Aunt Zhao suddenly appeared and said, "How could I give birth to a slut like you? You did such a shameful thing and had sex with a man outside your family. Do you still have any shame?"
Tong Nanxia immediately looked at her in panic, "I didn't."
"What is this in your hand?" Aunt Zhao snatched the handkerchief from Tong Nanxia's hand, "Is this yours? You are holding a handkerchief that fell from a man in broad daylight. How can you be so despicable!"
Tong Nanxia saw this and rushed forward regardless of anything and snatched the handkerchief back, "Mom!"
Aunt Zhao was hit and looked at Tong Nanxia with even more anger, "You little slut, you said you didn't have this intention, you were unfilial and helped outsiders bully your mother, but you didn't expect that you were so dissolute and lowly, having sex with outsiders, you have no shame!"
Tong Nanxia's eyes turned red as she was scolded, "I didn't!"
"You still dare to quibble? I caught you red-handed!" Aunt Zhao said with a sneer as if she was holding her braids. "No wonder you don't want to be Mr. Zhao's concubine. You, a slut, have already had someone in your heart. How could I give birth to such a slutty daughter like you? And you are a lady of a wealthy family! Pah!"
"No matter how lowly your mother is, I can never do such a lowly thing as you!"
One word after another came out of Aunt Zhao's mouth. Tong Nanxia finally couldn't stand it anymore. Her mind was full of what Tong Nanyuan said to her yesterday. She pushed Aunt Zhao away and said angrily, "Who do you think you are to say such things to me!"
Tong Nanxia's anger stunned Aunt Zhao. She looked in astonishment at her daughter, who had been scolded by her like a soft bun since she was a child.
She, she, she dares to scold her? !
It would be fine if Tong Nanyuan stood up for her, but how dare she do that!
Tong Nanxia, who mustered up the courage to resist for the first time, looked at her coldly, "Aunt Zhao, please understand your own identity! I am the lady, the master, and you are just a slave!"
When the word "slave" fell, Aunt Zhao looked at her in disbelief. As their eyes met, Aunt Zhao wailed, "Ah!"
"You called me a slave!" Aunt Zhao beat her chest and cried out, "My dear daughter, the daughter I carried for ten months and crawled out of my intestines, you called me a slave!"
Tong Nanxia saw Aunt Zhao crying loudly, and the energy she had finally gathered quickly dissipated. She looked at Aunt Zhao who was crying non-stop, "Aunt, Aunt, Mother..."
"Don't call me mother! I am just a slave, how can I be your mother! My life is so miserable! In order to give birth to you, I suffered for three days. In order to give birth to you, I bled all over the floor. In order to give birth to you, I can't even give birth to a son in this life!"
"I've suffered so much for you, and in the end I'm just a slave in your eyes!"
"Mom, I was wrong, please don't be like this!" Tong Nanxia panicked, and she became gentle again.
Aunt Zhao narrowed her eyes and continued to beat her chest and stamp her feet, "My life is so miserable! I was born a lowly maid. I have worked hard all my life just hoping that my children can give me a good old-age care. When I am old, I am just a slave in her mouth!"
"Mom, what do you want from me?"
"I want you to marry into the Zhaoguo Mansion!" Aunt Zhao raised her head and looked at Tong Nanxia with burning eyes, "Nanxia, I want you to ask the old lady to marry Young Master Zhao now!"
"Mother! That's my concubine!"
"Is being a concubine unfair to you?" Aunt Zhao looked at her, "You are just a concubine, what's wrong with that?"
"My elder sister and second sister are both your children, why can they be your legal wives but not me?"
"Just because you hurt me when I gave birth to you, I will never be able to give birth to a son in this life!" Aunt Zhao looked at her with cold eyes, "You should be my concubine and walk the path I have walked all over again!"
When Tong Nanxia heard her last words and met her mother's poisonous eyes, her heart pounded as if it had been hit by a heavy hammer.
It turns out that her mother treated her like this, bullied her, and belittled her since she was a child because she hurt her body.
She will never be able to give birth to a son in her life!
"Is your son the only one you have eyes for?"
"What else can a cheap girl like you bring to me? If I had a son, I wouldn't have to serve anyone! I wouldn't have to kowtow and serve everyone as a slave every day! If I had a son, I would be comfortable now. My son would respect me and provide for me. But you! You would just join others in bullying me!"
"Tong Nanxia, you owe me. It's all because of you that I can't give birth to a son! I want you to be my concubine! I want you to suffer all the pain I've gone through in my life!"
After Aunt Zhao spoke her mind, her eyes became more vicious, and she looked at her with disgust and relief.
It's like looking at your enemies from several lifetimes.
Before being sold as a maid, Aunt Zhao was the eldest daughter in the family. She was called a money-loser and a cheap thing since she was a child. Her mother gave birth to two children after another in order to give birth to a son, but all they gave birth to were daughters. Aunt Zhao was beaten and scolded along with her mother.
Finally, her mother gave birth to a son. After that day, her mother straightened her back and her eyes became bright. She was no longer scolded. Her mother told her that women are lowly and useless in this life. They will only be useful if they have sons!
Later, when a disaster struck, she sold herself into slavery for the sake of her younger brother. After becoming a slave, she worked hard and was careful. Fortunately, she was taken as a dowry maid by the mistress of the master's family. After her mistress became pregnant, she was promoted to a concubine to serve her master.
She had no other wish in her life except to have a son.
She must give birth to a son. As long as she gave birth to a son, she could become a useful person like her mother. However, she gave birth to three daughters in a row. Moreover, when she gave birth to Tong Nanxia, she injured her body and could no longer give birth to another child.
She hated Tong Nanxia for holding her tightly in her hand and not giving her to anyone else. She was even more jealous of her. Why was her life so much better than hers even though they were both girls!
"You owe me this life. If you don't become my concubine, you will never be able to repay me!" Aunt Zhao yelled at Tong Nanxia.
It's not over yet, it's not over yet…
Tong Nanxia looked at her own mother as if she was suffocating. Her poisonous eyes pierced into her flesh and blood. At this moment, she thought of what Lu Lingjun had told her: if kindness is useless, then abandon that useless kindness.
But, kindness...how can it be abandoned so easily!
She is a human being!
She is a human being!
That's her biological mother!
Why does this world bully a person who just wants to be kind?
Tong Nanxia in front of him ran away like a gust of wind. With a thud, screams of surprise were heard from the servants around.
"Oh no! Fourth Miss Tong fell into the water!"
When Lu Lingjun was accompanying Old Madam Lin and Tong Nanyuan in the yard, the maid rushed in to report.
"Young Madam! The fourth young lady has jumped into the lake!"
Everyone was shocked when they heard this. Lu Lingjun led Tong Nanyuan and Old Lady Lin to the lake in a hurry, and they heard screams coming from the lake.
"Nanxia! Nanxia!"
"Nanxia! My son!"
The maid in the mansion had already fished Tong Nanxia out of the water. At this moment, Tong Nanxia had her eyes closed tightly and her whole body was soaked.
"Stop crying wolf!" Tong Nanyuan pushed Aunt Zhao away and rushed to Tong Nanxia, "Nanxia! Nanxia! Wake up!"
"What's going on!" Old Mrs. Lin banged her cane hard.
"Madam, it's all my fault," Aunt Zhao knelt down in front of Madam Lin, her eyes evasive, "I just wanted Nanxia to agree to the marriage proposal from Duke Zhao's mansion, but she jumped into the lake."
"It's none of your business to interfere in the young lady's affairs!"
"Isn't this also for the sake of the mansion?" Aunt Zhao said righteously, "Nanxia is just a concubine's daughter, how can she be a worry to the madam? It is a blessing for her to be favored by Young Master Zhao and let him be his concubine. The Second Master's family is now serving as officials in Beijing. If she can be a concubine in the Zhaoguogong Mansion, won't she be able to help the Second Master's family in the future!"
Tong Nanyuan was furious when she heard this. She stood up and kicked Aunt Zhao fiercely, "You are my biological mother, but she is my concubine! You don't feel sorry for your daughter at all!"
Aunt Zhao sobbed, "How can I not feel sorry for her! She is my own child, my own flesh and blood, how can I, as her mother, not hope for her well? How could you know that I feel sorry for her too!"
"You feel bad! You don't feel bad at all!" Tong Nanyuan continued to kick her, "No matter what, it was you who forced Nanxia to jump into the lake! You deserve to die!"
Aunt Zhao felt panicked when she heard this.
At this time, Tong Nanxia woke up slowly. Aunt Zhao saw this and crawled towards her again without paying attention to anything else. "Nanxia, my child! You finally woke up. You scared me to death! How could you do such a thing? You want to kill me!"
Tong Nanxia, who had spit out the water, looked at the crying woman in front of her with numb eyes.
"Stop acting, you were the one who forced me to do this from the beginning to the end, and now you're still crying about the deep love between mother and daughter, you deserve to die!"
"Yes, I deserve to die, I deserve to die! Third Miss, you don't need to say anything more, I'm going to die now!" Aunt Zhao said as she threw a tantrum and was about to jump into the lake.
"Alright, alright!" Old Madam Lin looked at the scene irritably, "Carry Nanxia back to the house first!"
She looked at Aunt Zhao, who had a sad face and took the initiative to apologize, and did not punish her anymore. She took Tong Nanxia back first.
After she led Tong Nanxia away, Tong Nanyuan was still furious, "Don't think I don't know what you said to Nanxia! You always belittle her and humiliate her. You clearly want to force her to death!"
"Miss San, you are not me, how can you know how I feel as a mother!" Aunt Zhao cried and wiped her tears, "Don't I want her to live a good life! Don't I want her to be the mistress of a rich family! It's because she is a concubine's daughter, a useless girl who crawled out of my belly! I am a lowly concubine, I just want her to see her own destiny clearly! She is different from you!"
"Don't dream about things you shouldn't have!"
"I am suffering! I am in a difficult situation! My son, you should never, ever be born into the belly of a useless mother like me!"
Tong Nanyuan felt like she was punching cotton when she saw her like this. She spoke in a high-sounding manner, sounding sorrowful and betrayed, but she didn't feel the slightest bit of guilt.
She was even invulnerable to swords and guns, so Tong Nanyuan couldn't find any reason to scold her. If she scolded her, it would mean that she was arrogant and didn't understand the deep love of her mother from the lower class.
At this time, Lu Lingjun came up and glanced at Aunt Zhao who was throwing a tantrum but still standing on the moral high ground, "Aunt Zhao, you are right."
"As a concubine, you have given birth to three daughters in a row. It is good enough for you to recognize your own identity and do this."
Tong Nanyuan and Aunt Zhao both raised their heads and looked at Lu Lingjun.
Tong Nanyuan even wondered if Lu Lingjun was crazy. How could he say such a thing?
At this moment, Aunt Zhao's eyes, which were full of malice, lit up, just like the recognition her mother received when she gave birth to a son.
The next second, Lu Lingjun looked at her indifferently.
"But you have a big shortcoming, that is."
"You are useless if you can't give birth to a son."
At this word, Aunt Zhao's eyes, which were shining with light, were suddenly startled and her pupils suddenly contracted.
After Lu Lingjun finished speaking, he turned around and left with Tong Nanyuan.
The moment she turned around, Aunt Zhao burst into a hysterical scream.
It was a different scream than the one her daughter had screamed when she rebelled against her and abandoned her.
Instead, it was a scream that completely broke through her defenses and destroyed all her disguises.
She worked hard and tried to please everyone for half her life, belittling the little dignity her own daughter had and asking everyone to ignore the fact that she could not give birth to a son.
But Lu Lingjun said it out.
It was like hitting her vital point directly, hitting the part that was most vulnerable and most wanted to be covered up.
All her defenses, all her invulnerability were penetrated in an instant.
"Ah~~~~"
Lu Lingjun listened to the screams and cries behind him, with a cold look on his brows.
She has never been one to attack a woman for having children.
But for Aunt Zhao, who had become an accomplice to an evil servant and constantly bullied her daughter, she felt that she deserved such words.
She is really useless because she can't give birth to a son!
"Cousin!" Tong Nanyuan's voice sounded beside her.
Lu Lingjun turned his head and asked, "What's wrong?"
Tong Nanyuan looked at her with admiration, "You said it very well! It really makes me feel relieved!"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
Tong Nanyuan just felt that Lu Lingjun was extremely wise. These were obviously the words she hated to hear the most before, but when she heard them now, she just felt extremely refreshed.
Her cousin is so wise!
"You should have scolded her like this a long time ago. Why didn't I think of it? Cousin, you are really good at scolding people. I am far inferior to you!"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
The news of Tong Nanxia jumping into the lake soon spread to all the courtyards, and everyone in Ningxin Courtyard and Caitang Pavilion knew about it.
Qin specially sent Nanny Wen to take a look and bring some medicine.
Qin Shaojing in Caitang Pavilion was even more gloating and secretly happy after learning that Tong Nanxia had jumped into the lake.
"Oh, he jumped into the lake? Why?"
"I heard that it was her aunt who forced her to go to Duke Zhao's mansion to be a concubine." Nanny Qin also had an expression of indescribable joy on her face.
It seemed that he was wondering how could there be such a ridiculous aunt in the world.
"Being a concubine is an honor for her. Her aunt is quite smart. Otherwise, what else would she want to do?" Qin Shaojing said.
"Who wouldn't say that? What ability can a concubine's daughter have? How can she compare with our eldest lady?" said Nanny Qin.
"Don't compare me with her! How can she be worthy of it!" Qin Shaojing was dissatisfied when he heard this.
A lot of things happened in the past few days. Early the next morning, Old Mrs. Lin took the Tong sisters back to Mr. Tong's house in the capital.
No longer living in the Marquis' Mansion.
Qin didn't care too much about these things, because she was thinking about Qin Shaojing every day these days.
"Why is there still no news from Duke Liu's Mansion?"
It has been four or five days since Qin Shaojing fell into the water, and three days since Cheng Yunshuo came to visit, but there has been no news from the Liu family.
Qin was feeling very nervous, and at this moment, Cheng Yunshuo came back.
Lu Lingjun had just seen off Old Lady Lin and her group, and had just returned home when he heard the news from the servants.
"Young Madam, there's a letter from Duke Liu's mansion." Nanny Wan said.
"What do you mean?"
"They said their young master was saving people and doing good deeds, and told us not to take it too seriously. If we want to repay him, we can just give him some gifts."
When Lu Lingjun heard this, his heart skipped a beat.
Well, it turns out that Duke Liu's Mansion refuses to admit it!
All the wealthy families in Beijing knew that Qin Shaojing fell into the water and was rescued by Liu Ye. The two had physical contact, which was a good thing, but if Liu Ye didn't marry Qin Shaojing, how could Qin Shaojing get married?
It is obvious that Duke Liu's Mansion looks down on Qin Shaojing and the Ningyang Marquis' Mansion!
After hearing the letter, she went straight to Ningxin Courtyard. As expected, as soon as she got there, she heard Qin Shaojing crying to Qin Shi in the house.
"Duke Liu's Mansion has gone too far! Sister Shao Jing, I will go and seek justice for you!" Cheng Qi said anxiously.
"Stop." The old marquis called him, his face cold, "I saved Shao Jing after all, why are you coming here to ask for justice!"
"But the Liu family is clearly bullying Shao Jing!" Cheng Qi said angrily.
When his voice fell, Qin Shaojing cried even louder.
Lu Lingjun walked in at this time. Cheng Qi saw Lu Lingjun and couldn't help but vent his anger, "If my sister-in-law had watched over her cousin at that time, this wouldn't have happened."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
As soon as he finished speaking, Cheng Yunshuo, who was sitting next to him, immediately retorted, "What does this have to do with Lingyun! Qin Shaojing is so old, a daughter of a Duke's mansion, but she hangs out in temples and Taoist temples all day, showing her face and hanging out with male guests. Lingyun has been to her several times and tried to persuade her several times, but has she ever listened? She brought this upon herself!"
"Brother Yun Shuo, how can you say that about Shao Jing!"
"Why would I say anything to her? How could such a thing happen to her if she stayed in the mansion peacefully? If Liu Ye is unwilling to take responsibility, she will have to bear the consequences herself!"
"You are Shao Jing's cousin, and you insult her like this."
"That's enough!" The old marquis slammed the table, interrupting the argument between the two.
Cheng Yunshuo glanced at Cheng Qi, then pulled Lu Lingjun to his side and told her to sit still.
Originally, this matter had nothing to do with Lu Lingjun.
From beginning to end, Lu Lingjun never interfered in her affairs, and Qin Shaojing even reported it to Qin himself and got Qin's approval.
Now that something has happened, what does it have to do with his wife!
If anyone causes trouble for Lu Lingjun today, he will expose that person.
Lu Lingjun raised his head and glanced at Cheng Yunshuo in front of him.
Well, apart from his personal and emotional problems which are a mess, Cheng Yunshuo is a pretty good person.
It was worth it that she had been helping him clean up the mess.
Qin looked at Lu Lingjun and the others and said, "The plan now is not to find out who is responsible, but to ask you all to come up with a solution! Shao Jing is your sister. She has encountered such a big problem. What do you want her to do in the future?"
Just at this moment, the servant hurried in from outside.
"Oh no! Something terrible has happened!"
"What's wrong again!" Qin looked at the servant who came to report the news with great annoyance.
The servant knelt down in the room with a thud, "There are many servants outside, and they are here to look for Miss Shao Jing!"
"What are you looking for Shao Jing for?" Qin frowned.
"They said that their young lady ate the elixir of Master Miaoyin and got something on her face. They just went to the mountain temple to look for Master Miaoyin, but she had already left. Now they all come to look for Miss Shao Jing!"
When the servant's words fell, Qin Shaojing, who was crying bitterly, was startled, and everyone looked at her.
At this time, Lu Lingjun thought to himself that Qin Shaojing was really in for a double whammy.
"Shao Jing, what's going on?" Qin asked hurriedly.
"I, I don't know!" Qin Shaojing's eyes were evasive.
"So, Master Miaoyin, what is that elixir?" the old marquis asked with a frown.
"Shao Jing met a very wise nun some time ago. She said she had a marrow-cleansing elixir that could help women keep their youth and beautify themselves after taking it. So she became a worshipper of that nun." Qin said with a frown.
At Lu Lingjun's request, Qin Shaojing reported everything to Qin.
When Qin heard this, she was suspicious, but Qin Shaojing had assured her that nothing would happen, and the whole paper said that Master Miaoyin was her benefactor and would find a good match for her, so she turned a blind eye.
How could she know that it would be like this...
Qin Shaojing cried bitterly, "I don't know, aunt, uncle, I was also deceived by that nun. She told me that the elixir was a good thing. How could I know it would be like this!"
"This is simply nonsense!" The old marquis was overwhelmed when he heard this.
The original issue of Qin Shaojing falling into the water was not resolved, and now this matter has been added. What is this!
"I'd rather die! I won't cause any trouble to anyone when I die!" Qin Shaojing stood up suddenly and slammed his head against a pillar in front of everyone.
"Shao Jing!"
"Sister Shao Jing!"
A group of people hurriedly grabbed Qin Shaojing, and Qin cried out in pain, "Shaojing! What are you doing!"
"You are also a victim, how can anyone blame you! If you want to blame someone, blame that liar Master Miaoyin! She deceived you and everyone else! What does it have to do with you!"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
Lu Lingjun, who was watching the whole excitement, smiled in her heart. Her mother-in-law was sober and sensible most of the time, but once she encountered Qin Shaojing and Cheng Yunshuo, two things that touched her core, she became confused.
No, pretending to be ignorant even though you know the truth.
"What are you waiting for! Go out and get rid of them! Just say that our young lady has also been deceived and has fainted. We will also settle the score with Master Miaoyin!" Qin said angrily.
"Yes!" The servant hurried down.
With Qin's comfort, Qin Shaojing recovered from his sobbing and sobbed on Qin's shoulder.
"Shao Jing, my poor child!"
But now, what's the use of crying!
To make matters worse, the Liu family refused to take responsibility for Qin Shaojing, and Qin Shaojing was also deeply involved in the "magic pill" incident, which could be said to have offended the entire capital.
Now, she is really finished.
Just when everyone was silent and didn't know what to do, Cheng Qi stood up and said.
"At worst, I'll marry Shao Jing!"
Cheng Qi's words echoed in the room, and the room became eerily quiet again.
Lu Lingjun raised her head and looked at Cheng Qi who was standing out, and saw his pair of sparkling eyes.
He clenched his fists, his chest heaving, and she saw the hidden excitement behind his desperate courage.
Cheng Qi, he seized the opportunity.
An opportunity to embrace the bright moon in his heart.
"Qi'er." The old marquis raised his eyes and looked at Cheng Qi.
"Uncle!"
"Are you really willing?"
"I am willing to marry Shao Jing!" Cheng Qi answered firmly.
At this moment, even Qin couldn't help but raise her head and take a look at this distant relative of the Cheng family whom she had hardly taken seriously before.
After all, Cheng Qi's status was not enough for her to even look at him.
Now, I feel that Cheng Qi is quite interesting.
Cheng Qi's words made Qin Shaojing, who was crying, pause. Qin Shaojing looked at the man standing in front of her, and her crying brows unconsciously wrinkled. She whimpered, covered her face, pushed away everyone, and ran away.
"Shao Jing!"
"Sister Shao Jing!"
Qin Shaojing ran back to Caitang Pavilion in one breath.
When she got back she started screaming hysterically.
"My lady! My lady!"
Nanny Qin hurried back and hugged Qin Shaojing immediately.
"Impossible, impossible!" Qin Shaojing burst into tears after being hugged.
How could such bad luck happen to her?
First, she sacrificed her reputation and jumped into the water in a desperate attempt, but failed to achieve her wish. Then, that ugly guy Liu Ye took advantage of her.
Not only did Liu Ye take advantage of her, he even refused to admit it!
The worst thing is that we have to deal with this big incident involving Master Miaoyin!
How could she have imagined that Master Miaoyin would cause such a big commotion? That damn old woman had clearly told her that her pills were not poisonous.
It won't kill people.
She just wanted to use her fame to attract people, how could she cause such a big trouble for her!
Now she has become the enemy of all the noble ladies in the capital, and she has no chance to make a comeback and start over.
It would be impossible for her to reach a higher circle or marry into a better family in the future.
"My young lady!" Nanny Qin hugged Qin Shaojing distressedly, "Don't think too much. If it really doesn't work out, let's just marry Mr. Cheng!"
"He is a distant relative of my uncle. With the relationship between my uncle and my aunt, Mr. Cheng will not be too destitute in the future. Maybe he can even donate money to become a fifth-rank official and climb up the social ladder!"
Nanny Qin's words cheered Qin Shaojing up, "How can that be possible!"
How can a loser like Cheng Qi, who has no ability and no background, be worthy of her!
He has no family background and only settled down in the capital with the help of the old marquis. Now he is just a city gatekeeper. What great future can he achieve!
Even if he was promoted, what position could he be promoted to in the capital city where the hierarchy is strict and every step up is a huge gap!
At most, he was just a minor military officer of the fifth or sixth rank.
How can we compare with kings, princes and generals!
She is the daughter of the Duke's Mansion!
No matter how poor the Qin Duke's family is, they would never marry a loser like him!
"But Miss, you are in such a bad situation now...there is no room for you in the capital!" Nanny Qin couldn't help but wail.
Qin Shaojing bit his lips tightly, his eyes full of unwillingness.
"My poor lady!"
Lu Lingjun followed Cheng Yunshuo out of Ningxin Courtyard.
Cheng Qi was kept in the room by Qin and the old marquis to talk.
After leaving the yard, Cheng Yunshuo said, "That Cheng Qi has a problem with his brain and eyes. He actually likes Qin Shaojing."
Lu Lingjun: "...Is the scenery not good?"
"That girl has evil intentions. She only cares about power and status. She is very snobbish. If he marries her, he will suffer in the future."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
She didn't expect that Cheng Yunshuo was quite good at judging women.
Cheng Yunshuo rubbed his brows and said, "Forget it, if he is happy, no one can stop him."
Originally, Cheng Yunshuo was planning to go to Liu Ye again today to discuss Qin Shaojing's matter with him, but now it seems that there is no need for this.
There was someone willing to marry Qin Shaojing. Although the person was a little blind, his character was acceptable, so he didn't bother to care.
"Don't get involved in Qin Shaojing and Cheng Qi's affairs, and don't say a word. Just let my parents take care of it." Cheng Yunshuo instructed Lu Lingjun.
Lu Lingjun smiled at him, "Okay."
The discussion at Ningxinyuan lasted for a very long time. Cheng Yunshuo told Lu Lingjun not to interfere and not to care. She was too lazy to even ask about the matter.
After all, it has nothing to do with her.
She was in her own yard and could guess what they were talking about.
It's nothing more than asking about Cheng Qi's feelings and his plans.
Qin might not be willing to marry Qin Shaojing to Cheng Qi, because Cheng Qi's status was too low and he was not worthy of her niece at all. But now Qin Shaojing's reputation in the capital was completely ruined. Even if she wanted to find a good family for Qin Shaojing to marry into, no one would be willing to marry him.
She looked at Cheng Qi who appeared. Even if she looked down on him, she had to weigh the pros and cons and pave a way for him. Maybe he would also take a look.
Of course, I will have to carefully discuss this with the old marquis afterwards.
For two consecutive days, there was intense discussion in Ningxin Courtyard, and Lu Lingjun had some free time in his own courtyard.
Now that her grandmother and the others have passed away, it's a rare opportunity for her to have some free time again.
At this time, the servant came to report.
"Madam, the eldest young lady from Duke Xu's residence is here."
Li Niyue is here?
"Please come in!"
After a while, Li Niyue brought the maids and nanny to her yard.
"Ling Yun!"
"Ni Yue, what's wrong?"
"How is your sister-in-law?" Li Niyue came forward with a gossipy look on her face, and the first thing she asked after sitting down was Qin Shaojing.
Lu Lingyun pursed her lips and whispered, "She's still crying in the house right now."
"What a coincidence, my second young lady is also locked in the room crying!" Li Niyue said with a sly smile.
Some time ago, Cui Tonghua came to her courtyard to show off his power, and talked about some magic pill. She didn't know its value and wanted to make her regret it. Now her whole face is covered with pockmarks. She asked the imperial physician to come and see her, but the imperial physician was helpless and she cried her heart out!
"You didn't see that when the imperial physician came, he said that he was not sure of the cure and that even if he was cured, there would still be scars and spots. Cui Tonghua cried so hard after hearing that!"
"Her two little followers, the maid of the Zhang family, and the young lady of the Liu family couldn't find the nun and Qin Shaojing, so they all came to her and quarreled fiercely in her courtyard, asking her to apologize for their shame. Cui Tonghua couldn't afford to do so, and the three of them quarreled so badly that they broke up on the spot."
"I remember a few days ago, the three of them had a very good relationship, closer than sisters. Let's see if they will continue to be close in the future!"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
Lu Lingjun smiled and made a cup of tea for Li Niyue. "It's said that there is no such thing as a free lunch, and things about gods and ghosts cannot be trusted."
"Who said it wasn't? This kind of thing only fools fools!" Li Niyue drank her tea in one gulp. She blinked and thought of something else. "By the way, did you know that a big thing happened in the Zhaoguo Mansion recently?"
"What's the matter?" Lu Lingjun became curious.
Li Niyue whispered in Lu Lingyun's ear, "I heard a few days ago that the eldest young master of the Zhaoguo Mansion was suffering from lovesickness!"
"What?"
"It is said that the eldest young master of the Duke of Zhao's mansion fell in love with a concubine's daughter who had just arrived in Beijing. He wanted to marry her as a concubine, but her mother disagreed. She despised her because she was a concubine and was not worthy of the Duke's mansion. She was only willing to accept her as a concubine. His family sent someone to propose, but she refused. Then the eldest young master Zhao fell in love with her!"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
"Do you know what the most interesting thing is?"
"What?"
"I heard from my mother's family yesterday that the young lady probably felt humiliated and jumped into the lake. When Master Zhao heard about the young lady jumping into the lake, he went on a hunger strike at home, saying that he would never let her down and that he must marry her, and as her legal wife! His mother forced him into no choice but to go and ask for marriage again today!"
Lu Lingjun looked at Li Niyue and felt that the world was so impermanent and absurd. She took a sip of tea and said, "I know the lady you mentioned. She is my cousin."
"What?" Li Niyue widened her eyes.
At this time, the maidservant beside Old Madam Lin came in and delivered a message, "Cousin! Old Madam asks you to go to our Second Master's residence when you are free. The Duke Zhao's residence has come again, and this time they want to marry Miss Nanxia as his principal wife!"
When Li Niyue heard this, her eyes widened.
Lu Lingjun went to Mr. Tong's residence that day.
The people from Duke Zhao's mansion really came to invite Tong Nanxia to be his wife.
This time, no one in the Tong family refused.
There is really no reason to refuse. She is not asking to be a concubine, but a wife.
Mr. Tong's family had always been happy to see their daughters marry into the capital's nobility. When his second aunt Wang Peirong heard that Tong Nanxia was chosen as a concubine by the eldest son of Duke Zhao's mansion, she was overjoyed.
This time, she asked to be his legal wife, which really means Tong Nanxia has transformed into a phoenix!
The Tong family is so powerful that they can marry their daughter into the Duke's Mansion as his principal wife. What a perfect match!
Tong Nanxia will never be able to marry into a higher-class family in her life!
With such sincerity, Old Lady Lin also fell silent. She had previously refused because she disdained to ask Tong Nanxia to be a concubine. Now with the matter of Qin Shaojing involved, Qin Shaojing was pushed into the water by Tong Nanxia and lost his reputation. How could she ask Tong Nanxia to marry into a wealthy family?
But now that the Duke Zhao's family came with such sincerity, it was really hard for her to refuse.
She went to find Lu Lingyun and asked, "Yun'er, what do you think of this marriage?"
"The Zhao family is large and powerful. Young Master Zhao is the only son of the eldest wife. He will definitely inherit the title of Crown Prince and Duke in the future. Marrying Nanxia as his principal wife is naturally a good marriage." Lu Lingjun sat next to the old lady.
"I know it's a good match," Mrs. Lin grabbed Lu Lingyun's hand and sighed, "but Nanxia pushed Miss Qin from your family into the water, damaging her reputation. This matter hasn't been resolved yet, but Nanxia is marrying into the Duke of Zhao's family. It's not appropriate."
When Lu Lingjun heard what Old Lady Lin said, her heart suddenly felt warm.
Her grandmother was worried about her.
She was afraid that she would be hated by her husband's family because of Tong Nanxia's marriage and would have a hard time.
"Just do it, don't worry about me, I can handle it." Lu Lingjun smiled indifferently.
"How can that be possible!"
"Whether Shao Jing was pushed into this by Nanxia has not been determined yet. Besides, my young master said that he will handle Shao Jing's affairs and I don't need to worry about it." Lu Lingjun said bluntly.
After hearing this, Mrs. Lin was still very worried. She said slowly, "How about this, your eldest uncle's youngest son is still unmarried. You can go back and ask Miss Qin if she is willing to marry into the Tong family in Jinling. As long as she is willing, our Tong family is willing to give a million as a betrothal gift and travel thousands of miles to welcome her. After she marries into the Tong family, she will never be wronged in the slightest."
When Lu Lingjun heard Mrs. Lin's proposal, he felt even warmer in his heart.
Her grandmother really thinks of her all the time.
She is the only one in the world who truly cares about her own good.
Lu Lingjun smiled and said, "Grandma, it's really not necessary."
"Ms. Qin is of noble status, but our Jinling Tong family is not much worse off. We are one of the best in Jiangnan. We have given a generous betrothal gift and will not bury Miss Qin."
"Shao Jing will not go to Jiangnan." Lu Lingjun smiled and told Mrs. Lin directly, "Besides, my parents-in-law have been looking for candidates for her these days, and my uncle Cheng Qi is willing to marry her."
Qin Shaojing would definitely not choose to go to Jiangnan. Jiangnan is no match for the capital, no matter how rich it is!
People are scrambling to get into the capital.
Then there is her background. The power of the Duke of Qin's Mansion is all here, so why would she marry far away?
Is it just for the sake of a leisurely and good life?
No, what Qin Shaojing wanted was glory, top-level splendor, and he also wanted to patronize the Duke Qin's Mansion and bring glory to the whole family.
The remote and remote Jiangnan region could not satisfy her at all, and had nothing to do with her Qin Mansion.
She would rather stay in the capital and marry Cheng Qi than marry far away in the south of the Yangtze River.
At least by marrying Cheng Qi, she will be tied to Qin in the future. Because of this incident, she can get a lot of benefits from Qin and Ningyang Marquis' Mansion.
Even if the worst happens, I can still hold on to the Ningyang Marquis Mansion.
After all, the current Duke Qin's Mansion is not as well-off as the Marquis Ningyang's Mansion.
After she finished speaking, Mrs. Lin's eyes lit up, "Is your uncle willing to marry her?"
"Well, Cheng Qi said he is willing to marry her."
Just then, the thick curtain in their room was lifted and Tong Nanxia came in.
"Grandma."
"Nanxia is here." Mrs. Lin smiled when she saw Tong Nanxia. "How are you?"
Tong Nanxia raised her head and said, "It's nothing serious."
"I'm glad you're okay," Old Madam Lin called her over and said, "Don't do anything stupid in the future. There is no hurdle that you can't overcome. Tell me about your grievances, no matter how big they are, and I'll help you out."
"Nanxia knows." Tong Nanxia nodded obediently.
"By the way, since you are here, I want to ask you what you think." Old Madam Lin pulled Tong Nanxia, "Are you willing to stay in the capital and marry into the Duke of Zhao's mansion?"
When Tong Nanxia heard this, she looked up at Lu Lingyun and suddenly asked, "Cousin, is Mr. Cheng going to marry Shao Jing?"
Lu Lingjun didn't notice the difference in her tone at this moment, she just said, "Well, you don't have to worry about Qin Shaojing, Cheng Qi said he is willing to marry her."
After hearing this, Tong Nanxia lowered her eyes slightly, "My granddaughter is willing to marry into the Duke Zhao's mansion."
Tong Nanxia came out of the old lady's yard and walked outside as the weather was starting to get cooler, when a man rushed in front of her.
"Nanxia, you are going to marry into the Duke's Mansion and become his legal wife. You will be the Duke's wife in the future!"
"I have finally waited for this day. I know you are different. You can bring me a better life! No one will look down on me anymore!"
"You must take mom with you and live a good life with her. Don't ever forget her!"
Tong Nanxia looked coldly at the woman who rushed out in front of her, "Aunt Zhao, I remember that you like to serve people. When you return to Jiangnan, remember to continue to serve your masters well."
After Lu Lingjun came out of the house, he heard a howl coming from outside.
"Nanxia! Nanxia!"
"Nanxia, I am your mother!"
"You can't do this to me!"
"Nanxia, I was wrong! I was wrong! I won't dare to do it again!"
"My dear daughter, you can't leave me! I'm counting on you!"
Four or five maids came forward.
"Aunt Zhao, shut up right now! The old lady has already said that Miss Nanxia should be registered under the name of Madam and recognized as the legitimate daughter. From now on, don't tell others that you are Miss Nanxia's mother. You don't deserve it!"
When Aunt Zhao heard the word "unworthy", she let out a scream.
"How can I not be worthy? I am the mother of the future Duke's wife!"
"My daughter Nanxia is the most filial to me! She will definitely let me live a good life! I will make you suffer when the time comes!"
"Maybe Aunt Zhao has gone crazy! Lock her up in the yard first!" The housekeeper looked at the crazy Aunt Zhao and quickly asked someone to gag her and drag her away.
When Lu Lingjun saw Aunt Zhao, whose face was full of regret and whose eyes were burning like torches as she looked at Tong Nanxia for help, he couldn't help but feel sarcastic.
In her previous life, Tong Nanxia had a good marriage opportunity to become the legal wife, but she broke up the marriage and forced the man to death.
So, it's not that she can't accept Tong Nanxia living a good life as the legal wife and mother. She just can't accept Tong Nanxia living a good life that only benefits herself but doesn't allow her to benefit from it.
If Tong Nanxia married well, in her eyes, he could become a son who brought her hope.
Tong Nanxia became the future mistress of the Duke's Mansion, which was far more useful than giving birth to a son!
What a pity. No matter how much she regrets now, there is no way she can regret it.
She looked at Tong Nanxia and walked away indifferently without any mercy, not caring about her at all, and told her to live a good life of serving others in the future.
This is the happy life that Aunt Zhao brought upon herself.
Lu Lingjun returned home.
The next day, without her having to say anything, the news that the eldest son of Duke Zhao's mansion was going to marry the niece of the newly arrived Left Vice-Minister Tong spread throughout the capital.
Qin was stunned for a moment after hearing the news. Lu Lingyun came to her and told her something. Qin was wondering what she was thinking. Finally, she said, "Lingyun, when you give your cousin a dowry, please bring a pair of top-quality golden nanmu screens. We will be relatives in the future, so you can visit each other more often."
"Thank you, mother."
Lu Lingyun responded.
Qin would never make things difficult for Lu Lingjun just because Tong Nanxia married into Duke Zhao's mansion. In fact, it was quite the opposite.
Now that Lu Lingjun has a bigger and stronger in-law background, she will only pay more attention to Lu Lingjun and her family on her side.
After all, she couldn't break up someone's marriage and ask the Duke of Zhao's Mansion not to marry Tong Nanxia. Tong Nanxia would still marry Zhao Yanshu as his legal wife this time. When Zhao Yanshu inherited the title in the future, she would be the Duke's wife.
It's much higher than their status in the Marquis' Mansion.
Lu Lingjun has a cousin who is the wife of a duke. How could she look down on her?
It is even more impossible to hold a grudge.
As for her niece Qin Shaojing...Alas, Qin sighed in her heart.
It can only be considered that she is unlucky, she doesn't have this destiny!
When Qin Shaojing learned in Caitang Pavilion that Tong Nanxia was going to marry Zhao Yanshu as his legal wife, he was stunned for a whole cup of tea.
Not only her, but Nanny Qin was even more unbelievable.
"Impossible! Impossible!"
"She is just a little concubine's daughter from a second-rate family. How could the Duke Zhao's Mansion be interested in her?"
Nanny Qin couldn't believe it.
A few days ago, she was mocking Tong Nanxia for being so rude and refusing to be a concubine. She said that she would never be able to enter the Duke Zhao's Mansion in her life. But only a few days later, the Duke Zhao's Mansion actually bowed its head!
Take the initiative to marry her!
This is simply a slap in her face!
Qin Shaojing slowly woke up from the blow, "How can she be worthy! How can she be worthy! That bitch hurt me, and she married into a wealthy family, she deserves to die!"
"Miss, please stop talking!" Nanny Qin reacted immediately and stepped forward to silence her.
This is the backyard of the Marquis' Mansion, and many people in the yard are from the Mansion.
"It would be bad if word of this got to the Crown Prince's wife!"
"What if Lu Lingjun heard it? They are all despicable people trying to climb up the social ladder! They stole my marriage and my wealth! They all deserve to die!"
"My lady!" Nanny Qin quickly covered Qin Shaojing's mouth and told her to stop talking.
Originally, Lu Lingjun's position in the Marquis' Mansion was as solid as a rock, and now she has a powerful relative. How could she be shocked if she heard about it!
If she got angry and wanted to kick Qin Shaojing out, Qin might have to weigh the pros and cons.
In the future, her say in this mansion will gradually become more important than Qin's!
At this time, a servant's voice came from outside the door, "Miss Shao Jing, Master Cheng is here."
"Tell him to get out! Get out! Get away!"
When Qin Shaojing heard Cheng Qi coming, he pushed Nanny Qin away and shouted outside.
After shouting, she felt more aggrieved and sad.
Why could Tong Nanxia, a concubine's daughter from a second-rate family, marry into the Duke Zhao's mansion as his principal wife, but she had to be involved with a useless and unworthy man like Cheng Qi?
Even her aunt and uncle really wanted her to marry him!
No, she would never marry Cheng Qi!
Before, she was only 90% opposed to marrying Cheng Qi, but now it is 100%!
She must marry into a rich and powerful family, into the Duke's Mansion!
Cheng Qi, who was waiting outside, faintly heard Qin Shaojing's voice inside. The maid who delivered the message said, "Second Master, Miss Shaojing said she doesn't want to see you. Please go back first."
"Is Shao Jing still sad?"
The maid gave him a meaningful look and said, "Yes, Miss Shao Jing is very unhappy."
Cheng Qi felt sad when he heard this. "Tell her to have a good rest. I'll come to see her when she's better."
"yes."
Cheng Qi came out of Caitang Pavilion and within a few steps he met Lu Lingjun who had returned from Ningxin Courtyard.
"Second uncle?" Lu Lingjun greeted him.
When Cheng Qi saw Lu Lingjun, his eyes slightly avoided, "Sister-in-law."
"Did you just come out from Shao Jing?" Lu Lingjun glanced at the direction he came from and said.
"Um."
"How is Shao Jing now?"
"She must still be sad, and she was afraid that I would worry, so she didn't see me."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
It's true that I'm sad, but where does the fear that he's worried come from?
"Second uncle, please let Shao Jing take it easy. After all, no one would feel good after such an accident." Lu Lingjun once again showed his ability to see through the situation without saying anything, and went along with what the other person said.
After hearing what Lu Lingjun said, Cheng Qi nodded seriously. He felt that Lu Lingjun was very considerate and that his sister-in-law was always virtuous and considerate.
Seeing Lu Lingjun nodded at him and indicated to leave, Cheng Qi called her.
"Sister-in-law."
"Anything else?"
"I didn't mean to blame you that day, I hope sister-in-law won't blame me."
He was talking about the day when he had an argument with Cheng Yunshuo and mentioned Lu Lingjun.
Lu Lingjun smiled calmly, "I know, Uncle, you are too concerned and confused."
"Sister-in-law, you have devoted yourself to this family and to all of us." Cheng Qi was deeply moved by Lu Lingjun's tolerance.
Lu Lingjun listened to his words and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.
Being a good person is a very simple thing. All you have to do is say all the nice things and not do anything.
Especially when dealing with those thankless tasks among relatives, the greatest contribution is just by talking.
If we really want to talk about their messed up affairs, how he persuaded Cheng Qi, Qin Shaojing, and Qin Shi... Lu Lingjun would have to be the most hateful and annoying troublemaker in the Marquis' Mansion!
No one will ever appreciate her, and she will only make people hate her and annoy her, and she won't be able to solve any problems.
As the mistress of the house, besides turning a blind eye, the most important thing is to talk more and do less!
All troubles are caused by trying to be the best.
Lu Lingjun deeply implemented this iron rule. After all, being a good and virtuous person is something that is displayed for everyone to see. If one really believed in it and acted accordingly, then one would be a big fool.
Lu Lingjun looked at the touched Cheng Qi, his eyes fell on him, "By the way, second uncle, why didn't you go on duty today?"
"To be honest, my uncle and aunt have found me another job. I will take up the position as soon as the dispatch order comes."
"Why would you feel ashamed? What good job is this?"
"It's a hundred households of the Imperial Guards."
"Sixth rank?"
"Yes." A trace of shame appeared on Cheng Qi's face.
He came to seek refuge with the Cheng family, having already taken great advantage of them. Now he wanted to marry Qin Shaojing. In order to make Qin Shaojing's marriage more beautiful, Qin and the old marquis helped to donate a more prestigious official position for him.
A centurion of the imperial guards is a sixth-rank official, affiliated with the garrison in the capital. A centurion can be in charge of two general flags of the imperial guards. Of course, this rank is also an honorary title and cannot be compared with the ranks of those civil officials in the court.
The ranks of civil and military officials can never be compared.
Even so, donating a hundred households of imperial guards would cost eight thousand taels of silver.
The Cheng family donated money, manpower and people to help Cheng Qi get a sixth-rank official position, which made Cheng Qi feel very ashamed.
If he didn't know that he was of low status and couldn't let Qin Shaojing marry someone as poor as him, he would not have accepted it.
After hearing this, Lu Lingyun smiled and nodded, "Second Uncle is responsible and capable, and he will definitely be very successful in the future."
The old Marquis Qin definitely spent so much money not for Cheng Qi, but for Qin Shaojing.
They wanted Qin Shaojing to marry better, so they spared no expense to donate an official title to Cheng Qi to pave the way for him to look good.
They were also worried about Qin Shaojing.
"Thank you, sister-in-law." Cheng Qi became more grateful.
Lu Lingjun comforted Cheng Qi with a few words and then left.
Cheng Qi looked at Lu Lingjun's back and felt more and more moved.
My sister-in-law is such a nice person.
If he marries Qin Shaojing in the future, Qin Shaojing and Lu Lingjun will definitely get along well in the Marquis' Mansion.
Thinking of this, Cheng Qi was full of energy.
I just feel that the future will be very bright.
Lu Lingjun no longer cared about the Cheng family's affairs. With the old Marquis Qin around, the two of them arranged for Qin Shaojing and Cheng Qi, and Qin Shaojing's affairs seemed to be temporarily settled.
Although it was not stated explicitly, everyone in the mansion tacitly agreed that they would formally discuss the marriage after Cheng Qi was appointed as an official.
Tong Nanxia's marriage was finally settled, and Lu Lingjun often went to Tong's house these days.
"Duke Zhao's mansion is really grand!"
Tong Nanyuan took Lu Lingjun to see the betrothal gifts sent by the Duke Zhao's Mansion.
The betrothal gifts alone weighed a total of 128 loads, each of which was extremely heavy, and the list of dowry contained countless items.
There were Persian long wool carpets, large rosewood carved dragon desks, three-foot-high green and blue ancient bronze tripods, mother-of-pearl nanmu cabinets, several large boxes filled with masterpieces of calligraphy and paintings by masters, gold, silver, jade, jewels, jadeite, silks and satins... the list went on.
It was far more grand than the betrothal gift that Lu Lingyun had received from the Marquis' Mansion.
The wealth and prosperity of the Duke's Mansion is evident from this.
Even though Tong Nanyuan was well-informed and had seen a lot of the world, she couldn't help but be astonished when she saw these grand betrothal gifts.
"The Duke's Mansion is so prestigious, so the wife he chooses must be someone special."
Tong Nanxia came out at this time, "Cousin, Third Sister."
"Congratulations, Nanxia." Lu Lingjun saw her and smiled faintly at her.
Tong Nanxia's temperament seemed to have changed a lot after she fell into the water that day. She used to be gentle and self-deprecating, always keeping her head down, but now she dared to raise her head, and her eyes and brows were a little distant, but also a bit cold and sharp.
"If you like any of them, just pick them." Tong Nanxia looked at the two of them and said, "I'll give them to you."
"This is your betrothal gift, how can we take it?" Tong Nanyuan said.
"It's okay, they are just external things after all." Tong Nanxia didn't care too much.
Lu Lingjun listened to her words, walked up to her and pulled her aside, saying, "Nanxia, my grandmother and my second aunt told me that they will leave all your betrothal gifts intact and will give them to you. They will not touch any of your betrothal gifts. Because we are far from Nanjing, it is difficult to prepare a dowry at the moment. My second aunt said that she will give you a portion of it as a dowry, and I will also give you some."
"I don't take that seriously."
Lu Lingjun continued, "You are marrying into the Duke's Mansion, and you will become the mistress of a high-ranking family in the future. The silver and money dowry are your confidence. If you don't value these, do you want others to not value you in the future?"
Tong Nanxia fell silent after hearing this.
"Money is not a vulgar thing. If you have enough money, people will respect you. If you can't keep your money, you can't keep people's respect for you."
"I understand, cousin." Tong Nanxia raised her head with determination in her eyes.
Lu Lingjun smiled at her and asked someone to bring in the things she had prepared. Together with what Qin had added, she made up a dowry for Tong Nanxia.
The three of them were carefully looking at the dowry list in the yard. As they looked at it, Tong Nanxia's eyes became more charming.
Towards evening, when Lu Lingjun was about to leave, Lu Kuan came here.
"Kuan'er, why are you here?" Lu Lingjun was very surprised to see Lu Kuan.
"Big sister." Lu Kuan saw Lu Lingyun and smiled at her, "I'm here to deliver some things to my uncle's house."
The people behind Lu Kuan came in carrying dozens of gifts.
"These are the dowry that my parents gave to my cousin Nanxia." Lu Kuan said.
Tong Nanxia is going to marry into the Duke's Mansion. Not only will Lu Lingjun benefit from it, but the Lu family will also benefit from some distant relatives.
The Tong family was the original wife's family of Lu's father. After the death of the original wife, they were separated by a huge mountain. But how could Liu miss such a good opportunity?
Even if it was just to take advantage of Lu Lingyun's fame, she had to give some gifts to the Tong family.
Maybe it will come in handy in the future.
"My parents said that all of this is your fault. You gave it to your cousin Nanxia in her name."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
She nodded. "Okay."
At this time, Tong Nanyuan, who had been following Lu Lingjun, raised her head and asked, "Cousin, who is he?"
"He is my brother, Lu Kuan."
"Hello, cousin." Tong Nanyuan bowed to Lu Kuan.
Seeing Tong Nanyuan saluting him, Lu Kuan hurriedly returned the salute.
This was the first time in his life that someone had saluted him.
Lu Kuan was in a panic.
"My cousin Wanan."
Tong Nanyuan burst into laughter when she saw Lu Kuan's flustered look.
When Lu Kuan heard her laughter, his cheeks turned slightly red, and he smiled at her shyly, "I seldom see outsiders."
"Where is my cousin every day? He rarely sees outsiders?" Tong Nanyuan blinked her smart eyes and looked at Lu Kuan.
"I am in school all day and rarely go down the mountain."
"It seems that my cousin is very knowledgeable and must be a man of great learning." Tong Nanyuan said.
Hearing this, Lu Kuan felt even more embarrassed, "I can't be worthy of this title. I'm definitely not as worthy as my cousin's family."
"Cousin, you are too modest. Everyone knows that your family is very knowledgeable."
Lu Lingjun, who was standing by, looked at the two of them and sneered.
"I think if you two continue talking, you'll have to have a good debate."
"Sister," Lu Kuan raised his head and looked at Lu Lingjun.
Lu Lingjun met his gaze and said, "Okay, if you are okay, come back with me."
"Um."
Lu Lingjun and Lu Kuan bid farewell to Tong Nanyuan together, and Lu Kuan went back in Lu Lingjun's car.
On the way, Lu Lingjun asked, "Isn't your school busy recently? Can you still come out?"
"Recently, the Master has taken us down the mountain to travel and visit scholars and masters everywhere."
Lu Lingjun nodded. This Tianfu Academy was indeed extraordinary. It taught students to read thousands of books, travel thousands of miles, and also emphasized the practice of networking.
There is a reason for visiting a scholar or master. If a master meets someone he likes, he will choose to take him as his disciple.
So this trip down the mountain is actually to expand one's network and take one's students to become disciples.
"Who did you visit?"
"The person the Master recently took us to visit was Grand Tutor Zhao."
Master Zhao?
"Grand Tutor Zhao is very knowledgeable. He loves collecting calligraphy and paintings. We saw many calligraphy and paintings by masters in his house." Lu Kuan's eyes lit up when he talked about what he had seen and heard in the past few days.
"Master Zhao was also very friendly to us. He told us that if we have time in the future, we can often come to his house to seek advice and exchange ideas."
"Our teacher also told us that Master Zhao is extremely fond of calligraphy and painting. If someone can cater to his interests, they can become his disciple. It will definitely be of great benefit to us to have Master Zhao as our teacher."
After listening to what Lu Kuan said, Lu Lingjun catered to his wishes.
What Grand Tutor Zhao likes.
Isn't that the cedar picture!
She has it!
"How many students did you send this time?"
"There are ten people in total." Lu Kuan said.
He was very humble and did not tell Lu Lingjun that these ten people were the ten best people selected from Tianfu Academy.
He is among them.
"Did your other classmates give you paintings and calligraphy?"
"Only four of my classmates sent gifts, because three of them have already worshipped other teachers, the remaining one is going to visit other masters, and the other one, like me, has nothing to send."
Lu Kuan said frankly.
He was just a bastard of the Lu family, his mother was a concubine, and his father didn't value him. How could he have the resources to send gifts and visit?
Not to mention that he didn't know what Grand Tutor Zhao liked.
Lu Lingjun looked at Lu Kuan and said, "Come with me to the Marquis' Mansion later."
Not long after, Lu Kuan followed Lu Lingjun back to the Marquis' Mansion.
Lu Lingjun asked Shuanghong to take out the cedar painting that Old Lady Cui gave her last year from her dowry box.
"Send this away, and don't tell anyone, not even your parents."
Lu Kuan took the painting from Lu Lingyun and said, "Sister, this..."
"You go ahead." Lu Lingjun smiled at him.
"good!"
Lu Kuan left Lu Lingyun holding the cedar painting.
Lu Lingjun looked at Lu Kuan's back and smiled gently.
Master Zhao is a powerful official who is both capable and stable. He has been an evergreen in the officialdom for decades. All the people he has brought up hold high positions. Lu Kuan can worship him as his teacher, so he will definitely rise to a high position in the future.
If Lu Kuan could be helped up by her, she would be as stable as a rock in the future.
Two days passed in a flash, and Tong Nanxia got married.
Her wedding day was extremely lively, with most of the dignitaries in the capital coming to Duke Zhao's mansion for a banquet.
The Ningyang Marquis' Mansion also received an invitation, which was sent by the Tong family, but Qin and the old marquis both refused to go, and only asked Lu Lingjun and Cheng Yunshuo to attend on their behalf.
Before leaving, Qin Shaojing, who had kept his door closed in his yard, got dressed in new clothes and followed them out leisurely.
"Sister-in-law, cousin."
"Are you going too?" Cheng Yunshuo frowned when he saw Qin Shaojing leaving.
"Today is Sister Nanxia's big day, I'm going to give her some gifts." Qin Shaojing turned around and winked at Nanny Qin behind him, who was holding a box in her hand.
"I'll bring the gift to you." Cheng Yunshuo said.
Qin Shaojing raised his head and looked at him, "Cousin, since Sister Nanxia can get along with Mr. Zhao, I am also half a matchmaker. It should be okay for me to go and give her a gift."
Hearing this, Cheng Yunshuo was too lazy to talk nonsense with her. "If you want to embarrass yourself, just follow me. Let me tell you first, everyone in the capital is talking about you."
Qin Shaojing didn't care at all.
What else did she have to care about? First of all, she had managed to avoid the incident with Master Miaoyin. Even if she hadn't, those ladies who had been deceived by her still resented her, but those ladies would never show up in this occasion.
Their faces are ruined and they can't even hide at home, so how could they come out!
It was safe for her to attend Tong Nanxia's wedding banquet.
The second is that Liu Ye refused to take responsibility after saving her... This time, she went there just to...
"I know." A deep light flashed in Qin Shaojing's eyes, and she got on the carriage with her things.
Seeing her like this today, Lu Lingjun always felt that she was planning to cause trouble again.
She thought for a while, and before leaving, she said to her maid, "Go and inform the Second Master later and ask him to come and have a drink too."
"Yes, Madam."
The carriage soon arrived at Tong's house.
Lu Lingjun was sent as a guest from her parents' home to get married.
The Tong family's house was decorated with lights and was very lively.
The procession from Duke Zhao's residence that came to welcome the bride was so loud and noisy that it alarmed half of the capital.
When Zhao Yanshu, who came to pick up the bride on a tall horse, appeared in front of everyone, everyone couldn't help but congratulate the groom for his bravery. After seeing the grand and wealthy wedding procession, people were so envious of the young lady from the Tong family.
What a good fate this is, to marry such a good young man, and even marry into the extremely wealthy Duke's Mansion, to become the Duke's wife in the future!
Qin Shaojing, who was following behind Lu Lingjun, saw this scene and couldn't help feeling jealous and unwilling.
Obviously, obviously all this should be hers!
At this moment, Lu Lingjun in front of her turned her head, and Qin Shaojing immediately put away the jealousy in his eyes and returned to his usual state.
"Sister-in-law, what's wrong?"
"We are going to the Duke of Zhao's mansion."
Lu Lingjun followed the convoy to the Duke of Zhao's mansion.
The wedding at the Duke's Mansion was grand and solemn. Lu Lingjun watched Tong Nanxia being taken out of the sedan chair, stepping over the fire basin, and worshipping heaven and earth in a lively manner before she was taken to the bridal chamber.
She was seeing the bride off, busying herself for a long time, and had just sat down to rest when someone came to greet her.
"Ling Yun!"
"Ni Yue?"
Lu Lingjun saw Li Niyue and stood up happily.
Li Niyue sat directly beside her, "It's really lively today."
"Yes, I see people from the three duke's mansions are here." Lu Lingjun glanced at the crowd. Just now on her way here, she saw people from Duke Liu's mansion.
"My sister-in-law is here too." Li Niyue whispered to her.
"Is her face okay?" Lu Lingjun asked hurriedly.
Li Niyue leaned close to Lu Lingyun's ear and whispered, "How can it be good? She has a thick layer of powder on her face, which covers up all the pockmarks."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
This is a good idea.
"You don't know what she has been doing in the house during this period. She smashes things and curses at people all day long, and even says she wants to tear Qin Shaojing apart."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
She suddenly realized, where is Qin Shaojing?
It seemed that I hadn't seen Qin Shaojing since I entered the Duke of Zhao's mansion.
"What are you looking at?" Li Niyue asked when she saw her looking around.
"Shao Jing is gone."
"What? She's here too!"
At this time, near the inner courtyard of the Duke's Mansion.
Qin Shaojing, wearing a light yellow dress, walked towards the bridal chamber. Nanny Qin followed closely behind her, saying, "Miss, do you really want to do this?"
A glimmer flashed in Qin Shaojing's eyes, "She owes me!"
"Miss, think about it carefully. Now that this has begun, there is no turning back!"
Qin Shaojing stopped when she heard this. She took the gift box from Nanny Qin's hand, took out a bottle from it, and took out a pill from it and swallowed it in front of Nanny.
When Nanny Qin saw this, she cried out, "Miss, that's an aphrodisiac!"
Qin Shaojing looked at her resolutely and fiercely, "I have no choice, I must marry into the Duke of Zhao's mansion!"
Yes, she took aphrodisiacs and she wanted to ruin Tong Nanxia's wedding.
She had already found out that this was the only way for Zhao Yanshu to pass through, and she must intercept him halfway and make the matter a fait accompli.
This is her last chance.
She had already figured it out. The Zhao family was not a low-class family like the Liu family. They valued their reputation. If something like this happened, they would definitely be responsible for her. As for the Tong family...
Oh!
This is what Tong Nanxia owes her!
She blamed Tong Nanxia for falling into the water last time, so the Tong family owed her a huge favor. Plus, Lu Lingjun was her sister-in-law, and Qin would force her to put pressure on the Tong family. By then, the Tong family would have to take both personal relationships and Lu Lingjun into consideration, so they would definitely agree to let her marry in.
She wants to be a co-wife like Tong Nanxia!
She wants all of them to put her in this position!
Qin Shaojing swallowed the aphrodisiac without hesitation.
Nanny Qin was so frightened by Qin Shaojing's crazy look that she wanted to stop him. Just then, someone came over.
"If Qin Shaojing dares to come today, I will definitely tear her apart!" A familiar voice came.
When Qin Shaojing and Nanny Qin heard the female voice, they quickly hid behind the rockery next to them. Just as they dodged and hid, they saw Cui Tonghua leading people over.
Cui Tonghua had a thick layer of powder on her face and was gritting her teeth in hatred.
"Will she really come today?" Following her was Lucy Liu, who was also wearing thick powder, and her eyes were full of anger.
"Anyway, I know her sister-in-law will come, so I'll just ask her when I see her."
"You're right, let's go find her sister-in-law first!" The two walked towards the bridal chamber.
When Qin Shaojing saw the two of them appear, he was immediately frightened and broke out in a cold sweat.
She made all the calculations, but she didn't expect Cui Tonghua and Lucy Liu would actually dare to come.
That was because she didn't know that besides being the daughter of Duke Liu's Mansion, Liu Yuling's aunt was also the legal wife of the third master of Duke Zhao's Mansion. Duke Zhao's Mansion was having a wedding today, so naturally she would come if she could.
If she came, she would call Cui Tonghua along. They both hoped to see Qin Shaojing here and tear her to pieces!
Qin Shaojing was angry and anxious when she saw Cui Tonghua and Liu Yuling coming. Fortunately, at this time, she saw a red figure.
Zhao Yanshu!
Qin Shaojing decided to go all out. He came out from behind the rockery and quickly took Nanny Qin to Zhao Yanshu.
"Mr. Zhao..."
Zhao Yanshu stopped when he heard Qin Shaojing's voice.
"It turned out to be Miss Qin."
"Congratulations, Mr. Zhao." Qin Shaojing suppressed his nervousness and looked at him with a smile.
Seeing that Qin Shaojing was the same as before, Zhao Yanshu smiled at her and said, "I have to thank Miss Qin."
Qin Shaojing's back teeth were about to break when he heard this.
She was so angry, so angry!
Who wants his thanks?
All her hard work was in vain for others!
She was really pissed off!
"It's nothing." Qin Shaojing suppressed everything on his face and kept smiling, "I prepared a wedding gift for Mr. Zhao, I hope you will accept it."
She waved her hand, and Nanny Qin brought over a box with trembling fingertips.
Qin Shaojing opened the box, and inside was a pair of glass wine glasses carved with lilies.
"I wish Mr. Zhao and Miss Tong a happy marriage."
Zhao Yanshu's eyes lit up when he saw such a gift, "Thank you, Miss Qin."
He gave his servant a look and was about to accept it.
Qin Shaojing said at this time, "Mr. Zhao, you don't know that this is a Western Region colored glass cup. Adding different strengths of liquor will have different colors and tastes."
"There are so many details?"
"Of course," Qin Shaojing said naturally, his eyes turned, "Why don't I show you first, so that you and the fourth lady can have a special experience when you drink the wedding wine tonight."
Zhao Yanshu's eyes lit up, "Okay!"
He was in no hurry. Looking at this new thing, he only hoped to give Tong Nanxia a small surprise later, and then he followed Qin Shaojing to the room at the side.
Just then, a voice came from behind him.
"Cousin!" Liu Yuling saw Zhao Yanshu from afar and called out quickly.
As her voice fell, Qin Shaojing shuddered.
Zhao Yanshu even stopped and said, "Ms. Qin, just show it to my cousins."
After hearing this, Qin Shaojing no longer cared about the glass cup in his hand.
She was filled with hatred, but finally she gritted her teeth, threw the pair of glass cups in her hands, and ran away with Zhao Ma.
"Miss Qin?" Zhao Yanshu shouted.
When he shouted, Lucy Liu and Cui Tonghua behind him both recognized her.
"Qin Shaojing!"
"Stop right there!"
Qin Shaojing and Nanny Qin ran around in the backyard in a hurry. Finally, after turning a few big corners, they got rid of Liu Yuling and Cui Tonghua who were following them.
But before she could catch her breath, she suddenly felt extremely hot.
It's over. It's over.
Her medicine is taking effect!
At this moment, Qin Shaojing felt that he was shooting himself in the foot!
How unlucky she is!
She was rejected at the first sight of the palace selection and had never even seen the crown prince.
She had finally managed to break into the circle of upper-class ladies and found a rich husband, but he was snatched away by someone else.
Now she was gamble everything on building a future for herself, but it was ruined by Cui Tonghua and Lucy Liu.
Does she really want to marry a lowly inferior person like Cheng Qi?
Qin Shaojing was unwilling!
She gritted her teeth tightly, and at this moment, a man with an ordinary appearance and even a somewhat lewd look walked past her.
He was not good-looking, with a gleam of light under his drooping eyes, and his eyes would occasionally fall on the pretty maids passing by.
The maids passing by did not dare to look down on him. They knelt down and saluted, "Good luck to Master Liu."
The person who came was Liu Ye, the second son of the second branch of Duke Liu's mansion.
Liu Ye's eyes fell on the little maids in front of him. Just as he was about to tease one of them, he heard an extremely charming female voice coming from the front.
"Master Liu, save me..."
After Lu Lingjun discovered that Qin Shaojing was missing, he immediately went to look for Cheng Yunshuo.
"Have you seen Shao Jing?"
Cheng Yunshuo looked around and said, "He was here just now, and told me he was going to the bathroom, and then he left."
"How long have you been gone?"
"In a little while."
Just then, Cheng Qi hurried over.
"Sister-in-law, Brother Yunshuo."
"Why are you here?"
"Where is Shaojing?" Cheng Qi didn't answer anything else and asked Qin Shaojing first.
"She went to the bathroom, and we were just about to look for her." Cheng Yunshuo said.
"I'll go with you." Cheng Qi immediately took them to look for someone.
There is a wedding being held at the Duke Zhao's mansion today, and there are a lot of people coming and going.
Lu Lingjun asked several servants, but none of them saw Qin Shaojing.
Just then, a female voice sounded, "Mrs. Cheng!"
Lu Lingjun turned her head and saw Cui Tonghua and Liu Yuling, both with thick powder on their faces, walking towards her.
"Where's Qin Shaojing?"
They both asked when they saw her.
"I'm looking for her too. Have you seen her?" Lu Lingjun said.
"We just saw Qin Shaojing in the backyard. She was flirting with Mr. Zhao and we didn't know what they were talking about. As soon as we arrived, she left."
"What nonsense are you talking about!" Cheng Qi said angrily.
Cui Tonghua glanced at him and said, "Who are you?"
Lu Lingjun didn't have time to listen to their quarrel at this moment, "Mrs. Cui, did you see where Shao Jing went?"
Cui Tonghua raised his head and glanced to the left, "No, she ran away when we chased her."
Hearing this, Cheng Qi ignored everyone else and hurried to the left to look.
Lu Lingjun and others also quickly followed.
Cui Tonghua and Liu Yuling looked at each other and followed after seeing this.
The group turned around and around but couldn't find Qin Shaojing. At this moment, Cheng Qi saw Nanny Qin passing by the secluded courtyard in front.
"Madame Qin!" Cheng Qi called out to Madame Qin loudly.
When he shouted, Nanny Qin in front of him suddenly panicked and hurriedly hid inside.
Just as she was about to hide in the yard and close the door, Cheng Qi rushed in and stopped Nanny Qin, "Where's Shao Jing?"
The captured Qin Mama was in a panic. She looked at Cheng Qi in front of her with sweat on her forehead, her eyes darting left and right, "Second Master, I don't know."
Lu Lingjun and Cheng Yunshuo hurried over with a group of people.
"Madame Qin, where is Shao Jing?" Lu Lingjun asked.
"My Lord, Madam, I really don't know!"
"You are Shao Jing's personal nanny, how could you not know!" Cheng Qi was very angry.
"Second Master, I, I, I..."
Lu Lingjun saw that Nanny Qin's eyes were in a panic and she kept glancing behind her. She followed her gaze and saw a room with a closed door.
"Who's in the room?" she asked.
"No one!" Nanny Qin quickly denied. She raised her head and pointed outside. "Miss Shao Jing is outside. I'll take you to find her."
But at this moment, Cheng Qi no longer believed her. He let go of Nanny Qin and walked straight into the house.
Seeing him coming, Nanny Qin immediately flew over and hugged Cheng Qi's feet, "Second Master, Miss Shao Jing is really not in there!"
"He's really not here!"
She shouted very loudly. When Cheng Qi heard this, he kicked Nanny Qin away and rushed into the house with big strides.
Seeing this, Nanny Qin shouted, "Miss! Someone is coming!"
As she continued shouting, the door was kicked open by Cheng Qi with a bang.
The moment the door was kicked open, an ambiguous and decadent smell filled the room, and Cheng Qi saw two people lying together in the room at a glance.
At this time, Qin Shaojing had disheveled hair and was pressed down by someone, as if she was forced, and the person on top of her was Liu Ye.
When Qin Shaojing saw the person rushing in, she looked in pain and shouted, "Brother Cheng Qi, save me!"
After she said this, Cheng Qi's eyes turned red, and he rushed up and beat Liu Ye violently.
"You beast! I'll kill you!"
Cheng Yunshuo and Lu Lingjun followed in.
As soon as they entered the room, they saw Liu Ye being pinned to the ground and beaten to death by Cheng Qi. On the messy bed, Qin Shaojing was lying in a corner with disheveled hair, wrapped in clothes, and crying in pain.
When Lu Lingjun saw this scene, he quickly asked someone to close the door.
Unfortunately, it's too late.
Cui Tonghua and Liu Yuling had already arrived and saw it.
Cheng Yunshuo frowned when he saw the chaotic scene. He rushed forward and kicked Liu Ye twice, but when he saw that Cheng Qi was going to beat Liu Ye to death like a madman, he hurriedly stopped him.
"You can't beat him to death!"
"Let me go! I will make him die!" Cheng Qi's eyes were red.
"What good will it do you if he dies! What good will it do to Shao Jing!" Cheng Yunshuo stopped Cheng Qi tightly. He looked at Liu Ye who was lying on the ground like a waste, "Tie him up for me first!"
Several servants rushed forward and tied up Liu Ye. At this time, Lu Lingjun took the maids and nannies to wrap up Qin Shaojing.
Cheng Yunshuo looked at the tied-up Liu Ye and the crying Qin Shaojing on the bed, "What the hell is going on!"
"I..."
Without waiting for Liu Ye to speak, Qin Shaojing, who was curled up in Nanny Qin's arms, pointed at Liu Ye and said, "I was drugged, he, he, he raped me!"
Hearing this, Liu Ye widened his eyes and said, "I didn't..."
"Bang!" Cheng Yunshuo punched him, "How dare you say no!"
Cheng Qi on the side was like a mad lion, ready to rush up and tear him to pieces.
Liu Ye quickly said, "I did it. I was wrong! I admit it!"