Chapter 78 Past Grudges

Chapter 78: Past Grudges

Jiang Wanrou hadn't planned to go out initially. She was dressed in a soft yellow jacket with an indigo skirt, her dark hair adorned with a sapphire and kingfisher feather hairpin, and a bright red plum blossom pinned to the side of her bun. As her clothes swayed, they carried a faint fragrance of plum blossoms.

Madame Qin wasn't worth Jiang Wanrou's time. She didn't change her clothes specifically and went straight to the guest hall. Upon seeing the visitor, she was momentarily stunned.

Madame Qin appeared aged and worn, worse than when Jiang Wanrou had last seen her arguing with the Marquis of Ning'an.

Seeing Jiang Wanrou, Madame Qin quickly stood up and bowed, "Greetings, Your Highness."

Jiang Wanrou hesitated, her feelings mixed, and raised her hand, "Rise."

The Ning'an Marquisate had not yet fallen to the point of being unable to afford silk. Madame Qin's attire was still rich and proper, clearly having dressed up carefully before coming out. Her face was powdered, yet it failed to conceal the shadows beneath her eyes.

Jiang Wanrou averted her scrutinizing eyes and said directly, "Get to the point."

Madame Qin was not someone who was so "polite." When she was still the head lady of the Lu household, Madame Qin would put on airs as the legal mother. Now, "enduring humiliation," she bent her waist in front of Jiang Wanrou, indicating that her request must be significant.

Jiang Wanrou was truly intrigued.

Madame Qin held back the polite words she had intended to say. She hesitated for a moment, then looked at Jiang Wanrou, "I know I haven't treated you well in the past.

If you hold any grudges, take them out on me!"

Jiang Wanrou smiled faintly, "So you came today to accuse me?"

She was clueless about Madame Qin's meaning, but the tone made her uncomfortable. Regardless of their past grievances, even a regular guest seeking help would offer a few kind words. If one has a request, one must lower their head. Such a simple principle, yet her proud legal mother clearly didn't understand.

"In that case, I won't detain you. Jintao, escort—"

"Your brother is now in the Forbidden Dragon Bureau!"

Madame Qin clenched her teeth, thinking of her sons suffering in the Forbidden Dragon Bureau. Dignity, shame—nothing mattered anymore.

She walked up to Jiang Wanrou and deeply bowed, "Your Highness, I... implore you!"

"I have wronged you, but at least I didn't beat or scold you, nor did I harm your life like some vicious legal mothers. We share the same surname, Jiang. He is your own brother. Must you drive him to ruin?"

Madame Qin's hair had gone gray, and the wrinkles on her face couldn't mask her weariness. Once high and mighty, the legal mother who could decide her life with a single sentence now looked utterly wretched. Jiang Wanrou felt little satisfaction.

Of course, she wouldn't pity her either. Madame Qin's words were pitiful, but Jiang Wanrou would never forget how she had tormented her and her mother. She didn't beat or scold them because she cared about her reputation. She didn't harm their lives because Jiang Wanrou was just a girl.

The Ning'an Marquisate had six girls and two sons.

Both sons were Madame Qin's. Was it that others couldn't bear sons? Jiang Wanrou remembered that when she was young, there was a concubine's son in the Ning'an Marquisate, but the child was frail and died from a cold. The concubine couldn't bear the loss and followed soon after.

Jiang Wanrou had seen it. A nanny from Madame Qin's courtyard had opened the window wide while the wet nurse was asleep. She told Aunt Li, who covered her mouth tightly, saying, "Rou'er, be good. You saw wrong."

Jiang Wanrou never underestimated the women of the inner household. Outwardly smiling, they could kill without a trace. During her time in the inner chambers, she tried to stay low-key and unnoticed, always living in fear, afraid that any slight misstep would catch Madame Qin's eye and lead to her death.

...

Those years of fear and caution no longer stirred any waves in Jiang Wanrou's heart. She calmly sipped her tea, not defending herself, and asked Madame Qin what had occurred.

Madame Qin was right about one thing—they shared the same surname, Jiang. Aunt Li was still in the household. She had to find out what had occurred.

It turned out that after the Marquis of Ning'an was forced to "resign," the emperor clearly turned against the Ning'an Marquisate. Following the emperor's lead, those who once flattered and fawned over the two sons quickly dispersed. Previously, relying on their sister, the Princess of Gong, the two sons had lived a lavish life, considering themselves royal relatives. After the Prince of Gong fell from power, they still had Pei Zhang and Lu Feng, two influential "brothers-in-law," and continued to socialize and live luxuriously. Now, facing exclusion everywhere, the two sons couldn't help but feel bitter.

Then, Lu Feng became the "Prince of Qi." Not only did Jiang Wanrou experience dramatic ups and downs, but before Lu Feng made his stance clear, the two sons "rose" again. The men of the Ning'an Marquisate were useless, still commoners in their twenties, frequenting taverns and gambling dens. Madame Qin knew her sons' behavior well. As long as they didn't cause any deaths, she let them be.

A month ago, the two brothers failed to return home on time. They searched everywhere possible, but they were nowhere to be found. It was only after extensive inquiries that it was discovered they had been arrested by the Forbidden Dragon Bureau on charges of "disrespecting superiors."

The charge of disrespecting superiors can range from minor to severe. At its lightest, it might result in a few lashes and release; at its worst, it could mean execution. Madame Qin was desperate, trying every possible way to intervene, and the Marquis of Ning'an also ran around seeking help, but no one paid them any attention.

This situation is deeply complicated, and most people are unwilling to get involved.

With Lu Feng's restoration of status, the current Commander of the Forbidden Dragon Bureau is named "Huo Fei'ang," a deputy general promoted by Lu Feng himself. The Forbidden Dragon Bureau isn't as powerful as it once was. Although it still holds the privilege of arresting people without a warrant, Huo Fei'ang doesn't have Lu Feng's tactics or courage and has never used this power. The only exception was this time, when he bypassed the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Court to arrest Lu Feng's "brothers-in-law."

Being a prince and the one who had promoted Huo Fei'ang, given Huo Fei'ang's cautious nature, he wouldn't dare do such a thing unless someone behind the scenes told him to. There are only two people in the world who can command the Forbidden Dragon Bureau: the emperor on the throne and Lu Feng himself.

If the emperor wanted to deal with someone, he wouldn't need to be indirect. Madame Qin knew her two worthless sons weren't in the emperor's good graces. Lu Feng had no grievances against them, and after much thought, Madame Qin could only think of Jiang Wanrou. Even the person bestowed by the emperor, Prince Qi refused to give her a title, which shows how much he cherishes his princess. Maybe it was her pillow talk that drove Prince Qi crazy!

After hearing the whole story, Jiang Wanrou firmly said, "Impossible."

It's not that she looked down on her two "brothers." With a formidable mother like Madame Qin, the two were quite cowardly. Would Lu Feng, with nothing better to do, bother to trouble two good-for-nothings?

As for the latter, it was even more absurd. She rarely dwelled on past pains, so why would she play the victim in front of Lu Feng? The marks under her clothes hadn't faded yet. She knew how much Lu Feng was infatuated with her, and with three children, she didn't need to reopen old wounds or use past grievances to win his pity.

Madame Qin saw this as Jiang Wanrou's excuse. She gritted her teeth and said, "If you spare your brothers, I have something to exchange with you."

Jiang Wanrou shook her head, "You're asking the wrong person for help."

Even if she were willing to whisper in Lu Feng's ear, he might not listen. He has always been fair and impartial. Would he lose his cool over a beauty? Ha, Lu Feng would only tell her to read fewer romance novels.

She said indifferently, "The innocent will be cleared. If your two sons are truly innocent, the court won't wrong them. I'm just a lady, unable to help. You should go back—"

"Do you know why he suddenly turned cold toward you and your mother?"

Madame Qin suddenly spoke, and Jiang Wanrou's expression froze as she looked into Madame Qin's eyes. She had aged, with clear wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, and the ends of her eyes slightly upturned, transforming from a harsh middle-aged woman to a harsh old woman.

Inappropriately, Jiang Wanrou realized she had never seen Madame Qin laugh heartily.

Seeing Jiang Wanrou silent, Madame Qin sneered, "Because he's afraid. He's afraid people will discover your mother was once 'impure.'"

"Your mother, Aunt Li from the Marquis of Ning'an's household, once served the rebel, Prince Chen."

***

In the evening, Chang'an reported, as usual, that the prince wouldn't be returning to the residence for now. Jiang Wanrou asked, "Did he say when he would return?"

Chang'an paused. He was just a messenger. The emperor and several princes were present, and they had been in continuous discussions for three days. Even he could feel the tense atmosphere, and it was likely difficult to break away.

He respectfully said, "This subordinate does not know. Should I send a message to the prince?"

Jiang Wanrou, always virtuous and understanding, usually would not press further, but this time she unusually said, "Yes, go and ask him. His clothes have been worn for several days. At least he should come back to wash his hair, bathe, and change into fresh clothes."

Could the palace lack clothes? Chang'an thought to himself, but on the surface, he remained respectful and said, "This subordinate obeys."

It seemed the princess missed the prince, but with the prince currently occupied with important matters, it might be difficult to indulge in the beauty's affection.

Chang'an felt that Lu Feng would not return. After all, in front of the emperor and the princes, being called away by the princess with a single message would damage his dignity as a man. Though he thought so, he still dutifully delivered the message.

Half an hour later, Lu Feng returned to the residence, covered in dust. Jiang Wanrou had just finished dinner with Huai Yi, and the maids were clearing the dishes.

"Father."

"Why are you back at this hour?"

Lu Huaiyi bowed in greeting, and Jiang Wanrou quickly walked to his side, asking, "Have you eaten? Should I have some dishes reheated?"

Lu Feng allowed her to remove his cloak and lowered his eyelids, "Yes."

Having only nibbled on a few snacks at the palace, he was truly hungry.

Lu Feng was the center of attention at Jinguang Courtyard. As soon as he returned, everyone had to revolve around him. Seizing a moment, Jiang Wanrou shot Huai Yi a meaningful glance, urging him to leave quickly before Lu Feng could quiz him on his studies. Huai Yi smiled at his mother, confident yet unwilling to ignore her concern.

Lu Feng didn't even glance their way, as if aware of their silent exchange, and remarked indifferently:

"How is Master Qi?"

Master Qi was Huai Yi's tutor. Jiang Wanrou had once met the white-bearded old gentleman, not knowing at the time that Master Qi was actually the imperial tutor who taught the princes in the palace, a man of profound knowledge.

Huai Yi quickly replied, "Master is well."

Lu Feng then asked, "And how is Master Li?"

Master Li was the martial arts instructor who taught Huai Yi archery and combat. Huai Yi thought for a moment and nodded, "Master is also well."

"Any difficulties in your studies?"

Huai Yi shook his head, "None."

Lu Feng sat down, his tone calm but with an undercurrent of impending storm, "In that case, listen more to your teachers' guidance in the future."

He paused suddenly and added, "But don't follow everything blindly. Think and ponder more on your own."

"Go back now, the road is slippery, be careful."

Huai Yi bowed, puzzled, and left. Even Jiang Wanrou was somewhat confused. Lu Feng's words today were strange, especially his direct concern for Huai Yi to "be careful on the road." Such straightforward care was something he never expressed.

She tentatively asked, "Husband, is something wrong?"

This time, Lu Feng didn't dismiss her concern. He tore off a large bite of beef, "We'll talk later."

He was clearly very hungry, eating with a voracious appetite. Jiang Wanrou quickly poured him a cup of water, cooled it with a few blows, and handed it to him.

"Eat slowly, don't choke."

He had been so stern a few days ago, and Jiang Wanrou was still upset. But seeing Lu Feng devour his food and the redness in his eyes, it was as if a bucket of cold water had extinguished the small flame of anger in her heart.

Jiang Wanrou knew she couldn't be of help and might even cause trouble, hesitating on how to broach the subject.

Over the years, Lu Feng had treated her better and better, and they had several children, yet she always maintained a sliver of wariness. Deep down, she felt that men were unreliable.

This belief mainly came from the Marquis of Ning'an.

In fact, when she was young, the Marquis of Ning'an was very good to her. She had been mischievous, sitting on her father's lap, tugging at his beard, while her mother anxiously circled around. Her father laughed and said, "It's fine, my daughter is really strong."

Her father was affectionate, her mother gentle, but such happy days collapsed overnight. She had thought men were fickle, but today Madame Qin revealed the truth.

"Because he was cowardly."

When Prince Chen ascended the throne, many former court officials were unjustly executed. The Marquis of Ning'an, possessing some talent and a willingness to flatter, wrote several odes praising Prince Chen, barely saving his life. Later, someone suggested: to determine if these surrendered officials truly acknowledged you as king, don't listen to their words, but observe their actions.

Prince Chen was fond of beautiful women.

Before Prince Chen's forces entered the capital, the Marquis of Ning'an spent a fortune to redeem the most renowned courtesan from Hongxiu Brothel, Miss Lizhi, an act celebrated as a noble rescue of a fallen woman.

The Marquis of Ning'an presented Lizhi and several other beauties to Prince Chen as gifts.

After Prince Chen's defeat, the Marquis of Ning'an, known for his self-preservation, took advantage of the chaos to retrieve his once-given concubine and hid her in the rear residence. After a few years, Aunt Li became pregnant with his child, and from then on, there was only Aunt Li, who bore the sixth daughter for the Marquis of Ning'an, leaving no trace of Prince Chen's beauty.

The Marquis of Ning'an cared for Aunt Li; otherwise, he wouldn't have given a courtesan a title, nor would he have risked searching for her again amidst the chaos, still willing to protect her.

He didn't care if she had served Prince Chen, and as for Aunt Li's feelings towards the man who had once given her away and then saved her from danger, no one could tell. Jiang Wanrou only remembered that her parents were very affectionate when she was a child.

The good times were short-lived. When Jiang Wanrou was about five or six years old, someone visited the Marquis of Ning'an and unexpectedly caught a glimpse of Aunt Li's face. Time had been especially kind to her; she was extraordinarily beautiful and unforgettable.

"Isn't this your concubine... Brother Jiang, oh Brother Jiang, I never knew you were such a romantic!"

The current emperor despised Prince Chen deeply, not content with just grinding his bones to dust, he also invited high monks to chant for forty-nine days to ensure he would never be reborn! Prince Chen's wives, concubines, children, and even the maids who had served him were all executed. The Marquis of Ning'an dared to hide a beauty who had served Prince Chen; it was 'true love.'

The Marquis of Ning'an's 'true love' wasn't worth risking the lives of the entire household.

Aunt Li likely understood. She wanted to draw her sword and take her own life, but the Marquis of Ning'an intervened. He couldn't bear to let his long-time concubine die. But he was also so weak-willed; since he had abandoned her once for Prince Chen, he could abandon her again for the current emperor.

He said, "From now on, do not leave this courtyard."

He confined her and her daughter to a small courtyard, leaving them to fend for themselves.

...

Madame Qin looked scornful, her laughter deepening the lines on her face. She stared into Jiang Wanrou's eyes and said sharply, "Do you think he doesn't know what kind of life you're living? You should thank me; I left you with your lives!"

Madame Qin and the Marquis of Ning'an were childhood sweethearts. She knew her husband too well; he couldn't bring himself to do it, nor dared to gamble. If this matter were to come out, could the Marquis of Ning'an's household withstand the emperor's wrath? His indifference had actually handed her the knife.

This way, it was his "jealous" wife who killed his beloved concubine, and he could still deceive himself, fantasizing about his deep love. His coffin had a place reserved for that wench; after a hundred years, he still wanted to be her husband in the afterlife.

Dream on, Madame Qin would not let him have his way!

Madame Qin loved the Marquis of Ning'an, but she also hated him, hated his constant philandering, hated his fickle heart! She spared their lives, tormenting them daily, watching the Marquis of Ning'an's heartache, and his fear of exposure. Over the years, Jiang Wanrou and Aunt Li lived in hardship, the Marquis of Ning'an dared not look at them, his heart torn with pain. Madame Qin had avenged her husband, but as the Marquis of Ning'an drifted further from her, did she truly feel satisfied?

...

Jiang Wanrou finally understood why Aunt Li didn't like to go out, why she always had a complex expression and hesitated to speak when mentioning the Marquis of Ning'an who had abandoned them. The grievances of the previous generation, who was right or wrong, Jiang Wanrou didn't know. She only knew that Aunt Li was pitiful and innocent!

She wanted to take Aunt Li out, not wanting her to stay in that small, sunless courtyard anymore.

Recently, the remnants of Prince Chen's faction had caused a stir, and Jiang Wanrou knew the matter was significant. She didn't intend to hide it from Lu Feng. What if she had served Prince Chen? Even men dared not resist under Prince Chen's blade, how could Aunt Li, a woman, fight back?

She had given birth to her, raised her, she had no reason to despise her birth mother, but Lu Feng... he had a blood feud with Prince Chen, would he mind?

And her two incompetent brothers, was it his doing? Could he really have done it for her?

Jiang Wanrou was preoccupied with thoughts. Lu Feng had eaten five meat dishes and three bowls of rice by himself. He picked up a tea cup to rinse his mouth and asked, "You called me back, what's the urgent matter?"

Jiang Wanrou hadn't yet prepared her words and said, "Husband, you speak first. You haven't been back for days, what big event has happened outside?"

Lu Feng's eyes flickered. He took Jiang Wanrou's hand and stood up, leading her to the bed. He raised his hand to caress her cheek.

Jiang Wanrou quickly covered her collar and stepped back, her eyes filled with vigilance, "I'm not well yet!"

After the wildness of the past few days, she really couldn't take it today.

Lu Feng chuckled softly, unusually coaxing, "I won't touch you."

"Come, let me hold you."

Lu Feng buried his head in the crook of her neck. After a long while, he slowly said, "Ashina is dead, his youngest son Modu defeated his brothers and became the new Khan."

"Modu is warlike, openly tearing up the generations-old friendly treaty between our dynasty and the Turkic, and has launched an attack on the northern border troops."

Jiang Wanrou was stunned, the Turkic names making her dizzy, only knowing that war was coming. She murmured, "Then... it's going to be chaotic again?"

Lu Feng tucked the stray hair behind her ear, his gaze full of affection, "Yes, Ling Xiao has already prepared the army for battle, and the court has also sent a supervisor to the northern border to oversee the war."

Jiang Wanrou suddenly had a bad premonition. Lu Feng looked at her and said, "The appointed supervisor is me."