Although Madam Cheng was uneasy upon seeing Lu Jingze, she maintained a calm demeanor on her face.
She curtsied slightly and said, “Your Highness, I have come here to explain something to you. I have a new plan regarding what I originally requested, and I hope you will grant it.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Jingze put down his teacup and looked at Madam Cheng with a hint of inquiry.
His cousin's wife was many years older than him. Although they didn't visit each other often in the past, he always treated her as an elder.
She has managed household affairs for many years and is considered a capable person.
However, she has always been stubborn and conservative, valuing the Cheng family's honor more than anything else.
The request for this change today came as a bit of a surprise to him.
"The First Madam speaks frankly."
"After much deliberation, I have decided to seek a better future for Yu-ge'er. If he can be admitted to the Imperial Academy and pass the imperial examinations in the future, it will be a great honor for the Cheng family."
Lu Jingze never expected that his cousin-in-law, who always prioritized the interests of the family, would make such a choice.
"It is truly rare for my cousin-in-law to have such an idea, and I hereby grant it."
After saying this, Lu Jingze immediately ordered someone to go to the capital to deliver the message, specifically reserving a place for the Cheng family to study at the Imperial Academy.
Upon hearing this, Madam Cheng was overcome with emotion, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.
She didn't expect Lu Jingze to agree to this so readily, without even the slightest hesitation.
In her excitement, Madam Cheng even tried to kneel down and kowtow.
However, as soon as she bent her knees, Lu Jingze reached out and supported her.
“Sister-in-law, there’s no need for that,” Lu Jingze said gently. “Once you’re in the capital, just live a good life.”
Doctor Cheng nodded, her voice choked with emotion: "Your Highness's great kindness is something I will never forget."
"There is another matter I need to remind my cousin's wife of."
What kind of person is Madam Cheng?
That was a formidable figure who had been immersed in the inner quarters for decades. Upon hearing this, he immediately understood and hurriedly took out a stack of papers from his sleeve.
"Your Highness, rest assured, this is Miss Xiuxiu's indenture. The indenture Miss Xiuxiu asked us to help redeem her is also here. I will keep this matter a secret and will never divulge a single word to anyone!"
Lu Jingze took the contract, glanced at it, and nodded slightly after confirming that it was correct: "If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can come to Prince Jing's residence to find me."
Upon hearing this, Madam Cheng was overjoyed and repeatedly expressed her gratitude: "Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you, Your Highness! I will forever remember your kindness!"
Lu Jingze waved his hand, indicating that she didn't need to be so polite.
Seeing this, Madam Cheng said no more, respectfully took a step back, bowed deeply, and turned to leave.
Stepping out of the hall, Madam Cheng felt her steps become much lighter.
"Madam, did things go smoothly?" Granny Lu, who was waiting outside, hurriedly stepped forward to ask when she saw Madam Cheng come out.
Madam Cheng smiled slightly, her eyes full of relief: "Everything is going smoothly. The Prince has agreed to secure a place for Yu-ge'er in the Imperial Academy. We will be able to set off for the capital soon."
Upon hearing this, Granny Lu's face lit up with joy: "That's wonderful! Madam, that's wonderful!"
The master and servant smiled at each other, as if years of gloom had vanished in that instant.
----
Inside the inn, the luggage had already been loaded onto the carriage.
Looking at this small world, Madam Cheng was filled with emotion, as if a huge stone that had been weighing on her heart for many years had finally been lifted.
She looked up at the window; the sky was gradually darkening, but her heart was filled with light.
"Madam, aren't we in a bit of a rush traveling at this hour? And shouldn't we wait for the young master?"
Fearing unforeseen complications, Madam Cheng only told Young Master Cheng that they needed to hurry on their journey.
But that lustful man couldn't bear to leave the brothel and insisted on staying a few more days.
Such behavior also caused Madam Cheng to lose all hope in him.
Madam Cheng shook her head. "This opportunity has exhausted the last bit of kindness the Prince has shown to the Cheng family. If the other branches of the Cheng family find out, it will surely cause a lot of trouble. Yu-ge'er and the eldest daughter-in-law have already set off. We need to go to the capital first and settle everything."
Upon hearing this, Granny Lu nodded repeatedly.
"Mom, let's go," Madam Cheng said softly, her tone filled with unprecedented ease.
The carriage was already waiting outside, and the driver respectfully lifted the curtain when they came out.
After getting into the carriage and settling in, Madam Cheng gently patted the bundle in her hands.
"Madam, are we really going to the capital?" Granny Lu asked, sitting to the side, her tone tinged with uncertainty.
"Yes, Mom, at your age, you should be enjoying your grandchildren at home, but now you have to work so hard to come and run around with me."
"It's no trouble at all! As long as you and the young master are well, this old servant feels sweeter than if he had eaten honey!"
Madam Cheng's eyes showed gratitude, and her determination was even stronger than before. "Good! Although the capital is far away, where Yu-ge has a future, so too does our future."
As night deepened, the carriage traveled further and further away, disappearing at the end of the streets of Xingzhou.
But in Madam Cheng's heart, a new flame of hope was ignited.
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