Chapter 34: Lu Chao Chao Plays with the Scoundrel Father

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.

After Lu Wan Yi was married off, the Marquis Zhongyong’s Manor suddenly felt much quieter.

On the day of her return visit, Lu Wan Yi stood beside the new Top Scholar, her expression shy and her posture poised. Together, they looked like an impeccably matched pair, radiating the charm of a perfect couple.

When Lu Wan Yi caught sight of Madam Xu, a faint, mocking smirk tugged at her lips.

“Eldest Sister-in-law,” she began with feigned sweetness, “it’s fortunate I didn’t listen to you back then. Ah Ling is such a fine man, yet you claimed he wasn’t worthy of me and even tried to stop the marriage.” Without hesitation, she threw Madam Xu under the proverbial carriage.

Gu Ling’s sharp gaze flickered towards Madam Xu, carrying a hint of chill. “When, pray tell, did Gu offend the Marchioness?” he asked, his brows knitting slightly.

Madam Xu remained composed, her tone light. “Although Wan Yi is not my birth daughter, every detail of her upbringing was personally overseen by me—she’s as good as my own. I cherished her, raised her with care, and made her delicate by nature. My only concern was whether she might regret it later, which is why I intervened.” She sighed deeply, as if the topic caused her genuine pain. “As for claiming he wasn’t worthy? That was nothing but idle gossip.”

Her voice softened further. “In the entire Capital City, who doesn’t know how much I dote on her? She chose Gu Ling merely at a glance during the parade. How could I not worry for her future?”

Lu Wan Yi’s lips twitched as her face flushed red. In truth, it wasn’t the parade that drew her to Gu Ling.

It was during a visit to Pei Jiao Jiao’s home that she first encountered him. At the time, Gu Ling had come looking for Lu Jing Huai. That was when Wan Yi decided to set her sights on him.

In fact, Pei Jiao Jiao had gone to great lengths, even inviting Gu Ling to her home. The two had already been in secret contact for some time. All she wanted was for Madam Xu to intervene and elevate her status in the match. Who would’ve thought Madam Xu would refuse to meddle in her affairs?

Even worse, in the process of freeing Pei Jiao Jiao from prison, much of her dowry had been sold off.

Lu Yuan Ze had also returned to the manor early, joining them for lunch. The meal was a celebratory return visit banquet.

Lu Chao Chao managed to snag a few bites of minced meat, squirming excitedly in Deng Zhi’s arms. [If only Auntie could remarry again—then there’d be more meat to eat.]

Madam Xu smiled faintly at the remark.

“Eldest Sister-in-law, how long has it been since Elder Brother last came home?” Lu Wan Yi spoke with a tone laced with schadenfreude. “Perhaps you should reflect on whether you’ve done something wrong.” Her words were dripping with intent; all she wanted was for Madam Xu to help her secure another advantageous marriage prospect.

However, when Madam Xu had declined to assist even with the smallest matter, Lu Wan Yi was left fuming.

“Men must focus on grand achievements. What’s the harm if women endure a little suffering?” Leaning affectionately into Gu Ling’s embrace, Lu Wan Yi wore an expression of bliss.

Meanwhile, Madam Xu calmly dabbed at the oil smearing Lu Chao Chao’s lips with a handkerchief. [Oh yes, oh yes. Next time you get beaten, be sure to reflect on what you did to deserve it.] The little girl was elated, already looking forward to her aunt’s comeuppance.

“You’re absolutely right, Wan Yi.” Madam Xu even cast Gu Ling a knowing glance. [Just don’t come crying to me when things go wrong.]

By the time the banquet concluded, night had already fallen.

“I must hurry to make winter clothes for the little miss,” Deng Zhi muttered as she sat by the bedside, stitching a Tiger-Head Cap by the light of an oil lamp. “The autumn rains bring cold winds; the weather will change soon.”

“Say ‘Mother’?” coaxed Madam Xu, cradling Lu Chao Chao in her arms.

The toddler grinned, revealing her lone baby tooth. “Liang… qin…” she mumbled, the syllables unclear but recognizable. This small breakthrough filled Madam Xu’s heart with joy.

“Chao Chao hasn’t even started speaking properly, yet that other girl was talking so much earlier!” remarked Lu Yuan Ze, who had just entered the room, his words almost reflexive.

[Of course she could speak earlier—she’s from two thousand years in the future!]

[If she hadn’t used her modern knowledge to help the scoundrel father, how could our Xu Family have fallen into such ruin?]

The phrase “two thousand years in the future” made Madam Xu inhale softly. Her gaze lowered as she replied, “Which girl are you talking about?”

Lu Yuan Ze cleared his throat and rubbed his lips with his fist. “A colleague’s daughter. She was talking fluently by seven months—a remarkable child.”

Hearing this, Deng Zhi froze in place.

Madam Xu cast a glance at the marchioness, who nodded in understanding before stepping aside.

“Chao Chao, say ‘Father’… Come now, say ‘Father’…” Lu Yuan Ze’s gaze held a hint of surprise as he coaxed the child.

Compared to Jing Yao, Chao Chao was far more attractive in appearance.

“Say ‘Father’… Say ‘Father…” he continued to cajole, directing his words to Lu Chao Chao.

Lu Chao Chao blinked her wide eyes and softly repeated, “Say… Father… Father…” Her tender, syrupy voice melted the hearts of those who heard it.

Shaking his head, Lu Yuan Ze clarified, “Not ‘say,’ it’s ‘Father, Father, Father.’” He pointed at himself for emphasis.

But instead of complying, Lu Chao Chao cheerfully exclaimed, “Ai!”

Madam Xu stifled a laugh, covering her mouth as her body trembled with amusement.

A vein bulged at Lu Yuan Ze’s temple. He suppressed his irritation for a long moment, but his eyes betrayed a faint displeasure. [What use was a good appearance? Jing Yao clung to him like no other, whereas Chao Chao, upon seeing him, would only turn her backside to him.]

“Chao Chao, I am your father,” he said, his tone carrying a trace of exasperation. His expression softened momentarily before turning sour again when Chao Chao innocently and earnestly pointed at him, calling, “Dog… Dog… Dog…” Her demeanor radiated pure naivety, unaware of her unintended insult. The words were enough to make Lu Yuan Ze grit his teeth in fury.

Madam Xu interjected gently, “Chao Chao is still young. Why bicker with a child?” She took Lu Chao Chao and set her aside.

Lowering his voice, Lu Yuan Ze’s usually refined features softened with an intimate edge. “Shi Yun, ever since Chao Chao was born, how long has it been since we shared the same bed?” His hand lightly rested on Madam Xu’s shoulder, but she only felt revulsion.

Forcing herself to suppress the urge to slap his hand away, Madam Xu glanced at the curious, wide-eyed Lu Chao Chao and remarked, “Chao Chao is watching.”

With a light chuckle, she added, “Girls are delicate and cling to their mothers. Surely the Marquis isn’t lonely sleeping alone?” Her words carried a subtle jest.

Noticing Chao Chao’s gaze, Lu Yuan Ze’s mood for affection waned. Reluctantly, he withdrew his hand with an awkward chuckle. “Shi Yun, don’t overthink. How could I ever feel lonely? Besides, there’s no one I could even consider besides you.”

His tone shifted hesitantly. “It’s just…”

“Is the Marquis facing difficulties?” Madam Xu asked considerately.

Lu Yuan Ze hesitated, struggling to find the words. In the past, Madam Xu would have handed over the keys to her private treasury without hesitation, sparing him the indignity of asking directly. But how could he explain that the household’s finances were stretched thin? The dowry gifts for Lu Jing Huai and Jiang Yun Jin’s engagement had all been returned to Madam Xu, and even Lu Wan Yi’s trousseau lacked luster, with Madam Xu refusing to supplement it.

Resentment festered in Lu Yuan Ze’s heart.

“Is the Marquis short on funds?” Madam Xu’s eyes brightened, and she generously offered, “If the Marquis needs money, please let me know. We are husband and wife, partners for so many years; why draw distinctions between us?” Her words moved him deeply.

He wanted her support but also wanted her to beg him for it.

“If the household lacks funds, spending my dowry is only right. The Marquis can feast on Shi Yun’s wealth, and Shi Yun will be delighted to provide.” Madam Xu’s seemingly casual remark struck at Lu Yuan Ze’s pride, knowing his vanity would recoil at such a suggestion.

As expected, his face darkened, his fists clenching tightly. “There’s no shortage of money. Your private treasury, Shi Yun, is yours to spend as you please. I’m not so desperate as to eat a woman’s dowry,” he said, his tone hard.

Changing the topic, he ordered, “Inform Yan Shu to declare that he voluntarily withdraws from his engagement to Jiang Yun Jin to avoid burdening her. Such rumors about Lu Jing Huai stealing another’s fiancée are disgraceful and must not ruin the future of a promising talent, someone destined to achieve the Triple Crown of Excellence.”

Crash!

Madam Xu’s expression turned cold as she slammed the teacup onto the table.

[Story Wiki]

[Table of Content]

[Previous Chapter]

[Next Chapter]