Spiritual energy resurgence? My former empress wife has also revived!

Tongzhou, the prefectural government compound.

Lu Xingchang walked through the backyard and heard a commotion. He frowned and asked, "What's all this noise in the backyard?"

The old steward standing beside Lu Xingchang hurriedly said, "Master, a servant has made a mistake, and Miss is disciplining him."

Lu Xingchang nodded, said nothing, and walked over with his hands behind his back.

In a courtyard, Lu Xingchang's daughter, Lu Qing, was ordering a servant to whip a maid.

The maid was young and frail; she was now on the verge of death from the beating.

Lu Xingchang ignored this and only walked over after his daughter had finished punishing the servants.

Upon seeing her father arrive, Lu Qing quickly bowed and said, "Greetings, Father."

Lu Xingchang gestured to the old steward to take the blood-soaked maid away, then said with a gentle smile, "Qing'er, you're not young anymore. How about your father introduces you to a marriage?"

Although Lu Qing was arrogant and domineering since childhood, and was spoiled by her father, who was the prefect, she also knew the principle that a woman should marry when she comes of age.

"If a father wants his daughter to marry, the daughter will naturally not say anything, but if she doesn't like the person she's to marry, she won't agree."

Lu Xingchang chuckled and said, "What about the young master of the Qin family in Shoushan County? He became a scholar at a young age, and he is the youngest scholar in the history of our Chu Kingdom."

"The Qin family is a prominent family. Your marriage to him will not disgrace the Lu family."

Despite this, Lu Xingchang also had his own considerations.

Although the Lu family is a prominent family, their younger generations are all incompetent. Once I finish my term as prefect, I estimate there will be no successors in the officialdom.

Whether for his own family or for the sake of the entire clan, he had to make preparations early.

He thought highly of the young master of the Qin family. He had met him once before. Not only was he talented at a young age, but he was also humble. With a little polishing, he would be a fine gem.

This is an opportunity for me.

Let's take advantage of this opportunity to finalize this marriage, give him political support, and make him work honestly for the Lu family.

"My Lu family is a prominent family in Tongzhou, and I am also the prefect of Tongzhou. I can certainly lend a hand to that Qin family brat in official circles. I hope he won't be ungrateful."

While pondering these matters, Lu Qing's eyes lit up: "The Qin family of Shoushan County? I've heard that the young master of the Qin family is incomparably handsome, is that true?"

Lu Xingchang knew that his daughter was attracted to good looks and had requirements for her future husband's appearance.

He laughed and said, "It's true. Once Father summons him, you'll meet him and be satisfied."

Lu Qing nodded in satisfaction and said, "Alright, if the rumors are true, then my daughter will marry him."

……

Prefect of Tongzhou, Anqing Tower.

Lu Xingchang, in the name of the prefect, invited all the scholars who had passed the imperial examination in the same prefecture to a banquet.

This is considered the norm in officialdom, a privilege reserved for local officials.

Lu Xingchang was one of the chief examiners of the examination, and could be considered the teacher of the scholars present.

If you take a liking to a scholar, and that scholar comes from a poor family, you can provide some financial assistance. If that scholar eventually enters the central government and achieves great success, you should remember this teacher-student relationship.

Qin Zijun, as one of the scholars in this competition, was also among those invited.

Inside Anqing Tower, wine cups were clinked and toasts were exchanged, creating a lively atmosphere.

Qin Zijun looked at the scholars around her with great interest, finding it quite amusing.

These scholars varied in age, with the oldest being over fifty and the youngest nearly thirty.

He, a fourteen-year-old boy, felt quite out of place here.

Although he was young, the scholars did not dare to underestimate him and even respected him greatly.

Especially after getting to know him, I found that this youngest scholar in the State of Chu was humble and polite, and not arrogant. I knew he was a pillar of society.

These fellow scholars naturally treated him with great courtesy.

Lu Xingchang, the prefect, dined and drank with the scholars.

After a few rounds of drinks, a rather attractive woman walked in.

The woman was dressed in expensive clothes, clearly the daughter of an official. As soon as she entered, her eyes fell on Qin Zijun, her gaze filled with a desire to devour him completely.

Lu Xingchang chuckled to himself, realizing that his daughter was indeed captivated by the handsome appearance of the Qin family's young master.

However, he was quite satisfied with this "future son-in-law".

Emboldened by the wine, Lu Xingchang introduced, "This is my daughter, Lu Qing. Qing'er, why don't you pour wine for all the scholars? Who knows, one of them might become the top scholar in the future."

Some of these scholars were dull-witted and only knew how to read books. They couldn't figure out what Prefect Lu meant for a moment. When the Prefect's daughter poured wine for them, they felt flattered and overwhelmed.

Some clever people guessed the prefect's thoughts and looked at Qin Zijun with envy.

The Lu family is a prominent family, and this prefect is the highest-ranking official in the prefecture. If he marries the prefect's daughter, it will be a political asset in the future.

Lu Qing poured wine for each of the scholars, but when she got to Qin Zijun, she deliberately slowed down and used her beauty to her advantage, striking a seductive pose.

After everyone had drunk their wine, Lu Xingchang finally revealed his true intentions: "Zijun, Qing'er is my youngest daughter. She is fifteen years old and unmarried. She is quite beautiful."

"I know you're not engaged. If you don't mind, how about I personally arrange your engagement?"

Qin Zijun smiled warmly on the surface, but in her heart she thought, "I really do find it a bit disgusting."

He rose, cupped his hands in greeting, and smiled warmly: "I am deeply honored by your kindness, Master Lu."

"However, the student is only fourteen years old, his studies are incomplete, and he has not made any contribution to the country."

"If we were to get engaged too early, I fear I would be distracted by my romantic feelings and neglect my ambition to serve the court. I beg you to allow me to establish myself first before discussing family matters."

This is a polite way of saying no.

Lu Xingchang was furious, but being a high-ranking official, he remained outwardly calm.

With so many scholars present, he couldn't very well force the marriage, so he smiled approvingly and said, "Well said, establish yourself first, then talk about family matters."

"Since Zijun has such aspirations, we can discuss the marriage later."

The group continued drinking, but the atmosphere was no longer so amicable.

The other scholars secretly shook their heads, feeling that Qin Zijun was somewhat ungrateful. Her father was just a county magistrate, and her family was only a large clan in the county.

The prefect himself is acting as matchmaker, and you still refuse? Are you a toad trying to eat swan meat, or do you want to marry a member of the royal family?

After the banquet, in the prefect's backyard.

Lu Qing clung to Lu Xingchang's arm and shook it forcefully, saying, "Dad, I only want Qin Zijun, I don't want anyone else!"

Lu Xingchang was no longer drunk. His face was gloomy, and he snorted coldly, "That Qin Zijun is indeed a bit ungrateful. He should be taught a lesson. Qing'er, don't worry, your father has his own way of making him marry you."

……

Shoushan County, Qin Prefecture.

"Zijun, you rejected Lord Lu's matchmaking offer?"

Magistrate Qin summoned Qin Zijun and inquired about the upcoming banquet in Tongzhou in his study.

Qin Zijun nodded and said, "Lu Xingchang has two daughters. The elder daughter married early, but has never had any children."

"The son-in-law's family wanted to take a concubine, but the eldest daughter refused. She was a jealous woman and, relying on the power of the Lu family, she always acted arrogantly and domineeringly in the son-in-law's family."

"I have also heard of that young girl Lu Qing. She is domineering and arrogant. She has beaten many servants to death at home and is arrogant outside because of her status. Many people in the manor have complaints about her."

"Marrying a woman like that would probably cause chaos in the household, which also shows that the Lu family's upbringing is lax and will surely bring trouble in the future!"

Magistrate Qin acknowledged Qin Zijun's assessment and thus let the matter drop.

Qin Zijun returned to her room and saw Wang Shu sitting on the edge of the bed doing needlework.

Her hands were delicate with well-defined joints, her fingers slender and her skin as smooth as jade. The silk thread moved nimbly through her fingertips, her movements fluid and graceful, displaying the poise of a great lady.

When Wang Shu saw Qin Zijun return, she snorted, ignored him, and continued doing her needlework in a sullen mood.

Qin Zijun, intrigued, pulled up a chair and sat down opposite her, asking curiously, "What's wrong, little girl? Who made you angry?"

"Nobody made me angry!"

Wang Shu turned her head away, her hands moving with practiced skill. Even without looking at the needle, the speed and quality of her embroidery remained unchanged, which amazed Qin Zijun.

"You're really not angry? If you're not angry, then I'm going to read a book."

After saying this, Qin Zijun prepared to get up.

"Wait a moment!"

Wang Shu stopped him. Under Qin Zijun's amused gaze, she hesitated for a moment before asking softly, "You...you're getting married?"

As Wang Shu spoke, she put down her needlework and subconsciously gripped the hem of her dress, feeling uneasy.

If he gets married, won't I have a mistress? Then I'll have to take care of other women.

I've read in books that mistresses often beat and scold their maids. What if she beats and scolds me?

I, the dignified Moon Goddess, am already being bullied by this little brat, but am I supposed to be bullied by others as well?

Thinking about this made her feel sullen and sad. She didn't know if it was her pride as the moon goddess that made her unable to accept it, or if it was some other reason.

Qin Zijun frowned and asked, "I'm getting married? Who told you that?"

"A maid in the manor said... said that young master, you are going to marry the daughter of the prefect."

Wang Shu lowered her head, clutching her clothes, biting her lip, and for some reason felt like crying.

"Don't listen to that nonsense. Although the prefect wanted to arrange a marriage for me, I refused."

"reject?"

Wang Shu suddenly raised her head, her eyes reddening, but her lips were full of joy.

Qin Zijun joked, "Yes, I rejected her. That Miss Lu is too ugly. I don't like her. She's not as pretty as my Wangshu."

"Who is your Wangshu?!"

Wang Shu blushed at those words, but she couldn't suppress the smile on her lips and let out a soft hum.

"Oh? You've been sold to the Qin family. I still have the indenture. If you don't want to stay here, I'm a kind person, I can help you tear up the contract and leave."

"No, young master, please don't send me away!"

Wang Shu said with a tearful and pitiful expression.

It's great being at the Qin family's place. The food and drinks are good, and that little rascal is easy to fool; he can even help me find my faith.

I only need to serve him, it's not tiring at all. If I get kicked out, I'll have to go back to Shoushan and eat grass roots!

Qin Zijun pinched her cheek and laughed, "I won't get married unless I can find someone prettier than Wang Shu."

"real?"

"real."

Wang Shu looked at herself in the bronze mirror and decided that she must be beautiful every day from now on, and even more beautiful than everyone else.

That way, I won't have an extra mistress!

Seeing Qin Zijun heading off to study, she called out, "Young Master!"

"Is there anything else?"

"Aunt Wang taught me a new needlework method. When winter comes, I can make you a new dress."

The little girl happily picked up the clothes and started knitting again.

"Then I'll definitely look forward to it."

Qin Zijun said gently.

He summoned Aunt Wang and told her to be stricter with the servants in the mansion.

Although I have a gentle personality, there must be rules in the mansion. These maids and servants are just too gossipy.

……

Modern-day Qiantang City, East Lake.

Qin Shishi finished watching the latest episode of "The Legend of the Moon Goddess".

She looked puzzled.

Is this really "The Legend of the Moon Goddess"? Did the production company make a mistake, or did they broadcast the wrong show?

No matter how you look at it, this is definitely "The Diary of a Maid's Development".

The same is true online; there's been a lot of discussion about "The Legend of the Moon Goddess," but there's also a lot of skepticism.

Is this what they mean by "Heaven will entrust great responsibilities to those who are destined for them, and will first test their minds and bodies"?

Before the Moon Goddess revealed her unparalleled beauty, she started as a maid.

If so, then that's quite inspiring.

However, many people complained about the plot, and some even doubted whether it was really the real experience of the moon goddess.

But his love for the moon goddess only grew stronger with each passing day.

The moon goddess is just so cute and adorable.

Men feel protective instincts when they see her, and women want her to call them "Mom."

In particular, real photos of the Moon Goddess have been circulating online for some time, and the contrast between that noble and mysterious Moon Goddess and the silly and cute Moon Goddess in "The Legend of the Moon Goddess" is really striking.

The Moon Goddess has gained a large following due to this contrast, not only in China but also abroad.

Besides that, there's also the envy and jealousy people feel towards the male protagonist, Qin Zijun.

What have you done to deserve having the Moon Goddess serve as your maid!

And judging from the plot development, could it be that the Moon Goddess really does marry this mortal in the end?

No way! Although I'd be happy to have the Moon Goddess as my mother, I can't stand it if I'm obsessed with virgins!

After reading the online discussions about this episode, Qin Shishi turned her head and looked at Qin Zijun, who was holding a cat and scrolling through her phone.

She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Brother, is this Qin Zijun really you?"

Qin Zijun pressed the pause button on his phone, turned his head and smiled, "Why do you ask that? Didn't I tell you that I have experienced multiple reincarnations after time-traveling?"

"And the story you're reading, 'The Legend of the Moon Goddess,' is indeed based on one of my past reincarnations."

Qin Shishi disliked spoilers, but she couldn't help asking, "So, in the end, did you marry the Moon Goddess?"

Qin Zijun shook her head: "No."

"No?"

"Um."

"So, who did you marry in your past life?"

I haven't married anyone.

Qin Zijun explained to Qin Shishi, "After many reincarnations, unless I have no other choice, I generally try not to get married."

"That would bring me too much karma and make me feel a huge sense of responsibility in that life. But I've been through too much, and I don't want to carry too much responsibility anymore."

Because Qin Zijun needs to cultivate for countless lifetimes, if he has to bear too much responsibility in each lifetime, he will be too tired.

For a period of time, Qin Zijun chose to sever all responsibilities from the beginning and live a carefree life like a prodigal son.

"Doesn't that mean you've lived many lifetimes, and in those lives you met many girls who liked you, but you didn't marry any of them?"

"That's right."

"You're a total jerk, all you do is flirt and never marry!"

Qin Shishi's face showed disdain.

Qin Zijun nodded seriously: "I was pretty terrible in those life experiences, and I've let down a lot of people."

"And Wang Shu was one of them."