That ox cart was probably from outside the city. Its wheels were covered in mud and water, staining the snow-covered ground with filth. The ox had defecated on the road, which was why Qin Shuying found it so foul-smelling.
The wealthy families in the capital were very particular about the horses pulling their carriages, generally not allowing horses to defecate on main roads—it would be too embarrassing if word got out. Only poor people raised oxen to pull carts, especially those coming into the city from outside. After oxen walked all that way, it was impossible for them not to defecate or urinate.
Several servants were walking on the road, apparently from some high official or wealthy merchant’s household on this street. Because the road was somewhat blocked and the snow water had melted, they couldn’t pass, so they stood by the roadside talking.
“Whose family is this really? So ignorant of proper conduct, letting this beast behave so on the road. Truly country folk with no manners—the stench is killing me.”
“From the looks of it, this is probably relatives of the Lu family.”
“The Lu family? The Salt and Iron Commissioner’s household?”
“Besides them, who else could it be?”
“The Lu family manages the Salt and Iron Commission—they’re extremely wealthy. How can they still have such poor relatives?”
“Look at that mouth of yours. Being able to afford an ox cart means they’re a comfortable family in the countryside—it’s not as bad as you make it sound.”
“Isn’t the Lu family from the capital? Where would countryside poor relatives come from?”
“No, I heard they’re from South Sea.”
“From South Sea? That area borders Yue Prefecture and specializes in salt and iron, plus has mineral deposits—shouldn’t they be even wealthier?”
“The capital also has poor people like you and me, let alone South Sea.”
…
The two continued their discussion, and Qin Shuying caught an earful—so the Lu family was from South Sea.
When the road ahead cleared, Qin Shuying discovered that the people from the ox cart had indeed entered the Lu residence. However, they appeared to be just a few servants.
Qin Shuying stepped in her deerskin boots and ascended to the Lu family’s main gate.
At the second gate, the one receiving guests was Lu Ruyang’s mother, also the Lu family’s household matron—First Madam Lu.
She was about thirty years old, graceful and elegant, with features somewhat different from capital people—clearly someone from the south. Her cheekbones were slightly higher, but this didn’t make her appear mean; rather, it made her features distinct and left a deep impression.
Lu Ruyang didn’t much resemble her mother, looking more like Eldest Aunt Liang—with grand, refined features, she was a true beauty. Anyone with blood relations to the Liang family was very attractive.
Seeing Qin Shuying, who was about the same age as her daughter, First Madam Lu couldn’t help but pause for a moment.
Qin Shuying’s name was naturally already thunderously familiar to First Madam Lu.
First Madam Lu had wanted to meet her at banquets many times, but when Qin Shuying was still unmarried, she rarely went out after the Flower Pinning Banquet. When she did go out, those families were not places First Madam Lu could attend.
Later, when going to the imperial palace, Lu Ruyang’s health hadn’t yet recovered, so even if First Madam Lu wanted to meet Qin Shuying at the palace, she couldn’t fulfill this wish.
In a blink, more than half a year had passed. Today she finally saw this vicious woman.
First Madam Lu quickly looked Qin Shuying over, smiled warmly, and said, “First Madam Liang, what a rare guest.”
Qin Shuying’s eyes were gentle and her vermillion lips parted slightly, “First Madam Lu, it’s eldest aunt’s birthday—my coming is proper. Speaking of which, it’s been quite some time since I’ve seen eldest aunt. Let me go in first to see her.”
First Madam Lu thought to herself that this Qin Shuying truly couldn’t be underestimated. Just looking at her noble attire and cold, beautiful makeup, one could see this clearly.
She was young, not even having reached the hairpin ceremony yet. If she dressed too casually, others might look down on her, and her words would carry little weight.
Dressed so formally with such rich makeup, she immediately appeared more mature and noble. Others would think more carefully when speaking with her and wouldn’t dare underestimate her.
Judging a person’s character from their appearance, just from these details, First Madam Lu dared not underestimate Qin Shuying. No wonder Ruyang said upon returning that Qin Shuying was very cunning and sinister.
First Madam Lu still needed to receive guests, so she had a stewardess beside her lead Qin Shuying to the inner residence.
Although the Lu family was now quite wealthy, their residence couldn’t compare to the Pacifying West Earl’s residence at all. The entire estate was only about as large as two or three Songtao Residences.
Qin Shuying had brought Ziteng and Hui Yun today.
The two followed closely behind. Soon they passed through the second gate and entered the inner residence.
Although the Lu residence wasn’t very large, this was relative to the Pacifying West Earl’s residence. In the capital, the Lu family’s estate wasn’t small either. After all, the Lu family didn’t have many members, and it was built particularly compactly, making full use of every bit of land and appearing well-ordered.
Only Eldest Aunt Liang’s family lived in the capital Lu residence.
Eldest Aunt Liang had given birth to two sons and one daughter.
Lu Ruyang’s father, Lu Chengyi, was the eldest son. Though only in his early thirties, he was very capable, no less than Qin Yongzhou in his time. At such a young age, he was already third rank and stationed in the important southwestern town, clearly about to become a territorial governor. With such a Lu Chengyi, no wonder Eldest Aunt Liang was so imposing and Lu Ruyang so arrogant.
The Lu family’s second master was also married, with young children.
Therefore, the Lu household consisted of Lu Wangzhi and Eldest Aunt Liang, the first branch’s First Madam Lu with her son and daughter, the second branch’s family of four, plus some concubines and servants—the entire household numbered only a few dozen people.
Eldest Aunt Liang’s room was already filled with many people, full of laughter and conversation, very lively.
The Lu family also used charcoal fires. Just from the basins holding the charcoal, they were considerably better than the Qin family’s.
As soon as Qin Shuying entered, Eldest Aunt Liang saw her and immediately put on an enthusiastic pose. “Speak of the devil and he appears! Weren’t you all curious about what my nephew’s wife is like? Now you can look your fill and see whether I was bragging—in this world, where is there anyone more clever than my nephew’s wife? Shuying, come, come over here.”
Even without her saying so, Qin Shuying should have stepped forward. Eldest Aunt Liang’s official rank was higher than hers, and she was an elder, so Qin Shuying naturally went before her and said a few words of blessing.
Although Eldest Aunt Liang was smiling, Qin Shuying couldn’t see warmth in her smile—instead, it carried a dark undertone.
Qin Shuying naturally knew what Eldest Aunt Liang was thinking, but she still smiled like a blooming flower. Her etiquette was faultless, and after speaking, she sat down, allowing others to observe her.
The ladies initially observed Qin Shuying openly. At only fourteen years old, she had seized household management authority from Old Madam Liang and Luo Meixiang’s hands, and had quickly reorganized the rear residence with such methods—few people could accomplish this.
After Qin Shuying sat down, continued observation would seem impolite, but some people still couldn’t help constantly looking at her.
Eldest Aunt Liang smiled and said, “Shuying, you’re young after all and don’t often come out and about. You probably don’t know many of today’s ladies. Ruyang, help Shuying get acquainted with people.”
Lu Ruyang, who had been standing behind Eldest Aunt Liang, stepped forward.
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