Bang bang bang.
Clap, clap, clap.
The whole capital was filled with joy, and all the people lined the streets to welcome the Ningyang Marquis' army that had returned from the victorious battle.
A conspicuous coffin was carried in the front, and when it passed the Ningyang Marquis Mansion, it was carried into the mansion with music and drums.
Cheng Qi, along with the other living people, entered the palace after receiving the imperial edict.
At this time, in Ningyang Marquis Mansion.
Qin opened his eyes in a daze.
"What's going on? Why is it so lively?"
She looked blankly at the square room in front of her, with several children surrounding her.
"Grandma! You're awake!"
"An'er, Hao'er, why are you two back?" Qin said with a smile when she saw her two favorite grandsons.
Cheng Bing'an and Cheng Binghao looked at each other, and Cheng Bing'an said, "We came back to see you."
"You are so busy with your studies in the academy, why do you come back to see me? I'm fine." Qin looked refreshed and seemed to be in no condition at all.
But it seems that there is no problem at all!
Ever since she was beaten up by Cheng Yunshuo, she had been in a coma for two whole days.
She had been kept awake with ginseng soup, but today the noise outside was so loud that it actually woke her up.
It looks like he has forgotten what happened before.
"Grandma, I hope you're fine," Cheng Bing'an said at this time, "You should have a good rest. We are all here with you."
"Why should I rest for so long? I have to get up and walk around." Qin asked the maid beside her to help her up. "By the way, where is your mother? What did Yun'er do?"
"Mom...she went out for something."
"What about your father?"
"Dad...he went outside too." Cheng Bing'an responded carefully, looking at Qin's expression, afraid that she would remember something.
The next moment, Qin's face immediately showed anger, "That unfilial son!"
Oh no, oh no, it finally reminded their grandmother.
"Grandma!" Cheng Bing'an hurried to comfort her, fearing that his grandmother would be angry again.
But the next moment, Qin said angrily, "Your grandfather is about to return to Beijing, why is he still fooling around outside!"
Qin had forgotten many things, but she still remembered that these days were the days when the old marquis would return.
"Madam Wen, what day is today? Where is the Marquis?"
How could Nanny Wen dare to answer at this time? Any mistake could lead to serious consequences. She quickly looked at the eldest young master Cheng Bingan for help.
Cheng Bing'an said tactfully, "Grandma, Grandpa was delayed on his way back and will be back a little later."
"What delay? Why can you come back so late?" Qin was full of worry and displeasure.
Cheng Bing'an doesn't like lying. The more he lies, the more anxious he becomes.
At this time, Cheng Binghao said, "It was His Majesty's intention to ask Grandfather and his men to come to the capital later and choose an auspicious day."
When Qin heard this, all the doubts on her face disappeared, "So it was your Majesty's order."
"In that case, let's wait a little longer," she smiled and stood up, then added, "But we can't delay any longer, Madam Wen, are the dried meat and food I asked you to prepare last time ready?"
"All is well, ma'am."
"That's your grandfather's favorite dish. I'll go and take a look. I can't make any mistakes."
Qin walked out of the house, and just as she reached the door, a half-grown child ran over crying.
"There's someone outside, coffin, coffin, coffin...!"
Cheng Bingzhi was so scared that he ran to Qin with a pale face.
Qin heard him talking and asked curiously, "Who is this official from outside?"
"Such a big coffin, so big, what a huge coffin..." Cheng Bingzhi gestured with his hands.
Qin said disdainfully, "Useless thing! How high an official is it that scares you like this!"
"I, my grandfather, he was such a high official..."
Qin: "...your grandfather is back?"
Inside the room, Cheng Bingan and others had just walked out, and Cheng Bingzhi, who was in a good mood, said.
"Yes! He is lying in that coffin! What a huge coffin!"
Everyone: "…"
Qin: "!"
When Lu Lingjun came back, the Marquis's Mansion was in chaos again.
A large group of people came in and out of Qin's yard.
She learned from the servants that Qin knew the news of the old marquis' death, and rushed to the gate in a mad manner, and fainted from crying on his coffin.
At this moment, her breathing was less than her intake and more than her exhalation. Half of the doctors in the capital came, all trying to save Qin's life.
When Lu Lingjun heard this, he was overwhelmed, "Who told you to tell the Madam about the Marquis!"
Cheng Binghao ran over from the crowd, "Mom, it's that stupid Cheng Bingzhi!"
At this time, Cheng Bingzhi called a group of people to surround him. He cried with snot and tears all over his face, "I didn't mean it, why did you hit me!"
Cheng Bingzhi asked Cheng Binghao and the other two to beat them up together.
My butt wasn't healed to begin with, and now it hurts all over.
"Mother, I want mother, mother save me!"
Lu Lingyun: "..."
Lu Lingjun was too lazy to pay attention to that thing that was more likely to cause trouble than help, and turned around and hurried to Qin's courtyard to deal with her affairs.
"Madam, the Marquis's wife is in critical condition right now. We dare not treat her. Let's go and ask the imperial physician for help!"
When Lu Lingjun saw this, he changed into a set of imperial robes and hurried to the Imperial Hospital to ask for the imperial physician.
Lu Lingjun was busy here, and the backyard was also a mess.
The aunts were all extremely anxious.
After learning that her son was beaten again today, Li Bixi became even more anxious.
She really wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to snatch all her children away, but Cheng Bingzhi and Cheng Lanying were accompanied by maids arranged by Lu Lingjun, and she was not allowed to get close to the children.
She saw it all and became more anxious, especially when she saw Cheng Bingzhi being beaten.
None of these people really treat her son as a young master of a marquisate!
How could the maids and servants not even try to stop it!
After she got anxious, she realized that in the entire mansion, the only person who could protect Cheng Bingzhi and Cheng Lanying was Cheng Yunshuo.
Everyone around them treated them like dirt.
If Cheng Yunshuo really becomes a monk, the three of them will have no use living in the mansion anymore!
And leave with the children?
That was absolutely impossible. Not to mention that Li Bixiang had no money on her now and had no way to survive. Even if she escaped with some money, without the protection of the Marquis' Mansion, it would be impossible for her and her widow to survive outside.
She must and can only stay in the Marquis' Mansion.
Thinking of this, Li Bixiang, who had been worried for days, started to move. She must persuade Cheng Yunshuo to come back.
"The Marquis died for his country, his wife is seriously ill, and the Crown Prince is still clamoring to become a monk. How can this be possible?"
"We must not ask the prince to become a monk. We still have to persuade him!"
"But who can persuade him now?"
Qiu Ling and Ling Long said anxiously together.
At this time, a voice sounded.
"I thought of someone who might be able to persuade the prince!"
Nunnery outside the city.
Several women in bright and luxurious clothes gathered in front of a yard.
"Aruo, I'm Qiu Ling!"
"Du Ruo, I'm Linglong!"
"Come out and meet us!"
Not long after the two leading women finished shouting, the door to the small courtyard opened, and a young nun wearing a plain nun's robe and with her hair untied walked out.
She is in her early twenties. After six or seven years of absence, the cute and lively girl has lost her youthfulness, but the free and easy temperament between her eyebrows has become even stronger.
When Qiu Ling and Ling Long saw Du Ruo appear, their eyes lit up.
Du Ruo looked at the person who appeared in front of him, "What do you want from me?"
"Aru! You finally came out."
"Aruo! Come with us!"
Qiu Ling and Ling Long came forward from the left and right, pulling Du Ruo out.
Du Ruo, who was being held, took two steps forward, waved his hand away from the two people, and asked unhappily, "What's the matter?"
Seeing that she was still uncooperative like before, Qiu Ling said anxiously.
"Something big has happened outside! Now you are the only one who can help! Come with us!"
"Yes, yes, we won't come to you unless it is absolutely necessary." Linglong said.
"What's the matter? I won't leave unless you explain it clearly!" Du Ruo raised his eyebrows and stood still.
She had said that she would mourn for her aunt for seven years, and she would not go out easily before the time came.
Seeing her stubbornness, Qiu Ling had to suppress her temper and said, "Something happened in the Marquis' Mansion. The Marquis died in battle at the border. His body has just been brought into the mansion. The Young Master wants to become a monk!"
"What?!" Du Ruo frowned.
"Yes, the prince wants to become a monk, and his wife is so angry that she is sick. Now the whole mansion is in chaos. You should come with us!" Linglong continued.
"Where's the young lady?"
"The young lady is supporting the Marquis's Mansion by herself, and she is busy taking care of the lady right now!"
After Du Ruo heard this, his frown relaxed, "As long as the young lady is here, there will be no trouble."
Qiu Ling: "…"
exquisite:"..."
After Du Ruo finished speaking, he flicked his sleeves and walked inside.
Seeing this, Qiu Ling and Ling Long hurried to stop him, "Aruo! Didn't you hear clearly? The prince wants to become a monk!"
Du Ruo glanced at her with indifference in her eyes. She left a sentence, "He can do whatever he wants, why bother looking for me?"
"Du Ruo! Now you are the only one in the Marquis' Mansion who can persuade the Young Master!" Linglong said.
Du Ruo sneered when he heard this, "Aunt Ling is too flattering to me."
"Aruo, don't be angry with the prince. Help us persuade him! You are the only one who can persuade him."
"You've asked the wrong person for help. It's no use asking me for help. Besides, I have to observe mourning for my aunt. I won't go out before the time comes." After Du Ruo finished speaking, she walked towards her yard.
At this moment, another gentle voice sounded.
"Auntie Du, I was wrong before, but now I beg you to go out and persuade the prince!"
Du Ruo stopped and turned around, and saw Li Bixi lowering her head and begging in a charming manner.
Naturally, she had noticed Li Bixi a long time ago, but she didn't care about her.
Du Ruo looked at Li Bixi and sneered, "I remember that you, Aunt Li, are the beloved of that bastard. With you here, what else do you have to worry about?"
Li Bijie's ears turned slightly red. She looked at Du Ruo who didn't respond at all, and knelt down in front of her with a plop.
"Aunt Du, it was all my fault for what happened before. I was the one who caused your aunt's illness and caused a rift between you and the young master. It's all my fault. If you want to hate someone, just hate me. Please go out and persuade the young master!"
Du Ruo looked at the woman kneeling in front of her and felt extremely ironic for a moment.
At the beginning, she knelt in front of her and Cheng Yunshuo, begging Cheng Yunshuo to ask the imperial physician to save her aunt. It was Li Bijie who fanned the flames and extinguished all her hopes.
And now, Li Bixiang actually knelt in front of her, begging her bitterly.
Du Ruo looked at Li Bixi who was apologizing and repenting, and she did not feel happy at all. "For such a bastard, Aunt Li, you kneel before me, it's not worth it!"
"Auntie Du, I am really wrong, but the Marquis's Mansion is in turmoil right now, and the Crown Prince cannot become a monk! Please consider the overall situation and go and persuade the Crown Prince!"
"That bastard doesn't even consider the overall situation, so why should I, a divorced concubine, consider the overall situation?"
Du Ruo kept calling him a bastard, which made Qiu Ling and Ling Long speechless. Li Bixi, who was kneeling, was even more humble and kowtowed. "Auntie Du, even if all of us beg you, please go and persuade him!"
Du Ruo swung his sleeves, not wanting to be kidnapped by her kowtow. "I said I would never see that bastard again in this life. You can beg anyone you want, but I will never see him!"
—
At this time, the Marquis' Mansion.
Lu Lingjun invited the imperial physician over, and after the imperial physician gave Qin acupuncture, he stabilized her heart pulse.
"Madam, my injections have saved the life of the Marquis. She is safe and should wake up in a few days. However, the Marquis was too shocked and worried. The successive blows may make her unconscious after waking up. It may take a long time for her to recover."
The most respected old doctor in the Imperial Medical Bureau.
After hearing this, Lu Lingjun looked at the imperial physician with gratitude and bowed, "Thank you for saving my life, imperial physician."
"Madam Crown Prince, you are too polite." The old doctor politely returned the greeting.
Lu Lingjun gave Shuanghong a look at this time, and Shuanghong stepped forward and handed over a heavy purse full of gold ingots.
The old doctor asked his attendant to accept the consultation fee, and then informed Lu Lingjun about Qin's possible subsequent conditions, such as temporary loss of consciousness, not remembering some people and things, or simply becoming senile and confused. He left her some tonic medicine, and told her to send someone to find him at any time if she had any problems in the future.
Lu Lingjun responded to everything, escorted the old doctor out of the room, and asked Shuanghong to personally escort him out the door.
After the imperial physician left, Lu Lingjun looked at Qin, who was falling into a coma on the bed and whose breathing had gradually become steady, and he heaved a sigh of relief.
At this time, the subordinate came to report.
"Madam, Master Lu is here."
Lu Kuan is here.
"Hurry up and ask Kuan'er to come to my yard."
"yes!"
After a while, Lu Kuan, dressed in court robes, hurried to Lu Lingyun's yard.
"Big sister!"
"Kuan'er!"
When Lu Lingjun saw Lu Kuan coming, his heart suddenly felt warm.
Since the incident at the Marquis' Mansion, the first person to rush over was Lu Kuan.
Of course, Lu Lingjun has not yet announced the fact that Cheng Yunshuo has become a monk. She has issued a death order in the mansion, forbidding anyone to tell anyone. Now people outside only think that the Ningyang Manor is in glory, and there are a lot of people waiting to give gifts.
But Lu Lingjun also knew that this matter could not be kept secret for long.
"Big sister, is there something wrong here?"
"How do you know?" Lu Lingjun asked.
Lu Kuan looked at Lu Lingjun, who had a haggard look on his face, and said distressedly, "Today, General Cheng Qi brought the rewarded generals into the palace. His Majesty originally wanted to summon my brother-in-law to the palace to receive the reward, but General Cheng Qi said that my brother-in-law knew that the Marquis had passed away, and he was afraid that his mother would be too sad, so he wanted to accompany the Marquis's wife to welcome the Marquis into the mansion first. I guessed that something happened in your mansion."
Lu Kuan is a smart guy.
And because he is in a special position, he becomes even smarter and more cautious.
The matter concerns his own sister. Cheng Qi was shirking the responsibility of His Majesty by asking Cheng Yunshuo to go to the palace to receive the reward. He guessed that something might have happened to Cheng Yunshuo.
After listening to Lu Kuan's words, Lu Lingjun asked, "What does your majesty say?"
"Your Majesty appreciates your brother-in-law's filial piety."
Lu Lingyun: "..."
"Big sister, what happened to my brother-in-law?"
Lu Lingjun looked at her younger brother and sighed, "Your brother-in-law has become a monk."
Lu Kuan: "!"
Lu Lingyun quickly told Lu Kuan what had happened in the past few days. After listening, Lu Kuan was shocked.
What was shocking was that his unreliable brother-in-law, who had brought him glorious military merits from his father, abandoned everyone and became a monk at this critical moment.
He, is he crazy!
After being shocked, he quickly reviewed the situation and felt that something big was going to happen in the Marquis' Mansion.
"Sister, the Marquis's corpse has just been brought back to the capital. My brother-in-law has become a monk at this time, abandoning his wife and children. This is tantamount to being unfilial! Your Majesty will definitely punish him if he knows!"
Lu Lingjun frowned and said nothing.
Lu Kuan knew how much pressure she was under just by looking at her.
Lu Kuan's eyes were filled with worry and distress. It turned out that his elder sister had gone through such a big thing and was under such great pressure in the past few days.
Lu Kuan hesitated for a moment, "Big sister, if it really doesn't work, you should divorce your brother-in-law. After the divorce, I will take care of you, and the others in the mansion... I will also take care of Bing'an and Suying."
The situation is extremely dangerous now, and our dynasty governs the world with filial piety.
Once the emperor knew that Cheng Yunshuo abandoned his wife and children to become a monk when his father died on the battlefield, he would definitely punish Cheng Yunshuo.
In the lightest case, Cheng Yunshuo would be demoted to a remote place and given an empty position to wait for the rest of his life; in the worst case, Cheng Yunshuo would be ordered to commit suicide.
It made no difference to Lu Lingjun whether Cheng Yunshuo was dead or alive, but Cheng Yunshuo was the only adult male in the Marquis's Mansion.
Once he is convicted, the entire mansion will be affected.
Even in this situation, the emperor would most likely only punish him, but the future of the Ningyang Marquisate would be gone!
Her children were still young, and Bing'an or Binghao could only inherit the title of Crown Prince before they came of age. The title of Marquis could only be conferred and inherited when they came of age.
And because of Cheng Yunshuo's involvement, the future of Ningyang Marquis' Mansion was ruined and it became a laughing stock in the entire capital. Even if Bing'an survived until he came of age and inherited the title of Marquis, this Marquis would still be a hollow shell with the most hopeless future.
The reputation of the Marquisate is its life.
An unfilial inheritor is enough to destroy the efforts of previous generations and the hopes of next generations!
Lu Kuan saw the disaster that Cheng Yunshuo brought to everyone, and after pondering for a while, he proposed this solution.
The Ningyang Marquis Mansion is about to be destroyed, and he has to rescue his sister first.
How could a woman like her support such a shaky and stressful mansion!
As for Bing'an, Suying and the other children... Lu Kuan can give them some help after they grow up.
After all, their surname is Cheng, and they are not Lu Lingjun's biological children. There is no need for Lu Lingjun to be tied down by them for the rest of her life.
After listening to Lu Kuan's words, Lu Lingyun asked, "You want me to divorce, but you want to support me for the rest of my life?"
"Why not!" Lu Kuan said firmly.
His career is now stable, and he dare not boast about how high he can climb, but it is not difficult for him to protect Lu Lingyun for the rest of his life!
Lu Lingjun smiled and shook her head. "I will not divorce you. Ningyang Marquis' Mansion needs me now."
She stood up and looked up at the unpredictable sky in front of her, her eyes deep but extremely firm.
This is the most difficult time for Ningyang Marquis Mansion. Cheng Yunshuo can abandon everyone, but Lu Lingjun cannot!
Once she leaves, this marquisate will be finished.
Old or young, none of them can do anything.
Moreover, Lu Kuan will support her for the rest of her life?
This is absolutely not possible!
It's not that Lu Lingjun doesn't trust Lu Kuan, but she can't do such a thing.
At the beginning, Lu Kuan could support her and let her live with him as his sister, but after a long time, this identity became embarrassing for her.
She's just his sister!
Even if Lu Kuan and Nan Yuan didn't care, she wouldn't feel at ease!
By the same token, she could help Lu Kuan once, twice, or three times, but if she was asked to help Lu Kuan for his entire life, that was absolutely impossible!
Relatives only help each other in emergencies but not in poverty. If you have to rely on others for a long time, even if you have some foundation and don't ask for help, people will still look down on you. You will feel more and more uncomfortable, and you will be disliked by others too.
Rather than relying on Lu Kuan's care and living under his roof, it would be better for her to be the head of the Marquis's Mansion!
Lu Kuan listened to Lu Lingyun's words, "Big sister, you are under too much pressure. You are just a woman..."
"So what if I'm a woman? I'm the mistress of the house, so naturally I'm strong as a mother."
When Lu Kuan heard this, he felt the power emanating from her body, a power that even a man like him could not help but admire.
There was only one word in his mind for Lu Lingjun, and that was self-improvement.
Heaven moves forward, and a gentleman should constantly strive to improve himself.
This gentleman has never had anything to do with gender!
Lu Kuan had great respect for Lu Lingjun. He looked at Lu Lingjun for a long time, and completely gave up the idea of taking care of her and supporting her for the rest of her life. He looked at Lu Lingjun with equality and even admiration and asked thoughtfully, "But big sister, what should we do now? Once His Majesty finds out, he will definitely punish us. Before that, we'd better do something."
After he said this, Lu Lingjun opposite him smiled gently.
"You said something very good today."
"What?" Lu Kuan was confused.
Lu Lingjun looked at him, his eyes as calm as before, "You said, His Majesty appreciates the prince's filial piety."
"Your Majesty said he was filial and fraternal, so he was very filial and fraternal. The prince's filial piety moved heaven. He was saddened by the death of the marquis and worried about his mother. For this reason, he shaved his head and became a monk to pray for his parents!"
Lu Lingjun stood with his hands behind his back, "Pass my order, spread the news that the prince is going to become a monk, and invite Master Yuanqing to come, I will ask him to personally give the prince the precepts!"
When Lu Kuan heard Lu Lingjun's words, his eyes suddenly lit up.
His sister's trick...is so powerful!
On that day, the news that Cheng Yunshuo was going to become a monk spread throughout the streets and alleys.
The Li family at this time.
When Lu Hanyi heard the news that Cheng Yunshuo was going to become a monk, she was stunned at first, and then she burst into laughter like a madman.
"Hahaha!"
"Ha ha ha ha!"
Lu Hanyi's laughter startled her son who was writing in the room.
Li Shouye looked at his frantic mother strangely, "Mom, what's wrong with you?"
When Lu Hanyi heard the noise, she rushed to him with a big laugh, dancing with excitement, "I knew it was like this! I knew she wouldn't have an easy life in this life!"
"The Ningyang Marquis's Mansion is a ruined family that is doomed to fail, and Cheng Yunshuo is a useless piece of mud!"
"She lost, she still lost!"
"I knew she would never have an easy life!"
"She's finally finished, hahahaha! hahahaha!"
Li Shouye listened to his mother's crazy talk and shook his head helplessly. It turned out that she was comparing her with his great aunt again.
In the past few years, ever since he could remember, his mother would often talk to him about his aunt who married into the Marquis's Mansion.
Every day I just hope that others will have a bad life.
Whenever his mother went to her mother's house or went out occasionally and heard some news about his aunt, she would remain silent on the spot, but after returning she would keep talking about it over and over again.
Either they say something sour or they curse the other person, saying that he will be doomed sooner or later.
Li Shouye listened to it all day long until calluses appeared on his face, and finally his mother started to nag him.
"Son! Let's wait and see Lu Lingjun get into trouble! No matter how arrogant she is, no matter how much she shows off in front of me!"
"Her good days are over. From now on, some will envy me!"
Li Shouye: "…"
Li Shouye really wanted to tell his mother that even if his aunt was unlucky, she was still the wife of a marquis. A lean camel is bigger than a horse. No matter how bad her life was, she was still better off than his mother's.
What is there to envy her for?
I envy her because she has few new clothes, and can only eat the last meal distributed in the mansion every day. There is not enough charcoal in the winter.
But he didn't dare to say it, for fear of upsetting his mother and having her blame him too.
Over the years, apart from being jealous of Lu Lingjun every day, Lu Hanyi also kept nagging him all the time.
She told him to study hard and to get the top score in the imperial examination for her in the future.
She told him to become a prime minister when he grew up and ask for an imperial decree for her.
Li Shouye didn't dare to confront his mother, so he could only smile and say, "Mom, you finally made it."
Hearing this, Lu Hanyi glanced at him and said, "What's that? I'm counting on you! When you pass the imperial examination and become the prime minister, and I get to be your wife, then I can finally have a good life! By then, Lu Lingjun will be so jealous of me that he'll go crazy!"
Li Shouye: "…"
"Hahahaha! Hahaha! I knew it would be like this," Lu Hanyi said, laughing as she hugged her beloved son, her eyes shining. "I'm reborn, so there's no way Lu Lingjun can beat me. All her good days are mine!"
Li Shouye: "…"
Come on, he's crazy again.
Here, Lu Hanyi was filled with excitement, just waiting to see Lu Lingjun's misfortune. On the other hand, the news that Cheng Yunshuo was going to become a monk had already spread to several dukes' mansions.
Li Niyue from Duke Xu's mansion and Tong Nanxia from Duke Zhao's mansion both went to Lu Lingjun's house in person to inquire about the big event that had happened in her house.
And in the mansion of Duke Liu.
In a courtyard of the second room in the east yard, a young woman in bright and noble clothes led a group of maids and old women and broke into the main courtyard.
The moment the door was kicked open, the two people who were lying in love on the bed were both startled. The man even shuddered and couldn't get up anymore.
"You are so good, Liu Er, you even sneaked into my room to have sex!" The noble young woman who broke in glared at the pair of wild mandarin ducks on her bed with an angry face.
The woman on the bed screamed and tried to hide under the quilt, but she couldn't hide because the next moment someone pulled her hair and pulled her off the bed.
She screamed in pain, "Master Liu, save me! Save me!"
The man on the bed saw this scene, and looked at the woman who broke in angrily with a disappointed look on his face, "Qin Shaojing, what are you doing!"
"What am I doing?" Qin Shaojing looked at Liu Ye, glancing coldly at the woman whose hair was pulled so tight that it reached her scalp. "It's fine if you find these dirty prostitutes outside, but you bring them into the house and onto my bed. What do you want to do?"
When Liu Ye heard this, he snorted coldly, "Let him go!"
"Liu Ye, you still want to protect your new love!" Qin Shaojing gave Nanny Qin a look, "Hit me!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Nanny Qin pulled the woman even harder, lifted her head up, and slapped the woman's face in front of Liu Ye.
In just a few hits, he was beaten black and blue, one of his teeth was knocked out, his mouth and face were covered in blood, and he cried for help.
She was not only slapping the woman's face outside, but also Liu Ye's face.
Seeing this, Liu Ye's already dissatisfied anger increased a little, "Qin Shaojing! Stop it!"
"Liu Ye, you still want to protect this cheap prostitute, right? Beat her hard! Beat her hard! Beat her until she dies!" Qin Shaojing glared at Liu Ye, "I wonder if you dare to bring these dirty women back to make love in my bed again! You don't mind their dirtiness, but I do!"
It would be fine if Liu Ye was a bit dissolute on weekdays, but now he actually dared to bring a wild woman back and openly commit adultery on her bed in broad daylight.
Qin Shaojing couldn't bear this any more!
After she finished speaking, Liu Ye, who was lying on the bed opposite, jumped up and kicked Qin Ma, who was hitting others, causing her to fall on her back and sit on the ground.
"Miss..." Nanny Qin looked at Qin Shaojing as if asking for help.
Qin Shaojing got even angrier when he saw her like this, "Liu Ye, you dared to touch my people for such a cheap, dirty woman!"
Liu Ye snorted coldly, "Come on! No matter how dirty she is, she is still dirtier than you!"
Qin Shaojing's face suddenly became extremely ugly.
Liu Ye pulled the woman over and looked at Qin Shaojing angrily, "How dare you come here to catch an adulterer? You are the dirtiest person in the whole mansion! You are a hundred times, a thousand times dirtier than the cheapest prostitute! You are a cheap, filthy bitch!"
"You, you, you dare to scold me like that, I'm going to tell..."
"Tell my dad, right? Go ahead! If you go today, I will tell everyone that you and my dad are having an affair!" Liu Ye looked at her with disgust and disdain. "Today, don't even mention that I brought a prostitute to your bed. Even if I brought ten or a hundred prostitutes, you still have to endure it! You slut, you pretend to be noble in front of me. Do you think you are the high and mighty daughter of the Duke of Qin's mansion?"
"If you have the guts, call your father, your brother, and your aunt over, and let them see what dirty things the precious young lady does behind the scenes!"
Qin Shaojing's face changed completely when he heard Liu Ye's words.
Seeing her like this, Liu Ye sneered and pulled his woman up. He looked at Qin Shaojing with a show of strength and power, "If you still want to stay in this mansion and be the second wife of the Duke of Liu's mansion, you must endure any grievances in the future!"
After Liu Ye finished speaking, he walked out of the house with his woman.
After he left, Qin Shaojing looked at the mess on the bed, smelled the disgusting smell in the air, and smashed things in anger.
"No more, no more! I don't want to go through with it!"
Seeing this, Nanny Qin quickly got up from the ground and said, "Miss! Miss! Calm down!"
"How can you ask me to calm down? Liu Ye is riding on my head! Didn't you hear what he said? In the future, I will not only bring one prostitute, but also ten or a hundred prostitutes. I will have to endure all the grievances! How can I live like this?"
Qin Shaojing yelled angrily.
She did climb into her father-in-law's bed, but it was not for the title of Duke Liu's Mansion!
The old Duke was getting worse day by day and was about to die. Ever since she was driven back from the Marquis' Mansion by Qin that day, Liu Ye and her mother-in-law had been finding fault with her day and night.
When she really felt like she couldn't stand staying in Duke Liu's mansion any longer, her father-in-law came again.
He hinted to her that he was the only one in the entire Duke's Mansion who could protect her and lend her sperm. As long as she had a child, her child would be the next generation's prince and the future Duke!
The child is his, he recognizes it!
After such lobbying, Qin Shaojing agreed reluctantly.
But what no one expected was that Liu Ye discovered the matter before anyone knew where the child was.
At first, Liu Ye was afraid of his father and only quarreled with her in private. Now, Liu Ye actually dares to take advantage of her and take advantage of this matter to shit on her!
How could she bear this?
"My poor eldest daughter!" Nanny Qin hugged Qin Shaojing distressedly and cried for her.
Qin Shaojing pushed her away with great annoyance at this time. She said, "By the way, how is my aunt doing?"
Qin Shaojing had no choice but to think that her aunt's side was still an option!
If she forgave her, she would have someone to rely on and could go to her aunt!
Nanny Qin wiped her tears and said, "Something happened to my aunt too!"
"What's up?"
"Master Gu has returned from the battle, and he died in battle!"
"Ah—" Qin Shaojing frowned.
She naturally remembered her uncle's expedition and heard that he returned victorious. She originally thought that if he returned victorious and received rewards from the emperor, she might be able to get some credit too. However, she didn't expect that he died.
"Does that mean my disappointing cousin will inherit the title?"
Nanny Qin shook her head and said, "I was just about to tell you. Now the whole street is saying that he is going to become a monk! Pray for the Marquis and his aunt! His filial piety moves the heavens!"
Qin Shaojing: "..."
What?
Cheng Yunshuo wants to become a monk?
Did he become a monk for his father?
How... is this possible? !
Nanny Qin said at this time, "It's the former Second Master Cheng, he also made contributions and returned. He was just awarded today. His Majesty awarded him the rank of Third Rank General of the Garrison Army, a hundred boxes of gold and silver treasures, and a General's Mansion in Kyoto."
"Oh, if I had known you would have married him, you would be a general's wife now. Although it is not as good as the Duke's Mansion, it is still a glamorous family. And Mr. Cheng is easy to control. He will definitely not let you down, Miss."
I don't know whether Qin Shaojing regretted it or not, but Nanny Qin regretted it now.
She thought about it carefully and felt that the silly poor boy back then was not a bad guy. He was deeply in love with their eldest daughter. It was really a sure thing for her eldest daughter to marry him!
Their daughters are of high status, so if they marry him, he would be very grateful. Not to mention taking a concubine, even if he looks at a woman on the street for a second longer, they, the servants, would scold him to death!
It's not like marrying Liu Ye!
Not only does he look for women every day, but he also brings wild women to their eldest daughter's bed. This is really a humiliation!
Also, in Duke Liu's mansion, few people respect their eldest daughter.
After all, she is the daughter of a Duke!
The more Nanny Qin thought about it, the more she regretted that she should have said a few words for the poor boy.
I really misjudged it!
While Nanny Qin was muttering to herself, a maid came rushing in to report.
"Miss, something happened!"
"What happened again!" Nanny Qin glared at the maid who came over.
These so-called young ladies were all brought by Qin Shaojing when she got married. The maid panted and said, "Madame Qin, something really happened! The second and third young ladies in the first house have been diagnosed with pregnancy!"
"What!"
When Nanny Qin heard this, she stood up as if struck by lightning.
Both young ladies in the first house are pregnant!
This, this basically means that there is absolutely no hope for this room of theirs!
"Miss, don't worry. Things are not certain yet. We don't know whether we will have a boy or a girl! We still have hope!"
Nanny Qin comforted Qin Shaojing, "Let's hurry up and get pregnant. As long as we can get pregnant and prepare a baby boy in advance, we can guarantee that we will have a boy in one go!"
Nanny Qin's eyes were full of light. Nannies like them who came from wealthy families had seen all kinds of despicable tricks.
There are also cases of swapping a son for a daughter.
Anyway, their eldest daughter has her father-in-law's endorsement, so as long as a boy is born, he will definitely recognize him!
Nanny Qin said this and made arrangements for Qin Shaojing. Qin Shaojing suddenly asked, "You just said that my cousin wants to become a monk, right?"
Nanny Qin was suddenly stunned by Qin Shaojing's question. She nodded blankly, "Yes."
"Oh, my cousin is so filial. He became a monk for his father. His filial piety moves the heaven!" Qin Shaojing said this, and a smile gradually appeared on his face.
Nanny Qin looked at her strange smile and said, "Miss..."
"My cousin is going to become a monk. How can I not go and see such a big event? Let's go to the ceremony together tomorrow!"
—
The next day.
Guangji Temple.
Guangji Temple is very lively today.
Overnight yesterday, the news that Cheng Yunshuo was going to become a monk spread throughout the streets and alleys.
Especially, he prayed for his father who died in the war and became a monk. This is truly a filial piety that moved heaven and earth!
For a time, people all over the capital were praising Master Cheng's filial piety. Even the Emperor, after learning about it, was extremely impressed and praised him highly.
Today, a large group of people who came to watch the ordination ceremony filled the Guangji Temple.
At this time, in the backyard of Guangji Temple.
A woman was anxiously standing by the door.
"My Lord, I beg you not to become a monk!"
Her earnest request received no response at all.
As the time came, the door of the monk's room opened and a bald monk walked out and walked towards the hall outside for ordination.
Seeing this, Li Bixi knelt down in front of him and said, "My Lord! I beg you, please come with me to see who I brought with me!"
Cheng Yunshuo looked at the woman kneeling in front of him, blocking his way, and said, "Amitabha, Mr. Li, please go back. No matter who comes, I will not change my mind."
After saying that, Cheng Yunshuo bowed to her, walked around her and continued walking forward.
Li Bijie hugged Cheng Yunshuo's legs and refused to let him leave.
"My Lord, I beg you, just come with me and take a look!"
How could Li Bijie dare to let go? Now that everyone in the Marquis' Mansion had given up on Cheng Yunshuo, she couldn't do anything about it.
Once Cheng Yunshuo really takes the vows and becomes a monk, it will be completely over for her and her children!
For this reason, she knelt at the door of Duruo's nunnery for a whole day yesterday!
Even if...
"My Lord, others don't understand you, but Bixi does. It was Bixi's fault that you and Aunt Du had a rift. Today, I have invited Aunt Du to come to you!"
Li Bijie hugged Cheng Yunshuo's legs tightly and shouted while hugging him.
In fact, Qiu Ling and Ling Long did not think that Cheng Yunshuo loved Du Ruo deeply, because Du Ruo and Cheng Yunshuo had a falling out back then, and it was Du Ruo who made Cheng Yunshuo despise her throughout the whole process.
When Li Bijie invited them both to go and ask Du Ruo for help, they were both skeptical. Among all the people, only Li Bijie knew the answer clearly.
Cheng Yunshuo treats Du Ruo differently.
Among all people, only Du Ruo can persuade him to turn back!
As expected, after she said the three words "Aunt Du", the resolute Cheng Yunshuo was stunned.
Li Bixi took the opportunity to continue lobbying, "My Lord! I have explained all the grudges to Aunt Du. It was me who delayed the news of her aunt's death, which caused her to misunderstand you for so many years. Now that Aunt Du is back, I beg you to go out and take a look!"
After Li Bixi finished speaking, Cheng Yunshuo lowered his head and looked at her in her hopeful eyes.
"Amitabha, Mr. Li, all the past events are like clouds and smoke. I am no longer obsessed with them. I believe she has let them go, too."
As Cheng Yunshuo finished his words, the thigh that Li Bixi was hugging tightly in her arms moved away, and Cheng Yunshuo continued to walk forward.
"My Lord!"
Li Bixi was stunned for a moment, and watching Cheng Yunshuo walk away, she used her trump card and screamed, "Auntie Du, come out quickly!"
As she finished her words, a woman wearing nun's clothes and a bamboo hat walked out from behind them.
After she came out, Li Bixi excitedly said to Cheng Yunshuo, "My Lord, Aunt Du is here!"
Her words once again made Cheng Yunshuo stop.
"My Lord, I beg you, just come with me and take a look!"
The autumn wind in the temple blew slightly, rolling up the dead leaves on the trees, blowing Cheng Yunshuo's monk's robe, and blowing through the nun's clothes of a woman behind him.
He heard a sound amid the rustling wind.
"Master."
Cheng Yunshuo's stopped figure stood still, not taking another step forward.
Seeing this, Li Biying quickly got up from the ground and hurried to Cheng Yunshuo's side. She said with bright eyes, "My Lord, Aunt Du is behind you now. You can see her as soon as you turn around!"
"Master."
The voice that sounded very similar to Du Ruo's was heard behind him again.
Li Bixi looked at the person behind her, "My Lord, just look back!"
"Aunt Du is back, she is really back."
"Master."
Master, he walked towards Cheng Yunshuo step by step. Li Bixi beside him kept persuading him. The moment the footsteps behind him stopped, Cheng Yunshuo finally moved.
He clasped his hands in front of himself and sighed, "I won't see her."
Li Bixi: "!"
After Cheng Yunshuo finished speaking, he shook off Li Bixi and continued walking forward.
Li Bixiang was completely confused at this moment.
"Cheng Yunshuo! Your Aruo is back and you don't want to see her?" she shouted anxiously.
"She once swore that she would never see me again in this life or death, and I will not break her oath." Cheng Yunshuo said, "Even if she is in front of me, I will close my eyes and not see her. If you pry open my eyes, I will destroy them myself."
Li Bixi: "…"
She looked at the person in front of her and walked forward step by step without looking back.
"Madam, even though I didn't keep the master just now, you still have to pay me the money."
After Cheng Yunshuo left, the woman behind her who was wearing nun's clothes and a bamboo hat walked up to Li Bijie and spoke.
Li Bixiang looked at the person in front of her with bloodshot eyes.
She just felt that she had lost completely!
She knelt before Du Ruo for a whole day yesterday, but failed to move Du Ruo. But even if she really invited Du Ruo over today, it would be useless!
The one she lost to was Cheng Yunshuo!
Li Bixiang broke down when the woman she hired, whose voice was very similar to Du Ruo's, kept asking for money.
All the planning and scheming was done with great effort, but in the end it was all in vain.
In the main hall of Jinguang Buddha Temple.
Lu Lingjun led all the masters and concubines in the marquis's mansion, except the old lady, to watch the ceremony inside.
A maid came over and reported to Lu Lingyun what had just happened in the backyard.
When Lu Lingjun heard that Li Bixing had invited Du Ruo, his eyebrows raised slightly, but when he heard that Cheng Yunshuo did not see Du Ruo and left resolutely, he suddenly chuckled.
That Li Bixi is still too young.
She never really understood Cheng Yunshuo at all.
Cheng Yunshuo is a man who is both passionate and heartless.
He is willful and does whatever he wants. When he loves, he loves madly, and when he doesn't love, he loves like mowing the grass. Once he has made up his mind, he will really abandon you when he says he will. There is no one else in his eyes or heart.
He always does what he wants to do and never lets others get in his way.
So over the years, it was never Li Bixi who had the means to seduce Cheng Yunshuo, but Cheng Yunshuo was willing to cooperate with her in acting according to his own heart.
He is the kind of person who enjoys doing this and turns a blind eye to any clumsy tricks.
He was not happy about this. No matter who used what clever tricks, it was useless!
He has never been a person who can be persuaded by others, he only follows his heart!
So there was no way he could be persuaded by anyone again, even one of his favorites...Du Ruo.
Of course, even if Li Bixiang succeeded by chance today and really convinced Cheng Yunshuo, Cheng Yunshuo would not be able to leave this temple.
She had lived with Cheng Yunshuo for a long time and had arranged a sufficient number of people at the place of operation, all keeping an eye on him.
If he wants to change his mind and not become a monk at the last minute, there's no way!
After Lu Lingjun listened to the report from his maid, Cheng Yunshuo, wearing monk's robes, walked into the hall.
Master Yuanqing smiled at him with kindness and generosity. Cheng Yunshuo met his gaze and everyone's attention and walked to the mat in the middle.
"Master Cheng, you must think it through. From today on, abandon all worldly concerns and become a monk."
Master Yuanqing's voice echoed in the hall.
Cheng Yunshuo knelt on the ground and clasped his hands together, "Amitabha, I am willing to give up all fame, money, love, and love, and have no external things in my eyes, and devote myself to Buddhism."
"Good, good."
Master Yuanqing looked at the man in front of him with great satisfaction, "Mr. Cheng is devoted to Buddhism and has become my disciple. I will guide you and convert you. However, from today on, Mr. Cheng will no longer have a name. I will give you a Buddhist name. How about Wuxin?"
Cheng Yunshuo, who was kneeling in front of Master Yuanqing, recited this name and gained enlightenment.
"Very good, thank you for the name, Master."
As soon as he finished speaking, Master Yuanqing began the ordination ceremony. He took the ordination incense prepared by the little monk beside him and gave it to Cheng Yunshuo, no, now it was Wuxin, and lit six scars on him.
Many people from the marquis's mansion who were watching the ceremony couldn't help but shed tears.
Qiu Ling and Ling Long were especially impressed. They both covered their eyes with handkerchiefs and tears fell down.
The eldest son of their family...became a monk!
In the future, it will be gone!
Lu Lingjun looked at the scene in front of him with a gloomy expression, more dignified and calm than before.
Because from now on, this mansion will be supported by her.
After the ordination ceremony, before Lu Lingyun even left the gate of Guangji Temple, the imperial edict came down.
"The Emperor, in compliance with the Will of Heaven, proclaims..."
Everyone present knelt on the ground, accepting the order and listening to the grace.
The emperor was grateful for Cheng Yunshuo's unparalleled filial piety and his mourning and prayer for his deceased father, and he became a monk. He specially decreed that he would extend the title of Ningyang Marquis for his next generation. Ningyang Marquis was unparalleled in his loyalty and bravery, and died for his country, so he was granted enshrinement in the Taimiao. Ningyang Marquis's wife, Qin, was a good parent and was dignified and virtuous, truly a role model, so she was granted the title of Lady of Xue State.
In addition, there were a large number of palace gold, silver and jade rewards, a thousand taels of silver, a thousand bushels of pearls, a pair of agate lamps, a pair of painted porcelain screens... and so on.
A long list of huge rewards were read out in a row, and the precious gold, silver and jade items were put aside. The three big rewards at the beginning were enough to make Lu Lingjun's heart tremble.
First, the title of Ningyang Marquis was extended for one generation. Originally, Cheng Yunshuo's generation was the last generation of the marquisate, and when Cheng Bingan came, he would only have the title of earl.
This means that Bing'an can inherit the title of marquis and pass it on to another generation!
The old marquis once again worshipped in the Imperial Ancestral Temple and all the Ningyang Marquisate benefited from it!
And the fact that Qin was given the title of Lady of the State was beyond Lu Lingjun's expectations!
The fact that the old marquis can enjoy the Imperial Ancestral Temple is already a sufficient reward for his military merits and a recognition of the Ningyang Marquisate by His Majesty, and the title of Lady of the State... is obviously an additional reward.
Because of the reward given to Cheng Yunshuo for becoming a monk!
The Ningyang Marquisate was successfully inherited this time. The old marquis was enshrined in the Taimiao, and Qin was given the title of Lady of the State. This was truly a great honor for the family!
Lu Lingjun immediately knelt on the ground, accepted the order and expressed his gratitude.
While she was expressing her gratitude, she slipped the green jade bracelet on her wrist into the eunuch's hand through her sleeve.
The eunuch who delivered the message took the heavy thing in his hand. He looked at Lu Lingyun and congratulated her with a smile on his face, "Congratulations, Madam Crown Prince. Oh, no, I have to change my words."
Lu Lingyun looked at the chief eunuch.
The chief eunuch continued with a smile, "Although His Majesty did not give you a title, Madam Cheng, but His Majesty's extension of the title means that if Madam Xue asks for a marquisate for Master Wuxin, His Majesty will also approve it. Then, in the future, Madam Cheng will be the wife of the Marquis of Ningyang."
When Lu Lingjun heard this, she immediately understood, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Mrs. Cheng, you have to manage the entire Ningyang Marquis Mansion now. It's really hard work."
"My father-in-law has worked hard too."
Lu Lingyun bowed once again to bid farewell to the eunuch who delivered the imperial edict.
As soon as the eunuchs who delivered the imperial edict left, the people around began to discuss it heatedly.
"Old Ningyang Marquis died in battle and is enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. What a great honor this is!"
"There are not many people in our dynasty who have been enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. The Ningyang Marquis's Mansion is truly magnificent!"
"It is the first time in our dynasty that the old marquis' wife has been given the title of the Queen of the State!"
"Yes, the Lord of the Marquisate, the title of Madam of the State, this is the supreme honor!"
"Now that you say that, I think the Ningyang Marquis's Mansion deserves the rewards! The old Ningyang Marquis died on the battlefield and sacrificed his life for the country, and the Ningyang Marquis's son mourned for his father. This is great loyalty, filial piety, and righteousness. It's not reasonable for them to be awarded these titles!"
"Yes! Ningyang Marquis Mansion deserves it!"
"The Ningyang Marquis' Mansion is truly amazing!"
The voices of praise from the crowd rose one after another. Lu Lingjun listened but she said nothing. She just left with her people in a low-key manner.
After she left, several different looks appeared in the crowd.
One was extremely dull, extremely shocked, and extremely unbelievable.
In the crowd, a woman in plain clothes holding a little boy was staring at Lu Lingjun who was surrounded and stared at by everyone.
She was dressed in bright and beautiful clothes, and everyone praised her and looked up to her.
But...
"It shouldn't be like this!" Lu Hanyi was hit hard again, "Shouldn't she be depressed and listless?"
"Obviously, Cheng Yunshuo has become a monk, the Marquisate is doomed, and she will be doomed too, so how come she is better!"
"Mom." Li Shouye listened to his mother's mumbling. Because there were many people around, he was afraid of being embarrassed if someone heard her, so he held her hand and said, "Let's go back and talk about it."
"I don't believe it, I don't believe it!" Lu Hanyi screamed, "She shouldn't be like this!"
"Her husband has become a monk, why doesn't she become one too!"
"She also received so many awards."
"Why does she get all the good things?"
Her words made people around look at her sideways. Li Shouye was really disgusted by the humiliation. He looked at the maid who followed him and asked her to help him quickly drag away his crazy and jealous mother.
Lu Hanyi, who was looking forward to the show, was disappointed and was stimulated to the point that her eyes turned red again. In the crowd on the other side.
A woman wearing a bamboo hat stared at Lu Lingjun and his group as they left.
"The Ningyang Marquisate has been passed down from generation to generation..."
"His Majesty has not directly named who will inherit the throne. We still have to wait for my aunt to ask for the title..."
Qin Shaojing's eyes became brighter and brighter.
At this time, her eyes fell on Lu Lingjun, a tall and resolute man among the crowd.
Cheng Qi, who changed into casual clothes, still stood out in the crowd.
After not seeing him for a few years, he looks even more handsome and upright.
Especially compared with Liu Ye and his lewd father in her room, who had hollowed out his body with wine and women and spent all day fooling around looking for women, Qin Shaojing's eyes lit up even more.
"Madame Qin, go prepare the carriage and follow them."
Qin Shaojing said.
"yes."
They quickly dispersed from the crowd.
After Cheng Qi followed Lu Lingjun and others to the backyard, they each got on the carriage.
"Sister-in-law, you guys go back first. I want to take a walk around the capital." Cheng Qi said.
When Lu Lingjun heard Cheng Qi's words, he nodded at him and said, "Second Uncle, be careful and go home early. Huihui will be back today."
"Okay, I understand." Cheng Qi nodded at her and got on the horse.
As Lu Lingyun's carriage left Guangji Temple, the people in Guangji Temple also dispersed one after another.
Among the dispersing crowd, a woman wearing a bamboo hat outside the temple looked at the Guangji Temple where people were coming and going and snorted.
In her field of vision, she could see the golden Buddha temple in front of her, and the monks inside who were no longer being paid attention to.
She saw a corner of a monk's robe fluttering. The newly ordained Master Wuxin stood up. In the hall, incense was burning and wooden fish was clicking. When the autumn wind blew up the ashes, she turned around and left among the crowd.
At this time, Master Wuxin turned his head.
He saw a fleeting figure.
In the blink of an eye, the figure could not be caught or distinguished in the crowd.
Just like a drop of water falling into the water.
"Amitabha."
He recited long Buddhist scriptures.
Lu Lingjun and Cheng Qi separated halfway.
Cheng Qi was riding a horse alone on the mountain road.
Before he knew it, he had arrived at the East Courtyard on the outskirts of the Marquis' Mansion.
When he saw the East Courtyard, Cheng Qi was stunned.
How did I get here?
I guess he didn't go anywhere during the half year he stayed in the capital, but he came here quite often.
Maybe I subconsciously took some familiar routes.
Cheng Qi comforted himself in this way, and turned back holding the horse reins. At this time, a carriage appeared in front of him.
The curtain of the carriage was opened, revealing a woman wearing a goose yellow dress embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns in gold thread.
She lowered her head slightly, revealing half of her delicate and beautiful face.
She had willow-like eyebrows, a tall and delicate nose, and red lips. Her eyes moved slightly, and she looked as charming as mist in Cheng Qi's eyes.
"Brother Cheng Qi?" Qin Shaojing called out unexpectedly, his eyes full of surprise.
Cheng Qi looked at the woman in front of him. She was much more mature and charming than she was seven years ago. When he first met her, she was as noble and lively as a fairy from heaven. But seven years later, she was like a fully bloomed peony, rich and gorgeous.
What Cheng Qi couldn't ignore was the gleam of surprise in her eyes.
The light flashed into his heart with a bang.
Qin Shaojing...was she surprised to see me again?
Why was she so surprised?
Is she the same as him...having never forgotten him in these seven years?
Cheng Qi's dead heart began to beat again.
"Brother Cheng Qi, it's really you." Qin Shaojing had already walked down from the carriage. She looked at the man riding on the tall horse in front of her. His skin was much darker and rougher than seven years ago, which showed that the weather over there was indeed bitterly cold.
Fortunately, she didn't make a fool of herself and go to such a poor place with him.
Qin Shaojing's gaze fell on Cheng Qi's sharp eyes. His eyes looked deeper than a few years ago, but...
"I just thought I was dazzled. Why are you here?"
Qin Shaojing's words immediately brought Cheng Qi back to his senses. He lowered his head and met Qin Shaojing's bright eyes.
He couldn't help but move his head to the side, "Just walking around, just happened to pass by."
As soon as he finished speaking, Qin Shaojing said in a disappointed tone, "So you were just walking around. I thought Brother Cheng Qi remembered this place just like me, but this place is..."
"What?"
"Nothing." Qin Shaojing forced a smile. Her eyes were like threads, falling on Cheng Qi's eyes for a second, and then quickly moved away.
This only made Cheng Qi feel uneasy. He wanted to ask Qin Shaojing what happened right now, but what happened a few years ago was still fresh in his mind.
Qin Shaojing is a married woman now, so it is not his turn to care about her anymore.
After a while of inner turmoil, Cheng Qi frowned, his face turned cold, and he looked at Qin Shaojing coldly, "It's good that nothing happened. I have something else to do, so I'll leave first."
No matter what he said, it was inappropriate after all. He couldn't tell anyone. Talking or asking would only cause trouble. Cheng Qi chose to leave.
As he was about to leave, Qin Shaojing called out, "Brother Cheng Qi."
"Do you have anything else to say?" Cheng Qi immediately looked at her with a cold face.
"Since we are already here, why don't we go to the East Courtyard together?" Qin Shaojing looked at the East Courtyard in front of him, "Brother Cheng Qi helped me a lot here back then, and I've always remembered it."
After Qin Shaojing said this, Cheng Qi was unable to get off his horse and was unable to move forward or backward.
On the one hand, he wanted to go in with Qin Shaojing and take a walk inside, but on the other hand, Qin Shaojing was married now and it was not suitable.
At this time, Nanny Qin stepped forward with a smile and said, "It turned out to be the Second Master! I'm glad that the Second Master has returned to Beijing. Our eldest lady has been missing you all these years!"
Cheng Qi: "!"
He felt as if something had fallen into his heart, and it hit him in the chest all of a sudden.
Qin Shaojing has actually been thinking about him all these years!
this...
"Brother Cheng Qi, don't listen to Nanny Qin's nonsense. I just treat you as my brother. I miss you and went to the border battlefield, and I'm worried about your safety." Qin Shaojing quickly denied.
Nanny Qin also hurriedly said, "Yes, yes, yes, I was wrong. Our eldest lady has always treated you as a brother and cared about your safety, not anything else! Now, you have finally returned safely, otherwise our eldest lady would have been worried to death!"
Hearing this, Cheng Qi looked at Qin Shaojing and said, "Thank you Shao...Mrs. Liu for your concern."
He spoke, his tone very polite and distant.
Especially the last name, which pulled the two people apart.
No matter what, he must always remember it.
Qin Shaojing listened to Cheng Qi's blunt words and looked at Nanny Qin again. Nanny Qin looked at Cheng Qi with a smile on her face, "Second Master, why do you have to call us Miss so strangely? It's better to just call us by the old name."
Cheng Qi shook his head. "Before Madam Liu was still married, we were considered as a brother and sister. Now, it is inconvenient to call her that."
"Look at what you said. No matter what, you are still our eldest lady's brother! At least our eldest lady has always regarded you as a brother. Could it be that now that you have risen to prominence, you look down on our eldest lady, your younger sister?"
"How is this possible!?"
"That's it." Nanny Qin looked at him with a smile, "You two brothers and sisters have finally reunited, why don't you go for a walk in the East Courtyard?"
Nanny Qin kept calling them brother and sister, and talked about how much Qin Shaojing missed his brother, as if Cheng Qi had lost his way if he didn't go to the East Courtyard with Qin Shaojing today.
Cheng Qi stopped being stiff when he heard this. He got off his horse and said calmly, "In that case, let's go in together."
Qin Shaojing glanced at him and gave him a big smile.
Cheng Qi was dazzled by her smile once again. He suppressed the uneasy throbbing in his heart and glanced away coldly.
East Courtyard.
The familiar trees are still there, and everything is the same as it was a few years ago.
"Brother Cheng Qi, to be honest, I have never thanked you properly." Qin Shaojing said.
"What?"
"You were the one who helped me send people back to the Imperial City." Qin Shaojing smiled, "Without you, I really don't know what to do."
Qin Shaojing's words suddenly reminded Cheng Qi of the time when he came to the East Courtyard every day to help Qin Shaojing.
"These are just small favors." Cheng Qi said with a cold face.
"It's just a small favor to you, but it's a huge help to me." Qin Shaojing looked at his pretending to be cool, "You may not know that from childhood to adulthood, you are the only one who has helped me so sincerely."
"How could this be? Uncle, aunt, and sister-in-law are all helping you."
Qin Shaojing stepped forward and fixed his eyes on him, "It's different. They are my blood relatives, but you, Brother Cheng Qi, are the only outsider who is willing to help me."
When Cheng Qi heard this, no matter how aloof he tried to keep his distance, his neck couldn't help but turn red, "Sister Shao Jing, I am also your brother."
Qin Shaojing burst into laughter at this time, "Is that right, Brother Cheng Qi, it would be great if you could call me Sister Shaojing like before."
Cheng Qi's words to Qin Shaojing made him unsure of how to keep his distance. He said stiffly, "It's getting late today. I'd better go back first."
He turned around and was about to leave when he heard a sharp cry of "ouch" from behind him.
Cheng Qi turned around almost subconsciously. Before he could finish the three words "what happened", a warm and soft body fell into his arms.
The fragrance of Qin Shaojing filled Cheng Qi's nostrils. He had never been so close to her before. When their eyes met, he saw the flickering look in her eyes like a frightened deer.
She looked at him like this, just like she was a few years ago when she was helpless and needed his help.
Just when he was about to lose consciousness, Nanny Qin beside him said, "Miss!"
Cheng Qi came to his senses when he heard this. He quickly straightened Qin Shaojing and looked away, "Mrs. Liu, be careful. I have to go back first."
When he tried to leave, someone grabbed his sleeve tightly.
Cheng Qi turned his head and met Qin Shaojing's gaze again.
"Brother Cheng Qi, I know I did a lot of things to hurt you in the past, but..."
"Don't mention the past, I've forgotten everything." Cheng Qi interrupted her.
"Then Brother Cheng Qi, can you promise me one thing?"
"What's up?"
Qin Shaojing looked at him softly, "You still call me Sister Shaojing."
"This, this is not right."
"So, Brother Cheng Qi, you haven't forgotten what happened in the past." Qin Shaojing looked at him, her eyes sank, full of disappointment, "You must still hate me."
Cheng Qi said firmly at this time, "I don't hate you. From now on, I will still treat you as my sister, Shao, Shao Jing's sister."
Qin Shaojing smiled completely when he heard this.
Her smile was as beautiful as a flower, stirring Cheng Qi's heart. Cheng Qi could no longer stay here. He said to her coldly, "It's getting late. I really have to go back. Sister Shao Jing, you should go back earlier too."
After Cheng Qi finished speaking, he left the East Courtyard in big strides without paying any attention to their attempts to keep him or anything else they wanted to say.
After he left with such a cold attitude, Nanny Qin couldn't help but frowned and said, "Alas, Miss, Cheng Er seems to have changed a lot. He never treated you like this before. I'm afraid his heart has changed now!"
Qin Shaojing listened to Nanny Qin's words, and a smile appeared on his lips. "In my eyes, no matter what happens, he will never change. He is still that simple poor boy."
After Cheng Qi left the East Courtyard, he mounted his horse and galloped quickly all the way back to the Imperial City.
The more he ran, the faster his heart beat.
The autumn wind blew over him, and he could vaguely smell a hint of fragrance.
He rode all the way back to the mansion, and when the horse stopped, his heart was still pounding.
Cheng Qi handed the horse to the servant of the Marquis' Mansion and just walked into the mansion when a young woman came running towards him.
"elder brother!"
Cheng Qi stopped when he heard the voice, and Cheng Hui rushed straight to him, but Cheng Hui was no longer a little girl. She had been raised by Lu Lingjun for many years, so she stopped in front of Cheng Qi.
He just looked at his brother with joy in his eyes.
"Huihui." Cheng Qi was filled with surprise when he saw his sister. After so many years, his sister had grown up.
"Very good, very good, fair and clean, not thin at all."
Cheng Hui turned around in front of him and said proudly, "Of course, my sister-in-law is so good to me! She has been taking care of me like her own sister all these years, and she always thinks of me when it comes to delicious food and fun things. How can I lose weight!"
When Cheng Qi heard her words, gratitude appeared in his eyes. When he left that year, he did so without thinking about Cheng Hui.
But he had nothing at that time, and it would be hard for him to return to the border. He didn't know what to do with Cheng Hui, so he had to leave her in the marquis's mansion.
Here, her surname is Cheng, and the Marquis's Mansion will always give her something to eat.
But he really didn't expect that his sister-in-law really treated Cheng Hui as her own sister and took such good care of her.
For such a great favor, he must express his gratitude to Lu Lingjun!
"Where is my sister-in-law now?" Cheng Qi asked.
"She is in her own courtyard. Her brother Lord Lu has come and is discussing something with her." Cheng Hui said.
When Cheng Qi heard this, he decided to stop thinking about looking for Lu Lingjun. "In that case, I'll take you to my general's mansion!"
"Okay!" Cheng Hui became happy.
When her brother returned from a victorious battle, he was granted the title of General of the Zhenjun Army and was also given a general's mansion.
Now, they finally have their own home in the capital.
Cheng Hui happily went out of the house with Cheng Qi. Today she had to take a good look at their own home.
Cheng Qi and Cheng Hui, brother and sister, left the Marquis' Mansion.
At this time, in Lu Lingjun's main courtyard.
"How is the old lady now?" Lu Kuan asked.
"Still asleep." Lu Lingjun replied.
After she came back, she went to see Qin first. She wanted to tell her about the reward and title bestowed upon her by His Majesty today, hoping that it would make her feel better. However, Qin was still in a coma.
"I don't know when I will wake up."
After hearing this, Lu Kuan said leisurely, "Your Majesty is drafting an edict today, and I am standing by. Your Majesty wants you to decide for yourselves who will inherit the title of Ningyang Marquis. Your Majesty approves it, whether it's my brother-in-law or Bing'an or Binghao."
Lu Lingjun nodded. She had heard all of this today.
This is indeed a special honor bestowed by His Majesty on the Ningyang Marquisate, acknowledging that Cheng Yunshuo's becoming a monk is a great act of filial piety.
"But the old lady has to ask for the title. Big sister, please take care of the old lady these days. When she wakes up, you can discuss it with her again."
"I understand." Lu Lingjun nodded.
After Lu Kuan left, Lu Lingjun asked about Qin's condition again.
Upon learning that she was still not awake, Lu Lingjun sighed softly.
Apart from the fact that Qin needed to wake up to confer the title on the Marquis' Mansion, she was also worried about Qin.
People are all made of flesh and blood. Since she got married, her mother-in-law Qin has taken good care of her. Apart from some utilitarian elements and occasional human bias, she has done nothing wrong.
"Tell someone to take good care of the old lady and report everything to me." Lu Lingjun gave the orders.
"Yes, Madam!"
While Lu Lingjun was arranging Qin's affairs, a servant came to report, "Madam, Aunt Du is here to ask for a meeting."
Duruo?
Lu Lingjun was surprised when he heard Du Ruo coming.
When Cheng Yunshuo was ordained today, his subordinates said that Li Bijie had invited Du Ruo, but in fact she had hired someone from outside who had a voice and figure somewhat similar to Du Ruo.
When she heard Du Ruo coming, she was startled and said, "Let her in."
"Yes, Madam."
The servant here responded and went downstairs to invite someone. After a while, a man dressed in men's clothes and wearing a bamboo hat followed the servant in.
After the man entered Lu Lingyun's yard, he took off the hat on his head, revealing a heroic young face.
She used charcoal to draw her eyebrows very thickly, and her face was covered with pockmarks and freckles. She used something to make her skin rough and dark, but her eyebrows and eyes were still recognizable.
It was Du Ruo, whom I hadn't seen for seven years.
"Young Madam." Du Ruo smiled and looked at Lu Lingjun.
"Auntie Du...Du Ruo, are you out?"
"Yeah." Du Ruo nodded, "I'm coming out."
There was a cheerful and heroic look between her brows. Seeing her like this and her outfit, Lu Lingjun asked, "Where are you planning to go?"
"Yes, I plan to travel around the world." Du Ruo looked at the square sky above his head, "The world is so vast, I want to see everywhere."
She said this with a sharp look between her brows. After listening to her, Lu Lingjun asked, "But how about your safety when you are traveling alone as a woman?"
"Don't worry." Du Ruo patted the sword on his body, "I have practiced boxing and kicking, and ordinary petty thieves can't touch me."
Lu Lingjun still looked a little worried.
"With the way I look, no one would be able to recognize me as a woman unless I say I'm a woman." Du Ruo raised his face high.
Lu Lingjun smiled at this time, "Think it through. Going out is dangerous, and people's hearts are unpredictable. There are many dangers. If you go into the mountains, there will be tigers and leopards. If you go into the big cities and small towns, there will be bullies and hooligans. There may also be bandits on the road. Even if you travel in men's clothes and don't attract attention, you will still encounter various dangers."
"So what?" Du Ruo said without hesitation, "Even if there are dangers everywhere outside, I don't want to be trapped in this square sky for the rest of my life."
After hearing this, Lu Lingjun stopped trying to persuade her.
Everyone has different aspirations. Some like stability, while others like excitement. There are not so many people who must live their lives according to the will of others.
Furthermore, if the Marquis' Mansion was under pressure from the clan elders, it would be impossible for Du Ruo to be allowed to leave.
But now she is the one who is in charge of the Marquisate. As a woman, Lu Lingjun will not make things difficult for her or set any insurmountable rules for her as long as there is no conflict of interest.
Since she wants to go, as long as she has thought it through, let her go.
Even if something happens on the road, so what? Everyone's life should be decided by themselves. It is better to die on the road you choose than on the road chosen by others. Those who block others' way and prevent them from flying under the banner of being good are all bad people.
Because apart from the so-called 'I'm doing this for your own good' and 'there are no such rules', there is actually no convincing reason at all.
They habitually stop others and use various rules to oppress people they cannot control.
On the premise that there is no conflict of interest, the essence is not to regard other people's wishes as your own, and not to treat people as human beings.
Lu Lingjun was not willing to do such a thing at all.
She doesn't care about other people's choices, but also respects their choices.
So what if she is my aunt? As long as there is no conflict, she has the right to make her own choices.
"Since you have made up your mind, then it's up to you. Take this with you. The journey is long and arduous. If you encounter any difficulties, you can ask for help from the Marquis's properties in other places." Lu Lingjun took off a token of the Ningyang Marquis's Mansion from his body.
When Du Ruo saw the token, she accepted it without any hesitation. She looked at Lu Lingjun and said, "Madam, you are the person I admire most in this world."
"Oh? If you compliment me at this time, I won't give you anything more."
"No, Madam, I really respect you." Du Ruo looked at Lu Lingjun with full respect in his eyes.
She had been afraid, jealous, angry, and even hated Lu Lingjun before.
But after so many years and so many things, in the end, she discovered that Lu Lingjun was a true gentleman in the mansion.
When she was in favor, Lu Lingjun treated her like that.
She was no longer favored, but Lu Lingjun still treated her the same way.
She disciplined her not because she was jealous of Cheng Yunshuo's love for her, but because she broke her rules.
When she was down and out, Lu Lingjun never felt sorry for kicking her when she was down. She sent gifts to her parents' home, saved her face and dignity, and even scolded her harshly to wake her up when she was completely stuck in a rut.
She is not a good person in the traditional sense, but she respects her from the bottom of her heart.
"Madam, you manage the entire mansion. No matter what happens, you can always provide support for everyone. I admire you."
Lu Lingjun listened to Du Ruo's words and snorted and laughed, "Okay, I said, I don't have much to give you. If you get tired in the future, you can come back and rest and tell me about your experiences on the road."
Du Ruo's eyes sparkled, "Okay!"
Du Ruo left the Marquis' Mansion.
After Du Ruo left, the servants urged Lu Lingyun to have dinner.
She was so busy for several days that she didn't even have time to eat.
Tonight the children were all in the house, waiting for Lu Lingjun to come and eat before they would.
"Mom, please stop busying yourself. Eating is important." Cheng Suying came over and pulled Lu Lingyun into the house.
Lu Lingjun put down the things in his hands and followed Cheng Suying into the house.
A large table full of food had already been set, and the children all sat down according to their ages.
Lu Lingjun looked around and remembered, "By the way, where is Huihui?"
"My aunt left with my second uncle and went to his general's mansion." Cheng Suying replied.
Hearing that Cheng Hui was going to Cheng Qi, Lu Lingjun nodded.
Yes, she almost forgot that Cheng Qi now has his own mansion. His Majesty has just awarded him a general's mansion.