Reborn: The First Rank 'Madam” – C164

C164 – First to Strike

The elderly woman had finally settled on a matchmaker, who happened to be her cousin and Han Lin’s first wife, making her an ideal candidate for someone like the Qu Family.

However, she expressed some hesitancy, saying, “This Qu Family, where is it exactly? It seems a bit distant.”

Zuo Yunyang promptly reassured her, saying, “Indeed, Qu Family’s origins lie in Chang Ping, but it’s just a stroke of luck that the matriarch of the Qu Family happens to be in the capital these days, so she’s likely to stay for a while.”

Students who successfully passed each exam were granted a two-month vacation period before assuming their posts. This was to allow them to return home triumphantly to visit relatives and to afford the Ministry of Personnel ample time for careful selection and placement.

Initially intending to return home, Qu Changqing hesitated after the imperial decree for marriage was announced at the Hall Competition, concerned about Zuo Shaoqing’s well-being. Thus, he remained and only dispatched the good news back home.

Upon hearing the joyous news, the Qu Family felt it fitting to pay homage to their ancestors. Hence, accompanied by the two elders of the Qu Family, they decided to seize the opportunity to visit the capital.

This realization prompted Zuo Yunyang’s sudden anxiety. He was convinced that the paramount concern of the Qu Family elders in Shang Jing was to find a suitable bride for Wu Tie.

If he didn’t take action soon, it wouldn’t be his concern if these two individuals set their sights on prospective brides from the Shangguan Family.

“Excellent!” The elderly woman affirmed energetically, “Since she’s in the capital, it simplifies matters. Mistress Japan has dispatched emissaries for the marriage proposal. All of you can simply await patiently.”

Zuo Yunyang beamed upon hearing this news. He sincerely thanked the lady and bid farewell, then returned home with Zuo Shaoqing to share the good tidings with his wife.

Zuo Shaoqing spent some time with the lady, discussing family matters and personnel, including who should give gifts for the wedding, who should abstain from receiving gifts, and even which maids were of marriageable age.

Initially engaged in the conversation, Zuo Shaoqing felt uneasy when the discussion turned to matchmaking. Was it appropriate for someone like him to involve himself in this?

He hesitantly inquired, wearing a bitter expression, “Mother, the four maids you assigned to my courtyard are no longer young. Do you think it’s time to find matches for them?”

The corners of the elderly lady’s mouth curled up as she responded jovially, “What’s the matter? Did you believe I was displeased because I intentionally placed women in Zhuo’er’s chambers?”

“No...” Zuo Shaoqing replied pitifully, “I’m just concerned I won’t be able to restrain myself.” After all, they were all exceptionally beautiful!

The elderly lady’s smile faded as she glared at him. “You’re useless! If you truly can’t control yourself, I won’t be lenient!”

Zuo Shaoqing thought resentfully: Did you really not arrange for these women to tempt me? Perhaps you’d like me to betray you?

After Lu Zheng entered the palace, he was escorted to the imperial garden by an attendant. Zhan Yuanfeng had already set up a game of chess in the pavilion at the center of the lake.

As Lu Zheng sat across from him, he furrowed his brow and asked, “Is the emperor truly so bored?”

“Haha...” Zhan Yuanfeng chuckled. “I understand that as a newlywed, you’re eager to enter the palace. However, the reason I invited you here today is because of someone from your family.”

Upon learning that it involved Zuo Shaoqing, Lu Zheng’s demeanor relaxed slightly. “What is it?” he inquired.

“No need to rush...” “Let’s indulge in a game of chess first!” Zhan Yuanfeng’s eyes narrowed with a smile, indicating his confidence that Lu Zheng would cooperate for Zuo Shaoqing’s sake.

Lu Zheng didn’t harbor much resistance. It was merely a game of chess. After Zhan Yuanfeng made his move, Lu Zheng signaled for refreshments to be served.

He received several reports from an attendant and handed them to Lu Zheng. “Have a look. I’m unsure which yamen door to assign Left Premier Yuan to,” he said.

Lu Zheng quickly perused the reports detailing the placements of this year’s Imperial Examination winners, both within and outside the capital.

“Is the emperor hesitant to utilize him, or is there uncertainty in how to employ him?” Lu Zheng cut straight to the chase.

Zhan Yuanfeng smiled and evaded the question directly. “Do you know how many officials have been shuffled around in the past half month? Wouldn’t it be unwise to send your Minister into the Six Divisions?”

“Why?” Lu Zheng’s expression darkened.

Zhan Yuanfeng took a sip of tea, excitement in his voice. “It’s simple. Who wants to handle the Duke Zhen’s Wife? You can’t scold her, and you can’t get close to her. Haha...”

Lu Zheng tightened his embrace, his gaze turning resolute as he rested his chin atop the person’s head.

“Excellent! Then let’s head to the Ministry of Works!”

Zuo Shaoqing lightly nibbled on Lu Zheng’s finger, a smile playing on his lips as he remarked, “With Master Lu’s assurance, will the Emperor truly consent?”

“He has no grounds for refusal,” Lu Zheng stated firmly.

Zuo Shaoqing grinned momentarily, then tugged at Lu Zheng, inquiring, “Do you happen to know where Brother Qu has been assigned?”

Lu Zheng’s eyes flickered. “Why do you ask? Are you aspiring to serve alongside Brother Qu?”

Suppressing his amusement, Zuo Shaoqing nodded, “It would be ideal if I could accompany Brother Qu! Earlier today, Mother had already agreed to facilitate a connection between Brother Qu and my Elder Cousin. It seems I might soon be addressing him as Brother-in-law.”

Lu Zheng’s furrowed brows eased as he casually remarked, “In that case, it’s a shame. Your prospective brother-in-law has earned the Emperor’s favor and has been appointed to Changping County.”

Zuo Shaoqing exclaimed in surprise. He had expected Qu Changqing’s assignment to be less prominent, perhaps a minor county, but Changping County was indeed a respectable position for a sixth-rank official.

“Then I must maintain close ties with Second Uncle. A young talent like him is a rare find and would be sought after by many families.”

Lu Zheng was indifferent to whom Qu Changqing was affiliated with, as long as it didn’t attract undue attention to their family.

Zuo Shaoqing, unaware of Lu Zheng’s thoughts, proceeded to discuss the arrangements of the household servants for the day. When he mentioned Luo Xiaoliu’s responsibilities in managing Lu Yuan, he couldn’t help but chuckle impishly, “That fool Little Sixie, did he genuinely believe he had landed a decent position?”

“It’s good that you oversee these matters. If anyone obstructs your path, remove them,” Lu Zheng discerned the implication in Zuo Shaoqing’s words.

Zuo Shaoqing rolled his eyes, retorting, “That won’t suffice. While I’m not concerned about being labeled as envious, appearances matter. It’s challenging to justify dismissing people without cause.”

Lu Zheng had no further comment, simply replying, “As you wish.”

As the night progressed, the main bedroom of Qing Lu Garden was suffused with the lingering aura of the yet-to-be-disassembled scarlet bed. The intertwined bodies on the bed, exposed to the night breeze, elicited flushed sighs of pleasure.

In a nearby room, Luo Xiaoliu lay on the bed, drained of energy. The exposed shoulder bore the marks of passion, while tears welled in his eyes as he softly cursed.

The door creaked open, startling Luo Xiaoliu, though the discomfort in his lower body prevented him from reacting swiftly.

“Aiyo... You...” Don’t come any closer...” Luo Xiaoliu pointed accusingly at the man, one hand clutching his waist while the other gripped the doorframe.

Ignoring Luo Xiaoliu’s longing gaze, Wu Tie approached with a basin of water, his movements unhurried as he folded his handkerchief.

“Yinyi, you despicable scoundrel!” Ah... it hurts terribly... Just leave!”

Yinyi’s actions lacked any tenderness as he wiped the stains off Luo Xiaoliu’s body. Only when Luo Xiaoliu’s voice had become hoarse did he casually remark, “This happens to be my room!”

“You...” Luo Xiaoliu’s face flushed as he glared at him. “If it weren’t for... If they hadn’t taken me in, do you think I’d willingly come to your rundown shack?”

Yinyi discarded the handkerchief in his hand and tucked Luo Xiaoliu under the bed, joining him and smothering the candle flame. “Are you not exhausted? Or do you wish to continue?”

“Get lost!” Luo Xiaoliu didn’t push back with all his strength. Fearful that Luo Xiaoliu might make further advances, he hastily pulled up his blanket and lamented with teary eyes, “I’ll report you to San Ye tomorrow, you heartless brute!”

He only owed this man a single favor, yet this rascal dared to claim he owed him... With such audacious demands, refusal seemed to warrant force. Truly despicable!

If he could overpower this scoundrel, he would surely have smacked him to oblivion, safeguarding this honorable youth from further harm.

Luo Xiaoliu resolved to lodge a formal complaint tomorrow, exposing Yinyi’s true colors to San Ye, seeking justice.

He didn’t seek Yinyi’s life; he would settle for either a tooth-for-a-tooth or a compensation in gold and silver.

A mere brothel servant who had spent a night with someone had the audacity to spend another night. Why was he being unjustly evicted by this scoundrel?

The more he dwelled on it, the more aggrieved he felt. Thus, Luo Xiaoliu drifted into a fitful slumber...