Chapter 40

"How dare you offend the Zhang family's entourage? Don't you have eyes?"

Loud shouts came from outside the car window.

Xiao Suniang and Wang Yu both changed their expressions and lifted the carriage curtain to look outside.

Today is the last day of the Dharma assembly. The main road is bustling with people, all heading towards Dayun Temple. There are also ceremonial processions from various neighborhoods. The widest avenue in the city is so crowded that it's impossible to get through.

Their carriage was slowly moving forward when it was suddenly stopped by the Zhang family's entourage, which came out from the crossroads.

A steward from the Zhang family, wearing a sheepskin coat, stood by the roadside, reprimanding their entourage and ordering them to step back and let the Zhang family's entourage pass first.

Lu Huaying lifted her veil and her gaze fell on the face of the steward who had spoken sternly.

It was the same manager as last time, but his attitude was completely different.

Lu Huaying pondered for a moment, then understood the reason for the manager's drastic change in attitude. She breathed a sigh of relief and said to A Yu outside the car window, "Let the Zhang family go first."

A-Yu responded with a "yes," put away his whip, and gestured for the Zhang family to go first.

The Zhang family steward smugly snorted and pointed to a corner by the roadside, saying, "No, you're blocking our way. You have to back up, back up over there!"

Ayu's face darkened. The Zhang family's entourage rushed from the crossroads onto the main road and crashed into their carriage. The steward was arrogant and domineering. Not only did he not apologize, but he also took advantage of the fact that they had given way!

During the stalemate, Lu Huaying called out, "Ayu."

She whispered a few words.

Ayu nodded, looking at the Zhang family steward.

“It’s not that we can’t go back, but the road is so congested, and there are people behind us. If the carriage moves back, all the people, carriages, and horses behind us will have to move back as well.”

He suddenly turned around and shouted to the crowded people, "Everyone, make way! The Zhang family's entourage is going to pass. Please all make way and clear the road!"

A roar erupted from the crowd, followed by a chorus of curses and complaints. Passersby, already annoyed by the congestion, began pointing and whispering about the Zhang family's entourage.

The steward of the Zhang family gave A-Yu a cold look, then turned and left.

The Zhang family's carriages passed by Lu Huaying and her companions in a grand procession.

As one of the large carriages adorned with ornate floral and bird patterns passed by, the driver suddenly slowed down. The woman inside the carriage lifted the curtain and glanced at Lu Huaying and the others, a disdainful sneer playing on her lips.

The two maids on the carriage pointed at Lu Huaying's carriage and said with a smile, "Isn't it that lowly slave surnamed Lu?"

They deliberately raised their voices as they spoke, and despite the bustling noise on the main street, their contemptuous words reached Lu Huaying and the others' ears clearly.

Xiao Suniang was so angry that she was about to burst out of the carriage.

Wang Yu's face was pale, and the smile that had been on her face before she left was gone.

Lu Huaying pulled Xiao Suniang back and shook her head: "Suniang, I came out today to relax."

Xiao Suniang frowned, suppressed her anger, and sat down, feeling indescribably distressed.

"The world is ever-changing, and rise and fall are unpredictable." Lu Huaying smiled slightly and said calmly, "Su Niang, how many noble families did we see fall overnight when we were in Chang'an? They were once basking in glory, but in the blink of an eye, they were destroyed and their families were wiped out. Misfortune and fortune are intertwined, and things can change in an instant. There are always gains and losses in life, so don't be sad for me."

Wang Yu sighed.

Xiao Suniang felt even worse.

She didn't comfort Lu Huaying; instead, it was Lu Huaying who comforted her.

Once the Zhang family's procession had all passed, the pedestrians and carriages that had been blocked at the street corner slowly began to move again.

Lu Huaying lifted the curtain and glanced worriedly at Lu Hongbi, who was following behind. Seeing that he was talking to his attendants, she felt relieved; he probably hadn't heard what the maid was saying.

Xiao Suniang calmed down a bit and asked in a low voice, "Third Sister, what does the Zhang family mean? Have you offended them? My eldest brother is an official; should he step in and warn the Zhang family?"

“No need to trouble your brother.” Lu Huaying shook her head. “The Zhang family misunderstood my identity before and tried to use me to get close to Governor Wei, but I avoided them. Now that the Zhang family has discovered that I am not a relative of Governor Wei, they are understandably angry about what happened last time. Today they are probably just venting their anger.”

Yes.

Xiao Suniang took her hand with heartache.

Lu Huaying smiled.

When the Zhang family assumed she was a relative of Wei Mingsu, Madam Zhang condescended to meet her. After she returned to her quarters, the Zhang family even sent someone to apologize and inquire about her injuries. After Wei Mingsu clarified the rumors, the Zhang family's attitude immediately changed. The once respectful and polite steward became rude, and even two of the Zhang family's maids were able to humiliate her in front of her.

It also showed her the coldness and indifference of the world.

She smiled faintly, as if relieved of a great burden.

Xiao Suniang and Wang Yu exchanged a glance, somewhat puzzled, and couldn't help but ask, "Third Sister, the Zhang family was so rude, aren't you angry?"

Lu Huaying showed no anger on her face and said, "The Zhang family is the head of the prominent families in Xizhou. Their attitude reflects the attitude of all prominent families in Xizhou. They will not misunderstand us in the future."

Xiao Suniang and Wang Yu were both taken aback.

"Third Sister, don't you want others to misunderstand your relationship with Brother Wei?"

Wang Yu remained silent, so Xiao Suniang asked directly.

Lu Huaying said, "I don't want them to misunderstand Governor Wei."

She didn't care about being misunderstood; she was only worried about embarrassing Wei Mingsu, who didn't want to have anything to do with her.

Xiao Suniang glanced at Lu Huaying in surprise, twisting her handkerchief, her mind racing, and whispered, "Third Sister, Brother Wei still won't forgive you? Four years ago, you were only fifteen..."

Her tone was somewhat reproachful towards Wei Mingsu.

"Third Sister, I'll go and beg Brother Wei..."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yu lifted her eyelids and looked at Xiao Suniang's face with anticipation.

Lu Huaying turned to look into Xiao Suniang's eyes and interrupted her: "Suniang, I was too willful four years ago. Being fifteen years old is not a reason for me to hurt Governor Wei. He doesn't need to forgive me. Don't bother him because of my affairs."

Xiao Suniang was somewhat unwilling. After a moment of silence, she nodded.

The atmosphere was heavy.

Lu Huaying remained calm and asked Wang Yu, "Sister-in-law, are you going to draw lots today?"

Wang Yu looked at her, sighed inwardly, and nodded.

Xiao Suniang said, "I'll go with my sister-in-law. What about you, Third Sister? Are you going to ask for a fortune stick?"

“I don’t draw lots.” Lu Huaying shook her head with a smile. “I won’t believe if I draw an unlucky lot. I only believe if I draw a good lot, so I don’t need to draw lots.”

Xiao Suniang and Wang Yu both laughed, and the atmosphere became relaxed again.

As they were talking, the carriage arrived at Dayun Temple.

On the main road in front of the temple, ten large carts loaded with money were distributing wealth to the people. Crowds thronged around the carts, making it very crowded. The horse-drawn carriages did not squeeze in that direction; instead, guided by the monks maintaining order, they entered through a side gate.

The courtyard was full of carriages. A man in a blue official robe stood under the wall, talking to the monks of Dayun Temple. He watched the carriages enter and walked forward.

Is that Su Niang in the car?

Hearing this urgent voice, Xiao Suniang, who was in the carriage, paused for a moment and looked awkwardly at Wang Yu and Lu Huaying: "Sister-in-law, Third Sister... the one outside is my eldest brother."

Wang Yu glanced at Lu Huaying.

Lu Huaying had already lifted the carriage curtain and gotten out.

The man in the blue official robe took another step forward. His features were somewhat similar to Xiao Suniang's, but he was much fairer-skinned, handsome, and refined, with an air of scholarly elegance. He stopped in front of Lu Huaying, looking nervous.

Lu Huaying removed her veil and greeted him, saying with a light laugh, "Brother Xiao, how have you been?"

Xiao E looked at Lu Huaying's face, his heart pounding. He had arrived at Dayun Temple very early today, not knowing when Xiao Suniang and the others would arrive, so he could only stand at the door and wait anxiously. Finally, the carriage arrived, but he was speechless and couldn't say a word.

Xiao Suniang also got off the carriage and saw Xiao E staring blankly at Lu Huaying, looking completely dazed. She rolled her eyes and said, "Big brother!"

The loud voice drew the attention of the monks at the door, but Xiao E seemed not to hear it. He continued to stare at Lu Huaying, stuttered for a while, and said sadly, "Third Sister, you have suffered."

Lu Huaying smiled faintly and said, "Thank you for your concern, Brother Xiao."

“Young Master Xiao”.

Lu Hongbi dismounted, walked over, and looked at Xiao E with a gloomy gaze.

Xiao E felt as if he had been transported back to four years ago. He took a few steps back, then suddenly remembered that he was now an official. He stopped and straightened his back, saying, "Second Young Master."

Lu Hongbi's eyes darkened slightly.

Xiao Suniang chuckled dryly, pulled Xiao E aside, and whispered, "Brother, I know you want to see Third Sister and get too excited after seeing her. I won't stop you, but don't stare at Third Sister like that, it's too impolite! Calm down."

Xiao E was still looking in Lu Huaying's direction when he sighed and said with a wry smile, "Su Niang, it's not up to me."

How can he remain calm when the person he liked four years ago seems to have come back to life?

Xiao Suniang also sighed, patted Xiao E, and said, "Brother, when I saw Third Sister, I lost my composure just like you. I understand you, but don't forget one thing: you are already married, and Third Sister knows your sister-in-law."

Xiao E continued to look at Lu Huaying, remaining silent for a long time.

Xiao Suniang shook her head helplessly, returned to Lu Huaying's side, and pulled Lu Huaying and Wang Yu to draw lots.

Xiao E lifted his leg to follow them, his eyes fixed on Lu Huaying as if he were in a daze.

Xiao Suniang was extremely embarrassed, not knowing whether to laugh or scold. She could only take advantage of Lu Huaying and Wang Yu turning around and pinch Xiao E's arm hard.

Wang Yu glanced back, slowed her pace, and asked Xiao E with a smile what official position he held and why he had come to Xizhou. After exchanging pleasantries for a while, they discussed the Wuzhe Assembly at Dayun Temple.

Xiao E has been at Dayun Temple these past few days, familiarizing himself with the various halls of the temple and explaining them to Wang Yu and the others.

When they arrived at the place for drawing lots, Lu Huaying did not go in. She gave Lu Hongbi a wink, and before Xiao E could look in their direction, she turned and slipped into a doorway to the side.

She wanted to go back to the carriage to wait for Wang Yu and the others to return, but after walking out of the corridor, she realized that the way back was not in front of her. She asked A Yu, who was following behind her, "Have you been to Dayun Temple before?"

Ayu shook his head.

He had been delivering messages outside and hadn't stayed in Xizhou, which is why Tong Jin transferred him to protect Lu Huaying.

A young novice monk was sweeping snow on the steps. Lu Huaying went over to ask for directions, and the young monk pointed her in a direction.

She walked down that road, and as she went down the steps, she saw a figure in blue approaching from afar.

Upon seeing herself, the figure quickened her pace and exclaimed in surprise, "Third Sister, where have you been?"

Lu Huaying sighed. She wanted to avoid Xiao E, but he still came looking for her.

Xiao E walked up to Lu Huaying: "Third Sister, are you lost?"

Lu Huaying shook her head and said, "I'm just taking a walk."

Xiao E glanced at A Yu standing not far away and lowered his voice, "Third Sister, is that Wei Mingsu's man?"

Lu Huaying nodded.

Xiao E frowned and said, "Third Sister, you must be careful of Wei Mingsu. Has Su Niang told you what he has been doing these past four years?"

Lu Huaying said calmly, "Brother Xiao, thank you for your concern. I know everything that Governor Wei did."

“No, you don’t know.” Xiao E sneered, “When we came from Liangzhou, we heard some news: Wei Mingsu forced Prince Wei to commit suicide… He wants to exterminate the royal family.”

Lu Huaying looked down at the snow at her feet, remaining silent.

Looking at her, Xiao E's burning, anxious heart suddenly cooled down.

Four years of resentment all came rushing out at once.

He revealed a mocking expression: "Third Sister... why was it Wei Mingsu four years ago, and it's still him four years later? What makes him worthy of you? Haven't you heard about what he did? Haven't you seen how his hair has turned white at such a young age? Everyone says it's because he's done too many bad things, and Heaven is warning him!"

“Brother Xiao…” Lu Huaying raised her head and looked directly at Xiao E, “You were his classmate and senior brother. Back then, you wrote articles together, discussed the gains and losses of emperors and ministers throughout history, and submitted your papers together. Do you remember his ambitions?”

Xiao E was taken aback.

Lu Huaying sighed. She didn't want to argue with Xiao E, but... Xiao Jijiu was Wei Mingsu's teacher, and Xiao E was Wei Mingsu's classmate.

They shouldn't have viewed Wei Mingsu so hastily and superficially.

Lu Huaying lifted her leg and walked in the direction the young novice had pointed.

Xiao E snapped out of his daze and followed behind her.

The two walked silently through several courtyards and arrived at the main hall.

The Unobstructed Assembly was in full swing, with melodious chanting echoing on the stage and a sea of ​​people below.

"Brother Xiao, do you remember when Chief Minister Xiao had you recite the 'Song of Tilling the Soil'?"

Looking at the dense crowd, Lu Huaying asked.

Xiao E said, "Of course I remember."

Back then, a group of students argued heatedly about "The Song of Tilling the Soil".

Lu Huaying recited: "I work when the sun rises and rest when the sun sets. I dig a well to drink from and till the fields to eat from. What power does the emperor have over me?"

When Xiao Jijiu explained this folk song to the students: "Sunrise and sunset, farming and rest, wells are dug for water to drink, labor provides food, life is simple yet abundant, carefree. This is the peaceful and prosperous world in the eyes of ordinary people."

Lu Huaying said, "Brother Xiao, the common people just want to be fed and clothed; they don't care who the emperor is..."

She turned around.

"As long as the emperor is wise and capable of governing the country and allowing them to live in peace, they will not care whether the emperor is a man or a woman."

Xiao E frowned.