Reunion
Seeing Liang Zhengyuan's momentary silence, Lin Xu, unaware of his thoughts, assumed he was still concerned about his maternal grandfather and smiled, saying:
"You've been back in Hecheng for quite a while now. How are your grandparents doing? I heard your second cousin's child is almost a year old now, and is quite adorable."
Upon hearing this, Liang Zhengyuan remembered another important matter that had brought him to see Lin Xu. He took out a well-preserved envelope from his clothes and handed it to Lin Xu.
Lin Xu's heart skipped a beat. She quickly opened the letter and read it, but even after skimming through it, her eyes gradually reddened. Even after so many years, how could she forget such familiar handwriting… This was a letter written to her by her maternal grandfather!
Though separated by thousands of miles, her maternal grandfather's voice and appearance could still be vaguely seen through his vigorous handwriting. Throughout her life, only her maternal grandfather and grandmother liked to call her Yaoyao, which was the nickname her maternal grandfather had given her when she was born. However, when her father and mother were alive, they were more used to calling her Xuer, and after leaving Hecheng, no one called her that anymore...
My maternal grandfather was a stern man, very strict with all his children, but he doted on his only daughter, Liang Shuangyu. It is said that when he learned that my mother was going to marry far away to Mujing, he even glared at Lin Fu, who came to propose marriage, fearing that Lin Fu would steal away his only precious daughter.
Even though his mother and father treated each other with respect and affection after their marriage, and his only concubine was taken by his father many years after his mother's death, Liang Suzhi always felt regretful whenever he mentioned the past. He always felt that although Lin Fu was clear-headed, he was not tough enough and could not protect his wife and daughters at home... If only he hadn't let his daughter marry far away back then!
Therefore, in the letter, in addition to asking about the little girl Mianxue's recent situation, the maternal grandfather also wrote a long message to her, saying that if she was unhappy staying in Mujing under the emperor's nose, she could return to Hecheng. Her cousins would take her back safely and protect her for the rest of her life.
Lin Xu was filled with gratitude, and she covered her face with her handkerchief again and again, trying very hard not to shed tears.
Liang Zhengyuan added, "That's nothing. My grandfather also asked me to bring you back a lot of things, which are all at the post station now. I'll find a few carriages to send them to you later."
Liang Zhengyuan is now the Marquis of Liangping, a third-rank official, and has a mansion bestowed by the imperial court. He will soon be the commander of the Five Cities Military Command. The things his grandfather sent, no matter how valuable, are just ordinary household items. Why would he need to make such a fuss?
Lin Xu was about to decline when Liang Zhengyuan saw through her intention and said seriously:
“Xu’er, you don’t know, this is something we absolutely cannot be careless about. My grandfather repeatedly warned me that if I cannot deliver the things safely to you and Mianxue, he probably won’t speak to me for a year.”
Lin Xu smiled helplessly, and the two of them finished the remaining half pot of tea. Then, he led him all the way back to the house where he now lived.
Although he had expected it, Lin Xu was still taken aback by his maternal grandfather's extravagance when he saw one fully loaded carriage after another parked in front of his house.
The intricately carved short bow made of fine wood from Hecheng, three large barrels of exquisitely crafted arrows, several fine sable cloaks, a pure gold longevity lock specially made for Mianxue, and a pair of necklaces inlaid with white jade, not to mention the heavy chest of gold and many delicacies unique to Hecheng... not only were they priceless, but they were also all thanks to his care.
Her maternal grandfather must have known that she was all alone after the divorce and was afraid that she would suffer some injustice.
Liang Zhengyuan specifically ordered his men to open each box one by one. Among them, he found an inconspicuous black wooden box. Upon opening it, he discovered a cloisonné gold hairpin, some years old, exquisitely crafted, and carefully shaped into a butterfly, lively and lovely. There were also several yellowed sheets of paper, all of which were discarded drawings or poems.
Seeing Lin Xu staring blankly at the papers, her fingertips trembling slightly, Liang Zhengyuan sighed softly. Lin Xu was so clever that she had already guessed that the box contained Liang Shuangyu's belongings from her time in Hecheng.
Before leaving, Grandfather stroked these old things for a long time, his eyes clearly filled with reluctance. He pretended to be dissatisfied and shook his head, saying, "This girl always writes like this, too softly. I've taught her for so many years, and she still doesn't understand!"... Even though he had cherished these things for many years, Yaoyao would need them more than he did. That child lost her mother when she was young, and Liang Suzhi could never forget the image of Lin Xu standing alone in front of the carriage when she first arrived in Hecheng at the age of seven.
"...If you fail to protect her on this trip, Liang Si, you shall never return to Hecheng. Our Liang family will never want a useless person like you again!"
The thought of his grandfather's graying temples and his repeated admonitions filled Liang Zhengyuan with a pang of heartache. He even worried that his grandfather's health was declining... However, Xu'er already had too many things to worry about, so he naturally wouldn't let her worry.
Rongwei and Zhuling busied themselves packing up the things, moving box after box into the backyard, making the already small space feel even more cramped. Liang Zhengyuan couldn't help but frown. Xu'er had been pampered since childhood; how could she stay in such a crowded and cramped place?
“Xu’er, if you’re really having trouble making ends meet right now, you can move in with me. I live alone, and that courtyard is rather empty…”
Lin Xu couldn't help but chuckle. His cousin must be feeling that he was struggling financially, which was why he had to live in such a small courtyard.
He didn't know that over the years, she not only held all the inheritance left by her mother, but also the various houses and estates in the suburbs of Mujing that her father had given her. Although her dowry was still in the Dou family mansion, and she hadn't taken it with her when she left in a hurry, she still held the deeds to those houses and lands firmly in her hands. Her current net worth was truly considerable... She just wanted to avoid her old friends and live a quiet life.
Seeing that she only smiled and didn't speak, the light in Liang Zhengyuan's eyes dimmed a little. He had to do something for her.
He wandered around the yard, noticing Xue Tuan frolicking among the flowers, but he didn't hear a single bird chirp. He then realized that the two parrots he had given her were nowhere to be found in the entire yard.
Rongwei, who was usually extremely meticulous, understood now and said regretfully:
"...The situation was critical at the time, and there was really no time to take Madam's two parrots away from the Dou family. Madam usually takes the best care of Xiaohong and Xiaohui. This was our dereliction of duty, and we beg you to punish us, young master."
Liang Zhengyuan waved his hand. Since Rong Wei had already said that, he naturally couldn't say anything more. However, he had long suspected that Dou Yanxun hadn't protected her well; Xu'er had suffered countless injustices since leaving there…
Little Red and Little Gray—she even named the birds exactly the same as when she was a child. Back then, she had given her two chicks in Hecheng, who accompanied her through the most difficult time of her life…
Just as he was pondering this, a noise came from near the courtyard gate.
The soft glow of the sunset slanted in, but behind the door appeared a face that instantly dimmed the lush vegetation in the courtyard.
Dressed in a simple, pale white robe, Dou Yanxun's coldness and sharpness had vanished, replaced by an unusual composure and ease. However, when he saw Liang Zhengyuan standing in the courtyard, instructing his subordinates to purchase supplies, Dou Yanxun narrowed his eyes almost imperceptibly.
"I had no idea that a guest would arrive today."
Dou Yanxun glanced at Lin Xu standing in the courtyard. For some reason, she felt a little lost, like she had been caught by her teacher when she had done something wrong as a child.
On the other side, Liang Zhengyuan crossed his arms and looked at Dou Yanxun thoughtfully. "This is quite unusual. I never expected to see the Grand Tutor Dou visiting my cousin's private residence. May I ask what brings you here, Grand Tutor?"
Dou Yanxun raised a half-raised eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It's been a long time since I last saw you, Marquis Liangping, and I haven't yet offered my congratulations."
After saying that, he took a step forward and walked naturally to her side.
"I heard that Lord Liangping should have taken up his post at the Military Command several months ago. The capital is not peaceful right now. If he is punished for delaying these days, it would be a case of bringing trouble upon himself."
Seeing the increasingly tense atmosphere between the two, Lin Xu couldn't help but feel anxious. Both of them were her closest and dearest people. Although Liang Zhengyuan and Dou Yanxun hadn't had much contact over the years, Liang Si had always been polite to everyone, and Dou Yanxun was the kind of person who could turn enemies into friends with just a smile. He was the most skilled at feigning concern. Why were the two of them suddenly so jealous of each other?
"Husband..." In her haste, she spoke in a low voice, trying to stop Dou Yanxun.
This sound made both of them turn around and look at her.
Liang Si's eyes darkened, but he also smiled and said, "Xu'er, don't be afraid. Now that you have divorced him, you have no connection with him anymore. If he dares to hurt you in the slightest... your cousin is here today and will definitely not disappoint you."
Before Lin Xu could answer, Dou Yanxun raised his eyebrows and looked at Liang Zhengyuan, the now high-ranking Marquis of Liangping. His smile didn't reach his eyes; though his lips were slightly upturned, his face was completely indifferent as he said:
"I think the rumors are true. Marquis Liangping has indeed been away from Mujing for a long time and has lost track of time. I have been deeply in love with Xuxu for many years. Although we had some disagreements, we have long since made up. Marquis Liangping is overthinking it."
Liang Zhengyuan could easily hear the sarcasm in Dou Yanxun's words. He sneered and his eyes were filled with endless killing intent.
His entourage today consisted of his subordinates who had risked their lives with him over the past year, and who would soon be going with him to take up their posts at the Military Command. They were all among the most skilled assassins in Dayu, and naturally, they already knew Liang Zhengyuan's temperament very well.
In the blink of an eye, several arrows shot out simultaneously, aimed directly at Dou Yanxun, who was standing in the courtyard. The people who had just been earnestly helping Liang Zhengyuan arrange the entire courtyard were now all looking at Dou Yanxun with cold eyes, and the air was thick with murderous intent.
"Yingzhi!" It was just a few words of disagreement, but it escalated to the point of drawing swords! Lin Xu couldn't help but exclaim, and stepped forward to try to block Dou Yanxun.
This time, it was Liang Zhengyuan's turn to sneer.
"Xu'er, don't worry, I wouldn't stoop to bullying the weak with numbers."
After he finished speaking, he gave a look, and the assassins quickly put away their arrows. Two cold-faced soldiers strode up to Lin Xu and said, "Protect Xu'er."
Liang Zhengyuan turned around, took two longswords from one of his bodyguards, and threw one of them at Dou Yanxun. In an instant, his eyebrows furrowed coldly, revealing his murderous intent.
"Since you keep saying you have deep feelings for Xu'er, how could you do something so wrong to her, causing her and her daughter to suffer so much injustice and even be forced to live under someone else's roof? If you have no answer, then take my sword first!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
