Chapter 4: More Agreeable Than in the Previous Life

Chapter 4: More Agreeable Than in the Previous Life

Lu Xusheng led Cheng Yian through the ancestral hall and returned to Ningji Hall.

It was still early, and since they hadn’t stayed at Rongzheng Hall for breakfast, they instructed the servants to set up the meal.

Two attendants entered.

One was unfamiliar, but Cheng Yian recognized her as Second Mistress Wang Shi’s confidante, Nanny Xu, who was ostensibly there to look after Lu Xusheng but was actually a spy planted by Wang Shi in her son’s quarters.

The other was naturally Cheng Yian’s own attendant, Nanny Li.

In a prominent family like the Cheng family, the selection of attendants for a bride was meticulous. Her marriage to Lu Xusheng was a significant event for the fourth branch, bringing honor to the family. Her grandmother had chosen two sets of attendants for her: one was Nanny Li and her husband, and the other was Ming Sister-in-law and her husband.

Nanny Li and her husband managed internal affairs, and Cheng Yian’s dowry was in Nanny Li’s hands. Ming Sister-in-law and her husband managed external affairs and hadn’t entered the inner courtyard yet.

Seeing Nanny Li’s shrewd face, Cheng Yian suddenly felt that seeking an immediate divorce wouldn’t be easy. The fourth branch of the Cheng family would likely be difficult to deal with, and she would need the right opportunity.

After breakfast, all the servants of Ningji Hall came in to pay respects to their mistress.

Cheng Yian rewarded the original servants of Ningji Hall, and Lu Xusheng also gave rewards to Nanny Li and others.

The two attendants acted on behalf of their respective mistresses, handing out rewards smoothly. When it came time to order tea, however, the two attendants "coincidentally" spoke at the same time.

This marked the beginning of a power struggle, a sign of who would truly hold authority in Ningji Hall in the future.

Cheng Yian glanced at Nanny Li, signaling her not to compete.

She intended to leave eventually.

After drinking tea, Lu Xusheng went out.

Nanny Xu personally escorted him to the second gate. She was Lu Xusheng’s wet nurse and held considerable respect within the household.

Before leaving, Lu Xusheng instructed her to follow Cheng Yian’s orders in all matters.

Nanny Xu merely listened to this instruction and didn’t take it to heart.

Cheng Yian stayed behind to have a private conversation with Nanny Li. "Where is Ming Sister-in-law? Has she been accommodated?"

When a young bride enters the household and gradually takes charge, she typically places her trusted attendants in key positions. Since Cheng Yian intended to divorce, she naturally had no such plans.

Nanny Li replied, "She has already been accommodated in the rear corridor. I advised her to get acquainted with the household’s ways and connections before deciding anything."

Cheng Yian, however, knew that Ming Sister-in-law and her husband were capable of handling significant tasks. She pondered and said, "I’ve discussed it with Second Master. We’ll handle household affairs after having a child. For now, let Ming Sister-in-law’s husband assist Uncle Li in managing the dowry-related businesses."

Ming Sister-in-law’s husband was efficient and clever, more capable than Uncle Li, who was getting older and could manage as a shopkeeper but wasn’t suited for running errands.

Nanny Li thought for a moment and said, "That sounds good."

"Then you rest for now. I’ll go and arrange the dowry."

Cheng Yian’s dowry was still laid out on the corridor, waiting for her steward attendant and Nanny Xu to organize it.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Yian felt a headache brewing and gave a light cough. "Don’t rush. Just place the boxes in the east wing for now."

Those things are not needed for the time being, and it would be troublesome to take them apart and then reorganize them later.

The west wing of Ningji Hall is for guests, while the east wing is reserved for children, and it is currently empty.

Nanny Li frowned immediately, "This won’t do."

Nanny Li thought Cheng Yian didn't understand, so she sat down on the brocade stool near her feet and spoke in a serious tone,

"Young Mistress, the first priority after marrying is to organize and arrange the dowry. That's the first thing. Secondly, take the opportunity to ask about the young master's private funds and personal assets. By the way, what did the young master say last night? Did he give you the key to the storeroom?"

Young masters from wealthy families all have private funds, and the capable ones even have small storerooms. In Nanny Li's view, Lu Xusheng holds a high position and has received many rewards, so his private funds must be considerable.

Cheng Yian found it both amusing and frustrating but still explained seriously,

"This matter is between me and the young master, Nanny, no need to rush."

Cheng Yian's tone was firm and decisive, and Nanny Li dared not say more.

She gave Cheng Yian a deep look, thinking that the young lady had indeed changed after getting married and taking charge.

Nanny Li then brought up another important matter,

"Young Mistress, have you noticed if the young master has any bed companions?"

According to custom, bed companions should serve tea to the mistress the next day.

When the maids came to kowtow earlier, Nanny Li deliberately scanned them a few times but didn't see any particularly outstanding ones, which puzzled her.

Cheng Yian answered confidently,

"Second Master said there are none."

This was one of Lu Xusheng's redeeming qualities.

In her previous life, Lu Xusheng had no bed companions. After her miscarriage, she didn't share a bed with him for half a year, and the newly initiated Lu Xusheng didn't touch a single maid. Not only that, he never dallied outside. Lu Xusheng had always been self-disciplined, surpassing ninety-nine out of a hundred men in the capital.

Was it because he wasn't greedy?

No, the man appeared cold, but in bed, he was exceptionally demanding. If her body couldn't handle it, he could ask for water several times a night.

A man who can keep his desires in check is reliable.

Nanny Li was reassured and became even more satisfied with this marriage.

The key to the east wing was held by Nanny Xu. Nanny Li went to the back room to find Nanny Xu, who immediately knew it was about the dowry.

She brushed off the melon seed shell dust from her hands, stood up, and smiled at Nanny Li,

"What can I do for you, Nanny?"

The arrangement of the dowry requires the presence of the groom's family to verify the list, and Nanny Xu was precisely the one who helped verify the dowry. She might even receive some rewards later.

But unfortunately, Nanny Li told her, "Sister, where is the key to the east wing? The young mistress is asking."

Nanny Xu was slightly puzzled but didn't say much. She hurried to the side room at the end of the west wing to fetch the key. In the corner stood a six-tiered, eight-treasure inlaid cabinet containing the keys to all the rooms in Ningji Hall and account books for social interactions. She took the key to the east wing from one of the boxes.

Nanny Li stood at the door without entering. She also understood that each person had their own responsibilities, and it was clear that Ningji Hall had been under Nanny Xu's care in the past.

A perceptive nanny would have handed over the keys and other items to the mistress as soon as the young mistress entered the household, but Nanny Xu clearly lacked this awareness.

Nanny Li thought to herself that it would take some effort to gain a solid position in the courtyard.

Nanny Li took the keys and, accompanied by the dowry attendants, moved the dowry chests into the east wing.

Nanny Xu gaped in astonishment from the window of the side room.

The dowry not being stored in the warehouse?

What was going on?

She quickly slipped out and hurried to the Second Mistress's courtyard to report.

Hearing this, the Second Mistress was both surprised and displeased.

It was customary to hand over the dowry list to the in-laws and verify it on the spot. Cheng Yian's dowry list had been given to the Second Mistress long ago, but it was strange that Cheng Yian did not inspect the goods.

Nanny Xu murmured her suspicions,

"Second Mistress, perhaps there's something hidden in the dowry. After all, the fourth branch is not the main branch. I've also heard that our Second Mistress's mother passed away early, and her stepmother is in charge at home. Surely, she couldn't have provided anything of real value."

This was a suspicion that the Cheng family was being deceitful.

The Second Mistress, however, did not share the shallow views of Nanny Xu. She cast her a stern glance,

"Be quiet! How can you say such things?" It would be a disgrace to Lu Xusheng if such words got out.

"Although the fourth branch of the Cheng family is not impressive, this marriage was personally overseen by Cheng Mingyu. Could he tolerate such a thing happening?"

Cheng Mingyu was the head of the Censorate, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the court, known for his strict self-discipline and intolerance for any wrongdoing. If the fourth branch of the Cheng family dared to deceive under his watch, Cheng Mingyu himself would handle them without the Lu family needing to intervene.

In fact, the Second Mistress had also heard that, due to Cheng Yian's marriage alliance for the Cheng family, the main branch had privately added to her dowry.

"However, it is indeed strange that she didn't open the dowry."

Directly inquiring would be beneath her dignity, as it would make them seem like they were calculating the bride's dowry. The Second Mistress couldn't afford to lose face like that.

Trusting in Cheng Mingyu's integrity, the Second Mistress decided not to pursue the matter further.

As soon as Nanny Xu left, Nanny Li sensed something and immediately went to inform Cheng Yian,

"Old servant noticed that Nanny Xu has left, probably to complain."

Cheng Yian, tidying her books behind the desk, chuckled softly,

"Let her go."

Nanny Li was somewhat frustrated, "Young Mistress, Nanny Xu is really lacking in awareness. When I asked her for the keys, it was a hint for her to hand over the items, but she clung to them tightly."

Cheng Yian had already seen what kind of person Nanny Xu was. She smiled and comforted Nanny Li,

"She is the Second Master's wet nurse, so she naturally has more status than others. As the saying goes, a wet nurse is half a mother-in-law, and sometimes even more troublesome than a mother-in-law. These wet nurses grow up with the young masters, and they have a say in everything in the young master's household. Now that I've entered the household, I've taken her place, so it's no wonder she's upset."

Since she wouldn't be around for long, Cheng Yian didn't take it to heart. Instead, she instructed Nanny Li, "Bring me the dowry list."

She wanted to calculate how much money she could set aside to buy a house outside. A woman must have her own place to stay, independent of both her husband's and her natal family's control.

She had lunch in her own room, and in the evening, when Lu Xusheng returned to the mansion, they went together to the Second Mistress's courtyard.

Second Mistress wasn’t stupid. Lu Xusheng’s behavior during the day made it clear that he didn’t want her to make things difficult for Cheng Yian. This son wasn’t like the third one—he was the kind of man who could take an enemy general’s head on the battlefield. She couldn’t go against him, so Second Mistress temporarily set aside her intention to impose rules on Cheng Yian. The meal was rather uneventful.

After the meal, Second Mistress asked Cheng Yian to return first, keeping Lu Xusheng behind to discuss the list of gifts for the next day’s bridal return visit.

In prestigious families, social interactions were always conducted with proper etiquette. The Lu family would not allow themselves to be criticized in such matters.

Lu Xusheng reviewed the list and found nothing amiss. He then reassured his mother about the household matters, telling her not to worry, before returning to his room.

As he approached the moon gate of Ningji Hall, he heard the sound of an argument inside.

Nanny Xu and Nanny Li were locked in a standoff in the corridor.

"Why on earth does the bridal chamber need an additional lacquered daybed? Isn’t there already a luohan bed? Isn’t that enough for storing things?"

Nanny Li also didn’t understand why Cheng Yian wanted to add a daybed to the inner chamber, but as a servant, her primary duty was to obey. If she didn’t follow Cheng Yian’s orders, who would take Cheng Yian seriously in the future?

Nanny Li’s expression gradually turned cold.

"Old sister, this is Second Mistress’s order. As servants, we must obey."

Nanny Xu disagreed.

"No, having two daybeds in the bridal chamber is inauspicious. Our Lu family doesn’t have such a custom."

What’s all this talk about auspiciousness? It’s just a power struggle.

Nanny Li was seething.

"Our young mistress loves reading. In her leisure time, she enjoys resting on the lacquered daybed. What, are you trying to overstep your bounds and challenge the mistress?"

Nanny Xu, accused of such a serious offense, turned pale with anger and retorted sharply.

"Oh, old sister, you truly come from a prestigious family, speaking so eloquently. You’ve really scared me. I don’t know what customs your Cheng family follows, but our Lu family has always respected the elderly. The elder nannies in our household are exempt from bowing to the young masters and mistresses. The old madam often says that we old nannies have served the master and mistress and have seen the world. When the young masters and mistresses make mistakes, it’s our duty to advise them. That’s the responsibility of a nanny."

Nanny Li was not to be outdone.

"You’re absolutely right. Our household follows the same principle. But while the master’s leniency shows their magnanimity, we servants must not forget our place. What is our place? The distinction between master and servant is our place. Today, it was our young mistress who gave the order. If it were Second Master who gave the command, would you still oppose it, old sister? Those who know you would say you are most diligent in serving the master, but those who don’t might think you’re trying to intimidate the new bride and make our young mistress lose face."

Nanny Xu’s face turned red with anger.

She was about to argue further when she saw Nanny Li bowing behind her. Turning around, she saw a tall figure standing under the corridor, casting a shadow over her, startling Nanny Xu.

She was momentarily speechless. "Greetings, Second Master. Why have you returned so early?"

In the past, Lu Xusheng would always stay in his study until midnight before returning to his room to rest.

Her words inadvertently revealed her closeness to him, as if to tell Nanny Li that she had served Lu Xusheng for over twenty years and was the most trusted figure by the master.

Nanny Li, however, allowed herself a small smile.

Nanny Xu had made a grave mistake.

Was it a servant’s place to question when the master returned?

Sure enough, Lu Xusheng waved his hand, signaling Nanny Li to return to her room. Then he pointed to the west wing and said to Nanny Xu,

"Nanny, come with me inside."

Nanny Xu followed him into the main room of the west wing.

Lu Xusheng, with a military background, stood as straight as a pine tree and sat as steady as a bell, always serious and rarely smiling. When he sat by the desk, the pressure he exuded was overwhelming.

Even though she had raised Lu Xusheng for so many years, Nanny Xu still felt a bit of fear when she saw him. She guessed that Lu Xusheng had overheard their earlier conversation and, fearing his displeasure, quickly smiled and said, "Second Master, please don't misunderstand. This old servant was merely curious and asked a few more questions. Since Second Mistress likes it, I will follow her wishes."

Lu Xusheng's expression remained unchanged. He pointed to the brocade stool nearby, signaling Nanny Xu to sit down.

Nanny Xu sat down with trepidation.

Lu Xusheng's slender fingers gently stirred the teacup as he asked in a calm voice,

"How many years have you served me, Nanny?"

This was the greatest pride of Nanny Xu's life. She quickly raised her fingers and said with relish, "Twenty-one years. The young master is twenty-one this year, and this old servant has served you for twenty-one years."

Lu Xusheng nodded slowly, "You have worked hard, Nanny."

Hearing this, Nanny Xu was overwhelmed with emotions, "This old servant hasn't worked hard..."

Just as she was about to complain, she heard Lu Xusheng speak leisurely, "From now on, Nanny, you shall retire to the back corridor."

Nanny Xu's expression froze upon hearing these words, and she stared blankly at Lu Xusheng,

"Second Master... this... this..."

Over the years, she had served Lu Xusheng and managed all the affairs of Ningji Hall. She had prepared his clothes for all seasons, and the benefits she had reaped were countless. To retire her now would be to cut off her source of income.

"Second Master, this old servant has served you for many years. Even if there's no merit, there's still hard work."

She was about to argue further when she saw a sharp glance from Lu Xusheng.

Nanny Xu was so frightened that she swallowed her words.

This master had come through life-and-death battles and was known for his decisiveness.

Nanny Xu dared not breathe and reluctantly stopped speaking.

In her heart, she thought, this new Second Mistress is formidable. In just one night, she had completely captivated the Second Master. She had already clashed with the Second Mistress in the morning, and now she was finding fault with her.

Lu Xusheng stood up and left.

He had two reasons for dealing with Nanny Xu. First, the young master had married, and it was time for the nanny to retire. Second, two tigers cannot coexist on one mountain. Keeping her in Ningji Hall would only lead to trouble.

In his past life, he had been entirely devoted to his career, constantly thinking about how to clear the border troubles and defend against foreign invasions. For a man who had dominated the court, these domestic matters were of little consequence. But the result was that he had protected the borders of the Great Jin Dynasty but failed to protect his own home.

In this life, he would protect his woman.

Lu Xusheng returned to the main room and went straight to the bathroom.

A moment later, he emerged after changing his clothes and saw a small face peeking out from the bed, looking at him with a lively expression,

"Second Master, have you sent Nanny Xu away?"

Earlier, Nanny Li had come in and told Cheng Yian that Nanny Xu had handed over all the keys, account books, and personal records, packed up, and left Ningji Hall.

On the bedside cabinet, a palace lantern was lit, its soft yellow light gently spilling over her face, illuminating her dark, almond-shaped eyes, bright and clear. She wore no makeup, her skin glowing, her eyebrows delicate, her hair like satin spread behind her. She was only wrapped in a middle garment, her slender arms resting on her cheeks, her large eyes and long lashes radiating an indescribable charm.

Lu Xusheng's throat tightened, and he averted his gaze, stepping towards the prepared lacquered couch.

"Should I let her stay just to irritate you?"

Lu Xusheng, with his back to Cheng Yian, removed his boots and climbed into bed.

Cheng Yian blinked, wondering how this man seemed more agreeable than in her past life. With Nanny Xu gone, she now naturally felt more at ease.

"Even so, I just joined the family, and you immediately sent her away. I'm afraid the matriarch and the mistress might blame me for it."

Lu Xusheng retorted impatiently, "What are you worried about? You’ve got me, don’t you?"

Cheng Yian was momentarily stunned.

Right, there was Lu Xusheng. What was she afraid of?

Who was Lu Xusheng? He was a second-rank military officer in the Military Governor's Office, a leading figure across the nine frontier towns, and the emperor's favorite. The Lu family's glory didn't rely on the patriarch but on Lu Xusheng.

Anyone in the household with any sense should be trying to win her over.

What was she afraid of? She could strut around if she wanted!

It was a pity she hadn't realized this in her past life, always cautious and obedient. Sometimes, one just can't be too honest.

Cheng Yian suddenly felt enlightened.

"Alright, as you say."

She blew out the lamp and moved back into the bed to sleep. But after a while, she got up again, lifted the curtain, and looked in Lu Xusheng's direction.

"But, you sent her away. Who will you rely on after I leave?"

After all, Nanny Xu was someone Lu Xusheng was accustomed to relying on.

With these words, the atmosphere in the room became less harmonious.

In the darkness, the tall man, with his hands under his head and eyes closed, refused to answer this question.

"Sleep, tomorrow we have to return to the family."

He turned over, not wanting to engage with Cheng Yian.

Mentioning the family visit, Cheng Yian immediately became more serious.

In her past life, she was plotted against by the fourth branch of the Cheng family. Tomorrow, she would have to eliminate this threat.