Chapter 243: You’re Quite Crafty, Aren’t You?

Chapter 243: You're Quite Crafty, Aren't You?

Madam Lu was taken aback, her expression extremely awkward.

How did she find out about this?

"This... She was born to a servant girl. We never acknowledged her, not even putting her in the family genealogy. That's why she was raised outside the city."

"Hmph. If you didn't want to acknowledge her, you would have given that servant girl an abortion potion a long time ago. Why bother raising her outside the city?"

"Oh, Madam Zheng, how could one do such a thing? I'm a devout Buddhist; I could never commit such a heinous act of taking a life."

Madam Zheng: "..." Damn it, she was still pretending.

"Enough. You know exactly what you're thinking, so there's no need to put on an act in front of me. If you don't handle this matter properly, I'll go down with your Lu family, destroying everything together. Do you understand?"

Madam Lu stared at her for a moment before chuckling. "Madam Zheng, is it really worth going all out for a foster daughter?"

"Who asked you to bully people too much? This isn't just about a foster daughter; it's about principle and dignity."

"Hah, do you really think you can win? No matter how much they argue, it won't implicate my son's fault. At most, it would be a case of mutual affection that they couldn't control. My son is a man, and he might be labeled as charming. He's been confined for so long because of your adopted daughter; outsiders will still commend him for his deep affections.

But your adopted daughter, oh, she'll suffer. Consider the scandal of an unmarried pregnancy. How will people perceive her, and how will they view you, her incapable foster mother? And your younger daughter—don't let her be implicated too, to the point that the Princess Consort would demand an annulment. Then, it would truly be a loss. Is it worth it for an adopted daughter?"

Madam Zheng had anticipated this response and replied calmly, "Indeed, the scandal may not significantly affect the Lu family, but for Lu Shen... ha, concealing an illegitimate son, seducing his fiancée, and then reneging on the marriage after gaining what he wanted. You may not care about your reputation, but Master Lu does. For the sake of preserving the family's honor, do you think he would continue grooming Lu Shen as his successor?"

Madam Lu's smug smile froze.

"Madam Lu, I recall you have only one son, correct? Let me ask you, would Master Lu, like you, support Lu Shen through any situation, no matter what?"

Their main branch had only this one legitimate heir, but the second, third, fourth, and fifth branches... all had legitimate sons, not just one.

Should the patriarch abandon or become displeased with their main branch, wouldn't the younger siblings seize the opportunity to climb up the hierarchy?

Madam Lu was conflicted.

Her son could not be embroiled in such a disgrace.

"What do you intend to do?"

Madam Zheng spoke with a calm, detached tone, "Return the marriage contract as if the matter of breaking off the engagement never happened."

"I can't make decisions on such a significant matter."

Madam Zheng replied, "This is your concern. In any case, Jinxiu cannot be bullied by Wang Fuzhen. The child in her womb must be recognized as legitimate."

Madam Lu assured, "I'll do my best to protect Jinxiu and ensure she isn't mistreated. But legitimacy...?"

Before she could finish, Madam Zheng interrupted her, firmly stating, "This is our bottom line."

Madam Lu was taken aback. "This is a major matter. I can't make such a decision on my own. I'll have to discuss it with my family first."

"Very well, I'll give you three days. I'm not in a hurry, but that child won't wait for you."

...

Lady Lu informed Lu Shen about Zheng Jinxiu's pregnancy. Lu Shen was quite pleased and said, "Then we should bring her back promptly. Now we don't have to worry about her running away. That's excellent news."

Hmph," Lady Lu snorted coldly and said, "She won't run away, but if she wants to be the legitimate wife, otherwise Cui Qingqing will fight to the death, forcing you to assault Zheng Jinxiu, what do you think we should do?"

Lu Shen said, "How can this be considered rape? It is clearly a mutual affection between Jinxiu and me."

I am aware, but they are adamant in accusing you of rape, which, if it escalates, could have a significant impact on you.

Your grandfather already has reservations about you. If this matter were to become public knowledge and lead to his impeachment for lax household management, it would be disastrous.

Bear in mind, although our main household has only you as the legitimate son, your uncles are no pushovers. They will surely seize upon this mistake and not let go."

Lu Shen furrowed his brow, gently pinching his chin.

"The Wang family is watching closely. Are we considering going back on our word?"

"What are we going back on? I would never acknowledge a beggar as kin; it would be the talk of the town."

"But are you afraid of their commotion? Besides, Jinxiu is carrying my child, and I won't have this child suffer as a concubine's son."

"Well, what do you suggest we do then?"

"I'll speak to my grandfather and see what he has to say about it."

"Are you still seeking your grandfather's help? After causing such a mess, he'd be the one to discipline you."

"Oh, no worries, I'm going to consult him about it."

He immediately went to seek Master Lu.

Though Master Lu had numerous descendants, he highly valued his legitimate eldest grandson, a tradition that the Lu family strictly adhered to, thus avoiding many internal conflicts.

Therefore, unless there was a significant mishap involving the eldest son or grandson, he wouldn't consider replacing them.

But this ungrateful descendant of his had lately caused him quite a bit of trouble.

"Look at the situation you've gotten yourself into. Now you come to me for help. What can I do?"

"Grandfather, I did all this for the family's sake. You know the background of Wang Fuzhen; she's crucial to us."

"I have no objections to obtaining Wang Fuzhen. But is it really worth all the effort for Zheng Jinxiu, the daughter of a beggar?"

"No, no, Grandfather, you can't think that way. The fact that the Zheng family is willing to risk everything and turn against us for her sake indicates her standing in their family."

Master Lu's face was dark with displeasure.

Lu Shen continued, "The Zheng family's sons are notoriously indulgent toward her, always fulfilling her every wish. If I marry her, she'll want to secure her child's position. Wouldn't she seek help from her brothers? Most likely. In that case, the Zheng family's sons would have to support our son, paving the way for the future generations of the Lu family. How advantageous!"

"You're not afraid of being ridiculed?"

"Of course I am, but Lady Zheng is eccentric. The Zhengs have shown they'd go to extremes for Zheng Jinxiu, even neglecting their own daughter. Have you forgotten? When Lady Zheng causes a scene, she'll be the one ridiculed anyway. Since ridicule is inevitable, might as well gain some tangible benefits."

Master Lu stroked his beard, studying his grandson and acknowledging that the young man had some cunning and audacity.

"You want them to compete through their families?"

"Yes, regardless of who wins, our Lu family's descendants will benefit."

"So you mean…?"

Lu Shen replied, "I can't let them settle the victory so soon. Therefore, my plan is to take both as concubines."

Master Lu's brows knitted. "There has never been such a precedent."

"Well then, let it begin with me. After all, I am known for my deep sentiments and loyalty. I insisted on marrying her, even after learning that she was the daughter of a beggar."

"Hahaha..." Lord Lu stroked his beard, laughing heartily. "You young lad, well done, your schemes surpass even an old man like me."