Chapter 130: Lu Yuan Ze Unravels a Mystery
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
The next morning, as sunlight seeped through the windows, Lu Chao Chao, stirred by the bustling sounds of home, sprang from her bed. Word had just reached her that her second brother, Lu Zheng Yue, had returned from his business travels. Overcome with joy, she scurried outside, her voice echoing through the corridors.
“Second Brother! Second Brother!” she shouted with sheer delight.
Deng Zhi, the head maid, couldn’t help but smile at her excitement, commenting, “It’s been a long six months without the Second Young Master. Miss Chao Chao has missed him dearly, hasn’t she?”
Madam Xu also beamed at her daughter’s fervor.
“Second Brother, I missed you so much!” Chao Chao exclaimed as she leaped into Lu Zheng Yue’s welcoming arms.
Despite his fatigue, Lu Zheng Yue’s eyes softened, his travels having etched a new depth of maturity onto his youthful features.
“Second Brother, did you bring back a fortune?” Chao Chao asked innocently, planting a kiss on his cheek.
Laughing softly, Lu Zheng Yue nodded, “Yes, I’ve managed well. Tell me what you desire, and it shall be yours!”
Amused, Chao Chao giggled, “Chao Chao also gathered coins for the king by collecting debts…”
With a proud grin, Lu Zheng Yue presented a small chest. “Mother, in six months, I’ve secured eight thousand taels.”
Turning to his sister, he inquired, “And you, little sister, how did you fare?”
Madam Xu, ever watchful, sighed softly. Chao Chao’s achievements were no longer a secret she could keep. She hoped only for the king’s protection now.
Chao Chao proudly held up her fingers, indicating her own contribution.
“Thirteen taels?” Lu Zheng Yue guessed.
She shook her head.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
“One hundred thirty?”
Again, she shook her head.
His eyes widening, Lu Zheng Yue ventured, “One thousand three hundred?”
Madam Xu covered her face, torn between pride and resignation. Her son’s eight thousand taels were impressive, but Chao Chao was in a league of her own. “One hundred thirty thousand,” she murmured quietly.
“What?!” Lu Zheng Yue gasped.
“One hundred thirty thousand, Second Brother!” Chao Chao repeated after her mother, her smile bright.
Lu Zheng Yue was stunned. “So, my half-year’s effort pales in comparison to your small savings?”
“She managed to collect over a million taels in debts for the king. These are her rewards,” Madam Xu explained, the shadow of concern for the king’s forthcoming visit lingering over her.
Feeling somewhat eclipsed, Lu Zheng Yue managed a weak smile. After refreshing himself, he retreated to his quarters, Chao Chao following loyally.
“Second Brother, you seem troubled!” she observed keenly.
“Is it because I earned more?”
Lu Zheng Yue sighed, “It’s not that, Chao Chao. I’ve realized I’m not cut out for trade. I don’t enjoy it. Besides, with mother’s divorce and our house’s diminished standing, I need to find my own path.”
“You did wonderfully,” Chao Chao reassured him, her brow furrowing slightly.
[Should I suggest he become a general? But military life is harsh…]
Suddenly inspired, Lu Zheng Yue brightened. “Thank you, Chao Chao. I understand now!”
“Understand what?” she asked, puzzled.
“You’ve inspired me,” he replied, his spirits lifted. The mere thought of military life invigorated him. He felt his true calling might indeed be in the armed forces.
“Chao Chao, I need to convey my feelings to Wen Ning… Could you advise me again?” he asked, thinking ahead to his future after his brother completed the royal exams.
“Express your feelings?” Chao Chao lit up with excitement.
“Ah!” she exclaimed, leading him to the lake.
She pointed at the ducks gliding across the water. “Offer her these!”
“Mandarin ducks?” Lu Zheng Yue questioned.
“To show your heart, mandarin ducks perfect!” Chao Chao explained with enthusiasm. “Mama said they symbolize companionship,”
Convinced, Lu Zheng Yue nodded. “Alright, I’ll prepare. Having you as my sister is truly my greatest fortune!”
As he departed, Chao Chao mused to herself, [Even without experience, I know what works. I must be a genius.]
Elsewhere, tensions rose at the Marquis Zhongyong’s residence.
“What? A suitor for her?” Lu Yuan Ze stood abruptly, his face pale with anger. “Who told you this? How dare she! I must see who would dare court her!”
The servant hesitated, “I don’t know, Master. I saw Madam Xu leaving secretly. She met a man—very suspicious.”
“That’s impossible! She still belongs to me,” Lu Yuan Ze fumed, a storm brewing as he departed with his guards.
Meanwhile, Madam Xu, dressed plainly, met with the king, who had disguised himself to avoid attention. Despite her humble appearance, she bowed deeply, maintaining her distance.
“Your Majesty, as a mother and soon-to-be grandmother, I ask not to be considered for the palace. I wish to educate my children and serve the nation that way,” she pleaded.
The king paused, considering her words and Chao Chao’s remarkable talents, which could either serve or threaten the realm.
After a moment, he began, “I wish to adopt Chao Chao as my goddaughter and bestow upon her the title of Princess of North Zhao…”
Before he could continue, the door burst open!
“You wench! How dare you meet another man secretly! You’re nothing but a woman I discarded—let’s see who dares to take her!” Lu Yuan Ze stormed in, his fury unmasked.
This man is the definition of an idiot.
I know right