Zhu Yu was sowhat stunned and didn’t respond, and Lu Qing didn’t intend to say more on this topic.
After a short while, the carriage returned to the Prince Xiaoyao Mansion, where the housekeeper had already prepared hot water on the stove. Seeing them return, she quickly helped the two to wash up.
After washing and changing clothes, the alcohol sll on Lu Qing had mostly dissipated, making him appear much more refreshed.
As usual, one slept on the bed, the other on the couch.
After extinguishing the lights, Zhu Yu closed her eyes and tried to fall asleep, but suddenly heard Lu Qing say from behind the folding screen, "I don’t know what your situation was like in the Zhu Family, but now you’ve married into Jin Country and entered the Prince Mansion.
Whether it’s the Princess, Mr. Zhu, or Chief Historian Yu, as long as it doesn’t affect the bigger picture, you can act according to your nature. Speak to about whatever you want, do whatever you desire, no need to always maintain a stiff deanor.
If the Prince Mansion remains safe, no one will dare to criticize your actions and words in the future.
But if things end up in disaster..."
He suddenly chuckled in the dark, "Then the remaining life might only be a short decade or so, and if one still can’t live freely, that would be truly regretful."
Zhu Yu responded with a hum, turned over, and sighed softly.
Although Lu Qing hadn’t finished his words, she understood.
Though she didn’t know why, the fact was that if Duke Yan’s faction succeeded, they definitely wouldn’t leave Lu Qing with an escape route.
Another faction, stirring trouble in the dark, probably harbored as much hostility towards Lu Qing as Duke Yan.
And then, there’s the unpredictable Emperor Jin.
Lu Qing was caught between these forces, and to help Lu Chao ascend successfully, carving out a path, he must hide his true thoughts and nature.
Constantly presenting a fabricated appearance to others is a tiring task.
Being oneself was the most luxurious and unreachable desire for Lu Qing; he couldn’t achieve it but hoped that soone could.
Once again, Zhu Yu recalled the hideous scars she had seen on him, growing increasingly curious about Lu Qing’s past.
The next morning, after breakfast, Fu Lu arrived, holding a small, pitch-black wooden box, solemnly handing it to Zhu Yu, saying Lu Qing had specifically instructed it be delivered to her imdiately after court, without passing through a third person.
Zhu Yu was puzzled, unsure of what it was, as it was kept so secret. With caution, she took the box and returned to her room, fastening the door and windows before carefully opening it, all the while quietly grumbling.
Lu Qing better not be pulling another strange prank via Fu Lu; otherwise, he’d be in trouble...
Upon opening the box, Zhu Yu realized she had wrongly suspected him. Inside the pitch-black box was lined with scarlet-gold silk.
This color was typically considered overreaching for anyone to even touch, let alone use.
Only one person in the world held the privilege to use it freely.
In the center of the scarlet-gold silk lay a waist card, gold with blue engravings, with a tiger head motif, although slightly smaller than Lu Qing’s own.
This was the waist card Lu Qing had sought from Emperor Jin for the Golden-faced Imperial Censor’s personal attendant!
Zhu Yu carefully took the waist card in her hand, feeling its heavy weight.
She examined it closely, feeling inexplicable joy.
Although being perpetually overwheld with work to the point of exhaustion was unfortunate, being treated as non-existent, worthless, wasn’t pleasant either.
Living a life ought to have value, and this value shouldn’t be limited to rely being "inconsequential."
Previously, despite accompanying Lu Qing out a few tis and playing a significant role, that murky, unnad feeling always left Zhu Yu uneasy.
Things were different now; this heavy, shining waist card was more effective than any settling pill a thousandfold.
Fu Lu, standing in the courtyard, heard faint sounds of jumping and laughter from the room, and couldn’t help but feel puzzled.
What did the lord gift the madam? Seeing her so joyous!
That noon, Zhu Yu unusually instructed the mansion’s chefs to prepare extra dishes, making it a bit grand, to celebrate her rightful, justified presence alongside Lu Qing!
Lu Qing returned before dinner, bringing news—he had received Lu Zhang’s wedding invitation.
Lu Zhang’s wedding date had long been set for tomorrow, and the arrangents were kept simple, with the banquet held at the mansion, only inviting family brothers and close friends.
This had already been widely discussed outside, nearly everyone in the Capital knew.
Lu Qing received the invitation after court that morning, chased down by Lu Zhang outside the main hall, awkwardly handing him the invitation.
Zhu Yu didn’t quite know how to react to the news.
The saying goes: three days is an invitation, two days is a call, one day is a notification.
Lu Zhang’s wedding was tomorrow, and only after court today did he inform Lu Qing. Calling it an invitation seed more like a "call" to attend.
Sending the invitation over three days in advance signifies sincere invitation for esteed guests.
Lu Qing’s treatnt resembled more like being asked to help fill in a headcount.
It initially appeared to be a slight toward Lu Qing, but Zhu Yu felt that it more reflected Duke Yan’s pettiness.
Being of advanced age and a powerful figure, yet constantly squaring off against Lu Qing, who is two generations younger, calculating every step, inevitably leading to questions—did Lu Qing’s ancestors have unresolved conflicts that even death couldn’t erase?
Zhu Yu paused her chopsticks, looked at Lu Qing, seeing that he seemingly didn’t regard Duke Yan’s childish tricks as a matter.
"Well, do you need to act as Chief Historian Yu tomorrow and accompany you to the banquet?"
Lu Qing scooped a spoonful of sashimi into Zhu Yu’s bowl, "Eat more; you’ll need energy.
After this al, I suspect the madam will have to exert herself again."
Zhu Yu didn’t quite comprehend his aning until after the al was finished and the servants started clearing the table.
Lu Qing and Zhu Yu stood up and left, only walking a few steps when Lu Qing’s face suddenly changed, letting out a muffled groan, clutching his abdon, his body swaying and threatening to collapse.
Zhu Yu hurried to support him, feeling his weight shift over her shoulder.
"Prince! What’s wrong with you, Prince?!" The servants were startled.
"Suddenly feels a stabbing pain in the abdon..." Lu Qing seed to endure severe pain, squeezing out the words from between clenched teeth.
Zhu Yu quickly glanced at him, instructing the servant, "I’ll help the Prince back to his room for rest; quickly get Fu Wen to the Pharmacy Bureau to summon a dical Officer to diagnose the Prince!"
The servant, finally snapping out of his fright, abandoned the tableware and dashed away.
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