Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C130 – Wait for the Good News

Zuo Yunwen and Mrs. Xue anxiously awaited Zuo Shaoqing’s return at home, but the night had fallen, and he still hadn’t returned. Mrs. Xue, who had prepared so much, couldn’t help but complain, “Master, look at your son. Does he think he’s from Liu Steel Manor? How shameless!”

“Be quiet!” Zuo Yunwen’s emotions had been turbulent all day, leaving him irritable and quick-tempered. Even Lady Yue, who was usually his favorite, received a scolding when she entered.

He weighed the pros and cons repeatedly in his mind but couldn’t determine whether this situation would ultimately benefit or harm the Zuo Family.

The drawback was clear: Zuo Shaoqing’s actions had likely tarnished the reputation of maintaining the Zuo Mansion.

Regarding the advantages, if Master Lu could provide even a little help to the Zuo Family, their future would undoubtedly be bright.

Zuo Yunwen was so frustrated that it seemed like his beard might fall off. He was torn between honor and advantage, resulting in mixed feelings of love and resentment towards Zuo Shaoqing.

Mrs. Xue had been married to Zuo Yunwen for many years, and while she had never been the object of his affection, she had never been yelled at like she was today.

Upon entering her daughter’s room, Mrs. Xue was shocked by the sight. Porcelain fragments and overturned chairs littered the room, except for the bed that remained intact.

“What’s going on?” Mrs. Xue’s anger surged, making her chest feel tight. “Where are the maids? How could you let this happen?”

Zuo Shuhui sat on the only undamaged bed, holding back tears. When she saw Mrs. Xue enter, she cried out in distress, “Mother, your daughter heard…”

Mrs. Xue navigated through the chaos to sit beside her daughter. She said, “Don’t believe everything you hear. The situation is unclear at the moment. It’s too early to pass judgment.” It was as though she had transformed into a different Madame Zuo, one who didn’t easily believe rumors.

In truth, not everyone believed the rumor. Even commoners who had seen Zuo Shaoqing leave with Lu Zheng thought their relationship was closer than ordinary friends. Most people wouldn’t jump to conclusions.

However, throughout the capital, many noble families closely monitored Duke Zhen’s activities. The slightest hint of activity could be exaggerated and spread.

“The story has been circulating vividly. Besides, Third Brother hasn’t returned home yet, so he must be…” Zuo Shuhui felt uneasy at the thought of her future husband being alone with another man.

“That wretch!” When Zuo Shaoqing was mentioned, Mrs. Xue angrily tossed the only intact porcelain pillow on the bed. “If I had known he was like this, I would have dealt with him and that cunning mother of his!”

Zuo Shuhui trembled; her fingers clutching the handkerchief turned pale. Her eyes flashed with determination as she said, “Mother, we can’t allow our reputation to be tarnished like this. Big brother will have to pursue a career in the future, and I’ll have to marry someone as well. We can’t let the actions of one person ruin our entire family!”

Mrs. Xue’s mind began to function once more. Her anger had consumed her thoughts, but Zuo Shuhui’s reminder prompted her to regain her usual composure.

“Indeed, our Zuo Family has always been renowned for its gracefulness. Even when your great-grandfather faced adversity, he never abandoned his scholarly demeanor. We mustn’t allow him to tarnish our reputation!”

“Then…” Zuo Shuhui’s eyes sparkled as she turned to her mother.

“Master Lu’s interest in such affairs is fleeting; it won’t be long before he grows weary. Then, won’t we be free to do as we please?”

Zuo Shuhui shook her head. “No, mother, who knows how long it will take for Master Lu to lose interest. We can’t afford to endure misfortune for one or two years. By then, how will we find suitable matches for our daughter? Even our elder brother’s future prospects will suffer.”

When it came to their children’s future, Mrs. Xue’s demeanor turned resolute. She clenched her teeth and remarked, “Then we’ll simply allow him to descend and reunite with his cursed mother!”

Zuo Shuhui felt her palms grow sweaty. She struggled to suppress the urge to argue and cautioned, “Remember, this is the capital city. If something happens to him, we won’t be able to escape the consequences.”

Mrs. Xue smirked, “Isn’t there still Fifth Princess?” She quickly changed the subject upon noticing her daughter’s darkening expression. “Leave this matter to your brother; he’s well-connected and knowledgeable.”

“But our elder brother has always been close to our third brother. He might not be willing to help!” Zuo Shuhui pouted, feeling indignant.

“Silly girl, you’re his own sister. Whom else would he not help?”

Zuo Shuhui rested her head on Mrs. Xue’s shoulder. “Mother, if only we had chosen the Cao Family earlier. Your daughter wouldn’t be facing this regret.”

Mrs. Xue’s lips curved into a tight line as she comforted her by patting her back. “Don’t say such things; how could the Cao Family compare to Duke Zhen Manor? It’s like comparing heaven and earth.”

Zuo Shuhui cast her eyes downward. She understood which was the better choice, but at this point, her hopes were dwindling.

Due to the previous rumors, apart from marrying into Duke Zhen Manor, it would be difficult for her to secure a good marriage. No one would want a woman with rumors linking her to Master Lu.

If the rumors about Master Lu’s preferences were true, was it worth the risk?

Mrs. Xue believed that Zuo Shuhui was still thinking about Cao Zongguan and advised, “My daughter, after you’re married, you’ll realize that men are unpredictable. Cao Zongguan may be good to you now, but can you guarantee it’ll last forever?

Men have desires that cannot be suppressed. Even if he genuinely loves you, a concubine may enter the picture. As you age, he may not even have the patience to look at you.”

Therefore, as a woman, the paramount objective is to secure a favorable marriage. Once you hold sway and authority within the household, you need not concern yourself with the opinions of those conniving individuals any longer.

In the capital, it had become all too common for men to maintain a catamite, a male companion. Even though those high-ranking officials and dignitaries displayed an air of normalcy, chaos often reigned in their private lives.

Consequently, even if Master Lu had peculiar inclinations, it was acceptable. It was far better than the younger generation who only indulged in superficial pleasures.”

Zuo Shuhui nodded in agreement. She had to concede that Mrs. Xue’s words held truth. How could one expect a prosperous family to have a pair of devoted lovers for life? She, at least, had never witnessed such a scenario.

Nevertheless, she had no desire to emulate her mother, leading a detached existence with her husband, while witnessing him fraternize with other women and witness concubines bearing children one after the other.

Zuo Shuhui deliberately disregarded her Second Uncle’s family, for in her eyes, the Zuo Family Second House did not qualify as a wealthy family; at most, it was a modest business.

After offering comforting words, Mrs. Xue went to discuss the matter with her eldest son. To her surprise, Zuo Shaoyan displayed indifference, as if the issue did not concern him at all.

“Mom, please refrain from meddling in this matter. Antagonizing Master Lu will not be advantageous for us!”

Mrs. Xue furrowed her brows and dissented, “What are you saying? That reprehensible fellow committed such a disgraceful act. As the boss’s mother, if I fail to properly discipline him, outsiders will assume that our family’s upbringing is lax.”

“I have devised my own plans for this; please do not fret.”

“And what plans might those be?” Mrs. Xue persisted with her questions.

Zuo Shaoyan did not respond but merely presented a letter to Mrs. Xue.

It was a missive from Jiang’s Mansion. Mrs. Xue opened it with skepticism, and upon perusing its contents, a smile finally graced her face.

“Can we rely on Lord Jiang? And why would he extend his assistance?” The letter indicated that Jiang’s Mansion would host a banquet in five days, inviting the entire Zuo Family to attend.

Zuo Shaoyan remained silent for a moment before quietly explaining to Mrs. Xue the reason, mentioning that Vice Minister Jiang also had an interest in Zuo Shaoqing.

Mrs. Xue took a deep breath to absorb the news and sarcastically remarked, “I never imagined that scoundrel had such charms, managing to ensnare a few admirers. Hmph! He’s just as cunning as his mother!”

Zuo Shaoyan understood that Mrs. Ruan had always been a source of irritation for his mother, so he refrained from offering comfort. He simply inquired, “Mother, have you noticed how much Third Brother has changed since he went to Beijing?”

“Hmph, you’re right. Even we can’t deny it. They say a woman changes her mind eighteen times. I never thought a man like him would bring such scandal upon our family. Who knows, he might truly be a fox spirit in disguise.”

Whether he was a fox spirit reincarnate or not, Zuo Shaoyan couldn’t say, but he was well aware that the current Zuo Shaoqing was no longer the timid and submissive concubine of the Zuo Mansion from days past.

Zuo Shaoqing sneezed, rubbed his nose, and self-deprecatingly remarked, “I fear many people will be criticizing me out there, don’t you think?” He worried that people might throw rotten eggs at him in the streets someday.

Lu Zheng held him closer, draping his cloak around him, and assured, “Don’t worry, no one will pay him any mind tomorrow.”

“Hmm? Why not?”

Lu Zheng didn’t respond directly. Instead, he posed a question, “Do you know how to divert the public’s attention?”

Zuo Shaoqing stepped out of Lu Zheng’s embrace, bowed, and replied with curiosity, “Master, please share your wisdom with me!”

“Rumors fade when wisdom prevails, but ignorance prevails among the masses. It’s often wiser to divert their attention than to confront them head-on.”

Hearing this, Zuo Shaoqing knew Lu Zheng had a plan up his sleeve. He eagerly anticipated the forthcoming sensational news from the capital.

“Then I shall await your guidance tonight!”

Lu Zheng ruffled his hair and left the pavilion while still holding him, instructing, “Return to your room!”

Zuo Shaoqing hesitated. “The night is still young…” “Isn’t that preferable?” He actually believed that staying in Wu Steel Manor until his marriage to Lu Zheng was rather unreasonable and improper. He wondered if the old mistress thought he was an easy target.

Though men weren’t as strictly confined as women, stepping out of Duke Zhen’s mansion tomorrow might lead to him once again stealing the spotlight.

Lu Zheng’s steps came to a halt, and he instructed someone lurking in the shadows, “Yinyi, inform the butler to send a message to Zuo’s Mansion, telling Third Master Zuo that he’s under suspicion of cheating on the imperial examinations, and I have taken him into custody.”

The corner of Zuo Shaoqing’s mouth twitched. Once again, he marveled at Master Lu’s skill in weaving tales while keeping his eyes open. Why had he ever assumed that Master Lu was a stern and upright man?

After entering Lu Zheng’s yard, Zuo Shaoqing inquired with hesitation, “Aren’t you supposed to be occupied with work right now?” Given the early hour, the presence of a man and a woman sharing a room could easily lead outsiders to draw certain conclusions.

“Please, come inside,” Lu Zheng responded, proceeding into the bedroom without looking back.

The room was bathed in the warm glow of numerous lit candles, illuminating its spacious interior. Zuo Shaoqing followed Lu Zheng to the eastern part of the room, only to discover that it was, in fact, a study connected to the bedroom.

The study boasted three bookcases, initially giving Zuo Shaoqing the impression of stepping into the Imperial College’s library.

The Duke Zhen Manor had produced military generals, but Zuo Shaoqing never expected to find even more books in this study than in the Jiang’s Mansion’s grand study room.

However, considering that Lu Zheng had been away for several years due to military service, he couldn’t help but wonder if the books had gathered dust in his absence.

Voicing his concern, Zuo Shaoqing was surprised by Lu Zheng’s response, “This was specifically arranged for you.”

As he perused the bookshelves and randomly selected a few volumes to inspect, Zuo Shaoqing realized that, beyond the military texts, the collection featured extensive historical literature, local customs, and even topics of interest such as farming and trade.

“When did you start preparing all of this?” Zuo Shaoqing inquired.

“Since you arrived in the capital,” Lu Zheng replied. In truth, his intentions were quite straightforward. With Zuo Shaoqing moving in, his family naturally made the necessary preparations, including clothing, writing supplies, and, of course, books.

While the Wu Steel Manor already had a sizable book collection, it was scattered and disorganized throughout the premises. In light of the arrival of a true scholar like Zuo Shaoqing, Liu Tie took it upon himself to reorganize the books, adding some lighter reading materials such as essays and travel notes that he knew Zuo Shaoqing enjoyed.

A warm sensation welled up within Zuo Shaoqing, a feeling he had carried with him for years. Since his childhood, only his mother and Nanny Liu had ever made such special preparations for him.

Lu Zheng explained, “This study is primarily used for daytime rest. In Duke Zhen’s mansion, there is a dedicated office in the front yard. If you find it too noisy there, you can choose a courtyard and have it arranged to your liking.” After all, Duke Zhen’s residence was vast, with numerous empty courtyards and only a handful of residents.