Chapter 1
Chapter 1: The Return of the Deceased Husband
Chapter 1: The Return of the Deceased Husband
On the first day of the twelfth lunar month, the Lu family was in a festive frenzy, with lanterns and colorful decorations adorning their home.
The reason for this celebration was none other than the return of the Lu family's eldest son, who had been presumed dead for five long years while serving at the border.
Not only had he returned unscathed, but he had also established remarkable military achievements. As a result, he had been bestowed the title of General who Pacifies the North by His Majesty, ranking him as a third-grade official.
Meng Qianqian stood at the doorway, quietly observing the man clad in silver armor within the flower hall.
Five years ago, she had married into the Lu family under her grandfather's arrangement. However, before she could even meet her husband, he had departed on the emperor's orders to fight at the border.
Not long after, devastating news arrived from the border—her husband had perished under the blades of the Northern Liang army, his body never to be found.
Standing next to Meng Qianqian at the doorway was another unfamiliar woman, someone she had never seen in the Lu household before.
"You finally returned... You finally came back! Do you know how much your mother has cried? Since you're unharmed... why didn't you send a letter home... Do you know what your mother has gone through these past years... Have you ever thought about how worried I've been?" Lu's mother beat her son's chest with her hands, sobbing uncontrollably.
Lu Lingxiao, filled with shame, said, "I've caused you worry, mother. It's my unfilial fault!"
As he spoke, he took a step back and knelt down before his mother with a thud!
Meng Qianqian stared fixedly at the man's broad and sturdy back.
As if sensing her gaze, Lu Lingxiao suddenly turned his head, his eyes flashing with sharp killing intent and coldness. "Who's there?"
Meng Qianqian was taken aback.
Even Lu Lingxiao was momentarily stunned.
Lu's mother quickly wiped her tears and pulled her son up, motioning for Meng Qianqian to come closer. "Qianqian, come in."
Meng Qianqian took a step forward and stood by Lu's mother's side.
With a smile, Lu's mother pulled Meng Qianqian's hand towards her. "Qianqian, do you know who this is?"
Meng Qianqian nodded. "My husband."
The soft and tender address of "husband" caused Lu Lingxiao to pause once more, the aura of a warrior he carried momentarily frozen!
"Yes, he is your husband," Lu's mother affirmed with a deeper smile. Turning to her son, she continued, "Qianqian has also had a difficult time these past five years. After you left, she has been a young widow, never once considering remarriage. Fortunately, your death was only pretended, and Qianqian's wait wasn't in vain. Now that you're back, Qianqian has also grown up... Qianqian, from now on, Lingxiao will stay in the Hall of Sea Hibiscus. What do you think?"
Before Meng Qianqian could respond, Lu Lingxiao's expression changed, and he spoke first. "Mother!"
Meng Qianqian tilted her head to look at Lu Lingxiao.
Lu Lingxiao felt ill at ease under the clear gaze of those clear eyes. He averted his gaze and said to his mother, "Mother, I have something to discuss with you."
"Go ahead," Lu's mother said.
Lu Lingxiao paused for a moment before speaking softly to the woman at the door. "Wan'er."
Meng Qianqian widened her eyes as the stranger who had been standing with her at the doorway walked in.
The woman was dressed in plain clothing, with a white jade hairpin adorning her head and a white cloak draped over her slender frame. Her delicate features and beautiful countenance evoked a sense of pity and compassion.
She stopped next to Lu Lingxiao and paused.
"Mother, her name is Wan'er," Lu Lingxiao introduced. "Wan'er, this is my mother."
The woman, Wan'er, clasped her hands together and bowed slightly in greeting.
Lu's mother was left speechless.
"Wan'er can't speak," Lu Lingxiao explained. "Please forgive her, Mother."
"Ah... this... this..." Lu's mother was at a loss for words for a long moment.
Lu Lingxiao spoke solemnly to his mother, "Mother, Wan'er's father and brother died saving my life. On their deathbed, they entrusted Wan'er to me. Wan'er has no other family left, and I couldn't leave her at the border. I hope you can accept Wan'er."
"Since they have shown such kindness to you, then she is also our esteemed guest, Miss Wan'er," Lu's mother said as she reached out to take the woman's hand.
The woman pulled her hand away and leaned against Lu Lingxiao's side.
Lu's mother's expression darkened slightly.
Lu Lingxiao quickly explained, "Mother, Wan'er has been injured."
Although Lu's mother was already a little displeased, she couldn't bring herself to ruin her son's happy reunion. With a sigh, she turned to Meng Qianqian and said, "Qianqian, go back to the Hall of Crabapples."
"Will I be having dinner here later?" Meng Qianqian asked.
Lu's mother replied gently, "Since your grandmother hasn't returned, have dinner in your own courtyard tonight."
"Oh," Meng Qianqian obediently left.
Watching her leave, Lu's mother heaved a long sigh. "Qianqian was married into our family at a young age to bring good fortune to your grandmother. She didn't know anyone in the mansion and must have cried secretly countless times... Wan'er, please give them some privacy."
The woman looked at Lu Lingxiao.
Lu Lingxiao spoke softly to her, "Go wait for me in the warm pavilion."
Reluctantly, the woman left.
Once they were alone, Lu's mother's expression turned serious. "Qianqian has been a widow for five years because of you, and now you bring a woman back from the border. How can you face Qianqian? I'm warning you, treating her as a guest is fine, but I will never accept her as anything more!"
Lu Lingxiao's face darkened as he exclaimed, "Mother!"
"She is the daughter of your benefactor," Lu's mother said. "Both morally and ethically, our Lu family owes her a debt of gratitude. Don't worry about her; I will make the necessary arrangements."
"What do you plan to do?" Lu Lingxiao asked.
"I will adopt her as my goddaughter," Lu's mother replied. "I will provide her with a respectable dowry so that she can marry into a good family with the status of a daughter of the Lu family!"
Lu Lingxiao frowned and hesitated before continuing sternly, "Mother, Wan'er is with child."
Lu's mother was stunned.
That night, Lu Lingxiao came to the Hall of Crabapples.
Meng Qianqian had just finished bathing and was lying on the bed, reading a book and eating fried fruit. Her delicate white legs swung back and forth leisurely.
"Ahem." Lu Lingxiao cleared his throat at the door.
Meng Qianqian's small body jerked, and she quickly stuffed the book under her pillow and covered the tray of fried fruit with a silk cloth.
She then sat up straight, putting on an air of propriety, resembling the image of a virtuous young lady.
"I'm coming in," Lu Lingxiao said.
"Mhm," Meng Qianqian replied, glancing at the fried fruit. "I wasn't sneaking snacks."
Her cheeks were puffed out, and her mouth was oily, a clear sign of her recent indulgence.
Lu Lingxiao had expected to see a heartbroken little wife, but instead, she seemed completely unaffected and was even enjoying a snack.
He couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.
Frowning, he sat down on the bed. "I came to talk to you about Wan'er. I'll leave after I'm done."
Meng Qianqian's expression turned solemn.
This was more like it; her previous nonchalance was probably an act.
Lu Lingxiao shook his head and placed his hands on his knees. "Wan'er will be staying with the Lu family from now on. I know you're unhappy about it, but I can compensate you in other ways. This matter, however, is not up for discussion. If you're sensible, I will treat you with the respect due to the main wife, and you will always be the eldest young lady of the Lu family."
"Rest assured, Wan'er has a pure heart. She won't compete for my affections or bother with trivial matters of status," he continued. "I hope that you can get along with her."
(End of Chapter)
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