Chapter 35.1

The Mantis Stalking The Cicada (1)

The news of Zheng Yan Mu’s return did not reach the East Court until the second day when someone came early in the morning to invite Zheng Yan Qing to have breakfast.

Li Ruo Shui, as the nominal daughter-in-law, was also among the people invited.

“Come on, Ruo Shui, eat more.”

Li Ruo Shui took the dishes brought by Madam Zheng, nodded, and thanked her. She tried to make herself less awkward and stiff.

She could handle having dinner with Lu Zhi Yao, but it was a bit difficult to chat with this group of seemingly friendly people, so she decided not to say anything.

“I’m done eating.”

Zheng Mei put down the dishes and got up to leave.

“Where are you going? It’s a reunion with your elder brother today.” Mrs. Zheng looked at her with a disapproving face.

“I’m going to swim in the lake with Mr. Lu today.” Zheng Mei straightened her skirt indifferently. “I ate at the banquet last night.”

Zheng Mei’s words made Li Ruo Shui and Zheng Yan Qing pause their chopsticks at the same time.

Zheng Yan Qing smiled mockingly and continued to eat, ignoring the eyes of the elders of the Zheng family.

Li Ruo Shui, on the other hand, looked straight at her.

Zheng Mei noticed the gaze and thought of the closeness between her and Lu Zhi Yao, so she couldn’t help but straighten her back and stared at Li Ruo Shui.

“Sister-in-law, Mr. Lu and you are close friends. Do you have anything to say?”

She deliberately stressed the word “friends.” She looked high-spirited, as if she was going to do something amusing.

Li Ruo Shui looked at her, put down the bowl and chopsticks, and opened her mouth cautiously.

“Bring more guards, don’t let the servants stay too far away from you, and be sure to stay calm.”

Li Ruo Shui blinked, then remembered something, reached out, and gestured to her.

“If you fall into the water, don’t panic. It’s easy to choke on the water. There are protruding handrails on the stern and hull, so it’s easy to grab there.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Zheng Mei thought Li Ruo Shui was jealous. She patted her skirt nonchalantly, brushed her hair behind her, and left with her maid.

Li Ruo Shui looked at her back and sighed slightly in her heart. She could only help this much.

The wind was rustling, the water was cold, and the people were gone… she still hoped that Zheng Mei could return safely.

Lu Zhi Yao was moody and unpredictable. Those who were deceived by his appearance were definitely in a “dangerous” situation.

She had even imagined the scene of Zheng Mei stepping on his bottom line due to her arrogant attitude and finally being thrown into the water.

Her imagination was so strong, even Li Ruo Shui felt suffocated already.

However, why did Lu Zhi Yao agree to swim in the lake?

She had to explore this carefully. Maybe it would be of great help to her strategy.

This little episode didn’t last too long. After all, the purpose of this morning meal was for Zheng Yan Qing to welcome his brother back home.

“It’s really a happy event.” Zheng Yan Mu changed the subject and smiled at Zheng Yan Qing with a bit of brotherly kindness. “You look much better.”

Zheng Yan Qing nodded with a smile but didn’t say much.

Not long ago, Li Ruo Shui said that there might be something wrong with his medicine and he should stop it for a while.

He didn’t believe it at first. But after listening to her more, he felt a little suspicious too. As a result, he didn’t drink medicine for a while.

Although his body still could not be considered very good these days, it was indeed much more relaxed than before. At least there weren’t too many coughs and wheezes.

There was indeed a problem with this medicine, but who could he talk to?

“Thanks to Ruo Shui, it seems the wedding ceremony is really useful!”

Madam Zheng looked at Li Ruo Shui affectionately. Her eyes were full of gratitude.

Zheng Yan Mu looked at her and said meaningfully: “Indeed, I have to thank my sister-in-law.”

“It’s nothing.”

Li Ruo Shui replied perfunctorily, but no one noticed the strangeness of her words. Then, the topic continued about the provincial exam after March.

After all, this was the Zheng family’s greatest concern at the moment.

“According to the situation, Yan Qing may be able to go to the provincial test after three months.” Madam Zheng glanced at Li Ruo Shui. “Ruo Shui, we don’t want children for the time being.”

“Mother! What are you talking about!” Zheng Yan Qing blushed, and he didn’t dare to look at Li Ruo Shui’s expression.

“Understood.”

Li Ruo Shui nodded and smiled thoughtfully.

In this awkward yet polite atmosphere, Li Ruo Shui began to think about how to end this marriage farce.

*

There was Ming Lake in Cangzhou, which was a good place for everyone to visit.

It was April at this time. The willows were blowing on the shore, blue waves were rippling in the lake, and there were four or five boats floating on it, which looked very pleasant.

Zheng Mei looked around and couldn’t stop nodding.

This decorated boat was personally selected by her. There was a floating lotus-colored veil, a tea table, and you could see the blue waves when you opened the window. It was very elegant.

A small boat followed far behind the decorated boat, on which stood the guards she brought this time.

She originally wanted to bring five or six to scare Lu Zhi Yao, but before leaving, she thought of what Li Ruo Shui said. After thinking for a while, she brought ten.

It never hurts to have more.

“Mr. Lu, what do you think of this decorated boat?”

Zheng Mei walked to Lu Zhi Yao’s side and took a closer look at his appearance. She immediately fell in love with him even more in her heart.

“Sorry, I can’t see it, but I think it must be good.”

Lu Zhi Yao was sitting by the coffee table, a carving knife in his hand, and was carving something.

After waking up from a dream last night, he never fell asleep again. He took out the remaining materials and started to carve something.