Mountain and River Festival

Chapter 417 Being Cuckolded in Front of One's Face

"Oh...what a coincidence, Mr. Jiang and Miss Jiang are here too?" Lu Xingzhou strode into the hall, feigning surprise with a smile.

Huo Qi and Huo Zhang were both there as guests, and Huo Zhang was speechless when he looked at him.

What's wrong? Did you fail to get what you wanted last night? You even came all the way home.

Would you ever set foot in the Huo family's home for no reason? If it weren't for the beauty, I'd twist my head off and use it as a football.

But looking at Jiang Yuan's sparkling eyes, it feels like these two are about to hook up... But the date on the post has been changed, so theoretically, they can call each other "mother" from this moment on... So, Lu Xingzhou, are you really planning to sleep with my mother?

Isn't that your mom?
You guys from the Demonic Cultivation faction really know how to have fun.

While Huo Zhang was lost in his own thoughts, Huo Xingyuan put on a friendly smile: "Xingzhou actually had time to come to my house today... Sit down. What are you all standing there for? Serve some tea!"

Jiang Duxu even pulled Jiang Yuan to stand up, meaning he wanted to give up the host's and guest's seats.

Jiang Yuan stood up reluctantly, but Lu Xingzhou casually sat down next to her: "Please sit down, sir. There are no doctors here."

Jiang Yuan sat down without waiting for Jiang Duxu's response. Jiang Duxu gave the two of them a strange look, sensing that something was amiss...

Huo Xingyuan hadn't yet realized that his wife, whom he hadn't yet won over, was about to fly away. Lu Xingzhou's sudden visit had captured his attention too much. He chuckled and asked, "Xingzhou, what brings you here?"

Lu Xingzhou took the tea poured by the servant, blew on the tea foam, and said leisurely, "I'm here to discuss the embargo with the Marquis this morning."

Jiang Yuan was stunned for a moment, her expression turning strange. Could it be that this guy made such a big fuss just for her?
Huo Xingyuan sighed inwardly. This visit seemed to have ill intentions. If they really wanted to discuss things, they would have done so before the policy was implemented. What was there to "discuss" now that the policy had already been issued? It was more likely that they were trying to extort money from him.

He said, "The Huo family does indeed have some businesses that happen to be on the embargo list... We were just about to talk to Xingzhou about this, and we didn't expect him to come so soon."

Lu Xingzhou smiled and said, "Oh? What does the Marquis intend to talk to me about?"

"There are some things that are indeed sensitive, and we are happy to prohibit them according to the list of the Ministry of Justice, because it is a matter of national importance," Huo Xingyuan said with a smile. "But can some things be tolerated, such as the categories of magical treasures and weapons... Our immortal sect's flying swords are only used in martial arts battles, so can they be excluded from the categories of magical treasures and weapons?"

Jiang Duxu thought with disdain. The craftsmanship of the Demon Realm was clearly inferior to that of the Great Qian Dynasty, such as flying swords... You're really selling flying swords, a specialty of the Great Qian Dynasty, to the Demon Realm to make money for yourself... Before, when you, Huo Xingyuan, were blamed for the defeat, it seems that's not the case. You really deserve some of the blame.

Lu Xingzhou simply smiled without saying a word.

Huo Xingyuan tried to say, "If Xingzhou can make an exception, he can have 10% of this profit."

Huo Qi's expression changed drastically: "Father!"

"Shut up!" Huo Xingyuan glared at him fiercely. "Get out!"

Huo Qi glanced at her stepmother, whom she didn't want to exist, and then at Lu Xingzhou, whom she also didn't want to exist, before angrily turning around and leaving the living room.

Huo Xingyuan coughed a few times and shook his head, saying, "My son is unruly; please forgive him."

Lu Xingzhou sipped his tea with a smile: "It depends on the person... I think Second Brother is quite good."

Huo Zhang was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed.

This guy's reliable, I'd even accept it if you slept with my mom.

Huo Xingyuan squinted at Lu Xingzhou and Huo Zhang, remaining silent for a moment.

How could he not know about the struggle for the heirship among his sons? But the primogeniture system is the foundation, and it has nothing to do with favoritism. On the contrary, giving it to Huo Zhang would be considered favoritism... And to be biased, one must have the qualities to make others favor one, either being obedient, sweet-talking, or outstanding enough to make people take notice.

Given Huo Zhang's temperament, even a normal person would know he's not suited to be the head of the household, so how could anyone show favoritism towards him? Huo Xingyuan isn't stupid.

But at this moment, instead...

It's obvious that "stepmother" Jiang Yuan and Huo Zhang will get along better. Huo Qi's resistance to Jiang Yuan is written all over his face. This time, even Lu Xingzhou seems to be on Huo Zhang's side.

Jiang Yuan is one thing, but Lu Xingzhou is a heavyweight, heavy enough to easily tip the scales.

If Lu Xingzhou truly had a good relationship with Huo Zhang, then in the future, when Huo Zhang was in charge, Lu Xingzhou could establish his own branch but still maintain friendly relations and mutual assistance with the main branch—that would be something to be overjoyed about. Suddenly, all the troubles disappeared, whether it was the struggle for the heirship, the harmonious relationship between his second wife and son, or Lu Xingzhou's expectation of returning to the clan and burying the hatchet. All the "chaotic" affairs of the Huo family vanished.

Seeing Huo Xingyuan remain silent in thought, Lu Xingzhou suddenly said, "Second Brother, you'll be going to the Northern Frontier soon, won't you?"

Huo Zhang chimed in, "Yes, it'll be soon."

Lu Xingzhou said, "The northern frontier has contracted, and many soldiers who were originally stationed in a city no longer have jurisdiction. You know Pei Zhao from the Pei family, right? He was originally a commander in his own right, but now he has been transferred to be in charge of border trade. What are your plans for him next, Second Brother?"

Huo Zhang said, "He's probably similar to Pei Zhao."

Lu Xingzhou said, "If Second Brother is in charge, then we can consider what the Marquis mentioned earlier."

Huo Xingyuan could hardly hide his joy: "Really?"

Lu Xingzhou smiled and said, "It's something we can consider... after all, my second brother has influence."

Huo Zhang stood up this time, patted his chest and said, "If you need anything else, just tell your second brother. If 10% isn't enough, how about 15%?" 15%? That means Huo Zhang himself won't get much. He's really going all out.

Lu Xingzhou waved his hand: "It's fine if the Marquis says this, after all, the Marquis doesn't know me very well... But if my second brother says this too, then that's not fair. Do you think I don't know what I want?"

Huo Zhang paused, then glanced at Jiang Yuan with a strange expression.

Jiang Yuan was in a daze, feeling that Lu Xingzhou's visit had absolutely nothing to do with her, and what was he even talking about...?

Huo Zhang's glance startled her, and then she heard Lu Xingzhou laugh and say, "Old Mr. Jiang..."

Jiang Duxu seemed to understand the hidden meaning in the message, and gave a half-smile and a "Hmm?"

Lu Xingzhou said, "I don't know what brings Mr. Jiang to the Huo family. It probably has little to do with Miss Jiang. It doesn't matter whether Miss Jiang is here or not."

Jiang Duxu still had a half-smile on his face: "Yes, she could have chosen not to come."

Lu Xingzhou laughed and said, "Then Mr. Jiang, please continue your conversation. Second Brother, shall we take Miss Jiang and me around for a stroll? Although I've been to the Huo family before, I haven't visited many places."

Although Huo Zhang was supposed to accompany them, even Huo Xingyuan's expression turned strange this time.

Considering his previous statement, "How could you not know what I want?", then everyone actually knows that you are a womanizer with many high-quality scandals. Who in the entire Daqian doesn't know you?

What, has he taken a fancy to Jiang Yuan? He tried to steal her right in front of me, and even had Huo Zhang act as a front for pimping?
Can you see the birthdate stickers on our table? Oh, probably not, they're a bit far away.

Huo Xingyuan's face turned pale and then red. He really didn't have any romantic feelings for Jiang Yuan. It was purely a political necessity, and also to give Lu Xingzhou's request to "move his deceased wife's memorial tablet out of the ancestral hall" a better excuse.

But honestly, regardless of whether they had feelings for him or not, how many men could resist this kind of thing? This is blatant cheating!

Please, part of the reason I'm marrying Jiang Yuan is for you, and you're trying to take it from me? Are you kidding me?
Is it because I want to marry her that you're so excited? Is this part of your revenge?

However, it seems that Lu Xingzhou may not know that the two sides are discussing marriage. If he were to say it directly now, it would inevitably be awkward and even more embarrassing.

Anyway, with Huo Zhang there, it's impossible for anything to happen so quickly. Huo Zhang can just whisper something to Lu Xingzhou in private. Huo Xingyuan thought for a moment, and finally gave Huo Zhang a wink: "In that case, Zhang'er will accompany the two guests around."

Hopefully, Huo Zhang will be sensible and able to read the room!

Huo Zhang understood perfectly well, and stood up with a strange expression: "Well... cough, I'll show you two around. Come with me."

The three left the living room and headed towards the garden at the back.

Jiang Yuan also realized what was going on, her face turning red and then pale, unsure of what to say... So, you're trying to steal me from Huo Xingyuan?
You were still trying to seduce me with pigs yesterday!
But it has to be said, this seems to be the most direct and straightforward way to sabotage things. With someone else vying for it, Grandpa doesn't necessarily have only one option; Grandpa said something similar that day… Since Lu Xingzhou himself has expressed his opinion, what is Grandpa thinking now?
No wonder he had that ambiguous smile.

"Um..." Huo Zhang didn't know how to say it, and after a long while he lowered his voice: "Seventh Brother, you know very well...you are...sigh."

Lu Xingzhou said leisurely, "A fair maiden is sought after by a gentleman. What, only your father can eat young grass, but I, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, can't?"

"No..." Huo Zhang was completely at a loss for words and stammered.

Lu Xingzhou laughed and said, "Isn't this a good thing for you?"

That's really great, even Huo Qi should thank you. Huo Zhang was both amused and exasperated, and finally said, "So what now? Do you want me to keep giving up my seat for you guys?"

Lu Xingzhou leaned back: "Second brother, you've finally become smart. Look, there are several roads leading in all directions here. Please choose one and hurry back to tease the maid."

"You..." Huo Zhang pointed at him for a long time, both angry and amused: "Fine, fine, you're really something, openly flirting with the mistress of the Huo family, huh! No wonder you dare to offend even the Dragon Emperor, Lu Xingzhou, I, Huo Zhang, admire your audacity."

Look at Jiang Yuan, both of them said that, but Jiang Yuan remained expressionless.

Huo Zhang's fingers trembled, and he turned and left.

This stepmother is really not a good match. The father hasn't even married yet, and it seems like he's already being cuckolded.

Only after Huo Zhang had gone far away and his figure was no longer visible under the cover of the artificial hills and green trees in the garden did Jiang Yuan grit her teeth and say, word by word, "Is this your solution?"

Isn't it straightforward?

"Just because I don't want to marry him doesn't mean I want to be with you! He's a toad, and what are you anyway?"

Lu Xingzhou shushed him: "You've already been taken advantage of by pigs and you still have no faith? Compared to my wives, how many attractive women do you really have?"

"You..." Jiang Yuan was so angry that she blurted out, "If you want to sleep with me, you're a pig!"

Lu Xingzhou completely ignored this: "Alright, enough nonsense, come with me."

Jiang Yuan was taken aback, and then saw Lu Xingzhou dash into the depths of the garden, as if he had a purpose.

So she was just a pretext to allow him to enter the Huo family's backyard openly and send Huo Zhang away? And if she were discovered, she could use the excuse of a young couple lost in their romance...

Jiang Yuan felt a surge of shock. Since Lu Xingzhou entered the Huo family, in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, how many birds had he already killed with one stone?
(End of this chapter)