Reborn: The First Rank 'Madam” – C34

C34 – A Stone Stirs a Thousand Ripples

Within the confines of Zuo’s Mansion’s backyard, Zuo Shuhui paced nervously in her chamber, occasionally inquiring of those outside, “Has it dispersed yet?”

It was only when she received word from a woman that Master Lu and several elders had ventured out that she hurriedly left her room and dashed toward Wu Hui Yuan.

“Mother...” Zuo Shuhui’s mind was so overwhelmed with anticipation that she couldn’t recall any shameful questions. She eagerly grabbed Mrs. Xue’s arm and asked, “Mother... outside... is it truly Master Lu?”

“Calm down,” Mrs. Xue cautioned, unable to contain her own excitement. Even though her master was swamped with responsibilities, she was willing to endure it all.

She guided her daughter to a chair and inquired with a playful tone, “Would anyone dare to impersonate Master Lu?”

“Mother, your daughter heard that...” Zuo Shuhui whispered into Mrs. Xue’s ear.

Mrs. Xue patted her daughter’s hand and reassured her, “Once your father returns, you can inquire further. We’ve only caught wind of a few tidbits, so let’s not jump to conclusions.”

“Mother, if it’s true...” Zuo Shuhui’s face flushed, and her eyes sparkled with hope.

“If it’s true, this position will undoubtedly belong to you. Mother, I promise,” Mrs. Xue’s palms were moist with perspiration. The thought of her daughter potentially becoming the Duke’s wife left her heart quaking.

This was the Zhen Manor of the Duke! If her daughter could marry into this family, she would attain a distinguished status, becoming an esteemed first-class wife and an honored mother.

This filled him with immense joy, confirming his belief that agreeing to collaborate with Zuo Shaoqing had been a wise choice.

After a lengthy pause, he remarked, “He specifically mentioned the teacher-student relationship between the Old Duke and Grandfather. He then pointed out that, had circumstances not changed, our two families might have considered a union. Considering Master Duke’s personality, he wouldn’t make such a suggestion randomly.”

“But...” Zuo Yunyang felt somewhat embarrassed as he asked, “Could it be that the Duke of State’s Palace and the Zuo’s Mansion are really considering marriage? How conceited of me to even think I could join the Duke’s Mansion?”

“Well, who knows?” Zuo Yunwen’s face displayed a mixture of excitement and self-consciousness. “Let’s keep this to ourselves for now. We wouldn’t want any misunderstandings or rumors in the family.”

“Don’t worry, big brother. I understand the gravity of the situation,” Zuo Yunyang replied. He then cautiously inquired, “Big Brother, regarding what Master Duke said to Shao Qing at the end, do they have any prior acquaintance?”

Zuo Yunwen’s brows furrowed even deeper, his thoughts tangled in a knot. “It’s impossible. The only time Shao Qing left Youuxi Town recently was to take the Changping Exam a few days ago. How could they have met?”

“You’re right.” Zuo Yunyang couldn’t fathom how Zuo Shaoqing had obtained that token, but he had no intention of revealing it to Zuo Yunwen.

“Let’s set that aside for now. In the coming days, we should have Shao Xi and the other children spend time with Master Duke. Even if we don’t become in-laws, they may secure a future that Master Duke values.”

Zuo Yunwen was brimming with excitement at the prospect of obtaining support from the Duke’s Palace. It was the greatest aspiration of his life.

Little did Lu Zheng know that his casual words had stirred up the entire Zuo’s Mansion, causing sleepless nights for its inhabitants. Even if he were aware, he likely wouldn’t care, as he had once entertained the idea of marrying into the Zuo’s Mansion.

However, that sudden notion faded away after he learned more about the Zuo’s Mansion through their information.