Chapter 23 Chapter 23 Pink
Jiang Shu did not notice Lu Changji's change and was concentrating on mending his embroidery. After finishing it, she looked up at Lu Changji with a charming smile on her lips.
The peach-blossom-like lips slowly moved closer to the hem of Lu Chang's clothes, and the pink tip of her tongue rolled the thin silk thread into her mouth, and with a light bite, she cut the thread.
The blue sea and cloud cliff patterns kept shaking, and the surrounding areas also swayed and shook.
Ten days passed in a flash, and in the blink of an eye it was the day to release Zhu Ningxue and Jiang Ran. Although they were taken home, the news of their conspiracy to murder Jiang Shu spread like wildfire.
Looking across the entire Bianjing, no wealthy family would accept a woman with such a vicious heart. Not only their own marriages, but also the marriages of their brothers and sisters would be affected.
When Zhu's father learned that Zhu Ningxue had not sought Jiang Shu's forgiveness, he was afraid of offending Lu Changji, so he forced her to commit suicide as soon as Zhu Ningxue returned home.
After all, women are soft-hearted. Zhu's mother also blamed Zhu Ningxue for being confused. She couldn't bear to see the flesh falling off her body being forced to death. She cried and begged Zhu's father for a long time before Zhu's father agreed to spare Zhu Ningxue's life.
But she could no longer stay in the Zhu family, so that night Zhu Ningxue was sent to a farm outside the city.
Jiang Ran's life was not easy either. Jiang Wenhuan was very concerned about his reputation. He usually turned a blind eye to Jiang Ran's misconduct, but if Jiang Ran endangered the interests of the family, he would never allow it.
He stared at Jiang Ran angrily, scolding him angrily, "You foolish fool, Shu'er is your eldest sister, why would you murder her?"
"If she lives a decent life, our family will also prosper. If she is rejected by the Marquis's Mansion, do you think our family can still live a good life?"
Jiang Wenhuan had mediocre abilities and no backing, so he was never taken seriously in the government office. However, ever since Jiang Shu married into the Xinyang Marquis's Mansion, not only had his superiors treated him courteously, but his official rank had also been promoted.
He truly felt the benefits of having someone in the court to be an official, and he would never let Jiang Ran offend Jiang Shu, offend the Marquis' Mansion, and ruin his good future.
Jiang Ran felt very aggrieved. She glared at Jiang Wenhuan with gnashing teeth and said indignantly, "Father's heart is too biased. Just because Jiang Shu married into a wealthy family, you always side with her."
"If she hadn't deliberately framed me, I wouldn't have become infamous. If you were fair, you should have..."
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Jiang Wenhuan stood up suddenly, swung his arm and slapped Jiang Ran hard, his eyes becoming as gloomy as water.
Jiang Ran had never seen a father like this before. She stood there in a daze, staring blankly at Jiang Wenhuan.
"Master!" Jiang Ran didn't know Jiang Wenhuan's weak spot, but Yang Shi did. Seeing Jiang Wenhuan's fury, she quickly stepped forward to smooth things over.
"Sister Ran is kindhearted, but she's a bit outspoken. She's your flesh and blood, so please don't argue with her."
"It's truly bizarre. I've lived for so many years, and I've never seen a kind person murder his sisters." Jiang Wenhuan was furious, pointing a trembling finger at Jiang Ran. "You've ruined our family's reputation. I don't expect you to bring honor to our family. All I have to say is that you must apologize to your eldest sister in person and ask for her forgiveness."
Jiang Ran was unconvinced and was about to argue, but suddenly Jiang Wenhuan said, "If you insist on going your own way, go to the countryside and keep the young lady from the Zhu family company!"
Jiang Wenhuan made some harsh remarks, and Jiang Ran stopped talking abruptly. She had been brought up in pampered surroundings, and how could she endure such a hard life? If she were to suffer in the countryside, she would rather die than live there.
Yang knew how to assess the situation and followed Jiang Wenhuan's lead, saying, "I'll send a note to Sister Shu right away, inviting her back for a small gathering. Then Sister Ran can apologize to her."
Yang said a lot of nice things in a humble tone, and Jiang Wenhuan finally calmed down. He squinted at Jiang Ran again, shook his sleeves, and strode out of the hall.
After the figure disappeared, Yang Fang attacked Jiang Ran: "How can you be so useless? Why did you frame Jiang Shu for no reason? She was about to match you up, and now you've made such a fuss. If she quits, what are you going to do?"
Jiang Ran was still a little unconvinced and raised his voice, "Jiang Shu is allowed to harm me, but I'm not allowed to fight back? I'm just unlucky. If it weren't for Lu Changji's interference, Jiang Shu might have been kicked out of the Marquis' Mansion by now!"
Yang Shi was so stubborn that she was choked by Jiang Ran's words. She didn't waste any more words and just said, "I don't care what you think in your heart. Anyway, when Jiang Shu returns home, you must apologize to her in front of your father. Your father is so angry. If you don't behave yourself, even I can't protect you!"
Jiang Ran still stubbornly refused to accept the situation, leaving Yang at a loss for words and furious. The mother and daughter parted ways on bad terms, while Jiang Shu happily returned to the Jiang residence with the invitation.
With the promotion of his official position, Jiang Wenhuan's status in the family also improved, and Yang's confidence was not as strong as before.
With Jiang Wenhuan present, she treated Jiang Shu much more kindly and even invited Lin and Jiang Rong to sit at the table together.
Yang looked at Jiang Shu with a smile and said softly, "Mother asked you to come back this time, not for anything else, but just to make Jiang Ran, this useless person, apologize to you in person."
"You are the president of the bank at home, so please don't argue with your sister. You are close relatives, connected by blood, not strangers. I hope you can be more tolerant of her."
After Yang finished speaking, she turned to look at Jiang Ran: "Sister Ran, come over quickly and pour tea for your elder sister to apologize."
Jiang Ran stopped where he was, not moving at all. Seeing that Jiang Wenhuan was about to change his expression, Yang hurriedly stood up and moved to Jiang Ran's side. She lowered her head and said something to Jiang Ran. Jiang Ran then reluctantly picked up the teacup in front of him and moved slowly to Jiang Shu.
"Eldest sister, I was wrong about what happened a few days ago. Please don't bother with me."
Jiang Ran's tone was very stiff and his attitude was perfunctory, but Jiang Shu didn't seem to mind at all. She smiled and took the teacup from Jiang Ran's hand and took a sip.
Seeing Jiang Shu accept Jiang Ran's apology, Jiang Wenhuan's expression brightened. He ate a few more bites of his food and left, claiming he was busy with official business.
Yang was still a little uneasy. She picked up a piece of bamboo shoots with her chopsticks and offered it to Jiang Shu. She whispered tentatively, "It's hot in the summer. Although it's cool in the mountains, there are a lot of mosquitoes. I wonder if Madam Hou has returned from Qingyang Temple?"
Jiang Shu sneered. Even a clay figure has a temper. Even at this point, Yang still wanted her to find a marriage for Jiang Ran.
She was originally worried about not being able to cover up her lie, but Jiang Ran's foolish behavior gave her an excuse.
Jiang Shu finished the bamboo shoots with her chopsticks slowly and leisurely, then continued Yang's words, "My mother-in-law has returned from Qingyang Temple, but I'm afraid the marriage I proposed a few days ago will be cancelled.
My mother also knows my mother-in-law's character. She is a very noble person. When she found out that my second sister was colluding with others..., she became prejudiced against her. My mother-in-law has a righteous mindset, and my daughter is really powerless."
Things had developed to this point, and what else could Yang say? Jiang Ran had done this himself, and he had to bear the consequences. Even if she had planned everything, it would have been in vain.
Yang was feeling depressed when she suddenly heard Jiang Shu say, "Since we are family, I can't just watch my second sister waste her time in the boudoir.
My father-in-law will hold a banquet at the Marquis' Mansion in a few days. He likes to make friends, and there will definitely be many talented people attending the banquet.
At that time, I will take my second sister to the Marquis' Mansion. As for whether she can seize this opportunity, it depends on her own luck."
Jiang Rong has a bad reputation, but she is quite beautiful. When she wears elegant clothes, she looks like a lotus in the water. If she dresses brightly, she looks like a peony in bloom. If she uses some tricks on men, she will not have to worry about finding a husband.
This was a complete turn of events, giving Yang a big surprise. She hurriedly added another serving of food to Jiang Shu.
Jiang Shu didn't eat the dish this time. She raised her head and looked directly at Yang, saying sternly, "For my second sister's marriage, I have done my best. I hope mother will agree to one condition of mine. Regardless of whether it succeeds this time or not, mother, please don't think of giving Rong Jie'er to someone else as a concubine again."
"I'm used to being docile, but I'm not without temper. I still have the courage to fight to the death."
Jiang Shu used both soft and hard tactics to force Yang to compromise. She smiled awkwardly, "Although Rong Jie'er is not my biological daughter, she at least calls me mother. I have to marry her off with her hair and face in order."
"Don't worry, Shu'er. I will never use Rong Jie'er's marriage as an excuse again."
The two of them pretended to be nice to each other for a while, and Yang made an excuse that she was sleepy and made time for Jiang Shu and Aunt Lin to talk.
Aunt Lin just felt useless: "It's all because of my incompetence and lack of ability that I have to ask you to take the lead and make plans for Rong'er."
When Jiang Shu was young, she secretly blamed Aunt Lin for being too weak. But when she grew up, she completely understood Aunt Lin.
Concubine Lin came from a poor family, and her indentures were still held by Yang. For Yang, dealing with Concubine Lin would be as easy as crushing an ant. How could she dare to challenge Yang?
Jiang Shu just said, "It's okay. Rong'er is my biological sister, and she has such a gentle personality. I should help her."
The mother and daughter talked to each other for a while before Jiang Shu said goodbye and left. Before leaving, Lin took Jiang Shu's hand and talked about the same old things, urging her to win over Lu Changyi and get pregnant quickly.
Jiang Shu felt depressed but had no way to express it, so she could only nod in agreement.
Back at the Marquis' Mansion, she called Fang Yu and instructed her gently, "Go outside and find out what the Kaiyang Earl's son likes, especially his preferences in women."
Fang Yu is Zhao's person, but Jiang Shu is not worried that Fang Yu will spread rumors. Zhao is noble and even if she scolds Jiang Shu, she will do so openly and will not be two-faced.
Fang Yu responded and went out. Jiang Shu walked to the back room. Zhu'er was restless and was sweeping the courtyard with a broom. Jiang Shu walked up and snatched her broom.
He said urgently, "Your injury hasn't healed yet. You need to stay in bed and rest. Why are you still working?"
Zhu Er replied, "It was just that scoundrel who pushed me. It's not a serious injury. I was feeling uncomfortable staying in the house, so I might as well go out and move around. Why is Second Madam making such a fuss?"
Jiang Shu ignored Zhu'er's words and said, "If you feel bored, go to the market to watch acrobatics or eat snacks in the restaurant. You can't work anymore."
She held Zhu'er's hand and pulled her into the room, took out a porcelain bottle from her sleeve pocket and placed it on the small table.
"This ointment is very effective in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Apply it once in the morning and evening. You will be healed in about three or two days."
After he finished speaking, he took out a box of silk candy and handed it to Zhu'er: "I know you are greedy, so I bought a box of candy when I passed by the Jie family shop. You can have it as a snack!"
Zhu'er didn't bother to be polite with Jiang Shu. After washing her hands, she opened the box and started to eat the silk candy.
Coming out of the back room, it was time for dinner. When Lu Lin returned home, the whole family went to the main courtyard to eat.
Jiang Shu changed her clothes and went to the main courtyard with Lu Changyi.
Lu Lin sat facing south, directly opposite Lu Changfeng, and immediately noticed the wound on Lu Changfeng's forehead. He frowned unhappily and said in a deep voice, "Where have you been fooling around again? How did you end up like this?"
It's no wonder that Lu Lin scolded Lu Changfeng without any reason. Lu Changfeng's private life is really hard to describe. If it weren't for Hu Lingshuang's extraordinary means, he might have spent more time in the entertainment industry than in the Marquis' Mansion.
Before Lu Changfeng could speak, Aunt Hu took over. She spoke slowly, her voice as soft as water: "It's all Sanlang's fault. It's normal for the Marquis to misunderstand him. But the wound on Sanlang's head is indeed..."
She paused at the right moment, looking as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.
Zhao hated Concubine Hu's coquettish demeanor the most. She squinted at her and said unhappily, "The master is speaking, why are you, a servant, butting in?"
Aunt Hu was not of low birth, but since she was a concubine, she should have the consciousness of a concubine and be submissive in front of the mistress.
Zhao scolded her, but Aunt Hu didn't argue, only looking at Lu Lin. Her eyes were sticky, as if stained with honey.
As if Lu Lin didn't notice the unhappiness between his wife and concubine, he asked Lu Changfeng, "What happened to your wound?"
Lu Changfeng followed Aunt Hu's eloquence and narrated the whole story with exaggeration. He only mentioned the issue of offspring because he was concerned about the century-old foundation of the Marquis' Mansion. Unexpectedly, Lu Changyi hit him in the face without saying a word.
Lu Changyi is weak and the only legitimate son of the Marquis's family. Lu Lin is usually tolerant of him, but tolerance has its limits. He can't just let him do whatever he wants without knowing right or wrong.
Lu Lin looked at Lu Changyi and said in a deep voice, "You are now a young man, and you should have a legitimate son to inherit the family business. Your third brother's words were sincere and he had your best interests at heart. It would be fine if you didn't feel grateful, but you indiscriminately hit him and made him bleed. How can you be so dignified as a brother?"
Speaking of offspring, Lu Changyi was filled with unease, as if everyone already knew about his hidden illness. He pursed his lips and said nothing, his already pale face growing even paler.
Seeing Lu Changyi's expression, Lu Changfeng became more certain of his guess, and he could hardly suppress the joy in his heart, which was reflected on his cheeks.
The Marquis of Xinyang had three sons. Lu Changji was quite promising, but he was still unmarried at the age of twenty-six. Who knew if he would remain single for the rest of his life?
Lu Changyi has good intentions, but he is useless. This huge Xinyang Marquis Mansion will probably be in the hands of Lu Changfeng in the future.
After finishing the meal, Lu Changfeng's steps became much lighter. As for the injury on his forehead caused by Lu Changyi, he had forgotten about it.
The complete opposite of this was Lu Changyi. He angrily left the main courtyard and wanted to return to Xinchun Garden as soon as possible, but his health was not good enough and he was out of breath after walking a few steps.
Jiang Shu knew that he was feeling bad, so she pointed to the pavilion by the lake and said softly, "Prince, let's go to the pavilion and rest for a while. While we're resting, have Fang Yu send a sedan chair over!"
Lu Changyi did not comment and went into the pavilion with Jiang Shu.
Lu Changyi was in a bad mood. If it was something else, Jiang Shu could have offered some comfort, but since it was about Lu Changyi's hidden illness, Jiang Shu didn't know how to start the conversation. The two of them just stared at the Bixin Lake in a daze.
At this moment, a pair of colorful mandarin ducks swam towards them from the other side of the lake. They had been swimming side by side, but as they swam, they suddenly overlapped. The one lying on top was shaking its body, and it was obvious what it was doing.
Jiang Shu's heart suddenly rose, and she turned to look at Lu Changyi. As expected, Lu Changyi's expression became even more gloomy, and his eyes were full of anger.
The mandarin ducks were still playing the piano and zither in harmony without any shame, but Lu Changyi's hands were clenched tighter and tighter until his knuckles turned white.
Jiang Shu breathed softly, trying to minimize her presence. After a while, the servant finally brought the sedan chair to the pavilion.
Jiang Shu's tense nerves finally relaxed. She walked silently to Lu Changyi and helped him into the sedan chair.
Lu Changyi didn't return to Xinchun Garden, but had his sedan chair carried directly to Jiaochun Garden, where two new beasts had recently arrived. Lu Changyi spent most of his time there.
In the past, Jiang Shu didn't like letting Lu Changji go to Jiaochun Garden, but now, looking at Lu Changji's back, she felt relieved.
It was getting darker and darker. Lu Changyi had already returned to his room, but Jiang Shu was still huddled in the east room and was unwilling to go back. It was not until Fang Yu knocked on the door and urged her that she reluctantly moved to the bedroom.
Sure enough, Lu Changyi was already lying on the bed. She said a few words to Lu Changyi, then took her pajamas and went to the bathroom to take a shower.
After washing over and over again, the water in the bathtub gradually became cold. Jiang Shu wrung her hair dry and slowly walked to the bed.
Lu Changyi was reading a book facing the inside. When he heard footsteps, he moved to the inside of the bed, turned around, opened his quilt, and said to Jiang Shu, "Come in!"
Glancing over the bed, Jiang Shu discovered that there was only one quilt on the entire bed, and she didn't know where her quilt was placed.
Jiang Shu rubbed her sleeves with her fingers for a few times, then raised her feet and got on the bed. Lu Changyi held her hand and went with her to the candlelight at the head of the bed and spread out a book.
Jiang Shu had read that kind of book before. On the eve of her marriage, Lin personally put several of them at the bottom of her suitcase.
Jiang Shu didn't want to look at the fire avoidance chart, especially not with Lu Changyi. If Lu Changyi were normal in that regard, she could have just as easily refused. But thinking of Lu Changyi's fragile and sensitive nerves, she had no choice but to bite the bullet and read through page after page with him.
What should have been a wonderful experience now made her feel sick and nauseous. All the eager anticipation she had as a girl had been reduced to ashes.
"Do you want it?" Lu Changyi suddenly closed the fire avoidance map and stared at Jiang Shu with his eyes, his eyes were frighteningly bright.
Jiang Shu subconsciously wanted to shake her head, but fortunately she had amazing self-control and stopped the action immediately. She did not refuse, but she did not respond either, just maintaining her current posture.
Lu Changyi glanced at her, leaned over to blow out the candle, and then lay flat on the couch. He held Jiang Shu's hand and reached under him.
He said in a trembling voice, "Touch him."
Jiang Shu trembled slightly and slowly grasped the thing. It was soft to the touch, like the pickled cucumbers she had eaten in the countryside as a child.
"You've known for a long time that this place is useless, right? Unless I use some aphrodisiac drugs, I won't be able to get up again, right?" Lu Changyi smiled bitterly, his voice full of bitterness and helplessness.
Jiang Shu wanted to comfort him, but the facts were right in front of her. In the face of the facts, any words were futile.
Lu Changyi also knew that Jiang Shu would not answer him, so he pinched Jiang Shu's chin and pulled her towards the middle of his legs.
"Shu'er, please be gentle with me. I feel very uncomfortable."
Her stomach was churning, as if something was about to come out. Jiang Shu waved Lu Changyi away and strode out of the room.
The summer is very hot, but the moonlight is cold. The bright full moon outlines a chill.
Her chest was in a mess, with shame, anger, and nausea intertwined together, making Jiang Shu upset.
She ran quickly under the moonlight. She didn't know where she was going, but she knew that she needed to stay away from Xinchunyuan to get rid of the depression in her heart.
I stumbled into the back garden and walked to the rockery. I saw a man standing on the top of the mountain, holding a glass cup and drinking alone under the moon.
He looked carefree, his robes fluttering in the wind, and it seemed as if he could ascend to heaven at any moment.
That person was Lu Changji!
Jiang Shu had never seen Lu Changji like this before, and she couldn't help but stop.
At this time, Cheng Yong climbed the stairs from the other side of the rockery. He walked quickly to Lu Changji and handed him a booklet. He said with a bow, "Sir, this booklet records all the illegal activities that Lu Zhun has committed in the past ten years."
Lu Changji was a man of outstanding ability and was highly trusted by the young emperor. At the age of 26, he became a cabinet minister and reached the rank of first rank, which was a unique event in history.
A big tree attracts the wind, and it is inevitable that people will criticize it for controlling the government. The Minister of Revenue Lu Zhun was the official who took the lead in impeaching Lu Changji.
Lu Changji opened the booklet and flipped through it slowly. Lu Zhun had done many mistakes, but none of them was fatal.
It's so annoying.
Lu Changji threw the book aside and said to Cheng Yong in a calm voice, "Lu Zhun can't be kept here. You should go to Changyong Street in person. Be careful not to leave any evidence behind."
The Lu family was a prominent family, and their house alone occupied an entire street. When others talked about the Lu family, they would refer to it as Changyong Street.
Jiang Shu knew that Lu Changji could not be as indifferent and kind as he appeared, but she did not expect that he would treat human life as worthless and kill people so easily.
She knew she had heard things she shouldn't have.
Fear spread throughout her body. Jiang Shu took a deep breath, turned around, and walked back along the waterside pavilion towards the entrance of the garden.
There is a row of houses next to the waterside pavilion. If you feel tired while visiting the garden, you can take a rest in the houses. In the middle of the night, there will definitely be no one visiting the garden, but at this moment, there is a house with candlelight on.
Jiang Shu didn't have time to think and ran straight forward. When she reached the house with the light on, the door was suddenly opened from the inside. Then, Hu Lingshuang, with disheveled clothes and a flushed face, walked out.
Jiang Shu's breathing stagnated, and she secretly blamed herself for her bad luck, as she kept encountering shameful things.
Hu Lingshuang's waist was as soft as a willow branch, and her legs were trembling, making it very difficult for her to walk.
Jiang Shu didn't want to be discovered by her, so she had to stay where she was. But at this moment, she suddenly heard footsteps behind her. It was late at night and there would be no one else in the garden. The person behind her was undoubtedly Lu Changji.
Could it be that Lu Changji discovered her?
My nerves suddenly tensed up, my heart beat faster, and my body became very stiff!
Jiang Shu didn't dare to hesitate any longer. She reached out and pushed open the door beside her, then stepped inside and hid.
The room was pitch black and she couldn't see anything. She was so scared that she clenched her fingers together until her knuckles ached, and then she unconsciously loosened her hands.
Jiang Shu held her breath and listened to the noise outside. In a moment, the steady footsteps reached the door. Jiang Shu's heart tightened more and more, as if it was about to be stretched into a string.
Fortunately, the footsteps did not stop at the door and moved forward.
Jiang Shu was worried that Lu Changji would make a comeback, so she stayed in the house for another quarter of an hour before gently opening the door.
Looking around, the moon was still as bright as a jade disk, and the lake was still as clear and limpid as ever. Thankfully, nothing serious happened.
Jiang Shu stepped out of the room and was about to return to Xinchun Garden when she heard a voice behind her: "What did you hear just now, sister-in-law?"
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