Chapter 114

Chapter 114

Everyone thought that the old lady was taking Lu Changsheng to Wan Gu Department Store to shop, including Lu Changsheng himself.

However, the direction they were heading was Wing Fung Bank.

As Lu Changsheng looked on in astonishment, the old lady said compassionately, "I just remembered that exchanging gold bars is a hassle, and a man should never be without money. I'll transfer 1 million Hong Kong dollars to you as an initial pocket money allowance, so you can buy whatever you want in the future without asking others for help."

The words left Lu Changsheng a little guilty.

Just a bit.

Only a tiny bit, the size of a pinky finger.

But man, Grandma was loaded!

He had misjudged the old lady.

How did he miss her before?

If he hadn't come back, would everything have gone to the second family branch?

No wonder when the old lady said she'd move out to live with him, the third son's face turned green.

"Grandma, I haven't processed my Hong Kong ID yet." Since he'd only just disembarked yesterday and hadn't gone to the police station yet, currently, he only had his identification documents from the Republic of China era.

Before enlisting in the army, he had stored these important items in a temple in Fenghua, only retrieving them after resigning.

There were also the clothes he'd worn when he ran away from home, but the humid, rainy southern climate had caused them to rot from lack of sunlight. He had to buy a new suit.

"Go get it done now." The old lady told the driver to change course.

She paid extra to have photos taken right then and there, processed the ID, and then went to Wing Fung Bank to open an account for Lu Changsheng.

As soon as Lu Changsheng had an account, the old lady immediately transferred 1 million Hong Kong dollars to him and showed him how to rent a safe deposit box to store the chest of jewelry and antiques she'd given him.

Feeling a bit guilty, Lu Changsheng hugged the old lady's arm and said, "Grandma!"

He sighed, "Grandma, you're too good to me."

"You're so good to me, better than Dad. He just told me to come back to work without saying anything about pay or benefits." Lu Changsheng didn't dare to mention the large portion of the Lu family's assets that had been spent because of him. After leaving the bank, as they got in the car, he continued to act spoiled with the old lady, "With the pocket money you gave me, I can buy a big house, have you move in, and we can enjoy family time together."

"I'll buy it, and it'll be in your name, not anyone else's." The old lady was already partial, and now she was even more so.

She also taught Lu Changsheng, "You need to keep your money to yourself and not be like your father, so quick to give it away."

"Why?" Lu Changsheng acted confused.

Even though he was middle-aged and had been through a lot, he could still pull off a look of pure innocence. His eyes were especially clear, filled with filial admiration. The old lady fell for his act.

The Lu family was born with amorous peach blossom eyes, but only Lu Changsheng's father and the eldest branch's children inherited the old master's eyes. None of the third branch had them.

It was really strange.

So, it was no wonder that the old lady doted on her eldest grandson.

She told Lu Changsheng, "Whoever holds the money is in control and doesn’t have to put up with any nonsense. All this talk about filial sons and virtuous grandchildren is nothing compared to having money. If you have money, they'll fawn over you and treat you like a treasure, just like they do with me. But if you don’t have money, your father is a perfect example of what can go wrong. Ever since he divided the family property, when’s the last time the third and fifth brothers even bothered to visit him? Even the attitudes of his three concubines have cooled. They’re all so clueless. Besides a small share of stocks, what else does your father have? Not even ten thousand taels of gold to his name!"

Lu Changsheng blinked. "Maybe they figure Father doesn’t have enough money for his own needs, and he still has to take care of the lifelong affairs of his remaining younger siblings, so there’s no need to flatter him."

He nuzzled closer against Grandma Lu's arm. "Grandmother, no matter whether you have money or not, I will definitely not be unfilial to you."

"Ah, my dear grandson, you're so obedient." Grandma Lu held him, her wrinkled face fair-skinned like a blooming white and yellow flower, her eyes clear. "Come, come, let’s buy you some clothes and shoes first to change out of these tattered clothes."

Dressed in expensive suits and leather shoes, with his hair groomed, he exuded the elegance of a middle-aged noble gentleman.

Graceful in manner, with a distinguished air.

Even an ordinary person wouldn’t recognize Lu Changsheng as the same man he was back in Lu Zhuri’s time.

The difference in demeanor was stark.

The old Lu Zhuri was just your average guy, honest and simple, often squatting by the door with his comrades, eating and chatting from a chipped bowl.

The current Lu Changsheng is like a cloud in the sky, a moon amidst the clouds—completely unreachable.

Grandma Lu touched her grandson's rough hands. "During your years abroad, did those jerks make you work? Your delicate skin is gone, replaced by old tree bark."

Lu Changsheng nodded. "I didn’t just work; I also had to wash my own clothes."

The organization was so poor that we had to farm our own land, cook our own meals, and even raise chickens and sheep!

In short, he’d done it all.

Although he married Ye Ying, Ye Ying had her own job and was a famous heroine in the military. Lu Changsheng naturally couldn’t leave all the housework for her to deal with when he got home.

Grandma Lu took him to the cosmetics counter. "I remember a certain balm is best for hands."

Lu Changsheng was dumbfounded. "Grandma, I'm a big man, why do I need to care for my hands?"

Grandma Lu scoffed. "What's wrong with being a big man? Look at your father. Ever since he was young, he’s always been picky about his food and never overlooked the smallest details, even using ancient formulas to stay in shape. If you saw us standing side by side, who would even be able to tell which one is the father and which is the son? You’ve been through an accident and suffered, missing out on more than forty years of good living compared to him. If you don’t take care of yourself now, in appearance, you’ll become his father."

"Yes, yes, I'll do as you say." Lu Changsheng felt that he really did need to take care of himself.

The Yu Rong San that Xie Junyao gave him was really great. It was almost used up, so he would ask Xie for a couple more jars next time, and he was sure it wouldn’t be refused.

Grandma Lu bought a large number of things for Lu Changsheng, including food, clothes, and daily necessities. She had the bodyguards deliver them to Lu Mingzhu's place several times. After lunch, they went to a famous tailor shop frequently visited by Lu Father to custom-make a dozen suits for Lu Changsheng.

Lu Mingzhu, who was organizing letters and remittance slips from the Hong Kong Daily at home, was astonished.

Stacks of items were brought in, piling up like a small mountain.

On the fourth trip, the bodyguards told Lu Mingzhu, "Grandma is done shopping. We need to go pick up the Young Master."

"Go, go," Lu Mingzhu waved them off, snapping her mouth shut.

Grandma Lu brought Lu Changsheng back to Songfu Mountain Road empty-handed. Seeing the second concubine there, she knew Lu Zhangling had summoned her. Besides Lu Zhangling, who had arrived earlier, there was also Lu Zhangsheng and both their wives.

Compared to Lu Zhangling, Lu Zhangsheng was more polite, standing respectfully with his hands by his sides. "Big Brother."

So he really did come back!

Lu Changsheng gave him a slight nod and smiled at the second concubine. "Second Concubine, long time no see."

Second Aunt quickly stood up, and her two daughters-in-law didn't dare sit either. No matter what they were thinking, Second Aunt was smiling and spoke gently, "Young Master has returned, the old lady must be very happy."

She knew he would return eventually, but not this soon.

She secretly glanced behind them but didn't see any servants carrying big bags.

Had they not bought anything? Or had they left the purchases in the car?

"Don't look anymore, I only had two sets of clothes custom-made for Changsheng," the old lady preempted. "Didn't you three go shopping at Wan Gu Department Store? Why didn't I see you there?"

Second Aunt felt annoyed in her heart.

Of course, they were having a great time shopping when Lu Zhangling sent someone to call them back, so they didn't run into the grandmother and grandson. They also didn't know where the two had gone before entering Wan Gu Department Store.

"We came back early," Second Aunt said with a smile, answering the old lady, "Grandmother, you must be tired. Please rest."

Born in the old society, she had her feet bound and took small steps, rarely going out. She didn't expect that she would go out and shop for Lu Changsheng and came back without any sign of fatigue.

"I'm not tired," the old lady said.

It's no wonder she dotes on her eldest grandson!

While shopping, after just a few steps, Lu Changsheng asked her if she was tired, then squatted down and carried her on his shoulders to continue walking. He refused to let the bodyguards help, saying it was his duty as a grandson to carry his grandmother.

He was still limping and using a crutch.

Although the old lady was slim, she was tall and almost 100 pounds.

Fortunately, because of her bound feet, she usually didn't dare eat much. If she had gotten too fat, her feet wouldn't have been able to support her body, and she wouldn't even be able to walk, leaving her bedridden and causing trouble for her grandson.

The new society is good; girls no longer have to bind their feet.

The more the old lady thought about it, the more she felt sorry for her grandson. "Didn't you say you wanted to take the flower crown to Lu Mingzhu? Come on, let's go get it."

Lu Changsheng obediently followed.

Even the daughters-in-law and Second Aunt's sons showed envious expressions.

They had seen the flower crown the old lady mentioned.

It was a Han dynasty antique with a unique design. Countless delicate flower branches clustered, embedded in a gold ring. Each flower's center was set with a gemstone—red, blue, green, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and more. After more than two thousand years, it was still brilliant and magnificent, peerless in beauty, an invaluable treasure.

Lu Changsheng came out holding the box containing the flower crown, his face full of gratitude as he said to the old lady, "Grandmother, I need to go back to take my medicine. I'll come to pay my respects to you again tomorrow."

"Good medicine tastes bitter but is good for your health. You can't dislike it. Listen to the doctor," the old lady said, then asked her personal maid Ah Hong to bring out her collection of gins, antler velvet, sea cucumber, and fish maw, among other rare items, for Lu Changsheng. "First, ask the doctor which ones you can eat, and then have the servants cook them for you."

"Thank you, Grandmother. I love you the most," Lu Changsheng's sweet words left no one else able to speak. He also praised the old lady, "Everything is perfect at my sister's place, but she's young and her collection isn't as good as yours, Grandmother."

The old lady was pleased. "I'm over eighty; how old is she? The fish maw I gave you was part of my dowry, older than your father."

Second Aunt held back, almost choking on her internal frustration.

She consoled herself that the old lady still lived here for now. Once Lu Changsheng left, she would have Lu Zhangling and Lu Zhangsheng talk to the old lady properly. No matter what, they couldn't let her move in with Lu Changsheng.

If they couldn't stop her, they would have to keep some things and not let her take everything away.

Otherwise, the third and fourth concubines would laugh behind their backs.

Without mentioning how Second Aunt and her sons tried to persuade the old lady, Lu Changsheng returned home carefree.

The first thing he said when he got home was to Lu Mingzhu: "Come, come, come, let's divide the loot."

Spit, it's dividing things, not dividing spoils.

Lu Mingzhu smiled and came over, "Big brother, you've really traded up! You're something else! Got any good stuff from Grandmother? Everyone gets a piece of the pie."

"Here, take this," Lu Changsheng first handed the flower crown to her, then sat on the sofa and pointed to the two boxes of tonics that had just been brought in, saying, "Inside there are twelve pairs of fish maw from Grandmother's gold coin abalone dowry, collected for nearly a hundred years. I used to see them all the time when I was a kid. Grandmother told me these are the best tonics for nourishing blood and stopping bleeding. Hold onto them for your dowry."

Lu Mingzhu, who was admiring the flower crown after opening the box, said, "I want half, and the other half should go to Ningning. Don't forget, you've got a daughter too."

Lu Changsheng patted his forehead, "Alright."

He felt even more affection for his younger sister.

Lu Mingzhu put away the flower crown, took out six pairs of fish maw, and encouraged him contentedly, "Keep up the good work, big brother. Try to get Grandmother's entire private stash for our side of the family, for Pingan and Ningning. Since we didn't raise them well before, shouldn't we make up for it now? Otherwise, if they're not filial to you, you'll have nothing to say."

Lu Changsheng smiled, "Grandmother taught me to keep money in my own hands; where there's money, there's filial piety."

Lu Mingzhu pouted, "That might work for others, but not for Pingan."

At his young age, he's already one of the richest tycoons in Hong Kong, and in the future, he'll only get richer. Would he care about the small property Lu Changsheng got from Grandmother?

Not at all.

Lu Changsheng sighed deeply, "Ah, I forgot that Pingan has grown up and can't be treated lightly."

So, since he doesn't come to see him, he doesn't dare to go looking for him either.

"You understand that," Lu Mingzhu didn't want to discourage him.

Although he had indeed let Lu Pingan and Lu Ning down, he had genuinely served his country and its people. As a beneficiary, she had no right to fault him at all.

He was lucky to have the opportunity to return home after more than twenty years of youth, unlike many heroes who were buried in foreign lands.

A general's success is built on the bones of ten thousand soldiers; it's always been that way.

Slouched on the sofa, Lu Changsheng lazily asked, "Xie Junyao said he'd come by today; has he shown up yet?"

"He came right after you left, sat for a bit, then headed off to work," she replied, looking at Lu Changsheng's face, "Why do you ask about him?"

Lu Changsheng touched his face, "I need a couple of jars of Jade Complexion Powder from him."

Lu Mingzhu said amusedly, "Jade Complexion Powder is based on the 'Thousand Gold Formula.' If you want some, just have the bodyguards get it from a reputable pharmacy; no need to ask him."

Lu Changsheng realized, "Right, now that I have money, I can have it made myself."

After being poor for so long, he'd forgotten he was rich now.

Lu Mingzhu looked him up and down with her big eyes, "Did Grandmother give you some money?"

"One million, just for pocket change," Lu Changsheng held up one finger, full of pride, "If there's something you want down the line, just let me know, big brother's got you covered. We can afford it."

Feeling rich and powerful.

Lu Mingzhu said sourly, "After all, he's the grandson; he gets millions just as pocket money. I haven't seen a single coin from her."

The old-fashioned preference for boys, how despicable!

Lu Changsheng sighed, "At her age, there's no way to change her feudal mindset, so we shouldn't trouble her anymore. As long as I'm not biased toward boys, it's fine. In the future, whatever I get from the old lady will be divided into three parts—one for you, one for Pingan, and one for Ningning. I'll be fair and impartial."

Lu Mingzhu, surprised, asked, "Is there a share for me too?"

An unexpected delight.

Lu Changsheng said, "When I'm not home, aren't you the one bringing joy to our parents? Also..."

He smiled awkwardly, seeing that there were no servants or bodyguards in the living room, and continued, "When Grandpa was alive, he wrote to me saying that the luxurious dowry prepared for you was converted into money and supplies to support our organization. I've always remembered that."

Lu Mingzhu said slowly, "My dowry was used by you?"

When her father mentioned that the old man had left her a dowry, she was quite happy, thinking it was hidden away out of fear of jealousy. But she never expected that her actual dowry had been used to support Lu Changsheng.

Her father must have known but didn't say anything.

Lu Changsheng immediately sat up straight. "Those are things of the past, let bygones be bygones!"

Lu Mingzhu snorted, "I'm not bringing up the past. I know that Mom and Grandpa supported you out of a sense of duty. But hearing you say that, I can accept your compensation more gracefully."

Lu Changsheng breathed a sigh of relief and told her, "Don't underestimate the old lady's collection. There's a lot."

"I've seen it," Lu Mingzhu thought back to a box of jewels that Lu Pingan had shared with her.

In fact, she wasn't that concerned about her dowry being used for the resistance efforts. Regardless of the size of the dowry, it was arranged by the elders, who had the right to decide its fate. But she didn't mind letting Lu Changsheng feel guilty.

It was better to keep him working for her like this.

Seeing Lu Changsheng's exhausted face, Lu Mingzhu urged him to rest, "Big brother, you should rest and recover. Only when you're well can you work for me and Pingan."

Lu Changsheng didn't hesitate.

The next day, after finishing his medicinal decoction, he went to pay his respects to the old lady, reeking of herbs.

As Lu Changsheng's figure disappeared, Lu Mingzhu gave him a thumbs up. She then took the remittance slip sent by *Hong Kong Daily* to the bank to withdraw the money.

During the months she was away from Hong Kong, *The Blade Warrior* was successfully completed. The feedback in the letter said it received a good response, and the payment rate had increased to 40 yuan per thousand characters for the last 100,000 words.

Regarding the publication, they needed to discuss it with Lu Mingzhu in person.

The letter was written half a month ago. Lu Mingzhu wasn't in a rush to meet with them. She wanted to write the movie script first.

After withdrawing the money and stepping out of the bank, Lu Mingzhu suddenly heard someone calling her name.

Turning her head, she saw Ming Yao, whom she had met on the train. Accompanying her were her mother and Ming Hui, still dressed in his dapper Western-style suit.

When the younger daughter called out 'Sister,' Ming Hui paid her no mind. When Lu Mingzhu turned around, his demeanor changed.

"It's Mingzhu!" he greeted her casually.

Lu Mingzhu shot him a cold look. "Mr. Ming, what's going on? Do Sister Xuan and Ah Yue know?"

Ming Hui offered a sheepish grin. "They've known for two months and haven't said a word."

Hearing this, Ming Yao's mother clutched her daughter's hand tightly.

Ming Yao asked innocently, "Sister, do you know my dad?"

"He's my brother-in-law!" Lu Mingzhu emphasized.

She is the goddaughter of He Yun, He Xuan is her godsister, so naturally, Ming Hui is her brother-in-law, at least for now. Whether he remains so in the future depends entirely on He Xuan's wishes.

Ming Yao's mother immediately said to Ming Hui, "A Yao wants to buy a floral dress; let's go check it out."

She didn't want Ming Hui to continue talking to Lu Mingzhu.

Ming Hui then politely said to Lu Mingzhu, "We have some matters to attend to; let's catch up another day."

With Ming Yao and her mother, they left in a hurry, walking very quickly.

Lu Mingzhu noticed the bodyguard named Ah Gui, who was with He Xuan, raising his camera and taking several photos of Ming Hui and Ming Yao's mother and daughter, which brought a slight smile to her face.

Ah Gui noticed Lu Mingzhu and gave her a smile, then followed Ming Hui and the others.

Lu Mingzhu paused, thoughtfully touching her chin.

What's going on here?

Before she could figure it out, she suddenly heard Xie Junhao's gentle voice from behind, "Mingzhu, what are you doing standing at the door? Why don't you come in?"

Lu Mingzhu turned around and smiled, "I just came from the bank."

After speaking, she added, "Big brother, perfect timing. You didn't cash that check last time; today I'll fill out another one for you. Please cash it soon; I don't want to keep worrying about it."

Being in debt is no fun.

Xie Junhao said, "The check is still sitting there, untouched. I'll take care of it when I get a chance; no need for you to fill out another one."

Lu Mingzhu didn't believe him, "You're at the bank all the time; surely you can find a moment to cash the check?"

"I'm here for work; I don't have time for personal errands." Xie Junhao had his reasons, then changed the subject, saying to Lu Mingzhu, "Can I borrow Junyao for a bit?"

"Go ahead, use him." Lu Mingzhu covered her mouth and laughed, the diamond ring on her finger catching the light.

Xie Junhao's eyes flashed with a hint of a smile. He checked the time, "I should head in now."

"I won't keep you." Lu Mingzhu dared not disturb him further.

"No, come with me; I need your help with something." Xie Junhao said.

Lu Mingzhu looked puzzled but followed him obediently into the bank's inner hall, where she saw several familiar faces.

Among them were Master Qu and Master Du.

And the third familiar face, Lu Zhangling.

"What's all this about?" Lu Mingzhu's big eyes swept around the inner hall, her gaze landing on the suitcase in front of Lu Zhangling, immediately recognizing it as the one their father had divided among them during the family division. "Third brother, are you planning to mortgage this to the bank?"

Lu Zhangling said irritably, "Exactly as you see."

If it weren't for the fact that he had already made an appointment with Yongfeng Bank for appraisal and valuation time, which he couldn't break, he should have been guarding the old lady at the villa on Gough Hill Road today.

But it's okay; the second concubine and his younger brother Lu Zhangsheng are both at home, guarding strictly.

Lu Changsheng wants to coax the old lady into buying him a big house—no way!

Lu Mingzhu pouted, "Third brother, father gave you so much money; are you already broke after just a few months? Are you mortgaging the jewelry and antiques he treasured and divided among you to the bank?"

Lu Zhangling replied, "Didn't father also mortgage jewelry and antiques to the bank? It's not just me doing this."

Needing money for investment, this is the last resort.

Once he has the funds, he will return to redeem this box of jewelry and antiques.

Xie Junhao glanced at Lu Zhangling and said, "We will start the appraisal and valuation now. Please open the box, Mr. Lu."

"Alright," Lu Zhangling reached out and opened it.

When he opened it, there wasn’t an immediate flash of dazzling jewels, as everything was packed in various cases and boxes. You had to open the jewelry boxes and antique cases to see the treasures inside.

Neither Master Qu, Master Du, nor Lu Mingzhu wanted to be the first to reach out.

Lu Zhangling, knowing the ropes, took out a square jewelry box, placed it on the table, opened the lid, and pulled out the four small drawers to reveal the glittering jewels inside.

Each layer was a set of jewelry.

One layer of rubies, one layer of sapphires, one layer of emeralds, and one layer of diamonds.

Lu Mingzhu noticed that the gems and diamonds were smaller and of lower quality compared to the ones her father had given her.