When Lu Baichuan returned from his business trip, he happened to see Old Man Lu coming out of the teahouse, so they came back together.
Sun cursed at Old Man Lu: "You old fool, you still know how to come back! Don't you know what day it is today? Hurry up and take a bath and change your clothes, or do you want the important people to wait for you!"
When she saw her son return, he looked hesitant, as if he had something to say to his daughter-in-law. Sun was very perceptive and grabbed Old Man Lu and left, leaving the couple alone.
"What's wrong?"
He Jiuniang also felt something was wrong. Logically speaking, Lu Baichuan shouldn't have passed by the teahouse on his way back.
"It's nothing much, just a suspicion that the Eastern Court may still have people left there, or that there may be a mole within the court. We've been investigating."
Lu Baichuan answered honestly, and He Jiuniang understood his meaning as soon as he opened his mouth.
There are still people from Dongting in the capital. If the search for the king is announced now, all the work we did to keep it a secret for so long will have been for nothing.
"I understand. You can handle it as you see fit. These things can't be rushed."
Lu Baichuan replied, "Yes, by the way, I received Qin Jian's letter. He said that they have taken over the mine and arrested all the local officials who were involved with Xun Wang. They are currently being escorted back to the capital. They should be arriving in Chengzhou soon as well."
He Jiuniang smiled and said, "That's good. Brother Qin handled this matter very well. It was worth the trip we made from so far away."
Qin Jianxin's words were unusually excited, praising his wife's medicine for being so miraculous, saving all their lives and making their mission much easier.
Most importantly, all the brothers he took with him are alive and well. They went with him and came back alive too, blah blah blah, I'm rambling on and on.
So he didn't tell his wife.
Before long, the children who were studying also returned. Knowing that they were going to a banquet that evening, they rushed back to bathe and change clothes.
Once they were all ready, the timing was perfect, and the whole family went to the palace together.
With so many things happening, the Lu family's status has naturally risen. Some people used to look down on them, but not anymore.
Even if they don't take the initiative to greet you, they will still smile and gesture, full of flattery.
The Lu family never cared about these things. They would repay others for how they were treated, as long as they wouldn't suffer any losses and wouldn't be too ostentatious.
Zhang Lanxiang and Liu Yuexiang also came this time. The two were still a little unaccustomed to it, but they felt fine staying by Lianhua's side. At least no one would dare to cause them trouble.
This Mid-Autumn Festival family banquet was held in a very grand manner, with the intention of reunion. Therefore, the Empress Dowager and other members of the imperial family had to attend, making it exceptionally lively. Naturally, this also made it easy for problems to arise. The event was strictly controlled to ensure that no disrespectful incidents were allowed to occur and spoil everyone's enjoyment.
The Mid-Autumn Festival family banquet is divided into three stages. First, everyone eats and drinks together, chats about everyday things, so that everyone feels relaxed and at home.
Then the Emperor and Empress led everyone to enjoy the moon and watch song and dance performances under the stage in the Imperial Garden.
Finally, the emperor and empress led everyone in worshipping the moon, and then everyone went home to rest.
The most humane aspect was that the day after the Mid-Autumn Festival was given to all officials as a day off, so they didn't have to get up early for court and could spend quality time with their families.
The emperor was benevolent, and the court officials also benefited, all wearing happy expressions.
Before the banquet began, the emperor spoke first, summarizing the recent events and achievements of the court, and praising the officials who had made great contributions during this period.
Lu Baichuan was among those receiving gifts, which made many people envious.
The banquet officially began only after the bestowal of gifts was completed.
Everyone was enjoying the delicious food in front of them, occasionally praising which dish was good, and the atmosphere was very harmonious and pleasant.
Just then, someone, still reeling from the recent reward, suddenly exclaimed, "General Lu is so outstanding, his young master must be no less so. I've heard he studies at the Imperial Academy; may I perhaps give him a proper examination?"
He smiled brightly, like an ordinary elder wanting to test a child's homework—approachable and hard to refuse.
But He Jiuniang still refused: "Lord Zhang, it's a holiday, don't make things difficult for the child. Is the food in front of you not good?"
Upon hearing He Jiuniang speak, Zhang Wentao's expression instantly darkened. He looked down on women from the bottom of his heart, believing that women should just stay at home to be good wives and mothers and didn't need to have any great abilities.
However, He Jiuniang was an anomaly among women, even overshadowing the men. When the emperor was bestowing rewards, he specifically mentioned that He Jiuniang would also receive a share of the rewards given to Lu Baichuan.
She's just a woman, why should she be allowed to do this!
However, he also knew He Jiuniang's status in the emperor's heart, so he naturally wouldn't offend her openly.
He quickly adjusted his expression and said, "Madam Lu is joking. The young master has excellent grades, so naturally he is not afraid of tests. Besides, courage must be cultivated from a young age. Today is a good opportunity, so please don't spoil the fun, Madam Lu."
He Jiuniang was instantly annoyed when she was told she was a spoilsport, and was about to retort when Lu Baichuan said, "My family never demands that our children be outstanding, much less do we need them to perform in front of so many people. Today is a festival, a time of national celebration, so why should Lord Zhang make things difficult for a child?"
This statement is easily misunderstood, making people think that Gou'er might really be a poor student, and that the rumors they heard before were all fabricated by the Lu family.
"Hahaha, General Lu, are you angry? Oh dear, I didn't mean anything by it. I just felt that children are the future and hope of the country, and I wanted to test the young master's studies. Since General Lu is so unwilling, then forget it, forget it—"
He deliberately dragged out the last syllable, and even snorted coldly, looking down on people.
Then, as if deliberately showing off, he called his son up and tested him in front of everyone.
His son is almost twenty years old and has some literary talent, but he was probably very nervous because he didn't expect his father to test him in public, and he even stumbled over his words.
Fortunately, nothing major went wrong, and the answer was adequate.
Although his behavior was very annoying, there were still some people who supported him, so a few more teenagers were called on to answer questions.
Coincidentally, the students who were called upon to answer were all those who usually did well in their studies. It was clear that Zhang Wentao was giving them face and asked simple questions, not wanting to offend too many people.
After all, his next target was that kid from the Lu family.
The Lu couple are stealing the spotlight, he needs to vent to someone, otherwise he won't be able to sleep tonight.
After inspecting all the schools, he praised them one by one, and the atmosphere became harmonious again.
At this moment, a busybody spoke up: "General Lu, Lord Zhang meant no harm; he was just testing the children's homework. You don't need to be so nervous."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com