Chapter 274: New Year’s Plans
Midday.
Lin Tianlu sat in the courtyard, quietly reading the poems in an ancient book.
Hua Shuya, sitting beside him, blinked her beautiful eyes and whispered: “Master, you just married the two Madams, shouldn’t you be in the room spending time with them? Why are you sitting here reading…”
Lin Tianlu put down the book and said awkwardly: “Martial Aunt and the others are taking care of the two Madams today, saying it’s not convenient for me to be there, so I can only sit here and relax.”
Hua Shuya nodded thoughtfully.
Perhaps it was some kind of custom or tradition?
“—Time flies, Master has already married the Madams.”
Suddenly, the young woman’s expression became slightly dazed as she sighed softly: “Recalling the days when we first arrived in Changling together, it feels like yesterday.”
Lin Tianlu smiled: “Why are you suddenly so sentimental, Shuya?”
“I just remembered the scene when Master first met the two Madams. At that time, I never thought that they would eventually marry you.”
“Things change constantly, it’s truly hard to predict. If I had thought about it carefully back then, I probably wouldn’t have expected this day to come.”
“I’m content that Master and the Madams can have such a happy life.”
Hua Shuya placed her sword flat on her lap and smiled faintly: “Being able to witness this with my own eyes these past few days… I have no regrets.”
Lin Tianlu was slightly stunned and quickly put down his book:
“What do you mean by that, Shuya?”
Her words sounded like she was giving her last words, making it hard for him to ignore.
“Eh?”
But Hua Shuya’s reaction was also unexpected.
She blinked her eyes in confusion and murmured: “Did I say something strange?”
“Of course it was strange.” Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but laugh: “It sounded like something was going to happen.”
“P-Please don’t misunderstand, Master.”
Hua Shuya waved her hands repeatedly: “Nothing major happened, I was just expressing my feelings. But in a few days…”
She lowered her head and sighed: “I really have to leave Changling for a while.”
This news was quite unexpected.
Lin Tianlu frowned: “Where are you going, Miss Shuya?”
“The New Year is approaching, and I received a letter from home a few days ago. I have to go home no matter what.”
Hua Shuya’s voice contained a hint of disappointment and helplessness: “I just wanted to see Master and the two Madams get married with my own eyes, so I delayed for a while.”
“New Year… that’s indeed not something to be taken lightly.”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment: “But you seem reluctant, Shuya?”
“Master should understand, although life in the Prince’s Mansion is luxurious and comfortable, with fine clothes and delicacies, the family members are all scheming and vying for power, although they never show it openly. But the atmosphere in the mansion… I don’t really like it.”
Hua Shuya didn’t hide anything, slightly clenching her hands, and quickly expressed her thoughts: “Being able to live in this remote place like Changling makes me very happy. Although there are occasional powerful enemies attacking, being able to accompany Master is already a great fortune in this life.”
“…”
Lin Tianlu fell silent.
The power struggles between the nobles were indeed “renowned,” both near and far. Even from a modern perspective, it was still filled with all sorts of unsightly and evil deeds. Naturally, it wasn’t easy for the royal descendants to accept all of this and willingly live such a life.
And since this young woman was so resistant and uneasy, perhaps she had encountered some unpleasant things in her childhood.
“Shuya.”
“Hmm?”
“Go back to the mansion this time.”
Hua Shuya’s eyes trembled, and she gradually lowered her gaze: “As you command, Master.”
“However—”
But Lin Tianlu quickly grinned brightly and gave her a thumbs-up: “In a while, I’ll take Ruoyu and Yishi to your Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion to visit you and celebrate the New Year. What do you think of this arrangement?”
Hua Shuya was stunned.
After she recovered, she asked in surprise: “M-Master, you’re coming to my house?!”
“Indeed.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “I’ve been under your care for so long, Shuya, it’s only right for me to visit your elders and express my gratitude. Moreover, visiting relatives and friends during the New Year is perfectly normal.
Or is it that you don’t welcome us, Shuya?”
“N-No!”
She quickly shook her head: “I’m overjoyed that Master is coming to see me!”
Lin Tianlu smiled and patted her shoulder: “That’s wonderful. I’ll bring some local specialties with me as gifts.”
“Mm!”
Hua Shuya nodded vigorously, a joyful smile appearing on her lips.
She had been saddened by the thought of parting, but now that they could meet again during the New Year, what was there to be disappointed about?
“Seeing you two getting along so well makes me feel much more at ease.”
A familiar gentle voice came from nearby.
They both turned their heads and saw Mao Ruoyu, wrapped in a velvet robe, slowly walking towards them, her eyes seductive, a lingering blush on her face, looking alluring and charming.
Hua Shuya was slightly stunned.
Madam Mao was already voluptuous, mature, and incredibly sexy, but now she exuded an even more stunning and alluring charm. Even as a woman, Hua Shuya’s heart couldn’t help but tremble slightly, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.
The changes after marriage were actually so significant?
Seeing her unsteady steps, Lin Tianlu quickly stepped forward and supported her arm: “Why did you suddenly come out alone?”
“Staying cooped up in the room made me feel a bit uncomfortable.” Mao Ruoyu gathered her messy hair, smiling gently: “So I thought of coming out to see you, my husband.”
“You’re still so tired, it’s better to rest more.”
Lin Tianlu smiled helplessly: “If you’re feeling bored, I can go back to the room and accompany you.”
“Th-There’s no need. It would be too embarrassing for my husband to see Yishi and me in such a disheveled state.”
As if recalling the scene in the room just now, the blush on Mao Ruoyu’s cheeks deepened, her body weakening. If it weren’t for Lin Tianlu supporting her, she might have already collapsed.
Hua Shuya was confused: “Did something happen in the room just now?”
Mao Ruoyu looked at her with a shy yet affectionate gaze and said softly: “You’ll know after you get married, Miss Shuya. Perhaps I can even take care of you then.”
“G-Get married…”
Hua Shuya was speechless.
But as if realizing something, she quickly tried to wave her hands in denial.
However, Mao Ruoyu seemed to see through her thoughts. Supported by Lin Tianlu, she walked forward and took Hua Shuya’s hand with a smile: “Whatever choice you make in the future, Miss Shuya, I will support you wholeheartedly. Even if—”
She leaned closer to the girl’s ear and whispered something mischievously.
Immediately, Hua Shuya’s face flushed red, her expression flustered, her lips opening and closing repeatedly, but she couldn’t utter a single word.
Speechless and silent, she looked at the beautiful woman’s smiling face close at hand and could only nod shyly and timidly, her embarrassment almost burying her face in her chest.
Mao Ruoyu’s smile became even gentler as she caressed the girl’s slightly flushed cheeks. She glanced at Lin Tianlu’s curious gaze and winked playfully, a meaningful and ambiguous smile on her lips.
Chapter 275: No Taboos
Changling Street.
Although it was the transition between autumn and winter, the midday sun was still warm and gentle, and the street was quite lively.
Lin Tianlu was supporting Cheng Yishi as they walked towards the Cheng Mansion.
Looking at her slow and unsteady steps, he couldn’t help but chuckle: “It seems, my wife, you still need a few days to recuperate.”
Cheng Yishi’s face flushed slightly, and she gave him a playful glare, but quickly lowered her eyes shyly, her long eyelashes trembling.
Different from her usual girlish charm, she now possessed a mature allure, her demeanor even more captivating. Clearly, her new status as a wife had also changed her mentality.
“Naturally… as my husband says.”
Cheng Yishi murmured almost inaudibly, her eyes full of love, a happy smile playing on her lips.
Her docile and affectionate demeanor made the pretty maid following behind them giggle inwardly, but her face remained calm and indifferent, as if she hadn’t seen anything.
“Madam Cheng has changed so much from before.”
Hua Shuya, who was also helping to support Cheng Yishi, couldn’t help but sigh.
“Hearing Miss Hua address me like this makes me feel a bit awkward.” Cheng Yishi paused slightly, then smiled: “Suddenly changing from Miss to Madam, I’m not quite used to it yet.”
“Ah… Master Lin!”
Just then, a middle-aged man by the roadside bowed hurriedly, a bright smile on his face: “Congratulations! You’ve finally married a beautiful wife, I wish you a happy and fulfilling life in the future!”
“Mr. Li, thank you for your blessings.” Lin Tianlu smiled and returned the bow: “Your son is becoming more and more robust, perhaps he’ll find his sweetheart soon.”
“That boy… if he had Master Lin’s demeanor and refinement, I wouldn’t have to worry.”
The middle-aged man sighed, but his expression quickly turned serious as he looked at Hua Shuya: “Thank you for your hard work during this time, Miss Hua. I heard you’ve captured many bandits and villains outside the county, giving the villagers in the surrounding mountain villages a sense of justice! My parents happen to be here, I must thank you properly.”
Saying this, he bowed deeply.
Hua Shuya quickly waved her hand: “There’s no need for such formalities, Mr. Li, it was just my duty.”
They exchanged pleasantries for a while, and during this time, other neighbors passing by also came forward to congratulate them, creating a lively atmosphere.
…
After stopping and going along the way, they finally arrived at the Cheng Mansion.
Cheng Yishi stopped and looked back at Hua Shuya, saying seriously: “I’ve seen all your hard work these past few days, Miss Hua, and I’m truly grateful.”
Although she had been busy preparing for the wedding, she also knew that the young woman before her had helped her greatly.
She had long felt grateful for Hua Shuya’s tireless efforts, but hadn’t had the chance to express it directly. And hearing the praises from the county residents along the way made her feel even more… ashamed.
Hua Shuya smiled gently: “It was my pleasure to help, seeing the two Madams and Master get married smoothly.”
“The more humble you are, the more guilty and grateful I feel.”
Cheng Yishi sighed with mixed emotions.
Then, she turned to Lin Tianlu with a gentle and affectionate gaze: “Husband, may I talk to Miss Shuya for a moment?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “Take your time.”
The next time they met might be at the end of the year. It was fine for them to chat for a while longer.
Cheng Yishi took Hua Shuya’s hands and walked a few steps away. The two of them whispered to each other, looking intimate and close.
“—Isn’t Master curious about what the eldest lady and Miss Hua are talking about?”
The pretty maid stealthily approached, saying calmly: “With Master’s abilities, you could probably hear them easily.”
“Although Yishi and I are married, we must also respect each other and give each other privacy. If I have to inquire about everything, wouldn’t that be treating her like a possession?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “Besides, it’s not proper for a man like me to eavesdrop on their private conversations.”
“Master is always so considerate.” The pretty maid’s eyes flickered, and she murmured: “The former Master Cheng had a strange temper. The Madams in the house were all confined and couldn’t go out as they pleased, as if they were in prison. Even casual conversations with the servants were sometimes questioned privately. There was no such thing as mutual respect. And then there’s Old Madam… Sigh!”
Lin Tianlu was stunned.
So his deceased father-in-law had been so stubborn and tyrannical at home.
No wonder Yishi had resented him so much, with little affection left between them. Even after his death, there hadn’t been much sadness in the Cheng Mansion.
“Don’t worry. Now that Master Cheng is gone, no one will treat Yishi and the others so unreasonably.” Lin Tianlu smiled again and comforted her: “You can rest assured and focus on taking care of Yishi in the future.”
“…Really?”
“A gentleman’s word is his bond.”
Lin Tianlu made a gesture of swearing an oath and chuckled: “If I break my promise in the future, not to mention whether heaven will punish me, the people in this town will definitely scold me.”
The pretty maid blinked her eyes and whispered: “But you bullied the eldest lady so badly last night that she couldn’t even get out of bed this morning. I and that Madam Wu had to help her wipe herself, change her clothes, lift her legs, and hold her buttocks while—”
“Cough!”
Lin Tianlu coughed loudly.
“…”
This girl really had no taboos when she spoke.
After a moment of silence, he chuckled awkwardly: “I-It was our wedding night, we were overwhelmed by emotion. I was a bit rough.”
“Did the eldest lady serve you well, Master?”
“How did you…”
“Whether a couple’s relationship is harmonious, matters in bed are also very important.”
The pretty maid said seriously: “The eldest lady is still too inexperienced, I have to teach her more serving techniques.”
Lin Tianlu’s eyes twitched.
Yishi’s clumsy techniques were indeed secretly taught by this girl.
“Where… where did you learn all these things?”
“My mother was a prostitute in a brothel. She secretly taught me these things when I was young, saying it would be a way for me to make a living in the future, so I wouldn’t starve to death on the streets.”
The pretty maid pursed her lips and said calmly: “But within a year or two, that brothel was destroyed after offending some villains. The prostitutes inside were either killed on the spot or taken away by force. I escaped through a hole in the back wall under my mother’s desperate protection. I wandered around for a few years before finally entering the Cheng Mansion as the eldest lady’s personal maid.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious: “My condolences.”
Although Changling County seemed peaceful, there was no guarantee that other provinces and counties were the same. Moreover, judging by the maid’s age, that tragic incident must have happened at least ten years ago.
“I can barely remember what my mother looked like anymore. I don’t feel much pain or sorrow.”
The pretty maid chuckled mischievously: “But the techniques I learned when I was young are now just right for teaching the eldest lady.
It’s just that the eldest lady’s skills are still a bit lacking, clearly not enough to satisfy Master~”
“Cough, cough, cough!”
Lin Tianlu was a bit embarrassed.
But he looked at the maid with a hint of admiration.
Although she spoke lightly and casually, her heavy past clearly wasn’t something that could be easily dismissed.
The desperate escape and years of wandering must have been incredibly difficult for a young girl.
“Ah.”
The pretty maid covered her mouth with her hand and said suddenly: “Master, do you think I survived those years by selling my body, that’s why I remember those techniques so clearly?”
Before Lin Tianlu could speak, she quickly shook her head with a smile: “You’re overthinking, Master. I was only four or five years old when I escaped. During those wandering years, I either begged for food or did some simple odd jobs, washing dishes and wiping tables and chairs for some inns. Although I barely had enough to eat, I didn’t starve to death.”
“As for myself, I’m still pure.”
The pretty maid tilted her head and asked innocently: “Or is it that Master not only wants to devour the eldest lady but also doesn’t want to let go of a maid like me?”
Lin Tianlu flicked her forehead speechlessly:
“I finally understand why Yishi always has such a strange expression when she mentions you.”
“This is my personality, I hope Master won’t blame me.”
The pretty maid grinned, as if chuckling softly. But upon closer inspection, there was no expression on her face.
“Such a little devil.”
Lin Tianlu suddenly scolded with a smile: “If you’re bored in the future, come to my house. I’ll personally teach you the Four Books and Five Classics, how about that?”
“Eh?”
The pretty maid’s expression froze: “F-Four Books and Five Classics?”
“It’s not appropriate for a pure young girl to only know about matters in bed. As the personal maid of the Cheng family’s eldest lady, you should at least have some literary knowledge, right?” Lin Tianlu smiled and patted her shoulder: “I look forward to seeing you become eloquent and knowledgeable in the future, it will definitely impress others. Yishi will surely praise you even more.”
Maid: “…”
She puffed her cheeks, a pitiful expression on her face as if she was about to cry.
“It seems, husband, you’ve finally managed to subdue this girl?”
Cheng Yishi walked over slowly with a smile, holding the maid’s small hand: “She’s always full of mischief, she needs to learn something proper from you, husband.”
“E-Eldest lady?”
The pretty maid mumbled.
But in the end, she lowered her head with a pout, giving up her “resistance.”
