Chapter 101 - Your Reward or Mine?
In the Ting Lan Yuan, Mrs. Xue seethed with anger as she gazed at her daughter's swollen cheeks. Her rage was so intense that she inadvertently shattered a few valuable items. “The Fifth Princess has crossed the line. There's no other way, we must inform the madame about this!”
Zuo Shuhui tugged at Mrs. Xue's sleeve, her voice trembling with tears, “Mother, the madame is her aunt. Can we really stand up to her?” Today… Their daughter had witnessed the Fifth Princess personally whipping a palace maid to death. That wicked woman… “She even threatened our daughter…”
Zuo Shuhui had been deeply frightened today. She hadn't wanted to attend the gathering, but the Fifth Princess had left her with no choice. Besides, she wasn't the only girl invited, and no matter how unruly the Fifth Princess was, she shouldn't dare to harm her in front of everyone.
Little did she expect that this Jadeite Leaf would be so audacious. Not only had he killed someone in broad daylight, but he had also subjected her to mockery and ridicule, lacing his words with threats.
A lifeless body lay cold on the ground, yet the young mistresses around paid it no heed. They continued to chat merrily, as if she were merely a rustic girl who had never seen the world.
Zuo Shuhui did not consider herself soft-hearted. She had reprimanded her servants before, but she had never personally taken a life. This gruesome scene had deeply disturbed her.
However, alongside her fear, there was also a tinge of excitement. This was power! The power to control life and death from a commanding position; it sent shivers down her spine.
If she could successfully marry Lu Zheng, what did it matter if the Fifth Princess held a lofty status? Could she still be bullied in Duke Zhen Manor?
Mrs. Xue helped her clean up the medicinal supplies and offered words of comfort, “Don't be afraid, she's only trying to intimidate you. Our esteemed young miss from the Zuo Family can't be compared to mere palace maids. No matter how ruthless she is, she wouldn't dare to lay a finger on you. It's just that…”
Zuo Shuhui snapped out of her thoughts and looked expectantly at Mrs. Xue. “But what?”
“It's just that we need to find a way to keep a low profile. There have been too many people reaching out to you these past two days, and it's hard to discern who genuinely wishes you harm. Perhaps we should come up with an excuse.”
Zuo Shuhui also found this reasoning sound. Over the past few days, she had sensed a growing animosity directed her way. The way people looked at her was filled with envy and jealousy, as if they wanted to devour her whole.
As long as she didn't marry into Duke Zhen's mansion, others wouldn't be afraid of her. Even someone as influential as the Fifth Princess had dared to threaten her.
Recalling that the Fifth Princess had also killed a young miss from a wealthy family, Zuo Shuhui shuddered. She suggested, “Mother, what if we stay at Aunt's place?”
“That's reassuring, but as for your elder son…” Mrs. Xue couldn't help but worry about her eldest son, who was currently engrossed in exam preparations. Even though he wasn't at home, her concerns lingered.
“Mother, Eldest Sister-in-law is here in the house. If it puts your mind at ease, please keep Senior Servant Zhu here. The housekeeper is also present; they're just a few streets away.” On the day they visited Duke Zhen Manor, mother and daughter had asked for the aunt's address. The reason for their delay in visiting was their absence for the past twenty years, which had instilled a fear of her.
Mrs. Xue pondered for a moment and summoned all the stewards in the mansion, intending to make some thoughtful arrangements. As for Luo Xiaoliu and Zuo Shaoqing, who had recently caused trouble, she didn't have the time to deal with them.
With her son and daughter's promising future in mind, would she still concern herself with an inconspicuous illegitimate child? She contemplated how she might teach him a lesson.
Although the commotion at Mrs. Xue's residence was relatively minor, it was not something that could be concealed. Zuo Shaoqing quickly received word of it and remained engrossed in composing a profound plan. He instructed, “Find out how long they intend to stay.”
He had previously mentioned giving Mrs. Hoe an opportunity, but before he could devise a plan, the other party had already handed him a perfect opening.
Eager and spirited, Luo Xiaoliu took on the mission and ventured out.
Given that Mrs. Xue and her sister had not been in contact for two decades, they could not be considered close. Mrs. Xue decided to send a letter first, expressing her longing for her sister and explaining that her daughter was feeling lonely at home and desired communication with her sisters.
Having been an official's wife for many years, Little Mrs. Xue possessed a shrewd mind. Considering recent events, she suspected that her sister and niece had taken refuge here.
She hesitated. Fifth Princess's words had placed her niece on thin ice, and she did not want those feelings to be further strained by the princess's remarks.
Eventually, she devised a plan with her husband. She believed that if Zuo Shuhui could indeed marry into Duke Zhen Manor, it would greatly benefit the Cheng family.
Upon receiving the news, Mrs. Xue immediately began packing her belongings. She had informed Zuo Yunwen that she would be staying there for at least half a month.
On the same day, Madam Zhu discreetly whispered to her about a rumor circulating outside: it was said that a certain courtier's daughter had a close relationship with her uncle and that he might need to divorce and marry her again!
Mrs. Xue was so shocked that she accidentally knocked over a prized jade ruyi. She hurriedly sent for her uncle!
Mrs. Xue felt a mix of astonishment and joy. She was taken aback by the severity of the rumors surrounding the examinees. Anyone who divorced or remarried would face dire consequences.
If she had arrived in the capital a few years earlier, she might have sent Mrs. Hoe back home. However, being in her sixties and carrying her first beloved grandson in her womb, she had different priorities now.
Zuo Shaoyan arrived after a considerable delay. Having already learned the details from Mrs. Zhu, he preemptively shared the entire story with Mrs. Xue, sparing her the need to inquire.
As it turned out, just a day after Lord Zuo's arrival in the capital, he ventured out with a group of students. By a twist of fate, he intervened and saved a wealthy household from extortion by posing as a woman.
The girl, who had fallen head over heels for Lord Zuo upon their initial encounter, had discreetly sought him out at his home while disguised as a man. She had thought her disguise was flawless, but it didn't take long for rumors to circulate.
Mrs. Xue's countenance lost its previous joy as she expressed her displeasure, saying, “Disguising as a man? Sneaking out? No matter how prestigious a lady's status, we cannot endorse such behavior!”
She had no desire for her future Zuo family to become a laughingstock due to her daughter-in-law's actions, regardless of her family's high standing. Rules had to be upheld.
Zuo Shaoyan replied with a neutral expression, “Mom, your son already has an official wife. There's no need to dwell on this.”
Mrs. Xue's eyes sparkled with calculation. With this piece of news, an opportunity opened up before her. If her daughter could successfully marry into Duke Zhen's residence, they might have a seventh-grade Zhixian daughter-in-law.
Furthermore, the second son was destined not to have a son. The family's lineage relied entirely on the eldest son. While the grandson in Mrs. Hoe's womb was of great significance, what if it were a daughter? What if childbirth proved to be challenging?
“Alright, let's set this aside for now. Your sister and I are going to stay at your aunt's house for a few days. Focus on your studies at home. We'll be back soon,” Mrs. Xue said.
Zuo Shaoyan wasn't a toddler, so he didn't require such warnings. He simply acknowledged and returned to his own affairs.
At night, Zuo Shaoqing was comfortably resting in bed, engrossed in a book illuminated by a lamp's soft glow. Just as he was drifting off to sleep, Yinyi abruptly roused him, urging him to dress quickly.
In surprise, Zuo Shaoqing inquired, “Are we going out? What's the reason? Does Lu Zheng need me?”
Ignoring Zuo Shaoqing's hopeful expression, Yinyi stated, “I've arranged for your subordinate to begin teaching you martial arts.”
“Oh…” Zuo Shaoqing recollected that Lu Zheng had indeed mentioned this, but he had assumed it would be postponed indefinitely, certainly not a sudden nighttime summons for training.
He groaned and beseeched, “Yinyi, could you at least wait until the weather warms up? It's freezing outside!”
Yinyi, without even a glance, tossed Zuo Shaoqing's usual attire to him and replied icily, “You can bring it up with me; I'm just following orders.”
Zuo Shaoqing felt discontented with Yinyi's attitude. However, he reasoned that this individual had probably never served Lu Zheng in the past, so it was understandable that he was not adept at such tasks.
Despite having put on his clothing, Zuo Shaoqing had no intention of going out and continued, “Can we discuss this, please? When Master Lu spoke to me, he mentioned practicing for two hours daily.”
Yinyi responded bluntly, “Master said that Master San is indolent. If he doesn't cooperate, we'll resort to compulsion.”
Zuo Shaoqing still sought room for negotiation, but Yinyi interjected, “I also mentioned that if San Ye can master a complete set of fist techniques within a month and execute ten moves under my supervision, I would reward him generously.”
“Whom should I reward, you or myself?” Zuo Shaoqing regained some vigor and inquired.
Yinyi gazed at him quizzically, “You are the future mistress of the Duke's Mansion; do you require a reward?”
Upon hearing the term “mistress,” Zuo Shaoqing's countenance contorted. Uncertain how to rectify his sentiments, he mused that if he married someone, he might forever be saddled with this title.
Taking a deep breath, he recognized that he was the prospective Duchess and should not remain a feeble scholar, reliant solely on Lu Zheng's care and affection.
Moreover, he could not become a burden to Lu Zheng. At the very least, he needed the capability to protect himself should danger arise in the future.
After this contemplation, Zuo Shaoqing's resolve to endure the cold strengthened. “Let's go!” He swung open the door, his visage composed and resolute as he stepped outside.
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