Chapter 349: The Storm Subsides, Mansion Intrigue
Youluo teased him for a bit, but her expression gradually softened.
“You could recognize me at a glance, Master Lin, you’re barely passable.”
A soft murmur, filled with an indescribable tenderness and satisfaction. Looking at her beautiful eyes, one could almost see the turbulent emotions swirling within Youluo’s heart.
But just as Youluo was about to speak, her eyes suddenly widened, her gaze flickering: “This… what’s wrong with this girl…”
Then, her expression turned to panic, her demeanor changing drastically, as she reached out with both hands, anxiously checking Hua Shuya: “Master, are you alright?!”
“Hmm?”
Lin Tianlu quickly smiled and placed a reassuring hand on the young woman’s shoulder: “I’m naturally fine. You’re the one who’s covered in dust, Shuya, you should clean yourself up after we return to the mansion.”
“Ah…”
Hua Shuya was slightly stunned.
After a moment of daze, a joyful smile appeared on her face, and she threw herself into his arms, unable to contain her emotions.
Feeling the familiar warmth and strength of his embrace, a warmth spread through the young woman’s body, and she gradually closed her eyes, murmuring softly: “Master, it’s been a while.”
“…It’s good that you’re safe.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression was gentle as he patted the young woman’s back.
Seeing their warm and sweet reunion, Shanghan, who had followed them, paused slightly, her hands clasped before her, a well-behaved and relieved smile on her face.
They had successfully found the missing Miss Hua, she had been of some help after all— Eh?
Shanghan blinked her eyes and vaguely saw a translucent black jade bracelet on Hua Shuya’s waist, trembling slightly.
What was that?
The young girl felt a bit puzzled, but she didn’t speak, not wanting to interrupt, thinking it was probably just an accessory— Hum!
The next moment, the black jade bracelet suddenly floated into the air, countless runes lighting up on its surface. “Eh?” Shanghan was stunned.
The black jade bracelet turned, faintly pointing towards her.
“What… Wah?!”
The bracelet suddenly shot towards her, making her yelp in surprise and hurriedly raise her hand to block.
A chilling gust of wind brushed against her face, making her shiver.
“It’s fine.”
A gentle and calming voice quickly eased her fear and panic.
Shanghan hesitantly lowered her hands and saw that Lin Tianlu was holding the black jade bracelet firmly in his palm, it couldn’t move no matter how much it trembled.
Lin Tianlu, still holding Hua Shuya with one arm, looked at the black jade bracelet in his hand and raised an eyebrow: “What is this?”
He slightly tightened his grip, and with a few cracking sounds, the bracelet was covered in cracks, its violent trembling ceasing.
“Ah.”
Lin Tianlu’s lips twitched slightly, and he was about to apologize to the young woman in his arms, but looking down, he saw that Hua Shuya had already fallen asleep.
After such a fierce battle, she must be exhausted.
He said apologetically: “Miss Shanghan, I didn’t mean to frighten you, this might be Shuya’s.”
Shanghan came back to her senses and waved her hand with a smile: “It’s fine.”
She looked at the surrounding ruins and whispered: “I can’t imagine what kind of fierce battle just took place here.”
“Indeed, quite intriguing.” Lin Tianlu picked up Hua Shuya horizontally: “Let’s leave this place. No outsiders were involved, and with such a commotion, the authorities will probably come and investigate soon.
We’ll ask Shuya what happened after she wakes up.”
Shanghan nodded slightly.
…
Inside the Prince’s Mansion.
Mao Ruoyu paced nervously in the main hall, occasionally glancing at the gate, and after confirming that no one had returned, she frowned and pondered worriedly.
“I really should go and… Hmm?”
The beautiful woman suddenly stopped, listening intently, and quickly noticed faint footsteps approaching from outside.
Bang!
The mansion gate was pushed open, and several figures entered. Looking closely, they were young maids, surrounding a strange woman in the center.
She was wearing a purple cloak and robe, her hair styled in a high bun with a jade hairpin, her figure tall and graceful. Although she wore light makeup, the traces of time were still visible on her face. Her eyes were cold and narrowed slightly, a powerful and intimidating aura emanating from her.
Mao Ruoyu was momentarily stunned, then she quickly composed herself and stepped forward, her hands clasped before her: “May I ask who you are…?”
A maid immediately frowned and scolded: “Insolent commoner, don’t you know how to greet Madam Ziyu?!”
Madam Ziyu?
For someone who wasn’t the empress to be addressed as “Madam,” her status must be quite high.
Mao Ruoyu’s mind raced, and she quickly curtsied: “Greetings, Madam.”
The maid’s expression turned cold, and she was about to speak again, but Madam Ziyu slightly raised her wrist and said indifferently: “Since you’re acquainted with Shuya, there’s no need for such formalities.”
“Thank you, Madam.” Mao Ruoyu bowed her head, then hesitated and asked: “But may I ask why you’ve come here so late at night?”
The maid beside her raised her head slightly and snorted coldly: “Madam is concerned about Sixth Miss Hua’s safety, she hasn’t slept all night. Hearing that two ladies had come to visit, she came here specifically to inquire.”
Mao Ruoyu’s eyes flickered, and she quickly replied: “Madam is truly kind, but we just arrived in Qingcheng half an hour ago and haven’t seen Miss Hua yet. We only learned about the situation from the guards at the mansion gate.”
“That’s not what we’re asking about, it’s about the matter in Changling County!”
The maid said in a deep voice: “Is Sixth Miss Hua having an affair with that man named Lin Tianlu?”
“Hmm?”
Mao Ruoyu was stunned.
But her mind was also sharp, and after a moment of thought, she quickly replied: “Miss Hua and… Master Lin do have a close relationship, but they are respectful towards each other, like close friends, nothing inappropriate has happened between them. We came to visit during the Spring Festival.”
“And you, what is your relationship with Lin Tianlu?”
“I…”
Mao Ruoyu bit her lip: “I am Lin Tianlu’s wife.”
The maid said coldly: “How audacious! He already has a wife, yet he still dares to seduce Sixth Miss Hua! Does he think our Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion is a joke?!”
Madam Ziyu narrowed her eyes coldly, her lips parting slightly: “Absurd.”
Mao Ruoyu’s heart pounded, and she didn’t know what to do.
Now that Shuya was missing, and this Madam Ziyu had come to “question” them, how should she respond to avoid trouble?
“—Please calm down, Madam.”
A calm and gentle voice suddenly echoed.
Everyone turned their heads to see Cheng Yishi walking briskly along the corridor, stopping beside Mao Ruoyu, and curtseying: “Miss Hua and Lin Tianlu have mutual affection, there’s nothing absurd about it. Although a man needs a certain status to take multiple wives, Lin Tianlu has passed the imperial examinations, although he failed in the capital, he still has the qualifications. ”
She lowered her eyes and continued calmly and respectfully: “As for Lin Tianlu, he is quite renowned in Changling and Xima Prefecture, known for his kindness and generosity, a virtuous man praised by everyone. Although he’s not incredibly wealthy, he does have some savings and a house. It’s not a problem for such a man to have multiple wives.”
The maid glared at her: “You—”
But Madam Ziyu quickly said indifferently: “You… are Lin Tianlu’s other wife, Cheng Yishi?”
“Indeed.” Cheng Yishi nodded slightly.
“Do you know Shuya’s identity?”
“The Prince’s granddaughter.”
“A noblewoman marrying a mere jinshi, do you think this is appropriate?” Madam Ziyu’s tone became even more indifferent: “And Lin Tianlu already has you two as wives, what would Shuya’s status be if she were to get involved with him? Would a granddaughter of the Prince lower herself to be a concubine?”
“That’s not the case.”
Cheng Yishi cupped her hands and said softly: “Miss Hua is the main wife.”
“Oh?”
Madam Ziyu raised an eyebrow: “You two are willing to give up your positions as wives?”
“I have no objections.” Cheng Yishi’s expression was calm and composed: “Miss Hua is deeply loved and respected by Ruoyu and me, it’s only natural for her to be the main wife.
Moreover, Madam, you should know about Miss Hua’s recent improvements, most notably her rapid increase in cultivation. She’s already reached the Azure Spirit Realm at such a young age and is expected to become a grandmaster in a few years. This is partly due to her natural talent, but also thanks to my husband’s guidance.”
“Nonsense!”
The maid glared and shouted: “That Lin Tianlu is just a weak scholar, what makes him capable of instructing Miss Hua? And our Hua family’s Star-Breaking Sword is incredibly profound, how could a scholar understand it with just a few words…”
“Whether he’s capable or not, everyone here can see for themselves.”
Cheng Yishi said calmly: “Madam, may I demonstrate?”
“…Alright.”
“Please watch carefully.” She stepped forward, waved her right hand, and a guard standing at the gate suddenly changed his expression as the sword at his waist flew out of its sheath and landed in Cheng Yishi’s hand.
Cheng Yishi casually swung the sword sideways.
Even without using her Yin energy, just relying on her honed physique, this single strike left a deep gash on a large rock in the courtyard, almost cleaving it in two.
The piercing sound of metal against stone made the maids cover their ears in alarm.
Seeing Cheng Yishi calmly pull the slightly chipped sword from the rock, their faces turned pale.
“Madam Ziyu, I apologize for the display.”
Cheng Yishi held the sword and cupped her hands, her voice gentle: “I also received my husband’s guidance to achieve such martial arts skills. And the same is true for Madam Mao beside me, she also possesses extraordinary abilities.
We come from humble backgrounds and have never practiced martial arts before. Just look at our hands, we’ve never held weapons.”
Madam Ziyu’s gaze swept coldly over their faces, and she slowly said: “You’re quite eloquent.”
Cheng Yishi returned the sword to the guard who had hurried over and then curtsied again: “I just don’t want there to be any misunderstandings between you and my husband, Madam. Prejudice can easily lead to deception and manipulation, and if Miss Hua were to find out… it would only create unnecessary discord in the family.”
“Moreover, my husband has been taken as Mother Tan’s godson, and she has also guaranteed this matter. I hope you can be more understanding and tolerant, Madam Ziyu, and leave this matter between them to resolve themselves.”
Saying this, Cheng Yishi raised her eyes slightly, looking sincerely at Madam Ziyu: “Although we have different statuses, Madam, we are both women. And now that you have many children and grandchildren, you should be able to understand our feelings.”
Madam Ziyu’s eyes were calm and deep, making it difficult to discern her thoughts.
But after a moment of silence, she nodded slightly: “Since you’ve said so, it would be petty of me to make things difficult for you.”
“Madam, you…”
“We’ll discuss this matter after Shuya is found. However—”
Madam Ziyu’s voice suddenly turned cold and condescending: “Your presumptuous words will be punished, to teach you your place!”
As soon as she finished speaking, more than ten guards surged forward.
Mao Ruoyu’s expression changed slightly, and she instinctively stepped forward to protect Cheng Yishi.
But at this moment, a figure nimbly moved through the crowd, blocking the guards.
“Stand down!”
A cold and sharp shout echoed, stopping the guards in their tracks.
Lan’er cupped her hands with a serious expression: “Madam, this is a family matter, how can you punish these two ladies?”
A maid angrily said: “Qinglan, you’re just a lowly servant, how dare you question Madam?!”
“By Her Highness’s order.”
Lan’er’s expression remained calm as she walked to Cheng Yishi’s side, touching the necklace she was wearing: “This is a token from Her Highness. To see this is the same as seeing Her Highness herself. You should be more careful with your words, Madam! Don’t let others hear you disrespecting Her Highness!”
“This—”
The maids’ faces changed drastically, and they were speechless.
Madam Ziyu’s eyes flickered, a look of surprise appearing on her usually calm face.
“Tan Zisheng actually…”
She suddenly frowned, waved her sleeve, and turned around, saying coldly: “Let’s go.”
…
Seeing the aggressive group finally leave, Mao Ruoyu breathed a sigh of relief.
“Are you alright, Madams?” Lan’er looked back with concern: “That Madam Ziyu is cruel and unpredictable, punishing servants at the slightest disagreement. Please don’t take it to heart, as long as Her Highness is here, they won’t dare to act recklessly.”
“It’s fine, after all, our statuses are different.”
Mao Ruoyu smiled gently: “Thank you for helping us again, Miss Lan’er.”
Lan’er shook her head: “Protecting you is my duty, Madams. However, I just inquired about Miss Shuya, and it seems she…”
“Wait.”
Cheng Yishi suddenly interrupted, a faint smile appearing on her face: “It seems Tianlu has returned!”
…
Outside the mansion.
Two maids were supporting Madam Ziyu, and one whispered: “Madam, are we just going to let those two outsiders go?”
“Yes! Those mere commoners, daring to be so disrespectful in the mansion, they truly don’t know what’s good for them!”
“Since they were brought here by Tan Zisheng, I can’t say much.” Madam Ziyu’s face was grim, her eyes narrowed: “She’s been staying out of our affairs all these years, I’ll give her face for now. But when the time comes, if they’re still here causing trouble, I’ll make them and Tan Zisheng suffer together.”
The maid whispered in her ear: “Madam, but Sixth Miss Hua is currently missing…”
“Her sudden disappearance is indeed unexpected.”
Madam Ziyu’s expression turned cold and indifferent: “But it doesn’t affect our plan. It’s time for some changes in this mansion.”
“Hee hee~ Madam, your foresight is truly remarkable, you’ll make those foolish women suffer— Eh?”
The maids’ expressions changed slightly, and they stopped.
Because two blurry figures had appeared on the path ahead.
The guards standing on both sides quickly drew their swords and shouted: “Who’s hiding there? Show yourselves!”
“It’s so late, why is the mansion still so lively?”
A slightly curious voice echoed softly.
Then, Lin Tianlu, holding Hua Shuya in his arms, emerged from the shadows and chuckled: “I just found Shuya, it took some time to get back, sorry for making you worry.”
“M-Miss Hua?!”
Seeing the young lady in his arms, the guards and maids’ expressions changed drastically.
Madam Ziyu also frowned slightly and said in a deep voice: “Who are you, and why are you holding Shuya?!”
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “My name is Lin Tianlu. I saw Miss Hua exhausted after a battle in the city, so I brought her back.”
Although he could explain to the guards at the gate, Shuya was currently possessed by Youluo, so it wasn’t convenient to explain in detail. He planned to find Shuya’s private courtyard in the mansion first and let her rest.
Unexpectedly, he had run into these people.
And judging by the maid’s words earlier—
This woman was ‘Madam Ziyu.’
“You… are Lin Tianlu?!”
Madam Ziyu suddenly glared at him, pointing, and shouted in a deep voice: “Capture this presumptuous villain who dares to climb above his station!”
“Hmm?” Lin Tianlu was stunned, he hadn’t expected this elder to order his arrest as soon as they met.
Seeing the guards approaching menacingly, even someone blowing a whistle, the sharp and piercing sound echoing throughout the mansion, he couldn’t help but look at them strangely, handing Hua Shuya to Shanghan: “Miss Shanghan, could you please take Shuya to that courtyard over there? I would be very grateful.”
“O-Of course!”
Shanghan quickly took Hua Shuya, asking worriedly: “But what about you now, Master…?”
“I’ll talk to these people and try to resolve the misunderstanding.”
“A-Alright! Please be careful, Master!”
Seeing Shanghan about to take Hua Shuya away, Madam Ziyu waved her hand coldly: “Capture that little girl as well!”
At the same time, more guards rushed over from all directions, torches illuminating the surroundings.
“Wait!”
Lin Tianlu suddenly raised his hand and said seriously: “Madam, we’re not villains with malicious intentions, there must be some misunderstanding. We can discuss this calmly—”
Madam Ziyu suddenly shouted coldly: “Attack!”
Swish!
Faint rustling sounds came from both sides as two figures approached with incredible speed, silently striking out with their palms.
Were these… the mansion’s inner guards?
Lin Tianlu quickly dodged sideways, gracefully evading the pincer attack, and grabbed their wrists.
The expressions of the two middle-aged women, dressed in black, changed drastically. Their eyes widened in surprise as they quickly changed their tactics, their deep and sinister internal energy surging as their palms transformed into claws, swiftly tearing towards his face and shoulders.
“There’s no need to be so aggressive, ladies, why don’t you calm down first?”
A blur of motion, and the vicious claw attacks that should have torn his face and dislocated his shoulders missed completely.
“Tsk!”
The two women were secretly shocked, but their attacks didn’t stop, their right legs sweeping out like whips, aiming for his chest and legs.
This attack was swift, fierce, and perfectly coordinated, a deadly strike.
Until—
“Ugh?!”
With a flick of his wide sleeves, their surging internal energy was instantly disrupted, their movements faltering as they were swept off their feet, tumbling awkwardly to the ground.
If he hadn’t been holding their wrists, they would have fallen flat on their faces. But they were still dizzy and almost groaned from the impact.
Lin Tianlu smiled and patted their shoulders: “Remember not to be so rough and barbaric in the future.”
The guards who had been about to charge forward stopped abruptly, their hearts pounding as they looked at him in shock and uncertainty, their swords raised.
This… this scholar was incredibly powerful!
“Useless fools!”
Madam Ziyu’s face darkened even more.
Then, with a flick of her fingers hidden in her sleeve, her figure blurred, displaying an astonishing speed that far surpassed the two women, appearing before Lin Tianlu like lightning and poking his chest with her finger.
“…”
The scene froze.
The guards and inner guards on both sides stood frozen in place, staring blankly at the confrontation, a hint of pity in their hearts.
Although their Madam was a woman, her cultivation was among the strongest in the mansion. Even those so-called martial arts experts were no match for her.
This scholar was finished.
“Hmph.”
Madam Ziyu sneered disdainfully.
This scholar did have some unusual abilities, but it was ultimately just superficial external skills. Even if her finger strike couldn’t cripple him completely, it was enough to make this presumptuous and ignorant fool suffer unbearable pain and regret— “Ugh!?”
But a muffled groan suddenly echoed.
Madam Ziyu’s previously cold and frosty expression twisted in pain, and her outstretched right arm began to tremble slightly.
Lin Tianlu exhaled, softening his tone, and gently moved her wrist away: “Madam, although your status is high, you should also have the corresponding temperament and demeanor. Being so aggressive and ruthless towards others will only harm yourself.”
Her previously delicate and jade-like fingers were now red and swollen, the bones seemingly dislocated and fractured.
Cold sweat dripped from Madam Ziyu’s forehead, her lips trembling slightly, as she felt a tingling sensation, like an electric shock, running through her body, making it difficult for her to even speak, frozen in place.
The guards looked on in confusion, unable to tell who had the upper hand. Afraid of Madam Ziyu’s usual authority, they hesitated, not daring to intervene.
Lin Tianlu smiled gently and took her fingers in his hand.
Madam Ziyu’s pupils constricted, and, no longer caring about her appearance, she stammered in a barely audible voice: “Wh-What are you doing… Ugh!!”
A cracking sound, like breaking bones, echoed as her fingers were squeezed tightly, and her eyes widened abruptly, almost screaming, but she forcibly suppressed it, only a pained and muffled moan escaping her lips.
“Please remember this lesson, Madam, and don’t be so quick to resort to violence in the future. It’s easy to get injured, and poking and prodding others will only lead to misunderstandings and gossip, it’s not good for your reputation.”
Lin Tianlu tore a piece of cloth from his sleeve and wrapped it tightly around her fingers like a bandage, tying it securely.
“I’ve… used my internal energy to stimulate blood circulation and realign your bones, with proper rest, they should heal completely without any lasting damage, Madam.”
He chuckled and patted the back of her hand gently.
Madam Ziyu, whose face had turned pale from the pain, trembled and gasped, her eyes flickering in surprise and uncertainty, gradually feeling a warmth spreading through her fingers.
Although the injured fingers still throbbed with pain, this warmth…
“Madam, do you need me to escort you back to your residence?”
“…”
Looking at the handsome scholar’s gentle smile, Madam Ziyu pursed her lips tightly, clutching her wrist as she took a few steps back, her eyes slightly teary, her breathing ragged.
“M-Madam?” Several maids approached with surprised and puzzled expressions: “Why didn’t you have this person…”
“…Leave.”
“Huh?”
“I said… leave this place, return to the mansion!”
Madam Ziyu took a deep breath, looked at Lin Tianlu intently, and then turned and left abruptly.
The guards and maids present were stunned and shocked.
Only after Madam Ziyu had left did they come back to their senses. Without asking any further questions, they quickly sheathed their weapons and followed.
“—Rest well, Madam!”
Lin Tianlu smiled and cupped his hands from afar: “I will visit again tomorrow to apologize and thank you for your generous guidance, Madam!”
“…”
Madam Ziyu paused slightly.
She glanced back at him, her eyes seemingly filled with turbulent emotions.
But after a moment of silence, she looked away without saying a word, quickening her pace.
Lin Tianlu smoothed his clothes and chuckled:
“Although she’s older and of high status, she was quite easy to deal with.”
A slap followed by a sweet date, this method was effective in any era.
However—
“I didn’t expect this Prince’s wife to have cultivated Yin energy.”
Lin Tianlu rubbed his chin and murmured: “Who taught her such techniques?”
