Chapter 136: Taking Du Ruo to the Marquis’s Estate

Chapter 136: Taking Du Ruo to the Marquis's Estate

This was the first time Lu Lingyun had formally met the legendary A'Ruo.

The girl standing before her was about fourteen or fifteen years old, dressed in a tidy male outfit with her hair in a bun typically worn by men. A long sword was secured at her waist, making her look quite dashing and heroic.

"You still know to fear your aunt!" Lady Wang huffed. "Your aunt has been sick for a long time, and yet you, a young girl, aren't by her side taking care of her. Instead, you're running outside all the time. What kind of conduct is this! And look at what you’re wearing!"

"Your aunt was talking about you just two days ago. She was worried that you're not married yet and that there's no female elder at home to take care of you. She urged me to look after you. And look, in just a short time, you've turned into this! Come with me!"

Du Ruo, who had been scolded, showed a hint of embarrassment and sought help by looking at the others present. Cheng Yunshuo sat to the side, drinking tea and completely ignoring the situation.

Du Ruo then turned to Lu Lingyun, "You're Shiniang, right! Shiniang, I'm counting on you!"

Lu Lingyun remained silent.

Du Ruo quickly ran to Lu Lingyun’s side, grabbed her arm, and pleaded for help.

Cheng Yunshuo then interjected, "Lingyun, this is the girl I mentioned before. I’d like you to arrange a courtyard for A'Ruo at the estate since she has nowhere to go."

Du Ruo nodded repeatedly, "Shiniang, I'll live at your place and I'll definitely listen to you."

At this point, Lady Wang looked at Lu Lingyun.

Feeling the atmosphere, Lu Lingyun chuckled softly and met Lady Wang’s gaze. "Sister Wang, I'll take A'Ruo to my estate."

Hearing this, Lady Wang had nothing else to say. "If the Marquis’s wife is willing to guide her a bit, that would be ideal."

After seeing off Lady Wang, Du Ruo let out a long sigh of relief.

"These women are so annoying," she grumbled.

Lu Lingyun looked at her.

Du Ruo hurriedly added, "Shiniang, I'm not talking about you. You're a good person."

Lu Lingyun looked at her and smiled faintly. "A'Ruo is certainly not an ordinary girl."

"That's right. I’ve never liked those affected and pretentious girls since I was young. I find them troublesome and overly delicate. Girls can be like boys, straightforward and pure."

Lu Lingyun raised an eyebrow. "Why are boys deemed straightforward and pure?"

"Women have small hearts and hold grudges over small matters, always scheming and competing. Of course, they're not as simple and pure as boys," Du Ruo said proudly. "I think it’s better to be with boys."

"I said she has the spirit of a boy," Cheng Yunshuo chimed in, his tone doting.

"Master, you cannot say that about me!" Du Ruo said with a coquettish pout.

Lu Lingyun looked at Du Ruo's coquettish manner and quietly remained silent.

After finishing the tea, Cheng Yunshuo got up to patrol, and Du Ruo followed him. Lu Lingyun asked, "Young Lord, since A'Ruo is going to stay at our estate, should I bring her back or will you?"

Cheng Yunshuo said, "A'Ruo, go back with Lingyun first."

Hearing this, Du Ruo wrinkled her brow and reluctantly agreed, "Alright."

"A'Ruo, since you're entering the Marquis's estate, you must not wear men's clothing anymore."

Du Ruo thought for a moment. "Alright, I understand the rules."

"Du Ruo, you should learn some ladies' manners. After you stay at my place, you should follow Lu Lingyun's guidance," Cheng Yunshuo said.

"I understand, Teacher," Du Ruo replied to Cheng Yunshuo, her tone taking on a more coquettish note.

Cheng Yunshuo continued with his duties, while Lu Lingyun escorted Du Ruo to the carriage.

Lady Qin had recently brought the old Marquis to a villa for rest and recuperation, so Lu Lingyun directly settled Du Ruo in the guest room of the Marquis's residence instead.

"Shiniang, I really don't like being dressed like this," Du Ruo said, appearing before Lu Lingyun in female attire.

She lifted her skirt, her face showing clear disdain.

Lu Lingyun looked at her and asked, "Didn't you wear female clothes at your aunt's?"

"Not exactly."

"Since you've worn it before, why are you this reluctant now?" Lu Lingyun asked.

"It's really not as practical as men's clothes. With all these layers, it's troublesome to move around," Du Ruo said, fiddling with her skirt.

"Then you should adjust your pace. We don't need to wield swords or fight. Why always rush around like that?"

"This is why I think women are so fussy. Many things can be done by ourselves, but we make it seem impossible," Du Ruo said frankly.

Hearing this, Lu Lingyun smiled slightly and said no more.

At that moment, the three children woke up.

As soon as Du Ruo heard the children's voices, she frowned in impatience. "Shiniang, I'll go for a stroll in the garden. You stay busy."

"Alright."

Lu Lingyun settled the three children in front of her without lifting her head. "Be back for dinner."

"I know."

Lu Lingyun patiently soothed Bingan, Binghao, and Su Ying, especially little Su Ying, who was delicate and clingy. As soon as she put her down, the child would cry. Lu Lingyun sat in the courtyard, holding her with great patience, the sun slowly sinking, and the April breeze pleasantly cool.

She leisurely enjoyed her quiet life.

"Young Mistress! Something's wrong!"

"What is it?"

"Miss Qin Shaojing just came back, and Du Ruo and Shaojing are quarreling!"

Lu Lingyun: "..."

When Lu Lingyun arrived with her attendants, the two were still arguing.

On the way, the maid explained to Lu Lingyun what had happened.

While strolling in the garden, Du Ruo had seen Qin Shaojing returning and had approached her, asking which of Cheng Yunshuo's concubines she was.

Hearing this, Qin Shaojing had flown into a rage, and the two had immediately started quarreling.

"Blind dog! Which courtyard did you just come from, you lowly servant!"

"I'm not a lowly servant! My teacher is the Crown Prince of the Marquis's residence!"

The wet nurse of Qin Shaojing immediately started scolding, "A young girl like you really has audacity, claiming the Prince is your master. What did the Prince teach you?"

"It's true. I acknowledged the Prince as my master, and he accepted me as his disciple."

"How shameless of you! A young lady claiming the Prince as her master! You were born to a mother who didn’t teach you any manners!"

"Did your family teach you about propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame?"

"Coming to someone else’s house and calling someone else master, aren’t you ashamed!"

The maids and wet nurses of Qin Shaojing all began to scold in unison. Du Ruo, unable to argue back, immediately turned red with anger.

At this moment, Lu Lingyun arrived with her people. Seeing someone to back her up, Du Ruo quickly shouted, "Shiniang!"

As soon as Lu Lingyun arrived, the maids and wet nurses on Qin Shaojing’s side immediately fell silent.

Du Ruo, clinging to her support like a lifeline, pointed at the people in front of her, her face red. "Shiniang, which of my master’s concubines is she? She has more authority in your courtyard than you do! Anyone who didn’t know better would think she’s the mistress of this household!"

Her words were clearly meant to incite Lu Lingyun to punish Qin Shaojing.

Hmph! She knew that among the Prince’s concubines, apart from the former Xing Dairong, none were favored.

As the Prince’s only disciple, Lu Lingyun would surely punish the woman in front of her on her behalf!

With that, she looked at Qin Shaojing with a hint of smugness in her eyes.

The next moment, Lu Lingyun said, "A’Ruo, this is not just any concubine. She is the Prince’s cousin and the eldest daughter of the Duke of Qin’s estate."