After the morning court session that day, the sun shone on the magnificent palace gate. Jiang Lun walked out with steady steps, but unexpectedly met Liang Fushan outside the palace gate.
Both of them were officials appointed by the imperial court, and they had a deep friendship as classmates in the past. When they met at this moment, they couldn't help but feel happy.
"Brother Liang, I haven't seen you for a long time, and you're still as charming as ever!" Jiang Lun spoke first, his voice revealing deep emotion and intimacy.
Upon hearing this, Liang Fushan looked up and saw Jiang Lun, his eyes flashing with surprise. He hurried forward and bowed, saying, "Brother Jiang, nice to meet you! I didn't expect to see you here again today. It's truly a blessing."
The two men smiled at each other, as if transported back to the days of their schooldays. Back then, they'd explored knowledge together, pursued shared ideals, and forged a deep friendship. Now, though each held a prominent position within the court, that bond remained unchanged.
"Brother Liang's promotion to the position of Imperial Scholar is truly commendable," Jiang Lun said again, his tone filled with sincere congratulations. "Your achievements in Qingzhou are outstanding, and you have worked for the well-being of the people. You are truly a role model for our generation."
Liang Fushan waved his hand modestly and said, "Brother Jiang, you are too kind. I am just doing my duty faithfully. Now that I have been transferred back to the capital and promoted to an important position, I feel an even greater sense of responsibility and dare not slack off in the slightest."
"Brother Liang, you're too polite." Jiang Lun said with a smile, "You and I serve in the same court. We have a long future together, so we should support each other."
Liang Fushan smiled slightly and said, "When you, Brother Jiang, won the first place in the imperial examination, I was serving in Qingzhou. I was unable to congratulate you in time, which was really rude. Seeing you today is a good opportunity to add this congratulations. I hope Brother Jiang will not think it's too late."
The two chatted and laughed, and the more they talked, the more they got along. Jiang Lun suddenly remembered that his wife Xue Huichun had always been curious about Liang Fushan's wife, so he took the opportunity to say, "My wife has always wanted to visit your wife. I wonder when Brother Liang would be free?"
Liang Fushan's eyes flickered with a complex expression upon hearing this. He hesitated for a moment, but finally agreed, "It is truly an honor for me to have Brother Jiang and his wife visit my humble home. However, I've been quite busy with family matters lately, so I'll be sure to welcome you home when I have some free time."
Jiang Lun noticed Liang Fushan's hesitation and felt a little puzzled. But he didn't ask any more questions. He just nodded and smiled, "That's great. I'll wait for good news."
The two chatted for a few more minutes, then said goodbye and left.
Jiang Lun returned to the mansion and told Xue Huichun about Liang Fushan's response. Xue Huichun's eyes flashed with anticipation, "So, we'll be able to see Madam Liang soon?"
"It should be soon," Jiang Lun said. "But judging from Liang Fushan's expression, it seems like there's something going on at home. We'll need to be more careful when we visit."
Xue Huichun nodded in agreement, but in her heart she couldn't wait to meet the rumored Madam Liang.
…
In the back house of the Liang Mansion, ever since little Zhang received the imperial edict, the joy on her face has blossomed like peach blossoms in spring.
After years of arduous waiting, her hard work has finally paid off. The satisfaction and pride in her heart are self-evident.
The maid Chunmei whispered that the wife of the Zhang family's relative intended to visit her sick daughter.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhang sighed softly, a trace of helplessness flashing across her brows: "I can't make a decision on this matter. I need to seek the advice of the Madam."
Seeing no one in the hall, Chunmei couldn't help but grumble softly, "In terms of closeness, the eldest son calls you mother when he returns home, and calls the Madam Grandmother, so he's closer to you. But the Madam is so tightly in control of all matters within the mansion, big and small, that it's truly puzzling."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhang sighed again, a complex expression flashing in her eyes. "You don't know, my aunt was known for her ruthless tactics when she was still in her mother's family. All the aunts and sisters-in-law in the mansion at that time were smitten by her tactics."
When talking about Liang Fushan, Xiao Zhang didn't harbor much resentment. When she was at her mother's house, she had witnessed her aunt die in childbirth, and that memory still haunted her.
What's more, Liang Fushan was always respectful to her. As time went by, she gradually stopped being obsessed with whether he was her biological son or not.
Just like this time the emperor conferred her the title of fifth-rank Anren, isn't it true that the glory of a living person is far better than that of a dead person?
"Madam, the young lady's illness has been getting worse recently, and it really makes us feel distressed. Not to mention that she is the eldest son's wife, she is also your and the dowager's niece and great-niece. You can't just watch her suffer like this, can you?" Chunmei's eyes showed deep worry, and her tone was full of pleading.
Little Zhang gently picked up the teacup and glanced at Chunmei with a smile. "You are such a kind-hearted girl. Do you really think I don't know your little thoughts?"
When Chunmei heard this, her face immediately turned red and she lowered her head shyly.
Madam Zhang looked at her carefully for a while and spoke slowly, "You are right. Shu'er's illness will make it difficult for her to continue the Liang family's bloodline. Instead of taking a concubine from outside and making her feel uncomfortable, it is better to choose someone from within the mansion. At least she knows the rules and will not lose her composure."
Upon hearing this, Chunmei knelt down and kowtowed without hesitation, "If the old lady thinks that this servant is sensible, I will serve the eldest master wholeheartedly."
Little Zhang smiled faintly, "I still need to ask the eldest master's opinion on this matter first, so you don't have to be too anxious."
Chunmei raised her head, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes. "I'm not worried that the eldest master will refuse. He's a scholar, so he naturally understands the principle that 'there are three unfilial acts, and having no descendants is the worst.' It's just that because of the young lady's illness, this matter has been delayed. I'm just worried about the lady-in-waiting..."
A sharp glint flashed in Xiao Zhang's eyes. "That maid accidentally fell into the well and drowned. Don't let your imagination run wild!"
Chunmei was startled by Xiao Zhang's tone and nodded submissively, "Yes, yes, I won't let my imagination run wild."
This incident is like a hidden scar deep in the Liang Mansion, and it is also a knot in Xiao Zhang's heart that is difficult to untie.
Back then, Liang Fushan passed the imperial examination and was sent to Qingzhou to take up a post.
Little Zhang knew very well that Zhang Ruoshu's health condition was not optimistic.
So she had planned to select a capable and intelligent maid to accompany her, on the one hand, so that she could take good care of Zhang Ruoshu's daily life; on the other hand, it was also out of her own selfish motives - she was worried that if Liang Fushan learned about his wife's illness, he would resent her as his stepmother.
Having a caring maid by her side might be able to mediate for her at critical moments and resolve possible misunderstandings and conflicts.
However, man proposes, God disposes.
This matter, which had been arranged properly, accidentally reached the ears of the Lady Dowager Da Zhang.
As a result, the maid who had been selected was stopped by the lady and was unable to go.
What is even more regrettable is that less than half a year later, the maid accidentally fell into a well and died.
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