A thousand enlightenments in one night, starting from being a menial apprentice.

Chapter 535 Shocking Change
On the mountain where Shang Xiangyu lived, the courtyard where Duan Rong and Xiao Yu resided had already sprung up from the ground in the dense forest just a few days ago.

There is a small lake in the courtyard, and a pavilion by the lake.

On this afternoon, the lake surface shimmered, and in the pavilion by the lake sat three people: Duan Rong, Lü Qingzhu, and Li Ruojian.

They placed the tea on a side table by the pavilion, and the three of them sat around a stone table in the pavilion. A sheet of white paper was spread on the stone table, and Li Ruojian and Duan Rong each held a pen, talking and writing something on the white paper.

Lü Qingzhu only occasionally chimed in, spending most of the time listening to the two of them talk.

Not far from the pavilion, Shen Mizhi stood beside a white stone, holding a long sword, her eyebrows raised, giving off a cold and aloof look that kept strangers at bay.

Inside the main hall of the courtyard, which faces south, Xiao Yu would occasionally walk to the side of the doorway and look out, her almond-shaped eyes flashing with deep worry.

"Miss, the young master and those two have been sitting in that pavilion for over an hour. I wonder what they're discussing? They're acting so suspiciously!" Zhu Xiaoqi stood behind Xiao Yu, glanced at the pavilion by the lake outside, pouted her lychee-like lips, and muttered with some dissatisfaction.

When Duan Rong returned, he didn't say a word to Xiao Yu. He went straight to sit in the pavilion with the two people and had Shen Mizhi guard the area to prevent anyone else from getting close.

Zhu Xiaoqi felt that Duan Rong, upon returning home, treated Xiao Yu and her like outsiders, not even bothering to ask them a question. He then went to the pavilion with those unrelated people and sat there for over an hour. She couldn't help but feel annoyed. Mainly because there was another woman there, with a cold and aloof demeanor and breathtaking beauty, who was simply infuriating.

Xiao Yu naturally noticed the woman as well, and she had already guessed who she was. However, she had been observing her for quite some time. Duan Rong was sitting in the pavilion, mostly talking to the somewhat frail-looking man. Both of them seemed very focused, clearly discussing something important, and occasionally there appeared to be some rather heated debate. The woman, on the other hand, only occasionally chimed in with a few words.

Xiao Yu said, "Xiao Qi, go and send some more tea. It's been over an hour, and the tea in the pavilion should be almost used up. My husband and the others have been discussing this, so they need some tea to soothe their throats!"

"I'm not going!" Zhu Xiaoqi pouted. "She won't even say goodbye when she comes back, and she'll still go over there to bring him tea!"

Xiao Yu turned to look at Zhu Xiaoqi, frowned and urged, "Listen to me! Go now!"

Seeing that Xiao Yu was getting anxious, Zhu Xiaoqi curtsied and said in a strange voice, "Yes, Miss! Xiaoqi will go right away!"

Zhu Xiaoqi stepped out of the main room, gave the pavilion a disgruntled look, then went to the kitchen to brew a pot of fresh tea, washed three clean teacups, placed them on a wooden tray, and carried the tray toward the pavilion by the lake.

She had just reached the white stone not far from the lake when Shen Mizhi suddenly grabbed her sheathed longsword and blocked her way.

Zhu Xiaoqi was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Miss Shen, are you going to the pavilion to deliver tea?"

Shen Mizhi's expression was cold as she said, "He only said not to let anyone get close, he didn't say that tea could be served!"

The "he" that Shen Mizhi was referring to was naturally Duan Rong.

Zhu Xiaoqi looked somewhat displeased and said, "My young lady asked me to deliver it!"

Shen Mizhi coldly replied, "No way!"

Zhu Xiaoqi's pretty face flushed red. She glared angrily at Shen Mizhi, then turned and walked away with the tray in her hand.

"Miss Shen used to be so close to Miss, but now she's all in cahoots with the young master!" Zhu Xiaoqi stormed into the main room, placed the wooden tray on the table, and muttered in dissatisfaction.

Xiao Yu could see the situation clearly from where she was standing; she knew it even without Zhu Xiaoqi saying anything.

Zhu Xiaoqi looked at Xiao Yu, who was still standing by the door, looking towards the pavilion, and said, "Miss, you still asked me to bring you tea, but she doesn't appreciate it at all, and treats us like thieves!"

Zhu deliberately raised his voice when he said the last sentence.

Xiao Yu turned around and glared at her, saying, "Xiao Qi, shut up!"

Zhu Xiaoqi said, "Miss, you just spoil your son-in-law! He's always bullying you."

Xiao Yu said, "Go and prepare some dishes. They might be eating at home tonight, so don't be flustered and neglect your guests!"

Zhu Xiaoqi looked at Xiao Yu with a worried expression and said, "Miss, that woman seems to be Lü Qingzhu. She lives with the young master in the deep valley of the old ancestor."

“I know.” Xiao Yu’s eyes turned serene.

She had seen this woman seven years ago in Xiangu County. Back then, Lü Qingzhu hadn't fully blossomed and wasn't as stunningly beautiful as she was now. Duan Rong had told her about her time with him in the dilapidated temple on the outskirts of Xiangu when she was a disciple.

At the time, she thought it was just an accident. Besides, Lü Qingzhu was a descendant of the sect's patriarch, while she and Duan Rong were merely nominal disciples at the bottom of the sect. The two were worlds apart, and they probably wouldn't have any interaction in the future.

But unexpectedly, things changed in just seven years!
Duan Rong not only became the elder's personal disciple, but even lived in the secluded valley of the sect's patriarch, receiving personal guidance in his cultivation.

What worried Xiao Yu even more was that Lü Qingzhu was sitting in the pavilion with Duan Rong. Lü Qingzhu would glance at Duan Rong from time to time, and although it was only a few fleeting glances, Xiao Yu was always terrified!

"What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and go!" Xiao Yu stamped her foot when she saw Zhu Xiaoqi still standing there and refusing to move.

"Okay, okay, okay! Miss, I'll go right away!" Zhu Xiaoqi had no choice but to leave the main room and head to the kitchen to gather the dishes.

The three of them sat in the pavilion until dusk, when the setting sun cast a crimson glow on the lake. Suddenly, they stood up. Duan Rong picked up the three large sheets of paper that he and Li Ruojian had filled with writing. With a surge of energy in his hand, the three sheets of paper turned into dust and scattered in the evening breeze.

Xiao Yu, who was behind the door of the main room, immediately got up and went to greet them when she saw them in the pavilion.

The three of them came out of the pavilion and saw Xiao Yu, dressed in silk robes, coming to greet them.

Xiao Yu curtsied and said humbly, "Husband, dinner has been prepared at home. You have been chatting with the guests all afternoon and must be tired. Why don't you have dinner at home before you leave?"

Duan Rong was taken aback, wondering why Xiao Yu had suddenly dressed up to greet him. He said, "No need!"

He knew that Lü Qingzhu and Li Ruojian had both practiced fasting and basically didn't eat anything.

As Duan Rong spoke, he was about to leave the mansion with Lü Qingzhu and Li Ruojian.

Xiao Yu asked anxiously, "It's getting late, husband, are you still going to leave the manor now?"

Upon hearing this, Duan Rong turned to look at Xiao Yu, only to see her still squatting there, her face as beautiful as a peach blossom, her eyes filled with sorrow and reluctance, staring blankly at him in the setting sun.

Duan Rong's heart skipped a beat, and he realized that he had been staying in the deep valley for several days in a row and had not stayed overnight in the mansion.

Duan Rong looked at Lü Qingzhu and Li Ruojian and said, "You two go back to the valley first. I'll stay in the manor tonight."

Xiao Yu felt relieved upon hearing Duan Rong's words. If Duan Rong had left resolutely just now, it was likely that something had truly happened between him and Lü Qingzhu.

As Duan Rong spoke, he flipped his hand and handed a brown porcelain bottle to Lü Qingzhu.

Lü Qingzhu accepted the porcelain bottle.

Duan Rong asked, "Do you know how to use it?"

Lu Qingzhu said: "Yes."

Lü Qingzhu and Li Ruojian clasped their hands in farewell to Duan Rong, who returned the gesture.

Lu Qingzhu was still holding the porcelain bottle in her hand. She looked at Xiao Yu not far away, nodded slightly to Xiao Yu, and then turned and walked away.

Xiao Yu watched Lü Qingzhu leave, then smiled brightly at Duan Rong and said, "Husband, you seem to have something on your mind lately, don't you?"

Duan Rong laughed and said, "You're trying to trick me, aren't you? I'll tell you the details later."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu smiled and asked, "What would you like to eat tonight, my husband?"

Duan Rong said, "Let Xiao Qi cook a pot of delicious soup. I haven't had any for days, and I'm really craving it!"

As Lü Qingzhu walked out of the mansion, Xiao Yu's quiet and dignified appearance kept flashing through her mind.

She knew that Xiao Yu, like Duan Rong, came from the remote Xiangu County. Logically, she should have met Xiao Yu seven years ago. But now, she seemed to have no recollection of Xiao Yu from that time.

Lü Qingzhu had no idea how Duan Rong and Xiao Yu met or when they got married.

However, the way Xiao Yu responded and answered earlier still deeply moved her.

"She really is a virtuous and kind woman. No wonder Duan Rong was willing to break the sect's ironclad rules to rescue her from the tower forest." A slight pang of sadness rose in Lü Qingzhu's heart.

As night fell that day, the lights inside the mansion were lit.

The mansion was quite large, but only Lü Zhongtang's family lived there. There were not many servants or servants, and the entire mansion was dark and gloomy at night. The maids and servants dared not wander around.

At this moment, Lü Zhongtang and Li Baoyue, both dressed in formal attire, sat in the hall. Two large red lanterns were lit in the courtyard, illuminating the area near the entrance.

Lu Zhongtang's brows were furrowed, and his face was solemn.

He went to tell Lü Qingzhu about the meeting with the Li family at 7 PM that night, and Lü Qingzhu surprisingly agreed readily.

Lu Zhongtang had prepared a whole host of words, both persuasive and forceful, but he didn't utter a single one. However, as he sat in the hall, he couldn't help but feel suspicious, worried that Lu Qingzhu would stand him up.

That night, he first discussed the marriage alliance with Lü Qingzhu, and Lü Qingzhu's attitude at the time was quite vehement. But now she readily agreed to the gift. Such a drastic change in attitude made Lü Zhongtang suspicious.

Just then, Lü Qingzhu walked in from outside the gate.

The courtyard was brightly lit by two large red lanterns. As soon as Lü Qingzhu appeared, Lü Zhongtang saw her. His heart, which had been hanging in suspense, immediately settled down. Looking at Li Baoyue sitting to the side, he said, "Qingzhu has grown up and can understand things properly!"

Upon hearing this, Li Baoyue simply sat there silently with a sorrowful expression.

She remembered what Lü Qingzhu had said that night; Li Ruozhou didn't seem like a good person. After all, Lü Qingzhu was her sister's flesh and blood, and she had watched her grow up. How could she bear to watch her jump into a fire pit?
As Lü Qingzhu entered the courtyard, a look of disgust flashed across her face when she saw the two large red lanterns hanging high above.

She entered the hall, curtsied, and respectfully said, "Father! Aunt!"

Lu Zhongtang said, "Go inside with your aunt and change into your formal attire first."

"Yes!"

Li Baoyue walked over, took Lü Qingzhu's hand, her eyes filled with heartache, and said, "Qingzhu, come with your aunt!"

Lü Qingzhu followed Li Baoyue into the inner room, and after about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, she changed into formal attire and sat down in the hall.

The lights shone on Lü Qingzhu, and her originally cold and beautiful face, accentuated by her gown, made her look like a fairy descended to earth.

Lu Zhongtang glanced at her and said, "In a rush, your aunt found the dress in your size at the Inner History Bureau. Although it's an old item, no one has worn it before."

Lü Qingzhu nodded and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Auntie."

Li Baoyue said, "This dress, your aunt should have made one for you herself. It's unfair to make you wear such an old-fashioned thing, my girl."

As Li Baoyue spoke, she raised her sleeve to wipe away tears from the corners of her eyes. She was somewhat moved by the scene, thinking of her deceased sister.

Lu Zhongtang glared at Li Baoyue, seemingly scolding her for her inappropriate behavior. Noticing Lu Zhongtang's expression, Li Baoyue immediately straightened her posture.

Lu Zhongtang waved a wooden box beside him, and the box floated by like a falling leaf, landing steadily on the tea table next to Lu Qingzhu.

Lu Zhongtang said, "There's a jade ruyi inside, and it's in pretty good condition. You and Li Ruozhou can use this as a gift when you meet."

"Yes!" Lü Qingzhu nodded without even glancing at the wooden box, saying, "Thank you for your help, Father!"

The three sat in the hall and waited for more than an incense stick's time before Li Yunjing and his son Li Ruozhou finally appeared at the gate of the mansion, where the steward Han Cheng was already waiting.

Lü Zhongtang, Li Baoyue, and Lü Qingzhu remained seated in the hall, observing the specific rituals for their greeting.

Han Cheng greeted Li Yunjing at the entrance of the hall, while Li Ruozhou waited in the center of the courtyard.

Li Yunjing stood at the entrance of the hall, while Lü Zhongtang and Li Baoyue remained seated inside. Lü Qingzhu stood up and bowed to Li Yunjing.

Li Yunjing then entered the hall. After taking two steps, Lü Zhongtang and Li Baoyue stood up, and the three of them bowed to each other before taking their seats.

After the three of them sat down, Lü Qingzhu, who had been standing by the door, finally sat down as well.

At this moment, Han Cheng led Li Ruozhou, who was standing in the center of the courtyard, to the entrance of the hall.

Li Ruozhou was a lecherous man, and what he coveted most was Lü Qingzhu's beauty. He had already inquired about her, and it was said that this woman of the Lü family bloodline was an unparalleled beauty, with beauty beyond compare.

He had been eagerly anticipating seeing it for a long time.

He stood in the center of the courtyard and couldn't help but look up at Lü Qingzhu bowing.

But his father was blocking the way at the entrance of the hall, and there was a distance of two zhang between them, so how could he see clearly?
At this moment, he stood at the entrance of the hall and couldn't help but look at Lü Qingzhu.

Upon seeing this, they immediately froze in place.

He had seen many women, but none like her—charming yet subtly alluring, aloof and stunningly beautiful, as if she were a delicate rose frozen in ice.

A sudden heat rose in Li Ruozhou's lower abdomen.

Lu Qingzhu naturally noticed Li Ruozhou's sinister gaze. Her brows furrowed, her cold eyes fixed on the ground, and a murderous intent surged in her heart!
Li Yunjing sat there and coughed lightly.

Li Ruozhou then realized what was happening!
He stood at the entrance of the hall and bowed to Lü Zhongtang and Li Baoyue respectively.

Lu Zhongtang and Li Baoyue sat there and accepted Li Ruozhou's greeting. Han Cheng then led Li Ruozhou to sit opposite Lu Qingzhu.

Li Ruozhou sat down opposite Lü Qingzhu and stared at her with unabashed eyes.

Lü Qingzhu turned her face away, wanting to draw her sword and kill this scoundrel!

Following the proper etiquette for their first meeting, Li Yunjing and Lü Zhongtang recited their greetings in a measured and formal manner.

After the formalities were completed, Han Cheng called out, "Change the gifts!"

Upon hearing this, Li Ruozhou stood up, picked up a wooden box, and walked towards Lü Qingzhu. As he approached, Lü Qingzhu's features came into view. Her delicate eyebrows were slightly furrowed, like ripples on autumn water.

Li Ruozhou bowed and presented the wooden box with both hands in front of Lü Qingzhu.

Suppressing her anger, Lü Qingzhu rose politely, bowed, and then accepted the wooden box.

Li Ruozhou stood up, gave Lü Qingzhu a deep look, and then turned and left.

Lu Qingzhu stood there holding the wooden box. After Li Ruozhou sat down opposite her, she placed the wooden box on the table, picked up the other wooden box, and walked towards Li Ruozhou.

Li Ruozhou's eyes never left Lü Qingzhu.

Lu Qingzhu walked up to Li Ruozhou, bowed, and presented the wooden box in her hands to Li Ruozhou.

Li Ruozhou stood up, bowed, and then took the wooden box from Lü Qingzhu's hand.

Li Ruozhou deliberately slowed down his movements, carefully admiring Lü Qingzhu's soft hands as she held the wooden box!

Long and fair, with rounded and full fingernails, it was a sight to behold!

Li Ruozhou slowly took the wooden box, his eyes fixed greedily on those soft hands throughout the process, as if an expert were handling a rare antique!
Just then, a slight surge of energy appeared on Lü Qingzhu's right wrist, and the cuff of her dress suddenly and gently flipped up!
Her right hand was facing the entrance of the hall, and Lu Zhongtang and Li Yunjing could not see this side because their view was blocked.

But Li Ruozhou, who was right in front of him, saw it very clearly!
In the instant his sleeve was rolled up, he clearly saw that Lü Qingzhu's right hand, from her wrist to her elbow, was covered with a dense rash of red rashes.

He was a man of many tastes and recognized the rash at a glance.

Those little bumps, some slightly swollen, some fully swollen! It's clearly venereal disease!
Plump and vibrant, like a peach blossom. Sore and rotten, yellowish-white in color.

If it's not a venereal disease, then what is it?!
(End of this chapter)