Chapter 149: So, Where is Luohong?

Chapter 149: So, Where is Luohong?

Meng Qianqian thought to herself, "I wasn't ready, but the horse started running. It's not my fault."

She glanced down at Lu Yuan's hand, which was still wrapped around her waist.

"Never mind, he probably didn't mean anything by it. It would just make me seem overly sensitive if I brought it up."

Lu Yuan led her through a shortcut, which included an old street near the marketplace. They would have to pass through there on their way back.

"Grand Marshal," Meng Qianqian said.

"Yes?" he replied.

"Can we make a stop at the marketplace? I want to buy some new storybooks for Grandmother."

The marketplace indeed offered a wide variety of storybooks, and they were much more intriguing than those sold in the bookshops outside.

Lu Yuan responded with a nonchalant "Mhm."

It seemed that Lu Yuan was also familiar with the marketplace; it must be quite famous.

Meng Qianqian softly said, "Thank you, Grand Marshal."

Soon, they reached the eastern entrance of the old street. After passing through it, the marketplace would be right at the end.

Lu Yuan tightened the reins and halted their horses.

"Grand Marshal, the marketplace is just ahead," Meng Qianqian said.

"I know," Lu Yuan replied indifferently. "Let's get something to eat first. Your stomach has been growling the entire way here, it's annoying."

Meng Qianqian rubbed her stomach, only then realizing that in their haste to pursue Zhang Feihu, they had skipped dinner.

However, had her stomach really been growling the whole way?

Grrrr...

Her stomach rumbled again.

Meng Qianqian felt embarrassed.

The old street was bustling and vibrant, but the cobblestone pavement was uneven, making the horse carriage journey difficult. Coupled with the crowded streets, it was challenging for the horses to navigate through.

Along the street, they frequently encountered horse boys enthusiastically soliciting customers.

Several horse boys rushed forward, surrounding Lu Yuan and Meng Qianqian.

"Sir, Madam! Are you looking for a meal or a place to stay?" asked one of the horse boys at the forefront.

"Feed the horses," Lu Yuan replied.

Hearing that they only wanted to feed the horses, the horse boys left disappointedly. Only one boy, who looked to be around fifteen or sixteen years old, remained. He glanced at the horses' bellies and said to Lu Yuan, "It's ten copper coins to watch the horses, and twenty copper coins to feed them. Your horses don't need to be fed, so ten copper coins will do."

Lu Yuan tossed him a silver ingot.

The horse boy was taken aback. "I... I can't make change for this."

"You don't need to," Lu Yuan said.

He helped Meng Qianqian down from her horse and threw the reins to the boy. "Give them some water to drink."

The horse boy was ecstatic. "Yes! Yes! Thank you, Sir! Thank you, Madam! Safe journey to you both!"

Meng Qianqian had been to the marketplace a few times, but each time she had ridden in a horse carriage and gone straight there without stopping on the old street.

She never expected that this seemingly quiet old street during the day would be so lively at night.

Unlike Zhuque Street and Chang'an Street, there weren't many new shops on the old street. Instead, most of the shops had been open for many years, and some were even passed down through three generations. They looked a bit old, but their businesses were thriving.

As they walked, they unexpectedly encountered someone—Lu Xingzhou.

Meng Qianqian truly hadn't expected to run into her former father-in-law here.

After all, this was the northern part of the city, quite far from the Lu family residence.

Lu Xingzhou also seemed perplexed by this coincidence, his eyes widening in shock at the sudden appearance of the couple.

Lu Yuan paused in his tracks, a slight smile playing at the corners of his lips. That smile seemed as though it could see straight through people's hearts. "Well, well, if it isn't Official Lu? What a coincidence to run into you after traveling halfway across the city. Grand Marshal Lu and I must be destined to cross paths frequently."

Indeed, they were destined to cross paths, but it was a destiny fraught with enmity.

Lu Xingzhou cupped his hands in a polite greeting. "Greetings, Grand Marshal."

Lu Yuan smiled and said, "Official Lu doesn't recognize the Grand Marshal's wife?"

A subtle frown creased Lu Xingzhou's brow.

How could he not recognize Meng Qianqian? Even if she turned to ash, he would still know it was her!

However, the once respectful daughter-in-law had now transformed into his superior's wife, and he hadn't fully adjusted to this change in their relationship.

Unconsciously, he hesitated to bow to his former daughter-in-law.

But he couldn't afford to offend Lu Yuan, that infamous grand marshal.

Lu Xingzhou bowed to Meng Qianqian. "Greetings, Madam Grand Marshal."

Meng Qianqian affected an airy tone and hummed in acknowledgment, putting on the airs of a grand marshal's wife. "Official Lu is too kind."

Lu Yuan seemed to recall something and said meaningfully, "Ah, your son is getting married in a few days, isn't he? The Grand Marshal and I will attend the ceremony."

Lu Xingzhou: I never sent an invitation to the Grand Marshal's mansion!

He wasn't close with Lu Yuan, so how could he dare to invite him to his son's wedding? Moreover, even if he hadn't known that Lu Yuan's fiancee was Meng Qianqian, he still wouldn't have invited Lu Yuan, who clearly didn't get along with his son.

Lu Xingzhou forced a smile and said, "Thank you, Grand Marshal, for gracing us with your presence. I will certainly await your arrival, Grand Marshal, along with the esteemed Madam."

Lu Yuan's smile deepened. "I appreciate Official Lu's understanding."

With that, he walked away with Meng Qianqian.

Lu Xingzhou remained in his bowing posture until the couple had disappeared from view.

The respectful expression on his face faded, and he clenched his fists, his eyes turning cold.

Meng Qianqian mused, "Grand Marshal, I suspect that Lu Xingzhou's appearance near the marketplace has something to do with the Twelve Shadows."

The last time she was at the marketplace, she obtained something related to the Twelve Shadows. This time, there might be more news about them. Lu Xingzhou might not be directly involved, but Lin Wan'er certainly was.

Lu Yuan smiled faintly. "This Lu Xingzhou is much more interesting than his son."

He smiled again, a smile that could captivate and enchant, but Meng Qianqian knew that this smile was poisonous.

She subtly shifted a little to the side, away from him.

Lu Yuan's face darkened, and he asked coldly, "What are you doing?"

Meng Qianqian blinked and moved back to his side.

Yes, the cold-faced Lu Yuan was definitely safer.

When it came to food, Lu Yuan was particular. If he wanted to eat, he would only go to the most expensive and finest restaurants.

Meng Qianqian tugged on his sleeve and pointed to an alley across from the restaurant. "I want to eat over there."

In the alley, there was a small stall selling tangyuan (stuffed rice balls).

Lu Yuan glared at her, his killing intent palpable. "Meng Qianqian, do you expect me to accompany you to eat that kind of food?"

Meng Qianqian: The cold-faced Lu Yuan isn't safe either.

A little girl, around seven years old, ran over and looked up at them with a bright smile. "Handsome young man, the tangyuan made by my parents is really delicious!"

Unlike Ji Li, Lu Yuan didn't enjoy being flattered for his looks.

Indeed, Meng Qianqian noticed that Lu Yuan didn't even bat an eye.

The little girl persisted, "My parents' tangyuan is called 'Baifu Jiao' (Hundred Blessings Dumplings). Eating them will grant you longevity and a happy marriage!"

Lu Yuan: "What if they don't taste good..."

The little girl quickly assured him, "They're delicious! Really delicious!"

After speaking, she ran back to the stall and set up a stool. "Big brother, sit here! Sister, sit here too!"

Meng Qianqian said, "Grand Marshal, as the people's parent official, please humor her. It's not easy for this little girl to be out here helping her parents make a living at such a young age."

Lu Yuan coldly hmphed and walked over. Looking at the small stool, barely bigger than Bao Zhuzhu's exclusive stool, he frowned deeply. After an internal struggle, he finally sat down.

The table was also very low. Meng Qianqian's height was just right for it, but Lu Yuan was too tall. His long legs had no place to stretch, and he sat there looking serious, a hint of grievance and pitifulness in his expression.

Meng Qianqian couldn't help but let out a giggle.

Lu Yuan's voice turned colder. "You dare to laugh at me, Meng Qianqian? Are you tired of living?"

Meng Qianqian lowered her head. "I dare not, I dare not."

She tried hard to hold back her laughter, but it was truly difficult.

The sorrow of parting was dispelled by her suppressed giggles, and her mood lightened considerably, making her feel lighter.

As it turned out, the tangyuan from this stall was truly terrible.

Meng Qianqian, like a little quail who had done something wrong, sat there waiting for Lu Yuan's reprimand. After all, it was her insistence that brought them here, and the food turned out to be awful. She deserved to be scolded.

Unexpectedly, even after Lu Yuan finished the last terrible-tasting tangyuan, he didn't say anything.

After dinner, the two of them went to the marketplace.

Unfortunately, Meng Qianqian didn't encounter the assassin with the dove-blood tattoo on the back of his hand this time.

The couple returned to the Grand Marshal's mansion in the middle of the night.

The Old Madam and Bao Shu were already asleep.

The Old Madam had fallen asleep out of exhaustion, while Bao Shu was tired from taking care of her.

Bao Zhu's heart was bitter, but he didn't say anything.

Li Mama was waiting for them in the room, her expression extremely serious.

She had already thought that it was outrageous for Lu Yuan to take the newlywed bride out on the second day of their marriage. But when she went to collect the bridal handkerchief, she encountered something even more outrageous.

On the night of the wedding, the bridal handkerchief should be stained with the bride's virgin blood. However, there was no trace of blood on Miss Meng's handkerchief.

Li Mama was absolutely certain that Miss Meng was still a virgin. So, where was the blood?

Du Niang and Wan Mama, their faces reddened, stammered an explanation.

It didn't happen on the bed, but on the table, the floor, the windowsill... everywhere except the bed. How could the handkerchief be stained with blood?

After hearing this, Li Mama's old face turned red with embarrassment. She couldn't help but think of how Lu Yuan had asked Meng Qianqian to look at the 'Spring Breeze Painting' earlier, and she cursed Lu Yuan a few hundred times in her heart!

"Miss Meng is still young. Please ask the Grand Marshal to exercise restraint."

Lu Yuan, who had just returned home and was already carrying a big pot: "..."

Meng Qianqian slept in the bridal chamber, while Lu Yuan went to the eastern wing.

The two of them were too young and had just experienced their first time, so it was understandable if they couldn't control themselves. Li Mama didn't have any objections to that.

"Miss Meng, get some rest soon. You will be going to the palace tomorrow."

After spending the afternoon learning the rules and procedures from Cen Guan Shi, she realized that after her marriage to Lu Yuan, she would have to pay respects to the Empress in the palace. When she married Lu Lingxiao, this wasn't necessary because of his low official rank.

"Understood, Mama."

On their way back, Lu Yuan had mentioned it to her.

After washing up, Meng Qianqian went to bed and slept soundly. When she woke up, the sun was already up.

Parting the curtains, Ban Xia spoke in a soft voice, "Miss, Young Master said you can sleep a little longer."

"Has he been here?" Meng Qianqian asked.

"The Young Master went to court. He gave the order before he left," Ban Xia replied. "The Young Master went to court so early."

The formal court assembly of the current dynasty began at dawn, and officials who lived far away had to get up at dawn. Although Zhuque Street was close to the palace, it still took a quarter of an hour by carriage.

By this calculation, Lu Yuan had barely slept at all last night before waking up.

"I've slept enough. Let's get dressed," Meng Qianqian said.

As she was not yet an official lady of the court, Meng Qianqian didn't need to wear the exclusive attire of a court lady. She chose a pomegranate red silk skirt with a golden embroidered sheer outer robe.

Such a strikingly vivid color was rarely seen, and only a few could pull it off without being overshadowed by the garment's splendor. However, Meng Qianqian's face was almost perfect, with delicate features and a vibrant complexion. The sheer outer robe fluttered gently in the wind, shimmering with a celestial aura that accentuated her ethereal beauty.

Everyone in the room was left stunned.

Wan Mama exclaimed in admiration, "No wonder the Young Master is so captivated."

Bao Shu was also going to the palace today, and she had dressed up beautifully. Her hair was adorned with shiny little braids, and she wore a golden tiger cub outfit, a change from the previous time.

This time, it was a little golden tiger instead of a little red one.

Meng Qianqian pinched her little cheeks and said, "Bao Shu looks so pretty."

Bao Shu proudly shook her little head and said to Meng Qianqian, "Nine, also, pretty."

The Old Madam was still asleep, and Meng Qianqian didn't want to disturb her. Holding Bao Shu, she boarded the carriage to the palace with Tan'er and Ban Xia.

Cen Guan Shi was also in the carriage, sitting outside.

"Madame, when you enter the palace later, someone will take you to pay your respects to the Empress Dowager and the Empress. There's no need to visit the other palaces. The Grand Marshal usually goes to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to review memorials after court. If you feel tired, you and Miss Bao Shu can go to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to rest."

Meng Qianqian nodded, "Okay, I understand."

Upon reaching the palace gates, Meng Qianqian saw a young eunuch.

The young eunuch bowed to Meng Qianqian and the little one in her arms, "This servant, Xiao Qingzi, greets Madame Lu and Miss Bao Shu. The Empress is awaiting your arrival in the Kunning Palace."

Cen Guan Shi smiled, "He's one of us."

Meng Qianqian understood. Xiao Qingzi was Lu Yuan's informant in the palace, "I've seen you before."

The first time Meng Qianqian entered the palace, she was harassed by Li Guifei. It was Wang Furen who asked the Empress to intervene, and Xiao Qingzi was one of the accompanying palace attendants at that time.

Xiao Qingzi smiled, "Madame Lu has a good memory. It was indeed this servant."

"Ban Xia."

Meng Qianqian signaled to Ban Xia.

Ban Xia took out a pouch of money and handed it to Xiao Qingzi.

"I can't accept this!"

Xiao Qingzi dared not take it.

Cen Guan Shi said, "Aren't you going to thank Madame for her gift?"

Only then did Xiao Qingzi accept the money pouch and respectfully said, "Thank you, Madame, for your gift."

Cen Guan Shi said to Meng Qianqian, "Madame, I'll wait for you and Miss Bao Shu outside."

Meng Qianqian nodded and followed Xiao Qingzi into the palace.

First, they went to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager was the adoptive mother of the former emperor. She had devoted her life to Buddhism and was a very kind elderly woman. A few years ago, when the Crown Prince suddenly passed away, the former emperor fell into a deep depression and abdicated in favor of Zongzheng Xi. Afterward, he retired to a palace to recuperate.

It was said that he was recuperating, but in reality, he was under house arrest by Lu Yuan.

At that time, someone had tried to persuade the Empress Dowager to intervene and curb Lu Yuan's power. However, the Empress Dowager had moved to a small Buddhist temple within the palace and refused to leave, choosing to devote herself entirely to her faith.

In the Buddhist temple, Meng Qianqian met with the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager was dressed simply, with a string of Buddhist beads hanging around her neck, and she was in the midst of transcribing a Buddhist scripture.

She was around the same age as the Old Madam and was also a centenarian.

Meng Qianqian, holding Bao Shu, paid her respects to the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager was devout in her Buddhist practices and had detached herself from worldly affairs. She gave Meng Qianqian and Bao Shu two copies of the Buddhist scriptures she had transcribed and then allowed them to leave.

Bao Shu grabbed the scriptures with both hands and tried to eat them. When she realized they weren't edible, she lost interest.

She still preferred the Old Madam, who gave her edible treats.

Ban Xia carefully put away the scriptures.

Meng Qianqian asked, "Is the Empress Dowager the birth mother of the former emperor?"

"No," Xiao Qingzi, having received a gift from Meng Qianqian, was especially attentive in his reply, "The birth mother of the former emperor was a palace maid. Not long after giving birth, the palace maid passed away, and the Empress Dowager adopted the former emperor as her own son and raised him. However, these are all old stories, and no one in the palace mentions them anymore. Madame, please do not bring this up in front of the other empresses and consorts. The Empress Dowager does not like others to speak of the former emperor not being her biological son."

She had only asked casually, but she never expected that the former emperor and the Empress Dowager weren't biologically related.

"Why didn't the former emperor grant a posthumous title to his birth mother?"

"This... your servant does not know."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end