Chapter 139 - Jiang Mansion
As the sun dipped below the horizon, tranquility finally descended upon Zuo's Mansion after a day filled with commotion. Luo Xiaoliu, who had gone to inform Mrs. Xue, returned without any officials but with a noticeable limp and a pained expression.
“Master…” Luo Xiaoliu stood before Zuo Shaoqing, his anger evident. “That despicable Prefecture Overseer would never entertain such a case!”
Zuo Shaoqing had already surmised that it was not the opportune moment to lodge a complaint against Mrs. Xue. Rumors still swirled outside, and the capital's governor was likely reluctant to delve into a matter connected to Zuo's Mansion.
Furthermore, he didn't truly wish for Mrs. Xue to endure the harshness of prison life. He wanted her to remain at home and witness the gradual downfall of the Zuo Family, and he desired for her to watch as his children slowly descended into ruin.
“Physical assault?” Zuo Shaoqing inquired, studying Luo Xiaoliu's peculiar posture.
Luo Xiaoliu nodded with a miserable expression and gazed expectantly at Zuo Shaoqing.
Zuo Shaoqing didn't disappoint him and expressed his concern, “You've been through a lot. You may name any reward you desire.”
“Really?” Luo Xiaoliu quickly released his hands and almost jumped with joy. “Can it be anything?”
Zuo Shaoqing's lips quirked into a faint smile as he regarded him, “What do you have in mind?”
Luo Xiaoliu grinned sheepishly, approached Zuo Shaoqing, and said, “Master, these are all duties expected of a servant; how could a servant request a reward? However… if this old man were to establish his own household one day, could I be the steward?”
“You're getting ahead of yourself!” Zuo Shaoqing playfully tapped his head, “How old are you now, and you already aspire to manage a household?” Given Luo Xiaoliu's background, even if he joined Liu Steel Manor in the future, he might not rise to the position of a manager.
Witnessing the disappointment in Luo Xiaoliu's eyes, Zuo Shaoqing offered encouragement, “Although I can't appoint you as the head steward, as long as you excel, I can allow you to oversee a courtyard.”
“What's so special about a courtyard?” Luo Xiaoliu had been with Zuo Shaoqing since he was young, and most of the time, there were only three people in the courtyard. Who could he possibly need to manage?
Zuo Shaoqing glanced at him and chose not to respond.
Just as he was about to summon someone for dinner, Zuo's Mansion's butler entered with a trembling demeanor and announced with his head lowered, “Third Young Master, there's a banquet at Lord Jiang's residence tonight, and Zuo's Mansion has received an invitation. The Master wishes for you to change attire promptly and head to the main hall.”
Zuo Shaoqing, however, had no recollection of this event and furrowed his brow. He had never been keen on participating in such gatherings and had no intention of setting foot in the Jiang Family's estate ever again.
“Inform the patriarch that I won't attend if I'm not feeling well. The Jiang Family might be a prominent household, but I have no interest in mingling with a minor family's offspring.”
The steward further lowered his head. “I'm afraid this isn't appropriate… When Jiang's Mansion extended the invitation, they specifically mentioned that the young masters should attend. The old master also intended to use this opportunity to establish a connection with Vice Minister Jiang, which would be advantageous for San Ye's future career.”
Zuo Shaoqing's lips twitched at the thought of benefiting without causing any harm. Nevertheless, he was also curious to see what strategies Jiang Che and Zuo Shaoyan had in mind.
“Then please ask Master to wait for a moment. I'll be there shortly.”
After the butler departed, Zuo Shaoqing said to Luo Xiaoliu, “You don't need to accompany me since you're injured. I can take Yinyi.”
Upon reaching the front hall, Zuo Shaoqing noticed that everyone was present and dressed up. His illegitimate son's attire, on the other hand, was noticeably understated. Those unaware of the situation might think that Zuo's Mansion was neglecting him.
Lili, who had already heard of Luo Xiaoliu's unsuccessful return, couldn't help but tease Zuo Shaoqing, “Shao Qing, even if you don't care about Zuo's Mansion, you should at least consider the reputation of Duke Zhen's manor. How do you expect others to perceive you like this?”
Zuo Shaoqing respectfully greeted her with a bow, “Mother, there's no need to trouble yourself. Appearances are superficial; there's no need to be overly concerned.”
Zuo Shaoyan assessed Zuo Shaoqing and concluded that his character exceeded his appearance. He didn't require any external embellishments.
He lowered his gaze and inquired, “Have you prepared a gift for Shao Qing? If you haven't, I can help you cover it for now.”
Zuo Shaoqing, looking puzzled, asked with widened eyes, “Huh? Aren't we all going together? Why would I need to prepare a gift?” The idea of presenting a gift to Jiang's Mansion had never crossed his mind.
Zuo Yunwen cleared his throat and remarked, “Alright, alright, it's just a small matter. Shao Qing isn't married yet, so there's no need to worry about a gift.”
Zuo Shaoqing smiled at Zuo Yunwen, “Thank you, father, for your understanding. Your son is truly tight on funds and feels embarrassed about not being able to provide a gift, fearing it would tarnish the Zuo family's reputation.”
Zuo Yunwen's face reddened as he considered his son's monthly allowance of silver taels. For an ordinary family, a tael of silver was a substantial sum, but for a prospective top scholar, it was clearly insufficient.
Enjoying a simple drink and a bit of music wouldn't even cost one tael of silver. What if Zuo Shaoqing didn't have enough money to offer as a token of appreciation during such occasions? That would indeed damage the family's reputation.
As Zuo Yunwen contemplated this, he resolved to provide Zuo Shaoqing with more silver upon returning.
Little did he know that Zuo Shaoqing owned a manor on the outskirts of the capital and a Treasure Pavilion in the city center. He was preparing to launch it in a couple of days, at which point his daily income would be quite substantial.
Glancing at the sky outside, Zuo Yunwen furrowed his brow and asked the butler, “Where's Shuhui? Why hasn't she finished yet?”
Just as she finished speaking, a young maid rushed in, “Master, Madam, Eldest Miss mentioned she's not feeling well and can't attend.”
Everyone understood the situation but remained silent. Today's rumors about Zuo Shuhui had spread like wildfire. No matter how thick-skinned she was, she couldn't endure it.
It wasn't just her, though. Mrs. Xue and Zuo Yunwen also wished to avoid embarrassment, but this banquet was too significant and rare. Not only would their reputations be tarnished, but they might also offend a noble figure.
Zuo Shaoyan silently left and proceeded to Zuo Shuhui's quarters. It didn't take long before he returned with Zuo Shuhui, dressed in her finest attire.
Zuo Shuhui was inherently stunning. Even if she had gone through a trying period recently, it hadn't marred her beauty. In fact, it had added a touch of femininity.
Zuo Yunwen looked at his daughter with mixed emotions. He felt a pang of regret. This daughter of his had been dutiful since childhood and had picked up everything. He had hoped for better luck, but circumstances had turned out as they were today.
“It's getting late; let's proceed.” The family boarded their carriage and made their way to Yonghe Lane, where the Jiang's Mansions were situated.
Upon arriving at the entrance of Jiang's Mansion, Zuo Yunwen alighted from the carriage, straightened his attire, and led his family to deliver a letter.
Seeing the Zuo Family not only showing respect but also personally leading the way into Jiang's Mansion, he respectfully remarked: “My Young Master has given instructions, Master Zuo is our esteemed guest; allow me to be of service.”
Kind words were appreciated by anyone, especially a family like the Jiang's Mansion. Zuo Yunwen instantly stood tall, looking at the splendid mansion without his initial trepidation.
Zuo Shaoqing discreetly observed Zuo Shaoyan's demeanor, hoping to glean some insight. Unfortunately, Zuo Shaoyan remained cool and collected, forcing Zuo Shaoqing to remain vigilant.
Despite living in the Jiang's Mansion for many years, he remained unfamiliar with it. In his previous life, his knowledge of the Jiang's Mansion was exceedingly limited.
This was Zuo Shaoqing's first time carefully scrutinizing the mansion, and he couldn't help but be impressed. Indeed, it was a family on par with Wu Steel Manor, bestowed upon them by Emperor Taizu himself.
Unlike the atmosphere at Duke Zhen Manor, Jiang's Mansion prioritized elegance and opulence. Every piece of furniture was intricately carved, not to mention the artificial hills and flowing water.
Zuo Shaoqing noticed envy in the eyes of the Zuo Family when they saw this sight. He inwardly chuckled and believed his plan for the evening would go smoothly.
It hadn't been easy for Zuo Shaoyan and Jiang Che to conspire against him. Who knew, they might end up outwitted and facing dire consequences.
Upon reaching the parlor, men and women parted ways. A maidservant escorted Mrs. Xue and Zuo Shuhui to the back room. Zuo Shaoqing wore a sinister smile as he gazed at Zuo Shuhui's elegant figure.
“You've arrived?” A familiar male voice reached Zuo Shaoqing's ears. He turned his head and caught a whiff of a gentle tea fragrance before he laid eyes on the imposing figure of Lu Zheng.
“Master Lu, you've come quite early.” Since their affair had already become common knowledge, there was no need for Zuo Shaoqing to conceal their familiarity.
Zuo Yunwen and Zuo Shaoyan were momentarily taken aback. Hearing the rumors was one thing, but witnessing it in person was another. They first paid their respects to Liu Tie and then proceeded to scrutinize the man Zuo Family had long coveted.
Lu Zheng's appearance was impeccable. Not only was he handsome, but he also possessed a well-proportioned physique. His mere presence commanded respect.
Lu Zheng cast a glance at the two of them. When his gaze fell on Zuo Shaoyan, it seemed to drop a couple of degrees in temperature. He then nodded to Zuo Shaoqing and remarked, “I've just arrived as well. Let's enter together.”
It was easy to imagine how many speculations this sight of Lu Zheng and Zuo Shaoqing walking together would stir up. Those who had initially been 50% convinced now leaned toward 80%, while even those who had previously doubted changed their stance.
Jiang Che was welcoming guests at the entrance. As the two approached, his expression briefly darkened, but he quickly smiled and greeted, “To have Master Lu grace our humble abode with your presence truly brightens our home.”
Lu Zheng clasped his hands behind his back and surveyed the surroundings. “If Jiang's Mansion can still be called ‘humble,' then I doubt anyone in the capital could claim to have a ‘mansion.'”
Several generations of Duke Zhen Manor's members had been occupied with border defense, making it impossible for them to return home for years. Consequently, the upkeep of such a grand mansion had been neglected.
Zuo Shaoqing agreed, stating, “This is the first time I've seen a mansion of such exquisite beauty. It might even surpass the Imperial Palace.”
These words had an ominous ring to them. Comparing a mansion to the Imperial Palace hardly boded well.
But Jiang Che didn't take the bait. He gestured toward the direction of the palace and said, “The Third Young Master of the Zuo Clan has ventured into the Imperial City before. I assume the palace doesn't feel entirely unfamiliar.”
Zuo Shaoqing felt a sour taste in his mouth. He thought Jiang Che was excessively insincere, but with everyone's eyes on him, he couldn't afford to be too confrontational. He lowered his head to look at his toes and remained silent.
Upon hearing that Lu Zheng had arrived, Old Master Jiang and Old Master Liu promptly emerged to greet him. They exchanged pleasantries as was customary.
As they all took their seats, Zuo Shaoqing's stomach growled loudly. The three of them were still seated in a corner, a world apart from the treatment Lu Zheng received. However, it was consistent with the way Zuo Family treated them, ensuring they remained less conspicuous.
After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became jovial. It was unclear who suddenly spoke up, saying, “I've heard that Jiang's Mansion boasts an extraordinary peony garden with a wide variety of blooms. It's currently the peak season for peonies. May we have the pleasure of seeing it?”
Every year, the mistress of Jiang's Mansion hosted a peony gathering, inviting the young ladies and daughters of noble families to admire the flowers. These young ladies would return home and lavish praise on the flowers, piquing the interest of many gentlemen.
Old Master Jiang's cheeks flushed, and he appeared far from his sixty-plus years. He nodded, prompting the servants to prepare the Peony Garden.
Zuo Shaoqing had little interest in the rewards at Jiang's Mansion. As he watched the crowd rush toward the garden, he quietly thought to himself, “When I establish a peony garden at Wu Steel Manor in the future, I must surpass the offerings at Jiang's Mansion!”
However, he had no intention of inviting anyone to visit. It would be a waste of a serene spot. Instead, he planned to visit with Lu Zheng for a perfect romantic rendezvous.
“Shao Qing, what are you daydreaming about? I'm heading over…” Zuo Yunwen's voice snapped Zuo Shaoqing back to reality.
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