Chapter 28 Chapter 28 I'll Hold You
Since she met Lu Changji, Jiang Shu has embarrassed herself in front of him many times. Whether she was being mercenary or embarrassed, it was not a big deal. What she least wanted Lu Changji to see was her dark and vicious side.
Just like a shallot, when you peel off layer by layer, what is revealed is not the clear color but the core that is stained with poison.
The contrast is too great, and the appearance and reality are inconsistent. Anyone who sees it will feel angry and feel deceived!
Jiang Shu was naturally intelligent and eloquent, but this time she panicked. She wanted to say something to cover up her embarrassment, but in the end she didn't say anything.
What could she say?
It was indeed she who arranged the affair between Jiang Ran and Prince Zheng. The facts were there, and even if she spoke eloquently, she could not escape the responsibility.
The anger fermented little by little, gradually overflowing his entire chest. Facing the treacherous situation in officialdom, Lu Changji remained unmoved. He did not expect that Jiang Shu could make him so furious. She was quite capable.
He knew that there was a grudge between Jiang Shu and Jiang Ran, and he also knew that Jiang Shu had other intentions for Jiang Ran. But since Jiang Shu could help Jiang Ran hook up with Prince Zheng, could it be that her repeated encounters with him were also deliberate?
Could it be that all that tenderness, that helplessness, that complete dependence on him, were they all acts she was putting on?
Thinking of this possibility, Lu Changji became more and more angry, and he even couldn't control himself. He had been immersed in the officialdom for many years and was accustomed to intrigues. He could accept others pretending to be nice to him, but he could not accept Jiang Shu using tricks on him.
He remembered her crying in the moonlight, her fear when facing the civet cat, her shyness when her clothes were half-undressed, the tears in the corners of her eyes, and her dirty silk stockings. She was so weak and helpless, he felt sorry for her, so he was willing to spare no effort to help her.
What if all those wonderful encounters were intentional on her part?
Lu Changji felt that he had been fooled by Jiang Shu, and indescribable bitterness, loss, and anger were intertwined in his chest.
Lu Changji looked at Jiang Shu's soft and delicate face again. Her face was so beautiful. Perhaps it was because of this beauty that he relaxed his guard and fell into her trap.
Lu Changji was extremely angry. He didn't know what he would do if he stayed any longer. He shifted his gaze away from Jiang Shu and walked forward with big strides.
Lu Changji's eyes were as cold as ice. Jiang Shu knew that he was probably extremely disappointed in her, perhaps even more disgusted than disappointed.
How could he hate her?
If he hated her, she would never be able to achieve anything.
Jiang Shu was extremely anxious and ran away instinctively. She caught up with Lu Changji and reached out to grab his sleeve.
"Uncle!" she called softly. When she raised her head, her face was already wet with tears and the corners of her eyes were red, like blooming phoenix flowers.
Lu Changji resisted the urge to wipe Jiang Shu's tears. He lowered his eyes to stare at her bare hand that was holding his sleeve, and whispered, "Sister-in-law, you've lost your composure. What kind of relationship do we have that you dare pull my sleeve?"
His voice was deep, no longer as gentle and elegant as before. Jiang Shu shuddered and loosened her fingers tremblingly.
After thinking for a while, she roughly guessed the crux of Lu Changji's anger. She straightened the slightly tilted hairpin on her head, slowly raised her eyelids, and her voice became gentle as water: "Uncle, you are a noble man with many things to do. You are busy all day and you are rarely seen. The people who serve you are very strict. Even if I want to do something, I am afraid I can't do anything."
"For example, on that moonlit night, when the prince and I had a disagreement, I went to the back garden to relax alone and saw you talking to Mr. Cheng. Could I have predicted that you would come to the back garden so late at night?"
"For example, that time when we were bathing in the Biyun Terrace, even if I had gone mad, I wouldn't have dared to take off my clothes in front of you. Besides, do I have the guts to call that raccoon slave over and have him scratch me?"
When mentioning Biyuntai, a naked and beautiful figure emerged in Lu Changji's mind. His reason told him that Jiang Shu's words were full of loopholes, but that figure made him lose all his rationality.
The body felt abnormally hot, and that part of the body seemed to be rising up faintly.
Crazy, really crazy.
He blamed her for playing tricks, but what was he doing?
Qian Kun, the arbitrary man, felt fear for the first time. When their bodies touched at Biyun Terrace, he could comfort himself that it was just a physiological reaction. But now, just seeing her tears made him feel confused, and just thinking of her appearance made him full of energy. She made a mistake, so how could he be any better?
Lu Changji was a little flustered. He didn't even know how to face Jiang Shu. He pursed his lips and ran forward as if escaping.
He was tall and had long legs, and Jiang Shu couldn't catch up with him no matter how hard she tried. Jiang Shu was extremely anxious, and she cried out "Ouch", pretending to have sprained her foot, and squatted on the ground.
Hearing Jiang Shu's low cry, Lu Changji paused for a moment, but after that moment, he forced himself to move forward.
Jiang Shu stood up disappointedly and straightened her clothes. She was still frightened, but she didn't even have time to feel sad.
The banquet was coming to an end, and she had to gather her thoughts and rush to the front yard to see the guests off with Zhao.
Jiang Shu walked all the way from the back garden to the front yard. The tears on her face were dried by the wind, and she looked like nothing had happened.
Zhao Yingyun came out relatively late. Seeing Jiang Shu, she smiled and greeted her: "Today's banquet is very elegant. Everyone is enjoying it very much. My cousin is thoughtful."
She is a young lady from an aristocratic family that has been around for centuries. Her manners and words are very thoughtful and appropriate. She never looks down on Jiang Shu just because of her poor background, making people feel like they are in the spring breeze.
Jiang Shu had a very good impression of her and returned the greeting with a smile: "Today's banquet was arranged by my mother. I was just helping out on the side. I really can't accept your praise, cousin."
Zhao Yingyun wanted to say something when she suddenly saw Lu Changying jumping out from the side. Lu Changying was the only daughter in the Lu family. She loved to play and was too bored on weekdays. So she spent most of the year living in the Zhao family and keeping Zhao Yingyun company.
Lu Changying warmly took Zhao Yingyun's hand, glanced at Jiang Shu unhappily, and said disdainfully, "Cousin, what's there to say to her? I heard that my aunt has a new cat with two different-colored eyes, which is very interesting. Let's go and take a look at the cat!"
Lu Changying didn't like Jiang Shu and was always very defiant when talking to her. Jiang Shu didn't care, but Zhao's face darkened. She lowered her voice and scolded Lu Changying: "You are really getting worse and worse. How can you be so rude to your second sister-in-law?"
Zhao is a member of the royal family and cares more about her reputation than others. She has never been nice to Jiang Shu in private, but she has to support Jiang Shu in public. Jiang Shu is the daughter-in-law of the Lu family. If Jiang Shu has no face, how can the Lu family survive?
Lu Changying didn't understand what Zhao was thinking. She just thought that Zhao was bewitched by Jiang Shu and was even alienating her own daughter. She was very angry, but she couldn't contradict Zhao, so she just burst into tears.
Zhao sighed with disappointment. She knew her daughter well, and it was possible that she would make a scene if she scolded her too harshly.
After Lu Changying finished crying, she glared at Jiang Shu with a black-eyed chicken-like look, her eyes almost spitting out sparks. Zhao Shi was afraid of being laughed at, and knowing that Lu Changying was stubborn, she said to Jiang Shu: "You go down first, go back to your room and take good care of Yi'er, I'll take care of it here."
Jiang Shu nodded, said goodbye to Zhao Yingyun, and returned to Xinchunyuan.
Candles were lit high in the room. Fang Yu lifted the curtain and entered the room, saying softly, "Mrs. Wen sent a message this afternoon saying that she and Mrs. Lin will come to ask for the bride price tomorrow. This is a matter concerning the Third Miss's lifelong event. If you have time, please go back."
Jiang Shu nodded. Zhao Shi never interfered with her freedom. However, Lu Changyi had been too clingy lately, and she didn't know whether he would allow her to go out.
As expected, when he was about to leave, Lu Changyi's face really fell: "I'm not feeling well. Please accompany me to stroll in the garden. We can go back to the Jiang family to see your third sister another day!"
Jiang Shu was worried about Jiang Rong, but she knew that Jiang Wenhuan would definitely agree to the marriage, so she didn't say much. She asked Fang Yu to go to the Wen family to pass on the message, and then accompanied Lu Changyi to the back garden.
Mrs. Wen sighed in disappointment when she received the news: "The Crown Prince's wife is a straightforward person. I had hoped to have a good chat with her today, but I didn't expect it to be impossible."
Mrs. Lin still had her hair on, but she had already considered herself a monk, with no interest in worldly affairs. If it wasn't for Lin Yunzhi's lifelong event, she wouldn't even leave the Buddhist temple, and naturally wouldn't respond to Mrs. Wen's words. She just said, "It's getting late, let's go to the Jiang family quickly!"
Without waiting for Mrs. Wen to answer, he stepped onto the carriage.
After Mrs. Lin converted to Buddhism, she advocated simplicity. Not only her food and clothing, but even her carriage was extremely shabby. It was a small carriage covered with a green cloth curtain. It was probably unable to accommodate anything else except her.
Mrs. Wen looked at her widowed sister-in-law's business and sighed again. Fortunately, she was well prepared and brought a generous gift.
After passing through the narrow streets, the carriage arrived at the Jiang residence, and Mrs. Wen and Mrs. Lin came in.
One was the mother of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, and the other was the wife of the Military Commissioner of the Five Cities. The Jiang family had never had such distinguished guests before. Yang was panicked for a moment, and she stumbled and almost fell when she went down the stairs.
Mrs. Wen was quick to step forward and support her arm, smiling and saying, "Madam, be careful. Don't hurt yourself. You will be the one who suffers."
Yang said embarrassedly, "I was so happy to have such a distinguished guest at home that I lost my manners in front of Madam."
After he finished speaking, he discovered that the maid behind Mrs. Wen was holding several trays, all of which were filled with valuable items such as jewels and corals. They were so bright that they were almost blinding.
Yang loved money, and when she saw all those treasures, she became even more attentive and hurriedly welcomed Mrs. Wen and Mrs. Lin into the house.
Mrs. Wen exchanged pleasantries with Yang before saying, "I have a useless nephew, twenty-one this year, currently serving as a Vice Minister in the Ministry of Justice. He is a man of integrity and has a clean family. Not to mention concubines, he doesn't even have a concubine."
"Alas, it's a pity that he had a tragic fate. His previous wife passed away due to illness, leaving behind a son and a daughter. Such a large family business must be supported by someone, so we are thinking of arranging a new wife for him."
After listening to the tone of the words, Yang understood everything. Mrs. Wen wanted to propose a marriage for Minister Lin.
Yang had heard of Lin Yunzhi's family background. He was the only male in Lin Yunzhi's generation, and the family property had never been divided, making the family very wealthy. Unfortunately, Lin Yunzhi was unlucky in marriage, and any family that loved their daughters would not dare to marry their beloved daughter to him.
If the Lin family wants to marry Jiang Ran, there is no way. If they want to marry Jiang Rong, as long as they give a generous betrothal gift, everything can be negotiated.
Even if Jiang Rong was killed by an unlucky person, there would be nothing to regret, as long as the betrothal gifts could be left to supplement the family income.
This marriage is a good one, but Yang has her own selfish motives. If she marries Jiang Rong off without hesitation, she will have less bargaining chips to hold Jiang Shu hostage in the future, so she hesitated for a moment.
She hesitated, but she felt guilty when she thought about her promise to Jiang Shu. She had already promised Jiang Shu that she would not use Jiang Rong's marriage as an excuse. Jiang Shu had the Xinyang Marquisate as her backing, so even though she was Jiang Shu's mother, she didn't dare to turn against her easily.
Besides, Jiang Shu has already arranged a rich man for Jiang Ran, so it is not impossible for her to help Jiang Rong.
Yang smiled vaguely, raised her hand and made a "please" gesture, indicating that Mrs. Wen and Mrs. Lin should have tea.
Mrs. Wen took a sip of tea, and then turned her gaze to her widowed sister-in-law. She had already set up the stage, and Mrs. Lin only needed to walk around on the stage to be done. However, Mrs. Lin seemed to have nothing to do with it. She was only concerned with drinking tea and ignored Mrs. Wen at all.
Mrs. Wen had no choice but to continue the socializing: "Your family's third young lady is beautiful, intelligent, and of noble character. My sister-in-law and I are very fond of her. If Mrs. Jiang can take a liking to my brother Yun, we can become a perfect match."
Mrs. Wen, who was knowledgeable and experienced, could see through Yang's greedy nature at a glance. She continued, "Yun'er is a little stupid, but fortunately, our family has a little property, so we don't have to worry about making a living.
When he first married, he prepared a betrothal gift of one thousand taels. The Third Miss is young and should be pampered. If Yunzhi can marry the Third Miss, the betrothal gift will definitely be much more than before."
As a concubine's daughter, Jiang Rong's food, clothing and other expenses at her parents' home did not exceed one hundred taels of silver. Mrs. Wen offered a betrothal gift of one thousand taels. Comparing the two, Yang made a fortune.
Yang was delighted, but her face was reserved. She raised her chin and said slowly, "Minister Lin is a good man picked out of a hundred, but his fate is really a little special.
Although my third sister wasn't born from my womb, I treat her as close as my second sister. I still need to ask her opinion on this marriage to avoid future complaints."
Merchants are always profit-oriented. Yang is a merchant's daughter. She can't see anything else except gold and silver. Mrs. Wen knows that Yang is deliberately playing tricks on her.
She smiled and said, "Madam, you are absolutely right. There is no other mother in this world who is more open-minded than you. Rong'er's reincarnation into the Jiang family is the good fortune she cultivated in her previous life."
The feeling of being complimented by a fourth-rank lady was indescribable. Yang pursed her lips and smiled, then chatted with Mrs. Wen for a while before sending her out of the house.
Getting married was a big deal, and Yang didn't dare to make the decision on her own. As soon as Mrs. Wen left, she sent someone to the yamen to invite Jiang Wenhuan home.
She recounted everything that had happened in the previous afternoon, pointing to the treasures on the Eight Immortals Table. "Mrs. Wen and Mrs. Lin brought generous gifts when they first came home, which clearly shows how much they value Third Sister. With such love from her aunt and uncle, your life will be much easier and more comfortable after you marry into our family."
Jiang Wenhuan still had some dignity left, fearing that others would accuse him of disregarding his daughter's life in order to curry favor with the rich and powerful. He said, "Minister Lin is unlucky in marriage. Even if the Lin family is wealthy and prominent, I cannot let Rong'er take such a big risk."
Having been married for twenty years, how could Yang not understand Jiang Wenhuan's character? She knew that Jiang Wenhuan needed a ladder at this moment. As long as she handed the ladder to him, he would climb down from the eaves.
She said, "Master, you are a serious scholar, how can you still believe in these weird things? It is true that Minister Lin lost two wives, but the only thing to blame is the poor health of the two wives. In no way can Minister Lin be blamed!"
The ladder had already been set up, and to refuse would be ungrateful. Jiang Wenhuan stroked his beard and whispered, "Madam, your words make sense. It's me who is narrow-minded. So, I'll let Madam make the decision on this matter."
There is only one thing, Rong'er is still young, so the wedding must be arranged after she reaches the age of marriage, so as not to harm her health."
Jiang Rong's birthday was in four months. Although Yang Shi loved money like her life, she could still afford to wait four months. She smiled and replied, "I will obey the master. Since the master agrees to this marriage, I will send someone to report to the Lin family."
Jiang Wenhuan nodded and walked to the back room to see Aunt Lin. Since he gained the protection of the Lu family, he went to Aunt Lin's room more and more often, but he became much colder towards Yang.
Yang was not in a hurry either. She was the only son in the family and she was the legitimate wife who was married through a formal marriage. No matter how favored Lin was, she could not surpass her.
Jiang Rong's marriage was in sight, and she didn't know what was going on with Jiang Ran. Yang turned and walked towards Jiang Ran's bedroom.
Jiang Ran was in a good mood, drawing her eyebrows in front of the mirror with indigo ink. Her thin eyebrows slanted into her temples, giving her a unique charm.
Yang took the indigo from her hand and placed it in her makeup box. She asked in a low voice, "Whose young man did you meet at the banquet that day? Why haven't you gone out in the past few days?"
Jiang Ran's reputation was ruined, and her marriage became a concern for Yang. Yang only heard Jiang Ran say that the man she met was very rich, but she didn't know whose family he came from.
Jiang Ran was very proud when she mentioned this. She pursed her lips and smiled, saying, "He doesn't have any extraordinary status. He's just the prince of the Bo Mansion."
Oh my God, Jiang Ran is so arrogant. Their family is just a seventh-rank civil servant. It is a great blessing for them to be able to marry into the Earl's Mansion, not to mention that he is the prince.
Yang glared at Jiang Ran and said, "Don't try to compete with Jiang Shu in everything. Jiang Shu is so lucky to be able to marry into the Xinyang Marquis's Mansion.
The Jiang family's ancestral tomb is buried on a small mound in our hometown. If a single puff of smoke could come out of it, it would be a great honor. Don't be so arrogant and show off in front of the prince of the Bo Mansion."
Jiang Ran tucked the loose hair behind her ears and said impatiently, "My daughter naturally understands this truth, mother, please stop nagging."
Jiang Ran was impulsive and quick-witted. Yang was afraid she would spread the news, so she whispered to her, "You must not let anyone else know about this before it's even begun."
"The weather has been good these past few days, so you should meet with Prince Zheng more often. When the time is right, I'll have Jiang Shu come to mediate. With Prime Minister Lu's sister-in-law coming forward, the Zheng family will definitely give them some face."
This was simply an insult to Jiang Ran. Her eyebrows raised and she huffed, "Do I have to rely on that bitch Jiang Shu's influence just to marry a prince from a wealthy family?
Mother, please wait and see. I will definitely marry into the Earl's Mansion with my own ability. Although the Earl's Mansion may not be as prestigious as the Marquis' Mansion, the Zheng Prince is at least strong and healthy, and I wonder how much more useful he is than Lu Changyi.
Her daughter was so hopelessly stupid that even Yang didn't know what to say. Never mind. Young people always think that love can shake the world, but they don't know that when it comes to family background and interests, love is not even as important as a needle.
Of course, Yang did not tell this to Jiang Ran. Some truths can only be understood after taking a detour.
She left the room and instructed Mrs. Wu, "Go to the Xinyang Marquis's residence and tell the eldest young lady that Minister Lin's mother has come to our house to offer a betrothal gift, hoping to marry the third young lady as her second wife. The master and I both think this match is a good one. Go and ask her opinion."
Jiang Shu had made a plan for Jiang Ran after all. If Jiang Ran wanted to marry into the Bo's Mansion, she would need Jiang Shu's help. Even if it was just for show, Yang had to praise Jiang Shu highly.
Everything was as expected. Jiang Shu said to Mrs. Wu, "I am a junior, so it is not my place to interfere with mother's decisions. Mother will make the final decision on family matters."
After he finished speaking, he stuffed a handful of silver coins into Mrs. Wu's pocket and said, "It's hot, buy an ice bowl when you go back."
Yang's fingers were tight, and Mrs. Wu had worked hard in the Jiang family for five or six years, but she had never received any change, not even an extra copper coin. She weighed the silver and went straight to Jiang Shu to thank her.
Inside the Jianan Courtyard, Cheng Yong reported the Jiang family's situation to Lu Changji in detail: "Minister Lin is engaged to the Third Miss of the Jiang family, and the Second Miss Jiang often has secret meetings with Prince Zheng of the Kaiyang Marquis's residence. They're so affectionate, they even spent two hours alone in a temple's meditation room. I'm afraid the Second Miss Jiang can't get rid of Prince Zheng even if she wants to."
While Cheng Yong was speaking, he looked at Lu Changji's expression, only to see that Lu Changji's eyes were getting colder and colder, like ice.
Lu Changji waved his hand, dismissing Cheng Yong. He reclined on the Arhat couch, chuckling silently. Jiang Shu was indeed a master of tactics. Everything she had planned was unfolding as she anticipated. He was even more certain that everything that had happened between Jiang Shu and him was intentional. He had stirred up chaos in the court, making things happen with a flick of his hand. For so many years, he had been the one manipulating others, and now he had let his sister-in-law scheme against him.
Very good, very good.
On this day, the weather was fine. Jiang Shu accompanied Lu Changyi to the octagonal pavilion. The pavilion was cool, but unfortunately Lu Changyi couldn't stand it. After a breeze blew, he felt cold all over.
Jiang Shu noticed that he was not feeling well and asked gently, "Your Highness, are you feeling unwell? Can I go back to your room and get you a coat?"
The temperature was freezing and everyone else was sweating, except Lu Changyi who was shivering with cold. He knew that his body was becoming increasingly useless.
Although he was extremely anxious, Lu Changyi was unwilling to tell Yu Jiangshu. He always acted both inferior and arrogant in front of her.
Lu Changyi sighed softly, turned to Jiang Shu and said, "That red coat with the Qilin embroidered on it is the softest and lightest. Please go get it for me!"
Jiang Shu nodded and walked towards Xinchunyuan.
It's funny to say, ever since the person from the Imperial Observatory predicted that Lu Changyi would die young, Zhao was afraid that he would have a bad fate and die early.
Lu Changyi was not panicked. He was born into a noble family and was born to inherit a title. He did not need to take the imperial examination or worry about his livelihood.
If he were healthier, he could go out and eat, drink and have fun, but he was so frail, as if made of paper, that a strong wind could kill him. He didn't even dare to leave the house. He had nothing to do all day, and the time was so long that he didn't know how to pass it.
He sighed lightly, grabbed the fish food on the table and scattered it into the lake. Red carp slowly gathered around to eat the food. The red fish and the green water reflected each other, which was very beautiful.
"Third Master, you are hurting me, please let go of your hand!" The carp were scared away by the coquettish cry, and the lake returned to tranquility in an instant.
Lu Changyi looked in the direction of the voice and saw two people standing in the shade of grass and trees. The man was Lu Changfeng, and the woman had double flat buns on her hair and was pretty. She was Wu Hui, Lu Lin's maid.
Wu Hui's clothes had been torn open by Lu Changfeng, revealing the light yellow undershirt underneath. The waves inside the undershirt were surging, which was quite spectacular.
Wu Hui put her hands in front of her body, looking at Lu Changfeng diagonally, with an attitude of wanting to refuse but also to welcome.
"Third brother!" Lu Changyi shouted in a low voice, and the two people not far away turned their eyes to him.
Wu Hui didn't expect that there were other people here. She was so frightened that her face turned pale. She gathered her clothes and retreated deep into the woods.
Lu Changfeng tied his belt with a smile, walked slowly into the octagonal pavilion, and said to Lu Changyi: "Second brother, you are in a good mood. It's not good to stay at home to recuperate in such hot weather. Why are you running out to the garden?"
A mere bastard actually wanted to control him. It was outrageous. Lu Changyi said angrily, "You are no match for my third brother who is so interested that he actually braved the scorching sun to meet a beautiful woman."
"You should change your philandering habits. There are plenty of people like you in the brothels. You can't just go after anyone else. You dare to get involved with my father's people? Aren't you afraid that my father will skin you alive?"
Lu Changfeng was not afraid, and said slowly: "The current situation is different from the previous dynasty. The ridicule of the gathering of deer is everywhere. I just enjoyed my father's concubine for a while, so what's the big deal."
"Father only values the heirs of the Marquisate right now. As for those concubines who are just like toys, he doesn't care about them at all."
At this point, Lu Changfeng became even more proud, a sarcastic smile curling up at the corner of his mouth: "The other day, the doctor took my wife's pulse and said her pulse was strong and powerful. This baby must be a unicorn."
"I don't know if my second brother can still give birth to a child. If you are childless, my son will be the only male in the Marquisate. In the future, this Marquisate will definitely fall into my son's hands."
"I may not be as noble as my second brother, but if my son has a promising future, I will also be proud of him."
This brat actually dared to laugh at him for not being able to have children. Lu Changyi pursed his lips tightly, his chest felt as if it was being strangled, and even breathing was difficult.
His heart was filled with humiliation, and even his blood was roaring uncomfortably. Lu Changyi had never been so angry as he was now.
He clenched his teeth, his jaw tensed into a straight line. The mansion was his, and the title was his. No one could take it away from him. Even if he gave the title to someone else, Lu Changfeng would never get a piece of it.
Lu Changfeng just has one more child than him. As long as he also has a child, how can Lu Changfeng still be so arrogant?
He is useless, but there are many useful people. As long as the child comes out of Jiang Shu's belly, what can others say?
At that time, not only will the previous shame be avenged, but the Marquis' Mansion will also not fall into Lu Changfeng's hands. It is no exaggeration to say that it is killing two birds with one stone.
Lu Changyi looked at Lu Changfeng and said calmly, "Third brother, you're too early to be happy. Although your sister-in-law is pregnant, she hasn't given birth yet. Even if she gives birth to a boy, it doesn't matter. As long as Shu'er and I can give birth to a child, your son will just be an insignificant addition to the Marquis's Mansion."
Lu Changfeng just thought that Lu Changyi was showing off. How could he argue with an impotent useless man? It was just a waste of words. He said no more and turned away.
Jiang Shu returned to the octagonal pavilion with her coat, only to see Lu Changyi staring at the lake in a daze with a gloomy expression, apparently unhappy.
"Prince!" Jiang Shu said as she put her coat on Lu Changyi and asked softly, "What's wrong with you?"
Lu Changyi didn't answer Jiang Shu's question. He took Jiang Shu's hand in his and asked, "Shu'er, do you want a child?"
A child? Of course she wanted one. She had been planning for so long, just to have a child.
Thinking of Lu Changyi's body, Jiang Shu didn't want to say it too clearly. She pursed her lips and smiled, and said vaguely: "Children and parents are determined by fate. When fate comes, maybe we can have a child too."
Lu Changyi easily sensed the helplessness in her words. What woman wouldn't want a child? He patted her back gently and said softly, "You're different from me. You're destined to have a child. You'll have one to accompany you through your old age."
This was a bit too far-fetched. Jiang Shu was completely confused. As the topic was too sensitive to ask, she changed the subject and asked, "Have you ever been to the White Horse Temple?"
Lu Changyi's body became thinner and thinner, even thinner than before, as if he was about to ascend to heaven in an instant.
When medicine and remedies are ineffective, it is good to pray to gods and Buddhas. Regardless of whether it is useful or not, it can always make people feel more at ease.
Lu Changyi shook his head: "Never been there."
Jiang Shu continued, "I heard that the incense at the White Horse Temple is very effective. Why don't I go and offer a perpetual lamp to the prince to bless him with a long and happy life."
Lu Changyi had given up hope on his own health, but he didn't want to refuse Jiang Shu's kindness, so he followed her words and said, "Then I'll trouble you."
On the second day, Jiang Shu took a carriage to the White Horse Temple at dawn. Since worshiping Buddha requires sincerity, Jiang Shu ordered the driver to wait at the foot of the mountain and took Fang Yu to climb to the White Horse Temple on foot.
After climbing for about an hour, the two finally arrived at the White Horse Temple. Due to the bad weather, the number of pilgrims in the White Horse Temple was very sparse, not even one-tenth of the usual number, and it was very quiet.
The two men came to the main hall and explained their purpose to the abbot, who then took them to the pagoda where lamp oil was supplied.
The host patiently and gently explained, "The eternal lamp contains oil. A lamp with three liang of oil requires a donation of five liang of silver. A lamp with six liang of oil requires ten liang of silver. A lamp with nine liang of oil is the best and requires a donation of fifteen liang of silver."
Jiang Shu used to be very respectful of gods and Buddhas, but when she thought about having to pay for a perpetual lamp, she couldn't help but find it ridiculous, and her respect for gods and Buddhas disappeared.
Although he no longer believed in these things, because of the promise he had made to Lu Changyi, he still offered him a nine-liang eternal lamp. He had no reverence for it and didn't even look at the lamp again.
It was a rare opportunity to go out, so after saying goodbye to the monk, Jiang Shu wandered around the White Horse Temple. After all, it was an old temple, and regardless of whether the incense was effective or not, the scenery of the temple alone was very admirable.
The temple is quiet and remote, with ancient trees standing tall. In such an environment, even the most chaotic thoughts will involuntarily calm down.
Jiang Shu walked along the ancient wall to the backyard. As luck would have it, when she looked up, she saw Jiang Ran standing under the prayer flags and talking with Zheng Zuhe. The two of them were looking at each other affectionately and intimately. As they talked, they came together and pulled each other into the meditation room.
Jiang Shu curled her lips and smiled, but she felt that the Zen room was not clean anymore, so she turned around and went back to the front yard.
In the dog days of July, everything is flourishing, even the moss is particularly lush. Jiang Shu was walking fast and accidentally stepped on the moss. She slipped and fell to the ground.
"Second Madam!" Fang Yu walked quickly forward and helped Jiang Shu up from the ground.
It wasn't a serious injury, but my ankle was a little painful. If there was a carriage, it would be fine, but the carriage was parked at the foot of the mountain, and now I don't know how to get down the mountain.
Jiang Shu frowned and pointed to the nearby stone bench, motioning Fang Yu to help her over. After all, it would always be a good idea to take a short rest first.
Fang Yujiaojiao was a petite girl, and she felt a little overwhelmed after supporting Jiang Shu for just a few steps.
On the observation deck, Cheng Yong looked at the two people on the road and whispered to Lu Changji, "Sir, the Second Madam has sprained her ankle. Do you need me to help?"
Lu Changji glanced at the people below and whispered, "No need to go over!"
Let her fend for herself. With Jiang Shu's personality, who knows if she is doing this on purpose to play the pig and eat the tiger.
After Lu Changji had spoken, Cheng Yong said no more and watched the situation below in silence.
Jiang Shu and Fang Yu rested for a while, and after they had recovered their strength, they continued to move forward. At this time, a man with a square face and a broad face came into the courtyard through the moon gate.
The man seemed to be familiar with Jiang Shu. He strode up to Jiang Shu, whispered a few words to her, and then carried her on his back.
Although the customs of this dynasty are open, it is not open to the point where men and women can have physical contact. The Crown Prince's wife is so close to a man. Isn't this a betrayal of the Crown Prince?
If this is true, wouldn't it bring shame to the Lu family? Even the adults will be criticized.
Cheng Yong was horrified and looked at Lu Changji.
Lu Changji's expression was normal, but his actions were different.
He placed the chess piece in his hand on the chessboard and walked down the stage.
Cheng Yong has been practicing martial arts since he was a child. He is extremely fast and few people can match him. Unexpectedly, with his skills, he almost couldn't catch up with Lu Changji. He had to jog slightly to avoid falling behind.
"Sister-in-law, you are not feeling well. Come, come to me, I will carry you down the mountain." Jiang Shu had just laid on Jiang Chun's back when Lu Changji's voice rang out from behind her ear.
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