Chapter 114: Reminiscing

Chapter 114: Reminiscing

"She's a lowly servant, guilty of plotting against the lady of the house. She should be strangled."

That was Lu Zhengliu's suggestion.

His tone was still cold, yet different from before. It seemed as if he no longer cared about anything.

Old Lady Lu didn't dare to confront her grandson head-on anymore.

She spoke in a negotiating tone, "She deserves death for her crimes. However... we must not offend the Xingguo Duke Manor."

Lu Zhengliu found it amusing, "Grandmother, do you still expect the Xingguo Duke Manor to acknowledge her?"

Old Lady Lu sighed, "That's not what I meant..."

"What if she truly is the legitimate daughter of the Xingguo Duke Manor? It's their business if they don't acknowledge her. But if we dispose of her without inquiry, and the Duke Manor learns of this later and questions us, how will we handle offending them?"

"The Lu family isn't what it used to be; we really can't afford to offend people needlessly."

Lu Zhengliu frowned, "Then what do you propose we do?"

Old Lady Lu said, "I'm not inclined to let her off either. She caused Yunwan's death, and I know you're troubled by it. Just leave her at the doorstep of the Xingguo Duke Manor."

Her eyes shone with shrewdness and indifference, "If the Duke Manor acknowledges her, for Qing'er's sake, she won't be able to leave our Lu family."

"And if they don't recognize her..."

"The Lu family will have rid itself of a lowly concubine who plotted against the lady of the house. It'll be much easier to handle."

In the process of retrieving the runaway concubine, if she accidentally gets killed, that would solve everything!

Now even Qing'er hates Ge Baor, her life has lost its meaning.

"I'll follow your advice."

Lu Zhengliu left. He went to the Yuxing Pavilion to see Zhuqing and his child.

But his thoughts weren't on the unborn child. Looking at Zhuqing's face, he couldn't help but be reminded of Lin Yunwan.

He asked softly, "Did Yunwan... used to treat you well?"

Zhuqing's eyes reddened, "The madam was more than kind to me! If it weren't for her, I'd still be in the village, not knowing if I'd be alive or dead."

Lu Zhengliu said, "Tell me about Yunwan's past."

Zhuqing nodded, "I lived in the village for years, thinking that would be my whole life. The madam, she..."

Lu Zhengliu interrupted her, "Start from when she first entered the manor."

Zhuqing was momentarily stunned, then her expression softened with nostalgia, "…I was your maid. You remember my temperament back then, young and somewhat arrogant. I openly defied the madam in public. She was so patient and didn’t say much."

"I used to think the madam was timid and weak. But it's not true; she was truly kind-hearted and generous."

"The goodness of grandma, those without heart can't understand."

Lu Zhengliu's lips curled into a smile, more painful than crying.

Zhuzing was right; he was heartless. From the day she entered the house, she had been kind, and everyone in the mansion liked her.

Everyone but him…

"You should rest well."

Unable to sit still, Lu Zhengliu walked away with red eyes.

Zhuzing watched his retreating figure for a long time, her expression cold.

She scoffed, shaking her head with a sigh, "Grandma, he wasn't worth it!"

Married to a man who only appreciated his wife after her death!

\\

The Lin family arranged the funeral for "Lin Yunwan."

Known for not being extravagant, and given that she was a daughter who returned home after a divorce, the mourning hall was set up in a side hall, visited mostly by female relatives close to the Lin family. The male officials did not come to pay their respects.

Lin Yunyi, alongside Mrs. Lin, received and saw off visitors, while Taoye and Pingye helped with the funeral arrangements.

Although the funeral was modest, it was conducted with dignity.

Lady Guo also came to condole, advising Mrs. Lin, "…a parent burying a child is always tragic, but you must move on. You still have a son, Yunwan's younger brother, and you mustn't lose hope!"

She knew Mrs. Lin wasn't as strong-willed as Lin Yunwan and feared she might not withstand this tragedy, potentially leading to another loss for the Lin family.

Mrs. Lin nodded tearfully.

Lin Yunyi approached, "Lady Guo, my mother is truly exhausted. I will take her to rest."

Lady Guo agreed.

Lin Yunyi said to Tao Ye, "I'll leave things here in your capable hands, Sister Tao Ye."

Tao Ye nodded, "Don't worry, young master. I'll take care of the memorial hall."

Dressed in mourning clothes, she knelt to add paper money for "Lin Yunwan."

The coffin, newly replaced with fine wood provided by the Huan Wang Manor, stood nearby. Ping Ye knelt beside it, crying deeply.

After escorting Mrs. Lin back, Lin Yunyi advised her, "Mother, you mustn't cry anymore, your eyes can't bear it. Pretend to be ill these next few days. You can appear again on the day of 'sister's' burial."

Mrs. Lin agreed.

She asked Lin Yunyi, somewhat dazedly, gripping his hand, "Is your sister really... really not dead?"

Lin Yunyi replied softly, "Rest assured, mother, I haven't lied. Sister is safe and has gone to a better place. Be patient, she will reunite with us in the future."

"But given the current turmoil, sister certainly can't reappear now."

Mrs. Lin felt like she was in a dream, murmuring, "As long as she's alive, my Yunwan..."

She became sad again.

Her daughter might not be dead, but the injustices she suffered were real. Escaping such perilous circumstances brought unceasing heartache to her as a mother.

Lin Yunyi continued to greet the guests.

The Xia family sent representatives, along with many other women from households that previously had close ties with the Lu family.

As a guest, Old Lady Xia observed the mourners and remarked, "These families will likely cease their associations with the Lu family."

Their stance was now quite clear.

Lu Jia, overhearing this, felt a mix of emotions.

But she dared not contradict her mother-in-law. She hadn't anticipated Lin Yunwan's death, nor did she wish to see the Lu family fall into decline.

"You are forbidden from returning to the Lu family."

Old Lady Xia said resolutely, "If you go back again, don't bother returning here. Don't think I'm merely speaking; if I say this today, I'm prepared to have your husband divorce you!"

Lu Jia, her head bowed, fiddled with her handkerchief, "…I understand, mother-in-law."

Even if her mother-in-law allowed it, she wouldn't dare return.

Without looking, she knew the Lu family's current plight. She was already grateful that the Xia family hadn't disowned her.

Soon, February arrived, and the Lin family's mourning period came to an end.

All the representatives sent by the Lu family were turned away, except for Lu Changgong.

It wasn't necessary for the younger members of the Lu family to observe mourning, but Lu Changgong still donned plain clothes, wore a white ribbon on his arm, abstained from meat, and refrained from participating in feasts and entertainments.

Everyone knew he was observing mourning for his mother.

When the Lin clan heard of this, they praised him, "This child is truly filial!"

Lu Changgong's reputation outside was excellent, and few remembered the real young master of the Lu family, Lu Changzong.

Old Lady Lu felt a bit anxious.

"It's good that Changgong is being praised, but Qing'er must not be left behind."

However, she wasn't suggesting that Lu Changzong also observe mourning for Lin Yunwan; entering the civil service through the imperial examinations was most important.

Zhang Feng'an had already resigned, and she instructed Lu Zhengliu, "Send Qing'er to the clan school quickly."

Lu Zhengliu hesitated, knowing that Lin Yunwan had once been Qing'er's stepmother. If Qing'er was inclined, he should observe mourning like Changgong.

Old Lady Lu, aware of her grandson's thoughts, disagreed, "She's no longer part of our Lu family. It wouldn't be proper for Qing'er to mourn her."

"Let him focus on his studies and make a name for himself."

Lu Zhengliu agreed.

If Qing'er didn't have the heart to mourn, forcing him would be pointless.

It seemed Changgong was more filial, sharing a deeper remembrance of Yunwan.

Lu Zhengliu felt a slight aversion towards Qing'er.

"I will send him to the clan school right away."

As he spoke, someone rushed in, saying, "Master, Mr. Zhen has resigned!"

Mr. Zhen was a prominent scholar at the Lu family clan school. Even with the decline of the Wuding Marquis Manor, his presence meant that the younger generation still had opportunities to excel.

"How can he resign at a time like this!"

Old Lady Lu was furious!

The Lu family was in dire need of capable people!

Lu Zhengliu also became anxious, "Where is Mr. Zhen now?"

The messenger replied, "...He has already left after submitting his resignation letter."

Old Lady Lu was beside herself with anger, "This man! He, he, he has no sense of loyalty!"

Clenching his fists, Lu Zhengliu reminded her, "Grandmother, don't forget, Mr. Zhen was invited by Yunwan."

Now that the Lin family's daughter was no longer with them, what scholar would want to align with the Lu family?

Incidents like this were only going to become more frequent.

Realizing this, Old Lady Lu slumped down, feeling indescribably gloomy.

Suddenly, another person arrived, Wei rushing in frantically, her hair all disheveled!

"Old Madam, Old Madam... It's terrible! It's terrible!"

Old Lady Lu hurried out, asking anxiously, "What happened?!"

She scolded Wei, "Look at yourself! Are you still the lady of the house?"

Lu Zhengliu went to support Wei, frowning and asking, "Mother, what's happened?"

Wei, completely distraught, said, "Your father has lost his mind! He's wielding a sword, attacking anyone he sees! No one can stop him!"

The Marquis of Wuding, a man of high status, was now a threat. The servants feared injuring their master, as it would mean death for them. His strength was unmatched, and the women in the inner court couldn't restrain him. Those from the outer court dared not enter recklessly. They could only watch helplessly as the Marquis rampaged.

Old Lady Lu's heart sank. This was a serious problem! Who could control her deranged son now?

She demanded of Wei, "What caused his sudden outbreak? How have you been taking care of your husband?"

Wei, in tears, responded, "I, I... The Marquis heard of Yunwan's death..."

She never anticipated that the news would drive her husband to madness.

Wei retorted in frustration, "Old Madam, if you can manage, please do!"

Fearing that the Marquis might not recognize anyone, even Old Lady Lu might not be spared from his wrath.

"You!"

Old Lady Lu was furious. What foolishness!

But the worst part was that the Lu family was doomed.

And she would have to watch helplessly as the Lu family slowly crumbled.

"Yunwan..."

Old Lady Lu's vision blurred, and she nearly fainted.

Nanny Yan pinched her to revive her.

Old Lady Lu, appearing suddenly aged, asked Nanny Yan, "How could my Lu family be reduced to this, just from losing one mistress?"

Just a young daughter-in-law!

Nanny Yan hesitated, wanting but reluctant to speak.

Only now do they realize the importance of the mistress?

Although she didn't like the maids around the mistress, in all fairness, the mistress was the one who largely upheld this entire household!

Now that the mistress was gone, the Lu family was bound to fall apart.