The Qi Family soon sent a matchmaker to the Duke of Yingguo's Manor to propose marriage to He Weiyu.
He Shi smilingly accepted the matchmaker's proposal.
The matchmaker then took charge of the betrothal arrangements between the two families. Wei Rao accompanied He Shi in their busy preparations for several days. On the morning of April 13th, Wei Rao and Lu Zhuo left the city together. However, upon reaching the city gate, Lu Zhuo headed to the Divine Martial Army barracks, while Wei Rao proceeded with her guards to her grandmother's Secluded Manor.
Upon arriving at the Secluded Manor, Wei Rao discovered that Zhou Huizhen had already been there for several days.
Though Zhou Huizhu was to marry the day after tomorrow, all preparations were complete. Shou An Jun was not particularly busy and cheerfully called Wei Rao to her side for a chat.
"Here, these were sent by Xianping on the tenth. See how well they are painted."
Xianping was Zhang Xian's courtesy name.
Shou An Jun had a maid bring over a long painting case.
Wei Rao opened the case to find eight scrolls. These were the detailed illustrations of the woodcarvings she had commissioned from her future brother-in-law. Each scroll depicted all the figures and utensils of a set of woodcarvings, with even the patterns on their clothing rendered vividly and meticulously.
Wei Rao grew more delighted the longer she looked at them.
Shou An Jun praised Zhang Xian, saying, "He not only achieved success in the imperial examinations but is also about to marry, yet he still found time to complete these illustrations for you. You must remember this kindness."
Wei Rao was, of course, grateful to Zhang Xian. She could only entrust these illustrations to someone she trusted; otherwise, if they were leaked, it would ruin her advantage in opening a woodcarving shop. Among those she trusted, Zhang Xian was the only one skilled in painting.
"I will thank him in person when he accompanies Huizhu on her return visit," Wei Rao said, carefully storing the eight illustrations back in the case and handing it to Bitao.
"Will Shoucheng be free to come the day after tomorrow?" Shou An Jun asked.
Wei Rao replied, "Yes, he usually has little to do at the barracks, so it's easy for him to request leave."
Shou An Jun smiled and asked, "It's been a month since the two of you married. Have you had any arguments?"
Wei Rao blushed and muttered softly, "Why would we argue for no reason? Do you think of me as a child, Grandmother?"
In the past, they had argued because Lu Zhuo often provoked her, but now, aside from being overly clingy at night, he never upset her. Why would Wei Rao quarrel with him?
Shou An Jun was simply concerned and inquired further about matters in the Duke of Yingguo's Manor. She sighed and said, "This year, the Duke's Manor has been blessed with one happy event after another. After Huizhu's wedding, you should stay quietly in the manor and help with the preparations. Don’t come here unnecessarily. As for the Princess Manor, wait until Miss Lu is married before you move there."
Wei Rao replied, "I understand. Don’t worry."
In the afternoon, Wei Rao spent time with the sisters Zhou Huizhen and Zhou Huizhu. The next day, the Secluded Manor hosted a banquet, inviting all the nearby families they were on good terms with. By evening, Lu Zhuo had come directly from the barracks to join them.
Shou An Jun did not welcome Han Liao to stay overnight at the Secluded Manor, but she trusted Lu Zhuo completely and welcomed him warmly.
During dinner, the whole family was present. Zhou Huizhen watched Lu Zhuo sitting beside Wei Rao, observing how he occasionally leaned in to whisper to her, and she grew increasingly envious.
In front of others, Han Liao had never treated her with such tenderness. All his gentleness was confined to their private chambers. Moreover, as their marriage lengthened, the time Han Liao spent in her room each month grew shorter. Those glamorous concubines and singing girls always found ways to lure him away from her.The food in her mouth lost its flavor. Zhou Huizhen lowered her head to look at her belly—how hateful. She and Han Liao had been married for two and a half years, yet there was still no good news. Fortunately, none of Han Liao’s concubines had conceived either, or she would feel even more humiliated in front of the Marchioness of Xiting.
After the meal, Lu Zhuo accompanied Wei Rao to the Yan Garden.
A trace of sunset lingered on the horizon as the two strolled leisurely along the tranquil garden path, treating it as a way to aid digestion.
"Han Liao will come tomorrow. Since both of you are sons-in-law of the Secluded Manor, you’ll likely be seated together during the banquet," Wei Rao reminded Lu Zhuo. Han Liao enjoyed provoking others, and Lu Zhuo couldn’t stand him. Normally, their clashes wouldn’t matter, but tomorrow was her cousin’s joyous occasion, and Wei Rao hoped Lu Zhuo would exercise restraint whenever possible.
Lu Zhuo smiled. "Don’t worry, I know my limits."
Although they hadn’t slept together the previous night, considering they were at the Secluded Manor, Lu Zhuo merely held Wei Rao down and kissed her for a while in the evening, without causing any further commotion.
Wei Rao was quite satisfied.
At daybreak, the two parted ways. Wei Rao went to accompany Zhou Huizhu, while Lu Zhuo, as a son-in-law, helped entertain the guests at the front.
Here, his status was the highest—the next highest was merely the village chief of Yunwu Town. However, the wealthiest attendee was still Wei Rao’s uncle-by-marriage, Huo Jingchang.
The Huo family had long since arrived in the capital. They had attended Wei Rao and Lu Zhuo’s wedding banquet in March and would only leave the capital after seeing Zhou Huizhu off to her marriage.
Lu Zhuo stood with Wei Rao’s cousin, Huo Jue.
Lu Zhuo had once suspected Wei Rao had feelings for Huo Jue and held some animosity toward him. Now that the misunderstanding had been cleared up, Lu Zhuo and Huo Jue got along quite harmoniously.
Huo Jue fully sensed the change in Lu Zhuo’s attitude. During previous meetings, Lu Zhuo’s gentleness had concealed a sharp edge. Now, he finally understood why the capital’s residents praised Lu Zhuo for his approachability. Even when the village chief of Yunwu Town came over to chat, Lu Zhuo was courteous and made others feel at ease.
As the two were talking, Han Liao arrived.
Han Liao’s family background was only slightly inferior to Lu Zhuo’s. Dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, he strode in imposingly. The commoner guests quieted their laughter and chatter upon seeing him. The village chief of Yunwu Town stood up from his chair, sat down again, hesitated several times, but ultimately didn’t dare approach Han Liao to strike up a conversation.
Han Liao paid no attention to those people. After entering, his gaze swept around and landed directly on Lu Zhuo.
Huo Jue nodded to Lu Zhuo and went to attend to other guests.
"Shoucheng, you’re here so early?" Han Liao said with a laugh. As a thirty-six-year-old military officer, if not for the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes when he smiled, one wouldn’t have guessed he was a full twelve years older than Lu Zhuo.
Lu Zhuo avoided Han Liao’s raised hand, which was about to clap him on the shoulder, and politely invited Han Liao to take a seat.
Han Liao sat down, and a maid promptly came to pour tea for him.
Han Liao glanced at the plain-looking maid, then at the tea in the cup, but didn’t touch it. Instead, he teased Lu Zhuo, "Shoucheng, we rarely have the chance to sit and talk. Since we’ve met today, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you. Tell me, how come you’re so set on the princess, even after she publicly threw a teacup at you?"
Lu Zhuo smiled faintly. "Uncle Han really wants to know?"
Han Liao’s lips twitched. Qi Zhongkai loved calling him "Uncle Han" to mock his age, and he hadn’t expected Lu Zhuo to pick up the habit from Qi Zhongkai.
"It’s not convenient to talk here. Uncle Han, come with me."
Han Liao knew Lu Zhuo wouldn’t engage in casual banter with him, but since it was a joyous day at the Secluded Manor, he was curious to see what tricks Lu Zhuo had up his sleeve.
Han Liao followed Lu Zhuo as he walked away.Lu Zhuo led Han Liao to the garden.
Most of the servants had gone to attend the banquet, leaving the garden tranquil and quiet.
"Where is Shoucheng planning to take me?" Han Liao asked mockingly.
Ahead stood a rockery. After circling around it and walking a short distance further, they reached the western side gate of the garden.
Lu Zhuo halted and turned to Han Liao. "My hands are itching today. I wonder if Uncle Han would be interested in sparring with me."
Han Liao laughed, scanning Lu Zhuo up and down with a contemptuous look. "With you?"
He knew Lu Zhuo excelled in archery and horsemanship and had a knack for commanding troops. But when it came to martial arts duels, Han Liao had already made a name for himself in the capital while Lu Zhuo was still in diapers. How dare Lu Zhuo challenge him?
Lu Zhuo simply waited for his response.
After a moment's thought, Han Liao chuckled. "Fine, let's spar. But a mere contest is dull. How about we set a wager? If I lose, I'll have Huizhen sing a tune for you. If—"
Before he could finish, Lu Zhuo suddenly closed in on him.
Han Liao snorted coldly, abruptly dropping low and sweeping his leg toward Lu Zhuo's lower body.
In a flash, the two deputy generals of the Upper Four Armies were locked in combat.
Before the fight, Han Liao had been utterly confident. He had trained in martial arts for twelve years longer than Lu Zhuo and was more robustly built. Though Lu Zhuo had led the elite troops of the Divine Martial Army to victory over him in the Dragon Boat Race, in a one-on-one fight, he was sure Lu Zhuo stood no chance. However, when Lu Zhuo seized his fist and he failed to pull free, Han Liao was stunned by the strength concealed within Lu Zhuo's scholarly frame.
Seizing the moment of Han Liao's distraction, Lu Zhuo twisted his wrist downward with a sharp "crack," dislocating Han Liao's right arm.
Han Liao's eyes widened in fury. "You—"
Lu Zhuo blocked Han Liao's swinging left hand with one arm and drove his other fist into Han Liao's mouth.
With a dull thud, Han Liao was knocked to the ground, a tooth flying out amidst a spray of blood.
Outside the main gate of the Secluded Manor, the crackle of firecrackers erupted as the groom arrived to fetch the bride.
Propping himself up with one hand, Han Liao glared back venomously and muttered something to Lu Zhuo.
Lu Zhuo didn't catch it, nor did he care to. "A Gui, fetch some wine."
A Gui, who had been shadowing his master discreetly, immediately dashed back to the banquet and returned with two jars of strong liquor.
Lu Zhuo ordered A Gui to lift the dazed Han Liao and pour the wine down his throat.
It was undiluted strong liquor. After two large jars, though much was spilled, Han Liao's face flushed crimson.
"Minister Han has a low tolerance for alcohol and injured his arm in a fall. Escort him out through the side gate and have his servants come to fetch him," Lu Zhuo instructed, pointing toward the western gate.
A Gui unceremoniously hauled up Han Liao, whose face was swollen like a steamed bun, and tossed him out under the horrified gaze of the gatekeeper.
Leaving A Gui to handle the aftermath, Lu Zhuo turned and headed toward the main courtyard. Passing by a pond, he crouched at the water's edge and rinsed his hands.
By dusk, the bride had been taken away by the groom, and the banquet had concluded. As the crowd thinned, Zhou Huizhen suddenly realized Han Liao was missing.
"Minister Han had too much to drink and left early," Lu Zhuo explained, noticing her searching for Han Liao.
Zhou Huizhen was deeply embarrassed.
While Lu Zhuo remained here accompanying Wei Rao, her husband had departed first. Yet, with nightfall approaching, it was too late for her to return to the capital.
Distraught, Zhou Huizhen excused herself early.
Wei Rao, exhausted from the long day, also wished to retire early.Lu Zhuo accompanied her for a distance before guiding Wei Rao beneath a tree and explaining the events of the day. His intention was for Wei Rao to inform Zhou Huizhen in advance, so she wouldn’t have to face Han Liao’s misplaced anger unprepared upon returning home.
Wei Rao’s mind was in disarray. “If you knew Han Liao would take it out on my cousin, why did you hit him so hard?”
A simple lesson would have sufficed—why dislocate his arm and knock out his teeth?
Wei Rao was deeply worried for her cousin.
Lu Zhuo showed no remorse. “He insulted you repeatedly. If there’s a next time, I’ll do it again.”
The full moon shone brightly tonight. Wei Rao looked up and saw Lu Zhuo’s cold, stern face.
Having known him for so long, Wei Rao had grown accustomed to his icy expressions, but this was the first time his sternness was directed in her defense.
“What exactly did he say?” Wei Rao asked softly.
Lu Zhuo remained silent, unwilling to taint her ears with the words.
Wei Rao sighed helplessly. “Forget it. I’ll go notify my cousin. Don’t be angry anymore—go back to your room and rest.”
Lu Zhuo wasn’t tired. Gazing at her, he said, “I’ll wait here for you.”
His face still carried the chill of lingering anger, but his eyes had softened with tenderness.
How could Wei Rao bring herself to blame him any further?
That Han Liao deserved the beating!
OpenNovel