Chapter 36
"Afu!"
One of the attendants was named Afu, who lived in the stable and fed the dappled horses.
"Xiao Si Niang has arrived. She was talking to her husband in the study. I heard her question him as soon as she entered the room, asking where Lu San Niang was. The young master of the Xiao family has also arrived; they are all outside."
Afu immediately looked anxious and turned around to rush into the yard.
"Lu San Niang, quickly hide!"
Ah Fu shouted loudly.
He hoped that Wei Mingsu could bring Xiao Suniang over as soon as possible so that the Lu family would give up completely, but he did not expect that Xiao Suniang would want to see Lu Huaying immediately after arriving.
When the Xiao family arrived in Xizhou and heard the news, they must have assumed that the young master was keeping a mistress and had come to confront him.
Afu was extremely anxious, worried that Xiao Suniang would misunderstand Wei Mingsu, and also worried that Lu Huaying would be beaten.
When he lived in Luoyang, there was a house in the neighborhood where a young official's son was secretly keeping a mistress. Later, the young official's wife, who was married by proper ceremony, came to the house with her servants, drove the mistress out into the street, stripped her naked, and beat her until she was on the verge of death.
Afu doesn't like Lu Huaying, but his master asked him to take care of her, so his duty is to look after her. Besides, Lu Huaying writes alchemical texts honestly every day and doesn't seduce his master. He just needs to warn her a few times and send her away. There's no need to make things difficult for her.
Lu Huaying was writing by the window when she heard Afu's voice. She was stunned for a moment and didn't react.
Afu hurriedly pulled her up and dragged her out of the house: "The Xiao family, who are engaged to the young master, have all come! I'm afraid they'll beat you, so you should quickly hide in the stable!"
Lu Huaying was stunned for a moment: "The Xiao family?"
Was Wei Mingsu betrothed to a young lady from the Xiao family?
Just as the two crossed the threshold, footsteps sounded from the opposite courtyard gate, and several attendants escorted a woman in.
Both sides saw each other and stopped in their tracks.
"Third Sister!"
The woman in the red cloak stared at Lu Huaying for a long time, then became so excited that tears welled up in her eyes. She shouted and rushed over as fast as the wind.
Afu broke out in a cold sweat, and stepped in front of Lu Huaying, urging, "Don't hit her!"
“Afu, she won’t hit me.”
Lu Huaying recognized Xiao Suniang. Coming to her senses, she felt both amused and exasperated. She tugged at Afu's arm and stepped forward.
Afu was startled and took a step forward, blocking Lu Huaying again.
At this moment, Xiao Suniang rushed up the steps. She stared straight at Lu Huaying, pushed Afu aside, took a step forward, and stopped abruptly when she was almost in front of Lu Huaying, as if she were afraid of something. She stood a few steps away from Lu Huaying, tears streaming down her face, and said, "Third Sister, I thought you were gone."
Lu Huaying smiled slightly: "Su Niang, I'm here."
Xiao Suniang looked at her, tears streaming down her face, sobbing uncontrollably, "Waaah..."
Lu Huaying took two steps forward, helped the sobbing Xiao Suniang into the house, and found her own handkerchief to wipe her tears.
Xiao Suniang took the handkerchief from her and held it in her hands, reluctant to use it, she put it in her sleeve, then took out her own handkerchief to wipe her tears and snot, looking at Lu Huaying who was smiling in front of her: "Third Sister, you've suffered so much... Waaah..."
She cried so hard she couldn't breathe.
Lu Huaying sat down next to her, gently patted her back, and whispered words of comfort.
Afu stood at the door, dumbfounded, watching Xiao Suniang sobbing in front of Lu Huaying.
Why is Xiao Suniang the one who is crying and sobbing?
After a short while, Xiao Suniang finally stopped crying and a cheerful smile appeared on her face: "Third Sister, three years ago when I heard the bad news from Qianzhou, I thought you were all gone. I never imagined you were in Xizhou!"
talk
After she finished speaking, her gaze inadvertently swept over Lu Huaying's scarred hands, and she couldn't help but shed tears again.
"I've heard everything, you've suffered so much... Waaah..."
Seeing that she was about to burst into tears again, Lu Huaying changed the subject and asked, "Su Niang, how did you come to Xizhou?"
Xiao Suniang wiped away her tears and said, "I haven't had a good year at home. My sister-in-law told me that my elder brother is coming to Xizhou to find a scroll of scriptures."
I secretly followed behind them. By the time my older brother found out, we were almost at Liangzhou, so he had no choice but to bring me with him to Xizhou…
She suddenly stopped and glanced at the door.
Afu was still standing at the door, looking at them in disbelief.
Xiao Suniang said, "Afu, is there any tea? I don't like the water here, I want to drink boiled tea."
Ah Fu snapped out of his daze, replied "Yes," and turned to brew tea.
Xiao Suniang dismissed the others and immediately turned to look at Lu Huaying, her expression tense. She lowered her voice and said, "Third Sister, I didn't know Brother Wei had also come to Xizhou. After my brother and I entered the city, we heard about the Prince's murder and your arrest. We were very worried. We wanted to find out what was going on and see if we could help, but before we could come up with a solution, Brother Wei's men found us and took our place. Third Sister, Brother Wei has you locked up here… he…"
She hesitated, afraid that speaking directly would embarrass Lu Huaying.
The Xiao siblings came to Xizhou via the northern route.
While they were drinking tea at the post station, the merchants in the lobby were all talking about Wei Mingsu, cursing him for being an opportunist and saying he would die a horrible death.
The siblings were surprised to find Wei Mingsu in Xizhou, and then they overheard the merchants talking about Lu Sanniang.
The group was taken aback and immediately decided to hurry up and get into the city as soon as possible. Just as they were about to set off, they were brought back by Wei Mingsu's attendants.
Xiao Suniang grasped Lu Huaying's hand and asked softly, "Third Sister, did Brother Wei try to blackmail you?"
Lu Huaying paused, then shook her head: "He didn't. Su Niang, why would you think that?"
Xiao Suniang glanced nervously at the door again and whispered, "Third Sister, you don't know, after Brother Wei became an official, he did anything for power. My father was his teacher, and he was forced to resign and return to his hometown. My father was so angry that he fell seriously ill, and his face became even more crooked. Everyone who knew Brother Wei cut ties with him. Third Sister, Brother Wei is no longer the Brother Wei he used to be."
Lu Huaying stared at Xiao Suniang, stunned.
Xiao Suniang is the daughter of Xiao Jijiu and the apple of Wei Mingsu's eye.
Xiao Jijiu and Wei Mingsu became enemies. When Xiao Suniang talked about Wei Mingsu, she was full of fear and apprehension. She could not see any affection for her future husband. So why did the Xiao family agree to let Xiao Suniang and Wei Mingsu get engaged?
"Su Niang, I heard from A Fu that you are engaged to Governor Wei?"
Lu Huaying asked.
Xiao Suniang blushed instantly, twisting her handkerchief, and whispered, "Those were just words I said in anger... This year at the beginning of spring, my father sent someone to the capital to urge me to get engaged. In a fit of anger, I said I wanted to marry Brother Wei. I didn't expect my brother to believe me and go to Brother Wei's house to make a scene twice. Afu misunderstood..."
She looked up at Lu Huaying, knowing this was Lu Huaying's secret worry, and felt a little guilty, so she didn't dare to continue.
Lu Huaying lowered her eyes, a sudden, indescribable pang of pain shooting through her heart.
It turns out that Wei Mingsu was not engaged and was still single.
Lu Huaying asked, "Is Governor Wei not engaged?"
Xiao Suniang shook her head and said, "No... During the Dragon Boat Festival this year, I heard a rumor that Princess Taiping wanted to match Brother Wei with a widowed daughter of the Wu family. The princess's idea may also be the emperor's will, but as soon as the news started to spread, Brother Wei was demoted from the capital."
Princess Taiping was the beloved daughter of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian. At the age of sixteen, she married her cousin Xue Shao. The couple were deeply in love and had four children. Later, the Xue family was involved in a rebellion within the imperial clan, and Xue Shao was implicated and died in prison. Princess Taiping then remarried Wu You.
Since she began to participate in court politics, it's impossible for her to take the initiative to act as a matchmaker for someone without a reason.
Lu Huaying sighed.
Wei Mingsu may be forced to accept a political marriage.
Xiao Suniang quietly examined Lu Huaying, took her hand, and said with a worried expression, "Third Sister, don't worry, my brother and I will help you! Brother Wei really didn't do anything to you?"
Lu Huaying felt very uncomfortable.
Four years ago, Xiao Suniang greatly admired Wei Mingsu and asked him to give her guidance on calligraphy. Her elder brother, Xiao E, was Wei Mingsu's classmate.
A smile appeared on her face as she said, word by word, "Su Niang, Wei Mingsu saved me. He will send me back to Liucheng tomorrow. He is still the same Wei Mingsu as before."
Xiao Suniang has
Slightly taken aback, she thought for a moment and said, "That's good then."
She was skeptical and didn't press the matter further.
"Third Sister, are you going back to Liucheng tomorrow?" Xiao Suniang rolled her eyes. "I'll go tell my elder brother that I'll go to Liucheng with you tomorrow!"
When Afu returned with the brewed tea, he heard Xiao Suniang's excited tone and became even more puzzled.
Xiao Suniang stood up abruptly, took the tea from his hand, and pushed him out: "Afu, go and tell Governor Wei that I'm staying tonight. I want to keep San Niang company."
Now that she's dared to come in, she'll throw a tantrum and stay by Third Sister's side. Wei Mingsu shouldn't even think about kicking her out!
“My older brother and the others are probably still waiting for news outside. Afu, go tell my older brother to bring my luggage in. I’m not leaving. I’m going to Liucheng tomorrow.”
Xiao Suniang said.
Afu went to the study to ask for permission, and when he returned, he called Xiao Suniang out and said, "Ah Lang said that Fourth Sister can stay, but you can't say anything out of line."
Xiao Suniang secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
She just wanted to stay; she didn't want to be begged by Lu Huaying.
A short while later, Xiao E brought Xiao Suniang's luggage over from outside and handed it to his attendant. After checking it over, he escorted it into the courtyard.
Xiao Suniang made the bed herself, carefully lay down, glanced at Lu Huaying next to her, blushed slightly, and said, "Third Sister, I'll sleep with you tonight. I snore at night, so if I disturb you, just wake me up."
Lu Huaying chuckled and said, "I'm a restless sleeper. I kick people when I'm asleep. If I kick you, you can wake me up too."
Xiao Suniang couldn't help but giggle. After laughing for a while, she suddenly noticed the scar on Lu Huaying's neck. She fell silent for a moment, thinking of the spirited Lu Huaying four years ago, and a wave of sadness washed over her. A tear rolled down her cheek.
"Third Sister, you've suffered so much these past few years."
She wiped her nose and whispered.
Lu Huaying remained calm and smiled faintly.
"Third Sister, how did you get to Xizhou?"
Xiao Suniang asked.
"Four years ago, my older brother committed suicide..."
Lu Huaying gazed at the moonlight falling on the wall opposite the bed and slowly began to recount the events of the past four years.
She downplayed the years of bullying, humiliation, hunger, serious illness, exhaustion, and torture she endured.
Xiao Suniang listened quietly, wiping her eyes repeatedly.
Lu Huaying talked about how she had cleared herself of murder suspicion four years ago. Hearing crying coming from under the covers, she smiled and said, "There's always a way out. I've been given a second chance at life, and good fortune is sure to follow."
Xiao Suniang poked her head out from under the covers and made a soft "hmm" sound with a sob in her voice.
She secretly wiped away her tears and thought of a few happy things to tell Lu Huaying: "Third Sister, Wang Liuniang got married. She thought of you on her wedding day and cried..."
After a long separation, Xiao Suniang was a little excited. Sometimes she frowned, not knowing what to say, and sometimes she chattered on and on, unable to stop being excited.
>
Before I knew it, it was midnight.
"Third Sister, do you still remember Cui Xi?"
After Xiao Suniang finished speaking, she stopped talking when she didn't hear Lu Huaying's reply.
Third Sister is asleep; she shouldn't disturb her.
Xiao Suniang closed her eyes, then opened them again after a while, and secretly glanced at Lu Huaying.
Lu Huaying's face turned bright red.
Xiao Suniang sensed something was wrong, moved closer, opened her eyes wide, and hurriedly got up.
"Third Sister!"
She nudged Lu Huaying, and sweat slid down Lu Huaying's face.
...
In the neighboring yard, a dim candlelight shone through a crack in the window, illuminating the snow-covered ground.
Tong Jin glanced back at the figure flipping through official documents under the window, yawned, and thought that Wei Mingsu might not sleep all night and would sit there until dawn.
Afu and the others will be leaving the city tomorrow morning.
He closed his eyes and dozed off against the door.
"My lord!"
A startled cry came from behind the wall, and Afu ran over in a panic.
"It seems that Lu San Niang has been poisoned!"
Tong Jin was stunned for a moment, his sleepiness vanished, and he pushed open the door: "Ah..."
Lang…
Wei Mingsu, who was standing in front of the desk, had already stood up, his brows furrowed, and strode out.
"Is the person alright? Has the doctor arrived yet?"
As he asked the question, he quickly walked towards the north courtyard.
Afu said shamefully, "I've already gone to fetch a doctor. Lu Sanniang is sweating a lot, and her whole body is covered with clumps of bumps and red spots!"
As they spoke, they arrived at the north courtyard, and Wei Mingsu lifted the curtain and went inside.
Xiao Suniang sat by the bed, holding the unconscious Lu Huaying, her face filled with panic. Hearing the chaotic footsteps at the door, she thought it was the doctor. She looked up and saw him walk in with a stern face, and she trembled.
What did you feed her?
Wei Mingsu walked to the bedside, helped Lu Huaying up, his gaze sharp, and asked in a deep voice.
Xiao Suniang cried, "I ate some of the things I brought from Chang'an..."
"My lord, the physician has arrived!"
Tong Jin and A Fu led the panting doctor in.
The doctor put down his medicine box and prepared to take Lu Huaying's pulse.
Wei Mingsu held Lu Huaying in his arms, touched her forehead, and shook his head: "It's not poisoning. Do you have any medicine to dispel wind?"
The doctor paused, looked at Lu Huaying's face, and nodded, saying, "Yes!"
He took out some medicine to dispel wind, which Wei Mingsu accepted. He lowered his head, intending to feed it to Lu Huaying.
Lu Huaying refused to open her mouth.
Wei Mingsu held her close; her breathing was weak, her face was as white as paper, and the skin exposed between her disheveled clothes was covered with rashes.
He could no longer feel her heartbeat.
It felt as if everything that had happened these past few days was just a dream.
When he woke up, he found himself holding her remains.
Wei Mingsu lowered his head.
“Feifei”.
He spoke softly, his face expressionless.
"Good boy, open your mouth and take your medicine properly."
Lu Huaying opened her mouth: "Wood?"
Wei Mingsu hummed in agreement and fed her the medicine.
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