Chapter 174 Madam Xiao wants to perform breaking a boulder on her chest?
Lu Zhaoruo met Madam Xiao's smiling gaze, her voice gentle yet firm: "Madam is joking. The tiger is majestic and guards the mountains and forests, naturally the king of beasts. It is only natural that sparrows, intimidated by its power, would flee far away."
She paused slightly, a gentle smile playing on her lips, and continued, "However, those who gather herbs in the deep mountains walk daily in areas where tigers roar, yet they are not afraid. On the contrary, they can identify tiger tracks, understand their temperament, and know that although tigers are powerful, they also guard the mountains and forests, protecting the peace of the local plants and trees."
"Zhao Ruo is not a timid sparrow, but a herb gatherer who is willing to approach the tiger's tracks and recognize its true power."
Wan Wanning, who was standing at the back, frowned secretly upon hearing this, and was unconvinced.
What tiger herb gatherer...
What ridiculous words.
However, upon hearing this, Madam Xiao was first taken aback, then burst into laughter, tears welling up in her eyes.
She slammed her hand on the stone table: "Good! What a fine 'herb gatherer'! What a fine 'not a sparrow'!"
She laughed and shook her head, pointing at Lu Zhaoruo and saying to Granny Zhang, "Old Zhang, listen to this! I've been a 'man-eating tiger' for half my life, and today a young lady has seen through my true nature with just a few words!"
Standing quietly to the side, seeing the lady's joyful expression, Zhang Mama couldn't help but feel a warmth in her heart.
She had served the lady for twenty years and knew that the lady, with her martial arts skills and sincere heart, was not tolerant of the trivial social interactions in the inner courtyard.
Aside from the few genuine smiles she could see when her husband returned home, for the rest of the years, the lady mostly just stayed in this empty courtyard, her brows furrowed with worry.
Those noble ladies secretly laughed at her for being uncouth, and the lady simply stopped bothering to deal with them, becoming increasingly distant.
The swords and spears that filled the courtyard became her only confidants.
Now, the woman in front of me, Mrs. Lu, not only does not fear the madam's authority, but also understands the softness beneath her tough exterior, and her words are full of mutual understanding.
Such a congenial connection is truly rare.
Thinking of this, Granny Zhang's eyes welled up with tears, which she quickly wiped away with her fingertips.
She was genuinely happy for the lady.
Madam Xiao's gaze swept over the rows of swords, spears, and halberds standing in the courtyard. A bitter smile flickered across her lips, but it was quickly dispelled by her innate, refreshing aura.
She laughed heartily: "Great! I've been worried about having so many weapons in the yard but no one to share them with! Come over whenever you have time, keep this 'tiger' company, chat and practice your skills!"
Lu Zhaoruo met her bright gaze, nodded calmly, and a gentle, warm smile appeared in her eyes.
Madam Xiao looked at the person in front of her. Although they had only known each other for less than a day, he was pleasing to the eye and looked exactly like the person she had hoped for.
She couldn't help but slap her knee and blurted out, "Oh my! Look how happy I am! Why did you say 'when you have time'? You should just marry my son and become a proper daughter-in-law of the Xiao family. We can talk and discuss things every day, wouldn't that be great!"
Lu Zhaoruo's heart stirred.
She knew that Xiao Yeming had feelings for her, but he only ever talked about protecting her and never mentioned marriage.
She had initially thought it was out of consideration for her parents, but now that she saw Madam Xiao being so open-minded and understanding, and not at all bothered by her past, then... could it be that the reclusive old lady did not allow it?
But on second thought, if he was truly determined, with his sense of responsibility and Madam Xiao's support, he might be able to get past the Grand Madam.
Why hasn't he spoken yet? What's the reason?
Lu Zhaoruo lowered her gaze slightly, her thoughts wandering.
Could it be... that he's waiting for her feelings?
With his character and demeanor, he was certainly not a vulgar person who cared about the past or was bound by social status.
Now that the elders are pleased and there are no obstacles, they haven't mentioned marriage...
Could it be... that he dared not ask me for help because I had never revealed my feelings?
Although he was usually a majestic and imposing general, he always appeared somewhat shy and naive in front of me, sometimes revealing his youthful nature.
Yes, someone as principled and sentimental as him, if he weren't certain of mutual affection, would surely be afraid of being too forward and would rather protect her silently...
Lu Zhaoruo is grateful for being reborn into this life.
She had already made up her mind.
She can marry, or she can choose not to marry.
If I don't marry, I have my own means to support myself.
If you marry, you must marry someone from a family with upright character and good morals.
Madam Xiao and Xiao Yeming are indeed the most suitable people for each other.
Since she was interested in marrying him, she naturally felt that nothing could be better.
Of course, this has nothing to do with romantic love.
She slowly rose, bowed respectfully to Madam Xiao, and said in a gentle voice, "Madam's kindness is deeply appreciated. This affection is as heavy as a thousand pounds."
She paused slightly, then looked up to meet Madam Xiao's gaze. Her eyes were clear and bright, and her tone became even more earnest: "However, marriage is the beginning of human relations, and the union of two families is no ordinary matter. If the General does not have this intention, how dare I speak presumptuously? This matter... ultimately depends on the General's will."
Upon hearing this, Madam Xiao was not angry at all; instead, she slapped her knee and laughed heartily, "Good! Well said!"
She reached out to help Lu Zhaoruo to her feet, her eyes filled with admiration: "What a wise person! It's me, the impatient one, who was so happy that I forgot what a taciturn guy he is!"
She shook her head with a smile, her tone straightforward: "He's a man of deep thought and thin skin! It's good that you've brought it up. Ultimately, it's up to him to speak his mind for things to be truly resolved."
Madam Xiao was already quite satisfied.
If it were anyone else, they would probably have already agreed without hesitation after being asked so directly by her.
But this young lady remained calm and composed, patiently waiting for her son to speak for himself.
Such a mindset is truly rare.
Her eyes shone brightly as she took Lu Zhaoruo's hand and said, "Don't worry! I know my son well. Once he's made up his mind, nothing can change it! He would never let you suffer the slightest grievance."
after.
Madam Xiao was overjoyed and her interest grew. She first brandished her spear and then walked around with her sword for a while, still feeling unsatisfied.
She looked around the courtyard, her gaze falling on the bluestone slab used for practicing martial arts. Eager to try, she exclaimed, "Today was exhilarating! I'll do another 'chest-breaking boulder' to liven things up!"
Granny Zhang, watching from the side, was terrified. She hurriedly stepped forward and whispered, "Madam! Madam! Please stop your magic! Lady Lu is still here. Be careful not to lose face and frighten our distinguished guest!"
Lu Zhaoruo found Madam Xiao increasingly interesting.
Madam Xiao then taught her to recognize all the weapons in the courtyard and even taught her a few simple self-defense techniques.
Lu Zhaoruo studied very diligently, knowing that she needed martial arts skills to protect herself.
As dusk fell, Granny Zhang, carrying a lantern, personally escorted Lu Zhaoruo back to Chengrui Courtyard.
After walking a short distance, she slowed her pace and spoke gently: "You've met Madam Lu today. My lady is truly a woman of genuine character. There are some old stories I'd like to tell you, so you'll understand why she treats you so differently."
She paused slightly, a look of reminiscence rising in her eyes: "Madam... was not born into a high-ranking family. In her youth, she was the head of a stronghold on Thundercloud Mountain, known as 'Lady Thunder'. Although she was from the mountains and marshes, she never harmed her neighbors, but instead protected the peace of the area."
"The old general... is the young master's father, whose given name is Lin."
Granny Zhang's tone turned solemn: "He is appointed as a second-rank general, serving as the commander-in-chief of the Ganhai and Ruihai naval forces, and is in charge of suppressing the Japanese pirates."
"As for my husband," she said with a touch of emotion, "he was originally the naval commander-in-chief in Ganhai, with a promising future. However, he requested to be transferred to the remote Linzhou, where he was appointed as a naval commander. Although his duties were slightly reduced, his official rank was still fifth grade."
Lu Zhaoruo thought of Lin Hai.
Among the seven seas, Linhai has the smallest water area and the simplest naval structure, with no officers above the rank of commander. However, due to its proximity to the open ocean, numerous islands and reefs, and complex maritime conditions, it has always been the place where Japanese pirates have invaded most fiercely and fought the most intensely.
Granny Zhang continued, "Back then, when the old general was on his way to Ruihai, he was ambushed in the Leiyun Mountain area and was seriously injured. It was Madam who rescued him and brought him back to the mountain stronghold, taking good care of him."
A smile appeared on her lips: "This rescue revealed our destiny. The lady has a strong personality and admires the old general's character and demeanor, and she said she wanted him to stay and be her 'bandit'."
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