"Take them away!" Long Xuanmo’s cold voice contained anger, and he didn’t so much as glance at the Sisters of Lu Family.
Hong Ling, from who knows where, found three dirty cloths, forcibly stuffed them into the mouths of the three women, and Hai Tang led them away with large strides.
After all those years of marriage, Marquis Xuanping also dearly loved his two daughters. Seeing his wife and daughters being taken away, he inevitably felt some reluctance: "Princess..."
"Sister-in-law Six told this princess that although the Marquis trusted Madam Jia and showed favoritism to Lu Guodong, Lu Mei, and Lu Xiang, he still genuinely loved Sister-in-law Six and Third Young Master Lu (Lu Ningyan)," Yang Mengchen said meaningfully, "Today, their scheme targeted Nobleman Hua and Prince Situ. If the Empress Dowager learns of this matter, the Marquis should be very clear about the consequences."
The implication was that if it weren’t for Lu Ningshuang protecting Marquis Xuanping, given her protective nature, this time Marquis Xuanping would not escape culpability (after all, to fail to discipline one’s children is the fault of the father), let alone the fact that Duke of Zhenguo Mansion and Huguo Protectorate Mansion were pillars of the Imperial Court, with exceptional ties to the royal family—how could anyone dare to scheme against them?
Especially since the Empress Dowager was a figure of iron and blood in her youth, who helped the previous Emperor stabilize his sovereignty and supported the current Emperor in ascending to the throne, and who played a pivotal role in quelling rebellions during both reigns. Without the Empress Dowager, there would be no previous Emperor or current Emperor, nor the present peace and stability of the nation.
Moreover, the Empress Dowager had a character clear as wind and bright as the moon, and she despised underhanded tactics the most. If the Empress Dowager knew that Mei and Xiang stooped to drugging someone in their attempt to cling to the powerful, she would not only kill Mei and Xiang on the spot but also implicate the entire Lu family.
Marquis Xuanping’s face turned deathly pale, and cold sweat the size of soybeans started to pour from his forehead. Even though he dearly loved Mei and Xiang, he wouldn’t dare risk the Lu family to plead on their behalf, especially since Mei and Xiang schemed against the Princely Heirs of Zhenguo and Huguo, and even though they were unsuccessful, it was unforgivable.
"Self-cultivation, family regulation, governance of the state, peace of the world," Long Xuanmo said with a chill in his voice, "If the Emperor learns that Marquis Xuanping’s personal conduct is lacking and that even his own household is in complete disarray, how can he trust Marquis Xuanping with affairs of state? Marquis Xuanping, wouldn’t you agree?"
Marquis Xuanping quickly nodded in agreement and assured that he would heed Long Xuanmo’s instructions.
With a slight smile, Yang Mengchen spoke indifferently, "In consideration of Sister-in-law Six and Third Young Master Lu, this princess will not kill them. However, they are not young anymore. After returning to The Capital, it is time for you, Marquis, to find suitable marriages for them, and within a thousand miles of The Capital, this princess does not wish to see them. Furthermore, since Madam Jia’s behavior is indecent, this princess does not want outsiders to think Sister-in-law Six has such a stepmother, thus gossiping about Sister-in-law Six’s character;"
"Marquis, do not blame this princess for interfering in the Lu family’s domestic affairs. It is truly because this princess cannot bear to see Sister-in-law Six suffer the slightest grievance. Surely you, Marquis, can understand this princess’s feelings?"
For Sister-in-law Six’s safety and happiness, what does it matter if she has to play the villain?
"This humble official understands!" Marquis Xuanping hurriedly assured, "Upon my return to The Capital, I will promptly marry them off, and with Madam Jia’s wicked intentions revealed, I shall demote her to concubine status. From now on, I will double my affection for Ningshuang and Ningyan and will no longer make such foolish mistakes."
Yang Mengchen nodded in satisfaction, "Uncle Lu, rest assured, as long as Sister-in-law Six and Third Young Master Lu are happy and healthy, my husband and I will naturally ensure Uncle Lu a life free from worries."
Understanding the profound meaning behind Yang Mengchen’s words, Marquis Xuanping not only felt no annoyance, but he also felt very grateful and relieved.
Although he favored his stepwife and stepchildren, he sincerely cherished Ningshuang and Ningyan. Now that Ningshuang had found such a fine family to marry into and had the protection of the Prince and princess, he felt at ease. Ningshuang and Ningyan were truly fortunate.
Lu Ningyan was also deeply moved. He knew that Princess Chen was protecting him and his sister. This kindness, he would never forget for as long as he lived.
"Father, rest assured, my sister and I will respect and honor you for our entire lives!"
"You are both good children. Your father was foolish in the past and caused you to suffer."
Shaking his head, Lu Ningyan consoled, "Don’t talk like that, Father. My sister and I understand the difficulties you faced and have never blamed you."
Looking at his son who had grown into a graceful and sensible young man, Marquis Xuanping’s expression became somewhat dazed, as if he saw the gentle and virtuous Qiao Hui, his late wife, and his eyes gradually moistened.
In those days, Qiao Hui gave birth to twin sons prematurely, leading to her frailty. It was believed that she would recover with proper care, but before a hundred days had passed, the already weak second son died. On the same day, Qiao Hui also left him, the swaddled Third Young Master Lu, and the three-year-old Ningshuang behind.
To care for his young children, he had no choice but to remarry Madam Jia, not anticipating that it would lead to hardships for Ningshuang and Ningyan. He was not a good father.
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