Full House Spring

Chapter 45 The Duke Summons

There was a stubborn gleam in Lu Qinghe's eyes and an expression of unwillingness on his face.

She didn't mean to challenge Lu Lingchuan, she just wanted to express her own thoughts. She said calmly:
"What kind of life is peaceful and happy? Even if I marry a man of low status, a poor student, he will hold me in his hands and I will be the only one for the rest of his life after he climbs up the social ladder with the help of our family's influence."

Lu Lingchuan said helplessly: "Not necessarily. It is normal for a man to have three wives and four concubines."

Lu Qinghe sneered, "So, not only do I have to commit myself to him, but I also have to bear children for him and take care of the household chores. I also have to use my mother's family's influence to help him rise to the top, and then watch him embrace women left and right. How can I not let myself go?"

Lu Lingchuan was stunned. He smiled bitterly and said, "No matter how bad it is, my parents will choose a husband who is well-matched for you and will not let you suffer any injustice."

Lu Qinghe's eyes were filled with sadness, and she was obviously dissatisfied. She refused to give up and asked, "Is there really no possibility for me and the Third Prince to ever live again?"

Lu Lingchuan also loves his sister in his heart, but the Third Prince is different from the others. There are too many things involved and the risks are too great. If he is not careful, his life may be in danger.

He sighed and said, "Don't forget, the Third Prince and Yao Dizhu are watching us. The power of the Duke of Yu's Mansion and the Princess is greater than ours, and the Concubine Shu is also biased towards them. If you really marry them, are you willing to be inferior to them?"

Lu Qinghe shook her head subconsciously. The two of them didn't have any deep hatred originally, but now they have a grudge against each other. She was extremely reluctant to be humble in front of Yao Dizhu, but the position of the Third Prince's Consort might not be hers.

Lu Qinghe glanced at Lu Lingchuan from the corner of her eye, then she stood up and said:
"Things are hard to predict. The choice of the Third Prince's consort will ultimately be decided by His Majesty. Yao Dizhu may not get what she wants. I will not disturb my eldest brother from handling official business and will go back first."

Lu Lingchuan nodded slightly and gently warned: "Don't cause trouble for Second Sister. Her status is not what it used to be. It's better to have less trouble than more."

Lu Qinghe rolled her eyes impatiently and said nonchalantly, "She hasn't even gotten married yet, and she wants to act like a princess in the mansion? Don't you see what kind of person she is?"

Lu Lingchuan frowned and was about to start scolding when he saw the Duke walking in with steady steps. He looked calm and said to Lu Qinghe in a calm voice:
"Stay away from your second sister in the future. You don't need to offend her. Marry her off and she will have nothing to do with our family."

Lu Qinghe immediately understood the hidden meaning and asked in surprise, "Dad is planning to ignore my second sister?"

Lu Jianxing walked to the desk with his hands behind his back and sat down. He said coldly, "Prince Hui has a special status. Our family must avoid suspicion. There is nothing we can do about it."

Lu Qinghe's face became serious, and he couldn't help but ask tentatively: "If Second Sister encounters an accident in Prince Hui's Mansion, should we also turn a blind eye to it?"

Lu Jianxing said meaningfully: "Then we should ask His Majesty to make the decision. You don't need to worry about it."

It's one thing to know some things, but it's hard to avoid making people feel cold when you say them out loud. Lu Qinghe seemed to not recognize her father anymore. She lowered her eyes and said, "Dad and brother have something to talk about, so I'll take my leave now."

She bowed and walked out with light steps. When she was out of sight, Lu Lingchuan said helplessly:

"Dad, why did you have to tell Qing He all these nonsense? Their private interactions won't affect the overall situation. You shouldn't have said it so decisively."

Lu Jianxing said indifferently: "It doesn't matter. If we draw a clear line with her early, we can save some trouble. I don't expect to get anything in return from her anyway, so it's better to stop her from thinking about it."

Lu Lingchuan unconsciously compared King Hui with the other princes, and asked, "What if King Hui fights back and becomes the final winner?"

Lu Jianxing's eyelids twitched, the corners of his mouth drooped, and he retorted without hesitation:

"This is impossible. The remaining forces of Prince Jing have long been dispersed by His Majesty. It is impossible for Prince Hui to gather strength while living under His Majesty's nose. If he succeeds, my name will be written backwards."

Lu Lingchuan frowned slightly and said in a tactful tone: "Dad, don't let King Hui's people hear such remarks. Be polite to my second sister too. Try not to offend her if you can, so as to avoid future troubles."

Lu Jianxing waved his hand, not taking his son's words to heart at all. He said calmly, "These things are not important. I want to ask you why He Chongwen spoke for us in the court that day?"

He Chongwen was the Minister of Personnel. Although he was a man of great literary talent, he had a strange temper and it was difficult for ordinary people to make friends with him. Unexpectedly, he would take the initiative to speak for him when asking for an imperial decree to grant the marriage. Lu Jianxing had no connection with him, so he wanted to ask his son.

Lu Lingchuan said in a low voice: "A few days ago, I sent a pot of Tongcao peony to Lord He. He loves peonies the most in his life. He was very happy to receive such a lifelike and beautiful flower in winter, so he spoke up to help me in the court that day."

Lu Jianxing was stunned and said incredulously, "This Tongcao Peony has such an effect? Is it also made by Xia Li from Leshou Hall?"

Lu Lingchuan nodded gently, and praised sincerely:
"There is no flaw in the Tongcao peony, and its various shapes and colors are eye-catching and unforgettable."

Lu Jianxing seemed to be thinking about something, and after a while he said, "This Xia Li girl is indeed a rare talent. We can't bury her in the mansion. We should make the best use of her talents."

Lu Lingchuan frowned and said disapprovingly: "Xia Li is introverted, and the old ancestor can't live without her. If you use her, it will be inconvenient."

Lu Jianxing pondered and said, "How could I compete with the old lady for someone? I just want her to do more work. I have my own arrangements for this matter, so you don't have to worry about it. I heard from your mother that you like her?"

Lu Lingchuan looked embarrassed. It was not entirely true to say that he did not like her, but it was a bit too reckless to say that he liked her. Just when he was in a dilemma, Lu Jianxing spoke again:

"There are not many outstanding maids in the mansion. It is a blessing for her to be in your eyes. But you are not the legal wife yet, so you must not act recklessly. If you give birth to a concubine's eldest son, I will never agree."

Lu Lingchuan didn't know whether to laugh or cry, "Father, I won't do such an unreasonable thing, just relax."

Lu Jianxing nodded slightly. Although he did not have much affection for the first wife, he was very satisfied with his eldest son and was very confident in his character.

Xia Li didn't know that someone was thinking about her again. She was doing embroidery with Bai Shao. Qiancao and Xiangru had nothing to do and stayed in the back room to chat.

After Xia Li finished embroidering the last stitch, she picked up the cloud shoulder with flower and butterfly pattern and examined it carefully. Bai Shao's eyes lit up when she saw it.

"This shoulder embroidery is gorgeous and colorful. It is so eye-catching and beautiful."

When Qiancao and Xiangru heard the noise, they turned around to look. Xiangru exclaimed: "This cloud shoulder is worn with the bright red wedding dress. Even if there is only 30% color, it can still bring out 70% of the beauty."

Qiancao also caressed it lovingly and echoed, "Our Bai Shao looks so pretty that I'm afraid Shihu will be dumbfounded after he puts it on."

Bai Shao was a shy girl after all, she blushed and said: "If you are greedy, quickly ask the old lady to arrange a marriage for you, and let Xia Li embroider one for you."

Before Rubia and Elsholtzia could even start talking, Xia Li gave up.

"Stop talking right there. You're the first of your sisters to get married, so I'm taking the trouble to arrange things for you. I won't take care of the rest. I'm already busy enough with the old lady's clothes for all seasons."

Qiancao covered her mouth and laughed, "You are treating me too differently. Are we not good sisters anymore?"

Xiangru was not happy with it. She teased, "We are friends who sleep in the same bunk bed after all. You are too petty to even do a cloud shoulder."

Xia Li rubbed her swollen eyes, looking unimpressed, which made Qian Cao reach out to tickle her. Just as they were arguing, Mai Dong heard Mai Dong shouting through the door curtain: "Xia Li, Xia Li, come to the front quickly. The Duke wants to see you."

Everyone paused when they heard this. Xia Li quickly sat up and straightened her clothes. Her face flushed and she raised her voice and said, "I'll be right there. Wait a moment."

Bai Shao said seriously, "Why would the Duke summon you? Did something happen?"

Xia Li shook his head and said calmly, "I have not left the main entrance or the secondary entrance all day, so even if something happens, it has nothing to do with me. The Duke either has something to tell me or is asking me questions, so don't worry too much."

After hearing her say this, everyone relaxed. When Xia Li finished packing and arrived at the front hall, the Duke was sitting at the first seat drinking tea. Xia Li stepped forward respectfully to pay his respects.

Lu Jianxing was not a drunkard or a womanizer, and he would not stare at the maids in the mansion for no reason. This was the first time he looked at Xia Li carefully, and he felt that she had elegant manners, and her words and actions revealed an innate aura that made people look at her with admiration.

Lu Jianxing said in a friendly manner: "I heard that you are very good at handicrafts, and the peony you made is lifelike, is that true?"

Xia Li raised her chin slightly, and said in a serious and sincere manner: "The Tongcao Peony was indeed made by me, but it is just a trivial skill, not worth mentioning."

Lu Jianxing admired capable and humble people the most. Xia Li's attitude made him very satisfied. He said in a deep voice, "No wonder the old lady praised you so much in private. You are indeed a beautiful girl. I came to see you today because I have an errand for you to do."

Xia Li's guess was correct. She said sternly, "Just give me your orders, my Lord. I will do my best."

Lu Jianxing said gently, "Every year our mansion prepares New Year gifts for each family. In previous years, we have always followed the old rules. This year, the peony made by Tongcao is really outstanding. I want to add it to the New Year gifts. It will be beautiful and meaningful when given to people. Do you think it's okay?"

Xia Li secretly complained in her heart. As a maid, how could she say no? She nodded quickly and said, "Of course this idea is feasible, but I am too slow to do the work alone. I am afraid we need more help."

Lu Jianxing smiled and said, "I will tell the eldest wife about this and ask her to give you a list of gifts and send some maids to serve you. I will reward you handsomely when this matter is done."

Xia Li showed a faint smile on his face and bowed his head hurriedly to thank the emperor. Xia Li was not short of money now, but no one would complain about having too much money. It was better to get money than to work for nothing.

On the other hand, ever since the news spread that Man Qing was the second young lady's chambermaid, Zi Fu became depressed and had no interest in doing her job.

Today, while the sun was shining brightly, she had just taken out Mr. Chen's padded jacket to dry it out in the sun when she saw Hong Xiaoniang entering the yard with her men in a menacing manner.

She hurriedly stopped what she was doing and stepped forward, saying respectfully, "I am here to greet you. The Second Master said he wanted to review his lessons and is in his study right now. Can I go in and tell him?"

Hong Xiaoniang looked at her with a fake smile and said in a cold tone:

"Don't alarm the snake yet. You are a sensible child. Just watch from the side. I want to chase away the bastard who is causing trouble in this yard."

Zi Fu was horrified when she heard this. After Master Chen confessed his love to her and was rejected, her status in the courtyard plummeted. On the contrary, the maid Hong Xiu quickly became favored and was about to replace her.

One night when she was on duty, she heard the noise coming from Master Chen's room and knew that the two were having an affair. It would be a lie to say that she was not jealous, but she dared not disobey her sister. She had to continue doing her duty and never take the initiative to get close to Master Chen.

Hong Xiaoniang walked to the study, pinched her waist and said to the maid, "Kick the door open and drag that little bitch out."

Zi Fu didn't know whether Hong Xiu was in there or not, but Hong Xiaoniang's tone was so certain that she was afraid that she had already sent someone to keep an eye on her.

Two burly maids rushed in, followed by screams from the study, and then Hongxiu was dragged out naked.

Mrs. Hong's face was as gloomy as the bottom of a pot. Mr. Chen walked up to her timidly and said in a trembling voice, "Don't be angry, little lady. My son has been too tired these days. I just want to find someone to relieve my fatigue... It's not her fault. Please spare Hongxiu..."

Hong Xiaoniang glared at him fiercely, and said angrily:

"How dare you protect that bitch? Not only did she sneak into your bed, but she also dreamed of giving birth to a bastard son. It's disgusting. I think you've read so much that you've let a woman fool you. Come on, give this bitch some medicine."

Zi Fu stood there dumbfounded, watching Hong Xiu struggle desperately. She shouted, "Young lady, you can't take this medicine. I'm pregnant with Second Master's own flesh and blood, your own grandson..."

Hong Xiaoniang said with disgust: "My legitimate grandson should be born to a rich family of officials. Who do you think you are? Hurry up and take the medicine."

Hong Xiaoniang did not hesitate at all. The maids directly lifted Hongxiu's chin and forced the medicine into her mouth with brute force. Master Chen trembled with fear and dared not make a sound.

The drug was extremely effective. After a short while, blood began to seep out from between Hongxiu's legs. She lay on the ground wailing in pain.

Master Chen was so frightened that his face turned pale. Hong Xiaoniang turned around and said to the maids in the courtyard, "This is the fate of leading the master astray. Don't think you can rest easy just because you have a baby in your belly. You have to be able to give birth to the baby. I have already asked the madam for permission. Hongxiu will be sold directly to a brothel."

As soon as these words were spoken, the courtyard fell silent. The maids who had been eager to make a move now shrank their necks like quails. Seeing that they had become obedient, Hong Xiaoniang walked away with a proud look on her face. She didn't even bother to pay attention to her son.

Zi Fu looked at the long line of blood on the ground and felt a chill down her spine. If she didn't listen, she would be the one being drugged and sold. Zi Fu didn't know how she was going to get home.

As soon as she entered the room and saw Manqing, she rushed over and hugged her sister and cried bitterly. Manqing had just come back and was frightened when she saw her like this, and asked hurriedly:

"What happened to you? Who bullied you?"

(End of this chapter)