Chapter 152: Lu Chao Chao’s Sword
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
Before the first light of dawn, Lu Chao Chao was gently lifted from bed to be washed and dressed.
Madam Xu had already risen half an hour earlier, meticulously preparing herself according to her rank, ensuring her attire and makeup were flawless.
Lu Chao Chao could barely open her eyes. She hadn’t touched breakfast, sipping only a few mouthfuls of milk.
“Too early… too early…” she mumbled groggily.
“Change time…” she continued, half-asleep.
[Next time, I’ll tell Emperor Daddy to move it to daybreak. If not, I’m not going…] she complained internally.
Madam Xu couldn’t suppress a smile. “This is an ancestral rule passed down; it can’t be changed,” she replied softly.
Just as Madam Xu stepped out the door, she noticed the gate of the neighboring manor opening as well. Raising her gaze, she caught sight of an unexpected figure.
Rong Che stepped forward, holding a food box. He carefully carried Lu Chao Chao and helped her onto the carriage.
“You… why are you here?” Madam Xu asked, surprised.
Rong Che’s face turned crimson, and he stayed silent. His servant, however, replied, “Our general here, failing to secure a bride, was sent packing from home.”
Rong Che shot the servant a subtle glare before sneaking a glance at Madam Xu. His eyes darted away immediately after.
“This is breakfast. I know you’re all up early and likely didn’t have time to eat.” Truth be told, many wouldn’t dare drink even a sip of water before entering the palace.
Madam Xu expressed her gratitude and stepped into the carriage.
“Why does the general walk with such an awkward gait?” Deng Zhi couldn’t help but ask.
“Pfft…” Madam Xu turned her head, only to see Rong Che climbing onto his horse, stiff and out of rhythm, moving both his arms and legs on the same side. She laughed heartily, her brows arching with mirth.
Once settled in the carriage, Deng Zhi muttered, “Rong General is truly the opposite of the Marquis.”
“Every word and appearance of the Marquis seems calculated to perfection,” she added.
“But Rong General always seems clumsy… and timid.”
That clumsiness arose from valuing something too much, creating a hesitance born of reverence.
When the carriage reached the palace gates, dawn had yet to break.
The noblewomen, daughters, and wives of officials alighted their carriages and waited at the gates.
Madam Pei stood among them, elegantly dressed, her chin held high as she held Lu Jing Yao’s hand. This was her first time entering the palace as the Marchioness Zhongyong. However, none of the other noblewomen wished to interact with her. Only Madam Jiang exchanged a few indifferent words.
“Madam Jiang, my youngest son has always been well-mannered and obedient. It was that shameless servant who seduced him, causing Jing Huai to falter. Rest assured, he is sincere towards Yun Jin,” Madam Pei said, fully aware that the Jiang family still harbored resentment after catching Lu Jing Huai and Su Zhi Qing in an indecent act.
“Jing Huai mentioned he would visit your residence personally tomorrow after the examination results are announced to apologize. I hope Madam Jiang won’t remain angry.”
Madam Jiang’s expression darkened. It wasn’t unusual for men to take concubines or secondary consorts. However, to be caught in the act with a mistress was a rarity, almost unheard of.
Jiang Yun Jin had cried herself to swollen eyes back at home.
“Jing Huai is the son of a saint. He’s young and impulsive, momentarily ensnared by temptation. Sister Jiang, once he secures the top scholar title, he’ll come personally to beg forgiveness,” Madam Pei added, invoking the potential title of Top Scholar. Madam Jiang’s face softened slightly at the mention.
Yet, seeing Madam Pei flaunt herself like a peacock, she suppressed her disdain. If not for Yun Jin’s fondness for Lu Jing Huai, she wouldn’t have stooped to associate with an unworthy outsider.
Madam Jiang couldn’t help but feel regret.
Had she known Lu Yan Shu would recover, she wouldn’t have annulled the engagement.
However, she comforted herself, thinking that Lu Yan Shu hadn’t studied for ten years. If Lu Jing Huai truly achieved the Triple Crown of Excellence and became the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, the loss might not be so bad.
Her only hope now was for Lu Jing Huai to surpass Lu Yan Shu.
Otherwise, all efforts would be for naught.
“Hmm? Why is a carriage allowed inside the palace?” Madam Pei muttered after waiting at the gate for a long time. The Marquis Zhongyong held an empty title without real power, leaving her no choice but to wait in line for the titled madams to enter first.
Madam Qin, wife of the Vice Minister of Rites, chuckled warmly. “We must walk on foot, but she doesn’t have to.”
“Marchioness Zhongyong,” Madam Qin continued with a knowing smile, “don’t you know who was seated inside that carriage?” Madam Qin had been profoundly grateful to Lu Chao Chao for bestowing her the fortune of a son, feeling indebted to her ever since.
Madam Pei, once mistaken as the Vice Minister’s mistress and publicly humiliated by Madam Qin for it, shivered whenever she saw her. With a nervous expression, she cautiously asked, “I do not, pray tell, who might it be?”
Madam Qin’s eyes sparkled as she grinned. “Why, that is Madam Xu, the former wife of Marquis Zhongyong.”
“Her daughter is Princess Sunshine, and Madam Xu herself holds the rank of First-Class Imperial Title. Naturally, she enjoys special privileges.”
Madam Pei’s forced smile nearly collapsed.
“Mama, my hand hurts! My hand hurts!” cried Lu Jing Yao, whose wrist Madam Pei had been clutching tightly. The girl’s piercing screams drew attention as Madam Pei hastily let go, her cheeks reddening. She cooed soft apologies to soothe the child.
The onlookers exchanged mocking smiles at the sight.
Marquis Zhongyong divorced Madam Xu for such a woman? What a fool! Regret would surely come.
When Lu Chao Chao opened her eyes, the palace banquet had already commenced. She wiped the drool from her chin, and the Emperor immediately ordered her to be carried forward.
“Chao Chao, did you miss your Emperor Daddy?” he asked indulgently.
Lu Chao Chao giggled and stretched her plump little hands toward him. “Miss, miss Emperor Daddy’s chef…” she whispered, leaning close to his ear. “Emperor Daddy, can the next palace banquet… be later?”
The Emperor paused, realizing her drowsy state. “Alright, alright. Next time, we won’t bother Chao Chao. The time can be changed.”
The court was speechless. His Majesty’s favoritism knew no bounds.
From beside Consort Xiao, Princess Yi Ning glared with resentment.
“Today’s Four Kingdoms Meeting,” the Emperor declared, seating Chao Chao next to him on the dragon throne. He believed she was blessed with unparalleled fortune and took a deep breath, as if to absorb it for himself.
Traditionally, the Southern Kingdom held first place, followed by Western Yue, Northern Zhao, and lastly, Eastern Ling. Before the current Emperor’s reign, Northern Zhao had languished in last place, even below Eastern Ling. But now, Northern Zhao was flourishing.
Madam Xu, seated with other esteemed matriarchs, seemed to bask in the glow of her new First-Class Imperial Title.
Eastern Ling, having lost a war, had sent its Crown Prince and Royal Uncle to negotiate peace. They intended to send the overlooked Xuan Yin for a political marriage and Xuan Ji Chuan as a hostage prince. Yet, contrary to expectations, Xuan Ji Chuan had allied himself with Northern Zhao, finding greater favor than Eastern Ling’s own prince.
The competitions unfolded one after another. The Emperor’s brow furrowed until the sun began to set and the results emerged.
“A tie with Western Yue,” muttered the Grand Eunuch, frowning.
Western Yue’s Divine Maiden, dressed in an ethereal white gown, exuded an otherworldly elegance. She stepped forward. “Your Majesty, Western Yue has acquired a relic: a broken sword. If Northern Zhao can draw this sword, your kingdom shall win. If not, Western Yue will claim victory. What say you?”
The Divine Maiden’s haughty tone was laced with subtle challenge.
The Emperor hesitated but eventually agreed. Before such an audience, he had no choice.
A heavy sound reverberated through the hall as four brawny men, their muscles straining, carried an enormous tray. At its center lay a rusted, delicate sword. Despite its unassuming size, it required the combined strength of all four men to lift, their sweat-drenched faces betraying their struggle. The floor beneath them cracked under the weapon’s weight.
“What kind of sword is this?” gasped the crowd, their faces a mix of awe and disbelief.
The Divine Maiden leaned against her seat, a smug smile playing on her lips. She was certain Northern Zhao would fail.
Suddenly, her gaze was drawn to a bold pair of eyes. A slender, pale-faced youth in azure robes smiled faintly at her. Despite his injuries, Lu Jing Huai managed a graceful nod.
Seated nearby, Lu Chao Chao straightened her posture, her small face solemn.
This sword… it was hers.