Chapter 341: Matters of the Past, Intertwined Destinies
Lin Tianlu felt a mix of amusement and awkwardness.
At this point, he really should address her as “Mother Tan,” both emotionally and logically.
But this mature beauty before him looked only slightly older than himself, it felt quite strange to call her that.
However—
Since she was undoubtedly his elder, he still had to observe proper etiquette.
Lin Tianlu cleared his mind, stood up, bowed, and said: “Mother Tan.”
“Good.”
Mother Tan nodded slightly, a look of emotion in her eyes: “Poised and dignified, your demeanor is quite extraordinary. If you and Shuya end up together, it would be a wonderful thing.”
“You flatter me, Mother Tan.”
“Sit down.” Mother Tan gently traced the rim of her teacup, a dignified smile on her face: “Now that we’ve clarified our relationship, tell me about your experiences over the years.
You’re so young, yet you possess such incredible cultivation, where did it come from?”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment and said frankly: “I was just an ordinary scholar who failed the imperial examinations, but I encountered a mysterious opportunity in the mountains, which led to my current cultivation. During my time of confusion and uncertainty, I met Miss Hua, and it was thanks to her guidance that I settled down in Changling County.”
“Is that so…”
A contemplative look appeared on Mother Tan’s face.
But after a moment of silence, she quickly nodded calmly: “It seems you’ve experienced many incredible things. But since it was a fortunate encounter, I won’t pry further.”
“Thank you for your understanding, Mother Tan.”
Lin Tianlu secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
If she had truly pressed him for details, he wouldn’t have known how to explain his cultivation.
Mother Tan suddenly asked: “You came to the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion to propose marriage?”
“Uh… indeed.”
Lin Tianlu cupped his hands and chuckled awkwardly: “But I’m just a scholar from the countryside, I don’t have any valuable gifts, and when I arrive at the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion, I might still have to discuss things with Miss Hua…”
“It’s fine.”
But Mother Tan waved her hand dismissively and said calmly: “Since you’re my godson now, there’s no need to mention status or wealth. It’s quite fitting for you to marry Shuya.
I’ll let her leave the mansion with you and settle down in Xima Prefecture, to be a good wife and mother.”
This—
Lin Tianlu felt a bit puzzled.
“Mother Tan, Miss Hua is the Zhengyang Prince’s granddaughter, how can she easily leave the mansion—”
“Perhaps what people desire most in this world is ‘peace and tranquility’.”
Mother Tan’s expression was calm, and she said softly: “For that girl to be able to leave the schemes and power struggles of the mansion would be a new beginning. Even if she lives as a commoner with you in Xima Prefecture, it would be a happier life than now.
As for whether the Hua family agrees… I’ll make the decision, they wouldn’t dare to defy me openly.”
As Lin Tianlu pondered, Mother Tan glanced at him, a faint smile on her face: “Are you curious why I, having married into the mansion, seem to have more authority than even the Zhengyang Prince himself, not at all like an obedient daughter-in-law?”
Lin Tianlu frowned: “If your actions would displease the members of the mansion, Mother Tan, there’s no need to force it, I’ll find another way—”
“The Hua family owes me a great deal.”
A cold chuckle suddenly echoed.
Lin Tianlu was slightly surprised, seeing a cold glint in the usually gentle and amiable woman’s eyes.
But the fleeting emotion quickly vanished, and Mother Tan regained her composure: “Just go and see Shuya, I’ll do my best to help. But whether she ultimately chooses to be with you depends on your sincerity, whether you can win her heart.”
Lin Tianlu composed himself and said seriously: “I’ll keep your words in mind, Mother Tan.”
Mother Tan pursed her lips slightly and nodded quietly, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes.
But she quickly put on a teasing expression and said meaningfully: “But from what I know, Tianlu, you’re already married to two women. And you’re still flirting with Shuya, that’s not very gentlemanly.”
“This…”
Lin Tianlu forced a smile, his lips twitching slightly.
“Well, I don’t really mind how many wives you have, there’s no need to be so embarrassed.” Mother Tan changed the subject and casually said to Lan’er beside her: “Go and bring the two ladies from the inn here, I’ll have a chat with them.
I heard Shuya mention that they’re both kind and beautiful, I have to see for myself.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” Lan’er lowered her eyes and quietly left the hall.
After she left, Lin Tianlu hesitated for a moment before speaking again:
“May I ask why you came to Wuxing City, Mother Tan? Is it because of Shuya?”
“Partly.”
Mother Tan rubbed the jade pendant in her hand and chuckled: “I heard about you from Shuya and planned to go to Changling County myself, to visit relatives and also investigate you for her. But not long after I set off, I heard those rumors in Wuxing City, so I decided to stay and help Shuya eliminate the source of those rumors, and I didn’t expect to catch such a big fish.”
“I see…”
“You might also be wondering why I seem to care so much about Shuya, but she never mentioned me?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly: “She did mention you, it’s just…”
“Just casually mentioned her ‘aunt’?”
Mother Tan smiled calmly and said: “That girl’s attitude towards me is normal, after all, I rarely stay in the mansion. Although I’ve watched her grow up, we haven’t spent much time together… Naturally, there’s nothing much to mention.”
Not staying in the mansion?
Lin Tianlu was stunned.
She had married into the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion, why wouldn’t she—
“My relationship with the mansion isn’t very good, I don’t get involved in their schemes and plots, and I usually stay in my own residence.”
Mother Tan lowered her eyes slightly and said indifferently: “But when Shuya was born, I was one of the midwives who helped. Watching her grow up, I’ve always considered her as half a daughter.”
“As for why I don’t stay in the mansion—”
She smiled self-deprecatingly: “Hua Jianfeng died on the battlefield decades ago, I don’t even know what he looked like, and I don’t know anyone in the mansion, what’s the point of staying there?”
Lin Tianlu was speechless and said awkwardly: “I apologize, Mother Tan, I shouldn’t have asked—”
“Since you’re my godson, you should know about this. It’s only right for me to tell you now.” Mother Tan smiled gently again, carefully putting the jade pendant back into her embrace: “I have the title of a wife, but I have no children. I’ve been a widow for decades, just for the sake of the imperial family’s reputation. Shuya lost her parents at a young age, but her heart is still pure, and she has a strong martial spirit. I’ve always considered her as my own daughter.”
“All these years, Mother Tan…”
Lin Tianlu’s heart was filled with emotions, and he said with a complicated expression: “You must have suffered a lot.”
Even without experiencing it firsthand, he could still imagine the helplessness and hardships of the power struggles within the imperial family.
The title of princess might seem noble and revered to ordinary people, but in reality, it was just a “bargaining chip” in political games, happiness and peace of mind unimportant, only the shackles of responsibility.
“…Forget it, there’s no point in dwelling on the past.”
Mother Tan sighed softly and changed the subject: “Are you leaving for the Prince’s Mansion tomorrow, Tianlu?”
“Yes.” Lin Tianlu quickly came back to his senses and replied: “Since Shuya’s name has been cleared, there’s no need to stay any longer. I’ll go to the mansion and see her, and then make other arrangements.
But are you returning to the mansion as well, Mother Tan, or are you going somewhere else…”
“It’s fine for me to accompany you to the mansion.”
Mother Tan’s eyes flickered with tenderness, and she waved her hand gently: “Come closer and tell me about your relationship with Shuya. So I won’t be completely clueless about her changes when I see her.”
…
Outside the mansion.
Mao Ruoyu tightened her clothes and exhaled nervously.
Looking at the gate before her, she suddenly felt a sense of anxiety.
“You look quite nervous, Ruoyu.”
Cheng Yishi chuckled playfully: “Even if that Madam Tan is truly your husband’s godmother, we’re just going to greet her, there’s no need to be so afraid.”
“I just feel a bit uneasy.”
Mao Ruoyu pressed her hand against her chest and took a few deep breaths, her ample bosom heaving slightly.
Most importantly, she had a strange premonition. Since Madam Tan had a close relationship with the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion, could she be Shuya’s…
…mother?
Thinking about that possibility, she couldn’t calm down, not knowing what to say when they met.
“Madams, Her Highness is Miss Shuya’s aunt, they have a close relationship.”
Lan’er stopped, bowed respectfully, and gestured: “Young Master and Her Highness are in the main hall, please come in.”
“…”
Mao Ruoyu froze, and even Cheng Yishi, who had been smiling, twitched the corner of her eye.
So… she truly was Shuya’s… mother?!
“C-Calm down, Tianlu is in the main hall, we can’t lose face.”
Cheng Yishi quickly took Mao Ruoyu’s hand.
But after exchanging glances, they couldn’t help but smile wryly.
Because they quickly realized that their palms were sweaty and trembling slightly.
After composing themselves, they finally entered the main hall.
Looking up, they saw Lin Tianlu chatting with a beautiful and dignified mature woman, occasionally chuckling softly, the atmosphere seemingly quite harmonious.
“We greet Your Highness.”
They both curtsied, their demeanor respectful and cautious.
“Oh?”
Mother Tan raised an eyebrow and glanced at them.
Seeing their faces and figures, she couldn’t help but exclaim softly, sighing: “You’re truly fortunate, Tianlu, to have met such naturally beautiful women, so stunning even without makeup, it makes me quite envious.”
Before the three of them could speak, she said meaningfully:
“For Shuya to win your heart despite the presence of these two beauties, it seems that girl has learned how to compete for affection in the past year.”
“You misunderstand, Your Highness, we have a close and harmonious relationship with Miss Shuya, there’s no competition between us.”
Cheng Yishi calmed herself and explained with a curtsy: “We came here with our husband specifically to see Miss Shuya again.”
“Eloquent, not bad.”
Mother Tan nodded approvingly and casually gestured towards the seats beside her: “Since you’re Tianlu’s wives, come and sit down, there’s no need for such formalities.”
“Thank you, Your Highness!”
“Just call me Mother Tan, like Tianlu.”
Mother Tan watched them approach and smiled faintly: “After all, considering our current relationship, you two might have to call me ‘Mother-in-law’ soon.”
“…”
Cheng Yishi and Mao Ruoyu froze, their steps faltering: “M-Mother-in-law?”
Hearing the tremor in their voices, Mother Tan chuckled, her eyes filled with amusement, and she reached out and gently held their cold and trembling hands, saying softly: “There’s no need to be so nervous, my daughters-in-law are so beautiful and virtuous, I’m overjoyed, why would I make things difficult for you?”
Saying this, she stood up and walked towards them, gently holding their hands, and said to the side: “Bring some chairs, so I can sit with my two daughters-in-law, and bring the gifts I prepared, I’ll personally put them on for them.”
“Yes!”
Several maids in the hall quickly moved.
By the time Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi came back to their senses, they were already being helped into their seats by the maids.
“Tianlu, your two wives are truly innocent and pure.”
Mother Tan gently caressed their cold and sweaty hands, looked up at Lin Tianlu, and smiled faintly: “Now that we’re all here, let’s have a good chat tonight. I’ve already heard about your relationship with Shuya… Now tell me, how have you all been these past few years?”
Lin Tianlu withdrew his concerned gaze and nodded: “Since you want to know, Mother Tan, I’ll tell you everything.”
“That’s good.”
Mother Tan smiled and waved her hand: “Bring some fruits, tea, and some light night snacks… and also some calming incense, so these two girls can relax.”
“Yes!”
Secretly glancing at their “godmother,” Cheng Yishi and Mao Ruoyu felt their hearts pounding nervously.
And seeing her grace, elegance, and noble aura, they couldn’t help but feel even more apprehensive. This was all too sudden and unexpected.
Looking at their husband’s calm and composed expression, they couldn’t help but admire him inwardly.
…
The night passed quietly.
At the beginning of their conversation, Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi had been incredibly nervous, afraid of saying something wrong and displeasing their godmother.
But with Lin Tianlu mediating, and Mother Tan’s gentle personality, they gradually began to relax, the atmosphere becoming more harmonious and lively.
They laughed and joked, sharing stories and showing concern for each other, a warm and pleasant scene.
…
As dawn approached, the two women couldn’t resist their drowsiness and fell asleep.
“—I didn’t expect them to be so tired from their journey.”
Mother Tan held Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi, who were leaning against her shoulders, looking down at them, recalling the stories she had heard tonight, and couldn’t help but smile faintly: “They are truly good girls. They’ll get along well with Shuya as sisters.”
When they first met, although she had been amazed by their beauty, she hadn’t known them well.
But after a night of conversation, her impression of them had changed significantly. She knew that these two girls had also experienced hardships in the past. As they talked, memories surfaced, both bitter and sweet, and she felt even more affection for them, finding them lovely and endearing.
She looked up, a look of emotion on her beautiful and mature face: “If there’s a chance in the future, I would like to visit Changling County and see your happy life, perhaps I can also experience some family bliss?”
“You’re more than welcome, Mother Tan.”
Lin Tianlu said softly: “But you’ve just recovered from your injuries, staying up all night must have been tiring, why don’t you go and rest for a while?”
“I know.” Mother Tan’s eyes were gentle, a dignified smile on her face: “Since you’re leaving today, you should set off now. Go and see Shuya, that girl must be bored and miserable in the mansion.”
“Then, what about you, Mother Tan—”
“I’ll rest in the city today, I still have some matters to attend to, and I’ll return to the mansion tomorrow.”
She glanced at the maids.
They quickly stepped forward and carefully helped the sleeping Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi up.
“Let them escort you back to the inn. If you like, I can have them accompany you to the mansion—”
“There’s no need.” Lin Tianlu chuckled wryly: “It’s better for them to stay with you, Mother Tan, after all, someone needs to take care of things here.”
Mother Tan chuckled softly and stood up gracefully: “Before you leave, there’s one more thing I haven’t done yet.”
“What is it?”
Lin Tianlu asked curiously, also standing up: “If there’s anything I can help with, just tell me, Mother Tan.”
“You should know, Tianlu, although I married into the Hua family many years ago, I never knew my husband, never consummated our marriage, let alone had any children of my own. I’ve been a widow for nearly thirty years, going from a young girl to a middle-aged woman, only bearing the title of ‘Madam Tan’.”
Mother Tan walked towards him gracefully, her head lowered, and whispered: “All these years, I haven’t hoped to shed my identity as a princess and the Hua family’s daughter-in-law and find love again. But the desire in my heart is like a nightmare, an obsession… Just like other women, I want to have my own child.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious, and he remained silent.
The loneliness and bitterness of these past decades, perhaps only she herself could truly understand.
Although her status was high and her appearance glamorous, her life was so lonely and filled with regret, truly lamentable.
“Although we’ve only just met and don’t know each other well, but—”
Mother Tan paused slightly, then stood on tiptoe, spread her arms, and embraced him, her silk robe swirling around his neck.
“…”
Feeling the soft and delicate body in his arms, Lin Tianlu stood there silently, letting her embrace tighten, until she rested her head on his shoulder.
A faint and elegant fragrance lingered in the air, her ample bosom, barely contained by her dress and robe, pressing against him, incredibly soft and alluring, making him feel intoxicated.
But Lin Tianlu’s expression remained calm and serious as he slowly wrapped his arms around her delicate shoulders.
“To have met you and been saved by you, perhaps it is fate.” Mother Tan’s eyes flickered, and she whispered softly: “I don’t want empty flattery, only sincerity.
Tianlu, can you… fulfill my decades-long wish?”
“Naturally.”
Lin Tianlu readily agreed.
“…Thank you.”
A faint and elegant smile appeared on Mother Tan’s face, as if a long-held worry had finally been lifted. Even her complexion improved, her skin glowing.
But Lin Tianlu quickly noticed that the beautiful woman in his arms wasn’t loosening her embrace, but holding him even tighter, as if trying to merge their bodies, leaving no space between them.
He loosened his embrace and chuckled awkwardly: “Mother Tan, now that your wish is fulfilled, let me take Ruoyu and Yishi back to the inn—”
“Wait a moment.”
Before he could finish, a soft whisper reached his ear, sweet and seductive: “Let me savor… this feeling of connection and intimacy with my godson for a bit longer.”
“…”
Lin Tianlu’s smile froze, not knowing what to do. If he pushed her away forcefully, he might hurt this pitiful and beautiful woman’s feelings.
But if he didn’t…
This voluptuous and alluring body pressed tightly against him, her fragrance intoxicating, the softness and fullness of her breasts undeniable, it was truly hard for a man to resist.
His heart stirred, and he quickly glanced at the maids who were still present, but they were all blushing, their heads lowered, silently retreating.
In the blink of an eye, only the two of them, silently embracing, remained in the spacious hall.
“…”
