Chapter 111: Another Gain

When Lu Ying arrived at her residence, she immediately noticed two servants standing outside her alley, peering anxiously toward the street.

The moment they saw Lu Ying, both servants brightened. They hurried forward, saluted her, and one of them spoke, “Madam Lu, our master has been waiting for quite some time.”

Lu Ying looked up and saw a splendid carriage parked at the main gate of her home. Beside it stood four elegant maidservants.

Amid the servants’ courteous attentions, Lu Ying stepped forward calmly.

As she approached, the carriage curtain was lifted, revealing Zhang Feng, neatly dressed in a white robe with his hair tied back, his handsome face drawing the eye.

Zhang Feng’s expression was complicated; his eyes fixed intently on Lu Ying.

When she came near, he stepped down from the carriage, bowed politely, and addressed her with respect, “Madam Lu.”

“Mm,” Lu Ying replied lightly, stepping before him and lifting her gaze. “Zhang, why have you come?”

Observing her composed demeanor and serene beauty, Zhang Feng’s eyes lingered on her for a moment before he bowed again and said, “I have come personally to apologize to you, young lady.”

After speaking, he ordered, “Bring down the items.”

The two servants immediately stepped forward and carried several wooden chests from the carriage.

Lu Ying’s gaze swept over the chests as she said calmly, “I acknowledge your kindness.” She then opened the door and stepped inside. Slightly turning, she quietly watched the servants carry the chests in, a faint, knowing smile playing at her lips.

Before long, she felt Zhang Feng’s gaze still fixed upon her.

Lu Ying turned to meet his eyes.

Their eyes locked; Zhang Feng cleared his throat and followed the servants into the courtyard. After glancing around, his gaze returned to Lu Ying.

Entering the kitchen, Lu Ying said lightly, “My humble home is simple. There is only plain water. Would you like some, sir?”

“Ah? Yes, please.”

Hearing this, Lu Ying poured him a cup.

Lowering his head, Zhang Feng took the cup from her fair hand and noticed the calloused marks on her fingers.

Those marks bolstered his confidence greatly. After hastily taking a sip, he spoke, “Ah Ying, I truly admire you.”

Notice how, with a slight rise in status, even his choice of words changed. Now he used “admire.”

Seemingly unaware of the faint, ambiguous smile at Lu Ying’s lips, Zhang Feng cleared his throat again and tried to steady his tone, “About yesterday’s matter, I was presumptuous... I hope you will not take offense, madam. It brings me great joy.”

Looking up at her, he gazed warmly and earnestly, “No matter what, my heart is open and clear to you.” Pausing, he smiled brightly, his white teeth gleaming, and said, “Ah Ying, I have spoken with my parents. They consent to me bringing you into the Zhang household with the formal rites of engagement.”

To accept her with the formal rites of engagement? That means giving her the position of primary wife?

Lu Ying’s lips curved slightly.

Seeing her appear pleased, Zhang Feng beamed widely, pride filling his eyes. Gently, he said, “Ah Ying, I know you have connections with the Shang, Wang, and Xiao families, and that you are intelligent and talented. I’ve always thought it would be a waste to bring you hastily into the Zhang household. Now, my parents hold you in high regard. All you need do is give a slight nod, and I will arrange everything. In just three months, after my marriage, I will formally welcome you into the family.”

It seemed he had not discovered her ties to the nobility.

Feeling his tone grow increasingly gentle and his steps drawing closer, Lu Ying lifted her head and quietly said, “No.”

Just two words.

And spoken with such a smile.

Zhang Feng was momentarily taken aback, stunned.

Seeing his stunned expression, Lu Ying smiled faintly and slowly said, “Master Zhang, this is not right. I do not wish to be your concubine.”

Having delivered her dismissal, she added, “It is getting late. Since you have said what you came to say, it’s best you leave early.”

Zhang Feng’s expression shifted several times, disappointment flowing from his eyes.

After a moment, he said, “Madam Lu, you will soon come of age, yes? And this humble courtyard of yours is so simple. Your younger brother is studying and striving for advancement. Whether to seek a good teacher or to travel to the capital to take the imperial exams, one must have resources and support. If you come with me, these worries will vanish.”

He looked at Lu Ying earnestly and spoke with refined manners, “Madam Lu, I truly favor you and will treat you well... Why be so stubborn?”

His words were sincere—truly sincere.

Lu Ying lifted her gaze, nodded lightly, and said calmly, “I know you are not a bad man.” In truth, if he had been truly wicked, she would not have forgiven him so readily.

She continued, “But my marriage is my own choice. No matter what, I will not have any entanglement with you.”

Saying this, she walked to the door and gave a graceful farewell, “Please take care on your way, sir.”

Lu Ying’s bluntness left Zhang Feng somewhat embarrassed. He passed by her and, as he did, said calmly, “Please consider what I said, Madam Lu. You may also inquire about who I am. Though I was abrupt and disrespectful yesterday, I am a man who values loyalty and affection. If you come with me, you will never suffer loss.”

With that, he waved his hand. “Let us go.”

Lu Ying saw them off.

After closing the door, she approached the wooden chests. This time, something caught her attention—one large chest was packed full of iron coins.

Seeing them, Lu Ying suddenly wondered: could it be they had learned she had converted the jewelry from the Zhang household into iron coins?

Another smaller chest held over half a box of gold, appearing to total more than three hundred taels.

Other chests contained various scholar’s tools, and one was filled with prized Shu brocade.

The Zhang household was indeed generous; the money offered as apology, twice over, could have purchased several concubines.

Lu Ying could not carry these items herself, and she was in no hurry. After leisurely reading for a while, she cooked dinner. Using a three-legged cauldron, she prepared the dishes, waiting for Lu Yun’s return.

At dusk, Lu Yun came back punctually. Seeing the chests in the courtyard, he was startled. “Sister, has someone given us money again?”

“Mm,” Lu Ying replied, setting down her bamboo slips. “This time, we received quite a sum—enough to live comfortably in Chengdu for a while.”

She smiled gently. “There is still some space in the rooms. Ah Yun, after we put these away, you can accompany me to buy a few things.”

Lu Yun nodded happily, opened a chest to examine the contents briefly, his eyes sparkling. “Sister, shall we buy some farmland? Or maybe some shops?”

Lu Ying hesitated slightly and said slowly, “My heart is uneasy. I don’t know how long we’ll stay in Chengdu. It’s better to keep these things secure and feel at peace.”

Lu Yun said, “Alright, whatever you decide, sister.”

After hiding the items safely, the siblings each took a pouch of iron coins and left their home.

Next, they hired several carpenters and other workers to renovate the rooms, making them more beautiful. They also had quilts and other supplies delivered. By the time they returned home, night had fallen.

The next day, Lu Yun went to school as usual, while the carpenters busied themselves making new tables and beds, replacing old doors, and repairing walls. They worked hard for three days straight until everything was completed.

By then, the small courtyard was fully furnished. Each room was filled with furniture and belongings, every corner imbued with the subtle warmth and details of home.

Just as they sent off the workers and Lu Ying had yet to rest for a full day, another carriage arrived outside.

This time, seeing it, Lu Ying’s face was full of smiles.

The carriage stopped, and Xiao Yan leapt down with two maidservants. Looking around, she said cheerfully, “Ah Ying, it’s been days since you’ve come. Your place has really changed.”

Lu Ying led her on a tour and asked, “Why didn’t A Ti come?”

Xiao Yan rolled her eyes. “Do you think I’m always glued to A Ti’s side?”

Isn’t that so?

Seeing Lu Ying’s expression, Xiao Yan dismissed the topic with a wave of her hand. “Ah Ying, I’m here on my grandmother’s orders to invite you to the Xiao household as a guest.”

Lu Ying was stunned for a moment, then asked slowly, “Have you told her about my situation with that noble?”

“No,” Xiao Yan looked up and pouted. “We agreed long ago not to tell anyone. Since you’re still unofficially a concubine at that man’s house, and you saved us, we can’t let you end up without a match.”

Lu Ying said gratefully, “Thank you.”

“Thank me for what?” Xiao Yan glared at her and complained, “Though you don’t say it, I can tell you like A Ti better.”

Before Lu Ying could respond, Xiao Yan patted her dress and said with a grin, “Go get ready.”

Seeing Lu Ying hesitate, she widened her eyes and exclaimed, “Ah Ying, don’t you want to go? Your brother is so talented; even if not for him, you should mingle more to find a suitable husband. Besides, you said your surname was Xiao the other day—using my family name—so you must meet my grandmother.”

Hearing that, Lu Ying’s heart stirred, and she smiled. “I never said I wouldn’t go.” With that, she returned inside, changed into a gown, left a note, took some silver, and followed Xiao Yan out the door.

At that moment, Chengdu was bustling and lively. The carriage rolled through the streets, met with respectful, cautious gazes from commoners. Seeing one strange and amusing spectacle after another, Lu Ying’s eyes remained fixed.

Just then, Xiao Yan, who had been watching her closely, leaned in and whispered, “Ah Ying, what did that man want when he called you that day?”

To be honest, Lu Ying no longer held the appearance of innocence. A young maiden repeatedly summoned by a noble—rumors would inevitably arise.

Lu Ying turned to the curious Xiao Ruo and sighed, “He just wanted to talk.”

She smiled wryly and earnestly explained, “Maybe he found me daring and amusing since he always acted like my husband.”

Xiao Yan nodded and then whispered a warning: “Ah Ying, that man is known for being capricious. You must be very careful around him.” She stuck out her tongue playfully but her tone grew serious. “His true identity is a guarded secret in all of Chengdu. But no matter what, remember: do not offend him. Those who cross him—even the Lu family or the prominent Shang family—could not protect themselves. So you must be extremely cautious and respectful before him.”

Her tone was deeply sincere.

Lu Ying nodded repeatedly and whispered, “I will.” (To be continued)