Chapter 168. One can find a foothold even on one's own.
Inside the carriage, Zhanfujun appeared uneasy.
If she returns to the Marquis's mansion unharmed, her elder sister and stepmother will certainly not let her off the hook.
They pushed her into danger with their own hands; how could they allow her to return unscathed?
Those clear, loving eyes suddenly appeared in my mind.
Her younger brother, who was only eight years old, was still firmly held in the deep mansion of the Marquis's residence.
That was her only warmth and connection in the cold and indifferent Marquis's mansion.
She has to go back!
Lu Zhaoruo keenly sensed her unease, and after a moment's thought, she came up with an idea.
She turned to the carriage window and whispered to her elder brother, Lu Bohong, who was waiting beside her, "Brother, I need to trouble you with something. Lady Zhan has a special status and needs to return safely to the Marquis of Anguo's residence. Could you personally escort Lady Zhan back to the residence?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Bohong's gaze instinctively turned to the pitiful-looking woman with her head bowed in the carriage. His heart softened for no reason, and he immediately replied, "Don't worry, little sister, I'll take care of this. I will make sure to get Lady Zhan safely to the Marquis's mansion."
Lu Zhaoruo nodded slightly, then looked at Xiao Yeming with a faint smile on her lips: "I have another request, I would like to borrow General Xiao's prestige and favorable winds, I wonder if that is possible?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yeming's lips curled up slightly.
Sister Lu wants to use his fame?
The glory he enjoys today before the officials and the people is largely due to her devoting all her wealth to helping the army suppress the bandits.
Now that she wants to borrow, it is only right.
Let alone lending it, even if she wanted it, he would give it to her with both hands.
"Of course."
He responded in a deep voice, without the slightest hesitation.
Hearing that Xiao Yeming did not hesitate at all, she was slightly taken aback, but continued calmly, "When Lady Zhan returns to the manor, tell her that General Xiao personally rescued her, and that the new clothes she is wearing were a gift from the General's manor. Also, inform the Marquis's manor that after the General meets the Emperor, when the manor holds a banquet to celebrate the victory, he will specially invite Lady Zhan to the manor for a chat, because Lady Zhan is outstanding in appearance and has graceful dance moves, and he wishes to ask her to perform a dance at the banquet."
Xiao Yeming stood quietly to the side, his eyes flickered slightly upon hearing this, and he instantly understood Lu Zhaoruo's deeper meaning.
She intended to use his power and impending glory to gild this weak and vulnerable concubine's daughter, making everyone in the Marquis's mansion hesitant to bully her immediately after her return.
He said, "Alright. After Lady Zhan returns to the manor, we shall do as Lady Lu says."
Lady Zanfu is a wise and intelligent person; how could she not understand the intention of protection in this matter?
A lump formed in her throat, and her eyes immediately welled up with tears.
She stepped off the carriage and first gave Lu Zhaoruo a deep bow: "This concubine thanks Madam Lu for her thoughtfulness."
He then turned to Xiao Yeming, curtsied again, and said in a clear but slightly trembling voice, "Thank you for your protection, General."
Xiao Yeming nodded slightly, acknowledging the gesture.
Lu Zhaoruo did this for two reasons: first, to protect Zhanfujun; and second, because she noticed her brother Lu Bohong's longing gaze and wanted to create a legitimate opportunity for him to take care of her.
However, this time she had once again taken advantage of Xiao Yeming's reputation... Thinking of this, she couldn't help but secretly glance at him.
Zhanfu raised her eyes and met Lu Bohong's gentle gaze. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she hurriedly lowered her head, saying in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz but clear, "Thank you... thank you so much, Young Master Lu. You've gone to so much trouble."
Lu Zhaoruo was meticulous and, considering that Zhanfujun was a concubine's daughter, riding a horse through the city might cause controversy. So she took out a veiled hat from her bag and carefully put it on for her.
The light veil hanging from the brim of her hat fell down to her waist, completely covering her from head to shoulders and back, making her face indistinct and unclear behind the veil.
"There are many people on the street, so it's safer to wear one."
Lu Zhaoruo gently instructed her, and then placed three books wrapped in blue cloth into her hands, "These books are for you to read in your spare time. If you have any questions, you can come and find me in the future."
Zhanfu took the book, her fingertips touching its sharp edges, and she knew in her heart that this was no ordinary book, but a classic text that Lu Zhaoruo cherished.
Her throat tightened slightly, and she whispered, "Thank you... Madam Lu."
Wan Wanning felt uneasy seeing this.
Lu Zhaoruo is just an unloved concubine's daughter, how did she end up like this?
When has she ever treated herself like this?
Lu Bohong dismounted, carefully helped Zhan Fujun sit steadily on the saddle, and then held the reins in front, leading the way steadily.
Sitting upright on her horse, Lady Lu solemnly nodded to Lu Zhaoruo and Xiao Yeming through the light veil to say goodbye: "Lady Lu, General Xiao, I take my leave."
Xiao Yeming watched them leave, a hint of pleasure in his eyes. When he turned to Lu Zhaoruo, his tone, though still low and husky, was much gentler: "Madam Lu, please get in the carriage. A courtyard has been prepared in the manor for you to rest in peace."
Lu Zhaoruo nodded slightly and calmly agreed.
She had actually used Xiao Yeming many times. Originally, she did not plan to stay at the Xiao residence when she came to the capital, but since he took the initiative to ask, he offered her the most reliable protection.
She naturally wouldn't refuse such a kind offer.
With Xiao Yeming's reputation and mansion as his backing, many things in the capital city would be much easier to handle.
Inside the carriage, Dong Rou and Lu Zhaoruo rode together.
Dongrou hesitated several times, twisting her handkerchief between her fingers, before finally speaking softly, "My lady, I... I just feel..."
The words reached his lips, but he swallowed them back.
Ultimately, it was her master's private matter, and as a mere maid, she shouldn't have made any unwarranted speculations.
Seeing her like this, Lu Zhaoruo couldn't help but smile: "What can't you say in front of me? Speak freely."
Encouraged, Dongrou blushed and said in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, "This servant always felt... that General Xiao treated you very differently. He valued you exceptionally much."
Lu Zhaoruo was slightly taken aback.
Xiao Yeming's words from the day he severed his finger suddenly echoed in his ears.
He carried her on his back, his voice deep and hoarse: "I'd rather be a dog under the eaves, not barking at the sun and moon... just smelling the fragrance of your clothes."
Her heart skipped a beat, and she asked, almost as if possessed, "That day... the person Gu Xian mentioned you admired, was it...?"
Without hesitation, he answered decisively: "You."
"Wife? Wife?"
Dong Rou's soft call startled Lu Zhaoruo from her reverie.
Her eyes flickered, and a faint, gentle smile appeared on her lips: "Yes, just as you thought."
Dong Rou's eyes widened instantly, her surprise followed by barely suppressed glee: "So General Xiao, he... he really is..."
She was so excited that she was almost incoherent, but finally it all came down to a heartfelt exclamation: "That's wonderful! My wife is the kind of woman who deserves to be with the best man in the world!"
Lu Zhaoruo's mood turned slightly somber.
She had been defiled by a lecherous man and had been married before. Although she was now divorced by "righteousness," it was still a shameful flaw in this world.
Moreover, she also publicly appeared in public and independently engaged in business...
Why would Xiao Yeming, a descendant of a prestigious military family and a high-ranking general, be interested in this man?
She thought back carefully and realized that Xiao Yeming was not only exceptionally handsome, but also possessed great strategic acumen and acted with composure and integrity. He was truly a first-rate person.
If I could marry him, it would be the best possible outcome.
But he only expressed his feelings without asking her opinion or uttering a single word of marriage proposal.
It seems that he was also concerned about her awkward status, or perhaps he couldn't get past the hurdle of his grandmother and mother.
Since that's the case, then let's give up.
Even if Lu Zhaoruo relied solely on herself, she could still earn a foothold in this great dynasty.
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