Chapter 61 (Chapter 61) Chest Muscles Crush Mosquitoes
Xiang Ruzhen took it and glanced at it before bursting into laughter. Lu Jinlan snatched it away, and after reading it, he laughed so hard he slapped the table.
In addition to bestowing a yellow riding jacket upon Yan Wuxin, the Emperor also granted her five handsome men from the Jiang Kingdom.
Yan Wuxin's face was ashen as he watched the two of them laughing so hard they were doubled over. He gritted his teeth and said, "Go ahead and laugh. Your friend has been wronged, and you're still laughing? Don't you feel sorry for me at all?"
Lu Jinlan laughed and said, "We have to talk about this. The Emperor's rewards for us were all tailored to our needs. She must have understood our requirements before bestowing them. Did you tell the Emperor that you like handsome men?"
Yan Wuxin retorted angrily, "How dare I speak such improper words before Your Majesty? When Your Majesty asked me about my plans for the future, I said I had no grand ambitions, only a wish to live a carefree and worry-free life. I wish to be healthy, have a harmonious family, and be surrounded by a few close friends to eat, drink, and have fun with, thus ending my life. Is there anything wrong with what I said?"
Xiang Ruzhen asked in surprise, "You didn't mention men to the Emperor, so why did she suddenly decide to bestow handsome men upon you?"
Lu Jinlan hurriedly said, "That's not right. If I were the Emperor, upon hearing these words, I would probably reward you with a man, because you haven't left any room for him to do anything else. You see, your health depends on yourself, your family harmony depends on your family members, and your two or three close friends are just the two of us. The Emperor can't help you with that. You say you want to eat, drink, and have fun, but she's not going to reward you with food and drink, is she? That leaves you with nothing but fun."
"You keep saying in class that you're the most charming man in the world, and I'm not as good as you. You even say that the men you keep can't fit in three carriages. I bet the eldest princess gave the emperor the information, and he thought you had that kind of taste, so he bestowed handsome men upon you."
Yan Wuxin slapped his forehead. "Sigh, vanity has ruined me. If I had known, I wouldn't have competed with you for the title of the most charming man in the world. The Emperor would have given you those men from Jiang Kingdom instead."
Lu Jinlan laughed and said, "My wedding is just around the corner, so the Emperor won't bestow any upon me. Don't complain, are there no handsome men to your liking?"
"Of course not to my liking! Jiang Guo's handsome men are what Jiang Guo considers handsome, but to me they're not handsome at all. I like slender men, and these guys are tall and strong. They've built up a muscular physique, and their chests are bigger than mine. One of them even told me he could kill a mosquito with his pectoral muscles. Tell me, if taking off his clothes makes me think of mosquitoes, I'd laugh myself to death. How could I possibly be interested?"
Xiang Ruzhen laughed so hard she almost fell off her stool, and tried to comfort her, saying, "The Emperor only said he would give them to you, he didn't ask you to pamper them. If all else fails, you can arrange for them to do manual labor, like chopping wood and carrying water."
Lu Jinlan quickly added, "Or you can have him serve you indoors. For example, in the summer when you're sleeping, you can have him catch mosquitoes next to you, killing them one by one, and you'll be guaranteed to sleep soundly all night."
Yan Wuxin gritted his teeth: "Lu Jinlan!"
Lu Jinlan smiled and pleaded, "Alright, alright, let's not talk about mosquitoes anymore. Arrange for them to be coachmen or sedan chair carriers. When people ask about them, you can say they were bestowed by the Emperor. It'll make you look good."
Yan Wuxin rolled her eyes at her, "At least you came up with a usable idea."
After chatting and laughing for a while, Lu Jinlan saw that the male servants had already set out the food and wine, so she said, "Let's eat first. Ruzhen is treating us today. After you finish eating, don't leave. The three of us will sleep in my room tonight and share the same bed."
As she was speaking, she looked up and saw Lu Qilang standing behind a pillar, seemingly hesitating whether to come over.
Lu Jinlan smiled and said, "Come over here. You know these two people. There are no outsiders here."
Yan Wuxin turned his head and exclaimed, "Oh my!" His eyes lit up.
Her gossipy nature instantly dispelled her displeasure at being rewarded with five burly men, and she teased enthusiastically, "Oh my, who is this? Didn't someone say that Ah Qi ran away and disappeared? So he ran to your house."
Lu Jinlan took Qilang's hand and formally introduced him to the two of them: "This is my newlywed son-in-law, Lu Qilang. His household registration will be at the home of a distant relative of mine in Yunzhou, so please don't mistake him for someone else."
Xiang Ruzhen shook her head helplessly, raised her wine glass, and said, "Then congratulations to the talented Miss Lu on finding another fine husband."
While they were drinking, Lu Qilang whispered in Lu Jinlan's ear, "I want to go out for a while and bring Thirteen over to stay with me. I've already told Young Master Song."
Lu Jinlan nodded. "Go ahead, it's getting dark, come back soon."
After Lu Qilang left, Yan Wuxin finally realized what was going on. "Hey, Jinlan, you've really gained a lot from this trip to Beizhou. You've won the heart of a handsome man, acquired a royal villa, and have the 100,000-strong Ling family army in your mother-in-law's hands. You've clearly built your own fortune and even received a reward from the Emperor. You should be treating us to this meal."
Lu Jinlan smiled and agreed, "I'll treat, I'll treat from now on. Cheers!"
*
As Zeng Ying said, they handled the Beizhou case very thoroughly, and the results were released in just two days after the joint trial by the three judicial authorities.
Of the more than twenty main culprits, some naturally couldn't withstand the torture and confessed to the Ling sisters.
But emperors are all masters of political maneuvering, and Zhao Mincheng is one of the best among them.
It was she who ordered the case to be thoroughly investigated. After the presiding judge presented the evidence in court, it was she who publicly stated: "This is a baseless accusation. I trust Marquis Dingbei and Grand Commandant Ling."
Marquis Dingbei Ling Zhijing and Grand Commandant Ling Zhichong knelt in the main hall, their expressions shifting between light and dark, as if facing an abyss or walking on thin ice.
For them, the difficulty is not whether to oppose or not, but being trapped between the two.
If they rebel, they have just lost 100,000 troops, have no legitimate reason to fight, and the current situation is extremely unfavorable to them. If they don't rebel, they will feel uneasy, and now that Zhao Mincheng has already made a move against them and has designs on them, they will probably not have a good ending if they don't rebel.
Facing the court officials, Zhao Mincheng put on a captivating performance in this dramatic power struggle.
She spoke earnestly at times about how much she trusted the Ling sisters, and at other times she expressed her deep sorrow and grief, saying that the situation in Beizhou was extremely bad and that the Ling sisters had failed in their oversight.
She constantly helped to ease the burden on their hearts, watching them suffer greatly, yet she remained composed and adept at maneuvering.
Chancellor Yan Weijin, as the head of all officials, watched coldly with a somber expression. Censor Jin Yunning, one of the three most powerful officials, also looked grave, shaking his head and sighing inwardly.
The storm was brewing, and as veteran officials, they could already sense the approaching tempest.
Finally, the emperor got tired of his performance and prepared to end the show.
Zhao Mincheng: "Grand Commandant Ling Zhichong is in charge of military affairs. You bear inescapable responsibility for the affairs of Beizhou. You are hereby suspended from duty for six months. The Ling family army within Beizhou will be handed over to General Hu Piao, Song Jingxiao, to rectify military discipline and address any malpractices. After the rectification is completed, it will be returned to Marquis Dingbei. Marquis Ling, Grand Commandant Ling, do you have any objections?"
Zhao Mincheng sat on the dragon throne, her face cold as she leaned forward slightly until she saw the two men kneeling and kowtowing before her, saying in unison, "Your Majesty, we will obey your will."
Zhao Mincheng gave a barely perceptible smirk, then quickly hardened his face. "Dismiss the court."
*
Big news from the imperial court is nothing more than a story when it reaches the common people. Lu Jinlan listened to it here and there, but didn't inquire further. The reason was simple: she hadn't yet entered the imperial court, and these matters were beyond her control.
Since returning from the Northern Prefecture, many things have happened around her that truly require her attention.
The day after drinking with Xiang Yan, the Ministry of Rites sent over an auspicious wedding date: the sixteenth day of the twelfth lunar month.
With less than two months until their wedding, she and Song Lincheng each wrote to the Lu and Song families to formally begin preparations.
The land deed and inventory list for the royal villa were also delivered that day. Lu Jinlan couldn't wait to call Xiang Ruzhen and Yan Wuxin, and then take Song Lincheng and Lu Qilang to see the new house together.
Zeng Ying had previously mentioned that the Royal Villa was very large, but she had no idea what that meant. It wasn't until she arrived at Zhongyong Garden that she understood the meaning of the word "Royal".
The scale of the royal villa was top-notch; it could be said that it was built as large as possible, as if it wanted to include all the surrounding mountains and rivers.
Even the wealthiest ordinary families cannot exceed the prescribed standards. In layman's terms, even if you have the money to buy land, you are not allowed to build a garden that exceeds the prescribed standards.
Above them was the imperial authority, which suppressed all others, and no one was allowed to overstep it.
The house Lu Jinlan bought near the academy, though not as luxurious as his home in Yunzhou, was considered quite luxurious, with mountains, water, and gardens, and more than fifty rooms.
However, compared to Chung Yong Garden, that house was as small as a latrine.
Zhongyong Garden is located in the eastern suburbs and is built more like a manor, with places where horses can gallop freely.
The mountains are naturally formed, and the water includes flowing water as well as ponds and springs.
The house has more than 200 rooms, and is fully furnished with all kinds of furniture and decorations.
Yan Wuxin sighed repeatedly, "My Lewan Manor should really be demolished. We can gather here with you from now on. It's so spacious. It's quiet outside the city and the air is fresh. Living in a place like this, you'll definitely fall asleep with a smile on your face and wake up with a smile on your face."
Lu Jinlan smiled and said, "I'll have someone prepare two courtyards for you and Ruzhen to live in. Let's share this happiness, what do you say?"
The two men gave him a thumbs up repeatedly, neither of them refusing, saying only, "Lord Lu is righteous."
Lu Jinlan then let Lin Cheng and Lu Qilang each choose a courtyard, and she also picked one for Yu Mian. They could tidy up the remaining courtyards when they had time. They would make a simple plan first, then add some things later and move in gradually.
The house was large, and there were many things to do, so some servants needed to be purchased. Lin Cheng was busy with these tasks, and Lu Qilang learned to write and do accounting from him, helping out as well. The two got along quite well.
Although Lu Jinlan was on vacation and had some free time, she was too lazy to bother with these trivial matters.
Fortunately, Lu Jinzhao received the letter and, along with Madam Yan, Steward Aunt Zou, a group of old servants, and many other things needed for the wedding, went to the capital to provide assistance. He planned to return to Yunzhou only after the wedding.
In this way, Lu Jinlan no longer had to worry about anything and simply became a hands-off manager, only doing what he wanted to do.
She even considered whether she could sneak off to Yunzhou to see Yu Mian, since it would only take three or four days for a swift horse to travel there and back.
According to Aunt Zou, Yu Mian is very popular with Lu Jinzhao and Madam Yan, and Qing'er stays by his side every day to take care of him. There are also people specifically assigned to look after him during his pregnancy. This time, most of the people in the mansion have come to the capital, so the Yunzhou mansion has been handed over to Yu Mian to manage, and he is probably more at ease now.
However, Lu Jinlan reconsidered, remembering the assassination attempt a while back, and abandoned the idea. Perhaps on the Emperor's orders, patrols of guards frequently passed by the Lu residence. But one must be strong oneself to succeed; she reasoned that she should take extra precautions.
As Lu Jinlan was plotting, a male servant from Lu Qilang's side came to deliver a message, "Young Master, Lu Xiaolang is asking if you are free and would like to invite you over."
*
"What's wrong?" Lu Jinlan hugged him as soon as she entered the room. "You and Lin Cheng are busy every day, and no one keeps me company. I'm all alone now."
Qi Lang chuckled softly, "Wasn't I with you last night? You've got quite a memory. Sit down, I need to ask you for a favor."
"What do you want from me?" Lu Jinlan sat down, completely clueless.
Qi Lang said slowly, "Thirteen has been looking down these past few days. I thought it was because I was too busy and he was bored. But he just came to me. He saw how good you are to me and how kind Young Master Song is, so he feels relieved."
He said, "Seventh Brother, you have a secure future now and have found a good home. I envy you. But I don't want to drift around like this anymore. I also want to find my own home."
Lu Jinlan choked on her tea. She wasn't laughing at Thirteen; she was laughing at the word "home."
In modern times, there are always people who seem to have good intentions and say, "You're not young anymore, you should find yourself a home." "Women, after all, need to find a home."
"Pah!" Lu Jinlan thought to herself, "Does this mean all unmarried women have to sleep on the streets? It's like they have nowhere to go without a man."
Why doesn't anyone constantly tell men: "No matter how successful you are in your career, it's useless. For a man, a woman is your ultimate destination."
She kept wondering, why don't men find a home?
When men start seeking women as their home and depending on them for survival, it will surely be a good time for women to dominate the world.
Of course, now is a good time. So, Thirteen is going to find his place.
Lu Jinlan rubbed his forehead. "Okay, I'll ask around later and see where there are any suitable ones. I'll keep an eye out for them for him."
Qi Lang hurriedly said, "No need, he already has someone he likes, the centurion who escorted him down the mountain in Daqingshan, Beizhou."
"Huh?" Lu Jinlan looked puzzled.
She recalled for a moment that Thirteen was covered in blood and in excruciating pain back then, yet he still had the mind to seduce women? No wonder the Ling family declined; after more than a decade of training, they've only produced a bunch of love-obsessed fools. What can they possibly accomplish?
Qilang observed her expression and asked worriedly, "Do you think Thirteen is not good enough for her? He doesn't want to be the main wife, he only wants to be the concubine."
Lu Jinlan scratched his head. "There were so many people that day. I vaguely remember the person Thirteen mentioned, but I don't know her name. How can I help her?"
Thirteen, who had been eavesdropping outside the window, could no longer contain himself and spoke up to remind them, "Her surname is Kong. I asked her."
Lu Jinlan chuckled, "Then why didn't you ask her if she was married yet?"
Thirteen replied in a low voice, "I was too embarrassed to ask."
Lu Jinlan smiled and sighed, saying helplessly, "Alright, then I'll write a letter to Yue Chan and ask her to introduce you. But whether it works out or not depends on her. These things are all about mutual consent; there's no reason to force anyone."
She quickly finished writing the letter and called Thirteen in. "When you leave, go to the accounting office and collect one hundred taels of silver. Just say it's on my behalf. Seventh Brother treats you like a younger brother, so this silver is our dowry for you. Of course, if you don't get married, you can come back and use it as travel expenses."
Thirteen was extremely grateful and bowed deeply to the two of them. The next day, he took the letter and silver and headed to Beizhou.
The Lu residence has been bustling with people these days; as soon as one person leaves, another group arrives.
Song Jingxiao sent her personal guards to escort dozens of carts of dowry to the capital. The leader was Jiang Lan, the same woman who had tried to capture Song Lincheng on Wanxiang Street. Back then, Lu Jinlan had pinned her against the wall and nearly killed her with a single slap. Neither of them knew the other's identity and they exchanged a few words.
Upon meeting this time, Jiang Lan first apologized to Lu Jinlan, saying, "I am truly sorry for what happened before. I did not know that you were the head of our Song family, and I offended you in many ways. Please forgive me, Lord Lu."
Lu Jinlan smiled and said, "It's all a misunderstanding, don't take it to heart. I was quite harsh that day, and I'm very sorry. You must be tired from your journey, go and rest first."
Jiang Lan handed Song Jingxiao's letter to her before leading her people down to make arrangements.
In her letter, Song Jingxiao said she wanted Jiang Lan to stay behind with a ten-person team to act as bodyguards for her and Song Lincheng. These people were absolutely reliable and quite skilled, which would prevent a repeat of the assassination attempt.
This arrangement suited Lu Jinlan's wishes perfectly.
However, since there are many men in the family and Jiang Lan and the others are all women, there are still times when it is inconvenient for them.
Lu Jinlan had just bought a group of boys from the orphanage, intending to have them learn martial arts and stay at the Lu residence as male servants. This way, she could feel more at ease having them with her if Lin Cheng and Qi Lang needed to go out. Alternatively, when she wasn't home, these boys could stand guard in the outer room at night, ensuring everything would be safe.
She had just bought the person and was worried about who would teach her when Jiang Lan arrived.
Lu Jinlan simply arranged for Jiang Lan to be their mentor, tasking her with training these twenty ordinary young men into security-type male servants.
The training ground was set up on the grass field of Zhongyong Garden. Lu Jinlan had nothing to do, so he invited Yan Wuxin and Xiang Ruzhen to come and watch.
"How about it? The Ling family raises male assassins, while I raise male servants who know martial arts. Don't underestimate these people I've trained just because they don't know anything now. They might be more useful than the Ling family's assassins when it really matters."
Yan Wuxin shook his head: "It's hard to say. Your Seventh Son does have some skills, but didn't he still betray his master?"
Lu Jinlan clicked her tongue: "That's called abandoning darkness for light. Ruzhen, don't you think so?"
The two turned around and saw that Xiang Ruzhen had fallen asleep in her chair.
Yan Wuxin whispered, "Is studying at the Hanlin Academy really that tiring? Ruzhen doesn't look too well these past few days."
Lu Jinlan thought for a moment, "I'll go to the Hanlin Academy tomorrow."
The next day, Lu Jinlan carried a portion of pastries into the Hanlin Academy.
The person in charge of reception in the outer room, who was in his forties, was dozing off.
Lu Jinlan coughed lightly, "Excuse me, could you please help me find Xiang Ruzhen?"
The man lazily opened his eyes and, seeing that Lu Jinlan was very young and a complete stranger, said in an unfriendly tone, "Who are you? The Hanlin Academy is a place of important research and compilation; unauthorized personnel are not allowed to enter."
Lu Jinlan said speechlessly, "I didn't go in either. I just asked you to call someone out for me."
The man said irritably, "No time! Have someone wait outside. You'll see them after the duty is over."
Lu Jinlan frowned. "What kind of attitude is this?"
The man scoffed, "You're a commoner, I'm an official. What business is it of yours what my attitude is? You're not happy? Go ahead and sue me!"
Lu Jinlan nodded slightly, then gritted her teeth and said, "Alright, tell me first, what rank are you?"
The man rolled his eyes at her. "I am a seventh-rank editor."
Before she could finish speaking, Lu Jinlan kicked the man's chair over with a bang.
The editor fell to the ground, wincing in pain, and exclaimed, "You dare to assault an official of the imperial court? Are you out of your mind?"
Lu Jinlan smiled slightly, "You dared to be disrespectful to your superiors, this kick is your own fault."
Seeing her confident demeanor, the man felt a chill run down his spine and stammered, "Who...who are you?"
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