Chapter 1354: Side Story: Having the Whole World in View (31)
Chapter 1354: Side Story: Having the Whole World in View (31)
Editor: Atlas Studios
Qi Wenjin only felt that his face was burning red. When he returned home, his heart felt like it was on fire. At this moment, he was no longer in the mood to beat around the bush with the Lu family, secretly suppressing the eldest branch while secret supporting the fourth branch.
The previous clan head, Old Master Lu, had a total of three legitimate sons—the eldest, second, and fourth child. Only the second son was worthy of his attention. However, the son he was proudest of was crippled by bandits in his prime, and his wife also died after giving birth to a foolish grandson. It was a huge blow to him.
Therefore, he had long separated the family assets among his sons, but they continued to share the same residence. The brothers still lived together whether in their hometown in Shanyin or in the capital.
Therefore, there were always minor conflicts between them.
Fourth Master Lu wasn’t a fool. When he saw the things in the study, he knew that someone was targeting his big brother. As a member of the Lu family, although he was tempted by the position of clan head, he knew the severity of the matter and didn’t rashly make a move.
If the other party wanted to deal with the main branch, it was naturally fine. However, if they wanted to deal with the entire Lu family, that would make them his enemy, too.
However, Fourth Master Lu quickly realized that someone was secretly helping him. On the other hand, Eldest Master Lu seemed to be restrained in every way. When he thought of the things that was sent to his study desk, he immediately understood everything.
Someone was standing up for his second brother.
And in this world, the only person who still cared about his second brother was naturally his good niece. Based on the way Prince Rong was supporting Lu Deyin even before they were officially married, it seemed that Prince Rong was indeed highly fond of his niece.
Since it was his niece who made a move, Fourth Master Lu had nothing to worry about.
The Lu family was not only his Lu family, but also Lu Deyin and Lu Jiashu’s Lu family, as well as his second brother’s Lu family. Hence, he dared to guarantee that his niece would not destroy the Lu family. At most, she would avenge her father.
Fourth Master Lu immediately added fuel to the fire and even asked his wife to send two boxes of gifts to Lu Deyin to add to her dowry as a sign of cooperation.
Of course, he put it very nicely. His niece had lost her parents at a young age, so as her uncle, he naturally had to take more care of her.
This was undoubtedly the last straw that crushed Eldest Master Lu. Fuming, he smashed everything in the study room. With a ferocious expression, he said, "Take care of her? If he had the heart to take care of her, why didn’t I see him take care of her in the past? Why is he showing up all of a sudden..."
Certain that his Fourth Brother held evidence that could pull him down from the position of clan head, how could Eldest Master Lu have the time to deal with Lu Deyin and her brother now?
Since she did not know anything, he could just keep her around for a while longer.
Eldest Master Lu wholeheartedly focused his attention on fighting with his younger brother and completely cast aside Lu Deyin, making Lu Deyin and Lu Jiashu heave a sigh of relief.
Soon, it was Qi Wenjin’s wedding day.
Lu Jiashu carried his sister on his back and walked out steadily. Lu Deyin whispered in his ear amidst the noise in the house, "Don’t go home tonight. Go to the academy to sleep. If Uncle and Aunt ask, just cry and say that you can’t bear to leave me. Tomorrow, I’ll beg your brother-in-law to bring you out to play... Wait for me. I’ll bring you out very soon."
Lu Jiashu responded softly as he gently sent his sister into the bridal sedan. Only then did he turn to look at Qi Wenjin. After mustering his courage, he went forward. "B—Brother-in-law, you have to treat my sister well from now on."
Smiling, Qi Wenjin agreed. "Of course!"
Little Leopard rushed up and placed his hand on his shoulder as though they were very chummy. "Jiashu, don’t worry. All the men in the Qi family cherish their wives. If you’re worried, come over every day to take a look. If my big brother bullies Sister-in-law, you can always beat him up..."
Having said that, he pulled him onto the horse and they escorted the bridal escort back to the residence.
This was the first time Qi Haoran and Mu Yangling became parents-in-law, so they were extremely nervous. Mu Yangling stood at the door and looked out from time to time. Although Qi Haoran was sitting in the hall, he, too, kept glancing out from time to time.
There were quite a number of guests in the hall. The Cabinet Chief Minister and the ministers of the six ministries were all sitting in the hall, and the young masters of those ministers who had a good relationship with Little Bear, had all gone to attend to the guests.
It couldn’t be helped. The Crown Prince and a few princes in the palace had already ridden their horses to go and welcome the bride. They naturally were eager to follow along.
As this lineup was simply too high-profile, the commoners fought to watch.
At the climax of the night, the Emperor personally left the palace to host the wedding for the two newlyweds. When the Lu family saw this, their faces were filled with honor. This scene wasn’t at all inferior to back when the Crown Prince held his wedding back then. It was just that Lu Deyin’s dowry was a little shabby. Otherwise, it would be even more legendary.
Some people only thought about it, while others could not help but feel suspicious. Before Old Master Lu passed away, he had already distributed the family assets to his sons. Logically speaking, the second branch should own a lot of family assets. Why was Lu Deyin’s dowry so shabby?
The suspicious Lu clan members looked at each other and vaguely looked at Eldest Master Lu.
However, Eldest Master Lu could not help but feel a chill in his heart. He did not expect the Emperor to value this marriage so much. He thought to himself that the evidence in his fourth brother’s possession must not be leaked, especially not to Lu Deyin. Otherwise, he and the Lu family would be doomed.
However, Fourth Master Lu had completely different thoughts. Looking at the Lu Residence, which was still bustling with activity, he revealed a determined expression.
With the future Queen Consort Rong backing them up, the Lu family would only flourish in his hands!
That night was lively and extraordinary for King Rong’s estate, and it was the same for the Lu family. Underneath the lively facade, there were endless undercurrents.
Eldest Master Lu stood in front of the wall and saw his son and nephews being helped back. As he glanced around, he did not see Lu Jiashu. He immediately frowned and asked, "Where’s Jiashu?"
The drunk Lu Dalang was shocked. After widening his eyes, he stared for a long time before recognizing that it was his father. He vaguely pointed in the direction of the King’s Residence and said, "He... he stayed behind."
"Nonsense." Eldest Master Lu said with an ashen face, "How can the bride’s brother stay with the in-laws on the night of the marriage?"
"Fifth Brother made a fuss and refused to leave Third Sister, bursting into tears the minute someone tried to pull him away. What else could we do?" Lu Dalang shook his head and said vaguely, "If he made a scene and upsetted the King’s estate, we’ll all be in trouble. Father, don’t worry. Before I came back, I saw that he was well taken care of by the young masters."
Eldest Master Lu was so angry that his face turned green. Was he worried about Lu Jiashu? In fact, it would be better if he could die outside.
Seeing that his son was super drunk, he simply flicked his sleeves and left.
On her son’s wedding night, Mu Yangling could not fall asleep. She closed her eyes and lay there for a long time without feeling sleepy.
Qi Haoran had already woken up from his sleep. In high spirits, he’d drunk more than usual that night. He felt around in the darkness and got up to drink water. When he climbed back into bed, he saw his wife’s eyelashes trembling. He immediately leaned over to take a look. After a while, he said faintly, "If you can’t sleep, you don’t have to close your eyes and pretend to be asleep."
Mu Yangling continued to close her eyes and ignore him.
Qi Haoran reached out to tug at her eyelashes mischievously. Mu Yangling couldn’t help but turn her head and open her eyes to pout at him.
Qi Haoran shrugged and smiled. With his arms wrapped around his wife, he said, "I know you don’t like to chat before you sleep, so we won’t talk. Let’s do something instead."
After saying that, he naughtily groped around. Having drunk a lot tonight, he was already a little aroused. Coupled with the fact that he had slept enough, he was even more unwilling to sleep obediently.
Blushing, Mu Yangling slapped his hand and chided softly, "Old man, this is your son’s wedding night."