Chapter 417: A Family with Two Marquises

Chapter 417: A Family with Two Marquises

Lu Lingyun quickly read through the letter, her smile growing wider with each line.

It's over, completely over!

After ten years of preparation, the Wang Army has completely eradicated the pirate threat in Jiangnan.

Cheng Binghao has been with the Wang Army fighting pirates along the Jiangnan coast for ten years, and during this time, he has repeatedly distinguished himself in battle.

He developed a set of Cheng family spears, wolf spears, and mandarin duck formations, which have been highly effective against pirates.

His name has become well-known throughout Jiangnan; people might not know the commander of the Wang Army, but everyone knows the vanguard, Cheng Binghao.

Cheng Binghao, having earned great merit, is now returning triumphantly with the Wang Army.

"Binghao has made us proud," came a delighted, refined voice from outside Lu Lingyun's courtyard.

"Mother, is my second brother returning?!"

Following that, a lively, spirited voice chimed in.

A young woman in a goose-yellow gown joyfully entered from outside.

She wore her hair in a maiden's bun, adorned with pearl-encrusted jade and gold hair accessories, a pair of white jade bracelets on her wrists, and jingling jade pendants at her waist. Her lips were red, her teeth white, and her face glowing like peach blossoms.

As soon as she entered, she rushed straight into Lu Lingyun's arms, acting playfully.

Lu Lingyun embraced Suying, saying helplessly, "You're so grown up, yet you still act like a child."

"Mother, tell me quickly, is my second brother returning?" Suying persisted, continuing to act playfully.

Lu Lingyun gently stroked Suying's forehead, "Yes, your second brother has achieved a great victory and is coming back."

"Mother, Binghao is the pride of our family!" The young man's voice from earlier also came through.

Lu Lingyun looked towards the source of the voice and saw the seventeen-year-old Bingan striding in.

He was dressed in a refined black robe, as elegant as jade, yet remarkably steady in demeanor.

After all, his father and grandfather had both passed away early, and he had to manage the family estate from a young age.

Over the past ten years, he had always hoped to grow up quickly and come of age, to lighten his mother's burden.

Being young and vigorous, he had developed a sense of responsibility early on, far more composed than his peers.

Lu Lingyun looked at her carefully nurtured son and daughter and couldn't help but smile, "You two should go and share this good news with Grandmother. The family will prepare in the coming days to grandly welcome Binghao back."

"Yes, Mother."

They spoke in unison.

Bingan and Suying asked Lu Lingyun a few more questions before happily leaving to share the good news with Lady Qin at Ningxin Courtyard.

Not long after they left, a servant came to report.

"Madam! Master Lu is here!"

Hearing that Lu Kuan had also arrived, Lu Lingyun's smile widened even more, "Quickly bring Kuan'er in."

"Yes, indeed."

Before long, Lu Kuan, now sporting a long beard, strode in from outside.

He walked briskly, his face unable to hide his joy.

"Elder sister! Bing Hao has truly distinguished himself! He's accomplished something remarkable!"

At this, Lu Lingyun couldn't help but smile broadly.

At her age, her children's accomplishments brought her more joy than her own ever could.

Though Bing Hao's current success was largely orchestrated by Lu Lingyun herself.

Even the strategy that brought him fame in quelling the pirates was one she had consistently guided him through.

Naturally, her guidance played a role, but Bing Hao's own determination was equally vital.

Without his drive, despite Lu Lingyun's efforts to pave his path, he would have remained merely a figurehead general.

But with his determination, coupled with guidance and support, Bing Hao achieved remarkable success.

"Elder sister, I must tell you in confidence, the Emperor plans to grant Bing Hao the title of Marquis!"

At this news, Lu Lingyun's heart leapt.

A Marquisate!

That would mean... two Marquises in a single family!

"If Bing Hao is also granted a Marquisate, elder sister, your Cheng family will be truly extraordinary," Lu Kuan said, his eyes shining as he looked at Lu Lingyun. "Two Marquises in one family—since the dynasty's founding, such an honor has been rare!"

"Is that truly the case?" Lu Lingyun asked, trying to suppress her excitement.

Lu Kuan nodded repeatedly, "Bing Hao has consistently distinguished himself in the fight against the pirates. His three innovative strategies have fully quelled the pirate menace in Jiangnan, bolstering the defenses along the entire coast. It's only fitting that Bing Hao be granted a Marquisate."

Upon hearing this, Lu Lingyun's eyes, though initially alight with joy, quickly regained their composure. "This matter must remain confidential. We can celebrate once everything is finalized."

At this, Lu Kuan was once again struck by his elder sister's unflappable composure.

Such momentous news, even a whisper of it, would leave others ecstatic and grinning from ear to ear.

Yet his elder sister remained as composed as ever.

Her calm and collected demeanor only deepened his admiration.

No wonder she raised such an exceptional son as Bing Hao!

And raised children like Bingan and Sù Yīng, beloved throughout the Imperial City!

"Alright, when Bing Hao returns and the rewards are bestowed, we will celebrate properly!"

Lu Kuan also gradually calmed down.

After calming down, a worry couldn't help but linger on his brow. He sighed, thinking of Bing Hao's matter, "Ah, good news, truly good news."

"Kuan'er, what's wrong?" Lu Lingyun looked at Lu Kuan, sensing his distress.

Lu Kuan looked up at Lu Lingyun, "Big sister, why don't you visit Nanyuan more often these days and talk to her?"

"What's wrong with her?"

Lu Kuan frowned deeply, "She insists on bearing a child for me!"

Tong Nanyuan has been married to Lu Kuan for ten years, and she is now over thirty.

For the past ten years, she has not had any children, but at the same time, Lu Kuan has not taken a concubine. Even though she does not bear children, he does not take a concubine.

Tong Nanyuan is utterly desperate.

Now that she is thirty, she is determined to have a child for Lu Kuan.

Upon hearing this, Lu Lingyun asked, "Have you told her about her condition?"

Lu Kuan shook his head, "I only told her that I have a problem."

Lu Lingyun: "......"

Seeing Lu Kuan's embarrassment, she couldn't help but admire him.

There are still good men in this world.

Good and bad people aren't defined by region or gender; people are all different.

Seeing Lu Kuan's awkward demeanor, she said, "Alright, I’ll talk to Nanyuan and try to console her."

Hearing this, Lu Kuan sighed in relief, but he specifically instructed, "Big sister, you mustn’t tell her it’s her issue!"

At this, Lu Lingyun felt even more warmth for Tong Nanyuan, "I understand."

After saying this, Lu Kuan prepared to leave. As he was leaving, he mentioned another thing, "By the way, Shou Ye is preparing for the Imperial Examination soon, and father has been urging me lately to help him more."

Li Shouye, the son of Lu Hanyi and Li Wenxun, is taking the spring Imperial Examination this year.

Li Wenxun lacks ambition, but their son is truly driven.

At a young age, he has already passed the provincial-level exam, and this year he is taking the spring Imperial Examination.