Chapter 151: I’m Here to Join You
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
The evening dimmed, lit only by the soft glow of lanterns scattered throughout the estate.
Rong Che had barely returned from escorting Madam Xu home when his parents summoned him to the main hall. Their eyes, sharp and inquisitive, seemed to pierce through him.
“Would you care to explain yourself?” his mother inquired, her voice calm yet filled with hidden meaning as she sipped her tea, the steam partially veiling her scrutinizing eyes.
“Outrageous! I knew something was unusual with you today! Bathing and washing your hair during the day, dousing yourself in perfume, and dressing so finely. You usually shun such grooming,” the Protectorate Duke bellowed with disapproval.
Rong Che clenched his jaw, choosing to remain silent.
“If you refuse to speak, perhaps it’s time I introduced Yun Shi to some suitable young men tomorrow. She’s such a thoughtful girl. It’s truly a shame you missed your chance…” His mother hadn’t even finished her sentence when Rong Che knelt abruptly with a resonant thud.
He relented instantly, “Mother, Mother, your son… your son…” Rong Che took a deep breath, “Your son holds… holds deep admiration for Yun Shi.”
His father exhaled a sigh of relief, his stern face softening, “I knew it! You still have interest in women! Your mother feared you might be too timid to express a preference for men.”
His mother’s sharp gaze intensified. “Had you not encountered Yun Shi today, would you have ever confessed? Eighteen years ago, did you also hold affection for her?” It was clear from his behavior today; she would be blind not to see it.
Rong Che remained silent, then gave a subtle nod.
His mother’s voice softened yet carried a twinge of irritation, “Just like your father, always so reticent. You allowed another to claim your bride! Utterly useless! Had you but spoken up, I could have made inquiries with the Xu family.” She nearly jabbed his forehead with her pointed finger.
“Mother, I implore your assistance,” Rong Che pleaded, his resolve firm despite the harshness of his plea.
His mother scoffed, “Only now you realize the urgency? She has children, beauty, freedom, and manages her own household without the interference of in-laws. Her life is enviable.” She cast him a sharp sideways glance. “Why would she consider another marriage without your complete commitment?”
Rong Che scratched his head, acknowledging the wisdom in her words.
With a dismissive gesture, his mother commanded, “Bring out my son’s baggage.”
Rong Che’s eyes widened as a heap of baggage landed at his feet.
“You’ve remained a bachelor for over thirty years, dishonoring our ancestors. From this day forward, do not stay at home. Demonstrate your sincerity…” She dismissed him with a wave of her hand. How could he foster affection while residing so distant from her?
Dumbstruck, Rong Che thought, [How did I get evicted from my own home?]
“Mother… Mother, please open the door…” he pleaded, but the maid barred his path.
“General, please do not make this difficult for me. You should leave…”
With no other choice, he rode his horse through the city late into the night until he arrived at the residence adjacent to the Lu household, which he purchased for a substantial sum, placing him just a wall away from Madam Xu.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Back at the Protectorate Duke’s Mansion…
“How is it? Has our son departed?” the old lady inquired eagerly.
“He has, heading straight to the Lu family,” came the reply.
Her eyes twinkled with mischief and delight. “I suspected Yun Shi was hesitant to remarry. So… let’s support them.”
She clasped her hands together, wheeling herself into the moonlight, and prayed, “Buddha, Moon Elder, bless my son for finally seeing sense.”
“Write immediately to inform the queen that Che’er has someone special in his heart. Also, inform the groundskeepers that there is no need to disturb the ancestral tomb for now… the feng shui remains favorable. Tomorrow, prepare a feast for our ancestors instead.”
“My leg’s injury was a stroke of luck,” she beamed, a mixture of relief and satisfaction in her tone. [How marvelous, I feared Che’er might end up alone or worse. Now, he’s enamored with a woman as remarkable as Yun Shi. His standards are commendable. I do wonder, though, can he win her heart?]
“We must take a lesson from the Marquis Zhongyong’s household; they treated Yun Shi terribly. She’s likely very wary of marriage,” she mused thoughtfully.
The Protectorate Duke snorted, “If that boy dares to take a mistress, I’ll deal with him myself. Even the Marquis Zhongyong’s old lady had no clue. We must avoid such blunders.”
The prospect of their son’s newfound clarity kept them awake and animated through the night.
Meanwhile, Madam Xu sat beside her bed, lost in thought. In her younger years, her parents pampered her so much that they never allowed her to learn even the simplest embroidery. After marrying into the Lu family, she embroidered countless pieces for Lu Yuan Ze and his mother, frequently injuring her fingers. Yet, none of her gifts were ever appreciated. In contrast, a simple clay doll she once made was cherished by Rong Che for nearly two decades.
It was impossible to say her heart wasn’t moved.
“Mother, why are you still awake?” Lu Yan Shu entered her room, his expression serious. The rankings were soon to be announced, and he had been exceedingly busy of late.
“I heard you aided the old lady of the Protectorate Duke’s household today. Did you meet General Rong?” he asked.
Madam Xu coughed lightly, nodding in affirmation.
“Mother, you’ve devoted eighteen years to the Marquis household, deceived and unappreciated. You deserve far better,” he asserted. This marriage had been nothing but a facade from the start.
“Whether you choose to remarry or not, I will stand by you,” Lu Yan Shu promised, having used his connections to learn more about Rong Che. Indeed, he seemed a commendable man.
Madam Xu shook her head firmly, “I will not leave you or this home. My life here is fulfilling; I am content.” Her resolve was unmistakable; her sons and Chao Chao had never known true affection. How could she possibly abandon them?
Unbeknownst to her, the Duke’s family had no intention of letting her go.
“Don’t fret over me. There’s just one more day until the rankings are released. Are you prepared?” she asked, her voice carrying a mother’s concern.
Lu Yan Shu’s face lit up with confidence, “Mother, I will pass the royal exam and bring you honor.”
“Rest well, Mother. Tomorrow, we enter the palace for the banquet.” Every three years, the Four Kingdoms convened to demonstrate their prowess. All women of title in the capital were invited to the event.
After he left, Madam Xu tucked Chao Chao into bed before retiring herself.
In the Southern Kingdom
“Have we identified the chief god’s descent?” A venerable old man clad in white robes, his hair and eyebrows also white, asked anxiously.
“Not yet,” was the reply.
“It’s strange, the chief god hasn’t descended in a millennium. How could he be summoned now? And…”
“Was it truly a roast chicken he bestowed?” The assembly delved into the holy scriptures, puzzled by the enigma.
“Could the summoner be a concealed master?”
In the Southern Kingdom, where deities were revered, people worshipped various gods: the god of strength, the god of war, the god of life, and others. The high priest himself was a follower of the god of justice, Zhong Bai.
“This year’s Four Kingdoms talks are hosted by North Zhao. Is anyone attending?” the high priest inquired.
The group displayed disdain, “Without even a whisper of divine will and unable to invoke a descent, attending seems pointless!”
Meanwhile, the one responsible for the summoning was nestled in bed, mumbling in her sleep.