Chapter 151: Lu Kuan Visits Again
"Both Qingping and Qingshuang are blessed," Lu Lingyun said with a smile.
"It's not just about being blessed! On the day of the Hairpin Banquet, I saw it clearly. Your two younger sisters are each more knowledgeable and gentle than the last. If I were to choose a daughter-in-law, I'd pick them!"
Lady Wang had three sons, but they were all very young, with the oldest being only eight.
For now, she could only watch from the sidelines.
"I'd say your younger sister will marry even better than her older sister next year! They are young ladies from a scholarly family, and all the older sisters have married well. In the future, all the promising young men and capable youths in the Imperial City will be lining up at your doorstep to propose!"
Lady Wang went on excitedly, but A'Ruo's face darkened.
What about me?
When it came to Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang, it was all about the promising young men and capable youths in the Imperial City.
But when it came to her, it was either someone old, a cripple, or a widower with children!
Why was she stuck with such matches?
The more A'Ruo listened, the angrier she became. Unable to hold back her anger any longer, she stood up abruptly. "Have you all said enough!"
The shout startled Lady Wang, who had been enthusiastically chatting away. Both she and Lu Lingyun turned to look at A'Ruo sitting beside them.
"A'Ruo, what's wrong with you?" Lady Wang didn't react immediately. "Look, now that Liu Qingping is getting married, you should also hurry up and settle down!"
Lady Wang hadn't thought much of it.
She even considered A'Ruo and Liu Qingping to be close confidantes, so since Liu Qingping was getting married, A'Ruo should also hurry up.
After Lady Wang's words, A'Ruo let out a cold laugh, "I don't need you to find someone for me! You're all hypocrites!"
With that, A'Ruo ran out of the reception hall.
Lu Lingyun watched A'Ruo storm off but didn't call for punishment. Lady Wang, on the other hand, felt quite frustrated, "This brat is really hopeless. We're doing this for her own good! And she acts so unruly, as if we have nothing better to do than meddle in her affairs!"
Lu Lingyun listened to Lady Wang and gently tugged at her sleeve, "Sister Wang, A'Ruo might be upset about the three matches you proposed."
Her delicate fingers tapped on the three name cards Lady Wang had brought.
An older man, a cripple, and a widower with two children.
Lady Wang, who had been angry, froze upon hearing this and immediately understood why A'Ruo was upset.
She was upset because Liu Qingping had such a good match, while she was being offered these types of men.
Thinking of this, Lady Wang sneered, "Hmph! She really thinks she's some prized young lady!"
It wasn't that Lady Wang was heartless.
It was just that she never really considered A'Ruo to be a genuinely sought-after young lady of an official family.
In the eyes of everyone, including Lady Wang, A'Ruo was lucky to get married, let alone have the luxury to be picky!
These three families were the result of A'Ruo's aunt and her own matchmaking efforts.
Many of the surrounding households, upon hearing that it was Du Ruo looking for a match, flatly refused.
At the previous Hairpin Banquet, the ladies present were unaware of Du Ruo's background, and even then, they were uninterested, making her look foolish. Which of these families would want Du Ruo?
She had exerted herself, only to end up unappreciated!
Du Ruo found this situation unacceptable!
"Maybe Sister Wang should return first, and we can revisit this when A'Ruo has cooled off," said Lu Lingyun.
Lady Wang stood up, "Hmph! I can't be bothered with her nonsense!"
Lady Wang stormed out of the Marquis's Mansion.
Lu Lingyun sent Xiaoqin to check on Du Ruo, and Xiaoqin returned saying that Du Ruo had locked herself in her room, pouting.
Lu Lingyun instructed Xiaoqin to keep an eye on her and report if she left.
Unexpectedly, Du Ruo didn't run out of the mansion that day.
In the evening, Cheng Yunshuo returned.
Lu Lingyun proactively brought up how Lady Wang had arranged three matchmaking prospects for Du Ruo, all of which had left her dissatisfied and pouting in her room.
After some thought, Cheng Yunshuo said, "I'll go talk to her later."
"Yes."
This mess with Du Ruo was something both he and Lu Lingyun had taken on together. Cheng Yunshuo had to take responsibility too.
It couldn't always be left to her alone.
By the time they finished dinner, Du Ruo still hadn't appeared, so after dinner, Cheng Yunshuo asked the kitchen to prepare another meal for Xiaohe Courtyard. He would go personally to have a talk with Du Ruo.
While Lu Lingyun was in her room embroidering tiger-head shoes for the children and spending time with them, a servant reported.
"Young Mistress, the Crown Prince and Miss A'Ruo are arguing."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
"Miss A'Ruo is crying very loudly in the room. The Crown Prince eventually stopped losing his temper with her and switched to persuading her gently. It took some time, but he eventually calmed her down."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
Some things were clear without needing to hear the details.
Late at night, Cheng Yunshuo returned, looking exhausted. "Tomorrow, I'll introduce a few people to A'Ruo."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
The next day, Cheng Yunshuo had the day off.
Following his reprimand the previous night, Du Ruo returned to Lu Lingyun's courtyard early in the morning, behaving obediently.
As promised, Cheng Yunshuo started thinking early in the morning about whom he could introduce to Du Ruo.
He thought of a few suitable candidates, but she rejected them as soon as he mentioned them.
Just then, someone else knocked.
"Madam, your younger brother, Young Master Lu, has arrived."
Lu Lingyun, who had been sitting nearby, perked up at the mention of Lu Kuan's arrival.
"Is Ah Kuan here?"
"Yes."
"Please bring him in."
After a short while, Lu Kuan was led in by the servants.
Having not seen Lu Kuan for a long time, he had changed significantly. Dressed in a white scholar's robe, he had grown taller and more refined after studying at Tianfu Academy for several months, and his demeanor had become more modest.
"Ah Kuan!"
"Elder Sister." Lu Kuan first saw Lu Lingyun and then noticed Cheng Yunshuo sitting beside her. "Brother-in-law."
Cheng Yunshuo didn't have much of an impression of Lu Lingyun's younger brother, but his first impression of him this time was quite favorable. "No need for formalities. So you are Lu Kuan?"
"Yes, Brother-in-law."
Lu Kuan was courteous, and every gesture he made exuded a strong scholarly air.
"Your family is renowned for academic excellence. What exams are you preparing for now?"
"I was actually planning to share some good news with Elder Sister and Brother-in-law. I passed the prefectural examination and became a xiucai scholar."
The prefectural examination is held annually, and after studying at Tianfu Academy for a few months, Lu Kuan passed the exam this year.
Upon hearing that Lu Kuan had passed the xiucai exam, Lu Lingyun was slightly surprised. In her memory, Lu Kuan was not expected to pass until next year.
"That's very impressive." She couldn't help but praise him.
Upon receiving Lu Lingyun's compliment, Lu Kuan's face showed a mix of joy and embarrassment. "It's all thanks to Elder Sister. Without your recommendation, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to study at such a prestigious academy."
Lu Kuan was excelling at Tianfu Academy, earning the favor of several senior scholars and befriending many young masters from prominent families.
His future is boundless.
Hearing that Lu Kuan had become a xiucai at such a young age, Cheng Yunshuo's eyes lit up. "Ah Kuan, how old are you?"
Chapter 152: It's All Fake Concern for My Own Good
Lu Lingyun suddenly became wary when she heard Cheng Yunshuo ask that question.
She turned her head and looked at Cheng Yunshuo, who appeared serious and had a serious expression on his face, knowing exactly what he was planning.
"I'm just fourteen this year," Lu Kuan replied honestly.
At that moment, they heard Lu Lingyun sip her tea and say, "Ah Kuan, you're still young. You must prioritize your studies and not indulge in play or let your mind wander to other things."
"Yes!" Lu Kuan replied earnestly.
As Cheng Yunshuo listened to the exchange between Lu Lingyun and Lu Kuan, he had been about to suggest introducing Du Ruo to Lu Kuan, but now he was speechless.
He was straightforward and didn't have many tricks up his sleeve, and he didn't realize that Lu Lingyun's words were a subtle rejection.
Telling others that Lu Kuan was still young and not to think about him.
With the topic changed, Cheng Yunshuo directly asked, "Even though you're young, some important matters can be decided in advance. What if I introduce you to a marriage prospect?"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
Lu Lingyun was exasperated by this straightforward and stubborn husband.
He had no tact or perceptiveness at all, and when something was on his mind, he had to act on it!
Both Lady Qin and the old Marquis were known to be shrewd, so how could they have produced such a dull and straightforward Cheng Yunshuo?
Cheng Yunshuo, who had been working hard for Du Ruo's sake, was busy running around. Du Ruo, who had been listening, suddenly put on a sullen face and said, "I won't marry him!"
Her words drew everyone's attention, and they all looked at Du Ruo.
Du Ruo, with a puffed-up expression, glared at them. "Are you really doing this for my benefit?"
Cheng Yunshuo frowned and said seriously, "How are we not doing this for your benefit? Ah Kuan is excellent. He passed the imperial examination at a young age, and his family background is well-known through Shiniang's connections. He's an excellent match!"
Hearing that it was Shiniang's family, Du Ruo sneered even more. "My Shiniang's cousin's son married the only son of the Chief of the Imperial Kitchen. He's already passed the provincial examination, and you want me to marry someone who just passed the entry-level examination? And he's so young—how long am I supposed to wait?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"I look down on him!" Du Ruo blurted out her true feelings. "You're all pretending to do this for my benefit!"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
Well, she didn't even win over her own brother.
After saying that, Du Ruo ran out of the courtyard.
Everyone else in the courtyard was left embarrassed.
Especially Lu Kuan, who was bewildered.
He watched Du Ruo run away, his brows slightly furrowed.
"Ah Kuan, don't take it to heart. It's your sister and I who were meddling," Lu Lingyun quickly comforted him.
At this point, Cheng Yunshuo was speechless, feeling frustrated as Du Ruo had run off.
Lu Lingyun said a few more things, encouraging Lu Kuan, knowing he had afternoon lessons, and then had the servants escort him out.
Privately, he gave Lu Kuan some silver to spend.
After Lu Kuan left, Lu Lingyun looked at Cheng Yunshuo. Before she could speak, Cheng Yunshuo slammed his hand on the table in frustration. "How can that girl be like this!"
"Like what?" Lu Lingyun said with a faint smile on her brow. "The young lady is in her prime and should carefully and seriously choose a suitable husband."
"But she can't be this picky! This one isn't good enough, that one isn't good enough, and she even blames us for not genuinely caring about her!"
Cheng Yunshuo felt frustrated, experiencing what it truly meant to be unappreciated despite his efforts.
Time and again, from disciplining her to finding her a husband, Cheng Yunshuo had been frustrated all along.
Enough is enough; he was truly fed up.
Seeing Cheng Yunshuo's frustration, Lu Lingyun felt secretly satisfied. "I told you not to take on other people's matters. Now you know some things shouldn't be rashly agreed to."
Cheng Yunshuo sighed deeply, "I'll never take on such idle tasks again!"
After his frustration, the matter still needed resolving since he had promised to do his utmost.
He then begged Lu Lingyun again, asking her to help him persuade A'Ruo to marry. She definitely had to marry someone.
And now, given the situation, the groom will be one of those selected for her over the past two days. There were no other options.
If A'Ruo is unwilling, then her two elder brothers will make the final decision, and she won't even have a choice in the matter.
Since A'Ruo can't stay at their home forever, the Du family needed to settle her affairs.
After listening to Cheng Yunshuo, Lu Lingyun understood everyone's thoughts. Despite Cheng Yunshuo's persistent pleading, she finally agreed to make one last attempt at persuasion.
In the afternoon, she went to Xiaohe Courtyard.
"What is A'Ruo doing?"
"Young mistress, Miss A'Ruo is sulking in her room."
"I'll go take a look."
Lu Lingyun walked to the door and knocked on A'Ruo's door.
The door opened from the inside, and A'Ruo looked left and right at the people outside. Her first words were, "Where is Master?"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
She had expected Cheng Yunshuo to come and comfort her.
After all, it had always been Cheng Yunshuo before.
"So, you only want to see your master and don't care about anyone else?" Lu Lingyun said.
Upon hearing this, A'Ruo's expression tightened, but she didn't say anything. Reluctantly, she stepped aside and let Lu Lingyun in.
Once inside, Lu Lingyun sat down and got straight to the point. "A'Ruo, do you really think we're harming you?"
"Hmph!" A'Ruo turned her head away, a disdainful sneer on her face.
"Your brothers and Master have already discussed this. This time, they are determined to marry you off."
"And you say you're not harming me!"
Du Ruo was furious, stood up, and shouted at Lu Lingyun, her eyes blazing with fury.
A cold voice responded.
"That's right, you are a burden."
Lu Lingyun lifted her gaze, her eyes cold and indifferent. "You are fourteen now and no longer a child who needs to be cared for. But what skills do you have to make a living? Or any family wealth to support you in this world?"
Du Ruo was stunned upon hearing this.
"You need food and daily expenses every day. Do these silver coins just appear out of nowhere and are given to you without reason? Without going into the distant past, even while living in the Marquis's Mansion, you require daily expenses. Who provides for you? Have you ever contributed a single penny?"
Du Ruo, under the questioning, took a few deep breaths. "My brother and aunt will give you money!"
Lu Lingyun sneered. "Your aunt gave me a valuable hairpin, so... how can you spend their money while cursing and resenting them?"
"Miss A'Ruo, if you had the means and strength to stand on your own in this world, you could live as you wish. If your brothers and aunt then forced you to marry an ordinary person, I would be the first to speak up for you. But you have no means or strength at all, not even enough to sustain yourself. Isn't this a burden? What else would it be?"
"As a burden, shouldn't you first blame yourself for your incompetence?"
Chapter 152 - Du Ruo Decides to Go Herself
Du Ruo was left speechless by Lu Lingyun's retorts.
She listened incredulously to Lu Lingyun's words, and after a long moment, her heart filled with grievance and reluctance, she said, "But what kind of people have they introduced to me!"
Hearing this, Lu Lingyun felt even more coldly dismissive inside.
She knew that Du Ruo wasn't upset about someone controlling her marriage or arranging her life.
She simply disdained the marriage prospects that others had introduced to her.
Du Ruo looked down on them for their low birth.
If they had introduced her to some prestigious families, like the only son of the Director of the Guanglu Temple, or even more exalted noble families, she would have half-heartedly agreed.
Du Ruo had been pretending to be oblivious all along, relying on her usual temper to force others to repeatedly accommodate her, guess her thoughts, indulge and pamper her.
She enjoyed this process.
Lu Lingyun didn't indulge her, "Miss A'Ruo, what kind of family do you think you can match with?"
Exposed for the first time, Du Ruo pouted, feeling wronged inside, "Look what my aunt has introduced me to! An old man, a cripple, and someone who wants me to be a second wife! I'm only fourteen this year, how can I become a second wife and take care of two children? Everyone knows being a second wife is the worst..."
What were these people thinking!
Wasn't it obvious that they looked down on her?
If they had introduced her to some good families, would she be this angry?
Ultimately, it was their fault! They didn't find her good matches!
Du Ruo thought to herself.
"Miss A'Ruo, I'm asking you, what kind of family do you think you can match with?" Lu Lingyun repeated.
This question stopped Du Ruo's incessant chatter.
She looked at Lu Lingyun in front of her.
Lu Lingyun's calm and composed eyes met hers steadily, "Your parents are deceased, and you only have two older brothers. Your brothers haven't even married, and their positions are merely in the Imperial Guards. If you wish to marry into a prestigious family, do you think those big families won't consider your family background? What support can your family offer to your future in-laws to make them value you more?"
Du Ruo fell silent.
"Moreover, marrying into a family of equal status, wouldn't they consider your character and personality, Miss A'Ruo? Think about it, how many families of equal status are satisfied with or like your usual behavior?"
Du Ruo tightened her brows, wanting to argue but eventually holding back.
"Lastly, you mentioned the three families your aunt and Lady Wang carefully selected for you. Although these families have obvious shortcomings, look again. Among them, Commander Xu of the Imperial City Garrison has a clean family history, and you won't have to deal with complex family relations if you marry into his family. The second son of Leader Liu, the head of the East Gate Security, has a leg disability, but his family has laid the groundwork for him, and they will support both of you. Finally, Imperial Guard Yu is looking for a second wife, but he has good family resources and a bright future, and it's said he's quite handsome."
"Weren't these three families carefully chosen for you? Who is really harming you!"
Each word pierced into Du Ruo's heart, leaving her with no rebuttal.
Lu Lingyun made sense; she was making Du Ruo see her own worth.
But still, she couldn't accept it! She felt wronged!
How could she be as Lu Lingyun described, so unworthy.
With this thought, Du Ruo lifted her head and said, "I don't need you to find someone for me, I'll find someone myself!"
Lu Lingyun's eyebrows shot up upon hearing this.
Du Ruo continued, "I have plenty of suitors to choose from, I don't need your 'kindness' to make a choice for me!"
She emphasized the word "kindness," and her eyes blazed with renewed determination, along with a resolve to make them all regret their actions.
Ha!
If she truly wanted to marry, those men who once doted on her would be at her disposal.
She would find someone right away, and any man she chose would be better than those they had introduced to her. Then she would humiliate them and make them regret looking down on her!
Lu Lingyun met Du Ruo's confident gaze and already had a good idea of what she was planning.
"Miss Aruo, if you can find someone on your own, that would be the best. But how long will it take?"
"I'll find someone by tomorrow!"
Lu Lingyun smiled, "Is there anything you need me to do?"
"No need, just watch!" Du Ruo's eyes were full of determination, wanting Lu Lingyun to witness her success.
"Alright."
The following day.
Cheng Yunshuo was about to leave, and Du Ruo tagged along.
She told Cheng Yunshuo she planned to visit her brothers at the Commandant's Manor to showcase her recent changes.
Cheng Yunshuo was taken aback by Du Ruo's drastic transformation.
Today, Du Ruo was not only dressed appropriately in women's attire, but she also adorned herself with a beautiful hairpin and applied makeup.
Xiaoqin had done her makeup and styled her hair.
Lu Lingyun had been generous and gifted Du Ruo several pieces of jewelry and cosmetics.
Of course, the jewelry given to Du Ruo was of the concubine grade, spare items from the storeroom, reserved for Lu Lingyun to reward others.
They were not particularly valuable.
Yet, her appearance still surprised Cheng Yunshuo.
"Your brothers will be delighted to see you like this."
"Hmph, naturally," Du Ruo lifted her head and climbed into the carriage.
After a while, the carriage arrived at the Prefectural Commandant Manor.
Today, Cheng Yunshuo received a document from the Imperial Guards and had a lot to do. Upon arriving at the Prefectural Commandant Manor, he went to handle his own affairs.
Du Ruo didn't cling to her. Since she had visited the Commandant's Manor frequently over the years, Cheng Yunshuo was comfortable letting her walk around alone, so he let her.
After parting ways with Cheng Yunshuo, Du Ruo soon ran into a large group of Golden Armored Guards.
Everyone was pleasantly surprised to see Du Ruo, whom they hadn't seen in a while, dressed in new attire.
"Isn't this our A'Ruo?"
"A'Ruo has changed so much! I almost didn't recognize her!"
"Yes, I saw a slender young lady from afar and thought she was a young lady from a distinguished family visiting our Commandant's Manor!"
"A'Ruo, you look stunning like this!"
Familiar compliments rang out one after another.
Du Ruo felt a sense of satisfaction, and all the grievances and setbacks she had endured recently melted away.
Hmph, they said no one wanted her, but look, so many people want me!
Du Ruo scanned the circle of Golden Armored Guards and her gaze landed on one of them.
"Brother A'Kun, I remember your father is the General Commander of Datong in the Northwest, right?"
The young man, whom she had addressed, stood up with a smile. "Yes."
His name was Wei Kun, and his father was a third-rank general and the commander of the strategic town of Datong in the Northwest.
His father was stationed at the border, while he was assigned to the Golden Armored Guards to pass the time.
Chapter 154: Even If You Regret It Now, It's Too Late
"What's up, A'Ruo? Do you want to go to the border with me for some fun?"
Wei Kun looked at Du Ruo, smiling exceptionally brightly. "The border is quite enjoyable. The scenery there is very unique, with endless expanses of grassland. I can even teach you to ride!"
Listening to Wei Kun's description, Du Ruo was deep in thought. Her eyes sparkled as she said, "If you want me to go to the border with you, I need a proper title!"
As soon as she finished speaking, the surrounding Imperial Guards burst into laughter.
"What title do you want, A'Ruo?"
"How about treating you as my little sister?"
"A'Kun, why don't you acknowledge Du Ruo as your little sister right now!"
"No, no, no, take her as your disciple!"
"A'Ruo, I'll take you to the border too. Just call me Master."
"I can do that too, just call me Master."
Listening to their interruptions, Du Ruo glared at each of them. "What nonsense are you all spouting?!"
After scolding the interrupters, she turned back to Wei Kun. "A'Kun ge, come with me."
"Oh! This is serious! They must have something private to discuss!"
"What can't we hear?"
"Let us listen in too."
"Could it be that A'Ruo wants A'Kun to give her the status of a wife?"
With her thoughts so bluntly guessed, Du Ruo blushed with embarrassment and anger. "All of you, scram!"
She boldly grabbed Wei Kun's sleeve and dragged him away from the crowd.
Seeing this, the idle Imperial Guards around them laughed even harder.
The teasing voices echoed around them.
"A'Ruo, what are you up to?!"
"Are you really looking for a young man?"
"It seems she really has her eyes on A'Kun!"
"Our A'Kun is lucky to catch A'Ruo's eye!"
Hearing the teasing, especially the last remark about her having her eyes on Wei Kun and Wei Kun being lucky, caused Du Ruo's mouth to curl up uncontrollably.
Hmph, it should be this way. Whoever marries her is truly blessed.
It's not like what Lu Lingyun said, that she only deserves some inferior men that no one wants!
Wei Kun was dragged by Du Ruo to a secluded corner. He looked at the mysterious Du Ruo in front of him. "A'Ruo, what exactly do you want to do?"
Duo Ruo looked left and right, ensuring no one was around before she couldn't help but clench her sleeves. "Brother Kun, what do you think of me?"
Her eyes were filled with a warm glow, hinting at shyness and excitement.
Wei Kun was no innocent youth. As a son of a high-ranking noble family, he had mingled with women countless times, and numerous women had sought him out. He could immediately see through Duo Ruo's intentions.
At that moment, Duo Ruo was just like those women who had sought him out.
Wei Kun couldn't help but smile. "Sister Duo, you are very good."
"Really?" Her heart soared even higher. "Then if you were to marry, would you consider someone like me?"
Wei Kun almost burst out laughing.
Seeing her serious expression, he mimicked her seriously, "Of course I would consider someone like Sister Duo. So beautiful and vivacious, there's no one like you in the whole city!"
Duo Ruo was overjoyed, unable to contain her excitement.
She knew it, she just knew it would be like this.
If she wanted to, she could choose any of these Imperial Guards!
Who among them doesn't adore her?
Wei Kun teased Duo Ruo playfully. Noticing the barely concealed joy on her face, he continued to tease, "Is Sister Duo in a hurry to marry?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm serious. If you're really in a hurry to marry, I'll propose to your brothers tomorrow."
Hearing the word "proposal," Duo Ruo couldn't help but blossom with joy. She turned her head, gave a coquettish snort, and said, "Hmph, I won't speak to you anymore, do as you please!"
With that, she ran off.
Once she had run far enough away, Wei Kun burst into laughter.
Duo Ruo ran all the way to Cheng Yunshuo's door.
She wanted to knock and tell Cheng Yunshuo, but was informed that he had already reported to the Imperial Guards' camp.
A flurry of thoughts raced through Duo Ruo's mind, and she finally snorted, muttering, "Even if you regret it, it's too late now!"
Her words were tinged with resentment and regret.
Duo Ruo had secretly cherished feelings for Cheng Yunshuo for a long time. Unfortunately, Cheng Yunshuo was already married, making it impossible for her to marry him.
Furthermore, during this time, after being brought back to the Marquis's Mansion by Cheng Yunshuo, they had quarreled several times.
Duo Ruo harbored resentment towards him.
She felt that he neither valued nor cared for her, and together with Lu Lingyun, they mistreated her.
After this event of choosing a husband for her, she wanted to give him a hard time.
When she marries into a prestigious family in grand style, let's see if Cheng Yunshuo will feel a hint of regret!
But even if he does regret it, it will be too late by then!
With these complex thoughts swirling in her mind, Duo Ruo returned to the Marquis's Mansion.
She went directly to Lu Lingyun's courtyard.
"Ah, A'Ruo is back?" Lu Lingyun greeted her when she saw her return.
"Mm-hmm."
Lu Lingyun looked at A'Ruo's confident and determined expression. "It seems Miss A'Ruo has already found a suitable match?"
"Of course!" A'Ruo said triumphantly, looking at Lu Lingyun. "Tomorrow, someone will propose to my brother on my behalf!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Lingyun smiled. "Then let me congratulate you in advance."
"I don't need your fake congratulations. I see through your pretense!"
After saying that, A'Ruo stormed out of Lu Lingyun's courtyard.
Lu Lingyun: "..."
"Young mistress, what an ungrateful girl A'Ruo is!"
After A'Ruo left, Shuang Hong couldn't help but angrily say.
"Exactly, we've been working hard for her, yet she shows no appreciation!" Chunxing added indignantly.
"It's as if the whole world owes her! How can anyone be so selfish!"
After listening to these words, Lu Lingyun smiled. "This girl isn't terrible, just foolish."
To Lu Lingyun, A'Ruo wasn't bad, just foolish and a bit silly.
No rush, life will teach her a lesson soon enough.
It's some other people who...
At that moment, a matron arrived at Lu Lingyun's courtyard.
"Young mistress, Miss Shaojing has informed the elder madam that she plans to stay at the Marquis's East Mountain Villa for a while."
"Oh? Is it because she's not used to living in Caitang Pavilion?" Lu Lingyun asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, it's not that. Miss Shaojing mentioned that recently there have been too many people in the Marquis's Mansion, and some undesirable individuals have entered the inner courtyard. She prefers peace and quiet and would like to stay in the villa for a while."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
It's really just A'Ruo who has been staying here recently, and under her guidance, A'Ruo has been well-behaved and hasn't disturbed her. Yet, this still bothered her, and she even told Lady Qin, who knows what she said about her.
And she had already spoken to Lady Qin, so why tell her now?
Chapter 155: What Are You to Them
"Since you've already spoken to my mother-in-law, then just go ahead." Lu Lingyun said with a smile.
"The old lady said that there's nothing prepared at the East Hill Villa and told us to ask you, Young Mistress, for anything that's missing."
Upon hearing this, Lu Lingyun finally understood why they had informed her.
They were asking her for money and things!
With a faint smile, Lu Lingyun said, "Very well, I'll make the arrangements and have everything sent over shortly."
"Thank you, Young Mistress." With that, the nurse An retreated.
After Qin Shaojing's people left, Lu Lingyun called for Nurse An to open the storeroom of the mansion and select some items to send over.
She then asked Shuang Hong to open her private storeroom and send some valuable items given by Lady Qin to maintain appearances.
After preparing everything, she said to Xia Mei, "Once you've delivered the items, check on the state of the East Hill Villa."
"Yes, Young Mistress!"
The East Hill Villa was a country retreat of the mansion, not the place where the old Marquis and Lady Qin lived.
The villa had been long vacant and was in a remote area. It was strange that Qin Shaojing had taken a liking to such a remote place.
Busy with various tasks, it soon became evening.
Cheng Yunshuo returned.
He had received a brand new court uniform that day.
"Lingyun, I've joined the Imperial Guards. Starting tomorrow, I'll be serving at the palace."
Cheng Yunshuo returned in high spirits.
His face was filled with the joy of promotion.
"Congratulations, Prince. I knew you'd succeed with your abilities." Lu Lingyun said with a smile.
Cheng Yunshuo's promotion was something she had helped with, but she didn't claim credit.
Because she had long understood what kind of person Cheng Yunshuo was. He didn't have much ambition for fame and career, and he disliked scheming. He believed in advancing through his own efforts, accepting whatever happened.
Unlike Li Wenxun, who always sought shortcuts and backdoors, getting maximum help from his wife to feel satisfied and not resent others.
For someone as simple-minded as Cheng Yunshuo, Lu Lingyun simply went along with his wishes, letting him think his promotion was all his doing.
It was a matter of boosting his ego.
Hearing Lu Lingyun's words, Cheng Yunshuo became even happier. "By the way, where are the others?"
"A'Ruo is dining in her room, and Shaojing has moved to the East Hill Villa."
"Okay." Cheng Yunshuo didn't pay much attention. "Later, please tell Father and Mother about my new position in the Imperial Guards."
"Alright."
The next day, Cheng Yunshuo put on his new court uniform and went to serve at the palace.
Du Ruo was quietly waiting in the Marquis's Mansion.
She waited all day, but heard nothing.
By evening, she was too embarrassed to go to Lu Lingyun's courtyard for dinner.
When Cheng Yunshuo asked about Du Ruo again, upon learning that she was eating in her room, he said nothing but instructed Lu Lingyun to take good care of her.
Her brothers had almost finalized her marriage candidate.
The final choice was Imperial Guard Yu.
"I met Imperial Guard Yu today, and he is indeed a reliable man," Cheng Yunshuo had to admit that he was a rare and responsible person.
He always kept his promises seriously.
Even with troublesome matters like Du Ruo's, despite being annoyed by her once or twice, he still patiently oversaw her affairs due to his commitment.
Du Ruo's brothers had finalized the candidate with him, and after starting his duty in the Imperial Guards, he took the initiative to seek out Imperial Guard Yu to learn more about him.
He found that Imperial Guard Yu was young, handsome, and spoke appropriately. He was also diligent and responsible in his duties at the palace, earning him much favor.
Being in the Imperial Guards was different from those in the Jinyu Guard at the Commandant's Manor.
These were the imperial guards close to the emperor, and only the children of nobility could serve, though many of them just slacked off. The Commandant's Manor was where most of the slacking noble children were, while there were very few slackers in the Imperial Guards.
Of course, if the noble children were more ambitious and had great aspirations, they could go to the frontier to build a career, which would naturally be a family honor chosen from thousands.
In any case, those who could join the Imperial Guards were already the promising sons of nobility.
Cheng Yunshuo had learned about Imperial Guard Yu's character and was very satisfied, the only drawback being that he was a widower with two children.
But Du Ruo's brothers also said that given Du Ruo's conditions, finding someone like Imperial Guard Yu, who didn't mind her ordinary or even lower family background and her being motherless since childhood, was already good enough.
"Imperial Guard Yu has already proposed to Du Ruo's brothers," Cheng Yunshuo said. "Lingyun, you should talk to Du Ruo about it tomorrow, and this matter will be settled."
"Alright, I'll talk to Du Ruo tomorrow," Lu Lingyun replied.
The next day, Lu Lingyun called Du Ruo to her courtyard.
Today, Du Ruo was not as confident and radiant as she was when she returned from the Commandant's Manor that day.
Her furrowed brows showed tension and irritation.
Lu Lingyun could tell what she was nervous about with just one look and said, "Someone has proposed to your brothers."
Hearing this, Du Ruo instantly swept away all her irritation and asked, "He proposed?"
"Yes," Lu Lingyun nodded. "Your brothers think he is very good, and the Crown Prince went to talk to him especially yesterday to oversee it. They are planning to finalize this."
"Master especially went to talk about it." Hearing this, Du Ruo felt a mix of emotions and raised her head. "What did he say?"
"Your Master is quite satisfied."
Hearing those words, Du Ruo couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment. "Hmph, he's satisfied, good, as long as he's satisfied, I'll marry then!"
"So, this is settled then? I'll tell them you've decided and agreed to marry Imperial Guard Yu."
"Tell them then, I'll marry him right away... What! Imperial Guard Yu!" Du Ruo's words stopped abruptly, her eyes widened in shock.
"Yes, Imperial Guard Yu from the Imperial Guard Corps. The candidate Aunt Wang brought last time, your brothers chose him."
"No! What about Wei Kun?" Du Ruo blurted out.
"Who's Wei Kun? No one else has proposed to your brother. It's always been those same few candidates." Lu Lingyun looked directly at Du Ruo and spoke plainly, "At least Imperial Guard Yu is from the Imperial Guard Corps and comes from a wealthy family. Your master has praised his good character."
Du Ruo couldn't accept it. She shook her head vigorously, "No, it's impossible! I won't marry that widower who brings bad luck to his wives! Wei Kun promised me he would marry me! His family is a Third-Rank General's household, only he is worthy of me! All of you are ruining me!"
Lu Lingyun, looking at Du Ruo, who was still completely clueless, sneered, saying, "The Wei Kun you're talking about is just a guard from the Prefectural Commandant's manor."
"That's right! He dotes on me and promised to marry me; he will definitely keep his word!"
Lu Lingyun stood up, her eyes filled with cold, sarcastic amusement as she looked at her, "Do you really not know what you mean to them?"
Chapter 156: Getting Slapped Hard
Commandant's Residence.
The Golden Clad Guards with no duties to attend to gathered in small groups, chatting and gossiping idly.
"How boring!"
"Tell me about it, there isn't a single lady in the Commandant's Residence, just us men. What's the point?"
"It would be great if A'Ruo were still here."
When someone mentioned A'Ruo, the eyes of those around immediately lit up.
"I really miss A'Ruo."
"It would be fun if A'Ruo were here."
"Why did A'Ruo have to move in with Cheng Yunshuo? Now she never visits the Commandant's Residence."
At that moment, in the small garden behind them, a young woman's eyes also brightened.
She heard every word they said.
A subtle sense of confidence welled up inside her, a kind of pride in knowing she held weight in others' eyes, being admired by a group of people, which gave her a sense of satisfaction and pride. She glanced at the woman standing beside her.
Just as A'Ruo's eyes sparkled with a hint of pride, a loud laugh erupted among the Golden Clad Guards.
"Ha ha ha ha!"
"A'Kun, what are you laughing at?"
Wei Kun, laughing uncontrollably, clung to the corridor post, his eyes gleaming mischievously as he looked at the others around him. "Do you know what A'Ruo told me in secret last time?"
"What?"
"Tell us, tell us! I've been curious, A'Ruo was acting strange. She wouldn't be thinking of marrying you, would she?"
"Exactly! She came to me and said she wants me to marry her!"
The surrounding Golden Clad Guards were momentarily stunned, and the next moment, everyone burst into laughter.
"Ha ha ha ha!"
"I'm dying laughing!"
"A'Ruo is such a silly girl, so hilarious!"
The A'Ruo who was eavesdropping from behind the garden instantly froze at the sound of their laughter.
Having dealt with these people for so long, she could hear the meaning behind their laughter.
It was a kind of laughter she had never heard before—laughter filled with mockery.
The Golden Clad Guards laughed even louder, their laughter filled with ridicule.
It attracted all the passing Golden Clad Guards to come over and see what was happening.
Everyone asked what they were laughing at.
These people told them that Du Ruo had asked Wei Kun to marry her.
Suddenly, the Imperial Guards who walked over also joined in the laughter.
"Is that girl really stupid?"
"She actually asked Wei Kun to marry her! How could she say such a ridiculous thing?"
"Doesn't she know who she is? Does she really think she can enter the Wei family?"
"What makes her think she has the right to be the main wife of the Wei family? Does she think her two brothers being Imperial Guards is enough to make her worthy?"
"Haha, I'm dying of laughter, Ah Kun, is your family really going to marry Du Ruo?"
"Go away!" Wei Kun said with a look of disgust. "That crazy girl is insane, but my family isn't!"
"Hahahaha!"
His words of disgust made everyone around laugh even harder.
"No way, I don't want her!"
"Even if you gave me Du Ruo, I couldn't bear it!"
"Then she's yours! You're usually the one who spoils her the most!"
"Please, we're just joking, who would actually marry her?"
Normally, as the sister of their colleague, they had to show some respect to Du Ruo due to frequent interactions.
And because the Commandant's Manor was so dull, Du Ruo, being the only girl, was treated like a little pet. They indulged and spoiled her, lifting her up occasionally just to pass the time.
But in the end, no one truly valued her.
Let alone marry her!
Given Du Ruo's usual free-spirited behavior, they were actually the first to be repulsed by her!
Who would marry a wife who isn't virtuous and graceful, and who doesn't come from a reputable family background? Who would marry someone like Du Ruo?
The mocking laughter continued, and with Cheng Yunshuo no longer in the Commandant's Manor, they became even more unrestrained.
Du Ruo, hiding behind the garden, heard the mocking laughter, her face filled with disbelief.
They... they actually thought of her like this...
All of them had been so kind and doting on her, but behind her back, they were all laughing at her!
No one truly respected her!
Instantly, a mix of complex emotions—shock, shame, anger, and grievance—all surged into her eyes.
After the shock, her face began to burn with a fiery sensation.
The flames of anger surged in her heart, and she charged forward.
"Ah Ruo!" Lu Lingyun couldn't stop her, and watched as Du Ruo rushed into the group of mocking Imperial Guards, straight toward Wei Kun, who was still laughing uncontrollably in the center.
There was a crisp sound of a slap.
Wei Kun was initially stunned when he saw Du Ruo rush out, his eyes showing a mix of guilt and panic. But the next second, after receiving a loud slap, Wei Kun's anger flared.
"Du Ruo, have you gone mad?!"
"Why did you say it? Why did you lie to me?!"
Du Ruo first questioned why he said it, and then questioned why he had deceived her.
She was furious, because compared to Wei Kun deceiving her, she was even angrier that Wei Kun had humiliated her so publicly.
In her heart, she had some understanding that Wei Kun might not marry her.
But how could he say it so bluntly, humiliating her in front of everyone?
Wei Kun sneered in response, "You really think highly of yourself! A few compliments and you think you're a princess? Go look in the mirror!"
"I'll kill you!" Du Ruo screamed and rushed at him.
Those around her quickly moved to stop her.
"A'Ruo!"
"Enough, enough."
"A'Ruo, aren't you the most carefree one, the one who cares the least about these things? It's all just a joke!"
"Everyone was just joking!"
The voices of those trying to calm her down rang in Du Ruo's ears, especially the words about her being carefree and that it was all a joke, which felt like harsh slaps across her face.
She used to love saying such things to others.
Amidst the chaos, a cold, sharp voice rang out, "Stop right there!"
Lu Lingyun approached with a few attendants. Seeing Lu Lingyun, everyone stopped.
Lu Lingyun frowned and surveyed the scene, forcibly pulling Du Ruo away.
Feeling the gazes of those around her as she was dragged back, she suddenly pushed everyone away and ran out of the manor, covering her face.
"A'Ruo!"
"Du Ruo!"
Du Ruo ran straight back to her aunt's house.
Lu Lingyun followed her all the way, and upon arriving at her aunt's house, she explained the situation to Du Ruo's aunt.
This incident was significant, and Du Ruo's brothers had already heard about it in the Prefectural Commandant Manor. After returning home and finding Du Ruo behind a tightly closed door, they thanked Lu Lingyun.
They said they would take care of Du Ruo. Seeing that Du Ruo's family had returned, Lu Lingyun breathed a sigh of relief and went back to the Marquis's Mansion.
Chapter 157: Du Ruo Runs Away from Home
But that night, Lu Lingyun received a message.
Du Ruo had run away from home.
"Where is the Young Master? Hasn't he returned yet?"
"The message was sent by the Young Master. He is currently searching the city with Miss A'Ruo's brothers to find her."
Upon hearing this, Lu Lingyun furrowed her brow.
This business of educating others is not an easy task!
Making others see the reality and recognize their own status, while also worrying about whether they can accept it!
Although Lu Lingyun had already done her best, and educating Du Ruo was entrusted to her by everyone, after the incident occurred, she had escorted Du Ruo back home and handed her over to her family. But now, she couldn't remain uninvolved.
"Gather all the servants in the mansion to look for Du Ruo!"
"Yes, Young Mistress!"
Lu Lingyun thought for a moment. "Also, check every tavern and inn in the city."
"Yes, Young Mistress!"
Du Ruo had no one to rely on outside, so it was likely she would go to a tavern or inn.
As for the riverbank... Lu Lingyun didn't think someone like Du Ruo would be desperate enough to commit suicide.
The self-proclaimed free-spirited and bold Du Ruo would likely go on a drinking spree.
Everyone in the mansion, along with Du Ruo's family, searched the entire city for her.
At that moment, in a private room of a tavern.
"You're all liars! Liars! You all lied to me!" Du Ruo, holding a cup of wine, glared at the four Imperial Guards.
"Sister A'Ruo, we are not liars!"
"Yes, we are the ones who treat you most sincerely in the world!"
"If we lie to you, may we be struck by lightning!"
"You see, we said we would treat you to a drink, and we remember that, so how can we be considered liars?"
The ones speaking were Qian Heng and the other three.
Today, while patrolling the streets, they encountered Du Ruo drinking alone in a tavern. They immediately took her to a private room.
"Nonsense! You all look down on me!" Du Ruo, with red eyes, angrily shouted, "You all talk nicely, treating me like a sister and a treasure, but in your hearts, you all despise me!"
"Nonsense!" Qian Heng shouted, "Miss A'Ruo, you are the most unique and independent woman I have ever met. How could we possibly despise you?"
"Exactly, we cherish and adore you."
"You don't even know, the day you took a sword to us, it really impressed us. We've never met a woman as straightforward and bold as you."
"How could we possibly look down on you, such a unique and fascinating lady!"
The other two chimed in one after another.
Listening to the words of the four, a spark of hope reignited in A'Ruo's heart. "You really mean it?"
"Of course!"
"Who has been bullying you? Tell your brothers, and we'll get revenge for you!"
"Yes, let's go get them right now and beat them up to vent our anger!"
"Beat them ten times, beat them to a pulp! Anyone who bullies our A'Ruo will face dire consequences!"
These sincere and heartfelt words fell into A'Ruo's ears, and all at once, her grievances flooded out like a broken dam.
"Then would you be willing to marry me?"
At this, the four were taken aback.
Marry her?
Without waiting, A'Ruo angrily retorted, "Fake! I knew it! You're all lying! You all look down on me and think I'm not good enough for you!"
"Don't be ridiculous!" Qian Heng said first, "From the moment I saw you, A'Ruo, I wanted to marry you!"
"Me too," Hu Lu rubbed his hands together, his eyes wandering over A'Ruo, "A'Ruo, you're so beautiful and unique, who wouldn't want to marry you!"
A'Ruo looked at them, "But my brothers are only Imperial Guards, and my family background is lowly! You must think I'm not good enough to enter your families!"
"Don't say such nonsense, how can such mundane family backgrounds compare to you?"
"Exactly, we care about you as a person. You're the most unique woman in the world, nothing compares to you!"
In her anger and hurt, A'Ruo felt a sense of salvation.
Exactly.
Exactly.
She was indeed unique, cherished and loved by everyone since childhood. None of them cared about her supposed low family background; they liked her for who she was and wanted to marry her.
"A'Ruo, let's have a drink."
"Drink, drink."
Noticing A'Ruo had calmed down, the four began to encourage her to drink.
Cup after cup was offered to A'Ruo, and she went from hesitating to drinking more freely.
"A'Ruo, you're the most free-spirited!"
"Have another drink, let us see what a free-spirited lady looks like!"
A'Ruo started drinking heavily on her own.
Her grievances and the need to prove herself erupted, and under their persuasion, she drank heavily to drown her sorrows.
In no time, Du Ruo was made to drink several jugs of alcohol and became completely drunk.
"No, can't drink anymore."
"You can! Just a little more!" Qian Heng and the others looked at her with increasingly heated gazes.
"I, I want to, go home," Du Ruo struggled to prop herself up and prepared to stand.
"Go home? This is your home!"
Qian Heng lifted Du Ruo into his arms.
"W-What are you doing?!"
"Didn't you ask if we'd take you as our wife?" Hu Fei and the others crowded around, "A'Ruo, why don't we consummate our marriage tonight?!"
They all wore lecherous grins and pounced on the drunken Du Ruo.
In her drunken stupor, a rare moment of clarity pierced through Du Ruo's mind.
"You... you, get away from me!" She bit down hard on the hand that touched her cheek.
Qian Heng cried out in pain and slapped her face.
That slap sobered her up further.
"You lied to me too! Don't touch me! Get away from me!" Du Ruo struggled violently.
By now, the four men had dropped all pretenses, glaring at her with malice and sneering.
"Little slut, stop playing innocent! Like you didn't know what drinking with us would lead to!"
"Exactly! You're always hanging around men, don't tell me you didn't want this!"
"Look at you, flirting with men every day, you've probably been with thousands, slept with by tens of thousands!"
"Haha, I've never seen anyone as cheap as you! You think we'd actually marry you? You don't deserve it!"
These weren't even the Imperial Guards who showed some respect to her and her brothers at the Prefectural Commandant Manor. These men had no reservations about Du Ruo at all.
Hearing their vile words, Du Ruo finally understood her place in their eyes.
So, this is how everyone saw her...
She had always been a plaything to them! Not one of them had ever respected her! Her heart, which had secretly relished everything, was shattered completely.
Her clothes were torn open by Qian Heng.
"Ah!"
Du Ruo screamed.
Qian Heng and the others excitedly lunged at her.
Just then, the door to the private room was kicked open with a loud bang.
"Boom!"
Chapter 158: Making Du Ruo a Concubine
The door was forced open.
Leading the way was Lu Lingyun.
Followed by Cheng Yunshuo and Du Ruo's two brothers.
"A'Ruo!"
"A'Ruo!"
The terrified Du Ruo, upon seeing the people rush in, dodged the group led by Lu Lingyun and, amidst the crowd, threw herself into Cheng Yunshuo's arms, sobbing hysterically.
"Master, I'm so relieved you're here!"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
Qian Heng and the others were severely beaten by Du Ruo's brothers and the men they brought with them.
Seeing that their sister was almost violated by these four, Du Ruo's brothers were filled with rage, their teeth grinding in hatred. They beat them until they screamed in pain, and when the four men finally issued threats:
"If you keep beating us, you'll be courting death!"
"Stop hitting us! If you touch us again, our family will make sure all three of you die!"
"Do you really think your sister is pure?"
"She was the one who offered to drink with us voluntarily!"
"How dare you say that!" Du Tai, furious, drew his sword, ready to strike them down.
Du Yang, seeing the blade flash, finally restrained him. "Forget it, just let it go."
"But, Brother! These scoundrels almost violated A'Ruo!"
"Enough!" Du Yang said coldly and angrily.
There was no point in arguing anymore.
Not only were they all colleagues in the Imperial Guard, but Qian Heng and the others came from more prestigious families. They couldn't do anything about them.
If things escalated, they and Du Ruo would suffer. They didn't even dare to report it to the authorities. They were just thankful they arrived in time and nothing major happened. A beating to vent their anger was sufficient.
"Aren't you going to get out of here!" Du Yang said angrily.
Qian Heng and the others, each beaten to a pulp, with bruised faces and covered in ash, hastily left the place.
Throughout, Du Ruo clung tightly to Cheng Yunshuo's clothes, crying so hard she could hardly catch her breath.
After dealing with Qian Heng and the others, Du Yang, with a furrowed brow, looked at his sister.
"Come back with me right now!"
"Waaa, Master..." Du Ruo clung to Cheng Yunshuo's collar with a death grip.
Seeing this, Cheng Yunshuo said, "Forget it, I'll go back with you,"
He glanced at Lu Lingyun standing nearby. "Lingyun, you take the others back to the mansion first. I'll return later."
"Okay."
Lu Lingyun glanced at Du Ruo, who was sobbing uncontrollably, and left with her entourage.
After getting on the carriage, Xiaoqin furrowed her brow and said, "It's over, it's over."
Xiaoqin had been taking care of Du Ruo during this time and had come out to look for her when Du Ruo went missing.
"What do you mean by 'over'?" Shuang Hong asked.
"A'Ruo's reputation is certainly ruined!" Xiaoqin said with a worried look.
Du Ruo is not like Xing Dairong. She is a genuine official's daughter. Even if Lu Lingyun didn't suppress the matter, there would be no reputation left to damage for Xing Dairong, who ran away with someone.
She never had to care about reputation in the first place.
But Du Ruo isn't married yet. After this incident, she is doomed.
"Pah! In my opinion, she deserves it!" Chunhe said with contempt in her eyes. "Isn't she always shouting about how great men are, and how comfortable she feels around men? This time, let her enjoy it to her heart's content!"
"Yes, a respectable woman wouldn't act like her. If she doesn't care about her own reputation, why should anyone care for her?"
"Enough, stop talking." Lu Lingyun interrupted the little maids.
She gazed deeply out of the carriage, lifting the curtain to see Du Ruo, who was wrapped in thick clothes and being carried out by Cheng Yunshuo. Her eyes already held a sense of resolve.
She remained calm, didn't even sigh, and let the curtain drop.
That night, Cheng Yunshuo did not return.
The next evening, Cheng Yunshuo returned after completing his duties.
When he returned, he said to Lu Lingyun, "Lingyun, I plan to take A'Ruo as my concubine."
The previous night, after Cheng Yunshuo sent Du Ruo back and was about to leave, he was stopped by Du Ruo's critically ill aunt.
Du Ruo's aunt pleaded with him to take Du Ruo as a concubine.
After this incident, Du Ruo has no other options!
This matter cannot be covered up, and even if it could, they wouldn't dare marry Du Ruo to Yu the Imperial Guard.
If Yu the Imperial Guard found out, he would definitely seek revenge.
At best, Du Ruo won't have a good life; at worst, she might be divorced, and the two families would become sworn enemies.
Du Ruo's aunt, lying on her sickbed, spat out two mouthfuls of blood and, seeing that Cheng Yunshuo was about to leave, struggled to rise from her sickbed to beg him.
"Even as a concubine, it's better than nothing!"
At this critical moment, the Du family couldn't care about anything else.
All night long, the Du family begged him.
Lu Lingyun responded to Cheng Yunshuo's words with a noncommittal "Hmm."
She had been prepared for this since she saw that scene yesterday.
Sure enough, he went to take responsibility for Du Ruo.
"Lingyun, do you agree?"
"Since the Prince has already agreed, what else is there for me to agree or disagree?"
It's just another concubine entering the household.
Lu Lingyun never cared about who was in Cheng Yunshuo's harem, as long as everything was peaceful in her territory.
"Lingyun..." But this attitude of Lu Lingyun's moved Cheng Yunshuo greatly.
Looking at the ever calm and composed Lu Lingyun, his respect for her deepened even more.
"Only you can manage this household. No one else can."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
With a slight raise of her eyebrows, she said, "But if you're taking a new concubine, shouldn't we elevate Ling Long's status?"
Currently, there were only Qiu Ling and Ling Long in Cheng Yunshuo's harem.
Qiu Ling had damaged her health after childbirth and could no longer serve him, and Ling Long still had no official title.
If Du Ruo entered the household, it wouldn't be fair to let her dominate alone.
That girl was quite manipulative, and since she was coming into her household, she should be put in her place.
Cheng Yunshuo thought for a moment and nodded, "Handle it as you see fit."
"Alright."
The next day, Lady Wang visited Lu Lingyun again.
This time, she felt reluctant to come.
"Sigh! This time, I really didn't want to come. That girl Du Ruo has truly embarrassed us, but her aunt's condition has worsened and she can't even get out of bed. After much begging, she pleaded with me to come."
"Sister Wang, no need to feel so embarrassed," Lu Lingyun said with a smile, "We sisters should speak frankly. Nothing else matters between us."
Hearing this, the embarrassment on Lady Wang's face faded. She looked at the remarkably considerate and generous Lu Lingyun gratefully, "Sister Lu, you are the most magnanimous main wife I've ever known!"
"Alright, no need for compliments." Lu Lingyun pulled Lady Wang to sit down, "Let's discuss the important matter. Should we set the date, or should Du Ruo's family?"
Lady Wang had come this time to arrange the details of Du Ruo entering the household.
"You decide!" Lady Wang's face was still flushed. She took out a scroll from her person, "Here is Du Ruo's dowry list."
Chapter 159: The Prince Consort Stayed at Lady Ling's Place
Even when taking a concubine, it usually involves the gift list from the man's family.
The Du family directly presented the dowry list.
"This time, A'Ruo's brothers have put up their savings to marry her off. They have given A'Ruo two shops, a manor, and two hundred acres of land as her dowry."
"As for the betrothal gifts, the Du family stated that the Marquis's Mansion does not need to contribute anything."
Lady Wang thrust the dowry list into Lu Lingyun's hands.
From ancient times until now, it's rare to see a family that not only refrains from asking for betrothal gifts but also brings a generous dowry and eagerly agrees to become a concubine.
The Du family has truly gone to great lengths and lost face for A'Ruo's sake.
All they hoped was that Lu Lingyun would, out of respect for the Du family's sincerity, treat A'Ruo kindly in the future.
Lu Lingyun looked at the listed dowry and couldn't help but say, "A'Ruo has a good family backing her."
"Who wouldn't agree?" said Lady Wang, who then began to vent, "That girl A'Ruo is really heartless and brainless! Her brothers treat her so well, and her aunt dotes on her, having chosen a fine and proper marriage for her, yet she still causes trouble!"
"All day long, she acts as if she owns the world, causing chaos and behaving without any rules! She looks down on this and that."
"Does she even know who she is worthy of? Guard Yu doesn't know about this yet, and if he did, would he even want her? A fine marriage, the position of a proper wife, and she refused to take it. Now, she's eager to be a concubine! Do you know what she said?"
Lu Lingyun: "...What did she say?"
"A'Ruo said she was willing to marry her master, even if it meant being a concubine." Lady Wang mimicked A'Ruo's tone with a look of disgust. "And she was even happy about it! Not a hint of reluctance. When we introduced her to a proper wife position last time, she kept rejecting it. But for being a concubine, she is eager! There will come a time when she regrets it! Let her be worn down by the main wife!"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
After saying the last sentence, Lady Wang remembered that Lu Lingyun would be A'Ruo's main wife in the future, and she quickly added, "Sister Lu, I'm not talking about you. You're a rare and kind-hearted main wife, definitely not the type to wear someone down, but these days, concubines are just not as good as proper wives! How could she be so eager to be a concubine?"
"I understand." Lu Lingyun smiled faintly.
"Sigh! I'm done with that girl. If she wants to be a concubine, let her be. It's all her own doing! She will live a hard life in the future! No one will care for her anymore!" Lady Wang was frustrated.
Three days later.
An auspicious day.
Lu Lingyun sent the concubine betrothal gifts to the Du family, who said they didn't want any, but it was necessary to give them anyway.
A'Ruo entered the Marquis's Mansion as a prestigious concubine. The betrothal gifts sent to her, along with her dowry and herself, all entered through the side gate in the evening, carried in by a small sedan chair.
The Du family, finding it shameful, didn't even hold a concubine wedding banquet, nor was there any fanfare or grand send-off.
She was sent into the Marquis's Mansion in a low-key and disgraceful manner.
Though there was no concubine wedding ceremony, the tea ceremony still took place.
Cheng Yunshuo and Lu Lingyun sat in the main seats, together drinking a formal concubine tea.
Dressed in peach-colored wedding clothes, A'Ruo, now accepted into the household, responded with, "Yes, Shiniang." under her crimson veil.
Lu Lingyun's face turned cold. "Concubine Du, from now on, you must call me Young Mistress."
Concubine Du paused for a moment, then re-offered the tea. "Yes, Young Mistress."
Lu Lingyun accepted the tea and gave Frost Red a glance, who then handed a red envelope to Concubine Du.
Concubine Du accepted the envelope and immediately offered tea to Cheng Yunshuo.
Cheng Yunshuo didn't know what to say; he felt uneasy. After a moment, he said, "A'Ruo, you need to be more sensible from now on."
"Yes, Master... I mean, Young Master."
Just as she was about to call him Master, the veil over her head quickly shifted her tone, showing she still had some memory left by calling him Young Master.
Cheng Yunshuo also accepted her concubine tea.
After the two red envelopes were given and the tea was drunk, the ceremony was concluded, and Concubine Du was led away.
She was assigned to Xiaohe Courtyard, which had now become the concubine's quarters.
After Concubine Du left, Cheng Yunshuo remained still for a long time.
Lu Lingyun glanced at him. "Today is the Young Master's great joy. Aren't you going to the concubine's quarters?"
Cheng Yunshuo's face turned red. "Lingyun, don't make fun of me."
Cheng Yunshuo didn't like Concubine Du.
Or rather, his feelings for Concubine Du were like that of a younger sister. Even during the time when Xing Dairong misunderstood him, his heart hadn't wavered, nor did he have any other intentions toward her.
This time, it was purely due to an emergency, and the Du family had no options, so he brought Concubine Du into the estate to provide her a way out.
He had never harbored any romantic feelings for her.
Now that Concubine Du had suddenly become his concubine, he didn't know how to handle the situation.
Lu Lingyun looked at Cheng Yunshuo's embarrassed face and hummed softly. "Then on this wedding night, Young Master, don't stay in my quarters, don't make me the target of complaints!"
Lately, Cheng Yunshuo had often stayed in Lu Lingyun's courtyard. He didn't share the same room with her; they just talked and took care of the children together.
In Lu Lingyun's presence, he always felt peace.
He didn't want to return alone.
Hearing this, after a moment of internal struggle, Cheng Yunshuo left.
That night, in Xiaohe Courtyard, Concubine Du sat quietly on the wedding bed. She was unusually composed, sitting demurely on the edge of the bed.
Under the peach-colored veil, her pretty face was flushed.
For her, after going through all the suffering, it had unexpectedly turned into something good.
She never imagined she would have the opportunity to marry Cheng Yunshuo!
The moment she realized she was going to marry Cheng Yunshuo, all the humiliation and pain faded, and she even felt that perhaps it was a blessing from heaven.
She heard her aunt's brothers speak to her with serious faces, telling her that she could only be a concubine from now on.
In her eyes, being a concubine to Cheng Yunshuo was much better than being a wife to that Imperial Guard Yu!
She was thrilled with it!
Just as Du Ruo was feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation inside, she heard the door open.
"Master..." Du Ruo, adopting a different tone, spoke in a coquettish and flirtatious tone, "I've been waiting for you. Do you know how long I've waited for this? Even as a concubine, marrying you is enough for me."
Xiaoqin, who had pushed the door open, said, "It's me, Concubine Du."
Du Ruo: "..."
Amid the awkward silence, Xiaoqin continued, "Concubine Du, you should lift the veil yourself. The Crown Prince has returned to the Yaoguang Pavilion and is staying with Concubine Ling."
Du Ruo: "!!!"
On the wedding night, Cheng Yunshuo returned to the Yaoguang Pavilion and stayed with Concubine Ling.
Chapter 160: Life as a Concubine
Ling Long was taken as a concubine two days before Du Ruo entered the household.
However, she hadn't been assigned a separate courtyard yet.
Du Ruo was stunned when Xiaoqin told her this.
From what she knew, there were several concubines in Cheng Yunshuo's household. In her memory, her master had exclusively loved the courtesan Xing Dairong from the brothel.
He didn't love any other woman.
Cheng Yunshuo had personally told her this before.
During the days Cheng Yunshuo stayed at her house, he had been melancholic every day. She knew he was lovesick, and that was when she became infatuated with him.
She thought Cheng Yunshuo was a rare, deeply devoted man of his time.
She was angry that Xing Dairong hadn't cherished such a good man, forcing him away. If Cheng Yunshuo had loved her, she couldn't imagine how happy she would be. She would have clung to him tightly and never let him get hurt!
When she later learned that Xing Dairong had died from difficult childbirth, she felt an immense satisfaction, as if she had finally gotten her revenge.
But now, the night of the red candles had passed.
On the day Du Ruo entered the household, she felt the disparity between her expectations and reality.
Why was it so different from what she had imagined!
The next morning, at breakfast time.
Du Ruo went to Lu Lingyun's courtyard.
Cheng Yunshuo was having breakfast in Lu Lingyun's courtyard.
Upon entering, Du Ruo gave him a resentful stare.
Cheng Yunshuo paid no attention to her gaze and continued eating, casually remarking, "A'Ruo is here too."
Du Ruo's resentment grew.
Lu Lingyun, sitting nearby, observed everything.
"I'm here, Master... ah, Young Master," Du Ruo said through clenched teeth.
Noticing the change in address, Cheng Yunshuo remembered that Du Ruo was now his concubine.
Cheng Yunshuo looked up and, seeing Du Ruo's expression, belatedly realized that since he hadn't visited her the previous night, she might be feeling dissatisfied.
But how could he explain or console her?
He was completely unprepared.
Bringing Du Ruo in as a concubine had been purely out of necessity. He still hadn't changed his attitude toward her.
Meeting Du Ruo's deep, intense gaze and seeing her about to speak, Cheng Yunshuo set down his chopsticks and said, "I have to go on duty. You all continue eating."
With that, he fled.
Watching Cheng Yunshuo flee, Du Ruo felt even angrier.
Sitting next to them, Lu Lingyun found the scene entertaining.
Cheng Yunshuo was responsible, but he was immature.
The promises he made never aligned with what others expected.
He thought he had fulfilled them, but in reality, they were always things that disappointed others.
Having expectations of him was bound to lead to disappointment.
Lu Lingyun, seeing the new unhappy couple, raised her eyebrows slightly and said, "Concubine Du came so early, is it to pay respects?"
Du Ruo, harboring a sense of grievance, replied, "Yes."
As she was about to sit down, she heard Madam Wan's stern reprimand.
"Concubine Du, did the young mistress allow you to sit? How can you be so disrespectful!"
Du Ruo used to just sit down and eat as soon as she arrived.
She had learned some rules and etiquette, but those were according to the lady's standards.
Back then, she was treated almost like a young miss in the Marquis's residence.
But now, she was a concubine.
"From now on, when you come here, only if the main wife allows you to sit can you sit! During meal times, as a concubine, you should stand by and serve the main wife and lord. How can you just sit down so casually!"
Lu Lingyun said nothing, sipping her hot soup, letting Madam Wan teach Du Ruo a lesson.
Du Ruo stood there awkwardly, being sharply reprimanded, while she looked at the calmly seated Lu Lingyun.
Only after Madam Wan finished explaining the rules did Lu Lingyun put down her soup bowl, looking at her indifferently and asking just four words, "Have you understood?"
As the main wife, despite her good temper, the core dignity and rules must not be compromised.
Today, she needed to make it clear to Du Ruo that a concubine was just a concubine.
Once a woman became a concubine, in her presence, she would be half a servant.
Du Ruo, meeting Lu Lingyun's indifferent yet authoritative gaze, tightened her hand under her sleeve, "I understand."
"In front of the young mistress, you should refer to yourself as 'servant'."
Du Ruo's eyes widened immediately. She looked up at Lu Lingyun, her eyes wide in silence for a few breaths before she gritted her teeth and replied, "Servant understands."
On the first morning after entering the household, Du Ruo finally understood what it meant to be a concubine, and the reason her aunt and brothers had looked so serious, helpless, and resentful back then.
Being a concubine was far different from being the main wife.
She now realized that the three potential marriages her aunt and brothers had planned for her were well-meaning.
None of them were intended to harm her!
At the very least, she would have been a main wife.
She had pushed herself onto the path of becoming a concubine, placing herself in a lower position as soon as she entered the household.
However, however... Duan Ruo couldn't accept it!
The indignation in her heart churned for a long time, and finally, she thought of someone.
If she must be a concubine, then so be it!
Who says being a concubine is bad? As long as she could win Cheng Yunshuo's heart, she could be a respected concubine!
Didn't Xing Dairong do the same? In the inner quarters, she had everything she wanted. Even Lu Lingyun had to yield to her.
She would become the next Xing Dairong, making Cheng Yunshuo dote on her.
And she would do an even better job than Xing Dairong!
At that moment, Duan Ruo suppressed her grievances and resentment, her eyes filled with determination. As Lu Lingyun allowed her to rise, she regained her composure.
She put aside all the anger she felt towards Cheng Yunshuo.
"If there's nothing else, you can return. I don't require the concubines to pay their respects or serve meals in my chambers. You can dine in your own courtyard," Lu Lingyun said, letting Duan Ruo go since she had been quite obedient.
She generally didn't overly control or mistreat the women in the inner quarters. As long as they were obedient, she had no need for excessive rules.
Duan Ruo, hearing this, bowed respectfully, "This servant will take her leave."
After Duan Ruo left, Chun Xing, attending by Lu Lingyun's side, said, "Young Mistress, you are truly too kind. If it were me, I'd say Concubine Duan is a troublemaker. Did you see the look she had when she left? It was just like Concubine Xing used to be!"
"I agree. Her look is very similar to Concubine Xing's, especially when she looks at the Crown Prince!" Chun He said.
"Yes, I thought the same. Like sticky rice cakes, clingy and stringy," Shuang Hong added.
Lu Lingyun couldn't help but chuckle.
"Young Mistress, what are you laughing about?" Chun He asked, a bit anxious. "Concubine Duan is definitely trying to seduce the Crown Prince. Our inner quarters have been peaceful for so long, and the Crown Prince has been staying in our courtyard recently. If Concubine Duan steals his heart, it will be a disaster!"
Lu Lingyun's gaze gently turned to Chun He and Chun Xing. "Chun He, Chun Xing, you've been with me for a year now. You are also the oldest among my dowry maids. I can't keep you by my side forever; keeping you too long would delay your future prospects. I'll take this opportunity to ask you, would you like to serve the Crown Prince?"