Chapter 62

Chapter 62

His face was cold and proud as he lowered his gaze to Du Lingjing.

Du Lingjing was speechless.

In the entire capital, none rivaled Marquis Lu’s power. No one could command him; instead, the most crucial positions were yielded to him, and his every desire was laid before him, all bending to his will.

But Du Lingjing refused to indulge him and pointedly turned her head away.

The moment she did, she caught a subtle flicker of irritation in his expression from the corner of her eye.

Du Lingjing ignored him completely. He pressed his lips together, about to speak, when someone suddenly hurried over from another path.

The newcomer strode quickly, and as she stepped into the scene, she spotted Du Lingjing—and the man beside her.

It was Nianjia.

Her abrupt arrival shifted the atmosphere among the five of them.

The garden chatter and vibrant birdsong vanished without a trace.

Nianjia’s gaze unexpectedly locked with another’s mid-air. After years apart, the moment their eyes met, both froze.

Wei Jue’s eyes flickered almost imperceptibly.

Meanwhile, Du Lingjing noticed Nianjia standing motionless, lost in thought.

Until someone softly called out, "My lady."

Nianjia’s eyes widened, and only then did she notice her husband, Wei Cong, standing nearby.

"My lord," she responded.

She did not spare Wei Jue another glance and turned away.

Wei Jue also withdrew his gaze, lowering his lashes as if that fleeting moment of recognition and distraction had never occurred.

The scattered groups in the garden silently observed the scene.

Du Lingjing ignored the marquis who seemed fixated on her and noticed that Wei Cong, standing to her left, remained composed as he gently asked Nianjia,

"Were you at the waterside pavilion?"

Nianjia’s thoughts were still scattered, but his words brought her back.

She nodded and, remembering she had come to fetch Du Lingjing, added,

"I invited Marchioness Lu to enjoy the view by the waterside pavilion."

Du Lingjing, just as eager to escape the unwavering stare, agreed. "Let’s go, then."

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed someone seemingly wanting to speak to her, but as she showed no interest, he could only bite back his words in silence.

Amused, Du Lingjing hid a smile and left with Nianjia unnoticed.

The waterside pavilion was empty. Lotus leaves sprawled across the lake like green carpets—some standing tall on slender stems, others lazily floating on the water.

Nianjia lost interest in talking. After exchanging a few words with Du Lingjing, she leaned against the windowsill, staring absently at the lotus leaves.

Du Lingjing didn’t disturb her, allowing her this brief respite amidst the complicated social dynamics.

But their silence and stillness made others assume the pavilion was unoccupied.

Suddenly, footsteps approached. Du Lingjing turned to see a group of older noblewomen walking toward them.

At the forefront was a woman adorned with twin phoenix hairpins, radiating elegance. Their eyes met—it was none other than Lady Protector Lu.

Behind her trailed five or six noblewomen, the closest to her being none other than Madam Wan.

Naturally, Du Lingjing’s younger sister, Du Runqing, was also among them.

Nianjia turned around as well. Having just unexpectedly encountered Wei Jue, she now found herself face-to-face with Lady Protector Lu.

Du Lingjing noticed Lady Protector Lu’s slight frown, while Nianjia tightened her grip on her embroidered handkerchief.

Back then, Nianjia and Wei Jue had been nearly wed, only to part ways—surely over no small matter.

But Lady Protector Lu was already marching with her retinue toward the pavilion, leaving no room for the younger women to step aside.

Du Lingjing quickly whispered to Nianjia, "Isn’t Princess Yu looking for you? Don't keep her waiting—hurry along."

Today, Nianjia’s mother, Princess Yu, had also come to the Marquis of Jing’an’s estate. Taking the hint, Du Lingjing urged Nianjia to leave.

Nianjia caught on immediately. Clearly, Lady Protector Lu had no desire to speak with her either. After a hurried curtsy—met with a perfunctory nod—Nianjia made to leave.

But as she took a step forward, she remembered Du Lingjing was still there and turned to take her along.

Before she could, however, Lady Protector Lu spoke first, addressing Du Lingjing directly.

"Marchioness Lu is here as well."

Her meaning was clear: she intended to keep Du Lingjing for conversation. Seeing no escape, Du Lingjing motioned for Nianjia to go ahead without her.

Yet as Nianjia stepped out of the pavilion, she paused.

Against her better judgment, she glanced back and saw the noblewomen surrounding Du Lingjing—notoriously difficult women. Though none held higher status than Du Lingjing, their age commanded respect, especially with Madam Wan seated right beside Lady Protector Lu.

Madam Wan had once plotted to wed Jing to Shao Boju, only to later orchestrate a sisterly swap—a shameless manipulation of Jing’s orphaned status. Nianjia had heard all about it.

Now, seeing Du Lingjing trapped among these matrons, Nianjia frowned and immediately called over a maid.

"Go inform Marquis Lu that his wife is being held up in the waterside pavilion."

The maid obeyed and hurried off.

*

Inside the pavilion, Du Lingjing stepped forward to pay her respects to Lady Protector Lu.

Though Lady Protector Lu waved off the courtesy, she still allowed Du Lingjing to complete the gesture before permitting her to sit.

Lady Protector Lu was born into the Lu clan of the Marquis of Yongding’s household—Du Lingjing called her aunt. Moreover, as the emperor’s aunt through marriage, none dared show disrespect in her presence.

Among the noblewomen present, aside from Madam Wan—whom Du Lingjing knew well—the others were only familiar by sight.

Her younger sister, Du Runqing, naturally made no effort to speak to her, offering only a perfunctory greeting before returning to her seat.

As Du Lingjing sat among them, she suddenly felt like a lone island in stormy seas.

The fragrance of lotus outside the window no longer drifted in, and the atmosphere in the waterside pavilion grew tense.

Lady Protector, née Lu, scrutinized her cousin's wife with an appraising look.

She had originally intended to marry her youngest daughter to Lu Weishi. The age gap between them was hardly an issue, but the Lu siblings showed no such inclination. She had assumed it was because her daughter was not yet of marriageable age, and neither the imperial concubine nor Marquis Lu had broached the subject. Yet, just as her daughter was about to reach marriageable age, Lu Weishi had married this Du girl.

She truly held no fondness for this Du woman.

But more pressing was her recent closeness to Madam Wan, with whom she now had difficult matters to address. The incident of the Mid-Autumn betrothal edict had deeply embarrassed Madam Wan—whether it was Lu Weishi or the Du girl who bore responsibility.

Now, with Madam Wan seated beside her, she was obliged to salvage some face for her.

Seeing Du Lingjing sitting quietly and behaving properly, she didn't push too hard and simply said,

"Marchioness Lu, you must be quite occupied at home? Aside from palace banquets and the Marchioness of Jing'an’s birthday celebration, you’ve been absent from all the flower parties, tea gatherings, and ordinary celebratory banquets."

At her words, the pavilion fell silent, all eyes turning to Du Lingjing.

Everyone in the capital knew that Marquis Lu had opened the six-year-in-the-making towering library for his new wife, naming it the Guilin Tower. Marchioness Lu frequently left the city to visit this library.

Du Lingjing, of course, was well aware. Apart from her recent confinement at home, she had indeed shown little interest in social engagements, preferring instead to spend her time at the library.

But she couldn’t very well say that. She lowered her head slightly, only to hear Lady Protector continue, sure enough mentioning the library.

"Preserving books is indeed a noble endeavor for posterity, but it is primarily the duty of scholarly men. Now that you are the Marchioness of the Lu family, you ought to focus more on the social obligations of the marquisate."

Such words were unquestionable in the circles of noble ladies in the capital.

Du Lingjing had no rebuttal.

Yet Lady Protector wasn’t finished. With a sidelong glance at Madam Wan, she added,

"A woman’s most important virtues are deference and humility, not arrogance. Too much reading breeds arrogance, making them think they’re equal to sages and superior to ordinary folk. Little do such women realize that books merely inflate their egos—especially women, who can neither hold office nor lecture. It only earns them the displeasure of their elders."

These were Madam Wan’s favorite words, and she now repeated them word for word to Du Lingjing.

"Read less, and listen humbly to your elders’ teachings—that is the proper way for a woman. Since you lack a mother-in-law to guide you, as your aunt, I must impart these lessons. Do you understand?"

The words were unmistakably harsh.

Precisely because they were harsh toward Du Lingjing, they served to restore some of Madam Wan’s lost face.

Everyone present read between the lines. No one spoke up in Du Lingjing’s defense. Instead, they openly or implicitly criticized their own daughters-in-law or nieces, complaining that too much reading bred disrespect.

Lady Protector had led the charge, allowing them to "elaborate." Glancing at Madam Wan beside her, she noted with satisfaction the latter’s noticeably relaxed expression.

Du Runqing looked at her elder sister. She made no move to defend her. She only observed as her sister was cornered by their remarks, suddenly finding her grandmother’s advice rang true.

Her elder sister was absorbed in her books and ancient texts. Though the marquis had married her, she couldn’t even show her face at social events on his behalf, earning the disdain of the ladies. Instead, the marquis had to open a library for her, have her writings published, seek scholars for her, and even support the Fu Party’s resurgence in court…

Lady Protector suddenly addressed her.

"Miss Qing, do you find my words about your elder sister mistaken?"

Du Runqing quickly rose. She glanced at Du Lingjing, then quickly looked away.

"Runqing hasn’t studied much and dares not criticize my sister. But I wholeheartedly agree with your words, my lady."

No one stood by Du Lingjing—not even her own sister.

The murmurs around her had now became overt. Even if not directed at her by name, they were clearly aimed at her.

Only then did Madam Wan allow herself a slow smile.

Du Lingjing, however, remained unmoved. What she did, what she chose to pursue, would not change because of their censure.

She shared a look with Qiu Lin, preparing to have the latter find an excuse for her departure.

But just then, the familiar heavy footsteps sounded outside the pavilion.

Du Lingjing looked out. Du Runqing, noticing the change, also turned—and caught sight of the marquis striding toward them.

She saw the marquis, followed by Commander Wei, step into the pavilion with a grim expression.

His gaze first found his wife, checking her over to ensure she was unharmed, before shifting to Lady Protector at the head of the room.

Lady Protector was startled.

"Marquis, why have you come? This is a gathering of ladies."

The sight of her nephew’s cold expression made her heart race. She hurriedly reminded him of the impropriety, hoping he would leave.

But if a mere word could send him away, he would not have stormed in this way.

Du Lingjing had no idea why he had suddenly appeared. Yet he seemed not to hear Lady Protector at all, neither retreating nor yielding. Instead, his eyes swept the entire pavilion.

Those who had been openly or subtly disparaging Du Lingjing promptly clammed up.

Her ears were instantly relieved of their chatter—but the man’s cold gaze did not stop there.

The room’s atmosphere became stifling. No trace of lotus fragrance drifted in. A nervous tension settled over the gathering.

None dared look at Marquis Lu, nor at Marchioness Lu. Their eyes darted instead toward Lady Protector and Madam Wan.

Lady Protector stiffened, saying nothing further. Beside her, Madam Wan’s face paled noticeably.

Suddenly, everyone recalled the rumors from last year, when Marquis Lu had taken a wife.

It was said Madam Wan had tried to substitute her own granddaughter for the current Marchioness Lu.

In retaliation, Marquis Lu had Madam Wan’s son hauled away—from the Shuntian Prefecture to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. By the time he was released, he was nearly beaten to death!

Marquis Lu was not someone to cross…

Not a soul in the pavilion dared utter a sound.

Only then did Lu Shenru seem to register Lady Protector’s earlier words.

He uttered a faint, "Oh," then added coolly, "Thank you for the reminder, Lady Protector."

He did not call her "Aunt," only "Lady Protector."

Lady Protector broke into a sweat, though she felt she had done nothing outrageous—merely chastised his wife a little.

She opened her mouth to justify herself, but before she could speak, her son Wei Jue shot her a warning look, frowning and shaking his head.

Her words died unspoken.

It was Lu Shenru who spoke next.

He gave a faint smile.

"Since all the ladies have invited my wife to tea in the pavilion, I’ll thank you first on her behalf."

He continued, "However, my wife’s shy by nature. I always fear she might get bullied outside yet refuse to tell me upon returning home."

These words made Du Lingjing glance up at him.

He went on, "I trust all the ladies here are kind ladies who cherish the younger generation. Given my wife's temperament, I must trouble you all to look out for her in the future—lest she endures unfair treatment without a word, or is wrongfully criticized despite her innocence."

With a smile, he asked the gathering, "Is that alright?"

Du Lingjing felt her cheeks warm.

From now on, no one would dare speak ill of her again...

The other ladies quickly grasped the situation. Seeing Marquis Lu's approach, they understood he had left them some dignity without causing undue humiliation, and thus hastened to voice their assent.

Yet Lady Protector at the head of the table went pale with rage.

Madam Wan stayed quiet, eyes downcast. Lu Shenru cast her a brief glance before looking away.

Meanwhile, Du Runqing gaped at the Marquis and her sister.

Had the Marquis just publicly defended her sister like this?

Repeatedly emphasizing "my wife's reserved and quiet nature"...

Du Runqing was stunned.

Du Lingjing, too, found herself staring at the Marquis of her household.

The man also looked down at her.

Just then, a messenger arrived outside, announcing that Princess Yu had sent someone to "request Marchioness Lu's presence for a brief chat."

Princess Yu was Nianjia's mother.

Using this chance, Du Lingjing rose. The man bid farewell to the gathering on her behalf, his eyes following her as she left the pavilion.

Two steps beyond the pavilion, the air outside felt fresher.

Du Lingjing let out a small sigh.

The path was empty, save for the heavy scent of gardenias blooming nearby.

The man lowered his head, scrutinizing her face, his voice softening.

"Upset?"

Only when he asked did Du Lingjing realize he had been watching her intently, his gaze fixed on her eyes, looking for any sign of displeasure.

In truth, she felt nothing much—these people didn’t matter to her, and their words didn’t bother her.

Yet she noticed his brows furrowed. Though she showed no distress, his face bore signs of worry and gloom as he kept his eyes on her.

A sudden wind whipped through the garden, passing between them.

Suddenly, she remembered her search for him in the Baoding mountains.

She had left him a letter and departed, only for him to chase after her on horseback.

Separated by an impassable ravine, he had spotted her in the distance and called out urgently—

"Come here!"

His voice hadn't carried, and she was fine—yet his expression then was just like now: anxious and somber, worried she might be hurt, uneasy, or unhappy...

"If you're unwell, we’ll go home right now," he said.

The banquet hadn't even begun—how could they leave now? Besides, Lady Protector hadn’t actually done anything.

She shook her head, mentioning Princess Yu's invitation.

"I'll join Her Highness and Nianjia. You should return to the banquet as well."

She spoke more gently.

Yet he pressed, "Are you sure?"

As if a single word of refusal from her would make him whisk her away immediately.

Du Lingjing was not that delicate—she had been looking forward to this break.

But she didn't snap back, only replied gently,

"I'm sure. I'll go now. You should too."

With that, she turned to follow Princess Yu's attendant, walking into the distance—yet she could feel his gaze fixed on her back, step after step, until she rounded a corner and the trees blocked his view.

*

Back in the pavilion, Lady Protector said she was tired and withdrew.

The atmosphere remained awkward, and nobody said much. Only Wei Jue accompanied his mother to the lakeside.

By the deserted shore, lotus pads bobbed with the ripples.

"Why pick on Jing, Mother?" Wei Jue asked.

Lady Protector took a deep breath before answering.

"What of it? As her elder aunt and her nephew's wife, am I not entitled to correct her? Yet now everyone objects!"

She went on, recalling her cousin's earlier demeanor. "Lu Weishi gets more insolent by the day!"

Her criticism extended to Lu Shenru. Wei Jue sighed heavily and advised,

"You shouldn't have pushed him. Even Imperial Noble Consort can’t handle him."

The only one who might keep him in check was Jing.

He didn't know what happened between Weishi and Jing in the past, but clearly, Jing wasn't just some wife just handed to Lu Weishi by imperial decree.

Yet his mother had targeted her for reprimand.

Wei Jue didn’t directly criticize his widowed mother, but Lady Protector just got angrier.

"And what about you? You're also defending her. Could it be because Du Lingjing and Nianjia are old friends, and you still can't let go of Nianjia?!"

Wei Jue stiffened momentarily.

The lake waves tapped steadily against the green stones by the lakeshore.

Lady Protector looked at her son and saw him give a faint smile.

"She is already married to Elder Cousin Cong... Please, Mother, let the past stay buried and not disrupt the present relationships."

He did not wish to say more and turned to leave, but Lady Protector persisted anxiously.

"Then will you at least marry? Even Lu Weishi has gotten married..."

But Wei Jue merely shook his head and strode off from the lakeshore.

*

Afterward, Du Lingjing stayed by Princess Yu's side and later met Princess Consort of Yan.

Prince of Yan was the Minister of the Imperial Clan, a royal uncle, so Princess Consort of Yan naturally outranked her. She took quite a liking to Du Lingjing and kept her close to chat.

However, Nianjia was noticeably withdrawn during the latter part of the banquet, speaking little until it ended, when she pulled Du Lingjing aside.

"If Lady Protector made things difficult for you, it might be because of me."

Du Lingjing brushed it aside, but Nianjia insisted, "I’ll visit you at your residence in a few days."

Du Lingjing agreed and comforted her briefly. As the birth celebration concluded, guests gradually departed.

When Du Lingjing reached her carriage, someone had been waiting there for her nearby.

People surrounded him in conversation, but the moment he spotted her approaching from afar, he shooed them away with brief words.

He stepped forward to meet her, looking her over carefully. Seeing not a single hair out of place, he let out a relieved breath.

Du Lingjing walked to the carriage, and he extended his hand.

Chong'an, standing nearby, noticed the marquis offering his hand again and held his breath.

The lady would probably snub the marquis’s gesture, meaning his elder brother would have to help her into the carriage instead. If she took his brother’s hand twice in one trip, would his brother even keep his hand?

Chong'an discreetly watched the scene unfold by the carriage.

To his astonishment, this time, the lady placed her hand in the marquis’s.

Chong'an's jaw dropped.

Beside the carriage, Du Lingjing did not refuse him. Lightly, she rested her hand in his.

The man froze, lowering his gaze to look at her.

In the next moment, he closed his hand firmly around hers.