C139 – Jiang Mansion
As the sun dipped below the horizon, tranquility finally descended upon Zuo’s Mansion after a day filled with commotion. Luo Xiaoliu, who had gone to inform Mrs. Xue, returned without any officials but with a noticeable limp and a pained expression.
“Master...” Luo Xiaoliu stood before Zuo Shaoqing, his anger evident. “That despicable Prefecture Overseer would never entertain such a case!”
Zuo Shaoqing had already surmised that it was not the opportune moment to lodge a complaint against Mrs. Xue. Rumors still swirled outside, and the capital’s governor was likely reluctant to delve into a matter connected to Zuo’s Mansion.
Furthermore, he didn’t truly wish for Mrs. Xue to endure the harshness of prison life. He wanted her to remain at home and witness the gradual downfall of the Zuo Family, and he desired for her to watch as his children slowly descended into ruin.
“Physical assault?” Zuo Shaoqing inquired, studying Luo Xiaoliu’s peculiar posture.
Luo Xiaoliu nodded with a miserable expression and gazed expectantly at Zuo Shaoqing.
Zuo Shaoqing didn’t disappoint him and expressed his concern, “You’ve been through a lot. You may name any reward you desire.”
“Really?” Luo Xiaoliu quickly released his hands and almost jumped with joy. “Can it be anything?”
Zuo Shaoqing’s lips quirked into a faint smile as he regarded him, “What do you have in mind?”
Luo Xiaoliu grinned sheepishly, approached Zuo Shaoqing, and said, “Master, these are all duties expected of a servant; how could a servant request a reward? However... if this old man were to establish his own household one day, could I be the steward?”
“You’re getting ahead of yourself!” Zuo Shaoqing playfully tapped his head, “How old are you now, and you already aspire to manage a household?” Given Luo Xiaoliu’s background, even if he joined Liu Steel Manor in the future, he might not rise to the position of a manager.
Witnessing the disappointment in Luo Xiaoliu’s eyes, Zuo Shaoqing offered encouragement, “Although I can’t appoint you as the head steward, as long as you excel, I can allow you to oversee a courtyard.”
“What’s so special about a courtyard?” Luo Xiaoliu had been with Zuo Shaoqing since he was young, and most of the time, there were only three people in the courtyard. Who could he possibly need to manage?Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience
Zuo Shaoqing glanced at him and chose not to respond.
Just as he was about to summon someone for dinner, Zuo’s Mansion’s butler entered with a trembling demeanor and announced with his head lowered, “Third Young Master, there’s a banquet at Lord Jiang’s residence tonight, and Zuo’s Mansion has received an invitation. The Master wishes for you to change attire promptly and head to the main hall.”
Zuo Shaoqing, however, had no recollection of this event and furrowed his brow. He had never been keen on participating in such gatherings and had no intention of setting foot in the Jiang Family’s estate ever again.
“Inform the patriarch that I won’t attend if I’m not feeling well. The Jiang Family might be a prominent household, but I have no interest in mingling with a minor family’s offspring.”
The steward further lowered his head. “I’m afraid this isn’t appropriate... When Jiang’s Mansion extended the invitation, they specifically mentioned that the young masters should attend. The old master also intended to use this opportunity to establish a connection with Vice Minister Jiang, which would be advantageous for San Ye’s future career.”
Zuo Shaoqing’s lips twitched at the thought of benefiting without causing any harm. Nevertheless, he was also curious to see what strategies Jiang Che and Zuo Shaoyan had in mind.
“Then please ask Master to wait for a moment. I’ll be there shortly.”
After the butler departed, Zuo Shaoqing said to Luo Xiaoliu, “You don’t need to accompany me since you’re injured. I can take Yinyi.”
Upon reaching the front hall, Zuo Shaoqing noticed that everyone was present and dressed up. His illegitimate son’s attire, on the other hand, was noticeably understated. Those unaware of the situation might think that Zuo’s Mansion was neglecting him.
Lili, who had already heard of Luo Xiaoliu’s unsuccessful return, couldn’t help but tease Zuo Shaoqing, “Shao Qing, even if you don’t care about Zuo’s Mansion, you should at least consider the reputation of Duke Zhen’s manor. How do you expect others to perceive you like this?”
Zuo Shaoqing noticed envy in the eyes of the Zuo Family when they saw this sight. He inwardly chuckled and believed his plan for the evening would go smoothly.
It hadn’t been easy for Zuo Shaoyan and Jiang Che to conspire against him. Who knew, they might end up outwitted and facing dire consequences.
Upon reaching the parlor, men and women parted ways. A maidservant escorted Mrs. Xue and Zuo Shuhui to the back room. Zuo Shaoqing wore a sinister smile as he gazed at Zuo Shuhui’s elegant figure.
“You’ve arrived?” A familiar male voice reached Zuo Shaoqing’s ears. He turned his head and caught a whiff of a gentle tea fragrance before he laid eyes on the imposing figure of Lu Zheng.
“Master Lu, you’ve come quite early.” Since their affair had already become common knowledge, there was no need for Zuo Shaoqing to conceal their familiarity.
Zuo Yunwen and Zuo Shaoyan were momentarily taken aback. Hearing the rumors was one thing, but witnessing it in person was another. They first paid their respects to Liu Tie and then proceeded to scrutinize the man Zuo Family had long coveted.
Lu Zheng’s appearance was impeccable. Not only was he handsome, but he also possessed a well-proportioned physique. His mere presence commanded respect.
Lu Zheng cast a glance at the two of them. When his gaze fell on Zuo Shaoyan, it seemed to drop a couple of degrees in temperature. He then nodded to Zuo Shaoqing and remarked, “I’ve just arrived as well. Let’s enter together.”
It was easy to imagine how many speculations this sight of Lu Zheng and Zuo Shaoqing walking together would stir up. Those who had initially been 50% convinced now leaned toward 80%, while even those who had previously doubted changed their stance.
Jiang Che was welcoming guests at the entrance. As the two approached, his expression briefly darkened, but he quickly smiled and greeted, “To have Master Lu grace our humble abode with your presence truly brightens our home.”
Lu Zheng clasped his hands behind his back and surveyed the surroundings. “If Jiang’s Mansion can still be called ‘humble,’ then I doubt anyone in the capital could claim to have a ‘mansion.'”
Several generations of Duke Zhen Manor’s members had been occupied with border defense, making it impossible for them to return home for years. Consequently, the upkeep of such a grand mansion had been neglected.
Zuo Shaoqing agreed, stating, “This is the first time I’ve seen a mansion of such exquisite beauty. It might even surpass the Imperial Palace.”
These words had an ominous ring to them. Comparing a mansion to the Imperial Palace hardly boded well.
But Jiang Che didn’t take the bait. He gestured toward the direction of the palace and said, “The Third Young Master of the Zuo Clan has ventured into the Imperial City before. I assume the palace doesn’t feel entirely unfamiliar.”
Zuo Shaoqing felt a sour taste in his mouth. He thought Jiang Che was excessively insincere, but with everyone’s eyes on him, he couldn’t afford to be too confrontational. He lowered his head to look at his toes and remained silent.
Upon hearing that Lu Zheng had arrived, Old Master Jiang and Old Master Liu promptly emerged to greet him. They exchanged pleasantries as was customary.
As they all took their seats, Zuo Shaoqing’s stomach growled loudly. The three of them were still seated in a corner, a world apart from the treatment Lu Zheng received. However, it was consistent with the way Zuo Family treated them, ensuring they remained less conspicuous.
After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became jovial. It was unclear who suddenly spoke up, saying, “I’ve heard that Jiang’s Mansion boasts an extraordinary peony garden with a wide variety of blooms. It’s currently the peak season for peonies. May we have the pleasure of seeing it?”
Every year, the mistress of Jiang’s Mansion hosted a peony gathering, inviting the young ladies and daughters of noble families to admire the flowers. These young ladies would return home and lavish praise on the flowers, piquing the interest of many gentlemen.
Old Master Jiang’s cheeks flushed, and he appeared far from his sixty-plus years. He nodded, prompting the servants to prepare the Peony Garden.
Zuo Shaoqing had little interest in the rewards at Jiang’s Mansion. As he watched the crowd rush toward the garden, he quietly thought to himself, “When I establish a peony garden at Wu Steel Manor in the future, I must surpass the offerings at Jiang’s Mansion!”
However, he had no intention of inviting anyone to visit. It would be a waste of a serene spot. Instead, he planned to visit with Lu Zheng for a perfect romantic rendezvous.
“Shao Qing, what are you daydreaming about? I’m heading over...” Zuo Yunwen’s voice snapped Zuo Shaoqing back to reality.