Chapter 141: Du Ruo's Panic
A barrage of harsh insults pierced Du Ruo's ears, and her face flushed with anger and embarrassment.
"Are you all courting death?!" Du Ruo climbed to her feet and rushed at Qin Shaojing, barefoot.
Qin Shaojing wouldn't let Du Ruo hit her, and the maids and nannies behind her quickly rushed forward to shield her.
Chaos ensued.
Hair was pulled, and clothes were torn.
Du Ruo, who had trained a bit with her brothers, had some skills and fought back alone.
Lu Lingyun, who had been settling accounts in the courtyard, hurried over with her attendants when she heard the commotion. By then, Du Ruo had already been subdued by a group of people.
Fighting one against many was difficult. Du Ruo was pinned down by the strong and agile nannies.
Of course, Qin Shaojing's side wasn't faring much better.
Qin Shaojing's maids had all taken a few hits, their hairstyles were in disarray, their clothes were torn, and several had scratches on their faces, necks, and hands.
The scene was...
"What's going on?!"
"Older Sister-in-law! You came just in time!" Qin Shaojing, with her brows raised in anger, glared at Du Ruo who was being held down. "Get this uncouth girl out of here! Our prestigious Marquis's Mansion won't allow such an unruly person in!"
"You're turning the tables on me!" Du Ruo, still held down, lifted her head defiantly. "You have the nerve to call me unruly after insulting me first! You noble ladies are truly vicious and heartless!"
"You still dare to insult me!" Qin Shaojing rushed forward, intending to strike Du Ruo herself.
"That's enough." Lu Lingyun quickly reached out to stop Qin Shaojing.
"Older Sister-in-law! Did you hear what she said?!"
Lu Lingyun looked at Du Ruo on the ground, "I will handle this properly. Those who are in the wrong will be punished!"
"Hmph!"
Hearing this, Qin Shaojing snorted and fell silent.
Lu Lingyun brought Du Ruo and everyone who had participated in the fight back to the courtyard.
After investigating the sequence of events, she looked at Du Ruo, who was being treated for her wounds, with a mix of emotions.
Those who had resorted to violence were all Qin Shaojing's people. Lu Lingyun chose not to punish them, but there were a few from the Marquis's Mansion who had also joined the fight. Lu Lingyun gave them three strikes with a ruler.
Since they didn't intervene and even joined the fight, they deserved punishment!
As for Qin Shaojing, Lu Lingyun comforted her for a while and gave her some jewelry to make amends and soothe her anger before sending her back.
Finally, it was Du Ruo's turn.
"Miss Du Ruo, were you the one who started the fight?" Lu Lingyun asked after everyone else had left.
"They were the first to insult me!" Du Ruo replied, clearly unwilling to back down.
"They insulted you, so you can resort to violence?" Lu Lingyun raised an eyebrow.
"What else could I have done?"
"When someone insults you, you can respond with insults, or you can come to me for justice. But you threw punches—what exactly did you think this was, a battlefield or a coliseum, where you need to resort to violence to solve things?" Lu Lingyun said, maintaining a calm demeanor.
Despite this, Du Ruo still looked unwilling to back down and turned her head away, a defiant expression on her face.
Seeing her like this, Lu Lingyun couldn't help but smile. "Miss Du Ruo, do you really believe you are in the right? And that everything others say is wrong?"
"Of course! My dealings with those people were completely innocent!"
"If you are truly innocent, why did you react so strongly?" Lu Lingyun raised an eyebrow.
Du Ruo was momentarily speechless at this, then angrily retorted, "They insulted me and twisted the truth! How could that not make someone angry?"
Lu Lingyun smiled coldly. "Miss Du Ruo, there will always be gossip and rumors in this world. Since people have mouths, they can say whatever they want after seeing or hearing things. What right do you have to silence everyone?"
Hearing this, Du Ruo was even more infuriated. "But, but, they were spreading lies!"
"So what if they talk nonsense? Opinions naturally come from each person's thoughts. It's not as if only your thoughts, Miss A'Ruo, are correct, and what you want to hear is right, while everything else deserves to be condemned!"
Lu Lingyun's words fell with a weight that left Du Ruo at a complete loss for words. She gaped at Lu Lingyun, unable to find any reply.
Lu Lingyun continued, "In this world, there has never been absolute right or wrong. What exists are the perceptions of right and wrong held by the majority. If you can't bear being told you're wrong, then you should think carefully about whether to do things that the majority would deem wrong."
There is no absolute right or wrong in this world, nor is there a completely correct set of values.
What exists are the concepts of right and wrong that align with the interests of the majority in a given environment, representing mainstream views.
What the majority deems right certainly has its reasons, and those who deviate from the majority clearly contradict the interests of most people.
Times will progress, and the standards of right and wrong will continually evolve, varying with different eras and perspectives.
However, everyone lives in the present moment.
If you don't live in the present, you will inevitably bear the pressure of opposing the era.
That is what is both reasonable and right.
If you can endure, then I would look up to you, for example, someone like Liu Shuhui, who is unconventional. I admire him.
But if you can't endure and only know how to clamor that others are wrong, that others deserve death, that others are all mistaken, I can only think you're beyond saving!
Why should everyone cater to your whims?
As Lu Lingyun spoke, Du Ruo's brows furrowed deeper, her defiance grew, but she couldn't muster a single word in response.
Watching her struggle, Lu Lingyun's lips curled into a cold smile again, "Miss A'Ruo, are you really unaware that everything you say and do daily has issues?"
These words caused Du Ruo to tremble slightly.
A sense of being exposed and panic rose within her.
Yes.
She was unconventional, but she wasn't entirely ignorant.
She was a product of this era, born into it. How could she not understand the expectations of women in this era?
When she was young, she found that her father neither paid attention to her nor would take care of her. He merely stated that without a mother to care for her, he, being a man, didn't know how to manage her, so he let her have her way. From then on, she treated this as a free pass, using it as an excuse to do whatever she pleased.
She had no interest in learning the rules expected of young ladies or doing household chores. She relished being doted on and praised by her brothers, which made her increasingly depend on this excuse.
Over time, she grew even more unbridled. Even when sent to her aunt's house, she still used this excuse. Her aunt tried to discipline her but couldn't. She became even bolder, spending time with her brothers and their friends. It was then that she realized she was the only girl in the group.
Among these men, she received unprecedented favor and attention. The men doted on her and gave her special treatment, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
However, this inevitably sparked gossip. To counter this, Du Ruo set a new standard for herself.
She was virtuous, and anyone who criticized her must have impure intentions!
This way, she felt justified in enjoying everything without guilt.
Chapter 142: To Avoid Her Speaking Bluntly and Taking Advantage
Lu Lingyun looked at Du Ruo's expression, understanding her without pointing it out.
She stood up and declared in a loud and clear voice, "Miss Du Ruo, you don't like managing accounts or doing embroidery, so I won't force you. But since you are staying at the Marquis's Mansion, you need to follow its rules. Today's incident was due to your behavior. Given that you are a guest, I will not penalize you this time. However, if this happens again, I will inform the Heir. I hope you will be more careful with your words and actions in the future."
After finishing her words, Lu Lingyun left.
There was no need to reveal her thoughts, but rules needed to be established.
Since Du Ruo was a guest, she forgave her this time, but next time, she wouldn't let her off so easily.
Informing the Heir would mean her expulsion.
In her courtyard, rules had to be followed. If someone repeatedly broke them, they would be asked to leave!
Upon hearing Lu Lingyun's stern words, Du Ruo's cheeks flushed with embarrassment once more.
If there was a next time, she would actually be expelled.
For all these years of her willfulness, she had never been treated this way before.
Her brothers pampered her, her brothers' friends spoiled her, and even her paternal aunt wouldn't expel her for such behavior...
For a moment, a sense of grievance, frustration, shame, and resentment rose in Du Ruo's heart, along with the panic of being reprimanded.
She realized that in Lu Lingyun's inner chambers, she had no special privileges, and no one indulged her.
In any case, she restrained herself.
In the evening, when Cheng Yunshuo returned, he noticed that Du Ruo was unusually quiet today.
It was a stark contrast to her usual self, who would chatter non-stop as soon as she returned.
"What's wrong with you?" he asked.
Du Ruo lowered her head and ate, then glanced at Cheng Yunshuo, "Nothing."
Though Du Ruo said nothing, her tone conveyed her grievance.
"What's going on!" Cheng Yunshuo immediately looked at Lu Lingyun.
Before Lu Lingyun could say anything, Du Ruo quickly said, "It has nothing to do with Madam. Master, don't get mad at Madam."
Lu Lingyun paused her chopsticks mid-meal.
Du Ruo continued, "Master, am I being a nuisance?"
"What do you mean?"
"I'm always so careless, not following the rules, acting like a guy, and always offending people without realizing it."
Listening to Du Ruo's self-reflection, Cheng Yunshuo thought for a moment. "A'Ruo, you're fine just the way you are."
Hearing this, Du Ruo's eyes sparkled anew. "Master, you're right."
Lu Lingyun watched the exchange between them, blinking occasionally.
Finally, she chuckled and resumed her meal.
After the meal, today Du Ruo didn't cling to Cheng Yunshuo as she usually did. She only spoke to him during the meal and then left.
After finishing, Cheng Yunshuo accompanied Lu Lingyun to the inner room to see the children.
"Lingyun, you must have been tired from looking after the children and A'Ruo these past few days."
Lu Lingyun raised her eyebrow slightly. "Why do you say that, Crown Prince?"
Cheng Yunshuo had caused her plenty of trouble without ever mentioning it to her.
His words seemed to carry more weight.
Sure enough, Cheng Yunshuo continued, "Today, A'Ruo's brother came to me and asked me to find her a suitable match."
Lu Lingyun raised an eyebrow, a rare hint of frustration showing. "Crown Prince, you're really putting me in a tough position."
Having A'Ruo stay at the estate was one thing, but finding her a match is really asking too much.
"Is A'Ruo misbehaving?"
"Acting as a go-between is inherently a thankless task. Besides, Miss Du Ruo's temperament is well known to you. If I don't handle it well, she might hold a grudge against me for life!" Lu Lingyun firmly declined Cheng Yunshuo.
She had always avoided trouble and refrained from meddling in others' affairs.
When Lady Qin asked her to take an interest in Qin Shaojing's marriage, she merely contributed to the dowry, waiting for either Lady Qin or Qin Shaojing to show interest before she would mediate as befitting a sister-in-law.
To ask her to arrange Du Ruo's marriage was unthinkable.
"Lingyun, no one will blame you."
"Ha!" Lu Lingyun snorted coldly, "Prince, you're a man. You have no idea how important marriage is to a woman. If it goes wrong, it could ruin her entire life. Being an outsider, if I arrange a marriage and they end up unhappy, won't they resent me and blame me?"
Cheng Yunshuo found her reasoning sound.
"I'll speak with her brother tomorrow."
The next day, Cheng Yunshuo continued his duties as usual.
Du Ruo was much more compliant in Lu Lingyun's courtyard.
It was highly unusual for her to remain in Lu Lingyun's courtyard, playing with Go stones alone.
In the morning, someone from the Lu family came to Lu Lingyun's place.
"What is it, then?"
"Young Miss, Madam has invited you to a Hairpin Banquet in a few days."
"Oh? Who else will be there?"
"The two Misses Liu, and your aunt."
Lu Lingyun immediately understood.
This wasn't just any Hairpin Banquet or flower-viewing event. It was an occasion where noblewomen looked for potential daughters-in-law, and young ladies scouted for potential husbands.
Lu Lingyun herself had been betrothed during last year's spring banquet.
Hearing that it was Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang, the sisters, she knew that this year was their turn to be the focus.
The Liu family, along with Lady Liu, should be in charge of selecting husbands for them.
And asking me to go along is naturally to provide them with some support.
Lu Lingyun took a sip of her hot tea, "Go back and tell Mother that I will attend the banquet on time."
"Yes, Miss!"
Satisfied, the Lu family members left.
Nowadays, families need to support each other. A single tree does not make a forest, and a single thread does not make a rope. Families help one another, and together they can better withstand hardships.
If Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang marry well, it will also benefit her.
Moreover, she did not find the two sisters disagreeable.
She was happy to provide such support.
In the evening, Cheng Yunshuo returned.
After a boring day, Du Ruo wanted to chat but was told to go to bed early by Cheng Yunshuo.
"You should go to bed early and not stay up so late."
"Master, I've been bored all day. Now that you're back, I finally have someone to talk to."
Frowning, Cheng Yunshuo asked, "Isn't your Shiniang here?"
"But Shiniang is very busy. She has to review the accounts and manage the household. I don't understand any of it."
Cheng Yunshuo looked stern, "If you don't understand, why haven't you learned from her?"
"I offered to teach her, but she refused to learn," Lu Lingyun rarely interjected.
She glanced at Du Ruo and quickly shifted the blame, lest the girl's 'blunt words' stick to her.
Du Ruo: "..."
As expected, after hearing Lu Lingyun's words, Cheng Yunshuo became even sterner, "Du Ruo, you're not young anymore. Your two elder brothers are constantly worried about you. They say no one has taught you etiquette or how to manage a household. Here at my house, you have a rare opportunity. If you don't learn now, what are you waiting for?"
Feeling extremely reluctant, Du Ruo pouted and said, "Master!"
Chapter 143: Hairpin Banquet
"As your teacher, I need to take your affairs seriously," Cheng Yunshuo said with a fatherly demeanor. "If you don't learn proper manners, how will you ever find a husband!"
"I, I won't get married, period!"
"That's out of the question!" Cheng Yunshuo said seriously and sternly. "In this day and age, which woman doesn't get married?"
"Why not? If no one else does, I'll be the first!" Du Ruo raised her head, a look of pride on her face.
Seeing her like this, Cheng Yunshuo reprimanded her sternly, "Don't talk nonsense! Do you really think you're a little kid?"
Cheng Yunshuo was fully aware of this.
He knew that Du Ruo's quirky and unusual personality made her seem like a three-year-old. In everyday matters, he found her behavior charming and was willing to indulge her, but when it came to serious matters, he knew her ideas were childish and unsuitable for formal occasions.
This was the first time Cheng Yunshuo had spoken to Du Ruo like this, and her face turned red with anger as she glared at him.
In such matters, Cheng Yunshuo gave no room for negotiation. "Du Ruo, I have taken on the responsibility of looking after you at the request of your brothers. If you keep acting so frivolously, go back home. I can't manage you."
After Lu Lingyun spoke to him yesterday, he realized that taking Du Ruo under his care meant assuming a significant responsibility.
It wasn't just a matter of adding another pair of chopsticks at the table.
Lu Lingyun was right; one shouldn't take on responsibilities lightly, or it might invite resentment.
Though Du Ruo was fuming after the scolding, she couldn't leave, nor did she want to. She huffed, "Fine! I'll start learning from now on!"
Seeing her yield, Cheng Yunshuo's expression softened slightly. He then turned to Lu Lingyun. "Lingyun, I need to ask another favor of you."
"Oh?" Lu Lingyun, who had been watching the scene with amusement, looked up.
She was in a good mood at that moment.
"There's a hairpin banquet coming up in a few days. Du Ruo's aunt is still unwell, and she hopes you can take Du Ruo to the banquet for some fun. I've already agreed on your behalf," Cheng Yunshuo said, unaware of the true significance of the hairpin banquet. He thought it was just a social gathering for noble ladies to enjoy flowers.
Lu Lingyun: "..."
"By the way, Lady Wang will also be coming that day, the wife of Deputy Commander Zhang of the Imperial Guard, the one who was at the teahouse that day. She also mentioned that she wants to accompany you there."
Lu Lingyun: "...Alright."
There wasn't much else she could do since Cheng Yunshuo had already agreed.
However, it seemed she was just an accompanying figure. Lady Wang would be going too, and it was clear that Aunt Du Ruo had arranged for Lady Wang to escort Du Ruo to the banquet.
Besides, since she was going anyway, taking Du Ruo along was no trouble.
Du Ruo wasn't really paying attention to the upcoming Hairpin Feast.
All she could think about were the words her master had just said to her.
She huffed in disdain and went back to her room by herself.
The next day, Lu Lingyun sent someone to Caitang Pavilion to ask Qin Shaojing if she wanted to go together.
Upon learning about the Hairpin Feast, Qin Shaojing inquired about the scale and the guest list, then declined Lu Lingyun's invitation.
She found the status of the Hairpin Feast too low.
It was hosted by the wife of a fourth-rank civil official, primarily to find a suitable husband for their daughter, and most of the attendees were from the civil servant sector.
All ranks were below the fourth rank.
A few noble households were present, and the highest-ranking household was the Ningyang Marquisate, Lu Lingyun's own family.
The status was too low for her to consider attending.
She cited the pretext of going flower viewing with Cui Tonghua in a few days, and thus declined the invitation.
After she declined, Lu Lingyun didn't say anything more. Three days later,
the Hairpin Feast began.
She escorted Du Ruo onto the carriage.
She provided Du Ruo with a new set of clothes, featuring the latest fashion in Jiangnan cloud brocade, in a soft, delicate pink. She also added a pair of hairpins adorned with glowing peach blossoms, crafted with silver filigree and pink chalcedony. The chalcedony was not a particularly valuable item, but a vibrant green agate in the center was indeed of considerable value.
With this ensemble, Du Ruo not only looked lively but also gained a touch of dignity and nobility.
Lu Lingyun was satisfied with the result and took her out the door.
As soon as she arrived at the entrance of the Hairpin Feast, she encountered Mrs. Wang.
"Madam Lu!" Mrs. Wang greeted Lu Lingyun warmly.
"Madam Wang," Lu Lingyun smiled and stepped forward.
"By the way, I've spoken to my husband about the matter with your crown prince. He said you can be completely at ease, as the selection list for the Imperial Guards this time includes him, and the documents are being prepared and will be distributed soon," Mrs. Wang held Lu Lingyun's hand and said with a smile.
"Thank you, Madam Wang, for your help."
"Oh, it's nothing much!" Mrs. Wang was very forthright. At that moment, she noticed Du Ruo stepping down from Lu Lingyun's carriage.
Her eyes immediately brightened.
"Ruo?!?"
Du Ruo, dressed in her pink skirt, approached hesitantly, "Aunt Wang."
"Oh my!" Mrs. Wang looked Du Ruo up and down, front and back, "Just one stay at the Marquis's Mansion has really transformed you!"
Du Ruo had become more composed after Lu Lingyun's reprimand. She no longer displayed her former carefree attitude, especially after being lectured by Cheng Yunshuo for several days.
In her new attire, she now exuded the grace of a young lady, and Lu Lingyun's sense of aesthetics had added to her elegance and nobility.
Mrs. Wang was delighted and turned to Lu Lingyun, "Madam Lu, you've taken such good care of her! She's like a different person after just a few days at your place!"
"Not at all, it's all due to Ruo's own efforts."
"Come on, I know her very well. Her aunt is my neighbor, and I've watched Ruo grow up. She didn't change during all those years at her aunt's place, despite everyone's attempts to guide her. It's definitely your influence that has brought about such a change! Madam Lu, you truly embody the spirit of the Marquis's Mansion's young mistress!"
Lu Lingyun smiled and followed Mrs. Wang's gaze toward Du Ruo.
However, Du Ruo frowned, her expression growing increasingly defiant.
She was just about to get angry and discard these overly feminine hair accessories to present her true self, when she heard a series of clear voices behind her.
"Big sister!"
"Big sister!"
Lu Lingyun and the others turned around to see the Lu family's carriage had stopped.
Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang, the two sisters, got down first and walked straight toward her.
"You two are here," Lu Lingyun smiled at them.
"Big sister, you came really early."
"Big sister, I've really missed you!"
One on each side, they clung to Lu Lingyun.
Lu Lingyun glanced at them and said to Shuang Hong, "Shuang Hong, bring the items."
"Yes," Shuang Hong replied as she handed over two boxes.
The boxes were opened, revealing a begonia pearl hairpin and a shiny golden spring flower hairpin.
The begonia pearl hairpin was set with rubies, and the spring flower hairpin was set with yellow gemstones.
Both were elegant and exquisite, worthy of praise, their value matching that of the pink jade hairpin on Du Ruo's head.
"These are for you two," Lu Lingyun said generously.
"They're so pretty!"
"Big sister, you're so nice!"
Chapter 144: The Purpose of the Hairpin Banquet
Lu Lingyun gave a hairpin to each of Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang.
Madam Liu and Auntie also came over.
"Mom! Aunt! The hairpins Big Sister gave us!"
"They're so beautiful, and they have gems on them!"
Madam Liu and Auntie stared wide-eyed at the two hairpins, which were extremely well-crafted and appeared to be very valuable. They did have some fine and valuable jewelry stored away at home, but these were casually gifted by Lu Lingyun to Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang.
The hairpins were exquisitely crafted, not overly ornate to overshadow the wearer, but elegant and dignified, clearly high-end accessories.
At their age, Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang had never worn such fine things before.
Indeed, marrying into a prestigious family made all the difference. Those from noble families were truly different.
"Today is the Hairpin Banquet, so naturally, I must give my two younger sisters some hairpins," Lu Lingyun said calmly with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang were so delighted they wished to cling to Lu Lingyun.
"Big Sister is the best."
"I love Big Sister the most!"
"I've always said, Big Sister is the best."
"No, I said it first, Big Sister is the best of all the elder sisters."
Praise poured in one after another. Madam Liu and Auntie exchanged glances, each with a distinct look in their eyes.
Madam Liu felt a mix of pride and regret, along with a deep-seated jealousy and resentment. Her regret stemmed from the fact that Lu Lingyun was living such a good life, but it wasn't her own daughter who was enjoying this fortune.
This life of wealth and honor should have belonged to her own daughter, Lu Hanyi!
But now, Lu Lingyun is living such a good life, while her own daughter is struggling and enduring hardships outside. Lu Hanyi went to Jiangnan with Li Wenxun, and in no time, letters keep arriving, all complaining about her unhappiness.
As soon as Li Wenxun left the capital, he's like a changed man, treating her with nothing but coldness, beating and verbally abusing her, confining her to the house, and even letting his concubine, Xiangxue, move into the main quarters.
Liu Shi dares not show these letters to Master Lu, because once Li Wenxun left the capital, he seems to be beyond the reach of the emperor! Who could possibly manage him now?
If Master Lu saw them, he would only blame Lu Hanyi, scolding her for being useless and unable to control her husband. He remains angry at Lu Hanyi, believing it's her own fault.
Liu Shi is seething with resentment!
She hates that her daughter was so blind, that she insisted on marrying such a man, repeatedly praising how wonderful Li Wenxun was.
This is such a stinging slap in the face!
She also hates Lu Lingyun. How can she be living such a good life?
The more successful Lu Lingyun becomes, the more aggrieved Liu Shi feels inside.
She hates her to death.
As for Aunt Liu, she's much more straightforward. She has only one thought in mind when she looks at Lu Lingyun: to cling to Lu Lingyun's influence!
To fawn over her!
Even getting a little of Lu Lingyun's leftover benefits would be more than enough for their family!
While the Liu sisters were clinging to and praising Lu Lingyun, Lady Wang, curious, stepped forward.
Lu Lingyun introduced her to everyone.
After a round of greetings, they all got to know each other.
"So you're Miss Lu's mother. Madam Lu, you're so blessed to have raised such a wonderful daughter!" Lady Wang said to Liu Shi.
"It's not me. It's Lingyun who brings her own blessings."
"Oh, how I wish I had a blessed daughter like yours! Madam Lu, please tell me, what did you eat, what Buddha did you pray to when you gave birth to Lingyun? I must learn from you and have a good daughter too!" Lady Wang enthusiastically linked arms with Liu Shi.
Liu's face showed an awkward smile.
Liu's aunt-in-law quickly changed the topic, "Let's go in quickly and see which fortunate young ladies are here today!"
"Right, right, let's go see!"
The three of them went inside together, chatting warmly.
Behind them, Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang also quickly warmed up to Du Ruo. Being around the same age, the girls quickly bonded and entered the garden arm in arm.
Seeing this group, Lu Lingyun led the other maids and wet nurses into the garden as well.
Today's Hairpin Banquet was held at a different courtyard.
In April, the courtyard was in full bloom.
The invited ladies had already taken their seats at the prepared tables.
The spacious flower hall was lined with tables, each set with delicate pastries and tea.
As a married lady, Lu Lingyun naturally joined the others in the flower hall to enjoy tea and pastries.
The young ladies gathered in small groups, chatting and playing.
This was a perfect opportunity to observe the potential brides.
"By the way, do you know what this Hairpin Banquet is really for?" asked a young miss dressed in a pale yellow gown.
"Isn't it just for fun and games?" said a girl who looked about twelve or thirteen years old.
"You're so young! What did your mother bring you here for?"
"I'm twelve! My mother said that today, it's a contest to see who has the prettiest hair ornaments."
Her words caused a ripple of laughter among the surrounding girls.
"You're such a silly!"
"Your hair ornaments are the most beautiful!"
"You've won!"
"Go on, go play catching butterflies!"
The little girl, upon hearing what the older girls around her said, sensed that something wasn't right. She pulled the young lady in the pale yellow dress and said, "Good sister, please tell me, what are we competing in today at the Hairpin Banquet?"
"You're right, we're comparing whose head flower is the prettiest!" The girl in the pale yellow dress gently poked her forehead and whispered, looking towards the group of ladies drinking tea. "Those ladies are here to find potential daughters-in-law. Since your head flower is so pretty, you might be chosen as someone's daughter-in-law any moment!"
Hearing this, the little girl widened her eyes in panic. "I thought we were judging the flowers, not the people!"
Her words caused the surrounding young ladies to giggle again.
Just then, Liu Qingping, Du Ruo, and Liu Qingshuang walked over and heard their conversation.
Upon learning the true nature of the Hairpin Banquet, Du Ruo frowned. "So this Hairpin Banquet is actually a matchmaking event!"
"Du Ruo, weren't you aware?" Liu Qingping asked curiously.
"That's right. These gatherings of ladies and young misses are actually for finding potential daughters-in-law," Liu Qingshuang explained.
As daughters of an official family, despite their father's low rank, they were still invited to various events.
Starting at age eleven or twelve, their aunt, their mother's brother's wife, would often take them to such occasions. Last year, they even saw their two cousins being chosen and married off.
Lu Lingyun had married into a very prestigious family, and they secretly hoped to be noticed by a similar family and become the main wife of a wealthy household.
However, Du Ruo was unaware of all this.
Her aunt had previously tried to bring her to such events, but Du Ruo always refused, dismissing the idea of joining these circles of noble ladies and young misses. She had no interest in being part of these circles.
Chapter 145: Du Ruo's Public Perception
Du Ruo's brows furrowed with displeasure after listening to Liu Qingshuang's explanation, and she reached up to take off the floral hairpin from her head.
"What are you doing?!" Liu Qingping immediately admonished her.
"I don't want to be scrutinized and chosen like a piece of merchandise!" Du Ruo said boldly.
The Liu sisters frowned, looking at her with puzzled expressions. "Who treats you like merchandise?"
"Those people over there!" Du Ruo said, looking toward Lu Lingyun.
At that moment, Lu Lingyun was seated with a group of ladies and noblewomen, gathered around her, sipping tea and enjoying snacks, chatting and laughing.
Their gazes occasionally fell on this side.
"They treat us like goods, allowing others to evaluate and pass us around!" Du Ruo said indignantly.
"You're overthinking it!" Liu Qingping said directly.
"Exactly! This is a formal gathering for mutual acquaintance. The ladies here are serious; their families either have eligible young men or women. They are all carefully evaluating the character, appearance, and family background—no one is treating anyone like merchandise!" Liu Qingshuang said with a displeased look.
All of them attended the banquet sincerely.
In this era, women marry through parental arrangements and matchmakers, but the parents do their utmost.
They knew that their elders brought them to such gatherings to expand their social circles and provide more choices.
It's nothing like what Du Ruo said, treating them like merchandise to be casually demeaned and passed around.
If that were the case, why go through all the trouble of holding these banquets? They could simply ingratiate themselves with the nobility and send their daughters to them.
There would be no need to consider matching families; just maximize the benefit.
In this era, although women had low status, parents still did their utmost within the limited choices to ensure their daughters lived well.
"I just don't like it!" Du Ruo couldn't be persuaded.
She reached up again to pull out her hairpin.
"Oh, what are you doing!"
"Don't take it off! My elder sister specially dressed you up for this."
"That's right, see how much effort my elder sister has put into you. Your outfit is the most eye-catching in this entire garden!"
"How can you be so unappreciative!"
Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang chimed in in unison.
Hearing this, Du Ruo grew even more displeased and ripped off the hairpin, "I don't need this kind of kindness!"
Seeing this, Liu Qingping lost her patience and thought Du Ruo was being utterly unreasonable. She sneered, "Heh! You really think just showing up will get you chosen?"
"That's right," Liu Qingshuang said, her tone turning cold, "With your attitude, which family would even consider you? Go ahead and take it off. Even if you wore a phoenix crown, no one would look at you twice!"
"What a waste of our elder sister's efforts."
Du Ruo could not stand what she was hearing.
She disliked being judged by a group of older women, but the thought of not catching their eye was unbearable!
Especially when surrounded by girls her own age.
The stakes were high.
Du Ruo, who had always been pursued by men and had never looked highly upon other girls, believing no one could compare to her, was instantly filled with a competitive spirit.
She glanced at the group of ladies in the garden. "Heh, compared to them? How could I possibly lose?"
"Your family isn't particularly impressive. You only have two brothers who are low-ranking Imperial Guards."
"That's right. Do you have any talents besides your family background? Are you a famous talented lady in the capital, or are you proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting?"
Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang chimed in, playing good cop, bad cop.
A flush of shame and anger rose on her face.
Qingping and Qingshuang looked at each other when they saw that she was about to get angry. "If you want to know what they think, how about we go eavesdrop?"
"Yes, let's go listen!"
At that moment.
In the parlor.
Lu Lingyun had made a group of new friends. After learning that she was the wife of the Ningyang Marquis's heir, most attendees greeted her.
After everyone had introduced themselves, the conversation shifted to the main topic of the event.
They would glance at one young lady and inquire about another.
Due to Lu Lingyun's connection, Qingping and Qingshuang were frequently asked about.
Seizing this opportunity, Auntie Liu of the Liu family was overjoyed and eagerly introduced her daughters to everyone around.
One lady then remarked, "Who is that young lady in the pink dress who was with the Liu sisters earlier?"
Lady Wang, who was drinking tea nearby, almost choked and quickly interjected, "She's with me," coughing.
"Take it easy, Sister Wang," Lu Lingyun said with a smile, patting her on the back.
After a few coughs, Lady Wang wiped her mouth with her handkerchief and promptly smiled at the others. "She came with Lu Jiejie and has been staying at the Marquis's mansion, under her care, these past few days."
Hearing that Du Ruo was staying at the Marquis's mansion and had been under her care, everyone became interested.
"I noticed that young lady had a striking presence the moment she arrived."
"Indeed, her attire is very tasteful."
"I also found the pink peach blossom in her hair particularly distinctive, charming yet dignified."
Listening from behind the flower hall, Du Ruo immediately glanced at the Liu sisters beside her.
Qingping and Qingshuang were secretly annoyed.
They're not praising you; they're complimenting our elder sister's taste!
At this moment, they couldn't speak, so they continued listening.
They heard someone inside ask, "By the way, Lady Wang, what is your relationship with that young lady?"
"Is she a relative of yours?"
"No," Lady Wang said with a smile, "A'Ruo is my neighbor Lady Du's niece. Her father was the commander of the South City Gate Guard. A'Ruo's two older brothers serve as Imperial Guards in the Prefectural Commandant's office."
After Lady Wang shared A'Ruo's family background, the interest of the noble ladies present significantly waned.
Most of the guests today were from families of civil officials. Civil and military officials often looked down on each other, and the Du family's positions were even less notable—only two brothers serving as Imperial Guards and an uncle who was a gate guard commander. Their status was indeed not prominent.
"What about A'Ruo's mother?" someone still asked.
"A'Ruo is unfortunate; her mother passed away when she was very young," Lady Wang replied truthfully.
Upon hearing this, the ladies' interest further diminished.
Back then, unmarried daughters heavily relied on their mothers' upbringing. Even if the father's side was less notable, a well-known mother could still be a significant advantage. But A'Ruo didn't even have a mother!
This was the final blow!
"Miss A'Ruo is truly pitiful."
"Yes, a young girl lacking her mother's upbringing, how will she manage?"
"What a shame for such a lovely girl."
"Who would have thought, I initially liked her so much, but her fate is so bitter."
Everyone sighed, but their words and expressions revealed indifference and contempt. They had already ruled her out as a potential daughter-in-law.
Lady Wang couldn't help feeling a bit embarrassed.
Chapter 146: Not Recognizing True Value
Du Ruo's rosy cheeks turned frosty upon hearing the increasingly cold discussion about her.
What do they mean?!
What do they mean by saying she's pitiful?!
What do they mean by saying she has a tough fate?!
"You see, nobody here even looks at you," Liu Qingping snorted.
"Yes, your family background isn't prominent, and you don't have any outstanding qualities. Do you really think you're so valuable that everyone would fight over you?" Liu Qingshuang said.
Their words were like daggers stabbing at Du Ruo's heart.
They stabbed right into her most sensitive and cherished feelings.
Throughout her life, she had always been praised and pampered.
Her brothers and their friends always treated her like a precious gem.
But in this group of women, she was nothing!
How can they be so blind!
"Hmph! I don't care if these foolish women fight over me!" Du Ruo snorted, throwing the hairpin given by Lu Lingyun onto the ground, and stormed off in a huff.
Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang saw the pink jade hairpins fall to the ground. "Hey! What are you doing?! That was given to you by my older sister!"
"If you don't want them, we do!"
"Take them, then!"
When Lu Lingyun heard that Du Ruo had left the banquet, she was sipping tea. The Liu sisters came to complain about Du Ruo.
"She's gone?"
"Yes, and she threw away the hairpin you gave her." Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang each held one.
Lu Lingyun waved her hand, gently pressing their hands down, her face remaining calm as she looked at the lively conversations among the ladies around her. "It's nothing."
Lady Wang overheard and asked, "What's wrong, did A'Ruo leave?"
"Maybe she found it uncomfortable and decided to go home early."
"That girl!"
Displeasure clouded Lady Wang's brow.
She had come entrusted by A'Ruo's paternal aunt.
Specifically to find a suitable match for A'Ruo.
Just as she had managed to introduce A'Ruo, the ladies showed no interest, which had already embarrassed her. And now A'Ruo had left on her own, leaving her speechless!
Thinking of A'Ruo's usual behavior, she grew even more frustrated.
"Sister Wang, don't worry, I've arranged for someone to follow her, so A'Ruo won't get lost," Lu Lingyun's face remained calm and composed.
With so many ladies present, she couldn't afford to lose her composure.
Knowing A'Ruo's unpredictable nature, she had already arranged for someone to be by the carriage at the door, in case A'Ruo tried to leave unnoticed.
Hearing Lu Lingyun's words, much of Lady Wang's displeasure and frustration subsided. She pressed her lips together, looking at the still lively chatting noblewomen in the garden. Her brows furrowed as she spoke, saying, "Forget it, I'll go look for A'Ruo. Sister Lu, you stay here."
She couldn't bear to stay any longer.
Not a single family showed interest in A'Ruo, and since A'Ruo had left, there was no point in her staying.
Lu Lingyun nodded upon hearing this, "Very well."
She still had Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang here, along with Madam Liu and Aunt Liu from the Liu family, so she couldn't leave.
She nodded to Lady Wang, signaling their separation, before turning back to join the conversations with the others.
Meanwhile, Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang entered the reception hall, and the conversation naturally turned to them.
Lu Lingyun added a few words now and then, adding weight to their presence in the discussions.
Aunt Liu of the Liu family beamed with joy, looking at Lu Lingyun with gratitude and happiness.
At that moment.
Du Ru left the Hairpin Banquet and went directly to the Commander's Residence.
Wearing a pink lady's dress, all the Golden Guards at the Commander's Residence lit up when they saw her.
"Oh! Isn't this A'Ruo!"
"A'Ruo, why are you... dressed like this?" said a Golden Guard with a strange tone, eyeing her up and down with a teasing expression.
"Right, right, why are you dressed so girly today!"
"This really isn't like you!"
All the Golden Guards gathered around, each with a teasing expression.
A'Ruo, already annoyed, raised her chin and said boldly, "I'll change right away!"
"No, don't! You look really good like this!"
The surrounding Golden Guards chimed in, "We're saying you look great in that pink dress!"
"Yeah, you should dress like this more often."
"We all think you look amazing today!"
Hearing the compliments from the men around her, A'Ruo's irritation gradually faded, and a hint of her usual pride appeared on her face.
"Hmph, that's better!"
She glanced down at her beautiful pink cloud-patterned dress and thought to herself that she shouldn't have discarded the pair of peach blossom hairpins. If she hadn't, she would definitely look even better now, enough to stun everyone!
She felt a twinge of regret in her heart. Just then, she heard the people around her continue.
"Ah Ruo, why are you dressed so beautifully today?"
Du Ruo raised her head and said proudly and boastfully, "I went to a Hairpin Banquet today."
"Oh, you're attending such an elegant banquet!"
"Isn't the Hairpin Banquet for matchmaking?"
"You're so beautiful, someone must have picked you!"
"Does that mean good news is coming for Ah Ruo?"
"We'll be drinking wedding wine soon!"
Hearing their teasing, Du Ruo shot them a disgusted look and said, "Scram, all of you! I'm not talking to you!"
"Could it be you're blushing?"
"Have you set your sights on some young master? If you have, you have to tell your brothers, we'll help you vet him!"
"Absolutely, Ah Ruo is our treasure, we'll all help vet him!"
"Scram, all of you!" Embarrassed and annoyed, Du Ruo left the crowd and ran to Cheng Yunshuo's room, a secret sense of smug satisfaction rising in her heart.
Hmph, those foolish women didn't even notice her.
But there were still many people who admired her.
They just can't recognize a gem when they see one!
The group of imperial guards watched Du Ruo run off, their interest waning as if their source of amusement had been taken away.
These days, everything is boring.
In boring times, you need to find some fun.
Especially in the eyes of these men, the greatest fun was, after all, women.
Du Ruo ran straight to Master Cheng's door.
"Where's Master Cheng?"
"The Commander is on patrol."
Du Ruo couldn't find Master Cheng.
She was frustrated at his door.
She kicked the door a couple of times, making a loud noise.
Just then, she heard a voice coming from the corridor.
"Ah, Miss Du Ruo!"
Du Ruo turned to look and saw four Golden Armored Guards strolling towards her nonchalantly.
Du Ruo looked at them. "You're the new recruits I met that day..."
"I'm Qian Heng. You have a good memory, Miss Du Ruo."
These four were indeed the new recruits Master Cheng had brought in the other day.
Hu Lu, his eyes shining, looked at Du Ruo, who was elaborately dressed. "Miss Du Ruo, why are you dressed up so nicely today?"
"None of your business," Du Ruo replied. She didn't think highly of them. Since Master Cheng wasn't around, she decided to leave.
Chapter 147: Confronting Cheng Yunshuo
"Where are you going, Ah Ruo?"
Du Ruo had barely moved when Qian Heng stopped her.
"I'm going back! Move aside!"
Qian Heng looked her up and down. "What's the rush to leave? Didn't you promise to join us for drinks last time?"
"Exactly, why wait for another day? Let's do it now! Let's go together right now!" Liu Fei stepped forward with a smile.
All four of them had a gleam in their eyes.
"I'm in a bad mood today, so I'm not going."
"Oh, that's even more reason to drink and cheer up!"
"Exactly, Ah Ruo, tell us what's on your mind. We'll make sure everything's taken care of."
"Who would dare upset our Ah Ruo? I, Guo Zhengming, won't let them get away with it!"
"Tell us, who's so blind as to upset our lovely and spirited Ah Ruo?"
The four of them took turns speaking, and Du Ruo's guard gradually lowered as she listened.
"It's nothing, I don't hold grudges. I wouldn't waste my time on those old women."
"Ah Ruo is truly magnanimous!"
"Refreshingly direct!"
"As I said, Ah Ruo is no ordinary woman."
"I've never met a woman as interesting as Ah Ruo before!"
As Du Ruo gradually let her guard down under their flattery, they continued urging her to go drinking, and she eventually relented and agreed to go along with them.
Just then, a sharp female voice echoed down the corridor.
"Du Ruo!"
Du Ruo looked up and saw Auntie Wang striding towards her with a fierce expression.
Upon seeing her, Du Ruo's smile instantly disappeared, turning into annoyance. "Auntie Wang."
"Where are you going now!" Auntie Wang eyed the four Golden Armored Guards around Du Ruo.
"They are my brother's colleagues," Du Ruo answered.
Auntie Wang gave each of them a wary glance, then gave Du Ruo a meaningful look. "Come inside and we'll talk."
Du Ruo didn't dare to disobey and followed Auntie Wang into the room.
After she was taken away, Qian Heng and the others looked visibly displeased. However, they didn't dare to interfere directly.
Clearly, Auntie Wang was Du Ruo's elder.
The four could only disperse, feeling regretful.
Once inside the room, Auntie Wang began scolding her harshly.
"How could you just leave the banquet! Everyone was still there, and you left!"
"What happened to the floral hairpin on your head!"
"Miss Lu kindly helped you dress, and you just tossed it aside! How could you treat her like that!"
"You act without any sense of decorum. How old are you? How can you still be so immature!"
Du Ruo, being scolded, furrowed her brows. "I just didn't want to attend that kind of banquet. If you had told me it was that kind of banquet, I wouldn't have gone!"
"And you dare to talk back! You're really out of control!"
Just then, the door opened, and Cheng Yunshuo returned from his patrol.
Seeing him return, Du Ruo immediately ran over to him as if he were a sturdy tree offering shelter from the wind and rain.
"Master!"
"Cheng Yunshuo was slightly taken aback to see Du Ruo, 'Why are you here?'
Wang Niangzi saw Cheng Yunshuo return, and the anger on her face subsided a little, 'Lord Cheng.'
'Lady Wang,' Cheng Yunshuo nodded slightly at her in greeting.
Wang Niangzi looked at Du Ruo hiding behind Cheng Yunshuo and, not knowing how to scold her, said disappointedly, 'This girl is really beyond help!'
'What did she do again?'
'Today at the Hairpin Banquet, she left early while everyone else was still there,' Wang Niangzi explained the situation.
'Master, I really don't want to attend those kinds of banquets,' Du Ruo said.
'And you still have the nerve to talk back?' Wang Niangzi's anger flared up again, 'Your aunt has been worrying herself sick about you, and this is how you repay her!'
'Did I ask her to worry about me?'
'You... come here right now! I'm taking you back right now!'
'Master, I'm not going with her.' Du Ruo clung desperately to Cheng Yunshuo's sleeve.
'Lady Wang, please calm down,' Cheng Yunshuo intervened, 'I'll have a word with her later.'
Hearing this, Wang Niangzi had no further comment, glaring at Du Ruo, 'If that's the case, I'll leave it in your hands.'
'Hmm.'
Cheng Yunshuo saw Wang Niangzi off, and Du Ruo breathed a sigh of relief.
'What trouble did you get into this time!'
'Master, I really didn't cause any trouble, I just don't want to attend those kinds of banquets. You know how I am, I can't stand being around so many women.'
Cheng Yunshuo's expression turned serious compared to before, 'Don't ever say such things again! I'll have Shiniang discipline you properly!'
'Master... humph!'
That evening, Cheng Yunshuo took Du Ruo back to the Marquis's Mansion."
Lu Lingyun learned that Du Ruo had visited the Prefectural Commandant Manor again in the afternoon.
Seeing her return with others, she said nothing.
Du Ruo, not scolded or punished, left happily after dinner.
After she left, before Lu Lingyun could speak, Cheng Yunshuo spoke first, "Lingyun, did Ah Ruo leave her seat without permission today?"
"Hmm." Lu Lingyun responded.
"How can you not discipline her properly?"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
She looked at the serious Cheng Yunshuo and smiled with a frown.
Men in this world all share one common flaw: they naturally push responsibilities they cannot handle onto their wives.
Lu Lingyun remained silent, and Cheng Yunshuo continued, "How can you let Ah Ruo's character go unchecked! She's not a little girl anymore."
Lu Lingyun looked calmly at Cheng Yunshuo and said only one sentence, "Young Master, what position does A'Ruo hold in our household?"
Lu Lingyun's words struck at the heart of the matter.
What exactly is her status?
What exactly is her relationship with me?
Why should I be held responsible for her actions?
Cheng Yunshuo was taken aback by Lu Lingyun's question. He thought for a moment and said, "A'Ruo is a guest."
"Since she is a guest, on what grounds can I discipline her?" Lu Lingyun directly questioned Cheng Yunshuo.
Cheng Yunshuo was momentarily speechless. "Lingyun, you know A'Ruo's background is tragic. She has no mother to guide her. I thought you could take charge of her upbringing."
"Is her suffering due to us? I am neither her mother nor an elder of hers, so what right do I have to guide her? Young Master, with just a word, you're imposing a great responsibility on me, but what authority do I have over her? What qualifications do I have?"
"Just because of the title of 'Master's wife'? Then I must ask you, as her teacher, what have you taught her? What kind of teacher are you? Was there any witness to her discipleship? Do her parents or outsiders acknowledge you as her teacher?"
Cheng Yunshuo: "..."
He was left speechless, unable to retort. His master-disciple relationship with Du Ruo was purely verbal. In those days, because he was living at Du Ruo's family home, the two Du brothers were very kind and respectful toward him. He found Du Ruo likable and, to save face, reluctantly accepted the role of master.
It wasn't a matter of formal recognition; over time, he was simply known as 'Master.' Gradually, he took on more responsibility for Du Ruo. Primarily out of a sense of face, he took on the responsibility of looking after her.
Lu Lingyun gave a cold scoff. Men are all the same. They agree to things for the sake of face but leave the work to others.
She wasn't going to indulge him!
Cheng Yunshuo looked at Lu Lingyun, and after a long pause, his face flushed, he said, "Lingyun, please don't be angry."
Chapter 148: Cheng Yunshuo Dislikes Du Ruo
Cheng Yunshuo was a straightforward person who couldn't think through complicated matters. Likewise, his thoughts were also simple.
After Lu Lingyun pointed out his mistake, he felt that he had been in the wrong.
He spent a considerable amount of time pacifying Lu Lingyun.
He repeatedly acknowledged his mistake, saying he shouldn't have agreed to it.
But now that he had agreed, it was too late to renege and send Du Ruo away.
He asked Lu Lingyun to understand and promised not to do the same again.
Lu Lingyun glanced sideways at the childish Cheng Yunshuo and said helplessly, "Shìzǐ, just tell me what to do with Miss A'Ruo. I'll do whatever you say."
Lecturing further was pointless.
By shifting the responsibility back to Cheng Yunshuo and making him decide, this was the true way to manage a husband.
In the future, if there were any issues with A'Ruo, they wouldn't be blamed on her.
She was just following his orders, and Cheng Yunshuo would have to take the responsibility.
Cheng Yunshuo thought carefully and replied, "Since A'Ruo is staying at our residence, you should continue to educate and guide her."
"What if she doesn't listen to me?"
"If she doesn't listen to you, I'll talk to her. If she still doesn't listen, we'll wash our hands of her!"
Cheng Yunshuo had made up his mind.
His treatment of A'Ruo was more than enough to honor the title of 'Master' and the trust from her two brothers.
As Lu Lingyun had pointed out, he wasn't A'Ruo's father or an elder, so he had no obligation to be responsible for her.
It was just that when he stayed at A'Ruo's house, he owed them a favor and, due to face, took on A'Ruo's matters and found a place for her to stay. In reality, his responsibility towards her wasn't that great.
After clearing this up with Lu Lingyun, he would ask her to teach and raise A'Ruo for a while. If A'Ruo really didn't listen, then he would wash his hands of the matter in the future.
Lu Lingyun looked at Cheng Yunshuo, "Alright, tomorrow you talk to her again. You need to convince her first; only then will what I say have any impact."
Cheng Yunshuo's brows immediately relaxed, and he smiled broadly, "No problem at all!"
That night, Cheng Yunshuo stayed in Lu Lingyun's room. After tending to the child, he slept on the sofa and chatted with her about a variety of trivial matters.
It all revolved around his interactions with colleagues from the Prefectural Commandant Manor.
Lu Lingyun listened and responded to each topic, occasionally adding comments and offering her insights.
Cheng Yunshuo nodded repeatedly, feeling enlightened.
That was exactly what he had been thinking, but he couldn't express it.
Lu Lingyun had perfectly captured what he felt.
Talking with Lu Lingyun brought him a joy he had never felt with anyone else. As the night deepened, Cheng Yunshuo drifted into a deep sleep, his spirits high.
The next day.
Du Ruo came to Lu Lingyun's courtyard.
She was about to greet Cheng Yunshuo playfully when Cheng Yunshuo, with a stern face, interrupted her. "Du Ruo, you mustn't behave like this anymore."
"Master, why?"
"You are already fourteen years old now, you must understand that men and women should maintain proper boundaries, and a young lady should be graceful and composed."
Hearing a lecture early in the morning made Du Ruo's face fall. "Master!"
"Don't give me that pout. From today onwards, you need to behave in a ladylike manner. If you continue to act this way, don't blame me for being strict!"
Cheng Yunshuo was resolved to assert his authority and set matters straight.
Du Ruo had already put him under considerable pressure, so he could not let her continue behaving this way.
Du Ruo looked at him, clearly dissatisfied, and retorted, using his own words, "But you said it was fine for me to behave like this just a few days ago?"
It was as if a slap had been delivered to Cheng Yunshuo's face.
He had said this himself just a few days ago.
He told Du Ruo that she was fine as she was and didn't need to change. Yet now, he was telling her to change.
This was a direct slap to Cheng Yunshuo's face.
But publicly embarrassing Cheng Yunshuo wouldn't look good. It was as if his authority had been undermined. At that, Cheng Yunshuo's expression darkened, "Do you have any sense at all! Do you really think you're still a three-year-old!"
He scolded Du Ruo harshly.
He vented all the frustration and pressure he had accumulated over the past few days onto her.
Men often take on responsibilities and then shift them onto others. When they can't shift the responsibility and have to bear it themselves, they take out their frustration on the person who caused it.
For example, Du Ruo.
"You're a grown woman, how can you be so thoughtless and lack any sense of responsibility! Yesterday, your Shiniang, Aunt Wang, took you to the Hairpin Banquet, and you left just because you didn't like it. Don't you realize that causes problems for others! You act recklessly like a three-year-old, doing whatever comes to mind, and even wander around dressed in men's clothing. Do you have any sense of propriety as a young lady!"
"Your Shiniang is putting her heart into teaching you, but you aren't learning anything. What do you want to do? You're wasting her efforts! You're living under my roof, and you're nothing but a burden. We're responsible for you, yet you remain so oblivious!"
Du Ruo, hearing this torrent of accusations, widened her eyes in shock. She couldn't believe these words were coming from her Master.
"I don't need your teaching, okay?" she shouted angrily and ran outside.
Having watched the scene unfold with a secret smile, Lu Lingyun saw this and called out, "A'Ruo!"
"Don't bother with her! It's better if she goes back!" Cheng Yunshuo said impatiently.
At that moment, he fully understood why Lu Lingyun said it was impossible to teach Du Ruo.
He, too, found her impossible to teach.
You don't know what it's like until it's on your own shoulders.
He had always thought that bringing her back and letting Lu Lingyun handle her would be enough.
But in reality, what he had taken in was a person, not a kitten or a puppy!
Cheng Yunshuo had endured much for Du Ruo's sake. Initially, he was fond of her straightforward and candid nature, feeling the need to protect and indulge her.
Now, however, all he faced were troubles because of her.
It only made him feel that Du Ruo was immature.
If she continued like this, he would no longer bother with her troubles and send her back to her own family!
Watching Cheng Yunshuo sulk from the side, Lu Lingyun felt a great sense of relief in her heart.
Let him deal with the problems himself, wasn't that fine?
But as the hostess, Lu Lingyun still had to maintain her composure. She instructed someone to follow Du Ruo until they saw her safely return to her aunt's house, ensuring her safety before considering the matter settled.
The next day, Lady Wang came to visit.
Lady Wang inquired about Du Ruo's incident from the previous day with Lu Lingyun.
"Little Sister Lu, what was wrong with that girl Ah Ruo?"
"I also wanted to ask Lady Wang about this. Is Miss A'Ruo doing well after returning to her aunt's place yesterday?"
Lady Wang's expression was hard to describe.
"A'Ruo ran back to her aunt's place crying yesterday and cried all day in her room."
Hearing this, Lu Lingyun looked worried. "It's all Prince Cheng's fault! I said we shouldn't be too strict with A'Ruo. After all, she is our guest, and we have no authority to discipline her. Lady Wang, do you agree?"
Hearing this, Lady Wang asked, "Was it Prince Cheng who disciplined A'Ruo?"
"Yes, Miss A'Ruo left the Hairpin Banquet without permission. Prince Cheng was quite angry when he returned and gave her a severe scolding."
Chapter 149: Officially Disciplining Du Ruo
Lu Lingyun explained the general situation to Lady Wang.
It was more or less as it was, without any need for exaggeration. Upon hearing this, Lady Wang's face immediately showed a look of solidarity. "The Prince scolded her right!"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
"That girl Du Ruo really needs a good lesson. She has no manners all day long, doesn't listen to anyone, and is utterly disrespectful and unruly. You disciplined her well!"
Lady Wang had naturally come at the request of Du Ruo's aunt.
Du Ruo had returned home crying, and it was necessary to find out what had happened. What if she had been bullied?
After learning the details, Lady Wang felt relieved. "Sister Lu, rest assured, I will explain this clearly to Du Ruo's aunt. You've suffered too."
"Sister Wang, you're too kind. I was thinking we didn't handle this properly."
"Sister Lu, don't say anymore. You've done more than enough."
After Lady Wang left the Marquis's mansion, the next day, Lu Lingyun was enjoying the rare tranquility of the backyard.
With Qin Shaojing having gone to Duke Xu's mansion and Du Ruo not around, the inner residence was peaceful until someone reported.
Du Ruo had been brought back once more.
Du Ruo's older brothers, Du Yang and Du Tai, had personally escorted Du Ruo to apologize and make amends.
Cheng Yunshuo had also come along.
"This must be Sister-in-law!"
"Sister-in-law, we were in the wrong this time."
Two men who resembled Du Ruo about six or seven parts led the dejected Du Ruo into the reception hall.
As soon as they entered, they apologized to Lu Lingyun.
At the same time, they said to Du Ruo, "Kneel and apologize to your Shiniang!"
Du Ruo was extremely reluctant and turned her head away.
Lu Lingyun, seeing this scene, said, "No need. Miss A'Ruo is a guest here. I haven't been a good host, so there's no need for an apology."
Hearing this, both Du Yang and Du Tai said, "Sister-in-law, we have only this one sister. Our mother passed away young, and our aunt is gravely ill, so we can't manage her anymore."
"Sister-in-law, we know you've put in a lot of effort for her, but this ungrateful girl doesn't appreciate it, wasting your efforts. We sincerely apologize, so please don't blame her."
The situation was quite serious, and Lu Lingyun looked at Cheng Yunshuo, who said, "Lingyun, I've talked a lot with Ah Yang and Ah Tai. Du Ruo really has nowhere to go now, so it's better to keep her in our mansion."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
"Don't worry, this time, I've made everything clear to them. If Du Ruo comes back to our place again, you can discipline her as you see fit, scold or punish her if necessary."
"Exactly, Sister-in-law, discipline her firmly. Whatever you do, we accept it!"
"Even if you beat her to death, it's our responsibility!"
"Don't worry, once we find her a husband, we'll take her away!"
Du Yang and Du Tai both chimed in.
Lu Lingyun remained silent.
"Accept it, this time, I'll help you manage her together," Cheng Yunshuo also said beside them.
Well, there's no escaping this.
Lu Lingyun looked at the dejected Du Ruo, "Miss Du Ruo, would you like to stay with me?"
Du Ruo, no longer the spirited and bold girl she used to be, reluctantly nodded, "Yes."
"You need to think carefully about this. If you decide to stay, you must listen to me. If you don't comply..."
"Sister-in-law, just beat her!"
"If this girl doesn't listen and doesn't learn the rules, we'll disown her! Do you hear me, Du Ruo!"
Du Ruo, listening to her brothers, clenched her fists, holding back her emotions.
"I understand, I will listen to the Lady of the Crown Prince's household!"
She no longer called her "Shiniang," but changed to addressing her as the Lady of the Crown Prince's household.
Upon hearing this, Lu Lingyun didn't say anything more, "Alright, she can stay."
After Lu Lingyun agreed, everyone thanked her profusely.
Lu Lingyun smiled and, seeing Cheng Yunshuo there, took Du Ruo down to settle her in.
After leaving the gathering, Lu Lingyun, seeing Du Ruo still hanging her head with much less spirit, knew that she probably wouldn't have good days ahead.
She had no true home; neither her brother's nor her aunt's place could keep her forever.
Even if she cried and returned, neither side was willing to keep her permanently.
This was likely why she was brought back reluctantly.
"Miss Du Ruo, since I have formally accepted your family's request this time, I will have to properly guide you. If you continue to misbehave, I will discipline you. If you repeatedly disobey, I won't tolerate you either."
Du Ruo clenched her fists after hearing this, "I understand."
After making things clear, Lu Lingyun didn't say more. This time, she arranged for Du Ruo to stay in a courtyard in the inner quarters. She chose a small courtyard near hers, Lotus Pond Courtyard.
Previously, Du Ruo was a guest, but this time she was considered a temporary resident among the women of the inner quarters.
This time was different from before. After Du Ruo moved into the inner quarters, Lu Lingyun assigned her a maid and an instructor. The maid was Xiaoqin from her own courtyard, and the instructor was Lady Qin's person. She also gave her a set of rules to memorize.
Du Ruo had to recite them the next day in front of Lu Lingyun.
Seeing the thick pile of family rules, Du Ruo frowned.
The next day, when she recited them in front of Lu Lingyun, she stumbled and could only recite one or two.
Lu Lingyun immediately realized she hadn't studied them properly and took the ruler to slap her palm.
"Whack! Whack! Whack!"
Duo Ruo was actually hit, and she stared at Lu Lingyun in disbelief.
Lu Lingyun met her gaze coldly, "Go back and copy it ten times. If you can't recite it tomorrow, I'll continue hitting you until you memorize it!"
This time, the discipline was strict and proper, and it could no longer be like before.
Duo Ruo was kept in Lu Lingyun's courtyard, where the etiquette instructor drilled her in the rules for half a day before she was allowed to go back.
If Duo Ruo showed the slightest sign of dissatisfaction, the etiquette instructor would immediately strike her with the ruler, with Lu Lingyun supervising personally.
Within just three days, Duo Ruo had noticeably changed.
For several consecutive evenings, Duo Ruo did not join them for dinner.
That day, after finishing his duties, Cheng Yunshuo noticed Duo Ruo's absence, "Where is A'Ruo?"
"She's in her room copying the family rules," Lu Lingyun said, eating her meal indifferently.
Cheng Yunshuo simply replied, "Good."
He had seen how Lu Lingyun disciplined Duo Ruo before, and he no longer thought Lu Lingyun was being too harsh. Since Lu Lingyun was willing to take charge, it was for the best.
"By the way, A'Ruo's brother mentioned that Lady Wang will visit tomorrow."
"What brings Sister Wang here?"
"A'Ruo's aunt has found three potential suitors for her. Tomorrow, she's asking Lady Wang to come and help you evaluate them."
Lu Lingyun nodded and said, "Good."
The next day, when Lady Wang arrived, Duo Ruo was reciting the family rules diligently before Lu Lingyun
Chapter 150: Finding a Suitable Match for A'Ruo
Wang Niangzi was astonished to see Du Ruo reciting the household rules without missing a word.
"Du Ruo, you've become so well-behaved now!" Wang Niangzi exclaimed in amazement.
Du Ruo turned her head and glanced at Wang Niangzi, showing impatience. Just as she was about to throw a tantrum, the teaching nanny coughed heavily.
"Miss A'Ruo, what should you do when meeting an elder?"
Lu Lingyun sat above, gazing at her calmly.
Du Ruo immediately composed herself, giving a proper greeting to Wang Niangzi, "Greetings, Aunt Wang."
"Excellent, excellent!" Wang Niangzi clapped her hands in approval, "I must say, Sister Lu, you are remarkable. Even this naughty girl becomes well-behaved in your hands!"
Lu Lingyun sipped her hot tea, "Du Ruo's brothers personally entrusted her to me. If I don't teach her well, they will blame me."
Hearing this, Wang Niangzi's eyes filled with smiles, "Sister Lu, you have really taken on a lot of responsibility."
Saying so, she waved her hand, and a servant behind her brought forward a gift box adorned with a red ribbon.
"I came today to convey Du Ruo's aunt's gratitude. She asked me to thank you for helping to discipline Du Ruo, which has eased her worries."
The gift box was opened, revealing a fine white jade hairpin inside.
The jade quality was excellent, but the design was old-fashioned, clearly a family heirloom from Du Ruo's aunt's house.
"I appreciate the gesture, but please take it back," Lu Lingyun declined.
"Sister Lu, don't decline anymore. We know you, as the Crown Prince's wife, are accustomed to fine things and certainly don't lack them. But this is a symbol of gratitude from Du Ruo's aunt. If you don't accept it, she will feel very uneasy," Wang Niangzi explained.
Upon hearing this, Lu Lingyun pondered for a moment, then gave a subtle nod to Shuang Hong, signaling her to accept the gift.
After presenting the gift, Wang Niangzi turned to Du Ruo again, "Du Ruo, your aunt is truly worried about your future. Be sensible, and we'll find a good match for you, which will ease her mind."
Du Ruo had already lost her patience. She clenched her fists tightly and, in a sulky tone, said, "You can decide for yourselves. You don't need to ask me."
With that, she gave a quick bow and turned to leave.
At that moment, Lu Lingyun spoke, "Du Ruo, stay and listen as well."
In our culture, marriages are arranged by parents, and Du Ruo's aunt had already chosen the potential grooms, so it wasn't necessary for Du Ruo to be present.
However, Lu Lingyun did not want to make decisions without her knowing. After all, Du Ruo was still a guest, and given her temperament, if Lu Lingyun made decisions behind her back, Du Ruo might hold her responsible no matter how well or poorly she married in the future.
Having Du Ruo stay and listen, as Wang Niangzi brought the candidates, who were selected by her own aunt, Du Ruo could choose for herself and couldn't blame Lu Lingyun.
Wang Niangzi, seeing that Lu Lingyun had Du Ruo stay, her eyes darted, but she didn't say much more, sitting down with a smile, "These three families are long-time acquaintances of Du Ruo's aunt. They also favor Du Ruo."
Wang Niangzi took out three name cards, "The first is Commander Xu of the Imperial City Defense Forces' cavalry unit. He leads a battalion and is highly valued, with a simple family background—only an elderly mother. The only drawback is his age; he is nearly thirty."
Lu Lingyun frowned slightly after hearing this, "Why hasn't Commander Xu married yet at thirty?"
"Commander Xu was recently promoted from a local post. He had been fighting on the frontier for many years, focusing on his military career and not on marriage, which delayed his personal life."
"Next one."
"The next household is a more suitable age match. They are the East Gate Patrol Leader, Liu, whose second son is the same age as Miss A'Ruo. He's only eighteen, but he had an accident a couple of years ago while on duty and broke his leg. He is currently recuperating at home."
Upon hearing this, Lu Lingyun furrowed her brow.
Lady Wang continued, "However, Miss A'Ruo's aunt mentioned to me that his father bought him a shop, which will provide him with a means of livelihood in the future. He also has an older brother who serves as a patrol guard and will help out in the future."
Lu Lingyun said, "...Next."
"The last one is Imperial Guard Yu, who is in good health and a suitable age, twenty-one this year, which matches Miss A'Ruo well. His ancestors were once granted a marquis title, but his generation no longer holds a noble rank. However, he still has considerable family assets and lives in the southern part of the city in a three-courtyard house. I've met him, and he is indeed a handsome man with a good demeanor."
"This one seems quite suitable." Lu Lingyun finally heard something reasonable.
"I also think Imperial Guard Yu is a good match, except that he is marrying again. His first wife died from complications during childbirth last year, leaving behind two children."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
Either they are too old, crippled, or widowers.
It's a good thing she kept A'Ruo here to hear for herself; otherwise, no matter who was chosen, A'Ruo would hate her!
She would definitely accuse me of doing it on purpose!
Sitting next to them, A'Ruo felt her anger mounting.
At that moment, the servants reported.
"Young Mistress, someone from the Liu family has come."
"Oh?" Upon hearing that Mrs. Liu had arrived, Lu Lingyun felt a sense of relief, as if a savior had come to this tense situation. "Please show them in."
Shortly after, a smiling senior maid from the Liu family entered.
"Greetings, Miss A'Ruo."
"What brings you here, Nanny?"
"Our eldest miss's marriage has been finalized! The main wife sent me to give you an invitation. The betrothal gifts will be exchanged in a month. If you're free, please come and take a look!"
Following the Hairpin Banquet, Liu Qingping was engaged. The Liu family decided to wait a bit for Liu Qingshuang, as she is still young. They finalized one engagement first.
"Which family is Qingping marrying into?" Lu Lingyun, feeling the joy, asked with a smile.
"The only son of the Zhang family, who is the head of the Imperial Kitchen!" The Liu family nanny said, beaming with pride.
Upon hearing this, Lady Wang's eyes lit up. "A sixth-rank official! The head of the Imperial Kitchen is a very promising position!"
"Who wouldn't agree?" The Liu family nanny could hardly close her mouth in joy.
The Liu family, holding only a seventh-rank official position, considered this marriage a significant step up. Moreover, since the Zhang family only had one son, there wouldn't be issues like those in Hanyi's family. Liu Qingping will become the future matriarch and manage the household affairs.
The entire Liu family is pleased with this match!
"Our main wife went to see the young master Zhang. He is indeed a handsome and outstanding young man. He passed the provincial examination this year at the age of eighteen and will take the imperial examination in three years. Our master believes that Young Master Zhang will definitely pass the imperial examination!"
"What a talented young man!" Lady Wang couldn't help but say, "He is a perfect match for your eldest daughter!"
"Thank you, Lady Wang! If you're available that day, please come!"
Lu Lingyun received the invitation, and Shuang Hong gave the Liu family nanny a reward before sending her off personally.
After they left, Lady Wang excitedly chattered, "I've seen your two young ladies, and they are truly wonderful! So well-behaved and adorable, suitors will be lining up!"