The abstinent and powerful minister is cold and aloof during the day, but he adores her in his dream

Chapter 173 Lu Zhan: Heartless Little Girl
Fortunately, Wei did not ask any further questions.

Zhiwan breathed a sigh of relief.

Chen Jiu breathed a sigh of relief; thankfully, the young lady was just joking.

He wiped the cold sweat from his brow, took a few steps back without making a sound, and kept his distance from Zhiwan.

His cousin was really scaring him to death.

Shen Longjin and Bai Yi continued to lead the group on a tour of the training ground.

After visiting the drill ground, Wei and Zhiwan decided to head back first.

"Baiyi, Longjin, we're going to Qingyin Pavilion to watch a play tomorrow. You two should come too. Later, I'll talk to the Duke and ask him to give you a day off tomorrow," Madam Wei said before leaving.

The two were stunned.

Even the most obtuse among them understood her intentions: she had suddenly summoned them yesterday, asked them many questions, and today she had unexpectedly come to visit the drill ground.

They couldn't help but glance in Zhiwan's direction.

In fact, they had noticed Zhiwan's presence long ago, but those who were respectful did not dare to look too closely.

He only glanced at it briefly before looking away.

"Yes," the two replied respectfully.

Lady Wei was very satisfied. She took Zhiwan's hand and got into the carriage.

After their carriage had driven far away, Bai Yicai suddenly realized what was happening and said, "Does the Duchess want to help her niece choose a husband?"

Shen Longjin recalled the question Madam Lu had asked him at the Duke's mansion yesterday and casually reminded her, "To be precise, it's about choosing a son-in-law who will live with the family."

"There's nothing wrong with being a live-in son-in-law," Bai Yi said nonchalantly. "I have no one left in my family, just me. If someone is willing to be my live-in son-in-law, I'd be happy to do so."

Shen Longjin didn't speak because his situation was the same as Bai Yi's.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Bai Yi couldn't help but ask, "Long Jin, you don't want to be a live-in son-in-law?"

Shen Longjin said, "I have no objection."

Given his background, it's a blessing if someone takes a liking to him.

Looking at his handsome face, Bai Yi suddenly deflated, "It seems that the Duchess's niece has taken a liking to you. I'm just an extra."

Shen Longjin asked in surprise, "How can you be so sure?"

Bai Yi pinched his fair face in annoyance, "You're so good-looking, if we were standing together, anyone who isn't blind would choose you."

“When people choose a husband, they don’t just look at his appearance; character is more important,” Shen Longjin frowned in disagreement.

Upon hearing this, Bai Yi nearly vomited blood from anger.

He had reason to suspect that this guy was subtly showing off.

Whether in appearance or character, he is no match for Shen Longjin.

"So you mean you wouldn't care if the Duke's niece wasn't good-looking?" Bai Yi asked jokingly.

“Appearance is only external. No matter how good-looking you are, you’ll look the same after a few years. Only character lasts a lifetime,” Shen Longjin said.

"You always have so many grand principles." Bai Yi didn't argue with him. "Anyway, if things work out, remember to invite me to your wedding."

……

Chen Jiu was extremely worried. His wife had actually invited Shen Longjin and his companion to Qingyin Pavilion to watch a play the next day. It seemed that she was very satisfied with Shen Longjin and his companion.

They've only met twice, and you're already inviting her to a play? After the play, does that mean you'll start talking about marriage right away?
Chen Jiu was so frightened that as soon as he returned to the Duke's mansion, he couldn't wait to write a letter to Lu Zhan and send it to Jiangning by carrier pigeon.

At the training ground, he deliberately portrayed Shen Longjin as utterly useless, yet it couldn't change the young lady's mind. This showed that the young lady was very satisfied with Shen Longjin, and he didn't know what other trouble he could cause.

We can only ask the Crown Prince for instructions.

This time, he sent the letter earlier, before evening, and Lu Zhan, who was far away in Jiangning, received it.

"Why have you been receiving so many messages from carrier pigeons these past two days? Has something happened?" Duan Ling asked curiously as Jiang Shi untied the letter from the pigeon's leg and handed it to Lu Zhan.

Lu Zhan thought it was a reply from his cousin, and a faint smile flashed in his eyes. He didn't answer Duan Ling's question, but instead unfolded the letter and started reading.

After reading it, his expression instantly darkened.

"Old Lu, what exactly happened?" Duan Ling asked anxiously, seeing his grim expression. Lu Zhan didn't answer, but instead asked, "If I go back to the capital now, can you handle this case alone?"

Duan Ling looked at him in astonishment, "You're going back to the capital? Why so suddenly?"

"Something's wrong." Lu Zhan frowned.

Seeing that he didn't want to say more, Duan Ling assumed that something had happened to the Lu family, so he patted his shoulder and said, "If you really have to go back, then go back. Leave things here to me."

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhan calmed down.

Last night, during a surprise inspection, they discovered that the official salt-carrying ship had a hidden compartment in its hold, where hundreds of bushels of salt were being smuggled. This could very well involve powerful figures in the court. If the investigation continues, it will inevitably drive those people to desperation and they might resort to murder to silence them.

He couldn't let Duan Ling bear the risk alone.

He hesitated for a moment and said, "Never mind, let's talk about it in a few days."

"Are you really alright?" Duan Ling frowned. "If something really happens at home, you should go back first. Don't worry about me."

"It's alright, you can go back first." Lu Zhan clenched the letter in his hand and said calmly.

Duan Ling assumed it was a matter concerning the Lu family and, thinking it inappropriate to ask further, left first.

Lu Zhan reread the contents of the letter.

According to Chen Jiu, his mother and cousin met several of his father's young officers yesterday, among whom Bai Yi and Shen Longjin caught their eye.

Today, they even went to the drill ground to examine the two men's character up close.

Especially that guy named Shen Longjin, a flag bearer, who was handsome and had delicate features, like a pretty boy. My cousin seemed very satisfied with him, and my mother even invited him to go to the theater together tomorrow.

If all goes well, the marriage will likely be arranged.

Thinking of this, Lu Zhan rubbed his temples.

I regret the suggestion I made to my mother.

The thought of his cousin's satisfaction with the flag bearer named Shen Longjin made him anxious.

He paced back and forth in the room with a sullen face.

If he had known this would happen, he should have tried to stop his cousin from returning to Beijing last time.

A moment later, he had an idea. He immediately sat down at the table, picked up a pen and wrote a letter, then called Jiang Shi over.

"Send this letter back to the capital."

"Yes." Jiang Shi took it.

After he left, Lu Zhan looked at the sky outside and, seeing that it was still early, began to handle official business.

It wasn't until late at night that someone brought them strong liquor.

Capital city, Duke Dingguo’s Mansion.

Zhiwan didn't paint much during the day, so after dinner, she stayed in her room painting until late at night.

She couldn't hold on any longer, so she took off her clothes and went to bed.

It's the hottest time of the year right now, and it's still hot even at night.

She liked to stay cool, so when she slept, she only wore a bodice and underpants.

She was a little tired today and slept quite soundly.

In her sleep, she suddenly smelled a strong odor of alcohol. Then, her lips stung, and when she opened her eyes, she saw the man.

She was stunned for a moment before she realized what was happening, and quickly pushed the man away, saying, "Why are you here again?"

The man bit her lip again as if punishing her, his voice low and displeased, "You heartless little brat!"

　Wei: Son, how does it feel to lift a stone only to drop it on your own foot?

　　Lu Zhan: ...

　　……

　　Wishing all candidates the best of luck, success in the exams, and all the best!
　　(End of this chapter)