Chapter 77: The Strange Lou Dasou

  Zhang's expression changed, and his face sank instantly.

  She had never mentioned the title in front of others, and this time when she came to the capital, her explanation to outsiders was also that she had heard that Guangping King, who had saved her life, was seriously injured and had come to visit him. Even in front of her relatives and friends, she mainly talked about family matters, and even if everyone thought that Zhao Wei should inherit the title, she had never mentioned the word "title" in front of people. She couldn't do things like currying favor everywhere, and in her heart, she thought that since the emperor had said something about it before, she had appeared in front of Guangping King so many times, the emperor would know about it, even if he had forgotten about them, he should remember now. The emperor didn't need her to speak up, he would naturally issue a decree to give her an explanation. If he pretended nothing was wrong, then he must have changed his mind, and she didn't need to ask again.

  She learned from the old lady of the General's Mansion that the Emperor was misled by Zhu Li's slander, and had given up the idea of issuing a decree to let Zhao Wei inherit the title immediately. Since it wasn't that he was dissatisfied with the Zhao family, but rather intentionally didn't grant them a noble title, she also didn't mind.

  How did Lu Dasou and his wife know about this? Were they thinking about it all along?

  Zhang's eyes were fixed on Lu Dasou and his wife's face, Lu Dasou knew that his wife had misspoken, his complexion was somewhat pale, and sweat also appeared on his forehead. His wife hadn't reacted yet, still with an anxious expression: "Don't rush to leave, old lady, the son is already so big, it's time for him to inherit the title, maybe the emperor has forgotten? After a few days, he'll remember and issue a decree, you can stay a few more days."

  Zhang stared at her: "Where did you hear that this title is not a title? Our Wei brother has a title, what else do we need to inherit?"

  Lu Dasou's wife was somewhat puzzled: "Is Old Lady confused? Of course, Ge'er is going to inherit the title of Duke of Jianan..."

  Before she could finish speaking, Lu Dasou slapped her in the face, leaving her dazed.

  Lu Dazhou finished beating his wife and then knelt down in front of Zhang Shi, bowing his head. "Madam, please forgive us," he said. "We know we shouldn't have discussed the master's family affairs without permission, but... back then, Second Young Master suffered such a great injustice, that title should have been Second Master's to begin with. Since Second Master is gone, it should be passed down to Brother Wei. This is only right and proper. It's all because of Eldest Young Master's evil deeds that the title left behind by Duke Gong was lost. If Brother Wei can't inherit the title, won't Duke Gong's spirit in heaven be greatly wronged? He made great contributions to the imperial court during his lifetime. After he passed away, his descendants didn't even have a slightly higher title... We know, Madam, that you were heartbroken back then and brought your son and daughter back home without returning. But... the things left behind by Duke Gong belong to whoever they belong to. Even if it's for Brother Wei's future prospects, Madam shouldn't be stubborn about this, should she?"

  Zhang's expression eased a bit: "I'm not being stubborn, but the matter of the title depends on the Emperor's will, it's not something we can ask for. Our family has been living in the capital for almost two months now, and the Emperor hasn't issued an edict yet, probably because he thinks Wei Ge is still too young. Let's wait until Wei Ge grows up a few more years, studies literature and martial arts, and becomes accomplished, then we'll have the face to ask for the Emperor's favor."

  Lu Dazhou hastily said: "The old lady is right. But if we are to return to the south, there's no need to rush so much, it's still hot outside, traveling at this time will surely be very tiring, why not wait until autumn before leaving? As he spoke, he smiled fawningly again: "The old lady has been away from the capital for many years, usually only occasionally receiving letters, we younger ones in the capital are idle and bored. Now that we've finally waited for the old lady and brother to arrive, we should give us an opportunity to serve our masters for a few more days."

  This remark was really too much for Zhang to bear, but she couldn't bring herself to disappoint the loyalty of her servants, especially since they were Lu Mama's children. So she said: "The date has already been set, and it's been a long time since we've been away from home. If you want to serve us for a few more days, what's the harm? Once I return, I'll send someone to replace you, and then you can go back south and reunite with your parents and siblings."

  Lu Dazhou's smile stiffened for a moment, then he laughed even more happily and kept kowtowing: "Thank you, Old Lady, for your kindness! Thank you, Old Lady, for your kindness!"

  He waited until he pulled his wife out of the yard, and his wife broke free from his hand, indignantly saying: "Why did you hit me? Why didn't you let me speak? I didn't plan to go back to the countryside with you. Now that we have a good life in the capital, why would I want to go back to the south? Do you think I'm stupid? The reason I married you was because you worked for a noble and had a promising future, otherwise do you think I would have looked at you, just a lowly servant?"

  Lu Dasou's face turned gloomy and he said in a cold voice: "What are you yelling about here? Are you afraid that the old lady can't hear?"

  His wife shrank her neck, and calmed down a bit, lowering her voice: "What do you plan to do now? I'll tell you, I definitely won't go to the countryside. If you really want to leave, I'd rather divorce you!"

  Lu Dazhou glared at her with a scowl, turned his head to look inside the courtyard, gritted his teeth and decided to sneak out tonight.

  Mrs. Zhang in the house recalled the situation just now and always felt that something was not quite right.

  Lu Dasou is nothing, but what's with his wife? She seems to care more about the title than the master himself. They are all masters, so what does it matter if Zhao Wei is the Duke of Jianan or not, and what does she have to do with him anyway?

  At that time, Lu's mother and her husband took their younger son and daughter to the south to rely on their master, leaving their eldest son in Beijing to take care of the house. At that time, there were only a few servants left in the small second house, and he, a young man, was in charge of all the affairs of the house, which was not easy. His wife was married three years ago, she was not born in this family, nor was she a maid from another family, but the daughter of a matchmaker. Because Lu Dashi had dealings with that matchmaker, he added manpower to this house and met her daughter, so he had the idea of marrying her. Lu Changxiu returned to Beijing for this reason, but Lu's mother did not return, and she has not seen her daughter-in-law until now.

  This time when Zhang returned to Beijing, it was the first time he saw Lu Dasou's wife. He found her to be quite attractive and polite, with a smile on her face when she spoke, which made people like her, and he was delighted. However, can one's true nature be revealed in just one or two encounters? Over the past two months, Zhang had subtly discovered that Lu Dasou's wife had some flaws - she was too calculating and liked to take advantage of small benefits, often deceiving others. All of this touched a nerve for Zhang, who had already developed some dislike for her in his heart. If it were someone else, he wouldn't have bothered. At most, he would have transferred the person to an inconspicuous position, but Lu Dasou was different - as the eldest son of Lu's mother, he was like a nephew to Zhang, and even if he had some minor flaws, they could be tolerated. The fact that his wife didn't meet expectations made him feel uncomfortable in his heart.

  Zhang thought to himself, "In this city of Beijing where material desires run rampant, even good people can become corrupted after staying for too long." When he returns to the south, he'll discuss with Lu Ma and her husband about inviting Lu Da Shou's couple over. Firstly, it would allow them to reunite as a family. Secondly, it would also give Lu Ma an opportunity to properly discipline her daughter-in-law...

  The news that the Zhang family's ancestors and grandchildren were going to return to the south had just spread, and the first ones to react were Lu Yunpeng and his wife. After returning to the capital city, Lu Yunpeng naturally returned to the side of the Guangping King, bringing his wife and son to pay their respects. Later, the Guangping King resigned from his position as crown prince and moved back to the palace, assigning Lu Yunpeng a task to guard the imperial city gate, disregarding his tears and determination to drive him away. Zhang Shi then bought a small house for the couple on the street behind the Guangping King's palace, letting them settle down there and making it convenient for them to visit the palace. Lu Yunpeng finally obeyed and went to guard the imperial city gate. Both he and Qiuye were extremely grateful to Zhang Shi.

  Lu Yunpeng was still on duty, and when Autumn Leaf heard that Zhang's family was going back, she immediately took the child and came over by car. She didn't come to intercept anyone, but habitually listened to Zhang's orders, and did what Zhang said. This time, she came with a reluctant heart, bringing the child to pay respects to Zhang, and also to discuss what gifts to buy and bring back to give to relatives and friends.

  This conversation passed quickly. Autumn leaves looked at the sky and it was already time to eat dinner, so she sent someone back home to inform Lu Yunpeng that she would be staying with her son tonight and not to worry. Zhang Shi scolded her for a couple of sentences, but smiled and let her go. Autumn Leaves had been serving by her side for many years, now that she was married and had children, it was natural for her to stay in the capital with her husband. This farewell might mean they wouldn't see each other for several years, so spending more time together was also good.

  Madam Zhang ordered someone to find Lu Dasou and his wife, asking them to arrange a guest room for Akira. As Lu Yunque was an official with a rank, and Akira had already been removed from the household register, she was now a lady of imperial decree, bringing her child along, it was naturally impossible to have her stay in the outer chamber of Madam Zhang's bedroom as before, or be placed in a servant's room. Unexpectedly, the woman returned with a report saying that Lu Dasou could not be found, and his wife had gone back to her natal home, leaving no one in charge. Madam Zhang felt somewhat displeased, wondering where the couple had run off to now that it was already dark.

  Qiu Ye said, "Madam Zhang doesn't have to worry about me. Although I'm a guest now, you wouldn't treat me as an outsider, would you? If you don't mind the noise of children, let me stay in this courtyard. I'd like to chat with you more. It won't be so convenient if I move to the guest room."

  Zhang thought for a moment and smiled: "Alright, although it's a bit slow, it seems more intimate." She personally arranged for the autumn leaves mother and son to live in the west wing.

  At dinner, Zhang and Akira sat at one table, Zhao Wei sat alone at another table. The three of them were having a harmonious dinner together when Lu Yunpeng also arrived, smiling and saying: "Old lady, don't be angry with me for being thick-skinned, my home is cold and empty, my wife is not at home, so I had to come over to sponge off you." Akira secretly glared at him and pinched his arm, causing him to take a sharp breath.

  Zhang's family found it amusing, so she said: "Stop flirting, Brother Wei is here." She also ordered someone to set up another table setting and had Lu Yunpeng and Zhao Wei eat together, and called Sunzi to toast Mr. Jing again.

  Lu Dasou returned at some unknown time, personally came forward to pour them wine, and then retreated with his head down. Zhang Shi gave him a displeased glance in front of the guests, but didn't say anything.

  After dinner, Zhang let Lu Yunpeng take Autumn Leaf and her mother to rest in the guest house. Since he didn't have to be on duty the next day, they might as well stay overnight. Zhao Wei wanted to return to his room to bathe and read books. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Zhang called over Lu Da Shou: "Where did you go just now? You were gone for half a day without a trace!"

  Lu Dazhou lowered his head: "I took my wife back to her mother's house for a visit and greeted her family. The old lady wants to return south with her son, but it's not like when we came, having Mr. Lu escort us all the way. How can she manage without someone reliable by her side? My wife and I plan to follow the old lady and her son back, and take the opportunity to see my parents and younger siblings."

  "Are you going with us?" Zhang asked in surprise.

  Lu Dajiu raised his head, the smile on his face somehow gave people a strange feeling: "Yes, Old Lady, please agree!"