Chapter 94: Changes in the World
It was a rare occasion for so many people to gather together, and the atmosphere at the banquet was very warm.
Jiang Ran recalled the last time he was drunk, and no matter how they tried to persuade him, he still refused to drink a drop of alcohol.
Before I knew it, it was already late.
She specially brought some rice dumplings with fermented rice that Lu Weiqing liked to eat, but when she returned home, she found that he had not returned yet.
After taking a bath, Jiang Ran dried his hair until it was half dry, leaned on the chaise longue, lit a lamp and read a book.
The charcoal brazier next to it emitted heat that made people drowsy.
After the second watch drum sounded, Lu Weiqing walked into the house with a chill.
He didn't dare disturb her rashly, so he brought a small stool and sat next to the charcoal brazier to dry the dew. Then he walked to the couch and leaned over to hug her.
Jiang Ran raised his eyes dazedly, and seeing it was him, he muttered, "Why are you back so late?"
Lu Weiqing paused for a moment and said, "The situation is about to change, and there are many things to prepare for."
She was a little confused in her sleep and didn't understand the deeper meaning of the words.
"Yes, the mansion also needs to make winter clothes."
"When the embroiderer came the other day, you were not at home. Ask her to come again when you have time."
Lu Weiqing's tense brows gradually relaxed as she spoke casually.
Since she entered the mansion, the keys to his shops, land deeds, and warehouses have all been given to Jiang Ran for management. Although the mansion is small, there are many chores to do, and she manages everything in an orderly manner.
"Thank you for your hard work, ma'am."
Lu Weiqing carried her to the bed, gently kissed her forehead, and tucked the quilt in for her.
He pondered for a moment and told Jiang Ran about it.
"I need to withdraw some money tomorrow. Madam, do you agree?"
Jiang Ran rubbed his eyes and asked casually, "How much?"
Lu Weiqing told her a number in her ear, and Jiang Ran instantly lost all sleepiness.
With so much silver, he could support an army. What would he do?
She looked at Lu Weiqing steadily, but ultimately did not ask any more questions.
"Just use it, it's your private vault anyway."
Lu Weiqing kissed her fingertips tenderly and said seriously, "Husband and wife are one, so of course I need your permission."
Jiang Ran felt relieved by these words. Not only did she agree generously, she also said that if it was not enough, she had more and he could withdraw more from her.
She was really tired from waiting, and fell into a deep sleep after just a few words.
The next morning, when she woke up, Lu Weiqing had already left.
He was also busy like this for the next half month.
Jiang Ran did not ask much, but just said that the southern tour was imminent, the six ministries were discussing matters, and government affairs were busy.
Just three days after the martial arts competition, Jiang Chuan reported to the Jinwu Guard and had no time to play with them.
I thought that since my eldest brother rarely came back, I would take him out for a good trip, but he was nowhere to be seen every day.
Only Princess Le'an came out almost every day to play with Jiang Ran and Lu Zhaoyang, and occasionally Xu Roujia would also sneak out to play.
Seeing that her daughter was only interested in Jiang Chuan, Mrs. Xu's attitude softened a little, and she turned a blind eye to her making excuses to go out and play.
While helping Le An prepare her dowry, they teased Xu Roujia, saying that she and Jiang Chuan's wedding was approaching.
Everything seems to be going smoothly.
Who would have thought that beneath this calm, there has always been an undercurrent.
That day, Princess Le'an was uneasy since she entered the door. She pricked her fingers several times while embroidering the bridal veil.
It would have been better if she hadn't asked, but when Lu Zhaoyang asked, tears as big as beans rolled down her eyes.
Jiang Ran noticed something was wrong and immediately asked the maids nearby to leave and closed the door himself.
She cried so sadly that even the usually lively Lu Zhaoyang didn't dare to speak to persuade her.
They wiped her tears with a handkerchief, and waited until Le An calmed down before slowly asking her what had happened.
Princess Le An threw the veil in her hand aside and said dejectedly, "I'm afraid that my marriage to Chu Li will not be successful."
The first thing she said was such bad news, which stunned both of them.
Jiang Ran quickly tried to comfort him, "Don't be so pessimistic. This is the marriage arranged by His Majesty. It's his word, it can't be false."
"It's been half a month, and the Ministry of Rites still hasn't chosen a date. This must be Concubine Ru's doing."
Princess Le'an complained a few words and sighed.
"Don't sigh, maybe it's too late. The Ministry of Rites must be busy with the Southern Tour right now."
"Yeah, my brother has also been leaving early and coming back late recently. I'll ask him when he comes back later."
"Yes, don't worry, let's find out the news."
Jiang Ran and Lu Zhaoyang each spoke a few words to comfort her for a long time before Princess Le'an stopped crying.
But her brows were still furrowed, still worried.
After thinking for a while, she finally made up her mind to bring the two closer and tell them a bigger secret.
"I also tried to find out, but after going several times, the emperor refused to see me."
"The only one who can come close to serve me now is Concubine Ru. I am worried about her..."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's faces were filled with horror.
"You mean, Concubine Ru treated His Majesty..." Jiang Ran paused for a moment before finding his voice again.
Princess Le'an nodded solemnly. Otherwise, her father would never have refused to see her.
Thinking back on Lu Weiqing's recent behavior, especially the large sum of money he had spent, Jiang Ran felt very anxious and restless.
She was comforting Le An and seemed to be convincing herself as well.
After worrying for half a day, she decided to wait for Lu Weiqing to come back in the evening and ask him about it.
She forced herself to wait until three o'clock in the morning before Lu Weiqing came home.
Seeing that Jiang Ran's eyes were red but he still insisted on waiting for him, Lu Weiqing felt distressed and walked forward to carry him back to bed.
She struggled a bit, avoided his embrace, and asked word by word: "Are you hiding something from me?"
Lu Weiqing immediately understood that she couldn't hide this from him. He had already reached the limit of what he could do if he could delay it until now.
"I'm telling you, but don't worry, and don't tell Le An."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ran immediately raised three fingers and swore to keep the secret strictly.
He then leaned close to her ear and whispered two words, "Your Majesty..."
Then, Lu Weiqing slowly shook his head.
"How could this be?! He was fine during the martial arts competition."
Although Jiang Ran was mentally prepared, he was still shocked by the news.
"At first he said he had a cold, and now he hasn't been to court for nearly half a month."
"For this reason, the southern tour has been brought forward and will depart in five days."
Lu Weiqing said it calmly. With such a sudden change, one can imagine how heavy the burden on his shoulders is.
"There is always work to do, and you should also take care of yourself." Jiang Ran couldn't help but advise.
Seeing the tired look on Lu Weiqing's face, she stood up and lit some calming incense, then let him rest his head on her knees and gently massaged his solar plexus.
He gradually relaxed, but did not forget to remind her that Jiang Yi would escort the Nanchu delegation back the day after tomorrow.
Jiang Ran had always kept this matter in mind, and had already prepared the winter clothes that he had asked his elder brother to bring back, and had packed a whole carriage with miscellaneous items.
When Lu Weiqing specifically mentioned this at this time, she still felt warm in her heart.
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