Chapter 223 World Nine (Twenty)
Lu Yuan returned to the capital to report. The emperor learned that the individuals secretly forging weapons were his own blood brothers, and even several of his own sons were involved. The emperor was furious. He held great power, and as he grew older, he became increasingly suspicious. He couldn't help but speculate: First, they were secretly manufacturing weapons. What would be the next step? Perhaps they were gathering soldiers, surrounding the imperial city, and threatening him to abdicate.
The emperor was furious and could not help but question, "Normally, they have been provided with food, clothing, and instruction from the Grand Tutor. Yet now... they are truly neither a subject nor a son!"
The whole room was silent, and no one dared to respond to the emperor's words.
Furious, the emperor immediately ordered the demise of the pottery shop that forged weapons and the seizure of all weapons into the imperial treasury. The person behind the scheme was temporarily imprisoned to see if he repented and would be dealt with accordingly. Having arranged all this, the emperor slumped on the dragon throne, feeling a strange emptiness within him. He couldn't even trust blood ties, so who could he trust now?
The emperor raised his eyes slightly and cast his gaze on Lu Yuanhui, who was standing in the hall. Even though they were several feet apart, the faint smell of blood from Lu Yuanhui still reached the emperor's nose.
A look of contemplation flashed across the emperor's face. It can be seen that Lu Yuanhui went to investigate the matter alone, and the hardships and dangers involved were evident.
But when Lu Yuan reported back to the person behind the scenes, he just stated the facts without any intention of complaining about his injuries.
The emperor was immediately cheered up. He did have someone he could trust. Among all the civil and military officials in the court, only Lu Qing would never betray him.
Many secret matters were handed over to the Jinyiwei for handling, but there was a reason why they could not be made public.
As a result, the Jinyiwei were subjected to many insults, but no one in the Jinyiwei was seen to have any rebellious intentions.
Jinyiwei...the emperor's most loyal and sharp sword, with the blade always facing the enemy and the back of the sword facing the emperor.
The emperor's gaze softened as he watched Lu Yuanhui return. He then instructed, "Mr. Lu, you have made great contributions on this journey and you are injured. Return home and recuperate."
Lu Yuan returned the greeting by bowing.
As soon as Lu Yuanhui returned to the Northern Pacification Office, the eunuchs, with respectful expressions, announced the emperor's decree, and rewards flowed into the Northern Pacification Office like water.
The eunuch smiled brightly as he stood beside Lu Yuanhui and said with emotion, "Even the most favored empress in the palace has never made His Majesty pay so much attention to her."
After saying this, the eunuch felt that it was inappropriate. As the commander of the Jinyiwei, he naturally did not like to be compared with a concubine. The eunuch quickly made up for it, saying: "Commander Lu is your majesty's right-hand man and has a bright future."
Lu Yuan replied with a normal expression: "You're too kind."
Looking at the dazzling array of rewards, from large red coral gem screens to small accessories on belts, they are all carefully selected treasures.
If others received such a reward from the emperor, they would inevitably be delighted and feel complacent.
But Lu Yuan knew clearly that the emperor was feeling uneasy because of the pottery shop incident, so he remembered the loyalty of the Jinyiwei and wanted to win them over.
Lu Yuanhui ordered that a portion of these rewards be distributed to other Jinyiwei, and the rest be placed in his private treasury.
Among the emperor's rewards, there was a bracelet made of chalcedony beads strung together with gold and silver threads. The beads were all exactly the same in size, round and warm.
Hearing that this chalcedony bead bracelet was inlaid with relics, Lu Yuanhui put it under his nose and indeed, he could smell a faint scent of sandalwood.
This slightly cool touch is most suitable for wearing at this time of year.
Lu Yuanhui immediately thought of the precious fan. With her delicate and soft wrists, wearing this chalcedony bead bracelet and then going to the small Buddhist temple to pray and chant scriptures would surely show her sincerity.
Outside the Lu family's door.
Seeing Lu Yuanhui's figure, the doorman was shocked and secretly complained in his heart: Why did the young master come back today?
Lu Yuanhui stepped in and casually asked, "Is the treasured fan in the mansion?"
The doorman wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and after a moment, he had a plan in mind.
Compared with life, the little favors Zhiyi gave were nothing.
The doorman always knew how to seek benefits and avoid harm. He already had a plan in mind, so he fell to his knees on the ground with a frantic look on his face.
"Miss Baoshan... she's not feeling well right now."
Lu Yuanhui's expression turned slightly cold.
The doorman told everything at once, and Zhang Qingping invited Baoshan to go out for a small gathering.
But after returning, Baoshan fell ill and stayed in the courtyard, refusing to go out.
But today, Zhang Qingping seemed to be stimulated by something and directly ordered people to open the courtyard of the treasure fan.
Although Zhang Qingping had no power, she was the mistress after all, and was more noble than Baoshan, a woman whose husband had died.
The numerous maids and servants naturally obeyed orders. Now, Zhang Qingping might have already broken in.
The doorman was also one of the helpers in breaking in. Now seeing Lu Yuanhui's cold expression, he took the initiative to step forward and lead the way for Lu Yuanhui.
Zhang Qingping was really annoyed. Luo's father was a born rogue. He took the money but did not keep his promise. He came to Zhang Qingping every few days to ask for the money.
Zhang Qingping had no power as a housekeeper, so naturally she could not touch the Lu family's money. She could only use her own dowry and private treasury to supplement the expenses.
But as Father Luo looked at the dwindling amount of silver he received, his expression became more and more disdainful. After receiving the silver yesterday, he actually stared at Zhang Qingping for a long time and sneered.
"How can Madam Lu's beauty compare to my son's precious fan?
Men are attracted to beauty. If Madam Lu wants to win back Commander Lu's heart, it would be faster if she could reincarnate or change into a beautiful face.
How could Zhang Qingping endure such humiliation? Lu Yuanhui's infidelity and Luo's father's threats made Zhang Qingping almost breathless. She thought of the root of everything and a crazy idea popped up in her head.
If the treasured fan is lost, everything can be restored to its original state.
Zhang Qingping rushed into the courtyard and saw Baoshan holding a bowl of lotus root and pork ribs soup, sipping it.
She knew that feigning illness would draw criticism, so she simply went ahead and actually "got sick." A true lie involves deceiving not only those around you but also yourself.
Baoshan's face was pale, her black hair was loose and hung behind her head like clouds, and her lips were moist and shiny. When she heard the sound outside the door, her soft hand holding the spoon paused slightly, and she looked up timidly.
Seeing that it was Zhang Qingping, Baoshan lifted the quilt on her body and wanted to get up, and Zhenzhu hurried to support her.
But Zhang Qingping had already walked to the side of the bed. She lifted Baoshan's chin forcefully and looked at her beautiful face.
The cold nails touched her face, Baoshan trembled, the porcelain bowl rolled down gently, and crackling sounds came from the house.
"lady?"
Baoshan's voice was full of helplessness and ignorance.
But this look made Zhang Qingping feel even more hateful. She was alienated by the Zhang family and blackmailed by Luo's father. She was in a state of panic all day long, but Baoshan seemed to be clueless.
Zhang Qingping let go of Baoshan, leaving large red marks and spots on her delicate little jaw. Baoshan's eyes were filled with tears, making her look even more pitiful.
"Fox Charm!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Yuanhui walked in. His expression was calm, and his two dark eyes were like stars.
Lu Yuanhui seemed to be in a hurry, with the Embroidered Spring Sword still on his waist, which he had not taken off.
Zhang Qingping's eyes warmed up, and she subconsciously thought of the past. She went to greet Lu Yuanhui, calling out, "Yuanhui..."
But Lu Yuanhui passed her directly and walked to the side of the treasure fan. He leaned over to look at the treasure fan and asked, "Does it hurt?"
Bao Shan shook her head and wanted to throw herself into Lu Yuanhui's arms to seek support.
But because there were other people in the room, she just raised her soft hands and gently tugged at Lu Yuanhui's belt, her voice as soft as a mosquito's hum: "My lord, you're back..."
There is no need for too many words to express the feeling of missing someone. Just one glance is enough to show the deep affection.
In those clear eyes, only Lu Yuanhui's figure was reflected. The water swayed, and Lu Yuanhui's body swayed with it.
Lu Yuanhui turned his gaze away and looked at Manager Zhao who had just hurried over.
"Father has been studying for so long that he can't even manage the household anymore."
Upon hearing this, Manager Zhao broke out in a cold sweat and quickly said, "The Master is busy with state affairs. When he learned that Madam was here, he immediately sent me to check."
Lu Yuan lowered his eyes and looked at the soft hands that were tightly grasping his belt, his eyes dimmed slightly.
Hearing Manager Zhao's explanation, Lu Yuanhui chuckled, obviously not believing it.
His father has always been indifferent to other people's joys and sorrows. Zhang Qingping's behavior was a result of Mr. Lu's indulgence.
Otherwise, how could a powerless mistress make everyone obey her orders?
Manager Zhao's waist suddenly bent even deeper. He gave a slight signal and had Zhang Qingping taken away.
Manager Zhao raised his eyes slightly, looked at Bao Shan, who was leaning against Lu Yuanhui with a pitiful look, and said slowly: "Madam, this is wrong, but you are forced into it, so..."
Lu Yuanhui held Bao Shan's slender wrist, which was as soft as boneless and her skin was as white as cream.
With a slight movement, he put the chalcedony bead bracelet in his arms on his shiny wrist.
Seeing that Lu Yuanhui ignored him, Manager Zhao had no choice but to continue, "Madam is bewitched and has done something wrong to Miss Baoshan.
But Miss Baoshan's father was greedy, which led to the lady forcing her way into the courtyard.
If the Madam is at fault, it only accounts for 70%, and the other 30%..."
Bao Shan hid behind Lu Yuanhui, her knuckles turning white as she pinched Lu Yuanhui's belt. Upon hearing what Manager Zhao said, she gently relaxed and murmured, "Dad... he won't..."
Manager Zhao wanted to say more, but when he met Lu Yuanhui's calm eyes, his body trembled and he quickly said goodbye.
Zhenzhu also left the room, leaving only Lu Yuanhui and Baoshan in the room.
Bao Shan lowered her head and wanted to defend her father. She knew that Mr. Luo was not a good father. He was addicted to gambling and had never really pitied her as his daughter.
However, he was her father. How could he do such a thing as making money by taking advantage of the harm his daughter had suffered?
Bao Shan didn't want to believe it, but couldn't find a reason, so she could only say dryly: "Dad wouldn't do that, he wouldn't do that..."
It seemed like he was trying to persuade Lu Yuanhui, but it was more like he was trying to persuade himself.
Lu Yuanhui didn't like Baoshan crying, which made him raise his eyebrows.
Lu Yuanhui didn't understand women's thoughts. His mother was just like that. She cried for Master Lu and for him, and eventually hurt herself.
As for Bao Shan, it seems that there are even more people who can make her cry——
Her late husband Wei Mao, Luo's father, and other insignificant characters could all make Bao Shan's eyes red and she sob softly.
Lu Yuanhui held the wrist of the treasure fan and carefully stroked the chalcedony bead bracelet on it. The warm and delicate touch gradually calmed Lu Yuanhui's mood.
He opened his mouth and asked, "Aren't you happy that I'm back?"
Bao Shan hurriedly shook her head, her originally messy and loose hair becoming even more scattered. Her voice trembled with tears, "No, I'm glad that you're back, sir."
Fearing that Lu Yuanhui would misunderstand her, Bao Shan quickly stopped crying.
But it was not so easy to suppress her crying. She sobbed softly, her chest still heaving, and a tear hung in her eye.
Baoshan's eyes were red and moist, and her beautiful eyes were full of sincerity: "I want you to return safely."
Lu Yuanhui raised his hand and wiped away the teardrop from Baoshan's eyes with the back of his hand. The light wetness slid down Lu Yuanhui's palm.
Lu Yuanhui's palm was rough like gravel because he had been holding the Embroidered Spring Sword for many years. When he touched Baoshan's cheek, it left a red mark.
But Baoshan didn't care. She turned her face to the side and let her face press against Lu Yuanhui's palm with a gentle posture.
"grown ups."
It was like the whispers between lovers, soft and tender, as if it had been soaked in honey for many hours.
Lu Yuanhui stroked Baoshan's cheek, which was completely different from his skin, extremely soft.
Lu Yuanhui replied softly, "I know."
He traveled day and night to return to the capital. In his empty heart, the image of the precious fan would appear, reminding him that someone was still thinking about him and caring about him.
You must be happy to know that he has returned safely.
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