Chapter 134: Qi Da Fei Ou (A Mismatch of Status)

Chapter 134: Qi Da Fei Ou (A Mismatch of Status)

The horizon was painted with a soft orange glow, the sun's final radiant glow before setting.

Lu Mingchao hadn’t expected Wei Zhou's arrival.

It's easy to add to prosperity, but hard to help in times of need.

Lu Mingchao would remember the Wei family's gesture of bringing the news.

"Thank you, Brother Wei, for taking the trouble to inform us," Lu Yao said earnestly, bowing to Wei Zhou.

Lu Yao felt the same way as Lu Mingchao.

Repay hatred with hatred.

Repay kindness with gratitude.

Even the tiniest act of kindness is precious.

Even though they already knew the situation in town well, the gesture itself mattered.

Wei Zhou returned the bow, his tone gentle and steady, "Such small matters aren't worth mentioning. After being friends with Brother Lu for years, how could I not know about the Lu family's affairs?"

"Brother Lu is straightforward and reliable in his actions; he would never do anything dishonorable."

"Brother Lu, be cautious. This matter may not be as it seems—like Xiang Zhuang's sword dance, aimed at Pei Gong (a hidden agenda)."

Lu Yao nodded, "Master Cheng will probably report this to the authorities. If the officers see you here, it could cause trouble for you."

"Brother Wei, you'd better head home first. Once this is over, I'll personally invite you to a gathering."

Wei Zhou's voice remained as calm as a still lake, "In my friendship with Brother Lu, I have nothing to hide."

Lu Yao smiled faintly as he personally escorted Wei Zhou to the carriage, "I know Brother Wei is fearless and innocent, but I don't want to drag you into this."

Wei Zhou sighed, "I'll send any updates as soon as I get them."

"Thank you," Lu Yao bowed again.

Wei Zhou climbed into the carriage with the footstool, and the wheels creaked as it moved forward.

The wind lifted the carriage curtain, as if someone was peeking out, gazing back at the Lu family from a distance.

Lu Yao only turned back and went home after the carriage had gone some distance.

"The friends Brother has made are truly good," Lu Mingchao commented thoughtfully.

Lu Mingchao recalled Wei Tang's description of Wei Zhou.

He looks like a bowl of plain porridge, all white and nothing else.

Hmm, she glanced subtly, very white, glowing white.

As for his brain being like a bowl of plain porridge, after so many years of studying, he hasn't absorbed a drop of ink.

She disagreed.

Wei Zhou’s speech and demeanor were polite and deliberate, true to his principles.

His temper was as mild as a bowl of plain congee—bland, unremarkable, and even-keeled.

Whether his temper was flat is unclear, but his tone and manner of speaking certainly were.

Lu Yao pinched the bridge of his nose, a sign of frustration. "Wei Zhou has always preferred tranquility and rarely ventured into noisy places. Unless it was urgent, he stuck to his routine between the academy and the Wei residence, making it highly unlikely for him to hear about the latest news in Lotus Town so quickly."

"Wei Tang?" Lu Mingchao caught the hint immediately.

Lu Yao nodded, "Most likely so."

"When I escorted Wei Zhou, I noticed there was another person in the carriage."

Lu Mingchao blinked.

A young girl’s thoughts are both delicate and determined.

Throughout, Wei Tang never stepped out of line.

Her second brother was both unattainable and oblivious.

"I’ll prepare a gift and go with my brother to thank them another day."

"Alright."

The orange glow on the horizon faded slightly, and the sky slowly deepened into darkness.

The Wei family’s carriage ran into an officer on the mountain road.

The carriage pulled over to let them pass. Wei Tang’s face betrayed her anxiety, her unease impossible to conceal. She twisted her handkerchief tightly in her hands, over and over.

"Brother, will the Lu family be alright?"

Wei Tang looked up, gathering the courage to ask.

She was desperate for reassurance.

In the fading light, Wei Zhou saw Wei Tang’s expression and sighed softly, "No."

"Tang Tang, when I delivered the message, Lu Yao wasn’t fazed—he was already prepared."

Wei Tang sighed in relief, murmuring, "That’s good, that’s good."

Wei Zhou hesitated, his brow furrowed.

After a pause, he finally said, "Tang Tang, Lu Yao’s future is in the capital."

"The headmaster said Lu Yao’s talent and determination are unmatched, and one day he will make a remarkable appearance on the path to success."

"Lotus Town, Changhe County, even the prefectural city—none can hold him."

"Tang Tang, he’s not one to get caught up in romance."

"Let go of those feelings sooner rather than later."

Lu Yao. Truly, he’s like an immortal from an ancient painting.

Wei Tang's cheeks turned from red to pale. Tears welled up in her eyes. She lowered her head, biting her lip to stifle her sobs.

After a pause, Wei Tang softly said, "Brother, why can't we go to the capital?"

A hint of reluctance flickered in Wei Zhou's calm eyes.

But it's better to have a quick pain than a long one.

"Tang Tang, he doesn't need another liability."

"He's not even thinking about settling down yet. Even if he were, he'd choose someone on his level."

"Tang Tang, there's no point in forcing someone to settle for less."

"You've met Lu Yao's sister once. Tell me, what was your impression of her?"

"Beautiful, gentle yet strong," Wei Tang replied without hesitation.

Wei Zhou sighed lightly, "Her beauty is the least of her qualities."

"If I'm right, she's behind the Sun family's troubles in Changhe County."

Wei Tang's eyes widened in disbelief.

Wei Zhou nodded, "That's likely the case."

"Likewise, Lu Yao will need a smart and capable partner."

"Tang Tang, you can't keep up with him."

"Even if I swallowed my pride and begged Lu Yao as a friend to agree, how would you handle the capital, full of officials and nobles? How would you navigate social circles, always relying on Lu Yao?"

"If not for his injured right hand, Lu Yao would've been Daqian's youngest scholar."

"All he lacks is family background, and now his sister is back."

"Miss Lu's only been back a month but has already made waves in Changhe County. Miss Lu will fill in the gaps in Lu Yao's background."

"This is what marrying above your station looks like."

"Tang Tang, I've said my piece."

Wei Tang's tears finally spilled over.

She'd been clinging to a sliver of hope.

She thought, what if she could reach the person she longed for by tiptoeing.

But her brother bluntly told her, there's no point in forcing someone to settle for less.

Just like her, looking up at Lu Yao, hoping he would glance down at her.

But why should Lu Yao lower his gaze to look at her.

As the carriage stopped at the Wei residence, Wei Tang dried her tears.

And the officers also arrived at the Lu family in Changxi Village.

"Master Cheng from Lianhua Town accuses Lu Lei of Changxi Village of deceiving his daughter. By the order of the county magistrate, summon Lu Lei to court for trial."

"Officer, would it be alright if I drove my brother to his destination?" Lu Yao asked with his head bowed.

The officer slightly turned his body to avoid the gesture.

Magistrate Xu and the Head Constable had specifically instructed to invite him politely.

He knew the difference between an invitation and an arrest.

"Elder Lu is merely a suspect and hasn’t been convicted yet, so of course, it’s allowed."

"Mother, A Yan and I will accompany Second Brother to escort Elder Brother. You and Father take good care of Grandmother," Lu Mingchao said softly.

Yunniang, her eyes red, watched as her children climbed into the carriage.

"If there’s a next time, I’ll make sure you’re dead."