"You did a good job. You must keep your father here every night from now on." Li Bixiang said with a wry smile.
"Of course. Dad loves me the most. As long as I ask, he will definitely stay." Cheng Lanying said confidently.
Seeing her like this, Li Bixiang didn't say anything. She just added some dishes to her plate and told her to keep up the good work.
After finishing her meal, Cheng Lanying took her maids for a walk in the mansion. After walking a few steps, she met Qiu Ling and Ling Long who were directing people to do things in the pavilion.
"Hey, isn't this the Second Miss?" Qiu Ling said to her when she saw her.
"Aunt Qiu, Aunt Ling are very busy." Cheng Lanying glanced lazily at what they were commanding and spoke.
"Now that your aunt doesn't help us with shopping, we have to do all the work ourselves. It's naturally busier." Qiu Ling smiled.
"By the way, Second Miss, what has your aunt been assigned to do now? Why haven't I seen your aunt in the night patrol team for several days?" Linglong joked.
When Cheng Lanying heard this, she snorted, "Tsk! My aunt won't do these servant's jobs!"
Qiu Ling: "…"
exquisite:"..."
"My aunt is favored by my father, so she doesn't have to do hard work to please the wife like you do!"
Qiu Ling and Ling Long rolled their eyes speechlessly when they heard this. Qiu Ling said bluntly, "Then go back and tell your aunt to keep the prince's heart for the rest of her life and never let him go to our other sisters' courtyards again."
Just then, Cheng Suying came over with her maid Caihe.
Cheng Lanying saw her from a distance, and she deliberately said loudly, "Daddy loves me the most. With me here, he naturally dotes on my mom. He comes to my mom's yard every day. He's not like some people who are useless. If they're not doted on, it's useless for them to do anything!"
After saying that, Cheng Lanying left triumphantly from the other side.
After hearing her words, Cheng Suying's expression froze.
She took Caihe back to Lu Lingyun's yard in a depressed mood.
At this time, Lu Lingjun was busy with important matters.
Today is the big day when Lu Kuan's spring examination results are announced, and the Lu family invited her to go out and watch.
When she saw Cheng Suying coming in gloomily, she asked, "What's wrong with you? Why do you look unhappy?"
"Mom." Cheng Suying threw herself into Lu Lingyun's arms, "Am I useless?"
"What makes you think that?"
"The girl in Bishui Garden is favored by my father and can also compete for favor for her aunt, but I can't." Cheng Suying lowered her head, blaming herself very much.
Cheng Yunshuo didn't like her and seldom came to their main courtyard.
Her mother is the mistress of the Marquis's Mansion, but not even one of her concubines is favored.
When Lu Lingjun heard her say this, he sneered.
"Mom, what are you laughing at?" Cheng Suying raised her head and looked at Lu Lingjun curiously.
Lu Lingjun reached out and gently poked her forehead, "Silly child, mother will teach you a lesson today. If you use your beauty to serve a man, your love will fade as your beauty fades. A woman should never live by relying on a man's favor. No matter what time it is, you must have enough confidence and strength. Only when you have these will your husband respect you. Respect is more important than favor."
"Mom?" Cheng Suying's eyes suddenly lit up when she heard this.
"Come on, your uncle will announce the results today, let's see what place he got."
"good!"
Outside the Imperial Examination Hall, there was once again a huge crowd of people.
The last time Lu Lingjun came here was six years ago, when she accompanied Wang Qiluo to see Liu Shuhui's results.
Now she was surrounded by a large family. Liu brought many members of the Lu family and surrounded Lu Kuan to see the list. They were in the crowd and they heard the exclamation of the people in front of them before they squeezed in.
"Who is this Master Lu Kuan?"
"Top of the list!"
"Hui Yuan!"
"Did you hear it? It seems like someone in front is saying our young master's name!" Nanny An said excitedly beside Lu Lingjun.
"I heard it too, what's the top of the list!"
"Really? Our young master got the top spot!"
A large group of maids and old women heard the sound coming from the front and rushed forward excitedly.
Next to Lu Lingjun, Lu Kuan listened to the voice and smiled calmly. He looked ahead with shining eyes, "Don't worry, you can check the list anytime after it's posted."
Liu beside him said with a complicated expression, "Yes, why are you in such a hurry? The list is there, you can't escape it, and you can't change it. Don't worry."
After she said this, Auntie An, who was the first to squeeze into the crowd, shouted behind her, "I got it, I got it!"
"Young Madam! Madam! Our young master really got the top spot!"
"Our young master is the first in the examination!"
Nanny An's voice came over with great penetrating power. After hearing Nanny An's confirmation, Liu's expression changed again and again.
Top of the list, the first place... An unknown bastard in her family actually won the first place!
Her two sons are still taking the imperial examinations, and neither of them passed this year.
Lu Kuan has already passed the imperial examination.
If he passed the imperial examination, the worst that could happen to him would be a Jinshi. However, he was the first in the imperial examination, so no matter how weak he was, he would be a second-place Jinshi like his father.
If he gets lucky again, maybe he will have a chance to win three prizes in a row!
Lu Kuan will really become the hope of the Lu family in the future!
Liu's expression was extremely complicated.
Lu Lingyun and Cheng Suying were both delighted after hearing this.
Cheng Suying said excitedly, "Uncle, you are amazing! You won the first place!"
Lu Kuan picked up Cheng Suying and said, "Please take another good look at her for your uncle."
Cheng Suying, who was held high up, saw the big red list in front of her at a glance. The first name that stood out on it was Lu Kuan.
"Really! You really are first!" Cheng Suying said excitedly, "Uncle, you are amazing! You got first place in the provincial examination and first place in the imperial examination, you have already won two first places in a row!"
As she finished speaking, people around her looked over.
"So you are Master Lu Kuan!"
"Master Lu, you are really young and promising!"
"He got first place in the imperial examination at such a young age. He must have a bright future!"
"Master Lu, are you married? Are you engaged?"
"Master Lu, our young lady is sixteen years old and is waiting to be married. She is so beautiful that she can make fishes sink to the bottom of their waters, geese drop to the ground, and the moon and flowers blush..."
"Master Lu, Master Lu..."
More and more people flocked to Lu Kuan, all of them came to hand in invitations, ask for visits, and a lot of people came to ask for marriage.
Seeing this trend, Lu Kuan picked up Cheng Suying and pulled Lu Lingjun back quickly.
When Liu saw this, she couldn't help feeling jealous.
Just as Lu Lingjun said, once the results of the imperial examination were announced, Lu Kuan had a bright future and many marriage proposals for him were sought after.
His future wife must at least be from a famous family and a lady from a good family, and her father-in-law's family must be of high status!
What a pity that Lu Kuan is not her biological son!
How great it would be if her own son could have such a good thing happen to him.
Lu Kuan won the first place in the imperial examination. In the evening, Cheng Yunshuo came to Lu Lingyun's yard and asked him a few questions.
Lu Kuan is now very famous. He studied under Tianfu Academy and became a disciple of the current Grand Tutor. He won the first place in the imperial examination. Cheng Yunshuo's colleagues all know this person.
After the results were announced today, everyone came to Cheng Yunshuo and said that he had an amazing brother-in-law.
The future is limitless.
There were even some smart ones who used Cheng Yunshuo's relationship to ask Lu Kuan for marriage. Many families wanted to marry their daughters to him.
Cheng Yunshuo had sneered at these compliments in the early years, but now that he was older and his own achievements were mediocre, he increasingly saw that it was difficult for ordinary people to achieve great success in life.
He is just an ordinary son of a noble family in this life. Even if he works hard all his life, he may not be able to become the chief guard, let alone the top guard such as the imperial guard.
He doesn't have the opportunity or sufficient background.
All the imperial guards before the emperor are related to him. In their families, either a sister or an aunt is an empress in the palace. When discussing seniority in private, they either call the emperor brother-in-law, aunt, or uncle.
After all, that kind of top-level close combat work should be done by the most trusted person.
Cheng Yunshuo believed that his family did not have the foundation and strength, and he himself did not have outstanding talents that would be remembered by the emperor and specially promoted.
The probability is that he will live an ordinary life like this as a commander of the guards, and then inherit his father's title of marquis.
Suddenly, his family had a talented brother-in-law who ranked first in the provincial examination and the metropolitan examination, and was about to take the palace examination. He was in great glory, and all his colleagues came to praise him, which made Cheng Yunshuo feel proud.
After coming back, I asked Lu Lingyun about Lu Kuan.
"A Kuan won the first prize?"
"Yes, has the prince heard about it too?"
"Ah Kuan is really amazing." Cheng Yunshuo praised Lu Kuan repeatedly, "Your family is really good, no wonder it is a family of scholars, and everyone is talented."
Lu Lingjun listened to Cheng Yunshuo's praise and smiled faintly. She chatted with him casually for a few words, but Cheng Yunshuo became more and more interested as they talked. Every word he said was praising Lu Lingjun, Lu Kuan and the Lu family. He looked proud of himself, as if he had married a good wife.
The longer the ordinary days go by, the more you can see the influence of the other person's family background.
The shelf life of passion and interest is too short, but deep family background and personal ability and character will continue to reflect their value.
Lu Lingjun's family is becoming more powerful, and Cheng Yunshuo should think more highly of her.
Seeing that it was time for dinner, Lu Lingjun asked, "Sir, are you going to stay here for dinner tonight?"
"Okay." Cheng Yunshuo agreed without hesitation.
The image of Li Bixi flashed through his mind only for a moment, and then quickly disappeared.
Li Bixi is totally incomparable to Lu Lingjun.
There is no one in Li Bi'e's family, and those who come from her family are also from ordinary families. She has no heritage or background at all. She is the only one who got into the marquis' mansion relying on her good looks.
But now, she was old and her looks were no longer what Cheng Yunshuo wanted to see. She was even so old that he felt repulsed by her.
He had visited Qiu Ling and Ling Long in the past few days. No matter who they were, neither of them had aged as much as Li Bixi.
After the comparison, he felt even more disappointed. He would rather spend the night with these familiar old people than stay at Li Bixi's place.
Of course, he never thought of comparing him with Lu Lingjun, because Lu Lingjun was his legal wife, and she did not need her looks to secure her position in Cheng Yunshuo's heart.
At this moment, when Lu Lingjun asked him to stay in the yard for dinner, he agreed without saying a word.
Cheng Suying, who was standing aside, looked at her father who stayed behind, and she felt a little strange in her heart.
When Cheng Yunshuo finished his meal and went back to his Yaoguang Pavilion to rest, Cheng Suying couldn't help but throw herself into Lu Lingyun's arms, "Mom, you are so right."
"What is true and what is false?"
"We have the strength, father will never underestimate us, and the concubines will never be able to compete with us." Cheng Suying said.
Hearing this, Lu Lingjun chuckled and stroked Cheng Suying's hair, "You are not right. We have our own strengths for our own sake so that we can live more easily and freely. If we have nothing and only rely on men to live, we will definitely suffer."
After hearing this, Cheng Suying fell into deep thought.
And at this time in Bishuiyuan.
Cheng Lanying was more anxious than her mother when she saw Cheng Yunshuo was late.
"My dad went to that vixen's place again!"
"Second Miss, the prince has gone to have dinner with the young mistress."
When Cheng Lanying heard that Cheng Yunshuo went to Lu Lingjun's place, her anger immediately subsided.
If her father was with Qiu Ling or Ling Long, she would really dare to lose her temper, but in the mistress's yard, she dared not say a word.
Cheng Lanying snorted heavily, turned around and went into the house. As soon as she entered, she saw her mother sitting at the dining table with a frown on her face.
"Mom, Dad isn't coming, let's eat."
Li Bixi glanced at her and said, "Eat, eat, eat. All you know is to eat!"
"If Dad doesn't come, we will starve to death!"
Li Bixi was extremely anxious. She looked at her heartless daughter and scolded her, "Why don't you try to find a way to keep your father here!"
"Dad has gone to that girl's yard! How can I go to her yard to snatch her away? Mom, if you have the ability, go ahead!"
Li Bijie was so angry with her daughter again, how could she be so meticulous, but giving birth to a daughter was just as stupid as giving birth to one.
Li Bixi thought for a while and sighed, "Lanying, mother only has you and Bingzhi. In this mansion, only the three of us are connected by blood. You and mother are one."
Hearing her mother's weak and feeble words, Cheng Lanying immediately said, "Okay, okay, I'll go stop them when Daddy comes out of that yard."
Li Bixi's eyes lit up, "Lanying, you are really a good daughter of your mother. You must remember that men are always our support for survival. You must hold on to your father's love. You must be the way he likes you to be, and never make him angry."
Cheng Lanying curled her lips in disdain, "Tsk! Dad loves me, he likes me no matter what I am like!"
"You little girl, do you still listen to your mother..."
Cheng Lanying was annoyed by her and got down from the table directly, "I'm going to go out and stop Dad, Mom, you can eat by yourself."
Cheng Yunshuo was walking out of Lu Lingyun's yard and was stopped halfway.
"Father!"
In the entire marquis's mansion, only Cheng Suying called him father and not dad.
As expected, he turned around and saw Cheng Suying, "What's wrong?"
"You forgot this." Cheng Suying winked at Caihe and handed over Cheng Yunshuo's helmet, "You will have to wear it when you go on duty tomorrow."
As soon as Cheng Yunshuo lowered his head, he saw Cheng Suying's face that looked more and more like her mother.
It's not that Cheng Yunshuo doesn't like Cheng Suying.
On the contrary, among his five children, his favorites were Cheng Suying and Cheng Binghao.
But because he liked them so much, he didn't dare to touch them at all.
On weekdays, they are even more distant from us.
I was afraid that if they were too nervous, they would both die.
Cheng Yunshuo was stunned for a moment, but seeing Cheng Suying's increasingly dissatisfied expression, he quickly took over his helmet.
"Father, please don't lose things anymore." Cheng Siying said in a cold tone.
"Yeah." Cheng Yunshuo responded.
"Okay, I'm going back now."
Cheng Yunshuo looked at her who was about to go back and nodded at her, "Go to bed early with your mother, and don't stay out in the cold at night."
"Got it." Cheng Suying turned around and went back.
Cheng Yunshuo watched her go back and stayed there. At this time, a voice came from behind him.
"Daddy!"
This father's tone was full of jealousy.
Before Cheng Yunshuo could even turn around, Cheng Lanying ran up to him with a jealous look on her face, pointed at him and cursed, "What are you looking at? You've lost your mind. I called you several times and you didn't even hear me!"
After Cheng Lanying's accusation, Cheng Yunshuo immediately frowned.
Cheng Lanying was even more jealous at this time, "My mother and I have been waiting for you in the house. We haven't even eaten yet, but you are outside yelling at someone who is blinded by you. Are you being worthy of me and my mother?"
If any other concubine was here to stop Cheng Yunshuo and trip him up, Cheng Lanying would have let it go and just chased those nasty vixens away, but she just came over and saw Cheng Suying delivering something to Cheng Yunshuo!
Cheng Yunshuo actually spoke to her in a very kind voice, and he kept staring at her after she left!
How can this be possible!
Immediately, she vented all the anger she had suffered from her mother in the yard, as well as the jealous rage, and cursed her father.
"I know, it must be Cheng Suying who used some trick to deceive you, Daddy! She is so shameless!"
"Enough!" Cheng Yunshuo shouted angrily, scolding, "How can you be so uneducated! This is how your aunt taught you every day!"
Cheng Yunshuo's scolding made Cheng Lanying dumbfounded. She looked at her father who usually obeyed her and doted on her with great surprise.
Is Cheng Yunshuo scolding her?
Be mean to her?
"Dad..." Cheng Lanying's eyes immediately turned red.
"Stop crying!" Cheng Yunshuo glanced at her impatiently, "Your aunt taught you to be so tactless. You should really go to your mother and learn some manners!"
"I'm not going to that woman!" Cheng Lanying yelled, "She's not a good person!"
Cheng Yunshuo got even angrier when he heard this. "It seems like your aunt has really taught you bad things. Someone, send the second young lady back home and make her learn the family rules for three days!"
When Qingfeng and several servants heard this, they all came over to pull Cheng Lanying.
Cheng Lanying was pulled back and she yelled at Cheng Yunshuo, "Dad, you're also a bad person! You're a bad dad! Bad dad! I hate you!"
"Copy the house rules for a month! No one is allowed to plead for her!"
When Cheng Lanying heard Cheng Yunshuo punishing her like this, she burst into tears, "Bad daddy! Bad daddy! I hate you!"
Cheng Yunshuo looked at Cheng Lanying being dragged away, and walked away with a green face.
Li Bixi was waiting in Bishui Garden to bring Cheng Lanying and Cheng Yunshuo, and then she finally saw Cheng Lanying brought back by Qingfeng.
Cheng Lanying cried so hard that her face was covered with tears and snot.
Seeing her like this, Li Bixi hurriedly asked, "Qingfeng, what happened?"
"Aunt Li, you'd better discipline the second young lady." Qingfeng glanced at her with a dark look in his eyes, and left after leaving only these words.
After he left, Li Bijie quickly asked someone to find out what had just happened. After learning that Cheng Lanying had scolded Cheng Yunshuo in public, scolded him, beat him, and was punished by him to copy the family rules a hundred times, her face turned green with anger.
"What are you doing!" Li Bijie grabbed Cheng Lanying who was crying and asked.
"He is a bad father! Bad father!" Cheng Lanying was indignant.
Ever since she could remember, Cheng Yunshuo had doted on her to no end.
Among the five children in the Marquis' Mansion, she was the only one who was often held by Cheng Yunshuo. No matter what she wanted, she would act coquettishly with Cheng Yunshuo and he would buy it for her. Cheng Yunshuo would also take her to fly kites, which he had never done with other children.
But today he attacked her because of Cheng Suying.
Cheng Lanying was not convinced.
"You stupid girl! You are so stupid that you don't even have a brain! Didn't I tell you that you should act the way your dad likes? How dare you scold him! And you even called him a bad dad. Have your brains been eaten by a dog?" Li Bixiang was so angry that she pulled her over and beat her.
After being beaten, Cheng Lanying cried and cursed, "You are also a bad mother! Bad mother! I hate you!"
The more fiercely she cursed, the harder she was beaten.
Lu Lingjun learned about the incident at Bishuiyuan the next day. After hearing Cheng Lanying crying for half the night, she sent someone to bring her a bowl of calming medicine and plaster.
Li Bixiang accepted the medicine and plaster with many thanks, then turned around and scattered the soup after the person left.
After seeing this, Cheng Lanying, who was copying books in the room, felt for the first time that Lu Lingjun was not that bad. She was punished, and everyone beat and scolded her, but Lu Lingjun sent someone to deliver things to her. Her mother, on the other hand, was so hypocritical.
She scolded her mother for being hypocritical and turned around and threw away the things people gave her, and was beaten severely by her mother again.
After being beaten, Cheng Lanying copied the family rules in the house and cursed her father and mother for being bad.
On this side, Nanny Wan, who had just delivered the things, brought a package for Lu Lingjun.
"Young Madam, I found what you asked me to check." Nanny Wan unfolded the bundle in her hand, which contained a bag of dried tea.
"People in Bishui Garden said that their aunt would ask the prince to drink this kind of tea every time he came."
Lu Lingjun looked at the special tea leaves drying in front of him, waved his hand, kept half, and gave the remaining half to Nanny Wan, "Send it to the doctor, and ask three hospitals to check separately to see what's inside."
"yes."
"Remember, don't disturb anyone."
"Don't worry, Madam. I will never alarm anyone when I do things." Nanny Wan assured.
Nanny Wan is very careful when doing things, especially when doing bad things.
She interrogated the maids and servants in Bishui Garden privately. No matter how careful they were, they all confessed in a few seconds. She then tortured them harshly and no one dared to say anything.
The tea is sent out for inspection and is carefully controlled to ensure that no news leaks out.
Nanny Wan quietly left the house with the tea.
While there was a commotion in the mansion, Lu Kuan was also about to take the palace examination.
On the day of the palace examination, all members of the Lu family were out. In recent years, Lu Lingyun's half-sisters have reached marriageable age one after another. One of them got married two years ago, and now there are three left in the family. They all dressed up early and followed Liu to wait outside the palace.
The palace examination lasts one day and the results will be announced on the same day.
Lu Lingjun brought Cheng Suying and Cheng Hui who was resting at home and rushed over.
When she arrived, the Liu sisters were also there.
"Big sister!"
"Big sister!"
Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang came over and surrounded her.
"You guys are here too?"
"Um."
Liu Qingping looked back at the women of the Lu family, her eyes set on Lu Lingyun's unmarried half-sister, "My eldest sister's family is so popular now! The girls in my eldest sister's family are even more sought after!"
"Yes, nowadays, who doesn't say that the daughters of the Lu family are good? Big sister, you are a model of a mistress, and your reputation is well-known. Cousin Lu Kuan has won two prizes in a row and is expected to win the top prize. He has a bright future. Girls from your family are all being sought after!"
"Oh?" Lu Lingjun followed Liu Qingping's gaze and saw that many noble ladies from the capital were surrounding the Liu family.
The results haven't been announced yet, Lu Kuan's ranking hasn't been released, but the Lu family has already had a group of people targeting him.
Lu Kuan had good grades, so not only was he popular, but the daughter of the Lu family also became popular, and a group of people came to propose to her.
It was extremely rare in Liu's life for so many famous and wealthy families to seek her favor and send her engagement letters, all of which were seeking marriage.
All of them are wives of officials of the fourth and fifth ranks. Each of them has to have both a good family background and great strength. Those below the sixth rank are ashamed of their low social status and dare not come up!
The key point is that the girl he is seeking to marry is a concubine in their family!
Of course, if Liu's biological son had not yet married, she could find a good daughter-in-law for her two biological sons now, but her two biological sons got married several years ago!
At that time, she was still thinking that she had to make plans for her own son's affairs early and settle him down with a good family as soon as possible. Their Lu family was of average strength, and Old Man Lu had no real power in the Hanlin Academy. Many families looked down on a family like the Lu family.
Originally, marrying off a daughter was usually done by marrying up, and marrying a wife was usually done by marrying down.
At that time, she had benefited from Lu Lingjun's influence and arranged two civil servant families of similar strength for her two sons.
How could she have imagined that a few years later, their Lu family would make a comeback because of Lu Kuan!
Each family came to see her unmarried daughters, and each of them came from a very good family.
I don't care at all whether she is a concubine's daughter or a concubine's son!
Liu couldn't help but feel indescribably depressed.
How come among the Lu family's children, her three biological children married the worst?
Her own daughter Lu Hanyi married the second son of a sixth-rank civil servant. The Li family originally thought that the family had a good future, but after the usury case a few years ago, their prospects were completely bleak.
Li Wenxun himself is still a down-and-out seventh-rank county magistrate in Donghai County, and it seems that there is no hope for him to return to Beijing in this lifetime!
How can Lu Hanyi now compare with her elder sister Lu Lingjun who married into the Marquis' Mansion?
Even her half-sisters can't compare to her!
Among all the families that come here to marry, which one is not stronger than the Li family!
At this moment, she didn't even dare to think about what kind of family would want to recruit Lu Kuan as a son-in-law if he really graduated from high school!
She had a lot of little thoughts in her mind, but she had to keep a smile on her face to deal with these enthusiastic ladies from wealthy families in front of her.
Liu even wondered what she was doing out today!
She might as well just pretend to be sick at home!
Lu Lingjun saw Liu's fake flattering smile across the crowd and couldn't help laughing. Liu must be more upset to see that her illegitimate sons and daughters were so popular and wanted to marry into wealthy families than to have a bad life herself!
"Big sister, if you ask me, you've made a good start," Liu Qingping praised, "You are a good role model for all the children in the Lu family!"
"Yes, even if my second sister is not doing well and lives in the Li family with her child, and does not go on official trips to other places with my second brother-in-law, it will not affect your performance! And with you here, her life in the Li family with her child will not be bad." Liu Qingshuang said.
When Lu Lingjun heard them talking about Lu Hanyi, she couldn't help but smile again, because Lu Hanyi had not been around her for a long time.
Lu Hanyi returned to Beijing six years ago and never left.
Old Man Lu didn't allow her to live in her mother's house, so she took her child back to the Li family.
She lived alone with her child in the Li family. Although there was no man around her, she had her parents' family and Lu Lingjun around. The Li family was not a place where she could not make a living. In fact, it was even better than her accompanying Li Wenxun on his official tours in the local area!
Li Wenxun had three concubines. The most favored concubine, Xiangxue, took over the power of managing the household and gave birth to three sons for Li Wenxun. The remaining two concubines were also deeply favored by Li Wenxun and were very thoughtful.
If she were still in the East China Sea, being a mistress would be absolutely exhausting!
It's better to live alone with the child!
But after she raised the child alone, she calmed down and never competed with Lu Lingjun again.
Whenever Lu Lingjun returned to the Lu family during the holidays, if she was there, she would take the children and hide from her!
Never see her again!
While Lu Lingjun was thinking about Lu Hanyi, Liu Qingshuang suddenly mentioned another person, "By the way, do you still remember the incident I told you last time about the maid who climbed onto the bed being beaten to death in Duke Liu's mansion?"
"I remember, I remember that was my elder sister's sister-in-law, from Miss Qin's courtyard, right?"
When Qin Shaojing's name was mentioned, before Lu Lingjun could say anything, Cheng Hui's eyes lit up, "Is it that Qin Shaojing?"
"Yes." Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang naturally knew Cheng Hui. They had come to the Marquis' Mansion many times in the past few years.
"What's wrong with her?"
Liu Qingshuang looked at Cheng Hui and told her about Qin Shaojing beating the maid to death. She then said, "It's interesting to talk about it. My eldest sister-in-law told me that Qin from the second house left the Duke's Mansion after beating the maid to death. The second house's wife and master were so angry that they said they would punish her severely and even wanted to divorce her. But after she returned to the Duke's Mansion some time ago, the second house suddenly became quiet and no one said they would beat her."
"Hmm?" Cheng Hui frowned.
She hadn't expected that she would come out and hear about Qin Shaojing's big melon, which disappeared before it exploded.
"Why?" she asked.
"I don't know about that." Liu Qingshuang shook her head. How could she know so much?
All this was what her elder sister-in-law told her when she came back.
"Could it be that Qin is pregnant?" Liu Qingping suddenly asked.
Her words made everyone quiet down.
"Okay, stop guessing." Everyone was silent, and Lu Lingjun said, "Why guess? If she is pregnant, we will know in a few days."
As Lu Lingjun was speaking, the east gate of the imperial palace opened.
The candidates who entered the palace to take part in the palace examination today came out one by one.
As they came out, the people waiting outside became excited.
Every family and every household went to look for their young master, and the Lu family's side was even more lively.
A large group of people rushed towards the palace gate, wanting to see Lu Kuan first and learn about today's results.
At this time, a noble lady who had just been talking to Liu about getting married said, "Master Lu is this year's top scholar!"
A large group of people turned to look at her. There was also a young man in his twenties next to the noble lady, who was the candidate who had just finished the palace examination today.
He said to everyone, "Lu Kuan is the number one scholar chosen by His Majesty this year!"
"I got it! I got it!"
"He's really the top scorer!"
"Our young master won the first place in the imperial examination!"
"Lu Kuan really won three prizes in a row!"
"You are truly a rare talent. Young Master Lu has a bright future!"
"Mrs. Lu, do you have time now? We would like to visit you in person!"
"Mrs. Lu, I'm not going to hide it from you. My little girl has admired Master Lu for a long time. Why don't our two families arrange a meeting?"
"Mrs. Lu..."
After the announcement that Lu Kuan had won the top spot in the imperial examination was made, more and more people surrounded Liu, and they all wanted to grab her on the spot, take her home, and get engaged to her on the same day!
This is the top scholar who has won three first prizes in a row!
Moreover, the wives of officials who were waiting outside had all inquired about the matter and found out that Lu Kuan was not only talented, but he was also a disciple of Grand Tutor Zhao. With Grand Tutor Zhao as his guarantee, his future official career would be even brighter.
Not to mention that he has a sister who married into the Ningyang Marquis Mansion...
Such a wealthy son-in-law will surely be a rising star in the court in the future. What are you waiting for if you don't hurry up and grab him?
Lu Lingyun was also shocked when she heard that Lu Kuan won the first place in the imperial examination. At this time, a young man who had just turned 20 and was full of vigor and vitality stood in front of Lu Lingyun, "Big sister."
"Kuan'er!"
"Uncle, you are so awesome! You won the top spot in the imperial examination!" Cheng Suying pounced on Lu Kuan.
Lu Kuan touched her head, picked her up, and smiled at the others around them.
"Congratulations, cousin, you have won three prizes in a row. You will be extremely rich in the future."
"My cousin is really a talented young man. He is very popular now and many people are fighting for him!"
Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang joked.
The two of them had been playing together in the Lu family since they were young, and they had never imagined that the unknown bastard of the Lu family would rise to such a high position one day.
It even flew to the point where they couldn't help but feel jealous.
If they were younger and unmarried, Lu Kuan would definitely be their first choice to marry...
Lu Kuan just nodded to the two of them, then looked at Lu Lingyun, "Big sister, I'm glad you lived up to my high expectations."
Lu Lingjun smiled, "Will you come back to the mansion with me? Your brother-in-law said a few days ago that he wanted to treat you to a meal."
"Okay." Lu Kuan agreed readily.
After he agreed, the people from the Lu family also discovered that he was at Lu Lingjun's place, and a large group of people were about to come over.
Lu Kuan hurriedly got on the marquis's carriage with Lu Lingjun and went to the marquis's mansion together.
On the way, Lu Lingjun looked at him lovingly like an elder sister, "Kuan'er, now that you have won three first prizes in the imperial examinations, you have become the ideal son-in-law in the eyes of the noble ladies in the capital."
"Big sister, you tease me too."
"I'm not kidding you," Lu Lingjun pointed out the window, "If you don't have an idea, someone will arrange a marriage for you soon."
There are a lot of people from the Liu family who want to marry into the family.
Although each of them has a wealthy family background, Lu Lingjun doesn't think that Liu will choose the best one for him.
It could even be said that she was very likely to pick out a sesame seed for Lu Kuan from a pile of watermelons.
For example, she might deliberately find someone with an ugly appearance or a bad temper to make others' lives miserable, but she would then live a good life.
After Lu Lingyun finished speaking, Lu Kuan was silent for a while. He raised his head and looked at Lu Lingyun, "Big sister, to be honest, Kuan'er wants to ask you to help me find a match."
Hearing this, Lu Lingjun's mouth corners almost lifted to his ears, "Oh, it seems that my brother has already had a girl in mind, and has been waiting for now."
"Big sister..." Lu Kuan's face turned red.
"Okay, sister, I won't say anything nonsense. Just tell me which girl she is."
Lu Kuan's ears were red as blood, and he uttered two words in high spirits, "Nan Yuan."
"What?! Aunt Nanyuan?" Cheng Suying widened her eyes.
"Yes," Lu Kuan raised his head, "I want to marry Nan Yuan!"
Lu Kuan had remembered Tong Nanyuan in his heart after having briefly met her at Mr. Tong's residence six years ago.
But he had no right to say such things at that time.
The Tong family is a prominent family in Jiangnan. Tong Nanyuan's second uncle is also an official in the capital, holding the third rank. With such a powerful background, how could he have the qualifications to covet others?
Originally, Lu Kuan felt that there was no possibility for the two of them. After all, although he worked hard to improve himself, Tong Nanyuan was too old to wait.
Tong Nanyuan was only fourteen that year, and her marriage would be discussed in less than two years. He could not afford to propose marriage in two years.
But what surprised and delighted him was that after Tong Nanyuan got engaged at the age of sixteen, Tong's grandmother passed away. Tong Nanyuan had to observe mourning for her grandmother, so his marriage was delayed.
The man broke off the engagement, and she stayed in the Tong family for three years. By the time she finished her mourning period, she was too old and no one came to propose to her anymore.
It was last year that Lu Kuan learned from Lu Lingjun that Tong Nanyuan was still unmarried, and he was preparing for the imperial examination this year with great effort.
He must pass the top three examinations in a row, fly high in the imperial examinations, pave a golden road for himself, and propose to her openly.
Lu Lingjun was surprised when he heard Lu Kuan say that he wanted to marry Tong Nanyuan.
She looked at Lu Kuan in front of her seriously for a long time without giving him a direct answer.
After the carriage entered the Marquis' Mansion, Lu Lingjun led Lu Kuan to her yard. Lu Kuan looked at Lu Lingjun who had not responded to him for a long time and couldn't help but ask.
"Big sister, are you unwilling to be a matchmaker for me?"
Seeing that he was obsessed with her, Lu Lingjun knew that he was sincere. She sent all the maids away and looked at Lu Kuan alone and said, "Kuan'er, there is something I want to tell you."
"What?"
"Do you know how my mother died?"
Lu Kuan was stunned, not understanding what was going on, but he nodded anyway.
"Not only my mother, but my grandmother also died while giving birth," Lu Lingjun said after a long breath, "Nan Yuan's sisters, except Nan Xia who has not been pregnant in recent years, her two elder sisters also died while giving birth a few years ago."
Lu Kuan frowned when he heard this, "Big sister, what do you mean..."
Lu Lingjun looked at Lu Kuan, "It is extremely risky for women from our mother clan to give birth. Can you accept that?"
Lu Kuan was shocked by Lu Lingjun's words, but he quickly said, "Big sister, I understand. I won't ask Nan Yuan to have a child."
Lu Lingjun was really surprised by what Lu Kuan said.
Because he accepted it without much hesitation.
In this era, childbearing is particularly important for a woman.
A woman who cannot bear children, or who has children whose lives are in danger if she does, is extremely difficult for any husband's family to accept.
But Lu Kuan hardly hesitated and didn't care about the matter at all.
Lu Lingjun looked at Lu Kuan who was very serious, "Okay, I'll take care of your matchmaking."
"Thank you, big sister." Lu Kuan's eyes sparkled and he couldn't suppress his excitement.
After he calmed down, he looked at Lu Lingjun who was always calm and indifferent, and seemed to think of something, "Big sister, so the reason why you haven't had your own children for so many years is also because..."
Lu Lingjun hushed him and blinked, as a sign of agreement.
Lu Kuan saw that there was nothing strange in her eyes, and she was still as calm and composed as usual. Suddenly he felt as if his heart was hit, and he felt extremely heartbroken.
It turned out that his elder sister had been carrying such a heavy secret and moving forward alone.
It is not easy for her to get to where she is now, to make everyone feel at ease and even proud of her!
For a married woman in this era, the simplest, most effective and most solid way to gain a foothold is to have a child of her own blood. As long as she has a child, she can gain a foothold in her husband's family and will not be easily driven away.
If you don't have children, then the only people you can rely on are your parents and brothers.
If we don't have any of these, life will be extremely difficult.
But Lu Lingyun never sought help from anyone.
For so many years, she had been running the Marquis's mansion and holding the power of the mistress despite being unable to have children. One can imagine how difficult it was.
He thought about it more carefully. Not only did Lu Lingjun not have her own children, she also didn't have her own biological mother. Their father... He knew too well what kind of person Old Man Lu was.
If his children were useless and had no achievements, he would not even look at them or remember them.
So from beginning to end, her elder sister had no one to rely on.
She has always had to rely on herself.
But she is just a woman!
She, a woman, managed to survive in this era by herself, and she could even help him...
His eldest sister...is truly amazing.
Lu Kuan looked at the calm and composed Lu Lingjun in front of him, and felt that she was so strong that it made him feel distressed. He couldn't help but say, "Big sister, I have grown up. I can protect you from the wind and rain in the future."
When Lu Lingjun heard this, the corners of her mouth suddenly turned up, revealing an extremely heartwarming smile, "Kuan'er, just fly well. The higher and more stable you fly, the more your sister will naturally be protected by you."
"Yes!" Lu Kuan nodded heavily.
After agreeing to Lu Kuan's request, Lu Lingjun wrote a letter and prepared to send it to Jiangnan.
Her grandmother passed away a few years ago. In her previous life, her grandmother passed away just before she was promoted to the capital. Perhaps her rebirth inadvertently affected many things.
She was heartbroken by her grandmother's early death a few years ago, but now thinking about it, it was like saving Tong Nanyuan's life.
Because according to the course of her previous life, Tong Nanyuan was going to get married a few years ago, but she died the second year after giving birth to a child.
Tong Nanyuan had to delay her marriage for three years in order to observe mourning for Old Madam Lin, and this delay also delayed her own marriage.
Now that Lu Kuan is willing to marry her and has promised Lu Lingjun that he will not let her give birth to a child, this can be considered as saving Tong Nanyuan's life in this life.
Lu Lingjun finished writing the letter with mixed feelings, but she couldn't send the marriage letter directly.
Master Tong is in the capital!
She had to go to her second uncle's house first, talk to them about the matter, and have her second uncle deliver the marriage letter.
Lu Kuan is now a newly crowned top scholar who has won three first places in the imperial examination. He is extremely popular, so it is only natural for him to propose to Tong Nanyuan.
After Lu Lingjun finished writing the letter, she asked someone to send a visiting invitation to her second uncle's house first.
Early the next morning, she led people to Mr. Tong's mansion.
"Let me see who's here!"
As soon as Lu Lingyun's carriage arrived at Mr. Tong's house, her second aunt Wang Peirong personally led people to greet them.
"Second aunt." Lu Lingjun got off the carriage and greeted her.
Wang Peirong hurried forward to greet her, and excitedly took her hand and walked into the house.
Wang Peirong has had a very good relationship with Lu Lingyun in the past six years.
The Tong family had just arrived in the capital and had no roots. After all, they only had Lu Lingjun as a blood relative. Lu Lingjun had a good personality and a good temper, and treated the Tong family very well. After a few visits, Wang Peirong developed a very good relationship with her.
She thinks she is closer to her than her own daughter!
"You came at the perfect time today. Jiangnan just sent us this year's first batch of tea. You are in for a treat!"
"Okay then. I must taste it carefully." Lu Lingjun smiled and went into Wang Peirong's house with her.
After entering her yard, she saw that Wang Peirong's small tea table was already filled with tea sets for three people.
Lu Lingjun submitted the invitation yesterday, so Wang Peirong must have prepared it in advance.
"Does Second Aunt have any guests today?"
"Yes, your cousin Nanxia is coming here today too!" said Wang Peirong.
Just then, a large group of people came outside Wang Peirong's yard, led by Tong Nanxia.
Six years have passed, and Tong Nanxia, who has become a married woman, has become more and more beautiful. She was originally one of the top beauties in Jiangnan. Six years ago, she was bullied by her aunt like a punching bag, and she was always delicate and charming.
But now she has become more and more cold and aloof, living a life of luxury all day long. As the lady of the Duke's Mansion, she is extremely noble and unattainable. Combined with her temperament, she makes people think of her as a noble, fragile and cold beauty.
This is indeed the case. After Tong Nanxia got married, she became more and more cold and unwilling to talk to others. She also did not give birth to a child for Duke Zhao's Mansion over the years.
But her husband Zhao Yanshu just fell for it!
All day long, he held her in his hands for fear of touching her, and held her in his mouth for fear of her melting. If his mother bullied Tong Nanxia, Zhao Yanshu would be the first to disagree.
Lu Lingjun often heard from her second aunt that Tong Nanxia made her mother-in-law very angry.
Tong Nanxia refused to give birth, so Zhao Yanshu just let her do what she wanted and spoiled her, even not allowing Tong Nanxia to take the fertility medicine sent by her mother-in-law.
I was afraid that she would feel bitter and uncomfortable drinking it.
The issue of offspring had been a cause of turmoil in Duke Zhao's mansion for a long time. It was only in the past two years that Zhao Yanshu gradually gave in and, at his mother's request, took in a concubine, who gave birth to a bastard son.
He immediately registered the child under Tong Nanxia's name for the rest of his life, and never went to the concubine's room again. No one in the entire Duke's Mansion was allowed to bully her.
These some people are really lucky.
Wang Peirong envied Tong Nanxia.
In the past, she was bullied by her aunt every day, but after she got married, her life changed all of a sudden and she was no longer bullied.
Wang Peirong always said that Tong Nanxia had suffered all the anger and grievances in the first half of her life!
The rest of your life is just about enjoying yourself!
When Lu Lingjun saw Tong Nanxia coming over, he smiled and called her over, "Nanxia."
"Cousin, you're here."
Tong Nanxia is distant and cold towards others, but is more enthusiastic towards Lu Lingjun.
"Why did you decide to come to your aunt's place today?" Lu Lingjun asked.
"It's nothing, I'm just bored in the Duke's Mansion." Tong Nanxia glanced at the maids and nannies of the Duke's Mansion who were following her, and said to them coldly, "You all go wait outside."
"Yes, Madam."
A large group of maids and nannies who were sent by Zhao Yanshu to follow Tong Nanxia and protect and take care of her all went outside.
After these people left, Tong Nanxia felt a lot more relieved.
"If you feel bored in the Duke's Mansion, you can come to my place often." Lu Lingjun said.
"If you go too long, it will disturb your cousin." Tong Nanxia said with a frown.
Lu Lingjun knew her sensitive and fragile thoughts, so she told her that it was okay and invited her warmly, but Tong Nanxia still didn't dare to go often.
Because she was afraid that if she went too often, it would annoy Lu Lingjun.
Lu Lingjun looked at the twisted and fragile Tong Nanxia and burst out laughing, "It's okay if you don't want to go to my place. You can go to another place more often in the future. The people there will definitely not find you annoying."
Tong Nanxia raised her head in confusion, half frowned, and looked at her curiously.
Lu Lingjun gave Shuanghong a look and took out a handwritten letter from her. "My brother Lu Kuan wants to marry Nan Yuan. If they get married, you can visit your sister more often in the future!"
Lu Lingjun's words made the whole audience fall silent. Tong Nanxia's eyes widened. Wang Peirong, who was standing by, was startled, and then clapped her hands in surprise, "Our newly crowned top scholar who won three prizes in a row wants to marry Nanyuan!"
"Yes, please ask my second aunt to help us to reconcile this matter." Lu Lingjun handed the marriage letter to Wang Peirong with a smile.
Wang Peirong opened the letter, unfolded it and quickly read it. After reading it, she couldn't help but said, "Good news, good news! Great news!"
"When will the third sister get married?" Tong Nanxia asked.
When Lu Lingjun heard this, he said, "Why do I feel like you are more anxious than my brother?"
Wang Peirong on the side quickly folded the letter and stuffed it back. She looked at Tong Nanxia, "We have just started discussing marriage! Nanyuan is going to marry here from Jiangnan, it will take at least half a year, you are really more anxious than Mr. Lu!"
"No way." Tong Nanxia blushed after being told this by the two of them, and she drank several cups of tea.
Wang Peirong turned to look at Lu Lingyun, "Lingyun, don't worry about this matter. I will be the matchmaker and this good marriage will be successful!"
"Thank you, second aunt."
"What's there to thank for? We are now even closer relatives! What a perfect match!"
Lu Lingjun had already started discussing the betrothal gifts and marriage with Wang Peirong and Tong Nanxia, and the discussion lasted until the evening. The three of them drank tea all day, and when it was getting dark, Lu Lingjun finished the discussion and said that they would continue the discussion after receiving a reply from Jiangnan in some time.
When leaving, Wang Peirong brought a large box of new tea back to Lu Lingyun.
Tong Nanxia also became active at this time, "Cousin, I will come to your place in a few days."
"good."
Lu Lingjun agreed with her, and she took the tea and led the maids and servants back to the marquis' mansion.
She had already told the Tong family about the matter, so naturally she had to inform the Lu family as well. After Lu Lingjun returned home, she asked someone to deliver the engagement letter to the Lu family and told them that she would go there the next day.
She was busy all day and only relaxed when she returned to her own yard.
At this time, Nanny Wan came over.
"Madam, the truth has been uncovered!"
"What's the matter?" Lu Lingjun was so busy that he forgot what to ask Nanny Wan to do.
"What about the tea leaves?" Nanny Wan spread out the tea leaves in her sleeves. "I went to three clinics and asked all the doctors to test the tea leaves!"
"They all said that this tea is very special. It has been soaked in a lot of medicinal powders, dried and fried. Most of these medicinal powders are cold in nature and can damage the kidneys and the essence. This kind of tea is very bad for men. It can easily cause kidney qi stagnation and poor essence. Long-term drinking can even make men infertile!"
After listening to Nanny Wan's words, Lu Lingjun frowned.
"It was that bitch Li Bi'e who did it! This bitch is so bold! She dared to poison the master's family, and she used such a poison that would kill the whole family. She is simply courting death!" Nanny Wan looked at Lu Lingjun, "Madam, let's arrest her quickly and beat her to death according to our ancestral family law!"
While Nanny Wan was extremely angry, Lu Lingjun slowly drank a sip of tea.
She held out her hand. "No hurry."
"Madam, what are you going to do? Li Bixi has done such a thing, and the evidence is conclusive. Why are you still letting that bitch live?"
Li Bixi really deserves to die even if she has nine lives for daring to poison Cheng Yunshuo.
This is the master of the Marquisate, the foundation of the entire Marquisate!
Such a vicious and cruel person, why don't you kill him right away but wait until the New Year!
Lu Lingjun raised her eyes and looked at Nanny Wan, "Since you poisoned the prince, then let him be punished."
Li Bixi was so brave that she was scared.
He dared to poison Cheng Yunshuo directly, causing him to have no descendants.
But it was precisely because of this that she had to ask Cheng Yunshuo to come and bring the case to justice.
Why should she do such a dirty job?
Firstly, if she went directly to interrogate Li Bixiong, even if the evidence was conclusive, Li Bixiong would still have room to argue.
Moreover, she has a son and a daughter. If she causes any trouble in any way, even if Li Bixi is convicted and beaten to death, it will leave hidden dangers in the future.
Secondly, Li Bixi is Cheng Yunshuo's sweetheart, and her face looks very much like Xing Dairong. Just for this reason, Lu Lingjun cannot touch her easily.
As long as she was the one who touched the person, even if she explained it clearly to Cheng Yunshuo, Cheng Yunshuo would still blame her in his heart.
Maybe people don't even care!
Poisoning is nothing. In his previous life, for Xing Dairong, he was willing to abandon the entire mansion and his parents to elope with her!
Lu Lingjun didn't dare to be the master of Cheng Yunshuo, a man who was always impulsive and put emotions above everything else.
He told him to handle it himself.
Lu Lingjun already had a plan in mind.
She pressed the tea leaves down first and said, "You go down first and ask Shuanghong to come over."
"Yes, young madam." Nanny Wan went down respectfully.
After a while, Shuanghong came in, "Young Madam."
"Where is the prince tonight? Bishuiyuan?"
"No, the prince went to Aunt Qiu's place tonight."
"Qiu Ling?" Lu Lingjun was extremely surprised to hear Qiu Ling's name.
How could Cheng Yunshuo go to Qiu Ling safely?
"Yes." Shuanghong looked at Lu Lingjun, "Your Highness, please stay in Aunt Qiu's room more often these days."
Cheng Yunshuo has been very distressed recently.
He must have felt empty inside when he came back from work every day.
In the past, the first thing he would do when he returned home was to go back to Bishuiyuan. The reason was simply to see Bixi, to be with her, and to spend time with the children.
But now, he doesn't want to go to Bishuiyuan anymore.
He didn't want to see Bixi's aging face, which looked nothing like before. He also didn't want to see Cheng Lanying, as he felt that Cheng Lanying was no longer likable.
But after he didn't want to go to Bishuiyuan, he felt like he had lost his roots in the entire Marquis' Mansion.
For a moment, he felt like he had nowhere to go.
He had not lived in his own Yaoguang Pavilion for many years. Ever since he got married and concubines came to his backyard one after another, he lived in their courtyards, first Yuerong Pavilion, then Xiaohe Courtyard, and finally Bishuiyuan. He would only go back to his own Yaoguang Pavilion when he occasionally had conflicts with them or when he was busy.
He had long been unwilling to go back there and live alone.
Even though there was a Linglong living there.
To him, Linglong was just a concubine, not the concubine he wanted to take.
She didn't even ask Cheng Yunshuo to consider it as an option.
But he didn't go to his own Yaoguang Pavilion and Bishuiyuan. Now the only things left in the backyard were Qiu Ling's place and Lu Lingjun's main courtyard.
He definitely wouldn't go to Lu Lingjun's place.
As a result, after he came back these few days, he went to Qiu Ling's yard.
Qiu Ling fell ill when Bing'an was born and could not sleep with him, but he had no time to think about these things.
He just wanted to find a place to settle down so that he could have a sense of belonging.
Every day he reminisced about the past with Qiu Ling and talked about people and events from the past.
Qiu Ling was very surprised and delighted that Cheng Yunshuo came, especially when she said that she could not serve Cheng Yunshuo and Cheng Yunshuo had to stay with her and only talk to her. Qiu Ling became more and more interested as they talked, and she spoke more and more.
But she didn't notice that Cheng Yunshuo spoke less and less.
"Madam, the prince has been coming to my courtyard quite often recently. He chats with me about the past every day, and he spends most of the night chatting with me."
The next day, Qiu Ling was called to Lu Lingyun, and she said to Lu Lingyun.
"The prince was tired, so he fell asleep and didn't do anything else."
As she spoke, Qiu Ling covered her face and laughed quietly, seeming a little embarrassed.
She kept saying that she didn't care about Cheng Yunshuo anymore, but Cheng Yunshuo would suddenly go to her room for ten days or half a month at a time, and he didn't have to sleep with her, but just chat with her, which made her very happy in her heart.
She and Cheng Yunshuo were young and affectionate back then, childhood sweethearts, sister and wife, and now they have been through ups and downs together. He can look back at the people in the past, and thinking about the past makes her feel like seeing the moon after dark clouds and seeing thousands of ships have passed by.
Especially to Bishuiyuan, where she used to go every day, there was no sign of this. She would not go there unless there was a quarrel. Coming to her yard seemed to be sending a completely new signal.
That's the one from Bishuiyuan, her favor has come to an end!
In Cheng Yunshuo's backyard, no matter how great the favor or how stunning the concubines are, they all have a time limit. It is an old person like her who is evergreen!
After listening to what Qiu Ling said, Lu Lingjun asked in detail what they talked about every day.
After learning that they were basically talking about Cheng Yunshuo and Qiu Ling's childhood, he couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
What happened to Cheng Yunshuo?
Why do I feel like he's been acting weird lately?
She kept Qiu Ling here to drink two cups of tea and listened to her chattering on and on about this and that. Her words were all about how Cheng Yunshuo had really grown up and matured now.
I will no longer let those women who are only good-looking confuse my mind. I will think more about these old people. Their lives will definitely get better and better in the future.
Lu Lingjun looked at Qiu Ling, whose eyes were full of anticipation, smiled without saying a word, and drank a few more cups of tea.
Qiu Ling had hurt Cheng Yunshuo many times by doing this, and this woman, who had let go of things many times, was still moved by the man's sudden glance back and her expectations were rekindled.
She didn't say anything because Lu Lingjun didn't understand what Cheng Yunshuo was thinking at all.
When Qiu Ling left Lu Lingjun's place, she ran into Li Bijie unexpectedly as soon as she walked out of the main courtyard.
"Hey! Isn't this Aunt Li?" Qiu Ling rarely saw Li Bixi walking towards Lu Lingjun, so she hurriedly went up to her and asked her.
When Li Bixi saw Qiu Ling coming out, she smiled and said, "Sister Qiu Ling."
"Come on, don't call me sister. I don't deserve it." Qiu Ling waved her small round fan and walked towards Li Bixi with great confidence. "Where is Aunt Li going? Are you going to the young lady's place?"
Li Bijie did go to Lu Lingyun's place!
It has been half a month since Cheng Lanying was punished to copy the house rules. During this half month, Cheng Yunshuo has not been to her yard again.
Li Bixiang is not as enthusiastic and proactive as Xing Dairong and Du Ruo.
If Cheng Yunshuo didn't come to their yard, they would take the initiative to stop him and look for him.
She was always considerate and sensible, never causing any trouble to Cheng Yunshuo, and she asked her daughter to do the work of stopping and finding people.
Now that her daughter was punished to be under house arrest, Cheng Yunshuo couldn't even go to her place, and the punishment was for a month.
Wait until she is released, and then go to stop them. Who knows what will happen in this month!
Li Bijie has already noticed that Cheng Yunshuo is tired of her, but time waits for no one!
After thinking it over, she was actually willing to come to Lu Lingjun for this purpose, just to ask Lu Lingjun to release her daughter first.
Hearing Qiu Ling's question, Li Bixi smiled flatteringly, "To be honest with you, sister, I'm here to ask for help from the young lady."
"Hey, what's up?"
"Lan Ying is an ignorant child. She offended the prince some time ago, but she is still young after all. After being locked up for so long, she has learned her lesson. Bixi wants to ask the young lady to show some mercy and release Lan Ying." Li Bixi looked like a loving mother, looking at Qiu Ling pitifully, "We are all mothers. No matter what, our children are our dearest, aren't they?"
She cleverly found the common point between her and Qiu Ling, that is, both had given birth to children and were mothers, and tried to get closer to Qiu Ling so that she could empathize with her and help her and plead for mercy together.
But after hearing what she said, Qiu Ling snorted coldly, "Auntie Li, it's better not to spoil the child. If he makes a mistake, he must be punished and remember it!"
When Bixi heard this, she immediately became angry and resentful. Qiu Ling was waiting for her, but her face became more humble and pitiful. "I know that children should be punished for their mistakes, but in the end, it is because I, as an aunt, am incompetent and did not teach them well. After all, we are all poor people who have never been to school."
Qiu Ling listened to her words and raised her eyebrows, "Auntie Li, if you say so, I have an idea."
"What's the idea?"
When Li Bi'e heard Qiu Ling say this, her eyes immediately lit up.
Qiu Ling is going to help her!
Qiu Ling looked at her and said word by word, "Madam Li, you know that you have never been to school and can't teach children. So why not take this opportunity to send Lanying to the young lady to teach! Otherwise, she will cause trouble again in the future!"
Li Bixi: "…"
Qiu Ling looked at Li Bixi's eyes that had suddenly closed and the anger that was rising on her face but she dared not express it, and she burst out laughing.
You want to take advantage of her? You're kidding!
She was also a person who had experienced ups and downs, especially after having suffered at the hands of Li Bixi, how could she be fooled by a few words! She was used as a pawn for her!
And then there's her daughter, Cheng Lanying, who is not likable at all.
In the past, relying on Cheng Yunshuo's love, she never took the concubines seriously, and last time she even spoke wildly to anger her!
Thinking of her pleading for Cheng Lanying? No way!
Seeing Li Bixi being humiliated, Qiu Ling happily left, fanning herself with a round fan.
I'm so happy recently, these are great days.
One is that Cheng Yunshuo often comes to her place, and the other is that after he comes to her place often, Li Bixi's good days are over.
It's good stuff inside and out.
Double happiness!
Li Bijie watched Qiu Ling walk away waving a round fan, and shook her back teeth secretly, waiting for her!
She took a deep breath and entered Lu Lingyun's yard.
After Qiu Ling left, Lu Lingjun was thinking about whether to ask Li Bixi to come over. Then the maids reported and she came over on her own initiative.
Lu Lingjun raised his eyes and asked her to come in.
After a while, the frail Li Bixi walked in.
"Hello, Madam." Li Bixiang lowered her head and knelt down, being as respectful as possible.
But when Lu Lingjun saw such a humble and cautious Li Bijie, he raised his eyebrows. This woman looked timid and humble, but she was the bravest in the entire marquis's mansion!
She looked at Li Bixi, "What is it that Aunt Li came to see me for?"
After she said this, Li Bixi fell to her knees with a plop, "Madam, please let Lanying go!"
"Lan Ying was rude and impolite, and offended the prince, but she is young and ignorant after all. All her mistakes are Bixi's fault. It was all Bixi's fault for not teaching her well! She has been locked up for half a month now, copying the family rules all day long. I went to see her these two days, and her body couldn't bear it anymore. I beg the young lady to let her go for her young age. Bixi is willing to take the punishment for Lan Ying, even if it is ten times or a hundred times!"
Li Bixi buried her head deeply.
The moment she lowered her head, her eyes were shining.
She came to ask Lu Lingjun for help, and as long as Lu Lingjun agreed, it would be a hundred benefits to her without any harm!
Even if she was punished ten or a hundred times, that would still be her ladder to success!
Because Cheng Yunshuo had no interest in her now, she was worried that she had no topic to make Cheng Yunshuo pay attention to her. Once Lu Lingjun punished her, Cheng Yunshuo would remember her and feel a little sympathy for her.
As long as there is a little bit of affection, she will have a chance to call Cheng Yunshuo back!
Besides, she could also release Cheng Lanying. In the past half month, she had been giving her instructions day and night, telling her what kind of person Cheng Yunshuo was and how to please him so that he would obey her.
If Cheng Lanying were released, she would surely be loved by her father again.
She knelt deeply on the ground, looking as if she could sacrifice anything and endure any humiliation for her daughter.
Lu Lingyun sat on a rattan chair, slowly sipping the new Jiangnan tea that Wang Peirong asked her to bring back. As the aroma of the tea lingered in her mouth, she said, "Poor Aunt Li has such a loving motherly heart, but even so..."
"Bixi is willing to take all the punishment for Lanying. Please punish me, Madam!"
Lu Lingjun burst out laughing, "Madame Li has already done this, how can I punish you? Go back and tell Lanying to come out, and don't do it again."
Lu Lingjun raised his hand and let Cheng Lanying go casually.
When Li Bijie heard that Lu Lingjun let Cheng Yunshuo go just like that, she was stunned for a moment.
When did Lu Lingjun become such an easy-going person?
It would be difficult for her to get the upper hand over Lu Lingjun!
Every time you want to get something from her, you have to pay a price, but why did Lu Lingjun... open her mouth so easily this time?
Is she really so stupid that she can be manipulated at will?
"What's wrong with Aunt Li? Are you still thinking of calling the prince back to let him decide whether to release Lanying?"
Upon hearing this, Li Bixi quickly came to her senses and thanked her profusely, "Thank you, Madam! Thank you, Madam!"
Lu Lingjun looked at Li Bixi who was kowtowed on the ground and waved his hand, "Auntie Li, please go down quickly."
"Thank you Madam!"
Li Bixi lowered her head and left with a look of joy in her eyes.
It would be better to release Cheng Lanying without punishing her. After all, who would like to be punished?
Even though she could act miserable to gain sympathy, the suffering she was suffering was real.
If Lu Lingjun doesn't punish her, then she will find other ways to ask for Cheng Yunshuo's love, which is the same.
Lu Lingjun smiled gently as she watched Li Bixi go back with her own plans in mind. She turned the teacup in her hand. She was still worrying about how to tell Cheng Yunshuo that she had poisoned him. It would be best if he could realize it slowly.
Now that she came to me on her own initiative, it just gave her a ladder.
night.
Cheng Yunshuo returned home.
He was about to go to Qiu Ling today, but on the way, a little girl stopped him.
"Why did you come out?" Cheng Yunshuo was extremely surprised to see Cheng Lanying waiting halfway.
"Daddy." As soon as he finished speaking, Cheng Lanying ran towards him and hugged his legs. "Daddy, Lanying knows she was wrong."
Cheng Lanying half lowered her head, and her eyes and eyebrows looked a bit like her mother Li Bijie.
Seeing her humble and docile appearance, Cheng Yunshuo could not help but bend down and pick her up, "Do you really know you are wrong?"
"Yeah." Cheng Lanying lowered her head even lower, "Daddy, please don't dislike me, okay? Lanying knows she was wrong."
The little girl said so. Cheng Yunshuo was not a heartless person, so he naturally would not bother with her anymore.
"Be more respectful to your sister in the future."
"Lanying got it." Cheng Lanying clenched her fists. "Lanying will be respectful to her sister in the future and will never talk nonsense again. Daddy, Lanying remembers your teachings in her heart. Lanying listens to you."
"Okay, I'm glad you've grown up." Cheng Yunshuo couldn't help but smile.
At this time, Cheng Lanying hugged Cheng Yunshuo's neck and said, "Dad, let's go back. My aunt and I have missed you so much these days."
"this..."
"Daddy, Lanying really knows she is wrong. Please love her more."
Cheng Lanying was even more spoiled than before, and every word she said touched Cheng Yunshuo's heart.
Cheng Yunshuo couldn't bear to hear this, and immediately said, "Okay, let's go back."
Li Bixiang successfully invited Cheng Yunshuo to her room today.
She dressed up nicely tonight.
After realizing that her face was aging that day, she began emergency maintenance.
She sold all the money she had saved from her private treasury over the past few years and the reward she had received from Cheng Yunshuo, and bought a large number of rare and exotic medicines. She mixed the skin care products herself, which included large amounts of mercury, cinnabar, and lead.
She had been in the palace for many years and had learned nothing else, but she had memorized all these unconventional methods.
Of course, she knew in her heart that many of these things in the palace had side effects.
For example, in order to have a son, she gave birth to two in two years and took fertility medicine continuously, which caused her to suffer from many chronic diseases.
Her lower abdomen hurts so much during her period. She never had the problem of uterine cold before, but now she has it. She is afraid that she will never be able to have children in the future.
This facial care product requires a large amount of mercury. Li Bixi has heard about this. Mercury is poisonous and cannot be used too much. However, this product is very effective.
After she prepared the product, she used it for just two days and she could clearly feel that her skin became whiter and smoother, and the obvious signs of wrinkles and aging were covered up.
God will not let down those who work hard. As expected, thanks to her hard work, when Cheng Yunshuo saw her in the evening, his eyes were brighter than before.
"Young Master." Li Bijie went up to him tenderly and took Cheng Lanying down from his arms.
Cheng Yunshuo looked at her, "How have you been these days?"
"Yeah." Li Bixi lowered her eyes and nodded, pinching her daughter secretly.
Cheng Lanying immediately understood what he meant and said, "Dad, if you don't come, how can Auntie be well? She misses you so much every day, and she's afraid that you won't want her."
"What nonsense are you talking about!" Li Bixi said coquettishly, put Cheng Lanying down, and scolded her, "Your father is busy with official duties and has no time to come! You should be more considerate of your father!"
When Cheng Yunshuo heard this, he couldn't help feeling guilty because of Bixi's thoughtfulness.
How could he be busy with official duties? His job as a patrol officer of the Imperial Guards required him to go on duty every day, but it was not a laborious task at all.
Now that he has become a small commander, he only needs to stay in the barracks and does not even need to patrol the palace gates and roads.
He had completely entered a phase of idling around in his career, where things were uneventful, dull, and he lived a life of ease and without any hope of promotion.
Li Bixi spoke to him so considerately that he felt extremely embarrassed.
Especially since he simply didn't want to see her...
"I will come here often in the future." Cheng Yunshuo couldn't help but say.
When Li Bixi heard this, her eyes were immediately filled with affection, "My Lord, Bixi doesn't ask for that. As long as you have me in your heart, that's enough."
Her eyes were burning, not like she was acting at all. Cheng Yunshuo only made contact with them for a moment and immediately turned his head away, "Okay, let's eat."
"good."
The meals on the table were all made by Li Bixi herself.
If you want to win a man's heart, there is no other way but to win his stomach.
The table was filled with delicious food, and with Cheng Lanying present, Bishuiyuan seemed to have returned to its former glory.
The three of them were chatting and laughing happily as a family.
After dinner, Cheng Yunshuo played with Cheng Lanying for a while. As it was getting dark, Li Biheng winked at her and Cheng Lanying left reluctantly.
"Dad, I remember you'll be at home tomorrow morning, right?"
"Um."
"Then can you fly kites with me again tomorrow?" Cheng Lanying said coquettishly while lying on Cheng Yunshuo's legs.
"Okay." Cheng Yunshuo agreed immediately.
Li Bixi then took Cheng Lanying away without leaving any trace, "You, you only know how to annoy your father!"
"It's because my daddy loves me." Cheng Lanying said as usual, but her tone was not as proud and confident as before.
"Okay, go back to bed."
"Yes." Cheng Lanying looked at Cheng Yunshuo, "Dad, I'll come again tomorrow."
"Go ahead." Cheng Yunshuo smiled at her.
After driving Cheng Lanying out, Li Bijie stepped forward and helped Cheng Yunshuo undress.
"My Lord, I have asked the maids to prepare some water. You are tired after a day. Would you like to soak your feet or your body?"
Behind the screen in the inner room, the air was filled with mist, and Li Bixi's eyes were also silky at this moment, like a delicate and fragrant flower, waiting for Cheng Yunshuo to pick it.
As soon as Cheng Yunshuo lowered his head, he saw such a beautiful and charming beauty. Her appearance and complexion had returned to their previous state, and she even looked a little whiter than a few years ago. She was very similar to the person in his memory.
But.
"I'm tired today. I'll rest first. You should also rest early."
Cheng Yunshuo pushed away the expectant Li Bixi and went back to the couch, where he slept with his back to her in his middle clothes.
No interest at all.
Li Bixiang, who had been preparing for a long time, looked gloomy when she saw this scene.
She gritted her teeth and held back her anger, standing there looking at the wooden-like man on the bed. She thought to herself, could it be that the medicine she had fed him over the years had castrated him?
What on earth happened to Cheng Yunshuo!
If he only disliked her because of her old age and fading looks, why was he still so cold to her, since her appearance and complexion had improved now?
Is he really not able to do it?
The next day, Lu Lingjun was in the courtyard, "Is it the prince's day off today?"
"right."
"Please invite the prince over." Lu Lingjun raised the teacup.
Shuanghong was about to agree when Cheng Suying said, "Mom, I'll go too."
Lu Lingjun glanced at her and said with a smile, "Go ahead."
Cheng Suying's opinion of Cheng Yunshuo has changed a lot since he spoke up for her during the last food incompatibility incident.
But Cheng Yunshuo seldom came to their place, and Cheng Suying had never seen him for ten days or half a month.
When she heard that Lu Lingjun was going to invite him over, she stepped forward to go find someone.
Her father...maybe not as bad as she thought.
Cheng Suying went out with Shuanghong.
"Is Daddy at Aunt Qiu's place?" Cheng Suying asked on the way.
She also knew these days that her father often went to Qiu Ling's place.
Cheng Yunshuo's decision not to go to Li Bijie's courtyard is a plus for Cheng Suying, and can help her to have a better impression of him.
"I should have gone to Aunt Li's place yesterday." Shuanghong said.
"Hmm?" Cheng Suying frowned immediately, "Hasn't he always been with Aunt Qiu?"
Shuang Hong said calmly, "Yesterday, the prince was supposed to go to Aunt Qiu's place, but on the way, the second lady invited him to Bishui Garden."
When Cheng Suying heard this, her eyes immediately became filled with anger.
Cheng Lanying, Cheng Lanying, she knew that Cheng Lanying was the most scheming and manipulative person.
She has been a bad student all day long. She only knows how to learn from her aunt how to compete for favors and people.
When she was feeling angry, she saw a kite flying over the small garden in front.
A girl's laughter came from inside.
"Daddy, Daddy, let me play."
She followed the sound and saw Cheng Yunshuo playing with Cheng Lanying again.