After thinking it through, Lu Lingyun no longer felt the need to dwell on these matters. Furthermore, even if Xing Dai Rong managed to pull something off, she would never allow her to achieve her goal of becoming the legitimate wife and make Cheng Yunshuo regret his life. Because the man she had chosen was Luo Heng. Luo Heng’s father was the Assistant Minister of Justice, a high-ranking official of the fourth rank. How could the Luo family possibly marry a woman from a brothel as their legitimate wife? Moreover, Xing Dai Rong had been with Cheng Yunshuo in the past. It was clear that Luo Heng was tricking and deceiving her, using the position of legitimate wife to lure her secret techniques. She, in her naivety, had actually believed him. Even if she had numerous ideas and plans that could truly shake the Luo family and allow her to marry into it, Luo Heng’s nature was cruel and cunning… At this moment, Lu Lingyun felt that Xing Dai Rong was truly playing a good hand badly, failing to understand her own identity and the people around her. Originally, with Cheng Yunshuo’s exclusive favor, if she had just used a bit of common sense, she would have been able to navigate the Houfu with ease in this life. Her actions today had completely cut off her path of retreat.
“For the next few days, have Autumn Concubine comfort the Young Master.” Lu Lingyun sipped her tea. “Yes,” replied a servant. After his initial fury, Cheng Yunshuo fell into deep despair, and that very night he fell ill. During this time, Autumn Concubine stayed by his side, never leaving him. Lu Lingyun visited Cheng Yunshuo the next day. His face was pale and haggard. He begged her not to tell Lady Qin and the Old Marquis about this matter. Lu Lingyun readily agreed, kindly asking everyone in the Houfu to avoid discussing it. She diligently cared for Cheng Yunshuo, keeping Xing Dai Rong’s escape a secret.
The next day was the date agreed upon with the Wang General’s Mansion. Despite her busy schedule, Lu Lingyun put everything aside, ordered the preparations of gifts, and went to Wang Jiluo’s residence for the appointment. As her carriage arrived at the Wang General’s Mansion, the front gate was wide open, and Jiang Shi, along with Wang Jiluo and several other women, were standing at the entrance, waiting for her.
“Yun’er!” Jiang Shi, upon seeing Lu Lingyun step out of the carriage, rushed forward, eyes filled with excitement, and grasped her hand tightly. “Auntie,” Lu Lingyun smiled sweetly, a genuine warmth shining in her eyes. Jiang Shi and Wang Jiluo shared seven points of resemblance, but Jiang Shi had a more affluent and gentle aura. She scrutinized Lu Lingyun from head to toe. “It seems you’ve lost some weight!”
“Nonsense, I actually feel like I’ve gained a bit of weight lately.” Since entering the Houfu, she had been eating well and living comfortably. She simply regarded the whole Xing Dai Rong incident as an amusing spectacle. With such a good life, how could she not gain weight?
“Don’t try to deceive me. Tell Auntie everything about your life. This was your mother’s last wish before she passed away. Don’t let me face her reproach later.”
“Mother, let’s talk inside. If you continue standing here, my aunt will come up to find you,” Wang Jiluo teased.
“You silly girl, what are you talking about?” Jiang Shi glared at her. Realizing they were still at the entrance, she pulled Lu Lingyun warmly into the house.
Along the way, the three of them exchanged pleasantries, and Lu Lingyun repeatedly reassured Jiang Shi that she was indeed living well now. Once they entered the house, Jiang Shi, looking at Wang Jiluo who was chattering incessantly and clinging to Lu Lingyun, said, “Didn’t you learn how to make desserts recently? You should make some for Yun’er.”
“Yes, my dough should have risen by now. Wait here, Lingyun, I’ll go make some for you,” Wang Jiluo said enthusiastically.
Lu Lingyun glanced at Jiang Shi, then nodded to Wang Jiluo, “No need to rush, take your time.”
Previous Chapter | TOC | Next Chapter