In the deep quarters of the mansion, after a morning rain shower, wet flowers and leaves carpeted the steps and corridors outside. As maids busily swept the leaves in the courtyard, they heard an announcement and saw Madam Lu pass by absent-mindedly, entering to seek the Old Madam.
Old Madam Lu was distressed over the letter she received last night. Although premarital relations between men and women were common in this era, elders naturally disapproved. Lu San Lang’s letter didn’t mention that Luo Ling Yu was carrying his child, but instead emphasized once again his determination to marry her.
Lu Yun had issued an ultimatum. If the Lu family didn’t promptly prepare for this marriage, he would make his arrangements. Once he resolved matters with the Fan family in Nanyang and formalized the engagement, he would take Luo Ling Yu to Nanyang. While the Lu family needed at least half a year to prepare for a wedding, Lu Yun knew that if Luo Ling Yu was pregnant, they couldn’t wait that long. He didn’t tell his family the truth, intending to first deceive Luo Ling Yu into going to Nanyang for marriage. By then, with such distance between them, the Lu family would be powerless to object.
Lu San Lang’s literary talent shone through his letter, effortlessly weaving in various classical references. He appealed with both emotion and reason, harmoniously balancing the two. At least when Old Madam Lu received the letter last night, she was so moved that she tossed and turned all night, repeatedly dreaming of her youngest son and daughter-in-law’s deaths which occurred within a year of each other.
It had been many years since she dreamed of that couple, who weren’t particularly passionate before marriage. Old Madam Lu knew that before her youngest son’s death, he had wanted to take a concubine. Her daughter-in-law had wept constantly, writing letters daily to complain and beg for her intervention. Old Madam Lu had been thoroughly annoyed by the couple, trying to mediate between them. After deciding to ignore them for two days, her son died in battle, and her daughter-in-law followed him in death.
No one remembered the matter of taking a concubine anymore.
They only remembered the profound love and righteousness of the Northern General and his wife who bravely faced a national crisis.
But Old Madam Lu knew the truth.
She knew that Lu Yun probably knew as well. Though Lu Yun was just a child then, Lu San Lang had been exceptionally intelligent from youth. He might not speak or ask about many things, but that didn’t mean he didn’t understand. Precisely because he knew, Lu San Lang had always doubted love and marriage. He not only couldn’t understand his mother’s weakness but also couldn’t comprehend his father’s attitude toward feelings.
Lu Yun told Old Madam Lu in his letter that if it wasn’t Luo Ling Yu, it wouldn’t be anyone else.
For someone who originally didn’t want to marry or have children, once determined, how strong must that determination be?
Madam Lu lifted the curtain and entered, seeing Old Madam Lu pensively putting away the letter: “Have the eldest son write another letter to his father, saying Third Brother’s marriage cannot be delayed. It shall be Miss Luo… These days, as the weather cools, find a tactful way to inform the young ladies of the family. If they wish to leave, don’t stop them. After the Third Brother marries, let the Third Young Madam handle the social affairs of the female relatives.”
The Lu family had many married-in women, but unfortunately few daughters from both main and branch families. Ladies’ social circles were often more important than the men’s, and the Lu family lacked in this aspect, with Madam Lu herself being reserved and rarely going out. Old Madam Lu could only console herself that despite all the shortcomings of the daughter-in-law her third son had chosen, there was one good point – Miss Luo was lively and enjoyed socializing.
Madam Lu heard her mother-in-law’s instructions and responded with a troubled expression. Seeing Old Madam Lu’s glance, she finally expressed her grievances miserably: “Though Miss Luo’s background is somewhat lacking, at least Third Brother can marry. But my Second Son has taken Buddhist lay precepts, his entire room is in chaos, filled with either this Buddha’s statue or that Bodhisattva’s image brought home.”
“I’ve explained countless times that lay disciples can marry, Second Son isn’t becoming a monk. But none of the ladies’ families I’ve approached respond to me, all suspecting that since Second Son has become a lay disciple now, he might become a monk later. How can Second Son do this? Even if he became a lay disciple after marriage, who would care then? But taking precepts now, what lady would dare marry him?”
Madam Lu’s grief welled up as she sat below her mother, covering her face with a handkerchief and lamenting endlessly. Lu Xian was usually so obedient, yet in the past half year, he had seemed almost mad, making her anxious. Now worse still, her son showed signs of becoming a monk. Madam Lu gritted her teeth: “What Buddhist teachings and temples, I say they’re just bewitching people’s minds, they should all be destroyed!”
“Mother, our family’s sons are considered outstanding, other families’ sons marry at seventeen or eighteen, why are our Second and Third Sons so difficult? It’s all because I thought to choose slowly earlier, I didn’t expect these two children to have such strange tastes. For Little Fourth Brother, I must arrange his marriage early, can’t let him follow in his brothers’ footsteps.”
The Lu family’s Little Fourth Brother Lu Chang was only eight or nine years old, in his carefree studying years. Though born of a concubine, since Madam Lu had no other children, she cared for him well. Moreover, Little Fourth Master Lu was sensible and well-behaved, quite to Madam Lu’s liking.
Old Madam Lu sighed, sharing her daughter-in-law’s sentiments on this matter. The two discussed the marriages of both young masters and Old Madam Lu’s previously hesitant attitude toward Luo Ling Yu became more determined. At least Lu San Lang was willing to marry; Lu Er Lang’s marriage was still up in the air.
After being consoled by her mother-in-law, upon leaving, Madam Lu made a decision: even if by deception, she must convince a lady to marry her son. How could an older brother lag so far behind his younger brother?
Madam Lu pondered, again sending someone to invite Princess Ning Ping Liu Tang to visit. This young princess was exceptionally pure and gentle and had saved her second son. When a lady’s feelings run deep, she should be easier to deceive.
Setting aside how Old Madam Lu discussed and persuaded the Lu family patriarch, old Marquis, and others about Lu San Lang’s marriage, Luo Ling Yu remained unaware of these matters. The visiting young ladies at home seemed to have coordinated, all bidding farewell and returning home at the same time. Before leaving, Lady Jiang Wan Yi’s eyes were red with tears as she repeatedly glared at Miss Luo, who had grown even more beautifully thin after an illness-
Indeed, men only care for beauty.
Even someone like Third Cousin was so vulgar, only loving beautiful women.
Only by thinking of Luo Ling Yu’s beauty could Jiang Wan Yi somewhat accept it. If someone said Lu San Lang loved more than just Luo Ling Yu’s beauty, Jiang Wan Yi would find that even harder to accept. As a noble lady, she would rather believe Lu San Lang only loved beauty than admit she might be inferior to Luo Ling Yu in other qualities.
The Lu residence in Danyang became much emptier, and quieter without the beautiful ladies. In the summer heat, cicadas chirped endlessly. Maids wielded bamboo poles, jumping to catch cicadas outside the courtyard.
The constant chirping of cicadas finally proved too much for young lady Luo Yun Sha writing by the window. She ran out jumping, shouting that she wanted to catch cicadas too.
A while later, Lu family’s Little Fourth Brother Lu Chang came shyly to visit the young ladies’ courtyard, staring dumbfounded as he saw his little cousin acting more boyish than himself. Young Miss Luo had rolled up her sleeves and tied up her pants, jumping around to climb up and catch cicadas. Little Fourth Master Lu Chang looked up at the lush tree, dizzy as he called for his little cousin to come down.
Luo Yun Sha made a face; she never listened to what this little cousin said. The young lady even teased Lu Chang, angering the Little Fourth Master. He immediately rolled up his sleeves, determined to climb the tree too, not wanting to lose to his little cousin.
Luo Ling Yu sat by the window, perfectly able to see her sister and little cousin play in the courtyard. Cousins and such… her sister was still young, so Luo Ling Yu didn’t interfere much. She even showed a flash of disapproval in her eyes, not quite approving of her sister getting too close to Little Fourth Brother.
The Lu family would never allow two Luo ladies to marry into their family. One lady of humble birth, one lady for whom they had to sacrifice some benefits – one was enough.
However… it all depended on her sister.
If her sister liked him, she would use every means to make it happen for her sister’s sake.
While her mind wandered chaotically with these thoughts, her brush never stopped. Those familiar with Luo Ling Yu’s handwriting would notice this lady had switched to a different style. Though she didn’t possess Lu San Lang’s great talent for over ten different calligraphy styles, she had at least always admired the Xun Mei Hermit and had practiced two styles herself. Though her second style wasn’t written very well, it should be good enough to deceive.
After writing and sealing the letter, she had her maid inquire when Lu Er Lang would return. That evening when Lu Er Lang Lu Xian returned to the mansion, the recently recovered lady, as delicate as Xi Shi, came to seek him. Luo Ling Yu held a letter supposedly sent from the Luo family in Nanyang, anxiously saying that Aunt Luo in Nanyang seemed to have fallen ill, and she needed to visit.
Luo Ling Yu spoke earnestly, her eyes concealing worry: “She must be seriously ill to write to me. Otherwise, with the current unrest in Nanyang, Aunt and the others wouldn’t want me to return. Second Cousin, when Third Cousin entrusted me to you, could you arrange for someone to escort me to Nanyang?”
A beauty capable of toppling cities naturally drew men’s gazes like water, and she was well aware of it. With her beauty, ordinary families couldn’t protect her; she could only marry into a noble house. Moreover, in these times of war, she shouldn’t wander about – the dangers she faced when going out were far greater than other ladies.
Luo Ling Yu dared not return to Nanyang with just her few servants, so she had to plead with her amenable Second Cousin. Things that couldn’t be explained in letters, she needed to explain to Lu San Lang in person in Nanyang. After convincing Second Cousin, it would be better to bid farewell to the Lu family.
Like vines and creepers under pine and cypress. The evening breeze gently blew, making the clothes of the young man and woman standing in the corridor flutter, dignified and elegant.
Luo Ling Yu was confident, never thinking Lu Er Lang would refuse her. Unexpectedly this time, just as she began to smile, she saw Lu Er Lang’s body slightly tremble. The young lord’s eyes suddenly contracted as he blurted out: “You cannot! You cannot go to Nanyang!”
Lu Er Lang broke out in a cold sweat, sensing the threat of approaching nightmares. In his dreams, he had escorted his cousin to Nanyang… If he went with his cousin now, wouldn’t it be exactly like his dream? The same actions, wouldn’t they bring the same outcome? Lu Er Lang absolutely could not agree.
Lu Er Lang’s face darkened as he swept his sleeves and entered his quarters. His severe manner startled Luo Ling Yu, who had never seen Lu Er Lang show such an expression toward her. Even more bewildered, Luo Ling Yu followed behind Second Cousin, softly explaining her reasons, trying to persuade him. Lu Er Lang only frowned, refusing to agree no matter what she said.
The young lord sat down sullenly, randomly flipping through a book. Luo Ling Yu stood to the side, both embarrassed and angry. Such awkwardness usually only came from Lu San Lang. How could she tolerate any lord dismissing her so casually? After the lady’s discouragement, she turned to leave, looking back to provoke him: “It’s fine if you won’t escort me, I’ll seek help from Prince Chen. When Third Cousin left, he didn’t just ask you to look after me, but Prince Chen as well. With Zhou Lang’s pleading, and Prince Chen being Third Cousin’s best friend, His Highness Prince Chen will surely send someone to escort me to Nanyang.”
Lu Er Lang: “You must not go!”
Luo Ling Yu: “Why, why? You promised your brother you’d look after me.”
He stood up abruptly, his face dark as ink. Lu Er Lang was poor with words, unable to out-talk his quick-witted cousin. He suddenly blurted out: “Because I dreamed that when we went, Third Brother died!”
Luo Ling Yu was stunned.
Her heart suddenly emptied.
She murmured: “It was just a dream…”
Luo Ling Yu, skilled at reading people’s expressions, noticed at this moment that Lu Er Lang’s face showed discomfort, as if deeply regretting his words. Lu Er Lang’s subtle change in expression made Luo Ling Yu suspicious, and she looked at him a few more times. But her Second Cousin was now guarding against her, unwilling to say more… Unable to discover more, Luo Ling Yu had no choice but to take her leave.
Before leaving, she comforted him: “It was just a dream, dreams are opposite to reality. Cousin, don’t worry.”
Lu Er Lang smiled slightly, also saying it was just a dream, telling her not to think too much of it.
…
But Luo Ling Yu was deceiving Lu Xian.
With her calculating nature, how could she not think more about it?
Lu Er Lang’s unnatural expression played over and over in her mind.
The lady tossed and turned, her pink nails bitten ragged. Regarding matters concerning Lu San Lang, she couldn’t help but care. Being so suspicious by nature, how could she easily let go when she noticed something amiss?
Lost in thought, Luo Ling Yu began planning how to draw information from Second Cousin.
…
Lu Er Lang showed no unusual behavior for several days, except for attending court and going to the government office, returning with a worried expression, troubled about something unknown. One day, when Lu Er Lang had left his duties and was going to see the Master at Kaishan Temple, upon learning this news, Luo Ling Yu immediately took her sister out. The reason is that Zhou Yangling was helping the poor and refugees at Kaishan Temple, and with Zhou Lang working so hard, she should help too.
Luo Yun Sha strongly doubted her sister’s intentions, but helping people was always good.
The carriages rattled through the city streets. Inside the carriage, the curtains were down, and Luo Ling Yu closed her eyes, leaning against the wall lost in thought, while Luo Yun Sha sitting beside her lifted the curtain, her bright eyes sparkling with curiosity and joy as she watched the pedestrians on the street.
Luo Ling Yu, eyes still closed, instructed: “Stop looking, who knows if there are bad people? These days government officials have been killed by wandering warriors, it’s too dangerous.”
Luo Yun Sha: “Why would wandering warriors come to kill us? Cousin’s family is very powerful. Just let me look one last time, sister…”
Their carriage passed through the slums, where ragged people sat everywhere outside. Kind-hearted people were distributing porridge there, and when Luo Yun Sha lifted the curtain, she saw refugees swarming to one spot, fighting over the scarce porridge. While one area was crowded with people, a young man kneeling in a corner, his face rigid, was particularly eye-catching.
This young man was one of the two who had stopped their carriage when the Luo sisters were returning to the Lu family mansion in Danyang from the mountain. Unfortunately, Luo Ling Yu never remembered the appearances of unimportant people, and young lady Luo Yun Sha had been sleeping sweetly in the carriage that day. The escorts today were also different from that day. Thus, as the ox cart slowly passed by, no one from the Lu family’s carriage recognized this young man.
The young man was kneeling there as punishment for that middle-aged man.
Earlier, the middle-aged man had whipped him until his flesh was torn and bleeding. The middle-aged man fumed: “What use are you? I tell you to kill one government official, and you let yourself be discovered. You better hide well, if the people from the Southern Kingdom recognize you, you might as well take the blame directly. If you reveal who our master is, none of your family members will live!”
The middle-aged man, disguised as a refugee, picked through the noble ladies who were kindly helping refugees in Jianye, choosing Lady Chen who distributed the most porridge. The middle-aged man went to curry favor with that lady, leaving the young man kneeling there all afternoon as punishment.
The young man kept his head down.
In the summer heat, his wounds had scabbed over, his long hair wet with sweat. The young man’s lips were pale, turning white. Thirsty, hungry, and in pain all over, his heart still carried a trace of violent anger. Thinking that when the task was done, he would kill that companion! His mind was full of bloody thoughts of killing, his cold eyes bloodshot, when suddenly he heard clear jingling sounds above his head, and several copper coins fell from the sky, landing before him.
The young lady’s voice was as sweet as an oriole’s, calling softly: “Brother, brother…”
The young man looked up to see half the curtain of the carriage lifted, and behind it, a fresh and lovely young lady smiled at him, showing her teeth. She put her finger to her lips making a shushing sound, pointing at the refugees fighting over food, then at the copper coins that had fallen in front of him. The young lady’s meaning was very clear – quickly hide them, don’t let others discover and take them away.
The young man’s eyes contracted almost imperceptibly, his thick black lashes rising as he continued to stare at her expressionlessly.
The young lady’s face was but a fleeting glimpse, as another lady in the carriage scolded her, and the young lady hurriedly lowered the curtain. The noble carriage drove past the young man.
The young man lowered his head, staring at the copper coins thrown before him.
After a long while, he finally bent down and gathered the coins into his hand.