kitchen confirm the safety of the items, Qiu Ling started taking the tonics. She noticed no adverse effects and saw improvements in her appearance and health.
Thinking Xing Dairong might have changed and wanted to improve their relationship, Qiu Ling began consuming the tonics regularly and even sent a golden hairpin to Xing Dairong as a token of gratitude.
"Madam, I think Aunt Xing has changed. Her personality is different now; she doesn't argue with me anymore. We greet each other when we meet and she shows genuine concern for my health and pregnancy." Qiu Ling remarked.
"Wait." Lu Lingyun interrupted her, her expression grave. "Let me see what she sent."
"Alright, there's still a lot left in my courtyard. I'll bring it over right away."
In no time, Xiao He brought all the remaining tonics from Qiu Ling's room to Lu Lingyun's.
Lu Lingyun looked at the expensive tonics laid out before her and frowned deeply. These were all top-quality items. "Where did she get these things?"
"They were all given by Madam. She spends every day by Madam's side, winning her favor."
Instantly, an image flashed through Lu Lingyun's mind of Xing Dairong carefully pleasing Lady Qin with embroidery.
Ever since her ban was lifted, she had been spending every day ingratiating herself with Lady Qin, her personality completely different from before.
"Shuang Hong, go ask Nanny Wen what Xing Dairong is getting from her mother-in-law every day."
"Yes."
Soon, Shuang Hong returned to report.
"Madam, Nanny Wen said that when Lady Qin rewards her with jewelry, she refuses it all and only asks for tonics."
Hearing Shuang Hong's report, Lu Lingyun's suspicions were confirmed. She let out a cold laugh. "So she's not done yet!"
Xing Dairong's tactics this time were indeed clever. Most people, inexperienced, wouldn't realize what she was up to.
They would simply think she was being kind by sending tonics.
But Lu Lingyun had spent over a decade in Jiangnan helping Li Wenxun solve cases, encountering all sorts of bizarre incidents. At first glance, she could tell that Xing Dairong was using excessive kindness to harm others—sending large quantities of tonics to a pregnant woman, causing her to have a difficult childbirth!
Pregnant women must not overindulge in tonics!
Chapter 87 Unmasking the Plot
Lu Lingyun's expression frightened Qiu Ling, who hurriedly said, "Young Lady, she wouldn't be poisoning me, would she!"
"It's not exactly poisoning."
Hearing this, Qiu Ling felt a slight relief, "Well, that's good."
"But it's even more insidious than poisoning." Lu Lingyun's face was extremely cold; she had previously thought Xing Dairong was an innocent and fanciful young woman, never imagining she could harbor such vicious thoughts.
"From now on, you mustn't eat anything sent from Xing Dairong."
Lu Lingyun said sternly.
Qiu Ling didn't understand the intricacies, but seeing Lu Lingyun's demeanor, she quickly replied, "Yes."
After leaving Lu Lingyun, Qiu Ling returned to her courtyard. As soon as she got back, Qiu Kui was assigned to deliver something.
"You can take it back; I don't want it."
Qiu Kui looked puzzled, "Why? These were just given by Lady, and I brought them directly here."
Qiu Ling sneered, "Hmph, your lady has ill intentions!"
She wasn't sure what happened, but following Lu Lingyun's advice was right!
Qiu Kui returned with the items, looking bewildered. Upon reaching Yuerong Pavilion, she saw Chunhe, Lu Lingyun's attendant, calling for Xing Dairong.
Before she could warn anyone, Xing Dairong followed without a care.
Arriving at Lu Lingyun's courtyard, Xing Dairong remained oblivious.
Until Lu Lingyun spoke, "The tonics in Qiu Ling's room were all sent by you?"
Xing Dairong's expression changed slightly, but she was confident Lu Lingyun couldn't know her schemes.
"Yes."
Lu Lingyun laughed coldly, "Aunt Xing is truly considerate, taking over my responsibilities."
"What do you mean, Young Lady?" Xing Dairong, facing Lu Lingyun's calm eyes, began to lose confidence, "I just had extra, so I sent some to Aunt Qiu."
Lu Lingyun looked at her, "Then, starting today, all the tonics in my room will go to you. You'll take them every day, replenishing yourself daily."
Xing Dairong's eyes widened, "That won't do! I don't need them; I have enough nutrients!"
Lu Lingyun knew Xing Dairong understood. She was indeed putting on a show. Staring intently at Xing Dairong's face, her gaze fell on her belly, and she sighed, "Aunt Xing, your child in there has saved your life again."
Instantly, Xing Dairong broke into a cold sweat.
She was certain Lu Lingyun knew her schemes.
But she, she...
"I think warning you is useless. From now on, you'll come to my room every day to stand in line. Your meals will be swapped with Qiu Ling's periodically. When they're swapped, I'll decide."
Lu Lingyun looked at her coldly.
For those who could understand and heed warnings, a reminder sufficed. But for someone like Xing Dairong, full of tricks and daringly ignoring warnings, Lu Lingyun decided to keep a close watch.
She hadn't exposed her outright because she wanted to protect the child in Xing Dairong's womb.
If she revealed it, Qiu Ling would fight her, and the Qin family would be enraged, jeopardizing the child.
Lu Lingyun still wanted to protect the child.
Otherwise, she would have acted immediately, ordering her execution.
Xing Dairong stumbled out of Lu Lingyun's courtyard, her heart filled with unease.
She knew, she really knew.
How could she know!
How could she be so clever!
She had no power against Lu Lingyun, who effortlessly saw through her schemes and crushed her.
She couldn't handle Lu Lingyun at all.
Returning to her courtyard, Xing Dairong saw Cheng Yunshuo.
"Yunshuo," Xing Dairong rushed into his arms, seeking protection.
Her relationship with Cheng Yunshuo was complex. He had grown closer to her, spending nights with her, but he also visited Qiu Ling.
Xing Dairong felt resentful but continued acting for Cheng Yunshuo's sake, maintaining a facade of harmony.
Even so, when faced with trouble, she instinctively turned to him for support.
In this world, Cheng Yunshuo was her only true reliance.
Feeling fear, resentment, and humiliation, she clung tightly to him.
"What's wrong?"
Xing Dairong bit her lip, then, overwhelmed by a sense of grievance, said, "Lu Lingyun made me stand in line at her place every day!"
Xing Dairong, overwhelmed with grievance, loudly sought help from the only person who could aid her.
But in the next moment, she heard Cheng Yunshuo's voice, "Since she called you, go ahead. She wouldn't harm you."
In that instant, Xing Dairong seemed to hear the sound of her heart breaking.
She lifted her head in disbelief and met Cheng Yunshuo's eyes.
Cheng Yunshuo's gaze remained unchanged, "Lingyun is a fair and kind person; there must be a reason for what she does."
Xing Dairong suddenly laughed.
"She has her reasons, she has her reasons... Cheng Yunshuo, do you even know who I am!"
In her raised tone, Cheng Yunshuo frowned again, "Dairong, don't be like this."
"Cheng Yunshuo, I really misjudged you!"
Xing Dairong pushed Cheng Yunshuo away and ran into the room in a fit of anger.
Watching her like this, Cheng Yunshuo furrowed his brow, "What's wrong with her today?"
"She has been sending supplements to Aunt Qiu these past few days. Today, she was summoned by the young mistress and questioned. She came back like this," Qiukuai said from the side.
She vaguely guessed that Xing Dairong must have done something behind the scenes that the young mistress uncovered, otherwise Xing Dairong wouldn't be so furious.
Cheng Yunshuo frowned, "I'll go ask Lingyun."
"Forget it, Prince," Qiukuai stopped him, "The young mistress always handles matters fairly. It's better not to ask."
Cheng Yunshuo paused upon hearing this. He looked at Xing Dairong crying in the room and felt a pang of sympathy, "Forget it, I'll go comfort her."
Cheng Yunshuo spent half the night consoling Xing Dairong, using all his patience as he used to, until he finally stopped her tears and promised to spend more time with her, which calmed her down.
The next day, Xing Dairong stood in the proper manner in Lu Lingyun's room.
Lu Lingyun sat and reviewed the accounts, instructing Xing Dairong to stand beside her for half a cup of tea.
At this moment, Shuang Hong reported, "Young mistress, the young master is here again."
When Shuang Hong referred to the young master, she meant the young master of the Lu family, Lu Kuan.
Chapter 88 A Facade of Harmony
Lu Kuan was led in by someone.
"Big Sister, I've come to return the book."
"Did you finish it so quickly?" Lu Lingyun smiled at him.
"Mm."
In two days, Lu Kuan had transcribed the book himself.
Once transcribed, it became his own; he could read it slowly without worrying about damaging Lingyun's copy at home.
"You don't need to rush; books should be read slowly." Lu Lingyun pulled Lu Kuan to sit down. "Which school are you attending now?"
Lu Kuan shook his head. "After passing the county examination last year, I haven't been to school anymore. Father said he'll see how I perform in this year's prefectural examination before deciding on a new school."
The men of the Lu family usually start their education at around seven or eight years old and are sent to primary schools, which only teach up to the county examination level.
The examinations for men are divided into county, prefectural, provincial, metropolitan, and palace examinations.
The county examination is the most basic test, and those who pass it become child scholars.
The prefectural examination tests for scholar-bachelors, and those who pass are called scholar-bachelors or students.
The provincial examination tests for provincial graduates, and those who pass can directly be selected for local government positions, typically as county magistrates or secretaries. If they have confidence, they can continue to the next level, with the top scorer being named the provincial champion.
The metropolitan examination is the grand spring examination, and those who pass become metropolitan graduates, with the top scorer being named the metropolitan champion.
All metropolitan graduates proceed to the palace examination, where no one is eliminated. Those who pass become imperial scholars, so essentially, anyone who passes the spring examination is an imperial scholar.
The rankings in the palace examination are divided into three grades, also known as the three lists.
Third-grade imperial scholars are called associate scholars and can wait for appointments, but rarely enter prestigious institutions like the Hanlin Academy. They are often assigned to local government positions such as magistrates or county officials.
Second-grade imperial scholars are genuine imperial scholars, with the top scorer being named the herald. The herald can be directly appointed to a sixth-grade position, while other second-grade scholars are called scholars-in-training. To enter the Hanlin Academy, they often need to take additional exams, and their appointments depend on their backgrounds and luck.
First-grade imperial scholars are the top three achievers: the zhuangyuan, the bangyan, and the tanhua. These individuals typically have bright prospects ahead.
If someone achieves first place in the provincial, metropolitan, and palace examinations, becoming the provincial champion, metropolitan champion, and zhuangyuan, they achieve the legendary feat of winning all three championships.
Such an achievement would truly elevate them to unprecedented heights.
Lu Kuan has already passed the county examination and become a child scholar. He is now preparing for the prefectural examination to become a scholar-bachelor.
After passing the county examination, he no longer attended school. For further studies, he needed his family to arrange a new school or find a mentor, or study at home. The Lu family did not value him much, and he was just a minor child scholar, easily overlooked. He once approached his father, who dismissed him with a casual remark, saying to come back after becoming a scholar-bachelor.
His father was once a second-grade imperial scholar and looked down on the titles of child scholar and scholar-bachelor, believing that even failing to become a scholar-bachelor was unworthy of his attention.
Thus, Lu Kuan studied at home to prepare for the prefectural examination.
Fortunately, the prefectural examination is held annually, so there was no significant delay.
Hearing Lu Kuan's words, Lu Lingyun smiled faintly. "I know of a school. Would you like to go there?"
Lu Kuan's eyes lit up. "Yes, yes!"
"You're willing without even asking where it is?"
"I trust Big Sister. Whatever Big Sister gives me must be good." Lu Kuan answered without hesitation, filled with trust.
Lu Lingyun chuckled softly. "It indeed is a good place. Have you heard of the Tianfu Academy?"
Lu Kuan left the Ningyang Marquis's residence with a light step.
Upon learning that Lu Lingyun was sending him to the Tianfu Academy, he was completely stunned.
After passing the county examination, he had chatted with some classmates from his previous school. One of his friends came from a family of fourth-grade officials and mentioned that several renowned scholars were founding the Tianfu Academy, where some teachers were former imperial tutors!
His friend's family had exhausted all connections and resources but failed to secure a spot for him. Instead, they sent him to a top-tier school for further studies. When speaking of the Tianfu Academy, his friend's eyes shone with admiration.
And Lu Lingyun was recommending him to the Tianfu Academy!
His Big Sister... What incredible luck he had to have such a divine sister!
After leaving the Ningyang Marquis's residence, Lu Kuan made a silent determination in his heart.
After Lu Kuan left, Lu Lingyun glanced at Xing Dairong, who was still standing nearby.
"Alright, sit down for a bit."
Xing Dairong's tense face relaxed slightly as she sat down.
"You can't blame others for your situation; it's all your own doing."
Lu Lingyun's voice echoed.
A deep resentment flashed through Xing Dairong's mind.
"Hmph, what do you mean by 'can't blame others'? It's simply because I lack support and backing."
If she had the same background and support, who could touch her!
Xing Dairong felt indignant.
In the evening, after spending the whole day under Lu Lingyun's watchful eye, Xing Dairong returned to her courtyard.
She asked Qiukui to massage her slightly sore legs, filled with resentment. At that moment, Cheng Yunshuo returned.
"Yunshuo!" Xing Dairong saw him return and kicked aside the okra, then ran into Cheng Yunshuo's arms.
Seeing the okra on the ground that had been kicked over, Cheng Yunshuo frowned slightly. Before he could say anything, the woman in his arms began to whimper in grievance, "I stood all day today."
Cheng Yunshuo couldn't bring himself to scold Xing Dairong anymore. He dismissed the okra and carried her to the couch, "I'll talk to Lingyun later."
"Forget it, forget it. If you tell her, she'll resent me even more. Who knows what schemes she might come up with against me." Xing Dairong's eyes flashed as she leaned against Cheng Yunshuo.
Her speaking ill of Lu Lingyun again displeased Cheng Yunshuo.
For some reason, the current Xing Dairong was increasingly unlikable to him.
Their relationship was very subtle. He could clearly feel that he no longer loved her as much as before. The past right and wrong, the principles, were hard to distinguish now. He couldn't blame everything on Xing Dairong, but since she had apologized and he had forgiven her, they should be reconciled.
But why was it getting harder for him to tolerate her?
Just like now, her casual abuse of servants and speaking ill of Lu Lingyun behind her back made him very uncomfortable. He couldn't stand it and found it irritating.
"...I'm six months pregnant, and I'll probably give birth around April. Do you think we'll have a boy or a girl? Yunshuo?"
"Yunshuo?!"
"Yunshuo!"
After saying a lot to Cheng Yunshuo, Xing Dairong looked up and saw him lost in thought. She immediately felt a surge of anger.
"What's wrong?"
"Did you hear what I just said?"
"Oh, oh, you said you stood all day." Cheng Yunshuo replied evasively.
Xing Dairong's face darkened, "Repeat the last sentence I said."
Cheng Yunshuo hadn't heard her rambling at all and now showed signs of impatience, "You stood all day today, so rest well."
Chapter 89: Huang Yue
Cheng Yunshuo finished speaking, tucked the blanket around her, and then left Xing Dairong.
Xing Dairong watched his back, her face darkening with gloom.
Cheng Yunshuo no longer loved her.
She could feel it; he truly no longer loved her.
But how could he not love her!
Xing Dairong went mad.
Three days passed in a blink. After the second day of the second month, Lady Qin and Old Lord Marquis set off for their secondary residence.
Lu Lingyun managed the household.
Xing Dairong was brought before Lu Lingyun every day. To Lu Lingyun's surprise, Xing Dairong had genuinely become more obedient each day.
Not only did she comply with whatever Lu Lingyun asked her to do, but she also tried to engage in conversation, seemingly to curry favor.
But all she asked was how Lu Lingyun managed to win Cheng Yunshuo's affection.
How could Lu Lingyun know? Or rather, Cheng Yunshuo didn't actually like her.
Their relationship was one of mutual respect, at most a friendship. There was nothing more.
Because she knew that a man like Cheng Yunshuo wouldn't be attracted to a mature and composed woman; he preferred someone like Xing Dairong—playful, romantic, and innocent.
"Why think so much? Isn't the Prince very fond of you?" Lu Lingyun smiled.
Upon hearing this, Xing Dairong opened her mouth, then finally said, "No, no, he still likes women like you."
Lu Lingyun shook her head gently, her phoenix eyes narrowing slightly. "There are many ways for women to live in this world. Even if we aren't as free as men, we can still find our own pursuits within our reach."
She almost added, don't make men your everything.
But Xing Dairong couldn't hear it.
At that moment, a servant rushed in, exclaiming, "Young Lady, Young Lady, something terrible has happened!"
"What is it?"
"The Prince, he, he..."
"What happened to him!" Xing Dairong stood up first, agitated.
Lu Lingyun frowned slightly, wanting to tell Xing Dairong to sit down and not cause a fuss, when the servant anxiously reported,
"The Prince was beaten! He was brought back covered in blood!"
Upon hearing this, Xing Dairong ran out immediately.
Lu Lingyun sighed deeply, frowning. "Truly a fool who thinks of nothing but love!"
She quickly followed, and on the way, the servant explained hurriedly, "Young Lady, today while patrolling the streets, the Prince saw some hooligans trying to snatch a girl selling tofu pudding. The Prince rushed to save her, but encountered some foolish men who dared challenge him. The Prince was injured in the fight."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
Arriving at the entrance, she saw Cheng Yunshuo being carried back.
Cheng Yunshuo had a makeshift bandage on his head, and there were large patches of blood visible on his face and body. It was clear he had been severely beaten.
Beside him was a young girl in coarse clothing, tightly holding Cheng Yunshuo's hand as they returned together.
Xing Dairong, running ahead, caught sight of the man lying on the stretcher and shouted, "Yunshuo!"
She rushed forward, her pregnant belly leading the way.
The heavily injured Cheng Yunshuo immediately winced, letting out a pained groan.
"Yunshuo, what happened?"
"Yunshuo, don't scare me!"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
"Quickly pull her away!" Lu Lingyun glanced at her disapprovingly. "Where is the doctor? Has the doctor been summoned?"
"He's already on his way, arriving soon."
"Then hurry and carry him into Yaoguang Pavilion."
Lu Lingyun remained calm and gave orders decisively.
Her maidservants pulled the frantic Xing Dairong away and took her to Yaoguang Pavilion.
Soon, Doctor Liu arrived.
He swiftly examined Cheng Yunshuo and re-bandaged the wounds. "Young Lady, fortunately, the Prince suffered only superficial injuries. There are a few bruises, but no serious damage to bones or muscles. With proper rest and daily medication changes, he should recover in half a month."
"Thank you, Doctor Liu. Shuang Hong, go with Doctor Liu to get the medicine."
"Yes, Young Lady."
"Qingfeng, go to the Prefectural Commandant Manor and inform them that the Prince will need a half-month leave."
"Yes, Young Lady."
Lu Lingyun had finished giving her instructions when, on the other side, Xing Dairong was holding Cheng Yunshuo's hand on the bed, asking him if he was in pain.
"Yunshuo, does it still hurt?"
At that moment, a clear and bell-like voice rang out, "Madam, your benefactor is definitely in pain. Why don't you let go of his hand first?"
Her voice instantly drew everyone's attention.
Only then did they notice that there was a young girl, around fourteen or fifteen years old, who had returned with Cheng Yunshuo. She looked fresh and delicate like a young sprout.
She wore a loosely tied headscarf, and her large, watery eyes were as clear and limpid as spring lake water, evoking sympathy with their purity.
"Who are you!" Xing Dairong immediately became alert, eyeing her warily.
"I... I'm Huang Yue. I sell tofu in the southern part of the city," Huang Yue said timidly, clutching the corners of her clothes, her eyes half-cast down like a frightened fawn, looking fearfully at everyone in the room before kneeling down with a thud.
"It was your benefactor who saved me today. Please don't be angry, Ladies. If you must punish someone, punish me!"
Her words circled through Xing Dairong's mind a hundred and eighty times. She glared fiercely at Huang Yue, anger rising to her brow, "So it was you, you wretched woman, who caused Yunshuo trouble! I'll beat you to death!"
She let go of Cheng Yunshuo's hand and rushed over to deal with this unknown troublemaker.
Just then, Cheng Yunshuo woke up from his unconscious state, "Huang Yue!"
"Benefactor!" Huang Yue quickly got up from the ground, dodging Xing Dairong's charge, and rushed to Cheng Yunshuo's side.
Xing Dairong, who had almost missed her target, was caught by the servants just in time to prevent her from falling.
The fire in her eyes burned even brighter, and when she turned her head, she saw Huang Yue already crying with tears streaming down her face.
"Benefactor, you've finally woken up. Little Yue was so scared."
Xing Dairong: "..."
"Let go of Cheng Yunshuo!"
Cheng Yunshuo, who was slowly regaining consciousness, frowned at her shrewish voice, "Dairong, what are you doing? Why are you being so harsh on Huang Yue?"
"Cheng Yunshuo, who is this woman?"
Cheng Yunshuo lifted his eyelids. Looking at Xing Dairong, his eyes showed impatience. Turning to Huang Yue, he spoke with great manliness, "I saved Huang Yue. No one is allowed to harm her!"
"Benefactor! You saved Little Yue's life. Little Yue will be your servant for life, working as a cow or a horse to repay your kindness!" Huang Yue knelt down again before Cheng Yunshuo, her words sincere and gentle.
Seeing this, Xing Dairong became furious and was about to strike again. Before Cheng Yunshuo could get angry, Lu Lingyun instructed the servants to take Xing Dairong back to the courtyard to calm down.
"The Prince needs rest. Everyone, leave."
She told Cheng Yunshuo to rest first and instructed the servants to take good care of him before leaving. As she walked away, she glanced at Huang Yue, who was still beside Cheng Yunshuo, and caught a glimpse of her well-hidden scheming as she lowered her head.
Chapter 90 You Stay in the Manor
Lu Lingyun left Yaoguang Pavilion and said to Xia Mei, "Xia Mei, go find your brother and inquire about the girl named Huang Yue in the southern part of the city."
"Yes."
After Xing Dairong returned to Yuerong Pavilion, she began to cry.
Seeing her unstable emotions day after day, Qiu Ling felt both heartache and worry. "Miss Xing, the young master brought back a girl who sells tofu. Why are you so upset?"
"Selling tofu my foot! She's clearly a seductive vixen, here to lure Cheng Yunshuo! And Cheng Yunshuo, that blind fool, is falling for her tricks!"
Qiu Ling: "..."
"Damn Cheng Yunshuo, that scumbag! One or two isn't enough; he's bringing in a third! He promised me a lifetime together, but it was all lies! Liar, liar, big liar!"
"And that slut, shameless homewrecker, rushing to steal men! How dare she! She should just die! Die, die! I'll kill her!"
Xing Dairong pounded the pillows and blankets on the bed, crying uncontrollably.
"Miss Xing," Qiu Ling frowned deeply as she tried to console her, "you're pregnant. Don't cry anymore; it's not good for the baby."
"Get out! All of you, get out! Leave me alone!"
Qiu Ling: "..."
News also reached Qiu Ling's quarters.
Qiu Ling stayed obediently in the courtyard, nurturing her pregnancy without going out.
When she learned that Cheng Yunshuo had brought back another girl, she sighed softly.
"It always ends up like this."
She no longer felt angry or resentful, unlike Xing Dairong's tantrums.
After seeing how Cheng Yunshuo treated Xing Dairong, she knew her own place and what kind of person he was.
There was no point in feeling bitter. Qiu Ling gently stroked her growing belly, her expression softening slightly. "Child, your mother lives only for you."
The next day, Dong Sheng reported the information he had gathered to Lu Lingyun.
Huang Yue indeed sold tofu in the southern part of the city, having done so for two or three years. Her tofu stall was quite popular, and she was known as the "Tofu Beauty" in that area. Her parents died in a snowstorm at the beginning of the year, leaving her as an orphan struggling to survive. The local ruffians had harassed her several times, and Cheng Yunshuo's rescue of her yesterday seemed to be purely coincidental.
Lu Lingyun raised an eyebrow after hearing this. "I see."
Calculating the time, she went to Yaoguang Pavilion to check on things.
Upon arriving at Yaoguang Pavilion, she heard arguing inside.
"What are you still doing here!"
"Who are you trying to fool with that innocent act!"
As soon as she entered, she saw Xing Dairong, hands on her hips, angrily berating the small girl cowering in the corner.
Huang Yue, still dressed in coarse clothing, looked like a delicate white flower, trembling in fear as she gazed at Xing Dairong, as if about to be devoured by the intimidating woman before her.
Before Lu Lingyun could speak, the door opened from inside, and Cheng Yunshuo, pale-faced, emerged from the room. "Xing Dairong, what are you causing a scene for so early in the morning!"
Huang Yue, seeing him, clung to his side pitifully. "Benefactor..."
Xing Dairong, seeing this, seethed with rage, pointing at them with trembling fingers. "Cheng Yunshuo, what's going on between you and this woman!"
Cheng Yunshuo's face now showed extreme impatience. "Didn't I tell you yesterday that I saved Huang Yue?"
"Then why hasn't she left!" Xing Dairong shouted.
Cheng Yunshuo glanced down at the girl huddled beside him, her clear eyes filled with helplessness and fear.
"Where do you want her to go? She's an orphan with no family. If she goes back, the ruffians will continue to bully her."
Xing Dairong sneered. "So you brought her back. Are you planning to make her a concubine next, living happily ever after?"
"Xing Dairong! If you can't control your mouth, get out!" Cheng Yunshuo snapped coldly.
"Tell me, am I right or not!" Xing Dairong argued fiercely.
"Are you done making a scene!"
"Cheng Yunshuo, you're the one causing trouble! You're so hypocritical. Just admit it; you're a scumbag! A liar! A faithless man!" Xing Dairong's expression twisted as she lunged at him, pounding him with her fists. "How did you promise me? How did you promise!"
"One, two, now three, Cheng Yunshuo, you're a liar!"
Her punches landed only a few times before Cheng Yunshuo grabbed her wrists tightly, looking at her with disgust. "Fine, I admit it. I'm a liar and a faithless man. So what!"
Xing Dairong's tears welled up, but this time, Cheng Yunshuo didn't even bother to look at her. He yelled, "Are you all dead? Can't you take her away!"
The servants in the courtyard finally stepped forward to restrain Xing Dairong, dragging her screaming and thrashing back to her quarters.
Back then, Xing Dairong was untouchable in this courtyard. Cheng Yunshuo would have expelled anyone who dared to harm her, even confronting the old Lord Marquis for her sake.
But fate is unpredictable, and hearts change. The girl once cherished in his palm was now being dragged away by the very man who once loved her desperately.
Lu Lingyun watched Xing Dairong's relentless crying at the courtyard entrance, a hint of melancholy in her eyes. She then saw Huang Yue timidly step forward to apologize to Cheng Yunshuo.
"Benefactor, has Little Yue caused any trouble for you..."
Huang Yue rubbed the corner of her clothes, her eyes like a fawn's, filled with helplessness and fear, "The benefactor has already saved Little Yue once. If Little Yue causes more trouble in your household, that would be terrible. I'll go apologize to that lady right now and make sure she forgives Little Yue and the benefactor."
Cheng Yunshuo, after hearing her words, said, "This is not your fault!"
"How could it not be? It must be because of Little Yue," Huang Yue clenched her fists nervously, as if making a big decision, "Benefactor, Little Yue should leave here. I can survive on my own outside. The benefactor shouldn't be misunderstood because of me. All I wish for is that the benefactor lives a smooth and healthy life!"
With that, she turned to leave.
Cheng Yunshuo grabbed her by the arm, his brows furrowed, "If you go back, those ruffians will definitely take you away! You're not allowed to go back!"
"But..."
"There are no buts. I still have control over this household. You will stay in my Yaoguang Pavilion."
After he finished speaking, he noticed Lu Lingyun standing at the courtyard gate.
Lu Lingyun glanced at them and walked in with a faint smile.
Chapter 91: Huang Yue's Contract of Indenture
Meeting Lu Lingyun's gaze, Cheng Yunshuo couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt.
His attitudes toward Lu Lingyun and Xing Dairong were different.
Lu Lingyun was his legitimate wife. He respected and valued her, and he left the household affairs to her management. Whatever he wanted to do, he would discuss it with Lu Lingyun first.
As for Xing Dairong, he didn't need her approval at all.
Men are strange creatures; they can distinguish between love and indifference, but that doesn't affect the status of women in their hearts.
Xing Dairong was bought from a brothel, while Lu Lingyun was married through proper channels.
Their initial positions in his heart were inherently different.
Even when he loved Xing Dairong the most, he knew she wasn't his legitimate wife. Now that he loved her less, he could easily vent his anger on her without needing to explain himself.
But with Lu Lingyun, he had never loved her, yet her position in his heart was unique—he respected her.
He felt guilty for not consulting Lu Lingyun before deciding to keep the girl, fearing she might disagree.
Lu Lingyun smiled at him, "Does the Prince want to keep Miss Huang?"
"Yes," Cheng Yunshuo replied, his eyes no longer as firm and resolute as they were with Xing Dairong, showing a hint of nervousness.
"Then let her stay. But does the Prince intend for her to be a maid or... directly elevate her to a concubine?"
Lu Lingyun agreed without hesitation, speaking calmly.
"Just make her a maid," Cheng Yunshuo waved his hand. "I'll give Qiu Kui to Dairong, so let her be my main maid."
"Alright, I'll arrange it." Lu Lingyun gave a faint smile. "Miss Huang, come with me later. I'll settle you in."
Huang Yue immediately looked up at Cheng Yunshuo with fear and apprehension. This time, he did not protect her, only saying, "Go with the Princess."
She lowered her head and obediently replied, "Yes."
As she bowed her head, a glint of light flashed in her clear eyes.
Lu Lingyun took Huang Yue away from Cheng Yunshuo.
In her courtyard, Lu Lingyun sat in the small pavilion after spring began, examining the young girl before her. "Are you fourteen this year?"
Huang Yue hesitated, "Yes."
"Is there anyone else in your family?"
"No."
"The Prince wants to keep you as a maid. Do you have any objections?"
At this, Huang Yue raised her head, her large, watery eyes looking at Lu Lingyun. "My benefactor saved my life; I will serve as a slave or maid to repay you."
Lu Lingyun smiled gently. "No need to call me benefactor. This is Ningyang Marquis's residence. It was our Prince who saved you. In the future, just call him the Prince."
Huang Yue's eyes flashed with joy. "Yes."
Lu Lingyun noticed the gleam of joy in her eyes but did not pry further. She gestured to Nurse An, who handed over a piece of paper.
Lu Lingyun looked at Huang Yue. "Sign it then."
"Sign? What?" Huang Yue became instantly wary.
"To be a maid in our residence, you must sign a contract of indenture. Don't worry; Ningyang Marquis's residence has never mistreated its servants. As the Prince's main maid, you'll earn four taels of silver per month and receive two sets of seasonal clothes each year. Since you have no other family, the ten taels of silver for your indenture will be given to you directly." Lu Lingyun lifted her hand, and Shuang Hong opened the money pouch, taking out a silver ingot.
Huang Yue saw this and said, "I don't want the money."
"If you don't want the money, you can't stay in our residence." Lu Lingyun sipped her tea, lifting her eyes slightly.
"That's not it, Madam. I don't want to sell myself; I just want to serve the Prince, even if there's no money!"
Huang Yue knew that signing the contract meant becoming a slave, bound to obey whoever held the contract.
Lu Lingyun smiled lightly. "But our residence doesn't accept free servants. Miss Huang Yue seems unwilling to become a slave. If that's the case, I have a compromise. I'll ask the Prince to send you away and find you a good job outside, which won't go against his wishes and will preserve your freedom."
Lu Lingyun called for Shuang Hong to deliver the message. "Shuang Hong, inform the Prince that Miss Huang Yue doesn't want to be a slave."
"Yes."
Seeing this, Huang Yue stared intently at Shuang Hong as she walked out of the courtyard. Just as Shuang Hong was about to leave, Huang Yue gritted her teeth. "I'll sign!"
Lu Lingyun lifted her teacup. "Miss Huang Yue, don't force yourself. Ningyang Marquis's residence dislikes forcing good people into slavery. Signing the contract should be done carefully."
Huang Yue decided to take the plunge. She grabbed the contract, bit her index finger until it bled, and said, "Madam, the Prince saved my life. Little Yue will dedicate herself to the Marquis's residence."
Bright red blood stained her finger. Huang Yue closed her eyes and pressed her fingerprint onto the contract.
Seeing this, Lu Lingyun smiled faintly. She had Nurse An collect the contract and reviewed it carefully. "Rest assured, our Marquis's residence won't take your life. As long as you work diligently here and serve the Prince well, you won't lack anything."
"Thank you, Madam," Huang Yue knelt and bowed.
"You should call me Princess."
"Yes, thank you, Princess!"
Lu Lingyun collected Huang Yue's contract and sent her back with the silver.
"Princess, I don't think Huang Yue is simple. She might have ulterior motives in approaching the Prince," Chunhe said.
"Fear not, as long as we have the indenture."
Lu Lingyun kept Huang Yue's indenture in her own possession.
With the crucial leverage in hand, what did it matter if a mere servant girl had some scheming ways?
Lu Lingyun never did things with unnecessary flair; she only needed to secure the most vital points.
One strike and it must be firmly grasped.
"How is Aunt Xing doing?"
"Still crying, sobbed half the night away yesterday too."
Lu Lingyun sighed, "She's truly suffering."
She was referring to the child in Xing Dairong's womb. With such a troublesome and clueless mother, the child was indeed suffering.
"Have her rest in the courtyard these days and send some soothing tea."
"Yes."
Three days passed in a blink.
Xing Dairong gradually stopped crying.
Lu Lingyun visited her every day, watching her drink the soothing and calming soup before leaving.
Xing Dairong went from resisting to becoming numb, and eventually started drinking the soup on her own. After all her fussing, she finally settled down.
But that belly of hers seemed to show no growth, despite being more than half a month along compared to Qiu Ling, and it hadn't grown much in a long time.
Lu Lingyun sighed at the sight.
She then went to see Cheng Yunshuo, who was gradually recovering under Huang Yue's care.
The head wound still looked quite frightening, so he needed to rest at home.
Lu Lingyun played chess with him and chatted for a while, then said, "If you have the time, you should go see Aunt Xing."