Chapter 61: Father and Son Acting
“I’m afraid that won’t work. As husband and wife, we should go together.” Jiang Liangxu took the betrothal letter and the supplementary book of gifts①, and then walked out.
He took Jiang Wei and Jiang Heng with him, and the three of them went to the study.
Zhao Xian, Li Lianniang, and Cui Tingyue were left looking at each other in bewilderment.
Logically, such a big matter should be discussed privately, but Jiang Liangxu did not hide it from everyone.
Cui Tingyue sat obediently. Such an important matter had called her here, which meant they considered her a member of the family. She didn't care whether Jiang Heng broke off the engagement or not; her godfather and godmother would make the decision.
Li Lianniang was still in shock: "Mother, my second brother likes the Lu family girl so much..."
Zhao Xian interrupted her and changed the subject, saying, "Tomorrow is Xiu'er's birthday. Take this gift back and give it to Xiu'er tomorrow morning."
As she spoke, she handed a flat, square brocade box to Li Lianniang.
Inside the brocade box was a necklace. Jiang Shuxiu was still young, and it was inconvenient for her to wear headdresses and bracelets, but the necklace could be hung directly around her neck.
Jiang Liangxu suddenly announced that he would break off the engagement with Jiang Heng, but judging from the meaning of his words, it was mostly an act. However, tomorrow would definitely be unsettling, and she probably wouldn't care about Jiang Shuxiu's birthday.
--
As expected, early the next morning, Zhao Xian went to the Lu family with Jiang Liangxu.
"Lord Jiang, Madam Jiang, please come inside. The servants knocked on the door and delivered a letter last night. Is there something important?"
Upon arriving at the gate of the Lu residence, they were greeted by Lord Lu and his wife, with Lady Lu speaking with a smile.
But his words were tinged with doubt, as the invitation to visit was sent far too late, making it seem like a last-minute decision.
But then he said he had important matters to discuss and made it clear that he wanted to visit the head of the Lu family.
Zhao Xian glanced at Jiang Liangxu; he had even sent an invitation.
On the way, Jiang Liangxu had told her that she didn't need to say anything, so Zhao Xian just smiled but didn't explain why they had come.
When Jiang Liangxu wasn't smiling, he gave off a very serious vibe: "I have something very important to discuss with Lord Lu. I apologize for bothering you."
Seeing that he was serious, Lord Lu gestured for him to speak: "Let's talk in the study. This way, please."
After the two left.
Lu's daughter-in-law tugged at her mother-in-law's sleeve and whispered, "Mother, something feels off. They came empty-handed."
Madam Lu glanced at her daughter-in-law, signaling her not to speak carelessly.
But it was indeed inappropriate for her daughter-in-law to say it like that, especially since she noticed that Madam Jiang's expression was somewhat unnatural.
Madam Lu greeted them and helped them to their seats. There were no outsiders in the flower hall. Madam Lu said warmly, "My dear in-law, you've come at the perfect time. Today is your eldest granddaughter's birthday, isn't it? Yingying prepared some birthday gifts for the child and was planning to deliver them to your door later."
Zhao Xian: "Yingying is such a good child, so thoughtful."
Madam Lu's heart skipped a beat. Although it was a compliment, Zhao Xian's expression was not quite right.
She remembered that Jiang Heng had been at home these past few days, so why did the Jiang couple come to visit but Jiang Heng was nowhere to be seen?
The women were drinking tea and chatting when a servant from the Lu family came to report that Jiang Heng had arrived. Before the words were even finished, Jiang Heng burst in, looking extremely anxious. He rushed in and shouted, "Aunt Lu, where is my father?"
The clothes were the same ones she wore yesterday, and the fabric was clearly wrinkled.
Upon hearing the servant's message, Zhao Xian was already in a good mood and immediately rebuked, "Jiang Heng, this is not the Jiang family home. Where are your rules? Go back here."
Jiang Heng's face was filled with helplessness and anger. "Mother, why did you and Father want to break off my engagement with Yingying and tie me up? I don't agree! Tell me where he is!"
Madam Lu looked at Zhao Xian in disbelief.
Little Lu reacted quickly and said, "The study, it's in the study."
A servant immediately led the way.
Meeting Madam Lu's gaze, Zhao Xian tried her best to appear calm. Jiang Heng's timely appearance meant that the marriage could not be called off, but the formalities had to be followed.
Madam Lu's face instantly contorted with anger and astonishment. "Madam Jiang, what has my Lu family done to warrant your annulment of the engagement? How is my daughter supposed to face the world after this?"
If her daughter's engagement is broken off, her reputation will be ruined. Why would the Jiang family come to break off the engagement without saying a word? Has the Lu family done anything to wrong the Jiang family?
When Madam Jiang visited the mansion last time, she subtly implied that her cousin had displeased Jiang Heng, and she immediately sent him away.
Why did the Jiang family suddenly come to break off the engagement?
Zhao Xian put down her teacup: "This is a long story."
The book doesn't mention the Lu family coming to break off the engagement, because after the affair was exposed, the entire Lu family was exiled.
The original owner wanted to break off the engagement, but Jiang Heng had already run away with the crowd, acting like a live-in son-in-law.
Madam Lu was in a hurry: "Then let's get to the point."
Zhao Xian didn't want to come, but she had expected this: "Third Sister is very good, and I like Third Sister very much, but Lord Lu..."
Before Zhao Xian could finish speaking, Jiang Heng, carrying things in both hands, used his light-footed skills to run away.
Jiang Liangxu angrily shouted from behind, "Jiang Heng!"
As Jiang Heng ran, he said, "Father, I will not break off the engagement with Yingying. Don't even think about separating us. I'm taking the betrothal letter, the betrothal gifts, and the engagement tokens with me."
"Stop right there!" Jiang Liangxu chased after him.
Before Madam Lu and her daughter-in-law could figure out what was going on, Lord Lu had already changed into his official robes and come out.
Madam Lu didn't bother asking Zhao Xian the reason. Today was Lord Lu's day off, so why did he suddenly change into his official robes? "Master, what happened?"
Lord Lu's face was grim. "Prepare the carriage. I need to go to the palace. Madam, please take good care of the household."
Amidst the chaos, Zhao Xian took her leave. As she approached the hanging flower gate, a familiar girl's voice came from behind her, "Auntie, please wait."
Looking back, Lu Zhaoying was holding a bundle in her hands, wearing a bright red cloak that made her skin look as white as snow.
Zhao Xian smiled, "Third Sister."
Lu Zhaoying handed over the bundle: "Auntie, this is a birthday gift I prepared for Xiu'er. I hope you won't find it offensive."
"How could that be? Third Sister is so kind."
Peony stepped forward and took the bundle.
Zhao Xian beckoned to Lu Zhaoying, and Shaoyao stepped aside. Zhao Xian whispered a few words in Lu Zhaoying's ear, "...tell your mother to prepare early."
As the Chief of the Privy Council, Lord Lu was responsible for all official documents. The concealment of important military intelligence, whether he was aware of it or not, made him culpable.
Since Jiang Liangxu did not disappear without a trace as described in the book, the matter was discovered ahead of time.
I just hope the Lu family can do something about it.
Lu Zhaoying's expression was solemn. "Thank you, Uncle and Aunt."
After leaving the Lu family, Jiang Heng and Jiang Liangxu were nowhere to be seen, and half of the guards they had brought with them had also left.
Qin Da stepped forward: "Madam, Master has gone to chase after the young master and has asked me to escort you back to the mansion."
Zhao Xian nodded and was helped into the carriage by her maid.
It wasn't until almost an hour later that Jiang Liangxu was carried back to his residence.
At that time, Zhao Xian was looking at the birthday gift that Lu Zhaoying gave to Jiang Shuxiu with Li Lianniang. It just so happened that this year was the Year of the Rabbit, and Lu Zhaoying gave her a rabbit head hat and rabbit head shoes with exquisite and cute craftsmanship.
Li Lianniang touched the rabbit-head hat with her hand, "According to Mother's opinion, if Second Brother takes away the token, wouldn't the marriage not be called off?"
Cui Tingyue's hands flew across the needle and thread, but her ears were perked up, listening to their conversation.
Yingchun entered the room and reported, "Madam, news has come from the front yard that Master has fallen off his horse and broken his leg."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian appeared very agitated: "What did you say? Where is he?"
"The messenger said that the master has been carried back to Yanchi Studio."
Yanchi Zhai was Jiang Liangxu's study in the outer courtyard.
Cui Tingyue put down her needlework and, together with Li Lianniang, helped Zhao Xian walk out.
Upon arriving at Yanchizhai, the imperial physician had already been summoned.
Zhao Xian ignored the objections and entered the house. Today, Jiang Liangxu was wearing a moon-white brocade robe with a dark blue cloak over it. He was too anxious when chasing Jiang Heng and did not put on the cloak.
He was lying on the soft couch in the study. His moon-white clothes were stained with a little scarlet, which was particularly noticeable. His face was covered with dust and abrasions.
Zhao Xian nearly lost her balance upon seeing this. Wasn't she just faking it? How could it be so serious?
"Madam, the head of the Imperial Medical Academy has arrived with several imperial physicians, saying they have been ordered to treat Your Excellency."
The voice of the maid outside interrupted Zhao Xian's thoughts.
Zhao Xian went out of the study to greet the person.
Several imperial physicians arrived. Upon seeing Zhao Xian, the head physician said, "Madam Jiang, His Majesty, upon learning that Lord Jiang had fallen from his horse, specially dispatched us to treat him."
Zhao Xian's face was deathly pale, and she said in a weak voice, "Please come inside, gentlemen."
The outpatient treatment at this clinic took half an afternoon. All I could see were basins of bloody water being carried out, and the medicine boy brought by the imperial physician brewing medicine on several stoves.
A servant brought a chair, and Li Lianniang helped Zhao Xian sit down.
"Grandma." Jiang Shuxiu struggled to get down and walked towards Zhao Xian, her small hands grabbing the hem of her skirt.
Zhao Xian picked up Jiang Shuxiu, feeling a pang of guilt.
Today is Xiujie's birthday, and the whole family should be gathered together to celebrate her birthday happily.
"father--"
Jiang Heng returned on his own after receiving the news. Upon entering the courtyard and seeing the basins of bloody water, he knelt down on the ground with a thud.
No one helped him up, and no one cared about him.
Upon receiving the news, Jiang Wei hurriedly asked for leave and rushed back.
They didn't know what was happening inside the room. The imperial physician was also inside. After about two hours, when it started to get dark, the door was opened and the imperial physicians came out with a sigh of relief.
Led by Zhao Xian, the group went to greet him. Zhao Xian's eyes were full of worry: "May I ask, Headmaster, how is my husband? Is he alright?"
"Madam Jiang, rest assured, Lord Jiang's leg has been saved, but it is a serious injury that will require proper care and recovery. I will come to your residence every few days to change your dressing."
"Thank you very much. You've been busy for so long. Please have some food before you leave."
The head of the academy waved his hand: "No need, we still need to go to the palace to report to the Emperor, so we won't delay any longer."
"Granny, prepare some tea and snacks for the gentlemen to eat on their journey." After saying that, she looked at Jiang Wei and said, "Wei'er, you personally see the gentlemen off."
Zhao Xian pushed open the door and entered the room, keeping everyone outside. The room smelled of blood and Chinese medicine, which was not pleasant.
The physician was exhausted and went to eat. Qin Da was wiping Jiang Liangxu's face when he saw this and called out, "Madam."
Zhao Xian looked closely at the person whose face had been cleaned of dust, and she had to admit that he really looked like him. With the dust and scratches covering his face, she would have thought it was Jiang Liangxu.
It wasn't until Jiang Wei patted her shoulder as a hint that she realized what was happening.
Zhao Xian looked up at Qin Da.
She opened her mouth, mouthing the question: "Playing this so realistically?"
Qin Da twitched the corner of his mouth and continued tidying up. "Don't worry, Madam, I'll take care of things here, sir."
Therefore, after leaving the Lu family, Jiang Liangxu immediately left the city, and it was not him who was chasing Jiang Heng.
Even though he knew the outcome, he had told her last night that he would secretly investigate the border town, but he hadn't even told her when he would leave.
She thought that he would at least pretend to be injured and unable to attend court before leaving in secret.
In the end, there wasn't even a goodbye.
Knowing that the 'Jiang Liangxu' on the bed was fake, Zhao Xian didn't let anyone else in, except for her two sons, since they had conspired in the study the day before.
In public, Jiang Wei, on behalf of his father, disciplined Jiang Heng with family rules, beating him so badly that he was bedridden.
As for the truth behind Jiang Liangxu's broken leg, it was quickly uncovered and spread.
All because Jiang Heng disagreed with breaking off his engagement with the third daughter of the Lu family, he snatched the betrothal letter, the gift book, and the engagement tokens, which caused his father to chase after him. However, he accidentally fell off his horse and broke his leg, falling into a coma.
Everyone witnessed the imperial physicians collectively entering the Jiang family to treat patients.
The Emperor specially sent someone to offer his condolences, but since the person was still unconscious, he naturally could not attend court.
The news quickly spread throughout Jin'an.
At the same time, the Privy Council's Chief Clerk Lu accused Imperial Censor Tao of falsely accusing him of withholding important military intelligence.
Both sides stuck to their own versions of events until Imperial Censor Tao produced some evidence, pointing the finger directly at Privy Councilor Wu.
Due to insufficient evidence, Privy Councilor Wu shifted all the blame onto Lord Lu and refused to admit his mistakes. The Emperor severely reprimanded Censor Tao for his ineffective supervision and sent him to the border city to investigate the truth.
It was seven or eight days later when Imperial Censor Tao left Jin'an, and they argued for a long time in the court.
This matter did not come to light because the imperial examinations were just around the corner, but Lord Lu was still imprisoned.
Ordinary people might not know the inside story, but the court officials were all shrewd and immediately understood why Jiang Liangxu was in such a hurry to break off his son's engagement.
As a result, the engagement was not called off, and he was unlucky enough to be implicated by his son, resulting in a broken leg and confinement to bed.
Someone privately inquired about his injuries from the imperial physician. The head physician mentioned this casually when he came to change his dressing, and judging from his tone, quite a few people had inquired about it.
From then on, all matters concerning the Office of Transmission were handed over to the Deputy Director of the Office of Transmission.
Jiang Wei now holds a position of authority in the imperial court and is aware of all these matters, which he recounted vividly upon his return.
Previously, the Jiang family received many visiting cards, making the selection process troublesome. However, since Jiang Liangxu fell ill, the number of visiting cards has decreased day by day.
Jiang Heng lay sprawled on the chair, his buttocks still injured from the family discipline, too afraid to sit down. He sighed, "My reputation is ruined."
"Take it easy, at least your marriage to Third Sister hasn't been called off." Knowing that he had been tricked by his own father, but also understanding that it was all in the ordinary, he could only wait until the border town matter was investigated and Jiang Liangxu returned with the evidence.
otherwise……
Another unexpected event occurred, making Zhao Xian uneasy, but she couldn't show it.
Rumors in Jin'an are updated and replaced very quickly. Unless deliberately guided, normal rumors will dissipate in a few days.
With the imperial examinations approaching, students from all over the country gather in Jin'an, and there are always new things happening every day.
Jiang Liangxu quickly forgot about being tricked by his son.
The most discussed topic was the suddenly appearing Mingxuan Poetry Collection.
The poems inside were instantly read and admired by scholars, but since there were many scholars, some praised them while others slandered them out of jealousy.
Jiang Wei also bought a book and brought it back. "Mother, why do I feel that some of these poems are very familiar? I heard a line or two when I was a child."
Zhao Xian: "..."
"What is this? Let me see." Zhao Xian interrupted, took the poetry collection, and was shocked as she flipped through it.
Does Lang Zhizhi have a system? Otherwise, her memory must be amazing to remember so many poems!
-----------------------
Author's Note: ①: (I fixed a bug in the previous chapter; the marriage certificate was changed to a betrothal letter and a supplementary book of gifts.)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com