Chapter 458: Cheng Binghao Fights in the Street

Chapter 458: Cheng Binghao Fights in the Street

"Godmother, Binghao has been a lot of work for you over the years," Lu Lingyun said with a smile to Madam Jiang in the small garden.

"Nonsense, Binghao is such a capable and thoughtful child. Both his Uncle Wang and I adore him!" Madam Jiang, now with half her hair white and many wrinkles on her face, smiled with her eyes squinting, resembling a kindly elderly woman. It was clear that she had been living quite well these years.

How could it be otherwise!

She followed General Wang to Jiangnan to subdue the pirates. The first few years were perilous, but as they became more familiar with the pirates' movements and capabilities, they handled the subduing with increasing ease, securing numerous victories.

After arriving in Jiangnan, Madam Jiang initially stayed with Wang Qiluo and Liu Shuhui, feeling worried for several years. But as she heard more and more good news and saw General Wang safe and sound, her heart gradually eased.

With her children by her side and her husband safe and successful, how could life be anything but good?

Now, her husband has been granted the title of Marquis Yongyi, and in her twilight years, she has become the Lady of the Marquis's Mansion, receiving an official honor. Her life has been nothing short of fortunate!

As Madam Jiang spoke to Lu Lingyun, her eyes gradually brightened.

Much of the joy and good fortune in the latter half of her life was actually bestowed by Lu Lingyun.

It was Lu Lingyun who brokered the marriage for her daughter and son-in-law, allowing her to meet such a good son-in-law, who not only had remarkable political accomplishments but also excellent character. Since her daughter married, the couple has lived in harmony, and Liu Shuhui hasn't taken a single concubine! Later, he even provided significant assistance to his father-in-law in subduing pirates in Jiangnan!

After her daughter married, feeling the absence of her daughter, she brought her niece Jiang Qianzhu to live with them. It was Lu Lingyun who helped her see the true nature of the ungrateful Jiang Qianzhu! She and the Wang family were spared a great disaster!

Madam Jiang often reflected on past events and felt a shiver when thinking about Jiang Qianzhu. Without Lu Lingyun's vigilance and repeated reminders, she might have been ruined that time! The Wang family would have been implicated, their careers ruined, and they would never have had the opportunity to subdue pirates and earn merit!

Now that Madam Jiang has become the Lady of the Marquis's Mansion, at least half the credit belongs to Lu Lingyun!

She deeply cherishes this goddaughter of hers!

"Speaking of which, if not for your foresight back then, telling my godfather that the pirates in Jiangnan could be subdued, and taking the initiative to petition the emperor to subdue them, our Wang family wouldn't have been granted the title of Marquis!" Madam Jiang said with a smile.

"Godmother, you're too kind. It was the Marquis's bravery that defeated the enemy over a thousand miles. Your military honors are well deserved. As for Binghao, we owe it to your care," Lu Lingyun replied with a smile.

Madam Jiang listened to her words, "You're too modest again. Binghao doesn't rely on us; he relies on himself! He's truly an exceptional child, never faltering in battle. His Uncle Wang says that if Binghao were his own grandson, it would be worth dying in battle!"

"The Marquis is just talking nonsense."

"Really, we adore Binghao," Madam Jiang's old eyes twinkled as she smiled at Lu Lingyun, "Actually, I wanted to find you to discuss something."

"What is it?"

"What do you think of our Xianxian?" Madam Jiang looked at Lu Lingyun, "She and Binghao grew up together, childhood sweethearts. Both her grandfather and I intend to match the two. If Binghao can't be our grandson, being our grandson-in-law would be just as wonderful!"

Lu Lingyun had observed Liu Xianxian and Cheng Binghao, and Madam Jiang and the Marquis Yongyi had long noticed their special relationship.

Hearing this, Lu Lingyun's lips curled into a slight smile, "Godmother, I have the same intention. But has Binghao been in contact with many girls in Jiangnan?"

"Binghao is very self-disciplined, only willing to interact with Xianxian. He hasn't looked at any other girls!" Madam Jiang praised Cheng Binghao endlessly.

Hearing this, Lu Lingyun felt even more satisfied. Just then, the maids hurriedly came to report.

"Madam! Something awful has happened!"

"What's wrong?"

"Second Young Master got into a brawl outside! And he brought back a woman with him!"

"What!"

The maid gasped for breath, quickly explaining the situation to Lu Lingyun.

It turned out that today, Cheng Binghao and Cheng Bingan went out to stroll around the Imperial City and happened to encounter the courtesan from the brothel throwing a silk ball to choose a suitor. The ball landed right on Cheng Binghao, but he didn't want it and casually tossed it to someone else—a portly, fifty-something man. The man was overjoyed and rushed to claim the courtesan, but she felt humiliated and vowed that she would not marry a second man, threatening to kill herself!

Seeing this, Cheng Binghao intervened to save her. The old man refused to back down, and the two ended up fighting in the street. In the end, Cheng Binghao managed to rescue the courtesan!

After hearing the servants' account, Lu Lingyun knitted her brows when she suddenly heard crying from the courtyard outside.

"Auntie!"

Liu Xianxian ran in, sobbing like a delicate flower drenched in rain.

"Xianxian!"

"Xianxian!"

Both Lu Lingyun and Madam Jiang stood up. Seeing her grandmother there, Liu Xianxian collapsed into her arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Grandmother!"

"Xianxian, don't cry. First, tell Auntie what happened!" Lu Lingyun asked.

At that moment, hasty footsteps were heard from outside—it was Cheng Bingan returning.

"Xianxian, hear us out. Binghao didn't intend to upset you! There were reasons, and he was just trying to save someone!"

Liu Xianxian clutched Madam Jiang tightly, crying heartbrokenly, "He forced me to give up my seat for that woman in public! Did he even consider my dignity?"

"Xianxian, her clothes were in tatters..." Cheng Bingan said apologetically, "I apologize for Binghao. Please don't be angry with him."

At the time, Cheng Binghao had fought to rescue the woman, whose clothes had been half-torn off.

Liu Xianxian had a carriage, and Cheng Binghao wanted to put the woman in her carriage. But how could Liu Xianxian possibly agree?

The woman was from a brothel, while Liu Xianxian was the daughter of an official family. Having grown up in Jiangnan, even with more lenient social norms, she couldn't share a carriage with a brothel woman.

If word got out, her reputation would be tarnished!

And when she refused, Cheng Binghao actually told her to get out of the carriage and give it to the brothel woman.

This directly caused Liu Xianxian to run back home in tears.

Hearing this, Lu Lingyun pounded the table in anger, "Where is Cheng Binghao now?"

"Binghao is in the back. He just returned to his courtyard and took the woman there first."

Lu Lingyun was furious, "He dares to bring her back!"

"Let's go! All of us! Xianxian, Auntie will make sure you get justice today!"

Lu Lingyun led everyone straight to Cheng Binghao's courtyard.