The temperamental white moonlight is back, and the entire Marquis's family obediently calls him

The moment Lu Mingzhao was summoned to the palace, Zhou Ming'an went to find his sister-in-law. The two sat together nervously, chatting about this and that, trying to distract each other.

Until Lu Mingzhao returned with the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree.

To everyone's delight, the emperor not only did not punish Lu Mingzhao, but even bestowed upon her the title of "Lady of the State" to commend her for her heroic deeds in the face of the disaster.

After the eunuch left, Zhou Ming'an and Liu Muqiu excitedly stepped forward and hugged Lu Mingzhao.

To be honest, Lu Mingzhao was also a little surprised. She thought that the emperor would at most let her off the hook because of Zhou Ningchuan.

Unexpectedly, after staring at her for a while, the emperor burst into laughter, praising her for being bold and daring.

It turns out that the emperor had long hoped that his ministers would voluntarily contribute money, but these treacherous officials valued their purses more than their own lives.

Lu Mingzhao set a good example, and the emperor was determined to let everyone know that he highly praised this behavior.

As expected, the news that Lu Mingzhao had been granted the title of "Lady of the State" spread throughout the capital overnight, and many people began to generously donate money, and the refugees stuck in Xunzhou were quickly dispersed.

Two weeks later, Zhou Shili finally arrived home.

Zhou Shili was in a state of shock and disbelief upon learning that so many unbelievable things had happened while he was away from home.

The moment Zhou Shili held his daughter in his arms, he couldn't help but cry.

He almost lost his wife and daughter.

He finally understood the complex look in his mother's eyes when he was about to leave.

Accidents always happen suddenly.

Just like when my father and mother suddenly separated, no one knew if they would ever meet again.

"I'm not leaving... I'm never leaving again..."

Liu Muqiu smiled and shook her head: "What nonsense are you talking about?"

In fact, when this incident first happened, Liu Muqiu hoped that her husband would never leave again after returning.

But as time went on, she found that the presence of her mother-in-law and sister-in-law was enough to fill the void in her unease.

Perhaps what she has been searching for all along is not a husband, but family.

As long as she knows that there will always be someone behind her, and that no matter when she falls, someone will catch her, that's enough.

She neither wants nor will she want to keep her husband by her side because of this. Her husband can go out and make his own way in the world, and she no longer needs to be afraid.

Zhou Shili hugged his wife silently for a long while before saying guiltily, "Muqiu, I should have told you about the Jin family matter sooner."

He always thought it was better to avoid trouble, but he didn't realize that this was also a form of disrespect towards his wife.

As long as there is enough trust and communication between husband and wife, no problem is a problem.

A few days later, Zhou Ming'an was a guest at the Lin residence.

An old woman suddenly came to report that Lord He had arrived and asked Lin Shuhui to go and see him.

Lin Shuhui instantly became happy, not noticing that Zhou Ming'an's eyes also lit up.

However, Zhou Ming'an still asked tactfully, "Shu Hui, is this Lord He Ling?"

Lin Shuhui paused for a moment, then said, "...Don't you already know?"

"My cousin, He Ling."

Zhou Ming'an coughed lightly: "Oh right, I remember now."

"Um...would you like me to come with you?"

Lin Shuhui slowly turned her head to look at Zhou Ming'an, her gaze falling on her face, and she narrowed her eyes.

"Ming'an, you wouldn't happen to... like my cousin, would you?"

"Of course not!" Zhou Ming'an said, then paused, tentatively asking, "If I said yes, would you let me see him?"

"Won't."

Lin Shuhui was resolute.

"Ming'an, listen to me. My cousin is indeed very young and handsome, but he has a strange personality and is really not suitable to be a husband! Moreover, I overheard him telling my mother that he would never marry or take a concubine in his life."

"Actually, quite a few people like my cousin. After all, he is my cousin, and I can't ruin his reputation in front of outsiders. But you are my best friend, so I have to tell you this."

Listening to Lin Shuhui's earnest persuasion, Zhou Ming'an immediately held up his finger and swore:

"I don't like him! I really don't, but I just want to see him!"

"If I were to fall for your cousin, may God punish me..."

Lin Shuhui quickly pulled her hand down, "Don't say such things."

"What if you don't like him now, but you'll like him when you meet him later? Who can predict matters of the heart?"

Zhou Ming'an: ...

Oh well, whatever, as long as the goal is achieved, that's fine.

With Lin Shuhui's introduction, Zhou Ming'an successfully met He Ling.

Zhou Ming'an bowed and said, "Greetings, Lord He."

But He Ling was momentarily stunned when he first saw her.

Zhou Ming'an didn't notice his dazed expression and continued, "You should have heard of me—if Chu Yuan'er has mentioned me to you."

He Ling paused, then looked away and smiled gently, "I have heard of Miss Zhou."

Zhou Ming'an pressed further, "Did she mention what she did?"

"She almost ruined my whole family."

Lin Shuhui, standing to the side, widened her eyes: "Uncle, is Chu Yuan'er with you? What happened!"

"I've told you before! You knew perfectly well that Chu Yuan'er was responsible for all the things that happened to Ming'an, so why did you protect her!"

Lin Shuhui hesitated for only a moment before immediately speaking up for her sister.

Faced with Zhou Ming'an, who was smiling but hiding a knife, and his sullen niece, He Ling sighed softly.

"Shu Hui, this matter is very complicated."

"You're too young, and you shouldn't know these things."

"May I speak with... Miss Zhou alone?"

Lin Shuhui, hands on her hips, refused: "No way, Uncle, I know you're bad. You think you can threaten Ming'an while I'm not around? No way!"

He Ling hadn't expected his image in his niece's eyes to be so bad. He pressed his temple and smiled wryly, "I promise I won't threaten her, okay?"

Lin Shuhui then turned to look at Zhou Ming'an, and only breathed a sigh of relief after seeing the latter nod: "Alright then... I'll be right outside the door, just call me if you need anything."

After watching Lin Shuhui leave, He Ling turned to Zhou Ming'an, scrutinized her face again, and asked in a serious tone in a low voice, "Miss Zhou, I heard that your parents aren't from the capital?"

Zhou Ming'an didn't know what the other person meant, but knowing that saying more would only make things worse, she chose not to answer. Instead, she asked, "Lord He, what is your relationship with Chu Yuan'er?"

He Ling smiled in surprise.

"I have no relationship with her, but she knows some information I want."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ming'an mustered his courage and raised his chin: "What information? What if... our Marquis's residence can provide it too?"

"As you know, Chu Yuan'er has been living in our house for a long time. Perhaps she learned all that information from us?"